Chapter 20 The addendum

Once Minerva has left the room Hermione and Ginny turn to each other.

"We should definitely talk about this, but maybe in a few days? Take some time to read the pamphlet and let it all sink in?" Ginny proposes.

"Yeah, that's probably a wise idea. Let it wait for the new year." Hermione agrees.

When the girls arrive downstairs a few minutes later they're surprised the party is already in full swing.

"Hi girls, where have you been?" Harry calls them when he sees them. They walk over to Harry who's standing in a corner of the room together with Luna, Ron and Draco.

"Hi Harry, Luna. Congratulations." Hermione tells the happy couple while Ginny stands next to her nervously.

"Why are you nervous Ginny? It's not like your midnight kiss with Hermione is going to be your first." Luna says dreamy.

"I… well…. We had a conversation with Minerva and it surprised me."

"O? Something we need to know?" Harry inquires.

"Nothing to worry about at your engagement party Harry." Hermione tells him before pulling Ginny with her to the yard.

"Please don't bring the addendum up tonight. Let everybody enjoy the party. They'll find out soon enough." Hermione begs her fiance.

"I know I just can't believe the ministry does this."

"Is it really that different from forcing people to get pregnant within a year of their marriage?"

"It gives them a lot less time."

"I agree, but usually a couple will have sex during their wedding night, so this whole consummation of the marriage won't be that big a deal for people." Hermione explains.

"But it will be for people like Ron and Draco who aren't even sure yet they want to go through with their marriage or for you for that matter." Ginny exclaims.

"Why would it affect me more than you?

We're both virgins. Aren't we?" Hermione snaps.

Ginny is startled by Hermione's reaction and tries to backtrack. "Let's talk about this in the new year just like you said."

"No let's talk about this now. Why do you compare me with Ron and Draco. Do you not believe I love you?" Hermione starts angry but ends her words in a sad whisper.

"I do believe you are in love with me Hermione, but I also know that this is a recent development. I know you Hermione, I've known you for years. You like to think things through, get as much research done on a subject as you can and most importantly you don't like to do things until you're ready. And you're not ready to have sex with me and I highly doubt you will be ready by the time our wedding night is here." Ginny kindly explains

"And you're telling me you are ready?" Hermione asks rather harsh.

"Yes." Ginny simply answers before walking back to the Burrow.


The rest of the evening Ginny and Hermione don't talk and stay away from each other as much as possible.

When it's almost midnight Hermione reluctantly moves to stand next to Ginny.

"I'm still mad at you but I don't want to cause a scene." Hermione mumbles before taking Ginny's hand and joining the rest of the guests in the countdown. When they reach zero Hermione kisses Ginny on the cheek mumbling a happy new year before turning to her family and friends wishing them happy new year. Molly engulfs Ginny in a hug wishing her a happy new year but also managing a whisper in her daughter's ear.

"Are you and Hermione fighting?"

Ginny only nods and says quietly "later."

Everybody slowly makes their way to the garden were Fred and George have prepared a fireworks show. Before they start Fred casts a sonores on himself.

"Dear family, friends and others. It's my honor to start this year's fireworks show. Without further ado I wish you all a happy new year. Enjoy the show." He than proceeds to light the first fireworks with his wand. It ascends into the air and after a big white explosion the air is full of red, gold-rimmed letters forming the words MINNIE, MAY I BE YOUR HUSBAND?

Minerva looks shocked for a moment before tears form in her eyes. Instead of using words she just nods her head to Fred who has moved to kneel in front of her holding a red velvet box with a engagement ring. Fred moves the ring onto Minerva's finger before standing up. As soon as he is on both feet Minerva pulls him into a passionate kiss, which Fred answers before pulling his fiance closer and apparating the both of them away, leaving George to light the rest of the fireworks alone.


The next morning Ginny and Hermione wake up to a horrified scream. Both grab their wands and run downstairs. In the kitchen they learn the scream was Rons. He apparently read the pamphlet explaining the addendum and screamed before losing consciousness. Molly is trying to revive him. It takes a little effort but she manages. When he's fully regained consciousness and is sitting back at the table Hermione speaks up.

"I take it you heard about the addendum?"

"Yeah. Wait, how do you know about the addendum? You just woke up."

"Minerva told us yesterday."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I figured you wouldn't take it well and I didn't want to ruin Harry and Luna's engagement party."

"Well you could have warned me afterwards."

"Yeah, well sorry."

There is noise on the stairs and a few moments later Draco stumbles into the kitchen clearly only half awake.

"Mornin'. Did I hear someone screaming?" Draco mumbles.

"Yeah, your ministry match read this, screamed like a girl and fainted." Ginny chuckles thrusting the pamphlet into Draco's hands. Draco starts reading it and turns white. He mumbles something under his breath before walking back upstairs.

The rest of the occupants of the kitchen look at each other confused. Before they can speak up there is a heavy sound on the stairs and Draco comes down carrying his trunk. Once back in the kitchen he turns to Molly. "Thank you for your hospitality. I really appreciate it.

Molly looks at Draco confused. "Where are you going? Your mother's house isn't hers for another few weeks."

"I know I'm going to muggle london, rent a room for the rest of the holidays."

"But why?" Molly asks.

"It's time to learn how to live in the muggle world." Draco says and walks out of the kitchen.

Molly looks confused at her children and Hermione who look back at her equally surprised.

Narcissa finds them like that a few minutes later.

"I take it my son left without explaining?"

"He only said he's going to live in muggle London for the rest of the break." Molly says looking at Narcissa for further explanation.

"Yes well I'm not sure it is my story to tell however I believe you all do deserve a explanation." Narcissa says while sitting down before continuing.

"He only gave me a brief explanation so I have to fill in some of the blanks myself. Apparently there is a addendum to the marriage law stating the marriage has to be consummated during the wedding night. For Draco this was the reason to leave for the muggle world. I believe he wants to start getting used to living as a muggle. Although he still believes Ronald and he could make a marriage work he does not want to push Ronald to do something he is not ready for."

"So instead af talking to me he just decides I'm not ready and leaves without giving me a choice." Ron says angrily.

"I'm sorry Ronald, I asked him not to make any rash decisions and talk to you first. If it is any consolation, he will be going back to Hogwarts so maybe you'll get a chance to talk there?"

"Yeah well we'll see."


A/N: a shorter chapter because I didn't want to keep you waiting any longer.

The next chapter will probably take another two weeks since I'm going on a little vacation.

Anyway hope you enjoyed this little chapter.