Innocent Eyes

                                                                Innocent Eyes

Chapter Three

            Harry, Hermione, and Charmain were walking down the street to the Ministry of Magic.  They had decided to walk since the ministry wasn’t that far away from the orphanage. It was a rather cold day but all of then were so happy, they didn’t even notice it. 

“I just can’t believe it,” Hermione silently contemplated, “I’m a mother…”

Suddenly Charmain jolted Hermione out of her thoughts. “Why do we have to see the Minister?” Charmain asked. 

Harry and Hermione were a bit glad that she was a very mature nine-year old.  This way, they could tell her things and she would understand situations much better. And hopefully, adjust to the circumstances. 

“Well, as I was saying before, Hermione and I are supposed to be married to adopt you. Which we are not,” Harry said with a sidelong glance at Hermione, “So, I need to talk to the minister to see if he can pull a few strings for us.  We do live together, but Hermione and I aren’t umm… exactly… romantically involved,” Harry explained.

Charmain stayed silent a few minutes before voicing her opinion, “Why don’t you just get a marriage license? You don’t have to get married.” Hermione visibly tensed at her statement.

“That’s exactly what I was thinking but…”

“But the Minister’s a personal friend of mine,” Harry said finishing Hermione’s sentence. Harry and Hermione always had that telepathic way of finishing each other sentences. It had driven Ron mad.

“Really? Do you know his son Ron Weasley, the Cannons’ keeper?” Charmain asked wide-eyed.

Hermione smiled. Well, it seemed as if Charmain didn’t know everything about “The Famous Trio” as Harry, Ron and Hermione were nicknamed. Hermione was secretly glad for that. She did not want to impress on Charmain’s innocent conscious who her adoptive parents were.

“Yes, you’ll probably meet him tomorrow, if I know Harry as well as I think I do,” Hermione said smirking and Harry sent her a furtive look.

“I’m going to meet a member of the Chudley Cannons?” Charmain asked in apparent disbelief.

“Fan?” Harry asked.

“Like there’s any team better?!” Charmain exclaimed.

“Well, lucky you, because Ron just might have a surprise for you,” Harry said.

“I knew it,” Hermione said laughing, “ You’re thinking of taking her to the next game, aren’t you?

“Oh my gosh, I think I’ll faint before we get to the Ministry!” Charmain said dramatically.

“I think we’re already there,” Hermione said smiling. 

Hermione and Harry let Charmain run up the stairs to the Ministry. 

“Don’t go too far, Charm” Hermione said, “Wait for us at the stairs,”

“Harry, Ron’s going to love her.  I think we finally found him someone who could give him a run for the title as biggest-cannon-fan-ever,” Hermione said merrily.

“I know isn’t it great?  Should we invite him over later and surprise her?” Harry asked.

“No, we have a lot left to do today.  Plus, we don’t want to fool her into thinking everyday with us will be that exciting,” Hermione answered.

“That’s true.”

“Are you coming?” Charmain shouted and Hermione ran up the steps leaving Harry chasing behind both of them.

Mr.Weasley had changed the location of the minister’s office the moment he had the chance. Unfortunately, it took a lot of time to walk up the stairs to his office and many lazy wizards usually complained a lot since they were not used to any sort of exercise.

Quickly, they walked to the end of an avidly decorated hallway to a set of elaborate oak doors.

“Okay, I’m going to go in first and then Hermione you can bring Charmain in,” Harry said to Hermione quietly.

“Good luck, Harry,” Hermione said kissing Harry on the cheek.

Charmain smiled. She was nine years old but even she could see how much Harry and Hermione loved each other.

“I think it’s time I used my special gift. I just have to bring these two together!” Charmain thought.  She had a way of subtle medalling she referred to as a gift.

Harry had intended to have Hermione come with him, but didn’t want to leave Charmain alone in the hallway. He was now responsible for both of them.

Quickly, Harry knocked on the pair of doors and stepped into the office, closing the door behind him and performing a Silencing charm.

“Harry! What brings you here?” Arthur Weasley asked. Putting on his glasses, Mr. Weasley greeted Harry. Mr. Weasley had not changed much except for a few signs that showed how old he had become. However, Mr. Weasley’s numerous grandchildren kept him fit as a fiddle.

“Well, I have a bit of a favor to ask you, sir,” Harry said fingering the envelope that contained the orphanage papers.

“Anything in my power,” Mr. Weasley said and Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

“Have a seat, Harry. Tea?” Mr. Weasley offered pouring himself a cup.

“No, thank you, um I’m not sure how to say this but…”

“What is it?” Mr. Weasley asked in a concerned tone.  He was hoping Harry hadn’t broken the law, or worse gone and gotten married without telling Molly.

“Well, it all started at work when Hermione brought me a copy of The Quibbler.”

“Hermione? Reading “The Quibbler”? Our logical Hermione?” Mr. Weasley said astonished. Harry laughed. He had been thinking the exact same thing.

“Well, you know Hermione. She’s always had a soft spot,” Harry said, “And then she started reading an article about orphans.”

“Oh, yes, it’s absolutely terrible the number of them we have after the war.” Mr. Weasley replied. “They all deserve a family and especially the older ones.  Luckily, most of them have money in their parent’s vaults. So, we’re able to pay to send them to Hogwarts. Few of them, however, are being sponsored by donations,” Mr. Weasley explained.

“Really? Well, I would love to contribute if the need arise,” Harry said concerned.

“Sure, I’ll have my secretary give you the forms on your way out.”

“Right, forms,” Harry said fingering the envelope in his hand.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, this is what I’m supposed to be talking to you about,” Harry said.

“Hermione and I want to adopt one of the orphans.” He said lying.

“I see, and you want to know if you can adopt one without being married?” Arthur said nodding, understanding, and Harry smiled. 

“Please, is there anything you can do? This girl is absolutely amazing. I know we have just met her today but she’s perfect. She’s very intelligent and an devoted Cannons fan.  I haven’t found her lacking in any aspect, except she’s unloved and Hermione and I could do something about that.  She even asked if we could get her a library card. I like this girl a lot and I’m even willing to drag Hermione down the aisle if you don’t let me adopt her without marrying Hermione.   You know that we have a stable home and she’ll get all the family she could ask for. That is if Molly’s party’s still on. I was planning on introducing her then,” Harry said babbling very quickly with a hopeful expression.  It was then that Harry realized that Hermione must have been going crazy not knowing what was happening. Immediately, he removed the charms preventing her from listening.

On the other side of the large oak doors Hermione had been trying to break the silencing charms but to no avail. Trying to break another wizard’s charms was difficult. Especially, considering that Harry did The Silencing Charm. Although, Hermione was a very intelligent and one of the most powerful witches in the world, but Harry had mastered useful little charms wonderfully. Thankfully, Harry had finally removed the charm.

“Are you trying to listen?” Charmain asked. She had noticed that Hermione had literally been plastered to the door muttering spells under her breath.

“Yes, but I can’t hear anything,” Hermione said moving away from the door, not wanting Charmain to hear if Arthur decided for some odd reason to say no. She knew he just couldn’t, but wasn’t sure. 

“It’s alright I don’t want to overhear it if you can’t adopt me.  I’d rather have you both tell me and give me a long speech in hopes I’d understand,” Charmain said briskly and resumed a position similar to the one she had when Harry had come to talk to her by the tree. A confused, lonely child’s pose.

Immediately, Hermione pulled Charmain towards her and hugged her.

 

“I like to be hugged,” Charmain said in a small voice.

“Me too,” Hermione said and stroked the little girl’s hair while she hugged her.  Hermione could tell she was very scared.

Meanwhile, Mr. Weasley still hadn’t said anything after Harry had babbled out the whole story.  He was wondering what he could do without breaking the law.  He wanted to very much.  He knew if anyone could understand an orphaned child it would be Harry, and Hermione, well, she was about the greatest influence and role model a little girl could have. However it would be unfair to wave the law.

“Harry, I want to, but I just don’t know how I can wave the law for you without being unfair.  This law is more tried than you could ever imagine.  I’ve had four calls this week from unmarried people begging me to let them adopt one of these children. Now those were different circumstances than yours but the principle is the same when it comes to the public eye.  I wish I hadn’t inspired Luna to write that article. I can’t even imagine how much pain this will cause you,” Mr. Weasley said running his hand through his hair nervously. Luna had come over with Ron for dinner at the Burrow and they had begun discussing the orphanage situation. When she had said it would make a wonderful article, he never expected her to put it in The Quibbler.  He had hoped the Prophet would get a hold of it first.  Actually, The Quibbler was more popular than people realized and he had received many phone calls from people wanting to adopt children but who weren’t married. However he knew none of them were like Harry and Hermione. 

“Mr. Weasley, please, there has to be something you can do” Harry said getting frustrated.

“I’m sorry Harry, but if you want to you can keep this girl in your care for small periods at a time. However, I figured it would be much more painful to let her go then.”

“She’s sitting outside. If you could just see her sir, I’m sure…”

“Harry don’t put me through that,” Mr. Weasley said perplexed at the situation.

“There has to be something…” Harry said in a whisper to himself.  Then, he remembered what Hermione and Charmain had both suggested.

 “What about a marriage license? Under the license, Hermione and I could get married without having to maintain any commitment towards each other,” Harry said and looked up to see Mr. Weasley smiling.

“Great solution!” Mr. Weasley said with a laugh.

“So does the law still stand? They are good for five years, right? By then, Hermione and I would certainly have moved on if we wanted to,” Harry said something heavy settling on his heart.  He remembered why they changed the law to make the licenses valid for five years.  When everyone was going off to fight in the war, no one knew who would be coming back. 

“Yes, and legally you would be presumed to be married, which is good enough for the adoption agency. However, you are allowed to separate any time you or Hermione wish to change paths.”

“So, when Charmain’s fourteen and the license has expired, she can invoke the right to stay with any of us or both of us, right?” Harry asked, not sure how that would work.

“Well, we’ll see… by that time comes, who knows, Hermione might be your wife,” Arthur said smiling and Harry rolled his eyes.  He and Mrs. Weasley had been on a mission to get Hermione and Harry to fall in love with each other since both of them had moved in together. Mrs. Weasley had thought it morally incorrect for both of them to move in together especially when they were not in the holy state of matrimony.

“Does this mean Hermione and I have to marry? This is really more confusing than I expected it to be. I have to marry Hermione and what if I fall in love with someone else? It’s all so complicated. The media will have a field day and I’m not sure what’s going on at all,” Harry asked.  He had everything worked out until the realization of what he was doing hit him.

“Yes, you have to marry Hermione,” Mr. Weasley said, “Harry, life is confusing. Plus, I don’t think you realized what you were doing. But now you have given hope to a young girl who has no one left in this world. You have to do this because I know you don’t want to break hearts.”

Harry sighed and out on a brave face, “What else can I do?”

“Why don’t you go get Hermione and Charmain and we’ll talk more about the marriage license?” Arthur suggested.

“All right and thanks, Mr.Weasley,” Harry said heading for the doors.

“Oh, don’t thank me. I came off a little heartless for a few minutes. Plus, Molly would kill me if you didn’t come to dinner tomorrow night,” Arthur said.

“Well, you can guarantee that the invitation is accepted,” Harry said laughing and walked into the hallway finding Hermione and Charmain in a heart-warming embrace.  He had been so sure that he would find an awestruck Hermione on his way out.  She was probably shocked out of her mind when she overheard the decision. 

Taking another glance at her and Charmain he knew that she couldn’t have been listening and be that comfortable.  Harry almost didn’t want to say anything, and he didn’t have to because once Hermione saw him, she gently pulled away from Charmain.

“So, what happened?” Hermione asked noticing something was amiss in Harry’s demeanor.

“Marriage license.”

“We’re getting married? I know I suggested it but I didn’t think it would…”

“Well, Mr. Weasley said they still have five year marriage licenses and we just have get one in order to be allowed to adopt Charmain.  It’s the only way Hermione, and I hope you trust me enough to get one.  We can ask Mr.Weasley to keep it confidential,” Harry said looking into Hermione’s eyes.

  Hermione blushed and looked away. Secretly, had always wanted Harry to propose to her but this was not even near proposing. This was so different.

  Beside Hermione, Charmain was now grinning from ear to ear. This really made her mission a lot easier.

“When can we sign?” Hermione asked and Harry kissed the top of her head.

“Come on, let’s go,” Harry said taking Hermione and Charmain’s hands and heading back towards the doors.

“Me too?” Charmain asked.

“Yes, Mr. Weasley wanted to meet you and you have to sign some papers.  By the way, we’re going to their house for dinner tomorrow night,” Harry answered.

Charmain gaped at him and Harry laughed.  When they entered the office, Charmain looked at the Minister with wonder. 

“Hello, I’m Mr. Weasley,” Mr. Weasley said extending his hand to the girl who looked down at it with wide green eyes before she remembered her manners.

“Charmain Aiglentine,” Charmain said revealing her last name.

“Nice to meet you, I understand you’re a fan of the Cannons?” Arthur asked and Charmain sent Harry a look that clearly said she couldn’t believe he told the Minister of Magic.  Charmain didn’t yet know that Arthur Weasley would be her surrogate grandfather.

“Yes,” She said looking surprised.

“Oh good. So tell me Charmain, do you want Harry and Hermione to adopt you?” he asked.  He now remembered the envelope in Harry’s hands and knew that they would want his official signature right then and there.

“More than anything,” she answered.

“Harry can I see the envelope please?” Mr. Weasley asked and Harry handed him the unopened envelope.

“Now, have you two read any of this?” he asked after Harry handed him the envelope.

“No but we’ll sign the papers anyway,” Harry answered, and Hermione sent him a look saying that he should read everything before agreeing to anything.

“Does that go for you too Hermione?” Mr. Weasley asked.

“N-,” Hermione was about to disagree when she saw Harry give her a pleading look, “Yes, sir,” she answered.

“You can go sit down if you’d like Charmain. I’ll come and ask you a few questions in a minute.  Help yourself to some of my wife’s cookies,” he said and with a swish of his wand they appeared on the side table.

“He only offered me tea,” Harry joked while Mr. Weasley read over the documents.

“You looked stressed Harry,” Arthur said taking Harry off guard.

“I think Harry’s just too excited,” Hermione said covering for her friend.

“Right, well, I need both of you to sign the marriage license,” Mr. Weasley said procuring the legal document and two quills magically.

Hermione looked at the document and gulped.  This was one of the things she had been dreaming about since 4^th year. She had a crush on him, but she had never gone as far as to say she wanted to marry him.

Harry was thinking along the same lines as Hermione, when suddenly with a surge of determination, Hermione took the quill firmly signing on the line provided.  Harry was more than surprised. However when Hermione looked at him smiling, Harry too, gathered the courage and signed.

“Thank you. Now we can look at the adoption papers,” Mr. Weasley said professionally and Harry and Hermione tried not to laugh. Actually, Mr. Weasley was very happy but a bit scared wondering how Molly would react to this.

“Now, have you brought the necessary papers?” Harry handed another envelope with the requested information.

“Charmain are you ready to sign?”  Harry asked and she hopped up from the chair she had been occupying.  She had been munching on the awesome cookies that were Mrs. Weasley’s specialty.  She found them much better than the ones they got at the orphanage.  They were always store bought.

Smiling, she signed where Mr. Weasley indicated. Harry and Hermione followed suit. After congratulating Harry and Hermione, Mr. Weasley took Charmain to the leather couch and asked her a few questions about life at the orphanage.  Harry and Hermione figured it was for some sort of Ministry survey. 

“I can’t believe we did it!” Hermione said still clearly in shock and Harry laughed. 

“Neither can I,” he admitted.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come shopping?” Hermione said because that was what she was going to do next.

“Well, actually I do, but there’s a few other things I have to do.  I need to stop by and pick up her Gringotts’ key and then I promised Charmain, I’d inquire about her parents. I think it’s better to get that out of the way as soon as possible and I did promise.”  Harry explained.

“Oh come on Harry, I bet, you won’t let her touch any of the money in her vault until she’s twenty. Plus, I also happen to know that you are a true procrastinator when it comes to research.  Why don’t you let me help you with that?” Hermione asked.

“I thought you had work,” Harry said arching one eyebrow.

“Well, I only officially have to be at work three hours if I get all my work filed, and then I can help you. We also have to think about Charmain now,” Hermione said bringing up a good point.  It would take some time to get used to the fact that they now had a daughter.

“Can we go now?” Charmain asked with a smile on her face.

“Just a minute. We have to file these papers and then we’re going shopping,” Harry answered.

“For what?” Charmain asked.

“Well, you will need furniture for your bedroom. Oh, Harry, Ginny and I will have to take her to a few Muggle stores next week.  Have you ever worn Muggle clothing Charmain?”

“I don’t think so,” she answered. “I have clothes though. At the orphanage, of course. It’s just that I was too excited to stop and tell you.”

“Don’t worry about those. We’ll get you new things,” Harry said.

“Alright then,” Mr.Weasley said interrupting their discussion, “Charmain, do you want to change your last name?”

“Well, when Harry and Hermione came to adopt me they introduced themselves as Mr. and Mrs. Granger,” she said laughing.

“I knew that was going to come back to bite me in the arse,” Harry whispered to Hermione. Hermione gave Harry a stern look as she tried to stop herself from bursting out laughing.

“I’d like to change my name to Charmain Aiglentine Granger,” she smiled.

“Is that alright with you two?” Arthur asked.

“Actually that’s a good idea Charmain,” Hermione said out loud, “It would cause less suspicion.  Due to Hermione’s fame, many witches and wizards had changed their last name to Granger so as to show their respect for the Muggle-born witch who had done so much for them.”

“Yes, I suppose it is,” Harry said, “It just might help keeping the press at bay”

“You aren’t disappointed, are you?” Charmain said looking at Harry.

“No,” Harry said. To tell you the truth, Harry would have liked Charmain to use his last name. However, he had to remember Charmain wasn’t his real daughter.

“Guess, you and Hermione will just have to have your own children,” Charmain said giggling when both of them blushed.  Arthur Weasley immediately knew Molly would love the girl. He could just imagine the fuss Ginny would make when she got a hold of Charmain.

Hermione cheeks were still red when Harry said, “Shopping anyone?”

He was trying to get the thought of how babies came about out of his mind.