Books in Series:
Book 1: A Girl Can Be More Important Than a Firebolt
Book 2: Light of the Heart
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A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights.
A/N: Thank you to my beta brummettjames007.
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Chapter 14
-oOo-
December 22, 1996
Bushy, England
Luckily, the Grangers didn't mind them gathering at their house. It had been a shock that caused a stir in the Wizengamot. After Harry had renounced the Potter lordship, there had been cries to understand what happened. He was only sixteen and shouldn't be able to represent any House, not even his own.
Hermione had looked just as shocked as him, but now that they were in a place they could discuss things, he was looking intently at the people on the other side of the room.
Aunt Andi looked to be in deep thought while Aunt Bel didn't seem that surprised. She was watching Aunt Andi for reactions. His Uncle Ted was standing against the wall next to Dan, both with a beer in their hands. Jane looked like Hermione, both wanting answers.
"Well," Hermione began impatiently. "Am I some long-lost pure blood or does Harry have another House?"
"Why are you looking at me? I only know the Black line. I hated those lectures Aunt Walburga used to give us," Aunt Andi exclaimed.
"You are a Healer, aren't you? You could test them," Aunt Bel suggested.
"You know that is not allowed without Ministry approval," Aunt Andi replied.
"Test for what and whom," Jane asked.
"I can test if you or Dan have any magic. Most squibs aren't magicless, like Muggles. They just possess so little magic that not even a wand can magnify it enough to allow them to cast even the most rudimentary spells. It still makes them a magical, though, and is why most squibs can transition so easily between our worlds," Aunt Andi explained.
"You mean one of us could have been a witch?" Jane asked.
"Or a wizard. It has been conjectured that many Muggleborn actually come from lines of squibs that, for whatever reason, suddenly experience a boost. I personally think that many of the strongest Muggleborn occur when two squib lines meet."
"You sound as though you are unsure of this," Dan said.
"I am. More than three hundred years ago a ban was put on all research and testing. Much of the research that the Wizarding Council could find was destroyed. I have been able to obtain some of this old research, and get permission, thinking it could help with some long-term cases at St. Mungo's, but this is a totally different field than anything else I deal with," Aunt Andi told them.
"You are saying that both my parents are squibs?" Hermione asked shocked.
"I think there is a strong probability. You are incredibly powerful and talented, Hermione. Talents like that usually only travel in bloodlines. I am not saying that a true Muggleborn couldn't be as exceptional, but it would be an abnormality. Most are average and the first generation usually finds a knack with which they are good and which grows in strength and power over several generations. From my examinations when you took the rings, your power is on scale with Harry. Power like that takes many generations to build," his Aunt replied.
Hermione just looked at their Aunt for a moment.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Dan asked.
"I am bound by oaths not to unless it is revealed, or she becomes my patient. Hermione is of age, so she would have to release my oaths to tell others. I didn't tell you that day because it was only a suspicion. I didn't want to either panic you or get your hopes up. You and Harry looked so tired and it showed you didn't like the magic of the Blacks," his Aunt tried to placate them.
Hermione looked down at his hand as he took hers. "How do we find out? Can we get my parents tested?"
"I would like to know. I always wondered why Dan and I accepted it so easily what she could do, even before McGonagall showed up," Jane said eagerly.
"I will put the paperwork in just after Christmas," his Uncle Ted told them. "It may take a few weeks or more. This is one of those things many in our world don't want to acknowledge."
"Well, they will need to acknowledge it now. Hermione has pure blood in her, meaning there is an old House out there that she has claim over," Harry replied.
"Will the test tell me whom?" Hermione asked.
"For that, we will have to go to the goblins. There is a jinx to keep any witch or wizard from performing such a right since it is blood magic. The goblins still maintain that right, though," Aunt Bel told them. "We can go whenever you want. The goblins do not celebrate Christmas and do not shut their doors for any holiday."
"Can we go now? It's not two and I would like to know," Hermione requested.
"This one is all you, Bel. Ted can step in after you get the details, but she is going to be your daughter-in-law," Aunt Andi put to Aunt Bel with a smirk.
"I thought I wouldn't have to go to Gringotts again," Aunt Bel whinged.
"Can we come?" her parents asked.
"You are welcome, as always, but we may have to go into areas Muggles, or even squibs, are not allowed," Aunt Bel told them.
"Mum, why don't you and dad stay here? It's almost an hour drive into London and I would like to find what we can as soon as possible," Hermione requested of her parents.
"Sure, princess. How about I get some carry out for when you get back. Thai or Indian?" her father asked.
"I'm not picky tonight." Hermione stood. Harry stood next to her.
"Andi and Ted, you are welcome to stay," Jane offered.
"I would like to get back to my office for a bit and get the paperwork started. I can be back for dinner," Uncle Ted replied.
"I would like to head into St. Mungo's for a bit," Aunt Andi said looking lost in thought already.
"What time would you like us back?" Ted asked.
Dan looked to Aunt Bel. "Would six-thirty be okay?"
"We should be back well before then," his aunt replied.
When they stepped into the bank, they weren't greeted by the Account Manager Page, who continued to sit at a desk just next to the main entrance. Instead, they had to wait in line to make it to a teller.
"How may I help you?" the teller asked in the gruffer voice most goblins possessed. It seemed to frown at them and Harry didn't miss the sharp teeth. Hermione stood next to him in House Black robes as Aunt Bel had instructed. Aunt Andi insisted they wear them.
When the goblin looked up and saw Hermione and him wearing Black crests on their robes, his eyes widened. "Ah, Scion and Heiress Black. What may Gringotts do for you?"
Until August, they were still large account holders. He couldn't really access the accounts until his birthday though.
"Good day, Teller Yokebreaker. I would like to see the Black's Account Manager."
"Of course, Ms. Flint. If you would come this way."
They soon found themselves before a Junior Account Manager. If they cared, it would be a huge insult, but he figured the goblins of Gringotts were still sore at them. Especially since the Black accounts would be transferred to Guernsey in about seven months or so. Maybe he should leave an account big enough to make the goblins kinder to them?
After some pleasant greetings, but no offer of refreshments, their Aunt got right to it.
"Heiress Black is believed to have a ladyship. I am requesting a blood trace and account verification."
"I see. That will be a standard three-hundred galleon charge, and then an additional three hundred for any vault verifications and the appropriate releases," the goblins stated.
Aunt Bel took a parchment from her jacket pocket and then signed it. "I will leave the amount blank on the draft for the moment."
The goblin looked a little wide eyed at her. It was not common for a witch to just do that. The goblins demeaner changed. "Of course, Ms. Flint. Heiress Black, if you would allow me a few minutes. I must retrieve a Senior Account Manager for such procedures."
Hermione nodded.
When Gnarlarm came back, they were shown to a much larger office with a wizened goblin. This one was much kinder. Grimknob seemed very keen to understand if Hermione owned any of several dozen vaults that had gone unclaimed, some for centuries.
They sat watching the overlarge parchment from where a mixture of Hermione's blood and ink had been dripped on it.
Her name appeared, as did a small string to Harry's name. They both had wands next to their names. From there, the string traced through her parents, her grandparents and on. Her father's line went for eight generations, eventually stopping at a Robert Granger.
"It would appear your father is from a squib line that started two generations before the Dagwood-Grangers were founded. There is no ladyship there," Grimknob informed them.
"So, it is my mother?" Hermione questioned.
The goblin held up his hand. Her mother's line was now ten generations back, with more branches. It appeared at least three squib lines ran through her mother. It finally stopped at thirteen. The name on the end of the string had a wand next to it: Lady Rosemary Shirley.
Grimknob raised an eyebrow. "I will have to consult our records, but that is as far as this trace will go. If you want a longer one that can be done, but it would appear you are the last descendant of the Shirley's, Heiress Black."
Grimknob rang a bell and the Junior Account manager came in. "Magical inheritance works by the generational gap between witches or wizards. Squibs don't have enough magic to trigger the old seals on family blood. See if we have any accounts for the Shirley's of Upperton," Grimknob told the other goblin.
The goblin bowed and left.
"So, does this mean I have a ladyship?" Hermione asked.
"I think so, Hermione," Aunt Bel said taking the parchment. "You also have blood from the Oppingtons, a known pure blood line, and the Abbots."
"She's related to Hanna?" Harry asked.
"Probably. I know of three Abbot families. It has to be six generations though."
"Does that mean I can claim a seat?" Hermione looked excited.
"You can be recognized, but like Harry, you can't claim a seat until you are eighteen."
"Next Winter Solstice," Harry confirmed.
"I can also claim the Black's seat?"
"Once Harry finishes his claim, yes," Aunt Bel assured her.
"What does this mean for the residency laws," Harry asked.
"It has been more than five generations since the seat has been claimed; she can claim it as a Colonial seat."
"Grimknob just said that only counts for those with enough magic?" Hermione put to her.
"For inheritance, yes. For those of pure blood, even squibs, the laws only count actual generations," Grimknob answered her.
Gnarlarm came back in with a folder and quickly left after placing it on the table.
After opening the folder, the goblin grinned. "It appears you still have a vault. The accounts have been managed for the last two-hundred and eighty-eight years by Account Managers. If you wish to claim them, I can go over the details."
It was a few minutes of signing a few papers with blood quills. Harry was added to the accounts. He hated those things.
Once done, Grimknob handed over a second copy he had created.
"Standard accounts. Some investments have been maintained," Grimknob started.
Hermione looked at some of the papers and her eyes widened. "There is over a hundred thousand galleons in the account," she said awed.
"Yes, a modest account. One-hundred and eighteen thousand galleons and a few sickles and knuts. It has grown by almost twenty-eight thousand in the time Gringotts has managed it. The previous Lady Shirley was not a large risk taker, it appears. She did not authorize much of the funds to be used." Grimknob was all business.
"There is also a list of some antiquities and heirlooms. No estates still exist. The last one had its wards fail over a hundred years ago and is now a muggle apartment complex. Gringotts was able to salvage about fifteen-hundred galleons before it was torn down. A new key is being made, and a Vault Keeper could take you down if you would like to see it."
Hermione looked up to Harry.
"Up to you, luv," Harry told her.
"Come with me?"
"Of course," Harry told her.
-oOo-
December 24, 1996
Sark, Bailiwick of Guernsey
Harry missed Hermione. He felt silly about it. It was only two days and he was going to see her tonight, but he missed her. Tiffany and the other sheep had been happy to see him though, so he was spending time in the barn, and Neville was helping him move the hay bales.
Neville had shown up the morning after the Wizengamot meeting. His Gran and he had gotten into a large fight and he needed to get away. Harry was the only other family Neville had that would so easily take him in. Aunt Bel had given Neville a hug and told him to take the guest room. Having his cousin here made the longing for Hermione more bearable.
"You coming with us to the Weasley's tonight?" Harry asked.
"Astoria requested I come over their house. I guess Lord Greengrass and a few others have decided not to go to Gran's ball either," Neville told him.
"I may be able to get out by eight if you want Hermione and I to come over," Harry offered.
Neville shook his head. "No. You two enjoy being with Ron and his family. I'll be back tonight and go with Aunt Bel tomorrow to your other Aunts," Neville responded.
Harry shrugged. "Sure."
They worked in quiet for a bit until Aunt Bel found them close to noon.
"You going to spend all day out here?"
Harry moved another bale of hay. He was rearranging the loft because of something Cork had said. "We are looking for something. I can't wait until I'm seventeen," he complained.
Neville wiped his brow. "You and me both. We haven't moved half of this yet."
"What are you looking for?" she asked climbing up into the loft.
"Cork mentioned seeing something that sounded like a bumdimun," Harry told her.
Her eyes widened. "Oh, no there isn't!"
She took out her wand and started to help them move the hay around. Bumdimuns loved magical residences, eating the magic infused wood with a nasty acid. They worked for the next hour or so but found nothing. Aunt Bel frowned.
"Cork isn't usually wrong," Harry told her.
"I know. That is what worries me. Cork," she called.
A moment later, Cork climbed up the ladder. "Mistress Belvina, Cork knows what he saw."
"I am not doubting you. Can you sense it?"
Cork concentrated. "No," their elf said sounding as though he had let them down.
"It's all right Cork," Harry assured their elf. "Can you find a dozen buckets? Go buy some if you need."
"What are you thinking," Aunt Bel asked.
Cork looked up at them as Harry explained his thoughts. "Bumdimuns like magical wood. What if we put bumdicide in the bucket with saw dust or wood shavings? There is still that wood that was just piled out where the fence was fixed."
"Why not use a corkbung tree?" Neville asked. They both looked at his cousin. "It's what they make bumdicide from. I hear it's irresistible to them if you place it near some mint."
"Do you have a corkbung tree or two?" Harry asked.
"In my greenhouses. I can get you a few saplings. With some minor growth potions, they should mature in a year or two, instead of twelve," Neville told them.
"Neville, just tell me how much." Aunt Bel smiled at Neville before turning to Harry. "In the meantime, we'll also get the buckets setup. It's getting close to two. Why don't you both go get ready? I'm sure Hermione and Astoria wouldn't mind you showing up early."
"The Weasley's aren't expecting us until four," he told her.
"I wasn't given a time to show up at," Neville responded.
"Just go. I'm tired of seeing you two pine after them."
Harry smirked. "She is rather cute."
"Isn't one enough for you," Neville joked.
Harry shrugged again. "Didn't say she wasn't."
Aunt Bel chuckled. "I think both your girls are head strong enough for you already. You staying at the Weasley's or Hermione's tonight?"
"Aunt Andi's. I'll come back with you tomorrow night," he replied.
"You, Neville?"
"I'll be back tonight and go to the Tonks' with you," Neville answered.
His aunt nodded. "That is fine. If you and Hermione want to come here, you can share a room here, too. You are betrothed now," his Aunt told him. "Neville, I won't allow you and Astoria until you are betrothed or engaged."
Harry blushed a little. Neville's eyes widened. "We can sleep in a little longer at Aunt Andi's and Uncle Ted's. I'll take care of the sheep the rest of the week."
His aunt chuckled. "I know you are responsible. Go out and spend time with your friends and betrothed. You are only young once."
Harry nodded.
After a short shower, Harry said goodbye to his aunt and cousin, and walked out the door close to three. "Tell our niece and my cousins Happy Christmas," Mrs. Baker said as he walked through the bar.
"I will. She will be coming here Boxing day."
Mrs. Baker smiled. "I want her to stop by; do not take up all of her time."
"I won't, Mrs. Baker."
As the Knight Bus popped away, he saw her in the window upstairs. She gave him a smile and met him at the door. It swung open and she flung herself into his arms, giving him a deep kiss.
"Don't keep the door open," Jane yelled at them.
Hermione pulled him in, her lips not leaving his. "Happy Christmas," she said when they finally separated, both breathing a little heavily.
"A day early," he teased.
"All I have wanted is you the last two days, so this is a good present," she told him unabashed.
He smirked. "I missed you, too. Are you staying at Aunt Andi's?"
"Yes." The smile she gave him quickening his blood and sent a pleasant chill through him.
"Let's go say goodbye to my parents," she told him.
He looked at his watch. "We don't need to call the Knight Bus for another thirty minutes."
"Do you really think they will mind us arriving early?" she asked.
Harry laughed. "No. The Weasley's always have an open door for me."
"Dan," Jane called down the stairs as they moved to the kitchen. Harry hadn't really looked at his beautiful girl yet. She was in a pleasant dark green sweater and jeans that hugged her bottom as she walked. He made a mental note to run his hands over said bottom later. Her hair was in the curls it usually was now and earrings with reindeer on them swung as she moved.
"Are you two staying for a few? I have a kettle already warmed," Jane offered.
"Up to your daughter," Harry told her.
"I really want to get going. We will see you all-day tomorrow, and you will have us the twenty-ninth, thirtieth and most of New Year's Eve."
"I know, dear. We just like having you around," Jane said to Hermione.
"I'll spend a week or two at home when school is out, and you and dad said you were coming out to Sark for a week or two again."
Her mother gave Hermione a proud smile. "Just don't be a stranger."
"We can easily come over once a week for dinner or something," Harry offered. He knew how much she loved her parents.
"That would be wonderful," her mother responded, sounding pleased.
Dan came up the stairs. They said their goodbyes and were quickly on the Knight Bus. When it dropped them off on the edge of the Weasley's drive, the sun was low in the sky, ready to set soon. Hermione looked at the tall house down the lane. There was a small shed between them with a small car out front of it. Harry was grinning to look at Hermione's face. The dilapidated house that could have only been held up by magic was a wonder to behold.
Harry laughed. "We can do magic," Harry told her. The smile that crept on her face looked a little uncertain. Harry took her hand. "Come on."
Just before he opened the door, he said. "Oh, I forgot to warn you about Mrs. Weasley."
"Warn me about what?" She looked a little dubious.
Harry opened the door and dragged her in. The kitchen was full of activity like he expected. Mrs. Weasley had her eldest son pinned to a chair, and he was fighting her off as she tried to cut his long red hair. "You really shouldn't let it grow this long."
"I like 'is 'air that long," a French woman said.
Harry turned to see a tall blonde woman that he recognized. They hadn't seen her for a year and a half, but he would recognize Fleur Delacour anywhere.
"His hair is too long," Mrs. Weasley stated.
Ron and the Twins were laughing. Ginny was making a face at the tall blonde behind her back. "Get off me, mum," Bill yelled.
Mr. Weasley finally caught them standing at the door. "Harry!" the man exclaimed loudly. Mrs. Weasley and everyone else looked at them. There was a look as though the man was apologizing to him. Harry understood what was coming.
"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed. She stopped trying to cut Bill's hair and rushed to him. He held out his arms, knowing it would be best to get it over with. He had been friends with Ron since the first train ride to Hogwarts and had usually spent a week or two with the family every summer, even at times over Christmas or Easter breaks. Only Neville had seen him as much, when Harry could stand his great aunt.
Mrs. Weasley wrapped him in a tight hug before holding him at arm's length. "I haven't seen you since last Easter. I think you grew about four inches. Just like Ron. I see you have finally put some muscle on that frame. You look good, Scion Black," she said significantly.
"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," he told her. "And none of this Scion and Heiress stuff. I'm just Harry."
She raised an eye at him before her eyes drifted to Hermione. "You had better start calling me Molly then. Is this her?"
"Molly Weasley, this is Hermione Granger, my betrothed," he said with some pride.
Molly didn't hesitate to let him go and move to Hermione, hugging the girl just as tight as she had hugged him. "I was wondering when Harry might finally realize. We have heard a lot about you from Harry and my other children."
Harry tried not to flush. He was hoping this was the last time that people would tell that he had talked about Hermione. Hermione gave him a mischievous smile before she too was held at arm's length. "You are even more beautiful than Ginny said you were. You treat him well. Harry is a bit of a favored friend around here."
"I'd say. He's the only one with a bed already set up," Fred shouted.
"It would be nice if she made our beds," George added.
"I think mum treats him better than us," Fred.
"That's not that hard." George.
Molly turned and tried to whack George on the head. He ducked. "I see where Ginny gets her temper," George laughed as Molly huffed.
"Happy Christmas, Molly," he said, and she fully released Hermione to give him another hug.
"Happy Christmas. You and Hermione are not to be strangers here," Molly told him.
"Yes, Molly," he responded. She patted his face and then Mr. Weasley was there shaking his hand. "Happy Christmas, Mr. Weasley."
"Arthur, my boy. That was quite a stir you made the other day," the man said.
Hermione moved in closer. Harry replied, "We are here to have fun tonight, not talk about all that."
Arthur nodded. "Welcome to our house, Hermione. You are always welcome here."
"Thank you, Arthur," she replied.
George and Fred were already laughing as Molly was yelling at them for something else. Ginny still stood in her corner. Things had been much better, but she still looked taciturn many times when she looked at him and Hermione together. Ron got up to greet him and Bill gave him a mouthed 'thank you' before he got up. "I haven't seen you in a few years," Harry said taking Bill's arm as they both clasped each other's forearm.
"Been busy in Egypt. The goblins pay well, but they don't really understand the meaning of vacation or Holiday."
"So, I have heard. Hermione, this is Bill."
Bill took her hand and kissed the back of it. Hermione looked a little flustered. "William Weasley. Nice to meet you. I've heard about you and I haven't even been back in country for three years," Bill said, a gleam in his eye.
"I suppose it was all good?" Hermione questioned.
"Rather whiney, if you ask me. Harry kept complaining he wasn't first. About as bad as Percy," Bill replied.
"Oi! I am not!" Harry complained. Ron sniggered at his reaction.
"Yeah, he's just missing the stick up his arse," Ron teased.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley," Molly chastised.
The twins laughed.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Granger," Bill said with a smirk. "Congratulations also. Would you allow me to introduce my fiancée?"
Harry raised an eyebrow and looked to Fleur. She looked immensely proud to be called such. Ginny made a face. Molly made a big bang behind them. Fleur walked over to them and held out a hand. "Fleur Delacour, Scion Black. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Harry took her hand and kissed it like Bill had done to Hermione. "The pleasure is mine, Ms. Delacour. You can call me Harry, please."
She smiled. "Fleur, then. And 'ho is this?" she asked.
Harry smiled. "My betrothed, Hermione Granger."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I've already told you he was a perfect gentleman," Hermione said with a laugh, moving past Harry and giving Fleur kisses on either cheek before they embraced each other.
Harry looked at them open mouth, as did most of the others. "I 'ad to check," Fleur told her.
"You know Fleur?" Ron asked in disbelief.
"I did go to the Yule Ball with Viktor and have to get saved. We started writing each other after," Hermione explained.
Harry just shook his head. "I remember that year," he told her.
Hermione must have picked up on his tone because she turned to him and extended her hand. "Don't be jealous."
Some around the room chuckled as other conversations started up. He took Hermione's hand and allowed her to pull him to her. She pecked him. Fleur gave a soft laugh. "You haven't told him?"
Hermione gave Fleur a hard look. "No, and I don't plan to."
Fleur gave her a tinkling laugh and moved to Bill.
Mrs. Weasley gave them a look as though she was deep in thought. "All of you not helping, into the sitting room or out," Mrs. Weasley declared.
"I can 'elp," Fleur offered.
"I can, too," both Harry and Hermione offered.
"Go in with the others," Mrs. Weasley said to him. Hermione looked at him. He wouldn't be one to shirk work, but Hermione gave him a gentle push.
"Let me help Fleur and get to know Mrs. Weasley," she told him.
Harry nodded, gave her a peck and soon found himself on the losing side of a chess match with Ron. The twins had disappeared somewhere. "Three more turns," Ron said cockily.
Bill chuckled. "Take his rook and then sacrifice your pawn on E3," Bill said from behind a copy of the Daily Prophet.
Ron gave a slightly panicked look before scowling at his brother. "Stay out of this," Ron warned.
"You forget who taught you," Bill stated.
Arthur chuckled. "And who taught you?"
"I wasn't denying that, dad. You should take Harry's spot next," Bill told his father.
Ron's face really soured. "I win only once out of every three with dad."
Harry smirked. "I'll put ten galleons down on you."
Ron licked his lips. "If I lose?"
"I didn't see any ice on your pond," Harry offered.
Bill chuckled. "I don't need to see his pasty arse tonight."
Arthur chuckled too. Ron just glared at his brother. "Deal. Dad, go get your chessmen."
Arthur shook his head. "I trust Hermione and Fleur won't run screaming?"
Harry shook his head. "I'll let him keep his y-fronts. I won't promise not to take a picture to take back to Hogwarts."
"You bloody bint," Ron threw one of his chessmen, who yelled in protest.
They all laughed at his best friend while Arthur got up and walked over to a bookshelf. "So, Harry, you have been quiet about what happened at the Wizengamot. Not even the Daily Prophet has found out what happened after."
Harry cleaned up the chessmen he was using. He had lost and it wasn't worth finishing the game. "Hermione is a pure blood. I know the Prophet got that right from what I said on the floor. She is Heiress to the House of Shirley," Harry told them.
Arthur looked at him as he took Harry's seat. The other two listened in. "I do not know that House. How far back?"
"Thirteen generations. She actually has four squib lines, but the Shirley's have a Wizengamot seat. No other inheritance," Harry told Arthur. The Weasley's were pure blood, but they had been blocked from their seat a few generations back. He didn't know why, but they were sensitive about it, so he never brought it up.
"How far back? Do you know the original family yet?" Arthur set up his men and Ron looked a little nervous.
"I'd rather not say anything. I trust you, Arthur, and Ron is my best mate, but Hermione doesn't want to say anything yet and the news could be big if it came out," Harry told them.
Ron looked at him. Harry saw the curiosity in his face. He would have to say something later, but it was Hermione's business, even if he was her betrothed. Bill and Arthur accepted it. "Aunt Muriel contacted me the other day," Bill spoke up.
Arthur raised his head from the board. "Muriel contacted you?" Arthur asked his eldest son. "That's unusual."
"I thought so too. It's where Fleur and I were earlier," Bill said conversationally.
"Did she make you eat that awful treacle tart she makes?" Ron inquired.
Arthur made a sour face and Bill cringed. "No, thankfully. She actually wanted to talk about the Wizengamot session on Sunday."
"You don't say?" Arthur inquired, turning back to Ron.
"Why would Aunt Muriel want to talk to you?" Ron asked.
"It appears she received a letter from my employers stating the liege-House of the Prewitts has been claimed and she wanted a representative to talk with the new Heiress Shirley, she just didn't know who it was and thought I could help in dealing with the goblins," Bill said looking up at Harry. "My transfer is official next week, and I have been authorized to talk on Aunt Muriel's behalf."
Harry laughed. "Are you serious? I haven't even talked with Hermione about this yet. I know she was supposed to get some more information this week, but she is having Uncle Ted review everything first. We were going to meet with him on the twenty-seventh," Harry informed him.
Bill smiled and shrugged with one shoulder. "Fleur is transferring with me from the team we were on. She is working on her Mastery in Gobbledygook, Centaurese and would like to get better at her English. I could ask if she would help, or maybe take up being primary contact."
"Muriel would accept that? Fleur isn't family yet and she is rather old fashion that way," Arthur replied.
"Barmy," Ron stated.
"Don't let your mother hear you say that. She is rather fond of her aunt," Arthur reprimanded.
"Sure, dad," Ron agreed, moving his first piece.
"Bill, if you want to talk to Hermione, just let her know, otherwise my Uncle Ted handles most of that right now," Harry told Bill.
Bill nodded. "I'm sure Fleur would love to get together for a lunch or something."
Harry nodded. "I had no clue they were friends," Harry said.
"Sometimes a shared experience can make for strange bed fellows," Arthur said wisely. "You sure you want to do that, Ron?"
Ron was concentrating on the game. Harry knew that face, and it was better not to disturb Ron when he was like that. "I can't see how this would be bad," he said, still holding the bishop.
His father shrugged. "Your choice."
"Bloody hell," Ron exclaimed, still not letting the piece go.
Harry and Bill both laughed. The twins came into the room while they were laughing. "What did we miss?"
"Pictures of you two in nappies," Harry replied.
The twins gave him a look before laughing. "I think he needs a lesson, dear brother."
"Oh, I agree," replied Fred.
"Unless the lesson involves me learning how the love potions keep making it into the castle, then I don't want to hear about it," Harry shot back. He had heard of relationships starting or going south because of them, but the students in Gryffindor had learned how to keep them from Hermione and him. They had confiscated enough to keep Gryffindor free of them for now.
George laughed. "And ruin the business you are giving us? You and Granger are why we can't keep it in stock."
Harry scowled at them and Bill didn't look impressed. "I thought mum talked to you about stocking that in your store?"
Fred plopped into a chair and swiped his hand at Bill as though it was nothing. "Mum has no say in what we do."
"Maybe not, but there are some dangers in it," Arthur added. "It is irresponsible, especially with how some can strengthen over time."
"It's so diluted that it lasts less than an hour and we don't sell the lust potion to go with it," George stated. "That would be irresponsible. Besides, the ones we brew don't have lovewart, lovelace or korral, so they shouldn't increase in strength."
"How do you know that if you failed your OWL's?" Ron asked.
"Some people are just not cut out for the classroom," Fred replied.
"Apparently," Bill snarked.
"Did you setup the surprise?" Ron asked, quickly moving his knight and taking a pawn.
"Mum should be one-hundred percent buggered with us in about two hours," George said with a grin.
"I know nothing about this," Arthur told them.
"You don't need to, dad. Just enjoy the show," Fred told him.
Ginny stuck her head into the sitting room. "Mum says to get washed up. Dinner will be ready in about ten."
"Thanks, Ginny," Arthur replied. "You should all at least wash your hands."
"Sure," the twins replied in unison. The people in this house were all fiery redheads when riled, Molly being the worst of them, but they all loved their parents and respected Arthur. When he said to do something, all his children tended to listen, no matter what their age.
"We'll finish this later, dad?" Ron asked.
"You already lost, Ron. Five more moves if you fall for the Kirkoff Defense, or seven for my own plan," Arthur said getting up.
Ron's eyes widened as he looked at the board. Arthur clapped his shoulder before moving towards the kitchen. Bill chuckled. "Looks like we will have two shows. And I think more like four moves if dad wanted to really press it."
The twins looked excited. "What's the bet?"
Harry got up as his best mate studied the board. "I promise I won't take any pictures."
Ron's face soured. "Pictures? Pictures of what?" Fred questioned.
Bill threw a few galleons down on the board. "I was betting dad would lose."
Ron scrunched his face and hung his head. "Can I go do it now?"
"Your mum wants us at the table," Harry replied to Ron with a laugh.
"You're a bloody git," Ron accused.
"I'm not the one who lost."
They all crowded around the table for dinner. Ginny didn't look quite as sour as she talked with Hermione and Fleur from across the table. There was some good bantering and other conversation, and Harry was eyeing a third helping of Molly's excellent treacle tart when the twins dragged them all outside close to eight. Hermione leaned into his front as they were all told to line up by the orchard.
"Ready?" George called out.
"You having a good time?" Harry asked her.
He heard the smile in her voice. "This is so much better than some stuffy Ball," she told him. "We are having a place big enough to do this when we get older."
Harry smiled. "Whatever you want, luv."
A moment later, fireworks lit up the air. Colorful pinwheels flew around the orchard and fireworks in the shape of animals like owls and hippogryphs. He wasn't sure why Molly would get upset until a giant red dragon lit the sky. Ginny and Molly screamed as a ball of fire came out of its mouth and headed straight for them. Harry whipped his wand out and a shield sprang over them. Hermione was a second behind him, Bill and Arthur almost as quick.
The ball of fire landed about twenty feet from them and flashed. Harry covered his eyes. Hermione backed up into him.
Fred and George were laughing. "You complete arses," Ginny screamed at her brothers.
"You had better run, because once I get my wand on you…" Molly was saying.
"I don't know, I thought that a good entrance," another redhead yelled out.
Molly stopped and looked at a man flying a broom just above the spot the fireball had blown up. "Charlie!" Molly exclaimed.
She rushed to her son as he landed, as did Ginny and Ron.
Fred and George came up to them laughing. "Figure mum would appreciate our gift," George said.
"How many of you are there again?" Hermione looked at them, finally putting her wand away.
"Only missing Percy. The git went to some Ball tonight, trying to make some Ministry connections," Fred replied.
"Supposed to be here tomorrow with some new minx," George added.
"Minx?" Hermione quirked an eyebrow at them, not looking impressed.
Fred chuckled. "We liked his old girlfriend. I hear the new one dosed Percy with one of our potions. Quite a scene."
Hermione's face darkened. "That is disgusting," Hermione said.
George broke down into uproarious laughter.
Fred laughed too. "You think we would sell a real love potion to someone that wants to use it on our family?"
"But you would do that to others!" Hermione's voice was a low shriek.
Fred laughed. "Hermione, our potions only affect someone if there is already an attraction. We would never force someone to like someone that they don't."
Harry started to laugh now. "You mean all year I've just been tossing an attraction potion?"
Hermione still didn't look that happy. "That is still cruel," Hermione said.
"It's technically a love potion. Attraction potions can lead to love. You know they only work if you have a larger attraction to the one that gave you the potion than the one you are with," George said. "If there is no natural attraction, nothing happens. I thought you two would have figured that out by now."
Harry looked perplexed. "Why?"
"From what Ginny said, it sounds like you both have been dosed a few times," Fred replied conversationally.
Harry lost his joy. "We what?"
George winked. "Guess you only find each other desirable that way."
"Why would you say that?" Hermione asked.
George laughed. "Just think of it this way, if you doubted you two really liked each other, there isn't any now."
"I am destroying every bottle I come across," Harry growled.
Hermione pursed her lips.
George gave him a wink. "I'll give you a ten percent cut of profits if you do."
Harry punched George on the arm. He was only saved by Mrs. Weasley rushing up to the twins. "I can't believe you did this," she said and took George's face kissing his cheek before pulling him into a hug. Fred started to sneak away, but Harry grabbed his collar.
"I don't think so," he growled, pulling Fred back. It didn't matter that Fred was three years older, Harry was as tall and more muscular.
Fred was grabbed by his mother. Charlie came over and extended a hand. "Been a few years," he said grasping Harry's forearm. He wasn't as muscular as Charlie, but this time he could shake hands without his getting crushed.
"I was a fourth year, then," Harry responded.
"What are you now? Second?" Charlie teased with a smile.
"Arse," Harry retorted, bringing a laugh out of Charlie.
"Happy Christmas, Harry. Who's your girl?"
"Charlie, my betrothed," Harry said significantly knowing the man's reputation, "Hermione Granger."
Charlie took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Very nice to meet you, Ms. Granger."
Hermione eyed the large redhead. "So why are you and Bill so suave and your other brothers are not?"
Bill had come over and laughed with Charlie. "I like her," Charlie commented.
