Flame of Love
Summary: A 3-part love story, to say the least. Ron seems to have missed his chance. Hermione is engaged to Krum, and Ron feels crummy (bad pun, I know). R/Hr
Disclaimer: All of these characters belong to J.K. Rowling, and I thank her for creating them.
Part One
The last time Ron saw Hermione was still burned into him memory. She smiled and laughed, chatting happily with Ginny at the reception of Bill and Fleur's wedding. She accepted invitations to dance with Charlie, Fred, George, and even Ron's younger cousin. But Ron couldn't find the courage to ask her. And now, he regretted it more than anything. 'She's engaged to Krum. You blew it, big time.' He constantly reminded himself.
Sitting on his bed in his small flat above the Hogsmeade branch of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, where he worked as the manager, Ron stared out the window at the night sky. He watched the twinkling stars and the clouds that passed over the moon. Each one seemed to have Hermione's outline.
"I need a drink." He said to no one in particular.
Taking care to lock up tight, Ron wandered down the dark street until he reached Madame Rosmerta's pub. He sat down at the bar and gave Rosmerta a weak smile. "You've been thinking about her again, haven't you?" She said, speaking from the experience of seeing him this way many times.
"You know I can't help it." He mumbled.
"You want some of this stuff I imported from the states? A shot of this will perk you right up." She offered.
"No thanks. I'm going to take it slow tonight." Ron looked even more sullen.
"Firewhisky it is then." Rosemerta poured him a glass.
Ron stared into the glass and felt a little sick.
"You know what, never mind. I'm just going to go to bed." He pushed the glass back across the bar.
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Tap! Tap!
Ron awoke with a start to two owls at the window. The first carried the Daily Prophet, as it always did, but the second was an unfamiliar owl carrying a small envelope dotted with short, neat script. He took the envelope and read the address.
Ronald Weasley
Flat above Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes
Hogsmeade
It smelled vaguely of sweet butterscotch, a smell he had always associated with…
"Hermione." Ron said aloud; though there was nobody to hear him, save for Pig.
He carefully tore open the envelope and read the letter within.
Dear Ron,
Hello! It's been a little while, hasn't it? I know you never approved of Viktor, and that you won't be attending the wedding. Viktor's going to be in the United States for Quidditch next week, and I've already invited Harry to come up. I'd like it very much if you could join us. Please send an answer back with the owl.
With love,
Hermione
Ron weighed his options in his head. On one hand, he'd get to see Hermione again without her constantly hugging and kissing Krum. On the other hand, he would probably just fall head over heels in love with her all over again. He scrawled his one word answer on a scrap of parchment and held it out for the owl to take. The owl clamped its beak down on the note and flew out the open window. Ron watched it for a moment and was brought back to reality by the hooting of the Daily Prophet owl, waiting for its payment.
"Yes, alright then."
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How did you like it? Please drop me a note and let me know your thoughts. Constructive criticism is welcome, bashing is not. Thanks!
Shelby Elizabeth