Chapter 27

"She Is"

_THE FUCKING TRUTH_

Good Morning London! It's Monday the third of September, Sunday begun of another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Saturday marked the start of the Quidditch season, the Holyhead Harpies slaughter the Chudley Cannons 150 to zero, when Ginerva Weasley caught the snitch in a record two and a half seconds breaking the record of Roderick Plumpton of three and a half seconds in 1921! A fantastic debut by Miss. Weasley! Lee's normal cheerful and upbeat tone changed to one of complete seriousness, In Ministry News the International Confederation of Wizards met yesterday to discuss the war between the Giants living in the mountains between Norway and Sweden. Giants are known as vicious creatures and for their feuding but the problem is a group of Norwegian muggles hiking in the mountains saw them. When the obliviator's from the Norwegian Ministry of Magic showed up to the small town at the bottom of the mountains, the entire town was talking about the giants. They wiped the minds of all the muggles but not only could this have been fatal if they were spotted by the Giants but also this viewing has put the secrecy of our world at risk! Percy Weasley, senior undersecretary, made the following statement at the press conference following yesterday's meeting, (recording of Percy's voice)Britain has agreed to help Norway wherever we can if this matter should escalate. I want to ensure you that we are not in any danger but the Ministry asks that everyone please keep a low profile when out and about amongst the muggles we don't want to draw any unnecessary attention to our world…

"Oaf!" Harry slammed into the wall, he was in the Auror training office and today they were stunning. Harry had stunned people before but never to this measure. He had to have gone flying at least hundred feet.

"Alright there Potter," Randal Carrington the blonde boy who just sent him flying across the room shouted from the other end

"Yeah," he said walking the length of the room toward Randal, "that was a good one you really knocked the breath out of me," Harry said reaching Randal, massaging his chest.

Randal smiled, "thanks," he stood face to face with Harry and patiently waited for Harry to stun him.

Harry's mind was racing, it was year two of training and he was closer to becoming an Auror, this morning Robards announced that if the war between the giants escalates they might actually get to battle. On Saturday morning he watched Ginny catch the snitch in a record 2.5 seconds, he was so happy and even though it was completely out of character he couldn't help but jump up and down and let everyone know that was his girl. He was getting married next week, and to top it all off it was Monday and Ginny should be home when he got there. He grinned at the thought and yelled, "Stupefy". Randal went flying back like twenty feet.

"Come on Potter!" Williamson the Auror leading the class yelled irritably, "I've seen you stun things farther than that, concentrate!"

"Sorry," he said trying to look as if he cared. He couldn't wait until it was time to go. Nothing was going to get him down.

Randal smiled from his position on the floor and just shook his head.

_12 GRIMMAULD_

Harry ran up the front stairs of 12 Grimmauld place, he couldn't wait to see Ginny, as he opened the door and saw her luggage in the front hall and he knew she was home. As soon as he closed the door she stepped out of the living room into the hall.

"Hey," she said smiling brightly hurrying over to hug him.

Harry hugged her tightly and picked her up. He placed her down again and kissed her, "I've missed you."

"I missed you too, there are a couple of people I want you to meet," she said smiling and pulling him towards the living room.

"Who?" Asked Harry confused

She pulled him into the living room and two men were sitting on the couch, they stood when Harry entered the room. One had a baldhead and was wearing a pink button down shirt and black pants and pink shoes. He was short and skinny and his nose was round and rosy. The other man reminded him of Cornelius Fudge in his pin stripped suit, he was about two heads taller than the other guy, his hair was as dark as night and was neatly slicked back. Both the men seemed very cheerful and happy to see Harry.

"Harry this is Eric Winters," she indicated to the man in the pinstriped suit, "and Seth Weinstein."

"Hello," Harry looked from them to Ginny curiously, "I don't mean to be rude but who exactly are they?"

"Well it seems," she said slowly, "I have umm… how does Ron like to say it… gotten a little too popular for my own good," she smiled slightly.

"What do you mean?"

"Eric's my Manger and Seth is doing my PR," she answered. "Oh and Loel who's not here is my Agent"

"What do you need a manger, PR, and agent for?" Asked Harry raising an eyebrow

"Your wife to be is going to be great!" said Eric enthusiastically; "My job is to help Ginny with her calendar so she can manage her career and family time. I mean with her record breaking catch of the snitch and the fans she already had before the season even started I mean things are going to get hectic and…"

Seth cut him off, "Ginny has informed us that you like your privacy and that is where I come in, my job is to minimize the press and only let them report what you want reported," Harry liked the sound of this guys job description, he liked anyone who will keep the others away. Seth picked up a magazine off the coffee table, "first order of business is this," he held up the magazine and Harry's eyes widened.

It was the Skeeter Report and the picture of Harry and Ginny kissing at the ball last month, the head line read "Potter's Getting Hitched!" "How did she find out about the wedding?" Harry asked heatedly walking over to Seth and taking the magazine.

"I'm not sure but when I find out I'll silence the snitch," he smirked, Harry could have sworn there was a twinkle in his eye, "anyway by tomorrow every other paper in the Wizarding World will be reporting the same thing and everyone will be trying to get an invite. I have made up a fake date and location and in the morning I will make a statement saying that the wedding is a private affair, and then later I will leak the fake information."

"And you think this will work," asked Harry skeptically.

"Of course it will work, it won't be the first time I've thrown off the press," he waved his hand through the air dismissing Harry's comment and took a seat.

Harry still looked a little unsure. Ginny put her hand on his shoulder, "everything will be fine, we will have our beautiful small backyard wedding just like we planned." Harry wasn't sure that this plan was going to work out. It was too simple and left room for a million things to go wrong.

"Now before I was rudely interrupted," Eric eyed Sidney, "Ginny we really need to go over your schedule for the next couple of weeks."

"Okay," the doorbell rang just as Ginny sat in the armchair next to Eric.

Harry shook his head leaving the room to answer the door trying to figure out what Ginny had gotten them both into. She loves playing Quidditch and I would never want her to stop but I don't know if I can handle any more attention then I already get. Harry looked through the peak hole to see who was at the door. He smiled when he saw that it was Mrs. Weasley. He pulled the door open…

"Hello Mrs. Weasley," he beamed giving her a hug.

"How are you Harry?" She smiled as she tried to flatten his hair.

"I'm fine, and you," he asked scrunching uncomfortably as Mrs. Weasley messed with his hair.

"I'm wonderful… but we're going to have to do something about this hair for the wedding," she stopped tugging at Harry's hair and shook her head shamefully.

"It will be a miracle if I ever find anything to make it stay down," said Harry running his hand through it.

"We'll think of something," she smiled, "I see Ginevra has returned," she said glancing at the luggage by the door.

"Yes she's in the living room," Harry responded, Mrs. Weasley went into the living room and Harry Levitated Ginny's luggage up stairs. Mrs. Weasley had taken to calling Ginny Ginevra after her and Harry's wedding announcement… argument. She figured since Ginny thinks she's an adult she would call her by her real name. Ginny absolutely hated it but put up with it because at least her Mother was speaking to her again.

Harry came back downstairs and went into the living room and sat on the arm of Ginny's chair and listened to what Eric was telling her. "This Saturday after you play the Kenmare Krestals, we have to be in London as soon as possible over to Finnegan's P.R, were going to shoot your professional photos there."

"Professional Photos, for what?" Asked Harry

"All the Quidditch players do them for posters and fans and stuff like that," interjected Seth.

"Sunday you have practice, Sunday night your back here to get ready for your big day on Monday. You have practice on Wednesday…" Harry interrupted.

"I thought you didn't practice on Wednesdays?" Asked Harry raising an eyebrow

"Were playing the Tutshill Tornados on Saturday, there really good the coach wants us to get in an extra practice," Ginny smiled up at him. Harry didn't press the matter anymore although he didn't like his time with Ginny being cut so short, he also understood the need for extra practice after being the Captain of the Gryffindor House team.

"On Friday at 8am you have an interview with Quidditch Daily and at 9am you will meet the rest of the team for the photo shoot," explained Eric

"Do we know what the interview is about yet?" She asked

"No, I have a meeting with Irvin the editor on Thursday to discuss what is and isn't appropriate to ask so we'll do I full run through after that," Ginny shook her head in understanding, "Following that is practice and after the game on Saturday you have a meet and greet."

Harry ran his hand through his hair, he thought his life was hectic when he had to deal with school and Voldemort but that seemed nothing compared to Ginny's schedule. She barely had time to sleep but she wanted to do it and Harry had all the confidence in the world in Ginny. Well better her then me… he exhaled as Eric continued on with her ridiculously packed schedule.

_ THE FUCKING TRUTH_

Its 1pm on this beautiful Saturday the eighth of September, has everyone got their invites to Harry Potter's wedding? He is marrying the seeker on the Holyhead Harpies, Ginevra Weasley. It seems like everyone is trying to be there on the twenty third at Godric's Hollow Park. Lee rolled his eyes and grinned knowing that Harry was getting married this Monday since he himself was actually invited and not begging for an invitation like some others. I even here that Adrian McGuddle will sing a special song written for the love birds, it took everything to hold in his laughter. Well anyway it should be fun and I'll be there so it will be that much better. Here's the "The Hobgoblins" with "Unexpected Twist" I'm Lee and your listening to the fucking truth!

_HERMIONE'S HOUSE_

"What's this boy's name again," Mr. Granger asked setting the dining room table.

"Draco Malfoy," answered Hermione. Draco was coming over to officially meet Hermione's parents over lunch.

"Malfoy!" Her mother shouted from the kitchen, "Isn't he the boy that always had you in tears," she said entering the dining room looking confused.

"Um…. Yes," she answered nervously, "but he's changed."

"I highly doubt that, once a jerk always a jerk," her mother huffed back to the kitchen.

"Daddy you believe me don't you," she said in the face that always got her what she wanted.

"We'll give him a chance," he sighed

"Mum won't."

"I'll talk to her. She'll be fine all she wants is the best for you," he said placing the final plate on the table.

The doorbell rang, "I'll get it," Hermione said rushing from the room. She pulled open the door, "Hi," she said stepping out onto the porch and closing the door behind her. She threw her arms around Draco's neck and hugged him.

"Are you alright," He said hugging her back.

"I'm fine I just missed you," she said giving him a peak on the lips.

"We just went to dinner last night…."

"My mum doesn't like you," she said quickly.

"Okay, parents usually don't. Sometimes I think my own parents aren't too fond of me," he said tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"How nice of you to be so calm while I'm worried about what she may do to you," she chuckled nervously. He leaned in to kiss her again but stopped as the door opened behind Hermione.

"Hello," Draco said politely pulling away from Hermione. "Draco Malfoy," he extended his hand and shook Mr. Granger's.

"Nice to meet you, Kory Granger, why don't you two come inside," he said stepping out of the doorway to let them in. Draco walked in first and Hermione followed. Her father put a hand on her shoulder and whispered, "Relax."

"Draco, this is my wife Eleanor," Mr. Granger said walking them into the sitting room.

"Hello Mrs. Granger," he said politely extending his hand.

"Hello," she said glaring at him. She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. Draco took his hand back and placed it in his pocket as Crookshanks came prancing in the room. He climbed in Mrs. Granger's lap and hissed at Draco.

"Why don't we all sit down and have a nice chat," Mr. Granger smiled. Hermione and Draco sat on the couch and Mr. Granger sat in the armchair across from Mrs. Granger.

"So, Dragon, what do you do for a living," asked Mrs. Granger stroking Crookshank's behind the ears.

"Its Draco mum," Hermione corrected annoyed.

"Sorry," she said as if she didn't care.

"I'm a bartender," he answered.

"Bad grades…"

"Eleanor," Mr. Granger warned.

"What? I just want to know why he thinks tending bar is an acceptable career to have while dating our daughter," she said smugly.

Hermione put her head I her hands, "With all due respect Mrs. Granger I think I wouldn't be good enough to date your daughter no matter what I did but I would hope my current state of employment wouldn't be on the list of criteria."

"It's not," Mr. Granger assured him.

"How can you say that how does he expect to take care of our child on minimum wage and tips!"

Hermione jumped to her feet, "Mum, it doesn't matter what his career choice is and we're nowhere near talking about any kind of state where he would need to take care of me! And I don't need someone to take care of me this isn't 1954!" She said heatedly.

"I just want you to be happy," she said removing Crookshanks from her lap and standing.

"I am happy!"

"With this Malfoy person who always sent you home in tears and made you feel bad about yourself! And now he's slinging drinks probably at some dump!"

"Please tell me this isn't about money? When has that ever been something that this family considers something of substance," she argued.

"I don't think that's what your mother meant," Mr. Granger interrupted, "she's just concerned."

"How do you know I wasn't referring to money, Kory?" She glared at her husband.

"Mrs. Granger if you're concerned about my financial status… I am well taken care of," Draco informed casually.

"How so," she said retaking her seat. "Has bartender suddenly become highest paying job?"

"My family's wealthy"

"How exactly did your family come of this supposed wealth?" She asked skeptically.

"We once owned quite a few businesses that were stolen from people my family has deemed unworthy such a squibs, muggle borns, half bloods, and/or blood traitors. But they have since been sold off. There's also stocks, bonds, and the pillaging of muggle and wizarding villages through the 10th and 11th centuries." He said matter-of-factly

"That's a lovely tale," said Mrs. Granger raising a questioning eyebrow, "But I'm sure that all of that could not have brought in as much money as you're referring to. Not to mention be maintained for thousands of years."

"We're astute and keep excellent records. My family is worth about 200 million galleons which I believe is about one billion pounds." Mr. Granger nearly choked and Mrs. Granger was trying hard not to let her jaw hit the floor. Draco continued as if he didn't notice, "Unfortunately my family has strict rules about marriage so if anything was to ever go that far with your daughter and myself I would be completely cut off. But when I'm twenty one I come into a million galleons my Grandfather set aside for the first born Grandchild that can't be touched by my parents so, I'm not too concerned with being disinherited," he shrugged.

"Lunch anyone?" Mr. Granger smiled rising from his seat hoping they could get off the money chat. Mrs. Granger was still trying to keep her jaw from dropping. Hermione was a bit surprised herself she assumed the Malfoy's didn't obtain their money legally and she knew he was wealthy but… Damn!

_FINNEGAN'S P.R FIRM_

Ron was walking down Diagon Alley in the sunny Saturday afternoon sun. He had listened to Ginny's Quidditch match on the wireless that morning, after hearing the news that they were beat by the Kenmare Krestals he decided he would pop in on her photo shoot to see how she was taking it.

He walked into Finnegan's P.R Firm, the marble floors, walls, and ceilings were white. The couches and the tables in the waiting area were black. As soon as you walk in there is a tall black desk where the receptionist sat. On the wall behind her was a huge poster from the Save Hogwarts benefit. The receptionist told him that the shoot was taking place in the room at the end of the hall.

The hall was all white as well except for the doors which were black with people's names glowing on them in silver, the walls were lined with posters of the events that Seamus had done the press for, everything from Neville's Quibbler exhibition to the Coming soon poster for The Bent Broomstick World Tour. When he opened the door to the room his mouth fell open. Ginny was hovering about three feet off the ground on a broom, she was sitting side settle in a white flowing gown, there were people crowding around her fixing the gown, her hair and makeup.

"So this is what a photo shoot for a professional Quidditch player looks like," said Ron stepping up besides Seamus.

Seamus chuckled, "yes, when they just signed an endorsement deal with Gladrags."

"She what?" Ron was surprised.

"Gladrag's is paying Ginny a heap load of Galleons to wear their clothes," answered Seamus.

"Lucky git," Ron thought aloud, Seamus laughed and then laughed even harder when Ginny threw a practice snitch at Ron's head.

"I heard that," she stated as the people cleared from around her and the photographer eagerly started snapping pictures.

"So what's in this for you?" Ron asked Seamus

"A lot, I set up the photo shoot, I have the connections with all the really good photographers plus the Harpies are paying me for the space, not to mention Gladrags has an account with me and I take care of all their propaganda," he stated proudly.

"You're doing well for yourself," commented Ron.

"Extremely, after I did the Save Hogwarts Quidditch tournament people started to take notice, then the Hogwarts benefit promotion and it turned out so well the business has just been rolling in, I actually have a staff now, I'm sure you meant my lovely receptionist Cynthia on your way in," he smirked, "and Seth your sister's press agent over there is my employee," he nodded at the bald man in the corner talking feverishly into something Ron couldn't see.

"What's he talking into," Ron adjusted his position to try and get a better look.

"It's a blabber ball. It's like a muggle telephone you can communicate with someone instantly. Its new technology not many people have them but everyone in this business is starting to use them so everyone in the office has one."

"Mr. Wilson the Skeeter posters are in," a female voice rang over the loud speaker

"Skeeter?" Ron looked at Seamus in alarm

"Carl Wilson my other press agent, the queen of scum herself is his client," he looked over at Ron who still looked shocked, "it's just business."

"You told Harry you wouldn't promote her book about him," he said defensively.

"And I'm not I told Skeeter that I thought the book wouldn't do so well because Harry is still living and that people would try and disprove her facts aka lies and the book would flop. I'm actually pretty good at convincing people that's why I proposed pushing an international release of "Snape, Scoundrel or Saint". So Harry is in the clear until he dies but he won't have to worry because I'm pretty sure the old bag will kick the bucket first."

Ginny hopped off her broom and went behind a screen the broom disappeared and was replaced with an extremely plush looking sofa. When Ginny returned from behind the screen she was wearing a short black spaghetti strap nightgown, and a pair of Gladrags famous crazy socks. They were fuzzy rainbow knee socks that had pom poms around the top.

"What do you think you're doing?" Shouted Ron marching up to Ginny as she curled up on the couch

"Getting ready to take my next set of photos if you get out of the way," Ginny pushed Ron from in front of the camera.

"You will not take photos in your knickers," Ron searched for something to cover her with.

"First of all this is a nightgown," she said rising from the couch looking furious, "second I am an adult and I will be photographed anyway I please and third the ad is about the socks," she said pointing to her feet.

"No one will notice the socks if your only wearing that! Not to mention what will Harry think? Huh? When he sees his wife wearing barely anything in a store window?" Ron questioned angrily.

"They will notice the socks the gown is simple the socks are not. I don't know what my fiancé Harry will think but I'm sure he won't say much considering I decide what I will and will not do! If you have I problem with that then you can leave," she said sternly resuming her position on the couch.

"Ginny you can't, do you know what people will think? What men will think?"

"What that I'm beautiful, hot, sexy," she smirked, "because believe it or not Ron they already think that and was it not you who thought I was getting to much attention for my own good back in school?"

"Yes but then you weren't promoting it," he retorted.

She chuckled, "Oh yes I was, we girls have our ways but now all I'm promoting is socks. So would you please step out of the way so I can continue working, I'm on a tight schedule I'd like to hurry out of here so perhaps I can have dinner with Harry."

Ron stepped behind the photographer and watched as his sister turned into the perfect looking angel, the camera loved her. Those high socks and short nightgown are going to drive men wild and I'm going to be sent to Azkaban for killing each and every one of them!

_DRACO'S FLAT_

The Roof

After a very awkward lunch that consisted of Eleanor glaring at Draco while consistently calling him Dragon, making snide comments after everything he said, Kory trying to hold a civil conversation with Draco while scolding his wife which only ended in her scolding him, Hermione was thrilled when lunch was actually over. She made an excuse that they were supposed to meet some friends to avoid the after lunch chat and tea that she knew would only turn into an even greater argument.

Now Hermione lay in Draco's arms on a blanket with a mass amount of pillows on the roof of his building. He really did get the better end of the deal with roof access via the fire escape not to mention if there was a fire he was close to the exit.

September was here and brought with it the autumn but the long days and the warm summer air still persisted. The sky was a mix of oranges and purples as the sun was setting. Hermione had lost track of how long they had exactly been up there but the sky was beautiful and she really didn't care. Hermione couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be to make love under the setting sun. Draco thought the same thing, in fact he suggested it many of times before and she pointed out that the building was only three stories while the one next door was ten and she wasn't about to give anyone a peep show. He called her a prude and she sore that she would never shag him again. That only lasted about the time it took to get down the fire escape to his bedroom.

But they often lay on the roof silently or talking. It was their spot, nothing to distract them, Ron doesn't know they're there, and it was the spot where Draco first told Hermione he loved her. She smiled at the thought and buried her head in his chest.

"What," he asked removing one of his arms that were folded behind his head and running his hand through her bushy hair.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about you," she said placing her hand on his chest and placing her chin on it and looking up at him. "What you said to me up here."

"I don't recall," he shrugged. She just smiled, knowing he knew good and well what she was talking about.

"Do you think this is it?" She asked readjusting herself so she could look at the sky once more.

"Is what it," he asked beginning to caress her curls again.

"What we're doing now, I have all these goals about becoming a lawyer and the house elf enslavement but will I just become another twenty year employee of the House Elf Relocation Office… What about you, do you want to spend your life at the Sighler?" She sighed

"No"

"Nice answer"

He chuckled, "As of yet I don't know what my future holds…"

"We know it holds a million Galleons…"

"Yes Granger I suppose it is quite bright in that respect."

She playfully hit him, "come on you never had a childhood dream of being a firefighter… or Minister for magic," she laughed

"I don't know what a firefighter is and I've never wanted to be Minister but I do like problem solving…

"Like Arithmancy," she asked excitedly

He chuckled, "A little, I meant like antidotes and curse breaking"

"Do I hear the makings of a healer?"

"I don't think so," he turned his head away from her looking for his wand, "do you want anything, something to drink?"

"No I'm fine thank you," she answered watching him trying to reach is wand without moving that was too far away.

"Accio," Hermione sat straight up as Draco's wand went shooting into his hand

"You can do wandless magic?" She said blinking thinking she imagined the whole thing. That was a rear talent not many people were able to master.

"Yes," he said casually conjuring himself a glass of lemonade to cool off in the warm evening air.

"How can you be so nonchalant about this? Most people can't do it! It's a pretty big deal!"

He smirked and sat up, "not really anyone can do it you just have to have enough time on your hands to perfect it. It's all about concentration," he explained

"When did you have enough time to master that?"

"When I was under house arrest," he took a sip of his lemonade

"House arrest," she raised an eyebrow, "Do you have a criminal past I don't know about"

He smirked, "No the same one you know about. When you, Potty and Weasel," Hermione rolled her eyes, "escaped from the Manor, Voldemort put me and my family on house arrest."

"So you never finished school?"

"Leave it you to only think of the academic part of the problem… no I never finished school," he answered

"You think you ever will"

"I don't know," he shrugged, "but the time was well spent I dabbled with potions and spells, I wonder why when my father came to see me after the battle he didn't bring up the fact that I left the flame on under my cauldrons…" He mused reclining once again.

"You could have burned down the manor"

"I know but we got word that Voldemort was on the way to Hogwarts and there wasn't much time for cleaning and safety procedures. Plus I learned to do wandless magic not that I can do anything big. Just summon things, open and close doors, and I can conjure a few things… I can do it silently as well"

"Can you teach me?"

"Sure", she jumped to her feet excitedly, "You meant at this very moment," he said looking like he was far too comfortable to leave his position amongst the pillows.

"When did you think I meant," she said placing her hands on her hips

"When I wasn't so relaxed Granger"

She rolled her eyes, "come on," she said grabbing his arm and pulling him to his feet and him reluctantly standing.

"Let's begin with summoning," he pointed to his glass of lemonade, "All you have to do is concentrate on the object and say the words in your mind," he said as the glass of lemonade flew into his hand. "You try," he said placing the glass down again

Hermione extended her hand towards the glass and thought Accio Lemonade real hard "This isn't working"

"Why don't you try saying it allowed," he suggested

"Accio Lemonade," nothing happened, she took a deep breath, "Accio Lemonade," the glass began to titter back and forth and Hermione squealed with delight.

Draco snorted, "Nice one Granger but you haven't got it yet."

"But you and I both know I will," she pointed out smartly. Draco rolled his eyes as Hermione laughed.

"She Is" The Fray