Disclaimer: Harry Potter does not belong to me. Copyright infringement is not intended.
A/N:
Summary: After the divorce, they thought she'd married him because it was *expected*. But James Potter knew better. AU, HG/RW.
Gently to the Floor
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After the divorce, they thought she'd married him because it was expected. But James Potter knew better.
She wasn't in love with her other best friend; she just wasn't in love with Ron, no matter what he might have yelled in the heat of fury. It wasn't that she didn't want to be the next Molly Weasley either. She didn't, but was fine with being a housewife the first few years until they had children that were a bit older. Well, not a housewife exactly; she translated runic documents for the Department of Mysteries, but she could do that from home. She just didn't love Ron romantically. They'd never quite fit.
He was the manager and owner of the Quidditch Club of the Chudley Cannons, and they were doing well under his guidance. He was also a terrible husband.
He never cleaned anything, even with magic. He was more awkward with comfort that she needed than even the socially awkward Harry. He wouldn't let her talk about the war, even with the nightmares that had her screaming at night. He didn't compliment her – or even her cooking – or ask her about her work. He said that her interests were far too complicated, 'made his head explode'.
Harry had asked her why she stayed. He saw how unhappy she was.
"I don't know."
She still loved Ron, but not romantically. Harry was practically her brother and could read her better than anyone; he was understanding, and far more importantly on her side. Ginny, too, knowing her brother and being Harry's wife. Arthur had apparently been expecting it, as had everyone else. Ron and Molly were blindsided. Or just blind to it; she couldn't decide which was sadder, she'd said. Ron was never home, off with the Cannons, so he'd come home to an empty house and divorce papers four months after she left for good. She'd once travelled with him, but after five years of being second to a God damned sport had finally just given up. It took her two more years before she left her ring and the papers waiting. James Potter liked Hermione Granger, who was nothing if not tenacious and even downright stubborn. He'd like to meet her one far-off day. After the divorce, they thought she'd married him because it was expected. But James Potter knew better.
Their passion had fallen gently to the floor.
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