CHAPTER 40: VEIL OF COMPLEXITY
The revelation stirred a whirlwind of emotions within Harry, leaving him grappling with a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and a creeping sense of unease. The idea of multiple marriages, legal or not, was a concept he had never even considered before. And yet, it seemed to be gaining traction, especially given Fleur's suggestion and Hermione's contemplation.
As he mulled over the implications of their conversation, Harry found himself thrust into a quandary about his own emotions and the ethical implications of such a proposition. Could he truly be content in a relationship with multiple wives? And what of Ginny, whose hopes and dreams seemed destined for disappointment?
The complexities of love, loyalty, and tradition swirled around Harry like a tempest, leaving him to navigate the turbulent waters of his heart with uncertainty and trepidation. In that moment, the simplicity of his previous understanding of relationships felt like a distant memory, replaced by a new reality fraught with complexity and uncertainty.
Harry's thoughts churned like a tempest, each realization pulling him in conflicting directions. With Hermione sleeping peacefully beside him, her head nestled on his shoulder, Harry couldn't ignore the burgeoning feelings he harbored for her. These emotions, uncovered during the previous summer, now loomed large in his consciousness, their depth surprising him. Despite his attempts to suppress them, they persisted, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
The prospect of Hermione's willingness to entertain the idea of multiple marriages, and the potential legality of it, left Harry torn. On one hand, the chance to formalize a deeper connection with someone he cared so deeply for seemed irresistible. Yet, a shroud of guilt enveloped him, as if he were betraying Fleur by even considering this path. The conflicting emotions left him questioning the nature of love itself—was it conceivable to feel so profoundly for two different women?
As he pondered the intricate web of emotions, another question gnawed at him: was it greedy to entertain the thought of marrying two of the most remarkable women he had ever known? The internal struggle intensified, wrestling with notions of morality, societal norms, and the sheer feasibility of such a complex arrangement.
The walls of the compartment seemed to close in on him, and the weight of his decisions pressed heavily on his shoulders. Could he navigate this uncharted territory and find a balance that satisfied both his heart and the expectations of the world around him? The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, and Harry grappled with the realization that the answers to these questions were not as clear-cut as he had hoped.
As Harry sat in contemplative silence, the weight of uncertainty pressing upon him, a fleeting thought crossed his mind—approaching Fleur and Hermione directly and seeking clarity. However, the sheer awkwardness of broaching such a delicate subject in person swiftly dismissed that notion. Instead, he opted for a different course of action—turning to the vast repository of knowledge within the Hogwarts library. Surely, amidst dusty tomes on Wizarding customs and marriage rituals, he would find insights to guide him through this uncharted territory.
As Harry shifted in his seat, his thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, he decided to let Hermione and Fleur navigate their own paths for now. Hermione's valid concerns warranted introspection, and he respected her need to grapple with the dilemma independently. His resolve solidified; he would seek answers in the library, educating himself on the possibilities that lay ahead. Meanwhile, he let his head gently rest on the crown of Hermione's, a silent acknowledgment of his feelings for her and the clarity he sought.
While Harry delved into the realm of magical literature, Fleur and Ginny sought a more private space, retreating to the entrance of the next train car. Ginny's nervousness was palpable, and Fleur couldn't help but feel a surge of compassion for the younger girl. Regardless of the eventual outcome with Harry, Fleur had no desire to see Ginny hurt.
Ginny, her nerves evident, broached the subject with a hesitant preamble. Fleur, amused by the sincerity of the request, offered a gentle smile to ease the tension. "I'm not exactly married to Harry yet, you know," she responded with a touch of humor, attempting to tread delicately. "Isn't it customary to approach the 'wife' after she has already married the man?"
Ginny, mustering a tremulous smile, replied, "Perhaps. But I'd like to get it out there from the start." The candidness of Ginny's approach struck Fleur, leaving her curious about the unfolding dynamics and the uncharted territory they were collectively navigating.
"Fleur, why are you bringing age into this?" Ginny responded, determination lacing her voice. "I might be fourteen, but I've known what I want for a long time. I've dreamed of being Harry's wife, and spending these past few months as his friend has only solidified that for me."
Fleur observed the unwavering determination in Ginny's eyes, recognizing that the intensity of the girl's desires likely stemmed from influences within her family, particularly her mother. The extent of Mrs. Weasley's involvement remained uncertain, but Fleur couldn't shake the wish that Ginny wasn't so singularly focused on this matter. Nevertheless, she recognized Ginny as a kind-hearted individual who might benefit from a dose of reality, a chance to move forward unburdened by unrealistic expectations.
"Ginny," Fleur began, choosing her words carefully, "I'll never stand in the way of Harry's happiness. If he reciprocated your feelings, I would have no qualms about approving you as another wife. However..." Fleur noticed the flicker of hope in Ginny's eyes dim as she spoke, and she empathized with the girl. Yet, Fleur was resolute in her conviction to convey the stark reality of the situation without sugar-coating it.
"There are complexities and challenges involved in such a situation," Fleur continued. "It's not as simple as adding another person to the equation. Emotional dynamics, societal norms, and legalities come into play. I want what's best for Harry, and we must consider all aspects before rushing into something that might not be in his best interest. It's crucial to be aware of the potential consequences and navigate this with a clear understanding of the complexities involved." Fleur hoped that her candidness would help Ginny see the bigger picture and encourage her to approach the situation with a more measured perspective.
"However, I suspect that Harry does not see you that way," Fleur continued gently. "If you observe him closely, it's evident that he views you as a sister and a friend. Before the school year began, you were, in his eyes, nothing more than his best friend's sister. But I must acknowledge, you've made substantial progress in altering that perception."
Ginny mulled over Fleur's words, her countenance betraying a hint of disappointment. "But if I've made progress, couldn't it become something more over time?"
"Absolutely, it could," Fleur affirmed. "Ginny, I don't want to discourage you, but I also want to ensure you don't set your hopes too high. For now, I won't formalize anything beyond what we have unless it's Harry's genuine desire. We're still getting accustomed to each other, and adding another layer of complexity right now might not be in our best interest."
A hopeful glimmer returned to Ginny's eyes as she sought clarification, "You'd approve of it in the future?"
Fleur couldn't help but smile at Ginny's persistence. "Again, it all depends on Harry. If he wants it and is in love with you, I won't stand in his way. But I'll be honest—I suspect there's someone else who is more likely to become a second wife, should she choose to take that step."
Ginny, seemingly understanding the unspoken reference, nodded thoughtfully. Fleur had given her pause, offering a perspective that encouraged Ginny to contemplate the situation more deeply. It was a delicate balance between being honest and compassionate, and Fleur hoped that Ginny would find her way through the complexities of emotions and relationships.
"I'll share a bit of advice with you, Ginny," Fleur said with a compassionate tone. "Try to live your life without this all-consuming desire to be noticed by Harry. Yes, you've made strides in becoming his friend, but I genuinely believe you should explore other options. Maybe you don't even need to ponder this subject right now—you're only fourteen, after all. There's no rush to find your life mate."
Ginny, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes, asked, "You don't think I'm compatible with Harry?"
Fleur clarified, "I don't necessarily have an opinion about that. What I'm suggesting is that you allow yourself to consider other possibilities. You don't want to be in a marriage down the road, realizing you should have gotten to know your spouse better or that you didn't want to be just one of his wives. Take some time while you're young to see beyond what you've always imagined. The future you've never considered may be better than the one you've envisioned."
Pleased at the thoughtful expression on Ginny's face, Fleur affectionately squeezed the girl's shoulder before turning to head back to the compartment. As she was leaving, Ginny called her again, prompting Fleur to turn back and regard the young girl once more.
"Thanks for the advice," Ginny said with a bashful smile. "I think you're right, but don't be surprised if we're having this conversation some time when I'm older."
"You're welcome," Fleur replied. "And I think I can safely say that when it comes to Harry, nothing surprises me."
A shared laugh lightened the mood before Fleur left Ginny to her contemplations, making her way back to the compartment where her friends still slept. This time, fatigue from the late-night conversations weighed on Fleur, and she hoped her thoughts had been corralled sufficiently. Seating herself on the bench, she leaned against Harry and was fast asleep within minutes.
As the Hogwarts Express pulled into the station, its occupants prepared to disembark for the holidays. Leave-takings were kept brief, as the separation between most friends was to be no more than two weeks. Despite bidding a fond farewell to all her friends, a tinge of disappointment and envy lingered within Ginny. Hermione's good fortune meant only a brief separation from Harry, while Ginny faced a longer hiatus. Together with her brothers, she approached her waiting parents. Greetings were exchanged, and the family left the platform, exiting the station to begin their holiday break.
It was mere moments later that they found themselves at home—Ginny's parents side-along apparated them from a secluded alley with Ginny and Ron, the twins following in their own magical departure. Grateful to be home, Ginny wasted no time and hurriedly ascended the stairs to her room, eager to ponder her conversation with Fleur and reflect on the events that had unfolded since she left for Hogwarts in August. While one reason for her hasty retreat was the need to process the complex emotions stirred by Fleur's insights, another was the palpable scrutiny she felt from her mother. Mrs. Weasley's preoccupation with settling them back into their home provided a convenient escape from immediate discussions about the situation with Harry. Ginny intended to sort through her feelings before her mother could start probing with inevitable questions.
Entering her room, Ginny sighed audibly. She dropped her bag by the side of the bed and sank down onto the soft mattress, leaning back against her pillow. Her thoughts converged on the topics she had discussed with Fleur, and she couldn't escape a sense of disappointment. It wasn't directed at Fleur; rather, it was a disappointment in herself. Fleur had raised valid points, considerations that Ginny had never entertained before. Had she been so fixated on her desire to be with Harry that she closed herself off to other possibilities? Before Harry's trial and his subsequent betrothal to Fleur, Ginny would have confidently said no. In fact, she had made a resolution the previous June upon returning from school. Frustrated by her struggles to engage in meaningful conversations with Harry, she decided to ease up and let herself have fun. At the time, Ginny thought that if things developed with Harry, she'd go along with it happily. If not, she resolved to deal with it when the time came.
Caught in contemplation, Ginny found herself unable to evade the impending inquisition any longer. The bustling activity of her family members—the departure of her father for work, the joyful laughter of her brothers as they headed to the Quidditch pitch—provided a backdrop to her internal turmoil. As she lingered in the cozy familiarity of the Burrow's kitchen, her mother's discerning gaze settled upon her with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Mrs. Weasley, seasoned in the art of reading her children's expressions, sensed Ginny's unease. With a gentle but probing tone, she broached the subject that had been lingering beneath the surface since their return from Hogwarts. "Ginny, dear," she began, her voice warm yet insistent, "is everything alright? You seem a bit preoccupied lately."
Ginny hesitated, her mind racing as she sought to compose a response that would satisfy her mother's curiosity without revealing the complexities she grappled with. "Oh, Mum," she began, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, "I'm fine, really. Just... sorting through a few things in my mind, you know how it is after a busy term at school."
Mrs. Weasley regarded her daughter with a knowing look, her maternal instincts sharpened by years of raising seven children. "Is this about Harry, dear?" she ventured gently, her tone laced with understanding.
Ginny's heart skipped a beat at the directness of her mother's question, and she inwardly cursed her inability to mask her feelings. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Partly, Mum," she admitted, choosing her words carefully. "But there are other things on my mind too. It's just... complicated."
Mrs. Weasley approached Ginny, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I understand, dear," she said softly, her gaze full of maternal reassurance. "You know you can always talk to me about anything, right? Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together."
Ginny nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for her mother's unwavering support. Though she wasn't quite ready to delve into the intricacies of her feelings for Harry and the newfound revelations brought forth by her conversation with Fleur, she took solace in the knowledge that she had her mother by her side. With a faint smile, she returned her mother's embrace, silently resolved to confront the uncertainties that lay ahead with courage and determination.
The dialogue commenced with customary trivialities, the mundane exchange revolving around the highlights of the school year and Ginny's academic pursuits. With a sense of amusement, Ginny engaged in the conversation, knowing full well she had already traversed this terrain with both her parents. However, amidst the banal platitudes, Ginny sensed an undercurrent of impatience in her mother, a subtle eagerness to delve into the true essence of their tête-à-tête.
As her mother feigned interest in their ongoing discussion, Ginny couldn't help but notice the impatient desire lurking beneath the surface. It was clear her mother was merely biding her time until they broached the subject looming in the background. Despite the expected turn the conversation would inevitably take towards Harry, Ginny decided she would not voluntarily bring up the topic. With a hint of defiance, she resolved not to speak of Harry unless her mother forced her hand.
Thus, it was her mother who, growing increasingly impatient, finally seized the reins and steered the discussion toward the unspoken subject. "And how is Harry, dear?" Her mother's words carried an air of credible nonchalance blended with polite curiosity, a facade that Ginny effortlessly pierced through. Deciding that her mother's approach warranted a comparable response, Ginny chose to reply in a way that would undoubtedly catch her off guard.
Ginny paused for a moment, her mind racing as she formulated her response. "Harry's... Harry," she said, her tone deliberately cryptic, yet laced with a subtle challenge. She met her mother's gaze, holding it steady, as if daring her to probe further.
Her mother's eyebrows arched ever so slightly, a silent invitation for Ginny to elaborate. "You know how he is," Ginny continued, her voice now tinged with a touch of mischief. "Always off on some adventure, saving the world or whatnot."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of her mother's lips, betraying her amusement at Ginny's playful evasion. "Ah, yes," she replied, her tone light but tinged with curiosity. "The life of a hero is never dull, I suppose."
Ginny nodded, inwardly satisfied with her ability to sidestep the impending interrogation. Yet, beneath the playful banter, she couldn't shake the feeling that her mother knew more than she let on. And as they continued their conversation, Ginny couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden behind her mother's seemingly casual inquiries.
"Harry is well. I've had the pleasure of spending more time with him this past term, thanks to the Defense Club and all. It's genuinely heartening to witness him find happiness, especially with the way his relationship with Fleur has blossomed," Ginny disclosed, her words carrying a subtle weight as she observed her mother's reaction.
Despite her mother's attempt to mask her response, Ginny could sense that her revelation hit her like a sudden gust of wind. Nevertheless, her mother forced a smile, though it resembled more the grimace of someone who had just ingested a gallon of bubotuber pus. "That's nice. He's such a nice boy—he deserves a nice girl to settle down with—when he's a little older, of course."
"Then you'll be happy to know that Fleur is a very nice girl. I already see her as a big sister," Ginny retorted, maintaining her composed facade.
Her mother regarded her for a few moments after the glowing commendation of Fleur. Eventually, she sighed and leaned forward, clasping Ginny's hands between her own. "Ginny, I believe I know my daughter well, and despite the brave face you're putting on, I can sense the intensity of your feelings. Aren't you upset or disappointed about Harry's betrothal?"
"Disappointed?" Ginny echoed, her voice steady. "Of course, there's a twinge of disappointment. Upset? No, not at all. My infatuation for Harry has lingered for a long time, but I was always aware there was no guarantee he'd ever notice me. I'm sure I'll overcome the disappointment."
"It's not the scenario I would have envisioned for you..." her mother began, her words trailing off with evident hesitation, "but have you ever considered the possibility that Harry might have more than one wife? Have you thought about discussing it with Fleur?"
Ginny paused, her mind racing as she contemplated her mother's unexpected question. Of course, she had entertained such thoughts, but admitting to her mother— even under the influence of Veritaserum!— that she had contemplated precisely that scenario earlier that very morning was out of the question. Instead, she chose her words carefully, masking her inner turmoil with a calm demeanor.
"I'm not certain if I could embrace that lifestyle, mother," Ginny hedged. "And there's no indication that Harry sees me as anything other than Ron's little sister." In truth, Harry had not given her any such indication, and Fleur hadn't either. With the added insight provided by Fleur's unique abilities, Ginny's own uncertainties seemed to gain an extra layer of validity. She remained uncertain about her feelings on the matter but was confident that time would bring some form of resolution.
"I just hate to see you upset," her mother expressed with genuine concern.
"Don't fret, Mum," Ginny reassured, her voice tinged with a newfound sense of maturity. "It's high time for me to navigate the currents of my life. What I felt for him was more of an infatuation, and I've realized the importance of seeing beyond that. Who's to say what the future holds? If something is meant to blossom between us, it will, but I won't linger in anticipation. I mean, I'm only fourteen. There's no need to rush into marriage."
Her mother nodded, her expression a mix of understanding and wistfulness. "You're wise beyond your years, Ginny. I always harbored the hope that Harry might see what a remarkable girl you are. He's such a nice boy."
Ginny smiled, acknowledging her mother's unspoken wishes. "I know, Mum. But if destiny has a plan, it will unfold in due time. If not..."
The unfinished thought hung in the air, and Ginny let the silence speak for itself. Surprisingly, her mother didn't push further, allowing the conversation to taper off. Ginny found comfort in her mother's response, half-expecting a stubborn resistance from Molly Weasley, known for her strong will and desire to shape outcomes. Now, Ginny only had to grapple with this realization in her own mind.
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