The Life He Never Knew
Ch-8
AN- I can't thank my readers enough for sticking with this story. There are times when I want to completely throw it all out and give up but I've been pushing on best I can. The ideas are there, its just finding the desire to sit and write it. I don't know if you can understand how difficult it is to write a story about love and romance when your consumed by heart ache and anger. My own personal problems are part of the reason why I have Harry and Hermione moving so quickly, I want to make love happen so I can believe in it again. Side note, its sad that I have more desire to write this than I do the novel I've been working on for 5 years.
I'm starting this chapter with Ron and Luna, I feel they deserve a bit of attention. Thanks for reading hope you enjoy.
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Ron Weasley just walked through the gate that served as an entry point to the Lovegood's yard. It made him smile knowing that a few weeks ago this gate and yard were covered in rubble, not that he was happy the house was destroyed. He was smiling thinking of all the hard work put in and more importantly the time spent with the pretty blonde occupant of the home. The thoughts of Luna's blonde locks and dreamy blue eyes came to Ron's mind causing a brighter smile on his face. A smile that broke into a Cheshire cat grin when he saw the real life version of his day dream sitting under a tree looking intently at the branches above her.
"Hello Ronald.", Her airy voice called. How she knew he was there he didn't quite know.
"Luna I've asked you to call me Ron at least a dozen times. The only one to call me Ronald is my mother, and that's only when she's angry with me.", Ron told her.
"I'm sorry, I hope your not angry with me.", Luna replied. She had still yet to turn and look at him.
"I could never be angry with you. You could blow up the burrow or turn me into a crumpled horn snorkack and I'd still think you were a…", Ron wanted to use the moment to let her know his feelings for her, but the words just wouldn't come out.
"A what Ron?", Luna asked finally averting her eyes from the tree to look at Ron. It was in those eyes that he found his answer.
"A beautiful, smart, funny, girl.", Ron said, his face so brightly red with embarrassment that it shone brighter then his hair.
"Where?", She asked looking for the girl Ron just described.
Summoning some of his Gryffindor courage Ron took her hand and looked into her shimmering blue eyes.
"Right here in front of me.", He told her before lowering his head and capturing her lips with his own. The young blonde was stunned for a moment but quickly her senses caught up with what was happening. Rising on her toes she deepened the kiss while wrapping her hands around his neck. Ron wrapped is arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground completely. Excited by the kiss Luna tried throwing herself more fully into Ron while he was lifting her up, the combination of the actions sent them tumbling to the grass. There lips had a moment of separation from the fall before Luna forcefully attached hers to Ron's. Several moments of rolling in the grass and kissing left the two out winded.
"That was incredible.", Ron panted.
"That's kissing?", Luna asked.
"Was that your first?", Ron questioned, Luna simply nodded. "Well yes that's kissing, although I doubt it will be so intense and magnificent every time."
Luna looked at him with a smile, "Does that mean you're my boyfriend?"
"Only if you want me to be.", Ron answered.
"I'd have to be as crazy as a pigmy rhinoceros bat not to want you to be.", She told him before hugging and kissing her.
"So then I guess I don't have to ask if you'll be my date to Harry's birthday party this Saturday?", He asked. She didn't reply she simply rolled on top of him and kissed him once more. Taking her kiss as a yes he wrapped her into a tight hug and kissed her back.
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They had been at it for nearly two hours until Hermione spotted a gown that she liked. It was a simple full length strapless gown, the body of it laced like a corset and would show a modest amount of cleavage while remaining tasteful.
"I like that one, lets take it over to the dressing room and see if it fits you. Hopefully it's the right size for you.", Hermione's mother Jane said acknowledging the white gown in her daughters hands.
"Size won't matter, I know a few good tailoring spells that I can use to make it hit Hermione perfectly.", Ginny told Mrs. Granger. She was thrilled when Hermione asked her to be the maid of honor. She nearly let out a scream of joy when Hermione told her that they would be going dress shopping with her mother today. She begged George for the day off, and for a weeks pay advance. The time off she got easily, the extra pay only came after the threat of the bat bogey hex.
"Well even if we can adjust it to fit I still think we should have a look at her in it, make sure the dress looks right.", Jane told the younger girl. She didn't want to be robbed of seeing her only daughter try on wedding gowns. Sure magic could make finding a dress easier, being able to tailor it to fit right, but she highly doubted magic could make it look good on you.
"It would be awful to wait until my wedding day and find I look horrible in this gown.", Hermione said voicing her mothers unspoken opinion. "Lets go to the dressing rooms and see what it looks like. I'd like to see how you'd look in that pink gown we were thinking of for your brides maid's dress."
"Do we really have to go with the pink one? It's a pretty dress but don't you think the color and my hair and freckles are going to clash with it.", Ginny asked. She didn't want to hurt Hermione's feelings but she thought the dress was actually ugly. Just because this was for Hermione's special day didn't mean she had to make her look like a tie dyed flamingo.
"Lets see how it looks, if the colors clash that bad with you it'll only be worse making Ron wear pink as well.", Hermione replied while walking into a changing booth. Ginny was prepared to offer a few suggestions on colors she thought would look better on both she and her brother but Hermione's mom didn't allow her the chance.
"Hermione dear have you gained weight?", Jane Granger asked.
"What? Of course not mom, what do you mean?", Hermione replied, she was shocked that her mother would think she had put on weight. Besides she'd just seen her a few days ago how could she have put on a noticeable amount of weight since then.
"Well I guess I didn't notice it at the airport but you certainly look more… fuller than you did when you and Harry came to find your father and I in Australia.", Jane told her. "I know girls tend to gain weight during married life but normally they wait until they're actually married dear."
"Mother are you saying I'm getting fat?", Hermione was now getting offended at what she thought her mother was implying.
"I did not say fat, I said fuller.", Mrs. Granger said trying to defend herself.
"Hermione, can I be honest?", Ginny chimed in.
"Oh for Merlin's sake not you as well!", Hermione moaned, she began checking her reflection in the mirror. She hated to admit it but looking at herself in just a bra and knickers she noticed that she may have gained some weight. Though not nearly enough to be noticeable by her mother. She was never a twig, but she was in decent shape. She looked fine in her reflection, simply softer, and maybe her knickers looked a little tight, but still nothing major.
"Its true, you look like you've put on weight since Hogwarts.", Ginny told her. She didn't want to upset her older friend but there was certainly a noticeable gain from the battle two months ago and today.
"Well if your both going to go back that far sure I've put on weight since then. I'm not surprised about it either. While we were on the run we were living off a scarce amount of food, so I guess I lost weight because I wasn't eating as much. They do say that a person who stops eating to lose weight only ends up gaining it all back and more when they start eating again. I guess my situation is kind of the same. But be honest, do I look like I'm getting fat or does it just look like I'm healthy?", Hermione replied.
"Your getting fat.", Ginny told her deadpanned.
"Really?", Hermione again looked at the mirror scrutinizing her appearance.
"No, you look great. It's definitely healthy looking, you did look kind of frail after the war.", Ginny told her honestly.
"Mom?"
"I agree with Ginny, you look fine. I just noticed the difference in appearance that's all.", Her mother told her trying to comfort her.
"Do you think I should start dieting and lose weight or do I look ok?", Hermione asked. Ginny was surprised, she had never once seen Hermione show any form of girlish insecurities.
"You honestly look fine dear. Now enough of this weight gain talk, lets see you in that dress.", Mrs. Granger told her trying to force a note of finality into her statement.
Hermione stepped into the dress and slid it up her body, Ginny assisted with lacing up the back of it.
"Well how does it look?", Hermione asked turning slightly side to side.
"Give it a full twirl, lets see it all.", Ginny told her. Hermione gave a slow spin so that Ginny and her mother could inspect the dress.
"Ok, so now, what do you think? Does it look good on me?", She asked.
"You look stunning.", Her mother told her. A tear rolling down her cheek.
"Its gorgeous Hermione, its absolutely perfect for you.", Ginny told her with a smile.
"Fantastic, I really loved how it looked on the rack I would have been upset if it didn't look good on me.", Hermione told them.
"Not that it would have mattered, Harry would think you look incredible wearing a potato sack.", Ginny quipped, earning a laugh from the other women in the dressing room.
"Your turn Gin, lets see how that dress looks.", Hermione said indicating the pink gown which was slowly becoming the bane of Ginny's existence.
Ginny got undressed and started getting into her gown while Hermione took hers off with the help of her mother. She was able to slide the entire gown up without the need to unzip it in the back. Giving a look in the mirror Ginny had to admit, Hermione had decent taste in gowns, it was the color she just couldn't agree on.
"I like how it looks Hermione but I just don't like the pink color, do you think we could try another color?", Ginny pleaded.
"I agree, maybe something in silver instead. Could you change the color of that gown so we could see?", Mrs. Granger asked. She still hadn't witnessed much magic and was eager to see some.
"Sure that's a pretty simply spell.", Ginny replied retrieving her wand from her jeans pocket and giving it a wave over the front of her gown. The dress shimmered for a moment and then died down. Mrs. Granger stood impressed at the display.
"I like that, what do you think Hermione?", Jane Granger asked.
"Its nice, but lets try this.", Hermione replied, she waved her own wand at Ginny's dress and as the shimmering died down again it revealed a light blue gown that sparkled.
"Oh that is absolutely better.", Mrs. Granger said.
"I agree, go ahead Gin check in the mirror what do you think about it?", Hermione said. Ginny looked in the mirror, immediately a smile spread across her lips. It only grew as she twisted and turned in front of the mirror.
"Oh its perfect. A nice diamond pendant would really set it off.", Ginny squealed excitedly.
"I have one you can borrow for the wedding.", Mrs. Granger told her.
"Honestly?", Ginny asked. Mrs. Granger just nodded in reply. "Oh thank you so much, I can't wait till the wedding."
"Speaking of waiting till the wedding, have you and Harry set a date yet?", Jane Granger asked her daughter.
"We were thinking middle of November or early December.", Hermione told her.
"Three months isn't much time to plan a wedding, will need to find somewhere to have the ceremony and reception, and also figure out a guest list.", Her mother replied ticking off each thing that needed to be taken care of on her hand. "I'm assuming you and Harry will want to have the ceremony and reception in one place and forgo marrying in the church."
"That's what we were thinking, it wouldn't upset you and daddy would it.", Hermione asked her nervously.
"No, will be fine, just seeing you happy is enough for me, and I'm sure your father will say the same thing.", her mother assured her.
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"Incredible!", Exclaimed Will Granger as he took in the sight of the Quidditch pitch. Wood had come through with flying colors getting them seats in the best box.
"Nice work mate.", Ron chimed in. Harry felt it would be less awkward for him to spend the day alone with Hermione's father if Ron were there with them as well.
"You haven't seen anything yet Mr. Granger, just wait till the game is actually under way.", Harry told him with a laugh. It was hard not to laugh at the older man's reaction to everything. It was somewhat like taking Arthur Weasley on a trip through muggle London, except multiplied by ten. Harry and Ron were having a good time showing Mr. Granger all of the Quidditch memorabilia. Mr. Granger had felt left out slightly as both Harry and Ron were sporting there old Gryffindor Quidditch robes so Harry took it upon himself to buy Mr. Granger a replica Puddlemore jersey with Oliver Woods name and number on it. Harry was busy showing his future father in law how to use the omnioculars that he purchased for him. Mr. Granger offered to buy them himself but Harry would hear none of it, he was his guest for the day.
"Ladies and Gentleman we'd like to welcome you today to Puddlemore United Pitch for a match up between your Puddlemore United Quidditch team and the visitors, Wimbledon Monarchs. And now the starting 7 for the Monarchs, Reese, Langdon, Allen, Rogers, Duncan, Gardner and Smith.", The announcer called out the names of the Wimbledon Monarchs who received a modest ovation from the opposing fans. They wore deep purple robes with their teams logo on the front, a golden M with a crown on top.
"AND NOW PUDDLEMORE UNITED! At chaser Daniel Stenson, Geoff Garren, and Monica Hyde. The beaters Gordon Morris and Henry Alberts. At keeper, Oliver Wood, and the Puddlemore United seeker Calvin Jordan!" The ovation for the home club was thunderous. Blue flags waving through out the Quidditch stadium.
The referee walked out with the case holding the balls used for the game.
"Harry which ball is which again?", Asked Mr. Granger.
"Well the large red ball is the quaffle, the chasers will use that to try to score on one of the three hoops.", Harry said indicating the hoops at either end of the pitch. "The keeper has to cover all three hoops. A goal is worth 10 points. The bludger, the smaller black balls are used by the beaters, who carry bats to hit it. They try to direct them at the opposing players to make it easier for their team to score. And finally the golden snitch, it's the small gold ball. Its really fast and hard to spot, that's the seekers job. The seeker circles the pitch looking for the golden snitch, who ever catches it scores 150 points for his team and ends the game. The game won't end until the snitch is caught."
"Fascinating.", Mr. Granger replied.
"AND THEY"RE OFF. Its Wimbledon with the quaffle, Reese with it, over to Langdon, Langdon down to Allen who fires it across to Reese. Reese with the shot and its stopped by Wood. Puddlemore now, Garren to Hyde, Hyde ducks a bludger, back to Garren, now Stenson. Alberts sends a bludger at Gardner, Hyde with the quaffle, she SCORES! Goal Puddlemore. The game went at a fast pace, Mr. Granger had trouble keeping up with the announcer while watching the game slowed down on his omnioculars. He set them down just in time to see Puddlemore score its eighth goal of the game and take an 80-30 lead. It was at that point that the entire crowd stood excitedly and looked towards the Puddlemore goal. Circling the far left goal beneath Wood was the golden snitch. Smith and Jordan took off like bolts of lightening streaking towards the snitch. At the same time the Monarchs had taken control of the quaffle and were flying up the pitch towards Wood. Reese faked toward the center hoop and drew Wood with him before dropping the Quaffle down to an awaiting Allen who had a wide open shot on the right hoop. Harry and Ron both took their eyes off the seekers chasing the snitch and watched as Wood launched himself off his broom at the quaffle.
"An amazing save by Wood hanging upside down from his broom.", The announcer's voice boomed. Ron was pounding his fists against the rail in front of him. The save was truly spectacular, Wood extended himself fully before locking his ankles around his broom. Quickly Harry's eyes went back to the two seekers who were now in the middle of the pitch above the action. The pair both went into a straight downward dive following the ball of gold. Smith had a slight lead it seemed but he flew into a passing bludger and had to spin to avoid a fall. The snitch was all Jordan's now. The Puddlemore seeker did a barrel roll and hanging upside down grabbed the snitch that was hovering mere inches over the grass. He righted himself fists pumping in the air.
"And Jordan captures the snitch, Puddlemore wins 230-30.", The announcer yelled, they could barely hear him over the roar of the crowd, which was saying much as he was only ten rows behind them. The team did a quick victory lap around the pitch, Wood spotted Harry in the announcers box and slowly flew by for a hand shake. Mr. Granger was thoroughly amazed. Quidditch was a dangerous sport but it was also high adrenaline action.
The fans began exciting, still cheering loudly for there team and the spectacular win. Ron and Harry led Mr. Granger passed the apparition and portkey points to the nearest exit for those that would be taking other means of travel. Mr. Granger was not found of the idea of wizarding travel, although a broom ride might be exciting. He preferred the comfort of a car, so he met with Ron and Harry at the Leaky Cauldron and they drove to the game in his car. He talked excitedly about his first Quidditch experience and dropped not so subtle hints that he hoped Harry would invite him to another game in the near future. Ron and Harry recounted there Quidditch war stories to the older man during there ride back to the Leaky Cauldron. Like the only game Harry lost due to dementors, or Ron's heroics that won Gryffindor the Quidditch cup. Mr. Granger was a good audience for these tales showing excitement and sounding concerned at all the right moments.
"What a shame.", Mr. Granger said not realizing he was thinking aloud.
"What's a shame sir?", Harry questioned.
"Oh sorry Harry, just thinking aloud.", He replied. Harry gave him a quizzical look. "Well it's a shame the day has to be over, I rather enjoyed the match and the company much more then I had expected. No offense of course."
Harry laughed, "I honestly didn't think the day would go so nicely either. I was worried we wouldn't get along or you'd be bored with the match."
It was Mr. Granger's turn to chuckle, "The not getting along I agree with, but Jane assured me I would enjoy the day. As for being bored, I don't know anyone who could be bored watching something like that."
"Well we could always head back to Grimmauld Place, perhaps Ron and I could show you a few spells. Who knows how long the women will be out shopping.", Harry offered.
"That sounds good enough, Jane should be flowing or apportioning home with Hermione anyway. I'll just call her so they can meet us there.", Mr. Granger replied. He dialed his wife's phone and was shocked to find that they had already finished their shopping for the day. Hermione found a lovely dress and they were now having tea at Grimmauld Place themselves. He told her that they'd join them shortly.
It was a half hour drive from the Leaky Cauldron to Grimmauld Place, during which Harry asked Mr. Granger a few questions about himself. Mr. Granger was a dentist but also enjoyed building small models, everything from airplanes, ships and cars. He also was an avid reader, which was no surprise after knowing Hermione for seven years. He liked to collect coins, and admitted to having some wizarding money in his collection from his first trip to the Gringott's exchange. He golfed on occasional weekends with other dentists and doctors that he knew. Harry thought he was quite likable and that the two would get along just fine. Which was a very good thing as Hermione mentioned wanting to have dinner with her family at least one Sunday out of every month.
When they arrived at Grimmauld place Mr. Granger was thrilled to show off his new Quidditch jersey and animatedly told Mrs. Granger about the match. His arms swooping about as he bounced around the room describing the event. Hermione laughed, she'd seen enough Quidditch to understand her father, even though most had been through squinted eyes or peeking through her fingers. She would never admit to Harry or Ron how terrified she was watching the two play the game in school. Especially Harry as a seeker, he was marvelous on a broom but his daring feats frightened her many times. Mr. Granger was mentioning how he wished he could see another match again soon, to which Mrs. Granger replied her desire to see what the excitement was about. The four magical youngsters then displayed some of the spells they had learned throughout their time in Hogwarts. The adults were amazed, when Hermione levitated the sofa they were sitting in.
"Oh Harry, would you show them your patronus? Please?", Hermione asked. How was Harry to resist her puppy dog eyes with batting lashes.
"Alright.", Harry replied summoning a memory to his mind that would allow him to cast his patronus. The one that popped immediately to his forefront had been the night that he and Hermione had finally made love. "Ok ready? Expecto Patronum!" A burst of silver exploded from Harry's wand and then died down, leaving only a larger shining silver stag standing in the center of the room.
"That's incredible. Hermione can you do that?", Jane Granger asked.
"Yes, here let me.", Hermione replied, she called forth the same memory as Harry, although neither would learn that till later in the evening discussing it. "Expecto Patronum!" Again a flash of blinding silver exploded in the room, and left a shimmering silver otter dancing between the legs of Harry's stag.
"Is it a different animal for each wizard or witch?", William Granger asked.
"Normally, they can change at times too. Of course there are only so many animals in existence so a few wizards and witches are bound to have the same patronus.", Harry replied.
"That's quite incredible I must say. Oh my look at the time.", Mr. Granger said looking at his watch. "I hate to have you children give us a magical show and then run off like this but Jane and I have dinner arrangements with the neighbors. They hadn't seen us and months so when we finally got home they asked to have us out for dinner. It was wonderful spending time with you today. Ronald, Ginny a pleasure actually getting to know you both. We'll see all at Harry's party tomorrow afternoon, right?"
"Yes Daddy, 1:00 right here.", Hermione told him as she gave her father a quick embrace.
"Well then till tomorrow.", Jane Granger said. She gave both Hermione and Harry a hug and simply waved farewell to Ron and Ginny.
"Well that was a fun day, whose up for dinner?", Ron asked.
The other three simply laughed, true they had some cake with their tea but a real meal would be nice right about now.
"Should we have Kreacher fix something for us or would you like to do out?", Harry asked.
"Lets go out, I don't think we've ever done that as a group outside of a Hogsmeade weekend.", Hermione replied.
"Muggle London?", Harry questioned.
"Oh absolutely, Hermione was telling me about this one restaurant its very American, T.G.I. Fridays.", Ginny said.
"Sounds good to me.", Harry said, Hermione also agreed.
"As long as they serve food I'm fine. Any chance I can pop home and get Luna? She's been wanting to see you guys lately.", Ron asked.
"Sure, I don't mind Luna, she's a sweet girl.", Hermione said.
"Oh great, two happy couples and poor Ginny is all by herself.", The young girl complained.
"Two couples? You mean Ron finally found the nerve to ask Luna out?", Harry questioned. Ginny simply nodded. "That fantastic."
"We're not going to upset you, two couples going out to eat and you without someone are we?", Hermione asked showing concern for Ginny's feelings.
"No, I'll be fine. It's a little sad but I was mostly being sarcastic. Besides, those loaded potato skins sounded delicious and I really want to try them.", Ginny replied. "I'm sure will all have a good time, me included."
Ginny was right, the group had a lot of fun at the restaurant, it was a festive atmosphere and they did a favor amount of joking and laughing. Ron going even redder at the occasional comment from Luna. The group left the room happy full and all a bit tired, so they said their good nights in a nearby alley before apparatting to there separate homes.