AN: Here we are Chapter 12. What do you guys think? I'd love some feedback on this story. I'm also still in need of a beta. And again just incase anyone forgot I'm not JKR and I'm still not getting paid.
Silver light filled the room as a horse-shaped Patronus burst into Hermione's sitting room, its presence jolting Hermione awake. She quickly rubbed her eyes to focus on the urgent message being conveyed by the ethereal figure. Ginny's voice carried a sense of urgency as she spoke. "Hermione! Harry just received an urgent owl. There's a kidnapping case involving Gregory Goyle. I stopped by your place earlier, and for some inexplicable reason, he was there. I know your wards are impenetrable so I know you invited him in. I asked Harry if he knew anything about it before the owl arrived. I have no idea what's going on, but the Aurors are headed to your house!"
"Oh, shit!" Hermione exclaimed, feeling the weight of the situation crashing down on her. She quickly extricated herself from his embrace as he began to stir.
Confusion laced his groggy voice. "What's going on?"
"Aurors are on their way. You're being accused of kidnapping," Hermione replied urgently.
"Fuck! I thought I had until the end of the week. The Goldsteins assured me that once the paperwork was filed, nothing like this could happen," he lamented.
Hermione locked eyes with him, her expression filled with determination. "Do you trust me?"
His response was immediate. "Yes."
With a deep breath, Hermione wielded her wand, conjuring a black velvet box from her bedroom. "Put this on," she instructed, tossing the box to Greg after extracting a small circular object from within.
Greg's eyes widened as he opened the box, revealing a gleaming gold band nestled on the velvet cushion. "What's this?" he asked, his voice filled with surprise.
Hermione's nervousness mingled with determination as she responded, "These are my parents' original wedding rings." She slid her mother's ring onto her left ring finger, a symbol of commitment and unity.
"I can't. I... You don't really want this," Greg stammered, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Hermione's eyes bore into his, her determination unwavering. "Listen, we don't have much time. The Aurors will be here any minute. Muggle marriages are recognized by the Ministry. We can claim that we got married this afternoon, and were planning on filling it with the Ministry in the morning. It might provide a temporary shield and buy us some time. Besides, you haven't done anything wrong," she explained hurriedly, summoning an official-looking piece of paper into her hand. With a swift flick of her wand, her parents' names and signatures vanished, replaced by Hermione Granger and Gregory Goyle. The original wedding date gave way to the current date.
After signing her own name she handed Greg the quill and paper, Hermione's voice was resolute. "It's up to you, Greg."
Caught between a whirlwind of emotions, Greg hesitated, his gaze shifting between Hermione and the paper before him. The weight of the decision hung heavily in the air, the urgency of the situation forcing him to make a choice.
After a tense moment, Greg's eyes met Hermione's with a newfound determination. He took the quill, his hand trembling slightly, and firmly signed his name beside hers. The ink dried, sealing their fabricated union. Greg then took the gold band from the box and placed it on his left ring finger.
Their gazes locked once more, a mixture of uncertainty and hope passing between them. They knew that this charade would not solve all their problems, but in that moment, it offered a flicker of protection and a glimmer of possibility.
A loud, urgent knock reverberated through the cozy cottage.
"Hermione! I'm here on Auror business," Harry called from outside.
Hermione's eyes widened, and she exchanged a worried glance with Greg. Lena emerged from the bedroom, fear evident in her voice. "Greg, what's going on?"
Greg nodded at Hermione to open the door, her own heart pounding. She took a deep breath, turned the doorknob, and pulled it open. Standing before them were Harry, Ron, and Robards, all in full Auror uniform, their expressions grave.
"Miss Granger," Robards began, his voice authoritative. "We are looking for a former classmate of yours and his sister, Gregory and Lena Goyle. We have information that they are here. May we come in and take a look around?"
Hermione stood firm, her expression resolute. "You may come in, but there's no need to search. They are here. May I ask what this is about?"
Ron's eyes narrowed as he spoke with disdain, directed towards Greg. "I'm sorry, Hermione, but isn't any of your business. I'd like to know why you are harboring and aiding a scumbag like him."
Harry intervened, his voice calm but firm. "Ron, be professional. This isn't the time or place for this."
Hermione knew the next words out of her mouth would create confusion and possibly provoke Ron's anger, but she hoped he would remember his duty as a Ministry employee. "Gentlemen,
anything that concerns Gregory Goyle is my business from today onward," she announced, raising her left hand to reveal her wedding band. "We married today in the Muggle world."
The room fell into a stunned silence as Harry, Ron, and Robards processed Hermione's declaration. They exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to make sense of the unexpected turn of events.
"You... married him?" Ron's voice was filled with disbelief and anger, his eyes locked on the ring adorning Hermione's finger.
Hermione met Ron's gaze with unwavering determination. "Yes, Ron. We made a choice to protect Lena from any further harm. We thought it would provide a temporary shield until we can sort out the situation."
Harry, ever the level-headed one, stepped forward, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Hermione, I know you're always thinking three steps ahead. But are you sure about this? The implications..."
Hermione interrupted him, her voice steady. "I've thought it through, Harry. I know once we file this with the Ministry its difficult to get out of. I'm aware divorce is uncommon in the wizarding world. We need time to file our marriage certificate and go to Gringots so he can claim head of House Goyle. Lena's mother is not fit to have custody, and we can't let them be separated. This marriage, even if it's just on paper for now, gives us a legal foundation to fight for them."
"I went ahead and filed a custody petition through Goldsteins law firm," Greg explained. "They assured me that until the hearing takes place, she won't have the power to simply show up and take her away. Basically, we've put a temporary halt on her rights." Greg paused, concern evident in his voice. "I want to clarify that we haven't run away or tried to dodge the law. We're still here in Britain, following the legal process. However, we did leave the manor where she still has unrestricted access, and last night she harmed Lena while I was out."
"We haven't seen any evidence to support that claim," Ron interjected sharply.
Robards, curious, asked Greg, "When did you visit the solicitor, Mr. Goyle?"
"Yesterday, late afternoon," Greg responded.
"I see. Sometimes it takes a few days to process matters like this. Even ones marked urgent. We will investigate further," Robards assured them.
"Thank you," Hermione expressed her gratitude.
"Hermione, are you absolutely certain about this?" Harry questioned, stepping forward and taking her hands. "You know I'll stand by whatever decision you make. You're like a sister to me, and all I want is for you to be happy."
"Yes, Harry." Hermione replied.
Hermione noticed his gaze shifting momentarily to her husband before returning to her, accompanied by a hesitant smile.
"Hey, don't forget to bring your family along for dinner tomorrow evening," Harry said. "I'll let Molly know that we'll have two extra mouths to feed."
Ron's expression revealed his discontent, yet he remained silent.
