Connections

Chapter 10: He Said She Said

"You ready?" Bethany called from the bottom of the stairs.

"Coming, Bethany," Ginny shouted back from her room. Bethany was taking Ginny shopping in Muggle London. She had never been to a Muggle store before and was very excited. She had been up since five that morning going through all her and Hermione’s clothes to pick the right outfit to wear.

"Ginny, you look beautiful. Get going," Hermione said as she watched Ginny nervously checking her reflection in the mirror.

"Your friend is right, dear," the mirror added.

"Do you need anything, Herm?" Ginny asked as she stepped towards the door.

"No. I’m all set. Have fun," Hermione told Ginny as she reached for her book.

Ginny ran down the stairs taking two at a time and turned to go into the kitchen.

"Now, where are you going?" Bethany asked Ginny.

"Aren’t we flooing to Diagon Alley?" Ginny asked confused.

"No. Come on," Bethany said grinning and holding open the front door.

Ginny exited the Burrow and froze with a grin when she saw a small white car with a black convertible top.

Bethany motioned her hand in the direction of the car and the snaps and velcro of the top unfastened themselves and the top folded back behind the two black bucket seats.

"It’s so cute," Ginny said.

"It’s an MG Midget. I bought it for Remy when he finished Hogwarts but he never really used it. He’s always preferred Apparation or broom for travel. It’s been in storage almost since then. I just sent for it because I thought it would be good to have this year. Let’s go. It will take us a little longer to get there but sometimes it is just nice to drive," Bethany told her.

As they headed on the village road Ginny and Bethany chatted about all sorts of things. Ginny really enjoyed having someone older than herself who wasn’t her mother to talk to. She realized what she missed by being the only girl in the family. Ginny wanted to know everything about her sister-in-law and asked her many questions.

"So why did you live as a Muggle for a while?" she asked.

"Well, I had returned to Louisiana to care for my Na’nan. She was very old and I guess when I was there I got used to living as an American witch. Things are different there. The Muggles don’t know about the wizards but the wizards live much the same as the Muggles do. We have our own communities but not like here in Europe. Things aren’t as segregated. My cousin, Mona, is a computer whiz and watches the telly each night just like most Muggle teens do. After my Na'Nan died, Charlie wanted me to return to Europe but I just wasn’t ready and we had that little row," Bethany smiled and shook her head as she explained, "It wasn’t that hard for me to look for a career that I would enjoy there. I had a job with the zoo in the city. Having a way with the animals certainly had its advantages, so I went to a Muggle University and earned my doctorate of veterinarian medicine."

"What did you and Charlie argue about?" Ginny asked. Her red hair was trailing behind her in the breeze.

"Well, my family in Europe was talking with him. They wanted me to go on to training at the Oxford Wizarding Academy. I didn’t want to but apparently Charlie thought it would be a good idea for me to comply," Bethany said.

"Wait. You were supposed to go to the OWA?" Ginny asked with an expression of amazement, "That is the best Auror training school in the world."

"Yes, but I had no desire to be an Auror. That was someone else’s dream, not mine," Bethany explained.

"But why did you and Charlie fight?" Ginny asked again.

"He felt that I should do the training out of duty to the Ministry and to continue the work my parents did. I didn’t want to. He also wanted me back on this side of the Atlantic. I wanted to be with him but I knew from the beginning that I would never follow in my mother’s foot steps," Bethany said, her face saddened with her thoughts.

"My dad says that Muriel Donnalaith was one of the greatest Aurors that ever was," Ginny said. "Harry told me that she taught you things when you were a very young child."

"Well, I have to say, I did love my mother, but she should have never taken on the role of mother. I’m assuming Harry told you about my magic?" Bethany waited for Ginny’s nod and guilty grin before continuing, "It really isn’t as big a deal as some make it out to be. I was a little precocious. I will admit to that, but that is no more than good wizarding genetics and chance. The skill I have is from very strenuous training. Mother got this bright idea to create the ultimate Auror in her daughter. She didn’t even know about my ability with the animals. She didn’t really care. She wanted someone who by they time they finished Hogwarts would be a more than worthy opponent to Voldemort or any other Dark Wizards that came along. So when most mothers are cooing at their babies, mine was training me. If I performed accidental magic she would encourage me to repeat the feat. Before I could walk and talk I could summon items that I wanted. My mother was never the most loving of people. She didn’t have an easy life or a loving mother herself or so I am told. She didn’t really know her father until she went to Hogwarts. And she had the most dreadful jobs at one of the most disturbing times in history. She was grew up during Grindelwald’s reign of terror and worked as an Auror in Voldemort’s. I guess I can’t fault her on treating me like she was treated, but I didn’t like it. I never played or just had fun. Every moment we spent together was practicing magic. She taught me with unofficial consent of the Ministry and she didn’t plan on failing. When she wasn’t around, the house elves took over the job. They didn’t like it but were slaves and had to do as they were instructed." Bethany looked up to watch a bird soaring in the sky. She smiled at the bird and pointed it out, "As a kid I used to watch all the birds flying. I used to wish I was a bird so I could just fly away."

"So you couldn’t just always perform wandless magic?" Ginny asked.

"Had my mother not put me through the training she did when I was that young, I wouldn’t be as proficient. I’d still have the ability, but I wouldn’t have had the years of work behind it. Mother’s plan was to use me as a reason to open a wizarding primary school, where young witches and wizards who showed some talent as babies would be sent to hone the skills they shared. I have no doubt that some early magic training would help most wizards but I still think that children should be children. Mother was already burning out, like most Aurors do, by the time she got pregnant. She wasn’t young when she had me and when she did she was rather paranoid. I do believe she loved me, in her own way, but she never showed it like your mum does. I don’t ever recall getting hugs or her checking on me before she went to bed. She never punished me unless I refused to practice. Muriel Donnalaith was an excellent Auror. She was loyal to the good side and to her friends. She was clever, ambitious and very brave, but she lacked compassion," Bethany’s said.

"Did you ever explain this to Charlie?" Ginny asked.

"I tried, but look at the example he had for a mother. I know he and Bill would get annoyed with her at times, but I also know they have no doubts that she loves them. He just didn’t understand that a mother wouldn’t be like his own. This is a tribute to your mum and how she raised you, but it did cause trouble. I wasn’t in the best of shape emotionally at the time. My NA’Nan was like the only real mother I had and she had just died. I wasn’t very understanding to him either and I didn’t really try to explain as much as I could have. I basically became my stubborn self and said, ‘I’m not budging.’ Later, when we talked again he said that had I told him that I didn’t want to be an Auror that he would have supported that decision. He just wanted me here not on the other side of the ocean. I had set my mind to stay out of England to avoid having to become an Auror and I wasn’t hearing anything he said," Bethany explained.

"So basically, if you two had sat down and discussed it, things would have been different," Ginny said.

"Yes, but I look back and I’m glad we had the time apart. The connection had us so enmeshed in one another that we needed the space. I really think it helped our relationship to grow and to mature. It wasn’t fun suddenly not having your other half. Charlie was and still is my best friend. I wish there could have been away for us to really separate but still be in communication. But it would have been too hard not to give in and end up together again. We really did need the time apart. I had gone away for months at a time during my fifth and sixth years at Hogwarts. I was traveling around to various Wizarding Academies in the world. During that time the connection got strong enough that it could be triggered halfway across the globe. We couldn't read each others thoughts but we knew when one was thinking about the other and could tell the feeling behind the thoughts." Ginny raised her eyebrows at Bethany's story she couldn’t imagine something so intense with Harry and she secretly was thankful she didn't have the same experience.

Then she thought to herself, "This summer, I could see Harry at the Dursley's. I have got to ask what that is about."

"So you are correct. Basically, we had a fight because we were both stubborn and neither wanted to be the one to give in. It's funny we were apart but in a sense, we ended up doing the same things. He decided against the professional Quidditch career everyone assumed he would enter and went off to study dragons of all things. And I abandoned all thoughts of becoming an Auror and studied exotic animal care at a Muggle university. We always knew about the other. That was Bill’s job, poor thing. He was our go between. He made sure to slip in information about the other in every letter or conversation," Bethany said with a smile. She turned and stared off at the scenery. It had changed from rural area of Ottery-St. Catchpole to the more urban area of outer London. She noticed Ginny getting excited with the change.

* * * * *

Ron had joined Harry and Charlie on their run that morning. Ron had struggled to keep up and was proud of himself for doing so, at least most of the time. He realized that he was really out of shape.

"I almost couldn’t keep up there for a while. Maybe I’ll start joining you," Ron said after they had showered and returned to the tent.

Harry and Charlie exchanged knowing glances. Neither had the heart to tell Ron that they had only gone about half the distance that they usually ran and at a much slower pace. "That would be great," Charlie said.

Harry nodded then thought, "Of course that leaves out any alone time with Ginny."

As if reading Harry’s thoughts, Charlie added, "Actually it will be really good because if you are running with Harry and Ginny then they won’t be running alone together."

Ron laughed at Harry’s smirk.

"Do you think Bethany and Ginny will be late this evening?" Harry asked.

"You really don’t know Ginny all that well, do you?" Charlie teased.

"If Bethany is anything like Gin, we may never see them again," Ron laughed.

"Bethany does like to shop. She doesn’t usually spend much on herself but she enjoys finding just the right things for others," Charlie said.

 

"Well, Hermione said Ginny took all the Sickles and Knuts she had in her troll bank. She will probably spend it all," Ron said.

"That and then some if Bethany has anything to do with it," Charlie said, "Bethany said something about exchanging Ginny’s money for her."

Harry smiled. He assumed that Bethany's exchange rates would give the Gringott Goblins heart failure. "I’m going to practice some Quidditch later," Harry said, "Did you want to join us?"

"No, but I have a few things jotted down that I wouldn’t mind if you tried out. That new practice snitch Hermione got for you should help out. Can’t it be charmed to do specific plays?" Charlie asked. Harry nodded. "Well, let me show you the plays I have and you can see if they work," Charlie said as he lead them into the dining room.

Rolls of parchment were all about the room. Some were covered in Charlie’s neat but blocky script. Others were filled with intricate drawings and play patterns using little geometric shapes to represent the players. The drawings and patterns moved about and repeated the plays over and over again. Charlie showed several to Harry and Ron using dramatic hand gestures to demonstrate them further.

After he had finished explaining several plays Ron looked at his brother questioningly, "Charlie?"

"What Ron?" Charlie asked. He wasn't sure he was ready for the question by the look on his little brother's face.

"How come you never played for a professional team? Everyone thought you'd play for England when you were in school," Ron asked. Ron had watched his brother's eyes brighten when he explained the Quidditch plays and it looked like he missed it.

"I didn't want to," Charlie answered.

"Are you kidding? You love Quidditch. If I had half your talent I'd be planning for a professional career now," Ron said.

"If it's something you want, Ron, I'm sure you can do it. You aren't half bad on the pitch yourself," Charlie answered.

"Why didn't you want to play Quidditch?" Harry asked. Harry had no idea what he wanted to do when he finished Hogwarts, but Quidditch had always remained a consideration in his mind.

"I just didn't want it. I love the game but I didn't want the other part of professional Quidditch. You know the publicity, the travel away from home, the schedule," Charlie answered.

"But you don't live at home now and from what you and your friends have said your schedule is really odd," Ron said. Harry could see his friend was not convinced by his brother's answers.

"Ron the reserve is my home. I leave from my home and go to work with the dragons and return each day. I'm not sleeping in a strange Inn in some strange town. And the schedule varies with the seasons but I usually know what I'll be doing each day. Look, I know how much you love Quidditch. I enjoy the game myself or I wouldn't be teaching it this year, but the idea of living Quidditch didn't appeal to me. I wanted a family not fame, Ron. And, it has taken me far too long to start my family. I'm twenty-seven years old and I'll be almost twenty-eight before I have my first child. My plans did not include waiting this long for my family," Charlie answered.

"So how come you and Bethany didn't get married sooner?" Harry asked. A family had always been his greatest desire. He thought about the Mirror of Erised and seeing his family. His vision had gone towards his ancestors. He smiled as he thought that one day he'd have his dream but it wouldn't be the picture in the mirror.

"Bethany had gone back to the states right after finishing Hogwarts. A relative was ill and she went to care for her in her last days. After the death, Bethany said she wanted to stay in the states. Her family here wanted her to return and so did I. There wasn't a way for me to go there at least not without telling mum and dad lies or telling them the truth that I was told to withhold. And to be honest I didn't want to live in the states. I guess we both were going through emotional changes and we had a bit of a row. Long story short, we didn't communicate what we wanted or needed and didn't bother to find out about the other. We both just got mad and quit talking," Charlie said with a frown.

"Wow, I guess you regret all that now," Harry said.

"No, I don't. I really think it was best. The connection she and I share is very intense. We literally spent a lot of time together, but even when we were physically apart we were still together. It didn't take long for us to fine-tune the magic to allow us to know how the other person felt. It was like we carried a piece of each other all the time. That can get a little claustrophobic at times. It's funny though, after we fought neither of us used the magic to learn about what the other was feeling. It's like we built a wall around the connection. We were both stuck in our own worlds with our own problems. The time apart allowed us to each grow into our own person. Something we needed. We had become very dependent on each other. So while she went to the Muggle university, I learned about dragons. And during this time we both matured. Bill had to live in both worlds of course. He would slip information about Bethany into letters and conversations even though he knew I didn't want to discuss her. I assume he did the same to Bethany about me. He told me right off when she went to live with him in Egypt," Charlie explained.

"But wasn't that long ago? I mean Bethany was with you during our first year. She had come to pick up Norbert with the others," Ron said.

"Well, Bethany was in the states for four and a half years and in Egypt with Bill for another year or so. She and I hadn't been back together all that long before they picked up the dragon. It wasn't until the end of your first year that I proposed to her," Charlie answered.

"You didn't propose right away?" Harry asked.

Charlie laughed, "No, we didn't communicate for five years. You don't get married to someone like that. We had both changed and although the connection was as strong as ever, we needed to get to know each other again."

Harry thought for a moment about all he was told. It was funny he had always thought the Weasleys to be jokesters and assumed Charlie had been more of a risk taker being in the profession he was in. He had never thought of Charlie as being a family man. It certainly gave him something to consider. Especially since Charlie and he had shared the same greatest desire.

* * * * *

Bethany and Ginny had spent the entire day in London. Ginny was amazed by all she saw and was impressed by how much Bethany knew. She was even shocked when a shop attendant at Selfridges knew her name. They piled package after package into the small boot of the little white car. Ginny knew it had been magically enlarged but it still surprised her that it all fit.

Bethany knew Ginny had brought all the money she had. She had taken all of the wizarding money from her sister-in-law at the onset of the day and had given her a more than fair exchange rate. She laughed as she looked at everything Ginny had purchased.

"Do you think you have everything?" Bethany asked.

"Are you kidding? I've purchased birthday and Christmas gifts for everyone. I didn't think I had enough money. Are you sure you exchanged the money properly?" Ginny frowned.

"I'm very sure that I did. I gave you my exchange rates not the goblins. You didn't get more than the proper value for your money," Bethany looked away as she finished her statements.

Ginny didn't believe her sister-in-law and suspected that she had given her more money than she should have, but it wasn't more than she needed to spend. As a matter of fact she only had a few copper and silver coins left after making all her purchases.

"I've really had fun today. What were those moving stairs called again?" Ginny asked as Bethany closed the boot.

"An escalator. You see Muggles have a little magic too," Bethany joked, "You know, Gin, I have had a really good time today. It's not all that often I get the company of other women and most of my friends or boys. It has been nice to have a little sister."

 

Ginny smiled, "Do you mean it? You really think of me as a sister?"

Bethany smiled and nodded her head, "And as your new big sister, I've got a plan. Let's go back to my house."

"You're ready to go back to the Burrow already?" Ginny asked disappointed.

"No, my home in Scotland. We'll have to owl your mum and dad and Charlie to let them know, but we can go stay the night at Donnalaith," Bethany said.

"Won't it take too long to drive to Scotland in your car?" Ginny asked.

"The expanded boot is not the only magic in this little car. It has a few, urm, enhancements to speed us along," Bethany answered.

They stopped at the owl post in Diagon Alley. Bethany used an express owl to let Charlie know her plans and give him time to make arrangements. They sent a regular post owl to Molly Weasley knowing that the delivery would arrive before afternoon tea.

They hopped into the small convertible and headed north listening to Muggle music on the scratchy wireless in the automobile. As they drove along, Ginny noticed what the magic was. The car seemed to skip large sections of the road, but she could remember driving on them. Bethany explained that the car stretched time a bit, allowing you to travel the same distance in less than half the time.

"We're getting close," Bethany said as she toggled a switch on the dash. The car began to travel normally. Ginny commented on how beautiful the landscape was. The green hills stretched for miles. Some were cleared for sheep or cattle but most of the area was lush, wooded, and beautiful. The road twisted and turned and they eventually entered through a large stone and iron gate. The word Donnalaith was in ornate script on the arch overhead.

Ginny gasped when she saw a home on the left of the gate, "It's lovely."

"Uh, Ginny, that's the gate house. The caretakers live there," Bethany explained, "the main house is up a bit further."

They drove another twenty minutes before Ginny saw what Bethany called the 'main house'. Ginny's jaw dropped, "It's bigger than Hogwarts."

Bethany shook her head and laughed at Ginny's reaction, "But it isn't as much a maze. There are some enchanted areas that move around but most of it is straight forward. The home has been in the Donnalaith family for centuries, well, millennia actually. The core of the home was built more than two thousand years ago. It has been added to over the centuries. It seems each generation wants to add their own mark. The grounds include an entire town and a beautiful church. The church is where I had always hoped to hold my wedding," Bethany looked as if deep in thought.

 

"Why don't you?" Ginny asked.

"What's that?" she asked, her mind once again focusing on the present.

"Why don't you and Charlie renew your vows here? You know, do the whole family thing. Mum would love it," Ginny said.

Bethany sighed, "Maybe we will one day when things settle down a bit."

"You sound confident that it will settle down. I take it you mean with Voldemort," Ginny said.

"I'm a strong believer in good triumphing over evil. It doesn't mean we won't suffer more along the way, but in the end I have no doubt that the good guys will be ahead," Bethany explained.

As they drove up to the front entrance, the staff came outside to greet them. All referred to Bethany as Lady Donnalaith or my Lady.

"This is Ginny Weasley. She is Charlie's younger sister and is to be treated as if she was my own," Bethany instructed, as she signaled Ginny to follow her into her ancestral home.

Ginny looked around. The place seemed even larger inside. The walls were covered with tapestries and oil paintings just as Hogwarts was. Ginny didn't fail to notice that several of the paintings were by the masters. In her mind she identified the works of Davinci, Degas, and Michaelangelo.

"It really would be nice to see the house full, but I don't really care to live here full time right now," Bethany said as she led Ginny up to her main living quarters, "Most of it has been unused for centuries. The house elves keep it clean and have actually moved into one section."

"You have house elves?" Ginny asked thinking, "We better not say anything to Hermione."

"Yes there are house elves here. Eight hundred eighty three at last count. But you should know, they are all here voluntarily. One of the first things I did when I inherited the place was officially free them all. They are all clothed and receive a salary and paid days off. Of course, their idea of a holiday is working in another location, but they could leave if they wanted," Bethany said.

"Well, I guess we could tell Hermione after all," Ginny laughed.

"Whatever do you mean?" Bethany asked.

"Oh, Hermione has this thing with House elf liberation. She started an organization at Hogwarts that we were all forced to join. None of the elves will have anything to do with it, except Dobby, but he was freed from the Malfoys. She really frustrates herself with the creatures," Ginny explained.

Bethany laughed, "Sounds like me. You know I tried the same thing when I was at Hogwarts. Dumbledore offered them all their freedom and salaries and they would have nothing to do with it. Hogwarts and Donnalaith are the only available refuges for sacked house elves. I send them out to orphanages, hospitals, respite homes and homeless shelters. They really enjoy that work," Bethany said with a smile.

"Wow, we have to let Hermione know about this," Ginny said.

"Charlie was worried the first time he came here, too. At least until he was introduced to a few and they let him know what it was like," Bethany told her.

Bethany showed Ginny to a suite that would be hers. The house elves had retrieved all the packages from the car and Ginny was surprised to see her satchel with clothing and other personal items from the Burrow.

Bethany answered Ginny's questioning statement, "I had Charlie send some things for you. You know, Gin, we could send for Hermione and make it a girl’s night of sorts."

"Oh that would be nice. She has been doing nothing but reading and hanging around the twins for the past few days. I know she could use a night away," Ginny said.

Bethany used the fireplace to contact Charlie. She explained her plan to the head of her husband who was speaking to her from the green flames of the fireplace, "So we'd like Hermione to come too. Make it a girl's night."

"All right, Bethany, I'll go and tell her and have her floo to Donnalaith. What did Ginny think?" Charlie asked.

"A bit overwhelmed at first but she's been walking around looking at the art work. Why don't you have Hermione bring her sketch pad and art box with her," Bethany answered. Charlie smiled. He had always said his little sister would love Donnalaith.

"Take it easy, Beth, don't do anything dangerous," Charlie warned.

"I won't mother!" Bethany answered with a smirk, "Should I say the same to you? I'm not bloody likely to do anything to hurt myself or the baby. I don't know if you could say the same Mr. Quidditch. I would like my child to have a father."

Charlie laughed, "I love you. I just worry about you both." He grinned, showing his dimples in his freckled cheeks. His blue eyes sparkling at her.

"I do love those dimples," Bethany said smiling, "and I love you too, Charlie."

"I'll go rescue Hermione from the boys and tell mum. She should be there in an hour or so. She'll be thrilled. When she helped me pack for Ginny she was a little upset to be excluded," Charlie said as he blew a kiss to his wife and disappeared from the flames.

* * * * *

Ron was watching as Harry used his practice Snitch to perform the plays Charlie had instructed. They had spent the last week and a half memorizing Charlie's old play book and had used Charlie's Quidditch game to work out the plays. Now they were combining the plays he had just taught with the old plays coming up with things that neither had ever considered.

Hermione walked out to sit with Ron. She shook her head as she said, "Quidditch. I don't see what you see in it."

Ron rolled his eyes, "It is only the greatest sport ever invented."

"It's also a good way to get killed," Hermione winced as she watched Harry race to the ground breaking his dive only a few feet from the ground swooping upward and catching the Snitch in the process.

"Harry's a natural though," Ron said as he watched him.

"I'm certainly glad you two are talking again. I hate it when you fight," Hermione said.

"So do I," Ron said as Harry landed in front of his friends.

"You do what?" Harry asked as he plopped down between his two best friends.

"I was saying how happy I was that you two were no longer squabbling," Hermione said, "and Ron was agreeing."

"Well, I'll make it unanimous then," Harry said holding his Firebolt toward Ron, "Want to give it a go?"

Ron leapt up and took the broom and practice Snitch from Harry. He was in the air seconds later.

"I take that as a yes," Harry said. Hermione laughed.

"So, Hermione, what is the deal with you and George?" Harry said.

"Oh the weather is nice, Harry. Thank you for asking," Hermione said as she smirked at her friend, "Will you give it a rest. We are just friends."

No sooner had she finished when the twins appeared. Harry like most everyone else could never tell them apart. Ron had told him once that he wondered if the twins knew who was who.

One twin sat down beside Hermione. "That must be George," Harry thought, "Just friends, indeed." The other remained standing.

 

The twin beside Hermione reached up to move a stray lock of hair behind Hermione's ear. Harry had seen George do this more than once before and was startled when Hermione slapped his hand away.

"Fred Weasley, bugger off!" Hermione yelled.

George who had been watching everything said, "I told you not to try it. Now- shove over." As Fred moved away George sat down next to Hermione more closely than his brother had before. Hermione smiled and blushed.

"Just friends," Harry thought, "and when we get back to Hogwarts Ginny is going to dump me for Crabbe."

"Do you two try this all the time or should I consider myself one of the privileged few?"

Hermione asked.

Fred smiled over at his twin, "George should consider himself lucky. Other than Bethany no one else has ever been able to tell us apart."

"It took Katie and Angelina three dances at the Yule Ball before they realized that we had switched dress robes. And, had Angelina not had roaming hands, it would have taken much longer," George added.

Ron caught the Snitch after trying for almost an hour and landed exhausted by the others.

"I see that as captain I will never put you in as a Seeker," Harry laughed.

"No, I think I'll stick to Keeper, if I make the team," Ron said.

Charlie came out of the tent smiling, "How'd the plays work, Harry?"

"Pretty good. Ron and I mixed a few with some of your old plays and they worked out better than expected. I can show you in a bit," Harry answered.

"Sounds great, but first, Hermione, how would you like to escape this den of testosterone and go meet Ginny and Bethany?" Charlie asked.

"But they are in Scotland," Hermione said looking very excited at the prospect of going to see Bethany's home.

"They are but you can floo there. It seems she has cooked up some type of girl's night," Charlie told her.

"And you're encouraging it?" Fred teased.

Charlie shook his head at his brother, "Yes I am. Bethany spends entirely too much time in the company of men. I'm sure she, Ginny and Hermione could use the company of the fairer sex."

"Okay I won't make a comment about the fairer sex thing," Hermione said as she stood.

"So are you going?" George asked looking a little disappointed when she nodded her head.

"Let's go let mum know the plans," Charlie said then turned back to Harry and his brothers, "You lot want to come over to my place for the night? T.J. is cooking he was planning on an American Bar-b-que," Charlie asked. Harry and the others exchanged excited glances and all agreed to the plans.

* * * * *

Less than an hour after talking to her husband Bethany heard a crackle from the fireplace signaling the activation of the floo system. "Ginny," she called, "Hermione is on her way."

Ginny hurried into the room. She had been exploring the house and was awed in every room by the art and architecture she found. She loved the stained glass and iron work located in almost every room. She couldn't wait for Hermione to see it all. She knew that Hermione would appreciate the history as well as the beauty of the place.

Hermione burst from the fireplace coughing on soot she inhaled upon arrival. "I always hate that," she said as she brushed the black grit from her clothes.

"Welcome, miss," said the voice of a small house elf, "I is taking your bags to your room."

Hermione's faced tensed.

"Welcome to Donnalaith," Bethany said, "I see you met Tiffy."

Hermione's eyes glared as she held tight to her bags. She did not want the small creature to wait on her.

"Miss, it is Tiffy's job to bring bags," Tiffy said as she struggled to remove the bags from Hermione's grasp. The house elf's saucer shaped eyes sadden at the struggle.

"Hermione," Ginny said, "look at what Tiffy is wearing."

Hermione stopped and looked. It was only then that she noticed that the house elf that she had been struggling with was wearing a pair of blue jeans and, of all things, a Mickey Mouse T-shirt. Hermione released the grip on the bags sending both the bags and the elf falling backwards.

"I'm very sorry, Tiffy, if you only knew why…" Hermione began but was interrupted by the overjoyed house elf.

"I is knowing, Miss. Miss Wheezy told me your name and said you was the Myowny Granger that is trying to free the house elves at Hogwarts. Dobby has visited Donnalaith. Lady Bethany has done like you, Miss. We is all wearing clothes at Donnalaith. All eight hundred eighty three of us," Tiffy explained rapidly and vanished with Hermione's bags.

"You have how many house elves?" Hermione asked looking around. She had only seen the one room and had no idea the size of the structure or grounds.

"Eight hundred eighty three. Tiffy is one of the youngest. She is fifteen, a relative infant in house elf years, but she is very smart and works just as hard as the more mature elves. When I inherited this place over twenty years ago, the first thing I did was to free the lot of them. I lost a few. They felt disgrace had befallen them, but most caught on that they were still needed and wanted. Now Donnalaith serves as a safe haven for sacked house elves. They have taken over their own wing of the castle and everything," Bethany explained.

Hermione wiped a tear from her face and ran to hug Bethany. "Wait. Did you say castle? Is Donnalaith a castle?" Hermione asked.

Bethany laughed, "Ginny why don't you give Hermione a quick tour of the main living quarters. I'm going to make some arrangements for a little surprise for you two."

Bethany left the room.

Ginny motioned for Hermione to follow her, "This place is huge. We drove through the gates and it was almost half an hour before you could see the castle. It's bigger than Hogwarts," Ginny said.

"Bigger?" Hermione asked surprised.

Ginny nodded, "Bethany says that only a few rooms are enchanted like at Hogwarts but that the core was built long ago. There is a room that has a mural of a map of the grounds and the castle."

"So where all did you do today?" Hermione asked as she followed Ginny stopping every now and again to look at paintings or a sculpture.

"We went to all sorts of Muggle stores. Uhm, Selfridges, Marks and Spencers and a bunch of cute little boutiques. Bethany was so much fun to be around. It really is going to be weird when school starts and she's a professor. Of course, it will be odder to have Charlie as an instructor," Ginny said.

Hermione agreed, "Well at least we know will learn something this year. Hagrid is a dear but he isn't much of a professor. And Defense Against the Dark Arts will be great with Professor Lupin back. I know I'll do better on owls than if we had another professor like Lockhart," Hermione said.

"The only thing Lockhart had going for him was he really wasn't bad to look at," Ginny said, "but just think how nice it will be to have a good professor who is also nice to look at." Both girls giggled at the thought.

"He did look good at Harry's party, like he's been taking care of himself," Hermione giggled again and added, "what do you think the chances are of getting him to borrow a pair of Charlie's dragon-hide trousers."

"He has his own," Bethany said surprising the girls, "I'll have to hint around for him to wear them." Ginny and Hermione both blushed. "So Ginny, has Harry modeled his new trousers yet?" Bethany asked with a giggle of her own.

"Follow me," Bethany said as she shook her head, "I have a surprise for you that will make you forget about wizards in dragon-hide trousers. Well at least for a little while. I can't imagine anything could take the thought completely out of my mind."

Bethany lead them to an area that Ginny had yet to explore. Gasps could be heard from both girls as the entered new rooms. They stopped at a wall with painting of three beautiful young women.

"Well girls, looks like we've got a ladies night here tonight," said the raven-haired beauty in the painting.

The blonde added, "Love to join you girls but we have company later."

Bethany looked sternly at the painting, "You three behave yourselves and if you don't keep out of public areas."

"So when will you be bringing Lord Charles back or his brother, William isn't it?" the brunette with long curly hair asked.

"Sometime after I move you're painting elsewhere. Now I know exactly why you were removed from Hogwarts," Bethany said.

"Oh that was just a misunderstanding that those boys had," said the one with black hair, "can we really help it if they did those things in front of us?"

Bethany shook her head and laughed, "Open up and let us in ladies, and I use the term lightly. You are all retched."

The painting swung aside revealing a hole much like the one behind the portrait of the Fat Lady leading to Gryffindor Tower. They climbed through.

Ginny asked, "Bethany, whatever did they do?"

"Oh, those three provided their own little peep show with several of the more than willing male portraits. Quite a scandal when a few of the former headmaster's portraits' were found cavorting with them," Bethany explained as she led them down the narrow passage, "It seems a few boys that we know got caught charging admission to the show."

 

"Not George and Fred," Hermione said worriedly.

"Or Bill and Charlie," Ginny added with the same concern.

"No the Weasley men didn't get a chance at the ladies three, but from what I know of the twins I wouldn't have put it past them. I was referring to one Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and James Potter. I don't think Peter was in on that scheme," Bethany said. Ginny and Hermione looked at each other and began giggling again.

"Of course, and I am not telling you this, but Lily told me the older girls at Hogwarts were very appreciative of the lessons they taught," Bethany said triggering another barrage of giggles.

"Here we are," Bethany said as they turned a corner to find themselves just outside a glassed room. Trees and plants were all around. It looked like a jungle. Flowers bloomed and Hermione pointed out the colorful tropical birds that sat in the branches of the trees. In the center of the room was a small tarn. As they approached the pool, a bubbling occurred as it divided itself into three wedges. Hermione and Ginny stood slack-jawed until Bethany pointed them to a curtained dressing area.

"You’ll find a gown to change into in there," she told them, "Hurry and meet me by the pool when you are done."

After changing, the girls found Bethany dressed in a peach gown sitting beside one of the wedges of the pool. Three house elves were scurrying busily around. Hermione’s cobalt blue robe hung to mid calf level. She twirled around once before joining Bethany. Ginny’s wore an emerald green robe that came just below the knee. She was examining the changing pattern in the fabric. The house elves guided the girls each in front of their own wedge and instructed them to stand on a glowing sphere at the base of each wedge. A pulsing light burst from the orb and surrounded them. They giggled as they felt the light tingling sensation it caused.

"What is it doing?" Hermione asked.

"It is studying our essence. It will identify what each of us needs and likes and develop the perfect spa treatment for you," Bethany said, "I haven’t done this in years."

The elves motioned them to enter the pools and began adding oils and powders to the water. They walked down narrow steps. Hermione grabbed frantically at her gown and was surprised when it didn’t float on the water. As they sat on submerged seats a headrest rose to hold each of their heads comfortably.

"Ummm, cinnamon and chocolate," Ginny said.

"What are you talking about? It’s vanilla," Hermione said.

"We each have something different. Mine is honeysuckle. I told you it checks to see what suites you best and what you like. It is supposed to be your signature scent. Each is individual to the person. I always like it because it is something natural. In the past I had spearmint. It changes as you do," Bethany explained.

"Relax, Miss, I is to be washing out your hair. If it is being too hot or too cold you should be telling Mindy and I will be fixing it. I is Mindy," the house elf said as she smiled at Hermione.

"I is being Tabby," another elf told Ginny, "You has already met Tiffy. She is being my daughter."

Ginny leaned back and allowed Tabby to brush out her long red hair. Hermione was lying back with her eyes shut waiting for the pain of the tangles being pulled.

She sat up and turned to the elf, "How can you do that without getting all the tangles?"

"I is using a special brush that the sphere made. I will be giving it to you when I is being finished. This brush is having magic," Mindy told her. Then the house elf bit her lip, "Miss, is you being the same Hermione Granger that is freeing house elves at Hogwarts?"

Hermione turned back to incredulously look at the petite feminine creature, "That’s me but I don’t think I was all that successful."

"Yes, Miss, you is doing great things. There are being house elves all over England saying Miss’s name. You is a hero," Mindy said. Hermione was amazed. She had thought the whole affair hopeless.

"Miss Mione, you is knowing Winky. She is not drinking now and is working in a store for making house elf clothes," Tabby told Hermione as she stepped away from Ginny.

"Wow! That is great. I can’t wait to tell Harry and Ron," Hermione said as she settled back with a contented smile.

"Bethany, can I ask you something?" Ginny asked.

"Sure, Ginny. And I’ll even answer if I can," Bethany answered.

"What’s it like to be pregnant?" Ginny asked.

Bethany laughed. She was not expecting that question. "Well, I’m tired a lot, but very excited. It’s weird I haven’t felt the baby move yet. It’s much too early for that. But I think I knew right off that I was pregnant," Bethany said. Then realizing she was about to tell her fourteen-year-old sister-in-law and her friend that she thought being pregnant was the greatest thing, she added, "You know Ginny, I’m not the expert. Your mum would be able to answer this question much better than I could."

"Oh, I was just wondering if it felt different. If I ask mum she’ll panic and go curse Harry or something," Ginny answered, "She’d assume Harry and I were, you know…"

Ginny blushed as she finished her sentence.

Bethany smiled. She understood her mother-in-laws tendency to jump to conclusions. She had read letters blasting Hermione’s virtue based on an article in Witch Weekly. "I’m all for taking things slowly. It wasn’t until third year at the Winter Ball that Charlie kissed me," Bethany said.

"But still you were in your third year," Hermione added.

"Hermione, I don’t guess they’ve told you about me and Charlie. We are bonded magically. Apparently it is something genetic. We figured the Donnalaiths and the Weasley did something long, long ago. But basically, from the first time we met, Charlie and I were connected to each other. In my second year, I went to the Winter Ball with Bill. It was one of those ‘you’ll do’ type of dates that Charlie instigated. It was before that dance that Charlie and I really connected for the first time. Professor Dumbledore later explained that it was a magical bond larger than the both of us. We didn’t really know how to take it. There were a lot of scary emotions along with the bond. Although we began to think of each other as more than friends it wasn’t until our third year that we kissed," Bethany explained.

"You were able to go with Charlie to the ball in your third years? I was allowed to attend the Yule Ball last year but that was because my date was a fourth year," Ginny asked.

"Charlie and I didn’t go to the Winter Ball together that year. I went with Bill again," Bethany said as she began to explain.

* * * * *

They were enjoying the snowy day outdoors. Bethany and Charlie had been discussing their latest adventure into the Forbidden Forest where they had met the Centaur, Firenze.

"He said disaster was coming," Charlie said worriedly.

"He did not. He said that upheaval was coming. That’s is just their way of saying that we should expect change. It will take a while before he trusts us enough to tell us anything real," Bethany told her friend.

Charlie smiled at Bethany as he stared at her. "I like it how her hair seems to glow in the sunlight. It’s like a halo or something," Charlie thought as he stared.

"What?" she said.

"Your hair is different," he said.

Bethany shook her head. She hadn’t done anything different to her hair. She noticed Charlie blush a little as a smile crept across his face causing his dimples to show. Bethany felt a flutter in her stomach. "I do love those dimples," she thought.

"So is Bill going to the ball with Amanda?" Bethany asked trying to get her mind on a different subject. Amanda Wiseman was a fifth year Ravenclaw prefect that Bill had gone to Hogsmeade with several times.

Charlie shrugged his shoulders, "Who knows with Bill ‘Love-‘em-and-Leave-‘em’ Weasley."

"You really ought to tell him to control himself. He’s gone from not wanting to date the girls, should they think there was more to it, to dating every girl at school. If he doesn’t slow down he’ll run out of girls before seventh year," Bethany said. She looked over at Charlie who was laughing at her description of his brother. "What is with me looking at him like this? His eyes are twinkling again. Arrgghh! Stop right now, Bethany," she thought as she stared at her friend.

"What?" Charlie asked.

Bethany didn’t answer because at that moment Bill arrived and threw his satchel to the ground near the couple.

"Trouble in paradise, Bill?" Charlie asked looking at his disgruntled older brother.

"Amanda heard that I kissed Moira Buckman and now she’s refusing to go to the ball with me," Bill said angrily as he plopped down beside Bethany.

"Did you kiss Moira Buckman?" Bethany asked as she shuddered at the thought.

"Well, yes, but it didn’t mean anything. Jonathon dared me," Bill answered.

"You kissed Moira Buckman, that Slytherin sixth year? The huge Beater on the Quidditch team? That is just gross," Charlie said as he made a face like he would be ill.

"Serves you right Bill. You’re welcome to join Charlie and me at Hagrid’s," Bethany said.

Bill shook his head, "I have to go. All prefects must be present with or without a date."

"What are you going to do?" Charlie asked.

Bill sighed as he stared out at the lake, "I don’t know. I can’t go without a date. How pathetic would that be?"

"Well," Charlie said a little unsurely, "You could always bring Beth again."

"Hello! Excuse me but in case you didn’t notice I am still here!" Bethany said.

Bill bit his lip and looked at his younger brother, "I had thought of that but I didn’t think you’d want me to."

"What does it matter what Charlie wants? You are neglecting the fact that I just may not want to go to the Winter Ball with Casanova Weasley!" Bethany said angrily.

"Beth, that’s not nice. I’m no Casanova," Bill said.

"You certainly are doing a good job even if you don’t feel you’ve earned the title. If only half the rumors I’ve heard about you are true, you should be locked in a cage," Bethany said with a smirk, "Honestly, I don’t see why any girl would go out with you except for the experience."

Bill looked hurt by his friends statement, "What are you talking about, Beth?"

"Plain and simple, you are a slut, Bill. You proved it yourself by kissing Moira Buckman. I take it that it was more than just a peck on the cheek," Bethany said.

"No, it had to involve the tongue, but…" Bill started to explain.

"Oh, I am going to be ill. How could you, Bill?" Charlie asked as he shuddered.

"Look, little brother, when you get one kiss under your belt you can talk, but until then- can it!" Bill said petulantly.

"When I get a kiss under my belt, Bill, it will mean more than just a notch that I can measure my manhood by," Charlie said as he stood, "Forget my suggestion, okay."

He turned to Bethany, "I’ll see you after dinner." Then Charlie stormed away.

"When are you two going to snog?" Bill asked Bethany after watching his brothers back recede away.

Bethany shook her head, "It will happen when it happens. There is no reason to rush in to anything. Charlie and I have the rest of out lives." Bethany stood, "Look, if you can’t find another date I’ll go with you and dance a few dances but then I’m leaving."

Bethany left Bill sitting on the ground next to his spilled satchel staring after her as she hurried towards the castle.

* * * * *

"How does everyone like their steaks?" T.J. shouted as he came out of the kitchen carrying a tray laden with meat. True to Charlie’s prediction they were having a barbecue, but they had managed to talk T.J. out of hamburgers and franks that he had originally planned to prepare. Percy would not be joining them. He and his father would both be working late at the Ministry and both had early morning appointments the next day.

"Here’s some more of the new Butterbeer Brute- It says that it is a manly brew," Bill said, "I thought it would be appropriate. So what do you all want to do tonight?"

"What are the girls doing tonight?" Harry said answering Bill’s question with one of his own.

"If I know Bethany, they are all dressed to kill and nightclubbing in London," Bill said trying to make his face as serious as he could.

"They’re out dancing? Charlie, you told Hermione they were just going to have a girl’s night at her house," George said with more than a hint of worry in his voice. Harry’s brow was furrowed as if asking the same question. Bill laughed. He was hoping to get a rise out of Harry. He didn’t expect the fortunate occurrence of George getting upset.

"Bill, congratulations, you have successfully pulled their legs," Charlie said, "Don’t worry. They are not out clubbing. I don’t believe Bethany has ever gone clubbing. I have a guess that Bethany and the girls are in the spa as we speak."

"The spa?" Fred said making adding a la-ti-da and accompanying hand motion, "I thought they were at Bethany’s house."

Bill laughed again, "The spa is at Bethany’s house. Didn’t you realize your brother married up?"

"And if they are at Donnalaith," Merrick added, "They aren’t at a house at all. They are at a castle."

"How many houses do you have Charlie?" Ron asked.

"Technically, none. They are all hers. But, Bethany owns Donnalaith that was her mother’s, two places in Louisiana that she received from her father, a villa in Italy that her mother used to summer at, a Chalet in Sweden that her father used for holidays, and some island in the Pacific that she’s never seen that belonged to her grandmother. We have a flat in London and the woods here," Charlie said.

"The woods here?" George asked, "What woods?"

Charlie pointed out the window to the woods surrounding the Burrow. "Those woods. They are mine. I bought the land from here to the village. And, George, if you and Fred miss the gnomes you can go visit them. Bethany made a garden and moved them all up the path over there," he said as he indicated a narrow path on the far side of the yard.

"Bethany did that? I was wondering why Ginny said that we needed to thank Bethany the last time mum sent us out to de-gnome the garden. I thought that maybe Bethany had said something to mum. It didn’t even click when there were none that someone had done something to them," George said, "I guess I owe her an apology and my thanks."

"So, Charlie, aside from all this gnome business, you’re saying your wife is really loaded," Fred said. Charlie just rolled his eyes.

Harry shook his head and laughed quietly at the presumptuousness of the statement.

"When Hermione and I went shopping with her the people at the restaurant called her Lady Donnalaith," Harry added.

"Does that mean you are a lord now?" Ron asked. Ron had been mostly quiet before. He had been staring again at the picture of Bethany’s cousin.

"Can we just change the subject?" Charlie asked showing his embarrassment and annoyance at where the conversation had gone.

"Lord Charles here is a bit embarrassed by the title. You see he is not a Donnalaith and there aren’t any royal Weasleys so his official title is Lord Charles," Bill said then grinned mischievously, "besides, Lord Charlie is just silly."

"Should we bow?" Fred asked.

"It really makes him turn red when you do," Merrick said laughing.

"Yes, when he received the official parchment it was very funny. Frankly, I’m surprised that your father didn’t find out sooner about Bethany and Charlie, all those matters have to go through the Ministry," Carlo said, "but in all fairness it is really just a title on a piece of parchment."

"It gets good tables at Le Soccier though," Harry said laughing.

"For Bethany it does," Charlie corrected, "and, like I asked earlier, can we change the subject?"

"Okay, I have one," Bill said with a grin as he walked toward the twins, "What is going on between George and Hermione?"

"I was wondering that myself," Ron said as he turned toward his now blushing brother.

"I haven’t been able to get a straight answer from her either. I have to admit I’m curious about your answer, George," Harry said.

"Nothing. There is nothing going on between Hermione and me," George said.

"Yet," Fred added receiving a glaring look from his twin, "Do you know she caught the switch today. Right away. I say that even though they are both denying it, there is something going on."

George’s ears were redder than his hair. Charlie walked over and said, "Don’t like the spotlight little brother?"

"Listen, George, she’s a nice girl and I, urm, don’t want her hurt," Ron said.

Harry stood up and looked at Ron. He smiled and said, "In light of recent circumstances I think this ought to be fun. I am hereby announcing my position as Hermione’s surrogate brother. And as part of my unofficial duties I am telling you that you better watch it."

"Ooh," T.J. said, "I’d take that threat seriously. It isn’t everyday that get threatened by the kid responsible for beating You-Know-Who as a mere babe."

"I think I’d consider that a pretty valid threat there," Carlo said.

"Yes, I would think that one Harry Potter threat has to equal at least four big brothers," Merrick added. Harry’s ears were almost as red as George’s.

"We - are - just - friends!" George yelled pronouncing each word slowly and carefully.

Bill laughed and turned to Charlie, "And where have I heard that before?"

"We’re still friends," Charlie said making a face at his older brother.

"How long did you and Bethany date?" Ron asked.

"Oh, I’m leaving for this tale," Carlo said as he jumped up and headed toward the kitchen.

"I’m with you besides I have to go and check the potatoes," T.J. Said as he followed.

"Don’t leave me here. I’ve heard this one before," Merrick added as he grabbed the empty bottles of butterbeer and headed towards the kitchen.

Bill laughed, "When was the magic moment you two started dating? I heard ‘we’re just friends’ for a long time."

Charlie rolled his eyes at his older brother, "If you hadn’t been such a dog in your fifth year it would have been a lot later than it was."

"Oh this is a story I have got to hear," Fred said as he and the others moved in closer to hear the story.

"We were in our third year, just before Christmas break. Bethany had been telling me about the rumors she had been hearing about Bill," Charlie began, "It seems that our brother here was trying to set a world record for snog sessions and was not even being very particular about his partners."

"Come on Charlie, that’s not how it was," Bill protested.

"Oh and Moira Buckman, that hideous sixth year Slytherin beater was a choice?" Charlie challenged, "Admit it if Professor Sprout and fallen prey to your charms, you would have snogged her too."

"It wasn’t as bad as he’s making it sound. I never went out with a first year," Bill defended, "and I told you then that Moira Buckman was a dare."

Charlie raised his eyebrows and made a face telling the others not to believe a word Bill said, "Anyway, Bill had been dating Amanda Wiseman. She was a really nice looking Ravenclaw prefect in his year. When he took a dare to tongue kiss that horrible Slytherin beast. Amanda found out and dumped him. So he was left without a date to the Winter Ball and as a prefect he was required to attend."

"She didn’t dump me. She just refused to go to the dance with me," Bill said, "But, Charlie here was nice enough to suggest I take Bethany until I told him he couldn’t judge my extracurricular activities until he had a few of his own."

"I was merely commenting about how disgusting the thought of you and Moira was," Charlie shuddered as he explained, "and you go challenging my manliness in front of Beth." Charlie pouted a bit as he finished his last statement.

Bill smiled at his brother, "they were so cute. They had written letters all summer. I bet he got about five letters to my one from her, but they didn’t even hold hands. He has this really gorgeous, clever, funny girl with him- ALONE- all the time and nothing."

"You never did get it did you?" Charlie said, "We were only thirteen. Even Dumbledore didn’t understand the extent of the magical bond. The emotion involved was more than I was ready to deal with and we both fought it for a long time."

"Magical connection? What am I missing?" George asked his twin looking just as confused. Harry and Ron had shared what they had learned and were already aware of what was being discussed.

"I’ll tell them," Bill said, "They were in first year when they met but in second year they had this connection thing happen. Their eyes locked and it was as if they were a million miles away. Dumbledore said it had something to do with their families and birth dates and old magical rites, but plain and simple- they were in love."

"That may well have been true but we both knew we were too young for that sort of commitment and for your information the connection started in the first year," Charlie said, "now do you want to tell this story or should I?"

"Sorry, go ahead," Bill replied as he laughed to himself.

"Anyway, typical of Bethany even though I said I didn’t want her to go with him she told him that she would go with him, but she definitely wasn’t easy on him," Charlie said.

* * * * *

They were in Hogwarts library. Bethany and Bill both had several books open on the table in front of them. It was the middle of the day. They shared this free period each week and often met in the library to study.

"Bethany, what color is your gown?" Bill asked. He was getting a little upset because his had been giving him a hard time over how he had treated his brother.

"Does it really matter? I don’t intend on staying long," Bethany said as she stood to walk down an aisle of dusty bookshelves.

"Come on, Beth, I know you’re upset about the whole thing with Charlie, but I need to know to get your flowers," Bill said as he followed her down the secluded aisle and cornered her against the wall.

"Bill, let me go. What color do I always wear?" Bethany answered as she struggled mildly to get past Bill. She smiled a little enjoying the game.

"Peach," he answered as he moved in closer to her, "and what if I didn’t let you go?" He didn’t wait for an answer as he leaned forward to kiss her.

Before he could make contact she smiled and pushed him away, but not as strongly as she could have, "You’ll regret it."

"You think? What will I regret?" Bill asked as he leaned in again this time his lips almost made contact with hers.

Bethany’s eyes were on fire with anger. She pushed Bill hard in the chest, "The fact that you’ll miss the rest of your classes today." She looked over Bill’s left shoulder, "Hi Charlie, you got out of class early."

Bill thought she was lying and was more than a little surprised when he was pulled backwards and punched in the face. He fell to the floor and looked up at his brother.

"Oi, Charlie, what are you doing?" Bill said as he rubbed his face. A bruise was already visible around his eye.

Bethany stepped between them and shushed them to avoid catching the attention of Madam Pince. She looked unbelieving at Bill. Bill’s face went pale as he realized what had almost happened.

"You. I can’t believe it, Bill. You tried to kiss her," Charlie said. His face was red, but it was hurt and betrayal in his voice not anger. His eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"Really, I’m sorry. I, I was only teasing. I didn’t mean to do anything," his words softened. He was having trouble convincing himself. He couldn’t believe what he had just done to his brother and his friend. He realized his hormones had taken over. He couldn’t honestly say how far he would have pushed it if Bethany had let him. He knew he had feelings for Bethany that were more than he should for someone who was just a friend and he knew she didn’t feel the same in return.

"You should thank Charlie for showing up. I wouldn’t have aimed for your face and I wasn’t going to use just my fist," Bethany said.

Charlie looked at Bethany and knew she was angry with his brother. He looked at Bill and saw the hurt and pain he felt. He took a deep breath, shook his head and held out his hand to help his brother off the floor. Charlie wasn’t one to stretch out fights or hold grudges. He knew his brother hurt with the pain of regret for his actions far more than any bruises he could give. "I think you need to find a new way to tease," Charlie said. Charlie wasn’t happy but he would forgive his brother.

"Thanks, Char," Bill said as he stood. Bill knew his brother’s heart was bigger than his was. If the situation had been reversed he would not have done the same. He turned to the young girl at their side, "I really am sorry, Beth, really. I didn’t want that. I don’t want this to hurt our friendship."

Bethany just looked down. She walked back to the table with her books and began to pile them together. Bill stayed where he was. Charlie followed. He reached up his hand and wiped the tear from her cheek.

"I believe him. I don’t think he was using his proper brain," Charlie told her softly. He offered her his biggest smile and she smiled back.

* * * * *

The three girls were sitting in reclining chairs that floated off the ground. The house elves were performing pedicures.

"Wait. You mean that Bill tried to kiss you in the library," Ginny said.

Bethany nodded, "Had Charlie not shown up when he did, I think he would definitely had tried harder."

"But would you have let him?" Hermione asked as she sat up to watch Bethany’s expressions.

Bethany looked at the girls and shook her head, "No. It would have destroyed our friendship. He knew about Charlie and I and the connection, but he didn’t understand it. It bothered him that we weren’t off snogging every chance we had. I knew Bill had more feelings for me than just friendship, but I never thought he would act on it. He was fifteen and had been doing more than just sowing his oats that year. I think he may have been looking for the connection in all those other girls. He wanted the magic too. And, to be honest, I could have put an end to it sooner. I was enjoying the game. Here was the hottest guy at Hogwarts coming on to me making moves his brother never had attempted. I liked the tease. It was flattering."

Ginny’s and Hermione’s eyes widened. Neither could believe her honesty. Ginny bit her lip and asked, "So did you and Bill still go to the ball together?"

"You’re not paying attention Ginny," Hermione said.

"Yes, we went to the dance together. It was the next evening. I know Charlie spoke with him before but I never knew what he told him," Bethany answered.

* * * * *

Charlie stood outside the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room. His ears were red. The older Ravenclaws had been making comments to him as they left for the ball. It was common knowledge at Hogwarts that he and Bethany were friends. Most assumed it was much more than just friendship like they both claimed. The fact that Bethany was going to the Winter Ball with the Casanova of Hogwarts and his older brother didn’t help matters.

Amanda Wiseman exited and walked past him. She stopped her black hair flared out as she spun around quickly. "Charlie Weasley, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"Waiting for Bethany to, uh, walk her down to the ball," Charlie said. His cheeks flushed matching the color of his ears.

"Waiting? Do you have dress robes of your own?" the older girl asked, as she looked Charlie up and down. He was wearing his everyday robes opened at the seam revealing his blue jeans and a Gryffindor t-shirt.

"No, I uh…" he stammered.

Bethany walked into the hall and smiled at Charlie until she saw Amanda. "Oh, hi Amanda I thought you had gone already," Bethany said.

Charlie was staring at Bethany speechless. Her hair was swept up in a loose bun. Random locks hung loosely around her face. Her new gown was peach, the shade she often wore. It had a sweetheart neckline and sparkled and shimmered as she moved. Bethany was purposefully avoiding direct eye contact. They had planned for Charlie to walk her down to the ball so that they wouldn’t have the connection in the Entrance Hall like they had last year.

"I was going downstairs until I saw young Weasley here, then I had an idea," Amanda said.

"What is it?" Bethany said becoming impatient with her older housemate.

"Well, I never did get another date and with you swooping down on you chance at going to the ball with Bill, I couldn’t follow through on my original plans," Amanda said as she smirked at Bethany.

"So what’s the big plan?" Bethany asked not bothering to correct Amanda’s misinformation.

"Well, I was thinking that you could use your transfiguration skills to transform Charlie-boy’s school robes into something more appropriate for the ball. Then we will both have dates," Amanda said.

Bethany smiled. "This could work," she thought. "Well, Charlie, do you want to go to the ball?" she asked.

"Oh yes, Fairy Godmother, but I haven’t a thing to wear," Charlie said laughing. He was excited to attend the ball. He didn’t even mind that his date was Amanda. He knew that he’d get to dance with Bethany that night.

"Well, hold still, Charlierella, and I’ll handle the old bibbity bobbity boo for you," Bethany said as she snatched Charlie’s wand from the hip pocket of his jeans.

"What are you two going on about?" Amanda asked. She was a purebred witch who had very little exposure to the Muggle world. Bethany had told Charlie all about Disney movies.

"Fasten up your robes. Any requests?" Bethany asked him with a grin.

"No, do whatever you would like," Charlie answered.

Bethany smiled again and looked Charlie up and down. She whispered an incantation that Charlie couldn’t make out. His school robes transformed into simple black dress robes that were cut to fit his stocky frame.

Amanda smirked, "That will do I guess." Bethany suspected that Amanda had hoped for more. Amanda turned and walked toward the Entrance Hall where Bill would be waiting for Bethany.

Charlie turned and whispered in Bethany’s ear, "What did you do to my trousers?"

Bethany smiled and put her finger in front of her lips, "Shh, it’s nothing she need ever know about."

Amanda stopped at the top of the stairs, "Well, come on. Bethany you can explain to Bill. I’ll walk in with Charlie here and then we can swap partners once we are inside. I’ll humble myself enough to walk in with a third year as my escort, but I’ll not continue the charade after we enter." She grabbed Charlie’s arm and pulled him down the stairs.

Bethany laughed at the mismatched couple in front of her and hurried to pass them on the stairs. Bill smiled broadly at her until he saw his younger brother with Amanda Wiseman on his arm.

"What is with that?" Bill asked Bethany as she joined him, "Wow, you look great."

"Thank you," she said, "Oh, Amanda had a wonderful idea. It seems she had counted on you going dateless tonight. She didn’t want to go alone so she asked Charlie to join her."

"Where did the dress robes come from?" Bill asked as he checked out Amanda’s robes.

Bethany frowned at Bill and raised her eyebrows, "Where do you think?"

"Oh, yes, you do transfigure things well," Bill said.

"Thanks, but they won’t last all night. He and I may even have to leave early," Bethany said with a mischievous grin.

"Oh are we thinking of becoming more than- just friends?" Bill teased.

"We are doing nothing to our relationship, Bill," Bethany said and made a face.

Charlie and Amanda walked up behind the other couple and took their place in the queue to enter the Great Hall.

"William Weasley," Amanda said sternly, "I trust that Bethany has informed you of the plans for this evening?"

"Yes, Amanda, she told me," Bill said as he smiled and winked in Amanda’s direction.

Amanda grinned and blushed then realizing others may have noted her loss of composure stiffened up and said, "Good. We will walk in and take a seat at a table and then you can ask me to dance."

Bethany and Charlie rolled their eyes at one another. Charlie made a hand motion like he was cracking a whip. Bethany giggled.

The decorations as usual were beautiful and grand. The ball was always held in the winter but the seventh years had the choice of holding it before or after the Christmas holidays. This year it was the weekend before the holidays. Christmas trees filled with fairy lights were all over the Great Hall in groups of three, five and seven. Candles of red and green hung a few feet above the heads of the dancers. The band, the Graveyard Crew, were set up on the stage that usually held the head table. The long house tables were removed and small round tables for three or four couples surrounded the dance floor.

Amanda led them to a table at the far end of the room, "Come on Bill, let’s go dance. Thanks Charlie. Have fun Bethany."

The older couple was off on the dance floor moving to the erratic beat of the music. Bethany and Charlie sat down to watch.

"Bethany," Charlie whispered, "my trousers are leather."

"No, actually, their dragon hide," she answered as she grinned and looked at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Miss Donnalaith! I can’t believe." Charlie said.

"I always wondered how you’d look in those and besides you said for me to do what I liked," Bethany said as she turned to face him, "and I like guys in dragon hide leather trousers."

"And how many have you seen?" Charlie asked. Bethany just giggled. "Well I had thought you were changing the color and cut of the robes. I didn’t think you would do anything to my trousers."

"I left your T-shirt I like that one on you," Bethany said.

Charlie smiled. He reached over and took her hand. They smiled at each other. This was new for them both. They both knew that this night was the catalyst for a change in their relationship and although it was something they both wanted, they were both a little nervous. They had spent many hours alone but never in the context of a date.

A slow song started. "Let’s go dance," Charlie suggested as he stood and led Bethany to the dance floor. Bethany bit her lip as he took her into his arms. Bill had told her last year that their mother had made them take lessons in the village near their home. Bethany had taken dance lessons herself before she attended Hogwarts. She was forced to participate in the junior cotillion, a rite of passage through which all self-respecting New Orleans families sent their children. Dancing with Bill last year had been awkward for Bethany. She expected the same clumsiness with Charlie, but when Charlie took Bethany into his arms they danced like it was second nature. She suspected that it was the result of the connection. It had grown stronger over the past year. As long as they were near they could sometimes tell what the other was about to say or do. This probably aided their coordination on the dance floor. During the short pause between slow songs, they stopped swaying to the beat but Charlie did not release her. When the music continued they began again. The bond grew easily and soon it was as if they were alone on the dance floor.

Albus Dumbledore watched the young couple with a broad smile. He was mildly perturbed by the interruption of Professors Flitwick and McGonagall. He listened to the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor heads of house and nodded his reluctant agreement. He gazed once more at the young couple and set off in their direction.

"Mr. Weasley, Miss Donnalaith, a word with you both," the headmaster said as he led them to a small room. Charlie was still not used the fact that the headmaster was Bethany’s grandfather. He was not accustomed to being in trouble and this meeting made him very nervous.

"I see that you are enjoying yourselves," the tall wizard said once they entered the small room. They both nodded their reply. "You are aware of the rules, however, and know that the ball is open only to those in their fourth year or above or the dates of an older student," he said.

"Yes, sir," Charlie answered.

"But we are the dates of older students," Bethany challenged.

"I saw you enter with Bill Weasley and Amanda Wiseman, but since the two of them have seemed to find one another, you presence is no longer required," the headmaster informed them.

"Yes, sir. We’ll be leaving then," Charlie said wearing a disappointed frown.

"I’m not a spoil sport, Charlie," the headmaster said causing Charlie to squirm because he used his first name, "so I have a deal for you. I have spoken to Professors McGonagall. and Flitwick and they have agreed to allow you out of your dormitories until midnight but you must serve a detention tomorrow."

Bethany and Charlie looked at each other and shrugged, "okay."

Dumbledore smiled, "Aren’t you curious about your detention."

"When and where?" Bethany answered. Charlie noticed that she didn’t ask what the detention would be or who would be enforcing it.

"Hagrid will tell you the time and location for your punishment. Now I suggest you leave through this doorway," he said as he pointed to a door that neither Charlie or Bethany had noticed before, "I will inform your dates that you were asked to leave."

* * * * *

"Woah, you said that Dumbledore was Bethany's grandfather," Ron said.

"He still is," Charlie said laughing.

"I never knew he had any children," Harry said.

"He didn't officially. Bethany's grandparents were never married. Seems to be a tradition in her family that she and I broke by marrying before having children," Charlie said.

"So he just let you two take off like that if you served a detention?" Fred asked. He wasn't worried about Bethany's ancestors. He wanted to find out how he could get away with more things in his last year at Hogwarts.

"Seems we've been going about things the wrong way," George added. His mind on the same page as his twin's.

"Don't get any bright ideas. Dumbledore would never make that deal with any other Weasley than Charlie. Well, Percy maybe, but Percy would never dream of breaking the rules," Bill said, "He did trust the two of you didn't he?"

"It paid to keep our mouths shut about what we did. No one ever knew half the things we were allowed to do at the school. We had the run of the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid's approval and," he smiled, "the run of the castle with a certain map that Harry has in his possession now."

"How'd you know about the Marauder's map?" Harry asked.

Charlie laughed, "Remus told Bethany that you had it. We had discussed the fact that every Weasley except Percy has used that map. Remus passed it on to Bethany."

"It was a while before he shared it with me, but it sure did make for better parties and other late night adventures," Bill said.

Fred started to chuckle, "So, um, Charlie, where did you go in your dragon hide trousers?"

"I do believe those trousers were the driving force behind our brother's decision to become a dracologist. What better excuse to have prance about in them for Bethany's benefit," Bill teased.

"I never prance," Charlie said as he glared at his older brother. "They are practical for the job. They were not the reason I went into that field but ," he grinned as he explained, "her reaction to me in them may have had a little to do with steering me in that direction."

* * * * *

They exited through the door the headmaster indicated and found themselves standing just past the potions corridor. As soon as the door shut behind them they burst into giggles.

Charlie held his hand on his heart and sighed.

"I thought we were in a lot of trouble there for a minute. I don't think I'll ever get used to the fact that the headmaster is your grandfather," Charlie said.

"He really is nice. It bothers him a little that everyone is so afraid of him, but he says he couldn't run the school if everyone knew he was really a teddy bear," Bethany said.

"Somehow I don't think anyone will ever think of Albus Dumbledore as a teddy bear," Charlie said, "I guess we should go head to Hagrid's hut."

"Okay, but lets go the back way by the docks. There will be couples all over the grounds if we go the front way," Bethany said making a face.

Charlie smiled and reached for her hand. They walked down the rarely used hallway to the docks. This route was only used by first years coming in at the beginning of the term. Most were so nervous on arrival that they forgot that it even existed so it was almost always empty.

When they reached the heavy wooden door Bethany stopped Charlie, "Hold up it's cold out there. Let me put a warming charm on your robe." Charlie nodded and she cast a spell that not only warmed the clothing but transfigured Charlie's robe once more but this time into a heavy cloak. Her gown was also transfigured into a royal blue wool cloak.

"Uh, Beth, what's under your cloak?" Charlie asked. His face blushing as he asked.

Bethany smiled as she realized what Charlie was thinking, "The same thing that was under my gown." She opened her gown to reveal that she was wearing a silk blouse and blue jeans.

"Aww," Charlie smiled, "I was hoping for dragon hide, too"

"Charlie Weasley," she said in mock indignation then smiled, "well, maybe if you behave."

He blushed as he offered his arm and pushed open the large old door. They walked around toward the docks. Technically they were off school grounds. The school itself was surrounded by tall stone wall. The area inside the wall was vast and included the Quidditch Pitch, the far side of the lake and all the area between and up to the forest. Hagrid's hut was also off grounds but could be reached by going past the greenhouses and beastiary where Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures practical classes were held or from behind the large wall near the docks. The lake was icy along the edges but the giant squid swam freely in the center.

"What happens to him if it freezes over?" Charlie wondered watching it waving it's tentacles to the beat of the music that drifted out from the Great Hall.

"It doesn't. I asked Hagrid. There is some sort of warming charm. The lake is home to a village of Merpeople that had to be moved from their original home. If it froze over they would die," Bethany said as she moved closer to Charlie.

They stood and watched the multi-limbed creature. Bethany stood in front of Charlie. Her back resting on his chest. He realized that he was finally taller than Bethany. It was only by a few inches, but he had not noticed before now.

"I never knew they had Merpeople in Hogwarts' lake. Have you seen any?" Charlie asked as he wrapped opened his cloak and wrapped it around Bethany pulling her closer to him and holding her in his arms.

"I've seen them once, but they wouldn't communicate with me. Grandfather says that it will take them some time before they trust me enough to try to communicate. But they only speak Mermish. I'm not all that sure that I could," Bethany answered.

"I don't think it will take too long. I trusted you the first time we met," Charlie said.

"Thank you, but that doesn't mean much. You trust everyone," Bethany teased as she turned to face Charlie. She looked around. Nothing could be seen other than the rear of the school, the wall and the lake.

Charlie started to pull Bethany closer to hug her properly, but Bethany pushed him away. "I want to see those trousers on you first," she said with a smile.

Charlie laughed a little and held open his robes. He self-consciously stared off at the night sky as she looked him over. Bethany had walked a few feet away from him.

"Charlie," she called to him as she walked back toward him.

"Yes," he said impatiently. He expected some sarcastic comment.

"You should definitely wear those more often," She told him with a smile.

Charlie smiled back and blushed. "I guess will have to come with an excuse then. They are comfortable," Charlie said laughing, "but mum will have a fit."

Bethany shuddered from the chill and Charlie pulled her closer. She rested her head on his shoulder and he hugged her tightly.

"Remind me to compliment Amanda on her wonderful idea," Bethany said.

Charlie moved his hand under Bethany’s chin and lifted her head so that they were facing each other, "Yeah, I think we need to thank her."

They looked into each other’s eyes and just as the connection sent the warm familiar sensation to both of them. He leaned down and kissed her and she kissed back. It was a first for both of them, but not an average first kiss. It started off soft and gentle, but as their confidence and passion grew so did the hunger of the kiss. Their mouths parted. Their hearts beat faster and their breathing became more rapid. The kiss faded with a series of smaller kisses, neither ready to stop. Charlie held Bethany’s face in his hands. They looked at each other. Charlie had tears in his eyes and Bethany reached up to wipe one away as it fell down his cheek.

They just stared speechless at each other for a few minutes. No other words would describe their feelings as in unison they said, "I love you."

"I think I need to sit down," Bethany said as she pulled out of Charlie’s tight embrace.

"Yeah, me too," Charlie agreed.

They walked to an old stone bench that looked out on the lake. Bethany placed a slight warming spell on the bench to take the chill out of it. She removed her cloak and used it to cover them from the front and Charlie wrapped his around them both from the back.

"This is nice," Charlie said, "Not as nice as the kiss but, um, Beth, what happened?"

"I guess it’s the connection. I don’t think it’s usually that intense," Bethany said, "at least Lily never described that with James." Charlie hugged Bethany tighter at the mention of her friends. They had died just over six weeks ago.

"I guess I could ask Bill but I’m not really sure I want to talk to him about this," Charlie answered, "He doesn’t really understand about the bond. I tried to explain the other day, but he just looked at me like I was ready for St. Mungo’s."

Bethany laughed then said, "Well it is odd. I don’t think I understand it all myself, but we do need to learn to control it. This could get out of hand. I know I’m not ready for more right now and I’m afraid if we don’t control it that it will go much further than we are both ready."

"Not to mention it’s a little awkward when we space out like we do. I think we should talk to the headmaster to find out what we need to do, but, um for now I wouldn’t mind a little more of the same," Charlie said.

Charlie didn’t wait for an invitation as he bent down and kissed Bethany on the nape of her neck creating goose-flesh down that side of her body. She turned on the bench so that they faced each other. Their lips met again. Bethany played with the short curls at the base of Charlie’s hair and Charlie’s fingers traveled up and down Bethany’s back.

Charlie was caressing her shoulders and let his hand slip further down Bethany’s chest when she stopped him, "Didn’t we say something about not going further?"

Charlie blushed and shrugged, "I’m sorry. I guess the hands went the way of the hormones."

"You don’t have to apologize, Charlie. I just don’t trust myself to stop you. I think we are both too young," Bethany said as she snuggled back down in his arms.

"Beth," Charlie paused for her to look up at him, "I do love you." She smiled at him.

"I know it sounds trite, but I really do want this to be with you like this forever," Charlie said.

"I don’t think it’s trite, but won’t they talk come Monday when we are still sitting on this bench," Bethany laughed.

He shook his head. He knew she wasn’t teasing him for his feeling but that she wanted to lighten p the conversation. "Speaking of school, do you know what time it is?" he asked.

"Wow, eleven fifteen. We’ve been out her more than two hours," Bethany said.

"We better get to Hagrid’s so we can find out about our detention so we can be in our common rooms on time," Charlie said as he slid out from the embrace, "transfigure my clothes back please. I’d rather not explain to Hagrid about the trousers."

"Oh if you insist, but let me see your robe first," Bethany said and he complied, "Now, turn around and walk about five feet from here"

Charlie started to follow her second directions when he stopped and turned, "What are you doing?"

Bethany smiled at him, "Enjoying the scenery and thanking my parents for the magical skill to transfigure cotton into dragon-hide."

"Change them back," Charlie said and smirked at her, "You are worse than the boys in the Quidditch locker room."

"Spoil sport," she answered and waved her hand in his direction. His clothes returned to normal. His school robes once again held the Gryffindor crest but she left the warming charm in place."

* * * * *

"How romantic," Hermione said.

"I thought the emotion Harry and I shared was pretty intense, but it is nothing like that," Ginny said shaking her head.

"So what was your detention?" Hermione asked.

Bethany laughed. "We had to go gather herbs in the Forbidden Forest. Nothing we really minded but it was cold. It wasn’t much of a punishment but I guess they had to do something," Bethany said.

"So is that why your friends got Harry those trousers?" Ginny asked.

"No. They got him those dragon-hide trousers because of the two of you giggling at Carlo," Bethany said, "A reaction I don’t blame either of you for. Carlo does look nice in his dragon-hide trousers and without a shirt well…"

"Did Professor Dumbledore know what you did that night?" Hermione asked.

"More than likely. He always seems to know more than he should. I think he was encouraging us to move into a direction where we would want to gain more control over the connection. I believe he trusted us not to take it further than we did," Bethany explained.

"Did he ever tell you more? I mean you being his granddaughter and all," Hermione asked.

"No. I think he can be more evasive with me than he is with others. Sometimes I think he knows exactly or close to what is going to happen and just doesn’t interfere too much so things aren’t changed drastically," Bethany said as she looked through the glass ceiling at the starry night sky.

"Is Dumbledore a seer?" Ginny asked.

"I don’t think he is in the true sense of the word, but I do think he may be on some level. I’ve never asked and he’s never offered that information. I do know that he doesn’t like to divulge too much. He knows that too much foreknowledge can be a bad thing," Bethany explained.

"But what if it could save a life?" Hermione asked.

"That’s the thing. You may save one person’s life and loose a thousand more in that person’s place. I think that he sees the big picture but not the details. He knows that for a balanced world some people have to suffer," Bethany answered, "It is definitely not a talent I ever want to share."

"I hate to change the deep, philosophical topic of conversation here, but I had to know. When did you and Charlie take it further," Ginny asked.

"That, my dear, is a story for another evening and one you will get in much less detail," Bethany said, "I’m going running in the morning. If you want to join me just announce the time you’d like to wake up in your bedroom before you go to sleep. Hermione, I know you aren’t a runner but the route I take is good for cycling. You can borrow my bicycle," Bethany told them.

"That is a good thought. I’ll decide before I go to bed, but if I don’t join you it’s because I decided to have a lie in," Hermione told her.

"If you need anything more just ask. The house elves will respond to general requests. Don’t feel as though you are bothering them. There are so many and they do love to work," Bethany said as she yawned. "I hate being such a party pooper on the evening but I can’t stay awake any longer. Night girls," she added.

The girls said their good nights and Bethany left them in the hallway as she Disapparated to her room. Hermione and Ginny shrugged and headed back to their adjoining suites.

"This place really is incredible," Hermione said as they made their way back.

"I know. I could stay here forever and never get bored. I don’t understand why she and Charlie don’t just play all the time. She certainly has the means. They would never have to work again," Ginny said.

"They are both so down to earth. I don’t think they’d like to live here year round," Hermione said, "and besides, I think they enjoy what they do."

"I guess, but this place is great," Ginny said.

The girls made it back to their rooms. Ginny took a seat in a large overstuffed chair. Hermione located a Wizarding wireless and tuned it to music from the WWN.

"I’m hungry," she said as she joined Ginny.

Just as she sat down a house elf appeared and asked, "What is the Miss wanting for eating?" Both girls startled at its arrival. "I is being sorry for startling you. I is hearing you say you is hungry and not know what you is liking for eating. I is Flicky," the house elf bowed as she finished her introduction.

Ginny and Hermione looked at each other. Ginny shrugged her shoulders. She wasn’t that hungry. Hermione smiled, "Pizza. Loads of cheese, mushrooms and black olives. Is that okay with you, Ginny?"

"I guess. I’ve never had pizza before but I do like mushrooms and black olives," Ginny answered.

As soon as Ginny gave her confirmation the house elf disappeared. Ginny and Hermione giggled.

"I could get used to this place," Hermione said, "So Ginny, tell me. What is it like kissing Harry?" Hermione cheeks took on an embarrassed glow after asking the question.

Ginny just stared for a few seconds. "That is the last question that I thought you would ask. I don't know how to answer. What was it like kissing Viktor?" Ginny answered.

"Uggh- something between kissing a wet fish and a lap dog," Hermione said as she rolled her eyes.

"I thought you liked him," Ginny said.

"It was nice having a boy, especially one who was famous and all the other girls wanted, take a liking to me but really we didn't have much in common. I think his main interest in me was that I was Harry's friend and I wasn't interested in him. He was so sweet and romantic before I agreed to accompany him to the Champion's Ball. Afterwards though, he started to get jealous and treated me like I was lucky to be with him," Hermione said.

Both girls were startled by Flicky's return. She had the warm pizza and a bucket with chilled butterbeer. After depositing the items on the table between the girls the house elf disappeared without adding a word. The girls dug in to the food.

"Oh this is good," Ginny said, "You know, Herm, there were a lot of girls that would have done anything for him to treat them like property."

"I know, but I also know that I will never be anyone's property. Would you want Harry to start saying how you were his girlfriend and therefore had to do what he said?" Hermione asked as she popped a stray mushroom into her mouth.

"No, of course not, but there are plenty of girls who would. I guess that is why I it's so hard for me to get along with the girls in my year. Most are nice and all but all they seemed to really want to think about his how they will get a new boyfriend, like being themselves doesn't matter," Ginny answered.

"Lavender and Pavarti are like that too. It can get annoying. They actually play a game called 'who would you rather' where they pick two or three boys and tell each other who out of the chosen ones they want to do whatever with. It really is ridiculous. One time they were doing 'who would you rather shag? Hagrid or Professor Snape." Hermione said.

"Ewww! I definitely don't want to think about that," Ginny answered, "They certainly were all over Harry at his party."

"Well I heard Padma and Pavarti telling Lavender about them going into the broom shed with three Hufflepuff boys at the end of term last year," Hermione said.

Ginny's eyes widened, "I wonder what they did?"

"Probably nothing much. I still think they are more talk than anything else, but it does look as though Harry and Ron missed out after the Yule Ball," Hermione answered.

"Thank goodness," Ginny said and both girls giggled.

"You never answered my question about Harry," Hermione said.

"Well the first time was just on the cheek and I hadn't expected it so it was a surprise. The first time we really kissed, it was warm and comfortable and I felt like I might fall over if I hadn't grabbed the wall. Other times it was more intense though nothing like Bethany described," Ginny answered, "Why are you so interested?"

"I was just curious. You were not the only one to have had a crush on one Harry Potter. Not that I think of him like that anymore. Now the thought of me and Harry would be like you kissing Ron," Hermione said.

"Oh gross. I may vomit at that thought," Ginny replied.

"I don't think I feel quite that strongly but I do think of Harry as a brother and you know I'm starting to feel the same about Ron too. I really love them both and I want to keep them both as friends," Hermione added and yawned.

"We better get to sleep. Are you going to join us in the morning?" Ginny asked.

"I think I will. A bicycle ride will be nice here," Hermione said.

* * * * *

Harry and Charlie had just returned from their run. Ron had not joined them saying he had stayed up too late to be up at that ungodly hour. Fred was outside sitting in the garden as they approached.

"Charlie will you go tell mum that you don’t see any gnomes in the garden so I can go back inside?" Fred said.

"What did you do this time?" Charlie asked shaking his head as he laughed.

"Oh, George and I had left out a trick wand on our desk in our room. Mum thought it was real and tried to use it to tidy up. It wasn't our fault that she got wet, but it was funny. I was going home just as she was coming out yelling. I couldn't quit laughing and was assigned the de-gnoming," Fred answered.

"I don't think you'll be able to get away with her knowing they are gone for much longer," Charlie said.

"It doesn't have to last much longer. We go back to school in about two weeks," Fred said, "and, after that, we don't plan to be living here. We are hoping that Weasley Wizard Wheezes is up in full swing." Charlie and Fred began walking to the back door of the Burrow.

"Charlie," Harry called after them, "I just need to collect my things that I left at your place."

"Just go on in Harry," Charlie called back,

Harry smiled as he watched Fred and Charlie enter the house. He was going to enjoy having Bethany and Charlie at Hogwarts. "I wonder if they will continue running with us at school," Harry thought as he entered the kitchen of the tent.

"Morning Harry," T.J. Said, Want some juice?" He held up a pitcher of orange juice for Harry to take.

"Harry shook his head, "No thanks. Just come to get my things."

"Ron and um, one of the twins are still up there. Wake them if they aren't up yet," T.J. Said as Harry left the room.

Harry started up the stairs two at a time but slowed when he heard Ron and George's voices.

"Ron, I wanted to ask about you and Hermione," George said.

Harry froze. He could see the backs of their heads above the back of the sofa. They hadn't heard him come up the stairs. He debated whether or not to go back down or to make noise to alert them of his presence or just stay and listen. He knew it wasn't polite but he wanted to hear what was going to be said as well. So he remained where he was and hoped no one would come up the stairs and witness him eavesdropping.

"About Hermione? What do you want to know?" Ron asked knowing what was coming but not sure he was ready to talk about it.

"Well, do you still like her?" George asked.

"Of course I like her. She is one of my best friends," Ron said.

"That isn't what I meant. Do you like her like her as a girlfriend not a friend friend?" George asked. Harry could see that the back of his neck and ears were bright red and suspected that his face matched the crimson tone.

Ron exhaled loudly, "I don't know. I thought I did, but now I think I just liked the idea of having a girlfriend and Hermione was convenient. She and I are always squabbling. I'd hate to lose her friendship over something stupid like forgetting and anniversary or looking at some other girl. Why are you asking? I thought you were just friends. Do you like her like that?"

It was George's turn to exhale, "I do like chatting with her. I always thought you and Harry were nuts to have her around all the time. I always thought she was just a bossy little know it all. But now that I have come to know her, I think she is nice."

"You didn't answer me," Ron said, "Is there something more than friendship?"

"Not yet, but I think I'd like it. No, I know I'd like it if there were," George said, "It's weird how much we actually have in common. But, Ron, if you still have feelings for her, I wouldn't pursue it any further."

Ron smiled, "You know George, she is liable to be a prefect this year."

George nodded as Ron continued, "I don't think she and I will be anything more than friends, but I don't want to see her hurt. If you are just doing all this because of her, urm, physical changes this summer, I'd prefer you not pursue anything."

George started to answer but Ron held up his hand and continued, "I said before that she is a nice girl and if you hurt her, I will forget that we are related. Harry will not be her only figurative brother that you will answer to."

"I don't want to hurt her either. I will admit that her changes, as you put it, caught my attention, but it was her company these past few weeks that made me think of her differently," George answered.

Harry was happy with the outcome of this conversation. He had always liked George. He also had to admit to himself the if Hermione had to have a boyfriend that he was glad it wasn't Ron. It wasn't that he didn't want to see them both happy, but they did squabble like Ron had said and he knew that he would be thrust in between their battles more often if they were dating. Smiling, Harry crept back down the stairs and ran up noisily to announce his presence to the brothers.

"Hi. T.J. thought you two would still be sleeping," Harry said as he walked into the room.

"We've been up a while chatting." Ron said.

George had finished gathering his things and stood to leave, "Thanks, Ron."

Ron and Harry watched as he walked down the stairs.

"So how much did you hear, Harry?" Ron asked. Harry was startled by the question.

"You never make that much noise going up the stairs at home or at school. I figured you were letting us know that you were there for a reason," Ron said.

"I, urm, guess I heard it all. How do you feel about it? George and Hermione I mean," Harry asked as he sat on a chair and began stuffing his belongings into his satchel.

"It could be worse. You could be dating her," Ron teased, "Seriously, George is okay, not as tactless as Fred. He is just as much a prankster so I wonder how it will work out when Hermione is made prefect," Ron said.

Harry had heard Ron say it before. He had forgotten that two students, one boy and one girl, from each house would be made prefects in their fifth year. He agreed that Hermione would be the girl chosen for Gryffindor in their year.

"I guess that may complicate things for our, um, sister," Harry said laughing.

To Be Continued