Chapter 9
AN: I am so glad for all the reviewing which I received…Thanks a lot! Let me know what you think of this one!
Dinner was a really good affair at the dining table especially after the long discussion which the four friends had had. Molly had fed little Teddy and put him back to sleep whilst Mrs. Granger insisted helped Fleur to set the dinner table. Ron and Harry were making little jokes at Hermione and even if she was posing annoyance she really liked to have them back together…so what if they made a team against her right?!
Ginny was considerably quite during the whole session but kept on passing by Harry in some way or the other so that he notices her and once he did she would ignore him and walk off this kept on happening till all the Weasley siblings Harry and Hermione cleared the table after dinner. Harry noticed this but didn't give much thought to it. Everyone then turned to discuss the profession which the war heroes wished to persuade during deserts. Sitting in the backyard where the seating arrangement had been expanded magically…of course. That's when Ginny took interest and Hermione lost all of it. Which Harry noticed and wanted to talk to her before it slipped his mind he realized he had to ask Hermione's dad to let her go home with him tonight. He was restless from then on thinking when he would get an opportunity to broach this delicate topic with her father. Harry got up to keep his plate of pudding and simultaneously Hermione's father did the same thing. They headed towards the kitchen at the same time, when Harry caught up with him before they could get through the door. Finding his Gryffindor courage Harry approached him with a level of confidence in his voice, "Mr. Granger, I was wondering if you would allow Hermione to spend the night at my place? Just for the night, I promise." The moment he saw Mr. Granger's face become expressionless Harry thought he was too direct. After a very long pause he replied "Yes Harry why not…and don't worry, tomorrow I and Jane are home so we would like to take care of Teddy, that is if you don't mind, tell Kreacher to leave some of the necessary things Teddy might need. And it would not be a problem if you and Hermione spend tomorrow's entire day together. We would do the same with Teddy." Harry left the breath he was holding in form of a laugh and thanked him, Mr. Granger clapped him on the shoulder and was about to enter the kitchen when Harry offered to take his plate and Mr. Granger went back to the others. Taking the dishes Harry entered the kitchen with a triumph smile on his face. He spotted Ginny near the doorway meddling with some containers. Harry smiled at her when she looked up and went to clear the dishes. As he was leaving Ginny said, "Harry why don't you stay over tonight, everyone has missed you, especially mum, she would really like it you know!" Harry scratched his forehead, wondering how to refuse Ginny's wish without telling her the truth and without hurting her further. Sensing his reluctance Ginny pouted and slowly stepped towards him. "Oh please Harry it would be fun to have Teddy around overnight." The moment Ginny said 'Teddy'; he started yelling from the room above. Harry quickly rushed for the room and picked him in his arms and went outside to get some fresh air for the little boy, Ginny huffed and followed him out. Hermione and Harry met half way through when Ginny reached near them and walked away furiously when she heard Hermione rambling "I didn't know you were inside, do you think he will stay with dad and mum tonight? What if he doesn't feel comfortable will Kreacher stay with them just for the night? And Harry how did you convince dad so easily, I saw you two talk it didn't take much long what did you…" she was cut short when Harry kissed her hard and passionately for a long time before they pulled away, everyone could have heard a pin drop even on the lawn, Teddy had also stopped crying and was staring curiously at his father from Hermione's arms.
Harry brushed his thumb on her swollen lips and said, "Love, do you realize we are in a bit of trouble." Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "The day I first hugged you Potter I made a deal with trouble and when I kissed you I sealed the deal forever." They were grinning at each other and when Teddy started crying again with more conviction thus the pair rushed towards the crowd to take their leave. Everyone scrambled here and there saying goodbyes because there was no way Teddy was going to calm down. In between the chaos George and Fred suggested Harry and Hermione to display their kiss once more so that Teddy shuts up for a minute. Harry laughed and Hermione shook her head at them. Final good bye with Molly was a bit awkward for Hermione but she lived through it. Ron was very nice to both Harry and Hermione which made the trio a bit sad while leaving. Harry softly but sincerely apologized to Ginny and promised Molly that he and Hermione will come soon for a night over before school starts.
Everyone was glad that the evening took place, especially the golden trio. Ron felt a bit sad when he was alone in his room, but once he recollected the evening's light hearted jokes and teasing amongst them the sad feeling was washed away.
Ron noticed Ginny's behavior and realized that a life time obsession would take a while to become a history. Especially when it was nurtured by their mother. Ron felt proud that Harry could handle Hermione and Teddy at once…he laughed out loud at his best technique to shut them both at once. All in all Ron had a great dinner and a reunion with his friends which made him sleep like the dead.
Ginny and Molly were sitting late that night at the kitchen table discussing what had exactly happened. Molly was heartbroken for her only daughter and didn't know what to think or say to her. Somehow she managed to convince Ginny to take a little sleep potion and go to bed, though she herself remained restless for most of the night wondering when thing changed for Ginny and Harry and what made Ron this calm about the whole situation. She could not blame Harry and Hermione after the war but nor could her motherly heart help the bitter feeling which coursed through her at the sight of her dream about 'one big happy Weasley Family' being shattered.
Grimmauld palace was going to experience the beginning of a completely new phase in the relationship of its current owner.
AN: R & R…
