Chapter 15: Tabloids
The rehearsal had gone off without a hitch and everybody was lounging around after dinner. Fred was in the middle of retelling the story of his own wedding day, and how he had clovers coming out of his ears, with such enthusiasm that he had everyone rolling with laughter. The fact that George just happened to have photos of the incident to go along with the story was sheer coincidence. At least, so he claimed.
Hermione sent him a look saying that she knew better, but all he did was grin at her unrepentantly.
Just then she jumped about a foot in the air and her hand flew to her pocket. She had totally forgotten that she had set her phone on vibrate! George looked concerned for a second until she pulled out her phone and gave him a sheepish grin. His eyes started twinkling like mad and he let out a small chuckle.
Hermione just shook her head again and flipped open the phone. "Hey, Lexie. What's up?"
"Hey, Jaya," the American greeted her, then cut to the chase. "Did you know you got married yesterday and may be pregnant?"
Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Let me guess, they found me again."
"Afraid so." Lexie's voice turned teasing. "I was so right though! I so called it!"
"Called what?" Hermione asked, although she had a feeling she knew what the other girl was referring to.
"You and George! Am I smart or what?"
"Yes, you're a genius. Congratulations," Hermione replied dryly. "Is it just the American press or all over?"
"You're in it deep this time, girl. It's all over the internet now." Lexie managed to sound amused and apologetic all at the same time. One of Lexie's odd hobbies was collecting tabloid news of her and all her friends who were in the limelight. She claimed that it kept her sane in an insane business. Hermione just said she was insane fullstop.
Hermione sighed again. "All right. Thanks, Lexie. Let me know next time you're in town, okay?"
"All righty, Jaya. See you soon." Then Lexie's voice took on a wicked tone. "Maybe you can name your baby after me."
"Alexia Joy!" Hermione exclaimed, completely flabbergasted with her friend.
"Love you, Jaya. Bye!" Lexie chirped from the other end of the phone and then hung up before Hermione could get another word out.
"Sure you do, you jerk," Hermione muttered, though with no real rancor, as she slipped her phone back into her pocket. "I'll get you for that."
"And her little dog too?" murmured a voice next to her ear.
Hermione jumped slightly and turned to meet George's questioning gaze.
"What's up?" George asked, dropping his arm around her shoulder.
"Are you sure you want to be with me, George?" Hermione replied, not answering his question.
George drew back slightly, hurt now plain on his face. "What are you talking about? What happened?"
"It's a serious question, George," Hermione said quietly. "I'm constantly in the public eye. And now you will be too. They'll find out everything they can about you. They won't leave you alone and I just-"
"Hermione," George interrupted. "I still don't understand what you're talking about. What did Lexie want?"
Hermione sighed and explained about the phone call. When she was done, a small chuckle escaped before George could stop it. "Hermione, do you really think something like that would scare me away? They're just making stuff up. We both know it's not true so what else matters?"
Hermione interlaced her fingers with his and leaned into his shoulder. "I just wanted to let you know what you're in for. The last guy I dated wasn't as understanding in that regard."
"So the last guy you dated was a jerk. So what? It happens to the best of us."
Hermione let her eyes widen to the point of absurdity. "So the last guy you dated was a jerk too?" she asked innocently.
George guffawed. "Okay, I guess I walked into that one. My point is, don't let them get to you."
"Oh, I suppose. If I must."
Hermione gave her boyfriend a dimpled smile and then turned her attention to what caused the sudden roar of laughter on the other side of the table. Apparently one of the Weasleys had decided to initiate Draco into the family by charming the salt and pepper shakers to do a jig above his head. He favored the Weasleys as a whole with a mock glare, then set about taking care of the dancing condiments, his fiancee being no help since she was laughing as merrily as the rest of them. Ginny finally calmed down enough to Vanish the shakers, though her eyes were still twinkling like mad.
"Remind me why I want to marry you again," Draco muttered.
"Because you love me," Ginny replied confidentally. "Though at times you don't know why."
Draco smirked. "Yes, there is that."
Hermione chuckled as Draco gave Ginny a peck on the cheek. My, how she loved her family.
a/n: Gah. So sorry this has taken so long. This story isn't abandoned, I've just had a lot happening in my life lately. Thank you to all my fans, and hopefully it won't take nearly as long to get the next chapter up.