roborovski/hp_fanfiction_dataset · Datasets at Hugging Face

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'What? Hermione, whose uncle?'
Hermione finally got her laughing under control and grinned at her friend.
'It's a muggle expression. I don't know whose uncle but that's what you say when you give up or you've had enough.'
Ginny only contorted her face into a more confused expression. She'd never understand where muggles came up with stuff. Hermione doubled over again in laughter.
'Your face! It's priceless!'
Ginny now smirked at her friend before jumping on her and tickling her sides.
'NO!'
'You think it's funny, do you? I'll show you funny!'
Hermione tried to get away but Ginny was able to grab a hold of her waist and then straddle her legs as Hermione tried to push her arms away.
'Say uncle!'
'UNCLE! UNCLE!'
Ginny stopped and sat back on her knees, still straddling Hermione's legs as her friend caught her breath. She had really missed her last year and it was nice having her there and laughing again. Hermione didn't laugh enough. Hermione was able to breathe normally again and looked at her friend to see a frown on her face. Concerned she sat up as much as she could with her still on her lap.
'What's up Gin?'
Ginny seemed to snap out of her thoughts and smiled as she moved off of Hermione's lap to sit cross-legged beside her.
'Oh it's nothing. I was just thinking that you don't laugh enough. You have a great laugh but with everything that's happened, I don't hear it much. That's all; you should laugh more.'
Hermione considered what Ginny said and realized she was probably right. She hadn't had much to laugh about with everything, but she hoped that would change. She blushed slightly at Ginny's comment.
'You think I have a great laugh?'
'Of course! And your eyes always sparkle when you laugh, it's actually quite pretty.'
'Ha! Now that'll make me laugh! No one thinks I'm pretty, Ginny.'
Hermione laughed again but quickly stopped when she saw the glare on Ginny's face.
'Hermione Granger, you are beautiful! That is nothing to laugh about! And I don't want to hear anything on the contrary, do you hear me?'
Hermione gulped and cowered under the Weasley glare bestowed on her by Ginny. She slowly nodded.
'Good.'
Ginny smiled warmly at her now.
'I'm sorry Hermione, but I think you've spent too many years thinking you're not pretty when the truth is the opposite.'
Hermione still didn't really believe her. She frowned and stared down at Ginny's blankets while she traced the flower pattern.
'But-but if I was…if I am pretty, why-why did he leave?'
She whispered the last part, speaking more to herself than to Ginny. But Ginny heard and reached for Hermione's hand, forcing her to look at her.
'Hermione Jean Granger, is that what you think? He left because you weren't pretty enough? That's bollocks!'
Hermione looked into Ginny's face, surprised at Ginny's incredulous yet serious tone.
'Hermione, I've told you before, Ron left because he needed to for himself. It had nothing to do with you! He had to figure things out. He loved you, Hermione, I know he did.'
Hermione's eyes were filling with tears for the second time that morning. She had thought she was beyond crying over Ron but obviously she wasn't.
'I just….I just miss him Gin. I keep thinking I could have done something to keep him here; I could have…should have been better and he would have stayed…'
Ginny hugged Hermione as she let out a small sob. She had thought her friend was healing, but she still was obviously hurt by her brother's absence.
'Oh Hermione…You know you couldn't have made him stay. He's a Weasley, he's more stubborn than an ass!'
Hermione let out a wet laugh. Ginny pushed her back to look at her again.
'I know you miss him and Harry. I miss them both too. But they had to do their own things. They would want us to do our own things too, you know? So, why don't we?'
Hermione nodded, knowing Ginny was right. She had decided last night not to let their absences get in her way to living her own life and here she was letting it happen. She wiped her eyes and took a breath.
'You know what? You're right. I'm going to live my life and hope for the best!'
Ginny smiled.
'Now that's the ticket! We won't let those silly little boys or anyone else get in the way, yeah?'
Hermione nodded. She was so glad to be there with Ginny. She really didn't think she could have survived all the business with Ron, Harry or her parents without her. The two sat in silence for a couple of minutes, each lost in their own thoughts, when Ginny's stomach gave a loud growl. Hermione laughed as Ginny made to cover it up.
'Well, I guess it must be time for breakfast. I wonder if your Mum is even up yet.'
'Ha! Of course she is; she raised six boys, she knows when there's a hungry stomach in the house.'
Ginny got up and started toward the door but before she could open it, Hermione caught her arm and swung her around, engulfing her in a huge hug.
'Thanks for being there for me, Ginny. I really appreciate it. I don't know what I would do without you.'
Ginny hugged Hermione before pulling away.
'Anytime. I'll always be here for you, Hermione, you're my best friend. What are friends for?'
Hermione smiled and followed Ginny out the door.
'Oh, and by the way, I think you're pretty too, Ginny, I always have.'
Ginny smiled back at her over her shoulder and winked as they made their way down the stairs.
'Thanks Hermione but I know I'm pretty, I always have.'
Hermione laughed and Ginny joined in as they entered the kitchen to the smell of frying potatoes and eggs. Mrs. Weasley turned and smiled at them, enjoying the sound of laughter once more.
'Good Morning, dears.'
'Good Morning, Mum.'
'Good Morning, Mrs. Weasley.'
Molly brought some tea to the table and raised an eyebrow at Hermione.
'You know, Hermione, you can call me Molly. You've known me for years and you're nearly one of my children anyway.'
Hermione looked at the older woman's smiling face. It always touched her to know that she thought of her as one of her own children.
'Okay Molly, I'll do that.'
Molly beamed and Ginny looked between the two with a smile of her own. She'd always thought it was kind of funny both Hermione and Harry had called her mum 'Mrs. Weasley' for so long.
'About time! I was beginning to think 'Mrs. Weasley' was her actual name.'
Hermione snorted into her pumpkin juice while Mrs. Weasley gave Ginny a warning look. Ginny just laughed and gave Hermione a napkin.
'Well it's true.'
Mr. Weasley came in at that point looking tired, but he smiled at the two girls as he took a seat at the table. Mrs. Weasley set a cup of tea on the table and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
'Good morning, dear.'
'Good morning Molly. Good morning girls.'
'Good morning Dad.'
'Good morning Mr. Weasley.'
Ginny elbowed Hermione in the side then nodded to her father and gave her a pointed look.
'Um...I mean Arthur.'
Mr. Weasley smiled.
'If I'm not mistaken, Molly finally got after you about calling us 'Mr. and Mrs. Weasley', didn't she?
Hermione blushed and nodded shyly. She took a sip of juice, trying to hide behind her glass. Molly turned around from the counter and started to place the food on the table.
'Yes, I thought it was beyond time for her to drop all of the formality; it's not like this is the first time she's stayed her nor will it be the last. Tuck in everyone.'
'Well I'm glad. I get enough of 'Mr. Weasley' at work, I don't need much more of it at home.'
Hermione had noticed he looked tired and worn. She hadn't thought much about what still needed done in the aftermath of Voldemort's fall, but seeing the state of Arthur, she imagined that all Ministry employees must be in some similar state.
'They must be keeping you busy, then?'
Arthur gave a short laugh while Molly frowned.
'Yes, yes they are. There's been so much restructuring since the end of You-Know-Who, but I'm afraid we have merely scratched the surface. Kingsley has been a godsend but he is only one man. I'm expecting him to become the official Minister of Magic any day now, just as soon as enough of the Wizengamot is found or reappointed.'
Hermione's eyebrows raised in surprise.
'Where are they? Are they all still in hiding?'
'Some are. Some are unfortunately dead and others simply resigned. That's what it's been all over the Ministry. Those of us still there are having to pick up more and more slack from not only our own departments but others. I've been working with the Magical Creatures department in addition to my own because there's only Marvin left.'
Hermione found this surprising. She had expected some rebuilding to occur but this was far beyond what she had imagined. The Daily Prophet didn't give much detail to the situation at the Ministry beyond the fact things are slow going. Molly had been watching Arthur as he spoke and the frown on her face had only gotten deeper.
'Can't they find anyone to help you though, there has to be someone! You need to rest, you've done so much already, why can't someone else pick up the slack?!'
Arthur gave her a tired smile and placed his hand over his wife's on the table.
'You know they need me there, Molly. Kingsley needs me there. Hopefully things will begin to go back to normal but until then, I need to do what I can.'
Hermione watched as Molly sighed heavily and seemed to accept her husband's need to help for now. It had always amazed her how Arthur had been able to handle his wife with so much patience and love. Sadly, it made her think about whether she would have had something like that with Ron. Would they have found some kind of balance? Would she have been able to calm him with a simple touch? Would he have known when she needed him? She was pulled from her reverie when Ginny elbowed her again. She looked over at her. Ginny looked at her concerned and nodded back toward her mum; obviously Hermione had missed something that was asked.
'I'm sorry, what?'
Molly gave Hermione a concerned look before repeating herself.
'I was just wondering what you and Ginny were going to do today? Are you alright dear?'
Hermione blushed and nodded.
'Oh…yes…I was just thinking. Um, actually I have an owl I wanted to send to my parents. I didn't think either Errol or Pig could or should make the trip to Australia so I wanted to go to the Owl Post to send it long distance.'
'Oh! Well, if you don't mind waiting until tomorrow, why don't we plan a trip to Diagon Alley and get your school supplies all in one trip. How does that sound?'
Hermione smiled and nodded fervently.
'That would be great! I did want to start working on my studies as soon as I could. I'm sure there's so much I've got to learn before my pre-exam.'
Molly waved Hermione's doubt away.
'Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine.'
Hermione smiled at Molly for the tone of support. The family finished their breakfast in thoughtful silence. Arthur finished his tea and got up to go. He gave Molly another peck on the cheek.
'Well, I'm off. Don't wait up for me Molly, I'm not sure when I'll be home.'

'What? Hermione, whose uncle?'

Hermione finally got her laughing under control and grinned at her friend.

'It's a muggle expression. I don't know whose uncle but that's what you say when you give up or you've had enough.'

Ginny only contorted her face into a more confused expression. She'd never understand where muggles came up with stuff. Hermione doubled over again in laughter.

'Your face! It's priceless!'

Ginny now smirked at her friend before jumping on her and tickling her sides.

'NO!'

'You think it's funny, do you? I'll show you funny!'

Hermione tried to get away but Ginny was able to grab a hold of her waist and then straddle her legs as Hermione tried to push her arms away.

'Say uncle!'

'UNCLE! UNCLE!'

Ginny stopped and sat back on her knees, still straddling Hermione's legs as her friend caught her breath. She had really missed her last year and it was nice having her there and laughing again. Hermione didn't laugh enough. Hermione was able to breathe normally again and looked at her friend to see a frown on her face. Concerned she sat up as much as she could with her still on her lap.

'What's up Gin?'

Ginny seemed to snap out of her thoughts and smiled as she moved off of Hermione's lap to sit cross-legged beside her.

'Oh it's nothing. I was just thinking that you don't laugh enough. You have a great laugh but with everything that's happened, I don't hear it much. That's all; you should laugh more.'

Hermione considered what Ginny said and realized she was probably right. She hadn't had much to laugh about with everything, but she hoped that would change. She blushed slightly at Ginny's comment.

'You think I have a great laugh?'

'Of course! And your eyes always sparkle when you laugh, it's actually quite pretty.'

'Ha! Now that'll make me laugh! No one thinks I'm pretty, Ginny.'

Hermione laughed again but quickly stopped when she saw the glare on Ginny's face.

'Hermione Granger, you are beautiful! That is nothing to laugh about! And I don't want to hear anything on the contrary, do you hear me?'

Hermione gulped and cowered under the Weasley glare bestowed on her by Ginny. She slowly nodded.

'Good.'

Ginny smiled warmly at her now.

'I'm sorry Hermione, but I think you've spent too many years thinking you're not pretty when the truth is the opposite.'

Hermione still didn't really believe her. She frowned and stared down at Ginny's blankets while she traced the flower pattern.

'But-but if I was…if I am pretty, why-why did he leave?'

She whispered the last part, speaking more to herself than to Ginny. But Ginny heard and reached for Hermione's hand, forcing her to look at her.

'Hermione Jean Granger, is that what you think? He left because you weren't pretty enough? That's bollocks!'

Hermione looked into Ginny's face, surprised at Ginny's incredulous yet serious tone.

'Hermione, I've told you before, Ron left because he needed to for himself. It had nothing to do with you! He had to figure things out. He loved you, Hermione, I know he did.'

Hermione's eyes were filling with tears for the second time that morning. She had thought she was beyond crying over Ron but obviously she wasn't.

'I just….I just miss him Gin. I keep thinking I could have done something to keep him here; I could have…should have been better and he would have stayed…'

Ginny hugged Hermione as she let out a small sob. She had thought her friend was healing, but she still was obviously hurt by her brother's absence.

'Oh Hermione…You know you couldn't have made him stay. He's a Weasley, he's more stubborn than an ass!'

Hermione let out a wet laugh. Ginny pushed her back to look at her again.

'I know you miss him and Harry. I miss them both too. But they had to do their own things. They would want us to do our own things too, you know? So, why don't we?'

Hermione nodded, knowing Ginny was right. She had decided last night not to let their absences get in her way to living her own life and here she was letting it happen. She wiped her eyes and took a breath.

'You know what? You're right. I'm going to live my life and hope for the best!'

Ginny smiled.

'Now that's the ticket! We won't let those silly little boys or anyone else get in the way, yeah?'

Hermione nodded. She was so glad to be there with Ginny. She really didn't think she could have survived all the business with Ron, Harry or her parents without her. The two sat in silence for a couple of minutes, each lost in their own thoughts, when Ginny's stomach gave a loud growl. Hermione laughed as Ginny made to cover it up.

'Well, I guess it must be time for breakfast. I wonder if your Mum is even up yet.'

'Ha! Of course she is; she raised six boys, she knows when there's a hungry stomach in the house.'

Ginny got up and started toward the door but before she could open it, Hermione caught her arm and swung her around, engulfing her in a huge hug.

'Thanks for being there for me, Ginny. I really appreciate it. I don't know what I would do without you.'

Ginny hugged Hermione before pulling away.

'Anytime. I'll always be here for you, Hermione, you're my best friend. What are friends for?'

Hermione smiled and followed Ginny out the door.

'Oh, and by the way, I think you're pretty too, Ginny, I always have.'

Ginny smiled back at her over her shoulder and winked as they made their way down the stairs.

'Thanks Hermione but I know I'm pretty, I always have.'

Hermione laughed and Ginny joined in as they entered the kitchen to the smell of frying potatoes and eggs. Mrs. Weasley turned and smiled at them, enjoying the sound of laughter once more.

'Good Morning, dears.'

'Good Morning, Mum.'

'Good Morning, Mrs. Weasley.'

Molly brought some tea to the table and raised an eyebrow at Hermione.

'You know, Hermione, you can call me Molly. You've known me for years and you're nearly one of my children anyway.'

Hermione looked at the older woman's smiling face. It always touched her to know that she thought of her as one of her own children.

'Okay Molly, I'll do that.'

Molly beamed and Ginny looked between the two with a smile of her own. She'd always thought it was kind of funny both Hermione and Harry had called her mum 'Mrs. Weasley' for so long.

'About time! I was beginning to think 'Mrs. Weasley' was her actual name.'

Hermione snorted into her pumpkin juice while Mrs. Weasley gave Ginny a warning look. Ginny just laughed and gave Hermione a napkin.

'Well it's true.'

Mr. Weasley came in at that point looking tired, but he smiled at the two girls as he took a seat at the table. Mrs. Weasley set a cup of tea on the table and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

'Good morning, dear.'

'Good morning Molly. Good morning girls.'

'Good morning Dad.'

'Good morning Mr. Weasley.'

Ginny elbowed Hermione in the side then nodded to her father and gave her a pointed look.

'Um...I mean Arthur.'

Mr. Weasley smiled.

'If I'm not mistaken, Molly finally got after you about calling us 'Mr. and Mrs. Weasley', didn't she?

Hermione blushed and nodded shyly. She took a sip of juice, trying to hide behind her glass. Molly turned around from the counter and started to place the food on the table.

'Yes, I thought it was beyond time for her to drop all of the formality; it's not like this is the first time she's stayed her nor will it be the last. Tuck in everyone.'

'Well I'm glad. I get enough of 'Mr. Weasley' at work, I don't need much more of it at home.'

Hermione had noticed he looked tired and worn. She hadn't thought much about what still needed done in the aftermath of Voldemort's fall, but seeing the state of Arthur, she imagined that all Ministry employees must be in some similar state.

'They must be keeping you busy, then?'

Arthur gave a short laugh while Molly frowned.

'Yes, yes they are. There's been so much restructuring since the end of You-Know-Who, but I'm afraid we have merely scratched the surface. Kingsley has been a godsend but he is only one man. I'm expecting him to become the official Minister of Magic any day now, just as soon as enough of the Wizengamot is found or reappointed.'

Hermione's eyebrows raised in surprise.

'Where are they? Are they all still in hiding?'

'Some are. Some are unfortunately dead and others simply resigned. That's what it's been all over the Ministry. Those of us still there are having to pick up more and more slack from not only our own departments but others. I've been working with the Magical Creatures department in addition to my own because there's only Marvin left.'

Hermione found this surprising. She had expected some rebuilding to occur but this was far beyond what she had imagined. The Daily Prophet didn't give much detail to the situation at the Ministry beyond the fact things are slow going. Molly had been watching Arthur as he spoke and the frown on her face had only gotten deeper.

'Can't they find anyone to help you though, there has to be someone! You need to rest, you've done so much already, why can't someone else pick up the slack?!'

Arthur gave her a tired smile and placed his hand over his wife's on the table.

'You know they need me there, Molly. Kingsley needs me there. Hopefully things will begin to go back to normal but until then, I need to do what I can.'

Hermione watched as Molly sighed heavily and seemed to accept her husband's need to help for now. It had always amazed her how Arthur had been able to handle his wife with so much patience and love. Sadly, it made her think about whether she would have had something like that with Ron. Would they have found some kind of balance? Would she have been able to calm him with a simple touch? Would he have known when she needed him? She was pulled from her reverie when Ginny elbowed her again. She looked over at her. Ginny looked at her concerned and nodded back toward her mum; obviously Hermione had missed something that was asked.

'I'm sorry, what?'

Molly gave Hermione a concerned look before repeating herself.

'I was just wondering what you and Ginny were going to do today? Are you alright dear?'

Hermione blushed and nodded.

'Oh…yes…I was just thinking. Um, actually I have an owl I wanted to send to my parents. I didn't think either Errol or Pig could or should make the trip to Australia so I wanted to go to the Owl Post to send it long distance.'

'Oh! Well, if you don't mind waiting until tomorrow, why don't we plan a trip to Diagon Alley and get your school supplies all in one trip. How does that sound?'

Hermione smiled and nodded fervently.

'That would be great! I did want to start working on my studies as soon as I could. I'm sure there's so much I've got to learn before my pre-exam.'

Molly waved Hermione's doubt away.

'Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine.'

Hermione smiled at Molly for the tone of support. The family finished their breakfast in thoughtful silence. Arthur finished his tea and got up to go. He gave Molly another peck on the cheek.

'Well, I'm off. Don't wait up for me Molly, I'm not sure when I'll be home.'