After their conversation, Neville figured that if Ron and Draco were turning the Samhain celebrations at the Burrow into their wedding, then he had better let his Gran and Uncle Algie know in case they decided not to go. Although, he suspected, his gran might be delighted at the vindictiveness of Hermione having suggested the idea to the couple. He told Hermione that he had to go home, but that he would see her at the Burrow. He kissed her deeply before leaving her house.
When he had left, Hermione sighed and sat back on her sofa. She was thinking about the ritual she was going to perform later that evening when Harry's Patronus came into her study and stopped in front of her.
The Patronus spoke with slight annoyance, "Hermione, please meet me at Andromeda's. I've just heard about the wedding."
Wincing, Hermione quickly went to her room to grab her clothes for that evening before leaving her house, setting the muggle alarm and activating her wards again. Heading back over to the park across the street, Hermione hid behind some overgrown hedges so the family playing on the playground wouldn't see her apparate. She landed back outside the wards of Andromeda's cottage a moment later.
Entering the wards, Hermione found Harry and Andromeda both looking agitated and Teddy looking concerned for his grandmama.
"Harry, Andromeda," Hermione spoke, gaining their attention.
Harry stopped pacing, "Hermione! How could you agree to this? After everything they did to you?"
Andromeda looked like she wanted an answer to the question just as much as Harry did.
Hermione sighed, "They asked me for my blessing, Harry. I couldn't say no, not when they're soulmates and definitely not when I'm happy with Neville. I don't begrudge them finding each other. I was upset with how everything came to light, but otherwise, I'm fine. They asked me to officiate and I agreed. They hadn't settled on a date, and I suggested Samhain. I had meant it as a slight against them, but neither of them noticed because they were so relieved that I had agreed."
Harry looked slightly less annoyed and a bit more discerning as he stared at her face, studying it to make sure she wasn't lying to him. Andromeda sighed and nodded, before pulling the younger witch into a tight hug.
"Well then, we should get you ready to perform the ritual. Come along, boys," Andromeda grinned at Harry and Teddy. Teddy followed the women into the cottage, Harry seemed a bit dumbfounded as he followed along a few moments later.
"We're just okay with this, Andromeda?" Harry asked as he followed the women into the master bedroom and then the bathroom.
"You heard her. She is getting her revenge against the pair of them, without actually having to do anything. They came to her for her blessing. They asked her to officiate. The only thing she did was suggest Samhain. Have you learned nothing about our traditions, Harry?" Andromeda huffed as she started drawing a cleansing bath for Hermione.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
Hermione huffed at him then and replied, "Harry, Samhain is the festival celebrating the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Symbolically, the end of the past and the beginning of the future. I suggested they marry on Samhain with me as their bonder."
Harry seemed to come to a realization at this and said, "So, it's like you're putting your past with Ron to death and bringing your future without him to life?"
Hermione nodded, feeling slightly exasperated at her brother, she asked in a snobby tone, "Do you at least know that Samhain is when the barrier between the living and the dead is the thinnest?"
Harry grinned impishly at her and replied in a mocking tone, "Is that why we have the dumb supper?"
Andromeda shook her head at the two, both amused and surprised they hadn't killed one another yet, "Dumb Supper is the feast we enjoy, that we invite our dearly departed loved ones and ancestors to partake with us. As you well know, you place a sprig of rosemary with a picture of your parents and Sirius on the altar every year. Now, Harry, if you don't mind, I will help Hermione prepare if you can go mind Teddy for a bit. Try and get him to wear something somewhat appropriate for the celebration."
Harry chuckled and nodded before he left the bathroom. Andromeda turned to Hermione and began to gather Hermione's curls into a satin bonnet.
"Leave this on and get in the bath. I've added lavender oil and sea salt. Soak for thirty minutes. Keep your mind on pure intentions. I've also added a small bit of mugwort, you might try to take a small nap, you look exhausted. It will help temper any dreams you might have. Release your negative energy and once you feel ready, I will be in the other room. I'll help you dress and fix your hair," Andromeda commanded her.
Hermione was somewhat surprised that Andromeda was helping her with this, but didn't object to it. Andromeda left the bathroom, leaving Hermione to get in the bath. As soon as she stepped into the large free-standing tub, the lights went out and multiple candles around the room came to life. Keeping her thoughts and intentions pure, Hermione sat in the bath and released the negativity she'd been holding onto. She could feel the tension in her shoulders and back give way to being a bit more relaxed. She sighed as the tension headache she'd been developing dispersed. She soon drifted into a calm, almost sleep-like state.
Thirty minutes later, a knock at the door jolted Hermione from her stupor, she felt rejuvenated and relaxed. She called out that she'd be out in a moment. The water had remained warm for the duration of the bath and Hermione could only guess that Andromeda had set it under a stasis charm. Hermione pulled the plug to allow the tub to drain, before she stepped out of the tub, dried herself off, and wrapped a large fluffy towel around herself after putting on a clean matching bra and panty set.
When she left the bathroom, she found Andromeda sitting on the bed waiting for her. Andromeda smiled and asked Hermione what she'd brought to wear for the evening. Hermione opened her bag and pulled out the clothes she'd planned to wear.
Andromeda scrutinized the beige flowy skirt and matching long-sleeved top that Hermione had paired with a thick brown belt, "It's too plain. We need something a bit more flashy. You're the Minister of Magic and officiating a Samhain wedding for your ex-husband. We can't do black, although Princess Diana would be proud of a black revenge dress, it just wouldn't do well for a Samhain wedding. Let me see."
Andromeda disappeared into what Hermione could only assume was a walk-in closet. She returned moments later carrying a garment bag. She opened the bag to reveal a long burgundy gown. The gown had lantern sleeves, which Hermione loved. It had an extreme v-neck, that would end closer to the end of her sternum, and a slit that ended just below the top of her thigh. Hermione had never worn such a daring gown before, but she was in love the moment she laid eyes on it. Andromeda smirked devilishly, she knew the dress was perfect for Hermione. She'd never worn it herself, the tags were still on it, but she had never wanted to get rid of it, because she knew she would need it for something at some point. This was the perfect time.
Hermione slipped the gown on over her underwear, removing her bra once it was clear that she wouldn't be able to wear it in this gown. Andromeda charmed her boobs to stay up and pulled the zipper up the back. The dress was a size too large, so Andromeda also transfigured it to fit Hermione perfectly. Soon, Hermione was dressed and Andromeda was handing her a pair of sandals. She would be taking the shoes off as soon as she arrived at the Burrow anyway.
After she helped Andromeda change into a brown floor-length skirt and burgundy blouse, Andromeda sat Hermione at the vanity and pulled the bonnet off her head. Hermione's curls still looked fairly good, so Andromeda only used a spell to tame them a bit more before she began plaiting autumn flowers into the younger woman's hair.
"I know they're sacred to Samhain, but chrysanthemums and marigolds are a part of your family seal," Hermione said as she watched the older woman add them to her hair.
"Mhmm…" Andromeda hummed, finishing her work before responding, "You are as much a part of my family as Teddy, Remus, and Nymphadora."
Hermione didn't know how to respond to the conviction in Andromeda's voice, so she humbly thanked her. Andromeda hugged her before they rejoined Harry and Teddy in the sitting room.
"You ladies look stunning," Harry complimented them.
"You look beautiful, grandmama. You look nice, too, Mimi," Teddy grinned at them innocently.
"Why are you giving us that look, Teddy?" Andromeda asked, suspicious of the mischievous boy.
Harry chuckled, "No reason."
"Harry James Potter, what did you two do?" Hermione asked, planting her hands on her hips as she gave him a stern look.
"Nothing, we didn't do anything," Harry smiled, placatingly.
Teddy giggled, but nodded, trying to be serious, "Nothing, we promise."
Andromeda and Hermione looked at one another before shaking their heads. Hermione spoke next, "If you didn't do anything, why is there a feather in your hair, Teddy?"
Teddy gulped and looked up at Harry. Harry swore and plucked the feather out of Teddy's hair, trying to hide it from sight.
"It was Uncle Harry's idea!" Teddy blamed, moving quickly to hide behind the two women.
Harry groaned and started apologizing, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't just let them get married after hurting you without any consequences!"
"What did you do, Harry?" Andromeda asked, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Teddy and I were talking about birds, he said he really liked the chickens you keep in the coop for eggs and I thought, maybe we could go get some eggs to occupy some time and then the chickens started flapping at us and it freaked me out. But then, Teddy mentioned that the last time Ron was here, he cried because the chickens wouldn't stop chasing him. So we kind of, sort of, maybe, conjured a chicken and dropped it off at Malfoy Manor. Lucius thought it was funny." Harry took a breath before continuing, "We had an elf pop into their room while they were getting ready and drop the chicken off, and pop back out. We waited for a few minutes and soon, we got to see both Ron and Draco running around half dressed screaming and crying being chased by a chicken!"
No one spoke for a few minutes until the silence was too much for Teddy.
"We got pictures too!" Teddy exclaimed, moving over to the sofa and lifting the cushion to pull out a stack of magical photos.
"Lucius had a camera on hand. He was really excited to be a part of a prank," Harry said, sounding subdued, as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Teddy began showing Andromeda and Hermione the photos. No matter how hard the women tried not to laugh, they couldn't help it as the pictures depicted the two wizards in their boxers, dress shirts, and socks as they ran down a marble hallway, slipping and sliding as they tried to get away from a two-foot-tall chicken. The chicken looked fairly docile in most of the pictures, but one of the men must have made it angry at some point because after walking after them in many of the photos, the last few were of the chicken running madly at the wizards.
"That is pretty funny, Harry," Hermione chuckled, swiping a few tears from her cheeks, "I bet Fred and George would love to hear about it. But please don't do anything else to torment them. I'm fine, and I'm happy with Neville now, okay?"
After securing a promise from both Harry and Teddy to not prank Ron and Draco anymore, the small group left the cottage and apparated to the Burrow together.
Landing at the edge of the wards of the Burrow, the group made their way through the wards and towards the house where Molly was directing people on what to do to put the finishing touches on everything before the guests began to arrive.
Teddy was admiring the pumpkins, gourds and various squash that lined the pathway to the house and from the house to the area the bonfire would be held in the field. Of course, he couldn't read or understand the protection runes that had been carved perfectly into each one, but he was excited nonetheless. Hermione smiled at him as he talked about getting to finally participate in the celebrations this year. He held firmly onto the photo of his parents that Andromeda had given him for the altar. They reached the house and entered the kitchen to find rowan branches over the windows and doors. The kitchen was decorated with candles, and Hermione could smell the food Molly had made for the feast.
Teddy said hello to Molly and she directed him to the alter outside where he could put the picture of his parents. Teddy asked Harry and Hermione to go with him after they'd said hello to Molly. The two joined Teddy and together they went to the alter. Hermione placed a photograph of her parents on the altar, together with a bundle of dried apple blossoms and rosemary. She helped Teddy place his picture beside hers and let him place another bundle with it. Harry placed a photo of his parents and Sirius on the altar and placed a few apples with it. It was his way of inviting them to join the dumb supper feast.
When they were explaining Samhain to Teddy earlier he told them that thought it was weird to invite the dead to dine with them. Then he asked if he could just let his parents know he was thinking of them instead. Andromeda and Hermione had laughed but agreed that it was a bit strange if you weren't used to it. Hermione then explained that she doesn't invite her parents to join them because they weren't magical and wouldn't be able to join the feast. Teddy thought that was a bit sad but asked if he could do the same thing Hermione did then.
After they placed their offering on the altar, Harry and Hermione lit candles in honor of the dead and helped Teddy light one as well. He was surprisingly taking this very seriously. Hermione felt an overwhelming sense of pride in the boy.
Andromeda came over to the alter a moment later and set a photo of her family on it, lighting a candle and verbally asking them to join her in celebrating Samhain. Once she was finished, she ruffled Teddy's hair and sent him off to play with the other children. Harry laughed when he saw Teddy almost tackle Victoire who seemed just as excited about celebrating her first Samhain as well.
"Hermione, the Longbottoms have arrived. Augusta and Algie both look particularly vicious today. I assume you informed Neville of the wedding and he mentioned it to them?" Andromeda smiled.
Hermione froze for a moment, she hadn't met the Longbottom matriarch or her brother-in-law formally since the courtship had started. It was considered the second most important step according to the Longbottom family courtship rules. Neville had given her a much smaller journal about it that had been written by one of his long-dead relatives. It was very detailed, if rather short. Most of their family courtships lasted six months, which was fine all things considered, but she wasn't expecting the onslaught of anxiety she felt pass through her entire body when Andromeda mentioned they had arrived. She was going to be formally introduced as Neville's intended tonight. She took a deep breath and released it. Harry offered her his arm, which she took gratefully. Andromeda offered her an arm as well, and the witch that had claimed her as a part of her family and the wizard that had claimed her as his sister lead her back toward the house where Neville, Augusta, and Algie Longbottom waited.
When they entered the house, Hermione could only see Neville standing at his full height, in a very nice set of robes, smiling as he spoke with Arthur and Molly. She saw him introducing them to his gran and his great-uncle. He seemed to be fairly relaxed in the role of the consummate pureblood heir. He caught her eye and winked at her as he continued his conversation. Augusta and Algie hadn't noticed her yet, which allowed Hermione a moment to observe them. They seemed perfectly kind to Molly and Arthur and the rest of the guests. There seemed to be an air of wealth, and a sense of refinement and sophistication about them that Hermione thought reminiscent of muggle royalty.
Hermione saw Kingsley and his parents enter the home after the Longbottoms. His parents had the same sense of refinement as the Longbottoms. She could only assume that they had grown up in the same circles as they immediately joined the conversation they were having with the elder Weasleys. Kingsley and Neville wormed their way out of the conversation and made their way to where Hermione was standing with Harry and Andromeda. Kingsley kissed Andromeda and Hermione both on the cheek and shook hands with Harry. Neville said hello to Harry and greeted Andromeda who seemed to be sizing him up. He kissed her hand and greeted Hermione with a kiss to the hand as well, although he had given her a heated look as he took in her appearance.
"You look beautiful, Hermione," Neville smiled, glancing over her once more, "As do you, Mrs. Tonks."
Andromeda hummed before thanking him for the compliment and excusing herself from the conversation.
"Gran and Uncle Algie are wanting to be formally introduced to you. Traditionally, your parents would make the introductions. I know your parents weren't magical, but I figured, if you were okay with it, I could do the introductions at the altar, once I've put my offering out for my parents. That way both our parents can be present for the introductions," Neville said quietly, inquiring if Hermione would be okay with that.
He knew her parents had been killed during the war, even after she'd sent them away for their safety. He knew how hard it was for her this time of year. His parents had been killed around the same time as hers after his gran had them removed from St. Mungos for their safety just before Voldemort had taken control of the hospital.
Hermione smiled, "That would be wonderful. Molly and Arthur are like my surrogate parents, and Andromeda sees me as a part of her family as well. But I don't think I would like them taking that role tonight."
Kingsley, who had been talking to Harry, turned to them, "Looks like they're heading this way. If you want, I can direct them to the altar once you're ready."
"Thank you, Kings," Hermione smiled at her friend as she and Neville left the house and ventured towards the alter.
Hermione watched as Neville placed a photograph of his parents on the altar and surrounded it with rosemary, rowan, apple blossoms, a few apples, and mugwort. He lit a candle for them and invoked the invitation for them to join him in this celebration. Once he finished, he turned and explained that the mugwort was to honor them from when they were in St. Mungos. He said that they'd have the most vivid nightmares and dreams, the doctors suspected that they were memories that they couldn't make sense of in their current state of mind. Bellatrix had splintered their minds to excess and they couldn't be repaired, so they were regularly given mugwort to try to temper the dreams and nightmares.
Hermione listened as Neville explained this to her, but she didn't look at him with pity, which he gratefully accepted. Her gaze was filled with compassion and he let her hug him gently as he tried to temper his emotions. When he was ready a few minutes later, he let Hermione signal to Kingsley that he could send the elder Longbottoms out to the alter.
Augusta and Algie Longbottom already knew they were impressed by Hermione Granger. She was a war heroine, the youngest Minister of Magic to ever take office, and the brightest witch of the age. She'd also put many laws into place to protect werewolves, house elves, and goblins. She'd recently announced that she'd made an arrangement with the muggle government to open a dragon protection reserve in Britain. And today, she was officiating her ex-husband's wedding to his soulmate. She was compassionate and kind, forgiving but also vindictive. She was outspoken and passionately stood up for what she believed. She was perfect for Neville and they were eager to have the formal introductions tonight.
The older witch and wizard made their way to the altar and stood before Hermione and Neville. Augusta was not unaware that the alter held photos of both of the younger witch and wizard's parents. She thought it was a nice idea that Neville had chosen to do the introductions at the altar in honor of their parents.
Neville cleared his throat, "Gran, Uncle Algie, I would like to take this moment to formally introduce you, in front of our dearly loved and departed parents, to Hermione Granger, my intended, and my soulmate."
"It's a pleasure to formally meet you, Miss Granger," Augusta smiled, shaking Hermione's hand and kissing her on each cheek. Algie followed her lead, intoning that he was also pleased to meet her and kissing her hand.
"Hermione, this is my grandmother, Augusta Longbottom. And my great-uncle, Algie Longbottom," Neville introduced his gran and uncle to her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Hermione smiled, delighted that they seemed to be less intimidating than she'd thought they'd be in this circumstance.
"Now that the introductions are over, I'm glad you don't think it strange that we needed to do formal introductions when we've already met and there's no way we wouldn't know who you are," Algie chuckled as he stepped around the younger couple and set a photo of his parents and brother on the altar with a sprig of rosemary. He stepped back after lighting a candle. Augusta did the same, setting an old photo of her parents down before setting a photo of her husband next to it with apple blossoms and lit two candles in their honor.
"Of course, I completely understand. Traditions would be lost if we didn't follow them, right?" Hermione smiled.
Neville grinned down at her, happy that she hadn't scoffed at the idea of following his family's courtship traditions.
"Right-o, dear girl," Algie grinned at her before he and Augusta left the couple to join the elder Shacklebolts. Hermione felt Neville pull her into a hug, as he placed a kiss on her hair.
"The flowers are a lovely touch. Before I forget, I made you a smudge stick for the ritual. Rosemary, mugwort, and apple blossom. I know the ritual for a Samhain soulmate binding isn't popular, but I assumed you'd be following it perfectly, which included the divinatory aspects so I thought it might be a good idea," Neville said quietly as he glanced behind her, "The Malfoys, Draco, Ron, and Narcissa have arrived."
"That's wonderful, thank you, Neville. I was just going to gather a few of the ingredients here before the ritual started, but a smudge stick will be even better," Hermione smiled at him.
He shrugged off her praise and offered her his arm. She took it gratefully and they made their way around the gathered guests. It seems like Seamus, Dean, and Padma were in attendance as well, with Lavender, Parvati, and their newborn baby girl in tow. Hermione and Neville stopped to greet them and coo over the baby. The small family explained that Ron had invited them, but that they were really there in support of Hermione. Hermione thanked them but insisted that she was fine and happy with Neville.
She was getting a little tired of having to tell people she was fine but knew that if she didn't they would continue to look at her with pity. She decided then that she was going to have Neville take photos of her conducting the ritual and bonding Ron and Draco and then she would send them anonymously to Rita Skeeter. She would also have Harry take a few of her and Neville together at some point that evening.
Neville stood resolutely by her side for most of the time they spent mingling, and when Ron and Draco approached them, he placed a hand on her back to assure her he was still with her. She greeted the couple kindly, with grace and poise, introduced Neville to them as her soulmate, and then explained that she would go over the ritual she would be performing on them with them after the feast. The couple thanked her numerous times and Hermione continued to assure them that she was delighted for them. Ron asked her if he could speak with her privately before the ritual began and she agreed. Hermione assured Neville that it would be fine and the ex-couple left their partners to speak alone.
Ron lead Hermione closer to the alter, away from the main crowd of guests before speaking, "Hermione, I just wanted to apologize for how everything happened. You deserved better than me, and I can see that Neville will be better than I was for you. I'm glad you have him. I guess I should have known that we wouldn't have worked out, after seeing your soul mark. Er, the birthmark? Is that what muggles call them?"
Hermione nodded slowly, "I forgive you, Ron. I wish things had happened differently, but I don't regret our past. I'm glad you've found Draco and I've found Neville. We both deserve to be happy and we both know we weren't truly happy together. I think we were together more because that's what other people expected of us, rather than what we truly wanted."
Ron agreed, "You're probably right, like always. I hope that one day, we might be able to be friends again?"
Hermione gave him a sad smile, "I do miss our friendship, but it might be a while before we can be friends again. But never say never."
Ron nodded, "Well, thank you again for agreeing to this. Can I hug you? Or would that be over the line?"
Hermione huffed and pulled the tall redhead into a hug. His arms wrapped around her awkwardly, but not unfamiliarly. They had always been an awkward couple, now that Hermione thought about it. But she still did care for the man. They released each other and went their separate ways to find their partners.
Harry intercepted Hermione before she could reach Neville.
"Lucius has been taking photos with his camera, he seems to capture the darndest things. Like this photo of you and Ron hugging," he held the photo out in front of her and she snatched it from him.
"Ronald and I have just had a lovely conversation. He apologized and I forgave him and we discussed maybe being friends once things settle down again. And then we hugged. Not that it's any of your business," she snarked at him.
Harry gave her a grin, "I'd like for my two best friends to be friends again, but if it doesn't happen, it's not the end of the world."
Hermione shook her head at him before asking him to inquire of Lucius to take as many photos of her and the happy couple during the ritual as possible, and possibly some of her and Neville and Neville's family and the guests. Harry gave her a suspicious look but agreed, leaving her to find Lucius. She watched him join Lucius and Astoria, the younger woman holding their toddler.
"Hermione, is everything okay?" Molly asked as she bustled around making sure everything was as it should be.
"Yes," Hermione smiled, "I'm conducting a ritual tonight, and we are surrounded by the people we love and have invited our departed loved ones to attend the feast. I missed not being able to come for the Mabon celebration."
Molly gave her one of her most brilliant smiles and nodded, "We are blessed, surely. And don't worry about Mabon, it was much more low-key than this celebration."
Molly gave her a quick squeeze before going back into the Burrow to put the finishing touches on the feast. It wasn't yet sundown, but the feast would be the first part of the evening celebrations.
Neville wasn't bothered by the fact that Ron wanted to talk to Hermione privately, but he didn't get along very well with Draco even though they'd put their differences behind them, they didn't have much in common except their pureblood upbringing, and Neville didn't think that warranted much discussion. He was almost relieved when Draco excused himself and went to talk to someone else. Neville felt himself relax but almost jumped out of his skin when someone came up behind him and clapped him on the shoulder, causing a shock to go through him. He only felt that when Hermione and he were together and he could see her standing across the yard talking to Ron. He turned and found himself face to face with Charlie Weasley, the second eldest Weasley child. Charlie looked a bit shocked but smiled at him.
"I see you've nabbed our Hermione," Charlie said, glancing at where his brother and Hermione were now hugging.
Neville nodded, "Er, yeah…"
Charlie chuckled, "You alright, there?"
"Yeah, um," Neville shook himself mentally, "She's fantastic. I'm constantly in awe of her generosity and kindness."
"She's pretty perfect, huh?" Charlie asked, sounding almost wistful.
"She mentioned that you accepted the job as head of the new dragon reserve?" Neville asked, changing the subject to regain some semblance of normality. He wasn't sure what had just occurred but he would need to consult the Book of Bonds in the DoM before he said anything to Hermione.
Charlie began talking about the reserve and his move back to London. His eyes seemed to sparkle as he spoke about it. He was obviously extremely passionate about his work. Neville became more relaxed as Charlie continued talking about the new reserve and the dragons they were going to start moving over to Britain after the holidays.
Hermione rejoined Neville where she found him having a conversation with Charlie about the new dragon reserve and how Charlie's move back to England was going. Neville wrapped his arm around her waist and told her that Charlie had mentioned that he was moving into the old flat above the twins' shop in the Alley. Hermione asked how Charlie was settling into his role as head dragon keeper. They were only interrupted when Fred and George popped up behind Charlie to tease him about needing them in his life and whatnot. Hermione hadn't felt more relaxed in the last few weeks than she did currently. Everything felt right in her world at the moment, but she wasn't naive enough to let her guard down yet.
Soon enough the feast was underway and everyone was gathered around multiple long tables with random gaps between them as they communed together and with the spirits of their loved ones. The food was magnificent, Molly had outdone herself once again and everyone was happy to share the meal together, despite their pasts with one another.
Hermione was seated near the middle of the tables, between Neville and Harry who both had a gap on either side of them for their parents. Teddy and Andromeda sat across from her with Ginny and James beside Teddy. Lucius, Astoria, Scorpius, Narcissa, Draco, and Ron sat at one end of the table, with no gaps among them. The rest of the Weasleys were seated at random places around the table, with Molly and Arthur at one end with the Shacklebolts. The elder Longbottoms were on the other side of the table from Neville, with a gap on either side of them. Hermione thought it odd that Neville seemed a bit stiff when Charlie took the seat on the other side of the gap beside him but didn't want to pry.
After the meal was had and everyone was blissfully full, Hermione excused herself to get ready for the bonding. She politely grabbed Ron and Draco's attention motioning for them to leave the table as well. Neville reminded her to cleanse the area for the bonding and she thanked him before leaving the table. She lead Ron and Draco toward the area they were going to be bonded.
Hermione offered them her hands, "I need you to take my hands and repeat after me."
The wizards placed their hands in hers and she began to chant, "Spiritus, Venti, Terra, Ignis et Aqua, te rogamus ut hunc locum emundes."
They repeated after her, they noticed as the wind became stronger and dew began to form on their clothing for a minute before it returned to the ground and they felt heat as a candle Hermione had conjured lit itself. They continued this chant five times before Hermione released their hands and nodded.
"Now that we've asked the Spirits, Wind, Earth, Fire, and Water to cleanse the area, I can begin preparing you for the ritual bonding," Hermione grinned.
The wizards nodded as she continued, "You'll need to change into these robes, you cannot wear anything underneath them and no shoes are allowed. The robes have been blessed and cleansed. Once you've changed, I will call the guests to gather before the bonfire. As you two will be the one's bonding, you will have to set the bonfire. I will then anoint you with rosemary oil, before using a mugwort, apple blossom & rosemary smudge stick to cleanse your mind, body, and soul. After that, you will join hands and sit on the ground. This is when the divinatory aspect comes in, you will ask your ancestors to join you in a mental plane where they might give you their blessings."
She looked between the two of them, "After you've entered the mental plane, I will be there to assist if anything bad happens. I will use stabilizing charms to keep you both grounded. As you leave the mental plane, you might feel a bit faint, which is why you'll be seated for the rest of the bonding. Once you've gotten the blessing from your ancestors, we will move on to the normal marriage bonding, and end with the soul bonding. As you know, the soul bond has to be consummated no less than an hour after the ritual for it to set properly. As this is part of the Samhain ritual, you will be sent off into the apple orchard, as apples are sacred to Samhain, to consummate your bonds and marriage."
She could see that both wizards were blushing, but she wanted to know if they understood what was going to happen.
"Do you two understand? Do I need to explain it all again?" She asked seriously.
"No, Hermione, thank you for explaining it to us. We understand," Draco gave her a small smile.
"Just a bit bloody embarrassing know that everyone here will know what we're doing in the orchard," Ron said a bit sheepishly.
Draco huffed, "It's not like it's a secret, Ronald."
Hermione laughed then, "I understand, it is a lot. If you don't want to, we can reschedule."
"No, no, we're doing this tonight. We really appreciate you agreeing to be our bonder. We wanted to work with your schedule and you mentioned this was one of your only availabilities. We agreed to it and everyone is already here. You know how difficult it is for our families to agree to be around one another, this is the best time to do this," Ron replied confidently.
Draco nodded, "I agree. Here, Ron, go change into your robe. I'd like to talk to Hermione for a moment."
Hermione turned towards Draco after Ron had gone back towards the Burrow, "What can I do for you Draco?"
Draco was blushing then, "I just wanted to thank you for helping me get the job with the potion master in the DMAC. I know it's a position lower than I would have liked, but it's more than I could have expected after the pain I caused you. I would like to ask for your forgiveness once more."
Hermione smiled, "I forgive you, Draco. It will take some time for the three of us to be able to become friends again, but I think it will happen at some point. For now, I am happy for you and Ron, and I am glad to be able to bond you two."
Draco thanked her, sounding like he was fighting his emotions before he nodded and took his robe to go change in the Burrow.
While the couple changed, Hermione set about gathering the guests and having them take up places near the bonfire site. When the wizards rejoined the group, they were dressed in simple tan robes, luckily they weren't see-through. Hermione was glad to see that they had listened to her and forgone their shoes, walking barefoot through the field. She took their wands and set them aside, telling them to light the fire by hand.
Each wizard lit a piece of twine-wrapped wood with a candle before setting them inside the bonfire, the wood of which had been dried out and prepared using magic. Once the fire began to catch fire, Hermione told the men to use a small amount of wandless magic to help the fire grow until the entire pyre was lit.
The men stepped back a bit and Hermione reached into the outer edge of the pyre and took out a small glass vial of rosemary oil. She gently coaxed the oil out of the vial and into a small bowl. She dipped her fingers into the bowl and rubbed the oil across both man's foreheads while repeating the phrase, "hanc unionem benedicite." (Latin - bless this union)
After she'd anointed them, she lit the smudge stick Neville had given her and ran it through the air around the men, focusing on the areas around their heads and their hearts, while saying, "mentem purifica, corpus purifica, animam purifica." (Latin - purify the mind, purify the body, purify the soul)
Once she finished this step, she turned them to face each other and had them join hands. She lead them to take a seat on the ground and had them close their eyes. She tapped Draco on the forehead with her wand, drawing a line from his forehead to Ron's saying, "coniungere mentem". (Latin - to unite the mind)
She walked around them, casting stabilization charms on their physical bodies as they drifted out of the physical and into the mental world. She continued casting the stabilizing charms. It seemed like it took a long time, but it was really only fifteen minutes that the two men were in the mental plane. When they opened their eyes, they were gazing at each other with so much emotion that Hermione felt like she was intruding on something private, but she knew that was a side effect of being in one another's minds during a ritual such as this, so she continued the ritual bonding.
Gaining their attention, she repeated the normal marriage bonds, and they repeated them before giving their vows of love, protection, and support. As they repeated the vows, she drew the magical bond around their wrists in what looked like a thick silver ribbon.
Once the bond was set and she released it, it drew their hands tightly together. They had to move a bit closer as she began the soulmate bond. She began by having them repeat the soul bond vows, "do tibi animam meam" (Latin - I give you my soul), "ego servabo te anima tuam" (Latin - I will protect your soul), "et glorificabo animam tuam" (Latin - I will glorify/honor your soul), and finally, "ego foveam animam tuam" (Latin - I will cherish your soul).
As they repeated the vows, she drew her wand from Ron's heart to Draco's and back and forth for each vow they spoke. This bond shone gold and grew brighter each time they finished a vow. Once they had finished the vows and she had released the bonds between their hearts, they didn't need her to give them the go-ahead to kiss. The couple kissed and hugged one another tightly as she stepped back a bit to give them some space. The guests around the bonfire cheered for the couple, and they pulled apart a moment later.
Hermione called the guests to attention and asked them to help her send the couple off to the apple orchard on the other side of the field so they could cement their bonds. The gathered guests ushered the couple away from the bonfire, many of them carrying a candle to light the way for the couple as they made their way to the orchard. After the couple reached the orchard, everyone else returned to the bonfire to celebrate.
Lucius came up to Hermione to show her the many photographs he'd taken of the ritual and bonding ceremony, and Hermione was shocked at the quality of them.
"If you weren't already rich, I'd say you could make a very profitable photographer, Lucius," Hermione grinned, "When you have time, could you make some copies for me?"
"Of course, Minister. You did a wonderful job performing the ritual, if I didn't know better I would assume you were a pureblood who had been raised with our traditions," Lucius complimented her, then he pulled a few other photos out of his pocket, "When I arrived, I noticed you were at the alter with Mr. Longbottom and his elders. I thought you might like the photos I took of the moment. Am I correct in assuming that it was your official introduction to the family?"
Hermione smiled looking over the photos he was handing her, "Yes, it was. Thank you, these pictures are lovely. I see you even managed to get the alter with our parents' photos in the background."
Lucius nodded, "I thought it was a wise decision on Mr. Longbottom's part that he chose to do the introductions today so your parents and his could be included, even in a small aspect. I'll send you copies of the rest of the photos when I return home, enjoy the rest of the celebrations. I'm off to take more pictures. I believe young Edward was telling Scorpius and the Weasley children that you were going to tell them the ancient stories of the Tuatha de Danann and the Fomor."
Hermione grinned, "I did tell him I would tell him I'd tell the story about 'The Second Battle of Mag Tuired'. I believe I also mentioned 'The Adventures of Nera'. But I think they wanted to dress up in their costumes first."
"I think they're a bit ahead of you," Lucius said as he pointed to where Astoria, Audrey, Angelina, Ginny, and Fleur were helping all the children into costumes made of animal furs and masks.
"I think I enjoy the wizarding traditions more than the muggle tradition of going to strangers' homes for sweets," Hermione chuckled.
Lucius wrinkled his nose at that, "Why ever would you accept sweets from strangers?"
Hermione shrugged and shook her head with a quiet laugh before moving over to where the children were waiting for her beside the bonfire. She took a seat on a log and the children gathered around her.
"Are you guys ready to hear about the Adventures of Nera?" Hermione asked, smiling brightly at the kids. As they cheered, she grinned and began the story.
Neville stood away from the bonfire with his gran and uncle, watching Hermione tell stories to the children. He could easily imagine her telling stories to their own children when that time came. He could see her cuddling with a few small curly-haired children as she read to them from Hogwarts, A History. He was falling harder for her each day that passed and he didn't think he would ever stop.
"She is a wonder," his gran murmured quietly to him.
He couldn't help but agree with her. Uncle Algie seemed to agree as well because he slowly moved to join the children seated around Hermione as she continued to tell tales, the current one now focusing on the Celtic Pantheon.
It seemed many of the other adults wanted to hear the stories as well, at least from Hermione, because they all began to shift closer to the bonfire where she was still telling stories to the children. One of the children, who Neville could only guess was Teddy, had moved to sit cuddled into her side, and leaned his head against her shoulder as she spoke. His hair seemed to have shifted slowly from turquoise to match Hermione's and Neville knew that she would be an amazing mother to the young boy. They already seemed to have a strong bond. Neville continued to observe her and the children when Charlie came up beside him.
Charlie didn't say anything, but Neville knew it was him because he got the same feeling he had earlier in the day. He didn't know what was happening but he would look into it when he had time. He just didn't want Hermione to know until he knew more.
"I know you feel it too…" Charlie muttered quietly, almost so quiet that Neville didn't hear him.
"Do you get the same feeling around her?" Neville replied, just as quietly.
Charlie was quiet a moment before he answered, "I do, but I'm not sure she does. I wanted to talk to her about it, but I don't want to freak her out…or send her into a researching spiral."
Neville nodded, "She won't notice it, not until it's brought to her attention. I'm going to check the Book of Bonds again when the Ministry re-opens after the holiday. I suggest you keep it to yourself until I've been able to talk to her about this. She might not understand. I know she understands the bond between Fred, Angelina, and George. And I think she understands to some extent the bond between Dean and Seamus and how it changed when they brought Padma into their bond. But being a part of something is different from knowing about it or understanding others who choose to be in that kind of bond."
Neville looked over at Charlie when he didn't respond. Charlie nodded and excused himself from the conversation after thanking Neville for hearing him out instead of shutting him down completely.
It was a while later when Ron and Draco had returned to the celebrations that guests began to leave to return to their homes. Arthur and Molly insisted that everyone at least light a candle before they leave that they could take home and use to relight their hearths at home.
Neville prepared to leave with his gran and uncle when Hermione came to bid them goodnight. He turned his back to his gran and uncle so they wouldn't chastise him before he leaned down and kissed Hermione chastely.
"Goodnight," Neville whispered against her lips before he pulled away and his gran moved to hug the girl. Uncle Algie also moved to hug her after gran. Neville felt overwhelming happiness at seeing his family accept Hermione without question. He was glad to see that she was unperturbed by their easy acceptance and familiarity with her.
After the Shacklebolts, Malfoys, and Longbottoms left, Hermione stayed at the Burrow for a few hours more to help the Weasleys clean up. The bonfire would continue to burn until it went out on its own and the alter would stay out for the rest of the night, but they cleaned up the feast tables and helped Molly clean the inside of the house from all the children and guests that had been in and out of the house throughout the evening.
Hermione left the Burrow closer to midnight and returned to Grimmauld Place. As it had been muggle Halloween, she'd left a bucket of candy at the bottom of the stairs to her front door for the muggle children in the neighborhood to pick from. She grabbed the now-empty bucket and made her way up the steps and through her front door.
She only remembered that she was still wearing Andromeda's dress when she got to her room and was in the process of changing into pajamas. She decided to return the dress in the morning. She also made a mental note to get her bag and clothes that she had left at Andromeda's earlier in the day.
She fell into an easy sleep, having had quite a long day, and was grateful for the mugwort that Andromeda had put in her bath because she didn't have any dreams that night. She didn't notice the owl sitting in her kitchen until the next morning. She opened the envelope the owl had delivered to find all the photographs Lucius had taken of the ritual and bonding ceremony. She even found others of the children playing in their costumes and of her with her friends and one of Ron and her hugging and a few of her with Neville and his family.
Grinning, she sent off a few photos from the ritual and bonding to Rita Skeeter, adding in the photo of her and Ron hugging and one of her official introductions to the elder Longbottoms. She sent them anonymously with a note explaining many of the photos, before adding a threat that if anything untrue was published with the photos, Rita would be out of a job faster than she could say, "Beetle".