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A New Way to Live | ||||||
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Category: Post-HBP, Post-Hogwarts Characters:Draco Malfoy, Harry/Ginny, Hermione Granger, Nymphadora Tonks, Other, Remus Lupin, Ron Weasley Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Fluff, Romance Warnings: Sexual Situations Rating: R Reviews: 240 Summary: *** The author has been reminded via the e-mail address on file that this story is listed as incomplete and has not been updated in over 2 years *** SHOCKER OF SHOCKERS! PESKY UPDATES! Sequel to "Harry Potter and the Legend of Infinity." Please read and review ;) before reading this one! Harry and Ron are becoming Aurors, and a new threat is rising. Will Draco return a changed man? How will Harry learn the new ways to love? Hitcount: Story Total: 66793; Chapter Total: 4388 Author's Notes: I want loads of reviews people! LOL. Thanks to Bri for helping me get out of the damned writer's block. BE WARNED, THERE IS SERIOUS STEAMY FLUFF AHEAD. |
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Chapter Eleven Return Ginny collapsed onto the floor of the Founder’s Suite. After a week of tests, Ginny was finally done with training, N.E.W.T.s, and Hogwarts. She was utterly exhausted and couldn’t wait to get home. She missed her family and so much was happening with out her. Long, detailed letters from Hermione and Mum had kept her informed, but she just couldn’t help feeling left out. She wanted to see Maxim and Mason. They would be so big by now! She wanted to tease Ron about Maggie and play with her godson. Ginny wanted to hug Samuel and tickle Amina. She wanted to run a race with Nadia and toss Charlie in the lake, just because she missed her chance. With a heavy groan, Ginny leaned against the cold stones and tried to rest. There would surely be a party in the tower tonight and she ached to avoid it. Her back was sore from the Auror Entrance Exam. Her hands were rigid from writing so many tests and she had a blinding headache. After what felt like ages, she heard the door open and shut. Harry slowly moved to sit next to her and wrapped a loving arm around her. “Tonks told me you were brilliant,” Harry said proudly. They had been disappointed as of late. With her tests and Harry finishing up his training as and Auror trainer, they hardly had anytime to spend together. Since the end of April, they had little time with one another and were beside themselves with frustration. They had been more than angry when Reggie told Harry that since he and Ginny were “involved,” he could not participate in her test, but in the end they knew it was best. Finally, Harry couldn’t take it any longer and snuck up to the castle to find Ginny. He knew she was spending a lot of time in the Founder’s Suite and hoped she would be there. He smiled as he sat beside her and she instantly cuddled into him. As if drawn together, Ginny moaned when she felt Harry’s lips dance lightly over hers. She sighed as his strong arms enveloped her and kissed him. He tasted like chocolate and mint. She smiled into his mouth as he licked her lips softly before delving into her mouth. This was what Ginny missed the most. She missed being able to run her hands through Harry’s wild hair and stare into his rich green eyes. She gasped as his kisses became more urgent and a thrill of heat swam through her as she returned his zealous kisses. Her body melted into his and they were lost when Harry removed her cloak and school tie. Ginny ripped his jumper over his head and attacked his neck. Harry growled against her collarbone when she moved onto him and pinned his legs beneath her. Ginny gasped in surprise when Harry’s hands found her backside and she heard herself whimper when deft hands and artful fingers worked her skirt slightly upwards and rested on the soft, bare skin of her thighs. She pulled his hair lightly to give her better access to his neck and nearly drowned in his lustful groans. She nipped at his neck before leaving a tantalizing kiss on his lips. They pulled away from one another breathing heavily, resting their foreheads together. Harry stared into her dark eyes and tried to think of something, anything that would cool him down. He wanted her and had little doubt she would protest, but he was not about to have sex for the first time on a cold stone floor with Godric Gryffindor encouraging him from across the room. Ginny was panting and desperately tried to calm down before things got out of hand. Every time she saw Harry any more, she had a difficult time controlling herself. She wanted to kiss him, to touch him. She knew she wanted to make love to him and couldn’t help but feel like her virginity was slipping away. “We need…” Harry croaked, unable to finish his thought. “I know,” she answered and climbed off him. For the first time, Harry and Ginny noticed the portraits. Rowena was fanning herself and Helga was blushing profusely. Salazar was wrestling with Godric in his portrait, obviously trying to keep Gryffindor from shouting something obscene. “I should get going, Harry,” Ginny said, “I still have things to do. I’ll see you soon.” Harry nodded and let her kiss him once more before he watched her walk away. The next week would be a long one. Harry couldn’t wait to see her graduate and was excited to get the plans underway. Ginny had already been invited to join several elite Auror teams and was sorting through the offers. Harry knew she was planning to join Ron’s team, but was proud that she was the most sought after recruit. Harry hurried down the halls and corridors, lost in his thoughts and ready for Ginny to come home. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Harry and the Weasleys sat through a painfully boring graduation ceremony and cheered when Ginny’s class graduated. She waved at them from the stage after hugging Headmistress McGonagall. She blew a kiss to Thadeus and winked at Harry. Harry was positively bouncing as she graduated and the ceremony ended. He hoped to be able to catch her before she was swept back into the castle, but there was madness around him and he lost sight of her. Frustrated, Harry Disapparated once outside the gates to wait for her in London. He convinced her family to let him pick her up at the train station and couldn’t wait for that moment to come. He waited at a Muggle café with a book Hermione insisted he read and hurried to the station ten minutes before the familiar scarlet engine appeared. He sighed when he spotted her looking around for a mob of red hair and snuck up behind her. He smiled as she turned in his arms and grinned at him. “Where is everyone else?” she asked quietly. “Waiting for us at the Burrow,” he answered simply, lowering his head and finally capturing her lips. Around them, he heard Colin snicker, Luna catcall, and Neville borrow someone’s watch. After what had apparently been three minutes and twelve seconds, Harry released Ginny and they smiled dumbly. As he reached his parents, Colin called back to Harry and Ginny. “Potter,” he yelled. “Take care of my girl, will yeh?” “Sure thing, Colin!” Harry hollered back. Ginny ran to Colin and hugged him tightly. They wished each other the best and smiled sadly. They had become very close over the years and now…it felt like an end of an era. After one final hug to Luna, Ginny and Harry strolled out of the station. Harry kept his arm wrapped around her and she cuddled into him. They knew that her family was waiting, but they couldn’t help walking slow. They didn’t hurry or run, they just meandered through the crowd of bustling people. At length they found their way to a dark corner and Disapparated to the Burrow. Harry guided Ginny down the lane, holding her hand. They heard her mother squeal from a window and laughed lightly when she came running towards them. Harry was soon pushed aside by Ginny’s brothers and friends and couldn’t help but miss the way her hand felt in his. Though he missed her, he had plans and let the family share their moment. That evening, after dinner, Ginny sat with Maxim and Mason. She smiled at her young nephews. Their eyes were getting heavy as she rocked and hummed in her seat. Maxim yawned while Mason sucked on his tiny fist and Ginny couldn’t help but love them to death. Roni and Fleur finally stole their children away and put them to bed. Ginny didn’t mind because as soon as the boys were gone, she made her way to Reggie. Charlie smiled at his little sister and dropped a heavy arm around her. “What do you think, Ginny?” Charlie asked with a playful lilt in his voice. “Voerlute!” Ginny called with a devilish smile. The bird appeared and many people gasped in surprise. They watched as Ginny stared into the bird’s eyes, silently giving out her orders. The phoenix chirped once in affirmation before clutching Charlie by the hair. Charlie squirmed and yelled in protest but it did no good. Charlie and the bird vanished in a ball of fire. The room laughed and waited for an explanation. Ginny just held up a hand and waited. After a few minutes, Charlie returned. Reggie laughed hysterically at him. The poor man was soaked, having been dropped in the lake once again. At least this time, he was fully clothed and could speak without spouting dirty lyrics. Charlie growled at his sister and slopped after her, in chase, water dripping everywhere. Just as he caught her, Ginny whipped out her wand and threw a Drying Charm at him, making his efforts useless. She patted his back sweetly and returned his hug, laughing as he grumbled. Around the room, Ginny watched as Molly fussed over Verity and last minute wedding plans. Charlie and Reggie had decided to have a simple ceremony like Tonks and Remus, while George was throwing a lavish, ridiculous affair. Fleur helped Verity plan everything and Ginny privately thought that royalty wasn’t spoiled as much as Verity would be on that day. With both weddings only a few weeks away, it was refreshing to see her mother fuss over something. Slowly, Ginny moved towards Harry. Thadeus and Nadia still had a firm claim on his lap, but she didn’t mind. She pulled her godson into her arms and took his place. Harry grinned at the newest person perched on his knee and kissed her softly. Quietly, Samuel crept up to her. He stared at her for a few moments and grinned shyly. He was beginning to understand that this rowdy, rabble was a part of his new family and he should never fear them. But Ginny was special. “Hi,” he whispered to her, smiling at his brother on her lap. “Hello, Samuel,” Ginny responded, glad to see that he was making an effort to get to know her. “I saw you that day,” Samuel said simply and watched for her response. “Which day?” she asked, truly confused. Samuel rolled his eyes and huffed. “You know, the one when you took care of him.” She nodded when he gestured to Thadeus and it all made sense. He was there the day his father had attacked Thadeus. “Thank you for taking care of him,” Samuel said quietly. Ginny reached away from Thadeus and pulled Samuel into her lap as well, ignoring Harry’s soft groan. There were several people sitting on him after all, but she paid no mind. “I love Deus, just like I love Nadia, and Maxim, and Amina, and all you kids. We’ll always take care of you,” she whispered into his ear. He blushed when she kissed him and cuddled him, but smiled as his parents approached. Remus had been watching them intently and relaxed at Samuel’s smile. Though he was improving, Samuel wasn’t nearly as close as the others. He still tried to keep everyone at arm’s length and Remus thought Ginny may have just tore down that last barrier. Tonks held Amina tightly and smiled at her sleeping daughter. Mina cooed lightly, yawned widely, and snuggled into her mother’s breast. Thadeus slid off Ginny’s lap and hugged Harry. He ran to say goodbye to Gram-Molly. Samuel smiled at his father and stood, precariously in Ginny’s lap. Ginny and Harry balanced him gingerly as he reached out and climbed into Remus’s arms. Over his son’s shoulder, Remus wore a shocked face. Samuel had never voluntarily come to him unless called, but more so, he had never initiated a hug. Remus felt his eyes burn as he held his youngest son and smiled to Ginny. “We’re off, then. Have a good night you two,” Tonks prompted. Harry and Ginny watched the family leave and cuddled together. Harry slid an arm around her waist as she leaned into him and rested. It had been a very long day. “Is everything set for next weekend?” Ginny asked quietly, eyeing the room for eavesdroppers. “Yes,” Harry whispered back, his eyes darting to Hermione and back to Ginny. Ron caught his eye for a second and they nodded to each other. The plans were set. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Her last week had been ruthless. She finished her Healer’s Accreditation Exams two weeks ago, and this past week had been brutal. It was her last week working in St. Mungo’s and she couldn’t wait for her apprenticeship to end. When Friday finally came, Susan and Hermione practically wept with joy as they trudged down the hall, headed home. It was finally time for their break. They would have three weeks off. During that time, job offers would come in and they would choose where they wanted to work for the next five years. Hermione was praying that the research department would want her and hoped she could spend the next several years coming up with new cures and spells to help people. Susan on the other hand was literally threatening Roni. She wanted to be the Healer back at Hogwarts and Roni knew it. It wasn’t as if Roni wouldn’t hire her but she had to make Susan twitch a little. They hugged each other before departing through the Floo and off to their homes. Susan relished in the dark, cool room. Though she missed Draco dearly, she was privately glad that he had his own rounds to do today, because she wanted to sleep. Draco was staying in a small flat on the south side of London, near the trains. He and Hagar had a few more seminars in Kent before they graduated from their programs. She was so proud of him and knew that he would be a brilliant Healer. She stumbled into her bedroom and fell into her bed, only to spring out of it again. She lit her wand and gasped in surprise. Her sheets had been torn apart and a bloody message scribed over her headboard. bed of traitors Instantly wide-awake, she ran out of her flat and called for the nearest Auror. She smiled weakly when she saw a friendly face hurrying to her. Though she only loved him in a brotherly sense, she was never so happy to see his bright green eyes. “Alright Susan?” Harry asked softly, as he approached the shaken witch. Susan abruptly started to cry and sniffed into his cloak. She rattled off the tale of how she found her bedroom and sat tiredly on a large boulder. Harry and Ron had convinced her only a few weeks ago to move into Hogsmeade. With Ron the Head Auror in town, she felt better knowing they took a personal interest in her safety and agreed. She hadn’t told them about the letters until Draco forced her hand, threatening to go to them himself. Now things had taken a drastic turn. She was terrified and didn’t know what to do. Harry calmed her and called for Malachi and Hannah. They both knew that Ron had worked hard to get this weekend off and that Harry was on call today. Since Malachi was the second in command of the team, he took over the investigation and instructed Harry to escort Susan to a safe house. An hour later, Harry returned and began to help wade through the evidence. It wasn’t until it was nearly seven that night that Malachi ordered him to go home. Nothing would be solved that night and someone needed to warn Malfoy. Hannah had already determined that Susan’s needed constant surveillance and hoped that they could work it out between the team. Harry hurried away from Susan’s small flat and Disapparated to London. Quickly and quietly, Harry snuck into Hermione’s flat and collected Maggie’s things. Greg softly handed the little girl to Harry and winked at him. “Where will you go for the night?” Harry asked quietly. “Mairead and I are going to a bed and breakfast this weekend. Hermione probably doesn’t even remember the conversation we had about it. Are you sure you can manage this one all night?” Greg whispered back. “Ginny volunteered to help and convinced Molly to let her stay at our flat so that she could help,” Harry explained with a slight blush. “Molly agreed to that? Was she drugged?” Greg asked louder than he expected and instantly hushed himself. Harry nearly laughed. “No, Ginny and I haven’t had a single date since she got back last week and I think Molly is feeling sorry for us. Plus, she knows it would be awful hard to have some romantic love affair with Maggie around.” “It gets easier with time and practice,” Greg said with a wink. With that, Harry cuddled Maggie and they Disapparated back to his flat in Hogsmeade. After watching them vanish, Greg collected his bags and checked in on Hermione. She was still his little girl after all. He kissed her head tenderly and smiled as she slept on. Hermione slept for what felt like days, and was startled out of her sleep when she heard the water running in the bathroom. Wary of rogue dark wizards, she quietly crept out of the bedroom, raised her wand, and leapt at the man standing in her bathroom. Ron laughed at her, “careful there mini-Moody,” he chuckled as he dropped a fistful of rose petals into the steaming water. “What are you doing here?” she smiled as she pulled herself into his arms. “Is it still Friday? I thought our date was for tomorrow!” “It is about nine in the evening, it is Friday, and we do have a date tomorrow.” “Then, what mischief are you up to?” she whispered teasingly as she tried to steal a kiss. “No kisses for the woman who barely said ‘hello’ to me for a whole week,” he pouted playfully, “besides you are going to undress and slip into this tub. Then, you are going to eat. You have been working so hard, love. You need a break,” Ron rubbed her back gently and kissed her forehead. “You are amazing. I love you, you know that right?” she asked sweetly and was rewarded with a numbing kiss. “I love you, too. Now, get into that tub and wash. I’m going to fix dinner,” Ron said, moving for the door. She shot a playful look over her shoulder, and pulled the shirt over her head. She heard him groan and walk out of the room. She sank into the hot, fragrant water. She lazed into a routine of washing, shaving, and relaxing. She let her mind wander and thought of Ron. Sure, she teased him, but they had restrained themselves. They never let the physicality of their relationship get in the way of what they meant to each other. They had wanted it to be that way, but now they were older. They weren’t the hormonal teenagers that could barely restrain their lust. They were adults, seriously considering marriage, albeit privately. She lost herself in the romance of weddings and marriage for a few moments before she chose to find the man who would fulfil that fantasy. After quickly drying her hair with her wand and throwing on her favourite pyjamas, she hunted out her boyfriend. As he promised, he sat at the small table in the kitchen reading a book. It was one of her father’s mysteries. Greg and Ron had always enjoyed each other’s company, but they also had a lot in common. Ron admired Greg, and Greg felt there was no one better for Hermione. She silently suspected that the two were conspiring against her, because the only way someone could get into their home was if they had the Muggle keys she had charmed. Where was her father and how did Ron get in? She smelt the delicious feast and silently blessed Molly Weasley for insisting he help in the kitchen all those years. With out a word, he laid down his book, poured her a glass of her favourite wine, and served her a plate. They ate silently and finally, when she could eat no more, he cleared the table for her and she rested on the couch. He moved to sit beside her, but when she crawled into his lap, there was little more to do, than enjoy her slender frame against his. She kissed his neck tenderly and smiled as she heard him exhale heavily. His eyes fluttered shut and she took the glasses of wine and gently set them aside. He slouched his position, making her lean into him, as he supported the base of her back with his left hand. Softly they kissed and tasted, caressed and embraced each other until the candles began to dwindle. They loved each other, beyond words, and for a moment stopped all that they were doing, just to stare into each other’s eyes. “Hermione?” Ron whispered, “I love you, so much. I hope I get you back now. I’ve missed you.” “I know Ron. I’ve missed you, too,” Hermione said as she rested her forehead against his, “I hope you know that I didn’t mean to shut you out.” She actually sounded worried and Ron chuckled slightly. “Hermione, I only hope that you choose a job that will let you be happy. I hope that you can make time for me, but I know that if it is hard, you will only work harder to make it right,” Ron embraced her again and she felt complete. “Ron!” she exclaimed suddenly feeling very foolish for not noticing sooner. “Where is Maggie?!” “Calm down, love,” Ron soothed hugging her tightly. “Don’t you remember? Your dad and Mrs. Finnegan were going out of town this weekend, that’s why I got it off, so I could help with Maggie.” “How can you help, if she isn’t even here?” Hermione quipped. She had completely forgotten that her Dad was leaving with Mairead. Hermione liked her well enough, but it was kind of awkward seeing her father with someone new. She tried to ignore those feelings and focused on Ron. “Maggie has been stolen by a very good friend of ours. He promises to take the night off from saving the world and plans spoil her rotten,” Ron explained and she relaxed into his arms. “You know what I want?” She asked, changing the subject abruptly. “What?” He responded and began to kiss her neck. “I want you to stay here, and for us to do this again tomorrow. I know I said I wanted to go out, but maybe next time. I feel bad; I’ve hardly spent anytime with Maggie when I’m home, usually letting you and dad do all the work. I want to help make dinner, play house, tickle Maggie, talk, fight, and all the things I have missed out on these past few weeks. What do you say?” she asked as she began to nibble on his ear. This earned a penetrating growl and it excited her. “I think that is a fabulous idea, love,” Ron answered and pulled her mouth to his in a passionate kiss. A few minutes later, he pulled away again. “Are you happy, Hermione?” Ron asked with a very odd expression on his face. “What? Of course I’m happy! I’m madly in love with you, my year of Hell at St. Mungo’s is over, and you just agreed to stay with me for an entire day. I’m elated. I want it to always be like this,” she laughed at the absurdity of his question. “Even when we have a row and act like fools?” he asked again. “Especially then! I love the kisses I get when you know you’re wrong about something and can’t bring yourself to say that you’re sorry,” she added playfully nipping at his lower lip, “why aren’t you happy?” “Don’t be absurd, I’m thrilled. You know I adore you. I’ve wanted to give you a present at our date tomorrow, but I think now is better. You have been stressed with work, I know, and I don’t want to add to it, but I want you to have this. It is just something that I hope you like and want,” he said as he held out a hand and a small box flew into his hand. Intrigued, Hermione turned to put her back against his chest and opened the small blue box. She didn’t know what to think when she looked at it. She had seen it hundreds of times. What did he mean by giving it to her? “Your father gave it to me ages ago. He knew that I would want to ask you to marry me, someday. He said, it would mean a lot to him, if I told you that I want to be your husband with the ring he gave to your mother. I know you still miss her and I hope you like it, but I’ll get you another one if you want,” he offered without showing any of the fear in his voice. “Ron,” tears uncontrollably slid down her face, “you want to get married? You want to put up with my insanity for the rest of your life?” she choked out and stared at him in disbelief. “Yes,” he answered simply, “I love you, Hermione. Please, marry me?” “Oh my god,” she yelled with a cracked voice, “I love you so much! Of course,” she exclaimed enthusiastically as Ron smiled at her and placed the ring on her hand. Hermione stared at it with a bright smile and a new thought came into her head. “Once we’re married, can we formally adopt Maggie?” Ron just beamed at her and nodded. “I had hoped you’d want to do that. Percy says that he can get the papers drawn up when ever you want.” He wrapped his arms around her again, and felt like everything was right. She was still crying but she was also laughing. Not sure how long he held her, he sighed at the joy she brought him. She captured his breath with a demanding kiss. Hermione caressed his back as they deepened their kisses. Something was falling into place. Their kisses were always heated and passionate, but at that moment, there was a new need. Ron felt his hands rest on her hips and he pulled her to him. She laced her hands under the hem of his shirt and stroked his strong back. He cupped her face and slid his hand down the length of her side. She moaned against him and lent into his chest as his fingers slid past her breasts and ribs. She smiled when Ron gasped and sucked in a breath. They locked eyes and blindly stood up. Together, they moved into her bedroom, each privately acknowledging the shift their relationship was about to take. They didn’t need words. Once the lights were doused, they kissed tenderly. Hermione’s nimble fingers danced over the buttons on Ron’s shirt. With little effort she pulled the garment from his shoulders and groaned as he raked his hands through her hair. She revelled in the feel of his skin under her hands. “Hermione,” he sighed as he lifted her chin and placed soft kisses on her neck. She murmured a response that he didn’t entirely hear, but it didn’t matter. He stared into her dark eyes and knew there was no apprehension. Hermione sought out his lips and delighted under their taste. She carefully pulled herself away from his embrace and lifted her shirt off her frame and tossed it onto the floor. She watched Ron, as he stared openly at her, and he licked his lips. He found her mouth again and drank in her flavour. Hermione felt her heart trap in her throat as his fingers danced over her blue cotton bra. Her shoulders slumped lazily under his caresses, causing her straps to slide down. She felt him tracing and retracing the clasp between her shoulder blades. Trying to take some initiative, she kissed down the length of his neck and onto his collarbone, grazing the sensitised skin with her teeth. He nearly growled and snapped the clasp open. Hermione shuddered under his touch as their chests came together. As one, they lay upon the bed and slid beneath the sheets. They worked against one another, blissfully aware of the sensations they made. Lips, hands, tongues, and hips duelled and they pulled away breathless. Summoning all of her courage, Hermione slipped her fingers under the clasp of Ron’s trousers and flicked them open. She slowly drew the zipper down and held her breath as he mirrored her actions with one hand. Ron suspended himself above his fiancée on one arm and stared into her eyes as his fingers deftly slipped past the tie of her pyjama pants, past her thin knickers, and massaged her bare hip. Hermione heard herself moan under his attentions and blushed. She mimicked the movements of his hands and slipped her hands under the cloth of his boxer shorts and groped his backside. She giggled lightly when he yelped audibly and crushed his mouth to hers. His control waned and he flipped them, placing her above him. Ron laced his hands over her bare backside and grinned as she squirmed against him. The kissing again intensified and together they worked out of their last articles of clothing. They were lost in a warmth they had never known and loved each other completely. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The next morning, Ron and Hermione gingerly walked into the flat he shared with Harry. Though toys were scattered everywhere, Harry, Ginny, and Maggie weren’t in the main room. Quietly, they walked back to Harry’s bedroom and smiled as they softly pushed the door open. Harry, fully clothed, was sound asleep on his bed. His glasses were askew on his face and he was mumbling something. Ginny was wrapped around him on his left, her hands fisted tightly in her shirt and a blanket tangled in her legs. Ron nearly laughed out right when he saw them. Maggie was sound asleep on Harry’s chest. She lay on her belly, drooling slightly on Harry’s shirt, and yawned widely. With a few blinks, she began to wake and silently looked around the foreign room. She looked about to cry for a few seconds, but cuddled back into Harry when she heard him snore loudly. Her bright eyes shone as she rested her head against his chest and she turned to see her parents watching her. With the enthusiasm only a four year old can find at eight in the morning, she excitedly hopped to her feet, landing squarely on Harry’s gut. A resounding ‘OOF!’ travelled through the room as Maggie leapt off the bed and ran to Hermione. “Mummy!” the girl exclaimed gleefully, as Hermione swept her up and kissed her playfully. “Will you play with me?” Maggie asked sweetly. “When we get home, love,” Hermione responded. “Daddy is coming, too. He’s going to make us a big breakfast.” Ron rolled his eyes at Hermione but smiled when Maggie’s face lit up. “Why can’t Ron make us breakfast?” Harry groaned, trying to shake Ginny awake. Ginny yawned loudly and looked up. She saw her brother and Hermione swaying with Maggie and smiled. “Well?” she asked, impatiently. Hermione and Ron blushed a bit, but eventually Hermione shifted Maggie on her hip to hold out her left hand. Ginny shrieked and dashed off the bed, flinging the covers over Harry’s head. She and Hermione hugged and jumping up and down. Maggie giggled as she was bounced and laughed when her Daddy pulled her out of her mother’s grasp. Harry sat there, under the covers, perfectly quiet. After a moment, Ron laughed as he heard a muffled, “Can I go back to sleep now?” “Harry!” Ginny admonished. “What!” Harry whined as he whipped the blankets off his head. “It isn’t as though we didn’t all know she would say ‘yes.’ Honestly, Molly was positively pouting that no one would make the bet with her.” Hermione giggled and moved to hug him. “Thanks for watching her last night.” “I hope you’re happy,” Harry said with a sigh. “Did you two have a good night?” Hermione looked pensive for a moment before a wicked grin stole across her face. “It was mind-blowing.” Harry blanched and turned to look at Ginny and Ron. Ron was holding Maggie in front of his face to hide his laughter and Ginny blushed prettily. “Ginny, love,” Harry started. “Are you any good at Memory Charms?” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Ginny watched as her mother kneaded the light dough for her pie crusts. Though she missed Harry, Ginny was glad to get to spend more time with her mother. Last night had been wonderful. Maggie had fallen asleep early and she and Harry had many heated embraces, but when the little girl had woken up from a nightmare near midnight, their passions cooled. She spent the night laughing, playing, and holding two people she loved and it felt like her own little family for a minute. She smiled at that thought and wondered what it would be like to have a real family with Harry. Ginny was so lost in her reverie that she hadn’t noticed her mother watching her. “Where’s Harry,” Molly asked quietly, snapping Ginny’s attention away from her daydreams. “Hmm?” Ginny returned brilliantly. “What? Oh, sorry Mum, Harry had an emergency call yesterday and had to go to the Ministry with Malachi to follow up.” “I see,” Molly said with a nod. “Why don’t you invite him to dinner? I know you two haven’t had much time together these past few days.” “Thanks Mum,” Ginny agreed brightly and hurried to write the note. She smiled as Voerlute clasped the parchment in a claw and flashed away. Ginny remembered that Voerlute meant ‘true love’ and began to daze about Harry again. “Oh, dear,” her mother sighed. “Sit down, Ginny.” Ginny took a seat and waited for her mother to speak. “Ginny, you’re wandering through the house, barely able to concentrate on anything because you are so focused on Harry. I don’t want to pry, well that’s not true…I love to pry, but I’ve tried to respect your privacy since you got home. Is there anything that you’d like to talk about?” Molly asked, smoothing Ginny’s hair out. Ginny smiled at her mother. “I’m sorry, Mum. I guess that now that I’ve graduated Hogwarts, I’m just trying to figure out what’s next for us. We haven’t really talked about our future and it’s all up in the air. I don’t even know what I want just yet.” Molly nodded in understanding. “Just do what will make you both happy. Don’t regret a thing and remember I’m always here for you.” “Thanks Mum,” Ginny said with a smile. Ginny hugged her mother tightly and turned when they heard two people hurrying into the kitchen. Tonks and Malachi moved to them and smiled weakly. “Ginny,” Tonks began. “Since your did so well on your exams, the you only have to go into Auror Training for the same six months that Harry and Ron did. However, with the escalation of this ‘Devoted Mother’ case, we have decided to push up training. Reggie will collect you for training in one month.” Ginny sat shocked but nodded. It was a few minutes later that she realized Malachi was talking to her mother. “We have reason to believe that you are being targeted by the Devoted Mother, Mrs. Weasley. Have you been contacted or sent any threatening notes?” Malachi murmured. Molly bit her lip and nodded. “I didn’t want to worry the children. It’s nothing really. I can hold my own against Narcissa Malfoy!” Malachi smiled weakly and asked to see the notes. Ginny gasped as she read over his shoulder. Molly Prewett. I always knew you would raise nothing but filth and I was right. You are nothing more than a blood traitor. You are a pauper. Because you defied our ways and raise your brood of heathens to betray our heritage, I suffered the consequences. My son was ripped away from me. Not only did he nearly die to save another blood traitor, but also now he communes with Mudbloods. I am disgusted. I will steal your children, one by one, just as you helped steal mine. I won’t let any more children be raised by the likes of you. I’m coming for you Molly, but not until you suffer. What will you say when I spill the blood of your precious daughter at your feet? Will you beg for mercy? Will you try to bribe me with your pathetic life? It would never be worth the look on your face when I hold the hearts of your sons in my hands. What will you say when I steal your grandchildren from their beds and raise them to be true wizards? Love your children while you can, I’m coming for them. Devoted Mother ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ After a long family discussion that night, the women shook violently. No one wanted to see Molly hurt, but even more so, they were afraid for the newest generation. With Ron and Harry on the case, everyone felt considerably more informed, but that didn’t help the fear. Harry sat with his head in his hands and tried to keep the emotions at bay. They had invited Draco, Susan, Hagar and Dudley to participate in the discussion, fearing that they would soon become involved in this mess. Harry watched Susan, remembering how she trembled the day before. He was worried about everyone in this room and was sick of fighting. He didn’t want to get caught up in another war. Suddenly, the room was smothering. He couldn’t breathe. Harry bolted out the back door and ran to the lake. He pitched his wand to the ground and his hands fisted. He swung first at the tree, knocking bark off the thick trunk. Then, he was jabbing and punching, ignoring the damning sting in his knuckles. He felt broken. It had only been a few moments…a few months of peace, before the whole vindictive process began to repeat itself. Where Voldemort wanted power, Narcissa wanted revenge. Harry had never felt fear like this and didn’t know what to do. Which Weasley would Narcissa go after first? Maxim? Mason? Bill? Ginny? Ginny. His breath caught and he fell to the ground, ready to retch. What would he do if she were hurt again? She was his world and he knew he couldn’t live without her again. He needed her. And there she was. Her red hair danced about her face in the wind. He watched her walk slowly towards him and it was all he could do to keep from pouncing on her right then. Just seeing her made a wave of relief wash over him. He was lost in her eyes and she cupped his face. Her hand was so warm on his cheek. He felt her push away wetness. Harry hadn’t even realized that he had begun to cry out his anger. He kissed her palm tenderly and pulled her into his arms. She felt like a key, perfectly grooved to fit into him. He kissed her hair and let her hold him. The summer air was sweet and heady, he suddenly felt quite tired. “I’m sorry I stormed out like that,” Harry sighed into the breeze. He felt her shake her head softly. “You weren’t the only one. Fred and Bill did the same thing right after you. Mum sent us after you. I imagine Fleur is convincing Bill to come home right now and Roni probably has Fred in his knickers.” Harry snorted softly. “And how were you planning to make me feel better? Try to seduce me maybe?” Ginny blushed slightly, “If that’s what it takes…” she trailed off with a nasty smirk. “Then by all means…” Harry insinuated, letting her pull him down and claim his lips. They laughed quietly and held onto each other. “I love you, Ginny. I don’t know what I’d do without you, anymore,” Harry stated. Ginny nodded. “I love you, too.” “Ginny, I know we haven’t talked about it, but what’s next for us. With you going away to training, I need to know what you want,” he asked quietly pleading for her guidance. “I don’t know, Harry. I know I want to be with you. I know I want to be with you for a long time, but I don’t know if we’re ready to get married. We’re still so young and now with this new threat, I don’t want us to rush into anything and later regret we moved to fast,” Ginny tried to explain. It made sense to Harry and he nodded. “How about this, in six months, I’ll ask you to marry me. If you say no, I’ll ask you again after another six months. I think you waited for me long enough; I can wait for you now.” Ginny smiled as she thought about his “proposal.” “I think that’s a brilliant idea. Now, let’s get back inside before Mum starts to worry.” Harry pulled her into a thirst-quenching kiss and drank her in, loving her with everything that he had. Together, albeit a little dazed, they slowly made their way back to the Burrow. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Charlie rocked on his heals waiting for Bill to come and get him. He was finally getting the girl he had dreamt of since Hogwarts. He was so enamoured with Craven all those years. Charlie remembered the way Eddie would always tease him about her. Eddie. Wherever that fool was, Charlie knew his old friend was smiling right now. At long last, he saw Bill moving to him and as if he couldn’t move of his own accord, Bill guided him to his place. Remus and Tonks had outdone themselves. Their backyard was enchanting. Tonks and Molly worked round the clock on the simple, elegant decorations for the ceremony, while Fred and Remus got everything ready for the party afterwards. Charlie felt like his heart would beat away from his chest at any moment when he heard soft music lilting over their guests. And there she was. With Tonks walking slowly before her, in a soft pink dress, Reggie made her way down the aisle. She was everything he ever dreamed of. He hair was down, but pulled away from her gentle face. She only held a few lilies in her hands as she glided towards him. Somewhere in the distance, he felt her take his hand and they turned to face Roni. She had been the perfect choice to marry them. It was tradition to pick someone who was close to both the bride and groom for the ceremony and Roni was honoured they picked her. Charlie smiled at her weakly before turning to stare in awe at Reggie. Roni smirked at him. “Friends and family, we come together today to witness two wonderful people join themselves. They will become one and we will forever celebrate their union. Charles, this woman comes to you with the love of the purest heart and dedication of a family. Regina, this man holds you above all others, and always has. Today you choose to always be half of a unity and forever cherished.” Charlie turned briefly to see silent tears running down his mother’s face. “State your vows,” Roni said quietly. Charlie looked at Reggie and saw only hope and faith in her beautiful eyes and smiled. “Reggie, I can’t place when I first fell for you all those years ago, but I know I will never regret it. You became my fantasy, my goddess, and I will happily spend the rest of my life working for your happiness.” Several women gasped slightly, it was uncommon to hear anyone vow any form of servitude in marriage. It was a binding contract after all. Molly only wept a little more and beamed at her second son. Reggie wavered a little, but smiled even though a rogue tear escaped. “Charlie, I will always wonder how I got so lucky to have you in my life. I promise to support you, laugh with you and at you, hold you, and keep you safe for as long as my life endures.” Harry wrapped an arm around Ginny who was crying blissfully. They hugged each other when a soft golden light encompassed the bride and groom as they kissed. When the magic softened, everyone cheered and Charlie blushed with his bride under his arm. At the party, Harry tried to dance every dance with Ginny. The young couple laughed and played with the few children gathered. The beautiful, late June sky turned a soft pink and lavender as the evening wore on. Finally, near eleven, as Bill swayed tiredly with Ginny, Remus announced that Charlie and Reggie had managed to sneak away from the party. They hurried into the living room to see if a Howler would soon appear. As midnight neared, everyone was getting disappointed, fearing that the newlyweds had escaped their wedding night without a prank. Fred and Roni were completely saddened but vowed to get them later. Molly had offered to watch Mason for them and bustled to take the sleeping babe up to bed, when Charlie suddenly reappeared. “I want to know how you knew?” he demanded pointing a dangerous finger at Ginny and Hermione. They both plastered innocent smiles on their faces. “Whatever do you mean, Charlie?” they chimed together. With a wink to Molly, Hermione turned to Charlie. “Maybe you’ll be able to convince your brothers to avoid pranking Ron and me?” “Not bloody likely,” Charlie snorted. He moved to the two girls and shook his head. “You two are my new favourite people.” He Disapparated with a loud pop. The girls burst out laughing and fell onto the couch, hugging and giggling. “What did you two do?” Fred asked as he helped Roni into her wrap. “They decided to put up a ‘decoy’ room. That’s where you all set up your pranks. We found out about it and set up a huge prank in their real room,” Ginny explained. Hermione giggled and continued. “We put in few charms and what not, but the best part was that they have been hexed. They will be very limber for the next twenty-four hours and a certain curse will have them working through most of the Kama Sutra for the rest of the evening. Some of it might hurt the baby, but I am surprised Charlie was able to get away.” Everyone stared at them in awe. After a few seconds everyone burst into waves of laughter. Roni actually wiped tears from her eyes before ordering Fred out of the house and saying goodbye. “So ladies, what did you do with all of our pranks?” George asked, wrapping a tender arm around Verity. Ginny and Hermione just grinned and refused to answer, but the boys didn’t have to wait long for a reply. The flames in the fireplace burned bright green and someone flung a Howler into the room. “I WILL GET YOU FOR THIS HERMIONE!” Roni’s voice boomed through the room. This time everyone was brought to tears, laughing so hard. Penny used the hem of Percy’s cloak to wipe her eyes. “I hope she remember to take her potion tonight!” Penny announced, earning another wave of giggles. “Thanks for watching Mason, Mum. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without you,” Ginny said as she hugged her mother. Molly just smiled and bounced the little boy. “Well, I have one question for you, Hermione.” Hermione blushed, knowing what was going to be asked. “Is there a particular reason you were hoping Charlie could dissuade his brothers from pulling pranks on you and Ron?” Molly arched an inquisitive eyebrow with a glorious smile. Hermione blushed fiercely, but nodded. Penny and Fleur ran to hug the next Weasley wife and the men slapped Ron on the back. “Have you decided when you would like to do the ceremony?” Verity asked as she inspected the magnificent diamond ring. “We were hoping for Christmas, once Ginny gets back,” Hermione said softly, still blushing furiously. “Congratulations!” Percy called, the first of Ron’s brothers to give her a hug. “Thanks, and I hope you’d be willing to help us formalize Maggie’s adoption?” Hermione asked. Molly pulled Hermione into a tight hug and took Mason up to a makeshift nursery. Ron watched his mother go and followed her up. After she set Mason in his crib, he spied as she checked on the rest of the children. Nadia was sprawled out on the floor, hugging a teddy bear. Samuel was sound asleep and looked perfectly happy for once. Molly looked around, rather frantically when she saw that Thadeus wasn’t in his room. Then a thought came to her and her head snapped up. She smirked to Ron as she passed him in the doorway. She quietly opened the door that lead to the room he shared with Maggie and Hermione. Thadeus was curled up with Maggie in her cot, safe and fast asleep. Molly chuckled softly and shook her head. Tenderly, she lifted him away from Maggie and handed him off to Ron. Though she loathed admitting it, the heavy six year old was getting to big for her to carry any more. Ron tucked Thadeus into his arms and smiled at the little boy. “Don’t want Maggie to be alone,” Deus mumbled drowsily. Ron smiled and carried him to his room, leaving him to sleep in his own bed. Under Molly’s watchful eye, Ron tucked him in and left the door cracked. He draped a long arm around his mother and kissed her head. “That boy is in love with your daughter,” Molly said, laughing lightly when Ron made a face. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ A few days later, George was pacing nervously as he waited for Fred to collect him. He was beginning to understand why so many men got cold feet. It was an intense moment! But before he new it, he was at the alter, and all he wanted was to get through the ceremony so she would be his forever. He sighed audibly when he saw Fleur. She looked lovely, but even her Veela charms couldn’t compare to the beauty behind her. Verity sashayed down the aisle with grace and poise. After all the galleons he had spent making this huge, dream wedding happen, all he would remember was how beautiful she was on this day. He held her hand delicately and kissed her cheek lightly before they turned to Bill. He smiled at his little brother and was, for a moment, at a loss for words. His throat closed slightly as he remembered how his father had married him on his wedding day. After a few seconds, Bill cleared his throat and smiled. “Once again, we gather to celebrate. Today, Verity and George commit themselves to each other for the rest of their lives. We are here to witness those vows and that love which will join them forever. State your vows,” Bill said with a shaky voice. “Verity, you love me for the fool I am and will always be. You love me because your heart is pure and kind. I promise to never let the joy in our life diminish and will always put you above all others,” a tear slipped down George’s cheek as he worked through his vows. His eyes flurried shut when she reached up and pushed the wetness away with her thumb. “George, you let me into your life and brought such energy and joy into mine. I love you because you always make me laugh, because you always strive to make me happier, and because you make me want to work just as hard for you. I vow to find the happiness in ever situation we encounter and pray you will always look to me for love and adoration.” In a flash, George descended upon her mouth and claimed her in a devastating kiss. The crowd cheered as he dipped his new wife, kissing her with passion and flourish. Everyone laughed when the couple ran down the aisle and Disapparated. Apparently, George and Verity were anxious to get to their honeymoon. A few hours later, while the party continued on, a Howler arrived in front of Hermione. Ron shook his head, silently vowing to never anger her again and smiled. The envelope exploded with massive force. “I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU DID IT HERMIONE, BUT I BOW DOWN TO YOUR AMAZING PRANKING ABILITIES. I SWEAR I’LL FIND A WAY TO THANK YOU FOR THIS. MOLLY, REALLY! A SCHOOL GIRL?” Molly and Hermione fell into each other when they heard George and Verity yelling from the parchment. They laughed until they couldn’t stand and tried to calm their breathing. “Ginny?” Harry asked, hoping she could explain. Ginny smiled and winked at her mother. “Mum transfigured all of Verity’s clothes into a naughty school girl outfit, Slytherin I believe. Hermione put a potion in George’s morning tea. It makes him shout his deepest, darkest, sexual fantasies every hour. He probably started screaming about an hour ago.” Ron and Fred about died laughing, neither too curious about George’s sexual fantasies. |
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