Fic: The Hunters Chapter 7 Ginny/Hermione Adult
Author: Lash_Larue
Title: Determinations
Pairing: Ginny/Hermione
Rating: Adult
Summary: serious things are reluctantly decided
Warnings: discussion of infidelity, reference to group relationship
Word Count: 2865
Disclaimer: These characters belong to JK Rowling
The Hunters Part Seven
“Determinations”
”Cut open his head and cut the tumor out?” squeaked Molly Weasley. “You’re barking!”
“I assure you that I’m not, Mrs. Weasley,” Augustus Pye replied, “and while this procedure is certainly not without risk, the alternative is death within a very few months. Meantime the symptoms will worsen exponentially.”
“Don’t you think that Arthur should have a say in this?” Molly questioned.
“Frankly Mrs. Weasley, I don’t think that he is competent to evaluate the situation. He is quite literally not in his right mind. Percy has the necessary documents to take custody of his father. We do have a relationship with the muggle medical community for cases like this, and there is a top surgeon available. Arthur’s Ministry benefits will pick up the cost, which will be very substantial. As a matter of fact, I recommend keeping Arthur asleep until after the procedure to avoid stressing him.”
“I don’t know, it just seems wrong,” Molly mused.
“Mother, if you wish, you may leave it in my hands,” Percy offered.
“Thank you dear, but I can’t saddle you with this decision, if your father died you’d blame yourself, no, this is a part of marriage. This is something I have to decide for both Arthur and myself, I did say ‘for better or worse’, after all. I’ve surely had years of the ‘better’, and I suppose this is the ‘worse’,” she sighed deeply and covered her face with her hands.
Percy and healer Pye exchanged glances and waited.
***
“I want to do it,” Hermione said tentatively, “but I wonder if it’s because I think it’s the right thing to do, or because I want Fleur, want to touch her, to taste her.”
“Does it matter why?” Ginny asked.
“I think it does,” Hermione answered her.
“Yes, I suppose it does,” admitted Ginny.
“I mean, if that’s the reason, then what would keep me from having sex with someone else in future? I don’t want to be unfaithful to you, Ginny, even if we can’t marry legally, I would like to consider that we are. And Bill and Fleur surely are. Can this be right? Can it be justified?”
“I have to believe Bill when he says he would like us to,” Ginny replied, “and I know Fleur wants us to. For me that disposes of the infidelity bit, but we have to decide this based on us, and no one else at all, Hermione. It’s no one’s business but ours. And as far as the future goes, this is a lot more than just having sex with someone else, it is a real commitment, and we would be in it together, so there’s no sneaking or deception involved. Bill did say they went through this with Victoire though, I wonder what that meant? Was she supposed to be Queen as well, or is something else involved here?”
“Something more to ask Fleur when she gets back then, can we even make this decision now?”
“I don’t know,” Ginny told her, “but the fact of the matter is that for this to work, the feelings have to be real. We both have to really want to touch her, to make love with her, or there is no point in trying. So it would be wrong to do this just to help her and her flock. I already love her in a way, and I think I could fall in love with her, and I can surely see myself wanting her if I let myself do it. Can you see yourself doing that?”
“I think I can, yes,” admitted Hermione. “I admit that I am worried about what will happen after the baby, though.”
“Then are you just scared? Scared that it will lessen what we have?” asked Ginny.
“No, not that, or at least not just that, it’s just so - so - unconventional!” Ginny burst into laughter.
“ ‘Mione love, no more than what you did with Pansy, face it, you are unconventional.”
“I suppose that I am,” Hermione said in wonder.
“So?”
“I’m just not sure. As you said, it’s a very serious commitment, and we’re only starting out ourselves,” Hermione answered.
“You’re right on both counts. And I can’t deny that it will complicate things, we’d be more involved with Victoire as well. It would be sort of like having a kid of our own,” Ginny added.
“It’s just so much,” Hermione said softly. Ginny nodded.
“But right now there is something that simply has to be done, come with me.” Hermione took Ginny by the hand and led her to the apparition point.
***
“All right Percy, I think I have to take the chance. Arthur’s already gone, at least the man I married is. If he’d just changed on his own I’d have to accept it, but I cannot let some thing take his life and his family from him. What do I need to do, healer Pye?”
“You just did it, Mrs. Weasley, I’ll handle everything. Do you want to meet Dr. Barstow? She’s quite a nice woman,” Pye told her.
“Does she know about our world?” Molly asked.
“No, she’ll just know that Arthur is an important government official.”
“I don’t think that I can keep my magic from leaking out,” admitted Molly.
“I’ll go with Dad, Mum,” Percy told her, “I’m used to interacting with muggles, and I’ll keep you up to date. Would you like to stay with Penny and me while Dad’s in hospital?” Molly shook her head to indicate ‘no’.
“I feel like I’m abandoning him,” Molly said morosely.
“He wouldn’t be aware of your presence Mrs. Weasley, I have him deeply sedated. Soon I’ll switch him to the proper muggle drugs so that he will be prepared for Dr. Barstow. We’ve done this before,” he assured her.
“And how did that go, then?”
“In similar cases it has been successful three times out of five, on average.” Molly paled. “But you must remember that we often get to this point very late, sometimes the patient or the patient’s family simply waits too late to reach this decision,” Pye told her.
“And did we wait too late?”
“Time will tell, but I hope not.”
“It will be fine Mum,” Percy assured her, “you know Dad, always gets on with muggle things, doesn’t he?” Molly smiled at him, but it was only because she knew it would make him feel better. She remembered Arthur cocking up any number of muggle things.
***
“Where are we, ‘Mione?” asked Ginny as they appeared in an unfamiliar park.
“Near my parent’s house, are you ready for this?”
“Do I have a choice?” Ginny asked in amusement.
“You can go back to Bill and Fleur’s, but I can’t have this hanging over my head while we are deciding whether or not to start things with Fleur.”
“Are you going to talk to them about Fleur?” Ginny asked.
“Not even under the Imperious curse. One thing at the time, let’s go.”
Ginny allowed Hermione to lead her to her parent’s house, and truth to tell she was more amused than nervous. She had Hermione; she didn’t need Hermione’s parents, although it would be nice if they were at least tolerant.
“Mum, Dad, I’m home!” called Hermione as she opened the door.
“What a wonderful surprise darling, and you’ve brought Ginny with you! So nice to see you, Ginny,” exclaimed Mrs. Granger.
“Thanks, you too,” Ginny replied.
“Is Dad home?” Hermione asked.
“Why yes, he’s in the study, he’s giving a paper at a conference next week.”
“Neat,” said Hermione automatically, “come on Mum, we can’t stay long, but this is important.”
Mrs. Granger followed them to the study, amused, but not concerned. She was used to Hermione’s moods.
“Hermione dear! And Ginny! How marvelous, what’s the occasion?” Mr. Granger asked as he stood to greet the two young women.
“Mum, Dad, I have some important news. I’m in love with Ginny, and we’re going to spend our lives together,” Hermione said baldly.
“Well of course you are, dear,” said Hermione’s mother.
“Indeed,” agreed her father, “now what’s the news, then?”
“You knew?” Hermione asked incredulously. “How could you know when I didn’t know?”
“Hermione love, you’ve never talked about anyone else since sixth year. After you split with Ron you’ve always been with Ginny one way or another. We’re muggles, but we’re not blind,” Mrs. Granger told her.
“Indeed, nor stupid, I’m sorry if we spoiled the surprise for you though, poppet,” her father added.
“No, I’d say there is plenty of surprise here,” Ginny said as she took in the stunned look on Hermione’s face.
“Now come and give your new Dad a hug, Ginny!” Ginny did, and then she hugged her new Mum as well.
“Your parents are the best, Hermione,” Ginny said, her eyes sparkling with joy.
“They really are… you really are! Oh, Mum and Dad, I love you!” cried Hermione as she flung herself on her father.
“There, there, dear, no need to carry on so. I assume from your reaction that things might not have been so smooth in other quarters then, eh?” he said as he patted her back.
“Not so much, no,” admitted Ginny, “my Dad and one of my brothers were a bit horrible about it, truth to tell.”
“Never you mind, Ginny love, never you mind, they’ll come ‘round when they see how happy you are. Now wait here a second, we have something for you,” and with that Hermione’s mother hurried from the room.
“How is the quidditch going, Ginny?” asked Mr. Granger.
“We’re doing pretty well, might make the playoffs. We’re on a bye period just now, the Finnish team all came down with a virus so we’ve got a long open spot and we’re taking a break,” Ginny told him.
“Well you be sure and get us tickets when you’re nearby, will you? We’ll have to cheer our girl on!”
“Dad, you and Mum are unbelievable,” said Hermione softly.
“Surely you’re not surprised that we’re happy for you? Ginny’s a wonderful girl, and she makes you happy. Your mother and I have never wished for anything other than that, Hermione.”
“Here you are, I hope they fit,” said Hermione’s mother as she came back into the room. She stood between Hermione and Ginny and opened a small velvet box. “These belonged to my grandmother and your father’s grandmother, dear girls; we’d like you to have them.”
The box contained two engagement sets, obviously old, and very beautiful.
“Mum…”
“We’ll leave it to you two to decide who gets which,” said the beaming Mr. Granger, “go ahead and try them on, we’ll get them adjusted if need be.” Hermione shook off her daze.
“Dad, we’re witches, remember?” Hermione said as she looked at the rings. “Ginny, which-“
Hermione broke off as she saw the tears streaming down Ginny’s face.
“Baby, are you okay?” she asked softly. Ginny nodded and then threw her arms around Hermione and sobbed on her shoulder.
“This - this is the way it should be!” Ginny gasped as she struggled for breath. The Grangers looked at each other in silent understanding. They would talk with Hermione in private when they could, but they were not about to forget this matter. Ginny gained control, and Hermione took the box from her mother and held it out to Ginny.
“Do you want to pick?” Hermione asked her. Ginny shook her head as she wiped her eyes. “Then I will, and I want you to have this one,” Hermione took the ring from the box, handed the box to her mother, and then placed the ring on Ginny’s finger. “It’s a touch loose,” she said and tapped it with her wand. Mrs. Granger extended the box to Ginny, and she took the other engagement ring and placed it on Hermione’s hand. It fit perfectly.
“That one was my grandmother’s, and you are her namesake,” Hermione’s mother told her, “you’re very like her, you know.”
“You two hang on to the wedding bands, if the world doesn’t come to its senses we’ll have our own ceremony just as soon as you decide, right?” Mr. Granger said heartily.
“Could you keep them for us until we get our own place? We’re staying with Bill and Fleur right now,” Hermione asked.
“Of course dear, and please give our best to Bill and Fleur. Fleur is so lovely, isn’t she?”
“She sure is,” agreed Ginny. “Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I don’t begin to know how to thank you,” Ginny told them, “for the beautiful rings, of course, but especially for being happy for us.”
“Well you can start by calling us Mum and Dad,” Mr. Granger told her, “and it’s us who should be thanking you. You’ve brought joy to our little girl.”
“We can’t stay just now Mum, I’m sorry, but we wanted to tell you about us,” Hermione told her.
“We understand dear, and we’re busy getting ready for the conference. We’ll have a proper little holiday together after things sort themselves out.” Hermione’s dad was already back at work on his paper, and that bit of normalcy meant as much to Hermione and Ginny as the rings.
There was no trouble for them here.
“See you soon,” Hermione told her parents, and Ginny ran over and kissed Mr. Granger on his cheek, leaving a smiling parent in her wake when she left.
***
“Allo?” called Fleur, as she and Victoire returned to the cottage. Receiving no reply, she fixed lunch for herself and Victoire, and then put her daughter down for a nap.
She sat on the couch and stared into the fire. Hermione and Ginny were gone. What did that mean?
“It will be alright, little one,” she whispered as she rubbed her stomach, “you shall see, it will be alright…”
Slow tears ran down her cheeks.
***
“We need to get back, Fleur might be worried, we didn’t leave a note,” Ginny said anxiously.
“You’re right, but what do we tell her? What do we do?”
***
“Mr. Weasley, I’m Dr. Barstow, I’ll be performing the surgery on your father,” said the tall woman as she extended her hand.
“Thank you doctor,” Percy said correctly, “is there anything that you need from me?”
“No, everything is set; we’ll take him first thing in the morning. The surgery will take a few hours, but I think the chances are good for success. The tumor is a bit larger than I like them, but it’s not too deeply embedded. The real problem will come if the tumor turns out to be malignant, of course. Normally we’d biopsy it first, but since it’s already causing distress we’ll go ahead and remove it. If further treatment is required we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Do you have any questions?”
Percy wanted to ask, is my father going to die?, but he didn’t.
“No thank you Doctor, our family physician explained it all to me. I’m quite content that my father is in good hands,” he told her.
“Very well Mr. Weasley, and try not to worry. I know that sounds silly, but worrying won’t help anyone. I’ll come and see you in the waiting room as soon as we’re done tomorrow.” She looked at him narrowly. “Do you need something to help you sleep?”
“Thank you, no, I’ll be fine, Dr. Barstow.”
“Right then, see you tomorrow.” She turned and walked briskly away.
Percy left the hospital and found a private place to Apparate home. He found his mother sitting at the kitchen table holding an empty teacup.
“I met the doctor, Mum, she seems quite competent,” he told her.
“She’s going to cut his head open, Percy,” said Molly in horror.
“Let me get some fresh tea for you Mum,” he said as he took the cup. “Here, have a go at this while I brew the tea.” He handed her a glass of liquid, and she drank it without looking at it or tasting it. Percy caught her head before it could hit the table.
“No, Dr. Barstow, I do not need anything to help me sleep,” he said as he replaced the sleeping potion in his pocket. Then he carried his mother to her room, put her in bed, and covered her before going to his old room, where he sat for a while staring at nothing.
“I should tell the others,” Percy said aloud, “but I’m not going to.”
***
“Anybody home?” called Ginny as she and Hermione entered by the kitchen door. Fleur’s heart fluttered frantically, and she hastily wiped the tears from her eyes.
“I’m in the sitting room,” Fleur called out.
“We’re sorry we forgot to leave a note,” Hermione said, “but I just had to tell my parents about Ginny and I before, well, before…”
Hermione and Ginny went and stood in front of Fleur, their hands behind their backs, both of them looking very grave indeed.
“Before what?” Fleur asked them, nervously.
“This,” said Ginny as she and Hermione each presented Fleur with a huge bunch of orchids.
“May we kiss you now?” asked Hermione.
Part 8 - http://lash-larue.livejournal.com/117664.html#cutid1
Title: Determinations
Pairing: Ginny/Hermione
Rating: Adult
Summary: serious things are reluctantly decided
Warnings: discussion of infidelity, reference to group relationship
Word Count: 2865
Disclaimer: These characters belong to JK Rowling
The Hunters Part Seven
“Determinations”
”Cut open his head and cut the tumor out?” squeaked Molly Weasley. “You’re barking!”
“I assure you that I’m not, Mrs. Weasley,” Augustus Pye replied, “and while this procedure is certainly not without risk, the alternative is death within a very few months. Meantime the symptoms will worsen exponentially.”
“Don’t you think that Arthur should have a say in this?” Molly questioned.
“Frankly Mrs. Weasley, I don’t think that he is competent to evaluate the situation. He is quite literally not in his right mind. Percy has the necessary documents to take custody of his father. We do have a relationship with the muggle medical community for cases like this, and there is a top surgeon available. Arthur’s Ministry benefits will pick up the cost, which will be very substantial. As a matter of fact, I recommend keeping Arthur asleep until after the procedure to avoid stressing him.”
“I don’t know, it just seems wrong,” Molly mused.
“Mother, if you wish, you may leave it in my hands,” Percy offered.
“Thank you dear, but I can’t saddle you with this decision, if your father died you’d blame yourself, no, this is a part of marriage. This is something I have to decide for both Arthur and myself, I did say ‘for better or worse’, after all. I’ve surely had years of the ‘better’, and I suppose this is the ‘worse’,” she sighed deeply and covered her face with her hands.
Percy and healer Pye exchanged glances and waited.
***
“I want to do it,” Hermione said tentatively, “but I wonder if it’s because I think it’s the right thing to do, or because I want Fleur, want to touch her, to taste her.”
“Does it matter why?” Ginny asked.
“I think it does,” Hermione answered her.
“Yes, I suppose it does,” admitted Ginny.
“I mean, if that’s the reason, then what would keep me from having sex with someone else in future? I don’t want to be unfaithful to you, Ginny, even if we can’t marry legally, I would like to consider that we are. And Bill and Fleur surely are. Can this be right? Can it be justified?”
“I have to believe Bill when he says he would like us to,” Ginny replied, “and I know Fleur wants us to. For me that disposes of the infidelity bit, but we have to decide this based on us, and no one else at all, Hermione. It’s no one’s business but ours. And as far as the future goes, this is a lot more than just having sex with someone else, it is a real commitment, and we would be in it together, so there’s no sneaking or deception involved. Bill did say they went through this with Victoire though, I wonder what that meant? Was she supposed to be Queen as well, or is something else involved here?”
“Something more to ask Fleur when she gets back then, can we even make this decision now?”
“I don’t know,” Ginny told her, “but the fact of the matter is that for this to work, the feelings have to be real. We both have to really want to touch her, to make love with her, or there is no point in trying. So it would be wrong to do this just to help her and her flock. I already love her in a way, and I think I could fall in love with her, and I can surely see myself wanting her if I let myself do it. Can you see yourself doing that?”
“I think I can, yes,” admitted Hermione. “I admit that I am worried about what will happen after the baby, though.”
“Then are you just scared? Scared that it will lessen what we have?” asked Ginny.
“No, not that, or at least not just that, it’s just so - so - unconventional!” Ginny burst into laughter.
“ ‘Mione love, no more than what you did with Pansy, face it, you are unconventional.”
“I suppose that I am,” Hermione said in wonder.
“So?”
“I’m just not sure. As you said, it’s a very serious commitment, and we’re only starting out ourselves,” Hermione answered.
“You’re right on both counts. And I can’t deny that it will complicate things, we’d be more involved with Victoire as well. It would be sort of like having a kid of our own,” Ginny added.
“It’s just so much,” Hermione said softly. Ginny nodded.
“But right now there is something that simply has to be done, come with me.” Hermione took Ginny by the hand and led her to the apparition point.
***
“All right Percy, I think I have to take the chance. Arthur’s already gone, at least the man I married is. If he’d just changed on his own I’d have to accept it, but I cannot let some thing take his life and his family from him. What do I need to do, healer Pye?”
“You just did it, Mrs. Weasley, I’ll handle everything. Do you want to meet Dr. Barstow? She’s quite a nice woman,” Pye told her.
“Does she know about our world?” Molly asked.
“No, she’ll just know that Arthur is an important government official.”
“I don’t think that I can keep my magic from leaking out,” admitted Molly.
“I’ll go with Dad, Mum,” Percy told her, “I’m used to interacting with muggles, and I’ll keep you up to date. Would you like to stay with Penny and me while Dad’s in hospital?” Molly shook her head to indicate ‘no’.
“I feel like I’m abandoning him,” Molly said morosely.
“He wouldn’t be aware of your presence Mrs. Weasley, I have him deeply sedated. Soon I’ll switch him to the proper muggle drugs so that he will be prepared for Dr. Barstow. We’ve done this before,” he assured her.
“And how did that go, then?”
“In similar cases it has been successful three times out of five, on average.” Molly paled. “But you must remember that we often get to this point very late, sometimes the patient or the patient’s family simply waits too late to reach this decision,” Pye told her.
“And did we wait too late?”
“Time will tell, but I hope not.”
“It will be fine Mum,” Percy assured her, “you know Dad, always gets on with muggle things, doesn’t he?” Molly smiled at him, but it was only because she knew it would make him feel better. She remembered Arthur cocking up any number of muggle things.
***
“Where are we, ‘Mione?” asked Ginny as they appeared in an unfamiliar park.
“Near my parent’s house, are you ready for this?”
“Do I have a choice?” Ginny asked in amusement.
“You can go back to Bill and Fleur’s, but I can’t have this hanging over my head while we are deciding whether or not to start things with Fleur.”
“Are you going to talk to them about Fleur?” Ginny asked.
“Not even under the Imperious curse. One thing at the time, let’s go.”
Ginny allowed Hermione to lead her to her parent’s house, and truth to tell she was more amused than nervous. She had Hermione; she didn’t need Hermione’s parents, although it would be nice if they were at least tolerant.
“Mum, Dad, I’m home!” called Hermione as she opened the door.
“What a wonderful surprise darling, and you’ve brought Ginny with you! So nice to see you, Ginny,” exclaimed Mrs. Granger.
“Thanks, you too,” Ginny replied.
“Is Dad home?” Hermione asked.
“Why yes, he’s in the study, he’s giving a paper at a conference next week.”
“Neat,” said Hermione automatically, “come on Mum, we can’t stay long, but this is important.”
Mrs. Granger followed them to the study, amused, but not concerned. She was used to Hermione’s moods.
“Hermione dear! And Ginny! How marvelous, what’s the occasion?” Mr. Granger asked as he stood to greet the two young women.
“Mum, Dad, I have some important news. I’m in love with Ginny, and we’re going to spend our lives together,” Hermione said baldly.
“Well of course you are, dear,” said Hermione’s mother.
“Indeed,” agreed her father, “now what’s the news, then?”
“You knew?” Hermione asked incredulously. “How could you know when I didn’t know?”
“Hermione love, you’ve never talked about anyone else since sixth year. After you split with Ron you’ve always been with Ginny one way or another. We’re muggles, but we’re not blind,” Mrs. Granger told her.
“Indeed, nor stupid, I’m sorry if we spoiled the surprise for you though, poppet,” her father added.
“No, I’d say there is plenty of surprise here,” Ginny said as she took in the stunned look on Hermione’s face.
“Now come and give your new Dad a hug, Ginny!” Ginny did, and then she hugged her new Mum as well.
“Your parents are the best, Hermione,” Ginny said, her eyes sparkling with joy.
“They really are… you really are! Oh, Mum and Dad, I love you!” cried Hermione as she flung herself on her father.
“There, there, dear, no need to carry on so. I assume from your reaction that things might not have been so smooth in other quarters then, eh?” he said as he patted her back.
“Not so much, no,” admitted Ginny, “my Dad and one of my brothers were a bit horrible about it, truth to tell.”
“Never you mind, Ginny love, never you mind, they’ll come ‘round when they see how happy you are. Now wait here a second, we have something for you,” and with that Hermione’s mother hurried from the room.
“How is the quidditch going, Ginny?” asked Mr. Granger.
“We’re doing pretty well, might make the playoffs. We’re on a bye period just now, the Finnish team all came down with a virus so we’ve got a long open spot and we’re taking a break,” Ginny told him.
“Well you be sure and get us tickets when you’re nearby, will you? We’ll have to cheer our girl on!”
“Dad, you and Mum are unbelievable,” said Hermione softly.
“Surely you’re not surprised that we’re happy for you? Ginny’s a wonderful girl, and she makes you happy. Your mother and I have never wished for anything other than that, Hermione.”
“Here you are, I hope they fit,” said Hermione’s mother as she came back into the room. She stood between Hermione and Ginny and opened a small velvet box. “These belonged to my grandmother and your father’s grandmother, dear girls; we’d like you to have them.”
The box contained two engagement sets, obviously old, and very beautiful.
“Mum…”
“We’ll leave it to you two to decide who gets which,” said the beaming Mr. Granger, “go ahead and try them on, we’ll get them adjusted if need be.” Hermione shook off her daze.
“Dad, we’re witches, remember?” Hermione said as she looked at the rings. “Ginny, which-“
Hermione broke off as she saw the tears streaming down Ginny’s face.
“Baby, are you okay?” she asked softly. Ginny nodded and then threw her arms around Hermione and sobbed on her shoulder.
“This - this is the way it should be!” Ginny gasped as she struggled for breath. The Grangers looked at each other in silent understanding. They would talk with Hermione in private when they could, but they were not about to forget this matter. Ginny gained control, and Hermione took the box from her mother and held it out to Ginny.
“Do you want to pick?” Hermione asked her. Ginny shook her head as she wiped her eyes. “Then I will, and I want you to have this one,” Hermione took the ring from the box, handed the box to her mother, and then placed the ring on Ginny’s finger. “It’s a touch loose,” she said and tapped it with her wand. Mrs. Granger extended the box to Ginny, and she took the other engagement ring and placed it on Hermione’s hand. It fit perfectly.
“That one was my grandmother’s, and you are her namesake,” Hermione’s mother told her, “you’re very like her, you know.”
“You two hang on to the wedding bands, if the world doesn’t come to its senses we’ll have our own ceremony just as soon as you decide, right?” Mr. Granger said heartily.
“Could you keep them for us until we get our own place? We’re staying with Bill and Fleur right now,” Hermione asked.
“Of course dear, and please give our best to Bill and Fleur. Fleur is so lovely, isn’t she?”
“She sure is,” agreed Ginny. “Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I don’t begin to know how to thank you,” Ginny told them, “for the beautiful rings, of course, but especially for being happy for us.”
“Well you can start by calling us Mum and Dad,” Mr. Granger told her, “and it’s us who should be thanking you. You’ve brought joy to our little girl.”
“We can’t stay just now Mum, I’m sorry, but we wanted to tell you about us,” Hermione told her.
“We understand dear, and we’re busy getting ready for the conference. We’ll have a proper little holiday together after things sort themselves out.” Hermione’s dad was already back at work on his paper, and that bit of normalcy meant as much to Hermione and Ginny as the rings.
There was no trouble for them here.
“See you soon,” Hermione told her parents, and Ginny ran over and kissed Mr. Granger on his cheek, leaving a smiling parent in her wake when she left.
***
“Allo?” called Fleur, as she and Victoire returned to the cottage. Receiving no reply, she fixed lunch for herself and Victoire, and then put her daughter down for a nap.
She sat on the couch and stared into the fire. Hermione and Ginny were gone. What did that mean?
“It will be alright, little one,” she whispered as she rubbed her stomach, “you shall see, it will be alright…”
Slow tears ran down her cheeks.
***
“We need to get back, Fleur might be worried, we didn’t leave a note,” Ginny said anxiously.
“You’re right, but what do we tell her? What do we do?”
***
“Mr. Weasley, I’m Dr. Barstow, I’ll be performing the surgery on your father,” said the tall woman as she extended her hand.
“Thank you doctor,” Percy said correctly, “is there anything that you need from me?”
“No, everything is set; we’ll take him first thing in the morning. The surgery will take a few hours, but I think the chances are good for success. The tumor is a bit larger than I like them, but it’s not too deeply embedded. The real problem will come if the tumor turns out to be malignant, of course. Normally we’d biopsy it first, but since it’s already causing distress we’ll go ahead and remove it. If further treatment is required we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Do you have any questions?”
Percy wanted to ask, is my father going to die?, but he didn’t.
“No thank you Doctor, our family physician explained it all to me. I’m quite content that my father is in good hands,” he told her.
“Very well Mr. Weasley, and try not to worry. I know that sounds silly, but worrying won’t help anyone. I’ll come and see you in the waiting room as soon as we’re done tomorrow.” She looked at him narrowly. “Do you need something to help you sleep?”
“Thank you, no, I’ll be fine, Dr. Barstow.”
“Right then, see you tomorrow.” She turned and walked briskly away.
Percy left the hospital and found a private place to Apparate home. He found his mother sitting at the kitchen table holding an empty teacup.
“I met the doctor, Mum, she seems quite competent,” he told her.
“She’s going to cut his head open, Percy,” said Molly in horror.
“Let me get some fresh tea for you Mum,” he said as he took the cup. “Here, have a go at this while I brew the tea.” He handed her a glass of liquid, and she drank it without looking at it or tasting it. Percy caught her head before it could hit the table.
“No, Dr. Barstow, I do not need anything to help me sleep,” he said as he replaced the sleeping potion in his pocket. Then he carried his mother to her room, put her in bed, and covered her before going to his old room, where he sat for a while staring at nothing.
“I should tell the others,” Percy said aloud, “but I’m not going to.”
***
“Anybody home?” called Ginny as she and Hermione entered by the kitchen door. Fleur’s heart fluttered frantically, and she hastily wiped the tears from her eyes.
“I’m in the sitting room,” Fleur called out.
“We’re sorry we forgot to leave a note,” Hermione said, “but I just had to tell my parents about Ginny and I before, well, before…”
Hermione and Ginny went and stood in front of Fleur, their hands behind their backs, both of them looking very grave indeed.
“Before what?” Fleur asked them, nervously.
“This,” said Ginny as she and Hermione each presented Fleur with a huge bunch of orchids.
“May we kiss you now?” asked Hermione.
Part 8 - http://lash-larue.livejournal.com/117664.html#cutid1