Hello, darlings. This is barely edited because it has been that kind of week. Please excuse the mistakes and enjoy.
Chapter 25 What Veronica Said Happened
An attack on the home a fellow auror took precedence. Aurors flooded in and began combing for evidence. Reception sent for Ron immediately. Veronica burst into hysterical sobs at the sight of her husband. He rushed to embrace her, "I'm here, sweetheart. Take some deeps breaths. Tell us what happened."
"I, uh, I," she gulped for air. "I took Hugo over to your mum. I wanted to take a bath. You know his favorite new game is what can I destroy while you're in the other room." Ron nodded encouragingly. "I was just getting out when Jeffery popped by. He waited in the living room for me to get dressed. A letter arrived, I told him to open it, and, and," she started crying again. Ron rubbed small circles on her back while they waited for her to calm herself. "When opened it attacked him somehow. I ran in, blasted it and put out the flames. Once I knew he was breathing I called for you." She dropped her eyes to her lap. "I never should have told him to open it. This is all my fault." She covered her face with her hands, shoulders heaving as she pretended to weep. The original adrenaline was starting to ebb.
"He'll be okay. St Mungo's is the best," Ron soothed. "And the Jeffery I know would be happy he saved you. Annoyed as hell something happened, but happier that it was him and not you or Hugo."
"I know. I am so glad Hugo was with your mum. Can you imagine?"
Ron looked at the other aurors in concern churning in his eyes, "Yeah."
"Why don't the two of you go collect him? Maybe stay the night? Give us a change to look the place over," said the lead auror.
"Good idea. I'll send over the ward expert that put the wards on the place."
"Thanks, mate."
Veronica stood up, "Can I tidy up the bathroom and pack a bag?"
"Certainly, we're more interested in the living room and how the letter got in here." She nodded and hurried to pack overnight bags.
"I'll call the expert and we'll floo over to the Burrow."
Assuming Ron meant Bill or Fleur, Veronica allowed Ron to escort her through the fireplace with a second thought. She might have been annoyed if she knew that moments later the fireplace flared green and Harry Potter and Hermione Flint entered the flat. "Potter," greeted the lead auror. "What's with Mrs. Flint?"
"She put the original wards when she and Ron bought the place. She's the one that changed them to their current status when she moved out. Ron asked her to come look them over."
"Wait, Weasley moved his affair partner into the flat he shared with Granger?" asked one of the older aurors.
"Tacky, we know. Give me a moment to check some things." Harry and the others discussed the situation until she finished. "Nothing triggered them, and they haven't been changed. They shouldn't have allowed anything dangerous through." She shrugged, "I have no idea what to tell you happened, but I tweaked it so that any deliveries with magic will ping the wards as a warning. Annoying, but better safe than sorry."
"Thanks for looking," Harry told her as she departed with a farewell wave.
The attack shook everyone. Harry, Ron, and Hermione took to checking in with each other every evening. Hermione updated the wards on the Grove and the twins's shop. Bill updated Shell Cottage and the Burrow. Harry contemplated moving without a forwarding address. In the end he didn't when the aurors determined the attackers unknown targeted Ron's family in retaliation for a past arrest and nothing to do with the end of the war. Still, Malin promised to triple check her mail and have Hermione teach her some basic wards. "Just in case." She wasn't sure in case of what, but she indulged him. Veronica reveled in the extra attention everything brought her. Even when Ron refused to go out to a fancy restaurant for Valentine's Day.
One Sunday afternoon Ron joined Hermione, Fred, George, and the triplets in the den. The adults supported the babies as they practiced standing. "Ah, the blissful days before independent mobility," Ron laughed.
"How is it with a walker in the house?" teased Fred.
"Nerve wracking. All I can think about is what if Hugo had gotten that letter and somehow opened it?" he ran his hand through his hair.
George gave his younger brother a concerned look, "You okay there, Ron?"
"No, I don't think I am," he admitted. "My family was in danger because of me and my job."
"Are you considering changing jobs?" inquired Hermione.
"I never took my NEWTs, and my OWLs were less than stellar."
"We never took our NEWTs," replied Fred.
"Sure, but what would I sell in a shop?" shot back Ron.
George looked at Fred. Silently they held a conversation. Fred nodded and George spoke, "Work with us."
"Nepotism and charity? No thanks."
"Work with us, not for us," countered Fred. "We need a manger for the story in Hogsmeade."
George continued the explanation, "We were going to take turns, but working separately decreases our product development time."
Fred took back over, "It will pay less than being an auror, but is likely a great deal safer. And if the store does well."
"And it will," interrupted George.
"You will earn bonuses."
"And my only occupational danger will be someone accidentally triggering something," Ron said thoughtfully.
"Or being pranked by the owners," admitted Fred.
Ron waved off that concern, "That's always a risk with them." Ron considered the offer. "I know Dad would say talk it over with Veronica, but she's downplaying the dangers right now. Let's do this."
Hermione noticed her husband became quiet and pensive. She left him alone until the beginning of March. The triplets began crawling, and even with three nanny elves they were into everything. She needed her husband to get his head back in the game. She waited until they were alone, preparing for bed. "Okay, what's bothering you?" she demanded.
"What makes you think anything is?"
"Because I know you. Something is bothering you. Tell me, I wanted to know and help if I can." She sat on the bed next to him. She leaned against his side.
"I've been wondering if I should quit my job. It could put you or the boys in danger."
She snorted inelegantly trying to hold in the laughter. "Love, I was Undesirable #2 during the war. I've been in some form of danger since I was eleven-years-old. I have wards for dangerous mail, for suspicious activity. I trust few. Constant vigilance and all that. And everywhere our children go there are magical adults ready to kill for them. And that would wish them harm because of you are unable to navigate the muggle world well enough to find my family. Do you want to quit?"
He considered the question, knowing she would call him on deflecting crap. "No," he admitted.
"Then don't. We have no idea who sent that letter or who the intended target was. And we have enough real concerns without inventing others," she patted his thigh.
"We do?"
"Yes. The elves are convinced the 7-month-old escape artists are using magic to get into or out of places. Your grandfather found them in his study two days ago. I've strengthened the wards around the fireplaces and staircases. I might invest in muggle gates and screens."
"Do you think they need something more physical to play with?" he asked eagerly.
"No walking, no brooms. Gramps has bought his gents a baby jungle gym. One for his house, one for here. Perfect for pulling up, climbing, and crawling on."
"When do your parents leave again?" he asked climbing under the covers.
"The earliest they're allowed is the end of the month," she answered.
Hermione presented Kingsley the preview copy of the merfolk book and the rough outline on the werewolves in person. "What brings you by, Hermione? Not we're not delighted to see you," he added swiftly.
"Harry and I are taking Ron out to lunch for his last day."
"I see. Marcus and the kids doing well?"
"Well enough. Growing like weeds and trying to get into anything and everything."
"Future Gryffindors, you think?" Kingsley laughed.
Hermione shrugged, "They can be sneaky, so who knows."
"Don't let me keep you, but don't be a stranger."
"See you next month for the department meeting," she waved.
Feeling less sentimental, and no one being pregnant, they took Ron to their favorite nearby cafe. Ron inhaled the first half of his sandwich. Hermione and Harry exchanged a look. Harry asked, "Something going on, mate? You haven't eaten like that since Hogwarts."
"Veronica is having anxiety attacks. Some days her cooking is fine. The next few days, not so much. I try not to say anything, but," he trailed off.
"You're tired of giving and not getting?" guessed Hermione.
"You've dealt with worse, at a younger age, and are getting fed up with her crap?" Harry added dryly.
"Yes to both. I'm trying, I really am. Like I should have with you, Hermione. But I can only do so much." He took another bite to avoid saying anything else.
"I applaud your growth, Ron, but perhaps you need to be a little selfish. Like I should have. Next time she just takes- call her on it," Hermione advised. "One person can't carry a true relationship." Ron nodded sadly, both of them knowing what she didn't say out loud.
Harry clapped his hands, "No more mopey talk. This is a celebration, with a small announcement. I'm going to ask Malin to marry me. Soon."
"Oh, Harry, that's wonderful," cheered Hermione.
"Cheers, mate." They talked of his plans and other gossip about their friends.
Towards the end of the meal Hermione risked ruining the good mood to ask, "How is Jeffery?"
"No change. Veronica stopped visiting because her presence upsets him. He associates her with the incident.
Hermione nodded, "Do they have any leads?"
"None, not even a magical signature except Veronica blasting it and extinguishing it." Ron shook his head, "Which cements for me this is the best move, even if it is less money."
"Now that Hugo's a little older, perhaps she could work part time to help offset the loss?" asked Harry.
Ron shrugged, "We'll see. She never really worked before. A few odd jobs here and there, then got married. We still have savings to help until we settle into our new income."
"That's good," remarked Hermione ending the discussion.
Harry tried to plan and pull off a fancy proposal. But every time they went out to dinner someone interrupted. Friends stopped to say hello. Fans sought an autograph. Or a reporter wanted a quote or to ask nosy questions. After the fifth interruption, Harry fumed. He wanted to be left alone for two hours to have dinner. Was that too much to ask? The next morning he pouted to himself while Malin sang as she and Kreacher arranged breakfast. The stress of trying to propose annoyed him. "Malin?"
"Hmm," she glanced at him before returning her attention to the fruit in front of her.
"I have a question."
"Okay," she kept slicing apples.
"One that needs your full attention."
She stopped and placed the knife down. She turned and found Harry kneeling on one knee in front of her. "I've tried to give you a fancy story to tell but people keep invading. And I don't want to go another day without knowing you'll promise to keep me in this life and the next."
"Absolutely," she threw herself at him knocking both of them to the floor, breakfast long forgotten.
Later as they ate, Harry assured her, "We can take as much or as little time as you want."
She patted his cheek, "I see no reason to wait all that long."
"What kind of wedding do you want?"
"Hermione's was nice, I quite liked it. But so long as we use the vows of my people I don't care. Oh, and I get Hermione as my maid of honor."
"That's fair, I suppose."
"Most of my family cannot travel or move in the muggle world, but that is okay."
"Most of mine are deceased," Harry shrugged. "Hermione had the big wedding for her friend."
"I know. I liked it there. I like the idea of a sunset ceremony in the rose garden. What do you think?"
"At the end of the day are you my wife?"
"Yes," she gave him a confused look.
He kissed her, "Then I love it. Seriously, tell me what to wear, where to be, and when to be there."
"Thank you. I love you, too."
She started to clear the table. Kreacher appeared and snatched the plate from her. "Mistress does not clean. Kreacher cleans. Unless mistress does not wish for Kreacher to serve?"
"Of course not, Kreacher. We are happy to have your service for as long as you wish to serve. It is our great honor to share our home," she soothed the house elf.
He pulled on his ears, "Mistress is kind to Kreacher."
"You are a vital part of our home. Thank you for taking care of us." The elderly house elf cheerfully collected the dishes and took them to be washed. "I shall have to remember our dynamic has changed. I am no longer a long standing guest. I am the lady of the house."
"Don't worry, Kreacher will help you remember."
Harry emphasized the importance of being at Sunday dinner at the Burrow to Marcus several times. He asked Andromeda to let him take Teddy, or bring him herself. Everyone promised to be there. On a whim, Hermione suggested they go early. "Trying to mend bridges here. And give Molly some help preparing dinner. Despite Ron's claims no one else has experienced Veronica's excellent skills. I suspect some kind of charm, but even he admits she's been having off days more. And she never helps cook unless everyone else does."
"I don't mind. Arthur is a great guy." He looked at the triplets playing together, "Do you lot mind going to Nana Molly and Granddad Arthur's house early? You don't? Great, we all agree." He handed Hermione on the boys and picked up the other two. He fastened one to his back and the other to his chest. "Off we go."
The Burrow looked less cluttered and chaotic without seven children living there, but no less homey. Furniture meant for sitting beckoned weary guests. Decoration that could be touched added to that ambiance. Following the sounds of activity they found Arthur and Molly sharing a cup of tea at the kitchen table, the beginning of dinner bubbling on the stove. "Hello! We thought we would come over early. Offer some help getting dinner ready." She walked over to the table.
Remus threw himself forward towards Molly. "And what handsome help it is," she said as she took him. "Hello, my love. Remus right?"
"Correct," Hermione said collecting Dominic from Marcus's back. He clung to his mother, rubbing his cheek against her chest. Benedict waved his arms for Arthur to take him. Hermione snuggled Dominic before addressing him, "Mummy can't cuddle you and help Nana Molly. You'll have to go see Daddy." With a quivering bottom lip he went to his father.
Marcus settled by the counter so Dominic could watch Hermione, "Someone's attached his mummy. Can't say I blame him, she's pretty awesome." Hermione swatted at him on her way to the stove. "A bit violent, though."
"Is all of this ready to be combined and baked, Molly?"
"Yes, dear, you know you don't have to."
"It's fine. Shall I season it?"
"If you would. Thank you."
Hermione began sprinkling the appropriate herbs over the vegetable and lamb mixture. Then seasoned the mashed potatoes. Before combing the mixtures for shepherd's pie. She glanced at the grandfatherly man making faces at the baby sitting on the table in front of him. "So, Arthur, how go the retirement plans?" she asked slyly.
He looked surprised, "How?" he started.
"Please, you know there are no secrets at the Ministry. Brooks keeps me abreast of the best gossip."
Arthur chuckled, "Very true. I've nearly finished the selection process. Then I'll train them. We're making the official announcement in May. How are the books coming?"
"Rather nicely. The book on merfolk should be out by the end of month."
"I am surprised you didn't start with werewolves with how close you were with Remus," said Molly.
"I decided to go in the order of cultures that were willing to work with me. Werewolves are next. The goblins are last." She smacked the mashed potato covered spoon against the side of the baking dish harder than she had to. "But they deserve to be recognized in the order they began working towards building a better community. Crazy that the centaurs were first, I know."
Slightly changing the subject, Marcus asked, "How is Ron doing managing the joke shop?"
"He says he's enjoying it. Veronica seems to be stressed at times. Not sure if it is household expenses or till worrying over the attack," answered Molly.
"Her parents home schooled her after the basilisk, didn't they?" inquired Hermione.
"I believe so."
"She avoided a lot of the stress of the last war then. This is her first real brush with danger and violence." Hermione paused and stared off for a moment, before shaking herself and continuing, " No wonder she's all over the place." She placed the baking dish in the oven.
"So easy to forget not everyone spent those years as we did," Molly said softly.
Hermione washed her hands and returned to the table, taking Dominic from Marcus, much to his delight. "What worries me is that the wards detected nothing dangerous or found the items magical signature. Bill and I designed them for magical and muggle attacks. And before you ask we have no idea what that means. We only know the wards are intact and performing like they should."
"No sense worrying about what we can't change," said Arthur.
"Well, hello, family!"
"Charlie! What brings you home so randomly?" Molly asked as she gave him an one armed hug.
"Just feeling homesick, I suppose," he grinned cheekily as he sat. He tickled Remus under the chin. "And had vacation built up. Even the two weeks for Hermione's wedding barely dented it."
"They ordered you to take time off?" Marcus guessed.
"Got it in one. I get busy and forget to take it. Or something comes up," Charlie shrugged.
"How do you forget to take time off?" demanded Ron entering the kitchen with a toddling Hugo.
"Leave your brother alone," defended Hermione. "You know what it's like to have a breakthrough. Next thing you know, it's three weeks later and you haven't seen you fiance for longer than ten minutes the entire time."
Veronica muttered, "And that's how you lose a man."
Ron looked mortified and Hermione glared, "Ron was the one with the breakthrough. I was the long suffering understanding partner. While in a relationship I never left later than 6pm. The late lingering nights came once I found myself abandoned." Hermione held eye contact until Veronica dropped her eyes and looked away.
Hugo climbed up into the chair on Molly's other side, "Nana. Baby."
"Yes, dear, Remus. And Benedict is with Granddad. And Aunt Hermione has Dominic."
"Baby," said Hugo confidently. "Mine." He reached for Remus.
"Ours to share," Molly told him and helped Remus sit on the edge of the table in front of Hugo.
The Burrow bustled with energy as the rest of the family trickled in. Teddy and Victorie played chase. Adults chatted and cooed over small children. As dinner began to wind down, Percy and Harry stood. "We wanted," they both started, "no, you go ahead," they continued in unison. "No you."
"Oh, for Merlin's sake," snapped Fleur, "you both proposed and our darling girls agreed." Percy stared at her mouth agape. "What? I am not stupid, we know this. Charlie is here without even telling Bill. He always fire calls no matter how close the warning. But if a family member asked him not to..." she trailed off. "Both Malin and Audrey have been shielding their left hands. Audrey with her hands twisted in the cuffs of her long sleeves, and Malin by seemingly to have lost the function of hers. You both have that fragile giddy energy of a man who has won something he fears he could still lose. So, either they are pregnant or you are engaged."
"Not pregnant," reported Audrey.
Malin shook her head, "Me neither."
The conversation changed to congratulations and demands to hear of the proposals. Everyone laughed as Malin described Harry just blurting out the question in the kitchen. Audrey spoke of Percy's perpetually red ears during dinner. Both women showed off their rings. Malin's an heirloom last worn by Calliope Potter, a single solitaire sat in a nest of delicate platinum vines. Audrey's belonged to her grandmother. The three round diamond ring gifted to Percy when he informed her parents of his intentions and plans.
Both women admitted their desire to use Canterville Castle. Veronica internally seethed that Percy didn't push for an orchard wedding. She had been told that was the tradition. Bill and Fleur wed there, all the children intended to. She conveniently forgot her demands to keep and redecorate the flat had eaten most of the wedding funds. She began to panic when the older Weasley boys initiated they parents did not need to pay for everyone's rooms again. Especially after Harry turned to Ron and asked him to be Best Man. Maybe she could sell something or get a loan somewhere. She'd inquired about the room prices at the Flint wedding wondering at how big the discount had been. None of the rooms were cheap. And as family, they would need to stay at least one, if not two nights each time.
Audrey blushed and looked down at her lap, clearing uncomfortable being the center of attention, "I looked at the pamphlets and loved the idea of a sunrise spring wedding at the fountain.
Malin clapped her hands, "I want a sunset ceremony in the gardens." Her eyes widened excitedly. "Stop me if this is too much, but in my culture close friends and family share their weddings. We do this to share the joy, but also the burden of hosting, and to lessen the burden of travel for guests. Is that too far of a thought?" She looked at Audrey, Percy, and Harry.
"That is something to consider," said Percy slowly, contemplating it.
"It would make it a long day," added Harry.
"But not impossible," considered Audrey. "Weddings, photos, short rest time, lunch, shared reception, photos, wedding."
"There's no hurry, we have time to think about it," said Malin.
"If you have a double wedding you have to share the spotlight and attention on your special day," Veronica pointed out. "And share every anniversary."
Audrey perked up, "That's right, we wouldn't have to be the center of attention all day. And we'd get to share anniversary celebrations."
"That's not what I meant," she grumbled under her breath. Ron shot his wife a look. He'd begun doing that more. Whenever he disagreed or didn't want her to make little comments he'd shoot her a look. She hated it. It felt like he sided with everyone else lately. Without Ginny and Jeffery, it felt like everyone was against her.