Author: Lash_Larue
Title: "Various Beginnings"
Pairing: Ginny/Hermione others in the future
Rating:Adult
Summary: Plans for the future are made
Warnings:Reference to girl sex, reference to group relationship
Word Count: 2760
Disclaimer: These characters belong to JK Rowling
The Hunters Part 14
"Various Beginnings"
"Well now Arthur," said healer Pye, "I have to say that Doctor Barstow did a splendid job. There is no sign at all left of the tumor in your head, and it's a neat bit of stitchery as well. Just drink down this skele-grow, and in the morning your head will be as hard as ever!"
"And what then?" Molly asked.
"I won't sugar coat things," Pye said seriously. "The conventional treatments, magic or muggle, are simply too dangerous to contemplate. Not only would they be horribly painful, they would kill you in days, Arthur. But I believe that we can bolster you with strengthening solutions to help you fight the cancer, and the tumors that appear can be vanished so long as they are not in your brain. However the spread of the disease will proceed, we simply cannot find it all. If we did nothing whatsoever, I would be surprised if you lived three months, Arthur. But I have every hope that with the sustaining treatments that we can apply that that will be greatly extended. There is simply no way to know. This is new ground, and may indeed lead to treatments that will benefit others in your situation."
"I should like that," Arthur told him, "I've always wanted to be in on new things. And I'm quite fond of strengthening solutions; I made liberal use of them on our honeymoon! Molly is quite the –"
"Arthur!" Molly exclaimed, her face turning scarlet.
"What? He's a healer. You're my wife. Nothing improper about it! Now then, Pye, let's us see what good we can make of this. I may yet be useful before I pop my clogs! Now, now, Mollywobbles, don't take on so. Forever wouldn't be long enough to be with you, but look at what we have together! Years of love, and wonderful children! And Ron as well…"
"Arthur!" Molly exclaimed. "What a terrible thing to say!"
"The truth is often unpleasant, love," Arthur said as his eyes sparkled with love for his wife.
"So I'll see you in a fortnight, Arthur," Pye told him. "Here is the strengthening solution, once a day, mind, no matter how tempting your wife is." (Molly blushed fiercely, but she could not suppress a giggle.)
"I make no promises!" Arthur exclaimed. "Molly is addictive!"
"I have no doubt," Pye said with a smile. "Don't hesitate to call, either of you. We're in this together you know."
Pye bowed and stepped into the fireplace.
Arthur poured a measure of strengthening solution and downed it at a go.
"Now then, Molly Prewitt," he said, "let us see what kind of man you settled for…"
"In the morning, dear, that skele-grow will kick in any time and then-"
"Oh dear," muttered Arthur, "yes indeed, I'll just stretch out on the couch I believe."
xxxx
"Great work on the protective spells lads," Bill complimented, "I can't feature anyone getting through those to trouble us while we work. Let's get started, then. Easy does it, right? Trust me; having extra heads isn't as handy as you might think. The last curse breaker that happened to didn't get on with himself at all, kept getting angry and breaking one of his own noses…"
xxxx
"We had an owl from your mother, Arthur is doing well," Fleur told her over breakfast.
"I should go by and see them after practice I suppose," Ginny mused.
"Should I come too?" Hermione asked. "Do you feel up to testing the waters?"
"Not this time, I want to have a talk with Dad first. Now that he's not in the hospital all full of muggle happy-juice he might not be so accepting, and I can't have you go through that again," she answered.
"Give them my love," Fleur told Ginny, "and let me know what you think about him, please. Victoire misses him, but…"
"Believe me, I understand. Speaking of understanding, "Mione and I have been thinking that it might be a good idea to have someone we can call on to stay with Victoire, just in case one of us is gone and you need to go see your midwife, or, well in case something happens. Not that it will, but-"
"I understand, and I am grateful for your concern," Fleur assured her, "and this pregnancy is a little unusual, and I might need to be seen, yes. Didn't you say that your mother would be available for that?"
"Yeah, but – well – later on, when 'Mione and I are closer to you, we just don't think Mum would really get that. And Bill did say that he would rather the rest of the family not know. And I don't think we could hide that relationship from my mother, not if you were having problems, you know?"
"Ahhh, oui. Of course you are right; even Hermione's wonderful parents might look askance at that. I suppose that there might be a flock member who would be willing…"
"What about Pansy?" Hermione suggested. Fleur's face showed surprise, then interest.
"Well she should be able to accept the relationship, that much I believe. Does she have any experience with children?"
"She has a ten year old sister that she's cared for off and on since school," Hermione supplied, so more than Ginny and I, really."
"I see, but can she be trusted? With Victoire? With us? She is a marvelous dancer, and she is beautiful, and a successful businesswoman, but how well do you know her?" Fleur questioned.
"A fine question," admitted Hermione. "I can get Harry to do a check on her, see if she's been involved with anything underhanded since school. I feel a little creepy about it, but we do have to be as careful as we can."
"And we should spend some time with her away from the club," Ginny suggested, "everybody is different at work. Gwenog would be perfect, but if I can't be here, she can't either. She loves kids, I actually think she might consider having a couple of her own after she quits playing. That's going to require a brave man."
"That's going to require a turkey baster," Hermione corrected. "I'll send an owl to Harry right away; if he finds anything we won't pursue it further. And you need to get to practice, love."
"Yeah, I do. I'll try and get out of supper at the Burrow, but I don't want to hurt Mum's feelings, so don't wait for me to have your own." Ginny kissed Hermione and turned towards the sitting room and the fireplace.
"And where is my kiss?" Fleur asked indignantly.
"Just here," Ginny answered as she leaned across the table. "No thrall!" Ginny cautioned her. "I have to fly."
"I promise," Fleur said as she pressed her lips to Ginny's. "Have a good practice, 'Mama Ginny'," she said with a happy smile.
"Right, later, ladies," Ginny promised, and she ran her fingers through Hermione's hair on the way by.
"Your Ginny is splendid, Hermione. Such a passion for living."
"Indeed she is, I can still scarcely believe my good fortune," admitted Hermione. "I'm sad that she's gone, might I have a kiss too?"
"I am the fortunate one here," Fleur breathed as their lips parted, "to have the help of you and Ginny at this time. You are a part of me now, the two of you."
"I'm glad that you feel that way, we love you too."
"Vicky want go beach please."
"Just as soon as we tend to the dishes, my love, we shall go to the beach," Fleur promised. "Shall I bring lunch to you in your attic nest, Hermione?"
"I'd rather come down and be with you and Vic. But I do need to get that owl off to Harry, and I've a fair bit to do today. I'll give you a hand with the dishes first, though."
"No need, go, the sooner begun, the sooner finished."
"We want to do our share," Hermione protested.
"And you will," Fleur told her softly with a look full of promises.
xxxx
"Ten o'clock the fourteenth, then, Percy?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, the proposal will be read at ten, and then the floor will open for debate. I daresay we'll hear the same old thing as always, but I'm hopeful. Many of the younger members have assured me of their support, I think that we're close to being able to pass it," Percy answered.
"Will you be speaking then son?"
"I can't unless I yield the chair, rules you know. And I think that I can do more good by enforcing the rules fairly than by speaking. Everyone knows where I stand on this. At the least perhaps I can prevent it from deteriorating into bedlam."
"Is that likely?" Percy shrugged.
"The opposition is based mainly on either fear or religion, Dad. Historically those are not the genesis of logical debate."
"Aye, wars, more like. I'm sure you're up to the task though, good luck son."
"Thanks, well then, I'll be off. You're looking well Dad, better than in some time."
"I feel pretty good," Arthur allowed, "love to Penny." Percy nodded, kissed his mother, and left.
"What are you up to, Arthur Weasley?" Molly demanded.
"Mum, Dad, it's me!" announced Ginny.
"No word of this to Ginny, please, Molly," Arthur entreated.
"In the kitchen, dear," Molly called.
"Big surprise, hi Mum, Dad. You look like a beater, Dad, they're always having to get patches on their heads shaved."
"It's too bad the blasted thing wasn't under a bald spot, I've little enough left to lose. How are you and the other women of Shell Cottage? Getting on alright?"
"Fleur misses Bill, but I think she's glad we're there. She can have a little time to herself when she needs it, and either Hermione or I are usually about if she needs help or a grownup to talk to. And Victoire is a treat. Usually," amended Ginny.
"I remember those days," Molly agreed.
"I don't know how you managed," Ginny said in wonder, "I had Vic by myself a lot when we first got there. A six hour match doesn't wear me out like she can."
"I'm so glad you and Hermione could see your way clear to do this, Ginny," Arthur told her, "I know it means a lot to Bill, and Fleur, and Victoire. I think especially Victoire. This way she won't grow up with the same ignorance and prejudice that I did." Ginny looked closely at him.
"Do you really mean that, Dad?" she asked.
"I do. I had a very enlightening talk with Dr. Barstow before I left the hospital. I know I've fences to mend with all of you, and Harry. Just give me a chance if you will, darling."
"I love you Dad," Ginny said as she hugged him. "I'll give you more than one chance if you need it, I guess it was quite a shock to you."
"I won't need but one," Arthur assured her, "hard-headed I am, but I believe a bit of light shined in while the thing was cracked open. It was worth doing just for that."
"Can I help with anything before I go?" Ginny asked.
"You just did, dear," Molly informed her, "I hope you and Hermione are doing your fair share of the chores."
"You taught me well Mum, and no worries, Fleur isn't as much of a tyrant in the kitchen as you are."
"Off with you, cheeky girl!" Molly ordered happily, and Ginny complied.
"That was a lovely visit," Arthur said happily, "let's go out for dinner, what do you say, Mollywobbles?"
xxxx
"I'll be back as soon as I can, love," Ginny told Hermione. "And really, don't worry about coming to this series. We should win easily, and if we don't I wouldn't want you to see it anyway. This is Greenland's first year playing. They're tough as hell, but not experienced. Take care of you and Fleur and Vicky, and I'll be back soon."
"I'll never get used to this, you going away," Hermione admitted in misery.
"Good. I won't play quidditch forever though, and if we do well I'll make enough on my next contract that we'll be able to really enjoy our "golden years", Ginny promised.
"Just as long as I can have you while you're young and beautiful, and ripe, and luscious… Damn! Now I'm all worked up and you're leaving!"
"Poor Hermione," Ginny said with a complete lack of sincerity, "whoever shall you do?"
"I can't expect Fleur to just – just –" stammered Hermione.
"No you can't" agreed Ginny, "sometimes you have to take things into your own hands. Or you could go see Pansy."
"Ginevra! That's – that's just…"
"Okay, step into the closet, the state you're in, it won't take long. I've got that much time."
"Bugger the closet, Victoire is asleep," Hermione said, and she pulled off her pants and sprawled in one of the soft upholstered chairs.
"Lose the top, love," Ginny demanded, "if I'm gonna do you as a favor then I want you naked."
"I almost hope you lose," Hermione muttered as she pulled off her shirt, "then you'd be home sooner."
"Not happening, sweetheart, but I'll try and give you something to remember…"
Fleur stood in the shadows of the doorway and watched as Ginny thoroughly dealt with Hermione's little problem.
"Gods above…" Fleur breathed, "they are so beautiful together."
"I love you…" Hermione sighed as she slumped limply in the chair.
"I know you do, and I love you. I'll see you soon, love," Ginny promised, and she kissed Hermione and stepped into the fire.
Fleur stood irresolute; wanting to go to Hermione but unsure if she should reveal that she had been watching.
"They knew I was here, and we are to be lovers someday," Fleur told herself, and she walked quietly to the chair and pulled Hermione into her arms.
"Oh!" exclaimed Hermione." I'm sorry! I-"
"Hush, my sweet," Fleur whispered, "it was beautiful to see, but now let me hold you. I promise to behave, for now, anyway. I honor your love, but you need to be held. I know what it is like to see a part of your heart disappear in green flames."
Fleur was quite right, she did need to be held, and heedless of her nakedness Hermione accepted the embrace. And in that moment a bit of Hermione belonged to Fleur forever.
xxxx
"Weasley! Good to have you back, are you ready for the cold?" Gwenog asked her.
"After my farewell gift, Gwen, I'm ready to melt all the ice they have. Let's get this done!"
"So I take it you and Hermione are getting along well, then?"
"Gwen, if I told you all of it, you'd swear I was lying. But on my oath, I am simply neck-deep in the best stuff in the world, and there is plenty more standing by the side of the pool," Ginny promised.
"Get out," Gwen scoffed.
"You know Hermione, right?" Ginny asked her.
"Of course, everyone does, and I admit freely that she's as tempting a morsel as I've ever seen. But what of the rest?"
"Well for one, there's a rich woman who owns a bar," Ginny said smugly.
"You're lying, Gin," Gwen insisted.
"You caught me, I'm lying," Ginny admitted.
"No you're not, you lucky bitch!" Gwenog recanted.
"Lies, all lies," Ginny soothed, "who the hell could handle more than Hermione?"
"Fair point Red; now let's get ready to beat this team so we can get out of here."
xxxx
"Thank you Fleur, for understanding," Hermione said, "I think I can sleep now. I miss Ginny though; I haven't really had her very long."
"I know, it is new and powerful, and there is an emptiness in your heart," Fleur told her, "but she will be back soon."
"I know, but…" Hermione hesitated.
"Yes, my dear friend?"
"You holding me helps with that feeling. I just don't feel too empty when I 'm in your arms."
"And that is as it should be; I am not your Ginny, Hermione my love. But I love you, and with me your heart has a home. I miss Bill as well, so tonight let us hold each other and feel loved. Nothing more is needed now, do you see?"
"I'm naked," Hermione pointed out.
"Oui, I had noticed that," Fleur agreed with a smile, "now sleep, you shall be warm enough in my arms."
Hermione's eyes drifted shut, and Fleur held her and stroked her hair gently. The faint flutter in Fleur's womb seemed quite content.