Harry Potter and The Guards of Gryffindor
Sorry I had to reload this story, I found some errors that I wanted to fix! Mac
Morning quickly came and Hermione was woken by a rough shove from Ginny. "Wake up Hermione," Ginny said with a sleepy voice. "Time to shower." Hermione nodded and quickly gathered her things and bathed. Each person had five minutes in the small Weasley bathrooms to bath and leave. After Hermione finished Molly asked her to wake Harry and Ron. She noisly opened the door and the smell of sleeping male overwhelmed her. "Harry! Ron! Wake up," she said cheerily.
Harry rolled over and growled. "What time is it"
"Seven," Hermione said, sitting next to Ron on his bed. The red head was sleeping peacefully and looked very content and innocent in his sleep. Harry watched Hermione stare at Ron and quickly left for the loo. "Ron Weasley get up!" Hermione cooed in his ear. Ron did not move or wake, continuing with his sleep. "RONALD WEASLEY!" Hermione shouted with exhasperation at the sleeping form of her friend. Frustrated, Hermione stood and took his blanket that he was cacooned in, gave it a hard tug, and pulled Ron off the bed with a loud thud. Hermione smiled smuggly until she saw Ron's state of dress, or rather undress, as he wore only his boxers in the warm summer night.
"What'd ya do that for?" Ron growled as he glared at his bushy haired friend. Hermione didn't notice his glare, however, as she was trying to will herself to look away. Ron noted her strange expression and looked down at himself. Suddenly realizing his lack of clothing, the tall boy jumped up and pulled his blanket around him. "Bloody Hell woman!"
"Shh! Ron, be quiet. Do you want your brothers to hear?" Hermione said as the boy fumbled with his blanket.
"Where's Harry?" Ron asked as he sat on the bed.
"In the shower," Hermione explained.
"How did I not hear you guys?" Ron said, perplexed.
"You were out. I shouted and then had to pull you to the floor to jar you awake. Sorry," Hermione said shyly.
"It's okay, no worries love," Ron smiled. "But you'd better get outta here before my brothers find you or they'll be taking the mickey all day long."
Hermione smiled and ran to the door. "Ron," she said with a gleam in her eyes. "You'd better find something more to sleep in while we're gone or I'm gonna get distracted."
Ron blushed and Hermione quickly left the room. The boy gingerly stood, gathered his things and headed for the loo to bathe.
The wedding was set for noon, but the guests began ariving by ten. Fleur, Mrs. Delacour, Ginny and Gabrielle spent the morning up in Percy's room dressing and preparing for the wedding. Bill on the other hand, spent his morning in Charlie's room with Hannah, recieving his wedding gift. The twins were to be ushers, so they wore formal robes, as did Charlie, who was to be the best man. Ron was also wearing formal robes, but for a reason that he felt was less dignified--he was the ring bearer. Ginny was to be the maid of honor and Gabrielle was to be the flower girl. As such they wore dresses of pale green to match Fleur's color scheme for the wedding.
Though the wedding was to be a small affair, Harry, Neville, Hagrid and Hermione spent the morning helping the twins set up chairs and tables for the ceremony and reception. Molly was busy cooking with Mrs. Longbottom in the kitchen and Aurther was helping distant reletives travel to the Burrow. Remus and Tonks arrived at ten to offer their assistance and were sent outside to charm the lights for the reception. By eleven, a large group of Weasley reletives and were quickly ushered to seats outside. There was a sea of red hair with dollops of non-relatives and friends in the guest seats.
At eleven-thirty, the new Hogwarts Headmaster, Minerva McGonagall and officiator, Filius Flitwick arrived for the ceremony. They brought Alaster Moody and Kingsley Shakelbolt to offer extra security. But it was the last guests, Oliver Wood and his date that drew the most attention. "Oliver!" Fred greeted the young man with a rough hand-shake. "Good to see you mate."
Oliver grinned and returned the hand-shake and pulled forward his date for the wedding who war a dark black cloak with the hood up. George waltzed over and smiled at his old Quidditch captain.
Fred gave Wood a strange look. "What's with the cloak?" he asked.
Oliver shook his head. "Fred. George. I brought a date."
"Really?" George said with a sly smile.
"Yes and he wants to be here..."Oliver continued.
"He?" Fred stammored.
"Yes, my date's a guy. He's changed a lot, but he's afraid if he shows his face here, he'll be thrown out. But I think I'd be able to convince him to loose the cloak if you promise me he can stay," Oliver said hopefully.
Fred and George shrugged, curious and surprised. "Well, I can't vouch for my folks, but we'll help fight for his right to stay, barring his betrothal to the Death Eaters," George grinned. Wood nodded and pulled down the cloak. Fred stared with wide eyes and George lurched forward to strike the man under the cloak, his brother, Percy Weasley. Percy fell to the ground with a dull thud and Oliver helped him up.
"Percy!" Molly shouted from across the lawn as she spotted the familiar form of her son. Aurther followed his wife, but said nothing. Oliver stepped in front of Percy, protecting him from George.
"You promised," Wood reminded. George backed down as his parents approached.
"Percy," Molly sighed as she threw her arms around her son and hugged him. "You're home!"
Percy smiled wearily and hugged his mother as Oliver moved quietly behind, watching. When they stopped embracing, Percy turned to his father. "Dad," he said softly, "I'm so sorry!" The young man had difficulty holding back tears as his father embraced him and all was forgiven.
"It's okay son, it's okay," Aurther said reassuringly. "You know now.."
Percy coughed. "But I should have believed you! I could have helped. Dumbledore... You Know Who's uprising... The things that I said. What I did... I should have..."
"You let your big head get in the way," Fred said with a cheeky grin as he interrupted.
"You've always had a problem with that," George explained. "But we knew that someday you'd get over it."
"It took bloody long enough," Fred laughed.
"Child," Percy mock-scolded.
"Poof," Forge laughed as Molly and Aurther bristled.
Percy glared at his brother and then turned to Oliver, his face lightening, and touched his hand tenderly, leading him forward. "Mum, Dad, you remember Oliver Wood?" His parents nodded and shook the man's hand with ferver. "We're dating," Percy said with a blush. "I've had a bit of a change of heart these past years."
Molly gasped and Aurther blinked rapidly, but neither said anything dissapproving. "Well I'm sorry for Penelope, Percy. But Oliver, you are very welcome," Aurther smiled. "Let's find you both some seats."
Fred and George lead the young couple to some seats in the front pew next to Hermione and Harry who both eyed Percy wearily. "Just listen to him," Fred said to Harry as he and his brother quickly ran up the isle to seat more guests. Harry and Hermione turned to Percy who quickly relayed his message of sorrow and was slightly forgiven. Hermione eyed the house where she knew Ron was hiding with Ginny, not looking forward to his reaction.
At twelve sharp, Hannah slipped into a seat next to Hermione as Bill and Charlie Weasley stepped up to the alter. The crowd held back their shock at the sight of Bill, but Molly Weasley burst into tears. Aurther flicked his wand and soft harp music began to play as Ginny, Gabrielle, Ron, and finally Fleur walked down the isle. Hermione sucked in a breath at her handsome friend in his formal robes and Harry whimpered as he saw Ginny's creamy back revealed by the low cut dress and her upswept hair. Ron scowled at Percy, but did not make more of a scene as he stood next to Charlie and Bill at the alter. Then harp music signaled the arrival of the bride and the crowd stood as Fleur walked down the isle smiling happily. Her smiles and her footsteps stopped however, when she saw Bill. She looked into his eyes and began to sob uncontrollably. Bill ran to her.
"Fleur, honey what's wrong?" Bill asked with worry.
"Your face et is... unscarred. You are my beautiful Bill again!" she said with a choked sob. "I am so 'appy"
Bill kissed his young bride's head. "It was Hannah and Charlie's wedding gift to us. Poor Han's exhausted, but she used some salves and potions and worked her magic on me and I'm back." Fleur laugh-cried and ran to Hannah in the crowd, hugging her and whispering a thank you to the other married Weasley woman. They parted and together Bill and Fleur walked the rest of the way down the isle. The couple was swiftly married in the magical ceremony and soon they were man and wife. Then the party began.
The food and wine were pleantiful. The Weasley wedding party sat at the head table as string music played softly in the background. Ron and Ginny both grumbled at Percy's presence, but neither made a scene as he and Oliver took seats at the head table. A table filled with Order members sat at the back of the garden, watching and waiting for trouble.
After the meal was over, Charlie stood and raised his glass. "Friends and family," he greeted the crowd. "We are here today to celebrate my big brother's marriage to the beautiful and loving Fleur. It's taken a lot to get them to where they are today. They met in Fleur's last year at Beaxbatons during the third challenge of the triwizard tournament. What circumstances to meet under-eh? There was a death and the rise of the Dark Lord. Leave it to my brother, Romeo, to charm a women during a crisis." The crowd laughed, albeit uncomfortably. "Then there was harmless flirting at Gringotts where the couple worked and finally Fleur survived meeting and living here with us Weasleys. Now, I have it on good authority that Fleur was not well liked when she first arrived here at the Burrow. Mum thought she was too young. The twins thought she was too prissy. And well, the rest of them refered to her as... um... Phlem." Again the crowd laughed. "But through it all, my brother and Fleur remained true to their hearts and each other. Even when Bill was attacked by Fenrir Greyback, Fleur refused to leave his side. She said she would be beautiful for both of them and kept Bill's hope alive. She's proved herself to be loyal and careing and quintessentially Weasley. Fleur, we welcome you to the family!" The crowd cheered and clapped and cried as they toasted the new couple.
Then Bill stood and raised his glass. "There is another Weasley couple that have to be toasted tonight," he grinned. "My brother, Charlie went out and eloped with a Medi-Witch, Miss Hannah Shephard. With her healing and giving spirit, she is every bit the Weasley!" Bill toasted. The crowd, most of which was shocked by the revelation, saluted the other newly married Weasleys. Minerva McGonagall however, did not raise her glass. She stared, stock still, at the young woman, Miss Shephard. She schooled her features as the girl toasted and kissed Charlie Weasely. As the toast ended, Minerva rose and began to walk toward the head table.
The toast, the cake and the bouqet toss signaled the tables to clear and the elder Weasley reletives to leave their gifts and money for the married couples and make their way home. It was early evening, but much of the wizarding world was keeping to the daylight hours and as such left the wedding before dusk. The younger crowd and close friends and relatives stayed and danced the night away.
Oliver shook hands with Aurther and spoke with him about his quiet relationship with Percy. The Weasley had secretly quit his job and was travelling with Percy's Quidditch team. Percy danced with his mother and again asked for her forgiveness, causing her to cry and kiss him. Tonks and Remus danced and kissed and made what Minerva called a spectical of themselves. The twins danced with Angelina and Alicia as Alaster and Kingsley made security checks of the yard. Minerva slowly circled the Weasley family and kept her eyes on Hannah and her surroundings. Harry, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Neville, and Gabrielle sat together at a table playing exploding snap. As a slow song began, Ron turned to his best friend. "Wanna dance, 'Mione?" he asked. Hermione nodded shyly and took Ron's hand and followed him to the dance floor. The couple danced slowly, reverently, knowing this may be their only oppertunity to dance together.
Harry watched beside Ginny with tears brimming in his eyes. "You're leaving tonight, aren't you?" Ginny asked suddenly.
Harry winced at Ginny and nodded at Neville and Gabrielle. "Where ya headed Harry?" Neville asked good-naturedly.
"Nowhere Nev. Nowhere," Harry lied.
Neville's brow furrowed. "You don't want us to know, do you?" Harry stayed silent. "Are you trying to protect us or something?" he asked with anger. Harry nodded, but said nothing. "Why?" he asked in a hurt voice.
"Because it's safer for you to not know anything," Harry spat as he stood to leave.
"Right," Neville said with annoyance as Harry walked back to the house.
"Ignore him Nev," Ginny said comfortingly. "He's scared and trying to protect us. Just remember that." Neville smiled weakly at Ginny and slowly pulled her hand into his and lead her to the dance floor.
The various remaining couples danced and drank and laughed and cried as the evening went on. Young lovers stole kisses and caresses from their partners as they cuddled and danced. Finally, the musical instraments stopped playing and the wine stopped flowing, indicating that the night was over.
"Mum," George whined as the music died and he was forced to stop dancing. "Can't we party for another hour or so? It's only eleven."
Molly shook her head. "George, it's not safe for our guests to be out, you know that. Stop being selfish and help them ready themselves for apparation."
George rolled his eyes and walked with Fred and Alicia and Angelina to help them to the apparation point. With a flash the young women and the Weasley twins were gone. Molly shook her head, knowing her boys were doing more than dropping their dates off at their perspective homes. Gabrielle and Lousie left soon after with their belongings by port-key to Paris. Remus and Tonks and the Longbottoms helped pack up the last of the tables and lights and rubbish and then made their excuses and left as well. Kingsley, Moody, and Flitwick left after a final patrol, leaving Oliver, Minerva, Harry, and Hermione as the only non-Weasely's at the Burrow.
Charlie led his young wife to the house and the old witch watched with careful glances. Hannah had noticed the older women's attention, but said nothing, fearing Charlie's over-reaction. The group made their way into the kitchen where Ginny and Hermione were put to work organizing gifts while Ron found Harry and the duo washed dishes. Bill and Fleur had left the Burrow earlier that evening for their Honeymoon in Dublin, which was to last two weeks.
"Well, Minerva, what did you think of the wedding?" Molly asked as she sat down to a cup of tea with the new Headmistress.
"It was splendid, Molly. A very fine bride and groom, with excellent food and wine, as always," McGonagall interjected.
Molly smiled easily. "And what do you think of my other new daughter-in-law?" Molly questioned. "I've seen you stealing looks at her all night."
Minerva's thin lips pressed together. "Do you know much about her?"
"Only that she's training to be a Medi-Witch in Romania at Charlie's dragon preserve," Molly said matter-of-factly.
"And she told you nothing of her parents or where she grew up?" Minerva pressed.
"She went to Beauxbatons and knew Fleur, but that is all that I know," Molly sighed. "She must not be French, because she has no accent, she sounds American, but I don't know where she spent her primary years. Why do you ask?"
Minerva took a deep breath. "She is more than she appears to be," she whispered coldly.
As Molly bristled, Aurther entered the kitchen with Percy and Oliver. "Molly, where will we house the boys tonight?" he sang, obviously intoxicated.
Molly turned her attention from Minerva to her drunken husband. "Aurther Weasley!" she shouted, drawing all attention to the man. "You're drunk!"
"Yes my love," Aurther smiled. "I've two son's married and four dating good girls..." Oliver coughed with distain and Aurther blushed. "Whoops, sorry Oliver. Three dating good girls and one dating a... um, nice man." Oliver nodded his approval as Percy turned red with mortification.
"Who's the third son?" Ron asked his father with trepidation.
"You of course!" Aurther laughed. "You've been after young Hermione longer then any of the other boys. I half expected you to be the first wedding!"
Ron's blush went from his ears to his toes and Hermione flushed right along with him. "But... but... we're not..." he stuttered.
Minerva raised an eyebrow. "It does not take a rocket scientist to assume you and Miss Granger had feelings for each other, Mr. Weasley. What with all the fighting and all, you're just like your parents," she smirked. Hermione joined Ron with a blush of mortification, but the conversation was over as Mr. Weasley began to speak.
"So Molly, now that Louise and Gabrielle have vacated, Percy and Oliver can share his room, yeh?" Aurther asked.
Molly blushed. "Absolutely not!" she stammored. "Oliver can sleep in Fred and George's room."
"Molly..." Aurther protested.
"Aurther, I won't have unmarried young people sharing rooms in my home!" she shouted.
Percy shook his head to protest, "Mum... it might be a while before Oli and I can marry. The Muggles are letting same sex couples marry, but the petition is slow-going in our parliment. It could be several years before we can."
He was cut off however, by Charlie. "And just what do you think the twins are out there doing, Mum? And Bill and Fleur shared a flat before he moved her in here. Hell, I'm sure Ron and Hermione aren't far from following in their footsteps and Ginny... well, she's a whole other story."
"Charlie!" Molly gasped. "Don't insinuate!"
"I'm not!" Charlie laughed.
"You're calling me a floosy!" Ginny shouted. "I'm not! I've dated and kissed, but I've never... I'm not... THAT easy!" she said as she ran from the room, crying. Harry's face was dark and filled with anger towards Charlie and sympathy towards Ginny. The lights in the house flickered from his outrage, but none of the Weasley's noticed.
"Gin!" Charlie called after the girl. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing!"
"Yeah you are," Ron said with an anger laiden voice. "And 'Mione and I aren't dating!"
"Yeah right," Charlie smirke. "Like anyone believes that. Honestly though, you'll have sex before you're married, everyone does."
"Really?" Hannah said with sparkeling eyes. Charlie's eyes narrowed. "Shep..." "What? You think it's so terrible for people to wait for marriage?" she asked innocently. "Why? We did." Percy coughed and choked on a laugh as Ron settled against Hermione. Harry stared at the floor, longing to run after Ginny, but afraid of what would happen if he tried to comfort her.
"Shep..." Charlie whinned. "Did you have to tell my whole bloody family?"
Hannah threw a dishrag at her husband. "Charlie, it's not a bad thing. In fact, I think it's sweet of you to be a role model for your younger brothers."
"Roll model?" Ron said with a snort of indignant anger. "Of what?"
"Ron," Aurther warned as he sobered. "Hush now. This is not a discussion we are having tonight. Oliver will stay with Percy in his old room. That is the end of it!" he said with gusto as he led the young me upstairs.
Molly was boiling with anger, but said nothing as Minerva drew back her attention. "It's a discussion we have often at Hogwarts. To let the boys upstairs or not. I've always felt that if they're determined enough, they'll find a place to go. Be it a classroom or broom cupboard. But I don't mind as long as their responsible."
Molly shook her head with mortification. "That's just it. They can be as responsible as anything and still end up pregnant. They're Weasly's! I got pregnant with the twins, Ron, and Ginny all while on contraceptive potions and using charms. With little Ginny, we were even using Muggle devices."
Minerva laughed heartily, "Well at least with two men, they can't concieve a child." Molly nodded and the two watched as Harry, Hermione, Ron, Hannah, and Charlie continued with the dishes. McGonagall's eyes stayed on the newest Weasly and Molly urged her to continue.
"How do you know Hannah?" Molly asked quietly.
"I recognise the name from the scrolls at Hogwarts," Minerva mumbled. "Albus said that her mother killed herself after her father took the Dark Mark. The man never fully recovered. Atticus Shephard raised his daughter's daughter in America, far from her Death Eater Da. Albus and Atticus were friends and he knew the child well. Atticus died before the child finished school, but she was already well on her way to being a Medi-Witch by then."
Molly nodded somberly. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked.
"Because that girl shouldn't be here, her father's imprisoned in Azkaban and his family is dangerous. She should go," McGonagal snapped.
As Minerva talked, she did not notice Hannah's reaction to her comment. The young woman had been listening to their conversation and stealthly walked to the table and put her hand on the older witch's shoulder. "Headmisstress McGonagal, I had no idea that you knew so much of my lineage. But as you said, my father is imprisoned, so I should be safe here."
Minerva let a single tear drop down her cheek. "Yes, he is dear... but his son."
Hannah bristled. "Doesn't know I exist. None of them do. I am perfectly safe." With that, the young woman climbed the stairs to Charlie's room. Her husband noticed her departure and quickly walked to the table.
"What did you say to her?" Charlie asked.
"We were just discussing her father," Minerva said off-handly, judging wether Charlie knew for himself who the man was.
The young red-head paled and dropped his towel. "I'd better go talk to her," he said softly as he left the room to console his wife. Minerva's thin lips pressed together in thought. Charlie knew the identity of Hannah's father. He was now unsafe. Molly watched the older witches expression darken.
"What does this mean?" Molly asked. "Who is her father?"
MCGonagall shook her head. "I'm sorry Molly, but I can't. It would put you all in too much danger. Just know that he is a loathsome, fowel, creature and deserves nothing, but suffering and pain for what he's done. And by knowing him, one puts oneself into severe danger."
"Dear Merlin," Molly whispered. "Is Charlie..."
"Yes," Headmistress McGonagall said sadly. "They're both in more trouble then they will ever know."
The conversation ended there as the dishes were done and Ron asked if there was anything else to do. Molly said no and the clean up crew went to bed. After the children had all gone upstairs, Molly turned toward Minerva. "What should we do?" she asked quietly.
"Get the girl out of here and in hiding as soon as possible," McGonagall answered matter-of-factly. "She's in danger and now so is your family."
"Oh dear!" Molly cried.
"It's alright. I've asked Alaster Moody and Auror Shaklebolt to stay and gaurd the outside of your house and I'll stay within. You should all be safe tonight." Minerva explained.
Molly nodded and led the older up the stairs to the twins room where she could spend the night.