Hello, my freaky darlings! I hope you are well. Happy Father's Day to all you fathers that celebrate it. I have gotten over the financial agony of car repairs. (Still not happy, but coping.) Thank you for all the kind words. Sister-in-law is recovering nicely at home. She's being nice to me at least, but as she says you don't bite the hand that does the already painful dressing changes. And please don't think the second job overworks me. I am well compensated for having the right two letters after my name and knowing how to do innate paperwork that is necessary, but not critical. If I wanted to I could literally sit there and stare at the wall. But that would make me die of boredom, so paperwork it is. I hope everyone enjoys.
Chapter 10 New Year, New Beginnings
The next day Hermione invited Bill and his family over so she could shower Victorie with gifts. She encouraged Malin to stay when she offered to leave. "Tante Hermione! Tante Hermione!" Victorie burst from the fireplace and launched herself at Hermione, who caught her.
"Hello, Tori. I missed you, too." She turned around, "This is my friend Malin. Mal, this blonde bludger is Victorie, or Tori, to her family."
Victorie dropped to her feet, "Hello, Miss Malin," she said in a shy polite voice.
"Greetings, Miss Victorie," Malin nodded to her.
Bill and Fleur emerged from the fireplace. Bill swept his daughter up in his arms. "Hello, Hermione, and Malin, was it?" He offered her his hand. Fleur also shook her hand.
"Did you bring me pressies?" asked the four-year-old wildly.
"Victorie Gabrielle Weasley, mind your manners," admonished her mother.
Her face fell and she hung her head, "I'm sorry, Tante Hermione."
"And I forgive you. I did bring you some things, but only if your parents say it is okay." The tiny girl gave her parents a pleading look with large round puppy dog eyes.
"I suppose someone was very good and understanding that spa days and library trips had to be postponed," Bill said to Fleur.
"And well behaved at Grandpapa and Grandmaman's house. We approve." The adults laughed as Victorie danced in joy. She declared each gift to be her favorite.
Fleur petted the fur blanket Hermione bought for herself and Bill, "This is almost too much, Hermione. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
They watched Victorie play with her new doll. Bill asked, "Do you know why Ginny was so down over Christmas? At first we thought she just missed Harry, but..." he trailed off.
"She and Harry broke up. Um, maybe that was it."
"Do you know why?" Fleur asked.
"He said they want different things right now. That's all I want to say. As someone without a connection to your family anymore, I don't want to get in the middle of a private matter. Outsiders make easy targets."
"I understand, we both do," Bill said glancing at Fleur. "And we want you to know we consider you, and Harry, part of our family. No matter what the future holds. Or what anyone else thinks."
"Thank you. Though moving forward I intend to distance myself from the Weasleys at large. I need to branch out more socially."
"Good for you," Fleur cheered.
"Dad wants you to know he considers you his daughter, too. Please don't forget him."
"I won't," promised Hermione.
Late afternoon her parents called from Cape Town. "Hermione, darling, how are you?" her mother asked in a cheery tone.
"I'm doing well, Mother. How are you and Father?"
"We caught a little bug, but we're much better now."
"That's good." She could hear her mother's smile at how well trained and polite her responses were.
"How did your little trip go?" she asked politely.
"Eventful and cathartic, thank you for asking." Internally she cringed. Had their relationship always been one of banal chit-chat?
"Splendid. We called to wish you a happy new year."
"Thank you. Happy new year to you as well. When will I be seeing you in this new year?"
"Oh, sometime in June or July, I suppose," her mother said offhandedly.
"I would like to see you and catch up. And I mean longer than one dinner squeezed in between other social obligations."
"We will see what we can do, Hermione," she snapped, "We have fundraising events when we are home, you know that."
"And your daughter should take priority. If you can't make me one then I would rather you not bother."
"I said we would try," Monica's impatience bled into her tone.
"See that you do. I don't want to settle for scraps anymore. As your daughter, I would like a relationship built of mutual respect and affection." She changed the subject to her parent's mission. They ended the conversation with an exchange of "I love yous.'
Ginny broke down and rubbed her temples just before the group arrived at the ministry ballroom. She's confessed about Harry demanding a break to Ron and asked for help finding a date. He suggested Veronica's best mate, Jeffery. He was between girlfriends and instantly agreed to a double date. Ginny swiftly deduced why: Jeffery was very much in love with Veronica. Who, while enjoying the attention of both men, kept redirecting Jeffery back to Ginny. She tried not to groan. She needed the oaf fawning over her, not her sister-in-law. She'd also overlooked the attendance of numerous family members who were obligated to be there. She would need to spin this. She caught Veronica's eye, "For this to work Jeffery needs to be paying sole attention to me," she hissed. "Not to mention your husband is going to eventually notice and not like his attention on you." When Veronica's eyes narrowed, Ginny continued, "I'm not saying anything is going on, or that you return his feelings, but Ron will notice if he doesn't stop."
Veronica seethed silently at Jeffery's stupidity. She'd explained years ago she wasn't interested in being a nobody or poor. He wasn't rich enough, famous enough, or handsome enough to be of note. She enjoyed his extra attention, all women liked to be flattered, but this had to stop. She should have cut him out when he got her drunk and tried to get her up the duff, though ironically, it was what gave her the idea of how to snag Ron. "I'm on it." She grabbed Jeffery's arm and whispered, "For this to work Harry needs to be jealous. Pretend she's me if you have to, but make Harry Potter think he's lost the love of his life to you, dammit!" Jeffery nodded dumbly.
Inside the Grand Ballroom Ginny located her parents and gave them a modified confession. "Harry and I agreed we're rushing things. We need to take a step back and explore who we are together, and apart. I came with Ron and Veronica. She set me up with her friend Jeffery so I wouldn't feel like a third wheel." Molly hugged her and reassured her everything would work out, but Arthur remained silent and pensive. At their assigned table the women arranged themselves to best advantage. Ginny found a sinfully deep red dress, so dark it was nearly brown. The rich hue kept the red from clashing with her hair. It fit like a second skin with a plunging neckline and an even deeper cut back. Her necklace dipped into her cleavage, and dangling from the clasp a long chain hanging down her back. The sheer number of men staring at her told her she looked good. A commotion drew their attention. Harry and his diversion arrived looking well put together. The girl coyly clung to his arm pretending to be shy. Harry, for his part, played the concerned protector. He introduced her to friends and coworkers. Ginny silently fumed without changing her expression. She would make her move after dinner.
Hermione surveyed the gathering in the ballroom. What difference a deep medication ritual could make. Old Hermione would have fretted about what everyone would think about her attending with a date and who that date was. But it had been a year since the Ron fiasco, and look how quickly he moved on. Anyone not happy for her new happiness could take a long walk off a short pier. "Ready?" asked Marcus offering his arm.
"Let's do this," she smiled.
As they entered the room, conversations ceased and then roared back to life. People speculated and schemed about the spectacularly dressed witch before them. Hermione smiled and nodded at people she knew. Mr. Brooks hurried over to greet her, "Don't you look radiant, my dear. How was your trip?"
"Enlightening. And I convinced a new friend to visit. She grew up in the seer community, but was educated as a witch."
"Fascinating," he clapped his hands, "Edgar has forbidden shop talk tonight, so off you pop. Have fun. Enjoy yourself."
Marcus and Hermione mingled on their way to their seats. They paused to introduce each other to important people. They chose to sit with Marcus's coworkers instead of near the Weasleys. Harry arranged to be at the next table, as a subtle show of support. Dinner proved to be the usual lavish affair. "Ugh, I always overeat at these things," she groaned.
Leander Salllow laughed, "Don't tell us the esteemed Hermione Granger has flaws."
"Many flaws," she sassed back. "Despite whatever delusions some people have I am not a sainted being."
"Weasley," coughed someone further down the table.
"I simply misplaced my crown. But it's back in place and I'm prepared to demonstrate this queen is done taking shite."
Harry laughed from the other table, "Some warning please so I can bring popcorn."
"Nope, not planning it. Just going to let them play stupid games and win stupid prizes."
As the meal wound down high ranking officials made speeches. Kingsley took the podium last. "Good evening. As the year ends we reflect on its triumphs and failures. The last five years have been long as we work to rebuild after the war and reshape our society to prevent another. Yet, look how far we have come with hard work and compromise." He surveyed the crowd before continuing.
"We are all aware a member of our community was
honored by the world's largest hamingja enclave located in Norway. They sent us a letter care of me. I want to share it with you." He unrolled the parchment. "Minister Shaklebolt, again we express our gratitude for assisting us to extend our invitation to Miss Granger. In the beginning, we merely desired to thank her for her efforts during your war and her work on behalf of sapient magical beings. Then she dwelled among us. We discovered the treasure she truly is. Every day, in every interaction, Miss Granger displayed her grace, humility, compassion, and intelligence. She embraced our ways. Her kindness and joy are infectious. She treated the youngest of us with the same courtesy and consideration as the eldest. Each time one presented her with a gift, she attempted to demurely decline, always saying we had given her enough. Her attitudes and thoughts give us hope that magical beings will be able to reintegrate into one larger community in the future. We will endeavor to be worthy of that vision. We thank Britain for allowing your asset to become our treasure."
Kingsley raised his eyes and let his gaze sweep over the assembled ministry worker, Wizenmagot, and their guests. "It is my sincere hope we can experience that dream. That we do not blemish this positive international image by abusing Miss Granger now that she was returned. I ask well-wishers to restrain themselves. Let us not return to the post-war well-wishing mobs. That said, let us turn our attention to dancing away the hours before we greet the new year."
The musicians began playing. Couples made their way to the dance floor. Marcus stood, offering his hand to Hermione, "Would you care to dance?"
"I would be delighted," she allowed him to lead her into the crowd. "Later when Harry demands a spin will you ask Malin?"
"Sure, or I can introduce her to some people."
"Thank you."
"No problem, I like her, too."
Marcus managed to maintain his monopoly for three songs before Kingsley cut in. After Kinsgely, Mr. Brooks claimed her. Noticing the Weasley twins waiting in the proverbial wings he joined Adrian and Peregrine for a drink. "Lost your girl already?" joked Adrian.
He shrugged, "She's popular. If she's comfortable with it, I'm fine. One sign she isn't and I'll step in."
Peregrine nodded, "Very mature attitude. I expected more possessiveness."
Marcus glared and looked at his glass, "Wait til someone tries something less innocent than dancing."
"Kind of hope somebody does now," chuckled Peregrine. "Liven things up."
The calculated move made wasn't against Hermione, though. When Fred asked Malin to dance, Ginny slid next to Harry. "Hello, lover," she whispered.
"Hello, Ginny. Do you need something?" he asked in a bored tone.
"To let you know that even if we are moving on, you'll always be my first love and have a place in my heart. I hope I have one in yours."
"I appreciate the sentiment. For my part, I'm sorry it ended, but I know we both want different things, and I'm not putting my life on hold hoping one of us changes our minds. That isn't fair to anyone." As an afterthought he added, "You look pretty."
"Thank you," she preened. "Who's your friend?"
"Her name is Malin. She's visiting Hermione for a research project."
"Like staying for a prolonged time or just a few weeks?"
"I have no idea. That's up to Malin, I suppose. Look, Ginny, just come out and ask what you want to know."
"I'm just inquiring. I want us to stay friends. I don't want my parents to lose you. Dad's afraid they lost Hermione."
"Well, whose fault is that? What we did was bollocks. I'm not saying it's impossible, she's not opposed to mending bridges. Though, you lot need to extend the olive branch."
"I'll pass that along, shall I?"
Harry shrugged, "As you like. I hope you find happiness with someone who wants the same thing you do."
"I want the same things you do- a family together," she protested.
"Eventually, sure, but first you want to enjoy yourself. And that's fine. But I'm not waiting five or ten years for you to want to put a family first. Nor should you have to hurry up and change for me. Be happy, Ginny." He looked at her one last time and walked away.
Ginny ground her teeth and went looking for Jeffery. "Change in plans. This is going to take longer than a week." He looked pained. "Look, fake dating me gets you more access to Veronica without annoying her or Ron," she raised her eyebrow smirking.
"Define fake dating?" he asked.
She flashed him a brilliant smile, "We can discuss particulars later. For now, let's enjoy the night." She took his hand and led him to the dance floor.
Marcus reclaimed Hermione as he noticed his brother and brother-in-law eyeing her. "Feel free to refuse to entertain Ethan and Johann. One has delusions of standing and other delusions of self-importance. And if you do accept," he paused.
"Feel free to put them in their places?" she suggested.
"That works."
"Relax, Marcus, I'm not in this for anything more than you. And I know you have no interest in my money or standing. But I refuse to tolerate fools."
"What is it Potter always says, I'll get the snacks?"
"Popcorn, to eat and watch the show."
"I'll get the popcorn," he grinned.
"Technically the phrase is bring the popcorn," she corrected.
"All of it. You put them in their places, I will provide food," he chuckled. Then he guided her onto the dance floor away from his relatives. No need to make cornering her easy for them.
While Marcus anticipated his male family members, he underestimated the females. Gemma Flint and Delphine Ness ambushed her in the ladies' room. They stepped up behind her as Hermione washed her hands. "Can I help you, ladies?" she asked in a calm, nearly bored tone.
"What are your intentions with Marcus Flint?" demanded the taller, slightly older blonde.
"Don't have any. Well, that's not entirely true, I intend to shag him rotten later." She smirked at their reflections in the mirror. "That's happening." She paused, "What are your intentions? Do you want to shag him?" She took advantage of their momentary shock to spin around so she could face them. "Am I stepping on toes here?"
"Absolutely not!" shrieked the younger one.
"Why wouldn't you want to shag him? He's fit. And rather talented," she wagged her eyebrows suggestively, "if you get my meaning."
"I refuse to stand here and listen to this," she yelled.
"Then why are you asking questions you don't want answered?" Hermione cocked her head to the side.
Adding to Hermione's amusement Padma Patil emerged from further down the lavatory. "So, you've got to shagging? Brilliant. I need details. Are the rumors true?"
"Which ones?" Both witches ignored the horror on the faces of the other two.
"Is the package as grand as one expects?"
"Gloriously so," Hermione linked arms with Padma and the two exited giggling. "Thank you for your timely assist.
"What on earth was that?"
"I'm not entirely sure. I think Marcus's family trying to defend him, but they miscalculated."
"I'll say," Padma laughed, "were their faces as horrified as their tones?"
"Yes, I thought the younger one was going to vomit."
"Probably not the nicest thing to do," the Indian witch admitted.
"Neither was ambushing me in the ladies. They never identified themselves or why they had any right to question me. Not that they do, but still."
"You're not wrong. Owl me, we need to catch up soon."
"Sounds like a plan." Hermione waved farewell as they separated into the crowd.
Various acquaintances stalled her return to Marcus's side. Meaning Gemma and Delphine and their spouses beat her to him. She wondered if either woman was foolish enough to report their meeting. Based on the glares being shot in her direction she assumed so. Reaching them, she beamed brightly up at him. He looked adorably confused. "Um, Hermione, did you suggest I shag my sister?"
"Of course not, that's disgusting!" she faked affront at the idea.
"Yes, you did!" As Johann had his arm wrapped around the younger brunette, Hermione guessed she was Delphine.
"When did I say he should shag his sister?" she asked sweetly. Catching her tone, a passing Bill Weasley stopped walking and pivoted to watch the fun.
"Just now in the bathroom. Don't play dumb," Delphine snapped back.
Hermione's eyes narrowed, "I never said he should sleep with his sister. I asked if you wanted to shag him."
All three men looked confused now, "Why?" asked Marcus.
"Because two complete strangers played a stupid game and won a stupid prize. If they want to keep playing we can escalate to round two. But I warn you the only winner here will be Bill. And that is because he wants to watch me verbally destroy you."
"It's fun to watch when you aren't the target," he grinned unrepentant.
"Um, what if they don't want to play anymore?" asked Marcus.
"We forget the ladies' room even happened and you introduce us and we pretend we are meeting for the first time."
"What is round two?" asked Gemma.
"I reiterate our conversation verbatim right here, right now with my commentary."
"Your commentary?" Delphine questioned.
"My thoughts, feelings, and relevant information to the conversation."
After a few moments of silence, Gemma held out her hand, "Hello, I'm Gemma Flint, Ethan's wife. A pleasure to meet you."
Hermione took her hand and pumped it firmly, "Hermione Granger, pleased to make your acquaintance."
Gemma introduced the rest. The conversation remained neutral until Ginny waltzed past with Jeffery Tyler. "That's a surprising development," she blinked.
Hermione pursed her lips, "Not if you have all the facts."
Johann and Gemma's eyes lit up, "May we assume you do?"
"I do. But I don't like gossiping about my friends, or rather feeding the gossip mills about them."
"If it is a fact,
is it even gossiping?" countered Ethan.
"If people keep repeating it to strangers."
Gemma thought for a moment, "I concede your point, but if more people knew the truth, they could keep the story straight and stop misinformation from spreading."
Hermione considered her point, "Very logical, you're not wrong. Fine, here are the basics. Harry and Ginny grew apart. No drama, no cheating, no misbehavior on either side. They grew up, but not in the same direction. Jeffery Tyler is a good friend of her sister-in-law. Ginny isn't the type to risk the speculation of showing up solo after a breakup, even if no one knows about it yet. And it is possible she heard Harry was escorting my friend Malin since she's visiting."
"Very nice of him," Delphine remarked.
"I think there might be something between them, but that part is not for repeating. I'm serious, you talk about that part and I will hex you, Marcus's family or not."
He responded by rubbing her back, "You know there will be talk."
"Doesn't make it less upsetting. You should prepare yourself. You just went public with the Ministry's Golden Girl," she rolled her eyes.
"I have you to protect me," he nudged her with his shoulder.
"I might just unleash the Weasley twins. That'll keep the reporters too busy to harass me."
Concern flashed across his face, "Do I need plausible deniability?"
"No, if I do something, I will own it. And stay on this side of the law. It isn't that difficult, honestly. Avoid the unforgiveables, don't intentionally kill someone, don't do it to muggles."
"You're not wrong," Marcus admitted.
Delphine frowned, "Do you think it will be that bad?"
"I don't know. The press can be fickle bitches. After our break up they were brutal and unflattering. Somehow his infidelity was my fault. And the tart was his one true love," she snorted. "More like she took advantage of him when he was pissed and got lucky that he knocked her up. He confessed the second he got home, begged me not to leave, to forgive him. She shows up pregnant and blackmails him into marrying her."
"Seriously?" asked Johann.
"Yes, if Ronald didn't marry her, Ronnie, the sweet angel she is, threatened to disappear to America before he could establish paternity. And Ron always wanted a big family."
"Savage," Ethan muttered.
"And while you can gossip about that cunt all you like, I'm done talking about my past. I wouldn't change it even if I could, because I like my present and hope he's in my future." She leaned into Marcus.
"Sounds good to me, where do I sign?" The group laughed.