Written In The Body
Poetheather
A/N: Yay… another chapter down and this one was fun to write. You just have to love Christmas episodes. There are so many interesting things you can do with them.
A/N 2: This is now longer than Order of the Phoenix and a bit more yet to come. :D
Still not JKR.
Forty-one
Hermione was the last one out of the Floo, having made sure everyone else made it through alright. Her mother, who was just before her, had held Amy's hand as they had gone through from the Leaky Cauldron. The girl had been a bit freaked out about walking into the fire and disappearing but since everyone else was doing it and Hermione told her it was okay she begrudgingly agreed. This was after telling Hermione how mad she would be if she got burned. But they were all there now and all was well no burns or anything, just a little soot. Her whole family was at the Burrow and ready for the Christmas party, the first taste of a wizarding holiday for most of them.
Arms wrapped around her from behind once she finished cleaning the soot from herself and a familiar voice almost purred in her ear, "I'm glad you're finally here 'mione. I missed you."
"Same here Gin." Her girlfriend moved and kissed Hermione on the cheek. Hermione just locked eyes with Ginny and smiled slightly, but it was a gesture full of the love she felt.
Mrs. Weasley looked a touch uncomfortable at these displays of affection but not as bad as Hermione had feared the older woman would be after hearing Ginny's story. Even with what Mr. Weasley had said there was only so far a person could go in a few days, in terms of changing their behavior and she felt she had good cause to be a touch nervous. Mrs. Weasley came up to her and hugged Hermione in her usual fashion, saying warmly, "Glad to see you Hermione dear."
"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Weasley." said Hermione, doing her best to not hold anything against her for the whole blow up at the beginning of the holiday. She had understood the whys of it as Mr. Weasley had explained them and from what it seemed at the moment, from how Ginny was interacting with her mother, she was not holding anything against her. If her girlfriend was not upset over this then why should she be grumpy?
As she walked into the living room to say hello to the other members of the Weasley family, she could hear her parents introducing Amy and Simon to Mrs. Weasley and that was a good thing. She had to wonder if Amy was going to be shy at first or charge ahead like she was wont to do. Given that trait which showed up a lot more often than not, there was no doubt in her mind which House Amy would be in once she got to Hogwarts. She was about as obnoxiously Gryffindor as Harry was; perhaps even more so but only time would tell. Since Ginny was here and Amy knew Ginny, there really was no way to predict how she was going to deal with this situation and all these new people. Amy was kind of funny that way. It was one of the reasons that Hermione loved the girl.
Bill hugged her tightly and Fleur kissed her on both cheeks when she walked up to them. They spoke briefly, more an exchange of greetings than anything else before she went over to greet Charlie. Once she had talked to him about his work a little, as he was the Weasley she knew least about, she briefly talked to Percy. He did seem a good bit less prat-ish than before however it was clearly a work in progress and there was still some of that kiss up to power there. Part of her even wondered if he was trying to get in good with her since she was a hero of the War. George hugged her tightly as did Angelina, happy to see her again. Angelina thanked her for kicking George in the behind, helping them get together again. Hermione had to say that she was happy for that as she had always thought the two of them had made a good couple. Mr. Weasley came over, hugged her and welcomed her rather exuberantly. That made her very happy, knowing that the majority of the family was okay with her, her presence and her relationship with Ginny. He told her that Molly was getting better with things and not to hide their relationship at all, as that was the only way his wife would be able to get past things. He grinned, hugged her again and said, "Besides, I must admit, I have never seen Ginny smile as much as she has with you."
As she was walking away, looking to see where Ginny or her parents had gotten to, Ron came up from behind and touched her elbow lightly. He sounded a bit nervous as he asked, "Hermione, can we talk?"
"Sure Ron." They were both quiet as she followed him upstairs to his room. Once there she took a seat and waited to hear what he had to say.
He turned to face her and she could tell that he seemed a bit uneasy about this whole thing. She smiled at him, trying to encourage him to talk. Regardless of how things had played out between them she was still his friend and still wanted him to be happy. With a small smile of thanks he looked down at his hands as he spoke, "I… I went to see that Healer you and Harry were talking about."
"Senior Healer Bainsley?" That statement surprised Hermione, as it was not what she had been expecting him to say. In all honesty she wasn't sure what he was planning to say but she had more expected it to be about her and Ginny then about this.
"Yeah, him. Since I had the time off, you know, for the holidays I went to St. Mungo's to see him. We talked and… well…" He said something else but it was too quiet for her to clearly hear what he said.
"What was that Ron?" Hermione was actually curious about what words he had swallowed. She really wanted to know he that had gone.
"I said you were right, as usual." Ron blushed and looked away, not willing to meet her eyes, a light redness touching his cheeks. She didn't know if it was from embarrassment or a bit of anger and that didn't matter anyway.
She paused for a moment, trying to put this whole thing together in her mind. Not the her being right thing, but the fact that Ron had actually gone and done this. This was a huge thing and it could really help. "Does he have you on any potions?"
"Yeah, a few. Probably the same ones you and Harry are on, since he said it was the standard treatment. I'm supposed to come back and see him before training starts up, so we can see how the potions are doing. If they aren't really working all that well he might recommend me leaving the Auror corp. Look Hermione, I'm really sorry about things," apologized Ron.
Hermione could tell how down this whole thing was making him, and she could understand why. It was not an easy thing to deal with. She reached out and pet his knee comfortingly. "It's okay Ron. Things happen and that whole situation was rough for all of us. It's not a surprise that we all got a little screwed up over it. I mean honestly, who wouldn't get screwed up after all we've been through? We made it through something horrific and we survived somehow and are still friends. That's what matters. That's all that matters."
Ron stood and walked over to her, holding his hands out. Hermione could see that his eyes were glistening a bit with building tears, which was a rare thing. This was clearly an emotional topic for him. She took his hands and allowed him to pull her to her feet. Ron wrapped his arms about her, hugging her tightly, his breath a bit ragged as he said, "I love you Hermione. You are a great friend. A better friend than I probably deserve. Please take care of my sister, okay?"
Hermione leaned back a bit and her brown eyes met his blue. She could see the truth in what he said and he was struggling a little to smile, undoubtedly having some sort of internal emotional battle. She knew she would have in his place. "I love you too Ron. You are one of my best friends and that's important to me. And I will take great care of your sister. I love her with all my heart."
He tightened his hug again and then let her go. His voice was tight with emotion as he said, "Thank you for everything Hermione. I know for a fact that Harry and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. You saved us so many times I've lost count."
Hermione chuckled a bit at that admission and shook her head. "Do you think I could just abandon you two?"
Ron chuckled lightly, "I guess not. I'll see you downstairs. I need a few minutes on my own. Thanks for talking to me."
Hermione stopped at the doorway with her hand on the sill. "No problem Ron. What are friends for?"
She walked downstairs in a bit of a daze. Had that really happened? Had Ron actually said all that? Sure it had been a few days since she had seen him at Diagon Alley, but this, this was unexpected. He had actually listened to Harry and her? He had actually done what they had both asked and seen the Healer? Ron had to have already been considering it when he asked her about it the other day or that never would have happened. She knew him and how he thought. And that bit about Ginny? This was difficult to reconcile with the Ron from that meeting at the Celebration, when they had told him about their relationship, which had been so hurt and irritated and had lashed out at them. At least this whole thing was better than him being angry, like he had been at the start. An angry Ron was never a pretty sight.
Ginny came up to her after she made it back downstairs and touched her arm. She started a little, making Ginny frown and prompting her to ask, "Are you okay Kitten?"
"Maybe. I'm not sure. Let me get back to you on that one." Hermione shrugged, still trying to process everything she had heard. For such a short conversation there had been a lot to it.
"Okay then, you want to go for a short walk? Take your mind off whatever is troubling you?" Ginny asked, trying to offer something.
Realizing that this sounded like an excellent plan, Hermione nodded her head, saying in reply, "Sure. Lead the way."
Once they had retrieved their coats, were outside and had walked a little way from the house, Ginny pounced on her, kissing her passionately. This went on for a bit, as the two girls clearly needed this, this moment of reconnecting and reaffirmation of their love. When they broke apart, Ginny sighed in contentment, "Merlin, I needed that. You have no idea how much I've missed you. It has been tense in the house since I came back. Mum has been trying to make things right between us and that's not really working out so well because her trying as hard as she is keeps making things awkward. I just wish she would relax a bit more about everything and stop trying to be all super accepting. Do you know we have talked about you and I and my interest in girls every day since I have come home? Seriously, even I can get tired of non-stop lesbian chatter and while you may be one of my favorite topics in the world just how much can I tell my Mum about what you and I have done?"
Hermione snickered a little at this rant. She had really missed Ginny these last few days and was so glad to see her. She really had also needed the kissing and this being alone together. One of the things that had made the whole thing worse was just how lonely her bed had been without her redhead in it to help keep her warm and comfortable. While she hadn't had any nightmares she also hadn't slept all that well. That reminded her. With a thwack, she swatted Ginny on the arm fairly hard, growling a little as she said, "I'm sorry your mum has been making you crazy Gin. I really am. But honestly, Ginevra? Honestly? Sending me sexy lingerie for Christmas? I almost opened the box completely in front on my parents."
"Oh come on Kitten. I knew you would like those. Besides, the worst that would happen is that they would tease you about my buying you that. You know it wouldn't be all that bad in the long run. They love you and they seem to like me so you know it would be okay." Ginny rolled her eyes at what she clearly thought was melodrama.
Narrowing her eyes, Hermione added a little more detail that might help clarify the problem and her irritation. "Harry and Luna were there as well Ginny. Plus my new siblings. Did you forget about them?"
"Oh." Ginny's eyes widened in realization and everything fell into place.
Hermione glowered at her, for that less than helpful response, "Oh indeed. You know I am never going to hear the end of this right? Harry is going to tease me about this for a long time."
"Sorry Love. I don't remember you saying anything about him coming over and didn't think he was going to be there. I simply hoped you were going to like it. I got your set from the same place Luna got my set so it has the same qualities. When I saw it I thought of you and knew I had to get it." Ginny seemed a bit abashed to hear that. "You know I had no intention to embarrass you. Right?"
"I know Vixy." Hermione sighed. She knew that there had been no harm meant by the gift. That didn't make it any less embarrassing at the moment however. "Thankfully no one saw anything before I closed the box. If they had I know things would be worse. I have to admit though, that it is a rather sexy negligée. Nice choice."
"Thank you. I saw it and I realized that I really wanted to see you in it, even if only briefly. That decided me right then and there. I mean, I know you like the bra and knickers set I have and everything but I'm sure that I am going to enjoy this a bit more personally. I really am looking forward to seeing you in it. I think you'll look beautiful." Ginny grinned and winked at her.
Hermione pulled her in close and kissed her, a kiss filled with the promise of so much more. "If only you were staying over, then I could show you how it looks tonight."
"Sorry love. I wish we could do that but you know that's not to be." Ginny looked back at the house and frowned a little in thought. "Come on. I know Ron said you guys talked and all but he and I still aren't doing so well and I want to talk some more. If we're right out here he's likely to come out and bother us. I seriously don't want to put up with that right now because this is our time."
Hermione nodded, understanding the position that Ginny was in. Because of the fact that the two siblings had such a turbulent relationship anyway, fighting a lot more than naught, and Ron usually being a bit more overprotective than necessary making for some interesting arguments at the school, this whole situation, with her and Ginny, had to stick in Ron's craw. She had thought about this and while she gathered that he could get over his mad at her without too much trouble thanks to their history together and their not being related, perhaps it would be more difficult for him to get past his issues with Ginny. Sibling dynamics were not something she was overly familiar with and Ginny and Ron seemed to have a complex balance that had been upset greatly by her falling in love with Ginny. Her redhead took her by the hand and the two of them headed out on the trail through the orchard towards the pond, Ginny eager to avoid further conflict with her brother. Hermione nervously broached the subject, "Are things getting any better between the two of you?"
Ginny shrugged, still walking forwards, her eyes on the dead grass and bare trees. "Some. He doesn't growl at me anymore like he did when I first got here and actually acknowledges my presence when we see each other. I have to admit that's progress. I just wish there was more. Honestly, between Ron and my mother I think I would rather be staying with you right now. It would certainly be less trying emotionally."
"I'm sorry Vixy. I wish this whole mess wasn't so hard for you." She stopped walking and pulled the slightly shorter girl into another hug. She was sure that the girl needed one at this point, what with all the emotional insanity she was dealing with at the moment. Besides, like she would ever get enough of these for the rest of her life to really satisfy her.
"Thanks love." Ginny looked back towards the Burrow and they could see the top floors of the crooked house over the tops of the barren trees. Two streams of smoke rose, joined, and then diffused as they traveled higher above the house. It was easy to make the building out and some of the details even in the fading daylight.
"No problem Gin, you know I'm always here for you." Hermione kissed her softly on the lips, hoping that her girlfriend would feel reassured by that. She never wanted her girlfriend to feel alone or without support. That just wouldn't do.
Ginny closed her eyes and leaned forward, resting against Hermione comfortably. They just fit together comfortably at this point, each knowing how to exactly position themselves to find their greatest comfort and connection. It was something only time together could bring and Hermione did like the fact that their hugs and love making had gotten better and better. It was one of the best things she had found about being with her. With a relaxed sigh, Ginny said, "I know."
After a few minutes of silence, the two of them just stood there holding each other watching the smoke rise from the Burrow, the sun slowly sinking in the distance with the light diffusing and beginning to wash everything out in the growing shadow. Ginny finally stood upright and smiled at her. She seemed a good bit happier as she spoke, "You know I love you, right?"
Hermione chuckled a little. This seemed a bit of a topic change and overly obvious. "What's this then? Of course I do, just as I love you."
"It's just, you know, for so long I thought that Harry was the only one for me, the one I was destined to fall in love with. He was my knight in shining armor and came to my rescue when I was in the greatest danger of my life, risking his own life for me in the process. It was so romantic, especially to an eleven year old. But as I got older and I dated other people, I saw that those dreams I had were not quite what I thought they were. Tom… Tom had really hurt me inside and I hadn't really known it. It took me a long time to realize what he had done." Ginny held one of Hermione's hands and was rubbing the back of it gently, almost talking to herself, looking down at the hand she was holding.
Hermione let her talk. Ginny didn't open up like this all that often, preferring to hold on to her emotions more than was good for her, especially the pains of the past, for the most part and while it worried her, moments like this, when the gates holding her emotions back were flung open, she did nothing to stop anything. These were the moments when she truly learned the most about the woman she loved and they were to be cherished.
"After everything Tom had done to me, all the lies he had said, after a year of him having free reign in my head, it felt pretty much as if he had scooped out parts of me and I had no idea who I was anymore. I was lost. Because of this I searched for meaning, for a sense of… self in other people because at the core I felt so hollow. While all those guys I kissed and made out with, all those guys who professed their love to me could never help me find anything inside. Even things with Harry, for all I loved him, or so I thought I did, and all he apparently loved me, things just never really fell into place, never really came to pass. We never really connected. It was never the time and something was always in the way. I realized this summer that someone actually had connected with me and I to them, had helped me find something inside, had helped me find a sense of self, you."
Hermione's breath caught as she heard that. Was that really what had happened with Ginny? She had never really gone into any detail about what she had gone through both during and after that year, what she had been feeling and now this? It was so much, so intense that it froze her into immobility and silence, widening eyes her only response.
"You spending time with me from the Quidditch World Cup on is what seemed to do it, the more you did, the more it gave me something to hang onto. I realized that it gave me a connection to something outside myself, something I was missing, something that helped me fill in what had been missing inside the whole time. All the while I had been trying desperately to find myself through people like Dean or Michael or even Harry when all it took in the end was you." Ginny looked up, staring into Hermione's eyes, love filling every bit of her gaze.
Hermione colored some, finding it difficult to deal with the intensity of the emotions in Ginny's eyes. If this was the truth, what Ginny honestly felt, it was no wonder they had gotten together. It seemed that while she had been spending the spring and summer discovering things about herself, Ginny had apparently been doing the same thing. What a crazy year.
"And you know, the wonder of it all, you weren't trying to make me anyone but myself. All those boys I dated, even Harry to a degree, wanted the perfect girlfriend, however it was they viewed that. Mum wanted something from me as well, all these people seemed to be trying to get me to be something for them and the whole time I had no idea who I was. So how would I know who to be? But you… you just wanted me to be me. You just wanted me to be happy. Harry was almost there but even he had some sort of idea of who I was supposed to be, who he wanted me to be. You just let me heal without putting any pressure on me."
Gripping her hand tightly to comfort Ginny, Hermione smiled encouragingly at Gin, seeing where this was going. Letting this whole thing roll on would be good for her girlfriend, she was sure of it. Letting all of this out could only serve to make her feel lighter in the end. She was fighting back tears, as it really was a lot to deal with emotionally nevertheless she was sure she could handle this, to be here for Ginny while she bared her soul.
"And then this last year happened. Without you and all you had done for me beforehand, I'm not sure I would have made it. Really. You had helped me find enough of who I was so I could stand on my feet against the Carrows and Snape when I had to and keep going. All the while, while fighting the good fight at Hogwarts I was thinking, what would Hermione do? What would Harry do? Well, mostly you, because we needed to be sneaky to survive and honestly Harry would have just charged in like he usually does. But then when Fred died, you were there for me again, like you've always been. Time and again you've been there for me, helping me past all my hurts when I've needed someone. And then to my surprise I fell in love with you."
Hermione was stunned by the sense of wonder that filled Ginny's voice right then. There was no way to predict that she would ever hear anything like that from her girlfriend. This was a lot more than she had ever expected to hear from Ginny and she felt a bit choked up. Had she really had that much of an impact on her? Had she really helped Ginny that much through the years? There was no way to know and if Ginny said it then she had to believe it.
"It was not something I had ever expected. Sure looking back at it from here, it's perfectly clear that it couldn't be any other way, but then? Not a clue. No clue that I had even been interested in girls before that, well except for that one kiss with Luna but we were kids and it was nothing. And since then you have made me the happiest woman alive. I have never been so happy. Never. The time together with you has been magical, miraculous. You have treated me better than anyone I have ever dated and there is no doubt of that. When I am with you I feel cherished, beloved, desired like never before. There is more love, more passion in once glance from you than I've seen in all the other relationships I have been in, including with Harry." Ginny smiled, chuckling slightly at that, amused by something she was thinking about. She caught Hermione's eyes and said cheekily, "And he really did have a passionate glance."
That made Hermione blush, wondering where Ginny was going with this. And did she really need to know that Harry had a 'passionate glance'? What the hell did that even mean anyway? That just led her brain down trails that she seriously did not want to go down when it involved Harry. She knew they had snogged but had they? Oh Merlin! The tent had been small enough that, well… the two of them had no more secrets effectively but the last thing she really needed at this moment was to picture Harry and Ginny and… guh! Did Ginny seriously hate her or something, to put an image like that in her brain? There was no help for it; she would have to oblivate herself to get rid of the visuals now. Her brain had too much information about the two of them and was quite happy to fill in the requisite details. She slammed the door in her mind tight and focused on what Ginny was saying, hoping for a respite from that… that… ugh.
"After getting hurt back in November, I knew that you were too important to me to ever let you slip away. The fact that I let us fight over that whole situation and my inability to just shut up and heal still embarrasses me but it only drove this point home more effectively than anything else I can imagine. It made it clear what was important in my life and what wasn't." Ginny dropped down onto one knee and held out a beautiful diamond ring with both hands. Her brown eyes were filled with love and hope as she said, "I cannot live without you Kitten, not for a day, not for an hour, not for another minute. There is nothing in my life more important than you. Hermione Jean Granger, you are the absolute love of my life, and I want to spend the rest of mine making you happy. Will you marry me?"
Hermione stood there, stunned almost insensible, staring at the ring, and blinking numbly as tears quickly filled her eyes. Her heart was pounding, roaring in her ears and she was all choked up, her chest tight and fluttery overwhelmed by this moment. As her eyes finally spilled over, tears trickling down her face Hermione looked down at Ginny, at the ring held in that box, and smiled beatifically, answering loudly, "Yes, of course. Yes!"
Ginny carefully slid the ring onto Hermione's finger and it was all she could do to stand there and stare at it like a fool for a moment before she registered that Ginny was back on her feet. She looked up at a very smug looking redhead, clearly proud of her achievement and right then she pounced, tackling her new fiancée to the ground and began snogging her senseless, putting her whole heart into it. They lay there on the cold ground for a few minutes lost in each other before finally coming up for air. Hermione gazed into Ginny's eyes, panting slightly, her heart bursting through her smile and she said softly, "I love you."
"I love you too." Ginny smiled at her adoringly, her eyes never moving from her own. Hermione then began to snicker, closing her eyes and rolling off to the side, lying on her back. Ginny looked quite confused at that, blurting out, "What?"
"This. I can't believe this. I mean seriously. I cannot believe this." Hermione chortled again, shaking her head while she looked up at the sky, a few of the brighter stars beginning to peak through. Her smile simply wouldn't fade and it lit up her face.
"Why?" Ginny sounded a bit worried by this but she was obviously more confused than anything else.
Turning onto her side so she could rest a hand on Ginny's cheek, Hermione looked into her favorite pair of brown eyes and said quite succinctly, "Because I was going to ask you to marry me at the New Year."
"Really?" Ginny's eyes went wide at that.
"Well yeah, of course. I mean, I have the ring and everything. I had a whole night planned out already, just the two of us. After dinner and dancing I was going to take you somewhere nice and romantic in London and propose. It was going to be fabulous or at least that was my plan. Ginny you mean everything to me and when you got hurt during that game a part of me almost died. I knew, just knew right then, that I had to make you mine forever because I know that I can't get you to stop being reckless and crazy any more than I would be able to get Harry to that, but what I can do is have you forever in my heart and be allowed to always be there when and if you need me. To be your wife would help with all of that because no one could stop me from being there by your side the next time you got hurt and I've met you, so I know there will be a next time." Hermione sighed and kissed Ginny, to reassure her that all was well. By the slightly dazed look of her fiancée's face she had to have succeeded. That made her feel better.
"But that's not all. Ginny, you are the girl of my dreams, literally. I know I've told you that I was dreaming about you for years before I realized that I was a lesbian, before I realized it was you. Those dreams were some of my most cherished memories back then and a few of them even helped fuel a Patronus or two because they gave me something to strive for, a love that I knew was out there, waiting for me. Sure I mistakenly thought it was Ron for a while, but I got over that and when it all became clear, well… it was so difficult not to simply rush right over to you, pull you into my arms, and tell you everything all at once. I had loved the redhead in my dreams for so long and the realization that it was you was shocking and yet not that it shook me. Learning that one detail, that it was you, made everything else finally make so much sense." Hermione looked at her fiancée with so many emotions dancing around inside that she had no idea what Ginny could see reflected on her face.
"I really did try to be your friend, to not push you into anything but in doing so I guess I treated you how I felt you always deserved to be treated. I'd apologize for that but it would be really stupid right now because doing so got me the greatest Christmas gift I've ever gotten, you. Merlin Ginny, you are the best thing to have ever happened to me. I mean that. Even better than Harry, which is saying a lot since he saved my life as one of the first things he ever did for me. You are my best friend and the absolute love of my life. I am so happy that we are going to spend the rest of our lives together. I couldn't have asked for anything better. I couldn't have wished for anything better." Hermione hugged Ginny to her and began crying from happiness, her heart pounding and aching from the joy she felt. Her skin felt too small from how much love she had going through her, like she was going to burst from how much she was overflowing. She pulled back and kissed Gin, trying to push all the love she felt for Ginny through her lips.
When she pulled back, Hermione could tell that Ginny also had tears in her eyes, a few tears had already cut their salty trails down the side of her face. "I love you Kitten."
"I love you Vixen."
After they kissed again, this time with less passion, Hermione asked, "Do you want me to head to my house and get your ring? At this point I would say you have earned it."
Ginny snickered, amused by the statement. "That would be lovely. Hurry back. I'll miss you."
Hermione disapparated to her house, appearing in the backyard, and headed up to her room at a near run. Once she was in there and safe from prying eyes, she paused to have a rare moment of absolute girlish glee, squeeing and dancing around, letting her excitement out physically. This was something she almost never did, reserved for really special things and only when no one could see her do it. Once she had regained her composure, she opened her trunk, pulled out the ring box, took a really good look at her own ring in the better light, and headed back, not wanting to be apart from Ginny for long.
As soon as she returned to the orchard, she pulled the ring free of the box and slid it onto Ginny's waiting hand. "Ginevra Molly Weasley, you have no idea how long I have wanted to do this. I am so glad that we are going to marry and have a life together. Thank you for loving me." They kissed again and held each other, comfortable despite the cold, warmed by their happiness.
Ginny asked softly, "So, do you want to head back in and share the good news with everyone or do you want to stay out here a little longer?"
"What about things with you and Ron?" asked Hermione worriedly. She really didn't want to be a source of strife between the siblings, even though it had been inevitable. If things between them were as rough as indicated then the rings just might push it to a whole new level. Why hadn't she thought of that?
"Nothing to worry about. He talked to me about this whole situation before he talked to you the other day. We cleared the air and worked everything out. It was tense there for a bit but it is all okay. Honest. I just told you all that as an excuse to get you out here and away from the others. I didn't want to do this with everyone in there hovering and possibly lurking. I wanted this to just be us." explained Ginny.
With a roll of her eyes, somewhat frustrated at how crazy her fiancée was, Hermione took Ginny's hand, squeezed it, and the two of them headed back towards the house. Neither of them could stop smiling and even though her face was hurting a little from how much of it she was doing, she was just so unbelievably happy that she couldn't stop. She honestly didn't want to stop. This day was incredible. They walked into the Burrow hand in hand, grinning like a couple of loons, wondering who in there would be the first to catch on, noticing the two new rings.
Luna was naturally the first to notice, given how much more observant she was as opposed to everyone else. When she spotted their hands there was squealing and clapping, followed by her rushing over to hug them both at the same time. This got everyone else's attention and once Luna began staring at the rings, holding both hands at once so she could compare rings, people began to figure out what had just happened. Congratulations came from all around as everybody was excited for them. Simon hugged them both and Harry hugged them and kissed the both of them on the forehead, saying, "I am so happy for you two."
Fleur managed to get Hermione away from Ginny at some point a little while later, steering her off to the side so they could talk by themselves. She was grinning at the curly haired witch like the proverbial cat who ate the canary. Hermione groaned in disgust, shaking her head in partial annoance, and said, "Shut up."
"But I 'ave not said anything 'ermione." Fleur could not hold back the self-satisfied smirk. There was no doubt that she found this whole situation entertaining.
Hermione growled at her softly which got the part-Veela laughing blithely. The light in her eyes danced as she said, "Oh 'ermione, I am so 'appy that this 'as 'appened for you. You needed this love in your life after everything and it is clear just 'ow blessed you are."
"Thank you Fleur." Hermione blushed slightly at her comments. It was difficult to stay irritated with her when she said things like that.
"Who knew that your decision to find yourself and 'old true to what you found back in March would bring you 'ere to this point? You see, it is like I told you, trust to love." Fleur's eyes sparkled some as she said this, very much amused by the whole situation.
"That you did. Thank you for that Fleur. I don't know if I would have been brave enough to go after this if it hadn't been for you." Hermione hugged the blond. "You really did help me have the courage to make this happen."
"Pffftt… that is nonsense. It may 'ave taken longer but your 'eart would 'ave driven you to it before long. As I said, the 'eart it cannot be denied. Love is a powerful force 'ermione and it pulls people together in ways that cannot be explained. Your love for 'er and 'er's for you would 'ave made this 'appen. I knew it then and I know it know. You just needed to know that you could trust your 'eart like you could trust your 'ead, especially after Ronald and what 'ad 'appened to you at the Manor. For you that was the 'ardest test of all. And see, you succeeded magnificently." Fleur explained, with full and complete belief in what she was saying. Hermione had no doubt that Fleur was speaking the absolute truth as the French woman knew it. "We Veela, because of who we are, know the ways of the 'eart far better than we know the ways of magic. And while our magic is strong, this is far, far stronger by far. I guess it would be fair to say that Love is our magic."
"My head was all over the place even before we had gotten captured and when I showed up at Shell Cottage you really did help settle me down. You helped me so very much after the Manor and once I realized this was who I am that I cannot even begin to thank you. You have been so helpful to me through all of this insanity Fleur that I have no idea how I could ever repay you for all you have done for me, especially with all of this happiness I've found." Hermione had a few tears gathering at the corners of her eyes as her emotions were running wild, particularly after their workout earlier.
Fleur hugged her this time, pulling her close before saying, "Mon amie, there is nothing to repay. We will be family and what's more we 'ave fought together as comrades. There can be no talk of debts between us."
Hermione could hardly believe what she heard. Fleur just kept surprising her with her generosity. She had been so very wrong with her first impression of the French witch back in her fourth year. She hugged Fleur again, needing to make sure that her feelings were clear. "Merci."
"De rien, 'ermione." Fleur headed back to Bill who cuddled her to him one armed and kissed her temple. It was a simple gesture but in it there was such an expression of love that it made Hermione smile happily for her. She was hoping that she and Ginny would one day be that clearly and comfortably in love, so that there was no question in anyone's mind just by looking at them.
After another fabulous Molly Weasley supper, with more food than anyone should ever eat and what's more there was more food than Ron could eat, everyone headed into the living room to chat some more. Sitting there off to the side, quietly watching everything, her fiancée talking to her favorite brother Bill, Hermione smiled as Harry came over and handed her a bottle of butterbeer as he sat down next to her. "You okay?"
"Yes, just a bit overwhelmed," admitted Hermione. If anyone could understand what she was feeling right now it would be Harry. He had gone through so much that he should at least be able to follow what she was talking about.
"Yeah, you've had a lot of emotional stuff put on you this holiday and it's not even over, what with Simon and Amy and now this." He pointed out, gesturing towards her ring with his bottle. "Then there's the added fact that this is the first Christmas after the War. It's no wonder that you're overwhelmed."
She nodded solemnly. Harry did have a point there. "I also checked on my vault the other day. My God Harry, I have no idea how to deal with that."
He chuckled some, obviously understanding where she was coming from, having dealt with similar issues. "I can give you some of the Black and Potter money, or properties or stuff if it will make you feel any better." When she goggled at him he laughed at the sight. Once he quieted down he said seriously, "What? I've been planning on giving you some of that money forever Hermione. I really want you to have some and was planning on doing this before the Ministry gave us a bounty. Like the money in my vaults really means all that much to me, given the cost. You are my best friend, my sister, I mean, who do you think is the first person named in my will?"
She teared up at that admission and hugged him tight. "Harry it's completely unnecessary for you to do that you know but thank you."
Hugging her back just as tight he said, "You know the downside to saying you're my sister Hermione? You get treated like family by me. When I put money in your vault all you are going to do is say thank you because I am your brother and I will always take care of my sister even if she has no problem taking care of herself. Hell, did you know we can even go down to Gringotts and make this all official even. Luna told me that the Goblins have this ceremony that's not an adoption exactly but more than just friendship, some sort of Goblin blood friendship thing. I only understood some of the details and cultural stuff she was talking about but given my situation from what I understand you would basically become my sister, just not a Potter. I don't really understand the details. That's your job."
He barely got that last bit out before he was being crushed in her arms, in one of the strongest Hermione Hugs ever. After a bit he managed to gasp out a somewhat faint, "Can't… breathe…"
"Yes… oh yes Harry… let's do this. I know it was all figurative and everything but if this becomes literal and legal after a sense we have to do this. You are the best Harry, the best brother I could ever have." Hermione was starting to cry again. She was glad that she was wearing magically waterproofed makeup or she would look almost exactly like a raccoon by this point. There was no doubt in her mind at all. She had been crying too many times tonight to look like anything but a mess if it hadn't been magic.
"What about Simon?" teased Harry, giving her a pointed look.
"He's working on it and doing a good job I'll have you know, but he has some competition. Oh… and on a similar note, I've thought about this for a while actually and when I get married I don't really have a maid of honor in mind to stand up with me. You are my best friend and I can't imagine anyone else being up there with me when Gin and I get married. I figured that Ginny was going to ask Luna to stand with her so I wanted to get my oldest and dearest friend as well. Harry, will you be my Best Man?" asked Hermione.
"Absolutely. I would be honored. I love you 'mione and I know she will make you happy." Harry grinned at her, clearly pleased with what she had asked.
"Thanks Harry." She really was thankful for Harry as he had done so much for her that there was no way she could imagine getting married without him being right there with her. She wouldn't have made it two full months at school if it hadn't been for him.
"And I happen to know firsthand that she is undoubtedly kissing you right." Harry waggled his eyebrows at her a few times suggestively.
"Harry!" She grabbed one of the couch cushions and started beating him about the head and shoulders. How could he say that? Did he think she didn't know that already? And to say it like that?
He just laughed, covering his head with his arms for defense, only laughing louder. Amy squealed excitedly and ran over to join in, plucking up a pillow as well on her way over to the fray. After she got in a few hits, Harry plucked her up and used Amy as a body shield, managing to get Hermione to stop thwacking him as much, though a few blows managed to find him. Knowing that she really couldn't do anything else, she stuck her tongue out at him and that made him laugh some more. Luna sauntered over casually, looked down at the pair of them and asked Hermione, "What did Harry do this time?"
"Hey!" protested Harry.
Not wanting to share what he had said with the whole room, who was now paying attention to them, Hermione leaned over and whispered what he had said to her. Luna looked over to Harry and quirked an eyebrow at him, "Really now Harry James?"
Harry swallowed and tried to smile an apology up at the both of them, looking like a sheepish five year old.
"Well, I guess fair is fair." With that Luna grabbed Hermione and kissed her. This certainly surprised Hermione and her mouth opened as she was going to protest or something. Luna slipped her tongue in and after a brief snog where Hermione's hands flailed about a bit, the blond stopped and set her upright. Hermione stood there, eyes wide, staring at Luna in astonishment just like many other people in the room. Luna seemed utterly unfazed.
Ginny walked up to the group of them, looking a touch concerned, and asked rather pointedly, "Is there a particular reason you were snogging my fiancée Luna?"
The blond grinned her dreamy smile at her and said, "Yes, there is. It's all Harry's fault."
Ginny turned to glare at Harry, knowing without a doubt that Harry had to be at the root of this mess, like he almost always was. "Harry James Potter, what did you do this time?"
While Hermione snickered at this, Harry dropped his face into his hands, groaning at this attack and his girlfriend's betrayal, "Wait, what! No, it's not… I mean… but… Oh Merlin, why me?"