Legitimement Maries

Une Vraie Victoire

Chapter 17: Une Vraie Victoire

A True Victory

The wooden door opened and the careworn look of Mrs Weasley appeared at the other side.

"Hello, dears," she said as she bestowed a hug to each of them, "We've almost got everyone, just Bill and Fleur to still arrive. Lunch will be ready in two shakes of a lamb's tail."

Mrs Weasley looked behind Fred and Hermione to Hermione's parents who were looking a bit green in the face from the slightly erratic driving of Fred. Henry Granger offered to drive, but Fred had turned down his numerous offers saying that he had 'done it all before'.

Hermione, on the other hand, had only ever heard the story of Harry's escape from the Dursley's in second year. She thought that if this ride had beared any resemblance to today's, she was in slight surprise that they had made it back in one piece. Then again, it may have been George that was driving that time. Hermione decided that she would check later, and then suggest that her father drive back home.

When everyone's coats had been put away, the group began to mingle with the rest of the family: Marian joining Molly in the kitchen to share housekeeping tips; Henry joining Arthur in the domain of the shed, Mr Weasley claiming that he needed help with the safe disposal of batteries (Mrs Weasley was not fooled for a second).

Hermione and Fred were left to their own devices, and their eyes flitted about the immensely crowded sitting room as they looked for a conversation to join, making sure to stay well away from where Xenophilius Lovegood had engaged Ron in a conversation about the sensitivity of Erumpent Horns.

Unfortunately for Hermione, Percy had managed to snag her away and bombard her with the results of his latest research on whether now was the appropriate time to introduce a family-sized transport vehicle into the market. However, she did not have to endure this for very long because Fleur's baby bump was being pushed through the door, followed by its owner. Bill was left trailing slightly behind, holding the bags.

Hermione immediately rushed forward to help the expectant mother.

"Fleur! Why don't you come over here and put your feet up?"

"Sorry we are late," grumbled Fleur as she carefully lowered herself into the armchair, "Ze baby, she is moving around a leetle too much today. I cannot wait until she is born..."

"So, you know it is going to be a girl?" asked Hermione with obvious excitement.

"Non, but Bill thinks it will be. I am only humouring him," replied Fleur rubbing concentric circles on her side, "but we will be finding out any day now!"

Hermione smiled, but could not help admonishing the young woman.

"You should have stayed home to rest!"

"Non, 'ermione, I would not want to miss today. Not for all the galleons in Gringotts. I did not fight in ze war so that I could stay at home. Today is a day for celebration, so that our children, zey would be safe."

Hermione nodded at her, completely understanding what Fleur was trying to say. They were not celebrating their victory on that fateful May day. They were rejoicing in the fact that they were alive, something that had not been so secure on that fateful May day. No matter how hard they tried, they could never forget what a privilege it was to be able to wake up in the morning and see those whom you loved. They would never be able to miss the opportunity to see their dream realised.

"Lunch is ready!" Mrs Weasley's cry was punctuated with a little giggle on the end as Mr Weasley had kissed her cheek.

Everyone laughed as they set themselves down in front of what was a feast to rival the ones of Hogwarts. As everyone emptied their plates, Mrs Weasley was bustling around filling them up once more. It seemed like each of the bowls, and pots, and trays on the table were refilling themselves magically.