OWLS were getting closer and the anxiety of many fifth year students was rising. But the approach of a quidditch game helped to defuse that, if only a small amount. Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff was the game and Hermione found herself joined in the stands by Millicent, Victoria, and Draco. Gary, as usual, wasn't to be seen. He'd attended matches their first year but after that he'd stuck to practicing his preferred game of football. Hermione was certain that she'd be inside too if it weren't for Harry playing seeker. She spent most of the game worrying about him and she'd seen enough frightening moments featuring Harry on a broomstick to last her a lifetime. Still, if anything happened she could maybe do something to save his life. That was what kept her in that seat.
On the exam preparation front, she and Harry were pretty well set. They had laid out plans to study and Harry kept her from hyperventilating about the important tests. Mostly with his mouth and hands but she wasn't complaining. Hermione could concede that she got absorbed in books and Harry was the only person she'd met who could break her out of it.
The game began and Hermione could relax a bit. Hufflepuff weren't as aggressive as the other houses, which meant that Harry wouldn't be in too much danger. Since Cedric graduated they had no seeker who could even dream of matching Harry's abilities.
It was an unremarkable game. Harry caught the snitch within thirty minutes and Ron managed to make three saves in that time; otherwise Gryffindor dominated possession. Their chasers scored nine times. Ron's clean sheet was admirable but he'd certainly never felt any real pressure from Hufflepuff. Harry exited the locker room to see his girlfriend, who leaped on him immediately, "I hate this game," she mumbled against his mouth before kissing him.
"I know," he responded, his arms moving to hold her up. "I didn't make you worry too much, did I?"
"Not this time," she sighed. "You were pretty good."
"I'll take pretty good," he answered, setting her down. "For the record, cushioning charms on brooms are good but not great."
"Sore from your super expensive broom?" She teased.
"Not my rear, love," Harry smirked, "my feet. Those footholds must not have cushioning charms on them."
She leaned into his ear, "Pity. I'd have massaged your rear."
"Funny that you should mention that," Harry said, "my rear is also sore."
"Guess we'll have to take care of that," Hermione said seductively. Harry felt a shudder run down his back. She knew he loved it when she did that.
"Can we use a hot tub?"
"Of course we can," Hermione smiled.
Millicent smiled at Ron, "You did good."
"Yeah it was alright. They weren't all that difficult," Ron said, shrugging. "It was good practice, I guess." Millicent regarded Ron. This new humbleness was so far holding firm but she was concerned he might take it too far or worse, completely backslide. They had a new understanding in their relationship; Ron didn't care if she looked for love. Their relationship was strictly non-romantic and it would remain that way.
"What do you want to do now?" She asked.
"I think a hot shower would be pretty nice," he said. "Then dinner. I'm starving."
"You go to that then. I thought I'd go see one of Gary's practice sessions."
"Don't see the fun in a game with one ball," Ron shrugged, walking off toward their rooms. Millicent shook her head and headed to Gary's practice room. She was very curious about what he could do with a single ball that was so much better than quidditch.
The step-overs, the juggling of the ball using his thighs, knees, calves, feet, chest, neck, and head…Millicent was impressed. It never touched his arms or his shoulders. Gary didn't even have to look at the ball. She still wasn't sure of what the game looked like, but Gary obviously had some talent and skill. "Hi Millicent," he said, not looking at her.
"Is this how you practice?" She asked.
"Nope. I run every morning and I do lots of exercises to work on my stamina and of course strength training; even swim in the Black Lake during the warmer months," the ball moved behind him over his shoulder and his leg bent to catch the ball on his foot. "Next up is penalty kicks and then I think I'll work on crosses before some dribbling exercises and then I'll activate the charms that make the dummies act like defenders. That way I can work on avoiding other players," Gary flicked the ball back over his head and caught it with his other foot, "mostly this right here is just fun." She sat and watched him go through his practice. It was interesting to watch Gary move with the ball. He only ever touched it with his hands when he placed it for a free kick, penalty kick, or to take a corner. There was an intensity to him that surprised her; Gary seemed so laid back usually. Even when he was drawing he was relaxed and calm. His intensity was akin to Hermione studying, though Gary was perhaps even more extreme than Hermione could get.
"You really want to do well at this," Millicent observed.
"I want to break my grandfather's records," Gary answered. "I want a Charlton to be the recordholder for England and United in the decades to come. I want us to be kind of a footballing dynasty."
Millicent shared Gary's ambitions with her friends at dinner. "I think that's why he's with Fleur," Hermione said. "Gary's intense, driven, and passionate and that certainly appealed to her."
"A fifteen year old who knew what he wanted and how he was going to get it," Harry mused, "and she certainly got to witness that intensity and drive."
"I can see the appeal," Victoria said, earning a raised eyebrow from her husband. "What? I like that in a guy. And you certainly can't say you've seen anyone our age more dedicated and driven toward their future profession than Gary."
"I guess that's true," Draco said. "I don't even know what I want to do after Hogwarts." Harry and Hermione just nodded.
Millicent tilted her head in thought, "I just can't think of anything I've wanted as badly as he wants his football career."
"To be fair I think he wants Fleur almost as much."
"She's second in his life?" Ron asked, stunned. "Her? Really?"
"I don't think that he'd choose his career over Fleur," Hermione said, "and he certainly wouldn't cheat on her. Gary loves footy and he'd choose it over many things but Fleur is never going to be one."
Draco looked at Harry and Hermione, "So what are we going to do about the law?"
"Draco I can honestly say that my Hermione has done all she could to get it removed. Now we just wait," Harry answered, resuming his dinner. Hermione nodded her agreement and left it at that.
In early April Azkaban was emptied overnight. There was no trace of any of the prisoners and the Dementors had vanished. Hermione and Harry both recognized it for what it was; the first steps of reclamation by Her Majesty courtesy of the Magical Investigation Squad. The magical world was stunned, bewildered, and rather scared.
Hogwarts was largely unaffected by what had happened; the OWLS and NEWTS were fast approaching and the fifth and seventh years were seen almost always with books in hand. Three fifth years had to be taken to the infirmary after collapsing from stress, Parvati Patil among them. As May approached though, even the most relaxed and well-prepared were seen quite stressed out. Hermione found not even sex with Harry could calm her down, as much as he wanted to help her.
Fortunately Gary was more than willing to teach her some freestyle tricks and she found them fun to practice. Harry was a much faster learner than she was when it came to maneuvering the ball around. But she picked it up pretty well. Harry was an okay goalkeeper which benefitted Gary's training and Hermione quite liked seeing Harry frustrated when it came to keeping the ball out of the net.
The exams were exhausting. But for three students, it was a time to focus hard and do well since they would not be returning to Hogwarts. The build-up to the exams had meant that any questions about getting rid of the marriage law had ceased. It came second to the tests. When Harry finished his last practical exam he sat down. "Finally done," he sighed in relief.
"Feels good doesn't it?" Hermione asked him.
"Not as good as lying in a bathtub with you but it's a pleasant feeling," he smirked.
"I'll take that answer," she placed her head on his shoulder, "We won't get the results until August."
"That's a long way away," Harry frowned, "why does it take so long?"
"Not a clue."
"Not even going to try to guess?"
"Harry, I just want to relax and enjoy some time with you. No more thinking about magic."
He smiled and pressed his forehead to hers, "I like that. Room of Requirement?"
"Yes," she answered, letting him pull her upright before they all but ran up the stairs.
Ron sighed as he laid on the sofa in his rooms. It wasn't exactly a great end to the year. The final quidditch game had been Slytherin vs Gryffindor. He'd only saved two shots and they'd scored twelve times. It was only his second game but he felt very disappointed in what had happened that day. Gryffindor had won but that was mainly thanks to Harry, who caught the snitch.
His confidence had taken a large hit that day. But he couldn't mope for long. OWLS were important and he needed to do well on them. Not outrageously great like Hermione no doubt would, but he still needed to do well. The exams were draining and he was relieved when they were finished. Now he had a new problem. What to do for the summer. Where to go. He'd never had to ask that question before. While he was now married, he had no income. No place to stay other than his parents' house. And he knew his mother would be quite mean to Millicent. If not the Burrow, then where?
Finished with his NEWTS, Fred Weasley collapsed on his bed. "Finally," he sighed.
Angelina came in and removed her robes, "Once you get your results you can start applying for jobs at the Ministry."
Fred sighed. "I don't want to work at the Ministry."
"Well you're certainly not running a stupid joke shop," she said. "Honestly I don't understand why a smart girl like Padma would humor your idiotic brother with his desire for that dumb shop."
Fred bristled. "The shop isn't a dumb idea and George isn't an idiot."
She raised an eyebrow, "He should be applying to the Ministry. Get a job so he can get a house so that when Padma graduates they can work on starting a family. Instead he's dragged her into his childish fantasies."
"I liked you much better before we were married," Fred said. "You've become such a controlling, demanding, manipulating bitch."
"What did you call me?" There was no mistaking that tone. But it wasn't just an angry, warning tone. Fred heard it and immediately thought of his mother. Sweet Merlin, he'd married his mother!
"You heard me the first time. Or do I have to repeat myself because, as usual, you ignored everything I said?"
"You listen here Frederick Weasley-" As she began her rant Fred rubbed his face in his hands. A life of this was not worth living.
"My parents said we could stay with them for the summer," Victoria said, tossing her bag onto the table. "That we don't have to get a house until after we graduate."
Draco nodded, "That sounds really good actually. Much better than trying to find some way to clean a house while we're gone for school."
"I wonder what Harry and Hermione are doing this summer," she mused as she removed her robes.
"Shagging?" Draco offered.
"Other than that," she rolled her eyes at Draco, who grinned.
"Hermione mentioned taking Harry with her on her family's vacation. I'd expect they'll do that."
Victoria tilted her head in thought, "Maybe we can get our school things together in Diagon Alley in August then."
"Sure that sounds fun," he nodded.
George sunk into the bath tub. He was exhausted. He'd thought the OWLS were bad; the NEWTS were worse. "How were your exams George?"
"They were evil," he answered.
"I'm sorry," Padma said, sitting down on the edge of the tub, "George I don't mean to add stress to your day but where are we going to live? I cannot be at the Burrow longer than a brief visit that is not overnight."
George smiled. He understood her concern. But he'd already thought of that, "Penny and Percy picked out a store and there's an apartment above it. We get to stay in it, rent free. Apparently Percy squirreled away loads of money and Penny's family put up some money too. Our only equity in the business is my brain but I promise to make it so that we have a good future."
She ran a hand through his hair, "George I don't want you to feel all the pressure. I might be in school again come September but I'm always available to you when it comes to working on your products."
"Yeah? Great I could use your help with something now."
Padma looked at him, confused, "Help with what?"
"This," he answered, pulling her (fully clothed), into the tub with him.
"GEORGE!"
George cheekily grinned, "I love it when you get all wet for me."
Padma glared at him, "When I get out of this tub you're a dead man George."
"Oh you like the danger of living with me."
"For some bizarre, twisted reason I do," she said, kissing him softly, "but that doesn't mean I won't get revenge."
"I look forward to it," he grinned.
The remaining week at Hogwarts after the exams flew by and they were soon aboard the train home. Harry and Hermione's compartment was quite full; Draco, Victoria, Millicent, Ron, and Gary joined them. It started off just Gary with them but they were soon joined by the other four. "When do you get to see Fleur?" Hermione asked.
"As soon as I step off this train," he grinned. "She's picking me up at King's Cross. She'll Apparate us back to Manchester."
"Try not to have too much fun too quickly," Hermione teased.
"Oh I can't promise that Hermione," Gary said. "I've really missed her."
"Kind of like asking us to keep it G-rated," Harry said, leaning into his girlfriend, "don't reckon we could, love."
"Especially not after months apart," Hermione mused, her hand on her boyfriend's thigh. She looked at Millicent, "What are you doing this summer?"
"Ron and I are staying with my parents. I think avoiding his mother right now is very important." Ron just nodded in agreement with Millicent.
"What about you two?" Draco asked. "You're very secretive about your plans."
"We just try to avoid starring in newspapers," Harry said. "I'm going on vacation with Hermione, her parents, and Sirius and Remus. My first trip out of Britain."
"That's great," Victoria smiled.
"I'm pretty excited," Harry grinned at his lover who smiled and pressed her head against his. They wouldn't say more on the subject. They couldn't. Not and risk the four magicals who were remaining in the magical world trying to get them to change their minds.
The ride was passed in laughter and games. Their arrival in London had Gary nearly sprinting off the train after shrinking and pocketing his trunk. It was hard to blame him when Harry and Hermione exited to see Fleur wrapped around him on the platform and the couple oblivious to the goings-on around them. Hermione walked over, "You two might want to leave this area before Gary is challenged to a duel by every guy here."
"Yeah," Gary breathed, "we can continue that once we have more room."
"Zat ees a good idea," Fleur said. "A pleasure to see you again 'Arry, 'Ermione," she smiled at them both.
"Likewise," Harry said. "Hey Gary, maybe send us some tickets to see you play when you make it into the team? Youth or first team," he added.
"Sure thing," Gary nodded, shaking his hand, "you two take care."
"We'll be in touch," Hermione winked. Gary smirked. He wouldn't be the only person not returning to Hogwarts. He could see that plain as day on their faces. That would be interesting.
Fleur nipped his ear, "I 'ave meesed you Gary," she whispered, "let me show you 'ow much."
"Yes ma'am," he said, "Think you can take us both there right now?"
"Oui," she answered, adjusting her hold of him before they vanished with a crack.
Harry and Hermione said goodbye to their friends and entered the muggle world. Both let out a breath as they made their way out of the train station. They, like Gary, had shrunk their trunks and pocketed them. Hedwig had been released on the train to head to Grimmauld Place and Crookshanks lay in his carrier, not particularly pleased with his situation but not complaining. The Grangers greeted them both with a hug and Crookshanks was placed in the car, the couple sliding in after him. "How were your exams?"
"Good," Harry said. "We were well-prepared."
"We're ready for this vacation," Hermione said.
"So are we dear," her mother said. "Now then, let's head to Sirius' home, shall we?"
They hadn't moved very far when Hermione's father, Dan, spoke in an intimidating voice, "How long have you been having sex with my daughter Harry?"
Harry paled. Hermione rubbed her face with her hand while Harry stammered, "S-sir I-I r-r-really l-l-l-l-love your d-d-d-dau-daught-daughter a-and…"
"Daddy leave Harry alone. For your information I instigated us having sex. Harry would barely touch my breast over my clothes without me forcing him to since he was so shy and afraid of losing me if I thought he was too forward." Harry was now fully bright red but so was her father.
Emma turned to look at Harry, "Don't worry about Dan, dear. He's just been reminded that Hermione is her mother's daughter in more ways than one." With a smug smirk that was very familiar to Harry she turned back around and settled into her chair. Harry glanced at Hermione, who smiled at him and kissed him gently before settling into the seat and snuggling against him. His arms moved around her on instinct and Dan said nothing the rest of the way to 12 Grimmauld Place.
Chapter 12
Harry stepped out of the changing room. Clothes shopping was the last thing on their list. Two weeks ago he'd finalized the boat purchase. Gringotts knew how to enlarge boats, magically, and they'd done so to take the boat that had two bedrooms, one bathroom, a library/study, kitchen, and dining area had grown into 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a larger library with a separate study, a nicely sized kitchen and a very nice dining room. Not to mention the magical reinforcement to protect the boat from rough seas and bad weather. It had only cost Harry an additional 500 galleons which Sirius' house cleanup to remove the dark items and stolen goblin artifacts covered and then some.
Remus and Sirius had gone shopping to get them the books they'd need for their studies the next two years; they weren't sure when they'd return to Britain and wanted to be prepared. Kreacher was delighted to know that he would have two houses to clean and maintain. Dobby and Winky were to go with them on the boat since Hermione had agreed that the two elves could join their odd little family. The Grangers, after some discussion, decided to sell their practice. And the preparations continued from there.
Clothes shopping for their trip was the last thing on their list and Harry was relieved. Hermione had quickly taken to being the navigator and he picked up how to sail the boat with the motor and without all on his own very quickly too. This was going to be the trip of a lifetime. And he couldn't wait to get started.
Molly Weasley looked at her house. Her oldest three had all moved out a while ago. Fred, who she'd hoped to keep at home for a bit, was moving in with his wife at her parents' home. Ron and George were also gone, leaving Molly with just Ginny. Never had the Burrow been so lonely. She didn't like it. "Arthur our house is empty."
"Four of our kids got married this year Molly," Arthur reminded her.
"I know but what am I to do without them here?"
"Ginny could invite her friends over," Arthur suggested.
Molly waved a dismissive hand, "She's only ever had a few friends and they're married." Arthur, sensing a conversation in which he couldn't win and would be dismissed at each suggestion, simply exited out to his shed. Molly had wanted them all to get married. Now she disliked the consequences of that. He wasn't surprised.
Harry, Hermione, and company were about to cast off from England when they received word. Her Majesty, Queen of England, had reclaimed the magical world. She had arrested the lawmakers and immediately nullified several laws, including the marriage law via a proclamation that had been spread throughout magical Britain. For Harry, it was a weight that vanished from his shoulders before the thoughts of Ginny Weasley trying to get him to marry her made him shudder and kiss Hermione hard.
"You're mine Potter," Hermione said when they parted for air. "No fan girl can get between us."
He smiled, "Reckon you're the only girl who could handle my fame."
"Also the only girl who understands why you hate it," she added, pressing her forehead against his, "What say we shove off and head down toward Portugal and Spain?"
"I say yes love, as you command," Harry answered with a grin. "Can I be Captain Harry?"
"I prefer Captain Scarface," Hermione grinned, "it sounds like a good pirate name. And there's a sex appeal about pirates I can't explain."
"Probably the hygiene," Sirius said as they climbed aboard the ship Harry'd named 'My Little Bookworm'.
"I'd say it's their roguish nature," Emma said. "Sirius I suspect I'll have many days where I want to throw you overboard. Hopefully Captain Scarface will permit me to do so when the time comes."
"Only if Dan builds a plank for him to walk off at swordpoint," Harry said. "Which means I'll need a sword. Hermione can you transfigure one?"
"Yes I can and no I'm not doing so anytime soon," she answered, "now then what say you get us out of here now before a deluge of birds rains down on us?"
"Hermione's right we need to leave very quickly," Remus agreed. With Harry at the helm and Hermione navigating they were soon off on their new adventure.
The proclamation included information about divorce and how any couple who no longer wished to be together could divorce regardless of the 'insipid arrogance' of the Ministry and Wizengamot. George looked at Padma, "What do you think?"
She gazed at him, taking in the worry on his face. She certainly knew what to say but how to say it to her prankster husband? "I think it's a wonderful idea George." George Weasley wilted in front of his wife, who promptly smiled, "Nothing would annoy your mother more than our getting divorced, living in sin, and then eventually getting married again but in a ceremony of our choosing, not hers."
There was no doubt Padma got it right as George beamed and lifted her up, spinning her around the room, "You really know the way to my heart, love," he said, kissing her before paling and pulling back. They hadn't used the 'L' word before.
But Padma wasn't one to let George feel uncomfortable (well, not for too long anyway), "Good because you managed to unlock mine." When they parted from the kiss that followed Padma gave a seductive smile, "What does my future ex-husband think about celebrating our impending divorce?"
"He thinks that the bedroom is the best place to do so," George answered, throwing her over his shoulder and heading into their bedroom. Padma laughed at his exuberance.
Luna looked at Greg, who asked uncertainly, "Do you want to do this? I mean, I really like being your husband and…well…"
"I like having the option," Luna said, "It means that I choose to be with you and you choose to be with me because we love each other, not because we have to be together. That's a good thing." He smiled and kissed her, Luna shifting to sit in his lap as they proceeded to have a quite wonderful snog.
Fred nearly leaped for joy as he saw the word 'divorce' on the page. Angelina looked at him, "Not that we need this. I suppose it's good for people like Padma though."
"Angelina, I want a divorce," Fred said. She stared at him, wide-eyed, "You're as bad as my mum and there's a reason Charlie and Bill left as soon as they could. Percy too. It's because our mum is the most controlling, obnoxious person you'll ever meet. I'm not going to be with someone like her and you're exactly like her. So we're over. I want a divorce and that's final." For once Angelina had no response.
Draco grinned. Somehow, Harry and Hermione were involved. This certainly took care of their problems. "Hermione and Harry did this," Victoria said, reading the proclamation.
"Yeah I think so too," he nodded. "I wonder if we should do something for them."
"They're on vacation though," Victoria reminded him. "We can wait until the school year arrives." Draco nodded in agreement. That would be fine.
Millicent gazed at the proclamation. They could get a divorce. She could be free. There was no hiding the grin as she handed the paper to Ron. Ron read it and then looked up at her, "Now you can be with whoever you want."
"I can," she nodded.
"That's great Millie," he said sincerely, "I'll sign divorce papers gladly. You deserve a really great guy."
"You know Ron," Millicent looked him in the eye, "You've come a long way in the time we've been stuck together. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks," he smiled. "I've had to try really hard to change. And it was really scary sometimes. But now I think I can do it. Though returning to the Burrow is not an enticing future. Hey, Charlie! I can write to Charlie and see if I can come work for him for the summer. That way I can earn some extra coin and maybe buy myself a decent broomstick."
"That sounds like a really good idea Ron," Millie nodded, "but if you need a place to stay, here is always an option."
"Thanks Millie but I reckon you need your privacy. You haven't had much of that since before Christmas." Ron smiled and went to write to his brother about work on the dragon preserve.
The takeover of the Ministry of Magic meant the termination of every employee. A committee, hand-picked by Her Majesty herself, made up of muggleborns and muggle-raised individuals went through the ministry and removed every unnecessary position and streamlined everything. They then began the hiring process. There would be no Minister of Magic. The head of the Magical Investigation Unit was installed as the head of the ministry but her purpose was to report to the Queen and deliver Her orders to the employees of the ministry.
The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts department grew. Arthur Weasley, though, was not to return. His obvious lack of knowledge when it came to muggles rendered him unqualified for the department. They found muggleborns or half-bloods to work in the department. The Aurors were all in need of training and were all forced to undergo physicals, evaluations, and knowledge tests. Two-thirds of the initial force was not welcomed back. Nepotism had been so strong within the Ministry it unnerved those who'd lived in the muggle world.
Of those employees that returned they found themselves subject to much scrutiny by their new bosses and who they knew mattered not. That was hard to swallow but those few who got jobs were too grateful for the jobs and could at least enjoy the increased pay that came with the removal of so many useless positions and termination of excessive wages from the nepotism. Of course, if you were an individual who got a job but had previously had a job solely because of your connections or the excessive wages solely because of those connections then you were going to find yourself with a much lighter paycheck.
Arthur Weasley found himself working in the Registration Department. He was primarily deputized with organizing old records. A very large and overwhelming task. The new job came with a pay decrease (his previous job had come courtesy of his own blood relations) but he took comfort in the fact that he only had two children to pay for when it came to Hogwarts.
Ron's arrival in Romania was to find his brother greeting him with a girl on his arm. A girl his mother would assuredly hate. She had a bright green Mohawk, tattoos sprinkled over her skin, and piercings. Two eyebrow piercings on her left eyebrow, one ear outlined with metal rings and the other with a spike through it. A spike that looked like a long dragon's tooth. She had her nose pierced on the side of a nostril and when she said hello to him Ron saw a barbell in her tongue too. "Ron this is my girlfriend Lexi. Lexi, this is my youngest brother Ron."
"It's nice to meet you," she smiled at him and shook his hand. She was American judging from her accent. Ron was certain of one thing. He wanted front row seats when Lexi met Molly.
Charlie gave Ron a hug, "You have your own room and you'll be shadowing me and some of the other more experienced dragon keepers. You won't have jobs that are too dangerous. But you'll earn some money. Certainly enough for your broomstick."
"Thanks Charlie," Ron said. "and it's nice to meet you too Lexi."
"Let's get you settled in," Charlie said, leading him toward the large building the keepers were all housed in.
Ron collapsed on his bed. His first day of work was exhausting. He smelled, he had no energy, and he was so tired he could sleep for a week. A knock on the door had him propping himself up on his elbows, "Enter," he yelled.
The door opened partially and Lexi's head popped in, "Ron, if you want a shower before dinner now's the time. A line appears when the shifts rotate and the night shift is getting ready for work."
"Oh okay," he got out of bed, wincing in the process, and grabbed his shower kit.
"Ask Charlie about some salves to soothe your muscles," she added. "He makes some great ones."
"Thanks," he said, smiling somewhat.
"You did a good job today Ron. Be proud. Most people, even the ones that love dragons like Charlie, are really nervous and afraid of them at first. You certainly didn't show you were afraid and you did everything asked of you. Charlie's definitely proud of you." Ron felt his mood lift. His brother was proud of him. The smile was large and sincere that time. Lexi squeezed his shoulder, "Charlie and I will come by to take you to dinner in a half hour or so. You can spend your evenings as you want. Some of the guys play muggle card games; Exploding Snap is just too dangerous for a dragon preserve."
Ron could definitely understand that. The Hungarian Horntails especially did not like loud noises unless they were the ones making them. "Thanks for the help."
"My motives aren't quite honorable," Lexi conceded, "My sister is arriving in a few days. She's your age and I hope that you can look out for her like I've looked out for you."
"Sure," Ron nodded before heading to the showers. Maybe they'd soothe his aching muscles.
Lexi's sister, Roxanne, arrived a couple days later and Ron met her along with Charlie and Lexi. Ron quite liked Lexi; she was cool. Her sister, Roxi, was alot like her big sister. No tattoos but she had a few piercings and her hair was bright pink and cut in a faux-hawk style. She was very talkative and nice, if a bit boisterous and aggressive. Not that Ron was complaining. She was the only person his own age at the preserve and Roxi was quite good company. He'd never been outside of Europe and northern Africa and Roxi's stories of America were fascinating.
Ron had to concede that Roxi was attractive. He'd never met anyone like her and he found himself quite taken with the punk American. On their day off Roxi made him change into his swimsuit and dragged him to the lake they were allowed to swim in. Ron was unaccustomed to muggle swimsuits but he definitely appreciated them by the end of that day.
Hogwarts had let out at the end of May, leaving them with a three month vacation to cope with the Marriage Law and the housing problem so many students had faced. Ron was glad because it gave him several months to work on saving up money for his broomstick. He'd already picked it out and everything. Having divorced Millicent immediately mid-June and arriving at the dragon preserve four days after that, he had two months and two weeks to earn the money for his broomstick.
Surprisingly for Ron, a summer romance appeared to be in bloom with Roxi too. Although the smirks from Charlie and Lexi indicated they'd both possibly planned for it, he quite enjoyed Roxi's company and she seemed to quite like his. Ron's practices of self-awareness had led to his new self happening naturally with less thought occurring for him to not say something rude or ignorant. Ron was pretty proud of that and he wrote to his therapist about his accomplishment to receive praise and suggestions for various exercises to keep up his efforts lest he cease working on himself.
"And then the law got axed by the Queen of England and divorce laws were passed. Millie and I divorced right away. She's a good friend, but she's not my type."
"Wow," Roxi said, "that was a really stupid law."
Ron smirked. "Yeah it was. They even made us consummate the marriage even though we couldn't have kids yet."
"In the United States we don't really have purebloods. I'm sure there's some but they're not as powerful or as crazy as British ones evidently." She rolled onto her side to look him in the eye instead of at the older dragon keepers' card game, "Did she love you?"
"No. Don't reckon I even know who she was interested in. Millie is a really private girl. Very shy. I think she had a crush on a classmate of ours but he's dating a Veela and not returning to Hogwarts so he was kind of out of reach."
"Kind of?" Roxi laughed, "Veela can be really territorial. They'll even kill anyone they perceive to be a threat to their relationship with their mate."
"Glad Millie was happy to just be friends with him then," Ron said, "She said I wasn't ready to date but I don't think she was either. Sometimes Millie reminds me of a little girl; I mean, she's more mature in some ways but not like her friends Victoria or Hermione. At least not when it comes to dating. She's kind of like a little girl hoping Prince Charming will come."
"I've always thought Prince Charming was a jerk," Roxi said. "And a bit of a perv, doing so many things to unconscious women."
"I guess it's not for everyone," Ron shrugged.
"Not for me certainly. You're nice Ron, but you're no Prince Charming."
"I take it as a compliment," He nodded.
"You should take it as an indication to kiss me," she said, pressing her forehead to his. "But only if you can catch me." Like a flash she was off to the races trying to escape him.
Ron pinned her to the wall outside his room, "Caught you."
"Oh no! And here I am, all weak and innocent held against my will by a big strong ginger monster!" Her voice was full of over-dramatization and Ron barely suppressed a smirk.
"You're the weirdest girl I've ever met, Roxi."
"You like it though," she said. Ron leaned in and kissed her, still holding her hands against the wall. He did like her weirdness. It was fun.
Harry lay on the deck of his ship, enjoying the break. His girlfriend had taken him to some landmarks in Spain and Portugal before they'd entered the Mediterranean and arrived near France. Earlier that day they'd gone to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. He loved the new sights and joys of the world that they were sharing together. Gary had joined them that day along with Fleur; they were visiting her parents for a month. Her English was much improved. Before they parted Gary had asked Harry and Hermione if they were returning to Hogwarts. Hermione had responded with the truth; they weren't. Gary had simply nodded in understanding and promised to write to them.
Harry liked traveling with their companions. The Grangers were like the parents he'd never had but always wished he did; especially Emma. She was alot like Hermione; bossy, determined, proud, and fierce. The phrase like mother like daughter often crossed his mind and he didn't see that as a bad thing. If Hermione was going to age like her mother she'd be stunning for the next several decades. He looked forward to that. The two Marauders could be handfuls at times but to Harry they were like fun uncles. They knew when to be serious and when not to be which helped their relationship with one Emma Granger especially.
Of course, Hermione was his favorite traveling companion. His girlfriend, his lover, his best friend…the only person in his life who had never left his side. It would be hard to top her position in his life, to his mind. "Want some company?"
He turned his head to see Hermione stepping out on the deck, a blanket over her shoulders to keep out the cool evening air. "If it's you, absolutely."
They were soon snuggled together in the deck chair, "How are you liking your vacation?"
"It's brilliant," he answered. "Reckon I should have had this years ago."
"Years ago we couldn't have shared a room together," Hermione reminded him.
"True," he tilted his head in thought, "I wouldn't like that. I guess this time is just perfect."
"I agree," she smiled, kissing his cheek. "I think a year abroad is just what we need, Harry. To recuperate and work out what we want to do with our lives."
"Beyond be with you I haven't given it much thought. Until Voldemort died I wasn't so certain I'd even live to adulthood."
"As if I'd let you die," Hermione scolded. "You're mine Potter. Nothing happens to you without me kicking some arse."
"I do like seeing you do that," Harry conceded.
Chapter 13
Ron Weasley arrived in Diagon Alley on August 24th with his brother Charlie and their girlfriends Lexi and Roxi. They'd decided to see him off to Hogwarts together and Charlie had borrowed a coworker's flat for the week. They had three bedrooms, which suited Ron just fine. He and Roxi certainly kissed but they were definitely not ready for sex. "Ready to get your broomstick?" Roxi asked him.
"I definitely am," Ron nodded. "But I want to stop by George and Percy's shop first."
"I think that's a great idea," Charlie nodded. He wanted to see this shop for himself. Padma's letters to Ron that summer about the shop (a better choice of letter writer than George who was bouncing with excitement that his dream was coming to fruition) were very vivid and detailed and he was eager to see the product of their efforts.
They knew immediately they'd found the shop when they read the sign above a storefront that said, 'Sirs Percival & Laughs-a-Lot Proudly Present: The Giggling Grail!' "If this isn't George's shop I don't know what could be," Charlie said.
They entered to find a shop that looked like a medieval festival had thrown up. Ron smiled. It was so George it was amazing. George popped up in front of them dressed like a jester, "Welcome weary travelers! Sit and be amused by Sir Laughs-A-Lot and lovely Lady Grinevere!"
A groan followed George's announcement, "George I swear on the Lady of the Lake I will hurt you if you don't stop calling me that!"
Ron turned to see Padma dressed in period clothing as well, "You can hit him, Padma. We won't say anything."
"So this is the lovely Padma," Charlie said, taking her hand and kissing the back of it, "You poor, brave woman."
"Bit your tongue cur!" George said, pointing his jester's staff in Charlie's face, "Or I shall challenge you to a duel!"
"It's nice to meet you Charlie," Padma said, "and to see you again Ron. Ignore my boyfriend. He calms down around closing time."
"And your mother has already been by screaming about George and Padma 'living in sin' so if you say a word we get to toss you in the water tank," Penelope said, coming over.
Padma grabbed George by the ear and dragged him away to deal with other customers, "Sorry we're really busy," Percy said, appearing dressed as a knight, though without the armor at present.
"I wanted to see the store," Ron said. "It looks great."
"George thinks up the ideas, Padma works out how to execute them, and we have success," Percy smiled, "We're really packed right now but come back around dinner time and we can all get dinner together."
"Sure Perce, that's fine. Enjoy work." Percy smiled before walking over to a customer.
The group exited and gathered up Ron's supplies. His OWL results were quite good, according to Charlie. He got an O in Charms surprisingly (although on second thought Hermione tutored that subject), A's in Potions, Transfiguration, Astronomy, and History of Magic, and E's in Herbology, Diviniation and Care of Magical Creatures. Charlie and some of the other dragon keepers had given him advice; he'd dropped Diviniation and History of Magic but retained everything else. Charlie constantly drilled into him to look toward a career after Quidditch and when he explained it, it made sense. So Ron made sure to take other classes that gave him opportunities when he left Hogwarts.
His broomstick was saved for last. Entering the shop and choosing his broomstick, a Nimbus 2003, was a dream come true for him. He wanted a broom fast enough to ride for pleasure but not too fast for his role as keeper. The newest Nimbus model was perfect for that.
By the time they'd finished their errands in Diagon Alley it was time to return to The Giggling Grail. When they arrived George was out of the jester costume and smiled, handing Ron a box, "Congratulations on your OWL results Ron."
Ron sat the box on the counter and cautiously opened it, his head tilted away from the package and arms fully extended. This had Padma, Penny, and Percy laughing hard. "I'm offended," George said, pouting.
"Not a chance of that happening," Padma said, pulling him to her, "however the box is safe Ron. Penny wrapped it."
"Oh that's a relief," Ron sighed, moving to face the package properly. Inside were two mirrors. "What are these?"
"Communication mirrors," Padma explained. "It's something the Marauders used and we've been working on. If you say the other person's name, their mirror will vibrate and you can talk to them no matter how far apart you are. You mentioned that Roxi lives across the pond and we thought this would save some owls." George grinned at that.
"Wow," Ron said, looking at the box. "Th-thanks." He looked up at Roxi, who had a smile on her lips. His brothers could be pretty cool.
The changes in the Wizarding World were not met with wide acceptance. But what had hindered magical Britain so long was their constant obedience and that did not change despite the hatred for having a muggle, queen or not, ruling them with an iron fist. Gary Charlton and others like him, raised in the muggle world and not a fan of the magical world's way of doing things, found it almost comical.
Albus Dumbledore had lost many of his distinctions for his treatment of Harry Potter, including his Order of Merlin. He'd made his peace with that. He retained his post at the Wizengamot with the understanding that if he stepped out of line Her Majesty would literally have his head. The new headmaster of Hogwarts was a muggleborn who had served as a headmaster for an elite muggle school. There were changes to the curriculum, but only one staff change. Binns was sacked and a goblin took up the post after Her Majesty invited the head of the Nation, Ragefist, and asked him how She could help them. Humbled by her words, Ragefist served as an advisor to her and helped her in both worlds and especially with financial matters, including her grandsons' trusts.
Ragefist proved invaluable to the Crown in the years to come. Her Majesty was the only muggle Gringotts worked for but he took care good care of her accounts and possessions.
Fred Weasley sat in the Leaky Cauldron and watched as George entered with Padma, the pair laughing together. He frowned as he watched them get a booth and settle into one side of it together, snuggled close. He still remembered George's words after he'd divorced Angelina.
-Flashback-
Freshly divorced from Angelina, Fred walked over to the shop Percy'd bought George. He was elated. He'd get to run the shop, Perfect Prefect Percy would get the boot, and it'd be just the two of them again as it should be. He hadn't talked to George recently but he'd heard enough of his mother's shrieking to know that George had divorced Padma. He went up the back way to get to the living quarters and knocked. George opened the door after a few minutes, a towel around his waist, "Fred?"
"Hey less attractive twin. Ready to work on our shop?" George stared at him, confused. "I dumped Angelina, you dumped your obnoxious know-it-all; now things can be back to normal."
A woman's voice called out from within the apartment, "George? Who is it?"
Fred grinned, "A celebratory shag eh you dog? I'm up to join in the fun." He moved to push past George but George didn't move. "Well move George I want into our apartment."
George spoke in a controlled anger, "You don't own part of the shop. You don't own part of this apartment. And I thought I made it clear the last time when I broke your jaw. I don't swap or do any of that stupid stuff you think we should do. We might be identical in appearance but we're not identical in any other way," he glared at Fred.
"George who is it?"
The voice was louder and Fred recognized it that time. "I thought you divorced Padma."
"We divorced because we intend to remarry on our own terms," George answered. "We're not broken up. In fact you interrupted us celebrating our divorce. The shop belongs to Percy, Penny, and the Clearwaters. I'm just the guy imagining things and with the help of my brilliant lover I can execute them." George glared at Fred, "When we found out about this law you said to me that you were so grateful Angelina was a pureblood and how unlucky I was that the two girls you knew best were half-bloods. You didn't care to help me. You didn't care to work out who I could possibly marry. You just took off to shag your girlfriend and revel in the fact that mum couldn't get mad that you'd already been shagging her. You never asked who I was going to marry or offer to help me out. Now you're divorced and expect me to just drop Padma and hand over everything we've worked for to you? Go to hell Fred. The two people in my corner since the whole marriage law debacle started were Padma and Percy. I wouldn't drop either of them for you and I most certainly wouldn't drop both of them for you." With that George slammed the door in his face.
-End Flashback-
Fred hated the marriage law. It had ruined his relationship for George. But what he really hated was how George had just tossed him over for some bird. Admittedly, Fred had often done that to George. Padma was George's first girlfriend but Angelina wasn't Fred's first girlfriend. He'd had two before her (namely the two he'd mentioned to George when the law passed) and had often tried to get George to go with him. Fred could have two dates instead of one then. But George had never gone for anyone.
Fred wasn't sure what to do with his life. He had stayed with Lee Jordan for a few weeks before he'd been kicked out; Lee wasn't about to clean up after Fred and after two warnings Fred was out on his behind. Fred would rather be dead than ask Percy for anything and so he found himself back at the Burrow. His mother had made him apply to the Ministry but with the takeover he'd not qualified.
He was stuck and George was happy. Obnoxiously happy. As usual, Fred had leaped in feet first without much thought. Instead of having a happily ever after, he had a bitter, angry ex-wife. None of the girls he knew would give him the time of day. Apparently Angelina had been talking. For Fred the plan had always been a shop with George, an apartment with George, and George running interference with all the girls in Fred's life. George, in Fred's mind, would just have to put up with it because they were twins and George would get blamed since they looked so similar. But anymore they didn't. George had some dark highlights in his hair suddenly and he had very muggle hairstyles, which was the opposite of Fred's long wizarding hairstyle. George also dressed different.
Fred didn't find it fair. George got everything he wanted. Well, except for Padma. Fred had never wanted her. Maybe just to stick it to George but Padma wasn't like the girls Fred chased. Padma was more like Hermione Granger. Dangerous when crossed and not afraid to aim below the belt to protect herself. Fred was a bit afraid of her.
"I'm going to miss you when you go back to Hogwarts," George said, pressing his forehead to hers.
"Technically I don't have to go back," she said. "I could stay and study on my own, maybe even get a tutor to keep me on track and arrange for tests for me to take."
"I don't want you to give up school for me," George protested.
"What if I don't want to sleep alone again?" Padma kissed him gently, "George you were my only friend at school. I'd be going there to be alone. I can study just as well on my own and I could help with our store. And keep you in line," she added with a cheeky smile.
George chuckled before growing serious, "I'll support whatever decision you make, Padma. I just don't want you to regret your choice years from now."
"I won't regret it George. Besides, without me you'd be helpless."
"Helplessly horny," he muttered.
"That especially," she teased as a waiter approached to take their order.
September 1st letters arrived for Draco, Millicent, Ron, and Victoria. In it Harry and Hermione wrote that they wouldn't be returning to Hogwarts and Harry went a little further, saying that the magical world had taken his family and his childhood from him; he wouldn't let them take Hermione from him too. Draco, Millicent, and Victoria were stunned but Ron actually wasn't. Maybe it was because he knew about Harry's past more than the others.
On Platform 9 3/4 Ron said goodbye to Charlie, Lexi, and Roxi. He was pleasantly surprised when she kissed him goodbye, "We use the mirrors once a week. Don't forget," she smiled.
"I won't," he promised. "Enjoy school Roxi."
"You too," she said. "And good luck at your quidditch games."
"Thanks," he smiled at her and hugged his brother and Lexi before Roxi gave him one last hug and kissed him again and he walked onto the train. He suddenly stopped and looked back, "Maybe we can do something for Christmas break."
"Maybe we can," she smiled back. "Bye Ron."
"Bye," he said, waving as the train started to move.
Millicent was sitting with Draco and Victoria when Ron entered the compartment. "You have a girlfriend?" Millicent asked.
"I guess so," Ron said. "We hung out alot over the summer," he shrugged. He looked at his ex-wife, "How was your summer?"
"It was okay," she said. She turned back to Draco and Victoria to talk and Ron decided to go find some other members of the Quidditch team. They'd need to know that Harry wasn't coming back. There was a weird vibe between him and Millicent for some reason and Ron didn't quite understand why; they'd never been romantic. If Millicent had showed up with a guy he'd have been happy for her.
Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, Harry and Hermione were enjoying what normally was the start of a new school year. "This is so much better than a drafty Scottish castle," Hermione sighed.
"The view is better too," Harry said, smiling at her.
"So what do you think Black Island will be like?" Hermione asked, stretching out on a lounge.
"Sirius says it's really beautiful. But isolated so that will be a bit weird. Every place we've been so far has had loads of people."
"You just want my parents distracted so we can snog and shag."
Harry laughed, "We are very capable of gaining privacy love. I'm just concerned there might not be anything for them to do." They'd learned some things over the summer. The Grangers were big on finding activities at each place they stopped at. Sirius and Remus, meanwhile, went to clubs and weren't hard-pressed to find girls. Harry and Hermione would go to a few sights (or more, depending on if there was a spot they especially wanted to visit) but they liked playing in the water and just relaxing in the sun and surf together.
The Grangers, Harry'd learned, weren't ones to just relax. They liked to be doing something almost all the time. Harry thought they were a bit too busy on vacations. Granted, this was his first vacation. But since Hermione didn't mind just relaxing and playing around he figured they probably had the best way to do things.
-Epilogue-
September 9, 1998
Harry Potter sat in the stands of Old Trafford holding his girlfriend's hand. Sitting the row above them were the Charlton family and Fleur, who looked more nervous than Harry had ever seen her. That day in a match between Manchester United vs Charlton Athletic, Gary was getting his first team debut. Harry and Hermione had promised to be there years ago, and had kept that promise.
"I wondered if you two would come," they heard. They both glanced up to see Ron Weasley. "You both look good."
"You do too," Harry said, standing with Hermione to make it easier for Ron to sit down. Hugs were exchanged, "I thought you had some hot girlfriend."
"Roxi has to babysit today," he said, "and she insisted I come anyway. He showed up for my first team debut so fair is fair."
"Who is she babysitting for?" Roxi had two older brothers and an older sister.
"One of the guys."
"You travelled across the pond for today," Harry smirked. "I'm impressed Ron."
"I like the USA," he shrugged, "plus it's far away from my mum."
"I can see the appeal of that," Hermione said. Ron laughed. "Have you heard from the other three?'
"Victoria's pregnant so I don't know if they'll be coming. I think she's having complications with it. And Millicent doesn't really talk much to me anymore. Not since I met Roxi anyway."
Hermione frowned. Millicent had never shown any interest in Ron, but she'd taken him dating someone very hard. After Harry and Hermione had left England Millicent had withdrawn. It concerned Hermione, but Harry's mental health and happiness was too important to put to the wayside just to humor friends of theirs. Ron sat down on Hermione's other side, "How are your travels?"
"Fun," Harry said. "We just spent three months in Brazil. We helped build a school and get it started. We'll probably head back right away. I think we could build an orphanage in Rio." Harry and Hermione had found their purpose. Given his fame and the fame she got for both being with him and having helped him over the years, normal careers weren't an option. So they decided to throw themselves into helping less fortunate peoples and places around the globe. Harry's fortune was always growing despite the money they took out of it thanks to the goblins' shrewd investments. Harry loved building things and especially seeing kids' eyes light up when they had a new school or orphanage. They focused on orphans since Harry was one, but they put their all into everything they did.
"What's Draco doing?"
"According to Padma and George he's living off his family's investments but not like you guys. He's more a rest and relaxation guy than anything else. Victoria works in the ministry as a secretary or something I think."
"How's The Giggling Grail?"
"Fantastic business and George and Padma are now part owners. They bought out the Clearwaters after their second year in business. Padma aced her NEWTS which gives George just one more thing to brag about. They plan on getting married 'for real' as they say next year."
"That's sweet," Hermione smiled, leaning into Harry. "What about Percy and Charlie?"
"Percy and Penelope are trying to start a family and Charlie eloped with Lexi. They're going to stay in Romania with the dragon preserve. And Fred is a beater for the Chudley Cannons. Hasn't helped them win though."
"I do know that Millicent works in a shop in Hogsmeade," Hermione said. "But she doesn't write us often."
"Me either," Ron said. "According to Parvati she had a boyfriend but it didn't last long."
As the teams walked out and names were announced Gary's name was met with large applause. Harry cast a glance up at Sir Bobby, who had a twinkle in his eye as Gary stood alongside the team. "He'll be great," Harry said. Sir Bobby gave him a nod and smile in response.
Five minutes into the game Gary scored his first professional goal. Old Trafford erupted as he sent a thunderbolt shot into the top corner of the net. After that you could see the tension had left Fleur, who had gripped Ron's shoulder particularly tightly when Gary'd been passed the ball prior to the goal. The next day Ron found finger shaped bruises on his shoulder from her grip. When the game ended it was 5-0 with Gary instrumental in the win.
They all went out to dinner afterwards to talk and catch up. Spread out across the globe as they were you never knew when you'd next get to talk to one another. With Ron playing as a keeper for a quidditch team in the USA and Harry and Hermione's permanent address being their boat which had traveled the globe twice already you never knew where you'd end up. Or just how relationships would deteriorate while others grew or were even reborn.
Late that evening as Harry, Hermione and Ron waited for their portkeys back to the Americas Ron looked at his friends, "You know, Roxi asked me if you two would ever get married."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
Ron nodded, "I told her that I wouldn't be surprised if you already were. Marriage isn't a boulder you're approaching. It's a pebble in the road you're walking down."
"Very poetic Ron," Harry said. "Too many bludgers to the head?"
Hermione laughed and playfully slapped Harry. Ron grinned. "No I keep my head protected. I guess I just think you're already so invested in each other…marriage isn't as big a deal for you. And everyone knows how devoted you are to each other; we've known that since we were really young. For most people marriage is this step to begin their lives together or tell everyone how they feel about each other; you two already have both of those things covered. Married or not your relationship wouldn't change at all." A porter waved Ron over to get his portkey. "I'll see you two then."
"Take care Ron." Hugs were exchanged and he walked to the portkey. A few minutes later he had vanished. Harry looked at Hermione, "Are we sure that was Ron?"
Hermione shook her head, "We all change, Harry. Ron's is incredibly obvious but you and I are not the same people we were at eleven years old."
"True," Harry nodded. "We were shorter." Hermione shoved him as she made her way to the portkey, Harry laughing as he followed her.
-The End-