.

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Thursday, 30 August 2012

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Thursday's papers were filled with news about Evan Fawley's health and his decision to withdraw his candidacy. The oldest candidate had apparently collapsed due to exhaustion and overuse of the wideye potion. The campaign had taken its toll and he had not been getting enough sleep.

His healers at St. Mungo's assured the reporters that he was fine and just needed some rest and relaxation. One healer was quoted as saying that it had been foolish for him to consider taking on the demanding position of Minister of Magic at his age.

[Harry:] Did you see about Fawley?

[Hermione:] Yes, I heard about it on the wireless last night. Poor guy.

[Harry:] He was a nice guy. But with him out of the running you have to win. I don't like the rest of them.

[Hermione:] I will do my best.

[Harry:] You better.

[Hermione:] Are you working today? Want to grab lunch.

[Harry:] Yes, I'm working and no, I can't have lunch with you today. But Ginny is available.

[Hermione:] She will have to do then. Tell her I will show up at ca quarter to twelve.

[Harry:] Ok. Was there anything you needed me for?

[Hermione:] Nothing that can't wait. Don't worry about it.

[Harry:] I'm here for you if you need me.

[Hermione:] I know. You're the best.

[Harry:] And don't you forget it.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

It had taken Harry and Ginny Potter a long time to decide where they wanted to live. After the war Harry had moved to number 12 Grimmauld place and lived there while Ginny finished Hogwarts and he completed Auror training. But Ginny had no interest in living there permanently. She had grown up at the Burrow and wanted 'a home with a quidditch pitch'.

Harry did not mind moving out of number 12 Grimmauld place, and although he said he didn't care where they lived he turned out to have a lot of opinions on where he did not want to live. He wanted some privacy after the war so living in the middle of a magical community was not an option. At the same time he did not want to feel isolated or out of the loop. He wanted some muggle comforts, like electricity, TV and a microwave, but he also wanted to be able to practice magic so living amongst muggles might not work. Ginny got quite irritated at one point and people still talked about the day she aimed a bludger right at him and broke his arm.

Money was not a problem, since Kingsley made sure Harry was amply compensated for his "services to wizardkind". They had more money than they could possibly spend in several lifetimes. But finding the right place was difficult. With the casualties of the war there were several magical homes available, but Harry did not want any of them. These were either the homes of his fallen friends, the homes of his enemies or, as was mostly the case, the homes of those he felt he failed to save because it had taken him so long to finally beat Voldemort.

They ended up living at number 12 Grimmauld place for almost a year after their wedding before they found their future home. It was a large muggle property in what was now South Downs National Park. The house was big, and lay far in on the property so it could not be seen by any passing muggles. On top of that there was a forest covering large parts of their land, which protected them from prying muggle eyes. After some deliberation and a whole lot of outrageous ideas from friends and relatives they decided to call it the Fourth Hallow, and a whole lot of Weasleys had spent almost an entire summer helping them to fix and rebuild the property. The end result was charming, welcoming and fitted them perfectly.

Ginny had become pregnant with James in the fall of 2003, wich rather effectively ended her quidditch career. At the time she had plans to return to quidditch once she stopped breastfeeding, but she had found out she was pregnant with Albus before James was a year and a half. It was very apparent that she was as fertile as her mother before her when Lilly had joined the group two years after that.

But Ginny's love of quidditch had made sure their property included a large quidditch pit with changing rooms and broom closets that could hold upto 50 brooms. Harry got a large bruise on his upper arm when he asked her exactly how many quidditch teams she was expecting them to have. Not that he minded. He loved his large family and was always ecstatic when Ginny announced another one on the way. Ginny was usually the less enthusiastic one. She loved all her kids, but she hated being compared to her mother.

But the quidditch pitch was in good use. Ginny had teamed up with Alicia Spinnet and together they had opened a quidditch school for kids. They held 8 week courses in the fall and in the spring for kids that were not old yet old enough to go to Hogwarts. The younger group got training brooms limited to the height of 1,5 meter while the 8-10 year olds got to fly upto 3 meters. During the summer the Hogwarts students could sign up for a 4 week course using real brooms. Space was limited and the courses were always fully booked.

When Hermione arrived at Fourth Hallow she found Lilly and Ginny in the kitchen. Lilly was finishing up her sandwich and Ginny was fuzzing over something on the stove that smelled divine.

"You stole my new house elves yesterday."
"I am truly sorry. I momentarily forgot they were here helping you."
"They said you had needed help at Nott manor."

"Yes. Just moving some furniture."
"Since when are you and Nott such good friends that you are helping him redecorate."
"I don't know. I guess it is this whole election thing. I have been hanging out quite a bit with the snakes lately."

"Ditching us for the cool kids, eh?"
"Something like that. You just puke when I try to hang out with you."
"Oh, don't even joke about that. I hate these first months."

"Have you told Harry yet?"
"It is hard to hide when you sneak off to the bathroom several times per night to empty your already empty stomach."
"You poor thing. Isn't there anything anyone can do to help?"
"My mum has a magic cure but she is out of reach at the moment and there is no way I am going to interrupt their cruise for this. She would come storming in here fussing about and being her usual insufferable self."

"You miss her."
"Of course I do, but that does not mean I am not allowed to enjoy a little silence before the storm."

Ginny waved her wand and levitated two plates of pasta with sauce onto the table in front of them.

"When are you going to tell them?"
"Well I was going to make the announcement on Sunday but there is no way I am taking any attention away from the Ron situation. I am totally going to have his head for dating a snake for eight months without telling anyone. And seriously. Pansy of all people! Does he not remember how insufferable she was at Hogwarts?"
"Oh, be kind. They are cute together."
"Seriously? You're Ok with this?"

"I like Pansy."
"I thought that was just something the Prophet made up."
"No. We're friends."

"Since when?"
"Since I actually took a moment to talk to her."
"What is up with you being all pro-snake?"

"You should talk to Pannsy. She has some excellent arguments on why 'the children of the war" as she puts it should stick together. Something about how we never got an opportunity to choose a side in the war because we just inherited a side in a war that started before we were born. And she is right you know. None of that gang could have walked around Hogwarts saying they supported Dumbledore. It just wasn't an option for them."

"No, I suppose not."

"Just give her a chance."
"Can I still chop Ron's head off?"
"If you want to, but I might try to fend off the attacks. I am firmly for this relationship. Ron deserves some happiness for once. But I do reserve the right to chop his head off if he screws this up."
"You are weird sometimes."
"Spending time with the snakes, has made me realise that they are decent people and that the magical community is being extremely unfair towards them."
"They were bullies the lot of them"
"Exactly: Were! Past tense. And how does it help anyone to bully them back now?"
"Makes me feel better to know that they are suffering a little bit."
"No it doesn't. If we are going to find lasting peace, then there has to be friendship and acceptance. The Voldemort supporters all had to face the orbs and come to terms with their own prejudices. Realise that muggles are just people and that magic or money does not make them better than the rest. They have learned to treat people with some resemblance of respect at least."

"Whop-di-doo for them."
"Well that is just half the problem though. Now we have to tackle the prejudices of the rest of the magical community. What good is their repentance if everyone still determined to shun them? It will just lead to a divided community, again, and mistrust, again, and animosity, again."
"So the snakes are your new house elves and you want everyone to be nice to them."
"Yes, basically."
"You are hopeless you know. Now the rich and famous pureblood's are the underdog and you feel compelled to help them. Is this Malfoy's doing? Is he still assisting you with your campaign? Whispering propaganda about the poor ex-Death Eaters in your ear?"

"Don't prove my point by being mean, Ginny."

"That is not a no, Hermione. What is going on between you and Malfoy."
"I don't know, Ginny. I kept waiting for him to show his true colours, to be underhanded, to lie to me, or betray me in any way, but he hasn't. Instead I am getting to know a whole new person who has the misfortune of being cursed with the Malfoy face and all that comes with being a Malfoy. He barely says a word in any public situation because of fear that people with throw curses or tomatoes at him. I mean, seriously. What is wrong with people?"

"I know a curse or two that would look good on his face."
"Stop it Ginny. He may have been an annoying little git at school but we know he had a hard time during the war and now he has been approved by the orbs so I am starting to think this new person is the real him."

"I should check you for a confundus charm. You almost sound like you like him."
"Well. There may have been a little flirting."
"Hermione!"

"Oh, stop judging me. Not everyone is happily married to the saviour of the world popping out kids as if there is a shortage of students at Hogwarts."
"Now that is just mean."
"Sorry, Ginny. You know I love you."
"And I love you too, Hermione. But I seriously! Malfoy? I hope you are not going to end up as lady of Malfoy Manor."
"Never in a million years. That place should be burned to the ground."

"So you haven't completely lost your mind."
"Not yet, no."
"I have several brothers you haven't dated yet. I could probably convince Charlie to dump Anita for you."
"Don't be gross"

"You sort of look similar, you and Anita. With a little polyjuice little Margaret will never even notice she has a new mummy."

"Stop it Ginny. I am done dating your brothers."
"Too bad. I was kind of hoping you and George would end up together. Save him from himself."

"I know. I mean, of course I love the guy, but we are just better as friends I think. I'm not the one he needs. I think he is just going to have to find a way save himself somehow. Either that or we just have to accept him as the serial-dating playboy with commitment phobia."

"This behaviour can not seriously make him happy."
"We have talked about this. Let's not judge him. He used to be half of a whole and lost that connection. He is who he is."
"So it's Malfoy for you then?"
"I don't know. Probably not. A little flirting does not mean anything is going to happen."

"Who is flirting with whom? You with him, he with you or both?"

"I don't know. It's all pretty innocent really."

"Will you let me know when it gets not so innocent? I can't say I like the little git, but I do like a good gossip."

"Well Daphne and Alexey Greengrass are going to host another gala and I got you on the guest list. You can do your own observations there and let me know what you think."

"Sounds like fun. When?"

"I don't know. She hadn't decided when I talked to her yesterday."
"So you and Daphne are hanging out too?"
"I am basically an honorary member of Slytherin house by now, I think.

"Where is the world coming to."

"Enough about the snakes. Tell me what is happening here. How is Albus adjusting to muggle school?"

This was the first term for Albus at the local muggle school. Harry had wanted his kids to get to know the local muggle kids and Ginny had not minded the plan, because it meant she would not have to home school them. So every morning at 8 she drove them to school in their little Volkswagen Polo and then went to pick them up at two. Albus had apparently made a couple of friends already and wanted to bring them home. Ginny was a bit nervous about this, but knew she had to give in eventually.

Hermione stayed about an hour, but eventually she had to go back to Purple Palace to hand out purple cupcakes and answer silly questions like "What was it like to destroy a horcrux?" or "Are you still friends with Harry Potter?" or some other equally ridiculous question that had nothing to do with her qualifications to become minister of magic.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

[Draco:] Have you given any thought to Saturday?

[Hermione:] What about Saturday?

[Draco:] The Hogwarts Express leaves at 11 am and you need to be there.

[Hermione:] You are probably right.

[Draco:] Family values, bright young witches and wizards, hopes of the future and all that.

[Hermione:] Try not to sound too enthusiastic.

[Draco:] Do you have any kid you can borrow?

[Hermione:] Kids are generally not something you borrow when you want to be a parent for a day.

[Draco:] Well, making one the traditional way takes a bit long, but we could give it a try.

[Hermione:] We are about twelve years too late for that to work before Saturday, so no.

[Draco:] Then a fake kid will have to do.

[Hermione:] A fake kid? Like a paper cut out?

[Draco:] You know what I mean.

[Hermione:] Harry is probably taking Teddy. And I bet Ron is seeing Annabel off. I'll shadow them.

[Draco:] Sounds like an excellent plan B, now that you have vetoed plan A.

[Hermione:] What is Septima Vector doing with regards to her teaching?

[Draco:] I believe her daughter is substituting for her this term. I could find out if it's important.

[Hermione:] Not important. Just curious. I am re-reading her autobiography.

[Draco:] I have gossip.

[Hermione:] Do you want to share?

[Draco:] Theo is somewhere with Emily. He said we would grab dinner together but he never showed.

[Hermione:] That's a good thing, right?

[Draco:] Yea, its good. It just means I am bored.

[Hermione:] You poor thing. I can send you the draft to my next reflections article.

[Draco:] Sure. Gives me something to do at least.

[Hermione:] It is not in great shape. I was going to rewrite it before sending it to you.

[Draco:] But I am bored now, so it will have to do.

[Hermione:] Let me just see if my owl is around.

[Draco:] Your owl is rude. Always bites me.

[Hermione:] Really?

[Draco:] I barely have any fingers left.

[Hermione:] You are exaggerating.

[Draco:] A bit. Did I mention that I'm bored.

[Hermione:] Owl is not here. You will have to read something else.

[Draco:] Just invite me over and then I can read your article over there.

[Hermione:] Draco, would you like to come over here and read with me?

[Draco:] Yes please.

[Hermione:] I'm in the library.

[Draco:] Of course you are.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

Hermione's chair again got stretched into a couch as Draco sat down beside her, got comfortable and started reading her work. Occasionally he commented on something but mostly he just scribbled on the margins and let her read her book in peace. She had to admit that she didn't mind having him there. When he was done with her article he just accioed a book from a nearby shelf, put his feet up and started reading.

They stayed like that for a little while. Finally Hermione closed her book. Draco looked up over his own book as she asked;

"Have you eaten yet?"

"No, I was sort of waiting for Theo. I could eat."

"Do you want me to ask the house elves to bring something or should we go to the pub around the corner?"

"Pub around the corner sounds good."

"Or we could pick up Indian and bring it back here."

"Even better."

And so they did. Hermione called a nearby Indian place and ordered some Vegetable Samosa, Paneer Tikka, Bombay Aloo, rice and some Peshwari Naan. It was obvious that this was not the first time she ordered from there. Then they left via the front door and started walking.

"So what's new with you?"

"Well, I shut down the laundry business."

"Oh? Starting a shoe shining business instead?"

"No. It was just time. Two of the house elves, Miffy and Crux, moved in with Harry and Ginny to help them with the kids. I'm going to see if I can convince them to stay there. And Spike and Toad are baking a whole lot of purple cupcakes these days so it would be too much to have them doing laundry on top of that."

"Makes sense. Do you need Batty to help out with the baking? I'm sure she would."

"I think we're Ok, but I can tell Spike to ask her for help if he needs any."

"Do that."

"How long have you had Batty?"

"She's been in the family her whole life. She's actually Dobby's little sister. You remember Dobby?"

"Of course. The only elf who ever wanted to wear my knitted elf clothes."

"Oh, yea. He ended up at Hogwarts for a while. That's right."

Draco suddenly looked serious. "Of course you knew him. He was the one to save you from the manor that night. I forgot about that. I'm sorry."

"Yes. You know, he died that night. Bellatrix got him with that knife of hers."

They went quiet at that. When they reached the restaurant Hermione was about to go in when Draco grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"I really am sorry. About all of it."

He had a tortured look on his face. Hermione stepped down to him and faced him.

"I know. And for what it's worth; I forgive you. It's the only way to move on. War is war and horrible things happen during war. Rehashing endlessly what people did or didn't do is no way to live. The anger and pain will eat you from the inside. You should try it too forgive yourself. Leave the past in the past and just move on."

"Easier said than done."

"I know. Come on. Let's get the food."

Half an hour later they sat in Hermione's kitchen. There was plenty of food left but they were completely full. They had pointedly turned the conversation away from war after getting the food. Discussing the upcoming elections and the inner workings of the ministry seemed much safer.

Suddenly Draco's fred gave a pling.

"It's Theo wondering where I am."
"Probably wants to tell you all about his evening."
"You are confusing us with a couple of giggling teenage witches. I doubt he will comment on where he was, what he was up to or who he was with."
"You never know. Maybe you are about to get a 3 hour lecture on how wonderful Emily is."

"I better get going then. Wouldn't want to miss that."

"Let me know how it goes."
"I will. Thanks for the food."

"Thanks for the company."

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Saturday, 1 September 2012

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Platform 9 and 3/4 was filled with excited students returning to Hogwarts, nervous first year students, nostalgic parents thinking back to their own days at Hogwarts and the occasional muggle parent with complete awe and a little fear on their faces. Hermione was feeling quite nostalgic herself. Hogwarts had been her home during her formative years and she loved the place. Being here with Harry and Ron brought back the good memories. The days spent laughing, the lessons on magic, the sense of belonging, the library and even the quidditch games.

Luna and Rolf were there and together with Ron they made sure Annabel got her things onto the train. Teddy refused any such help. He just thanked Harry for the ride, gave him a quick hug and then he was off to find his friends. Harry and Hermione stood there observing the scene and talking a bit about old times. Before long the clock struck eleven and the train started moving. Suddenly you could see the hoard of parents fighting for the best spot to catch a last glimpse of a beloved child. Fathers were holding mothers with tears in their eyes as the kids leaned out the windows of the Hogwarts Express and waved their goodbyes. It was all very emotional.

The Hogwarts express was barely out of sight when people were taking out their freds. Some were reading messages from their kids and others were composing messages about whatever they had not managed to say face to face. Hermione was proud of her invention. She would have appreciated being able to be in more contact with her parents during her time at Hogwarts, and maybe Sirius would still be alive if he and Harry could have chatted back then. Communication is important. It suddenly hit her that she should do a Reflection article about just this moment here on the platform. Draco would probably veto the title "Reflections on the importance of communication" but he could then come up with a better title himself.

"So what do parents do now when the kids are off to school?" Hermione asked the gang.

"Some of us still have kids at home to entertain us," came from Harry.

"And some of us are expecting an addition to the family." was Rolf's reply.

Luna smiled, and the trio hugged her and gave both of them their gratulations. Hermione heard the unmistakable sound of a picture being taken and briefly wondered what headline they would invent to accompany the picture.

"We should celebrate. Do you all want to come to Forth Hollow? I know Ginny would love to hear the news."

They all agreed to Harry's invitation to lunch and went to line up for the floo. A floo connection to Kings Cross was not a new addition although of the lot of them only Luna had used it as a kid. The fireplace was both very old and very small. Hermione and Harry had grown up with muggles so they hadn't even known about it as children. The Weasley family had too many children with too much luggage to even consider using it and the same had been true for Rolf and his siblings. As an only child with limited luggage Luna had however almost always arrived to Kings Cross via the floo.

Harry had warned Ginny while they were in the que so there was food on the table and three kids impatiently waiting to be allowed to dig in. George was there too. Luna and Rolf made their announcement again and after a quick glance between Harry and Ginny, Harry announced that they were also expecting an addition or two to the family. Luna and Ginny were ecstatic about being able to do this together this time around. Luna was expecting hers about a month before Ginny was due, but it was close enough.

"Before I forget," Hermione said during dinner. "Did everyone get their invitation to the Greengrass gala on Monday?"

"Yes, it came with an owl this morning."
"We were somewhat surprised to be on the guest list." Luna chimed in. "We were never friends with Daphne."
"I added you to the guest list. I hope that's Ok."
"Of course, Hermione. I haven't been to a gala dinner in years."
"Let's just hope I don't throw up all over the floor," Ginny muttered.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

Hermione needed to get back to Purple Palace after lunch. Harry got up to hug her goodbye and quietly asked her if she still needed to talk to him about anything.

"Yes, I do. I have a favour to ask. But now is not the time. Maybe we can grab lunch someday soon?"
"Sounds like a plan. I'll message you about it."

George obviously needed to talk to her too because he offered to walk her out, claiming he also needed to go to Diagon for something or other at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Taking the hint they left via the front door instead of taking the floo. They could apparate from the other side of the quidditch pitch.

"So, what's up George."

"Just wanted to tell you that you look pretty today."

"Ok, tell me how things are at the office then."

"Fine. Probably. I haven't been there much lately. With the Hogwarts rush it's all about selling the stuff and not about product development. So, I have just been making sure the shelves are stocked and counting the money."

"Are you making me rich?"

"Always, my dear."

"Good, good. And now that we are out of earshot of the house; What's up George?"

"Well, you looked slightly pale back there. Like you weren't quite happy about the baby-fest. You're not pregnant are you?"
"No, George. I'm not pregnant. Don't you worry."
"Just checking. Never hurts to make sure."
"What makes you think it would be yours?"
"Good point. What do I know about who you have chained up in your bedroom."

"You know I've never really been into chains."
"I know. I know. I'm the kinky one."

"What about you? How are things going with flower girl."
"Well, I know her name now."
"And?"
"Her name is Iris. And she is rather sweet. I'm actually thinking of being faithful to her for a while. If that's ok with you."

"George! You don't need my permission to fall in love."

"Well, I haven't been serious about anyone since you. And we are partners and all. I just wouldn't want things to become weird between us."
"Listen to me. I'm very happy for you if she is making you happy. How about that? You and me will be fine. We are much better as friends anyway and we should have stopped this whole casual sex thing ages ago anyway."

"Probably. But we didn't, so things are the way they are."
"Well now Iris is giving us a reason to stop. It's a good thing, really."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure. Stop worrying about me."
"It will probably all fall apart and by the time I realise my mistake you will have found someone else and I will be left all alone."
"Or, maybe you and Iris will find something worth holding on to. Don't doom it before it even starts.. Ok?"
"I guess."
"No, seriously George. Do this for me. If you have found someone to take a chance on, give it all you've got and don't hold back."

"When did you get so smart?"
"Who knows. Maybe I just appear smart because the general population lacks all common sense."

"You're really ok?"
"Yes. I am very ok."
"And you'll be nice to her?"
"Of course. You know I love you, George, and anything that makes you happy makes me happy too."

"And you're sure you're not pregnant?"
"I'm very sure."

"You know I would leave her for you if you were."
"No need. I reall am fine. Although I guess you could do me one favour."
"Anything."
"Don't get Iris pregnant for at least a year. There will be enough baby bumps in my field of view without you adding to it."
"No problem. Iris is the type that would insist on a marriage before a baby bump. She's rather traditional."

"I really hope it works out for the two of you."

"Me too."

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

[Draco:] How did it go with the Hogwarts Express?

[Hermione:] Fine I guess..

[Draco:] You don't sound too thrilled.

[Draco:] Are you Ok?

[Hermione:] Sure.

[Draco:] Not very convincing. Want to talk about it?

[Hermione:] Not really.

[Draco:] Ok.

[Hermione:] I got an idea for a new Reflections peace.

[Draco:] Which is?

[Hermione:] 'Communication'. All the parents reached for their freds as soon as they lost sight of the train.

[Draco:] That could work.

[Hermione:] You should come up with a catchy name for it.

[Draco:] Ok.

[Draco:] Are you sure you don't want to talk about whatever it is? Did I do something?

[Hermione:] No, it's not you.

[Draco:] What is it then?

[Hermione:] I don't know. I guess it's just a little hard when everyone around you is drowning in happiness.

[Draco:] I see.

[Hermione:] Basically everyone I know is pregnant. Three new brats to be born next spring.

[Draco:] And all you are doing is becoming Minister of Magic. You are such a failure.

[Hermione:] Oh, I don't mind the lack of babies. It will come when it comes.

[Draco:] But you are still bummed out?

[Hermione:] I am just out of sync with my friends. There will be nothing but diaper-talk for the next few months.

[Draco:] You can always hang out with us instead.

[Hermione:] I suppose that is an option.

[Draco:] Don't sound so depressed. We are not that bad.

[Hermione:] No, you are not.

[Draco:] Oh! Please don't tell me Pansy is pregnant!

[Hermione:] Who knows. With my luck both her and Daphne are expecting too.

[Draco:] Ok. Who exactly is pregnant?

[Hermione:] Luna and Rolf Scamander announced their new bundle of joy. And Ginny and Harry are expecting twins.

[Draco:] Wow. More Potters? Doesn't he have a million kids already.

[Hermione:] Pretty much.

[Draco:] I guess that is to be expected when you marry a Weasley.

[Hermione:] Pretty much.

[Draco:] But you are still bummed out?

[Hermione:] Pretty much.

[Draco:] Please say something else so I know your fred isn't broken.

[Hermione:] Pretty much.

[Draco:] Are you messing with me?

[Hermione:] Pretty much.

[Draco:] Do you dream about me at night?

[Hermione:] No.

[Draco:] Gotcha!

[Hermione:] Sorry. That was just too easy.

[Draco:] Just tell me why you are bummed out.

[Hermione:] I don't know. I'll be fine tomorrow. I'm just taking a moment to be a bit down.

[Draco:] Should you be alone right now? You sound seriously depressed.

[Hermione:] I'm fine. Just hormonal. That time of the month.

[Draco:] I see.

[Hermione:] It will pass. Don't worry.

[Draco:] Just out of curiosity: If you really want kids then why don't you have some already?

[Hermione:] I guess I am a romantic. You know. Forever and ever and all that.

[Draco:] Not into single parenting?

[Hermione:] Definitely not. Need to find a guy willing to stick around before considering such things.

[Draco:] Sounds like a good attitude to have.

[Hermione:] Parenting is a two person project in my opinion. This isn't the eighteen hundreds.

[Draco:] No, it definitely isn't.

[Hermione:] Have you ever thought about it? Having kids and all.

[Draco:] I don't know if I want to curse a kid with the Malfoy name and legacy.

[Hermione:] You could always do like Alexey and take the wife's last name. Could become a trend.

[Draco:] I suppose I could. Assuming anyone would ever agree to marry me.

[Hermione:] None of that self loathing tonight. I'm too bummed out to do a pep-talk for you.

[Draco:] Aww. Want a hug?

[Hermione:] Maybe tomorrow. I'm just going to go sleep now.

[Draco:] Ok. Sweet dreams.

[Hermione:] One can always hope. Good night Draco.

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Sunday, 2 September 2012

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Molly Weasley had gotten a tan. An actual tan that looked a little out of place with her red hair. There might have been magic involved there but no one made any comment about that. They all just hugged her and told her she looked great.

When Hermione arrived at the burrow Molly was sitting at the head of the table telling stories of her travels to Charlie, Anita, Bill, Fleur and George. Harry and Ginny arrived moments after her and they all sat down to listen while the kids ran around playing hide and seek.

Hermione sat herself down besides George.

"No Iris today?"

"Oh, I wouldn't want to spoil the main event. I'll bring her next week."

"That seems to be the general consensus around here."

"You mean my dear sister populating the planet? Or is there more?"

"No, that's what I meant."

Molly was talking about some Greek island they had visited and how the food had been and how she now wanted to experiment more with Greek cuisine. Her children were nodding in all the right places, but it was probably only Anita who showed any real interest. Percy arrived alone and told them his toddler had developed a fever yesterday so Penelope was at home sleeping with him now after a rather restless night.

This distracted Molly from her stories of sun, sand and food and she started interrogating Percy about her grandchild which then lead to her retelling stories about how she had handled it when her own children fell sick. Stories they had all heard a thousand times. To Percy's great releaf Anita managed to nudge Molly back onto the topic of her vacation.

When Arthur had made sure food was on the table he took a seat besides Harry and the two of them struck up their own conversation about boats and muggle means of travel in general. But the conversation quickly quieted when they saw Ron and Pansy enter the greenhouse holding hand. When the silence was complete, a red faced Ron announced. "Everyone. I would like to introduce my girlfriend, miss Pansy Parkinson."

Pansy raised her hand and waved into the stunned silence. Harry, Ginny, George and Hermione waited for some sort of reaction from the rest of the family who seemed completely stunned at the appearance of the former slytherin. But before Ron's head could be chopped off everyone attention was diverted to Ginny who suddenly turned around and emptied her stomach on the floor.

It was Charlie who was quickest on the uptake. "Well, well, well, little sister. Is that a baby bump I see on you… again?"

"Ginny! Are you really pregnant again? What wonderful news?" came from Molly then as everyone started talking. Ginny had to admit that she was indeed expecting twins and the family cheered. Actually cheered! There were "hooray" and "congratulations" for both her and Harry. The kids joined in and James, Albus and Lily got their own share of congratulations.

Ron and Pansy managed to quietly take a seat and grab some food while everyone fussed about Ginny. Pansy sat herself between Hermione and Ron, and just did her best not to be noticed.

"Is it always this chaotic," she asked Hermione.

"It is usually worse I would say. This family never runs out of drama."
"I bet. I am not even sure I recognize everyone. Who's that over there?"
"That's Anita, Charlie's other half. She is a magical zoologist specializing in dragons. They are mad about dragons the both of them. Live in Sweden at the moment, I think. The blond six year old behind the apple tree is theirs. Margaret."

"Ok. I am not even going to try memorizing the names of the brats yet. Stick to one challenge at a time here."
"Good plan. I am losing count, especially now with Ginny expecting two."

"So you are not babysitter number one?"

"No, that would be Molly."

"Am I expected to call her Molly?"

"Probably."

"Fun."

"Is she going to eat me alive?"
"Hard to say. She has weird opinions sometimes. Almost hexed me in fourth year when the Prophet reported on me braking Harry's heart."

"Oh, right. Sorry about that. I think that one was mine."

"Figures."

"By the way. Me and Daphne were talking about going shopping on Tuesday. Want to come?"
"Wizard or Muggle?"
"Probably start in Diagon and then move out into muggle London."
"Sure count me in. Although I reserve the right to hex you if either one of you tells me they are pregnant. Quite enough of that going on already."
"So no blond babies on the way?"

"I hate you."
"Truth hurts."

"You shouldn't alienate your only ally three minutes before the war."

"Any advice before the battle commences?"
"Try to be polite?"
"That's horrible advice. Here I was hoping for you to tell me their weaknesses and where to aim my curses."

"How about this: Stand by your man. No matter how ugly it gets, just count to ten and let him handle it. Don't even think about leaving before the bitter end. If Ron asks if you would like to stay for quidditch then say yes. It is much better to let them all get it out of their system rather than letting it fester and having to face it later. And no fighting back. Just take the hits and nod your head politely. You can scream and yell next time when you have been accepted as one of them. But just this once, let them have the upper hand. Remind yourself that it's a one time thing. They need to see that you are serious and they are not going to get rid of you. Me and Harry will stay close and referee the match to make sure it doesn't get out of hand. As long as we are not screaming you have nothing to worry about."

"Thanks for having my back, Hermione."

Two hours later, as both Hermione and Harry were screaming about injustices in the magical community and every single curse of the war was being dragged up and used as an argument in an increasingly confusing verbal fight, Pansy found herself clutching the hand of a screaming Ron and counting to ten over and over again.

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Later that night Draco's owl came by Villa Villekulla and left a parcel with Hermione. Instead of finding notes on her latest article or a book on politics, as she was expecting, she opened the parcel to find fine dark chocolate. The attached note was unsigned and simply said;

"I've heard rumours that chocolate can cure depression. It's worth a try at least."

She smiled.