*** CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT AUTHOR'S NOTE - PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE READING THIS CHAPTER! ***
When I first posted UNCOUPLING, I made it clear that I had no idea where it was going and it was a random plot bunny. That was in August 2019 and this story remained on hiatus since then, because I had nothing more to write as it was. However, in the months since, I have gone back and given this fic a plot and outlined it as I would any other planned story, thus this rewrite was born.
BOTH CHAPTER ONE AND CHAPTER TWO HAVE BEEN REWRITTEN.
They are not the same as you read upon the original posting, but they do have parts from the first draft. It is necessary before reading this chapter or any future updates to go back and read the rewritten Ch. I + Ch. II. This story has a plot that was not present in the original iteration and thus, this chapter will make zero sense nor seem like an update, if you don't go back and read the rewrite.
Luckily, there were only two chapters before this, so there isn't much to go back and look over. Other than that, starting from here, all updates will be regular and continue on with this new plot. I hope that I haven't lost any readers with this rewrite, but welcome to all the new readers who are now joining.
Here is Part III, the long-awaited updated to UNCOUPLING!
PART III: Morgana Hall
Draco drew far fewer stares as he walked through the Ministry with his mother-in-law than he had when he'd been alone. When he remarked upon such, Sarabi smirked prettily, nodding regally at someone who greeted her as they crossed the Atrium.
"It isn't you they aren't staring it. It is that they can't help but be captivated by me, instead."
Draco pondered this, looking more closely as Sarabi steered them towards the Corridor of Halls. He could see what she was saying, now that she'd pointed it out to him. There was nothing to look at in Draco, not when Sarabi Shafiq was on his arm, having crossed the Atrium like a goddess headed to temple. Adorned in the finest robes and jewels and looking like the embodiment of every facet of gold, one would have to be blind not to be drawn to Sarabi's presence - and suddenly, Draco found himself quite grateful.
On his mother-in-law's arm, he was invisible, and it gave him hope that he could be once more when Blaise learned whatever skill this was that Sarabi possessed masterfully.
The doors of the Morgana Hall were open, allowing the dull roar of conversation to fill the end of the corridor as they got closer. To his relief, Sarabi was leading them through a side door that would lead to the private boxes that lined high on the walls of Morgana Hall, allowing those dignified guests to be seated in the audience while not among the crowd.
The box that Sarabi had reserved for her as the Minister of Finance gave a direct view of the hall below them. Draco seated his mother-in-law, respectfully, before settling in the seat beside her at the small dining table. He couldn't help but look around curiously, wondering if others were to join them.
"I have the box to myself." Sarabi said, reading his expression correctly, it seemed. "We'll be alone, which is more auspicious than I hoped for, considering the gathering of lesser bloods among the collection of humans here."
Draco couldn't help but agree.
It hadn't been hard to notice the garish, scarlet and ginger heads of Granger's in-laws, the Weasleys, as well as the too-large figure of the half-breed Hagrid - and Draco knew without studying the crowd further that it was his great fortune to be seated in a private box with his Minister mother-in-law.
Thankful for this isolation, Draco turned to Sarabi, giving her a direct look, despite the fact that she wasn't looking at him at all.
"Will you tell me the solution now or later?"
Something like a smile pulled at the edges of her mouth, as Sarabi declared softly, "Later. The solution hasn't arrived yet, but I'll let you know when it does."
"Hooper, good morning - "
"Good morning, Madam Undersecretary. What can I do for you?"
Hermione's smile was fleeting for Geoffery Hooper, the Head of Ministry Security. "I know you're quite busy and may not have noticed, but are you aware of whether or not my husband has checked in with security yet?"
Once again, although she'd done so only seconds previously, Hermione scanned the Morgana Hall anxiously, looking for the head of red hair that mattered the most. The privacy window of the chamber she was waiting in, off of Morgana Hall, allowed her to see all who were seated and pleasantly awaiting the beginning of the brunch - and no matter how many times she looked, she had yet to see Ron.
Already, Hermione had pinpointed Arthur and Molly, seated at the head of the table that had been reserved for her in-laws, near the front of the hall. The streaks of silver in Molly's wealth of auburn hair seemed like shooting stars from this distance, complementing the gray at Arthur's temples rather sweetly.
Bill and Fleur were talking and laughing with Molly and Arthur, glancing over at their children every few seconds, mindfully. Victoire was riveted upon a book that was before her on the table, her freckled fingers twirling at the ends of strawberry blonde braid, absently as she read. Victoire would shoo the twins away irritably, each time Dominique or Louis leaned their frost-blond heads over and interrupted her reading - and, the squabbles that commenced from this where clearly what Bill and Fleur had been keeping an eye out for.
Charlie was there, surprisingly, dressed far more casually than anyone else in attendance. His dragonhide fatigues were almost garish compared to the fine dressrobery of those who surrounded him and Hermione figured that he must have delayed his Portkey out of the country, just for the opportunity to be here this morning for her, with the rest of their family.
Percy had clearly been the parent to take the morning off, as he had Lucy comfortably wrapped in her baby carrier on his chest, as he spoke with Audrey quietly near the dais and they shared an infectious smile about something or another.
George and Angelina had only just arrived, both looking harried and tired but still happy to be present. George let go of little Freddie's hand as soon as the famliy was in eyesight and with a skip in his step, Freddie raced ahead to sit with his cousins, ignoring the obvious admonishment from Angelina to mind his manners and be careful with his dress robes. Hermione couldn't help but smile at the sight of baby Roxanne walking unsteadily between them, her cinnamon-brown fingers clutched securely around each of her parent's fingers as she continued practicing the fairly new skill of walking.
Ginny waved excitedly from where she was sitting with Charlie, when she noticed Angelina and George coming up the aisle, motioning them to their seats with a grin. As she rubbed the proud swell of her pregnancy absently, Ginny leaned around Charlie to say something to her own twins, James and Sirius - likely a warning to behave themselves as Freddie joined their group, as the three were known to be trouble when linked together for any length of time. Little Rubeus was asleep in Molly's arms, napping contentedly out of the reach of his mischievous older brothers, and Ginny seemed thankful that all three of her boys were peaceable and behaved in the midst of such an important event - for the moment, at least.
The only ones who hadn't arrived yet were Ron and Harry - but, Harry, she knew, was a part of the ceremony to be given in her honor and wouldn't yet be seated with the family, just yet.
Ron was the only one who wasn't here.
Her husband, of all people, seemed to be the last to arrive and the closer it got to the time when her Farewell Brunch was supposed to commence, the more her anxiety grew.
Dutifully, for he must have recognized the pinched expression on her face, Hooper consulted his wristwatch.
"Mr. Weasley is in the Ministry, for certain, Madam Undersecretary, still in the Atrium as far as my detail reports."
Hermione breathed out in relief, releasing a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
"The Atrium. He would choose the most public entrance to come through, knowing he'll be delayed and stopped by people wanting autographs or to talk about the final game of the season next week..."
Hooper grinned suddenly. "Well, no offense, Madam Undersecretary - but, when one has an undefeated season like you're husband has this year, the public is bound to want to stop and chat. Would you like me to go and get him for you, Madam Undersecretary?"
"No, thank you, Hooper. I'll use my clearances to Apparate, just this once, and Side-Along him right here where he needs to be, instead of with his fans."
Hooper nooded, recording the action on his wristwatch, and with a sigh of annoyance that she even had to do something like this on a day where she was only supposed to be enjoying and celebrating the end of her time at the Ministry, Hermione Apparated into the Artrium.
The Atrium materialized around her, revealing a surprisingly scarce number of people, and thus, it was rather easy to spot her husband, although she was several feet away. The scarlet hair was identifiable as the familiarity of his magical aura and without realizing it, Hermione smiled. As always, he was talking rather intently to someone she couldn't see, and judging by the enthusiastic gestures, it was likely to be a fan or an agent of the Department of Magical Game and Sports.
Hermione came up behind him, not as agitated as she expected she'd be, considering he'd apparently lost all track of time.
"There you are, Ronald, I've been looking all over for you - " Hermione's words broke off, as Ron and his companion both looked towards her at the the sound of her voice. She blinked in surprise, not certain how she should continue, as Lavender Brown glared at her and Ron looked startled to see her. "Oh. Hello, Lavender - it's been a while since we've seen one another. How are you?"
A decade in the highest office in the Ministry had trained Hermione to have a flawlessly polite and genial bearing with anyone she came across, no matter if she was being well-received or not. She could tell by the brittle, uncharitable frown on Lavender's face the practice was still necessary as a skill.
"Granger," Lavender said with a cold nod. "I'm as well as can be considered."
Hermione didn't have to wonder what Lavender meant, as the other witch shifted her weight with a wince - and her robes fell away to reveal she was pregnant as Ginny was, perhaps even further. Somehow, Hermione hadn't noticed before and she was startled to see that her former dormmate was expecting.
Werewolves weren't known to carry pregnancies successfully, as far as she knew.
Yet, here Lavender was - her pregnancy appearing to be taxing, but no different than any of the other magical pregnancies that Hermione had witnessed over the past decade.
"I - well, um - congratulations, Lavender." Hermione said, hating how halting and unsure her words sounded and the unfortunate implications such a tone could carry in this context. "I'm happy to see that you're doing well and thriving, as it seems. When is your baby due to be born?"
Lavender rubbed her scarred hands over her full belly, protectively, eyeing Hermione balefully as she answered.
"Right around the New Year." Lavender narrowed her eyes, suddenly, adding with an edge of smug satisfaction: "I'm having a son and his name with be Ronan Hugh."
Hermione made a polite noise acknowledging the unsolicited information, glancing at her husband silently, with a question she knew he understood in her eyes.
"I was rushing off the lift to get to the hall on time and bumped into Lavender. I had to stop and make sure she was alright and it has been a while since I've seen her - I guess a quick hello and apology turned into a longer chat than I realized." Ron gave her a sound kiss on the lips. "I know I'm late and I'm sorry, love."
Lavender shifted her weight again, making a sound that indicated that she was putting quite a bit of effort into simply standing on her own feet.
"You should probably get off your feet soon, from the looks of it," Ron offered, with a grin. "You look like you're fit to burst and it can't be comfortable waddling around here, as such."
"I'm going, I'm going," Lavender said, grumpily. "I was only here to fetch something I forgot to pack when I was closing up my office for my matresence leave. I'm headed home, just as soon as Mum and Rosie come back from the cafe."
Hermione cleared her throat, as politely as she could, reminding Ron of the reason that she'd interrupted to start with.
"I won't hold the pair of you up, any longer. Seems you have somewhere important to be, by the looks of it, Granger, so I'll turn your husband back over to you." Lavender gave her another look, not nearly as baleful as before but certainly heavy with something that made Hermione uncomfortable. "Where are you two headed, anyhow?"
"It's a surprise that she's not supposed to know about, but knows about anyhow, because she knows everything." Ron declared, with a kiss to her cheek that softened his words, immensely.
Lavender looked away, as someone caught her attention. The words were low, almost imperceptible, but Hermione heard it: "She doesn't know everything, I'm sure..."
Hermione frowned as the muttered words made something prickle uncomfortably down her spine. She didn't have the chance to ask Lavender what she'd meant or if she'd misheard, for with a polite farewell and well wishes for her matresence, Ron tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and lead them away from their fellow former Gryffindor.
Although Hermione was relieved to be away from Lavender and her awful-as-always attitude, she couldn't help but glance back over her shoulder as Ron intently led her back towards Morgana Hall.
Lavender was holding her hands out as a small girl rushed towards her, trailed with almost equal energy by an older witch who had to be Lavender's mother.
The little girl must be Rosie, then - the Mum and Rosie that Lavender had said she'd been waiting on, while she'd chatted idly with Ron near the lifts.
"Mummy, Mummy, lookit! Grammy got us treats from Mr. Flume in the bakery!" Rosie's bright, intelligent voice carried across the Atrium easily, with so few people in around this time of morning. "I got a sticky bun for me and Grammy got a box of treacle tart for her. We didn't forget about you and baby Ronnie, either - "
"Lower your voice, poppet. I'm right here and there's no need to shout."
"We got Sugar Quills for you and more Chocolate Cauldron Cakes for Daddy - where's Daddy, Mummy? I didn't get to give him other Cauldron Cakes..."
Hermione frowned, as she and Ron turned down the corridor that would lead them to the oak doors of Morgana Hall and Lavender and her child's voice faded from hearing.
"What were the two of you talking about, Ron?" Hermione asked, as they neared Morgana Hall and the private entrance that would take them to the chamber she'd previously been waiting in. She'd forgotten all about Apparating back, the encounter with Lavender had startled her so.
Ron frowned as he nodded in greeting at the Watchwizard posted at the chamber door. "We weren't talking about anything - I told you, I literally knocked into her coming off of the lift, and well, you've seen her. She looks about ready to pop! I couldn't just keep on and not check and see if she was alright."
Hermione had no choice but to accept the answer, as the Watchwizard allowed them to enter the chamber and she was immediately accosted by Audrey.
"There you are!" Audrey said, throwing her hands up in exasperation and relief. "I know as of eight o'clock, you're officially resigned as Junior Undersecretary - but, really, tardiness to your own brunch on your last day?"
"Circe's tit, you're Percy's wife, aren't you?" Ron snickered as he gave Audrey a brotherly kiss on the cheek in greeting, ignoring her withering glare. "Calm down, Aud. I'm the one who's at fault for her being late. But, we're here now - so, no worries."
Audrey rolled her eyes at her husband's youngest brother, but said no more as she grabbed Hermione's wrist insistenly and blindfolded her with a piece of cloth she'd only just Conjured.
Hermione allowed herself to be blindfolded, playing along with the impression that the Farewell Brunch was a complete surprise to her, and glanced over at her husband -
A crushing, sinking feeling began twisting her stomach as she watched Ron discreetly pop the last of a Cauldron Cake in his mouth, just as her eyes were covered in unexpected, opaque darkness.
The Minister for Magic rose to his feet and raised his hands, instantly gathering the attention and the silence of the crowd.
Draco looked on curiously, taking a sip from his wineglass. The Minister began speaking, but paying absolutely no mind to his mother-in-law's cousin, Draco leaned over slightly towards Sarabi.
"So, what is the reason why Granger is retiring?" asked Draco, unable to help his curiosity. "I didn't think she'd step down until she was the Minister herself."
Sarabi snorted most delicately. "Her marriage is the reason she gave the Minister for her premature retirement."
Draco blinked. "Excuse me?"
"It won't seem any less absurd if I repeat myself." Sarabi said, clapping politely as the Minister concluded his speech and Harry Potter stepped forward in his place. "As far as Kingsley shared, she approached him six months ago and said she'd be resigning to be a housewife and start a family."
"What an utter waste," breathed Draco, glancing down at the crowd and his eyes falling on the pack of Weasleys. "I always knew that pathetic excuse for a family would ruin her, the foolish witch..."
Sarabi looked over at him sharply, with great and plain interest. "Oh?"
Draco refused to look at her directly. Instead, he took another sip or two or three from his wineglass, watching Potter blathering on but not listening in the least. "I spent most of my education at Hogwarts with her, I know how insufferably brilliant she is - for a Muggleborn, most certainly. Then, if all they said about her and what she did during the war is true...well, I'd be as foolish as she is to deny that and agree that homemaking and motherhood is all she's good for."
Sarabi began applauding again, as everyone else was, and then, the entire hall was rising to their feet. She was still staring at Draco, however, a strange light in her eyes.
"So, you believe she is powerful for a Muggleborn and it would be an utter waste to have her magic serve a plebian function as a wife and homemaker." Sarabi mused. "You agree that magic of her caliber should serve a higher purpose. Be utilized for a greater force than this mundane existence she appears to want to lead."
Draco narrowed his eyes, as he began applauding himself, though he wasn't sure for what. Suspiciously, he eyed his mother-in-law.
"Yes, I suppose I do believe and agree." Draco took advantage of the sudden outbreak of raucous applause and cheers, glancing down briefly to see that Granger had arrived on the arm of Weasley and all of Morgana Hall was in a joyous uproar. "Mother Sarabi, what are you on about? However Granger chooses to ruin her life is none of my concern, certainly - and I didn't think it was yours, either."
Sarabi turned to him bearing a smile that made him take a step back from her, as the cheering and applause continued.
"It is my concern, as it should be your concern, as well - for the sake of my son's wellbeing."
"I don't understand."
Sarabi discreetly motioned down towards the dais, where Granger was stood at the podium, openly weeping with a rather fixed smile on her face. The applause didn't seem to want to end and the longer it went on, the more Granger cried and held her hand to her chest, as if deeply overwhelmed.
Draco frowned. "Granger? Granger is our concern, because...?"
Sarabi smiled knowingly.
"She is our concern because she is the perfect witch to become a Vessel for my son and break the wildness of his Djinn - only, you have to convince him of this, for he won't listen to it coming from me."
[AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have no opinion on whether a woman works or stays at home as a wife/mum, but there is a reason for this rhetoric in story and it is a plot point, not a personal commentary.
If it matters to people, the Weasley grandchildren in this story are all the same as canon, except for Ron/Hermione (for obvious AU reasons) and Harry/Ginny's children; H/G's children are: twins, James II and Sirius II, Rubeus Potter, and the baby Ginny is pregnant with will likely be Lily II. I thought the idea of (one of) the next generation of Weasley twins being named James and Sirius Potter was too adorable to pass up, while I have always been emphatically against Albus Severus being named...Albus Severus. As much as I can Snapefen sometimes - that was one of the most ludicrous things that JKR wrote and I refuse to participate in that bit of canon!OOC crack. Thus, canon Albus Severus is here named after Hagrid - who deserved to be named after more than either Dumbledore OR Snape, at the end of it.
Whatever you're thinking about the implied Ron/Lavender, you're right. The only thing that will come differently is how it unfolds. It will be...ugly, but not Weasley bashing. Not necessary in this story, for Ron's actions will speak for themselves in due time!
I'm excited to see what is thought of this rewrite and new direction of this story, as well seeing if there is any interest at that hiatus. Reviews are welcome and the next chapter will be coming soon!]