Chapter 25
You're Worth It
After their Tuesday morning workout Harry had a small surprise for Ginny. "If you are going to steal my shirts, at least steal the right ones." he said, as from his drawer he pulled out one of his old quidditch Jerseys.
"Harry, I'm on the team, I have my own." she reminded.
"Yes, but not one that says Potter on the back." He turned it around to show that. "Consider this a Muggle thing too. When two people are dating and the bloke plays a sport, it is tradition for his lady to wear his old jersey for affection, and as a way to wish them luck and stuff."
Ginny was clearly feeling ornery. "But generally only she wears his stuff, not the other way around? Isn't that a bit sexist?"
Harry hung his head. "Gin, babe I have several inches on you in every measurement, the shirt stealing is only going to go one way. But don't worry about it." he said as he started to put the jersey away.
"No, no, no. wait. Bad joke. Sorry. You were trying to be sweet, and I was just running my smart mouth. Please."
"Please which? Please the jersey, or please keep talking."
"Both actually, if it means something to you, I would like to know You were raised a muggle. I want to know more about your side of the Cauldron."
"Studying for class already?" he said as he walked over and had a seat on his bed.
"Touche', No you, just you. I thought you brought up a great point about Muggle studies but in all honesty, both my boyfriend and my closest girl friend are muggle-born, I would like to know more. She curled up on the other end of the bed giving him her full, unsarcastic attention.
Harry smiled. "All right, forgiven. But ya, it's just a small little tradition."
"Question, Real tradition or joke one, like the cheeseburger?"
"Jersey is real, but in all honesty you would be surprised how many dates are a burger, so it's actually not far off. But the jersey is legit."
"So am I supposed to wear it during the match? I'd think that would be massively confusing."
"No, nothing like that. Technically, matchdays would be a real common time to, but really it is a 'when you want to' thing. Even if it's something you don't want to do. It's to show affection. 'I wish you good luck.', 'I'm thinking of you', I guess if you really wanted to stretch it, it could be interpreted as 'I'm dating Harry, don't bother hitting on me' thing, but you're stretching it there."
"OWW, I like that! Gimmie, gimmie." Ginny said with a smile.
"Really, THAT'S the one that got you? Crimson Witch, won over by the idea of someone saying 'dibs, mine, don't touch.'"
"No. Ginny Weasley won over by the idea of YOU saying, "dibs, yours, don't touch. May I explain?
"Actually yes, please help balance this in my brain please. You are one of the most fiercely independent spirits I know."
"And thank you. Look, no complaints, we're here now, together, but statement of facts, I was VERY clear and overtly interested in you for a while and it was not reciprocated, right?
"Agreed, I was an idiot."
"Not going for that, love. What I simply wanted was the comparison of that compared to something like this makes me feel wanted, like I'm the prize. And I know you do feel that way, but it is so very comforting to be able to show that off." She reached out and grabbed his hands.
"I know that part of this is just from my parents' ridiculously old-fashioned raising me, but I actually get it now how, when it's the right person, there is not a damn thing wrong with belonging to someone. There is an almost primal satisfaction from being 'had', 'claimed', 'I'm Harry's.' 'I'm yours.' She ended with a slight octave change that Harry could tell was one of the few windows Ginny was letting herself be completely transparent, open and vulnerable.
Harry wasn't about to let her regret it. 'Come here," he said, pulling her over for an embrace. He didn't even try to kiss her, just reflexively felt and reacted 'Ginny was being vulnerable, we're going to be safe and protective'. She laid her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. "Congratulations, you are now the owner of one used jersey from Harry Potter."
"Yay," she purred. "My new favorite."
"Consider it a belated 1 Month Anniversary gift."
"Oh wow, it has been one, hasn't it?" Then she thought for a moment. "Should I have done something for that? Like if I were a muggle girlfriend would I have known to?"
"You're fine Gin. Between my birthday and Hogsmeade we more than covered anything."
They stayed curled up like that for a moment, then they hear a voice at the door. "Harry, mate, ya there." To her credit, Ginny was unphased, because to his credit, it had been over a month since Ron had really been a pratt about much.
"Ya, man. We're both down here but it's no problem. Not even bad timing."
Ron came down the stairs and nodded to Gin, who nodded back, as she excused herself to the loo. "Harry, I was wondering if I could ask a favor? 'Mione and I are heading back to London tomorrow. Grab her trunk for school, " Ron took a breath, "Lunch with her parents."
"How are you doing, man?" Harry asked, honestly caring.
Ron bobbed his head back and forth as he took the desk chair. "Best as can be expected? Anyway, Grimmauld Place is like half the distance to her parents as the Leaky Cauldron. I was wondering if you would mind if we flamed in and out from there?"
"No problem, you're on the permission list for a reason. And not just for this trip, Seriously, if the house or the floo is helpful somehow, come and go as you like. All I will ask is don't add anyone else to the permissions. I'd like Bill and I to manage that."
"Well duh."
"Hey, if that's as strict as I get, I think I am being a benevolent Master."
"Benevolent?" Gin repeated when she came back out, wearing Harry's jersey, then reclaimed her spot on the bed.
"I'm letting Ron and 'Mione use the Grimmauld Place floo for the 'meet the parents' lunch."
"Ah… How you doing Ron?"
"Okay, all of you asking and you will make me nervous," he laughed.
"Well, I wish I could help but you know how I get along with my girlfriend's parents."
Ginny and Ron shared a look. "Favorite," they said together.
"Merlin." Harry said, shaking his head. "Okay, Ron though it will pain me to the core and I'm pretty sure I am violating about 7 tenants of the Bro code…Ronald Weasley, You're a stand up guy. Especially in the last month. Just try NOT to be a joker there and you'll be fine."
"Oi, why don't tell me not to breathe while you're at it." he replied.
Ginny looked over to her brother. Not annoyingly, but still with a bit of pleading, "C'mon Ron. 'Mione is worth it, right?"
"No she is, absolutely, I just know my track record and odds of me not messing up… eh."
"I would like to add an amendment to that." Harry interrupted, "When it's important, when it counts, when it's needed, you do come through man. "
"Just be respectful. Be brief, and be brave." Gin coached.
"Wait, both of you are rooting for me?"
Gin laughed, "Well it's amazing what happens when you're decent and cool with me for a month. I tend to like my brother and actually wish good things for you."
Ron hung his head low for a moment. "Had my head in my arse for a while, I admit. I'm trying to be better. "
Gin nodded, "You have, therefore you qualify for my kindness." To which Harry was fighting to keep from laughing. "Shut up Harry!"
"Yes dear," he replied with a smile.
Saturday 10 August 1996
Ron and Hermione flamed into Grimmauld mid morning. Hermione was smiling and happy. Ron was keeping a brave face over nerves. One his girlfriend could see right through. "Ron, I do wish you would calm down. You've faced down Death Eaters."
"I wasn't dating any of their daughters. Eaters just want to kill me, your Dad, he can bring real pain."
Hermione smiled and hugged him. "Ron, I don't know if you realize this, but that was one of the sweetest things you've said to me."
Ron gave an uneasy smile , "Mind explaining it to me later when this is done?
"Absolutely," she reassured. "Ron, look at me, please." she waited for the redhead to look her in the eyes. "You're a good man. My parents will see that. I love you for reasons. You've said you can be brave for me. Today, can we try confidence?"
"Oh, you mean like pretend I'm bloody Harry?" joked with a grin.
"Oh Merlin no!" Hermione laughed. "I don't know if the world could handle that!." Of course Ron would use humor as the bridge to confidence. She squeezed him tighter to reward him. 'C'mon, let's go."
They left Grimmauld and arm and arm headed down the walk. Ron kept a keen eye out looking around. "There's a stop at the end of the corner. We'll catch a bus… a muggle buss." she explained with a smile. Only maybe a half hour ride."
"Lead the way, m'lady." Ron replied, the walk gave him something to pour his nervous energy.
"You do seem to be doing better now. Any reason you're so nervous? Realistically speaking, in the rare event they say no, we're still at Hogwarts and doing the same thing we are now. You're not going to lose me or anything."
"Thank you for that. But well, they're your family."
"It's just Mum, Dad, and I… nothing like the mighty Weasley clan." she laughed.
"Size doesn't matter." Ron smiled, but skipped the obvious joke. "They're still your family. Still a large part of you. I mean if you look at it, Weasleys on one end, and Harry on the other. Both ends of the line will tell you family is important."
Hermione smiled widely and hugged his arm. "Weasley Wisdom again. Ron, just be like this. You'll be fine."
Hermione handled the money for the bus then they took seats. Ron kept looking around trying to take it all in. "What do you see?" she asked, lightly running her hand through his red locks.
"Hm? Oh, same as you, I 'spose."
"No, I mean it, really. I remember Harry and I finding the simplest things on your side interesting when we were younger. And when Ginny has been here she's found how the food is different. So please, tell me what you see. I would like to see it through your eyes."
Ron looked around again. "People, a lot of people. And I get that, I knew that. What kind of gets me is how… like, you're all strangers. I mean at Hogwarts, and Ottery St Catchpole, I know everyone. It's amazing to me that you can have so many people together in the same place, but from what I hear, you're all strangers to each other? "
Hermione nodded to confirm.
"Everyone looks so busy. So many people, so much happening. I feel like a day here alone would make me dizzy. So like, is it always this busy?"
"Actually Ron, this is a slow day." she smiled.
"Blimey."
"Thank you, Ron."
They got off the bus two blocks from Hermione's and finished their walk. At the last corner, Hermione stopped him. She took the moment to remind and encourage him. "Hey, just remember; courage, confidence, and I love you, okay?" as she kissed him.
"Thank you, 'Mione," he said, taking a deep courage breath.
As they came up to the final steps, they didn't even have a chance to touch the door before Mr. and Mrs. Granger opened it, with smiles. Hermione obviously ran into hugs to both of them with smiles. After a moment. Mr. Granger extended his hand, "I'm Richard, this is Jean. Welcome."
Ron returned the shake. "Ron Weasley, thank you, sir."
"Let's have a seat, we've got lunch ready to serve up."
"Absolutely, anything I can help with, Mrs. Granger?"
"No, Ron, but thank you." she replied with a smile both to Ron and to her husband as she laid the last of the veg on the table with a roast and potatoes.
Mr. Granger began, "I have to say, I find it hard to believe this is our first, real meeting, beyond pleasantries at King's Cross. If I'm not mistaken I've been hearing your name in letters and conversations since … 1st year?"
"Yes," Hermione smiled. "Technically we met on the train. It took a run in or two before we finally fell in together."
Ron flinched for a moment and Hermione could see his mind consciously and deliberately stop himself from making a joke, and simply replied with a smile, "Yeah, 'Mione and I have put in some time together." Impressed, with both the words and delivery, Hermione smiled.
"'Mione?" Mr. Granger repeated, "I didn't know you were using that."
"It just happened. Ron and Harry are pretty simple names. Harry shortens his sister to Gin half the time. So I barely noticed it when it started, and by the time I did, I didn't mind it."
"Ron," Mrs. Granger continued, "Please extend our gratitude to your parents again for Hermione's extended stay this summer. It actually was quite fortuitous. There's been several conferences and work at the practice this summer. Hermione dear, even if you were here, we'd only be seeing you in passing."
"Price of success darling." Mr. Granger, reminded. "So now confirming that your mother and I had the more boring month please tell us, how is the Burrow?" his tone wavered to show he was uncertain he had the name right.
Hermione nodded and began. "The Burrow is doing well. The biggest news is Harry officially moved in, which is fantastic for him."
"It's no hardship for us either. Harry's a good mate, family now." Ron confirmed.
"Ron took up a summer job. So for once it was actually Harry's idea to do some summer study ahead. Mrs. Weasley has been kind enough to teach he, Ginny, and I some basic healing and potion making. Well, Ginny often helps teach, she's actually quite skilled in that area.
"Mum and she seemed to connect together better when she was younger, at least compared to my brothers and Mum."
"Yes, your brothers," Mrs. Granger asked. "I've lost count, if I ever did know, how many and all their names. Forgive me, may I ask?"
"No worries ma'am. Obviously Mum and Dad. Then it's Bill, Charlie, Percy, the twins, Fred & George, me, then Ginny. And now, Harry is the eighth. And now Bill is engaged to Fleur who … " he paused for the best phrasing "is joining the family." Ron did let a small smile out. "Our family motto pretty much is there is room for one more. Part of the reason I lo- WE…love having 'Mione over."
Both of the teens flashed red for a moment.
"They're not all there at the same time though." Hermione both clarifying and covering. "Bill and Fleur are there and working at Gringotts. The twins moved out last month to a flat above their shop in Diagon Alley."
"The joke shop!" Mr. Granger realized. "I wondered if it was the same Weasley family."
Ron nodded, "The one and the same. Charlie is a dragonologist in Romania. Percy, " Ron actually dropped his voice to embrace the joke, "works for the Ministry." He returned to normal saying "He's in town here. Having a bit of an independent streak in him lately."
"I'm amazed you can keep all that straight, Ron." Mr. Granger complimented.
Ron simply shrugged, "Remembering is easy when you care about someone." Hermione could tell that Ron had simply said that straight out of hand as a passing comment. Based on the expression of the other three she was sure he didn't realize how deep that landed.
Mr. Granger let that be. "So Ron, any plans for after Hogwarts?"
Ron smiled, "Well first I need to finish, and this fall I'm going to be changing class focus to Astronomy and Muggle- er, ah, studying this side of the Cauldron."
"Muggle," Mrs. Granger replied. "We actually are versed with some of the terms"
"When we found out how gifted Hermione actually was, we tried to learn a bit about your world." the proud father explained.
"You see where my academic tendencies come from." Hermione smiled proudly.
"Well then I admit some of my grades are likely due to you two, so thank you." Ron nodded to both parents in appreciation.
"He's actually quite gifted with astronomy." Hermione added with support.
"Well one assumes Hermione would then be gifted in Muggle Studies." Mrs. Granger smiled.
"The thought had occurred." Hermione smiled widely.
Ron continued, "After that, I don't know how fluent you are with the titles, but Harry and I both have been looking at getting into security."
"As in… police?" Mrs. Granger asked.
Ron nodded, "We call them Aurors, but yeah. Be one of the good guys. Protect the little ones, you know, stand up, do my part."
Mr. Granger smiled, "That sounds quite admirable, Ron."
"Thank you, sir."
"So what is the plan for the rest of summer," Mrs. Granger asked.
Hermione stated, "Ginny's 15th birthday is tomorrow."
"And Harry did ask us both to her promo at the Alley next week. He's been sending owls out to most of the group.
"All to say, Mum and Dad, if you would like an opportunity to see more of my friends from school, next week would be an opportune time."
Both of the parents smiled. "Frankly Hermione," Mr. Granger started, "It's just nice to hear you speak of friends in such a plurality. But to be invited by one's teen daughter is greatly appreciated."
Hermione blushed. Ron grinned.
They finished lunch and Mrs. Granger asked for Hermione's help with clearing the table. Ron could feel what was coming. Hermione flashed him a warm smile and even a wink.
"Ron, why do you and I go over my study? Have a chat.." Mr. Granger's face was smiling, and Mrs. Granger was too. But somehow Ron did not feel at all calm or at ease. He bit his tongue though and keep reminding himself. ''Mione's worth it. Brave and Confident. 'Mione's worth it. Brave and Confident.''
"Sure, sir." he said as even as he could manage.
The study was just across the haul. "Do you drink, Ron? And be honest."
"Some butterbeers after a match. Dad's been known to share a fire whiskey or two for special occasions."
Mr. Granger nodded. "I agree with your dad." he replied as he poured two highballs. He gave one to Ron. "This is called scotch, sip it."
Ron nodded, "Thank you, sir." He did sip it; smooth, malty, and smoky.
There was a desk with chairs on either side that the elder led Ron over to have a seat. He was still smiling. "So how long Ron?"
"Sir?" Ron asked, panic started to surge.
Still smiling. "How long have you two been dating?"
The entirety of the English language left Ron's brain at that instant.
Still smiling. "A month ago my only daughter received a letter which left her in such a fright, she was crying and begging to run to see how you were. So we knew there were feelings then. You are the first and only young man that Hermione has ever asked to bring home for a meeting. Not even the great Harry Potter has had that honor."
When Mr. Granger said those words, 'not even Harry'... something clicked. A fog lifted from his mind like he was standing in the light for the first time and he remembered how to speak. More than that, a strange calmness and peace came over him.
"So I'm just curious, Ron, if you two started up before or after that day."
"After, sir." Ron replied simply and directly. "It was that day that, well If I may be frank, made me realize how important she was."
Mr. Granger nodded his head as he sipped his drink. "Makes sense." Then he raised his finger, opened a desk drawer, pulled out and laid out a copy of the Daily Prophet, the Weasley Warrior edition. "We have a subscription. Just to clarify, that day, was this day?"
"Yes, sir." Ron didn't know where this battle calm came from, but he was thankful for it.
Mr. Granger sipped his drink again. "Five years… you have put in the time, Ron. I've got four hard questions I need to ask. You strike me as a direct approach type of man, may I?"
"Fire at will, sir." Where did THAT come from? Don't give him ideas!
Mr. Granger turned to look at Ron face to face and eye. "What are your intentions towards my daughter?"
"Honorable, sir. I cared for her for a while. That battle," Ron nodded to the paper, "served as a bit of a wake up call to me on many levels. I love her, sir. I feel grateful for any time together, I would like to earn your blessing to continue dating her, sir."
"Am I going to be a grandfather anytime soon?"
"No, sir. Not even close to." What the hell!? How are you so calm!?
"I am aware on your side of the Cauldron, 17 is the age of adulthood. Hermione's strongest skills are her academics. I trust she will have nothing but support in completing her education?"
"Complete, sir. She's the smartest witch I know. I wouldn't change that for the world."
'Bloody hell mate, who are you and where is Ron Weasley?'
'SHUT UP Little Ronny! Ronald is talking to the grown ups!'
"From the sound of this article and, we also catch WWNN, you and your family fought the devil himself, and won, all for a friend. May I assume that you would bring the same kind of strength, and commitment to my daughter?"
"On my life, sir." he cooly replied.
"You realize if you hurt her, you will no longer need to worry about Riddle?"
"I wouldn't expect it any other way, sir."
Mr. Granger took a solid moment to look over and through the young man before him. "You've put in the time. She clearly cares for you and you seem to make her happy. You seem to have a good heart, you carry yourself well, and with me at least you seem to have some backbone. Alright, Ronald Weasley, you have my blessing to date my daughter." he raised his glass.
"Thank you, sir." he said, returning the toast.
By comparison, the rest of the afternoon was simple, with Hermione catching up on stories over the last month and packing. With the trunk being large enough, Mr. Granger volunteered to give them a ride back to Grimmauld place. "I don't see any place special here, but I imagine that it is a magic thing?"
"Exactly Dad, yes."
"Alright, well both of you have a good semester. I love you Hermione. Write often." He hugged his daughter and whispered to her "Good choice."
Then he turned to Ron and put his hand out again. "I suppose I will be seeing you, Mr. Weasley."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Ron nodded as he returned the shake.
"You take care of her, I'm trusting you."
"On my honor, sir."
Mr. Granger nodded and returned to his car and drove off. Ron kept his new found strength and confidence, grabbed Hermione's trunk and carried it into Grimmauld place. He was able to wait until he got inside and the door closed behind them before he fell against the wall crying out, "Merlin! Can I bloody well breath now? And 'Mione can you let that one pass?"
Hermione was laughing, "Absolutely! You earned it." She fell into him and wrapped her arms around him. "I am SO PROUD of you!" Then she rewarded him with a kiss.
Hearing the words of pride seemed to register even more than the fair ladies kiss. Ron smiled widely and caught his breath quickly. "What, really?"
"Yes, really." she reassured rubbing his back.
"Well, that's alright then."
They grabbed a pair of chairs from the Meeting Hall to compare notes. Finally having a chance to talk it was clear Ron had the far more stressful meeting. "Mum and I just talked about the Burrow and Hogwarts." she explained.
"Oh brilliant, so while you two were having a nice chat, your Dad is asking me if he's going to be a grandad soon!"
Hermione's mouth dropped open and she covered it with both hands. "Merlin, I am so, so sorry. You must have handled it well."
"I'll be honest, I read about soldiers who when they went through all sort of things, they had a sudden calmness come over them. Something like that happened to me. I can't explain it, all of a sudden everything was calm and level and you know how you always have those voices in your head. Mine shut up for ten minutes."
"It's like Harry said, when it counts, you come through. I didn't know how much this meant to me until the four of us sat down at the table. Thank you, Ron."
Ever the academic checking her work, she did ask. "So when he dropped us off, Dad whispered to me 'Good choice.' What did he tell you?"
Ron's eyes went wide… "I FORGOT TO ASK!"
"RONALD WEASLEY! Don't you dare joke like that!" Hermione scolded, but with a smile.
"Sorry, sorry, I've been so straight all day."
"And I truly appreciate that."
"After several very direct questions and answers and what felt like he was staring into the depths of my eternal soul, finally said ' Ronald Weasley, you have my blessing to date my daughter.'"
After hearing the actual words, from the man who earn them, Hermione actually started to release happy tears. Reflexively she stood from her seat only to sit on Ron's lab, wrap around him and bury her face on his shoulder. "No one has ever done anything like this for me before. Thank you very much, Ron."
Ron just held her and rubbed her back. "You're worth it 'Mione, You're worth it."