Chapter 4: Hermione's Arrival.
Ginny sat down in the same spot at the table that she had sat at breakfast. She ate mostly in silence, but shared a few laughs with the family from Bill's jokes. After everyone was done eating Ginny helped her mother clear the table. Not even 15 minutes later they heard a pop sound followed by a knock at the door.
Mrs. Weasley rushed to the door and exclaimed, "Hello Hermione dear! Oh do come in, come in," she bustled Hermione in before she could even say a proper hello. Ginny, Ron, and Harry walked back in the kitchen to greet her. But Mrs. Weasley, being herself, fussed over her.
"Are you sure you're not hungry dear? My you look so grown-up! I can fix you a plate, no trouble at all…"
"Mum!" Ron interrupted, "Let her breathe!"
Hermione set down her bag and gave Harry a big hug. He returned it; it was nice to have someone so close, like a sister. She let go of him, and gave Ginny a loving hug as well. Then she flung her arms around Ron and their lips almost met when Hermione looked at all the Weasley's still in the room. She blushed madly before planting a gentle kiss on Ron's cheek, and then they awkwardly broke their embrace.
Bill, Charlie, Percy, and Fleur all greeted Hermione as well and ushered her into the sitting room. Ron sat down next to her and Harry saw that Ron had his hand on top of Hermione's.
"So Hermione," started Bill, "Did you find your parents alright?"
"Yes," sighed Hermione, "They are back home and they don't remember any of their time as their alter egos. I'm so glad everything is back to normal."
Ginny shifted uncomfortably in her seat and Hermione gasped, realizing she had brought Fred's memory back to her, but before she could say anything to her Ron put his arm around her waist and whispered in her ear, "Just let it be."
Mrs. Weasley then bustled into the sitting room with a tray of tea. She passed the cups around to everyone and sat down next to Percy.
"Hermione, dear, how have you been?"
"Fine, Mrs. Weasley, thank you. How have you and everyone else been?"
"I'd say we are doing fine, under the circumstances."
Ginny fought back the urge to yell and instead snorted which no one except Harry noticed. He tried to look her in the eye, but she quickly turned her gaze away. The conversation between Hermione and the rest of the Weasley's was just background noise as he stared at Ginny. She could feel his gaze on her and she fought the feeling to yell, directed her attention to Crookshanks who had carried in a mouse.
"Harry?"
Harry jumped back to reality at the sound of his name. He looked up Mrs. Weasley who was standing in front of him.
"I'm sorry?"
"Would you like some more tea dear?" she asked looking a little confused at his reaction.
"No, thank you Mrs. Weasley."
She then spoke to her daughter, "Ginny dear, will you please take Hermione's bags up to your room."
"Sure mum," she said looking for an excuse to be alone.
"That's alright Gin—"
"I insisted," Ginny said quickly grabbing the bags and rushing up the stairs.
Hermione looked at Ron with questions brewing in her mind and concern in her eyes. He hugged her tight as he reassured her not to worry.
With Hermione, Ron, and the other Weasley's attention taken, Harry quickly and quietly slipped out of the room and headed upstairs.