Chapter 5
It was two days after Ron's therapy session that Harry and Hermione were called into a classroom where Jonathan Freud sat alone, "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger. A pleasure to meet you both."
"Why do you need to see us?" Harry asked.
"I have a question I must ask. Why did you both become friends with Ron?"
"Ron's always been Harry's friend, not mine," Hermione said immediately.
That made much more sense to Freud, "Mr. Potter, why were you friends with Ron?"
"Well he was the first person my own age to be my friend," Harry said, frowning as he tried to work out a reason. "After he nearly got Hermione killed I didn't speak to him for some while. He eventually apologized and I didn't really want to let my first friend go. Hermione was the only other friend I'd ever had other than Hagrid."
"I see," Freud looked at his notes, "would you classify your relationship with Mr. Weasley as a friendship your first year?"
Harry frowned in thought before answering, "At first yeah but not after what he did with Hermione. I guess I just didn't have the courage to tell him flat out that he wasn't my friend. And his mum did send me a sweater which was my first ever Christmas sweater. And then that summer he did break me out of Durzkaban."
"Did he ever become a friend to either of you?"
"Not to me," Hermione said.
"When Hermione was petrified second year I spent most of my time with her. Third year I took Hermione's side when he accused her cat of eating his ruddy rat and blew up about her turning my broomstick in because of the mysterious circumstances in which I got it and fourth he deserted me and called me a liar and a cheat. So I guess to answer your question he's never been a real friend to me," Harry answered.
Freud nodded to himself, "Thank you. Given some things Ron has said to me I just had to ask a few questions to the two of you for background and clarification."
"Sure," Harry said, his arm around Hermione's waist, "can we go back to class now?"
"Yes certainly," he nodded. "Thank you again for your help."
As they walked away Harry looked at Hermione, "Do you think Ron is telling lies about how you and I became friends?"
"I can see him doing that but I think he told that guy the truth given the way he was asking us questions."
Harry nodded, "Why was I friends with Ron?"
"Like you said, he's your first friend your own age. And you felt indebted, I'd wager."
"Yeah that makes sense," Harry agreed. "Wonder if the therapy is helping him."
"It certainly can't make things worse," she said. Harry nodded in agreement.
Draco watched the Slytherins not really surprised by how they'd taken to the law. Since most were betrothed as part of their fathers' business arrangements with other families they were all, for the most part, not expecting to marry because they wanted to. The law didn't change their lack of power. Daphne Greengrass had Theodore Nott. Nott's father was a more violent death eater than Lucius Malfoy. Nott had inherited his father's distaste and would often be heard mumbling about blood traitors and mudbloods. Draco stayed away from those people. He'd accepted a set of rooms with his wife but they were not near the Slytherin dungeons. Draco didn't fear for his life but he wasn't comfortable being in the Slytherin common room anymore. Very few of them had come to see the flaws of their fathers and mothers.
Of course, not everyone was like the Greengrasses, Notts, Malfoys, and Parkinsons. Goyle's family was middle class at best; same with the Bulstrodes and Crabbes. They'd not had partners before the law passed. Millicent spent little time with Ron Weasley. Goyle, on the other hand, spent loads of time with his bride-to-be Luna Lovegood. And he was fiercely protective of her. Draco had not understood Goyle asking Lovegood to marry him but he'd certainly seen her being bullied before. Maybe he felt needed, protecting her from her tormentors. And Lovegood was smart; no doubt Goyle needed her to get through school.
Once they entered the Great Hall Friday for dinner he moved to the Hufflepuff table to sit with his wife. "Hi," he said, kissing her. "How was class?"
"Good though I wish we'd spend less time in the greenhouses as winter approached," Victoria moved to the side for him to sit next to her, "It's freezing out."
"I can warm you up," he offered quietly, his forehead pressed to hers.
"I might take you up on that," she smiled. "I love you Draco."
"I love you too," he said, smiling. He felt lucky to have Victoria in his life; let alone as his wife. She was great. She was resilient to any taunts about having him as her husband and she was definitely capable of keeping him in line.
Two Gryffindors sat down opposite them, "Are we that pathetic Harry?"
"We're probably worse."
Hermione smiled, "Hello you two. Are we interrupting?"
"Yes but we'll forgive you," Victoria said, pulling away from Draco.
"Maybe you will," he muttered, "I don't know that I can."
Harry rolled his eyes, "You're not intimidating. Hermione's intimidating."
"That's just because I'm your lover," Hermione said.
"Actually you're pretty scary when you're angry," Draco said. "Like when you punched me."
"That was a good day," Hermione said, smiling fondly at the memory. Harry laughed while Draco pouted.
Millicent had worked out that Hermione had helped Draco. This had her leaning toward talking to Hermione if only to bounce things off of her. The brunette muggleborn might have it all from Millicent's perspective but she was approachable at least. Millicent steeled herself and approached the foursome after dinner, "Granger? Ah, Hermione?"
Hermione kissed Harry and he and the Malfoys walked up toward the Room of Requirement, leaving Hermione alone with Millicent. "What's up Millicent?"
"Well…you helped Draco Malfoy and I thought if you could help him…well you could maybe help me."
"I'll certainly try," Hermione said, walking with the larger girl, "what do you want to talk about?"
"I have been engaged to Ron Weasley for a week now and we haven't really talked. I don't think he's all that satisfied with being stuck with me."
"I'd look at it more as you're stuck with Ron," Hermione said. "He's a difficult person to get along with. He always has to be right, he's incredibly stubborn so he doesn't tend to admit he's wrong, and he's quite the slob. I've been in Harry's dorm many times and Ron's bed area is completely disheveled. His bedroom at the Burrow is an utter mess too. Without the elves or his mother getting on his back he'd live in a dump. And his personal hygiene is abominable."
While talking down about someone's fiancé wasn't a way to usually bolster someone's confidence Millicent suddenly felt much better. She didn't really know Ron and Hermione's candor was refreshing and a bit of a relief.
After spending nearly an hour talking to Hermione Millicent felt much better. Hermione invited her up to the Room of Requirement to play board games with the two couples. Millicent had never heard of a game called Monopoly but since Harry and Draco didn't know how to play either she felt at ease as she learned the rules and how the money was spent.
While Monopoly was a muggle game it was a financial game at heart and Draco excelled at that, having been raised from a young age to inherit the family fortunes. Once the three Muggle raised teens explained the money system he quickly excelled at the game and ultimately won.
After Monopoly Victoria chose Twister but instead of the two couples standing near each other Hermione and Victoria switched to stand next to Draco and Harry respectively with Millicent spinning the arrow. Their switch served to promptly have both boys blushing; especially when in a difficult move from a red spot to a blue Draco's face was in Hermione's cleavage. The two girls exchanged a wink as his face turned bright red in embarrassment and his awkwardness led to his swift exit from the game. Harry fared no better when another move had him leaning over Victoria's groin.
Millicent laughed herself nearly to tears at the two boys' behaviors at the hands of the girls. By the end of the night the large, shy, awkward Slytherin felt like she had two new friends in the form of Hermione and Victoria. She liked them very much and they were quick to include her in their pranks on the boys.
Before Ron was ready for it December 9th had arrived and he was not prepared for his marriage. Since being matched with Millicent Ron hadn't said more than two words to her. He did know that she tended to hang around the Malfoys and Harry and Hermione. He adjusted the dress robes George had loaned him. He had no friends attending. Ginny would be there; and the twins and their wives. He wasn't sure if his parents were coming or not.
A knock on the door had him turning to see Harry Potter standing in the doorway, "Harry?"
"I'm on Millicent's side," he said. "But this is a message from myself and Hermione and I really want you to think about it. Merlin was a Slytherin and Pettigrew was a Gryffindor." With that Harry left the room and Ron found himself puzzling that one before he realized that they were reminding him not all Slytherins were evil just like not all Gryffindors were brave and good.
Their wedding ceremony was on the grounds and sure enough sitting on his side was his family. His mother was crying. On Millicent's side her new friends and her parents were sitting patiently, little emotion displayed on their faces. Ron steeled himself as he walked down the aisle toward the headmaster. Just the thought of their impending wedding night made him want to shudder.
Millicent wasn't going to blow anyone out of the water in terms of beauty. It probably didn't help that neither of them wanted to get married either; minimal effort was put forward by both and Harry had to fight back a laugh at the look of disgust on Millicent's face after their first kiss.
After the wedding they had a small meal and Hermione and Victoria talked to Millicent while Ron's father talked to him about what was expected of him on the wedding night. "Only two other roommates now Harry," Hermione said as they walked up to Gryffindor tower. "My dorm is down to three too."
"No more snoring from Ron or Neville," Harry sighed, "that will be bliss."
"The wedding was…interesting."
"You're being kind. It was really awkward."
"Poor Millicent," she sighed. "She deserves better."
Harry pulled her into his arms, "Want to experience my quieter dorm room?"
She shook her head, "You're on your own tonight sir. I have a theory I need to test out and you tend to distract me."
He pouted, "Will I like the theory?"
"You definitely will," she kissed him sweetly before climbing into the common room, Harry following her.
Ron rubbed the back of his neck, "So…er…guess we should…you know…"
"I suppose so," Millicent conceded, frowning. She glanced back at the bedroom. This sucked.
As Christmas approached the newly engaged and married couples at Hogwarts faced a problem; namely whose house to go home to for the holidays. Draco refused to go near his parents with Victoria and decided instead to stay at Hogwarts with her, Hermione, and Harry. The Grangers were going on a skiing vacation Hermione wasn't interested in and Sirius and Remus were going to, of all places, Las Vegas. Leaving the couple with Hogwarts as the only attractive option since in Vegas they would have to take care of the two Marauders while with the Grangers they'd be watched over constantly by her parents to make sure they behaved themselves.
Ginny decided to go home for the holidays along with Fred and Angelina and George and Padma (Mrs. Weasley offered them little choice in the matter). Ron, though, wasn't sure what to do. He still hadn't really talked to Millicent since their quite frankly disastrous wedding night. According to his sister he should but truthfully he just didn't know what to say to her. Hermione used to accuse him of having the emotional range of a teaspoon. He was finding that he agreed with her.
His first meeting with his mind-healer had him initially thinking honestly about his actions before he'd snapped back into defensive, stubborn mode. His second meeting, though, had him beginning to look at himself a bit more and Freud had him write down the many faults and flaws that had been pointed out to him over the years (mostly by Hermione). His list was a disturbing list of character traits:
-Stubborn
-Lazy
-Arrogant
-Short fuse
-No tact
-Rude
-Messy
-Emotionally stunted
-Selfish
It was difficult to see those words staring back at him. Freud asked him to think about what things he'd like to change or wanted to change and he wasn't sure many of them could be changed. He'd always been warned about his temper but no one ever said how to control it. Self-improvement was not easy and Ron did not look forward to it; still, on the other hand he had no friends and few people to talk to that weren't related to him. His own wife spent little time with him, choosing to hang around the Malfoys and Harry and Hermione. In Ron's world being less popular than Draco Malfoy was a sign of just how bad things really were.
His third meeting with Freud happened just before winter break. Hogwarts had decided to let out earlier for the winter holidays due to the marriage law's passage. "Ron I had a conversation with Mr. Potter and Miss Granger; it explained much about their relationship with you."
"Oh?"
Freud folded his hands over his lap, "What do you define friendship as, Ron?"
Ron shrugged. "Hanging out and stuff."
"What stuff?"
"You know, stuff."
Freud counted to ten mentally (a requirement with Ron) before asking, "Please elaborate Ron."
"Well friends go to your house and play games and talk and hang around each other all the time."
"And have you ever gone to Harry or Hermione's home?"
Other than springing Harry from the Dursleys with his brothers and father Ron hadn't and he didn't think that counted. "No. But Hermione's parents are muggles."
"So? What does that have to do with anything?"
"Well they're not magical."
"Meaning what?" Ron wasn't sure how to answer that question without sounding like a bigot. Freud sighed, "You see them as inferior to magical people because they are not capable of what their daughter is. How about this. What do you know about Hermione's parents?"
Ron vaguely recalled Hermione talking about them with Harry but he couldn't remember anything specific. Best to go with generalizations. "They're muggles and don't like magic."
"They pay for their daughter to go to school here, don't they? Hogwarts is not free, nor is it cheap. If the Grangers disliked magic why would they pay for their daughter to come here?"
Ron looked at Freud blankly, "You have to pay to go to Hogwarts?"
Freud was amazed. How did anyone think that Hogwarts was free? There were scholarships for orphans, especially muggleborn ones, but other than that Hogwarts tuition had to be paid. And it wasn't cheap. "Ron your parents pay 1,489 galleons, 9 sickles and 21 knuts each year for your tuition."
Ron's eyes widened before he spoke, "I could get a brand new broomstick for that much."
Freud counted to ten again before deciding to move on from the topic that he could tell was going nowhere, "Let's talk about your marriage."
Ron's face wrinkled in disgust, "I don't like it."
"Being married? I'm not surprised," Freud said. "You don't think you could handle being a prefect; being a husband is a greater responsibility even if it's just to one person."
Normally Ron would be quick to argue but he couldn't. Freud was right. It didn't help that he didn't even like his wife.
Chapter 6
Ron watched his siblings leave the castle. He and Millicent were not going back to the Burrow, nor were they going to her parents' home. She wanted to stay near her four new friends and Ron was actually glad he'd be alone most of the time. He needed to think. On the plus side, standing up to his mother on behalf of his wife had earned him some major points.
-Flashback-
"Millicent and I are staying at the castle. She wants to spend the holidays with her friends and that's what we're doing."
Molly frowned at her son as she began a lecture, "Ronald Bilius Weasley…"
"Millie wants to stay at Hogwarts and we're staying at Hogwarts. That's final Mum. Don't try to guilt me. Millie is my wife and she wants to spend time with her friends and that's what we're doing. End of story."
-End Flashback-
Molly had looked at her son like he was insane but Millicent had hugged him for standing up for her and while Millicent wasn't his type it was nice to be hugged by someone who wasn't trying to crush your ribs. Millicent had gone to spend some time with her two new female friends; he decided to spend his time going over his list and what he wanted to change or could change.
Millicent raised an eyebrow at the two girls, "A makeover?"
"It'll be fun," Victoria promised, "we can gossip and carry on like Hermione's idiotic roommates."
Hermione laughed at that, "Not the best way to sell it Victoria."
"Right probably not," Victoria conceded. "Well then let's forget that. How about tips to improve ourselves?"
"Better," Hermione nodded. "Nothing ridiculous though."
"Of course not," Victoria promised.
Millicent had to admire the two girls who seemed to be quite opposite of each other; Hermione was of a smaller figure and thin. While she had curves she was not the large breasted Lavender Brown. Hermione was a petite girl despite being a bit taller than most women. Victoria was much curvier though a bit shorter than Hermione, yet to Millicent's mind the two girls were both incredibly beautiful. She was certainly jealous of both; they were attractive and quick-witted. Hermione was a genius and her wand was as sharp as her mind. And her right hook if Draco was to be believed. Victoria wasn't a genius but she was certainly smart. Quiet and thoughtful but like Hermione she stood firm for her morals and beliefs. She didn't back down from a fight either.
The two girls were definitely unique. Victoria was less reserved yet a bit more shy. She also focused more on her looks and fashion. Hermione's defined legs and arms came from trips to the library and carrying books around; she'd much rather spend a day inside reading than go watch a quidditch game. Other than Harry boys didn't really catch Hermione's eye but she certainly wasn't the quiet little bookworm most people would expect.
Millicent could still see why they were friends though. She settled in for a night with them. She wasn't sure what girls did when they got together but she had been looking forward to it all week.
Harry lay down in his bed in his dorm. He was alone. Of the five boys two were now married and had their own quarters and the other two had gone home for winter break. Hermione had had four roommates too and like him two were purebloods while the other two were half-bloods. Hermione was the only muggleborn. Gryffindor fifth year was not like the other dorms. All of Slytherin had to get married and in Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff there were only three pureblood girls between them; the others were half or muggleborn.
For Harry the school year was finally not centered around some ridiculous event in his life. The purebloods all had the spotlight and most of the ones he knew personally were married. Neville and Susan seemed to be good friends but that seemed the extent of their 'romance' while George and Padma were strangers still. Parvati and Cormac, on the other hand, were all over each other almost all the time. They were easily the two most self-absorbed people in Gryffindor and they were clearly feeding each other's desire to be important. Fred and Angelina had gone from constant fighting to fighting and then making up. Despite having their own rooms they often did both in the common room which grossed Harry out to no end. And he was not the only one.
Ron and Millicent…Harry felt bad for Millicent. She seemed pretty nice once you got past the walls she put up to keep people at arm's length. On the plus side Ron's therapy seemed to be going well. He had ceased being an arse to Harry and Hermione and always seemed to be in deep thought. Which on Ron looked like it hurt.
Harry shifted to lie on his side and noticed a very familiar owl at the window. He sat up and opened it. Hedwig flew in and perched on his shoulder, holding out her leg that held a note, "What's this?"
Harry unfurled it and smiled as he read it. "Merlin I love her," he whispered. "Thanks Hedwig," he found some owl treats for her and then slid on an outer robe to keep warm as he picked up his broom. A few seconds later Harry had flown out of his dormitory window.
Entering the girls' dorm had Harry a bit nervous. He'd heard the alarms before and seen guys get caught trying to sneak up there. He hovered over the floor and Hermione smiled, "You aren't going to set off any alarms Harry. The alarm is on the stairs."
He raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure?"
"I have tracked down each and every rune used to ward the stairs Harry. I'm 100% positive."
He relaxed as nothing came once he landed on his feet. Hermione pulled him to her and kissed him, "I like this," he conceded.
"Thank you for risking getting in trouble for me," she smiled.
"The troll, the basilisk, or the evening of the Yule Ball?" Harry asked.
She rolled her eyes, "Do you want to run the tally?"
"No because you'll win," he grinned. "You've done way more for me than I've done for you. Though honestly I hope I don't have to save your life anytime soon so let's just say we've always looked out for and protected each other."
"Or you could just shut up and take the gratitude as I meant it," Hermione kissed him again, "and we can enjoy my otherwise empty dorm that we have all to ourselves." Harry grinned and returned the kiss as he tossed his Firebolt on her roommate's bed and pushed her toward hers.
Millicent returned to her rooms that she shared with Ron. She'd had fun that evening; they'd talked about almost everything. The only topic that wasn't approached was sex and Millicent was certain that she was the cause of it. Neither Hermione nor Victoria were shy to talk about sex when they'd given her tips for losing her virginity; she knew both girls obviously had much experience with sex. And given the familiarity of the two girls with each other Millicent had deduced that she was the one that was preventing them from discussing their love lives. The question of why was something for her to try and work out.
Was it that they weren't comfortable around Millicent? That seemed unlikely. They'd talked about many things with her, some of them very personal. If they weren't comfortable around her why talk about those? Was it that they didn't want her to be jealous because Harry and Draco loved them? They were two of the greatest looking guys in school and very high on almost every girl's list of dream guys to date. Add to that that they both got to choose their boyfriend or husband and that seemed like a reasonable option.
Her time with the two girls had been enjoyable and she felt like she finally had friends. The evening had ended and she'd decided to walk back to her rooms she shared with Ron alone. They were down the hall from Gryffindor tower. She'd partly been hoping for a sleepover for an excuse to not go back but that hadn't happened. Millicent wished she was as eager for time alone with her partner as the two girls appeared to be.
With a heavy sigh she entered the married quarters to see Ron writing a list of things. He glanced up, "Hey can you help me? I need to work out how to change these things and I'm not sure I can change some of them."
Millicent walked over, "Change what?"
"Stuff about me," he said, handing her the list.
Millicent read it, surprised. "You wrote this?"
"Yeah." Ron paused before admitting, "Well some stuff I got from things Hermione used to say about me. I figured she might have a point. Is there more stuff I should add?"
"Well you're exceptionally immature but I think only time can change that. And less coddling from your mother," Millicent said, watching Ron to gauge his reaction.
"She does seem to favor me the most," Ron said. "Doesn't that fall under emotionally stunted though?"
"They're connected but they're not the same. You can be immature but still know how to gauge others' emotions; you're both."
Ron nodded in understanding as he looked at the list. "Don't reckon I can be less stubborn. Whole family is."
Millicent had talked some with Ginny and could certainly see that. "I think it's more important to at least recognize a flaw and work around it. You know you're stubborn so if we have a disagreement maybe instead of digging your heels in you can consider my opinion?"
Ron nodded. That sounded doable. "I know I'm lazy. I guess I could try to overcome that somehow."
"Try following your passions. That way it seems less like effort. What do you want to do with your career?"
"Well I'd like to be a quidditch player," Ron said.
Millicent nodded, "Well in order to do so you'll need to be on the house team and you'll need to do better in classes. You don't want to end up like Ludo Bagman."
Ron recalled just how out of it and magically weak Bagman was and nodded in agreement rapidly. That made sense. "What grades do you think quidditch players need?"
"At least an A in everything if not E's and O's in some things," Millicent said.
"Okay so I need to study harder," Ron said, taking a breath and looking back at the paper, "I need to not be so arrogant." Millicent stayed quiet to see if Ron could work that out by himself. "Well I guess I should work out my limits. And not be so jealous of people who do better than me. Hermione earns her grades. And Harry's a great Seeker."
Millicent gazed at him as he worked through the list. Some of them outright stumped him (no tact and emotionally stunted as examples) but the others he was able to work out ways to change or overcome them with some help from her.
-Several Days Later-
Christmas morning Harry woke to see a familiar bushy-haired brunette in bed with him. He smiled and snuggled closer. When he'd arrived at Hogwarts he flinched away from human contact. Ron had figured out early on to touch Harry meant risking a black eye from reflex. Then Hermione Granger entered his life and he'd learned the pleasure of a hug. Only she could touch him without Harry having some reaction and when they became a couple and the affections began to include kisses, snuggling, and snogging he'd been amazed at how he craved Hermione's body against his.
When their relationship had evolved to include sex it was Hermione who'd brought up the issue. Just thinking about it brought a smile to his lips.
-Flashback-
The couple was snogging in his bedroom in Grimmauld Place; Sirius had gone somewhere with Remus leaving the pair alone. Unlike the Grangers, Sirius had no qualms about leaving teenagers alone. As the snogging grew in intensity Harry quelled the desire to move his hands to thus far unexplored territory. He was always worried he might push Hermione into something she didn't want or wasn't ready for.
She pulled back and gave him a look, "Harry you're holding back."
"Sorry I just…what if…I mean I don't want to force…"
She rolled her eyes and pulled him into a hug, "Harry I love you. And I want you to answer this question honestly. Do you want us to make love?"
"Yes," he said without any hesitation.
Hermione kissed him before he could voice anything else. She shifted to put him on his back and sat up, straddling him. "I want us to make love too Harry. I had Remus get a birth control potion for me so we don't have any worries."
She removed her shirt and Harry's eyes zoomed in on her breasts. She blushed at his attention. "You're so beautiful," he whispered.
"They're not very big Harry," she said, watching as Harry's hands moved to cup her breasts, "not like the other girls in my dorm."
"I just want you," he leaned up and kissed her, "I love you Hermione. To me, you're perfect as is."
She smiled and kissed him again as the pair lost themselves in becoming lovers.
-End Flashback-
He kissed her bare shoulder before pulling the blankets up further and snuggling into her. Ever since Hermione became his girlfriend Harry had been happier. Granted Voldemort's defeat had greatly improved his life but a large part of it had simply been Hermione being his and Harry being hers.
He rested his head on the pillow again and sighed, content. "You feel so good." Harry opened an eye to see Hermione glancing at him, "I'm guessing you want to snuggle more than you want to open presents?"
"Yes," he said. "You?"
"Well I'm certainly not one to turn you down," she smiled, snuggling into him. "Happy Christmas Harry."
"A very happy Christmas Hermione," Harry closed his eyes. A great way to start off the holiday, to his mind. At least, that was his thought until Hermione's hands began to wander and he promptly decided that her way was much better.
Ron's presents included a customary Weasley Christmas sweater and candy for the most part. Like last year he received nothing from Harry and Hermione. His pile of gifts was a good size but it was all from his family. Millicent hadn't given him a gift but that didn't bug him. Only recently had they begun to actually talk. Talking was certainly better than glaring. Or fighting all the time. Or ignoring one another. Millicent was nice as he got to know her. But he just wasn't attracted to her. Ron could admit that he was pretty shallow when it came to girls. Big boobs and a pretty face meant far more to him than a smart girl or a girl who shared his interests. Millicent felt like a female friend, nothing more.
He glanced toward the bedroom. Ron had taken the couch mostly because Ginny said that's what he was supposed to do. At the time he didn't understand it; they were his rooms too. He had no one to really talk to about his marriage. His dad wasn't very good at advice. His mum was angry at him for standing up to her. His oldest two brothers weren't in the country and had dodged the marriage law. Percy had been engaged to the muggleborn Ravenclaw girl and they'd simply moved the wedding date to before the law had passed. He was really busy lately at the ministry what with the marriage law and the pairings. Fred and George were not stunning examples of how to be a good husband. That left Ginny to tell him what he was supposed to do. He figured it was better than Fred at any rate.
Ron had come to the decision that the law needed to be overturned but he didn't know how to do that. He certainly didn't know how the Ministry of Magic worked. It was just a place his mum always wanted all of his brothers to work at; only Percy had managed that and he was not a fan of the place. According to George, Percy was going to quit and he and Penelope were going to open a store though George didn't know what they were going to be selling.
"Ron?" He lifted his head to see Millicent holding a package, "Hermione told me how your mum is and how standing up to her is hard. So I wanted to thank you for putting me first ahead of her."
She handed him the package and watched as Ron opened it to reveal a brand new set of quidditch armor. For keepers. Ron's eyes widened. He knew how much quidditch armor cost. Hermione had wanted to get Harry seeker's armor and she'd asked Ron which armor would best protect him. It was the same brand as the one he'd told Hermione about. "Millie…"
"I hope it's the right kind," she said hurriedly, "Harry said you wanted to be a keeper and Hermione told me the brand you'd said Harry's should be to really protect him. Keepers get pounded and you need a long career."
Ron was speechless. This was without a doubt the greatest present anyone had given him. Without a second thought Ron stood and hugged Millicent, "This is amazing Millie. Thank you so much!"
She was smiling when he released her from a very tight hug. "I'm glad you like it. You gave me a great gift and I wanted to do the same."
While Millie exited to take a shower Ron admired his new armor and tried it on. It fit perfectly. He admired the workmanship that went into it. He'd certainly never owned anything this nice before. As he removed it he thought about her words. Harry had told Millicent his desired position. Hermione told her the brand to get. The two people he'd probably hurt the most had helped their friend get him a present he really wanted. That was, well, it was something Ron wouldn't have done. Ron carefully put it back in the box so that he could take his turn in the shower.
Ron didn't bother putting on the maroon jumper his mother had sent him. She wouldn't know that he didn't wear it on Christmas. He pulled on one of Charlie's old blue jumpers (he always got blue for Christmas) and waited for Millicent to finish getting ready. He'd never understand why girls took so long. Well, all except Hermione. She'd always been quick when she'd stayed at the Burrow. When Millicent exited she had a necklace on he'd never seen before, "That's new right?"
She smiled and nodded, "Victoria gave it to me for Christmas." It was a nice necklace. It was silver with a pendant that looked like a bear. "It's my patronus," she explained.
Ron's eyes snapped up, "Your patronus?"
"Harry taught me," she nodded. "Hermione suggested group study sessions because each of us has one area we excel in. I was finally able to cast the patronus last week." Study groups would probably help Ron get his grades up but he knew he had dug himself a hole with the group so he kept his mouth shut, instead holding the door open for her as they exited to go down to breakfast.
Padma Weasley watched George enter their room in just his boxer shorts, drying off his body. She had to concede that George was quite attractive. Of the twins, she'd married the better one. The previous evening Angelina had complained about Fred almost nonstop to her; Padma had felt incredibly uncomfortable. In fact, the Burrow itself made her uncomfortable. Arthur was nice but had said nothing more than a few words to her since her arrival. Molly had grilled her from the word go and George constantly had to rescue her from the Weasley matriarch's clutches. The older two boys refused to even return to England with the law hanging over everyone's head. Still, Padma had relished seeing Penelope again. She knew her and they'd talked some about Hogwarts and about the marriage law. Penelope and Percy had horror stories about pairings that had Padma unconsciously seeking out George for comfort. It certainly put into perspective how glad she was to have chosen George, even if it was simply a safe option at the time.
And now, watching George return from the shower, Padma recalled Angelina's words that Fred had said they should swap wives. That George had punched Fred and broken his twin's jaw for it. Feeling spurred by feelings she couldn't recall feeling before Padma, clad in George's quidditch jersey, got up from the bed and moved to her husband. She pulled his head down to meet hers and kissed him.
George froze but Padma didn't stop and with the sudden realization that she wanted to kiss him his hands moved to her waist and he returned the kiss. Padma squeaked in surprise when he scooped her up as their kiss continued before her legs locked around his waist. When they parted they were both panting, "What was that for?" George asked.
"Being a good man and looking sexy," she answered, her forehead resting against his, "any complaints?"
"Cute girl in my arms kissing me? Can't think of a single one," he grinned.
She returned his smile and brushed a stray hair out of his face, "I like you better with short hair George."
"I can cut it," he conceded. "Is this the part where you tell me my future needs to be in the ministry?"
"We haven't been the closest couple," Padma said, "but I know you enough to know that a joke shop is the only thing that will leave you feeling fulfilled. I want you to be happy and I know you'll crush Zonko's with your ingenuity and flair for the dramatic."
It was George's turn to kiss her in gratitude. All he ever heard from his mother, and Angelina who liked to lecture both twins, was that the ministry was the only option for them. That Padma didn't feel the same was quite possibly the best present he could have ever asked for. "Are we giving this relationship a go then?" He asked.
"It's taken some time getting to know you and certainly me realizing that you're the best Weasley," George comically preened at that, "but I think we can. If you're attracted to me, of course."
"I am," he said to her, "Kind of why I can't look at you when you're in the tub. Afraid I'll have an embarrassing reaction."
She blushed but smiled as he sat her down. She kissed him again before gathering her things to go shower. George got dressed with a smile on his face. He'd not enjoyed their time at the Burrow thus far either but that Padma found him attractive and approved of his career choice was enough to raise his spirits.
Molly Weasley (1) had a large grin as she made breakfast. Four of her children were married and she'd always loved weddings. Weddings and babies. It was only a matter of time before she started getting those. Although she wasn't as thrilled about her daughter-in-laws. Penelope was too independent for her tastes. Padma appeared easily controlled at first but that had proven false. The young woman had a quiet confidence and an independent nature. Millicent wasn't a pushover either. Molly Weasley loved being the matriarch and having control of her family. Angelina Johnson fit perfectly into that mold. The other three did not. Why, Ronald had even told her no! Still, the law required children so she had that to fall back on at least. Percy hadn't married a pureblood but then Ginny couldn't get Harry either; Molly would just have to take it in stride.
Not that Molly Weasley was a blood bigot. Not at all. She just wanted someone who respected wizarding (pureblood) tradition. And of course Harry was Harry Potter. But despite all her best efforts to push Ginny toward The-Boy-Who-Lived, Ginny had refused. And then he'd started dating Hermione Granger. A girl the twins and Ginny both respected and liked. To Molly's displeasure the couple was quite happy and popular. Still, she'd reasoned that not all school romances lasted. This one was even less likely. Ginny would be there to pick up the pieces of Harry's heartbreak. Instead the law had passed, ruining her hopes that Harry would marry into her family.
More than anyone, Molly Weasley knew how much money the Potter family had. She had her fantasy well-planned. Ginny would marry Harry, who would buy his in-laws and only family a big house for themselves. Anything Molly wanted she could get from Ginny. Harry wouldn't refuse his wife. That fantasy was shattered when the law had passed. But she would soon start getting grandchildren and that pleased her to no end. So she smiled as she made breakfast for the growing family.
Harry read the letter from Sirius. He and Remus were acting ridiculous in Vegas but having a great time. Hermione exited the shower and kissed his cheek, "Are they alive?"
"And not in jail," Harry nodded. "So I guess that means they're having fun."
"You should fly back to your own dorm Harry. That way we can go to breakfast."
"Fly with me?" Harry asked her, giving her his best puppy dog eyes.
She rolled her eyes, "I really should have more willpower when it comes to you."
"Like I do you?" He winked.
"I suppose it is good we're both pathetic for each other," Hermione said, moving to get dressed. "No Weasley sweaters this year."
"Not last year either. I think Mrs. Weasley was hoping to marry me off to Ginny," Harry said. "I mean, she had talked to me for all of a minute and was sending me sweaters and inviting me to her house."
Hermione nodded in agreement with his words. She'd always suspected it too. It was the way Molly treated him compared to her. She slid on a jumper that Harry had bought her the previous year and glanced back at him, "I love you."
"I love you too," he said, shrinking his presents and grabbing his broom off the bed that used to be Parvati's, "time to go then?" She pulled on the outer cloak he'd worn the night before, enlarging it to cover them both as they flew out of the window and back to Harry's dorm.
(1)- Molly is a character that is one of the most polarizing in the HP universe. I think only Dumbledore can beat her out for #1 most polarizing character. You love to love her or love to hate her. In some recent stories I've been far more generous and kind to her so it felt like it was time to look at the darker side of Molly Weasley again. I don't think I'm taking too many liberties with her.
Chapter 7
In the Great Hall Ron sat alone for breakfast while Millicent joined her friends. He didn't mind being alone. It let him think about what got him to the position he was in and think about what he could do to change it. Still, it was Christmas. He'd never spent a Christmas alone before. A shadow fell over the table and he looked up to see Hermione, "If you're not doing any serious meditation you're welcome to join us for breakfast Ron. Millie has been speaking well of you."
She let the 'lately' go unsaid but the formerly-dense Ron picked it up. He glanced at the table where Harry, the Malfoys, and his wife sat. He glanced up at Hermione again, "You don't mind?"
"No we don't. Christmas isn't a time to spend alone," she said. Ron hesitated before nodding and thanking her as he got up and sat down next to his wife.
Percy Weasley kissed his wife as she returned from the shower. "I love you Penny."
"I love you too," she returned the kiss before getting dressed. "How long do you want to stay here?"
"You sense the dark cloud over the house?" Percy smirked.
Penny nodded, "I feel so bad for Padma. Molly has been so obnoxious."
"We could invite them to celebrate New Year's Eve with us," Percy suggested. Penny smiled at Percy's suggestion. While Percy was all about family, she'd always been concerned about his eagerness to follow the rules and never really think for himself. But she loved him and had reasoned that some real world experience was all he needed. She'd been right. Percy had come home one evening ranting and fuming about the law about to be passed and saying things that the old Percy would have used to charge him with treason.
Percy had changed after that. While he couldn't tell anyone about the law fully he had proposed to Penny and they'd then 'moved up' their wedding date the day the story broke. That was the official story. In truth they'd planned everything in advance but been unable to act until after the proclamation. They had eloped. Penny found herself even more attracted to a Percy who was more relaxed about rules and procedures.
While Penny loved Percy and she quite liked his older brothers, father, and George, Molly was the most infuriating woman she could ever have imagined for a mother-in-law. There was an aspect of bullying to Molly that you certainly felt whether she saw you as a threat or not. "I think leaving tomorrow is the best plan," Penny said, "if we're here any longer I might begin subtly hexing your mother."
Percy would love to see that, honestly. His mother was an intimidating woman who ruled with an iron fist. "We can invite George and Padma today then. I'm sure they'll appreciate it. Padma seemed quite delighted to see you again."
"I helped her out her first year of Hogwarts," Penny said. "I liked her. She was a true Ravenclaw. Not like some in our house who turn to bullying."
Percy pulled on a jumper, "Ready to deal with my mother?"
"No but I do enjoy annoying her by not doing whatever she says," Penny winked at him and Percy chuckled as they exited his old room.
George sat on the floor near the Christmas tree, Padma sitting between his legs. When in the same room as Molly Padma needed a bodyguard. George thought he was the best choice for that job, though Percy would do in a pinch. When he was little the Christmas tree always filled him with warmth. Then as he got older that warmth started to diminish a little. There was an awareness that George felt grow as he got older and experienced the world. And he started to see the things in his family that he didn't like. Like the way his mother was around his father and the way his father just escaped to his shed rather than ever confront her. He'd seen enough other relationships to know that most relationships were far more equal. Each partner contributed and offered something. At the Burrow Molly was in charge. End of story. If a child wanted something, they went to Molly. Arthur had no power.
Honestly, George was concerned about Fred. Fred seemed to be the most unprepared for marriage despite being in love with his wife. He had not been joking about swapping wives; George knew that. Fred believed that as twins there were different rules; George had always disagreed. He liked being a twin. But he and Fred saw relationships very, very differently. George was the more romantic of the two; Fred was more interested in just getting laid. George thought a relationship should be 50-50; Fred was happy to hand over all power to Angelina (despite his constant complaining about it).
Padma sighed and turned her head as it rested on his shoulder, "It's never this quiet here, is it?"
"Nope," George said, his arms wrapping around her in a hug, "It's always loud."
"I like the quiet," she whispered.
"Me too," he was pretty pleased that she liked being against him. They'd been sharing a bed (Charlie's old room) which he'd been initially concerned about. But Padma didn't mind being in close contact with him. He wondered if it was because, in part, she knew he wouldn't force her to do anything she didn't want to do. George was dependable like that. According to Hermione it was a good feature in a boyfriend or potential mate and he had to take the genius witch's advice. Ron had always been a git to her but George had always liked Hermione. She didn't take shit from anyone. She'd even punched Malfoy which was a memory that Harry had shown them when they'd been thinking about pranking her in the younger couple's third year. Unlike his mother, Hermione would listen to others. And George knew Harry wasn't intimidated by Hermione. "I think Harry and Hermione are good role models for a successful relationship."
Padma glanced at him, "How so?"
"It's a partnership with them. They both bring something to the relationship, they respect each other, and the love that they have has been built on the foundation of their friendship."
"I think it helps that they want the same things out of their relationship," Padma mused. "They both know what they want and they both see their relationship going in the same direction. That's not true for every couple."
George was very much aware of the double meaning. He and Padma both knew what they wanted when they got married. Someone who was safe to marry. Who didn't want romance but needed someone to avoid the Ministry's wrath. And from there a friendship had slowly formed. Very slowly at times but Padma had his respect; just as he knew that she respected him. They settled into silence as they heard others come downstairs.
Neville smiled at Susan as she sat down for breakfast. Her parents and Neville's grandmother were talking amongst themselves about politics. Neville looked at his wife, "Did you sleep well?"
"Very much," she nodded. "You?"
"The bed was really comfortable," he nodded. They had separate rooms. At Hogwarts they did too. They might be married quarters but some house elves had extended it so that they had their own bedrooms and merely shared a bathroom. Their wedding night had been really awkward for the both of them and so they'd decided to sleep in their own bedrooms. Susan had always been very shy. Neville was the same and neither teen knew how to abandon that shyness. Neville's self-confidence was very fleeting when it would suddenly come forth and it was certainly something that Neville had never really built on himself. They settled into breakfast like friends visiting one another, not like a married couple.
Luna kissed Greg's cheek and he grumbled something in his sleep before she kissed him on the lips and his eyes opened. "You know in muggle fairy tales a kiss always awakens sleeping beauty," she said.
"I'm no beauty Luna," he said, his hand wiping his eyes as he sat up in their bed.
"No but I think you're my Prince Charming," she grinned, kissing him again. "Happy Christmas Greg."
"Happy Christmas Luna," he said, pulling her into his embrace and kissing her neck, "Any Nargles nearby?"
"No but I do think it could be that you're just very good at driving them away," she closed her eyes and tilted her head to give him better access. Greg smiled as Luna responded to his touches. He'd always liked her. She was nice to him and when he'd found out about the bullying he'd put his large frame and muscles to use, cornering Cho Chang and her little posse of bullies and making clear that there was always a bigger bully. Luna's things had miraculously returned and if the gentle soul that was his Luna, who always saw the good in everyone, needed to believe that Greg chased away the Nargles instead of him actually threatening the bullies that picked on her constantly then he was just fine with that.
Even in her confession to him that her things were always taken from her she'd refused to say who it was. Just that the Nargles were doing it. Greg was no Hermione Granger but he wasn't an idiot. He simply watched his Luna and saw the abuse she suffered. He took care of it the best way he knew how. He and Luna had now been married for three weeks. He rather liked it. While others were awkward about their romances or simply didn't have any romance in their marriage Greg and Luna had a very romantic relationship. It wasn't a whirlwind courtship but it still felt like an instant romantic connection when they shared their first kiss.
For her part, Luna was without a doubt in love with Greg. He was sweet, secure, and he never made fun of her eccentricities. He even humored them. She let her hands explore her husband's body as they kicked off their first Christmas together quite thoroughly scaring off Nargles.
After breakfast Harry and Draco wanted to go outside and play in the snow. To even the sides Ron was invited. "So it's boys vs girls then?" Ron asked.
Hermione and Victoria began laughing at the question and Ron looked at the other two boys for an answer. Draco supplied it, "If we play boys vs. girls we always lose."
"They utterly crush us," Harry agreed.
Ron had often made fun of girls thinking they could beat boys at anything but he was trying to change and he'd come to see (well Millie had explained to him) that he was being rather sexist with that view. They all bundled up and decided the teams. They didn't want a couple on the same team, so it was Hermione, Draco, and Ron vs. Harry, Victoria, and Millie. Draco counted his lucky stars that he was on Hermione's team. They each had a snow fort with a 'flag' which was in reality a handkerchief that with enchantments had been expanded and tied to sticks. Hermione looked at Draco and Ron, "Someone has to guard the flag. But you should probably hide so they don't see you. Who is going to guard the flag?"
Draco pondered this and Ron, still feeling really humbled that he was invited into their games, decided to volunteer. "If you're hit with a snowball you're out but if you catch it you're good, right?"
"Right," Hermione nodded.
"Then I'll do it. It'll help me practice catching the quaffle." Draco had long loathed Weasley but he was impressed with his offer.
Hermione quickly cast spells to turn his outerwear white and Ron made sure his hair was packed in. Hermione and Draco then cast spells to turn their outer things white as well while Ron began making snowballs so that he'd have ammunition. "Magic can't be used during the game but Harry never said we couldn't use it beforehand," Hermione smiled.
Draco smirked, "That's so Slytherin of you."
"It pains you that you didn't think of it, doesn't it Draco," Hermione teased.
He pouted, "I would have thought of it."
"No you wouldn't," she smirked. Ron would never have guessed he'd hear friendly banter between the Prince of Slytherin and the proudest muggleborn in the school. But it was obviously banter. Hermione raised her wand to fire green sparks. The other team followed suit and Hermione and Draco slunk off to retrieve the flag, Ron finding a place to hide so that he could defend their flag. It was a responsibility he would be taking seriously.
Harry couldn't see anyone from the other team. Millicent was left with the flag while he and Victoria had decided to go find the flag. Since they couldn't see anyone else they decided to crawl across the area to the other fort. Harry was further surprised when he couldn't see anyone guarding the flag. Did they really think that they'd get the flag before his team did? Harry was about to grab the flag when he felt a snowball hit him in the chest. "I'm out," he called out, looking for the unknown attacker to try and help Victoria.
Hermione was pretty impressed with Ron. He'd logically deduced that Harry was the bigger threat and taken him down first. She winked at Draco who gathered up a snowball. They were in sight of Millicent but she hadn't yet seen them. Taking aim Draco fired, hitting Millicent in the arm.
Millicent couldn't see where the snowball had come from, "I'm out!" She yelled. Harry felt his stomach sink. Millie was out and Victoria was now on her own. If Millie was out then the flag would soon be claimed. And his ultra competitive girlfriend would gloat. On the other hand, Harry mused, he could guilt her right? Maybe get a snog for his suffering.
Hermione claimed the flag and she and Draco headed back to their fort. Just as they arrived Ron hit Victoria to make the victory total. Hermione kissed Harry, "We win."
"You used magic," Harry argued, gesturing at their white clothing.
"Before the game Potter," Draco corrected. "Not during."
Harry raised an eyebrow at his girlfriend, who smiled innocently. He knew it was her idea. He'd tease her about that later. "Well then, what now?"
"Snowball fight?" Draco suggested. Harry gave an evil grin. Revenge was on his mind. Hermione was going down.
At the Burrow after breakfast and presents George suggested a snowball fight and then glanced at his wife, who smiled and said she'd join him. Angelina couldn't be bothered with a 'childish game' but Percy and Penelope both said they'd play and so Fred watched forlornly as his twin left to play in the freshly fallen snow. He wondered when George became the fun twin. It felt like their marriages had reversed their roles, which was weird because Ravenclaws weren't known for having fun and Angelina had been lots of fun before they got married. Since that law was passed he'd been married, forced to sleep on the couch several nights a week, had his jaw broken by his twin, been told he'd be working at the Ministry and not at the business he'd always wanted to open with George, and in general just become significantly less fun. He hated it.
Outside the Burrow it was Ravenclaw vs. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw was proving to be good at evading the snowballs. It didn't take long for an impatient George to decide that tackling his wife into the snow was easier which promptly led to Percy and Penny falling over in laughter as Padma still managed to dodge poor George for a minute or two before he finally caught her, the both of them disappearing in a snowbank as the older couple laughed at their antics.
"Caught you," George said, breathing heavily.
"You did," she smiled, brushing a stray strand of his hair aside, "eventually."
"Oh you must be punished for that," George said, his eyes darkening before he began to tickle her. Padma squealed and tried to escape but he was on top of her.
"George!"
He would have continued for a bit but at that moment a snowball made contact with the side of his head. Padma took the opportunity to escape and he pouted as he saw that Percy had thrown the snowball, "Whose side are you on?"
"Padma's," he answered, staring at George like he was insane. George grinned and laughed at his brother's answer. Percy didn't often tell jokes, but he was surprisingly good at it.
They eventually re-entered the Burrow very, very wet and cold and Padma dragged George upstairs with her to the bathroom once they were out of their coats, boots, and cold weather accessories, "Uh, Padma?"
"What?" She asked as she removed her sweater. George stared. Padma had gone without an undershirt. When she removed her bra he found himself unable to speak, which was unfortunate because she repeated herself, "What is it George?" His mouth moved but no sound came out. She raised an eyebrow at him, "There is one bathroom here George. We are both wet and cold. It conserves water, we'll warm up faster, and we'll get out of the bathroom quicker. Besides, it's nothing you haven't seen before. Now then, can you undress yourself or do you want me to undress you?"
George was about to say the latter when he thought about what might happen if she did undress him. He stripped down and stepped into the already hot shower with her. Padma ignored the very stiff organ pressed against her stomach as she stood under the spray with George, warming up. "Sorry about my, uh, erection," he said.
"You don't have to apologize for that George," she said. "I don't mind it." He smiled and let the water go over him. It felt so good. Although, so did having his soaking wet wife pressed against him as she warmed up too. (1)
Albus Dumbledore sat in his rooms, gazing at the list of impending marriages he was to officiate. There were a great many. "I loathe having to do this Fawkes." The phoenix trilled sadly in agreement with him. "I suppose we should count our blessings that they are ignorant of how squibs are conceived," he said to himself, "if they knew that I dread thinking what they'd do to half-blood and muggleborn students." Dumbledore felt a cold shiver run down his back. Horrific would be best to describe what would happen to those that were believed to be of 'lesser' blood status.
He smiled suddenly and Fawkes trilled curiously. "I was just thinking, my friend. Sirius Black asked me once if I believed that a muggleborn could ever be minister of magic. I told him yes but not in our lifetimes. I do believe that I was quite wrong. This law and its subsequent effects would mean that our first muggleborn minister of magic will be Miss Hermione Granger herself. With Mr. Harry Potter serving as her second in command. I quite hope I'm around for her induction ceremony. It would give me great pleasure to name her our minister of magic."
While Dumbledore was looking to a future where the state of their society was placed in the capable hands of a young woman who would certainly advance them and make them shine, Hermione was studying wizarding law with Harry, Draco, Victoria, Millicent, and Ron Weasley. Ron wasn't even upset about being in the library on Christmas. Hermione was at present reading about the qualifications required to be minister of magic. Her other reading, while informative, proved fruitless. "Did you know that there's no age restriction to be minister of magic Draco? Ron?"
Both pureblood boys looked at her with surprise on their faces. Harry leaned over to read the page she had open, "All you need is the support of a pureblood family head," Harry read. "The election takes place in the Wizengamot and any person of legal age or who's been emancipated can vote."
"So I could vote then?" Draco asked.
"You, Ron, Millie," Hermione nodded, "everyone who's underage and has been married would qualify."
"The minister can veto any laws of passing ministers deemed to be irrelevant or that damage specific parties," Harry read. "Purebloods would count as a class, right?"
Hermione mulled that over, "I think given the specific nature of the law it would."
"So the only way to get rid of this stupid law is to elect a new minister who promises to repeal it," Draco said, leaning back in his chair.
"There has to be another way," Victoria said. "We just haven't found it yet."
"If we just spend some time looking each day we should be able to find something," Harry suggested. That was agreed upon before they went to dinner. Each day of their winter break a couple hours would be spent reading through wizarding law to find a way to end the law and break those who wanted their marriages broken.
(1)- No sex takes place, they're just showering. I felt I should clarify that.