::Chapter 1: A Very Weasley Problem::
Harry Potter exited the back door of the house and came upon a medium sized pool in the back area of the house in which he was staying. He walked over to a girl who was sitting by the edge clearly contemplating whether to go in or not.
Harry wrapped his arms around her waist and sat beside her. He lowered himself in the water and turned to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist yet again and helped her in.
She swam across the width of the pool and came to a halt in the middle.
Harry looked back to Hermione, and saw a smile on her face. He quickly dove under the water and caught her in his arms.
She squealed but rested her head against his chest.
All of a sudden there was another splash in the water.
They both turned to see who it was.
Ron Weasley was wading towards them.
Harry muttered under his breath.
"Ron?" Hermione asked a bit unhappy because Harry and her weren't alone. She moved away from Harry a little but he still held her in his arms.
He smiled down at her and then to Ron who had come closer to them.
No one spoke for a while.
"So..." Harry started after letting Hermione down but he kept a hold of her arm.
"Hermione, Sirius told me Harry was here when I went there to speak with Harry about something. Sirius called the house and nobody answered. He was going to check up on you both because he was worried but I offered. Seeing your shocked faces I presume you weren't informed by the message," he said quietly.
"No we never got the message," Hermione said slowly.
Ron started to move his way towards Hermione, forgetting Harry was there. He started to place his arms around her when Hermione hurriedly said, " Harry I'm getting hungry, can we go inside to eat?" Hermione asked looking pleadingly at Harry. "Sure let's go Ron," Harry said pulling Ron from Hermione.
She watched as Harry led Ron inside. She then turned her gaze to the water and she stayed like that for a few minutes before swimming to the edge.
Hermione climbed out of the pool and felt a towel being draped around her. She looked up and shaded her eyes because the sun's rays were blinding her.
Harry stood there smiling with a towel around his neck.
"Harry," Hermione started worriedly looking around.
Harry stopped her from speaking by placing his fingers on her lips and started to gently graze her face. "Ron's in the house changing," Harry said interpreting her fret.
Hermione sighed in relief and touched his hand that was still on her face. "I'm sorry we can't be alone," she started.
"It's not your fault," Harry said. "Besides I am taking you to the Magical Banquet tonight. Sirius said I could bring someone if I'd like to. He said he reserved a whole table and it can have as many people because they use engorgement charms and conjure up as many chairs as necessary. That someone is you. Surprise!" He added throwing his hands up in delight.
Hermione hugged him. "What do you have to wear? Dress Robes? Muggle Formals? Casual?"
"I think Sirius mentioned muggle formals. Not sure. I'll ask him. I think it's sponsored by the Three Broomsticks and Zonko's Joke Shop and maybe the Leaky Cauldron and Gringotts. Also many other companies. But lots of Wizards and witches will be there so you better look your best," Harry added as a joke with a wink.
Hermione laughed and hugged Harry again.
"I suppose the old crowd will be there and I have to talk to you about something important," Harry said softly to her caressing her cheek with no doubt the softest touch Hermione ever felt.
Hermione nodded to him and kissed his cheek softly. She badly wanted to kiss him but they couldn't chance it at all.
Harry laughed and slid his arm around her waist and they headed for the house to find Ron cooking, attempting the impossible in other words.
You don't put Ron Weasley and cook in the same sentence.
Everything was burning or already burned.
Hermione stared dumfounded at him.
He dropped a canister of milk as he tripped over the open oven.
"Ronald Weasley," Hermione shrieked and started towards him, a murderous glare upon her face.
Harry pulled her back with his arms around her waist before she attacked him. Harry quickly pulled out his wand and with a wave everything was clean and neat. With another wave he had an elegantly set up table. He had let go of Hermione by the time and she had gone upstairs to change.
Ron was already changed.
Harry waved his wand to himself and he was clean and changed.
Hermione walked in after she took a quick shower.
Harry walked her to the table. He slowly pulled out a chair and said " Mademoiselle" in a French accent.
"Merci, Monsieur," Hermione said taking the seat.
Harry pulled Ron and sat him at the table before taking his seat by Ron.
Harry waved his wand at the stove and oven and placed food inside it.
In a minute's time it was done.
He conjured a cart and the food was brought out to them magically.
It set up on the table and they began to talk.
"So are you deciding on what college to go to?" Hermione asked them both.
"Well I am considering Stonehenge..." Harry said jokingly.
Hermione laughed but Ron looked confused for having no idea what it was.
"Oh yes Harry Potter fascinated by the ancient cultures of the Druids. How nice. Headlines on tomorrow's paper if you ask me," Hermione said and chuckled.
Harry laughed and said, "I was only joking. Don't worry about it Ron."
"Come on Harry, be serious," Hermione said, her mouth twitching as she said so.
"Well I was really thinking about Arestes..." Harry started.
"Really? I was thinking about it too. I read a couple of books about it also. It's considered a very good college. It also is secretly hidden like Hogwarts no doubt about that," Hermione said.
"Well have fun..." Ron said distantly.
"Ron..." Harry started.
"Aren't you looking for one as well? Ron, college is a worthwhile experience," Hermione said.
Ron looked at Hermione and locked eyes with her.
Harry quickly said something that made Ron look his way.
Hermione smiled appreciatively at Harry.
"I don't think I'll be going to college," Ron said briskly taking a sip of his drink.
"Why is that? Ron Hermione's right a college education is very good, especially in times like this," Harry said to Ron slowly.
"What about marriage?" Ron asked forgetting Hermione was in the room.
"Marriage..." Harry paused and smiled to Hermione, which made her blush before continuing. "Can wait till after college. You can be fully sure you can protect your wife and children Ron."
"It's just that I can't go okay..." Ron started and he got up and was about to leave.
"Ron, why?" Hermione asked for she had come up right behind him.
Ron turned abruptly on his heel.
"You want to know Hermione? Well you don't have to worry about my problems do you? Do you? Mind your own business would you. Since one of the problems is you..." Ron added the last remark but it was muffled as Hermione slapped him across the face.
"What's wrong with you..." Hermione shrieked and looked at Harry who had came beside her.
Ron looked shuffled his feet and looked down.
Harry comprehended his silence and pulled Hermione into the living room.
"Harry what..." Hermione said and started to point to where they had left Ron in the kitchen.
Harry covered her mouth with his hand.
"Hermione...it's the money...that's the problem..." Harry said to her.
Hermione nodded understanding and felt guilty.
They walked back in the kitchen quietly and sat by Ron.
He looked up and smiled weakly.
When they finished, Harry had decided for Ron to get his mind off things.
"Ron let's say we go some where..." Harry said.
"Can't Harry...My family is going to the Magical Banquet. We got the tickets from somebody not sure who though," Ron shrugged and he exited the house.
Harry felt like he should've told Ron about them going but decided to wait as a surprise.
A voice called him, "Forgetting me already?"
"How could I ever forget you?" Harry joked as he picked her up and kissed her softly against the lips.
Hermione smiled at him and he put her down. "But Ron..."
"Hermione...I think there is still one chance..." Harry started.
"What?" Hermione asked him.
"I am not sure it will though. There is a drawing from the Sponsors. It costs one sickle per drawing. I am not sure how much but if the Weasleys could win they'd have a chance of sending their son to college. But I'm sure it'd be more than enough for that..." Harry said waiting for Hermione's answer.
Hermione answered that by a kiss on the cheek. She smiled at him and said, "You're such the caring person Harry."
He laughed and said, "I'll come to pick you up around 6:00, Herm."
"Sure, I'll be ready by then," Hermione said to him and he walked out of the door of her house and into his car.
Hermione watched as he drove away and waved him goodbye.
She closed the door, turned around, and gasped at the person who met her.
"Uncle Ralph?" Hermione squealed and ran to her uncle.
"Hello Hermione, I see you are well," said the middle-aged man with warm blue eyes and faded brown hair. His eyes twinkled.
"How are you," Hermione said and she pulled him in the living room.
"I'm fine Hermione. It seems old Ralph has lost his girl," he said smiling making Hermione blush.
It was some time ago when Hermione was about four when there was a family reunion. An older cousin had asked her something. It was, "Who's your boyfriend," she asked jokingly. Four-year-old Hermione having no clue to what boyfriend was said Uncle Ralphie. Everybody had laughed and it stayed that way. Her uncle often teased her that he would see to it the boy that stole his girl would pay dearly.
Hermione was in her thoughts when he suddenly spoke.
"Hermione, he seems a very nice caring boy. I wish you both well. So there is such thing as magical college? Interesting," he said fiddling with his tie. "So what is this banquet you all were talking about eh?" he asked winking.
"Some dinner where magical witches and wizards come to, sponsored by some of the most well-known names in businesses," Hermione replied. "How long have you been here?" Hermione asked him.
"For a while..." he said and saw Hermione make a noise of impatience.
"Well I came in when you sat down at the table and started to talk," her uncle said. "Do you mind if I eat some of the leftovers? It may not be homemade from scratch but homemade from magic eh? When's a man going to try a magical made meal?"
Hermione laughed and took her uncle to the kitchen. "Uncle I want you to meet Harry and Ron, and their families. Would you also like to come? I know muggles...er non magic folks are not permitted but you are family."
"Oh no dear...I don't think your Harry would like it now, would he. I don't want him to think of me as a nosy relative of yours that gives their niece not one shread of privacy?" Ralph answered taking a sip of Butterbeer.
"Actually, I'd be happy to take you and from what I can see, you don't seem to be a nosy uncle," a voice sounded from the threshold.
There stood Harry smiling.
"Sorry for interrupting but I left my watch and contact box."
"Oh hello there Harry, please have a seat," Ralph said and he motioned for a chair.
Harry watched smiling as Ralph took another sip of Butter Beer,
"Dear boy, what is this delicious drink?" he asked taking more sips.
Harry grinned at Hermione who smiled at him.
"It's Butterbeer, a magical drink made at the Three Broomsticks," Harry said taking two out for Hermione and him.
Ralph almost sputtered it out. "You're drinking alcohol?" he asked.
"No Uncle Ralph," Hermione assured him.
"That's just the name of the drink. If you were a house elf you could get drunk but we're not so..." Harry said jokingly.
Hermione slapped him on the shoulder.
"You know I still believe for their rights but I am not creating a reform party..." Hermione said matter-of-factly.
Harry laughed and explained to her uncle what she meant.
Her uncle laughed and said, "Well at least she knows I'll always be proud of her."
"I have to go Herm. It was nice meeting you...er..." Harry started.
"Call me Ralph," her uncle said.
"Yes Ralph, it was nice meeting you and consider my offer. I'd be happy to take you. But please if you are going to buy anything consult Hermione, Sirius, or me. You're muggle and I suppose Hermione can help because she is born from muggle parents but that really doesn't determine the caliber of the witch or wizard...anyways. You have to use Magical money. Oh by the way Sirius is my godfather. It's muggle formals tonight. I'll be here at 6:00 Herm. Bye," Harry said and he took his belongings and went into his car again.
Hermione's uncle turned to her with a smirk on his face and a glint in his eyes. "Muggle am I, eh?"
Hermione blushed and threw a pillow at her uncle in which they ended up having a pillow fight.
~
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