Take me back into the arms I love
Need me like you did before
Touch me once again
And remember when
There was no one that you wanted more
Hermione's fingers absently reached for her silver book pendant as she nodded along to what Ron was saying.
"- and then I made that spectacular save, you know the one, right, Hermione? Jordan could hardly believe it, 'cos after all, I could hardly believe it myself, and the press had a field day of how the rookie sub Keeper managed to save a goal from star Chaser Jordan -"
She'd realized long ago that it really didn't mater quite so much what Ron was saying, but that he was saying it to her made it important.
"- and that's how I made the permanent team," he finished proudly. He blinked, watching her fingers play with her chain. "You still wear that?" Ron asked incredulously. "Didn't I give it to you for your sixteenth birthday?"
Hermione started. Tugging on her necklace had grown into a subconscious act after ten years. "Oh – yes. It's one of my favorite pendants."
Before Ron had a chance to reply, Lisa Turpin sidled up to him and slipped her arms around his waist. "Look, Hannah and Ernie are here! Let's go say hello, honey."
Don't go, you know you'll break my heart
She won't love you like I will
I'm the one who'll stay
When she walks away
And you know I'll be standing here still
"Sure, Lise. You don't mind, do you, Hermione?"
Of course she minded.
"Oh, no, go on ahead."
I'll be waiting for you
Here inside my heart
I'm the one who wants to love you more
You will see I can give you
Everything you need
Let me be the one to love you more
Whatever happened to the old Ron? Ron of yesteryear would have waved Lisa away, saying, "No, you go on. I want to ask Hermione how Harry is doing."
But then again, Ron of yesteryear would never let Lisa drape herself all over him. The little vixen.
See me as if you never knew
Hold me so you can't let go
Just believe in me
I will make you see
All the things that your heart needs to know
A bright-eyed Weasley came over and stood beside her in Ron's place, certainly welcome but by no means a replacement. "How are things, Hermione?" Ginny asked. She followed her friend's eyes to where her brother stood awkwardly with Lisa and the MacMillians. "Oh," Ginny said, understanding perfectly.
I'll be waiting for you
Here inside my heart
I'm the one who wants to love you more
You will see I can give you
Everything you need
Let me be the one to love you more
"Gin," Hermione asked quietly, "what does he see in her?"
Ron's sister pursed her lips. "Honestly? I really don't know."
And some way all the love that we had can be saved
Whatever it takes we'll find a way
As much as she hated to admit it, Ron and Lisa were certainly an attractive couple. Hermione watched enviously as Lisa threw her head back and laughed throatily at something Ernie said. She could have almost any guy she wanted, yet she had to pick the only one Hermione wished she could have.
Ginny smirked. She, too, had been watching them. "She can't hold a candle to you. Personally, I think you'd make a better sister-in-law than that minx."
I'll be waiting for you
Here inside my heart
I'm the one who wants to love you more
You will see I can give you
Everything you need
"That's all up to Ron," Hermione replied. And the both knew how he could be.
"Don't worry about it," Ginny said comfortingly. "He'll come to his senses."
Let me be the one to love you more