Hermione checked the clock. Thirty-one minutes till the New Year. Thirty-one minutes till everyone kisses their partner. She looked around. Yeah, everyone except me, she thought.
The Weasleys invited Hermione to their New Years Eve Party and she immediately regretted coming. After her break up with Ron, Molly had tried to find Hermione a proper man to date to no avail. The past three years she spent going on pointless dates. There was one person she had grown a friendship with over those years, but he would never feel the same way.
Hermione looked at the living room from her seat in the kitchen. Everyone seemed so happy with their partner; she bet they didn't even notice her. Harry and Ginny were cuddled in a corner, no doubt talking about their upcoming wedding. By the fire sat the Weasley twins and their long time girlfriends, Angelina Johnson with George and Luna with Fred. Bill had just arrived with Fleur and their four-year-old Victoire. Molly passed by Hermione in the kitchen.
"Dear, you really shouldn't be sulking in here," she cooed. "Go out there and talk."
Hermione just ignored her suggestion and glanced at the clock again. Twenty minutes were left of 2002. The year had been quite busy. Hermione got promoted to Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, took a trip to the dragon reserve in Romania to check up on things there, and moved into her flat. She had even spent some time with her unrequited love.
She sighed, thinking about their days together. They were just so carefree and full of laughs.
Hermione looked back into the living room and took up the job of counting all the happy faces. One, two—Harry, Ginny—three, four, five, six—the twins, Angelina and Luna—seven, eight, nine—Bill, Fleur, Victoire—ten, eleven—Ron and a pregnant Lavender—twelve, thirteen—Percy and his new wife Audrey. Molly and Arthur brought the number up to fifteen. Where's Charlie? Hermione thought as she dozed off from all the drinks she'd had.
There were only three minutes left until the New Year when Hermione was woken up by Ginny.
"Hermione, mum wants you outside!" she quietly yelled.
When Hermione got outside, she found Molly and Charlie. Ugh, this must be one of her schemes.
"I'm perfectly fine by myself, Molly. I don't need you to set me up anymore," Hermione groaned.
"Well, then, I'll be inside," Molly smiled like Hermione hadn't just groaned at her.
Once alone, Charlie looked Hermione up and down.
"Didn't plan on having fun," she explained. It was true, she didn't. When she was getting ready, she decided she didn't need to impress anybody and wouldn't have fun anyway, so she'd opted to wear sweatpants and an old Hollyhead Harpies sweatshirt Ginny bought for her.
"You look nice," Charlie responded.
"Don't I just?" she sarcastically replied.
"Yes, Hermione, you do. You always do. Whether you're in sweats or a ball gown, you look amazing."
"What?" she said, shocked.
"Hermione, I've been meaning to tell you ever since you came to Romania, but I wanted to do it in person. And I only got back ten minutes ago," Charlie explained.
"Tell me what?" Hermione asked, her voice a little squeaky.
Charlie stepped closer to her and lifted her dropped chin. "Hermione," he began. They stood, staring into each other's eyes until they heard voices from inside counting down from ten.
"Hermione," he started over, "I love you."
"—one! Happy New Year!"
Before Hermione could reply, Charlie picked her up and kissed her.
"I love you, Charlie," she said once they separated.
"Happy New Year," he whispered before kissing her again.
Just a bit of fluff for the New Year. Happy New Year, everyone! (this is me disclaiming the ownage of Harry Potter)
LA