Chapter 10

Confessions

It was just before midnight before Ron and Hermione got back to the Burrow. Even though there technically hadn't been any discussions of a curfew, Hermione wanted to at least be respectful to the parents who were letting her stay there. Ron apologized for having work the next day.

"Don't worry about it. I'll help around the house. Catch up with Harry. Just don't make any evening plans without me, fair?" she offered with a smile.

"Deal. G'night.'Mione." he said with a final kiss by the door, then opened it for the lady.

As she ascended she turned back to Ron, who was purposely being a little slower. "Ron, thanks for being brave."

Ron smiled. "You make it easier."

Hermione was still smiling when she got up to Ginny's room. As quiet as possible she opened the door, entered, closed the door and looked to see and redhead asleep in bed. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as she still crept to her bed as quietly as possible. Just before she got there she saw the light from a wand shine. Hermione grinned as she turned around to see Ginny sitting up with her arms wrapped around her knees, with a similar grin.

"Do you have any idea what time of night it is, young lady?" Ginny scolded.

"I made it in before curfew." she whispered.

"Don't worry, the Silence charm is still up… and I get the feeling it's going to stay up for a while. So Hermione, I couldn't help but notice that both you and Ronald were both missing for… several hours… at the same time. That's just pure coincidence isn't it?"

"Maybe, Maybe not." Hermione confirmed as she sat down on the bed.

"Okay, seriously though, obviously you two finally talked. Spill it! Just tell me, it is not going to be an entire summer of you two yelling at each other again. But don't worry I'm on your side."

"Yes, Ron and I yelled a bit, but then after… we… kissed a bit."

"Merlin! What happened? You steal a page from me and go for it."

Hermione shook her head and held up her hands, "No, no, no, I admit I still don't have that level of confidence. And that is a compliment, Ginny. "

"Taken as one. Wait… so… Ron kissed you!" Hermione nodded. "Damn, I really didn't think he had it in him."

"In his words, surviving a squad of Death Eaters 4 to 1, scared some sense into him and sparked a bit more courage. That and my pathetic entrance."

"Hey, don't say that, you were nothing compared to how I was with Harry, so you're fine."

"Did you know Ron knows Astro - stargazing?"

"Ya, Dad taught us. Oh! That's what happened. You two spent the night Stargazing and he gave you a good night kiss. Sweet."

Hermione bit her tongue but couldn't hide her grin.

"Hang on… I've got my proportions off, don't I? He didn't just give you a good night kiss. You had a full on snog, didn't you?! You've spent half the night snogging Ron, haven't you?"

"Alright, yes! We did. But don't you dare tell me you haven't been with Harry tonight!"

"Actually, he and I spent a lot of time talking," she defended while crossing her arms.

Hermione looked right through Ginny.

"Alright, with snogs scattered throughout." she confessed.

"Exactly, so I refuse to feel guilty."

"Guilt? Hell, I was going to suggest pride." Gin grinned wickedly, then relaxed to a serious face "But I am serious about the talking part too."

"I know Gin, never doubted."

"So… where are you two? I don't want all the torrid details of my brother, but I would love to know how my friend is doing. Is this a mistake, 1 night stand, are we saying lo-"

"No!" Hermione was quick to silence that one. "We're not at the L word yet. I'm already a nervous wreck, couldn't handle that yet." Hermione took the courage breath this time. "We admitted that we care for each other. And that we've both been idiots for a while now. And he made the observation that it would actually be the smart thing to try to be a couple, and save ourselves from stupid jealousy and arguing. Shortly thereafter is when we … started losing track of time."

Ginny looked on in disbelief, not so much at Hermione but more through her. So much so it made the elder guest nervous. "Oh please, don't tell me you're going to be as petty about Ron and I as he was about you and Harry?"

"What? No!" Ginny replied, "I was just realizing that several times in a row now, Ron has had several opportunities to be a prat… and he hasn't. It's like my big brother finally decided to grow up. Hermione, can you do me a favor and keep him this way? This upgrade would be really appreciated."

Hermione laughed, "I'll do what I can, Gin."

"Do whatever it takes, Hermione." she said with a sultry look.

"Goodnight, Ginny!" Hermione said with the biggest smile as she finished getting ready for bed.

"Goodnight… and congrats."

At first light, Harry slipped out the door for his morning run, only to find Ginny already outside stretching, and her hair back in its normal ponytail and clearly dressed for a workout too. "Morning babe," she greeted with a wave.

"You serious, Gin? You would be welcome, but I know you have work at the shop later."

"Half the reason I'm here." she came up and exchanged a small peck. "Figure if I have work, this would be a good way to get a little time in with you."

"The other half?"

"Same as you, training. They came to my house, I have scores to settle." she said with a smirk. She turned and started heading out to the fence line. "Just try to keep up, Potter."

The couple's workout was more enjoyable. Yes, a kiss or two was added in when catching breath or a drink. But far in above it was each other's company making the difference. Ginny's never ending competitive nature was the world's best motivator. They finished their lap around the farm and then went into the normal barn workout. Between the two it seemed Ginny was quicker on her feat, but Harry could beat the bag a lot worse. They decided they both could tolerate it being tie. When then came back inside Harry gave her next use in his bathroom, since she actually had to be someplace.

When Harry came round to the busy kitchen everyone seemed to be a good mood. Bill was holding a copy of the Daily Prophet. Not his first time in the paper, he simply asked. "What page did we land on?"

"Front, full page." Bill said, passing the paper along.

"How did she spin it?"

"Better than we could ever have hoped." Hermione smiled ear to ear.

-DAILY PROPHET-

WEASLEY WARRIORS WIN

AGAINST DEATH EATERS

On the evening of July 4, the country family dinner of Arthur and Molly Weasley of Ottery St. Catchpole was interrupted when a squadron of over 40 death eaters attacked, Aurors confirm. Statements from Weasleys and captured assailants confirm they were there for the capture of Chosen One, Harry Potter, now residing there. In the words of Arthur Weasley, "They came for my son. We told them no."

The resulting Battle of the Burrow, included tactical diversions of smoke dragons and explosions from Fred and George Weasley, owners of Weasley Wizard Wheezes. Followed by aerial assault from battle tactician Ronald Weasley and flying crimson haired witch Ginevra Weasley, both students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Reports cite Ginevra took her Quidditch skills to use by taking her broom skyward and burning down below. When asked about raining fire from the sky, the Crimson Witch replied, she "highly recommended that to anyone seeking vengeance or self defense." This spirit seems shared by all of the Weasley Warriors.

Ronald stated "They came to us. They shot at us in the middle of family supper. They taunted and called us out. We answered."

William and his fiance, Triwizard Champion Fleur Delacour echoed that stating, "Taking a shot at someone's fiance is a quick way to incur their wrath."

With such irreverent spirits one must ask, Do the Weasleys fear the reprisal of the Dark Lord? To that Harry Potter himself said,"I choose not to live in fear." and that sentiment Mr. Potter believes so thoroughly, that he refuses to refer to the Dark Lord in any of the terms that have been commonplace all of his life. "His name is Riddle." He quickly corrects anyone. "Riddle is powerful and dangerous. He is cause for concern. But I have looked at the face of evil. I have faced monsters, and I will fully admit that I have taken my beatings doing so. But I stood back up. I sit here today because I found the courage to stand and act."

The group photo made the top of the front page with the couple's photos and Ron's solo added throughout when mentioned.

Harry's eyes blew open as he read the article. Harry had to take a seat. He was in shock. It was accurate. It was favorable. To the right audience, it was even motivating. Harry had joined in the family laughter when Ginny returned asking "What's so funny?"

Harry gave her the paper saying, "Read for yourself, Crimson Witch."

"What?" She said as she sat and read. "Crimson Witch! I love it!"

Molly was beaming. "I can't believe it. You all did so well."

Arthur was smiling and shaking his head. "The Ministry had to like it. It's the only explanation."

Hermione nodded. "I agree. I might be able to convince Rita to write facts, but I don't have anything on the Ministry."

Harry looked brightly over to his friend. "Everyone, the lady of the hour, Hermione Granger!" The kitchen filled with applause, to which she blushed and smiled. "Thank you but no… I just kept it fair. All of you did the real work."

"Spoken like a politician." Bill said with a smile.

Authur sighed, "Unfortunately, since you are mentioning it. I think most of us do need to get to work. Bill and I at least need to catch up from some of the days off we've had from all of this." he said with a gesture to the article.". And if that is the morning paper, I imagine we will be talking about this all day. Bring some stories for supper everyone." With kisses and hugs the longer set couples parted and flamed. Ron and Hermione clearly weren't comfortable with affection in front of the crowd. But did exchange grins, and Ron was so bold to give a wink as he flamed out. A wink that Harry caught, and Hermione saw he caught. She froze.

Harry gave an honestly friendly grin and a thumbs up. "Well, I think it is my turn for the shower." as he excused himself. He slipped down to his own, because why wouldn't he. Harry cleaned up quickly and changed to his day clothes, and headed out to his room. Or at least he would have if Hermione hadn't been standing in the doorway.

"Merlin, 'Mione! What the hell!"

"What did you see! Well you didn't see anything! Because there was nothing there to see." She was a ball of nervous energy.

Harry rolled his eyes, and literally walked past her to get to his dresser. "You're bloody lucky I brought my trousers in with me to the bathroom. This is my room, I don't have to, you know."

The realization hit her. "I'm sorry, Harry."

"Don't worry about it." he said, calming down. He gestured to his desk chair, and he sat on the bed getting his socks and shoes on. "Have a seat at least."

She sat nervously, it was plain as day she didn't know how to start the conversation. "Silence?" She asked.

Harry looked up and saw the trunk lid was closed. "Automatic with the door closed, though I don't see why. If anything, I would say congrats."

"Congrats, about what?" she tried to evade.

Harry sat up against the wall and shook his head in the ridiculousness of all this. "I have been the best friend to both of you for like six years. Never has Ron winked at you like that. Add that to the fact that you were seen having a late night stroll and, well 2 + 2 is something less than 5. What I don't get is this embarrassment."

"Okay, so Ginny told me you two started with what she called an 'accidental date'."

"I remember, I was there. And I'm aware that's the nickname, because it is accurate."

"It kind of happened with Ron and I. Originally, we just went for a breath of fresh air after Rita's interview. We started talking, we started yelling, then we started really talking, then there might have been a bit of …"

"Okay, you snogged." Harry concluded out of mercy. "Is this regret I'm -"

"No!" she protested, "Absolutely not!" Hermione finally took a breath. "I am actually quite happy we got this figured out and we're trying to be a couple."

"Takes me back to 'Congratulations'. If you're worried I'm going to try to give you a hard time, I have no grounds and wouldn't dream of it."

"No, but thank you. But I could use your advice on something."

"Well, why don't you ask and I will see what I can do?"

"I truly am happy Ron and I started up, but now I am in the situation where I'm living with my boyfriend, and his parents. And I have no idea how to do this!"

Harry smiled and nodded, tried very hard to keep from laughing… until Hermione clarified, "as long as you laugh about us both, go ahead." She sighed.

"Na, I get it. Okay, you want the rules or guidelines on how to navigate this."

"Yes, please. You and Ginny make it look so easy."

"Only because the Weasleys make it easy. So on the upside, we both chose the right family to date."

Hermione actually laughed, "Thank you, I needed that."

"Exhibit A: There are seven Weasley kids, so they have to be pretty cool with the idea of relationships."

"Point taken."

"Given the time frames involved I doubt this applies to either of us, but based on Bill and Fleur engaged and still in separate rooms, I'm pretty sure the Weasley's are of the 'wait till marriage' philosophy. But still, don't be dumb."

"Not even an issue."

"Same. Moving on. Given how cool they have been, Gin and I try to keep the snogging private. No need to make people uncomfortable in their own house."

"Noted."

"That's pretty much it, or at least that's how Gin and I have been and we've been able to even cuddle on the couch and have the normal kisses and such with the family around. No one has had any uncomfortable conversations with me. I've only had one and a half-ish minor threats. I did get Mr. Weasley's blessing. But some of that might be bloke related."

"So … Mrs. Weasley likely won't kill me?"

"Odds are she already knows. They seem to know everything."

Hermione finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Harry."

"So Gin mentioned you bought next year's textbooks?" she asked honestly.

Harry froze but tried with all of his might to maintain composure. "Yes." is all he said.

"So, do you mind sharing? I'm on a similar schedule to you. Would you like to study buddy together? What … what is with you? What are you hiding?

"'Mione, I won't insult you and say nothing. However, I will tell you it honestly is harmless. I would be willing to tell you, but I would rather Ron not know, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"I actually appreciate your consideration of that. You swear it is honestly harmless."

"Yes, it's more of a kindness but some people have differences of opinions."

"Well Harry, you have always been one of the kindest men I've known, what have you done now that you feel needs to be kept private? Does Ginny at least know?"

"Gin was there." This time he was the one checking that the door was closed. "Alright, look, statement of facts: Gin has been a great friend for a while now."

Hermione nodded.

"And when I moved in and at my lowest, she was even kinder and better. Why she's settling for me I will never understand."

Hermione bit her tongue and looked at Harry, but otherwise let him speak.

"I truly wanted to do something of substance to say, 'Thank you', not just passing words."

"Makes sense."

"Another statement of fact: Ginny is the youngest of seven. So when I picked up the 6th year books for me… I picked up 5th year books for her. I thought I would be kind and get her something brand new, all for herself, for once."

"Oh, that is sweet."

"Again as a thank you, but if it gets out then, the Weasleys will cry 'charity', pull a pride card…"

"I get it Harry, I get it. You really are a gentleman, aren't you?"

"Hardly… I just try to be a decent bloke."

Hermione shook her head. "Okay, how about, 'You really do love her, don't you'?"

"That I will admit to, absolutely. In fact, I regret not owning up to it sooner." Harry took a breath. "So anyway, study?"

"Ya."

"Let's head upstairs. Keep Mrs. Weasley company."

Blessedly the day went quieter than the day prior. The teens were given the odd job to help with here and there. For the most part they spent the day working ahead for class with small talk between the three of them. Harry didn't realize how bad the Dursley's were until he experienced what normalcy could be. And he was ever grateful for it.

Then the owls came. The first letter was for Harry. He read it. Apparently someone liked the quotes in the paper, fan mail. He smiled and put it off to the side. A few minutes later another came, addressed to Crimson Witch. All three of them laughed at that but left it up on Ginny's pillow. Then one for Ron, and Bill and Fleur. By mid afternoon a steady stream of fan mail started coming in that the teens got several boxes just to sort it. Harry looked through his and all being the same. Variations of support for his quotes and rising of 'the Chosen One.'

But steadily through the full day and afternoon a regular stream of fan mail flew in for everyone. "I haven't seen this many owl letters since my first invitation to Hogwarts." he smiled.

"Christmas came early this year." Hermione summarized as she and Harry sorted the letters into the proper boxes, with Molly laughing to herself the entire time.

"I thought you said you were too old to care what others said." Harry joked.

"We are. But we can still appreciate things."

As they sorted the mail a unique trend did quickly emerge. "Hey Chosen One, I think your girl has her own title," Hermione smirked as she held up a hand full of letters addressed to the Crimson Witch, who was 2nd only to Harry in the number of letters received.

Later that day when Ginny flamed home first, "You guys won't believe what happened with the Twins at the shop today." Ginny began as she rounded the corner to the living room, just to see about 5 different boxes of fanmail and a steady train of owls flying in and out.

"Really, what happened?" Harry asked with an absurd look on his face. "I couldn't possibly guess." he said as sarcastically as he could. "Hey look everyone, Crimson Witch is back."

"Wait, no, people really are calling me that?" she questioned as she looked through the once living room now mail sorting station.

"Not just calling," Hermione corrected, "addressing. Literally addressing fan mail to you by that."

As the three teens looked at the growing piles of fan mail, they all just absorbed the moment and in one just uttered, "Merlin."

After dark the owls slowed down. After supper the family had a regular Christmas of opening letters. Including gifts. Everyone received several Galleons. Most of which were sent in singeling from people wanting to show support. Everyone's quotes seemed to resonate with hundreds of people who sent an owl to say as much. As their engagement was mentioned Bill and Fleur received a host of offerings for discounts on various bridal and wedding services all resonating with the, wrath as a response to shooting your fiancee.

Arthur and Molly seemed to attract the respect of their generation and older. The vast majority appreciated how simple Arthur had made the matter and wondering why people didn't understand that.

Ron received many letters wondering why brooms and terrain wasn't used more in mage combat and thought his approach was brilliant. Also as he was, at the time of the interview, the single one. He did receive several perfumed letters, but Hermione clearly understood, took no offense, and even joined in on the teasing. But after a few rounds of joking, she apologized… with a kiss. To which another round of teasing launched because of that. That one lasted much shorter though and Ron and Hermione quickly settled into together her curled up on his arm as Ron went through his mail.

There was no denying it. Ginny was now the Crimson Witch. Most letters were addressed to her that way. All of them at least referenced it. Most of them appreciated the rain of fire from the sky.

Harry's letters were the most unique. He received fan mail from school friends, other youths he didn't know. General mail from average people, but also politicians, and heads of business. Important people with legitimate influence praising Harry for saying things loudly that most had been afraid of. The common line seemed to be "His Name Is Riddle."

Ginny looked over to him with eyes bursting in adoration. "Have I mentioned how proud I am of you?"

Harry grinned, of course, and said. "Well, Ginny Weasley may have, but I don't think the Crimson Witch has."