Since I have an abundance of plans for the next three days- you get your early chapter even earlier. I go straight from work to a rehearsal dinner then have a wedding and Father's Day. So no sleep til Brooklyn! Happy Father's Day to those of your celebrating. And enjoy.
Chapter 34 National Announcements
Dinner began cheerfully, reunited friends celebrating and catching up. Fleur announced her pregnancy. She was due at the end of April or the beginning of May. But the unspoken field mouse in the room grew to be an elephant by dessert. In typical Weasley twin fashion, Fred and George eventually faced it head-on. "Does anyone think there's any hope of all this not ending in violence?" asked one of the twins.
The other grimaced, "We don't want to fight against our parents or younger siblings."
"No one expects you to fight," Hermione told him calmly. The table looked at her in shock. "If the remnants of the Order of Phoenix pick a fight, Voldemort doesn't expect us to fight for him. He just wants us to honor our truce and not fight against him."
"Really?" asked George hopefully.
"Really," she promised.
"Have you decided what to do about Ron and Mum?" asked Fred.
"While the idea of ritual castration and dismemberment does soothe the savage part of my soul, it would be hypocritical to ask others to ignore the bad things others have done while demanding the streets run red with Weasley blood" she paused, "Unless they do something to provoke me again."
"Which they will as soon as they realize who you are," Tonks pointed out.
"I know, and when it happens I will be justified in what happens. I gave them a second chance, even if they don't realize it."
"You should already feel justified," Harry told her quietly. "They sacrificed your life on the altar of war for their own selfish gain. You deserve their heads on a pike and anything else you want. We also need to destroy the cult of Dumbledore."
Remus scratched his chin, "What about sharing your memories with an author?"
"Not Rita Skeeter," replied Harry bitterly.
Hermione began to snicker, eventually morphing into a full-on laugh. Neville frowned, "Everything okay, Hermione?"
She wiped her eyes, "Nothing Rita writes will ever be believed. We'll need someone else. But that is a good idea."
Fleur beamed, "I have a friend at the bank who would love to write a book. I can ask her."
"Yes, please do." Hermione clapped her hands.
Changing the subject, Remus asked the twins about the shop. Soon the duo had everyone in stitches with their antics.
Harry stayed downstairs after the others left and Hermione headed up to bed. He flipped through an old photo album of Hermione's from the first few years of Hogwarts. He jumped when a voice from the doorway startled him. "Potter." He looked over to find Flint giving him a stern stare.
"Flint," he greeted.
Marcus stalked into the room and sat across from Harry, resting his elbows on his knees. "I know Hermione welcomed you back with open arms, and that's her decision. I just want you to know, that if you hurt her again, I will end you. There will be nowhere on this planet you can hide that I will not find you. And it will not be quick or painless. You will suffer for every tear I've dried."
Harry considered his words, realizing the depth of the large man's feelings for his friend. "You love her," he stated evenly.
"More than I have ever loved anything in my life. If she suggested it I would drop quidditch tomorrow and never look back. And the knowledge that thought would never cross her mind, let alone her lips, makes me love her even more."
"Understood. I have no intentions of hurting Hermione. She made it very clear she will not tolerate such treatment again."
Marcus smirked, "Got the talking to, did ye?"
"Yep," Harry set aside the album and mirrored Marcus's body language, "though, let's be clear, if you hurt Mione, I will end you. Once she's done with you, I will make sure there is nothing left to salvage. You want to scoff, but you should know between me and Mione, I'm the better duelist. She will be more creative, but my smaller collection of spells is enough to do the job, trust me."
Marcus nodded, "Good start to being a better friend." He stood. "Night, Potter."
"Remember the silencing charms, please."
Marcus laughed, "If she doesn't put them up then she wants to torture you, and I'm not falling on that sword for you."
January 16th Hermione joined her friends in the ministry atrium for the announcement of the national team. Nora waved brightly from her spot. Percy and Esme approached as she made her way through the throng. "Headmaster Snape asked me to Hogwarts to discuss a professional opportunity. Do you know anything about it?"
"My lips are sealed," she smirked. Percy gave her a sharp look. "I've faced sociopaths, werewolves, and trolls. Do you think that look scares me?"
"Fine, you win, you have nothing to say about the matter," Percy huffed.
"Thank you. How have you been, Esme?" Hermione asked.
"I've been good, thanks. I'm super excited for Marcus. Just being on the nominated list is huge at his age."
"Adrian explained it to me, well he explained why it was amazing for him."
Esme laughed, "Sounds like Adrian."
"Have you seen your brother?" asked Hermione scanning the crowds again.
Percy pointed to a corner across the room, "Over there with his mates."
"Thanks," she waved farewell to the couple and made her way toward her boyfriend. The moment their eyes met he began heading in her direction. "Hello, sweetie."
He slipped his arm around her shoulders, "I'm glad you came. You can help keep Ades calm."
"Have we considered using Calming Draught?"
"Three vials, he's wound tighter than McGonagall's knickers."
"Don't be absurd," she swatted him. They returned the knot of people there to support the three quidditch players up for the national team. Adrian carried on fretting about the pros and cons of making the team, the advantages of not making the team, and their chances until Hermione threatened to hex him bald and impotent. "You wouldn't! How could you be so cruel?"
"Try me. I've done more for less," she glared at him. "Stop being a drama llama."
"I'll be good," Adrian said in a small voice.
"Thank fuck," responded Cassius.
Before Adrian would fuss, the Quidditch Commissioner stepped up to the podium. "Good morning. Thank you for joining us for this momentous occasion, as we announce the English team for the 1998 World Cup Series." He paused for the smattering of polite applause. "I know most of you lack the patience for speeches at the best of times," laughter interrupted him briefly. "So, let's get right to it, shall we? Beginning with the reserve team." He paused for dramatic effect. "As keeper, Eric Browning from the Catapults. For seeker, Oakley Barrett from the Falcons." Nora shouted and leapt at her husband, staggering the shocked man. "The chasers are Ivy Cooper from the Wanderers, Tam Harper from the Bangers, and Callum Scott from the Wasps. And last, but certainly not least, the reserve beaters are Graham Montague from the Arrows and Keith Hawkins from Pride of Portree." The celebratory back slaps jostled Graham. Luna gave him a sound kiss. He reacted by lifting her off her feet in a hug.
The commissioner gave the crowd a moment to calm down. "Congratulations to you all. Now onto the first string team. As keeper, Oliver Wood from Puddlemere United. As seeker, Jenny Markin from the Arrows. Our chasers are Mick Connel from the Magpies, Adrian Pucey from the Falcons, and Marcus Flint from the Falcons. And, again, last the beaters, Gwenog Jones from the Harpies and Nathan Campbell from the Kestrels. Congratulations to all our players, and good luck."
Marcus and Adrian received the same congratulations Graham did. Hermione patted Adrian before hugging Marcus tightly. Similar to Graham, he lifted her off her feet and swung her slightly. "I did it. I made the team," he whispered to her.
"Of course you did," she kissed him. "Congratulations, brute."
"Thank you, little dove." He put her down. "There's a brief team meeting, then some interviews. Then the team has plans to celebrate together."
"I'm sure I can find some way to entertain myself," she promised. "Go on."
"I'll find you," he promised.
"I suggest Yaxley's office. I'm in the ministry, he should be appearing any second now."
He laughed and pointed behind her, "Like over there?"
She glance over her shoulder, "I did send him a teasing note about Greece."
"Oh?"
"I'll let Boles send him approved updates in exchange for his services."
"When are you going?" Marcus asked.
"The next two weeks. That way you can focus on team building without worrying about neglecting me."
"Have I told you how perfect you are lately?"
"Nope, but you can now."
He hugged her again, "You are perfect. I love you."
"I know. Now, go." smiling she gave him a little push towards the rest of the team making their way from the atrium.
Nora found her before Yaxely could navigate through the crush to reach her. "Hermione! Can you believe it? Oh, Oakes is in shock. He's been making the shortlist for years."
"It's amazing. I'm so excited for all of them. They worked so hard." Hermione told her.
Yaxley arrived next to Hermione. "Hello, Miss Lestrange, Mrs. Barrett." Nora shifted her weight back and forth, trying not to fidget nervously.
Hermione gave her a reassuring smile, "Nora, this is Corbin Yaxley, we collaborate on projects from time to time."
"Hello, Mr. Yaxley."
"Pleasure to make you acquaintance, ma'am. Though speaking of collaboration, might I steal Miss Lestrange? We've been discussing a project and I expect Flint to convince her to act her age for the next few days."
"Certainly, I'll see you later, Hermione."
"You know it," Hermione gave her a brief hug. She followed Yaxely away from the throng. "My note get your attention?"
"You know it did and Boles'. What do you mean approved updates?"
"Like everyone else, you get to know what I'm willing to share. No one needs to know about Circe's descendants' sex toy collection. Nor will just anyone be allowed in. I will be controlling who has access."
"Do you have a plan for treasure hunters and property claims?"
"Bat bogey hexes or boils. Anyone who can describe items in minute details will be heard out. If prior ownership can be determined, we will discuss how the item came to be in my possession. Then we can begin negotiations for compensation."
"Why would you compensate them?" he asked confused.
"No, they will be compensating me for storage and a finder's fee. That should cut down on the exploitative types. Some people will be hexed first, but so be it," she shrugged.
"I understand why you weren't in Hufflepuff, but why not Slytherin?"
"I asked for Gryffindor," she reported primly.
"Of course you did. May I ask to be kept abreast of major discoveries and unusual items?"
"No one else gets to see the grimoires. They are for me and mine." He looked ready to protest. "Don't like it? Publish your family grimoire and I'll consider publishing mine."
"Fair enough."
"But I will allow Boles to update you of any major discoveries and the unusual."
"Thank you," he glanced at the clock. "The national team generally goes out to celebrate, may I suggest popping to a salon and getting the works. Lots of photographers tonight."
"Would you send someone to collect Nora and Luna? More fun going with someone."
Name dropping at the salon got the three of them into chairs almost immediately. Specialists styled their hair, polished their nails, and applied cosmetics. Nora looked down at her drab robes. "I don't think I have anything glamorous enough to match my hair," she chuckled dryly.
Luna looked across the street, "Okay, here are the rules: you get fifteen minutes to pick the basic outfit. Then one of us picks your shoes and the other your jewelry. We have to be walking our fully dressed in thirty minutes."
Nora looked dejected, "I really shouldn't drop that kind of money on that kind of place."
Luna took the other woman's hand, "The Quibbler can pay. I can write this up as a puff piece, thirty-minute shopping sprees. It'll be fun."
Hermione took her other hand, "Come along, next she gives you woeful puppy eyes. Few can withstand them."
"I'm outnumbered, aren't I?"
"You are," Hermione assured her, "best to just give in now."
"It seems inevitable," Nora sighed. "Let's shop."
Thirty minutes later they emerged dressed for a high-end bar outing. Nora tugged at the collar of her black skater dress. Giving it a classic feel, Luna selected pearl jewelry and Hermione paired it with white leather high-heeled Mary Janes. "Stop, you look lovely. Oakley won't know what hit him."
Hermione had matched Luna's plum-hued slip dress with a crystal choker and matching earrings. Nora picked out black Grecian sandals. Hermione's outfit proved to be the most daring. She chooses a shimmering silver chain mail tank top with a pair of low-rise boot-cut leather trousers. Luna selected black heeled Oxford boots for her. Nora found a black velvet ribbon choker with a vintage cameo broach attached to it and thick silver dangling helix earrings. "Let's go break some hearts," Luna linked her arms with the other two.
"I don't know about that, but I'm ready," giggled Nora.
They returned to the atrium to find family, friends, and mega fans of the team milling about waiting for the press junket to end. Numerous people glanced their way, turning back for a second longer look. A few simply stared. Luna leaned over to whisper to Hermione, "I always wondered what it would be like to be one of the pretty girls."
"You've always been a pretty girl, Luna. People are noticing now."
"And ironically now I don't care who's looking as long as Graham is."