May 12, 1998
Hermione brushed invisible lint from her robes, not even bothering to try to hide her nervousness. They were getting ready to go to Ginny's funeral and she knew that there was a potential for disaster. While she didn't think that Ron would start anything, especially the way he had worded ending their friendship, it was his sister's funeral and Harry had been the one to kill her. She was nervous for Harry and how he was going to handle it if things went awry.
Harry looked dashing in his dress robes; since he had come of age and had grown into his alpha status, he had become even more handsome than he already was. Hermione had always found him attractive and hated when Ginny would try to tame his hair. The wild look was simply part of his charm. He caught her looking at him and gave her a wolfish grin.
"See something you like?" he asked playfully. Hermione appreciated that he was trying to make things less tense. She grinned back.
"Maybe. I wouldn't want you to get too big of a head by paying you compliments," she said jokingly. Harry pouted for a few moments. He opened his arms and she floated into them, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly.
"I know you're nervous. Try not to be. I'm not going to let anything happen to you," Harry promised her. Hermione inhaled his scent and relaxed against him.
"I know you won't. I'm capable of protecting myself, you know. Besides, I don't think that anyone aside from maybe Molly is going to try to start anything. If they truly didn't want us there, I think Bill would have been honest about it. I say we just go and try to keep to ourselves. Let the focus be Ginny, not that we're there," Hermione told him. Harry nodded above her and brushed his fingers through her curls.
"I agree. Are you ready to go?" he questioned her. Hermione nodded and stepped away from him.
They were staying at Grimmauld Place; Harry had convinced her mother to cast the fidelius charm on it once more so admirers wouldn't be able to find them. Harry was secret keeper of his home and so far, Hermione, Minerva, and Remus were the only ones who knew the secret. He would add people as needed but so far, it was nice being able to hide away from the media and the rest of the world. This thought reminded Hermione that there was sure to be journalists at Ginny's funeral.
Hermione let Harry lead her to the apparition point on the front step. The neighbors were outside pulling weeds and she couldn't help but feel like a bit of a voyeur watching them when they couldn't see her. Harry wrapped an arm around her waist and twisted on the spot, apparating them to directly outside the Burrow's wardline. Harry had an iron grip on her and while it annoyed her just a little, she knew that it was his instinct to protect her that made him act like that.
They crossed the wards with no problems and headed for the yard, not wanting to intrude in their home where they were sure that they weren't welcome. Molly had made quite clear her feelings on the pair of them and Hermione doubted that it had changed in recent days. There were redheads milling about, serving drinks to those that weren't related. Hermione spotted Neville and Luna, along with Dean and Seamus. Dean and Seamus were sticking pretty close to Ron and Hermione wondered if he had invited them to be a buffer between the three of them. She supposed that she couldn't blame him.
Bill, Fred, and George were standing near a picnic table and were waving them over so Hermione started their way. Harry followed, still leery of who was attending. Hermione caught sight of Skeeter over by the house and she wanted to groan. Of course the hag would show and she would be forced to play nice with her. Hermione wondered if Molly had done it on purpose. Bill and the twins were quick to pull her in for a hug, eliciting a growl from Harry. All three redheads chuckled but Harry pulled her back to his side. Hermione just rolled her eyes at him.
"We're glad that you came. So far it's just family and Ron's friends. I think we're waiting on Aunt Muriel before we begin. She had some sort of emergency in the house. I didn't ask too many questions and Mum went to help her. Once they get back, we'll get started," Bill told them. Herione smiled and nodded, inwardly grimacing. Aunt Muriel had been less than complimentary the last time they had run into her and Hermione hadn't like how she had made her feel. Harry tightened his grip on her and met Bill's eye.
"We don't want to cause a stir here. We want this to be about Ginny. We're going to try to sit by ourselves so we don't take the attention from the service," Harry explained. Bill gave a small smile and nodded.
"That would be great. I know that at the end you had a real problem with Ginny and I don't blame you. I would have killed anyone that tried to hurt Fleur like that. The rest of the family does understand. Mum's the one that will cause something so just steer clear of her," Bill informed them. Hermione nodded and started to pull Harry to seats in the very back row.
The pair of them waited there together as Molly and Aunt Muriel emerged from the house. Both ignored their presence, which wasn't a surprise in the least. They took their seats in the front row and the rest of the family filled in around them. Percy and Ron were on either side of their mother, comforting her already since tears were now pouring down her face. Arthur stood next to the casket and looked glumly at the small crowd of people.
"I want to thank you all for coming. Ginny would have loved that you've all gathered to send her off. She did love attention," Arthur started with a small smile.
"Ginny was a bright and vivacious girl that knew exactly what she wanted in life. She wanted to live, laugh, love, have fun, and grow up to be a wonderful woman. We never imagined that she would be taken from us so young, with so much not accomplished. She barely got to live at all before war took her from us.
Ginny wouldn't want our tears. She would want us to move on and laugh and love and share our lives with others. She wouldn't want us to dwell on her death or the pain we've suffered because of it. I ask all of you to go forward today and think of Ginny fondly, remember her smile and her laugh, and live life to the fullest for her. She would accept nothing less of us," Arthur concluded.
It wasn't the longest service she had ever attended but it had hit where it counts. Ginny had been her best girl friend, once upon a time. Yes, she had let her mother corrupt her and turn her into someone that Hermione didn't like, but there were also good times. All the nights that she and Ginny had sat up at night talking about boys, the little shopping trips in Hogsmeade when the boys were busy in the quidditch shop. Ginny had taught her the hair charm that she used to calm her curls and Hermione had never properly thanked her.
Tears streamed down her face for her lost friendship with the girl that had existed before she started dating Harry. Before she had let her mother talk her into a plan that would never work. She glanced over at Harry and saw that his eyes were bright with unshed tears and she wondered what he was thinking about. The good times he had spent with Ginny? Playing quidditch with her on the Gryffindor team and in the orchard at the Burrow? She briefly wondered if he was remembering having sex with Ginny but she dismissed that thought immediately. Even if he was, she would respect his thoughts of Ginny as they laid her to rest. She moved closer and put an arm around his waist so he would know that he wasn't alone.
Molly was wailing while the boys tried to comfort her. Aunt Muriel was crying silently, not carrying on as Molly was. Arthur had tears down his cheeks as he lifted his wand and levitated Ginny's casket into the ground. Hermione couldn't help the sob that escaped her when the dirt was laid to rest over the top of her. It was so final and even though this wasn't the first funeral from the war she had attended, it hit close to home and affected her deeply. Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulders and let her bury her face in his chest. Hermione breathed in his scent, calming herself down, until she could lift her face from his chest and face the Weasleys.
Hermione hated that there was just a bare patch of dirt where she had been buried, where the graves around her were covered in grass and flowers planted on them. She stood up and went to Ginny's grave, lifting her wand to cast the silent spell that Neville had taught her clear back in third year. Grass sprouted on the ground and she used what little bit of Earth magic she had learned to cover it in flowers. It looked much better to Hermione but she hoped that the Weasleys enjoyed it as well. Arthur gave her an approving nod and Fred and George both applauded her in true twin fashion.
Out of nowhere, a spell shot through the air and almost hit Hermione. She ducked and dodged, diving for the first bit of cover she could. She finally turned to see that Molly was on her feet, wand in her hand, and fury in her eyes. Harry rushed to Hermione's side, wand out, and glared at the Weasley matriarch.
"How dare you even think of going near my daughter's grave, you awful bitch? Harry belonged to Ginny and you stole him from her! You're a thieving whore and I won't stand for you to defile her grave!" Molly screamed at Hermione. There were gasps in the crowd but Hermione just cocked her head slightly at the display. Had Molly finally lost it? It was a scary thought considering what she had been capable of when she had been sane. However, she couldn't help but wonder if this wasn't just her reaction to not winning the Potter and Black fortune. She had held it in for so long that it had finally just exploded out of her without warning. Molly raised her wand `again and before even Harry could react, Molly's wand went flying out of her hand and straight into Arthur's. He was glaring at his wife with an intensity that would have frightened Hermione.
"The funeral is over. I would appreciate it if everyone would leave the premises so my wife can recover in peace. Harry, Hermione, please stay," Arthur said glacially. Harry pulled her into his side and she could see that his eyes were still wild. She laid a soothing hand on his chest and rubbed small circles, effectively calming him as long as Molly remained unarmed. It took only a few minutes for the Burrow to empty of everyone aside from family, Harry and Hermione. Hermione had no idea what was about to happen but she could feel in her bones that it was going to be bad. Arthur didn't waste any time in getting to the point.
"Molly, Ginny's death is entirely your fault. You potioned both Harry and Hermione and told Ginny that she needed to marry Harry and have his child, knowing full well that he would eventually die. It is inexcusable and I refuse to have that kind of behavior associated with my family name. I am heartbroken that I lost my little girl but you were the driving force as to why that happened. I refuse to blame a man that was protecting the life of his omega. I lay the blame at your feet, Molly, and I have made my decision in this matter. In fact, the only reason that I haven't done it yet is because I felt you deserved to see your daughter laid to rest. I filed for divorce a week ago. It was granted. I want you out of this house. You have until tonight to gather your things and move on. I was going to wait a few days to let you recover but you have forced my hand. Your name is no longer Weasley, the Wizemgamot returned it to Prewett. I suggest you go live with your aunt; lick your wounds, grieve your daughter, come to grips with the guilt, and move on," Arthur said strongly. His features were unflinching and his voice was rock hard. Molly gasped there were surprised looks on the faces of all his children aside from Bill and Charlie. Hermione didn't know what to think about what was happening before her; it had been Arthur and Molly since she was twelve years old. There were her wizarding parents and she loved them. Now they were separate entities and it was almost too much to process. Molly started wailing once more and Ron and Percy rushed forward to comfort her. Muriel was clearly furious, shaking her fist at Arthur.
"You can't just do this to her. She bore you seven children and raised them to be wonderful adults. She has fed and clothed you for almost thirty years. She has put up with you insisting that you stay in the least respected division of the Ministry, barely bringing home enough money for food. You owe her!" Muriel screeched at him. Arthur stood there silent, standing his ground no matter what the old hag threw at him. After several minutes of listening to her harangue his character, Arthur gestured to the house.
"You have until sundown. I suggest you get started," he told Muriel coldly. Molly had tears down her cheeks as she turned and started to walk stiffly towards the Burrow. Hermione held her breath as she waited for the fall out. She wasn't disappointed. It was Ron, always the hothead, that exploded.
"How can you just abandon her like that, Dad? She just lost her daughter, she needs someone to count on!" Ron shouted. Percy looked as though he were angry as well but kept his own counsel. Arthur just turned his glare to Ron and Hermione felt a little bad for her friend. No, he didn't agree with what his mother had done but he still clearly loved her. She didn't blame him for that.
"I can do it because she betrayed this family in her actions against Harry and Hermione. How would you feel if she had talked you into going along with the plan and you ended up being responsible for your best friends death? I could never condone her behavior and I wasn't lying. She is to blame for Ginny's death, much more so than Harry's. I'm not saying you can't see your mother. You're a grown man now, Ronald, you can do as you please. However, you still currently live in my house and she is no longer welcome there. Yes, I love your mother, a part of me always will. I will not forgive her for killing my baby girl. She did that, almost single handedly, and these are the consequences. I'm sure you've learned through the years that actions have effects and this is a case in point. If you wish to follow her and leave, you're most certainly free to do so," Arthur stated calmly. Ron shook his head angrily but stayed where he was. Arthur waited a full minute to make sure that he wasn't going to move before turning to Harry and Hermione.
"This alters nothing between you two and my family. You're considered my son and daughter, just as you were before. Have no doubts. I know that Ron has ended his friendship with you and I ask you to respect that. He wasn't malicious or doing it for any old reason. However, the twins, Charlie, and Bill would still love to see you regularly. As would I. Please don't allow this to make us lose touch with each other," Arthur nearly begged. Harry stepped forward, hand outstretched, and shook Arthur's hand.
"You're all my family, even Ron. I don't want to lose you either. Hermione and I feel the same in this. We have no wish to push ourselves on Ron. He's our best friend, we would never want to force him to do something that he didn't want to do. We wish him and Ella the best, truly," he swore. Everyone stepped forward and there was a family hug and Hermione felt her heart swell. The Weasleys really didn't hate them and that made her feel so much better. They all broke apart and Harry gave them a grin.
"I hate to do this and run but Hermione and I have to go visit someone. I'm pretty fair in the kitchen, we should still have family dinners. You all get together and decide when the best time is and let us know. I'll treat you all to a meal," Harry promised. Hermione smiled at him, happy in his happiness.
More hugs were given, this time of the individual sort. Harry and Hermione started for the apparition point, clasping hands so they could apparate together.
-O-
Hermione gasped softly as they landed outside the ward line of Greengrass Manor. It was beautiful in a way that Malfoy Manor could never achieve. While still quite large, it managed to look like something out of a Victorian novel whereas Draco's home looked austere like Buckingham Palace. Despite being large, it still looked quaint.
Daphne didn't know that they were coming to visit her so Harry reached out and brushed the ward softly, making sure that he was thinking that he meant the family no harm. Some wards were intent-based and he wasn't sure which ones wrapped around Daphne's family home. They waited only minutes before a house elf appeared before them. It was wearing a clean tea towel and looked to be in good health, much differently than Dobby had appeared. Hermione was sure that it was a product of Lucius Malfoy's cruelty.
"I is Tinsy. Who is you? Master wants to know," Tinsy asked them. Hermione smiled at the elf and gave it a small curtsy.
"Nice to meet you, Tinsy. We're Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. We were hoping to speak with Daphne," she explained. Tinsy blanched at their names and immediately reached out to take their hands. They popped into a small foyer that Hermione instantly loved since it was decorated in a soft blue and cream. She hoped that Tinsy wouldn't be punished for not relaying their identities first.
"Master and Mistress is in the library, through the white door. Tinsy will bring tea and cakes," Tinsy told them, disappearing from view. Hermione took a deep breath to gain her nerve. How did you tell someone that you know they're an omega and that their alpha had protected your life? Harry squeezed her hand reassuringly and pushed through the door.
The library was huge; Hermione could imagine losing herself there quite easily. It was decorated in scarlet and gold and Hermione wanted to chuckle at the idea that Slytherins had such a Gryffindor room. She didn't get a chance to pay attention to anymore of the decor because the man and woman sitting in front of the fire both rose, wands in hand. Harry raised his hand in surrender, showing he was unarmed, so Hermione did the same. Their wands lowered and Harry took the opportunity to speak.
"I'm sorry to just burst in but Tinsy left us outside the door. I'm Harry Potter and this is Hermione Granger. We really need to speak with Daphne," he informed them calmly. The man gestured for them to come closer and gave them a respectful nod.
"I'm Gerald Greengrass and you clearly know my daughter. I would be a fool to deny the Heroes of Hogwarts entry to my home. What is it my daughter can do for you?" he said regally. Harry and Hermione both took the Chesterfield that was being offered. Daphne just watched them carefully. Harry turned to Daphne and was frank and honest.
"We're here because of Draco. We know what you are to each other and we promised him that we could come to speak with you," he told her. Daphne perked up immediately and Hermione could see the hopeful gleam in her eyes.
"What about Draco? You've seen him? How is he? Is he in Azkaban?" she demanded. Hermione could see that the information that Draco was her alpha was not news to Gerald Greengrass. Harry leaned forward and gave her a scrutinizing look.
"What do you know of Draco's allegiance in this war?" he asked. Daphne seemed thrown for a minute but answered quickly.
"He was a true follower up until he got the mission from the Dark Lord to kill Dumbledore. He did his best but Draco isn't a killer. He didn't want to hurt Dumbledore even though he hated the manipulative bastard. However, he had to keep his mother safe so he gave it an attempt. Afterwards, he was punished ruthlessly for failing. I cried for days as I helped him recover. I told him that I thought he should defect but he was worried what his father would do to his mother. He did admit to me that he regretted everything, that he wished he had ran away the night that he was informed he was to be branded. He seemed happy that I was supporting him. I know that he helped at the Final Battle but haven't gotten an accurate story. I know he was still arrested and is awaiting trial," she finished. Harry raked a hand through his hair and nodded.
"Hermione, Ron, and I were captured and taken to Malfoy Manor. Hermione was being tortured and he killed Greyback in her defense. Bellatrix was also killed so we were able to converse. Since he had helped us, we didn't harm him as we escaped. He found us in the Room of Hidden Things during the Final Battle and he ended up killing Crabbe in our defense. He demanded that he go with us and complete our mission with us. Of course, we didn't trust him. He told us that he had secretly been killing Death Eaters behind everyone's backs since his own torture. We let him tag along. We witnessed Snape getting attacked and he and Hermione were able to save him. When I went out to meet Riddle in the Forbidden Forest, I ordered Hermione to stay with him and try to kill the snake. They attacked it together. Riddle died and he was taken in despite what we said. Hermione went into heat not thirty minutes after learning he had been detained. Three days later, we demanded that Kingsley move him and his mother from Azkaban to the Ministry holding cells. We visited and his main concern was you. We promised we'd let you know that he's safe and as well as can be. We've already committed to testifying for him; we're going to do everything in our power to make sure that he doesn't go to Azkaban," Harry finally finished, a little breathless. Not the whole story but definitely enough to satisfy the witch's curiosity. Hermione wasn't surprised when Daphne burst into tears, highly unlikely for a Slytherin. Her father moved to her side and tried to comfort her but seemed to be at a loss.
"Her mother usually comforted her. She was killed during the war," Greengrass explained. Daphne didn't give them a chance to respond.
"I'm sorry, I was so worried and had no idea what was going on because nobody at the Ministry would tell us since we aren't family. Draco never told anyone that I was his omega because he didn't want to put me in danger. He was so terrible to you at school and you're still going to help him...I just don't know how to say thank you for something of this magnitude," she sniffled. Hermione stood and moved to the blonde's seat and hugged her lightly.
"We're happy to do it. He saved my life. If you feel more comfortable with it, consider it us paying back a debt we owed him," she said softly. Daphne nodded her head softly and smiled.
"Thank you so much for coming. Can you tell me when his trial is so I can be there?" she inquired. Harry answered while Hermione returned to his side.
"June 1st. I know it's a ways off but he's the first one on the docket. Narcissa and Snape will have to wait a little longer," Harry informed her. Daphne grinned again.
"Thank you so much. If you two ever need anything, you need only ask," she swore. Harry shook his head and waved her words off as he rose to his feet.
"Truly, it's fine. We want to do it. I suppose that we'll see you at the trial. Hang in there and don't let it get you down. Once he's been acquitted, you'll never have to be separated again. We hate to run but we have dinner plans. It's been a pleasure meeting both of you," he said somewhat formally. Both Daphne and Gerald rose to their feet and Gerald offered Harry his hand to shake. Daphne rushed forward and hugged Hermione in happiness, which she returned happily.
Harry and Hermione were led to a floo that would allow them access to the Leaky Cauldron. They spun away and stepped out in the bar to find it crowded. They both ducked their heads to try to hide their identities. Of course it didn't work, however, rather than being mobbed, cheers and cat calls rang out, congratulating and thanking them for their freedom.
The pair escaped as quickly as they could to the muggle side of the divide. Hermione had been missing Chinese food and had begged Harry to take her out for dinner. He had laughingly agreed, telling her that he had never actually tried it. Hermione had only gaped at him, completely flabbergasted at the level of neglect that his relatives had shown him. Harry did relate that it was a favorite of Dudleys so he was excited to try it.
They hid behind a dumpster in an alley across the street from the Leaky Cauldron and Hermione apparated them to her favorite Chinese restaurant. The smell hit her and her belly rumbled loudly. Harry laughed at her and kissed her chastely. Hermione smiled at him when she spoke.
"You realize this is our first date? Wonder what the wizarding world would think of it being in the muggle world?" she asked laughingly. He shrugged his shoulders and let her take the lead as they entered the restaurant. Hermione spoke with the hostess and they were quickly seated and handed a menu. Harry looked at everything completely confused.
"I have no idea what any of this is," he admitted. Hermione smiled at him softly.
"How about I order all my favorites and we share them all?" Harry closed his menu and nodded gratefully. She waved the waitress over and ordered for the both of them.
"Two colas to start. We want chow mein, sweet and sour pork, fried rice, spring rolls, and orange chicken," she ordered. Harry laughed at her.
"How much do you think we're going to eat?" he questioned her. Hermione glared at him.
"I'm starving, thank you very much. Besides, we can take the leftovers home for later," she said, giving him a flirty wink. He nodded, understanding her meaning.
They made small talk about nothing important while they waited for their food. After the day they had, neither wanted to discuss anything heavy. She wanted to talk about life plans for the future but wanted to wait until a little further out from the Final Battle. They both needed time to recuperate and it had only been ten days. She still had sore spots and bruises, as did Harry.
Their food arrived and both of them ate heartily. Harry loved all the dishes, just as Hermione thought he would. There were a few leftovers, though not as much as Hermione as expected. Apparently, Harry had been starved as well. Harry paid for the meal while Hermione carried the bag that housed their meals. They returned to the same place Hermione had landed them and Harry grabbed her hand, apparating them both back to the top step of Grimmauld Place. Kreacher appeared and took the food, telling them that he would put it in the cooling box for them. Harry took her hand and pulled her up the stairs, his intentions clear. Hermione felt her loins clench in anticipation.
As soon as he pulled her through their bedroom door, Harry waved his wand and vanished her clothing. He shut the door and pressed her back against it, the cool wood making her yelp in surprise. Harry fell to his knees and his face hovered over her quim, breathing her in. Hermione combed her fingers through his wild hair in anticipation. Touch him, she dared, but she didn't try to make him do anything. She liked being in charge occasionally but she was more than happy to relinquish control to him in the bedroom.
After what seemed like ages, Harry buried his face in the apex of her thighs, his tongue tasting every part of her. She fought the urge to grind herself on his face, instead letting him slowly taste her the way he wanted. Hermione moaned as he brushed her nub, slowly circling it with a light tough. It felt amazing but wasn't enough to orgasm.
After who knows how long, Hermione was almost mindless in her need. Harry pushed two fingers inside her and began pumping in and out, her arousal fluid soaking her thighs. He groaned into pussy and Hermione nearly came from the vibration. The leg he hadn't thrown over his shoulder was quivering at the effort to hold herself up. Harry sensed that she wasn't going to last much longer so he pulled away from her, pressing one last kiss to her pleasure pearl, sending one last jolt through her body.
Harry rose to his feet and bent to catch one of her erect nipples in his mouth, tonguing it softly before gently biting it. His clothes vanished as Hermione whimpered and mewled with desire and need.
"Harry, please, no more torture. I need you," she pleaded. Harry rose at the tone of her voice; she knew that he loved it when she could focus on nothing but him. He bent down and grabbed her bum, lifting her in the air and against the door. His shaft was rubbing on her cunt, wetting it thoroughly, and she couldn't hold back a groan when the head brushed against her nub.
Without any warning, he sheathed himself in her to the hilt. She stretched deliciously around him and her nails bit into his shoulder as he started to pound into her. That was Harry's usual style; slow and sensual torture and then a hard fuck. It was glorious.
Hermione was already on the precipice of bliss. Harry kept her on the edge while he had his fill of her, his mouth sucking at her neck, his cock hard and hot inside her. She let out a pitiful whimper before Harry reached down and tweaked her nub, finally sending her spiralling into ecstasy. She screamed out Harry's name and a string of profanities while he gave three more thrusts and groaned in her ear, signaling his release. They stood there together, Hermione in Harry's arms, her legs wrapped around his waist, and caught their breath. Harry finally pulled from her and set her on the ground, kissing her softly.
"Go get in bed, I'll go get Kreacher to warm up the leftovers and deliver them in an hour or so. I think we're going to be hungry again since I'm nowhere done with you," he promised her. Hermione felt her loins clench again and was quick to obey.
After all, a night full of sex with Harry was considered recuperating, wasn't it?
A/N- There we are, folks. I hope that you enjoyed it. Thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing, like I said, I really appreciate it. I owe Blinded by Lies a couple chapters though so it's still going to be a bit. Leave me review and tell me what you think.
Next chapter, Draco's trial.