Hermione’s Challenge





Chapter One



Hermione sat down on her couch and looked around the house she had been raised in. It didn’t seem the same now. Just a short 24-hours ago, she had returned to collect herself after the Wizard War, as they now called it, had finally ended.

She had been highly decorated by the Minister of Magic for her service in helping Harry defeat the Dark Lord, but it had come at a high cost! Her parents were dead now, murdered by Death Eaters about six-months ago. Voldemort had ordered their deaths as payment for her helping Harry. But, she had gotten her revenge! She had discovered and destroyed the last remaining Horcrux that kept the evil wizard alive, freeing Harry to deal the final blow! And she had done it right in front of Voldemort’s stunned face! It consoled her to know her parents would have been very proud of her, but she knew that the effort she, Ron and Harry had given had almost killed them, and more than once. She carried the scars to prove it! So did Harry and Ron.

She laid back on the couch and put her feet up and stared at the ceiling. “Life will return to normal now,” she thought, but then another thought hit her with stunning effect. “What IS normal?” She sat back up again. Had she ever had a normal life? Always there was the looming shadow of Voldemort dogging her steps, haunting her dreams and the knowledge that he would stop at nothing to kill her closest friend, Harry Potter. Yes, simply being a witch had its constant surprises, but even that was normal, at least for her and her friends.

Now, there was no more Voldemort…all that was gone now, leaving her unsure as to just what “normal” would be for her. Normal would probably include marriage to her long-time love, Ron Weasley. And, of course, she wanted to have children! But she knew that she needed more – much more than just these things.

“I need to pick a career,” she thought. “And soon!”

I red it!!!!! I love it! But I hate that Hermione's parent are dead !
It is awesome! PAMS!!!!

Chapter 2
Hermione drifted off to an exhausted sleep. Mercily, it was deep and dreamless and she awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. She had a hard job ahead of her, however, and she knew she had to get to it.
Ron had wanted to be there with her, but she knew that this was something she had to do alone, and that he needed to spend some time with his family. Harry and Ginny were both at the Burrow and she would join them tomorrow. Today would be tough, but she would get through it.
She sighed and looked around at the empty boxes waiting to be filled with her parents' belongings. Everything had to be sorted and packed according to their destination. What she didn't keep she would give away to those who might need it through the Ministry. Other things would stay for her own future, for she had decided to keep the house.
She and Ron would make it their home and bring love and laughter back into what was now empty silence. Her loss threatened to overwhelm her, but she sniffed back the tears that threatened to fall, and stealed herself for the job at hand as she walked toward her parents' bedroom.
Once inside, she opened the closet and looked at her parents clothes hanging inside. Her resolve melted and she collapsed onto their empty bed and sobbed.
"Ron," she thought. "I was wrong! I need you!" as she let the sorrow envelop her. She gave into it completely, all defences gone.
How long she had laid there, she had no idea. But she sat up and blinked through her wet eyes and whiped them with her fists. She felt drained, but better somehow. She thought she felt a soft hand on her shoulder and looked in that direction, but no one was there.
"Thanks, Mum," she said. "I miss you and Dad so much!"
The invisible hand seemed to give a soft sqeeze then it was gone.
Hermione smiled.
She sat still for a few more minutes, picturing her parents faces in her mind. They were also smiling. Then, she got up and did what she had to do, but this time, she found it easier. As she finished packing each box, she sent it off with a flick of her wand, knowing that the items inside would benefit someone in need somehow. Someone at the Ministry would get them to Muggles that needed them most.
She finished around noon and made her way into the kitchen for a bite to eat. Just as she was about to open the refridgerator, there was a knock at the door.
"Who could that be?" Hermione asked herself. She didn't really want to answer it, but then the knock came again and she found herself heading for the door.
"Ron!" she said excitedly as she wrapped her arms around the tall redheaded man smiling at her. "I thought you were spending the day with your family!"
"I know," Ron said, looking deeply into her eyes. "I just felt that you needed me, so I came. Even though you said you wanted to do this alone. My heart said to come, and I couldn't ignore that."
He smiled at her.
Hermione smiled back, thinking about what she had felt earlier.
"I really wanted you to come!" she said. "Somehow, you always know! That's why I love you so much!"
"It's because of love that I know!" Ron said, hugging her close.

u write very well PAMS!

that was really great

Thank you Nitro and Oja! I know this is starting out rather dark, but things will get much sunnier from here....had to get this out of the way first though so everyone would know what had happened and where they all were coming from! Naturally, I can't give away the story, but I can say that in this story, Hermione will not only see her dreams come true, but the dreams of one special "other" as well. Clue: The other is not one of the trio!

Chapter 3
Ron helped Hermione finish up at the house then the couple disapperrated to Diagon Alley.
Hermione looked around the bright sunny street and saw that the bleakness that had settled over the shops since Voldemort's return had lifted. Colorful displays replaced Death Eater wanted posters, and people had regained their joyfulness. Groups of shoppers again stopped to chat and took their time to browse amongst the many shops.
Ron suddenly pointed at one shop, which had previously been boarded up and abandonded.
"He's back!" Ron said happily. "The Death Eater's didn't get him! Ollivander must have been in hiding."
Hermione looked and saw the shop was now back open for business. She felt her heart swell with gladness! Everyone knew Ollivander's wands were the best!
"Ron, would you like an ice-cream?" She said with a wide grin and pointing off to the other side of the alley.
"Whaa?" Ron uttered as he spun around to look.
"Florean's back too!" Hermione said. "Let's go say hello!"
The two eagerly moved through the crowd, never noticing the many admiring looks they were getting from those they passed.
"Welcome back! We are SO happy to see you!" Hermione told the ice cream maker, who smiled back happily.
"And it's thanks to wizards and witches like you two that I am here," the man, who was absolutely beeming, replied.
Ron and Hermione both blushed.
"We didn't do that much," Ron mumbled modestly.
Florean heard him and looked into the young couple's eyes.
"Ya don't think so, do ya?" He said, his smile widening even more. "Well, turn around and take a look at what other's think!"
Ron and Hermione then turned to look behind them where they discovered a whole crowd of people had followed them over to the Parlor. They stood looking at them and smiling, then they all began clapping and cheering!
Ron and Hermione were stunned. Ron found himself standing a little straighter despite his embarrassment. Hermione, still blushing, raised her hand and gave a small wave at the crowd, which then respectfully broke apart and went their own way.
"That was there way of thanking you for all you did," Florean said as he handed them both a huge bowl of his most popular frozen confection. "Any witch or wizard they know were involved in the Wizard Battle gets the same reception. And, this is on the house!"
"Thank you!" Hermione said before turning to look at Ron's face, which still bore a stunned look. She looked back again to Florean, who smiled. "He's not used to being famous, is he?"
"But we're not!" Hermione said.
"Oh, yes you are, young lady," Florean said, still smiling, but this time it was twinged with a bit of sympathy. "Everyone knows that it was Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley and their Dumbledore's Army that finally defeated Voldemort! You better get used to it!"
"Merlin's Beard!" Ron said, which caused Florean and Hermione to laugh.
After they finished their ice creams, the couple made their way to Gringotts Bank, where Hermione had her final piece of business to take care of. She was glad Ron was with her as she closed her parent's account, exchanged their Muggle currency from the Muggle bank, and deposited it all into her own account.
Hermione sighed deeply as she looked at the small fortune now sitting in side her vault. Her parent's had made a good living as dentists. She had already contacted the Realtor to put their office up for sale to another dentist who would also purchase all the supplies and machinery inside. It was closing a door that opened an empty hole inside her very soul. She leaned against Ron who put his arms around her as they left the bank and walked towards the Leaky Cauldron. This time, they both noticed the quick glances they were given as everyone seemed to know who they were. They did not intrude, but they knew that was out of respect for them and Hermione found it oddly comforting, as if all those eyes were sharing in her sorrow. But then, they had all suffered their own losses as well, she knew.
They found a booth in a secluded area of the old pub and had dinner before they apperated to the Burrow, which would bring its own adjustments to bear, but would also be comforting as well.
Hermione put her head on Ron's shoulder and sighed...
"I don't think there is anyone who hasn't lost something or someone during Voldemort's reign," she said.
"I know," Ron said. "I know."

hey this is a great start!!!!!
poor mione!!
bad voldemort!!!
great post!
PAMS!

excellent start keep up the good work PAMS please

It was dusk before Ron and Hermione apperrated back to the Burrow. Molly saw them appear from the kitchen window and ran to greet Hermione and her son.
I am SO glad to see you, Hermione!" she sqealed, excitedly. "Arthur's in the sitting room, and he is healing rapidly now."
"How are you holding up, Molly?" Hermione asked, looking deeply into her eyes, which still bore the pain of her loss. Molly, knowing what Hermione was talking about, said quietly. "It's still hard to believe he is gone! He was the only one I didn't worry much about, since he never was a fighter. Who would have thought he would be the one to die at the hands of a Death Eater."
"I know," Hermione said softly. "I'm just glad he came and apologised to you all before it happened, you were a complete family again."
"Let's go on inside," Ron said, trying to break the sadness of the moment.
But as they walked toward the door, he thought: "Mum's right! Who would have thought that it would be Percy that would die in this war." Although he still bore some resentment towards his brother's earlier actions toward Harry and his family, Ron still loved and missed his brother.
Once inside, the three were surrounded by Fred, George, Bill and Charlie, who called out "Dad, Ginny, Harry! They're here!"
The sound of running footsteps could be heard running down the stairs as they all headed into the sitting room.
After greeting eveyone and giving and getting hugs until her ribs were sore, Hermione followed Molly and Ginny into the kitchen while the men swapped war stories.
"How are you, Hermione?" Molly asked. "I didn't get much of a chance to ask earlier with all the excitement."
"Well, I have been doing a lot of thinking about what I should do next," Hermione said.
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked, looking at her friend with a worried look on her face. "You and my brother are still going to get married, aren't you?"
Molly looked at her intently as well.
"Certainly we are!" Hermione said. "Reassuring them both. "We haven't had time to set a date yet. What I was talking about was a career! I'll never be satisfied just being a housewife, Ron knows that and agrees that I need to find something...."
"What about a Healer," Molly said. "You'd make a good one, you know."
"Thank you," Hermione answered. "I thought hard about it, but, it just doesn't seem to fit for me."
"You'd make a fantastic Auror, Hermione," Ginny said enthusiastically. "And then you could work with Ron and Harry!"
"That's what I think I want," Hermione grinned. "At least it would make a good place to start until I am sure of what I want."
"That is a great idea," Molly said. "Even if you want to change your path eventually, it would open new ideas and doors for you. You are certainly young enough to take your time in deciding exactly what path you want to take."
"I think I'll go down to the Ministry in a few days and check into it," Hermione said smiling. "Right now, what I need most is a shower and a nice warm bed!"
"That we have!" Molly said. "Ginny, why don't you go up with her and help her get her things put away!"
The two said goodnight to everyone and went upstairs.

This is awesome, I love it, you are such a good writer.
add more soon!!
<3Jenn

the trio are gonna be aurors!!!! yay!!
mione and ron are getting married!!!!!!!! tis an amazing couple!
great post!
PAMS!

Hermione slept well that night. She dreamed that she was an Auror, which was a little easier now that Voldemort and his Death Eaters had been destroyed....but other potential power seekers were still out there, and it was her job to make sure they didn't break any laws! She awoke feeling happy and satisfied, at least for now.
"Good morning!" she said to Molly as she practically bounced into the kitchen.
Ginny looked up from her cerial at the same time Molly looked up from her cooking. Both smiled back.
"Someone is in a good mood this morning!" Molly said. "Come get some eggs and bacon before the boys wake up and eat it all!"
Hermione joined Ginny at the table.
A short time later Ron joined them, hair tousseled from his sleep and a crooked grin on his face.
"mornin," he yawned as he leaned over to kiss Hermione on the cheek as he sat down next to her.
Hermione was tempted to tell him to go comb his hair and wash his face, but that temptation was washed way by his mother.
"Merlin's Beard, Ronald!" Molly barked. "Go clean yourself up before you present yourself!"
Ron reluctantly lumbered to his feet, and, shooting a guilty grin at Hermione, walked back up the stairs.
The girls laughed silently.
"Honestly!" Molly said, exasperated. "He's as bad as his father!"
Just as she finished speaking these words, as if on cue, Arthur walked in looking just like Ron had.
Hermione and Ginny broke up into laughter, causing Arthur to give them a puzzled look.
"Arthur!" Molly growled. "Some example you set! Get back upstairs until you get yourself fixed up!
"Whaa?" Arthur began.
"Go comb that hair!" Molly barked, cutting him short and pointing a finger toward the stairs.
Arthur also lumbered off, shaking his head.
"You'd think after all these years he'd have learned that even on Sundays you fix yourself up before coming to the table!" Molly said looking at Hermione and Ginny, face cracking into a smile.
The three laughed even harder.
About 10 minutes later, Ron, Arthur, now joined by Harry who had been warned by the two men to clean himself up, came back down the stairs and joined the girls at the table.
After breakfast, Ron turned to Hermione and smiled.
"Would you please join me for a walk?" He asked.
Hermione glanced at Ginny, who gave her a funny look, but rose to her feet and followed Ron out of the house.
Once outside, Ron held out his hand and Hermione grabbed it with her own. The two headed off down the path towards the lake. The morning was pleasently cool, with clear blue skies promising a warm day to come. They walked silently, both enjoying the peacefulness and calm. When they reached the lake, Ron looked around and, spotting what he was looking for, said. "Accio boat!"
Hermione watched as a small rowboat made its way toward them from across the lake. Ron smiled at her as he helped her in then took his place at the oars. "Let's go for a ride," he said. eyes sparkling with the hint of hidden mischief.
Wondering what he was planning, Hermione looked back at him and smiled, but said nothing. She knew that, no matter what Ron was scheming, he would never hurt her.
Ron rowed the boat to a small island near the center of the lake and docked it. Then he helped Harmione out of the boat and onto a little peice of paradise. The island was lush with greenery. Flowers bloomed everywhere, tickling the senses with their colors and smells. Ron, still holding on to her hand, led Hermione through the clouds of butterflies to a secluded spot in the center. There, he conjured a blanket, which he lay on the ground, and helped Hermione down onto it. He then handed her a cup of tea. Hermione looked up at him and smiled at him.
"This is beautiful!" Hermione said. "I never knew this was here!"
"I wanted to bring you some place special today," Ron said, smiling, yet serious. "Because I have a special question to ask you."
He lowered himself next to Hermione and sat looking at her for several minutes.
Hermione looked back at him questioningly. "You know you can ask me anything," she said.
"Well, I already got the tough part out of the way by asking you to marry me," Ron said, taking her hand. "But I think it is time that you and I set a date for the wedding."
Hermione looked at him with joy in her eyes.
"I was thinking that, as we are all going to try to get jobs here soon, that we should do it sooner rather than later," Ron said. "Once we start working, our time will be more compromised and we may find it more difficult to schedule a time," Ron explained.
"What are you suggesting?" Hermione said encouragingly.
"Well," Ron answered. "What would you think about this Wednesday?"
"Three days to get ready?" Hermione said, eyes wide but intent.
"Can we do it?" Ron asked. "We could have it right here! The island is big enough to hold at least 20 people. We could send owls today to those we want to invite. My mum could be your Maid of Honor and Ginny your bridesmaid. Harry would be my best man."
He paused and said gently, knowing he would be opening up a wound but unable to avoid it.
"My Dad would be honored to give you away,"
Hermione closed her eyes for a moment, the loss of her parents washing over her. But, she pulled herself together and looked into Ron's eyes. "That would be wonderful," she said, sincerely. Molly and Arthur Weasley had long been like a second pair of parents to Hermione.
"Then it's okay?" Ron asked. "We'll do it?"
"Yes!" Hermione said. "Besides, who said it needed to be a big fancy event anyway? You know I never wanted that. This will be perfect!"
"I love you, Hermione," Ron said, smiling as he gently pushed Hermione back onto the blanket.
"I love you too!" Hermione said before he bent over and stopped her words with a kiss.
The butterfies danced above them.

That was great. I loved how you put words together, like anyone can put words together, but I just love the way you write with them. Post more soon!
<3Jenn

So cute together. I like this FF. You sure know how to write. PAMS!

NicoleXXXOOO

Thank you very much for your comments! (Blushing!!!!) I love to write! This is my second FF. My first can be found in the Finished Section if you haven't yet read it....it is called Surprise Letter to Harry. You can't comment on it there, unfortunately, but many thought it was a good story! I will try to post more tomorrow or this weekend!

Aw a simple island wedding how quaint that is just perfect. PAMS

Later, as Hermione and Ron lay back on the blanket and looking at the clear blue sky, their peace was suddenly shattered when four black dots came out of the sky.
Ron watched them grow larger and groaned. Hermione, however, just started laughing as the "dots" became the recognizable forms of Fred, George, Harry and Ginny.
The four came in for a landing and stood smiling at Ron and Hermione.
"Can't leave us alone, can ya?" Ron growled irritably.
Ginny's face reddened, but Fred just grinned at his younger brother.
"Don't blame us, Mate," Fred said. "It's Mum that sent us. It's dinnertime!"
"Wow!" Ron stammered. "I guess we must have lost all track of time! I thought we'd only been out here a few hours!"
"It's been a wee more than that!" Ginny said. "Looks like you both have had an enjoyable day, though!"
Ron and Hermione looked at each other, nodded at each other, and turned back to the group smiling.
"We have an announcement to make," Hermione said.
The four stood rooted to the ground, waiting excitedly to hear what Ron and hermione were going to tell them.
"We've set a date to get married," Ron said.
"It's about time!" Fred laughed. "We wondered when you where going to get to it!"
"Stuff it, you git!" Ron growled, but the grin remained on his face. "We are getting married right here on Wednesday!"
Four mouths dropped open in surprise. It was Hermione that first broke through their shock, then Ron.
"Ginny?" She asked. "Would you be my bridesmaid?
"Harry?" He said. "Would you be my best man?"
The two began laughing.
"Of course we will!" They said together.
"Well," George said. "We'd better get going. Are you going to tell Mum and Dad at dinner?"
"Oh, yes!" Hermione said, beaming. "We're going to ask your father to give me away!"
"Here ya go," Fred said, extending his arm. "We were nice enough to grab your brooms so we could all go together."
He handed Ron his broom while Harry handed Hermione hers.
Reluctantly, Hermione and Ron arose from the blanket, and with a swish of his wand, it disappeared. Soon, there were six black dots in the sky flying towards the Burrow.
"Where have you two been!" Molly Weasley demanded as the group landed in the yard outside the kitchen.
"We've been making plans," Ron said, knowing that what he said would stop his mother's tirade dead in its track. "We're going to need your help because we are getting married Wednesday!"
"What have you two been thinking being gone all day, no word....WHAT!" Molly stammered.
Hermione, trying hard not to laugh, reached out and took hold of Molly's arm.
"Ron and I decided to get married this Wednesday," She repeated to the stunned woman. "We have spent the day planning. We have much to talk about, so, why don't we all go sit down for dinner and we'll tell you everything."
Hermione, still holding Molly's arm, lead her into the house where Arthur, Charlie, Bill and his wife Fleur were waiting at the table. She helped Molly to her seat, noticing the curious glances from around the table. Hermione took a seat neaxt to Molly as Fred, George, Harry and Ginny all took a seat. Ron remained standing.
"Dad, Mum, everyone," He began. "Hermione and I have finally set a date for our wedding. Due to the fact that, when we all begin work, our time will become much more restricted, she and I decided to do it sooner rather than later. We have chosen the Island for the ceremony, and Ginny will be Hermione's bridesmaid, and Harry my best man. We both want a small, simple ceremony and the island is the perfect spot. Dad, it is Hermione's wish that you, if you are willing, would be the one to give her away."
Arthur, who was intently looking at his son as he spoke, now turned to Hermione.
"Really!" He stammered.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said smiling. "It would be an honor to have you walk me down the aisle!"
"No, Hermione, the honor would be mine!" Arthur said. "I would be most pleased to do so!"
Hermione blushed and stammed "Thank You!"
"Mum," Ron said. "Hermione is really going to need your help over the next few days. We need to get a minister, and we both have shopping that needs to be done. Are you alright?"
Molly, who had been silent since Ron broke the news outside, looked up at her son, eyes brimming with tears. But a large smile also seemed to split her face almost in half as her pride in her son and Hermione spilled over for all to see. She placed her arm around Hermione, kissed her on the cheek and said. "We're going to have a busy day tomorrow and some planning to do after we eat!"
The two women hugged then the entire table broke into enthusiastic applause, wolf whistles and cheers!
Both Ron and Hermione blushed deeply, but happily as they looked at each other in triumph.

Awesome post. I loved that.
post more soon.
<3Jenn

Too COOL!!! PAMS

Wicked! PAMS!

NicoleXXXOOO

The next few days became a blur for Hermione. The excitement of the upcoming wedding had infected them all. The only thorn in the bunch tended to be Fleur, whose overzealousness occasionally got on Hermione, Ginny and Molly's nerves.
"For Merlin's sake," Molly said to Fleur one day as they were fitting Hermione's wedding gown. "Fleur, you have some really good ideas, sweetie, but you have to remember that Hermione and Ron want to keep things simple! Have you ever thought of a career in extravagant party planning? You would be excellent there, but here, it is simply too much!
Fleur looked at Molly with just a tinge of disappointment.
"I em soory," she said. "I sometimes get so....what's de word, excited! Eet is going to be such a beautiful wedding -even without my elp!
Fleur and Molly grinned at each other. They had become close since Fleur's husband Bill had been attacked and disfigured by the Death Eater werewolf.
"I ees soory, Hermione, eef I go a leetle bit overboard sometimes!" she said.
Hermione smiled. "It's okay, Fleur, I understand!"
Hermione and Ron were hard pressed to find time alone, but every now and then, they found a way to sneak off together. They found a perfect excuse in stating that they alone wanted to get the island spot where the ceremony would occur prepared by themselves. Reluctantly, Molly and the others let them go, each finding it hard to keep their own ideas for the decoration of the island to themselves.
"Alone! Finally!" Ron smiled as they landed their brooms at the spot they had spent all those hours together just a few days ago. At this point, it almost seemed like years since they had been there. Ron again flicked his wand so that the blanket appeared. The two then sat and began to discuss what they wanted to do for the wedding tomorrow.
Suddenly, Hermione stood and pointed her wand and conjured up a beautiful, but natural looking archway that the party would enter through. She flicked her wand again and a natural stone alter appeared that had a small waterfall on each side that came down off the hillside above then split as it hit the top of the alter. Pink and periwinkle blue flowers draped the alter and sides of the waterfall and grew scattered around the ground.
"That's beautiful!" Ron said proudly, as he stood and conjured a perfect carpet of green lined with pink and periwinkle blue carnations that led from the archway to the alter. With another flick of his wand, chairs appeared on both sides of the pathway, but rather than those cahirs standing out in stark contrast to their natural surroundings, the chairs were caned or wicker, in natural browns and golds with vines growing out of their backs and legs. So natural did they looked, that, to the unsuspecting eye, they looked as if the were natural features of the meadow. Butterflies flew everywhere and birds sang softly. Occasionally a rabbit or a squirrel would bound through.
The two sat back on the blanket and surveyed their achievement.
"It's absolutely wonderful," Hermione whispered as she leaned on to Ron, laying her head on his shoulder."
"I agree," Ron said softly, holding is love in his arms.
Both had tears in their eyes, but they were tears of joy!

Okay, readers! Here's where you come into the story! I need you to help me design Hermione's wedding dress! What color should it be? How should it be decorated? What style? etc! I am leaving it up to you! I won't post the wedding chapter until next Sunday, Oct 1, to give you all time! Remember to keep it simple, however...don't pull a Fleur! Have fun designing, you all! I'll pick the best...whether it is from one, or a combination of several!

OMG! You are asking me for help? I say the wedding dress should be pink with green leaves and red roses on the chest and at the bottom of the skirt. Is that simple enough?
PAMS!

NicoleXXXOOO

Well for sure it has to be her mothers dress with a few of her own magical touches. I think it should be strapless, white with off white lace butterflies, no train but flowing to the floor, with fairy dust sparkles on a simple lace veil.

Hey tatewin! I just finished your other fic, it was amazing; the ending was awesome.

Anyway, I love this fic too. It's brilliant. And as for Hermione's dress what do you think about this one:



it's simple, yet sophisticated; and I think it would look amazing on Hermione. What do ya'll think?