You Be the Anchor That Keeps My Feet on the Ground

A/N: It's been awhile, and for that, I apologize. College has been insane this semester! But I really hope you enjoy this update! X

Chapter 14

Hermione collapsed on the couch, looking around the room.

"You okay?" Percy asked, standing upright. Leaving the box half unpacked, he came over and sat down next to her on the couch. Reaching over, he took her hand.

"Yes," she reassured him, "just a bit winded."

"You shouldn't be lifting things, Hermione!" Percy reprimanded her. Today was the day they were moving Hermione's things into his flat. It was a bit more difficult than they had realized as Hermione had a lot of possessions, mainly books, that she wouldn't part with. George and Angelina had come over to help seeing as Percy didn't want Hermione to be doing any strenuous work.

"Oi, stop slacking!" George shouted, coming up the stairs with a large box in his hands.

"We're not slacking, just taking a break," Hermione countered, smiling.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Percy asked, touching her cheek tenderly.

"Yes, Percy, I'm fine. Go finish unpacking my books," she commanded, grinning at him.

He nodded, reluctantly tearing himself from her side.

"Want me to make some tea?" Angelina asked, plopping down next to her.

"Yes please! And grab me a cranberry muffin too. They're on the counter."

"Sure thing," Angelina replied, getting up to place some water on the stove.

"Hermione, what are these?" George called out teasingly, going through her clothes. He pulled out a lacy red thong, holding it the air for all to see.

"George!" she shrieked, her face turning red.

"Put my girlfriend's undergarments away!" Percy shouted, coming over and snatching the underwear from George.

Hermione buried her face in her hands feeling completely mortified.

"Stay out of her clothes," Percy hissed, pushing George away from the drawers. He had no right to ogle Hermione's things.

Angelina laughed, reappearing with some tea and muffins. "Here you are," she said, handing the cup to Hermione.

"Thanks," Hermione said genuinely. While she and Angelina never really spoke at Hogwarts, they got along swimmingly well now. She was glad to have a girl who was so understanding and supportive.

"These muffins are delicious," Angelina said, biting into one. "Who made them?"

"My Mum," Hermione answered after taking a bite of her own. "She loves to bake."

"Well, she's an amazing cook. Get the recipe for me, yeah?"

Hermione nodded. "I'll ask for it in my next letter."

The girls sat on the couch, watching as Percy and George finished unpacking everything. Once they finished, the boys joined them. They chatted about the baby and future plans. Angelina eagerly agreed to plan Hermione's baby shower.

Hermione stifled a yawn halfway through Angelina's planning.

"We'll get going then," George said, dragging Angie to her feet. She looked confused, but allowed George to pull her to the door. "See you later!"

"Bye! Thank you so much for your help," Hermione smiled at them.

"Yes, thank you," Percy added.

Angelina and George disappeared through the Floo.

Percy was about to suggest Hermione retire to their room when he felt her snuggle into his side. He smiled when he saw she had buried her face into his armpit.

"You should sleep in a bed," he advised, gently running his fingers through her hair.

"Mmm, no, sleep here," she muttered sleepily. She wrapped her arms around his waist, securing him there.

Percy sighed, but allowed himself to close his eyes. He continued to run his hand through her curly tresses, soothing her to sleep. A soft snore escaped her moments later, causing Percy to grin.

Hermione groggily opened her eyes. She moaned, stretching out on the couch.

"Want some tea?" Percy called from the kitchen.

She nodded, sitting upright. "Ugh, my back hurts."

Percy chuckled, shaking his head. "I told you not to sleep on the couch." He brought over a cup of tea.

"Thanks," she commented, taking a sip. "Did I sleep long?"

"About an hour," he commented, sitting next to her. "I finished almost all the unpacking."

Hermione looked at Percy, blushing.

"What?" he asked, suddenly feeling nervous.

"I live with you, Percy. It's official now."

He grinned, kissing her gently. "I love you."

She smiled in response. She was so happy with Percy, and despite everything going on, she was glad to have that happiness.

"Oh, a letter came for you," Percy said, standing up. "I didn't recognize the owl, but there's no curses or hexes on it."

"Checking my mail, Perce?" she teased him.

"Of course, I don't want anyone to send you anything nasty in the mail."

Hermione frowned. Why would someone do that? People weren't that cruel, were they?

"Here you are." Percy handed her the letter.

Hermione slowly opened it. "It's from Harry and Ginny," she said, surprised.

Percy arched his eyebrow. "Really? I'm rather surprised that they're writing you with the way they acted at the Burrow," he said snootily. "They don't deserve the time of day from you."

"Shush, Percy, let me read," Hermione chided him gently.

He huffed, going into the other room.

She scanned the letter, reading it a second time to see if she really understood what she was reading.

"Well?" he asked, sitting down to next to her.

"They've basically apologized for the way they treated me. Harry admitted to being a shite friend and Ginny acknowledged that Ron was an idiot and that he had no right to spread my personal business all over the paper. They want to meet up with me to get my side of the story and to apologize."

Percy snorted.

"They seem really sincere," she commented, taking his hand. "I think I'll go meet with them."

"Do you want me to come?" he asked.

She shook her head. "No, Percy, I think I need to do this alone. There's a lot I want to say to the two of them and I'm not sure you want to listen."

He looked crestfallen.

"Percy, you can't miss any more days at work." Hermione gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "It's just Harry and Ginny, they really aren't much of a threat."

"Ginny can be when she wants to," Percy said, shuddering slightly. "That girl can cast a hex!"

"She's a Weasley… of course she can!" Hermione laughed.

Grabbing a pen and paper, she quickly wrote them a response.

Harry and Ginny, how would you like to meet up for lunch tomorrow? How about the Leaky Cauldron at one. There are some things that we should obviously talk about. –Hermione.

She sent the letter off, her stomach churning in anticipation of tomorrow.