Hello, my freaky darlings. Look Saturday morning and I'm posting. Yay me. I am off for the first time in three weeks and I intend to do nothing. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Legal disclaimer: I don't own the sandbox, I just play in it. Thanks for reading.
Chapter 16 Canterville Castle
She apparated herself and Marcus to the train station near Bonnington in Kent. "I may buy a car just for the wedding.
"And rent a place nearby," suggested Marcus.
"I know you're joking, but sounds great."
He shook his head, "I don't think I'm joking. Even with magic, this is a journey."
"We'll talk about it later." She waved down a taxi. "Canterville Castle, please."
Once a grand country estate, then a rural escape, the stone building stood alone in rolling green meadows. A hedge fence ran along the roads approaching it. "Is that a moat?" asked Marcus.
"With working drawbridge," replied the cabbie. "Hope they get this event thing off the group. Town could use the business."
"That's why we're here. Having a December wedding."
"She's a grand old lady. And she's been given the face lift she deserves."
"We can see that," agreed Marcus.
Lise Jones met them in the courtyard, "Welcome. As you can see we strove to keep the old world charm while providing modern convenience."
Hermione looked around, "I love it." She hugged her childhood playmate. "This is my fiance, Marcus. Marcus, this is Lise Jones."
They shook hands, "My husband, Henry, will be here in a minute. He wanted to have all the lights on for your tour."
"Makes a certain amount of sense," replied Hermione.
Lise dove into her pitch, "The castle has one hundred and seventy available rooms. We, and a small staff, live on the ground so we are available to assist guests. We can accommodate up to four hundred and fifty guests for the ceremony and six hundred for your reception."
"Can I ask how? Since I know the house."
"We combined the ballroom, formal reception hall, and sacrificed two of the hundreds of parlors. And we renovated the church, adding seating on the lofts and a proper staircase," explained Lise. Hermione nodded. "We hired chefs from top restaurants and offer onsite catering. We don't have our own baker, but we do have deals with the three local bakeries. Or you can provide your cake. Myself and another employee are trained wedding planners and we are at your disposal. We also have arrangements with the local florists for decorations. How large are you thinking?"
"If you want to showcase your ability for large weddings, we can let my parents' and Marcus's invite business associates and others. We could have enough to give you a shakedown run."
Lise's eyes lit up, "Really?"
Hermione nodded, "Easily. Now, let's do this tour."
Footsteps along the stone terrace announced Henry's approach. Marcus thought the rugged blond looked familiar, but he couldn't place him. Lise smiled and turned, "Henry, darling, this is..."
"Hermione Granger," he froze in surprise. "Hermione Granger and Marcus Flint."
"Yes, but how?" his wife asked.
"Marcus and I were briefly at school together. I was a few years ahead of him and in Ravenclaw. And as a muggleborn, didn't mix with many people he knew. And Hermione is famous in our world."
Lise looked at her, "Are you?"
She shrugged, "Kind of."
"Kind of? Kind of? She's a war hero! Everyone knows who she is. She helped Harry Potter save the world," Henry told his wife.
"This should make a mixed wedding easier. The hosts are in the know," Marcus said to change the subject.
"It does indeed. We hope to expand once we get things up and running. A muggle/magic venue is on the to-do list. I designed suppressors to limit magical ability. That way when the drinks are flowing someone doesn't do something they shouldn't. But we can offer a space to exchange vows to set the bonds if you want, and the muggles will be none the wiser."
"We could use a wizard photographer that knows both worlds, too," suggested Hermione. "Parvarti mentioned one of the photographers wants to branch out. He hates working with Skeeter."
Marcus snorted, "Who can blame her?"
"Where should we start?" asked Lise.
Hermione looked at the sky, "How about the church? That way we're not walking back in full dark."
"Oh, yes. Grandmother mentioned you were in the family way. When are you due?"
"September, so the first order of business is ordering a forgiving wedding dress," Hermione joked.
"We added a stone path to the church cutting down on the walk and added better lighting."
"Good idea."
"Mum suggested it for easier access," said Henry.
Lise picked back up her tour, "The church was built for the town of Canter before the castle inhabitants forced the villagers to relocate to Bonnington. Some say to build better fortifications, others claim the baron wanted his castle to look more formidable rising out of the forest."
Henry took up the narrative, "We refurnished it to look as it did in its heyday. Only less expensive: marble look-a-like tiles, gold colored trim. Most of the wood held up nicely. And a preservation department team at Oxford reinforced the stained glass windows. The electric lights mimic firelight and resemble candle flames."
They exited the trees the church glowed in the dying light. Each window depicted a scene from the Old Testament. "It looks stunning. I almost want a twilight wedding," Hermione sighed.
"At least a photo or two with it lit up in the background," suggested Lise.
"We'll have to bring the photographer out for a preview," Marcus planned.
The inside of the church gleamed in created candlelight. Hermione smiled "Even if we weren't ninety-nine percent sure, this would have won me over. The loft looks amazing. I'm not going to climb up there, but it looks huge."
"Original size, reinforced to support sixteen elephants and a tiger," Henry reported. "Pipe organ works, too. Two local teens keep it in good shape and have expressed willingness to be hired out for weddings."
"Your wedding planner will be able to assist you with those arrangements." Lise clapped her hands, "Let's head back to the castle and peek at the ballroom before we discuss business."
Hermione sank into the plush upholstered chair gratefully. Her hips ached from all the walking. She wiggled, stretching muscles and tendons. Henry offered them a cuppa. Lise pulled out some pamphlets. "Ordinarily I'd be going over the different packages, but if you think you would be able to fill the ballroom, I have a proposal."
Hermione looked at Marcus before answering, "Without allowing our parents free rein, our list is around three hundred and sixty easy. So, even with regrets, I think we can accommodate you."
"Splendid, if you have a grand wedding and let us use it as a showcase in the portfolio, we'll slash the price. Like, break-even slashing. You pay enough for us to break even with wages and materials. The most expensive package, all the perks." Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Lise held up her hand, "Hear me out, we want your guests talking about how luxurious it was, how beautiful. It will be fancier than might like, but tastefully so. But, if things don't run perfectly smooth at full capacity, I know you will be forgiving of our inexperience. Consider this our dress rehearsal."
"Will you let us pay for the rooms used? And guests pay for their rooms?"
"That is fair," Henry said slowly, " but we won't insist."
Knowing Hermione would start arguing, Marcus suggested, "How about a discount? Some of our guests are more well off than others."
"You're right. To help Lise and Henry we need all of our guests. Very discounted rooms, unless they deserve to pay full price, you know who I mean." She made eye contact with Lise, who nodded once.
"Done, I'll draw up the contracts and have Henry pop them over to you tomorrow. When do you want to start planning?"
"I start my sabbatical in two weeks. How about three Wednesdays from now?"
"I'll pencil you in. Call me if something changes. I'm excited to be doing this with you."
"Me, too."
Having turned over her files, Hermione spent her last weeks at the ministry outlining her books. Once she saw it as a series the outlines created themselves. She only needed to fill in the information and create the text. She, also, considered children's version as well. She copies her research files for use during her sabbatical. Every time Laureen tried to defer to Hermione, she shot her with a random effect from a joke wand George gave her as a gag gift. "I'm not here. Do what you think is best."
Just before lunch, her assistant knocked, "Miss Granger, a gentleman says he has a contract for you, a Mr. Henry Jones."
"Ah, yes, show him in, please." Hermione cleared a spot on her desk. "Henry, hello. How are you?"
"Good, we're good. I've got the contract, the agreed on pricing list for the castle and rooms, and our obligation and yours. The standard stuff." He handed them over. "Read over, if you like."
"But of course," she began skimming the papers.
"Lise said to tell you the prices are non-negotiable. She did the math and we still make a profit."
"Okay, okay, I know when I'm beaten. You lot win." She held her hands in surrender, then returned to reading. "Everything looks to be in order, even if the rooms are deeply discounted. Where do I sign?"
"Here and here," Henry pointed to two lines. She picked up the quill when her office door crashed open.
"No! Do not sign that contract!" cried Brooks.
"If you don't like your current offer we can modify it," said Kingsley. "We will modify it. Name your price."
"What are you two blathering about?" she demanded.
"The front desk reported someone brought you contracts to sign."
"Yes, for the wedding venue. This is Henry Jones, his wife is an old family friend. They turned her castle into an event venue or at least they're trying to. Marcus and I are having a luxury wedding there to help with advertising. Henry is a wizard so we'll be able to do a mixed wedding."
"Oh," both men sagged with relief. "Our apologies, we heard contract and panicked."
"Obviously," she rolled her eyes. She signed her name and handed Henry back his copies. "Tell your lovely wife I'll see her soon. Did you need anything else, gentlemen?"
"No, we'll let you get back to work," Brooks bobbed his head.
"Thank you."
"Bye, Hermione," Henry waved. All three men left together, Kingley requesting information for Canterville Castle and the ideas for mixed ceremonies.
Friday night Angelina invited Marcus and Hermione and some other couples over to the flat. "I want a quiet hangout, or as quiet as it gets with the Weasley twins, anyway."
"Can I bring anything?" Hermione asked.
"No, unless you want something besides the usual fare."
"I'll bring juice."
"Bring Malin. It's hilarious to watch Harry pretend they aren't on the verge of being a couple. And she just lets him."
"She understands he's trying to protect her. She saw the press's reaction to our engagement."
"Has the Witch Weekly reporter that questioned Marcus's motive stopped croaking when he gets excited?"
Hermione shrugged, "Depends on if he's realized the potion is in his tea mix."
"Why do they keep messing with you?" Angelina laughed.
"Gross stupidity, I assume."
Marcus followed his fiancee up the stairs to the flat above the stairs. "Ground rules," she told him, "do not drink or eat anything you have not watched them prepare without checking it. Do not agree to test products. Do not make bets where the stakes involve testing things."
"You make it sound so dangerous."
"Because it is," she replied knocking on the door before walking in, "We're here."
A whirlwind of Weasleys descended to relieve Marcus of the grocery bags. "Juice?"
"Yes," she answered bopping his nose, "you lot need to experience the glory of muggle juices."
They made the rounds greeting Lee Jordan, Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell. Fred joined them and the conversation turned to quidditch. George returned with a glass of apple juice for Hermione. She waved her wand over it. When nothing occurred she accepted the glass.
"You wound me," George clutched his chest dramatically. "How could you suspect I would tamper with your drink?"
"Because I know you."
"I suppose that's fair." George sank into his seat. "You don't usually bother checking, just take your chances. What gives?"
"I've been advised by a healer to avoid prank potions, especially experimental ones for a while," she explained.
Lee gave her a sly smile, "How badly did Ron take the news of the engagement?"
"About as badly as everyone expected. He implied I needed his permission to move on permanently. I think on some level he expected me to pine for him forever as I lost my one and only love. Which is when I shut him down. Not giving him or Ronnie the chance to play the victims."
"You should have seen his face when he called her cruel and she reminded him of how she was treated," laughed Fred.
"Priceless," added George. "Though for the record we protested back then and tried to alleviate it when we could. We apologize for not doing more or being more forceful."
"I know, but you were setting up the second shop, your time was limited," she gave them a wan smile. "And everyone is family, you shouldn't have rocked the boat for me. I understood and still understand."
"You missed Ronnie's little wobbly because her proposal isn't romantic."
Katie rolled her eyes, "Wait, the woman sleeps with a taken man, baby traps him into marriage by threatening to disappear with the kid if he doesn't marry her, and she's upset there isn't romance? Idiot."
Hermione interrupted, "We all agree he was an idiot, and she was a different kind of idiot. No point discussing them. They're on a romantic holiday, perhaps that will give her the romance she wants. And if it doesn't that's her problem." She looked down at her glass. "Damn, out of juice."
Marcus leapt to his feet, "I'll get some."
Alicia smirked, "Did he come trained, or is that your doing?"
"He came that way," she smiled fondly as he returned. She thanked him.
"So, Flint, got any single friends with similar breeding?" asked Katie.
"Depends on what you mean by breeding?" he responded.
"Fixing plates, bringing drinks, and being an all around gentleman."
He rubbed the back of his neck, "Um, I don't know. Pucey and Montague are still huge players. Maybe Boles or Warrington?" He looked at his witch.
She considered both Katie's personality and the two men, "Hmm, Peregrine has better manners, but has trouble relaxing. Think Head Boy Percy Weasley. Cas is more laid back, but gets sucked into Adrian's shenanigans easier."
"Once your wedding stuff begins, I'll chat them both up," Katie waggled her eyebrows suggestively.
"You do that." Hermione patted her shoulder.
George perked up at the mention of weddings. "Oi, we never got to toast you two. You need a proper drink for this, Hermione."
"I have one," she held up her glass."
Fred protested, "You need wine or champagne."
"Can't have any until September," she rubbed her abdomen.
Angelia jumped up shrieking with glee, "You're pregnant!"
"I am." Every female rushed to hug her, bouncing in excitement.
Fred eyed Marcus before addressing his twin, "First he proposes, then he gets her in the family way."
"You reckon he's trying to keep her?" asked George.
"I do, brother."
George sighed, "I guess we'll have to let him. She seems awful attached."
"And you know how she gets when you cross her unless you're a pregnant witch," finished Fred.
"Are you two done?" Angelina demanded. "We have babies to celebrate."
George looked thoughtful, then excited, "You know, we never welcomed Ronnie to the family properly."
"No, we didn't, did we?" The twins exchanged a look of unholy glee. Marcus shivered. He hoped he never brought that look to their faces. The two began planning.
By the end of the weekend, most family and friends knew of the new arrivals. And the twins planned a proper welcome for their sister-in-law.
Ginny felt sulky. She hated Hermione's happiness. It felt like it came at the cost of hers. Hermione found her forever just as Ginny lost hers. She left Sunday dinner early and headed to Jeffery's flat with a bottle of fire whiskey. "Everyone else is having fun, why not us? She's not waiting for the right moment to confess her love, and he's in no hurry to come back to me. I say we get pissed and have some fun, too."
He looked at her speculatively, "Like sex?"
She shrugged, "Who knows? We're not Hermione or Percy, nothing has to be planned. Fun is fun. Maybe just just drink ourselves stupid and laugh at each other." 'I doubt it, but I am not admitting this is a hook-up visit.'
He opened the door wider, "Why not? And the reason why now?"
"Hermione's pregnant, Fred and George keep hinting Harry is going to move on, Ron is taking Veronica on a romantic trip, and it sucks being alone and left behind." She walked passed him, giving him the bottle.
"I get it."
Veronica swept up Hugo, "Did you miss Mummy? Mummy missed you." The little boy gurgled. "Were you a good boy for Gran and Granddad?"
Molly patted her grandson on the back, "He certainly was. He's been pulling up on the furniture and letting go more. Someone's about to walk." She tickled him causing him to giggle.
"That's exciting," Ron said walking up to his family. "Hi, buddy." He hugged his mother.
"Did you enjoy your trip?" she asked them both.
"Yes, lots of time to connect," answered Veronica smiling sweetly outwardly. Inwardly she seethed. Ron had been more interested in clothed activities designed for them to get to know one another. She didn't need a deeper connection, she needed to be pregnant. To keep everyone's attention on her where it belonged and keep Ron distracted from the holes in their relationship. And little Hugo needed a sibling did he not?
On her last day at the ministry, Harry demanded to take her to lunch. "If you become a celebrated writer this could be our last cafeteria lunch."
At the last minute, Ron tagged along, "Why not run around the corner to the little cafe?"
"Too far," complained Hermione.
"Has to be the cafeteria," replied Harry.
"Seriously? Why?" demanded Ron.
"Our first lunch together at the ministry was in the cafeteria. And this is Hermione's last day before her sabbatical."
Ron scratched his head in confusion, "When did this happen?"
She glanced at him, "Brooks came to me with the suggestion with the suggestion about a month ago. He's right. We need easy-to-read books about sapient magical beings. I'm considering doing a children's series as well."
"Start their education young, eh?" joked Harry.
"Yep," she selected a soup and sandwich combo. "Oh, apple crisps!" Her eyes lit up and she took two desserts.
"If Hermione wants pastries why didn't we go to the cafe?" Ron protested. "Besides the sentiment."
"Too far. I'd never make it there and back in time. Furthermore, I don't want to walk that far." She sat and sighed. Three mangoes didn't seem like much unless they were tumbling in your abdomen.
"How are ten blocks total too far?"
"Oh, please, Ronald, when your wife was five months pregnant she wouldn't even walk across the flat, she rolled her eyes, "let alone ten blocks."
"You're pregnant?" yelled Ron.
"Has it already been five months?" Harry asked at the same time.
"Yes to both of you. And keep your voices down," she snapped.
"You didn't say anything for five months?" Ron whispered harshly.
"No, we began telling everyone about a month ago."
"You were in Venice that Sunday," supplied Harry, suddenly remembering why the announcement had gone smoothly.
"And we still never talk about me," said Hermione. "Your and Harry's missions, Hugo, the Cannons, but not anything related to me. I assumed you knew and were ignoring it like you do everything else." She took a bite.
Ron looked down at his plate, the tips of his ears turning red. "Maybe I don't want to hear about your happy life."
"Oh, because I ever did? We've been over this. I will not be a miserable sod so you can feel superior. Even now your first reaction is all about you. No congratulations, no asking after my health. I will not remain silent in this friendship any longer. I will talk about myself: my life, my work, and my family. Merlin knows I've listened to you long enough."
"Look, Mione, this is hard..."
"Because you made it so easy for me," she retorted.
"Damnit, you're not being fair," he yelled.
Conversations halted. Silence filled the large room. All eyes focused on the trio. "Fair?" she asked softly. "Fair? You want to talk about fair?" Tiny balls of energy sparked around her. Harry shifted away, Wisely remaining silent. This showdown needed to happen.
"Mione, you're drawing attention. Think of our reputations," Ron said quietly.
"Like you did when you let the gossip rags speculate and drag mine through the mud? Imply I was boring, cold, and unable to fulfill a man?" She whipped out her wand and shot a stinging hex at him. "You betrayed me over and over." She sent two more hexes flying. "Treated me like scum under your shoe." Another hex knocked him back so far that his chair tipped over dumping him on the floor. "And now it isn't fair?" Ron scrambled to escape and failed. "You let them destroy me in public opinion, just smiled and escorted your affair partner about silently. They called her your true love and you said nothing." She hexed him several more times times. "From now on you will listen when I talk about anything I want to talk about. And you will say positive things about me to the press and everyone else like a friend would. You will defend me when people talk bad about me. But I am done being silent. Do you understand?"
"Y-yes," he stammered.
"Good. Now get up you look ridiculous on the floor." She sat back down. "Yum, I love baked apples, silly baby cravings." Ron climbed to his feet and sat across from her. "Did you have something you wanted to say?"
"Yes, I'm sorry about my behavior both past and present. I will do better."
"Good. Next time I will experiment."
Ron looked around, the rest of the cafeteria stopped staring and returned to their meals and errands. "So, erm, how are things going with the wedding?" He decided to pick the least heart-wrenching topic.
"We picked a venue. A family friend owns a castle. They're starting an event company. We're having a larger wedding than we might have intended to help them. Which does come with some discounts."
"Like?" asked Harry.
"For lack of a better term, the hotel rooms at the castle. That way our guests can enjoy all of the celebration. Both the reception and the wedding breakfast the next morning, and not seem out of place coming and going. Henry Jones is a wizard, which means we can have a mixed wedding. Kings asked for more information. I hope this means more business for them and and a new tradition."
"Sounds exciting," said Ron, grasping for some way to respond.
"If it takes off it will be for muggleborns and half bloods. Not having to pick a side for your wedding, or have two weddings."
"Does mean no dress robes," pointed out Ron. "Have to be muggle attire."
"Oh no! One less layer of clothing. How will we survive?" she placed the back of her hand against her forehead. "Heaven forbid." She dropped her hand. "In the scheme of things clothing options are a small price to pay. Though muggle fashions have more variety, could be a good thing."
"And more comfortable," added Harry.
Ron shrugged, "You're not wrong, Harry. And I'm sure Hermione's right," Lunch ended with a true start towards an improved relationship between the former lovers.
A/N: Those thinking the name of the castle is familiar, but you can't quite place it, it is the setting of Oscar Wilde's short story The Canterville Ghost and numerous movies by the same name. Both the 1986 version starring Alyssa Milano and the 1996 version with Patrick Stewart and Neve Campbell are enjoyable.