Last chapter I lacked the time or energy to double check the marriage agreement, I have expanded on the plans to fix that. Cheers. Enjoy the chapter and since the planet has decided to have a heatwave, stay hydrated.
Chapter 41 February into March
Rabastan took Penny to Gringotts the next day and explained, that her family was supposed to pay for the wedding, so any bills sent to this vault were to be covered up to three galleons and then sent onto the Clearwater family vault for completion. "The most important thing to take from this is do not cross your future niece, she is diabolical and willing to play a long game."
"She seems familiar, I know I know her from somewhere."
"She was adopted, you know." He said quietly. She kept her first name. Though her hair darkened and eyes turned from brown to steel."
Penny considered it for a moment, "Are you saying Hermione Lestrange was Hermione Granger?" she whispered the last part. Rabastan merely looked at her. "I promise I won't tell anyone."
"It isn't a secret per se, but we don't advertise it."
"I'll follow the family lead," she promised.
Bright sunshine warmed England and the Chudley Cannons stadium the morning of the first English match in the World Cup. Wanting Oakley's sons to get to see at least one match, Hermione asked Lucius to book her another box. She informed the rest of the group that the Barretts were her guest first and foremost, and they had to be okay with the children's inclusion to join her. Theo had given her a very confused look and voiced the group's confusion. "Not everyone likes kids on their best behavior, let alone when hyped up for an event like this. If someone isn't going to enjoy sitting with them they should make other arrangements. That way everyone enjoys the match."
"That's truly thoughtful," he praised.
"I try," she dimpled at him.
She met Nora and the boys at their house, refusing to let Nora floo or apparate into that excitement with a six and four-year-old by herself. Each wore an English jersey with Oakley's name and number. Nora carried a small knapsack. "Some toys and blankets in case the match runs long. And their favorite snack in case they don't like the food."
"Uncle Lucius assured me he informed the staff two of the ticket holders were small children, but I agree, better safe than sorry." Hermione grinned at the boys, "Who's piggybacking with me?"
Ethan leapt at her, "Me, cause I cleaned my toys faster than Nathan."
"Good job," she scooped the small boy up. "Hold on tight." His tiny arms tightened, as she squeezed back. She turned on her heels smiling at Nora as she went. At the stadium, she transferred him to her shoulders, "Look for Luna, please."
Moments later, "There, I see Luna, over there. Luna!" Ethan waved with both hands. Noticing him, Luna returned his greeting and enthusiasm. The two women made their way through the throngs to the rest of the group.
"Is everyone here, or nearly here?" Hermione asked
"Just waiting on Clearwater," Peregrine informed her.
"Wait no longer," the witch in question announced cheerfully. "Thank you for including me."
"You're about to be family," Hermione told her.
"And thank you for giving Bas the idea to appease my parents until it is too late."
"I'm here to help you get as close to your dream wedding as we can get. Though if you really want to get your parents, wait until they've paid for everything then elope."
Penny laughed, "You would have been an amazing Slytherin. Bas told me about the adoption when I mentioned you looked familiar. Don't worry, my lips are sealed."
Hermione nodded in acknowledgment, then turned to the rest of the group, "Who's ready to watch England win?" The group cheered. "Lead on, Draco," she commanded. They followed the blond up the deluxe box. Hermione lowered Ethan to the floor, he ran to his mother and brother.
A wizard in an orange uniform appeared, "Welcome, Malfoy party. My name is Nigel. I, and my coworkers, Matthew and Sarah, are at your disposal today. We have a snack bar here for the younger guests stocked with some fun snacks and some choices to please mum. The taller table has more adult fare. The bar is stocked for all guests from pumpkin juice and butterbeers, to champagne and fire whiskey."
Noting the mutinous looks on the boys' faces, Draco rubbed his hands together, "Potter, Nott, pumpkin juice?"
Not missing a beat, Blaise agreed, "Oi, Longbottom, pumpkin juice?" Neville nodded. The Italian turned to the bartender, "A round of pumpkin juice for all the boys." Both Ethan and Nathan perked up at the idea of being one of the big boys.
Seated near the rail, Hermione watched the group interact. Nora, Luna, and Vanessa helped Nora's boys organize their snacks. Alexandria talked to Harry and Neville discussing gods knew what before joining Draco, Blaise, and Cassius to talk about the betting pool. Theo and Penny both fixed plates. Peregrine sat next to her. "Ready for this?" he asked.
"Of course. Do you think the press has discovered my new portable privacy wards, yet?"
Peregrine laughed, "I wondered why you were sitting so close to the rail this early on."
"I might consider allowing them a photo later on if they behave."
"Behave?" he questioned.
"Don't invade our space or ask stupid questions," answered Hermione.
A blast of music announced the beginning of the match. The brightly colored Brazilian team burst from their waiting area. Flaming boitata writhed across the pitch creating fascinating patterns. The music changed and fairies filled the air as the English team took the field. Harry held Ethan on his shoulders as they cheered. The reserve players flew past, Oakley waved at them. Graham blew Luna a kiss. The reservists joined the coaches on the bench. England took command of the field and quickly took the lead. They dominated the gameplay. As Hermione made her way over to the buffet to fix a plate when the announcer declared substitutions for the English team. She smiled to hear that both Graham and Oakley would get to play. It wasn't a complete change of the bench but would give some of the players a nice break. Wisely, Hermione sat a short distance from the rather hyper and excited Barrett boys, who were jumping up and down. Their antics made the adults laugh. She ate while listening to the commentary.
The English chaser kept up the pressure on the Brazilian defense. But the game dragged on for hours. Rubbing his eyes, Nathan climbed up onto a padded bench for a nap. While refusing to sleep, Ethan did lean into Harry who was explaining the game to him.
At the six hour mark, both teams changed the lineup, fresh players livening up the action for a time. At the eighth hour Harry looked over at Hermione, "Makes you miss time limits, doesn't it?"
"Yep," she leaned against him. "Why are you so bony?"
"So many possibilities," he joked, "who knows." Vanessa leaned against Harry's other side. "Are you comfy?"
"No," they replied in unison.
Before Harry could retort, the commentator grew excited, "Barrett has seen the snitch, the race is on." They jumped to their feet and hurried to the rail, cheering loudly. "Barrett has caught the snitch! Ladies and gentlemen, England has won the first round of the World Cup playoffs!"
Fatigue completely forgot the group hugged each other and celebrated. Nigel appeared at the back of the box, "Excuse me, would Mrs. Barrett, Mrs. Montague, and Miss Lestrange please come with me to the team's box?"
"Of course," Nora began collecting the boys' things.
Harry stopped her, "Take the boys and go celebrate, I'll get their stuff and get it to Hermione tomorrow."
"Thank you, thank you so much."
"Yes, now go," Harry shooed her.
Luna and Hermione each took one of Ethan's hands to help steer the sleep, but excited, little boy. Nora followed carrying a drowsy Nathan. Nigel led them through several service corridors "to avoid the crush and take a more direct route." He ushered them into the family box seconds before the team entered followed by the press.
Ethan dropped their hands and ran forward with a cry of "Daddy!"
Oakley scooped him up into his arms before engulfing Nathan and Nora in a family embrace. Graham spun Luna in a circle, her head thrown back in laughter. Hermione glances around at the celebrating knots, looking for Adrian or Marcus. She felt someone come up behind her and spun reaching for her wand. "Whoa, there. Steady."
"Sorry," she mumbled.
"Yeah, too soon to be sneaking up on you like that."
"Congratulation, brute. You lot gave no mercy."
"Maybe that will teach the Brazilians not to trash talk so much."
"Doubtful." She placed a hand on his shoulder and when he sloughed down, kissed his cheek. "Still, good job."
"Why thank you, little dove." Aware that others were being more exuberant with their displays, he chuckled. "We must be boring the press."
"Hardly, once they notice this boulder on my finger."
He frowned, "I thought you liked it?"
"I love it. But isn't hard to miss. Even if they don't see it tonight, one photographer takes the right shot and our engagement gets announced in a sports magazine."
"You sound like you enjoin the idea."
"Someone disinclined to speculate or gossip? I adore the idea," she told him.
"Excuse me?" a quiet voice interrupted. They turned to look in the direction of the source. A tall thin brunette stood holding a notepad. She gave them a hopeful smile. "Charlotte Harper, Quidditch Today. Could I trouble you for a quote, Mr. Flint?"
He released his hold on Hermione, wrapping one arm around her shoulders, "Sure."
"How do you feel about the team's performance today?" she asked.
"Pretty good, we've been working on team building. And that's what we displayed today, teamwork. No one was the star, we passed the quaffle, blocked the bludgers, and eventually hunted down the snitch." He gave her a grin.
She chuckled, "It certainly was a long match. Can we expect teamwork and an aggressive style of play in the future?"
Marcus rubbed the back of his neck, "The coaches will be tailoring our play based on the next opponent. I'm excited for the next one."
"Thank you, Mr. Flint, Miss Lestrange. And may I congratulate you on your engagement?"
"Thank you," Hermione grinned. "Want a scoop of a different nature?"
Charlotte's eye glowed, "Any reporter worth anything does."
"Then feel free to mention it." Hermione winked at her.
Initially, Narcissa was annoyed a sports rag broke the news. Hermione pointed out anyone with eyes could see the ring, and all the reporter did was congratulate Marcus on a personal and professional win both in one week. She could still craft a regal sounding missive for the newspapers of her choice. In the classified section of both the Prophet and the Quibbler, a small notice ran declaring Harry Potter to be cutting ties with Ginerva Molly Weasley and Ronald Billius Weasley. It went mostly unnoticed, though Harry kept a copy of both papers.
Fleur sent Hermione and Harry a message that her friend was indeed interested in writing a book, and having been educated overseas, did not worship Albus Dumbledore. He agreed to meet at Mount Cicero in Italy when they were there in a few days. Severus loaned her the headmaster's pensieve. And the two spent several hours pulling out memories for the author's review. "Do you think this will help, Mione?" Harry asked.
"No clue, but I will take great delight in reading it to Dumbledore's portrait unless Snape wants the pleasure." She gave him a mean little smile which he returned.
The estate in Mount Cicero has been occupied more recently. The furniture and decorations had a more modern look to them. The house elves proudly showed Hermione and her group around the grounds and house. Orene whistled looking about, "This is the one you open to the ones who just want a peek. Consolidate the library in Greece and let the intellectuals go there.
Glancing about, Hermione nodded, "I'm inclined to agree. This was a home, the other was left as the knowledge base. Let's focus on pulling about any real tomes and send them to Greece. Harry and I will also be meeting with Dorian Theras about his project."
Peregrine nodded, "You're the boss." The group disbursed to settle into their rooms. Hermione enjoyed the soft decadent silks in the master suite. The large marble soaking tub reminded her of a small personal Roman bath. The sloping floor allowed one to recline completely with the deep end allowing for floating or full submersion. Harry demanded use rights the second he saw it.
Dorian Theras arrived promptly at nine the next morning. Helios, the head elf escorted him into the dining room where Hermione and Harry lingered over breakfast. "Can we offer you something to eat or drink?" Hermione offered.
"No, thank you. I ate before coming over. Shall we begin?"
Harry placed the pensieve on the table, "We know some of our claims will seem outrageous. Albus Dumbledore was a highly respected leader and educator. So we thought we would just show you the memories."
"I appreciate that, though I have learned that Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald were friends and allies, I am less likely to be as shocked as you might think."
"Lovers," Hermione corrected.
"Pardon me?" Dorian asked.
"Grindelwald and Dumbledore were lovers. His portrait admitted that. I think the memory is in there."
"Interesting," Dorian eyed the pensieve.
"We should leave you to sort through them. Call for Helios when you're ready for us," Hermione instructed. He nodded before dropping into the silver bowl. The two left the room together heading to assist the others in the library.
Hours later a pale faced Dorian joined them. "That, that was intense. Just, wow. I may have more questions later if that is okay?"
"Certainly," Hermione agreed. Harry nodded. The remainder of the trip to the roman estate passed uneventfully.
Hermione notified Gringotts that she was ready to begin reviewing proposals and begin interviews. She recruited Thorfinn to assist her in her work, "You have a better idea on who is a serious seeker, and who wants to poke around and be an arse."
"Very true, I shall endeavor to assist you to the best of my abilities." He gave her a mock bow.
At his insistence, they met at his townhouse. "I admit my surprise that you have your own place and don't live at home," she said looking around at the bachelor pad.
He shrugged, "My family has the name, but we've slowly been losing the money and the real estate over the years."
"Got it. Well, let's get to work. You weed out the hard no requests. I will look over the rest."
"Sounds like a plan."
They worked in companionable silence for several hours before a commotion interrupted them. A shrill female voice could be heard arguing with the house elf. "Leave me alone, you foul toad. He's going to talk to me. He can't just ignore me because he got bored!" Thorfinn stood and started for the door, blocking Hermione's view, and blocking her from view. "Thorfinn, you arse. Nobody just drops me and gets away with it." Even though she couldn't see the witch, Hermione knew that voice, Ginny Weasley.
"I was quite clear last time we spoke. You were becoming too clingy, too attached. We were never going to be more than a good time. I told you that repeatedly."
"Well, things changed. I'm pregnant, Thorfinn."
"I fail to see how that is my problem. You don't even know if it is mine. You were quite open with the fact that you were also with Harry Potter and rather insistent you would be Mrs. Harry Potter as soon as possible. You cautioned me not to develop feelings."
"He disappeared. And this is your baby."
"Prove it," he retorted.
"I can't do that until it is born, now can I?" she shot back.
"No, you can't. But I think if you get a copy of the Prophet from the day after I told you it was over, you will find the notification that I want nothing to do with you or any children from the union. You'll get nothing from me. So for your sake, I hope it is Potter's and he hasn't done the same."
Ginny sneered, "Harry wouldn't know how to."
"That's good for you, I suppose. Well, there's the door. We're busy."
"We?" Ginny shrieked. "Who the hell are we?"
"Myself and my associate," he replied.
"You mean your whore."
Years of annoyance at Ginny's mistreatment caused Hermione to stand and stalk to the doorway. "I am not now, nor have I ever been a whore, you childish dimwitted bint. Gods, look at you, a pathetic harlot running from client to client, 'Look what you did to me. I am having your baby. Give me all your money.' I would be very careful who you called a whore, if I were you."
Ginny's eyes narrowed, "Do I know you?"
"We hardly run in the same social circles, now do we? I warrant my own invitation, and you have to beg for the scraps of attention at the door." Hermione evaded the question. "I will leave you to your little lover's spat, Finn. We can pick things up tomorrow."
"As you wish, Miss Lestrange." He bowed and kissed the back of her hand, just to annoy Ginny. He turned to the redhead after Hermione departed. "Your turn," he said in a flat voice.
"Come on, Thorfinn, don't be like that. You said I was the best lay you ever had."
"Sweetheart, I tell all the girls that. I'd tell your mother or your Great Aunt Muriel that. It is a line, one designed to stroke your ego and gets you to agree to come back. We had some fun, you got plenty out of it. Now, it is over. You need to focus on finding Potter so you can trap him, or get some other poor bastard on the line. Because mine or not, I'm not raising a kid. Period, end of the story. Now leave or I will have you removed in the most embarrassing manner possible."
She gaped at him, opening and closing her mouth several times before running from the house bawling.