AN: Sorry about the delay, I haven't been feeling very well. I was in the E.R. with a broken nose and an injured neck, and I've had a lot of doctors' appointments since then. This has all been distracting me, but I've been feeling better so I thought I really needed to get this posted.
Hermione woke up to the realization that it was finally the day of Bill and Fleur's wedding. The sun was just beginning to rise through the sky as she got of bed, hoping to get to the bathroom before anyone else, and quietly made her out of the room and through the house. She brushed her teeth and hair before jumping in the bath tub for a shower, with so many people in the house she would have to be quick. Fleur's parents and sister, Gabrielle, had arrived just two days ago, making the house so full that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were forced to sleep in the living room. It had all been very stressful, and she was glad the big day had finally arrived. As she stood under the water she let her thoughts drift, thinking about just how hectic things had become since Harry's arrival.
Mrs. Weasley had gone into overdrive, wanting the house to be perfect, and had forced everyone to work hard until it was immaculate. Molly also asked her about their plans anytime they were working alone, Hermione always gave the same answer every time, but the woman was persistent. Molly was still polite to her, but Mrs. Weasley did seem to be getting frustrated. Molly had been doing the same with the boys, and she was thankful that Ron had yet to crack under his mother's constant questioning. She was hardly ever around the boys so they couldn't talk about any of the things she'd thought of for the plan.
Hermione was sure Mrs. Weasley was trying to keep her and the boys apart, and though that should probably annoy her, she was actually a bit glad that she did. She'd been trying to be more open with the boys whenever they did get time together, even going so far as to tell them about erasing her parent's memories. She knew she would have to say something eventually, and it was better to get it out now rather than while they were on the mission. When she had gotten a little emotional afterwards Ron had rushed to her side with a hug and a handkerchief, at the time she'd been too focused on trying to stop the tears to notice, but looking back his actions had been rather uncharacteristic of him. After giving it more thought she realized Ron had been acting strange around her the past few days, and the only explanation she could come up with for his behavior was that he must have a crush on her.
He would come put his arm around her or give her random hugs that lasted a bit too long for her liking. He would give her compliments at every opportunity, something he'd never done before, and she had caught him staring at her more than once. She didn't want to embarrass him as she knew he would cover it up with anger, and she didn't want things to become strained between them during the trip. And though she didn't exactly like the reason behind it but at least he was being nice to her. So she allowed him to continue doing these things, trying to avoid him when she saw it coming. After the war she would tell Harry and him both the truth, hopefully they would understand and they could all still be friends.
After finishing her shower Hermione quickly toweled off, putting on light purple button down shirt and a pair of tan shorts, knowing it would be awhile before she had to change into her dress for the wedding. She headed back to Ginny's room, noticing the younger girl was only just waking up. She made her way across the room, grabbing her bag before she sat on her bed. She waited until she was alone before she pulled the copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard out of the bag, having only received it the day before. She still didn't know why Dumbledore had left it to her.
She read through it quickly, seeing if she could find anything hidden in the pages, but knew it was hopeless. If the Ministry couldn't find any hidden messages in thirty-one days she doubted she would find anything in one. With a sigh, she put the book back in her bag and stood, walking over to the mirror. As she fixed her hair she looked at her reflection, her curly honey brown hair had light brown highlights in it and she was getting a light tan from all the time she'd been spending outside. She looked at the dark circles under her milk chocolate colored eyes, evidence that she was still having trouble going to sleep.
With the house full of people, and time until they were to leave coming up, she was no longer able to walk outside at night through the fields surrounding the Burrow. Instead she would sneak through the house gathering things they would need or reading through her many books, trying to make sure they'd at least be ready to leave. Finishing with her hair she pulled out her wand, thinking about casting a glamour charm before shaking her head. There would be people at the wedding that would notice, and if she tried covering it up they would more than likely say something. But there was one witch she knew would say something either way, Minerva McGonagall.
She was excited for the chance to speak with Minerva. She'd seen the woman almost every day since the night Harry had arrived, but Minerva's short visits were always about Order business. And after tonight she wasn't sure when she would get to see the woman again. She alone would have so much stuff going on, but with only a month until Hogwarts starts back Minerva would also be very busy. It was going to be hard, that she was sure of, but all this just made her more determined to enjoy tonight while she could.
Ginny entering the room brought Hermione out of her thoughts, she was still standing in front of the mirror but she quickly moved over so the other girl could get ready. Grabbing her hand bag she left the room going down the stairs, it was around eight o'clock and she was sure there would be others up by now. Mrs. Weasley was in the kitchen making breakfast, while Monsieur and Madame Delacour were both sitting at the table. Molly looked up and gave her a bright smile. "Morning dear, breakfast is almost ready you can get a seat at the table." She smiled back and sat at the opposite end of the table from the Delacours.
Soon breakfast was ready and the whole household was sitting around the table eating. Everyone was smiling and laughing, Hermione could feel the joy in the air, and she felt happier than she had months. When she was done she went outside, the weather was perfect, sunny and warm. Walking back into the garden she settled beneath a tree, watching as Charlie, Mr. Weasley, and the twins walked out to the orchard to set up a marquee. As she watched her exhaustion finally caught up with her, and her eyes slowly drooped closed.
Hermione was shaken awake by Ginny, and opening her eyes she noticed the smirk on the red-headed girls face. At first she was confused wondering what was going on before realizing she'd fallen asleep. "What time is it?" Was her first question, she'd have to be down at the wedding by 3:20 and she still needed to change into her dress. "12, you've been asleep for about two hours, and you look like you needed it too." It was true, and she did feel a little less tired after her short nap. Stretching she stood, "Well lets go get ready than."
Grabbing Ginny's arm she pulled the other girl inside and led the way up to the girl's room. She put on her short lilac colored dress with sleeves that went down to her elbow, and matching high heels. Putting on her jewelry she had a diamond and silver necklace and earrings. Turning to Ginny she saw the girl was wearing a short, sleeveless, golden dress with matching flats, and a simple gold necklace and earrings. Walking over to Ginny, who was standing at the mirror putting on makeup, she joined her.
Hermione kept the makeup light, as she hardly ever used it and didn't really like it much. But she did end up using foundation to cover the dark circles under her eyes. When she was finished she noticed Ginny looking at her in the reflection, "You look great 'Mione." The girl said with a smile. "So do you Gin." She said returning the smile, "We better go help everyone else get ready now." Ginny nodded and they quickly left the room.
After making sure everyone dressed and ready Hermione made her outside to the marquee. After talking with Harry, Ron, Fred, George, and, surprisingly, Viktor Krum the ceremony was about to begin. She made her way up to the second row of golden seats, quickly finding the one reserved for her, and sat. Harry sat to her right and after a quick look at the empty end seat on her left she realized she would be sitting beside Minerva McGonagall. Worry immediately over took her, where could she be?
With only a few minutes left until the wedding began Minerva finally took the seat beside her, she let out a breath, relieved that the woman had made it. Looking her up and down she saw Minerva was wearing tight black dress robes, and her hair was in a loose French bun. "Where were you?" Hermione whispered. The woman looked at her, her whole face lighting up. "There was something at Hogwarts I had to attend to, but I'm here now so no need to worry my dear." Minerva grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.
Behind them the twin leaned forward. "Look who it is Fred." George said to his twin, who turned to Minerva, giving her a wink. "How are you McG?" Minerva turned around with a scowl, though Hermione could see the humor in her eyes. "Of course, I get stuck with you two behind me, how grand. But I am fine, thank you. And if you would please refrain from calling me that it would be much appreciated. Now if would both hush up I believe the ceremony is beginning." The twins leaned back in their seats with a laugh. Hermione knew the woman wasn't being serious.
The next second people started making their way down the aisle until suddenly music filled the air. Hermione turned in her chair to look as the bride walked the aisle, and she sighed, Fleur looked beautiful. Throughout the whole ceremony she was holding back tears. It was all just so lovely and perfect. As Bill and Fleur said their 'I dos' Hermione tightly held Minerva's hand, and looked up to give the woman a radiant smile.
As they all stood to applaud their seats rose and float over to surround white-clothed tables, the walls of the marquee vanished, and a dance floor appeared. Ron and Harry started walking off to find a table and she turned to Minerva. "I'll come find you in a minute." She waited for confirmation from the woman before rushing after her friends. They had found a seat with Luna Lovegood and she joined them.
Viktor Krum had sat down with them after a few seconds and Ron had quickly asked her to dance, looking around and not seeing Minerva she decided she had enough time for one dance before she got back to the woman. Ron dragged her to the dance floor, looking a bit irritated. She knew Ron was jealous of Viktor, though the most she'd ever done with the man was go to a dance with him. She of course wasn't attracted to him, she knew he understood that, and he would respect her wishes of not wanting to pursue a relationship. She wished Ron wasn't so oblivious to her discomfort of his advances, but no the man was blind and thick-headed.
To her misfortune the music was a slow tune, and Ron, not being much of a dancer, immediately stepped closer, putting his hands on her hips. She quickly put space back between them, placing his hands on her shoulders, and putting her hands on his sides. Ron's face showed his confusion, but he shrugged it off. The dance was awkward, a huge gap was between their bodies and they were both mostly quiet. Ron kept stepping on her toes, turning scarlet, and mumbling out an apology.
A few minutes into their dance someone behind Hermione loudly cleared their throat, turning she saw Minerva standing there looking slightly amused. "May I please steal Hermione from you Mr. Weasley?" the woman asked as Ron quickly looked down at the floor, blushing. "Uh…yeah, I guess." Hermione's hands dropped and she gave Minerva a quick smile as they walked away, relieved to have been saved from Ron.
They went through the crowd and away from the marquee, ending up in a clearing far enough away from all the noise of the reception. Their only light coming from the moon and the distant party, Minerva stood looking out over the land. Wildflowers were in full bloom under the light of the moon and at the other side of the clearing she could hear the faint sound of a small stream bubbling. Hermione stared at the woman in front of her, Minerva was absolutely stunning. Her pale skin and dark green eyes glowed in the moonlight, and the warm summer's night made her cheeks slightly flushed.
Hermione held Minerva's hand, rubbing slow circles in the palm. The woman turned towards her, wrapping her up in a tight hug and taking a deep breath in her hair. And despite the warm night air Hermione felt shivers going up and down her spine, the closeness of the other woman making her breath quicken. "How have you been dear?" Minerva whispered into her ear, making the shivers start anew.
"I'm great, though it's been quite a busy week." Minerva smirked, "Yes, I can only imagine all that work, but you do look very beautiful tonight." Hermione blushed, "Thank you, as do you." The older woman gave her a smile before becoming a more serious. "How much longer will you be staying with the Weasleys?" Sighing she replied, "I believe this will be my last night at the Burrow actually."
"Where will you be going?" Hermione leaned into the woman, frowning at the question. "I'm not even sure. We haven't been able to plan much of anything since we've been here." "Avoid any place associated with Potter, and try to stay away from places with a lot of people." Minerva said, giving the top of her head a peck before pulling back. "So were you enjoying that dance with Weasley?" The woman asked with a smirk, "Not at all, thank you for saving me from it. Ronald cannot dance at all, the only thing he can do is sway from side-to-side!" Minerva laughed at this shaking her head. "I could see that and it is was no problem dear, but perhaps you would like to dance with someone who actually can?" Hermione's eyes widened at the question. Was Minerva asking to dance with her?
"Yes, that would be nice." Minerva led her back to the edge of the marquee, where a nice waltzlike tune was drifting through the air. Minerva took one hand in her own and put her other on Hermione's back while Hermione put her other hand on Minerva's shoulder and they started a slow waltz. Minerva spun them around in circles, and they glided across the floor, moving with the music. And as the song came to a close they held each other a moment longer before parting.
"That was incredible, thank you for the dance." Hermione said in wonder, Minerva grinned down at her. "It was my pleasure darling. Shall we go find a place to sit at?" Hermione smiled and nodded. "You can go ahead and find a table and I'll get us some food and drinks." Minerva said walking towards the small tables filled with snacks and refreshments. Hermione spotted Harry sitting at table alone and decided to go see what he was doing.
On her way there she bumped into Ron, "Hey 'Mione have you seen the butterbeers? I can't find them." She pointed over to the refreshments table. "Oh, thanks. Want me to get some for you too?" She shook her head starting back on her original course. She noticed Viktor Krum storming away from the Lovegood, what was that about? She sat next to Harry, she took off her shoes, her feet were sore from all the walking around and dancing she'd been doing in heels.
Harry didn't seem to be listening to her as she talked to him. "Harry, are you okay?" Suddenly a bright silver lynx flew into the middle of the dance floor, and Kingsley Shackelbolt's voice came from the Patronus. "The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming." Hermione jumped up with her wand in hand, ready to fight. She grabbed Harry's hand and they started running through the crowd, searching for Ron. She watched as death eaters arrived, panicking as the seconds ticked by and she still hadn't found Ron or Minerva.
And then all of sudden Ron was there and Hermione knew they had to leave, turning she started to apparate away. The last thing she saw was Minerva's worried face as the woman ran towards her, and then it was all gone. It was dark and all she could feel were Ron and Harry's hands in hers, they had gotten away hopefully to somewhere safe. But did Minerva?
Sorry again for the delay, and hopefully I don't fall and break my face anymore this summer. Oh, and Happy Fourth of July to any of my fellow Americans, hope it's great! -Fae