Author: Lash_Larue
Title: "Confessions and Promises"
Pairing: Ginny/Hermione others
Rating: Adult
Summary: Things are explained and asked
Warnings: Crack!Angst, kind of my own invention, I think.
Word Count:3500
Disclaimer: These characters belong to JK Rowling
The Hunters Part 11
"Confessions and Promises"
"Mollywobbles!" Arthur cried joyously as his wife entered the room, and then his smile faded. "Can you ever forgive me Molly? I've been sorry for things before, but never before ashamed, never…"
"Shush, Arthur," she said as she embraced him carefully. "Gnomes over the fence, don't think about it, I quite understand. But if you need forgiveness then you have it, darling."
"Thank you dear, I only hope that Ginny and Hermione can be as understanding."
"Of course they will, Arthur, it was that horrid tumor making you think those things," Molly told him.
"I'm afraid not," Arthur said gently, "the tumor might have kept me from being able to forebear saying them, but it didn't put them into my head, Molly. I really don't understand how a woman can fall in love with a woman, not in that way. And I really don't approve of it, it – it just seems unnatural somehow. And I know the two of them will face difficulties because of it. I just wanted more for our daughter, I suppose."
"Arthur, there is nothing more for her to have. She is loved, and no matter how you feel in your heart about lesbians, I'm quite certain that you realize what a fine young woman Hermione is. Ginny could have found no one better. Do you really think a tallywhacker is so important then?" Molly asked him.
"Well, when you put it like that… damn things cause more trouble, than anything else, I suppose. And you're surely right about Hermione. It's too late for me to change how I feel about it, but not too late to learn better. I can be happy for Ginny. And Hermione too, for that matter, our Ginevra is quite the prize, isn't she?" he said brightly.
"Indeed she is Arthur, now how are you feeling?"
"Better than in some time, truth to tell. This headache is nothing at all compared to the ones I've been having lately, and if not for my shame I'd feel quite content. I trust Percy told you all about the situation, didn't he?" Arthur asked.
"Indeed he did, and the rest of the family as well. Percy is a man, Arthur, we may be proud of him. He's carried all of us through this."
"Aye, he's overcome his weaknesses and folly. I should take the lesson from him and overcome my own! There now, would you like to see my stitches?"
"Not just now, Arthur. Percy says it will be a few days before they do the other tests?"
"Dr. Barstow was in earlier, charming young woman, very bright indeed, I can't wait for you to meet her, Molly, she's-"
"I'm sure she's wonderful, Arthur, and I am quite prepared to love her like a daughter, but whatever did she say?"
"Oh, yes, well, we're doing the tests tomorrow! She said she'd never seen a head like mine for toughness and resiliency, what do you think of that?" he said proudly.
"It doesn't surprise me in the least, Arthur," Molly said with a smile. "The children are here, would you like to see them now?"
"Of course! Oh, err, is Ginevra here?" he asked tentatively.
"Certainly, and Hermione with her," Molly told him.
"Best have them in first, then, if they're willing," he said resolutely.
"I'll send them in, dear. And Arthur, it's lovely to have you back."
"Thank you Mollywobbles, it's good to be back. I didn't much care for that other bloke. Now fetch the girls before I lose my nerve, will you?" Molly left the room.
"Ginny dear, your father wants to see you and Hermione first, please," Molly told her.
"Right then," Ginny said as she stood and held out her hand to Hermione. "Ready love?" she asked.
"Indeed, let's go and see him," Hermione said heartily, but inside she was fervently praying that Arthur would at least be civil. She was afraid of what bat-bogies would do to someone right after brain surgery.
"Girls! How lovely to see you!" Arthur greeted them.
"H'lo Dad," Ginny said tentatively.
"Good morning Mr. Weasley," Hermione followed, "it's good to see you looking so well."
"Would you like to see my stitches?" he asked, and it was so much the old Arthur Weasley they loved that both of them had smiled before they knew it.
"I'm terribly ashamed of how I acted, Ginny, Hermione, I was bang out of line and I know it. And the tumor doesn't excuse me."
"It is your house, Dad," Ginny said, "and you have every right to have your own rules in it."
"Aye, I do, but it's your home, and you are my daughter, and you have the right to expect me to support you in your choices so long as they are not harmful to you. And while loving a woman will certainly pose difficulties, even I am not so blind and stupid as to think that loving Hermione could be harmful. I'm trying, girls, but I admit that I don't understand how two women, or two men, can fall in love like that. You know, your mother, well, long ago…"
"She told us, Mr. Weasley, not who, or anything like that, just that she had been in love with a woman, and that she chose you," Hermione explained.
"Oh, good. I suppose a part of me still wonders why she chose me over her. She was really – but no, not my story to tell, as I told Percy. So, as I said, I can't understand how a woman can fall in love with another woman, but I can certainly understand how anyone could fall in love with Hermione, Ginny my love. And I can't think how anyone could not fall in love with you. And I suppose that's all that matters here, isn't it? The love?"
Tears were running down all three faces, and Ginny had to make a real effort to speak, but she managed.
"Can you be happy for me? For us?" she asked.
"Of course I can, darling Ginny. I've never wanted anything else than happiness for any of you, and I'm more thankful that I got the chance to tell you that than I am that I'm still alive. Now I just hope I live long enough to see your happiness, and maybe in time I can understand better. And never let it be said that Arthur Weasley, the real Arthur Weasley, that is, is behind the times. Bugger the Min, if you two are committed to each other, that's good enough for me. Hermione, welcome to the family, and though I have loved you as a daughter for years, I now give you the hand of my Ginevra with joy. For whatever it's worth to you girls, you have my blessing."
"Look at our rings, Dad!" exclaimed Ginny, and they displayed them with pride.
"Beautiful! Stunning! Wherever did you get them?"
"Mum and Dad gave them to us," Hermione explained, "my other Mum and Dad, I mean."
"Thank you, Hermione," Arthur said quietly, "that means more to me than I can say. Ginny girl, you picked a winner, no doubt of that."
"Can I see your stitches Dad?" asked Hermione.
"Of course, just let me peel this bit of plaster off…"
Molly was getting a touch nervous at the amount of time Ginny and Hermione had been gone, but the happiness on both girl's faces when they returned set her at ease at once.
"Everything is fine with us Mum," said Hermione as she embraced the older woman, and Molly buried her face in Hermione's abundant hair and wept with joy.
"Charlie, Ron, you're up," Ginny told them.
"What'd you tell him about me?" Ron asked curtly.
"Not a damn thing," Ginny replied. "Nice shiner though, Ron." Ron had the grace to grin sheepishly, and he and Charlie went to see their father.
"Should they tell him now?" asked Molly, concerned.
"Won't ever be a better time," Ginny said, "he's happy, he's himself, and he gave 'Mione and me his blessing."
"Also, he's heavily medicated," Hermione told Molly. "I read his chart. And I've heard of Dr. Barstow, they don't come any better."
"Thank you dear, that does make me feel better," Molly told her.
"Lads! Good of you to come and see your old man! How are thing- Merlin, Ron! Did you take a bludger to the head?"
"No, actually, that was me, Dad," Charlie told him.
"Oh?" Arthur inquired.
"Ron was being an arse to Ginny and Hermione. I went to have a little man to man with him and he got a bit shirty. Actually, he took a swing at me," Charlie told his father.
"Bad move, Ron. Charlie could have gone pro, boxing," said Arthur. "And why were you being hard on Ginny and Hermione? Do we need to get Dr. Barstow to look at you? These things might be hereditary for all I know."
"No. It's not that," Ron said slowly.
"Tell him or I will," Charlie told him. Ron turned scarlet, and drew a deep breath.
"I gave them a hard time because I'm gay and I'm ashamed of it, alright? I'm sorry to tell you this when you're ill, Dad, but I just can't stand it anymore!"
"Well of course you're gay, Ron," Arthur said, "I've known that for some time."
"Huh?" gawped Ron.
"Listen son, anyone who would dump Hermione and take up with Lavender Brown, well… let's just say that shows that you're not really interested in women," Charlie cracked up, he absolutely howled with laughter.
"Shut it, you great poofter," Ron began, "Or I'll – ouch!"
And just like that he had matching shiners.
"Don't call your brother names, Ron," advised Arthur.
"He's as queer as I am!" protested Ron.
"Queerer, likely," amended Arthur, "at least he's got a boyfriend."
"I don't get it, you gave Ginny the boot for taking up with Hermione, and you're fine with Charlie and me being gay?"
"Charlie lives in Romania, Ron. He told me years ago, to my face, and he never made any bones about it."
"Poor choice of words there, Dad," Charlie said with a grin.
"What? Oh, right. Charlie never backed me into a corner like Ginny did, and if I hadn't had that blasted tumor I would have handled that better. He knew I was uncomfortable with it, and he respected that, so I respected him. I'm not proud of how I've acted in this regard, and I hope that Charlie will bring Horst here to visit. But I warn you Ron, don't give Horst any lip, or you'll get worse than a black eye. He's huge," Arthur promised.
Charlie caught Ron's eye, nodded, and gave him a wink. Ron turned purple.
"So then, Ron, anyone in particular have your eye?" Arthur asked him. "Harry, perhaps?"
"Harry's too skinny," Ron said automatically. "Oh Merlin, will this nightmare never end," he groaned.
"Not until you come clean, little brother," Charlie promised him, "no such thing as halfway out of the closet!"
"Oliver Wood," Ron mumbled.
"The Puddlemere keeper?" Arthur asked. Ron nodded.
"Nice!" Charlie said in approval.
"I don't even know if he's gay," Ron said miserably.
"Oh, he's gay alright," Charlie promised.
"Did you-"
"No, no, little brother, back off, you're right out of eyes to black. I just meant that I've seen Oliver in a few clubs, that's all."
"Was he with anyone?"
"No one in particular, last I knew; but he does seem partial to Gingers…"
"This is the strangest day I've had in my life," Arthur told them, "it must be these muggle drugs. Wonderful things these muggles come up with!"
"Bill and George and Penny and Percy are still out there Dad," Bill told him.
"Send in Bill and George please, and Ron, relax son, being Gay doesn't make you less of a man. Take a look in the mirror if you doubt me."
"You won't think less of me, Dad?" Ron asked.
"I couldn't possibly, son," Arthur promised.
Ron wondered why Charlie was snickering, but he never found out.
"Ron! Charlie! What on earth have you been up to?" Molly hissed sharply.
"Ron just needed a little encouragement, that's all," Charlie told her.
"He came out?" Molly asked.
"Reluctantly, but fully," Charlie confirmed, "he's got a thing for Oliver Wood."
"Nice pick, Ron," Ginny told him, "word around the quidditch world is he's hung like a-"
"Ginny!" Molly said sharply. Ginny shrugged, Hermione and Penny giggled.
"Really?" mouthed Ron. Ginny nodded, and Ron settled back in his chair with a dreamy smile on his face.
"Bill, George, lovely to see you, want to see my stitches?"
"Sure!" said George.
Show and tell concluded with George being very impressed, and then Arthur put on his "father" face.
"Bill, I want you to take Fleur to Rio as soon you can. I know you love me, I know you're concerned for me, but there is not one thing you can do to help me other than to take care of your family, do you hear me?"
"But-"
"No! I know all about Assyria, and it's a grand opportunity, and you should take the chance, especially since Hermione and Ginny will be with Fleur and Victoire. They couldn't be in better hands. But son, I've had a wonderful life, even if I die tonight. Not that I plan to, mind. You will be away from Fleur for a long time, and curse-breaking is dangerous work. I know you're good at it, and I'm proud of you, but things happen, as has recently been brought home to me. Get your arse out of here this minute and go to your wife, do you hear me? Merlin's balls, son, you're married to the most beautiful woman I've ever heard of, and she's a wonderful mother and a smart and caring person. Kiss your mother goodbye and get out of here before I have Charlie give you a shiner. Beat it! I love you and I love Fleur and I love Victoire and I love the new baby. Now get out of here!"
"Thanks, Dad. You know Gin and Hermione will have to leave too, right?"
"Of course, I've already settled things with them. Besides, I'll be able to visit with them once I get out of here. Percy will get in touch if he needs to, right? Now you go and show those folks in Brazil what a beautiful woman looks like. And tell them she's my daughter in law," Arthur told his oldest son.
"Right Dad, see you later." Bill kissed his father, slapped George on the shoulder, and left.
"Dad told me to take Fleur to Rio, now," Bill announced to his family. "And that means Gin and Hermione need to go too."
"Well of course it does, Bill. And you should obey your father, you know," Molly said with a smile. "You too girls, go, have fun with Victoire and each other."
"Send me your floo address when you get it, Bill," Percy told him, "I promise to let you know if anything happens, don't worry about that."
"Right then Percy, you have my complete trust," Bill told him, "and my admiration. You've a good man here Penny, take care of him, will you?"
"Oh, I do," Penny promised him. Bill winked at Percy.
"Ready to go Gin, 'Mione?" Bill asked.
"Mum?" Ginny began.
"Go, darlings, we'll keep you up to date, but really, your father is better than he's been in weeks. I'm glad you got things sorted with Arthur; I know it will help him get well. And Ginny, I still have my wedding dress, which was my mother's, and believe it or not, it might fit Hermione rather well. With Percy on the job you may need it!"
Many Weasley-kisses were exchanged, and Bill, Ginny, and Hermione departed.
"So George," Arthur asked, "are you gay too?"
"Not really, Dad. I mean, there was that one time in the showers with Oliver Wood, but-"
"Don't tell Ron! You'd have to kick his arse!" Arthur said urgently. "You're not serious about him, are you?"
"No Dad, actually I've been seeing rather a lot of Katie Bell."
"She's a girl, right?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, Dad. Quite a lovely girl actually," George assured him.
"Oh good. From the name, I was afraid she might be a dairy cow. Not that there's anything wrong with that! I just want my children to be happy…"
"Merlin's drawers, Dad, what the hell are you on?" George asked him.
"Dunno, son, but it's some good shit, I'll tell you. Lots better than those nasty potions they give you at St. Mungo's."
"Right…"
George picked up the phone and dialed.
"Pye here," came the answer.
"Healer Pye, this is George Weasley, I'm with my Dad, and he's acting a bit strange."
"That's to be expected George, the muggle medications are a bit different, but Dr. Barstow is the best there is."
"It's like he's plastered, you know, drunk," George explained.
"Is there a plastic bag hanging by his bed plugged into his arm?" Pye asked.
"Yeah," George confirmed.
"Read me the label."
"Ringer's lactate, and umm, morphine," George read.
"No worries then, your Dad is snockered, that's all. He might be a little uninhibited, but it won't hurt him any. It's quite pleasant, actually."
"Okay then, thank you." George rang off.
"Katie has a great rack, Dad," George told him.
"Marvelous! You know, your Mother has a great –"
"I'm just going to send in Percy and Penny now Dad," George said as he stood.
"Oh, yes, wonderful," Arthur agreed.
"He seems to be getting a bit tired," George told them, "and the drugs have him a little tipsy, so if he says anything strange just pass it off, right? I talked to healer Pye about it, and he says it's to be expected. Good job St. Mungo's has muggle telephones. He's expecting you and Penny now, Perce."
Percy and Penny went to Arthur's room.
"Percy, Penny, grand to see you! Penny, you are lovelier than ever! I trust my son is taking good care of you?"
"Indeed he is, Arthur, indeed he is."
"Oh, Percy, just so you know, I was having George on a bit just now. He even called Pye to ask about the drugs. I pulled that thing out a while ago, it was making me fuzzy, and I want to remember all of this, you know, just in case."
"Isn't that dangerous, Dad?" Percy asked.
"No, I asked the nurse about it, it's just for pain, and to keep me hydrated. It doesn't hurt much, and I can drink water. And how often do you get to put one over on George?"
"Fair point Dad, and I have to admit you seem okay to me," Percy conceded.
"I feel grand, actually. I've got to know my children better, and to make amends with Ginny and Hermione. Not a bad day, all-in-all," he said.
"No, it sounds rather good," Percy admitted.
"Percy, I'm going to ask you something. You and Penny, because I need to ask someone, and I trust the two of you to do what I ask, right?"
"Of course, Dad," Percy replied.
"I don't think I'm going to be around much longer," Arthur said calmly, and he raised his hand to forestall denials. "I don't mean days, son. But I can feel that things are not right, and I'm quite sure that I don't have many years left. And that's fine, I've had a marvelous life, wonderful children, wonderful new daughters," he said as he smiled at Penny. "Did I ever tell you, Penny, how very beautiful you are, and how happy I am that Percy has you in his life?" Penny smiled at him as the tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Percy, there are great things ahead for you at the Min. I know it. You've earned it and you will have it, mark my words. But I want to ask something more of you, you and Penny. May I?"
"Of course Dad, anything," Percy said earnestly.
"If I'm right. If I die before your mother, she may come to you and ask you a question. I want you to tell her what I'm going to tell you now. Will you do that for me son, Penny?"
"Of course we will, Arthur," Penny began, "but what-"
"You will know when the time comes, if it comes," Arthur assured them. "I have to lay this burden on you Percy, you are the one that I can count on to tell Molly exactly what I ask you to, without trying to interpret it or make it seem other than what it is. My request is simple, tell your Mother that I said to follow her heart this time. That's all, can you do that for me son?"
"Of course, Father. But why me? Why not Bill, or Charlie? They love you as much as I do."
"Because, Percy my lad, there is steel in you."