Happy Saturday. I hope everyone is having a great morning. I am waiting for the family to finish their various things while I linger at the cafe over toast and blackberry lemonade. Yes, it is delicious. Made from scratch with fresh blackberries and real lemons. But enough about my beverage, I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Cheers.
Chapter 44 Japanese Adventures
Hermione returned home to pack for Japan. Nora would not be attending, nor could Luna. This would be her first solo girlfriend trip. She hated the idea of looking needy by begging someone to go with her last minute. A witch had to have her pride. At the same time, she really hated how vapid the others could get. Which is why she had trouble making friends with them. Regardless of all that, she was going. Marcus deserved her support. She had faced down werewolves and worse, why was she so afraid of a bunch of airheaded witches? Because she knew the power of words and still had lingering pain she couldn't escape. Giving herself a shake, she finished packing and headed out the meet the team for the international portkey.
She handed her suitcase to the team staff and followed the official's direction to the waiting area. She searched the crowd for a familiar face. "Hermione!" She recognized the voice, but at the same time was confused hearing it.
She turned towards it, "George? What are you doing here?" she hugged him.
"That's a fine how-do-you-do, Forge," said another voice.
"Fred?"
"In the flesh and at your service," he bowed with a flourish.
"Your court jesters are off the land of the rising sun." George remarked as she hugged Fred.
"Oi, Weasley, you're my plus one, any public displays of affection should be shown to me." teased Adrian. "Hello, pet." He gave her an enormous grin.
"Not that I am complaining, but how?" Hermione asked.
Adrian shrugged, "We played with the idea of inviting someone to keep you company, the twins are great blokes, but how do you only invite one? Than Luna had to stay to help her dad, so Graham had a plus one, too. And here we are."
"Thank you both so much!" she cried hugging them.
"You're welcome, pet."
Marcus stepped up next to her, "Someone has the keep you from lighting the others on fire."
"Or hexing them," Adrian winked at her.
"Or turning their hair into snakes," George joked.
Fred looked at him thoughtfully, "Though..."
"The idea has merit," agreed George.
"We can work on it later," Hermione told them. "Time to go." She pointed to the crowd by the portkey. They joined them to be whisked away to Japan.
Her feet touched the sand spread across the reception floor. "That's thoughtful, something soft to soften then blow."
"Yes, miss. Welcome," an attendant bowed.
"Domo arigato," Hermione returned the bow.
"You speak Japanese, miss?"
"Only with a translation charm," she gave a laugh, which the attendant shared. She followed the rest of the group out of the arrival area and onto the hotel.
Hermione surveyed the hotel room. Marcus set down his suitcase, "I am pleased to inform you both Weasley twins are on the other side of the hotel, three floors above and below us in separate rooms." He smiled at her. "Hopefully that means no pranks."
"I can guarantee no pranks. The guys gave them a free trip to see a World Cup play off. You are about the see the Weasley twins on their best behavior," she laughed. "Now, how can I help you relax before tomorrow's match?" She wrapped her arms around his neck, and stepping close to him.
"I can think of a few things." He dipped his head down to kiss her. She swiped her tongue across his lower lip, nipping at it. He responded by thrusting his tongue into her mouth, fighting her for dominance of the kiss.
KNOCK. KNOCK. "Come on, love bunnies, the pool is open," yelled Adrian. "Get a move on."
Marcus groaned, resting his forehead against hers, "I guess we're going swimming."
"We could try to ignore them," Hermione suggested.
"When has that ever worked?" he questioned.
She sighed, "It doesn't. Let's go."
Dressed in English jerseys that supported the players that brought them, Hermione and the Weasleys made their way to the players' box in the stadium. She choose seats off the furthest side, they could see the action but weren't the center of attention. "I appreciate this, guys."
George laughed, "Mione, to get these seats I would actually date Pucey if I was his type and Angelina wouldn't kill me."
"Still, it was nice of them to bring friends for me. I'll have to think of a good way to thank them."
"Flint looked pleased this morning, but he might object if you did that," teased Fred.
"Yes, well," George interrupted to save his brother, "they know you aren't comfortable with most of the WAGs."
"I try. But the only thing we have in common is being in love with a quidditch player. If we even have that."
"They do make you wonder sometimes," Fred agreed watching one of the girlfriends check them out.
Fred offered to collect drinks before the game started. "So," started George, "rumors are swirling about blood adoptions for muggleborns."
"Is that so?" Hermione sipped her drink.
Fred narrowed his eyes, "What do you know?"
"Quite a bit, what do you know?" she countered.
"Not as much as you, only that little that's been in the papers. Dad won't talk about it, just keeps shaking his head. Mum rants it will be the end of everything. Ron eats and blames Luna and Harry."
"Harry? Why?" interrupted Hermione.
"For not escaping and coming back. He abandoned him."
Fred nodded, "And Gin mopes."
"The adoptions are to help muggleborns integrate. And Ginny is moping because she's pregnant and clueless to the identity of her baby daddy."
George whistled, "Oh, wow."
"Oh, Gin," Fred shook his head.
"She hasn't admitted she doesn't know. She told Bill she's one hundred percent positive Harry is the father."
"And he cut ties with her. Oh shite." George looked concerned, "Look, if he is the father, he needs to take that baby and walk away."
"No, he needs to run," Fred cut in. "We love our mother and sister but they both believe they are entitled to things because they want them."
"Sounds like a common trait these days," Hermione muttered under her breath. Louder, she asked, "Okay, explain it to me. Or rather, tell me if I understand correctly. Anyone can cut ties with someone else if there is some kind of manipulation or subterfuge on the person being cut's part."
George nodded, "Correct."
"And it can be something as minor as both parties agreed to keep things informal and one wanted more?" George nodded again. Hermione sighed.
"Unfortunately," Fred answered, "so long as witches can use the system to get rich, or at least not have to work, wizards will want to be able to have an out."
"Arguments for another time and place. Let's assume Gin is correct, Harry is the father. He has gone through the process correctly and she is cut off. Now what?"
"Entirely up to Harry. If he feels uncomfortable raising the baby he can leave it with Gin and have no contact like it wasn't his," George supplied.
"Conversely, if he wanted the baby, but not Ginny, he could take the little tyke and raise it without her."
"But how exactly does that work?" asked Hermione.
"It is like she isn't the mother. Her name is left off the the birth certificate, like his would be if he declined. And like he couldn't be force into any obligation, she would have no rights," explained Fred.
"That sounds horrible for the child," she protested.
"Should scenario one occur and Ginny kept the baby, which I doubt, we would be there to help. And in scenario two we will be as involved as Harry will allow."
"Only we would be Uncle George and Uncle Fred in the same way you would be Aunt Hermione. Not because we were the mother's brothers."
"I think I get it," she said slowly.
"You still hate parts of it," Fred took her hand.
"No system is perfect, but I think Gramps and I will be having a talk soon."
"Gramps?" laughed Fred.
She shrugged, "He likes to act like am indulgent grandfather."
"That feels kind of creepy, so let's change the subject. George
held up his drink, "Let's drink it up and enjoy this match."
"Cheers," the other two mimicked his actions, and returned their attention to the pitch.
Unlike the South American team, the Asian team did not underestimate the underdogs, launching a powerful offensive. The score was lower this time around, but the action faster, fiercer. Hermione watched with baited breath as the English chasers moved up and down the pitch. The beaters rushed about knocking the bludgers away from their teammates and towards the opposition. She cheered for every goal, urging the seeker to find that tiny golden ball. When Jenny Markin's small hand wrapped around the snitch, Hermione grabbed Fred and began jumping up and down. George flung his arms around his twin and their friend. The three bounced together chanting, "We won!"
The mood in the box increased when the players joined them. Marcus pulled Hermione up into a tight embrace, kissing her deeply. The twins gave Graham and Adrian enthusiastic back slaps. Marcus let Hermione slide down his body. "Congratulations, brute."
Adrian looked around the room, "We need to celebrate. Who wants to try sushi, I mean besides Hermione who has eaten everything?"
"I have not eaten everything. And I expect it to be different in Japan," she sniffed.
"Muggleborns are always going on about it, I want to try it," he looked at each of them in turn hopefully.
"You don't want to go party?" asked Hermione somewhat surprised.
"Nope, I want to try sushi. When we get home and reporters ask about Japan I want to have an opinion about something other than how pretty the women are or aren't."
"Then let's go get our sushi on!" Graham declared.
The group returned to the hotel to change. Hermione stopped at the front desk for a recommendation. "At the risk of sounding boastful, the hotel restaurant is very popular for sushi." The front desk clerk gestured to the side lobby full of diners waiting to be seated. "We offer the full menu for room service."
"Sounds perfect. Could I impose upon you to send up some safe selections and some of your favorites? Enough for six people, five of them bottomless pits." She scribbled down her room number. He looked confused. "Three of them are professional quidditch players." She motioned to the hovering jersey chasers. "I would hate to hex them bald because our room number was overheard and they were foolish and pushy."
The clerk laughed, "And we appreciate your restraint, miss. I will put your order in and have it sent to your room."
"Thank you, sir."
"You are most welcome, miss. Enjoy your evening and sushi."
Hermione hurried upstairs to tell the others about the change in plans. The food arrived fifteen minutes after the others arrived. Tuna, sea eel, and octopus nigiri sushi sat on one platter, tekka maki, kappa maki, and futomaki on another. Another dish bore the label oshizushi, and next to it temarizushi. Hermione identified the wasabi and ginger root cautioning the others about the spiciness. Everyone tried one of everything before picking favorites to devour.
"This is amazing, astonishing, stupendous," praised Adrian. "How far from your place can we get sushi?"
"Um, maybe fifteen minutes?" answered Hermione.
"Awesome," he grinned before shoving a piece in his mouth. "I love sushi."
"We got that," Marcus assured him.
Upon her return to England, Yaxley invited Hermione to review the new Muggleborn Initiative before the press conference. She took back her wand from Munch and waited. "Do you need directions, miss?" asked a passing employee.
"No, Corbin usually materializes at this point." The employee gave her an odd look. "There he is," Hermione pointed.
"Good morning, poppet, ready?" He offered her his arm.
She took it, "I am." With that Yaxley escorted her to his office.
"To begin we will be offering a free test to all existing muggleborns. Once we know their ancestors we will help them find a mentor family if they want. Of those that accept I intend to recruit them to help explain the program to new muggleborns."
"What will the program offer?"
"Someone to help them navigate this new world. A support system, if you will. A safe place to run to if needed. And thanks to the adoption ritual- pureblood status. And should they need it- a family. No more orphans languishing in orphanages."
"No rights to vaults?"
"Not unless we find an extinct line. Then only a percentage based on a percentage of any other possible cadet branches. That is on the Gringott's end."
"And they get to collect a finder's fee."
"Or access to people like you that they might want to curry favor with." He smiled at her fondly. "We will be sending a muggleborn liaisons with Hogwarts staff to meet with new students. The sooner we make contact the better," he explained.
"I approve."
"I thought you might."
"Any families not willing to help?" she asked.
"We won't be inviting Order of the Phoenix members, no need to
frighten the newcomers with war mongering."
"Very sensible. The bad old days are over."
He sighed, "How much of this did you design?"
"Not much at all. But the plan is logical and well thought out, my compliments."
"Thank you."
"You should consider offering the opportunity to half bloods like Harry, who don't know."
"That's a good idea, Potter has no idea where his mother came from. He would make a good subject zero."
"Privately at first," Hermione cautioned.
"Certainly, we would want to know the results before allowing
the press or anyone public to observe."
"Have you considered what to do if the magical families aren't British?"
"At the press conference we will be asking for volunteers for in those cases. I expect many Inner Circle members will be stepping up. Lead by example and all that."
Hermione hand delivered Yaxely's offer. Harry read it and looked up at Hermione, "You have opinions, I expect."
"I suggested it be offered to half bloods in similar situations."
"It would be nice to know who Mum was related to," he remarked. "I suppose I should accept."
"While Corbin is asking you to be the public guinea pig, the first time will be in private so you will know what names are coming."
"Really? Thank you, Hermione!"
"Just looking out for my bestie."
Yaxley invited Harry to come the next day after the press conference and the news would have broken. He wanted to avoid giving Harry enough time to doubt his decision. Harry insisted Hermione accompany him. Corbin materialized seconds after they arrived. "Wow, that is impressive," laughed Harry. "You weren't kidding, Mione."
Corbin looked at her in a questioning manner. "Your reputation for appearing the second I enter proceeds you."
"This way then," he gestured for them to follow him down to the Department of Mysteries. He lead them to a small research room. He dismissed the unspeakable with a head jerk. She exited the room silently without delay. "If you will sign your name on the provided parchment with the quill."
"Is that safe?" Harry questioned.
"Not enough to harm you, or allow someone to gain control over you."
"It won't scar?"
Corbin looked between the two friends, "Hermione questioned that before, too. Why?" They both held up their right hands. "I shall not tell lies. Muggleborns do not matter. When did this happen?"
"Our fifth year under Delores Umbridge. Why do you think I hate her so much? She tortured a school full of children with the ministry's blessing."
"She's still a good scapegoat, but perhaps she should suffer some." He shook his head. "Onto the business at hand. Mr. Potter, if you would?" Harry took the blood quill and wrote his name on the unrolled parchment. Moments later letters formed. Stretching up from Lily Rene Evans the names Abbott, Ollivander, and Pucey stood out. "Do you want to contact any of these families?"
Harry shrugged, "I have plenty of support, but if you want me to ask for a support family the Puceys might be best for demonstration purposes."
"Agreed, I'll explain everything to Martin and Ivy."
They left Corbin to his preparations. "So, no more muggleborns, well not really, but enough to pacify the fanatics." Harry said as they walked down the hall to the lifts.
"Voldemort says so is enough most of the fanatics," relied Hermione dryly.
"What's next on your list?"
"Having things reworked so men like Rowle can't sow wild oats without consequences."
"I figured that bothered you."
"I like the protection against magical manipulation, but verbal or written agreements don't play with your mind. That is a loophole that should be closed. Then again, it should not be a free ride for someone women. She should get half of the amount of money it takes to care for a child."
They walked in silence for several minutes. Harry stopped walking, "Whatever you want ask, Mione, just ask. I can hear your fretting."
"How are you feeling about the whole Ron/Ginny thing?"
Harry resumed walking, "Mostly? Hurt, without the potions I might have developed feelings for either one of them. But they didn't take the time to flirt or express interest in a healthy way. I don't even think the thought crossed Ron's mind. And because Ron was using potions, I didn't respond to Gin, so she resorted to potions."
"You don't feel violated?" she asked in a small voice.
Harry considered the question. He took a deep breath before answering, "Not really, maybe if I couldn't imagine being with them otherwise. But if they hadn't used deception I could have." He paused, "Do you feel violated?"
Hermione looked away, "I know we didn't do more than kiss and a
little under the clothes fondling, but yes, I do. Without Molly's meddling, I never would have been with him like I was. Without Dumbledore I never would have been his friend."
"I'm sorry for all the times I wasn't the friend I should have been."
"I know, you're here now, that's what matters." Hermione hugged him.
"Oh, good, you're still here." Hermione turned and saw Corbin's assistant. "Legal wants to work out an agreement with Mr. Potter over his results. If he would come with me?"
"Certainly, see you at home, Hermione?"
"Yep, I'd say have fun, but legal," she gave a fake shudder making them laugh.