Hello, darlings. This has been barely reviewed, there are probably mistakes galore, but I saw 9 patients and drove 114 miles for work before driving 17 hours from Missouri. That is chapter is finished to be posted at all speaks to my desire to be as dedicated to the fans of this story as they have been to it. I cannot promise next Saturday will have a chapter, because I have a date with a mouse this week. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 47 Social Events.
The Chudley Cannons stadium thrummed with energy as thousand of spectators filled it to capacity. Every surface seemed covered by the Union Jack or Bulgarian flag. Fans of both teams bought merchandise on the way to their seats. Hermione wore Marcus's jersey and a small Krum badge. "To support my childhood friend as he loses to my fiance's team," she told a reporter. Once again she shared a box with friends instead of sitting with the other WAGs, with Neville and Harry joining them.
Neville accepted a bottle of butterbeer from the bartender. "I could get to this," he joked.
"Right?" agreed Harry.
"Welcome to how the other half lives, Potter," Blaise teased.
"Yes, yes, Malfoy opulence and all that," Hermione teased.
Luna changed the subject, "Have you gotten to see Krum at all?"
"We're having lunch tomorrow. The two of us, Harry, Marcus, and his sister, Britta. She's starting work at the embassy in Britain soon."
The players took the field. For the first time in years Hermione' attention was torn between two players. She watched Marcus zip across the pitch tossing the quaffle with the other chasers. But she also found Viktor, checking on him as he dodged bludgers while searching for the snitch. Blaise moved next to her, "Should I warn Marcus your ex might be an issue?"
She knocked his shoulder, "Old habit of trying to watch all my friends at the same time." She cheered as Marcus scored another goal. Neville came up on her other side, handing her a drink. "Thank you, Neville."
"You're welcome, Mione."
"How are your parents?"
"Good, good, clean bills of health all around. Thank you, again for everything."
"You're welcome. I hope the treatment helps more people." She paused, "How are things with your gran?"
"Getting better. She's starting to see now how manipulative Dumbledore was. And what her blind allegiance cost us."
"I'm glad things are improving."
"How goes your list?" Neville asked quietly.
"Coming to the end of it I think. The older Order members weren't abused by Albus for some reason."
"They followed him blindly already because of Grindelwauld," Neville suggested. "Any idea when it all come to a head?"
She shrugged, "Who knows? Just like no one knows what will set it off. Then there's always the possibility it never does and they just fade away."
Draco acknowledged them, "Anything is possible." Their attention was stolen by the seekers diving after a golden speck. Hermione shook her head sadly, "At least this time he didn't catch the snitch and still lose."
Luna caught her hand, "Come on, we're expected in the team box."
"See you all later," Hermione waved.
The reporters swarmed the players as their friends and family congratulated them. Hermione purposely held back, wanting Marcus to have his moment of triumphant in the spotlight. Without her the questions were less likely to be about their engagement. Once he finished his interview, he began searching the crowd, clearly looking for someone. He grinned when he spotted her and swiftly made his way to her side, "Hello, little dove."
"Congratulations, brute."
"We're going to the finals." He looked stunned when he said it, as if the thought had just now sunk in.
"I know. I'm so proud of you." She hugged him, "I love you."
Instantly his arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. "I adore you." He pressed his lips to her forehead. A flash from a photographer's camera reminded them of the location, bursting the little bubble they created. "Want to escape?"
"You have no idea."
He released her, grabbing her hand, "Let's go then." She laughed as he pulled her behind him out of the box and towards the exit.
"Did you have a destination in mind?" she asked.
"Yes. Our bedroom. We have three days off and I want to spend every minute in bed with you. Maisie can bring us food or we can leave it long enough to forage."
"What will we be doing in said bed?"
"Anything we want, cuddle, spoon, make love, watch telly, hell, we may even sleep!" He paused at the door of the locker room, "You are available for the next few day, aren't you?"
"You're in luck this time, Adrian mentioned the break if you won, so I cleared my scheduled," she grinned.
"Next time I promised to think ahead and clear plans with you."
"That would be appreciated. Though you should start with a shower." She winked at him before entering the floo.
He shot after her. He emerged into an empty parlor. He looked about for a sign of Hermione. In the doorway he saw a shoe. From the doorway he found its mate in the hall. Her socks directed him around the corner. He found her jeans and knickers on the stairs. Her bra hung off the doorknob of the bedroom. Marcus pushed the door open to find Hermione lounging on the bed in his jersey. She looked up at him though her lashes, "Shower," she pointed towards the en suite.
"After that striptease?" he asked with a raise eyebrow.
"You smell like a goat, bathe."
"How do you know what a goat sounds like?"
She sat up primly, "My primary school visited a farm. Now shower, goat boy."
"Goat man," he corrected.
"Semantics. Please shower."
Marcus crossed his arms, "I don't know, what do I get?"
"If you shower, a naked fiance. If you don't I will find my great-grandmother's fannel nightgowns and wear them to bed exclusively."
"Has anyone ever told you how cruel you are?" He clutched his chest in fake pain.
"Many people, often. Changes nothing," she answered dryly.
Finally he broke down laughing, "Don't be naked when I come out. I want to take the jersey off."
"Okay," she smiled as he left.
-O-
Hours earlier, Lavender's seats proved to be less amazing than Ron's last World Cup experience, but he was there, at his beloved Cannon's stadium to see his national team play. And Viktor Krum would be playing, too, just like last time. He and Seamus splurged and bought each of them a flag to wave. Pavarti and Seamus held hands while Lavender clung to Ron's arm. He smirked at the numerous men appraising her date. They could look all they wanted, she was his.
The seats were in the middle, the middle of the field, the middle of the stands, the middle of the row. All three of them assured the blonde the seats were great. Ron produced his omniculars from the last match he attended all those years ago. The four of them took turns looking through them. Pavarti was people watching when she noticed a luxury box filled with their former classmates. "Okay, Lav, six boxes up, two to the left. Tell me the real world has not been good for Neville!" She handed over the looking device.
"Hot damn! Who knew Herbology lead to such muscles!" Lavender exclaimed.
"Right?"
Seamus fake coughed to get their attention, "Should be be concerned, ladies?"
Pavarti threw herself at him, "Don't be silly. You know we love you, too."
Lavender hugged Ron, "You're the only man for me."
"Too right. Relax, babe, the match should be starting soon." He took the spy glass back.
Curiosity got the best of him. He looked where the girls indicated. He didn't think Longbottom looked all that different. The figures moved around and he saw Draco Malfoy. Ron sneered to himself before he saw something that stopped his heart. Tousled black hair and round glasses flashed in the background. Not only was Neville Longbottom hanging out with Malfoy, but so was Harry. Ron frowned. Malfoy was a Death Eater- the enemy. Now he knew Harry was under some kind of mind control. He would never willing associate with known killers otherwise. Briefly he considered charging over there, but he doubted the others would be much in the way of back up. And he doubted Harry and Neville would of any help. He'd have to alert the other Order members, like Tonks and Shaklebolt would know what to do. With great effort he returned his attention to the match, handing the glasses over to Seamus.
-O-
The British group met the Krums on the corner near their hotel. Together they made their way into muggle London, away from pushy fans and nosy reporters. "Do this often?" Viktor asked.
"Sometimes," Hermione shrugged, " the press doesn't follow us and there are more food choices."
"I shall keep that in mind," Viktor looked about at the bright signs.
Harry selected an out of the way pub with an odd name. "Well, they almost all have odd names," he joked. Britta twittered at his little joke.
Once seated, Viktor turned to Hermione, "You have been a very busy woman. Fancy research trips, jet settings to see high profile matches, and getting engaged."
"You forgot influencing legislative and societal change," she teased.
"My apologies," he pretended to be contrite.
"You are excused. This time," she sassed back. "Did you enjoy Argentina?"
"Very much. Thank you for the sunscreen spell." Viktor turned to Marcus, "Ready for Italy?"
"I hope so. I guess we'll find out in Barcelona.
Hermione smiled at Britta, "Every thing arranged for your move?"
"Da. The Embassy found me an apartment in Diagon Alley."
"A small building next to the Weasley shop," Viktor added, "very easy to find."
Harry nodded, "We should introduce her to the twins. Always good to know your neighbors."
Hermione nodded, "Good idea. While I do caution you to never eat or drink something you did not see them prepare, they are wonderful men." Britta raised an eyebrow. "They operate a joke shop filled with inventions they created. They like to prank. Protect yourself as possible."
"That might be the best advice I have received about my move," Britta smiled shyly. "I do worry about meeting people."
Marcus chuckled, "That is about to be your last problem. Hermione mentioned your upcoming move to her Aunt Narcissa. She has a list of social events to invite you to."
"That will be good networking for work as well," Hermione pointed out. "The Malfoys are the cream of society. They will be a big help."
"Oh, because the Lestranges are all that low on the pecking order," snorted Harry.
"I was being humble. It's called tact, you fuck rag," Hermione snapped back. The table laughed. While Viktor and Marcus discussed game tactics, Harry and Hermione chatted with Britta over the meal.
During farewell hugs, Britta promised to let Hermione know when she arrived in a few weeks. Hermione insisted they would have a welcome dinner for her to meet people her own age before Narcissa threw her into the deep end. "Thank you, for everything, Hermione."
"You're welcome. See you soon," she promised.
-O-
Frustrated with Tonks's repeated dismissals about his concerns, Ron went to Kingsley Shaklebolt. "Ron, seeing them with someone they previously had conflict with is hardly grounds for search warrants and auror raids. Dora said she told you that already."
"She did," Ron muttered. Louder he said, "Why is everyone so against helping Harry?"
"We aren't, Ron, but we have no evidence he needs or wants help. Attending a social event with someone you don't like is hardly evidence of being held captive, in fact it sort of indicates the opposite. Ron, you need to face the idea that Harry is a prisoner and is forming his own alliances," Kings said kindly.
"He isn't. He wouldn't abandon the Order!" Ron shouted.
"Ron, we're losing the war. The Death Eaters stopped their violence. They've become progressive and compassionate. People no longer fear them. Stop worrying about Albus Dumbledore's greater good and start worrying about what's good for Ron."
That ended the conversation, but not Ron's pout. Adding to his agitation Arthur began mentioning his need for employment, repeatedly. But a lack of NEWTs and less than stellar OWLs did not open many doors to opportunity. Molly kept dropping hints he should ask the twins for a job. All three of them ignored her. Eventually he applied for and was hired for help at Three Broomsticks. He kept the storeroom stocked and the floors swept. Madame Rosemerta promised if he did a good job there would be promotions and raises.
-O-
Narcissa invited Marcus to their weekly tea a week after the playoffs. "I was promised wedding planning once the World Cup was over."
"Which it isn't," Hermione pointed out.
"Close enough," replied Narcissa, "and be honest, how involved do you intend to be?" She gave them a stern look.
Hermione considered the question seriously, "I want final approval, and some initial input. And I will be selecting my dress. But with the minutia of which napkins or tablecloths, or silverware pattern, I could care less."
"Splendid," Narcissa clapped her hands before turning to Marcus.
"I would like some say in the menu."
"Of course, that goes without saying. Should I involve your mother? Bella already threatened to hex me if I tried to force the issue with her."
He shrugged, "You can ask her, who knows what she'll want."
"Typical with that woman. Now, when?"
"Um," Hermione looked at Marcus, "what do you think?"
"No quidditch during September or October, not to close to the holidays, so those are good months."
"My birthday is in September, so October?"
"That's fair. How about October 9th?" he suggested.
Hermione thought about it before agreeing, "October 9th in the afternoon at Lestrange Hall. Reception to follow again at the Hall."
"I'll let Roddy know. Attendants?"
"Luna as my matron of honor, Vanessa and Alex as bridesmaids."
She paused, "And Britta Krum. That way Marcus can have his best friends. I'll ask her when she gets here next week."
"Ades as my best man, and Graham, Peregrine, and Cassius as the groomsmen."
"Very well. We will meet every so often during the next four months to go over planning." Narcissa beamed at them.
"Sounds like a plan then," Hermione gave her a half smile.
All of their friends excitedly agreed to partcipate in the wedding party. Harry looked a little forlorn, but also didn't want to take Britta's place. Hermione smiled, "Actually, I was hoping since you wouldn't have official duties, you could make sure Britta is comfortable."
"I would love to, I like her."
"Me, too. And if you could help run interference with Alva that would be great."
"Can I subcontract for assistance?" Harry asked innocently.
"Two questions, one, do you mean the Weasley twins, and two, am I better off not knowing?"
"Yes, and probably," admitted Harry.
"Then don't tell me anything. But if you disrupt the festivities Aunt Narcissa will end you."
"Noted and will be passing that warning off to any compatriots that may or may not exist."
"Thank you, Harry."
"You're welcome. Though, if I ever manage to get married, I expect you to be my maid of honor."
"Noted, and if it occurs I will be ready."
"You're not going to insist I'll find someone someday and be as happy as you are?"
"I don't believe in divination, so I have no idea what is going to happen in the future. And I totally understand trust issues after what happened. We can talk about it if you ever want to."
"Thanks, for understanding, and not wanting to make me talk about it." He sighed, "Probably need to face some of it sooner rather than later."
"But not today," she patted his hand.
"Not today," he agreed.