Happy Saturday, my freaky darlings. Another week another chapter. Enjoy.

Chapter 26 Conversations

Six adoring eyes watched Hermione as she sat on the floor in her evening gown reading muggle fairy tales aloud. She deepened her voice for the prince and made it scary for the villains. With an eye on the clock, she turned the page without showing the picture. "Egh!" protested Benedict.

"Like you even know what I'm saying or what the picture is," she said showing the illustrations. "What would you do if there were no pictures? Lose your tiny mind?"

A chuckle from the doorway drew her attention," You would never be so cruel."

She grinned at Marcus, "I could be, but not to my sweeties."

"I fear Otto will need to finish bedtime or we'll be late."

"I'm afraid you are right." She stood smoothing her dress. She gave each boy a kiss. Realizing their mummy was leaving, all three began fussing until Otto appeared. He created the story on the wall as shadow puppets grabbing their attention. "And just like that I am replaced."

Marcus kissed her, "Never."

"Come on, we can't be late for the Memorial Ball. While I would love to miss some of the speeches, but not Arthur's retirement announcement."

"What do you think of his replacement?" he asked as they entered the Ministry.

"Megan Jones? She's young enough to move with the changes we want. As a muggleborn she knows both worlds. Some might underestimate her because of her age. But the department adores her, so she'll have their support."

"Which is essential," he remarked.

As they entered the reception hall Marcus placed a hand on the small of her back. Together they moved to the left and began mingling. Many praised her books, though a few inquired to the point behind them. Of those, a few made faces or changed the subject when Hermione reminded them of the goal to better integrate the magical communities. Some of the aurors and hit wizards stopped Marcus for shop talk. Leander asked Hermione to autograph the two children's books, "We read them to Richel. And Marcus keeps refusing to ask."

He shrugged in response, "I ask for you, I have to ask for everybody. You ask her, she can do what she wants. She likes you for some reason."

She giggled, "He's not wrong."

Leander's wife, Ashley, giggled, "Richel likes the pictures."

"Our boys do, too," said Marcus.

"Heaven forbid you don't show them to Benedict. Eight month old with such opinions," laughed Hermione.

"Don't they all," responded Leander.

For dinner they sat with Harry, Malin, Percy, Audrey, and her family. Mostly because the women had been talking and simply moved to sit without breaking their conversation. Audrey's parents eyed Percy who shrugged.

"Did you meet with Lise or Marigold?" asked Hermione.

"Lise," answered Malin.

"Since she's in the know, she's going to handle the wizard events," explained Audrey. "They also offered Simeon an exclusive contract to be an event photographer after the last six parties asked who you used."

"That's wonderful."

Malin smiled, "Lise loved the idea of a double wedding. We're each responsible for the cost of the ceremony, our photos, one meal, and half the reception."

"I keep offering to cover the reception," said Harry, "But I keep getting outvoted." Hermione patted his hand.

Percy shook his head, "We're all able to pull our own weight, even moving the timetable up." Hermione looked at them questioningly.

Again Audrey jumped to explain, "The autumn equinox is on a Saturday. Lise showed us pictures of the areas we mentioned throughout the year, simply gorgeous. So, September weddings!"

"I remember how glorious the grounds could be," Hermione gushed. "How far have you gotten with plans?"

"My mother has been rather firm- white gown as close to formal robes as possible. Traditional flowers, those kinds of things, no offense."

"I made my choices, you'll make yours," Hermione soothed.

"I want a burgundy accented gown," declared Malin. "It's the color of House Potter and Gryffindor House."

"Should my dress be golden then?" asked Hermione.

"Oh, yes. Harry's vest can be burgundy and Ron's golden. That will look better with Ron's hair."

At that point Minister Shacklebolt commanded the room's attention, "Once again we've gathered to remember the dark times we experienced, lest we forget and repeat them. This year we're made strides to leave that world behind. But that is for tomorrow, night is to commemorate the fallen, recognize the heroes, and celebrate the continuing peace and prosperity we've enjoyed this last years. To begin let us remember those no longer with us during a moment of silence." As they sat silently Hermione made a mental note to suggest simulating candles or something visual to accompany the silence. Before people could become restless, Kingsley continued, "On this 5th anniversary I would like to take a moment to recognize the people who lost the most, sacrificed more than anyone realized, who fought the longest, and those few who remained in the shadows." A rustle went through the crowd. "Please stand when your name is mentioned." Most names Hermione at least recognized, a few she had never heard, but that was hardly surprising in a war that spanned two generations fought mostly by clandestine groups. Especially if some remained behind the scenes. The names seemed to be in order of how involved people were, not alphabetical. "Charles Weasley, Percival Weasley." Audrey beamed up at Percy adoringly as she applauded. Marcus whistled, causing the tips of Percy's ears to turn red. "William Weasley, Fleur Weasley, Frederick Weasley, George Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Ginerva Weasley, Neville Longbottom. Angelina Johnson." Ron and Veronica sat surrounded by standing people. Kingsley mentioned more people Hermione didn't know or remember. "Andromeda Tonks,Hestia Jones, Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Rubeus Hagrid, Filius Flitwick, Minerva McGonagall," rounded out the last of the Hogwarts staff and Order of the Phoenix. Numerous veteran aurors were mentioned, then, "Ronald Weasley, Hermione Flint, and Harry Potter." Kingsley waited for the applause to die down.

"Most of us only know a fraction of the stories, and we are unlikely to ever know the entire story," the minister said. "But those standing before us today spent a decade or more making our world safer. Some sacrificed normal experiences, most risked injury and death time and time again. Many bear scars on their bodies, minds, and souls. When you mention these events to person they insist they only did what had to be done, that anyone could have done it, and it wasn't as much as others. Now, they only wish to be left in peace to live the remainder of their lives as they wish."

"Good luck with that," yelled someone from the far end of the hall. Many chuckled in response.

Kingsley continued, "Please take your seats." He paused, "Speaking for living as we please, I have one last announcement. Arthur Weasley, Head of the Department of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts, has decided to retire. His replacement will be Miss Megan Jones. We, at the Ministry, wish Arthur the best during his retirement." The crowd applauded again. "Now, let's enjoy the wonderful meal provided by Gather Round."

After dinner the dancing portion began. Eventually Hermione found herself at a table with Hannah, Lavender, and Ginny. Hermione complimented the chef on the food, "Dinner was amazing, Hannah."

"Thank you," the blonde preened under Hermione's praise.

Ginny spoke up, "Have you always made your carrots with honey, or is that a new thing?"

"I have, why?"

"Ron mentioned Veronica did it sometimes and I wondered if she got the idea from somewhere."

Hannah's eyebrows furled and bit her lip, frowning, "Not wanting to seem like I'm throwing a wobbly here, but Veronica get takeaway a lot. I mean used to be nearly daily, now more like three times a week. So, if there was honey in the carrots it was from Gather Round. Apple cider vinegar with the fish means it came from the Leaky."

"Interesting," said Lavender, "Parv mentioned seeing her in the Alley often, too."

Ginny's face scrunched in confusion, "Why would she do that?"

"To please Ron," Hermione answered quietly. "After Marcus proposed Ron wanted to build a real relationship, not whatever they had been playing at. She's been cooking for the last year. To spend more time as a family unit.

Lavender looked surprised, "How do you know? I'm not doubting you, I just want to know how you know."

"Do you really think the man that included me in planning his wedding to his adultery partner would have issues discussing his relationship issues with me? Well, me and Harry."

"He doesn't?" laughed Lavender. "Oh, Ron."

"Wait," said Hannah, "her mother-in-law is Molly freaking Weasley. The woman is a goddess in the kitchen. Why not ask her for help learning?"

Ginny considered the question, "She'd been helping in the kitchen for the last year at that point. Asking for help might have been odd maybe."

Hermione shrugged, "It is what it is." Neville collected Hannah to dance. Lavender made her excuses, leaving only Hermione and Ginny. "Hey, at the wedding you said you had questions and we never got a chance to talk."

Ginny looked around, Shacklebolt's speech must have touched people, no one seemed to be trying to eavesdrop. "Before your wedding, when I was foolishly chasing Harry, Veronica suggested charisma potions. She seemed disappointed when I initially declined. She kept mentioning them. Ultimately, I decided it felt too close to magical manipulation for me. I got the love potion perfume instead. Here's the thing, then labels look similar. I know she nicked some, then got annoyed when people didn't immediately agree with her. I suppose I wanted to ask your opinion. If you thought she used those potions on all of us?"

Hermione considered it, "I suppose it is possible. It would explain some things."

"Again we circle back to why?" asked Ginny.

"To make people like her," replied Hermione. "Does it matter? She is Ron's wife, she isn't going anywhere. The why changes nothing. She most likely used them. They aren't illegal. It smoothed things over for her. Maybe it made it easier for Ron to leave me. Or got your mum to overlook the misdeeds."

Ginny nodded, "You're right, whatever the reason, done is done. Knowing why would change nothing."

Thoughts for that conversation stayed with Hermione for the rest of the night. A potion could design to make people like you and dislike someone else did explain the situation perfectly. But why did she stop using them? She had to have because everyone suddenly being able to understand how much they hurt her meant they were no longer being affected. She wondered if Ginny would ever connect the dots and realize Veronica's manipulations destroyed her relationship with Harry. While she worried about whether she should tell Ron, she knew she would never open that wound.

That evening in bed she cuddled into her husband's side, peppering his bare chest with little kisses. "Not that I am complaining, but can I ask what created this cuddle bug? I quite like it."

"Just thoughts. And feeling lucky you came into my life."

"I'm the lucky one," he said kissing her.

"Agree to disagree," she replied. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

Hermione's book on werewolves turned into two. One about werewolf packs and the other about the difficulty of living in two worlds. The children's book taught they were safe most of the time, and how they kept themselves and others safe when they weren't. It went over how to be friends with one. All three were dedicated 'To the memory of Remus Lupin who embodied the ideal found in these pages and was my friend.'

Her next topic would be veela. Fleur's grandmother visited to allow an interview. Malin could barely contain her excitement. "I loved veela stories as a child," she gushed. "I always wanted to meet a full blooded one, but they rarely travel."

Hermione looked at Fleur in horror. "Relax, ma cherie. Grandmaman insisted. She wants to see the children in their home. It is important to her. Also, she sees your interview as part of her legacy to them. So, no guilt. If she was unwilling she would say so."

"Noted."

Hermione arrived at Shell Cottage early the afternoon of her interview. She planned on playing with Victorie and Dominique while Malin had a few minutes to meet Noemi Beaufoy and collect herself. A small blonde bludger came running out the greet them, "TANTE HERMIONE! Grandmaman voici!"

"She is?"

"Yes, she came to see us."

Hermione scooped her up, "Have you been having a good visit?"

"Yes, even though Dominique keeps crying."

"Well, babies do that a lot."

"Remus, Benedict, and Dominic don't."

Hermione chuckled and opened the front door, "They cry plenty, you just aren't around when they do. Shall we go in and meet Grandmaman?"

"Oui," the little girl leapt from her arms and raced into the house. Maman, Taunt Hermione is here."

Fleur poked her head out of the kitchen, "Hermione, Malin, come in." At the kitchen table sat a beautiful blonde woman holding Dominique, cooing to her in a foreign language. "Grandmere, may I introduce Hermione Flint and her assistant Malin Bakken. Ladies, my grandmother, Noemi Beaufoy."

"Enchante, madames," the older woman said in a lyrical voice.

"The pleasure is ours," Hermione assured her. Dominique looked around at the sound of her voice. "Hello, little dove." The baby grinned and babbled.

"My lovelies seem quite taken with you, madame," remarked Noemi.

"And I with them. If you like we can converse in your native tongue."

"Non, merci, I enjoy using my French and English. It strengthens them. And the Veela language is a dying one."

"It doesn't have to be," said Hermione quietly in Veelan. "I taught myself with a few translation spells."

Noemi's eyes widened, "You will teach my lovelies?"

"When they are older. The spells work best when one has mastered their native language first."

"Thank you," the older woman smiled. "And hello, Mademoiselle Bakken."

"Please, call me Malin. It is such an honor to meet you, I can't believe I am. Oh, I am so in awe."

"Malin grew up on Veela tales, you'll have to excuse her."

"It is nice to meet you as well. I often told my children of the Seers when they were little. My son would be in awe of you."

"That is so amazing," Malin blushed. "But I'm not a Seer."

"No, you are simply of the people and that would be enough for him." She turned back to Hermione, "Shall we begin?"

"Yes," she pulled out a Quick Quotes Quill. "Do you mind if I use this? It will record what you say as you say it. I find it lets me focus on what you're saying and any follow up questions I want to ask."

"Not at all. I trust you not to use my words against you."

"Excellent." Hermione began asking about the structure of Veela society, they values and taboos. She inquired about celebrations of life and death and child rearing practices. How they felt about partial blooded relatives.

"You are most through," remarked the Veela. "That is a good thing. I shall ask my fellow Elders if there is anything they would like you to add."

"Thank you. I appreciate the assistance." Hermione reviewed her notes. "I think that is everything I needed. Again, thank you so much for filling in the holes. I want this to help wizards understand we are not superior to other magical beings. Even the ones that are dependent on us like house elves."

"Will you be writing a book on them?" asked Fleur.

"I will." Hermione paused, "I'm also thinking of writing one about the muggles of Britain. I am no way enough of an expert to write about all muggles, but I could at least write about the technologies and belief systems."

"Like they no longer believe in magic or hunt witches?" asked Malin.

"Exactly," said Hermione, "there is no reason for us to fear them. They have compensated for their lack of magic in ways that surpass wizards. Mobile phones are fast than owls, more convenient, and more private than using a fireplace or patronus. Provided you can summon one to begin with."

"It does look nice," admitted Malin. "Perhaps those things can happen."