Chapter 49 Amelia's talk and thoughts, the campsite and Hermione's parents

26th August 1994, Ministry of magic

Arthur apparates in. He is a bit tired but he knows that the ministry will be busy also he needs to write a report on his actions helping the muggles and what his Aurors did. He thinks he should call for all his Aurors who were at the Quidditch World Cup and actually have a day off to talk with them to know what they did when the attack happened.

It was almost 15 minutes before he could account for all his Auror who were present either on duty or coming for the final. He needs to know what they did in 15 minutes. Normally he will wait until the next day they worked but this was an unusual situation and something that made very many wizards and witches panic. He needs to know for the chance they saw something that could be important or evidence of who the Death Eaters were although he has many suspicions about who the Death Eaters were.

26th August 1994, level 2, Ministry of magic

Arthur is just leaving the elevator, ready to go to his office when he gets stopped by an Auror. He says "Director Weasley, Director Bones needs to talk to you immediately."

Arthur nods and follows the Auror.

26th August 1994, Director DMLE office, level 2, Ministry of Magic

Arthur enters after Emily the secretary knocks and Amelia let him enter making the Auror return to what he needs to do.

Amelia offers Arthur a seat which he takes and immediately offers him tea with a shot of Ogdens old Firewhiskey. Normally Arthur will refuse but doesn't do it and takes it. The return of the Dark Mark, no sleep and feeling bad about leaving his wife home alone while she wasn't completely calm make him accept it to ease his own nerves and hopefully stay awake to do everything he needs to do.

After Amelia and Arthur took a sip of their drink Amelia asks "Arthur according to Kingsley your family, Harry and Hermione got home safe. Is that correct?"

Arthur nods and says "yes that is right. Kingsley and Tonks made sure we did. Although Harry apparently encountered Death Eaters and got a small injury. Tonks healed his wound and Kingsley gave Harry a blood replenishing potion. I kept my eye on Harry and he seems alright. I didn't really need to keep my eye on Harry as Ginny and Hermione are more than capable to do so."

Amelia can't suppress a smile. Harry is betrothed to her niece and it is unbreakable. She is happy that Susan is at least friendly with Ginny and friends if not good friends with Hermione. Maybe she needs to advise Susan to talk with Hermione and Ginny and be honest about the marriage contract to work things out before it becomes too hard for them.

Amelia says "Arthur I don't know if you know but according to Kingsley Harry fought with the Aurors. Do you know if that is correct? As we split up when Death Eaters apparate out."

Arthur says "Amelia about that according to Harry they used a Portkey."

Amelia asks surprised "and how would he know that?"

Arthur says "Harry said that the Death Eaters disappeared without a sound so that should be a Portkey. Also as the wards were still up they couldn't have apparated out but with an authorized Portkey they could."

Amelia says "you mean Harry was close enough to a couple of Death Eaters, fought them and even managed to fight against our Aurors?"

Arthur says "apparently so."

Amelia asks "but Harry indeed managed to take out six of our Aurors and even threatened Barty Crouch?"

Arthur says "well, he did take six Aurors out. He managed to stun four, blasted one back although I don't know if he got hurt or was out of the fight and he made one very dazed who couldn't fight. So maybe he took out five of the six he hit. He did fire at Barty but Barty cast a shield."

"He did threaten Barty as Barty wanted to threaten and maybe even cast at Hermione as Hermione just mentioned that for the Dark Mark you need an incantation. That is logical and Hermione is sometimes a little forward. She is also is sometimes a little too smart especially as since Barty's son went to Azkaban Barty became very paranoid so paranoid he even almost accused Hermione of casting the Dark Mark. Harry put his wand on Barty's neck. You can be happy that Harry like and trust Hermione and Ginny as they were the only one to get Harry to put his wand down."

"I don't know about his fight with Death Eaters as I didn't ask also when I saw the Daily Prophet, I put on this robe and came here. Also, I am sorry. Apparently, Skeeter was there when the others asked me about the Dark Mark. Everything she wrote is more or less what I said. Bodies were indeed removed out of the woods?"

Amelia shakes her head and says "I don't blame you, Arthur. Skeeter always does this. She always starts rumours and discredits members who can't really fight back or have nothing on her like you have nothing on her. To my knowledge, there are no casualties. It could be that some were stunned and there are certainly no life-threatening injuries. The only injuries I know of are from the muggles with a broken arm and another with a concussion as you know. Some wizards and witches may have some injuries but not what Skeeter implied. Yes, I read it too although I read it here. I will go to the campsite in the afternoon is your son ready to dispel and remove the wards?"

Arthur says "yes I think he suspects he will need to do it today. You only need to let him know so he will be there to dispel them."

Amelia says "that is good. I will send him an owl with a time. Arthur, do you think you can have the after-action report today?"

Arthur says "I hope so. I just need to make sure all my Aurors that were there yesterday evening come in to tell what they did and see before we met up and when we split up to make sure all the camp managers weren't attacked which unfortunately we couldn't prevent."

Amelia says "alright. Please give me it at soon as possible. Can you do complete it before tomorrow night? I may need to have your after-action report before the Wizengamot session on the 28th. It will be a hard session as it is the first session after summer recess with the Dark Mark returning and everything it will be chaos."

"Anyway, so your family, Hermione and Harry are safe? Is just want to make sure."

Arthur says "yes they are although Molly was very distraught until we came home."

Amelia says "understandable. I will not keep you any longer."

Arthur asks "I take it your niece is also alright."

Amelia nods her head and says "yes she is. She was a bit shaken like many older wizards and witches were."

Arthur nods and says "also understandable. I will go get to my office then. I need to inform Perkins and see if he can help with the talks."

Amelia let Arthur leave. She writes a letter and asks her secretary to go to the ministry owlery and send it to William Weasley. Just after she did that her door opens after a knock. The door opens and she sees a very mad Alain.

Amelia hopes it isn't too bad. Amelia says "Alain did something bad happen?"

Alain's face slowly changes into a defeated glance and says "yes, but it could have been even worse. My daughters were found by Sebastian normally the captain of my personal Aurors that my girls also trust. They were however very distraught and my oldest was hurt by the Cruciatus Curse multiple times."

"They are not permanently injured or something but very distraught. My oldest tried to protect my youngest but they were no match for those Death Eaters. They are Veela's and while they can throw fireballs including more resistant to fire as they have human blood it makes it more difficult for them to make them and even more to control them."

"They say someone saved them but couldn't see who. Do you have any clue who it might be, I feel I must reward the person unless you know and he will request one of my daughters. I will not accept that even duel for them I needed of course. But I think if he saved them from the Death Eaters not to have them for himself he will be more than reasonable."

Amelia thinks 'it can't be Harry Potter right? If so it can make even more problems for Susan. I don't know much about Veela's but if his oldest already feels Harry as her mate this will make things more difficult.'

'Susan can talk with Hermione and Ginny but a Veela is something completely different not because they are creatures but because Veela as Alain's oldest showed are very angry at others who have an interest in their mate and therefore can probably not be in a relationship with multiple females.'

Amelia says "well I have an idea and while I think he is more than reasonable and maybe even doesn't want to be rewarded. I think it is better to not reveal it at this time due to certain reasons. Also, I don't know for certain if he really is the person who saved your daughters. I can offer to have a mind healer come to your house."

Alain says "I hope that you can tell me who it is when I need to know. For now, I can understand some reasons it may be better not to tell me, but I request that you come clear when you are almost certain you know who it is and that I can decide what to do from there. Also when you are certain the reasons why you didn't tell me now especially if it is the person you think it is."

"A mind healer is not needed. Also, my daughters are back home in France. I would be with them if the minister didn't want to know if you know anything about the Dark Mark or something else important. I am here as deputy minister of magic from France but thought the question was a concerned and protective father. My daughters get the best care in France and my wife can also help them as Veela's need a lot to meditate to not let their instincts go wild, meditation my help with comping with this ordeal as they are still safe. Now, do you know anything about the Dark Mark?"

Amelia says "unfortunately not, I have to reread the after-action report of the Auror office and the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office that has a lot more responsibility than it looks including their own Aurors. I hope to have them at the end of the day or maybe tomorrow."

Alain says "well I won't keep you I suspect that you have a lot to do. We will talk again. I am sure of it."

Amelia nods and says "I am sure of it. If I have news that you need to know or I know who saved your girls I will contact you, but you are of course free to have a drink at my home when this has died down. You will unfortunately not meet my niece as she will be in Hogwarts soon."

26th August 1994, campsite, Quidditch World Cup

Bill apparates in and sees the devastation from the night. Many burned down tents and everything. Many ministry wizards and witches are walking around but nothing more sometimes they stopped the talk and other times they look between the destroyed tents. He thinks 'I should try to find Kingsley for our tent. Before or after the wards doesn't really matter. I hope our tent didn't get burned.'

Bill sees one Auror barking orders and knows he should go to him. Bill wonders if he can already start or need to wait until the Aurors have finished their investigation if that is what they are doing. Some seem to know what they are doing while a lot are just aimlessly looking and walking around.

He walks to him and says "Bill Weasley I was asked to remove the wards and look for any weaknesses."

The Auror barely acknowledge him. Bill says "I was hired through Gringotts."

The Auror look at him with anger and says "you're him huh. You are happy no one died boy or you would be on your way to Azkaban right now. You better find the weaknesses of your wards or I can still have on a one-way ticket to Azkaban."

Bill says "nothing is wrong with the wards. If they apparate or used a Portkey then they were allowed to apparate or the Portkey's were allowed."

The Auror says "do your work boy before I arrest you."

Bill wants to argue but he didn't want to be here longer than necessary. He had enough of the ministry first criticizing him, he didn't do his work good enough, pretending to adjust as they would make it weaker, provided with everything the ministry wanted and now an Auror threatens with Azkaban at it is his fault. Bill still feels his wards by an extra ward he keyed to himself as extra protection and he could apparate persons out if he needed he could apparate his family, Harry and Hermione out. He already keyed in his father and Charlie just in case.

Unfortunately, in the chaos and wanting to help protect others he forgot he could apparate part of his family out before returning. The same goes for Charlie and his father. All can take two and that would be enough to apparate the twins, Ron, Ginny, Harry and Hermione out to safety most probably at the burrow or at least at the driveway just outside of the Burrow wards.

Bill walks to the first point where he started erecting the wards with runes and small ward stones that were loaned by the ministry for a fee. As the World Cup got Gringotts a lot of money the ministry was able to loan the ward stones for a 'small' fee otherwise they weren't able to be loaned unless a fee that would bankrupt the ministry for many years to come if not decades if Gringotts even decide to lend them.

Gringotts never lend anyone the ward stones and are only able to be bought by the wealthiest houses, for Gringotts to lend them to the ministry of magic of all things means the World Cup was also important for them including gaining a lot of money besides the fee from the ministry of magic.

It was almost three hours later when Bill have removes the runes, got all the ward stones and dispelled all the wards although without the runes and certainly the ward stones the wards will start losing power.

He went to the Auror again to report he is done. Bill looks forward to spending a calm day at the Burrow before returning to Egypt. He suddenly remembers he needs to go to do some research. He reaches the Auror before he can dwell on it. The Auror gave him a smug smile. Before Bill can think why he is surrounded by twelve Auror including the Auror that was barking orders before.

Bill asks "what is wrong?"

The Auror says "I am taking you in boy. Your wards failed so you must be one of the Death Eaters and if you don't I don't care just arresting someone is good enough for the masses. And may give me a nice promotion I so rightly deserve."

Bill asks unbelievably "where is your proof if not then you should be looked into for not getting all the facts first?"

The Auror says "well you just removed the proof isn't that convenient. I advise you to not make it harder just throw down your wand and hold out your hands."

He starts to wave his wand but before he can cast all the Aurors hears a voice everyone recognizes shout "Dawlish put your wand down and everyone stands down."

Auror Dawlish stops halfway casting a spell. He looks and he turns white with fear.

He stumbles as he says "Director Bones? What can I do for you?"

Amelia asks "what did you think you were doing?"

Auror Dawlish says "I was trying to uncover the truth that he is a supporter of the Death Eaters if not a Death Eater himself."

Amelia says "so you attack him?"

Auror Dawlish says "I can understand it looks like that but I assure you Director Bones. I would just stun him to administer Veritaserum to get some answers if he wouldn't take it voluntarily and if everything seems alright I would let him go."

Kingsley says "it doesn't look like that, Dawlish."

Auror Dawlish obviously doesn't like Kingsley as he says "well it is what I planned to do."

Amelia says "I highly doubt that. You Dawlish will be at desk duty until Halloween. Go now before I need to stun you."

Auror Dawlish says "you can't do that. I am the Heir of the Ancient and pureblood House of Dawlish. You ca…."

Madam Bones says "I don't care you if you are Merlin himself. Go to the ministry now or you will have desk duty until New Year and demote you back to junior Auror."

Auror Dawlish says "but Director Bones, it is his fault. You can't trust him. He is the warder. He should have cast the wards wrong to let the Death Eaters through and let them escape."

Amelia seems to get mad. Amelia raises her voice "AUROR DAWLISH YOU GOT FIFTEEN MINUTES TO BE AT YOUR DESK AND START PAPERWORK OR YOU ARE FIRED. NOW GO."

Dawlish wants to respond but doesn't and with a large pop, he is gone. Amelia turns around to Kingsley and says "Senior Auror Shacklebolt I wouldn't want to ask you this but can you finish here. I want this place to be done this night and everything removed by tomorrow morning."

Kingsley says "of course Director Bones everything will be done as you say."

Kingsley sees that all the Auror were just standing around. He shouts "what are you waiting for. Move I want this done before the sun is down so MOVE."

The Aurors almost started running around and Bill now sees that the Aurors know what to do instant of what it looked like when he came here.

Amelia says "Mr. Weasley if you have anything to report you can tell Senior Auror Shacklebolt. I need to go."

A second later with a large smaller pop than Dawlish Amelia with three Aurors were gone. Kingsley walks to Bill and says "I have your families tent here."

Out of his pocket, he grabs a bag around the size of Bill's arm. Bill says "thank you Senior Auror Shacklebolt."

Kingsley says "Kingsley is fine Mr. Weasley."

Bill says "please Bill is fine."

They shake hands before Bill grabs the bag. While it is the size of his arm the bag is very light.

Bill says "thank you, Kingsley. Well about the wards I got nothing to say. The wards were still up and as strong as during the Quidditch World Cup before and during the attack. They were no weak spots or holes where they could have gotten through. Also, it doesn't seem that the wards were attacked. I guess that they used authorized Portkey's only. Some could make some but quite a couple lost their own so probably the Death Eaters stole those as all can Portkey more than one. Also, Harry said that there was no sound when they disappeared or better said escaped."

Kingsley asks "can you show me where the wards were. Maybe there are some clues there."

Bill nods and says "sure follow me. There is no evidence of the wards but I still know where I placed them."

Almost an hour later Kingsley says "thank you, Bill. It seems there was no evidence and while I am not the best at wards I think they are good locations. I however hope the muggles we needed to obliviate or in other means modified the mind wouldn't suffer any illness of it."

Bill says "I hope the same but from what I have seen and the amount that is too much to hope for. We can better hope that they won't die prematurely because of this. I would propose that money would make available for any care they may need because of us but I know that a lot of the wizarding world doesn't care or blame the muggles for not having magic, fighting against the mind magic and more."

Kingsley says "you are right. I have been in wizengamot meeting as guarding Auror and some of the things that are proposed. And that does not mention why someone would support it is just criminal, but alas we cannot intervene no matter how much Director Bones wants that."

Bill says with a deep sigh "I can understand. Anyway, I should go at dinner is probably already served at home. Kingsley, I want to thank you and Director Bones for protecting me from being thrown into Azkaban for something I didn't commit."

Kingsley says "no trouble, Bill. You just did your job and unfortunately, the Portkey's that were allowed for wizards and witches who could make an allowed one on their own are to blame. I do want to ask how is Harry Potter?"

Bill says "he seems alright. I don't see any problems or something although between you and me Ginny and Hermione keep him pretty occupied he is just too thick to see it. I hope that I never have been as thick at that age but I am afraid I was."

Kingsley laughs and says "the same here Bill. If your sister and her friend continue there will be a time Harry will see what they are doing without a doubt."

Bill says "yes, I just hope that they can work it out. Or maybe that old law is still in effect if they learn to share although it looks like they can. Anyway, I am mostly guessing right now. If I am not needed anymore I prefer to go home."

Kingsley smiles part of his job is a success. He wonders why Amelia wanted to know and he didn't even need to casually bring up Ginny Weasley or Hermione Granger.

Kingsley says "I don't think you are needed. If so you will get an owl or Gringotts would get an owl."

Bill says "alright then I am going."

Kingsley nods and with that Bill apparates to the Burrow. Kingsley quickly went to work by ordering the other Aurors while also working himself. Director Bones want it done quickly so he will do it as fast as he can without being sloppy.

27th August 1994, Leaky Cauldron, London

It is early in the morning when the fireplace turns green. Not many patrons are here. It is a Saturday so most witches and wizards are still asleep or were just waking up including the witches and wizards who stay at the Leaky Cauldron.

Out of the fireplace walks Hermione. She stumbles a bit but doesn't fall. She only has a bag with her. She wanted to bring her trunk but as she will go back and stay there until school will start after much deliberation her trunk will stay in Ginny's room.

Hermione got some clothes for the days and two books with her to read. She was disappointed nothing more fit in her bag and as she isn't allowed to use magic or she could expand it with an undetectable expansion charm she has read about.

She barely looks at the patrons before leaving at the muggle side.

27th August 1994, Charing Cross Road, London

She walks outside. She sees her mother and father waiting for her. They can't see her yet. She can see the real love her father and mother had and can only hope that she and Harry will get the same. She immediately thinks about Ginny and especially what she said. She thinks 'can we really share Harry? Harry wouldn't treat us different but we can't decide for Harry. I shouldn't be considering it but if we are sister-wives we should be able to be best friends as my best friend becomes my husband and I finally have a real 'little' sister I always wanted.'

She suddenly hears her father say "should Hermione be here by now?"

Her mother says "yes, but I am sure she will be here shortly. You know maybe she is having a hard time parting with Harry, her best friend."

Hermione immediately walks forward revealing her and says "no mom, I didn't have a hard time. I was just considering which books I took with me as my trunk stays at the Weasley's. I only need to get my dress from home and maybe some books I want to bring."

Her father laughs and says "why don't we go home first and you can tell us all about the Quidditch World Cup."

27th August 1994, Heathgate, Hampstead

Almost 45 minutes later they reach their home. It was a Saturday morning so it wasn't very busy on the road. The moment she stepped out of the car Crookshanks appear and jumps in Hermione's hand. Hermione starts to pet Crookshanks who start to purr.

Dan says "Hermione next time take Crookshanks with you. He has been very sad when you left him here. He has been following your mother every day. When we tried to leave for work more than once he jumped in the car and wouldn't leave until your mother left the care and gave him a little treat to distract him. It didn't work until your mother said that we will be back later and you will come home today and take him with you Monday."

Hermione carries Crookshanks inside when her mother opens the door. She says "alright daddy. I am sorry I thought it would be better to let him here for a while."

Hermione already had breakfast as Mrs. Weasley wouldn't let her go without breakfast. Mrs. Weasley was up early as Mr. Weasley needs to go early to the ministry as the ministry is still in disarray from the Dark Mark.

Her parents had a small bite before going to London to get Hermione. They now take a real breakfast while Hermione just sits at the table with one of her course books. She wants to tell them about the Quidditch World Cup but she wonders if she needs to tell them anything. She really wants to, especially after her promise last Easter but this could be a sign, that problems are on the horizon. Problems where she and her parents are in big danger and at least as important so it Harry.

When her parents are done her father asks first "so Sweetie how was the Quidditch World Cup?"

Hermione still hasn't decided but nonetheless, starts talking about everything they did and how the match was. Here and there her mother or father commented. Her father was a bit surprised Harry didn't accept the Galleons Hermione almost demanded her father to get them so she could pay back Harry while her mother just give Hermione and Dan a knowing smile. It wasn't much, he expected that Harry would gladly take it but he refused and even told Hermione she can use it for Hogsmeade.

Dan let her keep it and suggest doing what Harry suggested if she want. She already got more than last time but with this, she thinks she will have too much but accept it. She still wants to repay Harry somehow. She thinks maybe lunch with Harry, Ginny and herself maybe even Luna and Katie to repay Harry and hopefully help Ginny's planning if she can at least convince her mother about what she and Ginny are doing.

When she is nearing the end of the Quidditch World Cup she still isn't sure until she sees her parents' faces with a large smile. They have always been there for her, accepted her being a witch and even more importantly they always were there when she was sad. Also, they trust her and she promised to speak the truth.

Hermione says "I don't know how to say this but something did happen the night after the Quidditch World Cup."

Dan asks "what happened Hermione? Don't tell me you went all the way with Harry …. Or worse Ronald? Don't tell me you are pregnant?"

Hermione blushes but immediately says "no, no Daddy I am way too young for that."

Hermione sure has thought about it a lot but only with Harry ever since they saved Sirius when she knew for sure she loves Harry. She was afraid her blush would make her parents think it did happen.

Dan asks "then what happened?"

Hermione starts to talk about Voldemort. Sometimes she said Voldemort but on the other side he-who-must-now-be-named or you-know-who. In the end, she explained the Dark Mark and that it was cast at the Quidditch World Cup.

Emma asks "did someone die, dear?"

Hermione says "I don't know but Mr. Weasley says there weren't. There were some injuries but none were life-threatening and the muggle managers weren't hurt too much. One had a concussion with probably a large wound or big bruise on their head and another one had his or her arm broken."

"They were both healed and their memories altered although I think the one muggle still has a concussion as I read that concussion and worse brain damage is very hard to heal magical ways and the muggle way takes longer but is saver as one wrong move and you can damage the brain what can't be healed not even by magic. Also, it said no one should try it."

"There was a list of known powerful healers who managed to do it but only when there was no other choice as there were also some examples even from the powerful healers when it went wrong."

Dan asks "but you-know-who is dead right? Harry killed him!"

Hermione says "I don't know Daddy, but Harry stopped him not killed him and the body was never found also Harry has fought you-know-who when he tried to come back twice. I don't know how he can try that but I think that means he isn't really dead but also not alive. I tried to seek for an answer but Hogwarts the largest library in England has no information about something like that."

Emma asks "twice? I thought you told us anything."

Hermione says "well I did as I don't understand what happened the second time. You-know-who was his sixteen-year-old self as some sort of memory and was trying to steal Ginny's life and soul to become 'real' again at least that is what Harry told me. I just don't understand how that is possible. It had something to do with a diary she acquired by Malfoy's father according to Harry."

"Anyway there is only one creature that can steal a soul and that is the worst creature in the world. It is called a Dementor. Muggles can't see them but you can feel them. Dementors are creatures who were robes like wizards and witches but the robes of dementors are black and mostly old. At least if it is the robes and not part of the Dementors itself."

"Professor Lupin taught us about Dementors after they 'protected' Hogwarts as I told you. Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them... Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the Dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself... soulless and evil. You will be left with nothing but the worst experiences of your life. I think I told you about them."

Dan says "yes you did. So besides it is probably one of those Death Eaters that wasn't sentenced nothing happened?"

Hermione blushes and says "nothing life-threatening or other bad things."

Emma says "your blush tells me something did. Tell me Hermione has that something to do with Harry?"

Hermione nods reluctantly as she did want to talk with her mother as he father would probably not understand it although Hermione admits she barely understands herself that she wants it. Ginny made it look so normal but she can't explain it to her parents without making it seem so unnatural, obscene and a kind of dirty fantasy where only Harry wins.

Although she knows deep down she and any other girls are the real winners especially if you ever met Malfoy or any other that thinks the same or is the same not including the normal arrogant boys. There aren't many good boys Harry is one of the 'very' few if Hogwarts is any indication of the magical world. She wonders about the other magical schools that are very small even compared to Hogwarts student count and wonders if that is natural or if something else is the cause and why those schools just do not fuse with Hogwarts as there is more than enough room in Hogwarts.

Before she can think about it Emma asks the other question Hermione would never expect.

Emma asks "and Ginny?"

Hermione is shocked but embarrassingly nods. Hermione looks at the ground. She doesn't see Emma giving Dan a large smile with a glare to not disapprove of it. When Dan nods he understands the glare turns into a victorious look that she was right all along. She knew since the beginning of this summer that something needed to happen to keep her best girlfriend while not losing her best friend. Emma is happy Hermione is like her but wonders what Hermione exactly means by something that happened between her, Ginny and Harry.

Emma asks "can you tell us, Hermione?"

Hermione looks at her mother before looking at her father with fear. Emma sees it and says "Hermione we keep an open mind and if your father gets mad or speaks before thinking I hope he likes the couch as he will be sleeping on it for a long time."

Hermione takes a few deep breaths and says "Mom and Daddy please let me tell you everything. I hope you approve of it or at least accept it. I am struggling a bit with it but Ginny helps me try to accept it and honestly it is what I want."

Dan just wants to know how far Emma was right. He forgets he doesn't want to know. Dan says "Sweetie I am sure your mother and I will listen and if needed help you make a decision and if it is the thing you're struggling with I am sure we can help you deal with it or come to terms with it."

Hermione almost throws herself over the table at her father. She can just control herself but gets out of her chair and walk to her father before giving him a big hug. She says "thank you Daddy I really hope you do as what I am going to tell you is not normal in the muggle world."

Emma says "but Hermione so are you. You are a witch which isn't normal in the muggle world but completely normal in the wizarding world. We may only think about the muggle world but I can understand the wizarding world have a different kind of normal and laws. I think we should see it like when we go to another country and we follow their rules."

Hermione smiles even more before letting go of her father to hug her mother while she says "that was what I was thinking of at the beginning and kind of still do but I still hope you can support my decision."

Emma says "of course honey. We will try to keep an open mind. Can you tell us?"

Hermione nods. First, she takes her seat back and says "I know it sounds weird but … Ginny and I decide to …. share Harry."

Dan shouts almost outraged "SHARE."

Dan immediately feels pain as Emma elbowed him in his stomach so hard it will certainly leave a large bruise and almost send him to the floor.

Emma asks kindly "Hermione could you explain why, how you came to this and if there is any law in the magical world that could help you if you really want this?"

Hermione nods while looking a bit scared at her father. Emma sees it and says "don't worry about your father."

Emma gives Dan a stern gaze and says "if he knows what is good for him he will just sit there and listen. He will not interrupt you or try to change your mind. He will not give his opinion until the end when he does it in a normal voice."

Hermione nods and says "alright mom. Why is easy. When Harry and I helped Sirius escape I felt something in me searching for him and finding Harry. I think it was my magic but even besides that, I understand the feeling I had for a long time. I know that I love him more than just a best friend. I love Harry, my best friend, fellow Gryffindor. Not what most do as the boy-who-livid or anything."

Hermione waited to continue. Emma sees that and says "continue Hermione."

Hermione nods and continues "how I came to it, well it wasn't my idea. Ginny seems really smart and observant. I didn't want to lie to her and admitted I love Harry just like she does. I could say more but I know Ginny loves Harry very much at least as much as I do, maybe not for the same reason but she loves the real Harry, not the boy who lived as she did in her first year. She said that but you could also see that if you looked closely."

"After I told her I thought she would be mad. She asked me why and I told her I didn't want to lie. She was afraid that I told her and say that Harry and I were a couple already. I saw the hurt in her eyes and it hurt me to hurt a very good friend. First, we were talking when Harry sees we love him that we wouldn't mind too much no matter who he chooses as long as it is one of us. I am sure it will be Ginny because of my hair and my large front teeth among some others. Ginny said that Harry likes me and I must admit he did say he likes my hair as it is me and will he would like to see it without the bushiness he wouldn't dislike my hair like now."

"After talking a bit Ginny proposed to share Harry to show Harry more love as he deserves it tries to make Harry grow to see us as girls and hopefully eventually become love interests. At first, we wanted so he would choose one of us before someone else could steal him away. It wasn't much later we decide to share him. Besides Ginny, there is another girl who also loves Harry and wouldn't mind sharing Harry with us. Luna is Ginny's best friend I think and Luna likes Harry a lot, according to Ginny and even if we don't tell or show Luna we love Harry and decide to share Harry she will know. I don't know how she does it. Ginny also doesn't know."

"As we didn't talk about marriage or something I thought it wasn't allowed like it wasn't allowed in the muggle world. As the wizarding world cares a lot about history, houses, history of houses and the likes Ginny doesn't know for sure but she can remember that Harry as the last of the Potter is allowed to have more than one wife. Ginny doesn't know how much Harry is allowed to have, but Luna is an only child so maybe if Harry can't have three or more he can marry Luna for the Lovegood as according to Ginny Luna is an only child."

"There is also another girl Ginny thinks loves Harry. She is a muggleborn like me and only one year older than Harry and a few months older than me. Ginny saw her sad one time when we preoccupied Harry. I do like her and if she doesn't mind sharing Harry I will not prevent her from joining. Ginny did say magical raised girls probably know about the ability to share Harry and we must look out for them. It is eventually Harry's choice if the girl will be able to join, but girls we don't like or trust, we will try to prevent them as Harry is too much of a good guy to hurt a girl by rejecting her outright and will try to let her down easy what can give a girl hope what can end badly one way or another like trying to force or steal him away from us."

"I also know that with Harry's huge heart and with all the love he possesses and can give I will never feel deprived of his love or feel subordinate to one of the other girls. Also, it will give me the sisters I also hoped I would get especially as Ginny shocked me by calling me sister-wife once. I know it is not normal or usual in the muggle world, but as it is allowed in the magical world I know I can be very happy. When I am with Harry it is like the opposite of a Dementor like I can never be unhappy again. Also when Ginny calls me sister-wife I looked shocked and was debating in my mind but I can't deny I felt happiness inside me not as much if Harry is with me but still a lot of happiness."

Emma smiles as she sees Hermione's big smile when she talked especially about the last things. Emma can see Dan thinks the same. Emma has however one question and asks "Hermione I can see you are happy but what do you do to try to let Harry grow or show him your and Ginny's love?"

Hermione blushes and says "we act a bit like we are already his girlfriend and be a bit clingy like holding his hand or arm most of the time. If we hold his arm we push it against us between our … well you know. Also, every night before we go to bed and once we took a nap we kiss him on his cheek. The smile he has makes me very happy. And once when we were in Hogwarts before we decided to share him we ended up on the couch. Ginny was sleepy after the nightmare began again about the chamber as it was a year ago then and I was working late in the night to study."

"Harry found me and he made me fall asleep on the couch with him. Ginny came after I was already asleep. The next morning Ginny saw the other girl very sad when quite a couple of Gryffindors saw us as it was in the common room, but I promise nothing happened. And we did nothing more …. Although I asked him to help me with putting some sunscreen on my back and helped him teaching to swim at the pond the Weasley's have when we went there. Harry said he never learned to swim I taught him to. I asked him to some sunscreen on my back as did Ginny but nothing more happened."

Emma says "I believe you, Hermione. I see that you are happy and hope that it works out as you think. I am happy you have a good friend like Ginny who can help you in the wizarding world as we cannot."

Emma looks at Dan. Dan says "sweetie I cannot say that I am happy, but as you know Harry more than we do and your mother was right when she said you love him last summer I will accept this if you really want. All we want is for you to be happy and if that is with Harry even with other girls we will not stop you and I think if what you say is right we will eventually see them as an extended part of our family if they allow us as muggles."

Hermione says "I am sure they will. You can see them as another daughter besides me. I think some would like that and if they don't or dislike you Harry will probably not like it unless Harry doesn't love me…."

Dan interrupts immediately "Hermione I am sure he does. Everything I heard from you, from your mother and I saw I am almost sure he loves you but doesn't see it yet or something stops him from seeing it. If he doesn't love you ….. yet he cares very much about you what can easily turn into love as he is still young just turned 14 right?"

Hermione nods. Emma smiles brightly at Dan. She knows when Hermione is back to the Weasley he will get lucky. Emma says "your father is right Hermione. Harry is maybe unsure or thick that he doesn't see the love he has for you yet but what I can see is he does. If the wizarding world allows it there should be a good reason for the law and will some a couple may use it to just get a harem I am sure Harry isn't like that especially if it hurt you and probably Ginny too."

Hermione says "yes I think so too."

Dan says "Hermione why don't you put your bag upstairs while your mother and I wash the plates. How about we play a nice game?"

Hermione jumps out of her chair and says "I will love to play a game. What about trivial pursuit?"

Dan laughs he knew Hermione wants to do that it is partially why she has a thirst for knowledge as to when Hermione was a baby he and Emma played it a lot although he barely ever won.

Emma says "maybe just first put your bag in your room and put the books in your bookcase. Also, your father wants to see your dress and you're wearing it why don't we do that tonight?"

Hermione blushes and says "if daddy really wants that I guess we can."

She went upstairs and comes back almost 15 minutes later. Hermione almost begs to play trivial pursuit. Dan can't deny his little girl her favourite game and Emma also loves the game, Between his brilliant wife and daughter he knows he is going to lose but seeing the competition between his wife and daughter is always great to see.

27th August 1994, 1st floor, Hermione's bedroom, Heathgate, Hampstead

It was after dinner. Hermione and her mother Emma were in Hermione's room. Hermione just showered. Hermione is going to wear her dress. Her mother will help her with a little bit of makeup although Hermione didn't want it. Emma causally said Harry may like it and Hermione immediately agreed she will use some. When Hermione's brain caught up she tried to discourage her mother to use makeup.

Emma, however, didn't listen and said "you said you will do it Hermione now come on. I won't use much."

Hermione sits in front of her mirror she only uses to comb her hair or look if she doesn't have any ink smudge on her face or clothes. It takes almost five minutes before Emma is done.

She says "look, Hermione. You don't look bad. I just used some to highlight your natural beauty. You barely see makeup and I didn't have to use much."

Hermione admits she looks good and slowly nods. Emma says "now let's go downstairs I am sure your father would like to see how grown up his little girl is."

Hermione smiles and says "I turn 15 in a few weeks I am not a little girl anymore."

Emma says "I know Hermione but your father still sees you as our little girl."

Hermione knows her mother is right. She hopes her father likes her dress and doesn't force her to wear something else as she really likes the dress. It is not too slutty and not too conservative. The dress is just right for her age, body type and use in Hogwarts.

27th August 1994, living room, Heathgate, Hampstead

Emma and Hermione reach downstairs. Hermione uses her normal shoes although she does have some heels she could wear. But in her mind, she will go with Harry and with heels, she will be a couple of inches taller than him what she doesn't want also the heels to hurt her feet is she wears them for a prolonged time like when she tried them on earlier this year and wore them the whole day.

Dan sees them and has a large smile. He looks at Hermione and says "sweetie you look gorgeous. I am not sure I should let you go if you look beautiful like this. I hope Harry knows he is a lucky guy having you as … one of his girlfriends."

Hermione's smile only grows. It seems her father is still not sure about her arrangement with Ginny but he tries to accept it probably as her mother seems okay with it.

Hermione says "I am probably not going with Harry."

Emma asks "why not?"

Hermione says "well it is for the fourth year students and higher while for the third year students it is optional. We think they can only come if a fourth year or higher ask or they need to do something before they can come. If a fourth year or higher needs to ask Harry should ask Ginny as she is a third-year. I can go with a friend or go stag. I don't really care as long as I …. can dance with Harry a couple of times. I just hope Harry asks Ginny or I can persuade him to ask Ginny if a fourth year needs or ask her or higher."

Dan asks "why?"

Hermione says "Ginny is the little sister of Ronald. I don't think Ronald wants Harry to have a date with his sister as she will probably see it like that but I trust her so I don't mind if she sees it as a date. I know I can trust her. Anyway, Harry will not ask if it will upset Ronald. I can't relate but if I had a younger sister and Harry ask her I would be alright with it I mean there aren't many that are better than Harry if there are any. Maybe I can ask Neville to go as friends he is nice enough but very shy. He is a friend and less shy when Harry is around, but will he asks me if Harry is around?"

Emma says "go on Hermione have a dance with your father."

Hermione says still thinking "alright" when her brain catches up she says "wait … what?"

Emma says "have a dance with your father."

Hermione asks "not that I don't want to but why?"

Emma says "well if you go with Harry or at least dance with him you don't want to hurt him do you?"

Hermione says "well yeah bu…."

Emma smiles and says "no buts Hermione. Your father will teach you a few dances that are common in the muggle world and what we think the wizarding world will also use or dance. Just let your father lead you and you remember it. If you are as good as you are in studying once or twice is more the enough for you to learn and remember it."

Hermione says "that isn't needed. I still remember most when I was younger."

Emma says "yes Hermione think of this as a repetition of what you do when you got an exam but now it is for dancing."

Hermione blushes and says "fine."

Dan walks towards her and asks with a bow and his hand to her "my lady can I take this dance."

Hermione can't help but giggle and says "of course my lord."

Hermione put her hand in her father's hands and without warning, he leads her in a pirouette. Hermione says "daddy."

Dan laughs and says "sorry sweetie. I was kind of reflex I did the same when I danced with your mother for the first time. Now listen."

Dan tells Hermione where to put her hands and slowly starts to lead her and help her with where to put her foot slowly. When Hermione thinks she gets it Emma set up some classical music. After a few times, Hermione makes barely a mistake.

They try another dance style. Hermione had a little trouble with this one and makes a couple of mistakes including stepping on her father's foot a couple of times. Dan says "am I happy you don't wear heels."

Dan laughs but Hermione can't. Emma says "stop it, Dan. Why don't I show you, Hermione."

Emma walks to Dan and just like Dan said he makes Emma have a pirouette before he holds her in his arms. Emma says "we will show you Hermione make sure you watch our feet. If this works I will show you some more dances we know it isn't much but we know a few. If you please start the music."

Hermione sits down and nods before restarting the music. She looks and immediately sees what she did wrong, First, she was distracted during the dance and second she wanted to lead while in this kind of dance (mostly) the man leads. She was trying to lead and somehow in this dance, she wanted to move faster than the music was.

Emma says "we show you two more. Use track 7 and then 11."

Hermione nods and moves up to track 7. When her mother and father start dancing her mother seems to really enjoy it as does her father but not as much as her mother. Hermione can't deny they look elegant even in their normal clothes she thinks if her father wears a suit and her mother a dress it will look even more elegant than this so much it will be full of elegance and beauty.

After the track, it is track 11. That is a dance Hermione liked in her youth and remembers well. After the track, Emma says "now do track 1 till 3."

Almost twenty minutes later Emma and Dan stop dancing. Track 1 till 3 was the one she could do but Hermione did see things that she could do better. Emma says "now you Hermione."

Dan wants to sigh but knows it will send the wrong message. They start with track one. After all five tracks that took almost 40 minutes, Dan says "it went very well Hermione almost no mistake and even if you did it was just one step and you didn't do the next steps wrong. Even better you didn't step on my foot once and led me to lead you."

Emma smiles and says "your father is right you did wonderful even despite the small mistakes. Hermione did you even try to straighten your hair with the dress I think it will look even better or maybe put It up in an elegant bun ….. no, no a Formal Updo with Curls that looks much better on you just need to try to get the most your hair straightened first so it may take some time."

Hermione says "but I can't get my hair straightened. My hair isn't as bad as the last couple of years but is still very busy. I cannot get it straightened."

Emma says "Hermione there are probably also hair products including straitening as we have in the wizarding world. I know ours take quite a long time to work on your hair an hour or two if not more maybe the wizarding hair products will speed up the progress for when you need it."

Hermione says "I will think about what to do maybe my dorm mates have an idea or can help me decide. I mean we kind of became friends last year even though they still talk too much about boys and stuff. Sometimes I join in but they do it every evening so much it was annoying now a bit less annoying maybe because sometimes I do too but certainly the first two years were especially as Harry was one of the subjects, my best friend Harry."

"Last year they talked about Harry too but also others as what they have heard or seen in Hogwarts or during Hogsmeade weekend what they saw in Hogsmeade. I not really like gossip or put much faith in it but it is also to make sure no nasty rumours about my Harry or my other friends."

Emma smiles as it means Hermione besides her feelings for Harry also grow up as a female. Her dorm mates are real gossipers. Emma thinks that Hermione's dorm mates Lavender, Parvati and Fay if she remembers correctly will talk more about boys, dates and romantic things when they continue to grow up and gossip less at least for Hermione she hopes so. One thing is certain Hermione grows up as she also did in some boy talk too and Ginny will too.

Emma hopes if more girls share Harry not are much older or at least have the same character as Hermione as she doesn't like all the talk too much or at least she doesn't at the moment maybe with good friends she doesn't mind. Emma knows Hermione looks a lot like her and she with her good friends she talks a lot about their husbands, what they heard about old friends and remarkable news. Emma hopes Hermione will get good friends if not sister-wives what she can do what Emma does.

All the dancing and talking has made it late. Dan says "I think we better all go to bed. I was thinking about having a barbecue tomorrow and enjoying the sun in our backyard. According to the weather forecast, it should be nice and sunny tomorrow."

Hermione isn't sure when Emma says "I think that is a good idea. Don't you think so too Hermione?"

Emma sees Hermione is considering probably because she has most of her books again what she likes to read.

Emma continues "if I remember well Harry really likes it when you are tanned like you were last year."

Hermione immediately blushes, look at the ground and mumbles something that sounds like "I would like a barbecue."

Dan says "then it is decided. I will go to the butcher tomorrow. It is a Sunday but I asked if he will be open last week and he said he is as many people will have barbecues in the last few days before school or job starts again, especially with the nice weather forecast. I will go early. Emma, can you make some nice salad?"

Emma says "of course. Hermione you will help me right?"

Hermione nods. Dan smiles and says "then it is settled. We can have an easy brunch after I come back from the butcher. Then late in the afternoon fire up the barbecue will you two will make a salad and maybe some cold sandwiches when I prepare the meat. How does that sound?"

Emma says "sounds good. Then we can enjoy the sun most of the afternoon and if we are done while your father is still busy we can continue to enjoy the sun maybe sunbathing right Hermione?"

Hermione nods just enough for her mother to see as she is still blushing and looking to the ground.

Dan says "great, now we can better go to bed."

Hermione asks "mom can you help with the dress I don't want to get it more wrinkled than it already is. Also, can you help me iron it tomorrow? I am not got at ironing."

Emma says "sure Hermione no problem. We can do it before we go sunbathing after brunch."

Emma looks at Dan and says "I will help Hermione with getting her dress off ."

Dan says "alright I will see you after in our bedroom. I will wait up for you."

Dan walks to Hermione and hugs her as a good night hug before walking up the stairs.

27th August 1994, 1st floor, Hermione's bedroom, Heathgate, Hampstead

Hermione is in her bedroom with her mother and misses giving Harry a good night kiss. Hermione has dressed for bed when her mother put the dress away for now.

Emma sees that something is wrong and Emma says "miss giving Harry a good night kiss and maybe a hug from your kind of boyfriend? I know your father also hugs you but I can understand getting a hug from your boyfriend is better."

Hermione asks "is it that obvious?"

Emma says "well yes Hermione, whenever you are home or Harry comes up, you wear your heart on your sleeve or at least your father and I notice. I hope Ginny will not go further. I don't want you to distrust her but she is still a girl who is in love like you are. I know she came with the plan to share Harry but still, someone in love can forget about everything else even a good friend and the plan to share."

Hermione says "I can understand. But Ginny promised she would not even give Harry a night kiss if I am not there. I didn't want to ask her that but she offered. She will still cuddle up to Harry on the couch reading and acting like a girlfriend but not touching him much until I am back. She is really the best friend besides Harry that I could wish for. She really is the sister-wife any woman that has a sister-wife should have."

Emma says "I am really happy for you honey. As long as you are happy and Harry and Ginny are like you said it seems like you can do everything you want. Now give me a hug and a good night kiss before I leave."

Hermione gives her mother a hug and a small peck on her cheek that looks nothing like she does with Harry. She gets under the covers before her mother turns off her light and leaves her room.

Hermione hopes that Ginny kept her promise and falls into happy dreams as her parents accept her decision to share Harry.

27th August 1994, the Burrow

Ginny, Harry and Ron are sent to bed. Early today Sirius sent Harry a message if he was alright and what happened at the Quidditch World Cup as he and Remus are very worried. Harry didn't hold anything back and told the truth including the fight with the Death Eaters and the Auror with a small mention of the two girls and that they were Veela's nothing more as he couldn't get a look at what he also said.

Hedwig was again unhappy he used the bird that came which was exactly the same as before. Mrs. Weasley was too busy in the kitchen to notice the bird, which Harry was grateful for because he doesn't know what the Weasleys think of Sirius. If they see the exotic looking bird it would bring difficult questions he doesn't want or can't answer.

Ron immediately walks up. Harry stops and waits for Ginny. Ginny hugs him but does not kiss him. She says "good night Harry.

She is happy she sees the disappointed face that immediately turns into a desire to kiss him to make him happy. She almost caves but remembers her promise to Hermione, her best friend and sister-wife. No kisses and not furthering the relationship even if Harry doesn't see it like that ….. yet.

Ginny can't wait to tell Hermione that Harry was waiting for the kiss he gets and starts to see it as normal. Ginny wants Harry to see it as normal that he gets it as they love him. It looks good that Harry wants it and hopes that her expectations are, that he will start to see them as his girlfriends by Halloween and get together and can have snogs by New Year's Day even if they are little snogs. However, this shows good promise.

Harry confusingly says "oh uh good night Ginny" and walks upstairs to the top floor that is Ron's bedroom."

Let's end here for now. In the next chapter, we will see the last days of the summer. If the words allow it we will also see the return to Hogwarts and the opening speech of Dumbledore.

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