Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Not a thing! It all belongs to J.K.Rowling. I think I will take credit for Kerensa and Seraphine but that's it. I don't even own the plot, to a certain extent! That belongs to the makers of Hum tum, Kunal Kohli and Siddharth Anand and Yash Raj, I believe. Hermione's dress belongs to Vera Wang and nobody else.

A/n: Another chapter. Finally, right? Thngs have only just calmed down though what with exams and applications and holidays and just general craziness. Anyway I hope you like go over to my profile if you want to see Hermione's dress.

Surviving

Harry and Ginny returned to the Burrow sometime in the late afternoon. They were met with a charming scene of commotion and flurry.

'What's going on?' Harry asked, noticing the lack of men in the room. There were only two, Ron (who looked a little at sea, next to Hermione) and George, who was watching the others with amusement as he sat to the side, with a bunch of papers in his hand.

'Ginny!' Hermione cried 'you're here! I need your help'

'What's the matter' Ginny asked, removing her coat.

'I'm making emergency preparations for the wedding' Hermione informed her.

'Oh okay, so how can I help?'

'I need a new dress'

'What? Why?' Ginny questioned. Judging from Ron's expression, he was just as confused she was, probably more.

'Well I tried on my dress a while ago and it just doesn't look right anymore' the bride to be grumbled.

'I see, and so?'

'Well I was wondering if you had something for me' Hermione said hopefully.

Ginny stared at her blankly as she thought about it 'well there isn't a particular dress that's coming to mind but I can get my best advisor to help you, Celeste' she said, after a while.

'When, though?'

'I have a meeting to be at, the day after tomorrow. You can come with me and we'll make a day of it' she offered.

'Will she be free? It's really short notice' Hermione argued,

'It is but she'll be free, I'll make sure of it'

George looked up and said 'Fred and I'll come with you too, we might as well. You can show us round and take us to your meeting while Hermione's getting her dress'

'Alright but you won't find the meeting interesting, it's mostly about the autumn/winter show' Ginny replied.

'We probably won't but we want to see how you're managing' her brother said simply, making her smile.

'Oh, can I come, Ginny? I would like to 'elp with 'Ermione's dress' Fleur voiced.

'Of course you can. If it's okay with Hermione' Ginny answered, looking at her friend.

'Fine by me, the more the merrier' Hermione said.

'Oh, can I help too, Hermione?' Maria asked, looking up from a table where she was writing addresses on what looked to be a pile of invitations.

'Yeah, sure you can'

'But I will 'ave to bring Corinne, Bill is working' Fleur said.

'And I can't leave Charis with Charlie for a whole day' Maria added.

'Where's mum going to be?' George asked.

'I'm taking Ron and Harry to get their clothes' Mrs. Weasley called from the corner.

'Bring them with you; I'll have my assistant, Oriana, look after them for you' Ginny said.

'Are you sure she'll be able to?' Maria asked.

'Of course she will, I'm told she loves kids, she'll know just what to do. Besides, Corinne's an angel and Charis is too little to wreak any real havoc '

'Then it's settled' Hermione stated cheerfully.

'Be warned though, my staff might faint to see me with so many people, they're not aware I have family' Ginny announced, smiling at the thought of what her employees' faces would look like when they saw her with people she talked to, willingly.

'Don't Ron and Hermione come to your shop, now and then?' Mrs.Weasley asked.

'They do, well Hermione does. I'm not sure but I think they're under the impression that she's like a roommate or something. Ron just apparates to my office'

'The receptionists make him nervous and he's frightened of the lift' Hermione added with a sly smile as she patted her fiancé's knee. Ron's ears burned and frowned as George and Harry grinned over at him.

'I am not frightened, it's just quicker' he muttered defensively.

'With the result that, no one ever sees him because he just goes straight to her office' Hermione explained and then turned to Ginny.

'Ginny, d'you mind helping Fleur with the menus?'

George started teasing Ron about the lift and Harry just laughed at the pair of them, glad not to have been ordered to do something. Ginny helped her sister in law while her eldest niece played with the younger one by Maria's side.

After passing a few minutes in this way, Ginny looked around with a smile, watching her various family members and remembered the anxiety she'd felt a few days ago when thinking about having to face them. It all felt so stupid now that she was here and with them.

It was almost as if she could feel herself waking up. Like for the past three years, she'd been half asleep, simply existing.

They weren't the same people she'd left but they were her family still. And after being with them again, for just two days, she began to wonder how she had ever managed without.

Two days later, Fleur, Corinne, Maria and Charis were getting prepared to floo over to Ginevra, Ginny having given them the address. Meanwhile, Hermione, Fred and George waited for Ginny to step into the kitchen so that they could leave too.

Ron and Harry simply observed while Mrs. Weasley pottered around the kitchen, making her granddaughters snacks, in case they felt the need for something home-made.

A few minutes later, Ginny finally walked into the kitchen.

She was gorgeously arrayed in a yellow mini-dress which stopped mid-thigh. Over it she wore a see through, faint gold organza coat, tied at the front with a huge bow and chunky, open toe heels most wouldn't dare to even consider.

Everyone stared and in the corner, Harry sat up a little straighter, his green eyes transfixed upon Ginny.

'Oh Ginny, sweetheart, you look absolutely beautiful' Mrs. Weasley breathed, pride shining in her eyes. The others nodded in agreement, Harry continued to stare but it went unnoticed.

Ginny laughed at the compliment as she looked down at her outfit, casually. 'Well I'm reappearing after a week's break, longest I've ever been away so I thought I should try for a bit of an impact' she replied and then looked around 'everyone ready?'

The others nodded. The four floo travellers set off a minute before the apparaters to ensure they arrived at about the same time.

Ginny, Hermione and the Weasley twins appeared in Ginevra, just as the others had popped out of the fireplace, the two young mothers straightening up and making sure the children were fine.

The two girls at the desk were staring at Fleur and Maria in pure astonishment. Ginny's own assistant, Oriana, stepped forward.

'Excuse me, but nobody is permitted to-' but she broke off upon hearing a clearing of a throat.

The brunette turned and started at seeing her boss stood behind her, magnificently dressed and with that, ever present, aloof superiority she seemed to radiate.

'Miss Ginevra! Welcome back' the girl greeted.

Ginny nodded curtly and smiled ever so slightly 'Oriana. I trust everything's been alright here?'

'Oh yes, everything is fine'

'Excellent. Has everything been prepared for the meeting?'

'Yes, Miss Ginevra'

'And the extra chairs I asked for?'

'Done'

'And is Celeste ready?'

'I believe so'

'Well done Oriana. Your efficiency amazes me' Ginny complimented, her assistant smiled but couldn't help glancing around at the various people stood in the entrance area. Two of whom bore a striking resemblance to her esteemed employer.

Ginny, noticing her straying eyes, spoke again 'oh of course, I was forgetting. Oriana, I would like you to meet my sisters in law, Fleur and Maria' Ginny pointed at them respectively. Oriana exchanged glances with her friend.

'My nieces, Corinne and Charis'

'N-nieces?' Oriana repeated.

'That's right. And of course you know Hermione, my sister in law to be'

Oriana did indeed recognise Hermione; the fact that she was to be Miss Ginevra's sister in law was news to her but she took it all in amazed stride 'yes of course, good afternoon' Hermione smiled at her.

'And finally, two of my numerous brothers. Fred and George'

The two Italian girls looked at each other with wide eyes and blatant shock. Oriana couldn't help but wonder.

'Miss Ginevra, how many brothers do you have?' she asked.

'Five…no actually, I have six' Ginny amended, thinking of Percy. Her assistant blinked.

'You may discuss these shocking developments to your heart's content later, right now there are errands to be done' Miss Ginevra instructed.

'Nunzia, I want you to take Hermione, Fleur and Maria up to Celeste, immediately' Oriana's silent friend sprang to life.

'This way please' she said, in a heavier accent than Oriana's and led away the three women. Maria, having first handed Charis and her things to George with a few hurried, whispered instructions.

'Oriana, you're going to have a busy day. You are responsible for my nieces and no one else's to put any more work on you for the rest of the day. If they do, send them to me, even if I'm in the meeting'

George handed Charis and the baby bag to Oriana, who beamed at the child. 'She's just been fed and changed. There are plenty of bottles in there, if she needs them. She'll usually take a bit of milk, every three hours or so'

'I will know how to look after the Signora's baby, not to worry' Oriana assured.

'I knew I could count on you. Also, you'll have to watch over Corinne but she won't be any trouble at all for you' the red head said.

Oriana turned to smile reassuringly at the older child and promptly gasped. 'Oh! How beautiful she is' Corinne smiled as did her aunt and uncles.

'Right, well that's all. I'm going to show my brothers around before the meeting. If you need any help with either of them, send a message straight to Celeste and Fleur and Maria will be right over, okay?'

'Yes, Miss Ginevra' and with that, she walked off with the two children, leaving Ginny with Fred and George who were wearing identical grins.

'Miss Ginevra?'

'Don't start' she warned.

'Yes, Miss Ginevra'

'Don't!'

'Alright, alright. Keep your hair on'

Ginny smiled and shook her head 'come on'

For the next half an hour, Ginny showed her two entrepreneur brothers around. Every inch of the shop.

George, she noticed, was much more enthusiastic than Fred. Both of them looked impressed but the latter was obviously still a little apprehensive.

'So here we are' Ginny declared as they came to the end of the tour, finishing up in her office. The twins looked around.

'This is nice' George said, taking a seat on the sofa.

'Yes. Please make yourselves comfortable' she replied sarcastically. Her eyes widened as the words came out of her mouth.

'Not bad' Fred noted.

'That was snappy, I'm impressed Ginevra' George added.

'I feel like I'm coming back or being around you two is starting to corrupt me' the girl answered.

'Cross over the road my friend, it's so much more fun' George quipped.

'Yeah, stop being all girly. Be a man, Weasley!' Fred ordered. His sister rolled her eyes.

She then went and fell into the chair behind her colossal desk. Her chair. Ginny twisted to look out at the city before turning back to her brothers and sighing.

'I miss being here' she mumbled, almost to herself.

'What? In Rome?' George asked.

'Not so much Rome. I mean it's nice but I was talking about the shop, my office, work. Is that weird?'

George shrugged 'no, I don't think it is. We love our work'

Ginny nodded and then sighed again as she looked around wistfully.

'Oh don't look so pathetic! What's troubling you, Gin-Gin?' Fred asked.

'Well I can't come back here for good and leave you all again. Don't have it in me. And I can't come just for work every morning' she explained remorsefully.

'So expand! Be a proper designer. You've got one in Rome, but what good's that? Milan's the fashion-y place round here, isn't it? Then put one in London and Paris and all those places' George advised.

'It's not that easy, you of all people should know that' Ginny said.

'True. So take it one step at a time. Start with London-' but he stopped as a voice sounded.

'Miss Ginevra?'

Ginny looked to a box on her desk and said 'yes Oriana?'

'They are ready for you, now'

'Good. Thank you Oriana, we'll be right over' and with that she looked over to her brothers 'shall we?'

'Yeah go on then'

They stepped out of the office and walked along to another door and entered. Inside was a long table with people seated all around it. The head of the table and the two chairs either side of it were empty. The three Weasleys took their seats.

'Good morning' Ginny said curtly, several "good mornings" came back at her.

She gestured to the two men at her side 'my brothers, Fred and George Weasley of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. You may have heard of them' she remarked casually.

Several eyebrows rose as Ginny's colleagues exchanged glances. Almost everyone looked slightly impressed 'alright, let's get started then, shall we?'

Fred and George watched as Ginny and her staff ran through the various aspects of her upcoming show, including the lighting, models, decorations and seating plans. Then they moved onto the ad campaign for the autumn/winter collection.

A blonde woman spoke up 'you said you would like a new face so I looked through and saw many and short listed these' she said and handed her boss a pile of six or seven pictures.

Dispassionately, Ginny began to leaf through the various photos. 'No…No…Good Lord…Absolutely not…No….Have you even seen the autumn/winter collection?' Ginny demanded quietly as she set aside the pictures. A sort of chill seemed to emanate from her.

'Yes Miss Ginevra, but…'

'It's elegant and graceful and soft. Do any of these girls look like they'd fit?'

'But-'

'I said I wanted a girl who looked poised, pretty and feminine. Not one of these girls fits the bill'

'The soft looking ones, they do not know how to model, the unknown ones'

Ginny's eyebrows rose 'surely one of the soft looking ones must have been able to model'

'I tell the truth. Why do you not hire Ersilia D'Ambrosio? She is very loyal-'

'No, no, no! Ersilia is a darling and I'm sure she'd do it in a heartbeat but she's not who I want. All these famous ones have somebody against them' Ginny said, thumping her fist on the table 'I want an unknown model'

Fred and George exchanged glances; they knew this temper only too well.

'Well-' but the poor woman got cut off again.

'You obviously haven't looked hard enough, Giulia'

'I did, Miss Ginevra, I did'

'I mean I'd appreciate difficulties if I'd told you to go globetrotting and find me the most beautiful girl in the world but all I said was that I wanted an unknown, soft looking girl, who'd catch your eye, a face that'd make you want to take a second look. Is that really so impossible?'

Giulia shook her head apologetically her eyes downcast 'no, Miss Ginevra'

'Look harder' Ginny said quietly and then looked around 'anything else?' To her right, Fred raised a hand. Ginny frowned at him quellingly but he ignored her and cleared his throat.

'You over there, you're the accountant, aren't you?' he asked, A man further down the table, nodded.

'How's the budget looking?'

'It looks good' the man answered.

'Good enough to allow an expansion?'

Ginny's head was in her hands as she shook it slightly. Her staff smiled and exchanged excited glances.

'What kind of expansion?' the accountant asked.

'Well, to start with, a shop in London. Could she manage that?' George said.

The man looked thoughtful and flicked through the black, leather book before him intently for a few minutes before replying 'I'll have to look into it a little more but yes, I think so'

'Would you advise it?' Fred questioned.

'Yes, if she opened it by the launch of the spring/summer collection'

'What if I told you we could do it with the autumn/winter collection?' Fred said. The accountant looked more enthusiastic, as did the others.

'That would be even better. It would be more of a hit. Surprise is always good for profit'

But here, Ginny finally spoke out 'Fred, George, don't be ridiculous. There is no way we could open a whole shop with the autumn/winter line'

'We've got magic, decorating will be a breeze' George argued.

'That's all well and good but it's the finding a site part that takes a while' Ginny said.

The twins grinned as George pulled out two pieces of parchment from his robes. 'Already looked and we've picked out two for you to choose from, that we think would be good for a shop like yours'

'You did what?' Ginny cried, taking the parchment and reading over the details of the properties. Her eyes widened as she read, they did seem perfect.

'Well we knew you'd throw in a hundred "buts" so we took care of it' Fred explained and passed the parchments down the table.

'It's too fast. We need to talk about this properly'

'So talk now'

'That's not what I meant'

'Oh come on Gin! Where's the Weasley in you?' Fred asked.

'Aren't you the girl who let ten baby nifflers loose in Filch's office? Who jumped on a thestral and flew to the ministry to fight death eaters when she was just fifteen? The same girl who turned herself deaf to everyone's arguments and got married right out of Hogwarts?' George asked.

'Hardly' Ginny answered shortly. The staff looked a little surprised at the list, not least because of the mention of Ginny's marriage.

The red head looked around hopelessly, silently inviting them to put forward their opinions but it was pointless. Not one person seemed to be against it.

'What d'you think?' Fred asked.

Ginny stared at him for a second but the excitement was starting to show in her eyes. She sighed and smiled a resigned, incredulous smile.

'You're all insane' the three words were like an acceptance because all of a sudden, there were cheers and they all started chatting animatedly.

'I'd have to look at these places myself' Ginny said.

'Say the word and it's done. We could do it after lunch, if you want. Katie Jordan's on the council so all we have to do is send a note'

She rolled her chocolate brown eyes 'no wonder you managed to find the sites so quickly. And she'll have known just what'd suit, wouldn't she?'

'Our resourcefulness surprises even ourselves' George joked, his sister shook her head.

'Fine but if we're going to do this, it's going to be a hell of a lot of work' she warned. Her colleagues nodded.

Ginny immediately began to assign tasks to everyone around the table but her brothers.

'And Giulia, we have to find that model and get that campaign shot, sharpish'

'Yes, Miss Ginevra, of course'

With that, the three Weasleys stood up 'alright then, your work's cut out for you and if you don't slack off, we might just manage this' she nodded to them and left the meeting room to return to her office.

Once she shut the door behind Fred and George, she met their expectant gazes.

'Well?'

Ruefully smiling, she said 'I'm not sure whether to strangle you or hug you' but threw her arms around them anyway.

'So, are we your favourite brothers or what?' Fred said as Ginny pulled back.

'Yeah I mean, you look all sad and talk about wanting to work from home once and we've done the thing' George proclaimed.

'Thank you so much! This is going to be so much fun' Ginny cried excitedly before calling for Oriana through the box.

'Yes, Miss Ginevra?' came a familiar voice

'Come in here, please, bring the girls with you'

'Right away'

Moments later, Oriana appeared in the pristine office, her charges in tow.

'Oriana, we're opening a shop in London' Ginny announced, straight to the point. The girl blinked a few times before it sank in, then she gasped.

'Oh! That is wonderful, Miss Ginevra'

'Thank you but it's going to be a lot of work'

'Of course'

'You remember all the old names, when we set this place up?'

'Yes I have all of them'

'Perfect, I want 'em all back' Ginny replied.

'Very well' Oriana said and as she was about to leave, she was stopped once more.

'Oh and Oriana?'

'Yes?'

'Keep it to yourself, won't you? It's supposed to be a secret'

'Oh you can trust me'

'Of course I can. Thank you, that will be all' Oriana smiled and left with Charis and Corinne.

Ginny watched her assistant go and then sighed 'I'm going to have to start finding new staff, aren't I? And Oriana's going to need a raise'

'Need any help? We have far too much money, anyway' George said.

Ginny smiled and shook her head 'no, but thanks for offering'

'Sure?'

'Yeah. It's just…with Ginevra, I've always been on my own and…I've- I've gotten so used to it, you know?' she tried to explain uneasily.

The twins nodded and both of them looked at their little sister with a mixture of pride and awe 'of course, well good luck. You'll do great. And if you change your mind…'

'Yeah, I know. Thank you'

Fred then spoke to Katie Jordan through the fireplace to fix upon a time in the afternoon in which to bring Ginny round to look over the properties. Five minutes later, he withdrew his head.

'Right, she's expecting us at half past one so we've got some time yet'

Ginny glanced at the clock. Quarter past eleven. 'So if we head off to have lunch, twelvish, we should be okay' her brothers nodded, she then got up 'okay well listen, I'm going to go help the girls with Hermione's dress until then, you can come if you want'

Fred and George looked at each other 'nah, think we'll pass on that one. I'm going to look in on the men's section, could do with a few new sets of robes myself, forty five minutes is plenty of time, coming Fred?' George asked.

'Yeah alright, better than wedding dresses anyway' he replied and they rose too.

'Fine but please, please remember that you have red hair. I do need to be able to look these people in the eye'

'D'you know, I liked her better when she didn't speak at all' George said conversationally.

Ginny laughed, said 'have fun' and walked down the corridor while the others two headed for the lift.

She heard Fleur's throaty voice in the distance and walked towards the group. Weaving her way round, she found her way to her various sisters in law.

The advisor, Celeste, looked rather troubled as she ran a hand through her dark hair.

Maria looked somewhere in between amused and exasperated. Fleur looked critical as she looked over Hermione. Hermione herself, looked agitated and slightly dejected.

'So how's it going?' Ginny asked.

'Hey Ginny' Hermione said while the other three women smiled.

Ginny gave the bride to be a sweeping glance. She was currently modelling an off the shoulder gown with a rather long train.

'You look nice Hermione' she said casually. Hermione, in turn, smiled at her.

Fleur however threw out her hand and made a waving motion at Ginny, as if reinforcing an opinion. Maria snorted but held her laughter in as Hermione huffed in annoyance.

'You see! You see? Nice! What is nice? Nice is nothing!' Fleur exclaimed, visibly incensed.

'Oh dear' Ginny remarked, sharing a look of amusement with Maria 'not much success, I take it?'

Celeste burst into hurried speech, wanting to distance herself from the current scene 'Miss Ginevra, I have tried and I have tried and I have tried! But nothing is working, nothing is enough. Although I still think…' she trailed off as Ginny raised her eyebrows but threw a reproachful glance at the back of Fleur's beautiful head.

'No! No! No! It is not right, it 'as to be right!' Fleur declared stubbornly.

Ginny, slightly alarmed now, looked from Hermione who was rolling her eyes to Maria who was bravely attempting to prevent a second fit of laughter. Knowing she was on her own in the middle of this, she stepped in 'Celeste, you're not in trouble, stop trying to excuse herself. Fleur, calm down. Hermione, what's going on?' she said this all quickly but firmly and it had an effect. Both Celeste and Fleur took a deep breath and moodily turned away from each other.

'Well, since nine o'clock, I've tried on about fifty dresses' Hermione started.

'And she looked really pretty in a lot of them' Maria added helpfully.

'But Fleur' Hermione continued, throwing an irritated glance to her right 'didn't like any of them and keeps demanding to see better because none of them are good enough, apparently'

'And zey aren't! No offense, Ginny, zey are all beautiful dresses but not one of zem is 'Ermione's dress'

Both Hermione and Maria rolled their eyes at this one, Fleur simply carried on.

'She looked pretty, yes, but zat is not enough! She needs to look-' but she got cut off.

'Breathtaking' the other two supplied with a grimace.

'Well she does! Why should you look simply pretty on your wedding day?' Fleur argued.

'Because that's how it usually goes Fleur, unless your grandmother was a veela but we're not all so fortunate' Hermione said in a bored voice.

Fleur swung her hair back and muttered under her breath.

'Hermione don't be stupid! Fleur's absolutely right, why should you look pretty? You can look pretty any day; your wedding day isn't going to be any day' Ginny said.

Fleur looked round at her and smiled smugly 'see? Ginny understands!'

Hermione threw a desperately imploring glance at the red head but got only a shrug in response.

'Sorry Hermione but there's no arguing it'

'But that's never going to happen!' Hermione cried.

'Hermione, I've told you once not to be stupid, don't make me say it again! Try on another one' Ginny said.

So it went on for another quarter of an hour, Hermione went in and out and in and out of the changing room, looking different each time, and still they hadn't found the dress.

'This is hopeless' Hermione mumbled.

'Hermione, I'm not warning you again. Come on, there's a dress for everyone and there'll be one for you too. Now let me think…' the red head trailed off as she looked around her analytically.

The others looked on in silent anticipation as the young designer, put two fingers to her left temple and closed her eyes as if racking her memory. Half a minute passed until Ginny's eyes flew open and she turned to the buyer 'Celeste, bring me the…the one with the tulle skirt with the uh-floral embroidery' she instructed.

The girl hopped to immediately and went to fetch the dress 'white or ivory?' she could be heard calling. Ginny looked at Hermione once again before replying 'she's a fraction too pale for the white, bring the ivory!'

A couple of minutes later, Celeste returned with a dress box in her hands and then passed it over to Ginny's outstretched ones. The red head opened the box and looked blankly at the material before her 'this is more like!' she then turned to Celeste 'really, you should've thought of it you know, can't you see her figure is perfect for this?' The girl nodded and then removed the dress from its box to give to Hermione to try on.

'Okay I'm coming!' Hermione called from behind the changing room a few minutes later. They all looked up expectantly as she hesitantly walked out and gasped. Her large smile was shy and her brown eyes looked hopefully around at them at all.

She looked absolutely stunning in a white dress which had a pleated criss-cross bodice and a full a-line skirt veiled in tulle with floral embroidery. Her slender, graceful figure perfect for the cut of the dress.

Celeste beamed and whispered 'come bella! Oh it is so perfect signorina, you have to have it'

'Hermione!' Ginny breathed 'oh you look so beautiful'

'Really? Do you think so? Because I really love this one!' Hermione said nervously and looked round at Fleur and Maria.

'I agree with Celeste. You have to get that one, you look…wow' Maria said.

Everyone turned to watch Fleur's reaction who smiled.

'Zat is all I 'ad been asking for. It is perfect. Now 'ow would it 'ave been, if you 'ad left with anuzzer dress?'

'You're right, I apologise for going all moody on you' Hermione said.

'It is okay'

Hermione then turned to Ginny 'so how'd your meeting go?'

'It went really well, I have to tell you guys something'

They all looked at her attentively.

'Fred and George managed to convince me and I've decided to open a shop in London' Ginny said quietly.

Hermione and Celeste squealed while Maria and Fleur smiled and congratulated her.

'It's so sudden!' Hermione exclaimed 'I've been trying to get you to agree to something like that for months'

'It was like an ambush, seriously, I've never felt so lost in my life. It was all very underhanded, you know, Fred and George style'

The other girl laughed 'I can imagine, but I'm really happy for you, this'll be so good for you. When's it opening?'

'Soon, with the next collection, in fact' Ginny explained. Hermione's jaw dropped.

'Oh my god! Are you sure you'll be able to do it?'

'Haven't a clue, we'll see. I'm getting started straight away. Meeting Katie Jordan after lunch to look over a couple of sites to choose from'

'Well…good for you and um- good luck' Hermione said, still slightly dazed. It was a lot to digest.

'If you need a late night decorating hand, just ask, yeah?' Maria added with a smile.

'And me, if you need any 'elp. 'Iring the staff, per'aps or…or anything, just say the word' Fleur voiced.

'And don't forget me! Decorating, finances, staff, design, cleaning, whatever. Tell me and I'm there' Hermione said.

Ginny looked at all three of them. Her brown eyes held a touched expression and her face broke out into a small, sad smile.

'Thank you, I really appreciate it. But I-I think I've got it' she said quietly.

'No, no. You 'ave to let me find the staff, at least. You will be so busy and 'ave so many more important things to do' Fleur insisted.

Ginny bit her lip, fully aware that her sister in law was voicing the same thoughts which had been running through her head, not half an hour ago.

'Yeah and I'll help too, come on Ginny!' Maria said. The red head looked between them and sighed.

'Alright, I suppose, I could do with some help in that area' Ginny conceded.

'Excellent, I'll help too' Hermione chimed in.

'No you will not!'

'Why not?'

'You have a wedding to plan and then you'll be on your honeymoon, you've got more than enough to be getting on with, I'm sure'

'Oh yeah, I'd forgotten about that'

'Ironic, isn't it? Since you're still wearing your wedding dress?' Maria said. Hermione looked down and burst into laughter.

'I'd better take this off, then' she said and went back into the changing room.

A couple of minutes later, she walked back out and smiled brightly at Ginny.

'So how much is it?'

'How much is what?' Ginny replied, puzzled.

'The dress, of course!'

'I don't know, does it matter?'

Hermione frowned 'of course it does' she turned to Celeste and repeated her question. The numbers which consequently came from the consultant's mouth stunned her.

She took one last, wistful look at herself in the mirror, stood in the dress of her dreams and looked at Ginny 'I can't buy this; I should probably look at something else'

Fleur and Maria kept a respectful silence but Ginny persisted in her confusion 'what are you talking about? That's your dress, why would you not want to buy it?'

'Because I can't, it's too expensive' Hermione muttered.

'But you won't pay, you never pay' Ginny pointed out, as if she were stating the obvious.

'Yes, but I have to pay for my own wedding dress'

'Not if it's one of mine'

'Ginny, I am not going to take this dress, I couldn't'

'Yes, you could. Hermione come on, I owe you this. You're my best friend, you're about to become my sister in law and after everything you've done for me, I couldn't expect you to pay or not let you have it. Take it from me, as a thank you?' Ginny asked, looking intently at Hermione.

The two women stared at each other, silent words passing between them. Ginny's eyes held an apologetic, grateful expression while Hermione looked taken aback. The latter's eyes began to well up slightly as she hugged Ginny, who smiled. Fleur and Maria exchanged moved glances but appeared to be a little puzzled.

'Celeste, the dress' Ginny said simply and the dress was taken away to be packed.

Ginny had been locked up in her room for a grand total of six hours, pouring over the plans of the soon-to-be London shop and awaiting letters from both her accountant and the interior designer. There was a knock upon the door.

'Come in' Ginny said distractedly. Mrs. Weasley's head popped round the door and watched her daughter leaf through the various sheets before her with an exasperated smile.

'Ginny dear, it's Saturday!' she said.

'I know mum, but I'll never make it work if I start taking all my Saturdays off' Ginny replied quietly, frowning over something.

'Well you've been in here since nine o'clock; surely a break wouldn't be too much to ask for?' her mother suggested. Ginny finally looked up, her eyes widened in surprise.

She glanced at her watch and blinked. Ten minutes past three. 'Oh god, six hours! I hadn't even realised, I suppose I should take a break then' Ginny conceded.

'Good girl. Oh and Seraphine's here to see you, she's in the kitchen'

'Thanks mum, I'll be down in a sec' Mrs. Weasley retreated and shut the door.

Ginny began to tidy the sea of parchment around her, took a quick look in the mirror and walked out too. As she stepped out, she heard footsteps from behind her and turned to see Harry descending the stairs coming down from the second floor.

'Oh hey Harry' she said brightly 'I didn't know you were here'

Harry ran a hand through his unruly raven hair and grinned 'well you wouldn't, would you? Nice to see you've left Azkaban, by the way' he joked.

'Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled 'oh shut up'

'What've you been doing in there?'

'Just stuff. You know, planning the grand opening, approving the interior design plans. Basically figuring out how everything's going to fit together' she explained.

'Not all fun and games, then?'

'I wish' they began to go down the stairs 'where are you heading?'

'Kitchen. You?'

'Same. Seraphine's here to see me'

They chatted lightly all the way down. Upon reaching their destination, they both paused in the doorway. Ginny's face broke out into a broad smile while Harry looked simply dazed. There, at the table, sat three of the most beautiful girls he'd ever laid his eyes on. They had features in common but the combined effect they presented, seated side by side, was astounding. These were the Bonheur sisters.

The three girls looked up at their arrival and smiled. Seraphine spoke first. 'Hey Harry' she said and then turned to Ginny 'decided to join us, have you?'

Harry continued to stare at them 'Ginny, I-I think I'm dreaming' he said, amusement and appreciation in his green eyes. Ginny and Seraphine rolled their eyes. The sister in the middle smiled charmingly and the youngest stifled a giggle.

Ginny hugged the two girls 'how are you guys?' she asked and stood back to take a good look at them 'oh my god, look at you! You're so beautiful and you've changed so much, especially you' she nodded at the youngest 'you were like a tiny little second year, when I last saw you'

Once these greetings were over. Seraphine looked over at Harry 'Es, Lenny, this is Harry Potter' Harry grinned at them.

'Harry, this is Esmé' the older of the two waved and smiled 'And this is Hélène'

'Hi' Hélène said.

'Nice to meet you' Harry replied.

Both he and Ginny took a seat at the table.

'So, to what do I owe this pleasure?' Ginny asked, taking a sandwich and breaking it in half before taking a bite.

'It's really awful what I've come for' Seraphine said, an uncharacteristically sheepish look on her face.

'Why, what's the matter?' Ginny asked.

'Well, you've only just come back and I gave you so much grief and now…I need a favour from you'

'Well that's good because I might need a favour from you so we're even. What is it you're wanting?' Ginny said, offering the untouched second half of her sandwich to Harry who frowned but took it even so.

'Well, Esmé here wants to be a designer as well' Seraphine began.

Ginny smiled and looked over at the girl 'really?' Esmé nodded.

'Yeah and…in fact, Es, why don't you ask her' the eldest sister suggested. Harry and Ginny fixed their eyes upon Esmé.

Out of the three of them, Esmé least resembled her sisters but she was just as beautiful, in a more exotic manner. She had the same flawless, tawny, mocha skin, full pink lips and high cheekbones. Her eyes however were slanting and cat-like and of an arresting, caramel colour. Her hair was not as black as her sisters' but instead had wispy curls of a lighter, luscious shade of brown. She was also shorter and slightly curvier than her sisters.

'Well I was wondering if, maybe, you had a spot for an intern of some sort?' she asked, biting on her bottom lip.

Ginny considered her closely 'I don't generally keep interns but we have to start somewhere, don't we?' Esmé's face brightened, the redhead continued 'where do you work now?'

'Madam Malkin's, in sales' the younger girl replied with a sigh.

'Oh god, you poor thing. For how long?'

'Since I got out of Hogwarts. It's hell, Ginny, absolute hell'

'I can imagine. Since Hogwarts, did you say? What is that, two years?'

'Yeah'

'Right. So that'd make you twenty' Esmé nodded 'familiar with my work? Don't worry if you aren't'

'No, no, I am. I've seen some of your stuff featured in Dernier Cri and I've seen photos of your shows. I love your clothes. I never knew Ginevra was yours. That's why I wanted to see you, because I love it so much' Esmé said and pointed at her feet.

Ginny looked down and saw two pairs of feet shod in some very familiar shoes 'where did you get those?' she asked, bemused.

'I bought some for them, last time I was there' Seraphine explained.

'Oh and I've got something for you to look at' Esmé held out a book.

'What is this?'

'Just a few sketches'

Ginny flicked through the pages and her eyebrows rose. After a few minutes in silent consideration, she looked up again.

'D'you know, these aren't half bad' she commented, her eyes held a thoughtful expression.

'Really?'

'Really. I mean, they need a little fine tuning, a little guidance but all things considered, I think you've got a talent'

Esmé's eyes widened and she smiled at the praise. Ginny flicked through the book again and rested on a page towards the middle 'and this, I love. A little rough around the edges but once we've got that sorted, I'd like to use that' she said.

'Are you serious?' the other girl breathed 'I mean really? You're not just saying it because you're my sister's best friend?'

Ginny smiled and shook her head 'I'm not that kind of friend. Neither's your sister, for that matter' she paused, studying Esmé critically 'you can be my intern or whatever you want to call it. Shadow me, I'll show you the ropes, the inner workings and perhaps we'll smooth over your talent a little bit too'

Esmé looked delighted 'Oh wow! Are you sure? Thank you!'

'It's quite alright. I think you'll find it interesting because I'm in the middle of opening a new shop in London so there'll be plenty for you to do' Ginny said, the younger girl's jaw dropped.

'I can help you open a new shop?'

'Certainly. You can start on Monday, be here at about quarter to nine' Ginny looked at Seraphine'speaking of which, I need to talk to you about that'

Seraphine nodded 'okay'

Just then, a shattering of glass was heard and everyone at the table jumped 'crap!' Hélène muttered.

'Hélène!' Seraphine cried in exasperation.

Harry smiled kindly at the girl 'don't worry about it, reparo!'

Ginny, however was now studying the youngest Bonheur closely.

Hélène was an exaggerated version of Seraphine. She had the same mocha skin; her eyes were the same electric blue but held more warmth (like Esmé's) and were much larger than Seraphine's. She was also taller, leaner, her lips were just slightly fuller, her face was a little smaller, her cheekbones were higher but her hair was the same wispy curls of black-brown.

Everything was on the verge of being too much, but she was stunning. Like that of her sisters, her beauty was obvious, painstakingly obvious. But the warm innocence in her large, electric blue eyes gave her a softness her eldest sister didn't possess. Alarms were ringing in Ginny's head.

'Hélène, how old are you?' she asked.

'Sixteen' was the prompt reply.

'So, you're in fifth year?'

'Just finished it, yeah' Hélène answered.

'I see' Ginny turned to Harry 'do you mind taking Esmé and Hélène into the garden. Fleur and Maria are out there with the girls, aren't they?'

'Yeah they are' he got up along with his charges 'come on, let's give them some privacy' and with that, the three of them left through the back door, Harry casually flirting with Esmé while Hélène watched in amusement.

'Thanks, by the way' Seraphine said.

'For what?' Ginny asked.

'For letting Esmé follow you around, it's really nice of you'

'Oh don't worry about that. Besides, it can't be difficult. She's talented and I like her'

'Well, thanks anyway. Now I collect you want to talk about this new shop of yours?' Seraphine ventured.

'Yeah, I do. I think I'm going to need your help'

'Oh, what with?'

'I need you to help launch me' Ginny said.

'Launch you?' the brunette questioned.

'Yeah help me with the opening party. You know, drop a word in the right ear, introduce me to the right people. Help turn Ginevra into a proper label'

'Oh I see. You want me to help launch you' Seraphine said.

'Right. Only, I'm such a recluse, I'm not entirely sure how to go about it without letting the cat completely out of the bag' Ginny confessed.

'Well I do, and of course I'll help you'

Ginny smiled brightly' really? Oh thank you so much!'

'Don't mention it. Is that all?'

Now, Ginny looked a bit sheepish 'umm-not, not quite'

'Oh?'

'I have another favour to ask…if it's okay' she said hurriedly.

'Are you kidding? You've ensured that I never have to hear the words "that Malkin is such a cow!" ever again. I owe you a lifetime of servitude' Seraphine joked.

'Well, well that's good because this is a much bigger thing to ask' Ginny started.

'What is it?'

'Um…I was wondering if, maybe, possibly, perhaps, you'd let me borrow Hélène?'

'What for?' Seraphine questioned, a confused frown marring her face.

The redhead mumbled something and bit her lip. Her friend stared 'didn't catch a word of that'

'I want to use her for my autumn campaign' Ginny said before wincing.

'You want her to what?'

'Model the next collection. Go on Seraphine!'

'Don't "go on" me, Ginny. That's kind of huge'

I know, I know. But me and my scout, Guilia, are going out of our minds trying to find the perfect girl, since we're on a time limit and everything-'

'And you reckon Hélène…' Seraphine interrupted.

'Yes, I do! She absolutely perfect, you have to let her!'

'Oh Gin, I-I dunno'

'Please Bonnie? Please, please, please?' Ginny pleaded, her brown eyes wide.

'Don't make that face and don't call me Bonnie! You can't pull one on me like that'

'But Bonnie, you don't understand!' Ginny continued, ignoring her friend's warning 'your sister is just too perfect to give up. She's the only one I've seen who looks like she's been made for those clothes. I can't settle for anyone else'

'No Ginny, I understand perfectly. But it's a lot to take on'

'It won't cut into school, I promise! Cross my heart. Seriously, if you'll only say yes, I could get it shot by the end of next week'

'That's not what I meant. I was talking about the stress and the pressure. I mean, she's the baby!' Seraphine argued.

'And she's absolutely gorgeous!' Ginny replied.

Seraphine smiled despite herself and attempted a tart response 'yes, I'm well aware of that, thank you'

'So please let her'

'Ginny, she's only sixteen'

'I know but I'm not asking her to become a full time model, I just want her to do this one campaign'

'But modelling can get pretty heavy, Gin. I mean you know what happens, just as well I do. I don't want Lenny to be sucked into all of that'

'Of course you don't, neither do I. But think about it. Say if you said yes' Ginny started.

'Right'

'And we shot the campaign and I dunno, she caught other eyes and you know made a career of it, a successful career. This all hypothetical'

'Of course' Seraphine said dubiously.

'You'd be there to look after her, it's the same business. And Esmé would be there too and so would I' Ginny reasoned.

'I-I suppose' the brunette agreed grudgingly.

'And if you think about it, how do those models get so screwed up in the first place? Because there's nobody looking out for them, no one who really gives a rat's arse about them. Which would not be the case with your sister'

'Yes but I don't want her to model at all'

'Why not? She was born to be one. As were you and Esmé. You just went different ways. Come on, Bonnie! You guys are all so ridiculously beautiful; it's only fair everyone else gets to see it'

'There's logic for you' Seraphine said dryly, making Ginny laugh.

'Let her, just this once'

'And what if she wants to become a model indefinitely?'

'Then you let her'

'But she wants to be a writer; I don't want her ideals screwed up'

'What kind of writer?' Ginny asked with a smile 'fashion journalist?'

'No, I'll have you know, Lenny is different' Seraphine said defensively.

'Oh really? Let's call her in, shall we?'

'Fine'

Ginny went to the back door and called for the girl in question. She then returned with Hélène behind her.

'What's the matter?' the latter asked.

'I just wondered what you wanted to do after Hogwarts'

'Oh. I want to be a journalist' was Hélène's reply.

'What kind of journalist?' her sister asked sharply.

Hélène smiled and bit her lip nervously 'a fashion journalist like Seraphine'

'Ha! I told you' Ginny said smugly.

'You never told me that!' Seraphine cried.

'I assumed you knew' the younger girl replied.

'So? Ginny asked, looking at her best friend pleadingly, who shrugged.

'Ask her if she wants to'

The redhead then turned to Hélène, who looked thoroughly puzzled 'your sister and I were just talking about you' she began.

'What about me?'

'Well, my autumn/winter collection is coming out; it actually coincides with the opening of the shop'

'Okay'

'And I'd like you to be in the ad campaign. Only if you want to, of course'

Hélène's large eyes widened 'me?'

'Yes, you. You'd be perfect'

The girl still looked stunned but her face lit up and broke into an enchanting smile 'I'd love to! B-but are you sure?'

'Very sure' Ginny replied.

'And…c-can I?' Hélène further enquired, turning to her sister.

Seraphine looked from Ginny's subtly hopeful expression to Hélène's irresistible, excited blue eyes and genuine smile. Feeling like there was no getting away from it, she turned her own blue eyes to the ceiling and sighed.

'Yes, alright. I suppose you can' she said.

Hélène and Ginny exchanged glances. The former squealed and they both threw their arms around one, Seraphine Bonheur, who rolled her eyes but smiled even so.

'Thank you, thank you, thank you!' they cried in unison.

'Yeah, yeah, yeah, alright'

Just then, Esmé walked into the kitchen and stopped on the threshold, puzzled by the scene that she beheld 'what's going on in here, then?' she asked.

'Ginny's asked me to be in her ad campaign and Seraphine says I can!' Hélène explained excitedly.

Esmé's eyes widened and she blinked, looking just as stunned as her sister had a couple of minutes ago.

'Y-you're going to be…oh wow! Th-that's amazing Lenny!'

'I know! I'm going to go tell Fleur and Maria!' and with that the youngest exited.

'Are you okay?' Seraphine asked.

'Me? Yeah, I'm fine' Esmé said.

'I don't want you feeling like you've been upstaged by Lenny again because-'

'Don't be ridiculous Seraphine, what kind of a sister do you think I am? And it's not like she means to. I'm-I'm just worried. Are you sure about this?'

'I know, I know, but I was overborne and-and it seems like she really wants to'

'Of course she wants to! And you know she's going be good at it. But-but it's Lenny! She'll end up falling in love with it or something, you know she will'

'Not necessarily' Ginny interjected.

'No, no, she will. You don't understand. Lenny's not like Seraphine…or me. Not at all. She's restless and she likes risks and she's got so much…joie de vivre. D'you know what I mean?' Esmé tried to explain.

'So modelling would suit her perfectly?' Ginny asked.

'Exactly. My worry is that she's going to want to drop out or something' Esmé said to her sister.

'Well she's not going to! If she wants to model, she can do it in her own time but I'll be damned if I let any one of you leave school without passing every one of those NEWTs' Seraphine replied firmly.

Esmé stared at her sister in silence for a second, deep in thought before sighing 'I suppose that's it then'

'For now'

'Ginny! Crisis' Esmé said, appearing in her mentor's makeshift studio in the Burrow, better known as her room.

The redhead managed to detach herself from her work and looked up, brow still furrowed 'yes?'

'Maria and the decorator have run into a bit of a wall'

'What do you mean, a bit of a wall?' Ginny questioned.

'I mean any minute now, either you'll be short of a decorator or Charlie will be short of a wife'

Ginny sighed and rose 'I see, we'd better go then'

They disapparated and reappeared in the soon-to-be London shop.

'She doesn't want a chandelier!' Maria declared.

'But you cannot have a gothic theme without a chandelier, that is ridiculous' the man cried.

'That's fortunate then as I'm reasonably certain she doesn't want a gothic theme either' replied Ginny's champion, quick as a flash.

'Ah but what would you know about my art?' the man said, sniffing.

'I know that Ginny does not want it in her shop'

'Maria! Giancarlo!' Ginny called imperatively, the two duellers turned instantly 'what seems to be the problem?'

'Ginny, please tell this…man, that you do not want a Gothic theme' Maria requested tartly, glaring daggers at Giancarlo.

'Okay' the designer said carefully 'Giancarlo, I do not want a Gothic theme'

'Miss Ginevra, do not allow yourself to be swayed by this…woman. She is trying to limit my genius'

'Well while we're all being civil, I should perhaps suggest that you refer to her as Mrs. Weasley and show her a little more respect, seeing as she is my sister in law' Ginny said curtly. The man looked at the two women with wide eyes.

'I apologise…Mrs. Weasley' he said with the air of one deeply wounded.

'Now what's this about a gothic theme?' Ginny asked, willing her patience to bear her out.

'I dropped in to check on things while I was shopping and found him trying to turn this into some sort of 19th century, haunted house dreamland' Maria explained.

Miss Ginevra's eyes were wide and revolted 'good God! Giancarlo, for heaven's sake, no! It would be the undoing of your illustrious career. Take it from me, my friend'

Giancarlo looked a little hurt but seemed to take it much better when it was said in a theatrical tone to match his and when it came from a fellow artist 'I do not think so' he said unsurely.

'Oh but yes!' Ginny continued, knowing to a T, how to handle him 'think, whoever bought clothes from a haunted house? Time and a place, my friend, you would make yourself ridiculous. It's absurd, can't you see?'

Maria and Esmé almost laughed but it seemed to have done the trick 'well yeeees' he said slowly 'it is true what you say. A shop is not ideal'

'Just so! What? A shop to attempt to do justice to your immeasurable talent? Oh no, no, darling, it isn't worthy'

'No, it is not worthy' Giancarlo mumbled pensively.

'So shall we just revert to the repressed decadence, we'd discussed? Just enough scope for your talent to rear its head but not so much that you feel you have to lower yourself. Do you not think?' Ginevra asked.

He nodded slowly 'yes, yes, it is just as you say! Repressed decadence! Ah but what innovation. You and I, Miss Ginevra, we are true pioneers, you know?'

'Don't I just' Ginny replied, trying not to look at Maria and Esmé because she knew the façade would break and she'd give into hysterics.

'Yes, I see it now. Do not you worry; I will transform it into art! Beautiful, quiet art. Repressed decadence' he murmured reverently and walked off to inspect the space again.

Maria and Esmé looked at her with eyes full of laughter but respect.

'Ginny, you are a genius' the former whispered.

Her sister in law shrugged 'all in a day's work. He's a surprise to you perhaps but he's one of a dozen in my world' she paused thoughtfully 'except of course, when it comes to interior design, then he's one in a million'

Maria cast a look at Giancarlo 'well you seemed to have shut him down, anyway. D'you want me to stay and keep an eye on him? Molly's looking after Charis so it isn't a problem'

Ginny shook her head 'no, no, you carry on with your shopping. Esmé will watch over him, it'll be a learning experience' she turned to the girl 'lesson 2: How to Deal with an Artist. Think you can manage?'

'Yeah I think I got the gist of what you just did, I'll keep him on track'

'Brilliant. If he gets difficult, keep up the dramatics and try and slip in that you too are an oppressed artist and fully enter into his sensibilities, he'll take you right under his wing and you can wrap him round your finger. Okay?'

'Right' Esmé said, making a mental note.

'Alright then, good luck' and with that she returned home and landed in the kitchen where she found her mother bent over the stove as she had done for the past thirty years at least.

'Hello dear' Molly said, without turning to look.

'Hey mum' Ginny replied, taking a seat at the breakfast table and taking a biscuit from the biscuit tin.

'Have you been in your room?'

'I was but then I had to sort out a problem with the interior designer at the shop, he got a bit sidetracked and Maria offended him'

Molly turned 'oh dear, what happened?'

'Well he was trying to turn my shop into…well, a joke and she got irritated and started having a go at him for not doing what I wanted him to do'

'Well so she should' her mother answered with a frown, taking a seat across from the young widow.

'Yes but you can't just have a go at people like him and expect them to acquiesce. More often than not, you just make them more set in what they want to do as your anger only proves to them that you haven't a clue what you're talking about'

'Well he sounds like a very odd man. Are you sure you don't want someone else to handle all of that?'

Ginny shook her head 'no, no, I can't. He's the best. Or he will be the best, very soon. You'll see, he's amazing'

'I'll take your word for it, dear' Molly said gently, smiling fondly.

Ginny looked at her mother's lined, kindly face.

The smiling brown eyes and the stern mouth which could melt into a heart warming smile in the blink of an eye as it was doing right now. The traces of past beauty were still there and not for the first time did Ginny think she was looking into the face of the prettiest woman she'd ever seen.

It was her mother.

Except that the face had changed since she'd seen it last. There were more lines and her red hair was more faded and there was more grey and white amongst it. She reached over to examine a wispy white hair with one of her slender fingers and her own beautiful face frowned 'what happened to you mum? You didn't look after yourself' she said, almost accusingly.

'Ginny, don't be foolish. You don't look after yourself at my age' Molly protested, batting the young hand away.

'Now that is foolish. Why wouldn't you look after yourself when you're so beautiful? If you weren't, it would make sense perhaps'

Molly beamed at her daughter but shook her head even so 'I haven't been beautiful any time these past…well since Fred and George were born'

'That's not true' Ginny murmured, smiling at her mother.

'Never mind that, just you worry about yourself. You are alright, aren't you dear?' the older woman asked anxiously, scrutinising her daughter through narrowed eyes.

'Of course I am, mum. I've been much better since I got back'

'If you say so' Molly said 'only, I can't get you to eat more than one or two morsels at every meal and then you shut yourself up in your room with your work for hours on end and sometimes you're solemn for so long, I think maybe you've forgotten how to smile. Is it any wonder that I worry?'

Ginny was surprised 'mum! You don't need to worry about me, I'm fine. I've survived, haven't I?'

Her mother looked at her so sadly, it almost broke her heart 'have you dear?'

'What do you mean, have I? Of course I have, I'm sitting in front of you, aren't I? Not a bone out of place?' she tried to joke.

'Surviving isn't only about keeping yourself alive, Ginny'

Ginny stared at her mother, finally understanding what she wanted to ask but couldn't come out and say.

'You're right' she said quietly 'and I hadn't been surviving very well at all, but I'm getting better and better at it, I promise'

A/n: There you are, sorry it took so long, it's been a crazy past string of months but I really hope you like and Hermione's dress can be viewed on my profile.