More Important Things

 More important things

Chapter 6: The Perverseness of Clarification

Following his disaster of a conversation with returned rather discontentedly to Hogwarts to fill Hermione in on the particulars of the discussion. However, upon his arrival at her quarters he was somewhat shocked to find a farewell do of sorts in progress. McGonagall had informed the staff of the fact that Hermione had agreed to take the position at the Ministry and would be leaving immediately. This information had prompted professors Flitwick and Vector who were especially fond of Hermione to come down to her quarters and wish her well in her endeavors. Several of the other staff also made the trek down to the head girl’s quarters to say their goodbyes.

However, when Slughorn got wind of the news that one of his prized pupils was moving on to such an important post he hurriedly dispatched a request to the kitchens for several dozen trays of hors d'oeuvres to be sent round to Hermione’s quarters.  He then sent off a peck of owls to a few of his most influential old students. Finally, he rounded up the present members of the Slug Club and stormed Hermione’s quarters bent on throwing her an impromptu going away party. was certain that Hermione had tried to resist but Slughorn was not to be put off whenever there was merriment to be made. So it was an odd collection of students, professors and notables of wizarding society that greeted on his return to Hermione’s private quarters. As he entered the room a drink was pressed into his hand and his ears were assaulted by Slughorn’s booming call of “ m’boy, so good to see you, so good of you to come!”

For the next two hours watched as Slughorn presided over the room like a king. Hermione spent most of the afternoon clamped to Slughorn’s side being shown around like a prize hippogriff while old Sluggie introduced her to his most influential connections and loudly enumerated her outstanding qualifications. Seeing that there was nothing to be done other than to wait settled himself in the corner beside the mantle and quietly people watched. He passed the time by catching up Flitwick and McGonagall on how his training was going. He also met Aries Castor, a former auror who had taken on the position as the DADA teacher and the two of them chatted with Neville about the possibility of his joining the aurors at the end of term.

was just about to fetch himself another drink when a flash of red hair caught his attention. He looked up and caught sight of Ginny rapidly making her way across the room towards where Hermione was engaged in conversation with Slughorn and some Ministry department head. set down his glass and the bottle of wine he’d been about to pour from and started across the room intent on intercepting Ginny before she got to Hermione and caused a scene. He had barely made three steps when he felt a restraining hand on his forearm, ’s voice sounded from beside him, “Don’t move.” Before could fashion a reply to ’s admonition, Ginny’s voice carried across the room.

“Its true then… what everyone’s saying… you’re leaving Hogwarts to take a job at the ministry?”

watched Hermione nod and reply.

“Yes it’s true. I was offered the position as the junior assistant to the Minister of Magical Law, , and I’ve accepted it.” Ginny smiled broadly at Hermione’s news before throwing her arms around her and exclaiming, “Oh Hermione, that’s wonderful! I’m so very pleased for you!” Stepping back Ginny saw the obviously stunned look on Hermione’s face and added sheepishly, “I know I haven’t acted like much of a friend this past year, and I’m sorry for that, but I really am happy for you Hermione. I know you’ll be brilliant.”

At Ginny’s declaration, Hermione lifted her eyes and for the briefest moment, her gaze locked with ’s then abruptly she tore her eyes away from his. She turned her attention back to Ginny and asked, “Ginny, I wonder if I could have a private word?” Ginny readily nodded her head and the two witches disappeared into Hermione’s bedroom.

Before Harry could make a move towards the bedroom Luna applied a bit of pressure to where she was still holding his arm and said, “Its better to let them sort this out for themselves I think.” Harry shook his head as he replied, “This could get very unpleasant very fast. There’s no telling what Ginny’s liable to do once she finds out about Hermione and me. Ginny has a right nasty temper.”  

shrugged, “Yes that is true. Ginny does have a rather foul temper. But if I had to put galleons on it I’d definitely go with Hermione.” paused as if she were really thinking about the outcome of a fight between Hermione and Ginny. After a minute or two of quiet reflection she nodded her head, emphatically, once, and said, “Yes, I would unquestionably put my gold on Hermione be it words or wands. So what would you like to wager, five or ten galleons? I’d go higher but I’m a bit low on funds at the mo but if you’d be willing to take my word that I’m good for the gold I could wager higher. Though I have to admit I’d have thought you would have bet on Hermione as well all things considered.”

’s face contorted itself into a mask of utter confusion. “, are you mad? I’m not about to stand here and bet on who could take who in a fight!  I don’t want it to come to that at all!”  smiled. “In that case you should really stay put, your presence would only make things worse. Fancy a drink?” With that said, steered back towards the drinks and poured him a substantial glass of brandy.

For the next ten minutes, stood anxiously watching the bedroom door as chattered on about her plans following the end of her time at Hogwarts. Just when thought he was about to go stark raving, mad the bedroom door swung open and a clearly livid Ginny emerged. Her cheeks were a violent red and her eyes were a good two shades darker. She must have felt ’s eyes on her because she cast a baleful glare in his direction before pushing her way across the room and out the door. ’s eyes swung back towards the bedroom door. Hermione was looking over at him. He saw that her eyes were brighter than usual full of unshed tears. He made a move towards her but she shook her head the tiniest bit, entreating him to stay put. She graced him with a tremulous, yet radiant smile before Slughorn returned and claimed her attention again.

Another hour dragged on before the food and drink started to run low, and people began to say their final goodbyes as they recalled work that required their attention. Hermione found herself beset by a crush of well-wishers who dispensed hugs and requests to keep in touch. At last only Neville, and professors Flitwick, Slughorn and McGonagall remained. The quintet rolled up the sleeves of their robes and lent a hand in packing up the rest of Hermione’s things. After three quarters of an hour all four trunks were packed and shut, the rooms tripled checked for any hiding items. Crookshanks was contentedly settled in ’s arms watching as she said her goodbyes. Hermione had just finished hugging , Neville, promising to owl Slughorn, and Flitwick as soon as she settled into her post at the Ministry. She then turned to McGonagall.

The headmistress embraced Hermione affectionately for a long moment. Stepping back she held Hermione’s cheeks in her hands and said, “You’ve grown into quite an impressive young witch Hermione, I couldn’t be prouder of all you’ve accomplished than if you were my very own daughter. I have no doubt that you will set the Ministry on its ear with your brilliance. But should you every need anything be it advice, a comrade in arms, or a place to call home, I trust you know where to find me.”

Hermione bit her lip and the tears that had been threatening for several minutes began to slide unchecked down her cheeks. McGonagall patted her cheek and looked to , “I am counting on you to look after , and I trust you will not be derelict in that duty.” Something in her look that made certain she knew about him and Hermione. Clearing his throat he responded, “No professor, I won’t.” McGonagall nodded and turned back to Hermione. “Well enough of this sentimentality… its time for you to be off.” With a look towards Flitwick she said, “Filus, the luggage.”

Flitwick stepped forward and tossing a handful of floo powder into the fireplace, he then pointed his wand at the trunks and levitated them into the fireplace calling out the address of the Granger’s Hertfordshire home. watched the trunks as they spun out of sight. Hermione thanked everyone for everything, and hugged McGonagall and the others before taking Crookshanks from ’s arms and saying one last tearful goodbye stepped into the flames and twirled out of sight. shook hands all around before take his turn in the flames, his last clear image was of McGonagall wiping away tears.

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When Harry arrived in the living room of Edward and Jane Granger’s Lectworth, Hertfordshire home, it was to find Hermione in the throes of explaining what she was doing home a fortnight before term ended at Hogwarts. It was evident from the fuss they made over their daughter that Mr. and were worried that something untoward had occurred again. The Grangers had not been happy when Hermione had tracked them down in and restored their memories. Once they received the full story of what Hermione’s time at Hogwarts had encompassed, was certain that they would have prevented her from returning to the wizarding world if they had the power to do so. Thus, it took a full ten minutes for Hermione to explain her new job at the Ministry. But it was only after she had shown her parents the results of her N.E.W.T.S. (all O’s), which she had taken the week before, that they truly settled down and began to enjoy the news that their daughter was home.

Once the Grangers were satisfied that nothing was amiss they turned their attention to . Both of Hermione’s parents were great fans of . Like before her found herself unable to resist ’s humility and his unfailing politeness and cordiality. Since truly getting to know him, it had become her fondest wish to see him happy and thoroughly removed from any type of danger. Whereas saw through the eyes of a doting mother, saw as a thoroughly remarkably extraordinary young man. When he thought of the dreadful things had endured, he was amazed that he had grown into such a well-adjusted young man. Even more found himself impressed by ’s sense of honor and duty. With the hand life had dealt him no one would have thought less of had he opted for a quiet life away from the public eye. felt he owed it to those who had sacrificed their lives for his own to do something more than merely be a famous face. He wanted to prevent his childhood from repeating. This mindset made a great admirer of , an admiration that at times had prompted him to hope for a change in his daughter’s dating status.

walked over to and greeted him jovially with a hearty shake of his hand. “! So good to see you again! How goes the auror training?”

smiled as he shook ’s hand. “Fine sir, good to see you as well.” Before could say more came over and gave his customary hug and peck on the cheek. She then ushered both he and Hermione towards the couch. Once assured the pair were comfortably seated, she and hurried off to the kitchen and set about making tea. Fifteen minutes later the Grangers returned with a tray bearing tea and sandwiches. As hadn’t had anything to eat since breakfast, he helped himself to two turkey sandwiches as Hermione went into more detail about her new position with the ministry. was on his fifth sandwich by the time Hermione finished. Seeing the dent he’d made in the sandwiches determined that he wasn’t looking after himself and insisted on making he and Hermione a proper dinner. ’s protests went unheard and shortly thereafter found himself parked in front of the telly with while Hermione assisted her mother in the kitchen.

and the Grangers sat down to a dinner of roast chicken, jacket potatoes, and salad an hour and a half later. For desert, they had pumpkin tart, which Hermione had ducked out for while they chicken was cooking. After dinner declined and Hermione’s offer to do the washing up. Instead, she suggested that they move Hermione’s things upstairs while she and handled things in the kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen closed the door, turned to her husband and stated flatly, “I think Hermione and are carrying on.”

Edward, who was just finishing off the last slice of pumpkin tart, looked rather bemusedly at his wife and asked, “What in God’s name gave you that idea?”

sighed and rolled her eyes in a manner that said the reasoning behind the conclusion she had drawn should be obvious. “What gave me that idea? Probably the fact that our daughter’s come home a full two weeks before she was expected and we haven’t seen hide nor hair of her boyfriend.” shrugged noncommittally. “I expect ’s working. Any time we ask after him, Hermione always says how hard he’s working at the family shop.”

“I would think that seeing as Hermione’s leaving Hogwarts would mean more time for her to spend with he’d have been here with bells on. Hermione’s been here for hours and we’ve not heard a peep from him. Even if he was busy with work I’d have thought he would have checked to make sure that she got in alright.” stared after her husband with a look that demanded he explain ’s inexplicable behavior.

“Honestly I’m sure the lad felt no need to check up on Hermione. What need is there to check up on her if she coming home to her parents with there to look after things.”

had barely gotten the words out of his mouth before , smacked her hand down on the counter as she triumphantly crowed, “Exactly my point!” frowned. “What point would that be dear?”

rolled her eyes again. “You don’t find it the least bit strange that we see more of our daughter’s best friend than her boyfriend. Its been ages since we’ve seen . Every Saturday that Hermione took off from Hogwarts she spent with because was working. Awful lot of work has nowadays considering that when they first started seeing each other he had no trouble skiving off at the drop of a hat.”

considered this bit of information thoughtfully. Seeing that she had his attention pressed her point. “Did you notice the way they’ve been watching each other all evening? Or how careful they’ve been not to touch? I’m telling you something is going on between those two, mark my words.” Having said her piece, turned and set about cleaning up the kitchen. thought over what his wife had said, and wondered if could possibly be right.

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sat in the oversized armchair in the corner of Hermione’s bedroom. He was watching Hermione unpack the last of the two trunks containing her extensive collection of books. They had been oddly quiet since bringing the trunks upstairs. Hermione had immediately set about putting her things away and had taken a seat and waited for her to say something about what had happened with Ginny but nothing had been forthcoming so far. Finally deciding to broach the subject himself cleared his throat and said, “Are you going to say what happened with Ginny or not?”

Hermione turned around with a rather surprised look on her face and answered his question with a question. “You want to hear about that?” glared at Hermione as if she were daft. “Do I want to hear about that? Of course, I want to hear about it. It does concern me after all!" There was a snappish edge to his tone that caused a raised eyebrow from Hermione. She levitated the last of her books into place, walked across the room to where was sitting, and took up a sit on the edge of the bed. “There’s not much to tell really. Ginny heard that I was leaving Hogwarts and it got her feeling a bit sentimental I suppose. She wanted to apologize for the way she’d treated me since you’d called things off with her.”

already knew that much as he had overheard the beginnings of their conversation, but he kept his mouth shut all the same, listening for the parts he had missed.

“Her coming to me like that… swallowing her pride… well it got to me and as she was bound to find out about you and I sooner or later I decided to take a page out of your book and do the honorable thing and just tell her myself, right then and there.”

Unable to stop himself, asked, “How did she take the news?”

Hermione chewed her lip a bit before responding. “She was confused at first; I started off by telling her that I’d called things off with you see. She couldn’t understand why I would do such a thing so I explained about my feelings for you and yours for me. She was quiet for a bit then she started raging and storming about me being a manipulative, backstabbing, bitch who’d used the entire Weasley family to get close to you and turn your head. She said she reckoned had been right about me all along and then she turned round and stamped out the door.”

When Hermione finished realized he was sitting there staring at her with his mouth hanging open. He quickly snapped it shut then immediately opened it again to ask, “I don’t suppose she said exactly how you used the Weasleys to get close to me and… er… ah… what was it again?”

Hermione smiled faintly as she replied. “The exact phrase was ‘turn your head’ and she did go into a touch more detail, I was paraphrasing. Ginny seems to think that all those summers I spent at the Burrow were carried on just so I could put myself in your line of sight so you’d take notice of me.”

frowned. “But we were all friends, you, and me. And we were friends long before either of us took to staying at the Burrow on vacations.” screwed his face up in concentration as if thinking over something. He then said, “None of that makes the least bit of sense, the first time I stayed at the Burrow was in second year and you weren’t there at all. Three year we all stayed at the Leaky Cauldron after I’d blown up , fourth year we were at the Burrow again on account of the Quidditch World Cup and fifth year was , and for most of that summer you’d all been there without me. I was stuck back in being attacked by Dementors as I recall.  Then in sixth year…”

Hermione interrupted ’s analysis of their childhood summers. “, none of what Ginny was saying was going to make any sense, she was angry and hurt. I expect she feels that I’ve betrayed her two times over. Not only did I chuck her brother for someone else but that someone also happens to be the great love of her life…”

“What!” exclaimed so loudly that Crookshanks hopped from his perch on the windowsill, and hissed angrily at being disturbed before slinking across the room and out the slightly cracked door. The faint smile that Hermione had worn earlier came back a bit wider. “Honestly you have to have known that Ginny has always considered you to be the only man she could ever truly and completely give herself to.”

frowned and replied rather touchily, “She sure as bloody hell seems to get on without me pretty well considering the number of boyfriends she’s had!”

Hermione raised an eyebrow and asked, “Jealous are we?” snorted derisively. “Shocked more like.”  Innocently Hermione queried, “Shocked about what?”

heaved an exasperated breath before speaking again. “I’m completely at a lost as to how Ginny could possibly see me as the love of her life. I mean let’s be honest here, for five full years I never gave her a thought as anything other than Ron’s little sister; she watched me moon over Cho Chang for a year and a half for Merlin’s sake. Then when I finally did notice her and got around to doing something about the attraction I felt, it barely lasted three months before I was calling things off to go on the Horcrux hunt. That’s not enough stability to fill an eggcup let alone build a relationship on. Add to that the fact that when we were together all we did was snog it’s not as if we knew each other particularly well.”

Hermione sat quietly listening. She had never heard expound so much on his relationship with Ginny. After a somewhat protracted pause, continued on.

“After the war ended I realized that what Ginny and I’d had was sort of a passing fancy, you know that first real relationship you have where that person is everything that matters in the moment but after that moment’s gone you wonder why you were with them to begin with.”

As he spoke those last few words, he stared straight at Hermione. She nodded her head in acknowledgement of his sentiments then silence stole over them once more. Several minutes of profound quiet passed before Hermione plucked up the nerve to ask another question. “But you loved her once, didn’t you?”

raised his head and answered after a moment’s reflection. “I loved the idea of Ginny, of being a part of a proper family. The Weasleys seemed like the kind of family I would’ve had if it hadn’t been for Voldemort,” Harry shrugged, “I suppose it didn’t hurt that Ginny had something of a soft spot for me and with things going the way they were with the war… it just sort of happened.      But after the war was over and I looked back on things I recognized that as much as I cared for Ginny I wasn’t in love with her.”

paused again and added, “Of course by then I was beginning to cotton on to the fact that I was a bit over attached to a certain someone else.” He strongly emphasized the last two words. Hermione rolled her eyes as she muttered. “Kept mum about it though didn’t you.”

reached out, grabbed Hermione about the waist and deposited her in his lap. He grasped her face firmly within his hands and softly replied, “I was a git, and I’m not keeping mum about it any more.” Before she had a chance to utter a sound Hermione found ’s lips pressed against her own. All coherent thought fled her brain as she lost herself to the moment. ’s hands gripped her firmly yet gently as he settled her more comfortably against him. A soft whimper slipped past her lips as his fingers touched the strip of exposed skin between the bottom of her shirt and the top of her jeans. The kiss rose perceptibly in temperature and passion, then suddenly the door burst open and ’s voice permeated the room.

“Hermione, dear, would you and care for a spot of…” ’s words disappeared in a loud gasp followed by an inarticulate apology. They pulled away from each other, tousle haired and breathless just in time to see retreating quickly from the room. Hermione watched her mother disappear with an expression that was half comical, half exasperated. watched her for a moment and then asked. “Hermione, are you alright?”  With a resigned smile she replied, “I’m fine. I just hadn’t planned to tell my parents about us so soon and… well… I was rather enjoying that kiss.” She sighed, and standing to her feet said, “Well we’d better get downstairs and explain things otherwise my parents will start to think they’ve raised a trollop.” stood and taking Hermione’s hand in his they headed off to explain.

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It was just gone eleven when apparated into the foyer of . He and Hermione had spent an hour explaining their current situation to and , neither of whom had seemed the least bit surprised by the sudden change in their relationship. After the interview with her parents, Hermione had felt the need to get out of the house. She borrowed her father’s car and the two of them drove into the village. They found a spot to park and after a stop at a coffee shop and grabbed a couple of coffees before wending down to a park, settling down on a bench to figure out exactly where their present relationship stood and to define precisely what “taking things slowly” meant. By the time they’d driven back to the Grangers home they had decided to concentrate on building upon the friendship they already shared and restricting any romantic exchanges to Harry’s house.

Roused from his wandering thoughts by the sound of movement in the downstairs kitchen, supposed Kreacher was below keeping his dinner warm. Shaking his head at the faithful intractability of his house-elf headed downstairs to tell Kreacher that he’d already eaten and to remind him that he needn’t make dinner for him every night, as his schedule was so erratic. He drew up short as he pushed the door to the kitchen and came face to face with sitting at the table nursing a cup of tea. Kreacher was hovering near the sink slowing washing the already clean breakfast dishes.

An uncomfortable silence bathed the room and its occupants, Kreacher’s croaky voice broke the silence. “Good evening master, Kreacher is not cooking as master was out but if you is hungry I can makes you something. Master sees we is having a guest, is wishing to speak with you master.”

nodded but Kreacher erupted into speech again before he could voice a reply. “I is explaining to that you is very busy with training and is needing to rest but she is insisting on seeing you and Kreacher is making tea. Would master like a cup of tea? Or perhaps you needs something else… whatever master is needing Kreacher will do.” At this pronouncement, Kreacher cut his eyes towards as if offering to throw her bodily from the house. It was clear that Kreacher knew something was wrong. It was equally obvious that he was doing his utmost to prevent whatever scene was about to occur from occurring. was grateful to Kreacher for his devotion but as he had rather been expecting something like this to happen, though he had thought it would be later rather than sooner, he thought he might as well get on with it.

cleared his throat and said, “Thank you Kreacher, for attending to but I can handle things from here.” Kreacher quirked an eyebrow and hesitantly replied, “If master is sure?” nodded, “I’m sure, good night Kreacher.” With a snap of his fingers, which cleared away the washing up, and a bow Kreacher bid and goodnight and shuffled off to the converted that served as his bedroom.

Following the snap of Kreacher’s bedroom door turned his attention to . He decided not to bother wasting time beating around the bush, with a sigh he seated himself opposite Molly and matter of factly stated, “I take it you’re here because you’ve spoken to Ron.” set down her cup. “Yes and I have spoken to and we’ve had an owl from Ginny as well.” bobbed his head once in acknowledgement. “Well I don’t imagine that you’ve come by just for a cup of tea…” The rest of his sentence hung in the air as squared her shoulders and cut across him.

“Why Harry? Why would you do such a thing to ? After all the years of friendship how could you allow yourself to be taken in and ill use someone who has been like a brother to you?!”

As had been speaking, had been mentally preparing his answer. But as ’s words sunk in, he lost the thread of his thoughts. “Wha… what do you mean taken in?” made an impatient tuting noise, “Hermione of course! I’ve long had my reservations about that one, always so helpful, so ingratiating… humph… I reckon it’s clear to everyone now that had the right end of the broom about her. Taste for famous wizards indeed! I suppose she’s been laying the groundwork for this little coup since the first day she met you both…”

Harry interjected, struggling to keep calm. “, Hermione is not to blame for this, I’m the one…”

’s exploded violently, “Not to blame! That trollop used my children to get close to you and broke my son’s heart in the bargain! She turned you against who has been like a brother to you. After all we’ve done for you… bringing you into our home, treating you as if you were family… this is how you repay us, by shunting us all aside for a bit of skirt!”

stood very slowly and in a quiet voice replied. “From the moment I met you on Platform 9¾ you have been nothing but kind to me. You and opened your home to me without hesitation and I will be forever grateful to you for that. I understand that you’re upset and that you’re concerned about your son, but I’ll not sit here, in my own home and allow you to insult Hermione.”

Striding over to the fireplace, he grasped a handful of floo powder and tossed it into the grate. The logs glowed green; turned to and brusquely added, “You’ve said what you came here to say; now you can leave.”  seemed to swell with indignation as she rose from her seat and marched to the fireplace, stepped inside and shouted, “The Burrow!” watched her swirl out of sight, before turning and heading upstairs.

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