A/N: First time I think I have ever split a chapter in half but felt like it was the right place to stop before I postponed the update of this to the end of the month, lol.
July 31st, 2014
It was the third bright and early morning of Teddy and his godfather's camping trip. Harry snored lightly from within his own sleeping bag next to the young wizard, a hand under the pillow most possibly clutching his wand and round-framed glasses abandoned on the floor of the small tent next to him. Teddy pulled his own wand from the pocket of his jeans, strewn along the tent and cast a Silencio as to not wake the sleeping man, whose reflexes were still sharp from his experience at war and the years of being an Auror.
Harry was the closest thing Ted had to a father and perhaps this was the first birthday morning that the boy had alone with the wizard, in all his life, and planning rather being in Teddy and granny Andromeda's nature, there was a small birthday treat stored safely and bound by spells deep inside his camping bag, kept chilled as not to spoil, spells cast around it to keep the scent from betraying him and the perfection that was the pie from breaking inside its box.
Teddy grabbed his backpack carefully, unzipped himself out of the tent into the daylight and for the third day in a row admired the exquisite beauty surrounding him. The forest was golden, absolutely golden that morning, soft orange sunrays invading the gaps between the branches and the leaves. The great beautiful lake which they camped by was still and the brown of the waters perfectly reflected the scenery around them like a giant mirror. Birds began to sing, woodpeckers to peck holes into the tree trunks and the squirrels were already fast at work.
Teddy pulled out the colored paper letters hanging to a very long piece of ribbon that spelled out 'Happy Birthday', careful so it wouldn't rip or fall apart. He tied one side to the branch of the tree near their fire pit and the other side to the tree a little next to it, little ants queued carrying their berries and seeds. Teddy cast an incendio and lit the fire, grabbing the tin kettle they had brought along and filled it with the water from the lake for tea. He put it in the fire and finally removed the box containing the pie from his backpack, opening its lid, smiling proudly to himself as he found it to be perfectly intact. He fished out the little blue candles from the backpack pockets and covered a great deal of the pie with all thirty-four of them, which was exactly when the kettle began to whistle. Teddy laid the pie in the middle of their checkered picnic blanket, setting his teacup and saucer and then Harry's, before the yawning and stretching figure appeared from inside the tent, rubbing his emerald-green eyes and slipping on the glasses which were second nature to him.
"Huh, what's this?" He asked, looking around and noticing the party set for two. It didn't escape a happy Teddy, his hair bright lime-green to prove it, that his godfather's eyes were bright with joy. Harry smiled, genuinely surprised and Teddy awkwardly made his way towards him, still clad in his pajamas.
"Happy birthday, old man!" Harry chuckled and pulled him in for a tight hug, his strong fingers ruffling Teddy's hair.
"Thank you, son… Really." Harry's eyes glistened before he could notice or prevent it, his heart tightening in his chest because never in his dreams had he imagined something like this. Teddy fake coughed and Harry begrudgingly let go of him, shoving him playfully, Teddy shoving him with his shoulder back. The kettle continued to whistle and Harry pulled it out of the fire, the two sitting together on the picnic blanket between the two birthday trees.
"You're such a big baby, uncle Harry…" Teddy teased, rolling his eyes the way teenagers so often did. Harry shrugged and nodded, agreeing with him in a way.
"I never had this sort of thing when I was little, Ted… It took me years until I discovered what actual friendship and family was and even then, my birthday was never much of a happy occasion, on the contrary, it has always been a reminder of all the terrible things that have happened in my life… I'm really grateful to you right now, Ted, because you just made it wonderful, absolutely wonderful and I'm so happy I have you in my life." Harry squeezed Ted's shoulder affectionately and Teddy couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed. He had read books and countless interviews, he had heard people telling him stories all his life, but it never occurred to him to think that July 31st was such a grim day in his godfather's life. Not knowing exactly what to say, the boy stared at the pumpkin pie sitting there and lit all of the candles carefully with his wand.
"Make a wish, uncle Harry!" He urged, and Harry inhaled deeply, for a few seconds deliberating on what he wanted. Teddy had no idea, but when Harry closed his eyes what he saw were Hermione's brown eyes shining, the corners crinkling, her cheeks red from laughter; his vision then changed into one of her sitting in her favorite armchair by the window overlooking the sea, a thick and dusty book on her lap, brows furrowed and bottom lip being bitten out of concentration, toes buried in a soft blanket, while her wild curls were piled on top of her head knotted around her wand. And then, Harry saw them all, Teddy included, seated around the long wooden table in her kitchen, even the Granger's and Perdita the owl there, a feast set before them, all joyful conversations and smiles, while his arm wrapped around her shoulders, him whispering something in her ear that made her snicker and roll her eyes—a life still unnoticeable blossoming in her womb. That was what he wished for, her, and their beautiful, crazy family, with more children between them than they could count with a handful. He blew all thirty-four candles hoping, and in a way certain, that sooner or later the fates would have his wish granted.
Harry pulled out a Swiss pocketknife from his pocket that he always brought along with him when camping, just because it was so useful and pulling the candles out cut them two large slices while Teddy poured them both their tea and they ate in pleasant companionship. It didn't take long for a few owls to pay them a visit, carrying Harry's gifts. In came an elegant leather-bound journal from Neville, a bottle of excellent decade-old French wine from Bill and Fleur, several boxes of chocolate, tickets to the upcoming Quidditch World Cup finals from Ron, Molly and Arthur, and lastly, the gifts he looked forward to the most: the cards from his children. This year there was even a card from Rosie, while Lily and Hugo's was still sticky with white glue and glitter, but he adored it just the same seeing their colorful scribbles and crooked handwriting.
As Harry admired each of his presents, he passed them on for Teddy to take a look and the boy sure had a laugh when he caught sight of the kids' artwork. When he finally read the last card aloud, this one a particularly funny one from George and Angelina, he looked around and then gazed at his uncle questioningly.
"Where's Aunt Hermione's gift?" Harry shrugged.
"Perhaps it's on its way…" Teddy nodded, though finding it strange. He really didn't think someone like aunt Hermione could possibly forget or send her birthday gift late, nothing ever really escaped the witch, as far as Teddy knew. Knowing things between his godfather and his best friend were rather complicated lately, her preferred not to comment further or even dwell on the subject. Instead, he accioed his wireless and turned it on, an old song by the weird sisters playing that Harry sang along to, knowing it by heart. When the song was over, they were both collecting their dishes and things to clean, planning to go on the last hike before they returned home when the official tune of the Ministry of Magic began playing and the reporter announced the last day of the Tenby Town public hearing and trials.
"Did he say Tenby?" Harry asked, turning his head to face his godson, eyes sharp.
"Yeah, yeah he did. It's aunt Hermione's trial isn't it?" before Harry could confirm the reporter began to give a summary with the highlights of the last two days' hearings:
An e-e-excelleeeeent morning Britain! Allan Bridges here, and today we are once again broadcasting to wizards and witches all around the nation and the world this important trial that puts to question the need for the Statute of Secrecy and the clandestine functioning of this overlooked, but deeply important fisherman's town in Wales—Tenby. Yesterday the illustrious members of the Wizengamot as well as members of the House of Magical Commons heard several astonishing accounts of life in Tenby from some of its diverse members. These included wizards and witches of pureblood, half-blood and muggleborn status, as well as squibs, and the most astonishing, even muggles! All under the influence of the veritaserum, of course. On to Penelope Clearwater for more details:
'Good morning to all listening to our broadcast, g'morning Allan—indeed yesterday was a historical day in Magical Britain. For the first time muggles were called upon to testify in our higher court of justice, and this because in the town of Tenby where all of these people live and come from, a very large and unprecedented number of muggles know about magic and relate to it daily. From the last two days' accounts, we were able to gather that this is such because the majority of these muggles are related to wizards or squibs, either as parents, siblings, children or even spouses! Today's highlight will definitely be the testimony of both Lord Theseus Nott and Ms. Hermione Granger, former Head of Law Enforcement, War hero and lifelong champion for equality and integration, and a Tenby dweller herself.
Lord Nott is head of the Wizengamot majority and uncle of Mr. Theodore Nott who for months has been building his campaign for the upcoming Minister of Magic elections. Both men's stance on the matter of integration, in general, is no secret to the people of magical Britain—they're fully against it—which also reflects on how Lord Nott, court Barrister is leading proceedings. The Nott family is one of the most ancient and noble wizarding families in England, their particular line originating from Germany and Lord Theseus Nott has served the ministry for over forty years, fifteen of which as a member of the Wizengamot. Lord Theseus and his nephew have always considered themselves 'Moderate Conservatives' in defiance of their family history, which resulted in fatalities on the losing side of both our wars. Back to you, Allan!
'Yesterday, Ms. Granger gave the first part of her testimony describing how she went on to live in Tenby and slowly realized the level of integration in her new town, which led her on the path of research. Lord Nott, the case Barrister, lead the inquiries which rapidly became inflamed, forcing the jury to postpone deliberation to this evening. Quite interesting how a trial and public hearing on a small town such as Tenby could spark so much debate nationwide and more than that, showcase the enormous ideological gap in our society, politically and otherwise—this, during in an important election year that marks the end of Minister Shacklebolt's highly progressive government, a decade and a half of wide reforms in the ministry and society, marked by the creation of new laws, our wizarding constitution and the House of Magical Commons which holds the same number of seats as those in the historical Wizengamot, members of which are democratically elected every five years…
'Allan, so sorry to interrupt, but it seems that court has been called to assemble and Supreme judge Cordelia Finch will call upon Ms. Granger to take the oath and stand. Let's tune in!"
Harry and Teddy listened in with bated breaths, forgetting all about birthdays and their plans to go hiking that morning. Teddy's hair turned a deep gray of concentration mixed with anxiety. His aunt Hermione's speeches were a thing of legend, her reputation as not only one of the most brilliant witches alive but also as the country's greatest lawmaker preceded her, and the fact that she hadn't been in court for four long years meant that hearing her in this trial could be a once in a lifetime moment for him and many others.
"Today, the 31st of July of 2014 marks the last day of this public hearing and trial, deliberation proceedings of which will be held from noon onwards. Today I will ask Ms. Hermione Jean Granger to take the witness's stand and raise her right hand with the wand to take the wizarding's oath. Miss Granger, if you will, please…" Cordelia Finch was an elegant gray-haired witch of muggleborn origins who wore Chanel tailleurs and who had worked closely with Hermione during her time as Head of Law Enforcement. Ms. Finch was herself an Oxford University graduate and specialist in Human Rights and Law, the know-how of which she had used to help improve the laws of her country during Shacklebolt's government, but that in no way made her fully progressive. Cordelia was an amateur history buff and had deep respect for the hierarchy and traditions of magical England, which put her precisely in the so-called gray area between the conservatives comprised of mainly purebloods who during the war persecuted and criminalized her 'kind' and the progressives who made it possible for her to implant her vision of a less segregated and more democratic wizarding society.
Hermione had no way to guess which plight Cordelia Finch was leading more towards, she knew that in recent years the woman had grown lukewarm to Kingsley's administration and had grown closer to the pureblood society circles upon the marriage of her son Justin Finch-Fletchley with Pansy Parkinson, but she also knew the woman's sensibility to the cause of Muggle-borns and squibs, which came from her own background—subjects which they had discussed and debated about countless times in the past. Obviously, a judge was expected to follow and abide by the law, but there was no denying that even those could be of subjective interpretation and that personal opinion and beliefs also weighed in.
"I, Hermione Jean Granger, swear on my magic that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth." Those who were present in the courtroom could see a bright silver light being cast out of her wand, Hermione's Patronus, a sea otter running three circles around her before it disappeared into thin air. The judge banged her wooden gavel and turned to her:
"Thank you, Ms. Granger—please be seated. I call upon the Lord Barrister Nott to bring forth his inquiries." The tall and sleek man wore the deep plum robes and bishop-like hat of all the wizengamot members, but with a medal around his neck with a ribbon of red and white, to differentiate him from all the rest—Order of Merlin, 1st class. Hermione suppressed her deep urge to groan and roll her eyes—she had one of those herself for being a war hero, didn't mean she paraded it around. Theseus Nott's eyes were dark and small, shining like a pair of beads, his cheekbones high and surprisingly the signs of his sixty-something years were hardly visible despite his graying mustache and the scar above his right eye from wars past.
Despite it being a business Thursday, most Weasley's, no different to their fellow countrymen, were glued to their wireless as they sat around the Burrow's long wooden table listening intently to the trial's broadcasting. Most of the older grandchildren were enjoying a game of Quidditch in their family pitch, while the smaller children ran about the house and yard enjoying their games. Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing to be worried about—just the outcome of this very important trial. Molly passed around teacups, spoons, and saucers while Angelina diligently went around serving the cups, both ladies working as quickly and as quietly as they could manage, all redheads and their spouses were on their toes to hear today's series of ridiculous questions from Nott, while rooting for Hermione and her cause with the same enthusiasm as they would a team England Quidditch match.
"Oh, 'Ermione will teach that old man a lesson!" Fleur Weasley exclaimed as she banged lightly on the table, spilling a tad of her drink, Bill, her husband sitting next to her, placing his large but gentle calloused hands on top of hers, to help settle her nerves down.
As they often did when the subject was the brooding and plotting of children, the preoccupied grandparents, aunts and uncles failed to notice how every time she went up and down the crooked steps of the stairs little Lily would stomp her feet, or how she'd been wearing a deep scowl since sunrise and how the horrible tangled mess of her ginger hair, which she'd refused to let her granny comb two days straight now were a symptom of just how miserable she felt. Lily missed her daddy, it wasn't like him to ever leave the lot of them behind, or at least she didn't think it was. Never mind that he'd sat them down before he left on his trip with Teddy to let them know that he needed a break and some rest, just for a few days. Lily was also mad because Hermione hadn't returned and it had been a zillion years since the baby shower. Lily felt positively angry for being abandoned and no one around her had cared to ask her why. So she crossed her arms over her chest and sat on the foot of the stairs sporting a big angry frown, her dark-red eyebrows furrowed, staring across the wide rooms before her.
Playing outside and not angry at all were James, Albie, Hugo, and Rose—who didn't seem to miss Lily at all.
…
"Ms. Granger," Lord Nott somewhat greeted her, his deep baritone echoing throughout the courtroom, each syllable of Hermione's surname uttered with mock deference, but Hermione knew Theseus Nott despised her just as she did him. Everything about him screamed arrogance and mockery towards her as if she were a lesser being. But Hermione hadn't fought in a war in vain, she didn't have a hideous scar on her forearm spelling the odious 'mudblood' for nothing—she hadn't served her country's ministry for the best years of her life to be treated like a piece of rubbish, to be humiliated before the entire country and worse, the press. She felt herself becoming warm, her blood figuratively starting to boil—it was personal now. "Yesterday you declared that you began to participate in the so-called Tenby Magical Association's meetings—were you not aware that any group association that attempts to function like a Ministry of Magic, performing a Ministry of Magic's set of duties is illegal? I mean, with all your legal training and years of service…" Hermione scoffed.
"The TMA that you mentioned is an organization indeed, but it doesn't in any way overstep the Ministry's jurisdiction. The TMA was created to organize local wizards, squibs and their family's cultural and social activities, such as the annual Halloween party, on Halloween of course, and to also protect on a local level that which is so important to you and the magical beings of Britain—our Statute of Secrecy. How, you may ask—" She interrupted him as he was about to speak, "training the locals on charms and spells designed to cover any mishaps from the muggles, bouts of accidental magic so common with young children, glamour spells, that sort of thing. Last August we did something quite interesting, we assembled all Muggle-borns and magical children of squibs along with their parents to training—a training to prepare them all for Hogwarts, how and where to purchase the supplies, what subjects the children would learn, if the school needed to be paid for like most boarding schools in England, how they would be able to maintain contact with their children as the castle provides no internet and telephone service…"
"But that violates our Statute of Secrecy…" he replied quickly, a wicked little grin rising on the corners of his thin lips.
"Lord Nott—section number two of the 3rd article of our constitution says, and I quote 'the well-being and responsibilities over all underage magical beings falls upon their in loco parentis' which in Latin means parents or legal guardians, as you probably are aware, 'who are responsible for providing quality health, safety, home and education for their children.' Your excellency—" Hermione said, smartly turning to face Supreme Judge Finch, "We worked together along with the Ministry Department of Child Services and Affairs on elaborating this entire article, backed by the Declaration of Human Rights and an entire committee working to secure the well-being of all wizarding children and adolescents. Now, how does something that helps individuals exercise their role and duties as parents violate any law, especially the Statute of Secrecy? I am a muggle-born witch, that is no secret to anyone—"
Hermione proudly rolled up her sleeve for all to see the scar on her arm and continued, "at age twelve a peculiar letter arrived in my house via owl and when my mother, who mind you, is extremely muggle read it, she thought it was some ridiculous joke. It was only a week later, following several other identical letters that were quite getting on my parents' nerves, that a certain highly-respected professor and member of Hogwarts staff knocked on the front door introducing herself as Professor McGonagall, with the mission to explain to those dumbfounded muggles that their only child, their seemingly normal, if bookwormish and introverted child was a witch of all things!" Hermione's gaze caught that of the headmistress sitting in the midst of the crowd across the room for her, the witch's hazel eyes twinkling with mirth. "Does that constitute a breach of the Statute of Secrecy then?"
"No, no it does not." The judge replied. "If the parents were not to be informed, the children would never be able to attend Hogwarts School of Wizarding and Witchcraft, and if they did without the parents' approval or knowledge that would be considered a violation and crime in our constitution which includes among other charges the kidnapping of minors even. Please conclude, Ms. Granger." The judge said, with a smug grin as she secretly enjoyed seeing Lord Nott squirm as he wore that hideous expression of irritation of his.
"Thank you, Your Honor," Hermione said, her eyes shining and her cheeks becoming pink from the sheer exhilaration. Lord Nott was as good with his questions as she was at divination, let that be written! "As I was saying, the training of parents and guardians and their charges for Hogwarts is not a violation to our Statute of Secrecy, not when the fact that their children are magical is no longer a secret to begin with. As a mother, and you as an uncle and guardian yourself know that we always want what is best for our children—we want them to grow up to be smart, successful, happy and healthy among other things. Parents must be able to know where their children are being taken, what they will be doing and studying. As a mother, I would not stand to be separated so abruptly from my children and to be kept in the dark. I want to know what this strange world they are suddenly a part of is like. And that is what the training is for, simple as that."
Sitting in the full but also completely quiet courtroom, Hermione had no way of knowing just how many people were cheering as they listened to her through their wirelesses. She couldn't know that the Weasley's were rejoicing loud and boisterously, that muggle-borns across Britain and their parents felt represented by her words and she couldn't see the big lopsided grin on Harry Potter's face as he clapped his hands together and laughed heartily at the image of his brain of Lord Nott's fury over her magnificent response. Dear Merlin, he wanted to see her right now in her beautiful blue legal robes, he was proud.
Lord Theseus Nott coughed to call attention on himself and pacing the elegant pink marble floors with his hands clasped behind his back directed another question at Hermione:
"As an empirical researcher, wasn't it inappropriate of you to take part in the TMA meetings? Wouldn't there be a conflict of interests?"
"As an empirical researcher, my duty was to study how the organization operated, who its members were, its duties and impact on the community of Tenby—to become aware of such things one must become involved, which includes participating in the meetings and attending events. Also, I wasn't just a researcher but a member of the community myself, I own a business in Tenby, I own a house, my children go to primary school there and I pay my taxes, muggle and magical. No conflicts of interest really, after all, it's an organization for wizards and witches and their families and I'm a magical mum with two magical children."
"Lord Nott, you have only one more question to ask. I must remind you that we are discussing a town's status quo not Ms. Granger's personal life." The judge declared before Nott could utter anything else.
"Of course, Your Honor." He muttered reverencing Judge Cordelia Finch with a little bow. "Ms. Granger, is it your desire or goal, if you may, for all of our Magical World to be of the muggles' knowledge? I mean, what of our freedom and safety? Surely you know of the atrocities committed during the middle ages…"
"I do not wish to abolish the Statute of Secrecy, that is not the point to this trial. The matters of integration and equality in our world have always been dear to my heart and were what drove me in my years of public policy and lawmaking, and before that as a defense attorney for several organizations representing the rights of various magical beings. Above all, I believe in balance and I believe in social justice. Let's be honest, Lord Nott—this country for too long has been reigned by a society that despised and worked to outcast all of those who were different—squibs, Muggle-borns, house elves, goblins… the list is long. Never has Britain been more integrated and working so hard to guarantee that all magical beings have rights. Tenby is a tiny town with a minuscule population if compared to all of the United Kingdom and among the number of wizards and witches in our country, the lowest populations. It is not a place or a community that poses any sort of threat to the way everything in our world has ever worked. The difference really lies on the blood status of the wizards and non-magicals who live there. Since you were so keen on knowing the subject of my research, Lord Nott, let me tell you. In the past roughly 40 years our world has been marked by wars, wars of which the losing sides consisted of illustrious members of wizarding Pureblood society and their allies, a very wealthy and influent minority in our society, a minority that as you know worked to repress and alienate all of those considered to be different. I will not list here all of the atrocities committed, because we all have a good memory of it—thank Merlin my children don't, however, and for this reason in times of war members of society of certain statuses were cast out and persecuted, especially muggle-borns such as myself and squibs, with a few very rare exceptions. Well, a lot of those persecuted individuals along with their families built a sort of network to protect and save themselves and many took refuge in places far from home. That is how such a small and nondescript town like Tenby came to have such a high population of muggle-borns, their muggle families and squibs with their families. If they all hid in one place and lived discreetly, they would have a better chance at survival and protecting themselves. The muggles from Tenby who know of our world know of it because they are family—they are parents, siblings, spouses and children of magical people who decided against choosing in which world they wanted to live and belong in, because they are a people who have one foot in the magical world and another in the muggle, and it's a wonderful thing—and something that should never be or have been denied them. I am not here because I think all of our society should function the way Tenby was, but rather to explain why this is how Tenby is and the reason. If a place like Tenby exists it is because this society has a lot it owes us."
Several people in the courtroom erupted in applause and cheers and celebratory horns could be heard from outside in Diagon Alley. Judge Cordelia Finch banged her gavel.
"Is that all you have left to say, Ms. Granger?" Hermione nodded effusively. "Lord Nott?" The man nodded as well. "I call upon all Wizengamot and Parliament members to remain in the courtroom for deliberation and voting, while all others are dismissed. We shall reassemble at 4 o'clock for the verdict." She banged the gavel once more and all of those not members of the wizengamot and parliament began to line up in queues to leave.
Hermione rose from her seat, straightened her robes in nodded towards the judge who nodded back. She went down the five wooden steps of the witness's stand she'd been in and her eyes looked around the room for her allies. She immediately spotted Headmistress McGonagall with her pointed hat, Andromeda Tonks faithfully at her side.
"You were brilliant, my dear, Nott didn't know where to bury his head by the end!" Andromeda complimented with a smile, the plum of her robes suiting her coloring and dark hair. "I feel like you represented my husband today and yesterday—I thank you." She squeezed Hermione's hand gently and walked off in her usual elegant manner before Hermione could give her a proper response.
"Regina is waiting for you in the cloakroom." McGonagall said, linking her arm to that of her pupil and friend. "You didn't touch breakfast this morning so we surmised you'd need a bite to eat, preferably before the verdict is declared…"
"You're right, Minerva, thank you," Hermione replied, genuinely thankful as she felt her stomach rumble and the familiar sensation of her blood sugar lowering after the adrenaline of being on the stand wore off. When she walked inside the cloakroom, with its deep burgundy wallpaper and dark wood paneling and floors she was surprised to find a long eating table set up for her and Regina along with Louisa and Susan—who should really be at the bookshop instead—as well as Luna, Ron, Kingsley Shacklebolt and both her parents.
She was speechless and astonished as her mother wrapped her arms around her placing a kiss on her cheek.
"These came in for you, from all over the country!" Helena Granger's voice was full of pride as her chocolate eyes glistened with the threat of tears and she handed her daughter several envelopes and pieces of parchment with messages of support.
Hermione took the small pile in her hands and sat on a chair while her father poured her some fresh juice. As she broke the familiar ochre seal with the crest of the House Elf Society it was as though she was going back in time through a time-turner, everything blurring around her and just the heavy beating of her chest—a few warm teardrops sliding down her cheeks. As Hermione inhaled deeply, she could feel the scent of the Gryffindor common room as she remembered it, a mixture of polished wood, cinnamon, stinky teenage feet and of the chocolate frogs they were all so fond of eating. She was that little girl again, with big wild bushy hair and front teeth too large, dressed in her school robes with pride, holding her S.P.E.W sign with all conviction.
"What does it say?" Ron asked curiously as he devoured a large piece of pumpkin pie. Hermione smiled and shook her head, realizing that some things never changed—like Ron or her ideals.
"Their vote is mine—Tenby's. All three house elf representatives in the parliament are voting in favor of Tenby." She unsealed the next envelope from the Union of English Goblins, "another four votes from the Goblins!" and then two more envelopes, "nine more votes from the Muggleborn Pride Union and a vote in our favor from Corinthian, leader of the Centaurs of the Forbidden Forest."
"Wait—centaurs exist?" Was Richard Granger's question which made the entire room explode into fits of laughter, Hermione especially. "Hermione, why have you never introduced us to a bloody centaur?!" Hermione wrapped her father into a hug and he clasped her hand into his, kissing it.
"I will one day, dad." He smiled with a twinkle in his eyes. Hermione took a large bite of her Reuben sandwich, having been this hungry since she couldn't even remember. It was positively the best sandwich she ever ate in a courtroom cloakroom.
"Another two came in Hermione!" Ron exclaimed, "One from Neville and the other from… oh, you open it." He handed them to her. She saw the scarlet Longbottom family crest in one of the neatly folded pieces of parchment, but though she really adored Neville, it was Harry's words she wanted to read the most, in fact, his words, his presence, his reassurance—it was all she wanted. His letter had a wild daisy attached, glued beneath the green seal that belonged to Teddy, but the sloppy cursive handwriting was all Harry—she could recognize it anywhere.
How could the most brilliant and amazing witch in all of Britain possibly love me too? The mind boggles. -H
…
Molly Weasley was busy in the kitchen preparing lunch for a house unexpectedly so full of mouths to feed. Angelina and Audrey, Percy's wife, were kind enough to offer a hand while George, Bill, and Fleur joined the older children outside playing Quidditch. They were all rather restless for the trial's verdict, but in her heart, Molly knew Hermione and her lot were winners—she was good, light and love and to Molly Weasley, these were all that triumphed in the end. The wireless was still blasting in the living room, in case any news came in. The commentators were reviewing each of Hermione's answers, her voice echoing around the house as they played the excerpts. Soon they were interviewing wizards and witches on the streets, opinions in favor or against.
At precisely 2 o'clock, in the garden, the younger children gathered together under a tree. Albus had finally convinced his little sister to come outside and play, despite her foul mood.
"Let's play hide and seek, then!" Rose suggested after her idea of playing 'statue' or 'Simon says' were rejected.
"Okay, then—we're good at hiding…" James said, turning to his little sister and nudging her gently in an attempt to cheer her up. "We could hide in pairs, I'll go with Lily!"
"I'll go with Hugo!" Albus cleverly called out, grabbing his little cousin's hand with a mischievous grin as Hugh jumped with excitement. "That means you're it, Rosie!" He exclaimed to which the little girl huffed and rolled her eyes, turning her back to them and beginning to count facing the tree's trunk. "… four, five…"
James and Lily ran as fast as they could with their hands clasped together. They found a brilliant hiding place in the dark and dusty cupboard beneath the stairs. The stood quietly with bated breaths as they anxiously expected Rose to approach at any minute. A while later they heard Hugo's high-pitched screaming as Rose successfully found him and Albus still in the backyard and the three of them appeared to begin looking together for James and Lily.
James giggled lightly as he could hear the sounds of the other kids looking for them behind the sofa, doors and inside cabinets—Albus, the little traitor, telling Rose they weren't under the table.
"If they come for us, I'll distract Rose and you make a dash for it, Lil', you reach the tree and save us so Rose'll have to be 'it' again."
"Okay." Was Lily's single response as she squeezed her brother's hand.
"I'll go first and you stay behind, I'll tell them you hid some other place."
"Okay…" She whispered, happy to conspire with her older brother.
"Finally, the door to the cupboard came halfway open, blocking Lily from view as she was behind it, but Rose having found James tapped his shoulder and ran off shouting, 'I found him, I found him!', James running after her expecting his sister to follow his instructions.
Lily was about to, she really was, but as soon as she stepped into the living room she heard her mummy's voice from the wireless, nice and clear. Lily didn't want to play hide and seek right now, even if it meant winning along with her brother. Lily wanted her mum. She tiptoed towards the fireplace, wise enough to look around and see that her grandmother and aunts were too busy and distracted in the kitchen to see. She grabbed her two hands full of the bright green floo powder in the old flower pot in the mantelpiece and threw it into the hearth.
"I want to go to Hermione's hous—" she uttered, one foot in already when James spotted her, his green-eyes just like their father's going wide as he ran towards her faster than he'd ever run anywhere. He grabbed his sister's arm but was too fast from keeping from tumbling into the fireplace and in a split second they had both disappeared within the flames of green.
The second part will be up very soon, I promise!
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