I hope the rest of you are having a better week than I am. Someone send a priest, good vibes, a winning lottery ticket, anything. But go ahead and enjoy.
Chapter 11
Hours later they fell into Oliver's bed. He found he needed to keep touching her, afraid something would happen if he wasn't. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing," he lied.
"Try again. I can hear the speed of your thoughts all the way over here."
"Ah worry what me fans might do to ye."
She sighed, "I won't say something silly like that could never happen. Because it can. But I won't hesitate to protect myself if attacked, and I will be prepared if confronted. They won't get the chance to hex first if I can help it."
"Promise?" he asked.
"Promise," she kissed him. "Now, sleep."
"Yes, ma'am."
Arsenal's coaches announced an early end to training before the holidays after the team shut out Chelsea. "As you're undefeated, we thought you deserved a treat. Go enjoy an early start to the holidays."
Hermione took her time changing back into her street clothes. She debated going home, going to Diagon Alley, or going shopping in London. Her mother called to let her know her cousin, Darcy, was bringing her boyfriend to announce big news at Christmas. Most likely an engagement knowing Darcy and Aunt Suzeanne. Which meant Andrew and Alice would be pressured to move things along in that regard. This caused her father's mother had declared dinner to be a more formal event than before. She suspected her father would request she get something new. If the big news was indeed an engagement she intended to convince Oliver to elope. They could have a wizarding wedding. Finally, going home won out. She and Ginny had a shopping date Saturday anyway. She'd get something then.
She shouldered her bag and exited the locker room. Instincts alerted her when someone fell in step behind her. She slowed, causing the person to come up right behind her. She spun on her heel bringing her arm up to jab at their throat. Donovan Graves collapsed at her feet in a heap. "SECURITY!" she bellowed. People came running from every direction. "Graves Jr, was stalking after me and being creepy. I defended myself. Do not let him spin this any other way." She sailed out the doors and across the car park. She apparated home and headed straight to the tub. She deserved a break.
Oliver arrived as she climbed out of the tub, "Well, hello, if this is the greeting Ah get Ah may just move in."
She giggled and wrapped her towel around her, "Haven't you already?"
He thought about it, he spent more nights at her place than he did his own. He only went home to change clothes. "Ah suppose Ah have. Objections?"
"If I objected I would have said something."
"Want to make it official?" his tone teasing.
She paused halfway into her jeans. "Are you joking or seriously asking?"
"If ye like the idea asking, if ye don't Ah'm joking."
She pulled up her trousers and slipped on a jumper. "I like the idea."
"Given yer job Ah believe we should live here. Ah can commute easier."
She smiled, "Thank you for understanding that."
"Also, yer place is more homey. And ye have a telly."
"There it is, you just want me for my telly."
"Well, yeah," he laughed.
She blinked twice before lunging at him. He took off running, laughing as she chased him through the flat. "You better run," she growled. In the kitchen he snatched Crookshanks off the counter. He held him in front like a shield. "Do you think he'll save you?"
"Ye wouldn't hurt yer own kitty."
Crookshanks sank his claws into Oliver's hands and arms. "No, but he'll hurt you."
"Ouch," he dropped the cat, "Ah see that." He rubbed his hands.
"Poor baby you'll live. When do you want to move in?"
"How about tonight?"
"You want to go pack everything tonight?" she asked.
He shook his head, "No, Ah'll collect a load a day until the flat is empty. Ah own the place, so no hurry."
"Okay then, dinner?" she asked.
"Going out or staying in?" he asked in response.
"Staying in, I can whip something up in a few minutes." Twenty minutes later Oliver set the table as Hermione pulled a casserole from the oven. They sat at the table instead of heading to the couch.
"How was your day?" he asked.
"Creepy Donovan tried to sneak up on me so I kicked his arse."
"That's my girl," he chuckled taking a bite. "This is brilliant. Why do we eat out so much?"
"I can't be fussed most days," she admitted.
"Fair enough."
"How was your day?" she asked in return.
"Coach and management decided not to promote a reserve player to replace Reed."
"Really? Are they upset?"
"Nah, they all get it. Apparently the guy is really good. One of the Falcon's star chasers rejected the seeker's sister and the tension has been difficult, so he wants to transfer. And the reservists admitted they don't feel ready."
"I understand that feeling, but with those attitudes they never will be."
"You know that, I know that, but they don't. You're never truly ready."
"What about the captain post?" she asked.
"Wilder."
"Good choice." She continued eating, "The team got an early break since we're playing so well."
"What are you going to do with the extra time off?"
"No clue. I'll think of something."
The something turned out to be magical research. Severus Snape left his library to her. Something about kindred spirits. When she questioned his portrait he stared at her and muttered about wishing he could throw something at her. She left it alone. While potions were his passion he seemed to be as interested in all facets of magic as she was. She scanned the titles on her bookcases and selected whatever popped out at her. A book on older magics struck her fancy this morning. A time when covens were common as wizards weren't legally obligated to hide themselves away. When magic users did more with it but in a less showy manner. A pot of tea and her favorite biscuits besides her she snuggled in to enjoy her morning.
Halfway through the slim tome a section on crafting rituals caught her eye. As she read half of an idea formed. She cast geminio on the book and went to dress. Before she overthought the idea she flooed to the ministry. She asked the reception desk to inform Shaklebolt she needed to see him immediately. She headed up without waiting for confirmation. Kingsley met her at his office door.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this emergency meeting?"
"Not out here, inside." She walked past him into his office. Once the door closed behind him, she began, "This is a temporary copy of part of a book in my library. A chapter on creating rituals. I am lending it to you to help create a counter ritual to break this curse."
"You could," he started excitedly.
"No, Percy or your Unspeakables can. And no, they may not 'borrow' the rest of it. I would never get it back. It is my book, they can find their own."
"But," protested Kingsley.
"I am only doing what any good citizen should. Offering aid in a dark time."
"You're right. Sorry. I lost my head for a moment in the excitement of a solution."
"I understand. You're forgiven.'"
"How are things with Oliver?"
"We decided to move in together last night. We're meeting extended family over the holidays. Wish us luck."
"Good luck."
"Now, I'm going to visit Harry and Ron so this looks like a social visit."
"We should get dinner soon," he told her.
"I'd like that, let me know."
"I will."
In the reception area of the auror department she encountered Ginny, Adrian, and Marcus Flint. Each looked frantic and worried. "Gin, what's wrong? What happened?"
"Oh, Hermione, it's terrible. Adrian's sister wants to reject her soulmate. He's kidnapped her and is holding her against her will at his ancestral home."
"What are the aurors doing?" she asked.
"Nothing," Adrian's father exited the inner office with an auror escort. "He's claiming sanctuary under the right of bride snatching. He can keep her until she agrees or the might of House Pucey and its allies rescue her."
Hermione blinked three times, "Is this moron prepared for the possible consequences of invoking the old ways?"
"Who knows?" asked Mr. Pucey.
"Are you?" she asked the senior auror.
"I, uh, that is..." he stammered.
"Yes or no? You're supporting his claim of actuary, therefore, yes, you are. Now say it."
"Yes," he looked confused. "We support his claim."
"Good." She looked at the others, "I, Hermione Granger, first of my house, ally myself with House Pucey." Looking as confused as the auror Mr. Pucey accepted. "Right, who has her? Who is she? And where is she?"
"Mortimer Burke, Bethany Pucey, the Fortress in Dover," answered Adrian.
"Right," she nodded. "I'm on it." She looked at Ginny, Adrian, and Marcus, "Coming?"
Ginny perked up realizing what Hermione intended, "Hells yes!"
Adrian looked at Marcus who nodded, "Count us in."
Ron burst through the door, "Fuck, you already called in Hermione."
"I arrived independently," she told him primly.
"You can't kill him," Ron said.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Of course I can't. If he's dead he can't suffer properly."
"Hermione."
"Ronald. Don't invoke the old laws if you don't want to deal with them. I'd ask if you're coming but being an auror ties your hands."
He sagged, "Be careful."
"I'm always careful." She took the quill out of his pocket. "Thank you. Portus. Everyone grab on."
They landed on the overgrown lawn of a decrepit stone manor. "This is what he thinks will keep us out?" asked Marcus moving towards it.
Hermione held up her hand to stop him. She waved her wand in a circular pattern revealing a thick ward. "No, that is what he thinks will. He's wrong, but it is what it is." Meticulously she unraveled the threads until it weakened. "He also had to bring her to the ancestral home, they would have strong wards from centuries past. There, one good hit should drop them. Let's go announce ourselves." she led them around to the front. She cast sonorous on herself, "Hello the house."
An eternity later a middle aged balding man appeared on a balcony on the second floor. "Go away. Bethany is mine by rights."
"Are you absolutely certain you want to do this?" asked Hermione.
"Yes. I stole her, she is mine."
"Will you duel for her then?" she asked.
"No, let House Pucey fight me."
"Remember I offered you two chances to back out." Hermione looked at the others, "Ginny, Adrian, on my signal blast the wards. You can hit anywhere. Flint, the second they fall get in and get Bethany out."
Adrian glanced over at the manor, "What are you going to do?"
"Knock this place down," she replied flatly. Her face a mask of grim determination she gripped her wand tightly. "Ready? GO!"
In unison, Ginny and Adrian blasted the wards. The second they dropped Marcus sprinted into the building. Hermione sent a series of spells at the stone balcony. "Bombardia maxima tria," she cried. The jet of light broke into three beams and struck the support beams underneath.
"You missed!" crowed Mortimer.
"Did I?" shot back Hermione smirking as the floor beneath him collapsed. She turned her attention to the outer walls of the house. She paused to detect where Marcus, Bethany, and any other living beings were located. She continued blasting until no outer walls remained standing. Once finished she returned her attention to the barely conscious Mortimer Burke. Marcus joined her while Adrian comforted his sister. "Pick him up would you?" she asked Marcus. He easily did so. "Hello, Mr. Burke. I am prepared to accept your unconditional surrender if you are ready to proffer it."
"You can't, you just can't do this," he protested.
"It seems I can, and I did. You claimed sanctuary under the old laws. We responded in kind. Now, you pay the penalty in the same manner." Marcus shook him slightly. "Your surrender-unconditionally."
"I unconditionally surrender to you," he stuttered.
"Hermione Granger," she prompted.
"Her-hermi-mione Gr-gr-anger."
"Thank you. You may drop him." Flint obeyed.
"Now what, Granger?" Flint asked.
"You lot can go. Mortimer and I are off to transfer the deed and vaults of his family into my name."
"My family? All of them? You can't."
"You keep saying that. I didn't write the laws. I didn't invoke them. I'm playing the game you wanted to by the rules you picked. They can petition for the return of their former property at my discretion and whim. They will make appointments. Come along, manservant. Your century of servitude begins now."
"Century of servitude?" he screeched.
"Why do you sound confused? You declined my offer to duel. Now, let' get going."
Having no choice he followed her to the ministry. Within ten minutes all the forms were filled out and filed. It took fifteen minutes for an official to appear and protest. She handed him a copy of her report of the interactions and repercussions. "Is this legal still?"
"Yes, sir. He wanted to take away someone's right to make choices, and expected you to protect him under these laws. Unfortunately for him, my friend is dating a Pucey and I am done with this misogynistic bullshite. I knew what to do and how to do it."
"But what are you going to do about the extended family?"
"The instructions are in there. Read them. I have no intention at this time of touching a knut. Or evicting anyone from their home. Unless they annoy me into it. This is not going to be a simple formality. This is quite serious."
"And Mr. Burke?" the official asked.
"Haven't decided yet. Besides the fact that he will be meeting Bethany Pucey to reject her when she's ready. That's totally happening." She turned to leave. Another official appeared, one of the department heads that dragged her to press conference constantly. "Yes, Mr. Crowley? How can I help you today?"
"You can cease this old laws nonsense. This is absurd in this day in age," Crowley growled.
"I agree, but it is also absurd Mr. Burke was able to abduct a woman and hold her hostage until she was forced to marry him. That the aurors told her family there was nothing they could do. I, the Puceys, and other allies rescued her under the same old laws. I didn't write the rules, but I will see them enforced. As your wife is a Burke, I strongly suggest you don't push me. I'm a petty bitch and I already don't like you." She turned and began walking. "Come, Mortimer." He trailed behind her miserable.
In the corridor she addressed him, "I have no need for a daily servant. But when I call, and I will, you come. You will come promptly. Do not make me force you." He started to sneer, but changed his mind at the look on her face. "Right now I am more annoyed with them," she gestured around at the ministry. "Do not change that. Go do whatever it is you usually do." She made shooing motions. He left and she sent her patronus to Ginny asking where they were.
"Adrian's place. Meet him in the atrium, he'll bring you through the wards," the spectral horse delivered Ginny's message.
The older Slytherin swept her into a back popping hug when she reached him, "Thank you, thank you. You are going to be the best not sister sister-in-law ever." He continued to hold her up off the floor.
She rolled her eyes, "Put me down, you idiot."
"Nope, we're popping out." He spun in the spot whisking them away.
They landed in a luxurious living room. Her feet sank into the plush carpet. Bethany and Ginny tackled her into a group hug. "I have no idea who we can ever repay you," Mr. Pucey said from the couch.
"Please don't hug me," she replied freeing herself from Ginny. "That is a good start."
"Done. What happens now?"
"Now Bethany rejects Burke. Or she and Marcus get married and transfer Burke's end to Marcus," she replied. Everyone stared at her. "Please, we all know I'm not stupid. And it isn't that hard to figure out. You only need one soulmate for a couple to create the bond. And it would eliminate Marcus having issues with his own soulmate. Honestly, that would be my suggestion."
"Too late," Marcus muttered.
"Then end your issues. Burke has to do what I say for the next century or the end of his life, whichever comes first."
Bethany crossed to Marcus, "Thoughts?"
"I don't want Nicolette to hurt you. And Alana is encouraging her. I already had to change teams to avoid her."
"You're Puddlemere's new chaser," remarked Hermione.
"How did you know?" he demanded. "We haven't announced anything."
"I'm dating Oliver Wood. He mentioned Reed's replacement wasn't from the reserves. And it was a player having soulmate troubles."
"Daddy?" questioned Bethany, returning the conversation to the original topic.
"Do you love him?" her father asked in response.
"With all my heart," she took Marcus's hand.
"Is he worth the danger?"
"Absolutely," she beamed up at him adoringly.
"Than marry him," he told her flatly.
Ginny waved her hands for attention, "Oh, oh, scathingly brilliant idea: get married quietly. Transfer the bond, announce nothing. Later hold a big wedding for show."
"Good thinking, sweetheart," praised Adrian. Ginny preened. "And take a big group to the Ministry, that way reporters won't know who got married."
"Let me know when and where and I'll have Burke there."
Oliver arrived home earlier than expected, "Please tell me ye dinnae assault the Burke ancestral home alone?"
"I did not," she answered primly.
"Good," he seemed to sag with relief. "Wait, ye dinnae assault it or ye dinnae go alone?"
"I did not go alone." He stared at her. "Ginny, Adrian Pucey, and Marcus Flint came with me." He continued to silently stare. "What was I suppose to do? The ministry stood there claiming their hands were tied. The Puceys were neutral. They lack the experience necessary to fulfill the requirements to free her."
"Still," he protested.
"Oliver, you are imaging this as worse than it was. Mortimer Burke was alone. I collapsed the outer walls. Flint ran in and got Pucey's sister. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy."
"How are ye still awake? That took an immense amount of power."
She shrugged, "Harry or Ron could have done it just as easily. We got used to running on reserves and using our entire cores. I guess we built up endurance, like muscles you work out."
"But yer okay?" he asked.
"Yes," she confirmed. "Not even a scratch."
He pulled her into his embrace, "Good, Ah have no idea what Ah would do if ye were hurt. Ah love ye, Hermione."
"I love you, too, Oliver," she hugged him tighter. "Though the extended Burke family have to petition me for the return of their Gringotts vaults and property."
"Seriously?"
"Unfortunately. Happily, the howlers automatically return to sender and appointments have to be made through the ministry. Warn anyone who might send something time sensitive."
"Noted."