Author's Note: A part of this chapter becomes a little mature, so for safety I am going to say: "Viewer disgression is advised"
Reviews are welcome.
Chapter Ten:
"The Hearing"
Hermione rummaged through her trunk, desperate to find a decent outfit. Merlin, I can't ever remember being this nervous in all my life! she was thinking as she turned down a lime-green sundress with white flowers. If she didn't hurry up and find something soon, she was just going to call the whole thing off. Sure, she liked him; but if she couldn't find something presentable to wear, there was no use in going. Her heart did another little flutter as she thought of their conversation the previous week.
"Hermione?"
Hermione nearly jumped at the sound of someone calling her name, but was relieved to hear it was Ron. Good…I need to have a word with him, she thought to herself, recalling their last conversation together.
"Ron? Is that you?"
He chuckled and answered with great sarcasm, "No, it's Ginny. Bloody Hell, Hermione, you'd think that after eleven years of friendship, you'd recognize my voice. And I thought you were the brightest witch of our age…I guess that's why I'm not the brightest wizard."
She punched his arm playfully, "Oh, come on, you big git. You know very well that I knew it was you."
"Yeah."
There it was again, the tone in his voice reflecting that there was something he wanted to say to her, but felt he couldn't. Would he ever trust her?
"What is it, Ron?"
He sighed, "It's nothing, don't worry about it."
Hermione was hurt, "Ronald Weasley! All those times you've put your life in my hands and you won't trust me with whatever it is that is bothering you?"
He tensed.
She let out an exasperated sigh, but tried to release the tension building between the two with a joking tone, "Ron, it's okay. You can trust me. Besides, if you don't tell me, I'm going to think you've killed someone."
His amber eyes darted up to her face and widened, but a slight smile grew on his lips, "Say you know this girl and you've fancied her for ages, but you don't know if she fancies you and now you're in a rub because you want to take her out but you don't know if she'd go."
Hermione laughed, "Is that it, then? You fancy a girl? Well, then, just take her out like you want to. Any girl would have to be off her rocker to not see what a catch you are."
Ron looked nervous and his ears were going red, "Right, I was thinking about taking her for a picnic on a beach in the Western Isles, but I'm afraid she'll say no."
Hermione smiled and began to walk away, "Trust me, with an offer like that…she can't say no."
He shuffled his feet, "So, next Tuesday then?"
Hermione was confused and stopped to turn to face him again, "Pardon? Next Tuesday?"
His ears reddened even more, if possible, "Do you want to go? Western Isles? Next Tuesday?"
Hermione blushed to realize he'd been talking about her, "Oh, Ron."
He looked down at his feet, "So that's a no, then?"
"No. Tuesday it is," she smiled and finished before waltzing away, "Pick me up in my office around nine."
Thank Merlin that Tuesday students would be out of school!
It was now ten minutes to nine and she had nothing to wear. Glancing at her bed, where her bathing suit lay, she sighed. If she couldn't find something soon, she'd have to go in just that. She laughed at the thought of his reaction. They weren't ready to get intimate yet, but he was, after all, a man and would have quite an amusing reaction to that sight if unprepared. Looking all around her room, she groaned at the mess she'd made. A shirt caught her eye; it wasn't much but was perfect for an outing. It was light sky-blue and had sleeves that hung just off her shoulders. A pair of jeans and a belt was all that she needed. She dressed hastily, afterwards putting on light make up and putting her hair up so it would be off her neck; though, it was not all that warm. Just as she finished slipping on her shoes, there was a knock at the door. She opened the door and there Ron stood, dressed in a white shirt with sleeves down to his forearms and light blue jeans that were faded on the thigh.
"Are you ready?"
She smiled, "I just need to get my bathing suit…or should I not bring it?"
"I brought mine, it's in my bag. You can put yours in there, if you'd like?"
"Thanks, just let me go get it," she replied as she shut the door and grabbed her bathing suit.
When she returned, he'd already opened his bag to allow her to put her bathing suit in. Then, he grabbed her hand and led her through the halls of Hogwarts, out of the castle and to Apparation point in Hogsmeade. Wrapping her in his arms, he preformed a side-along Apparation. They appeared in a neat, little cottage comprised of one room, excluding the bathroom. It held a small kitchen with dining, living and sleeping areas. Though it was small, it had a very homely feel to it and Hermione's tension eased a bit. On the table in the dining area was a bottle of wine settled on top of a piece of paper that upon later inspection read: Have a great time. Love, Molly. Ron smiled, his ears slightly red as he read the note aloud. Molly? Hermione thought, Molly knew about this?
"This is Mum and Dad's. They come here when they want to get away for a little while. Mum said we could borrow it for today, so long as we don't turn the place to rubbish," Ron explained, shifting his stance; a nervous habit he'd had for years.
And so the day continued on. They spent time on the beach having a magnificent picnic, listening to the waves crashing serenely against the sand. After they ate, they headed into the ocean for a swim but did not stay long due to the March weather making the water cold. Finally, they retreated back into the cottage for some very welcomed warmth. Though they were now in inviting temperatures, Hermione could not stop herself from trembling. Ron, of course, ever ready for an excuse to have a bit of bubbly, though not a drunk, offered for the two to share some of the wine. Several wine glasses later, the conversation between the two wandered into delicate territory.
Hermione hiccupped, "Tell me something that you have never told anyone before."
With a happy, lopsided smile on his face, Ron sighed, "I'm afraid of spiders."
"Oh, come on, Ron! Everyone knows that!"
He tensed, but nonetheless sarcastically replied, "Ermm…I secretly that pink is a very appealing colour."
Hermione laughed so hard, she could scarcely see through the tears streaming down her face and her fuzzy sight, which, combined with the after effects of the wine, proved to be too much as she tumbled out of her chair and, pulling herself to a standing position, proclaimed, "About time you came out of the closet."
Ron jumped up, ears turning red, and nearly shouted, "I most certainly am not gay!"
Hermione merely laughed, "Well, then…prove it."
Ron smirked seductively and with what seemed to take two heartbeats walked around the table to where Hermione was struggling to stand. He smirked even more just before he leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was exactly what Hermione expected and so much more. It was both sweet and passionate. And when he pulled away to draw a deep breath, he said something that made her want to melt.
"I love you."
He kissed her again, not giving her time to respond. This time the kiss was fierce and possessive, causing Hermione to become much more lightheaded, though she suspected it had nothing to do with the wine. Ron seemed to grow even more bold, twining his fingers in her hair, keeping her face pressed tightly against his. Hermione responded with the same ferocity and boldness. Unexpectedly, his hands traveled lower and before she could register what was happening, he was picking her up and carrying her to the bed…
***
She paced her dorm, her long, brown hair flowing behind. She sighed, attempting to calm her nerves. Glancing at the clothes resting on her bed, she paced closer to the bed. She put on her clothes and headed to her mother's office, and the rest of the morning passed by in a blur. She vaguely remembered her mother, whom she noticed appeared quite cheerful despite the events to come, wrapping her in her arms and smiling. Afterwards, the two walked arm in arm in the direction of Hogsmeade. Through a slide-along Apparation, Lauran and Hermione appeared in the main lobby of the Ministry. It was bustling with beings, wizards and creatures alike, running to and fro. Memos were flying overhead, destined for numerous wizards in numerous places around the Ministry. Lauran's eyes grew large at the extravagance that made up the Ministry; Hermione chuckled a bit at her daughters reaction, remembering her first time to the Ministry. She led her daughter down many sets of stairs until they found themselves face to face with the entrance to one of the chambers used for a department recently created by Arthur Weasley himself. The Department of Wizard and Muggle Cooperation was used to settle disputes between wizards and muggles, and Hermione's custody battle had been directed to this department.
They stood there apprehensive, their minds racing at the possibilities of what was to come. In the end, who would be granted custody? In their hearts, they both knew there was only one way to find out but neither could bring themselves to take the step and the risk of loosing the happiness they had just found.
Finally, gathering the needed courage, the two stepped forward and entered the room. It was much like the Wizengamot chambers, though noticeably smaller. Upon her entrance, Hermione's ears rang with chatter and she instantly distinguished two people she preferred not be there, along with other members from the Department of Wizard and Muggle Cooperation. Rita Skeeter had long since backed out on the promise she'd made to Hermione in her fourth year, but Hermione hadn't really cared so long as she wasn't smudging Harry's good name; but, of course, Hermione's good fortune allowed her to be in the presence of the very bug she despised the most. Umbridge, the ungrateful toad, on the other hand remained a nuisance to the trio as she was always trying overwhelm them with her efforts to reinstate Cornelius Fudge, or in recent days…instate herself, as Minister of Magic. Hermione sighed, but attempted to hide her tension by putting on a confident smile. She was relieved to see that Arthur Weasley was there. Of course, he's here! Hermione reminded herself, This is his department! It appeared to Hermione that Mr. Weasley was to preside over the Hearing, which greatly lowered her tension. He would see to it, with all his power, that Hermione was granted, at the very least, visitation rights.
"Is everyone in attendance," his voice rang out above all the gossip and instantaneously the chamber was silent, "Very well. I assume you all know why were are here, so let's get on with it then. Miss Hermione Jean Granger, you have come here seeking permanent custody of your biological daughter, Lauran Anastasia Courtinger. Am I correct?"
She nodded, "Yes, sir, I am."
He continued on, reading off his paper, this time addressing Mr. and Mrs. Courtinger, "And you, Mr. John Michael Courtinger and Mrs. Elizabeth Kingsley Courtinger, are present here today counter-suing, saying that Miss Granger here has not ever and, seemingly, will not ever meet the responsibility requirements of raising the aforementioned child?"
Both muggles answered in unison, "Yes, sir, I am."
"Very well," Mr. Weasley said diligently, "Given, I am sure everyone present is familiar with the…situation at hand," Hermione was relieved to hear that he would not mention the rape in front of Lauran, as she did not know as of yet, and continued listening, "let's continue on with the testimonies, shall we?"
Mrs. Courtinger spoke first, speaking for both herself and husband, "My husband and I refuse to believe for one second that Miss Granger is capable of raising Lauran. She has avoided the girl for her entire life and suddenly she wants custody? I do not trust it one bit!"
Hermione was next, "I'd like to start off by saying that I have never once avoided Lauran…ever. Had I known where she was, I would have contacted her as soon as I was able. Secondly, I believe that I will be quite capable of raising my daughter, possibly greater than Mr. and Mrs. Courtinger would. Lauran is a witch, she needs a witch mother to guide her through adolescence and her coming of age in the wizarding world. Who better than her biological mother?"
Lauran shyly, spoke after that, "I'd like to live with my mother--," Mrs. Courtinger cheered at this, but was soon let down, "--Hermione Granger. She is so sweet and I know in my heart that she loves me and wants nothing but the best for me. I know that if she had known where I was, she would have found me ages ago, but she didn't…she couldn't…so here we are now. And as for my adoptive parents, well…they've never actually beaten me, but they've never showed me exact kindness either. It has become worse since I found out I am a witch. They've been neglecting my emotions."
To Hermione's horror, Umbridge was the next and final person to testify, "I, Dolores Jane Umbridge, do not think for one second that Hermione Granger should have custody of this child. I once taught Miss Granger at Hogwarts and she lacked responsibility, showing a complete disregard for the rules. She even lead me into the Forbidden Forest where I was attacked by a giant! How does that qualify her for custody of such a young individual?"
Mr. Weasley looked at Hermione warily before proceeding, "Now that we all have heard mutual testimonies of both the positive and the negative view points, perhaps we should come to a final decision? I ask, that if you feel Hermione Jean Granger should be granted custody of her daughter by birth, Lauran Anastasia Courtinger, then you should raise your hand now."
Hermione's heart pounded in her chest and she felt as if she could not breathe. She watched as slowly, people throughout the room, the workers of this department, raised their hands.
Mr. Weasley spoke again, "I ask, now, that if you feel Hermione Jean Granger should not be granted custody of her daughter by birth, Lauran Anastasia Courtinger, and that Mr. John Michael Courtinger and Mrs. Elizabeth Kingsley Courtinger be allowed to continue to possess custody of their daughter by law, Lauran Anastasia Courtinger, then you should raise your hand now."
Hermione thought that the positive votes were horrible enough, but now she saw that the negative were worse. She felt faint and was sure she would not last another minute. But she had to be strong for the sake of Lauran, if she fainted they would surely believe she was incapable of raising Lauran and she could not bear to loose her daughter again. She most certainly would not survive another loss. Daringly, Hermione glanced up to see the hands that were raised. Unsurprisingly, Umbridge had her hand raised high in the air. Hermione was furious that she now worked in this department, but knew that it was the only that would hire her after the incidents in Hermione's fifth year. Counting the hands, Hermione let out a sigh of relief.
Success is always wonderful. It brings you happiness and it felt as if this was the happiest she'd ever been in her entire life. They'd done it. They were a family now. No more feeling alone or sad. There they stood, just staring at one another, almost afraid that if either blinked the good feeling would go away. Together, they walked off, arm in arm. They were smiling. It was such a good feeling; nothing could ever ruin it.
Author's Note: If you would like to see what Hermione and Ron looked like on their date, go to the following link (just take out the spaces):
http : / / j . bdbphotos . com / news / pictures / 9L / 77 / 977 _ large . jpg