Title: The Search is Over
Disclaimer: All familiar characters and events are from JK Rowling and the only thing I own is the plot… Don't sue me or anything I don't get anything from this except maybe reviews. Thanks for the really nice reviews…
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Chapter 3: Trouble at the Weasleys
"This is it Hermione," Ginny started as she and Hermione waited for Ron and his family to arrive. "I'm finally telling everyone about my pregnancy."
"You told them about the wedding but not the pregnancy?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I had to take it one step at a time. I told Tonks I was pregnant but I didn't have the nerve to tell the rest of them even mum," Ginny admitted. A worried look showed on her face.
"They will find out eventually might as well tell them tonight after you announce the wedding, that is," Hermione said.
"I guess you're right," Ginny said.
The sun was almost setting and the sky was a color of lavender where the light and the darkness met. Charlie and Bill were already with their wives; the young Weasleys were playing outside chasing after gnomes.
Harry's flying car suddenly came to sight.
"They're here," Ginny said happily.
"Ron is smiling. Goodness! Harry didn't tell him yet," Hermione said.
"I guess I'm going to have to tell him myself," Ginny muttered.
The car safely landed near the Burrows porch. The Burrow had been rebuilt after it was destroyed by the attack of some Death Eaters on their sixth year luckily all of them were at Grimmauld.
"Ginny," Ron said as he went to meet his sister.
"Locomotor luggage," Harry said as he went to meet them. Luna and Christine followed behind him.
After hugging Ron Ginny went and greeted Luna.
"Hermione," Ron exclaimed as he gave his best friend a hug.
"Ron, we missed you. How is the Quidditch star doing?" Hermione asked jokingly.
"Doing okay, like what I've been telling Harry here," Ron said as he placed an arm over Harry's shoulder. "Nothing beats the family life."
Harry just smiled.
"I'm going inside I want to see mum," Ron said as he went inside with Luna, Christine and Ginny.
When Ron was out of sight Hermione started lecturing Harry.
"Why didn't you tell him?" Hermione asked as she sat down on the bench.
"He was talking the whole time and I didn't think it was safe to talk about things like that when I'm driving. I don't want to die and Luna and Christine were with us," Harry reasoned.
"I guess, you are right," Hermione said. "I just hope everything goes okay tonight."
"I really can't assure you anything. Who in his right mind would think about Ginny and Draco getting married and what more the thought of those two having a kid? I mean, it's really revolting Hermione," Harry admitted.
"You're just saying that because you hate Draco. You never took the chance to know the guy," Hermione reasoned.
"And what, you got to know him?" Harry inquired.
"Okay, maybe I don't know him that well too but I know for certain that Ginny is happy with him and that he makes her happy so I have no reasons to object," Hermione replied.
"I still think he's bad news," Harry said.
"Well, maybe he is but at least when he realized he liked Ginny he went on his way and asked her. He took a chance on something uncertain and he found his happiness. Have you ever taken that kind of risk Harry?" Hermione said before she left him on the porch.
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On the dinner table everyone was seated comfortably. The kids on their own little table on the side with their own set of food and treats.
Seated on the head of the table were Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Weasley by his right side. Charlie and Tonks sat next to them with Fred and Angelina. Penelope was also on their side only with an empty chair for Percy beside her. From Mr. Weasley's left side was Ginny and another empty seat. Hermione, Harry, Ron and Luna sat next to them. Bill and Fleur were sitting next to George and Alicia.
"I hope we start dinner soon," Fred commented. "My tummy is growling."
"Let's just wait for a few minutes more," Ginny said.
"Who are we waiting for dear?" Arthur asked his daughter.
"Percy and Draco," Ginny replied.
Ron, Fred, George and Mr. Weasley had weird expressions on their faces.
"Did you know Draco was invited tonight?" Ron asked Harry.
"I… yah I did," Harry replied.
"Why didn't you tell me then?" Ron asked with an annoyed look on his face.
"We were too busy talking about Quidditch, I forgot and besides it would be a health risk to tell you while we are hundreds of feet off the ground," Harry replied as he looked at Hermione for some help.
"Relax Ron, we'll start the meal any minute now. I know you're upset because you're really hungry," Hermione joked and Ginny laughed nervously.
On the table was a sumptuous feast of roasted chicken, fresh salad, beef casserole, shepherds pie and some mashed potatoes with gravy.
They heard the front door open which signaled the arrival of Percy and Draco.
"They're here. Now boys I think you should be polite to our visitor," Mrs. Weasley said as she left the table to lead them into the dining area.
"Bloody time they got here," Ron snarled not minding to show his annoyance.
Luna gave him the look and he composed himself.
"Oh goodness. I believe we have two visitors," Mrs. Weasley said as she got back inside the dining area.
"Did you invite anyone else?" Hermione asked Ginny.
"No, I guess Draco brought someone with him," Ginny replied.
"Oh, Hermione dear you'll be surprised. Oh Ginny can you conjure another seat next to Hermione," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Sure mom," Ginny said and did as asked.
Everyone anticipated who the other visitor was and what that he or she have to do with Hermione. Harry was especially interested.
"Come in and join us for dinner," Mrs. Weasley said as Percy Draco and surprisingly Viktor Krum entered the room.
Harry couldn't believe his eyes. Viktor Krum was in the Weasley's house. He wanted to know who the bloody hell asked him to join them in a private family gathering like this. Before he knew it Viktor already took a seat between him and Hermione.
Ron gave him a sympathetic look.
"Hermione, I came to see you in your office but I realized it was a weekend and you are probably off somewhere with friends," Harry heard Viktor say.
His English had definitely improved and Harry had to admit it to himself.
"I also met Percy and Draco on my way out of the ministry and Percy was nice enough to invite me here. I hope all of you don't mind," Viktor said.
"Well, I know someone who does," George sniggered and looked at Harry. Alicia glared at him to shut him up.
"What brought you here anyway," Hermione said trying to sound enthusiastic but didn't quite cover for her surprise.
"The Quidditch eliminations would be hosted here but the finals will be held on the United States," Viktor replied.
"So you'll be staying here for a month or two?" Ron asked.
"Yes, and I believe the Stormers have a very good Quidditch standing thanks to you," Viktor said.
"Well, we do have a very competent line up," Ron answered proudly.
'I can't believe it. He's talking his way to win Ron's approval,' Harry thought to himself.
Mr. Weasley cleared his throat. "Shall we begin with dinner? The little ones are already half way through theirs."
The dinner went awfully well. Everyone was having his or her own little conversations. Harry on the other hand was too busy listening to what Viktor and Hermione was talking about that he wasn't able to get any of the things Ron was asking him and he paid less attention to his meal.
"Your English has definitely improved," Hermione commented.
"I took your advice and studied it better. I do go places and it helped me communicate with others better. I'm sorry I haven't contacted you in a long while," Viktor said apologetically to Hermione.
"Well, it sure was a long time. What? Four years without a single owl that isn't long," Harry smirked.
Hermione glared at him.
Ron could not help himself from laughing.
"Everyone I have an announcement to make," Ginny suddenly said. The room was quiet all of a sudden even the little Weasleys were silent.
"Do tell us. What is it dear?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"I think I should be the one announcing it," Draco said as he stood up and took Ginny's hand.
"What is going on here?" Ron asked as he suddenly stood.
"Come on Ron. Sit down and let them finish," Mrs. Weasley.
Ron reluctantly followed.
"Mr. Weasley, everyone. I already asked Ginny's hand in marriage and we want to ask for your blessing," Draco said.
Ginny looked around for her family's approval.
The twins went hysterical asking their wives if they knew anything about it. Harry, Viktor and Hermione had to stop Ron from grabbing Draco. Mr. Weasley on the other hand was awfully quiet.
Mr. Weasley stood up from his seat and walked towards Draco and Ginny.
Ron and the rest of the family watched as Mr. Weasley gave both Ginny and Draco a hug.
"I welcome you to the family son," Arthur said to Draco for everyone in the room to hear. They can all see the minister's teary eyes.
"Daddy, thank you so much," Ginny said as she gave her father a hug. "You're also going to have another grandchild," she whispered.
"Good lord, my little girl is having a baby," Arthur said. "I can't believe you're all grown up now."
"You had your filthy hands on my sister," Ron said as he tried grabbing Draco again.
"Stop it this instant Ron!" Mrs. Weasley scolded. "You're sister is marrying Draco and you can't do anything about it. Congratulations dear." Mrs. Weasley said and hugged Ginny and Draco.
It was evident that Draco wasn't used to that much physical exemplary of affection but he hugged Mrs. Weasley just the same.
Ron got away from Harry, Viktor and Hermione and left the dinner table and everyone watched him as he walked off.
"I'll follow him," Harry said.
"Wait Harry, I'll go too," Hermione said as he went with him and followed Ron outside leaving Viktor behind.
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Ron sat on a bench on their backyard. Harry and Hermione followed after him.
"Ron, are you alright?" Hermione asked.
"If you find your sister dating, no, marrying a git you hated so badly would you feel alright?" Ron snarled.
"Draco seems like a changed man and can't you see he loves your sister," Hermione reasoned.
"I knew it I shouldn't have listened to you then. I should have set Ginny up with Neville," Ron grunted.
"That was six years ago Ron. I can't believe you still bring up things like that," Hermione retorted.
"Come on you two, this isn't the time for fighting. Ron, Hermione's right. Draco seems a lot better than what he used to be," Harry said and he could not believe he was saying the things he was saying.
"You're taking her side," Ron blurted. "You are always taking her side."
"No I don't. Come on Ron stop acting like a kid. Let's be reasonable here," Harry said. "Hermione please help me out here."
"Okay," Hermione said. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you Ron but I knew about the two of them dating for months. I believe Tonks and I are the first two people who knew about their plans and Ginny being pregnant. Your sister is happy with the person she's with can't you at least give her that."
"Well, I can't do anything about it now, can I? He already got my sister pregnant, that git!" Ron grunted.
"He's the father of your soon to be nephew or niece so you have to be nice to him," Hermione said.
"To Ginny's kid yes but to him. I doubt that," Ron retorted.
"Talk about acting like a git. Ron you're being such a prat. Let your sister be," Hermione spat.
"Okay, you two cut it out. Ron, I'm not taking Hermione's side but she's right. Give Draco a chance. If he does anything to hurt Ginny we'll strangle him and tie him upside down. What do you say?" Harry said.
"You prat!" Ron said to Harry between laughs. "I think I feel better now. Let's get back inside."
"Thank goodness," Hermione commented then hugged his two best guy friends.
They were walking back inside when they met Viktor who just got out of the house.
"Hermione, can I talk to you?" Viktor said.
Both Ron and Harry looked at Hermione.
"I'll follow inside. We'll just talk for a while," Hermione said as he motioned the two to go inside.
Harry reluctantly followed Ron inside.
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"So what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Hermione asked Viktor as they sat on the bench that Ron and Harry and she sat on a while back.
"I was hoping that maybe I can see you sometimes while I'm here in London," Viktor asked.
"Well, I guess we can have lunch or dinner sometimes or maybe I can invite you over to our apartment," Hermione replied.
"I see you are still living in that apartment," Viktor said nonchalantly.
"Of course I'm still living in that apartment. I share that apartment with Harry," Hermione said. "You know what, come by the office whenever you can and when I'm free I'll join you during my break time. How is that?" Hermione asked.
"That is fine by me," Viktor said.
"I'm glad you have forgotten about what happened to us in the past," Hermione said with a sympathetic tone.
"I haven't forgotten about it but I have to admit, I was a bit unfair I made you choose and I guess your friend is more important to you. I will try to understand you this time," Viktor muttered.
"I appreciate that but I don't want you to jump to the conclusion that we're back together because we're not. We'll just be going out as friends. I can't afford to have any relationships right now and besides I think you deserve a better woman than me. Come on let's join them. The Weasleys are delighted to have you as their guest," Hermione said as she led the way back inside.
"I hope Potter feels the same way. The way he looks at me is so unnerving," Viktor said.
"He's just scaring you off. I mean he's my best friend and he's looking after my best interest."
They got inside the house. The Weasley twins were interrogating Malfoy in one corner as Luna and Ron were talking. Alicia and Angelina were bringing the children upstairs while Ginny was talking to her parents. Harry was sitting at one corner near the fireplace quietly sipping a cup of coffee while staring at the family picture on the wall. All the Weasleys are there and Harry and Hermione were also included. He then glared at Viktor who was now talking with Hermione.
To be continued…
A/N: Viktor is back… Harry's in for some competition but I think he still doesn't know what he's missing… Keep posted for more…R/R Will Vicky win Hermione's heart? Will it be too late for Harry?