AN: Another chapter so quickly. I know I'm shocked too. Anyway still not profiting from this story.

The dinner concluded on a more cheerful note than it had begun, with everyone's bellies comfortably full. Naturally, they split into two groups: the women migrated to the living room, while the men retreated to Mr. Weasley's shed to indulge in the collector's edition of Ogden's.

Greg was engulfed by a wave of nervousness as he found himself alone with the wizards he had once been taught to despise, and knowing they harbored resentment toward his family. Now, they were being asked to accept him as part of their circle, because they were his wife's adopted family.

Stepping into the shed, he was immediately greeted by a multitude of unfamiliar muggle items. Some he recognized, like the talking device Hermione had used. What was it called again? A telephone? Yet, there were many more items that left him perplexed. There was a peculiar red contraption with a fabric container attached to it, accompanied by a long metal bar that he assumed was used for pushing or perhaps pulling it.

"It's a lawn mower. Muggles use it to keep their yards looking tidy by cutting the grass," Harry explained, stepping up beside him.

"Oh, does Hermione use one?"

Harry chuckled. "No, she waits until she's certain no Muggles are nearby and resorts to magic to tend her lawn. Doing it the Muggle way is quite labor-intensive. She'd much rather flick a wand so she can return to her books."

"Oi, you two! Get over here," George called out, raising up his glass of amber liquid.

Greg and Harry made their way to the workbench situated in the center of the room. Bill poured them each a glass and levitated them over. Everyone took a sip, but the room fell into an awkward silence as they struggled to find the right words to break the tension.

"So, what's your line of work these days? Not sure what job would suit someone whose main experience is picking on firsties," George quipped.

"George!" Mr. Weasley admonished.

Greg sighed, lowering his glass to the table. "Yeah, I know Vince and I were bullies in school. We were told to do whatever Draco said, and, yeah, we... enjoyed it," he admitted, a hint of remorse in his voice. "But around fifth year, I started questioning everything. I wanted to change, but I couldn't do it publicly without facing repercussions. Vince never changed, and look where that got him."

He took a sip of his drink. "Anyway, regarding work... I don't have a job. I didn't do well on my NEWTs, and honestly, I never really considered it much. But I do have money. I can provide for my... family... for a very long time. And don't worry, Hermione can access my vaults for anything she needs or wants. I don't expect her to contribute financially, but she's free to pursue any job she desires. I won't hold her back."

That seemed to satisfy the men. Mr. Weasley then pulled an item off a nearby shelf. "Harry, what's this? I found it in a muggle shop last week."

George gestured for Bill and Greg to join him. "Come on. Harry's going to be stuck here for a while," he chuckled. "Let's go see what the ladies are up to."

Hermione sat on the sofa with Angie one side and Lena on the other. Ginny sat in a nearby chair.

"Where's Flur?" Angie asked.

Mrs. Weasley's voice floated in from the kitchen. She had gone to make hot chocolate for the girl's. "She's in France visiting her parents. She will be back in a few days."

A tray levitated with mugs of steaming chocolatey goodness. "I've put something extra in here. Except for Lena's of course." Mrs. Weasley winked. Handing a mug to the young girl she said, "Not old enough yet, but I did add a stick of peppermint in yours, dear."

A course of thanks rang out.

"So, have you two shagged yet? He's become quite fit," Ginny asked with a mischievous grin.

"Ginny!" Mrs. Weasley scolded.

Hermione choked on her drink at the blunt question. Once she regained her composure she shot a glare at her smirking friend. "His sister is right here! Honestly."

"Getting straight to the point, I see," Angie chuckled. "So, what's the plan for you two? Are you officially together?"

"We're married," Hermione stated matter-of-factly.

"Got it, we understand that part. But are you guys going all in on this?" Ginny clarified.

"I'm not certain. We haven't had a chance to talk things through properly. It's been a whirlwind since we bumped into each other that evening," she sighed. "I realize I acted impulsively. I didn't consider much beyond helping him with Lena." Hermione glanced at the girl beside her. "Whatever comes, I stand by it. No child should ever endure such treatment."

"Do you like him, dear?" Mrs. Weasley inquired.

"Well, he's been really nice. Quite different from what I recall," she pondered.

"And quite handsome too," Ginny added.

Hermione playfully tossed a throw in her friend's direction.

"I think he could fancy you?" Lena whispered quietly from her corner of the sofa.

Hermione turned toward her, "What makes you say that?"

Before Lena could reply, they heard the back garden door open, and voices drifted in. Bill, George, and Greg entered the room chatting amongst each other.

Bill summoned a chair over from the kitchen table. "Dad, Harry will be occupied out there for quite some time. He's interrogating him about his latest muggle discovery." Groans erupted from those acquainted with Mr. Weasley's fascination with muggle contraptions. Hermione had once spent an hour-long explanation of how an egg beater functioned.

Ginny banished her empty mug to the sink and set it to clean itself. "I'll handle this." She winked in Hermione's direction as she retreated out the door the boys had just come through.

Angie stood and stretched her long limbs. "I'm knackered. May I use the floo please? I don't think I should venture in the direction of the apparition point.

"Of course, dear." Mrs. Weasley held the pot of floo powder out.

Angie exchanged cheek kisses with everyone and told Greg it was good to see him again before vanishing into the green flames.

George glanced up at the family clock, its hands frozen in time. A brief pang of sadness crossed his face as he noticed his brother's hand forever pointing to "lost." "Well, it's getting late, and I need to open the shop," he said, turning back. "Lee's on holiday this week, and Verity won't be in until noon. Plus, I don't fancy a stroll outside tonight." George made a disgusted expression, bidding goodbye hastily before disappearing through the floo.

Greg approached Hermione and whispered, "That wasn't very subtle. They wouldn't have lasted a minute in Slytherin."

Hermione grinned. "Definitely not. They're Gryffindors through and through."

The backdoor opened again and Mr. Weasley strolled in, kissing his wife on the cheek.

Bill stood. "I'm going to crash here tonight if you don't mind, Mum."

"Of course not. You don't even need to ask. I always keep your rooms ready just in case."

Bill shook Greg's hand, said good night and headed up the stairs.

"Well, I guess it's our turn then. Time for us to head out," Greg said, slipping on his cloak and assisting his sister with hers. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Dinner was wonderful. We're grateful for the invitation."

"You both are welcome here anytime. You're family now." Mr. Weasley said.

They were once again enveloped in hugs from Mrs. Weasley. "Yes. Come again next week for family dinner."

Hermione began to speak, but Mr. Weasley interrupted her. "I meant every word, Hermione. You're family, one of our own, and you'll always be welcome here. Ron will have to behave, or he won't be welcome."

"But..."

"No. You're not his only target for his anger. He's been rather difficult for months. If he can't show us respect, he's not welcome at family gatherings."

Mrs. Weasley dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief but nodded in agreement.

After more hugs and farewells, Greg and Lena headed to the floo. Lena glanced back. "Could you come to the manor tonight? Even just for a bit?" she asked Hermione.

Hermione glanced at Greg. "If you'd like, you're welcome."

"Alright," she agreed.