Through The Fire
Chapter One: The Floo Powder
There was an odd feeling of silence held throughout the Burrow that morning. The birds chirped quietly, sweetly outside, the gnomes hid in their little holes deep within the garden earth... everything and everyone was still -- except for the tall, gangly boy pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. His face was contorted in thought, and his flaming red hair stuck out in funny places.
Ronald Weasley sighed heavily as he quickened his steps. In about an hour, he would be traveling to Hermione's house for the summer. He'd never stayed in a muggle home before, and the mere thought scared him immensly. What if he did something wrong... something that would expose himself to the muggle world?
Arthur Weasley, his father, had even asked Ron to take notes. He often wondered who was more excited about the trip; him, or his dad.
The thing that worried Ron the most was making a good impression with his true love's parents... not that Hermione knew that's what he called her. He shuddered at the notion of confessing his feelings to her, and his stomach jolted harshly. What if she got angry, and went to... Viktor Krum for comfort? The rejection would be like a dagger through his heart. What have I gotten myself into?
Ron sank down in front of the fire, watching the flames dance and tickle his senses. He waited for the sunrise... it was always a magnificant sight to see, with whisps of gold and pink peaking delicately over the shy horizon, waiting to start a brand new day.
No matter what the future brought, Ron hoped Hermione would be standing with him. He didn't know how he would cope if he lost her. That was his biggest fear, a fear even spiders couldn't haunt him with.
Ron's heart jumped with surprise when he heard footsteps from upstairs. He jerked his head around to see Ginny coming towards him, yawning and stretching her arms over her head. She grinned broadly at her older brother, and gave him an unmistakable wink.
"So..." Ginny began, adjusting her satin pajama pants, "You gonna be off soon?"
Ron grunted in reply.
"To Hermione's?" she bugged him, her smile growing.
"Why do you want to know?" Ron snapped, eyebrow quirked in curiosity. He could see the twinkle within her eyes, and grimaced. Why did she always have to bother him about Hermione? Couldn't she leave well enough alone?
"No reason," Ginny responded lightly, bringing Ron back to reality, "just wondering."
Ron rolled his eyes and took one of the blueberry muffins from one of the baskets on the counter. He shoved it whole in his mouth, his cheeks bulging. "Imkwenaabuuzywittenooow," was what came out. Ginny made a face and giggled. "You're busy? What's sad is I actually understood that!" She punched him playfully on the arm and continued. "I'm gonna miss having you around this summer. I'll be the only one here with mum and dad while you're away having a jolly good time."
By this time, Ron had swallowed the muffin and was staring at Ginny. "So why don't you invite someone over here?"
Ginny laughed loudly. The thought had crossed her mind once or twice, but had been stamped out by reasons she could not possibly say to her brother. "Who would I invite anyways?" she asked, placing a hand on her hip. "Nobody would want to come.. and I don't feel like entertaining a bunch of jerks."
Ron scratched his head, thinking. Names were listed in his mind, and each one was getting marked off... except for... "Hey, why don't you invite Harry?" He grinned broadly. Dumbledore had told his mum and dad that Harry wasn't to see him or Hermione for the entire summer, but it certainly didn't rule out Ginny. Ron had been trying to figure out why Dumbledore said something like that, but he knew he must have had his reasons.
"Bring Harry here? With just me around?"
Ron nodded, a smile playing across his lips. He knew that Ginny was still dating Dean Thomas, but still couldn't get the idea out of his head that she and Harry would end up together... and if he was to approve of any of her boyfriends, he would approve of his best mate.
Ginny shook her head and crossed by her brother to get a clean glass. She pulled a carton of apple juice out and poured herself some. "That would be too strange... Dean would not like that at all..."
Ron growled quietly at her excuses. "It's not like you and Harry are having some secret affair!" he interjected, chuckling. He knew Ginny still had feelings for 'the-boy-who-lived', and it was quite entertaining to watch her try to cover them up.
She took another sip of her apple juice and sighed, mulling her thoughts over. "I'm going to bed," she finally stated, heading for the stairs. Before reaching them, however, Ginny whipped around and hugged Ron close. "And I'll think about it."
Ron grinned triumphantly, watching his little sister depart to her room. The smile fell as he looked at his watch. It was nearly time to go and he had yet to work out his feelings for Hermione. How was he supposed to act around her without Harry there to act as a buffer for his emotions? With one last look at his watch, Ron gathered up his belongings and put out the fire. Stepping in and taking a fistful of floo powder, Ron closed his eyes. Like it or not, he was about to face his fears.
Hermione woke up to the first rays of sunlight dancing on her skin. The smell of muffins downstairs told her that breakfast was ready. Hermione layed in bed wishing that she could remain in the soft comforts of her blanket longer, but as every moment passed she knew Ron's arrival drew closer. Throwing her comforter off, she slipped into her baby blue robe and made her way down to the kitchen.
Hermione loved her house. A spacious two story building complete with a white picket fence and a porch swing. It looked like a home from one of her many muggle fairy tale books. Her parents worked hard to make sure it was equipped with all of the latest technology. Price was not a problem to them. It was obvious, however, as soon as anyone walked through the oak doors that it was a house full of love.
Still... it was no longer truly home to Hermione. Hogwarts was... because home was with Harry and Ron... Ron.
Hermione sighed. Today, Ron would arrive at her house to begin and end the summer. She'd missed him so much over the small amount of time they had been apart. Sometimes she found it hard to believe that she, Hermione Jane Granger, book worm and overall logical girl, was falling for none other than Ron. It was not the person she sued to think she would end up with. She thought she'd fall for someone more like herself... clever, witty, ready to learn.. emotionally deep. Then again, it wasn't as if Ron was a bad guy. He was smart in his own way (when he applied himself), loyal and caring, brave and full of so much pride and love for his family.
Hermione's thoughts were interrupted by a small cough from the other side of the room. She let out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding.
"Hermione, dear? Are you alright?" asked her mother from the kitchen table, a look of amusement shining through her eyes. Hermione shook her head as if to rid herself ot the thoughts concerning Ron.
"Fine, mum. Why?" she asked as she sat at the table across from the sophisticated woman. Her mum was smartly dressed in a navy blue pinstriped dress suit with high heels that matched.
"No reason dear. You just looked a little dazed."
"I'm fine, mum," Hermione repeated, and sighed with exhasperation as she reached for a muffin.
"Well, I have to hurry to the office. Are you sure you'll be alright staying here alone until your little friend arrives?"
Hermione couldn't help but grin at her mum calling Ron her 'little friend'. "Yes, mum. I'll be alright. I'll see you when you come home."
Her mother nodded, kissed Hermione on the cheek, and left.
Well, I might as well clean myself up before he arrives, she thought to herself. Humming, she walked back upstairs and into the shower, never hearing Ron's arrival a few moments later.
Ron looked around the living room in sheer amazement. Had he landed in the wrong house? A quick glance around squashed that idea. There were mantles and tables filled with pictures of Hermione and her parents... the walls filled as well. Ron couldn't help but grin at the small buck-toothed child that had long ago captured his heart.
Brushing the ash away from his journey, he stepped out of the fire grate. "Hello?" he called wearily, not hearing signs of living from the threshold. Puzzlement gave way to worry. What if something was wrong? Thoughts of You-Know-Who hurting Hermione danced across his mind's eye. Pulling out his wand from his back pocket, Ron walked through the house in what he hoped was a stealthy sort of way.
Unfortunately, he didn't see Crookshanks slink up in front of him. Ron, being Ron, fell over the cat, and trying to keep his balance, he reached out for the nearest object, which happened to be a rather large, older looking vase.
The sound of the crash and thud brought a panicked Hermione running out of the bathroom and down the hall to the stairs. Ron's eyes bulged as he took in the sight before him.
Hermione stood there wearing nothing but a towel, hair dripping wet, and wand pointing straight at Ron's chest. Needless to say, this was not how he imagined his greeting toward Hermione would be like. It was a hell of a lot better.
"Erm... hi..." was all he managed to get out of his gaping mouth. Realizing that he was staring, Ron quickly scrambled to his feet, ears burning a shade of magenta.
Hermione lowered her wand, and her face spread into surprise. "I've missed you so much!" she cried, throwing her arms around toe tall blushing boy. Hugging him felt so natural... so right. Finally letting go, she stepped back a bit. "I was trying to get a little cleaned up before you arrived, but I guess that's out of the question now," Hermione chuckled. Her hands were fiddling witht he tie of the bathrobe, nervously moving at every second. A strand of wet curls hung in front of her eyes, chestnut brown, with a tint of gold shining against the light. Hermione's skin was simply aglow, water droplets giving her an almost exotic look. Ron finally worked his gaze up to her eyes, and almost gasped. They were of hazel shade, dazzling in all effect. Not the same as they used to... more knowing of what the world was really like. No wonder he'd been thinking about her non-stop.
"Yeah," he replied, his breathing a bit shallow. "I guess I'll wait downstairs... so... yeah..." Ron pointed to the living area and couldn't hide the grin plastered on his goofy face. He began to walk down, only for Hermione to place her hand on his shoulder.
"I won't be long," she told him, and headed up to her room. Hermione sank down into the cotton pillows on her bed, a sigh escaping her lips. There had definetly been tension between them... she could feel it deep under her skin... the tingly feeling she got everytime he was around.
She took a deep breath and picked out an outfit for the day. It took her longer than normal because she wanted to impress Ron. Hermione ended up flaunting an emerald green tank top, the neckline a flattering V shape. Her blue jean short shorts were low-rise and had a certain... teasing look about them. Hermione quickly dried her curly hair and tied it into a messy ponytail, a few strands hanging playfully around the frame of her face. A light application of pink lip gloss and skin-toned eyeshadow, she was utterly stunning.
She slipped on a pair of her thonged sandals and skipped downstairs to greet Ron again. "Sorry to keep you waiting," Hermione grinned as she sat down across from him on the couch.
Ron couldn't keep his eyes off of her. This was nothing like what she wore at school, and it was quite shocking for him to fully comprehend. "Uh... I... uh... well..." he stammered, trying to find the words to speak. Hermione blushed deeply and laughed.
"Would you like a tour of the house?" she asked thoughtfully, standing up and offering him her hand. Ron took it slowly, his smile wider than ever before. Hermione led him to the back room, which had the appearance of an office. "This is where my dad works when not on the job," she clarified. "Mum sometimes uses the computer for charts or something --" Hermione pointed to the machine, and Ron was immediately entranced.
"What is it called again?" he asked, walking over and examining it thoroughly. "Fascinating.. and do all muggle families have one?" Ron's sentences were beginning to overlap, but he couldn't help it.
Hermione giggled and turned on the monitor, making Ron's eyes widen with glee. "It's a computer, Ron, and they're very handy for muggles.. they have internet services, which is good for resources and what not."
"Why don't we have any of these at Hogwarts?" Ron asked, upset that he'd never seen one before.
Hermione rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue in half annoyance, half amusement. "Haven't I told you that electronics can't be brought near the castle? They'll go haywire and react badly. Honestly, Ron."
The familiar bewildered expression formed on the red head's face. "Hermione, how do you do that?"
She looked at him, quirking an eyebrow in curiosity. "Do what?" Hermione questioned.
"Be so smart all the time! I mean, you spend all your time learning... you took muggle studies, and you've lived with muggles all your life! Why?"
"Because," Hermione replied with determined patience, "if I don't, then who would help you along? Merlin knows that you copy my essays enough."
Ron let out a chuckle. "Oh, fine. You win... what's next on the tour?"
Hermione showed Ron around, stopping every so often to explain the use of one object or another. Finally, they made it back up the stairs, and down the hall.
"This will be your room," Hermione said as the two stood outside the door. Ron walked inside, and surprise spread across his face. The room was so... orange. "Mum and I did a little shopping before your visit. She wanted it to feel more... like home for you." Hermione blushed and Ron shook his head, unable to believe it. The blankets, curtains, and pillows were all a violent shade of orange, and there was a hand stitched snitch on the comforter. There was even a trim around the window. Ron had never experienced anyone doing something so nice for him. He swallowed hard, the growing lump in his throat not wanting to go down.
"Thanks, Hermione," he said, as she blushed once more and retreated, saying she would leave him to unpack. Ron watched her go into the room next to his. Her room's next to mine? he asked to himself, but shrugged it off.
Nearly half an hour later, Ron surveyed the finished product of his room. He was quite satisfied with the results.
His school books were on the desk near the bed, and he had pictures from home and Hogwarts on different leveled shelves on the walls. Pig flew noisily around his cage, the squacking annoying as usual.
He turned at the sound of a knock. Hermione stood there, book in hand and looked at the pictures around her. Finally, her eyes settled on a particular one near Ron's bed. He blushed and cursed himself for bringing it.
It was of Ron and Hermione, the previous year, sitting in the common room before the blazing fire. It was after his unexpected victory in the last Quidditch match. Hermione was staring up at him proudly, while he looked at her longingly. Ron hoped she didn't find him odd for having it with him.
"Where did you get this?" she asked, fingering the frame.
"Um.. Colin. He took it at the party." Great job, Weasley. Point out the obvious. Hermione let out a groan.
"Is my hair really that bushy?" she asked, brow furrowed. Ron could feel his heart speed up and before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "I think you have beautiful hair."
He could feel his ears burning and tension filled the room. Hermione glanced up at him softly. The look in her eyes was almost pleading him to take her into his arms and kiss her.
A loud rumbling interrupted the moment, however.
Hermione let out a loud laugh and Ron grinned sheepishly. Damn his never ending appetite!
"C'mon, let's go eat," Hermione chuckled. Ron perked up immediately at the sound of the word 'eat'. Food seemed like the perfect thing right then. They started down the stairs, but stopped short when Hermione spoke. "I know this great cafe' down the street. You'll love it, I know you will."
Embarassment and shame coloured Ron's face as he looked down at the ground. "Um... Hermione, I don't have... I don't have any muggle money," he mumbled, barely audible. Hermione looked surprised, but not for the reason Ron thought.
"Of course not, Ronald, I didn't expect you would, as you only have wizard money." Her voice was soft and sweet, and something about it made Ron comfortable once again. Hermione continued. "After all the times you and your family have taken me in, the least I can do is buy you breakfast."
I don't deserve her, Ron thought to himself. She's too perfect.
"Alright, I'm up for it."
Hermione locked the door on their way out. The sun shined down, making Ron think about how great the summer was going to be. His thoughts lingered onto Hogwarts, and he knew that things would always stay the same with them.
How was he supposed to know that he was wrong?
Dead wrong.