Sorry it took slow long. I did not abandon my story, just life decided to throw me a few loops to jump through. Thank you to all the people who have commented, put this story on their favorites, or are following. I would bake you all cookies, but, unfortunately, my kids would probably steal them before they even cooled on the pan.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the characters and world all belong to J.K. Rowling.
Please Read and Review. If you love it great, if there is something wrong please tell me, and if you hate it I respect your view point.
Dinner at the Burrows had turned into a loud affair that night. Somehow word had spread throughout the Weasley family of Snape's visit and poor Molly had found herself expanding her dinner menu to suit her entire family. Not that she minded, of course, it was always wonderful to have all seven of her children back at home, along with their husbands/wives, and her beloved grandchildren.
It was always wonderful to have the entire family together, in Molly's opinion. Lively chatter and tasty foods were spread throughout the table. One would almost believe that the entire family had gathered together to celebrate a holiday or birthday that night, however no holiday was mentioned or birthday for that matter. No, this gathering was for something completely different.
"So what you're telling us", George Weasley said, after Hermione finished telling the Weasley clan her encounter with Snape, "is that the Greasy Git-"
"George Weasley! I raised you better than that!"
"Sorry, Mum. Um, Snape has somehow found himself trapped in the claws of the Harpy of Gryfindor and came begging to you for help, Granger?"
"That's right, although begging wouldn't be the word I would use George."
"More like threaten would be the word", Ronald Weasley mumbled.
"And even though you know what Vane is capable of doing you still gave her the idea of an engagement ring?", Fred Weasley questioned.
Hermione Granger could not help but look down and blush as she mumbled a "yes" to the other twins question. The entire occupants of the table could not help but stare silently at Hermione, a few questioning her very sanity. Thankfully the silence shortly ended when both the twins looked at one another and burst into laughter.
"Haha, you mean to tell me you actually, haha, sent Vane, haha, after Snape!?"
"I can't believe, haha, our little Hermione did it brother of mine!"
"To true Fred, to Fred. Who knew our little Hermione was capable of such evils?", George said with a grin.
"Who knew our Hermione was capable of such cunning?", Fred countered.
"Who knew our Hermione was capable of such revenge?"
"You know Gred, I do believe we are beginning to be a bad influence on our dear Hermione."
"Right you are Forge. Although, I do believe this all started long before our dear Snape."
"How so Gred?"
"Well, you remember what happened to Umbridge back in sixth year?"
"Ah yes, Forge. Who could possibly forget hearing about the Toad's lovely visit with the Centaurs."
"Not to mention what happened to the Edgecomb that year as well."
"Who knew a charmed piece of parchment could do such damage?"
"And not to mention-"
"Shut it, you two! I think we all have an idea of what happens when I get angry", Hermione interupted.
"Like I said in first year", Ron said, "you're brillant, but scary."
"Oh will you lot knock it off. It's not as if I've done anything. Remember, Vane already had her claws in Snape to begin with before I came along and said what I said. And I will have you know, that I did not mention anything that had to do with engagement rings."
"That maybe true Mione', but you did mention "a ring", Harry countered.
"Oh, shut up Harry! Who's side our you on anyways?"
"It doesn't matter who's side anyone is on right now", Ginny Potter said. "What matters now is that Vane is on the loose again and...", Ginny paused. She could not help but look at Lavender Weasley with a pained expression. Only herself, Harry, Ron, and Hermione knew what Vane had said to hurt Lavender during her time of recovery and did not wish to bring up any bad memories.
Upon seeing this Lavender could not help but give Ginny a small smile. She knew that they were trying to protect her still, but she also knew that the truth needed to finally come out.
"It alright Ginny", Lavender said. "You don't have to worry about her bringing up any bad memories with me. Thanks to Ron and our soon to be little Daisy, I've gotten over them." Lavender couldn't help but look down and smile, rubbing her swollen belly at the same time.
The rest of the family looked around at one another, trying to find an answer as to what Ginny and Lavender had been saying. Only curious looks were met with one another.
"Wait, I feel as though we've missed something here", Bill Weasley interrupted.
"Oui. I agree, with my dear Husband. What are you five not telling us", Fleur finished.
So once again, Harry, Hermione, and Ron found themselves retelling the tale they had told both Molly and Snape only hours ago. After the end of their story, to say that everyone was shocked was a bit of an understatement.
It was Arthur this time who choose to break the silence.
"You mean to tell me, that the five of you have been keeping a secret of this magnitude away from the family and you are telling us just now that the five of you have soulmates!?"
The room went quiet. Very rarely did Arthur Weasley ever lose his temper, but when he did it almost put Molly Weasley anger to shame.
All Arthur heard from the five were a mumbled "yes".
"Harry and Hermione, not throwing off on your upbringing, but I can understand why you choose to remain silent. However, Ron, Ginny and Lavender I am shocked by you three. You all know the rarity of a true soulmate. You three know that when a true soulmate is found that that time is a time for rejoicing and marks a century of future happiness and progressive change. You knew what it means for the Wizarding community for such an occurance and yet you keep this a secret."
"Dad, we had to. You know what would have happened-", Ron started.
"I understand why you did what you did in the beginning, but it has been five years Ronald. All the rouge Death Eaters have been captured, your wife and future child are safe", Arthur countered.
"But what about Hermione?", Lavender all but shouted. "It's not fair that we are able to rejoice, while she is still looking for hers. Did it ever occur to you that if we revealed our story years ago that Hermione would be under an immense pressure to find her soulmate? Not to mention the amount of men who would try to take advantage of the situation. You saw how it was for Harry and Ron. All those women, throwing themselves at them. Some even half-naked. And you remember Hermione had a number of stalkers trying to break down Hogwarts gate, screaming that they were "destined to be". I love Ron, and I'm very proud to be his soulmate, but even I could see that in the beginning they were destined to always be together, soulmate or not. Sharing their lives together, their joys, and heartaches. That's how it's meant to be, Arthur. Once Hermione finds out who she is destined to be with, they will share their joy as it has always meant to be, together."
"Lavender, I understand-"
"Hold on, Dad, Lavender has a point", Percy interupted.
"What do you mean, son?", Arthur said, giving his son a curious glance.
"After the War many Pureblood families and Ministry officials lost their status because of either their involvement with Voldemort or their involvement with enforcing the Muggleborn laws. Many families were planning on offering marriage contracts to both Harry and Ron, but after news broke out that they both intended to marry Ginny and Lavender those families switched their interest onto Hermione. I don't know if you are aware of this Hermione, but many, many men tried to petition the Wizengamot for a marriage contract with you. Usually the Wizengamot very rarely deals with such issuse as a marriage contract, but due to some high-ranking officials the members were having to look through multiple contracts to determine who could be your potential husband. When Kingsley discovered what was happening, many members of the Wizengamot tried to explain that it was not only good press for the Ministry, but also financially beneficial. Many Pureblood families were willing to empty half their vault for you and the Wizengamot was up to its ears trying to find you a potential husband."
"WHAT!?" Everyone at the table jumped back in alarm. Eyes turned at the now furious witch. "You mean to tell me that the Wizengamot tried to sell me!?", Hermione slowly seethed. It was at that moment everyone became afraid. Hermione had been known for her temper and very few had been on the receiving end of it. Very rarely did the young woman ever lose control, but when she did, witches and wizards alike made it a point to stay out of her path.
"Percy", the enraged witch said, sending a cold shiver down the poor wizrds spine, "I want the names of all the Wizengamot members who were trying to sell me",she finished in a quiet rage.
"Um", Percy hesitiated for a moment. He knew that the news would definitely upset Hermione, however, he didn't expect the slow seething rage boiling through her. She was scary when she got angry. Very few saw her rage and he counted himself lucky to have never seen it, but today it seemed his luck had just run out.
"Percy", Hermione said slowly, "names."
"Honestly Hermione you have nothing to worry about now. Kingsley took care of everything, the Wizengamot refuses to touch the issue of any potential marriage on your part and Vane took care of the only problem you had", Percy said quickly, silently praying to whatever deity was listening that he wouldn't be maimed. "Oh Merlin, please don't kill me Hermione. Audrey's just found out she's pregnant again and I want to be able to see Little Molly's third birthday."
"Names!", the enrarged witch stressed.
"I don't know the entire list. Most found themselves in Azkaban and some were terminated from the Ministry. Hermione I'm telling you the truth, you don't have to worry about anything, Kingsley took care of everything, well except for Theodore Nott, but Vane took care of him for you. So you don't really have to worry about anything. Honest Hermione. Um, Hermione?"
"Hermione, dear, maybe you should calm down a bit", Molly stepped in, trying to pacifiy the raging witch. "Dear, Percy said Kingsley took care of everything so you have nothing to worry about."
Hermione remained silent for a moment. Quickly constructing a plan of someones imminent demise, until a thought crossed her mind. Slowly turning her head she fixed her gaze on her two best friends. Anger about to boil over. "Did you two know anything about this?"
Harry and Ron looked at one another, distress clearly written across their faces.
"Ah.."
"Well.."
"You see.."
"We were just.."
"Um.."
"We had heard.."
"Didn't know much.."
Harry and Ron looked at each other again and knew at that moment they were dead. With quick thinking they did the only thing they knew would keep them safe. They hid behind their wives.
"Please don't kill us!", Ron screamed, holding a somewhat amused Lavender in front of him.
"We were just trying to protect you!", Harry added, ducking behind a smiling Ginny.
"At first we thought it was a rumor!"
"Yeah, until Kingsley approached us and told us to keep a closer eye on you until the Ministry was able to take care of everything."
"We wanted to tell you, but we knew you would have ended up in Azkaban if you found out", Ron finished glancing over the shoulder of his wife.
"Hermione, I know you're mad, but, um look. We, OH HELL! Please don't do anything Hermione. Lav's pregnant, Ginny's pregnant, and look, your sweet little Godson is here.", Harry rushed, quickly picking up a giggling twelve month old James Potter. "See, look at your sweet Godson. You don't want to deprive him of his Godmother, not to mention his actual Father?"
"Yeah, Hermione. Lav and I were thinking of making you the Godmother of our baby", Ron said quickly.
"We are?", Lavender questioned.
"Yes", Ron said firmly, giving a meaningful look to his wife, "we are."
"Hermione, please calm down", Percy begged. "I know it makes you angry", at that moment Hermione gave Percy a pointed stare, "okay, gulp, beyond angry, but this honestly turned into a good thing."
At that statement Hermione quickly grabbed her wand and pointed it at an almost crying Percy.
"Alright, bad choice of words!", Percy screamed, holding his hands up in the air. "Please, let me finish."
"Mummy", little four year old Victoire whispered loudly to her Mother, "is Aunty Mione' going to cas- um- cas-ah casterate Uncle Percy?"
At that moment every man's hand at the table quickly went to hide a vital organ.
"Victoire, where on earth did you hear such a thing?", her Mother questioned.
"From Daddy", Victoire answered.
At that, everyone turned their attention to a very puzzled Bill Weasley. Even Hermione forgot her rage and was now concentrating on the little girl's answer.
"Deary", Molly replied, "when did you hear your Daddy say such a thing?"
"Oh, when Mummy and Daddy thought I was sleeping and Mummy said I was going to turn into such a pretty young woman. And then Daddy said that if any of those little bastards either try to take advantage of me or make me really angry that Daddy was going to cas-cas- casterate them. Grandma, what does casterate mean?"
"I'll tell you when you're older, Dear."
"But is Aunty Mione' going to do it now, because I really want to know what it is."
"No Dear, I don't think-"
"Aunty Mione' could you teach me how to casterate little bastards?"
"Victoire Weasley!", Fleur screamed, "I don't ever want to hear you say such things."
"But Daddy said it", Victoire whined.
"I'm well aware what your Father has said", giving a pointed glare at her now blushing Husband, "but that doesn't mean you are allowed to say it or what your Daddy says is nice, for that matter."
"Mummy, are you going to casterate Daddy?"
"Oh for the love of Merlin, no one is castrating anyone", Bill shouted. "Tory, forget what Daddy said. Daddy said some bad words and Mummy has already punished me for them. No, she did not castrate me and no we will not tell you what it is until you have turned thirty", Bill finished frantically.
"I don't know Bill, Victoire does have a pretty sound idea", Hermione stated with a feral smile on her face. Percy, Harry, and Ron dramtically swallowed and repositioned their hands for full coverage.
"Hermione, shut it", Bill screamed.
"What was that Bill?", Hermione said twirling her wand in her hand.
"Um, shut it, please?"
"Good answer."
"Well, now that we have cleared the air on the subject how about we continue to have a pleasant dinner and we can all rationally talk like civilized witches and wizards", Molly said, trying to bring peace back to her dinner table.
Hermione, seeing Molly's attempts, quickly put her wand away and settled down with the rest of the family. Harry and Ron, seeing their friend's move, came from hiding behind their wives and settled themselves and little James into their chairs.
"Lovely", Molly beamed, "now lets tuck in before our dinner gets cold and I have some lovely pies and tarts waiting for us under warming charms once we're finished."
At that moment, Percy fainted.
"Oh, dear", Molly said worriedly.