Silverlining

Chapter 6

Harry was sent on his first assignment so he could not visit Hogsmeade again until right before the Christmas holiday. He and Ginny were bundled warmly and walking to Honey Dukes hand in hand battling the blowing snow.
“I have never seen Hermione act so…so..Girly. When she isn’t studying she is poring over the Bridal magazines her Mum keeps sending, and my Mum is sending her owls every other day with advice. If it was me I think I might go mad.” Ginny said.
“I’ll remember to never propose then” Harry said laughing
“Or we could elope.”
“Your Mum would murder us both” Harry said as they entered Honeydukes
“Speaking of Mum she said to invite you to the Burrow for Christmas, if you can get the time off.”
“It is hard to believe it is in two weeks isn’t it? I guess I had better start shopping.”
As it turned out Harry was only able to get the two days before and after Christmas off. Since he had been sent on another assignment after his visit to Hogsmeade he had not had a chance to purchase presents yet. So he spent most of the first day shopping with Hermione in Diagon Alley. They were leaving Quality Quidditch supplies when He saw Rita Skeeter, He tried to turn back inside but ran into Hermione who was attempting to put her gloves on in the door way, she nearly fell over so Harry grabbed her and saw a bright flash. He knew that Rita had just taken a picture of them in what appeared to be a romantic embrace.
“Hello Harry, Ms. Granger what a wonderful day.”
Harry let go of Hermione one he was sure she was stable and glared at Rita
“Can we help you? Or are you just her to make up some more lies?”
“Harry dear boy, a person must do what she is best at, and I am best at getting the scope.” As she talked her eyes roamed over them, Hermione was pulling her glove on her left hand when Rita’s well manicured one shot out and grabbed it. “What a lovely ring, are you engaged?’
Hermione pulled her hand out of Rita’s “As a matter of fact I am, but not to Har.”
But Rita cut her off and said loudly “Congratulations to the both of you what great news!” then turned and hurried away.
Hermione yelled at her back angrily. “I’m not engaged to Harry.”
“It’s no use Hermione she is going to write what she wants. The most we can do is prepare Ron and Ginny.”
Sure enough the next day the Daily Prophet had a front page article ‘Potter engaged to Muggle born Hermione Granger’
George found it very amusing “You could have at least ditched my little sister before you went after my brother’s girl Harry.”
“You’re a git George. I wish that women would leave me alone.”
“Anyone who counts knows not to believe what she says.” Ginny interjected
“Ron knows better and he is still bent about it. It says I’m engaged to Hermione on the front page then has their engagement announcement on page eight.”
“Ron’s just blowing off steam, He’ll calm down.”

Bill, Fleur, George, Percy and Charlie had all arrived by that night for Christmas so the Burrow was loud and crowded as usual. They were all in the living room listening to the radio as Mrs. Weasley prepared dinner. Hermione was looking at one of her magazines which seemed to have replaced her perpetual book, occasionally showing something to Ginny who was leaning against Harry’s leg as he and Ron were playing Wizards chess. George sat beside Harry coaching him on what moves to make, but even with his help Harry was losing. Bill and Fleur sat off to the side by themselves talking quietly to each other.
Mrs. Weasley announced that it was time for dinner and they all squeezed into the kitchen to sit at the table. They ate chatting to one another. Percy was telling his father about some new regulations at the ministry. When Bill stood and cleared his throat a hush fell over the table.
“Fleur and I have a very special announcement to make; we’re going to have a baby.”
Mrs. Weasley ran and hugged him then Fleur, everyone congratulated them. As they were all settling back down into their George said,
“Things sure are looking up around her another Weasley on the way and Hermione set to become one to. When are you and Ginny going to get hitched Harry?”
Harry looked up shocked and fell sideways out of his chair. Everyone laughed as he pulled himself back into his seat, Ginny winked at him. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to marry Ginny someday, but he wasn’t ready yet.
Harry woke the next morning to Ron tearing into the presents at the end of his bed and eating chocolate frogs. He sat up and started to open his small pile of presents.
“ ‘Hanks for the keeper gloves Harry” Ron said through his mouthful of chocolate.
“Welcome” Harry answered distractedly. He was staring at the plain white envelope that had been on top of his other presents He knew who the small cramped handwriting belonged to, but was surprised that he would end him anything. He opened the envelope to see a very nice Christmas card signed Happy Christmas Harry Your cousin Dudley.
Ron finally noticing Harry’s silence said “What’s wrong Harry?”
“Dudley sent me a Christmas card”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing it’s actually really nice.”