"Hey mum," Hermione said, happily on the phone. "I have some news for you!"
"Hi, sweetie. I hope it's good news," Helen joked, making Hermione smile. "What made you so happy on the phone?"
Hermione couldn't stop the smile that appeared on her face. It was true she was always happy to talk with her mum, but today she was feeling like she could fly. Being in love was making wonders for her.
"Yes, mum, very good news." Even she could heat the smile on her voice; she imagined what her mother was thinking. "Are you and Dad free next Sunday? I was thinking we could have brunch."
"There's any reason why you want to have brunch with me and your father?" Helen asked, trying to see if she could discover the reason for her daughter calling her.
"Yes, I have a reason. I think it was time you and dad finally met Fred," Hermione said, biting her lip, and feeling happiness bubble inside of her. "We were talking, and we figured that he could meet you and Dad first, before he introduced me to his family."
Helen was silent on the other side of the line and Hermione's enthusiasm dwindled a bit. What if her mother didn't approve of Fred? She knew she didn't have reason to worry—besides the weird things Fred says sometimes, he was the most amazing man she had ever met.
"Hermione…" her mother started to say, but she interrupted her.
"Mum, please! I'm finally in a relationship where I feel safe and loved, and I want you to meet the one who's making me feel like that. Please," Hermione whispered, feeling weird talking with her mother.
"Why are you so intent on it, Hermione?" Helen asked, and Hermione frowned, trying not to let her mother's statement get to her, but failing.
"Because I want you to meet Fred, seeing how happy he makes me!" Hermione argued back, not backing down. "I want him to meet my family, the same way he wants me to meet his family. What's so absurd about this?"
"There's nothing absurd about it, Hermione." Helen sighed and Hermione felt lighter, knowing her mother finally understood her. "So should we expect you two at what time?"
Hermione smiled, feeling herself getting lighter again. She knew her mother was only looking out for her, afraid she was going too fast on this new relationship, but Hermione was certain about her feelings.
"We were thinking about noon, if that's okay?" Hermione asked, biting her lip in thought. "I want to show Fred around the neighbourhood, and I know how Dad likes to chat."
"We'll be waiting for you then," Helen replied, and Hermione felt everything will turn out alright in the end. "Anything you want me to make?"
"Not really, but if you can have pink lemonade, it will be amazing." Hermione was glad her mother was trying.
"You know I always have some when you come to visit," Helen said, and Hermione heard the smile on her face.
"Thanks, mum," Hermione softly said, before finishing the chat and hanging up.
She couldn't wait to introduce Fred to her parents. Hermione knew they would love each other, the same way she loves him.