Falling Twice [Harmione]

Acceptance

Past

June 2005

Seven-year-old Teddy ran ahead of both Harry and Hermione as they approached the Burrow. Teddy had been staying with them at Grimmauld for the past month because of Andromeda's poor health. Both Hermione and Harry were dragging just a bit behind Teddy. Neither of them had gotten enough sleep in the past month, juggling all their responsibilities. Adding in child care on top of handling a major investigation into a magical weapons dealer was a bit too much. Especially when the child in question was a hyperactive metamorphmagus who still tried to transform into whatever shape caught his attention.

Luckily, obliviation didn't have any long-term effects, or they'd have to move into a more secluded area like the Burrow. Harry and Hermione had obliviated their neighbors after Teddy encounters too many times to count in the past few months. The most recent occurrence had just been a day ago when a miniature, extremely realistic Godzilla had run around trying to bounce a ball with tiny arms. Teddy was going through a phase where he intensely admired pretty much anything that roared and had the power to destroy cities.

Right now, for their Burrow visit, Teddy looked like an amalgam of Hermione and Harry. He had curly brown hair like Hermione and Harry's bright green eyes. Teddy had thankfully become more secure in her and Harry's love, so he didn't act as territory as he had as a toddler when other children were present.

The door was opened by a smiling George Weasley, his closely cropped hair showing his missing ear.

"Who is it?" Called his wife, Angelina from the kitchen with Molly Weasley.

"I can't hear you," George yelled back without a pause.

He gave them a big wink motioning them to come in and Teddy rushed past him giggling already knowing George liked to tease Angelina whenever the opportunity arose. "So what's the most famous couple —" George began before a very pregnant Angelina cut him off.

"George Weasley I will turn you into a pillow for my bum and sit on you if you — Oh Harry! Hermione! I'm so glad you could come!" Angelina came forward to give them an awkward hug with her belly in between them.

"Darling, you shouldn't talk dirty to me in front of the guests." George chided Angelina.

Hermione laughed at the face Angelina made at George before responding, "I know! I'm sorry we've missed the last few Sundays. Things have been so hectic at work for me and Harry."

They stepped into the house greeting everyone who was already there. Ron sat on the far side next to his fiancee Padma talking to his brother Charlie who was visiting from Romania. Hermione didn't spot Arthur but she saw Molly pass by still in the kitchen. Bill and Fleur were close to Percy and Penelope who had their own red-haired toddler.

Hermione tried to ignore the twinge of relief she felt when she didn't spot Ginny. Like Charlie, Ginny was still single and for reasons Hermione couldn't quite explain because she was quite secure in Harry's love, it still bothered Hermione to have Ginny next to him. Even though Hermione told herself it was petty of her to feel that way.

"Where's Arthur?" Harry asked George, not at all perturbed that Teddy had somehow already disappeared from his sight. Teddy had likely already found Arthur Weasley, who was a favorite of his or was with Molly getting a treat.

Angelina sighed and rubbed her big belly. "Setting up for a family quidditch game. I wish I could play." She said grumpily. "But this little one gets so excited when I fly they kick me sidewise and make me lose my balance."

George gave his wife a peck on the cheek. "I'm sorry, luv. I won't play either."

"You're definitely playing! Or we won't have enough people." Ron called out overhearing George. "Sorry, Angie."