Binding Ties

Binding Ties

Chapter Two
Additions

“So, tell us! What’s the news?” Hermione urged. Ginny grasped Harry’s hand for support and gave it a small squeeze. When he returned it, Ginny found the strength to speak.

“We’re pregnant again,” Ginny said softly, in almost a whisper. Though said quietly, not a soul in the room missed it. Screams burst from most females, including Ginny’s daughter. The men all stood and shook hands with Harry. The women hugged Ginny and asked questions. Only Hugo and Albus were left sitting, looking at each other. Where Lily and Rose had been close, Albus and Hugo were closer.

“I quite agree, Hu. That makes seven,” Albus replied though Hugo had not spoken a word. They both nodded solemnly as Hugo stood up to silently congratulate his aunt and uncle. Harry looked over the heads of his family and saw his youngest son sitting alone on the couch, apparently deep in thought. He separated himself from the crowd and sat next to Albus.

“What’s the matter, Bud?”

“Dad, do you have to call me ‘Bud’?” asked Albus exasperatedly.

“Well, not if you don’t want me to,” Harry humored him. “But there is something wrong.”

“No, I’m happy,” Albus said without a smile. “You and mum are having twins.”

“Yes. No. Wait. How do you know your mother is having twins?”

“I just do, okay? Now, leave me alone. I’m happy. I really am. But I want to go home.” And without another word, Albus Severus Potter lifted himself from the sofa and walked to the grate, leaving in a whirr of green flames, noticed by no one except Harry.

~*~
Harry buried his hands in his pockets, matching strides with Ron. The small gathering had died down, everyone left to go home. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, however, needed more time to catch up.

“So, you seemed a bit distressed after Ginny told all of us,” Ron started.

“I’m not distressed about the babies.” Harry had long since told everyone about the twins. “I’m distressed that Albus knew they were twins before we told anyone and that Albus doesn’t seem happy at all about having more siblings. I, myself, couldn’t be more excited. I mean, there’s life inside of Ginny. That’s a feeling that doesn’t wear off after a few kids. I’m just as anxious now as I was with James.”

“Sons are funny, aren’t they? Look at mine,” Ron said. “He doesn’t talk. At all. He’s always up in his room writing things down in this big book his Hermione got him for Christmas one year. He might very well be the brightest wizard the world’s ever seen and no one would know because he doesn’t talk.”

“I don’t think funny describes my son, though, mate.” Harry thought back on the afternoon and times previous. “Weird things happen to Albus. He prompted Ted into his wedding announcement when none of us knew why he would open up a shop with Victoire. He knew about the twins. I wouldn’t be surprised if he told me what they’d be, boy or girl.”
“Maybe he’s a Seer?” Ron offered.

“Oh Merlin. That’s exactly what we need, another Trelawney running around.” Harry looked at his feet. “Maybe over this summer break, we can get your kid to talk and mine to tell me what’s going on inside that head of his. Merlin knows with parents like his he should have a sharp mind.”

“Maybe, but look mate, I got to go. I’m hoping to pin down Hermione tonight. She’s been a little lofty lately.”

“Ron, you’re my best friend. I, however, don’t want to know about you ‘pinning down’ my other best friend. I’ll talk to you later.” They each took a step to the side and twisted away into nothingness.

~*~

Hermione fastened her cloak tightly around her neck. She looked to the made bed and sighed. Ronald Weasley, the man she once called her love, was not who he used to be. There was not one thing Hermione could quite point out that was wrong with him. She fiddled with the wedding band on her left hand and thought harder. Maybe, she thought, I have simply fallen out of love with him. I need someone practical and caring, not a grown man with the sexual drive of a teenaged boy.

Furious with herself about her honesty, she stepped lightly down the stairs. No one was in the house as Ron had not returned from his walk with Harry, so there was no need for her attempt at silence. Hermione, before she could think too much about her actions, walked beyond the front gate and turned angrily on her heel, disappearing into the night with a flurry of deep purple robes.

Hermione reappeared in front of large oak doors. From the door of the pub across the street came the sound of drunken laughter and music. Hermione shook her head. She was in too dark of a mood to join in games and eating. She felt like, if anything, having a few drinks and dancing a little. The dancing was pushing it.

Entering the quiet pub she had appeared at, she drew her hood up around her hair and faded into the shadows of the bar. As she sat down and placed an order for several strong shots of firewhiskey, a stranger in a heavy black travelling cloak whisked through the door and sat at the far end of the room. After two shots, someone took a seat at the piano and began to play a deep-toned waltz. Hermione’s feet swayed just above the floor; she was short. After Hermione’s fourth shot, the black-hooded stranger appeared before her.

“Care to dance?” asked the deep voice. In the back of Hermione’s mind, reason screamed at her. She, however, did not care. Five shots of firewhiskey told her that this stranger would not harm her. She nodded silently, offering a soft, pale hand. The unknown male took it and led her to the floor. Where most men would hold her too tightly, step on her feet, or clamp her hands harshly, this man was gentle, polite, and light on his feet. They swirled around the dance floor for hours before Hermione tired.

“I cannot say I am surprised to see you here, Miss Granger,” said the stranger as he led her to her previous seat. An alarm went of in Hermione’s head that scared even the drunk part of her.

“Who are you?”