Perfect Mistake
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not the characters (Joanne Rowling) nor the plot (MysticalFaery05), though I have managed to stray quite far from the original plot.
I've broken some rules here, so this really isn't an epilogue, more of a continuation, sort of. I had an idea in my head and this is what came out instead. I just went with it. This is unbeta'd and jumps around a little. Okay, jumps around a lot. I'm happy with it and hope you are too.
Part 6 (The Long Epilogue)
The young couple stood before family and friends declaring their commitment and love for one another. It had been a beautiful ceremony, heartfelt and emotionally charged. However, there was no denying that this couple were meant to be.
It had been a hard road to get to this day, ups and downs, turmoil and one very disgruntled father. The bride, was obviously pregnant, about six months along would have been a good guess. The groom, a fiery but determined young man, who had finally got the girl.
"They are," Hermione whispered, to Charlie, "So young..."
Charlie picked up his wife's hand and gave it a light kiss. Their oldest son's marriage to their best friend's only daughter had been a test in understanding. He supposed it was easier for Hermione and him, as they had been in semi-similar situation twenty-one years earlier. "They are going to be just fine, love."
Hermione smiled at her husband, falling just a little more in love him with every little smile he gave her. She hadn't set out to fall in love with Ron's brother. It hadn't been an easy courtship either, with unexpected pregnancies and an ex-wife. However, if asked, they both would say they wouldn't change a thing.
---
One could say that Charlie and Hermione Weasley rushed into their relationship, but at the end of the day, they were happier than most couples. They had originally intended to wait until after the birth of their baby to get married. However, when Charlie put together a very romantic and loving proposal on Valentine's Day, Hermione's decided that she didn't want to wait to be Mrs. Weasley.
Ten days later they were married in a simple ceremony, in the back garden of their good friend, Viktor Krum's home. The small reception was held in the ballroom of the home. Viktor had never had the occasion to use it before and there was an uncanny sense that the house was even glad to finally be fully utilised.
Hermione made for a beautiful bride, her face fresh and full of love for her wizard; her body full and heavy with their child. Robert Granger proudly escorted his daughter down the walkway as his wife Jayne, sitting in the front, sniffed loudly. The woman was one for the dramatics, but was happy for her daughter just the same, even if they had done things somewhat backwards. She would always hold a preference for Viktor.
Arthur and Molly were thrilled to have Hermione officially join the family. There was a bit of fuss, when they originally planned to wait to get married, but the couple had the older Weasley's full support.
Ron had been shocked at first, and nearly took off Charlie's head with a nasty hex that Luna had handily deflected much to Charlie and Hermione's relief. Once Charlie had promised that his intensions toward Hermione were honourable, Ron made the typical "best friend" threat that if Charlie ever hurt Hermione the next hex wouldn't be deflected.
Harry took the news much better than Ron. He'd had a suspicion that Hermione was sprogged up but knew better than to say anything. As long as Hermione was happy, Harry was happy for her.
Charlie stood at the alter feeling only slightly nervous as Hermione made her way down the aisle. He still didn't feel worthy of Hermione's love, and he silently promised to be the best man he could be, to make her happy. As his eyes drifted down to Hermione's belly, their child growing in there, he smiled. She chose him.
Hermione handed her bouquet to Lavender, her maid of honour. Harry and Ron served as groomsmen for the bride. Ginny, cradling her newborn son in her arms, and Luna, three months into her pregnancy, insisted that their husbands stand with their best friend. It may have been unusual but Hermione wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Standing up with Charlie was his older brother, Bill with Viktor serving as usher.
Charlie and Hermione exchanged vows and made the commitment to each other that had long been confirmed in their hearts. By the end of the ceremony Jayne Granger wasn't the only one sniffing.
Their son Robert was born three days overdue in mid-March. Eighteen months later, his brother Jacob, and four years after that, his sister, Charlene, joined Robert to round out the Weasley family. They were blissfully happy with their three children, and felt that their family was now complete. That is until Dumitri Ivan Weasley came into their lives.
--
Hermione would never forget that day as long as she lived. She, Charlie and the children had just moved into their new home and were still in the process of unpacking. The knock on the door had been unexpected, as most of the extended family was all ready about helping with the move. Upon opening the door, two Ministry officials and a young scared looking boy about Robert's age greeted her; they were looking for Charlie.
When Charlie joined Hermione at the door, he froze as he set eyes on the boy. It was like looking at a child-version of his former colleague, Ivan. "Merlin…" he said in a hush, turning to Hermione with a look of bewilderment and then back at the two men, "Has something happened to Dumitra?"
The boy started to whimper and one of the officials squeezed the boy's shoulder in response. "Mr. Weasley?" the man asked, "We regret to inform you that your ex-wife was killed three days ago at the Swedish Dragon Reserve. It was an accident."
"Oh my!" Hermione cried in shock, her hand going to her mouth.
"Gods…" Charlie replied, his mind racing and he spoke without thinking, "Why are you here?"
"Your son," the official replied as if Charlie was daft, "It took us several days to locate his birth records…"
"Wait a minute…I'm not- -" Charlie started to say, stopping when Hermione placed her hand on his arm.
"You must be terribly frightened," Hermione said to the boy, her tone warm and kind, "We have two boys about your age, they are out back playing with their little sister and cousins just now. Would you like to meet them?"
The boy nodded and took Hermione's hand when she held it out. "My name is Hermione. What is your name?"
"Ivan," he answered in a small voice.
"Well, very nice to meet you Ivan," she said, slowly moving through the house and out in to the back yard. She introduced Ivan to Robert, Jacob, Charlene and Thomas and Samantha (Harry and Ginny's children). He was tentative and shy at first, but was soon caught up in Robert and Jacob's enthusiasm over their new tree house.
After a very rapid explanation of what was going on to Ginny, Hermione returned to the front door. "Are you bloody mad?" she shouted, clearly in a strop, "Scaring that poor boy like that. Did you not think to send an Owl? At least give us a chance to give him a proper welcome!"
Charlie looked on with a sense of pride and fear as his wife called out the two prats standing in the doorway. The officials were taken aback and stammered out their response, mumbling about procedures and mix-ups.
Charlie explained that he was not Ivan's father that the boy's father had been killed before he was born. The officials, in turn, explained that Dumitra had listed Charlie as the boy's father on his birth certificate.
"It doesn't matter," Hermione stated matter-of-factly, "Ivan is staying with us. We will sort this out with the Ministry on Monday."
Of course, it wasn't that simple. It took several months to straighten everything out. They made an extensive search for Dumitra and Ivan's families and could only find a few second and third cousins who had no interest in the boy. The decision was easy, and to stave off any arguments, Charlie and Hermione adopted Ivan, making him officially their son.
---
Viktoria Krum was the eldest daughter of Viktor and Lavender Krum. Her famous father and beautiful mother doted on her like she was a little princess. Close friends and family called her Viki. She spent ten years as an only child before being joined by twin brothers, Tynne and Calen, whom she completely adored.
Like her mother, Viki was beautiful, but carried her father's quiet stern demeanour. She was really rather clueless of her beauty and did nothing to enhance it or use to her advantage. It made her even more attractive, yet she'd never had a boyfriend. She concentrated on her studies and being a top student. Though she enjoyed Quidditch very much, she didn't quite have the same level of skill as her father, and while she enjoyed quality clothing, she didn't quite have the same obsession about fashion as her outgoing mother.
She had just completed her final year at Durmstrang ready to embark on a career in law enforcement. Falling in love was the last thing on her mind.
Dumitri Ivan Weasley preferred to be called by his middle name, Ivan. It was his birth father's name, a man he never knew, but knew of, and it was his name he chose to go by instead of the variation of his mother's name. He missed his mum terribly, but in the same breath he loved his adoptive family with all that he was.
It hadn't been easy. Ivan went from an only child to the eldest of four. His closest sibling was only five months younger than him. Ivan was a sharp contrast to his dark-red haired, blue/green eyed siblings. He was blonde, fair with deep dark brown, almost black, eyes. He had all the features of his birth mother, yet was a striking image of his birth father.
He was a fair student, but not exactly scholarly. His real passion was Quidditch and he was talented enough to be drafted to the Montrose Magpies his first year out of Hogwarts.
He was a happy with being a bachelor, living the high life. He dated, or rather shagged often, but had no desire for anything lasting or serious. Falling in love was not something he ever expected.
Ivan and Viki had known each other most of their lives. She had been ickle girl of seven, and as he was three years older, he'd not thought much about her when they first met only a few days after he arrived on the Weasley's doorstep. They had gone to different schools and only saw each other during the summer and/or holiday get-togethers. They were friendly, but not what one would call friends. Their parents were close and thus they got to know each other by default.
--
Viki had reluctantly agreed to attend Oliver Wood's seventh annual retirement party with her dad. She would have much rather stayed home and tended to her sick mother. However, Lavender had insisted that Viki go in her place. Lavender worried about her daughter's lack of social life, and took every opportunity she could to force her daughter out the door. Viktor, on the other hand, was very pleased that his only daughter was focused on her career and didn't have time to date. It saved him a great deal of worry, though her chosen profession was a bit of a concern for both Viktor and Lavender.
Ivan was always up for a party and Oliver's annual retirement bash was a guaranteed good time. He mostly stuck with his teammates near the bar taking his fill of free liquor and talking trash. Occassionally he'd spot a bird or two that caught his fancy but mostly he stayed out of trouble, leaving that bit of nonsense to his teammates.
"Lads, I think I'm in love," said a teammate, as Viktor and Viki made their entrance.
"Careful with that one…her dad's the Viktor Krum," said another.
Ivan had his back to the door and turned to see whom they were talking about, and stopped dead. "Gods, when did she grow up?" he asked rhetorically. He hadn't seen her in a couple of years as Quidditch commitments had forced him to miss several extended family events.
Viktor spotted Ivan right away and motioned for Viki to head over and say hello. Then without waiting for her reply left her standing out in the open with the group of Quidditch rogues staring at her.
Ivan glared at his mates, and mumbled for them to behave as he left to greet his childhood friend. Unfortunately, his mates took any opportunity to take the micky, and made a bunch of kissing noises and rude gestures as he left.
"Hi," he said, "Ignore them."
"Hi," she replied, blushing slightly, "My dad seems to have abandoned me."
"How have you been?" he asked.
"Good. Finished up with school in June," she offered, "I start Auror training in September."
"Auror training?" Ivan said, his cool facade melting away as he acted more like himself, "That is impressive."
"Don't tease me," Viki chided, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I wasn't," he replied.
"Oh," she said, blushing, "Sorry."
"Don't be," Ivan said, Gods she is gorgeous. How come I've never noticed before? "Uhm…would you like to dance?"
Viki was a bit shocked, and couldn't help smiling, she would normally turn down anyone who asked her to dance, but this time… "Yes, I'd love to," she replied taking his offered hand, and he led her out to the dance floor.
--
After their first official date, Viki made a small confession. "I had a nice time tonight," she said, feeling a little awkward, "Thanks for taking me out." She'd been surprised that Ivan had Floo'd her like he said he would and even more so when he'd asked her to the cinema. As in a real date she felt nervous and unsure; she wasn't one to date. Not that she wasn't asked, she just didn't want to, until Ivan asked.
"You're welcome," he said, moving in closer to kiss her goodnight as she turned her head suddenly; he was met with a face full thick raven coloured hair. "Viki?" he asked, "Uhm…have I done something wrong? Do you not like me? Just tell me, okay. No hard feelings."
"What?" she asked, shaking a little and embarrassed by her inexperience, "No. NO! I like you, very much…maybe too much. It's just…oh bother…I'veneverbeenkissedbefore."
"What?" he replied, dumbly, thinking he heard her correctly, "How is that possible?"
Viki's face was now completely red as she stammered out a reply. "Well, I've never actually wanted anyone to kiss me before, I'm just afraid."
"Of what?" Ivan asked, more than a little shocked that the drop dead gorgeous women before him had never been kissed, and a little scared that he might just get to be the first.
"That'll disappoint you," she answered shyly.
Ivan gently placed his hand under Viki's chin, coaxing her to look at him and he knew that if he kissed her his world would completely change. "Not possible," he replied, looking into her deep blue eyes as he lowered his head once again, "I'm going to kiss you now."
"Okay," she said softly as her eyes fluttered closed and her heart raced in anticipation. His lips were soft and gentle and she relaxed, opening up to him just a little. She didn't even realise that she'd moved her hands behind his neck, or that he'd moved his hands to her waist. Their lips moved, slow and languid across each other, exploring tentatively and sweetly causing Viki to make small squeaking sound with each exhilarating touch.
"Merlin," Ivan sighed, resting his forehead against hers feeling a little breathless. He was walking into dangerous territory now, and he found that he didn't mind one bit.
"Gods," Viki sighed, slowly opening her eyes and finding Ivan staring at her. She smiled shyly and said, "I never thought it would be so…wow."
"Me neither."
--
From that first kiss, Viki and Ivan were inseparable, spending every free moment they could together. The Quidditch season and Auror training would be starting in September and they both knew that time together would be hard sought.
Of the parents, Viktor had concerns. Ivan's reputation was widely known in Quidditch circles and he did not want his little girl to get hurt. Lavender, Hermione and Charlie couldn't have been happier. It was good to see Ivan settling down and Viki finally getting out and experiencing life.
The young couple had some rough patches and one unfortunate misunderstanding largely due to the press and over exuberant Quidditch groupies.
"Dad," he said, late Christmas Eve, "Do you have a minute?"
"Of course," Charlie said kindly, "Have a seat. What's on your mind?"
"I think…no. I know I'm in love with Viki," Ivan said matter-of-factly, "And I'm- -."
"Scared?" Charlie offered.
"No. Not really…" Ivan said with a shake of his head, "I mean, I've known her since for ever. She knows everything about me, and she still wants to be with me. Me. She's never even dated anyone else…" He looked up at his dad and asked, "When did you know you wanted to marry mum?"
Charlie blinked. He didn't know how to answer. He knew that Ivan was referring to Hermione and not Dumitra. There was also the fact that Robert was born two and a half weeks after the wedding. By the age of eleven each child had worked out the maths, Charlie and Hermione chose early on that they would be open and honest with their children.
"It wasn't exactly thoughts of marriage," Charlie offered, "I wasn't divorced yet, and Hermione and I weren't even dating were trying to just be friends, but about two months in I knew that she was my future."
Ivan nodded. It made sense to him. "Dad. Viki is my future."
Hermione caught the last of their conversation. She'd not intended to ease drop; she'd just gone to fetch some hot chocolate and missed Ivan come in. She smiled. Her son was in love.
"Hey you two," she said making her presence known. She stopped to give Ivan a kiss on the cheek before handing Charlie his mug. "You staying tonight?"
"Yeah, I think I will," Ivan replied, "Rob and Jake home? Char stay at Hogwarts?"
"Robert's spending the night at Trina's. They're coming over in the morning," Hermione explained, "Jacob Portkeyed in from Romania this afternoon, he might still be up. Charlene's home, but I know she went to bed early."
Ivan slid pushed off from the desk, kissed his mum on the cheek and said, "I'm going to head up to bed myself. See you in the morning."
"Happy Christmas, son," Charlie said.
"Merry Christmas, love," added Hermione, "See you in the morning."
Hermione seated herself on her husband's lap, clinking her mug against his and then kissing him soundly. "Our boy's in love," she said with a happy sigh.
"Did you hear all that?" Charlie asked, giving Hermione a little squeeze.
"Not everything, but enough," she replied, "Viki is a great girl. I'm not surprised it took a witch like her to tame our wild one."
"He wasn't that wild," Charlie replied, "Though, there are times…he's just like Ivan and not just in appearance. Thankfully, he has Quidditch."
"And Viktoria," Hermione added, "Our boys have good taste…just like their dad."
"Are you flirting with me?" Charlie teased.
"Yes," Hermione said coyly, "I'm hoping to lucky tonight."
"I think that could be arranged, Mrs. Weasley," Charlie grinned, leaning in to give his wife a proper snog.
"Good," Hermione said, downing her hot chocolate and then sliding off Charlie's lap, "I'll see you upstairs then," she paused at the doorway, "Please don't keep me waiting."
"Not a chance," Charlie said, a husky tone in his voice. He stood up and quickly had Hermione up in his arms. He laughed as she let out a squeal, carrying her to their bedroom. "I'm the lucky one."
"I love you, Charlie."
"I love you more, Hermione."
--
Nothing was going according to plan. Viki had seemed off all night, and hardly touched her dinner. The ring was burning a hole in his pocket, but Ivan was losing confidence that tonight would be the night to propose. "Viki, what's wrong?" Ivan asked for the third time. He'd thought she felt the same; he'd have bet his life on it.
Viki looked up at Ivan. She loved him so much and she was terrified by how he was going to react to what she was about to tell him. Christmas had been like a beautiful dream. She'd never felt closer to another person in her life. She had given herself to him completely. Making love had not been a mistake, but there had been consequences. Her eyes filled with tears, and she said, "I've been chucked from the Auror program."
Waves of relief shot through him, and he inwardly chastised himself, he'd been half convinced that she was going to chuck him. "What on earth for?" he asked finding his voice, "You're their top candidate."
"That may be," she replied, wiping the tears from her eyes, "But it doesn't mean one wit when you're sprogged up." She'd not meant to blurt it out like that, and she wished desperately that she could take it back.
Ivan was up out of his chair like a shot and at her side taking hold of her hand. "You're pregnant?" he asked, his heart starting to race.
Looking down at their joined hands and then back up into Ivan's handsome face, Viki completely fell apart. She threw her arms around his neck and sobbed taking in great gasps of air as she attempted to pull herself together.
"Gods, Viki, please don't cry," he said, holding on to her tightly, "We can do this, I--I--want to marry you."
"You don't have to," Viki choked out.
"I want to," he said, pulling away slightly to reach in his pocket, "I planned on asking you…" he held out the ring, "Will you marry me?"
"Oh Gods," Viki said trembling as she took hold of the ring. It was simple and elegant and perfect. "You planned this?" she asked, her speech still a little hitched, "You really want to marry me?"
"Merlin, yes," he stated, "You are my future. I don't even want to imagine my life without you."
"I love you," she said, fresh tears streaming down her face.
"I love you," he replied, his heart still beating rapidly, "Does that mean, yes?"
"Yes…" she whispered, handing back the ring so he could slide it on her finger, "I will marry you."
He leaned in and kissed her softly his hand resting lightly at her stomach. She was having his baby and it terrified and thrilled him at the same time.
"You really okay with this?" Viki asked, placing her hand over his, "We must have messed up the spells somehow. I should have gone on the potion…It was- -"
"I am," Ivan said, gently, "The baby is much sooner that I'd have liked, but it's on its way and as long as you are okay, I'm okay," he paused and took a breath, "Did you want to get married right away?"
"I'm okay, happier now that we talked…" she replied, "Let's just elope."
"Sounds brilliant."
--
They didn't elope. Instead, for the sake of Lavender, they agreed on a smallish wedding (as small as the large Weasley family would allow). They were married in the backyard of the bride's parent's home, and the reception was held in the ballroom.
As predicted, Viktor was not happy, but he didn't over react either, and when the time came, he proudly escorted his only daughter down the aisle to her groom. He may have shook Ivan's hand a little too hard and held on a little too long. However, the message was clear. "Take care of my little princess, she deserves the best."
"They are," Hermione whispered, to Charlie, "So young..."
"They are going to be just fine, love," Charlie whispered back.
"Just like us…" she smiled.
"Just like us…" he smiled back.
Fin
A/N – My god that took forever to write. For the curious, I'll say that Viki gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and comment. I hope everyone enjoys Movie 5 and Book 7. It's hard to believe we are nearing the end of this amazing series.