A/N: I'm sorry this update took longer than usual and is on the short side. I'm starting a new job next week and needed to finish up things at my old job which took up more time than I liked. Updates are likely to be irregular for the time being. Getting settled at the new job is going to take some more time and energy away from my writing. I'm not abandoning the story, I just won't be updating as fast. I hope you'll have the patience to stick with me. :)
She says yes
"Hermione, Even though a law brought us together I love you with all my heart. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
While talking Ginny pulls out a black velvet box containing a engagement ring that Hermione recognizes as her grandmother's engagement ring. Tears start to fall and it takes a few tries before she manages to choke out "Yes." and falls into Ginny's arms. Ginny holds Hermione until she's calmed down. "Are you alright Hermione?"
"Yes. It's happy tears, I promise. When we first heard we were matched you told me you were going to woo me. And you have done even more wooing than I imagined. Not only did you made sure that we did things you knew I would enjoy, you even went as far as contacting my mum for ideas. And now here you are proposing on Christmas Eve with my grandmothers ring. A ring my father has always said he would only give to a person who was worthy of my love. My parents are muggles and this whole marriage and repopulation act is something they don't understand. I never thought my father would give that ring to my match but he did. Having this amazingly beautiful women who I'm in love with telling me she loves me and propose to me and having my parents approval makes me the happiest person on earth today." Hermione explains.
"I have to disagree with you. I'm the happiest person on earth because the women I love and have been deeply in love with for a while agreed to become my wife." Ginny counters before pulling Hermione into a passionate kiss. After a few minutes Ginny reluctantly pulls away. "Everybody is waiting for us. Before we go in maybe we should pick a date?"
"Yeah that's probably wise. Do you have a preference?"
"Well I'd love to get married on valentine's day, but I'm happy with any day."
"Valentine's day it is than." Hermione decides. She takes Ginny's hand and starts pulling her inside. As soon as they walk into the back door and Hermione sees what's going on she covers her eyes, "Seriously guys!" She exclaims. Ginny who comes in after her also covers her eyes before exclaiming. "My eyes! Again!"
There is some rustling of clothing before a familiar voice speaks up. "You can uncover your eyes my dear sisters."
Both girls remove their hands to see Fred smirking at them while a flustered Minerva is leaning against the wall next to him.
"I'm sorry girls, I didn't mean to scar you."
"It's alright. I'm glad you and my brother are getting along so well. And to be honest we were just exaggerating." Ginny says
"Speak for yourself." Hermione giggles while winking at Minerva.
"Yes, well. Let's get inside and exchange gifts." Minerva says and walks into the living room. Fred and the girls follow. Everybody has already settled in there seats and there is only one chair left empty. Minerva moves to the chair to sit down, but Fred is faster and sits down just before Minerva. Minerva opens her mouth to reprimand him but before she can start Fred has pulled her into his lap. Minerva blushes slightly but snuggles into Fred nonetheless.
Ginny and Hermione sit down on the floor close together. When the four of them are sitting comfortably Molly starts passing around gifts. When she hands Hermione her first gifts she gasps. "You're wearing a ring. Have you girls set a date?" The rest of the rooms occupants stop talking and look at Hermione and Ginny. After a few moments of silence Hermione answers. "After dinner Ginny has proposed to me and I said yes. I'm sure there is still a ton of things to talk about, but we have set a date. We're getting married on valentine's day." As soon as Hermione is finished everybody starts congratulating them. Both the girls parents pull them into hugs and Molly starts planning everything at which point Ginny has to tell her quite sternly that the girls will let her know if they need help. When all congratulations are done everybody unwraps their gifts before they spend the rest of the night playing charades. Though some of the family members have to be reminded that they're playing charades and not how-long-can-we-snog-before-we-run-out-of-air.
After Christmas morning breakfast Draco pulls Hermione and Ginny aside.
"I need your help." He tells the girls
"Well, why don't you tells us where you need our help for?" Hermione says.
"I want to spend some time with Ron alone without giving him the idea it is a date. He's not ready to have a date and I respect that. But in order for us to make progression in our relationship I believe we need some time for just the two of us. Preferably somewhere without any Weasleys to interrupt." Draco explains.
"I'm sure there was a question in there somewhere. I'm not sure I understand the question though." Ginny tells Draco.
"I need your advise in a place and activity." Draco reluctantly admits. The girls look at each other for a moment before turning to Draco.
"We know a place where you'll have the needed privacy that won't seem like a date to Ron, but I'm not sure it is a place either of you would like to go nor am I sure you are welcome there." Hermione carefully tells him.
"What is it? Maybe there is a way to work something out?"
"There is a shelter for house elves. We've been there a couple of times the past week to help out. They are pretty self sufficient, but I'm sure they could use some more wizards magic." Ginny explains.
"I wasn't aware house elves need a shelter."
"Yeah they have never needed one, but after the war a lot of elves lost their family. At the moment there are not enough families left for them to serve, plus a serious amount of the elves are quite young and need some guidance. A lot of witches and wizards are not willing to put in the time to train the elves. And even though the older elves without a family are willing to help them not every family can use more than one elf. The elves are probably the most happy about this whole marriage law. It means an increase in families in need of servants in the next few years." Hermione gives a longer explanation.
"I see. And what makes you think I might not be welcome there?"
"Most of the elves at the shelter come from families that have been killed in the war, most of them by death eaters. There is also a small group of elves there that used to serve death eaters and they have not been treated well. Although you have served your sentence and have been rehabilitated you are still a former death eater."
"I understand. Do they have a leader I can talk to before going there? Maybe if I can convince them I've changed I might be allowed there. I mean it actually sounds as a rather good idea. Ron and I will have time alone but by helping it will not be a date." Draco reasons.
"Actually I wouldn't be so sure. Some people would consider it a perfect date." Ginny winks at Draco.
"Yes, well not all of us are named Hermione Granger. I'll take my chances with Ron." Draco sarcastically remarks while winking at Hermione making it clear he is joking.
"Seriously though. I think it is a good idea, so what do I need to do to make this happen?" Draco continues.
"I don't know, but I'm sure we could find out for you. We were planning to go to the shelter to see Binky. While we're there we can see about you visiting alright?" Hermione concludes.
"Thank you."
The girls arrive at the shelter in the early afternoon. First they go in search of Binky who has send them a message saying he knows more about the bonding.
"Hi there missus. Thank you for coming so soon." Binky tells the girls when they have found him in the vegetable garden.
"No problem Binky. You said you had news about the bonding?" Hermione answers.
"Yes me has news. Me went to Hogwarts and talked to the elder elves. They told Binky there is a way to bond an elf to a witch or wizard where the elf can decide to leave their family without punishment. The elder elves couldn't tell Binky how to make that bond, but they said Headmaster Dumbledore had a book at Hogwarts about the bonding. Maybe Headmistress Mcgonagall has the book now?"
"Maybe. We'll ask her tonight and we'll let you know when we know more." Hermione tells the little elf.
"Binky, would you like to come to the Burrow for Christmas dinner? I mean you are part of our family and Christmas should be celebrated with family." Ginny asks a little insecure. Both Binky and Hermione look at GInny with wide eyes.
"Me would love to have dinner with the missus. Is the miss sure that is alright with the rest of the family?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Then me will come for dinner tonight." Before Binky has finished his sentence Hermione has pulled Ginny into a passionate kiss. When she finally lets go she whispers to Ginny. "Every time I think I can't fall deeper in love with you, you say or do something that proves me wrong. I hate being proven wrong but I love you for doing these amazing things that mean the world to me."
Hermione then turns to Binky. "There is something else we'd like to discuss with you and the rest of the elves here at the shelter. Could you get them all to come to the living room?"
"Sure me can do that." Binky walks off while Hermione and Ginny walk back inside to the dining room. About ten minutes later all elves have gathered in the living room looking at the girls expectantly.
"We is complete missus, what did you wish to discuss with us." Binky speaks up when he is sure they're complete.
Hermione takes a deep breath before starting to speak. "I believe most of you know or have heard of Draco Malfoy and if not him then at least the Malfoy name. During the last war Draco joined the death eaters under pressure of his father. The Malfoy family is also known for not treating their house elves very well." Hermione sees recognition dawn on the faces of most elves and takes a deep breath before continuing. "He has been punished for his deeds and for the past months he has been trying to make amends and show the world he is a better man. Draco has been matched with Ginny's brother Ron, but they're having some problems because Ron can't get past Draco's past. Draco has been trying really hard to show Ron that he is a changed man but at Hogwarts and the Burrow there are always people who disturb them. Draco asked us if we knew a place they could go where they wouldn't be disturbed but that also wouldn't look like a date. We thought about the shelter but weren't sure if you would welcome him here and we told him as much. He liked the idea and asked us to talk to you and see what he can do to make amends." Hermione finishes and looks patiently yet expecting at the elves. They are silent for a few moments, than one of the older elves speaks up.
"Me knows Draco Malfoy. Trendy used to work for the Malfoys but during the last war me was given clothes. When Harry Potter escaped from the Manor somebody had to be punished for Dobby coming in. Me was the head elf and thus me got punished. Me does not believe master Draco has changed, master Draco is now finally his true self. Master Draco is not a real death eater, he has to much of a heart. Me was there when he got branded, me was the one who cleaned up when mister Draco got sick afterwards. Me would love for him to come here." The other elves look at Trendy for a moment before giving their permission as well, trusting Trendy's judgement since he knows Draco so well.
"Thank you so much. We will tell him and let you know when he wants to come here." Hermione gushes while walking to the fireplace. "You coming Binky?" Ginny calls back over her shoulder when Hermione and she step into the fireplace. Binky rushes over and grabs a hold of Hermione's legs just in time before the green flames engulf the trio.
