It's Not Like You'll Marry Me!
Chapter 1: Please Say Yes!
Author's Note: The long awaited sequel to It's Not Like You're In Love With Me! This story might be a bit shorter, but let's see how it goes, shall we?
Ron straightened his tie for the fiftieth time. He sighed and once again combed his hair. He was more nervous than anything for this night, because tonight…He started brushing off the cuffs of his tux. He had to look perfect for his girlfriend. He didn't want to think what would happen if Hermione caught him looking shabby on their two year together anniversary.
He looked at himself in the mirror. It had been two years since they had gotten together. Two years since Hermione being in mortal danger had brought them together. It turned out that some crazy tree worshipping druid queen posing as a student had been behind the whole plot.
Well, He thought. At least she's dead.
Two years ago, the queen had posed as a Hogwarts student in order to kill Hermione. At first it was thought that Death Eaters were behind the plot, yet soon they found it was all because of this girl…this insane girl who believed sacrificing Hermione to the Goddess Hecate would kill all the mudbloods in the world. Ron too, had been kidnapped, yet when he left, Harry came and rescued him. They escaped, and the queen was killed by Hermione's magic. And Ron and Hermione got started on their relationship.
He grinned. It was the only good thing to come from that little adventure in their seventh year. In fact, it was the last adventure they had. Voldemort had not appeared in over three years, not since their sixth year. While some claimed it was the end of Voldemort, Dumbledore was still cautious. There was no way to tell he was gone for sure.
Ron's thoughts drifted back to Hermione. Once again he became nervous. His eyes drifted over to the picture that he kept in plain sight on the dresser of his apartment he shared with Harry. It was a picture that was taken at the end of 7th year, right after Hermione and he got together. Picture-Hermione was blushing as Ron's picture form kissed her cheek. She would then smile flirtatiously and give him a small kiss. They had been together for two years, yet their relationship wasn't exactly as it was back then. Ron sighed. There was less kissing and more fighting. He hoped that tonight, they would be able to have what they had back them.
The doorbell rang, making Ron jump three feet. His heart pounded so fast he was surprised it didn't burst. Checking to see that he looked all right, he left his bedroom and walked towards the door. Taking a deep breath, he opened it.
"Ron, what's with the tux?"
Ron gasped. "Harry, what are you doing here?"
Harry walked in to the apartment. "I live here Ron, unless I am very much mistaken."
Ron shut the door and slumped into a chair. "Sorry, Harry, I'm just…uptight."
Harry stared. "I can see that. What's with the tux?" He repeated.
"I've got a date tonight." Ron replied.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "And do you usually wear tuxes out on dates?"
"No, but…" Ron paused. "Tonight's special."
Harry also sat down. "How 'special' are we talking? Are you two going to—"
"Harry!" Ron yelled. "I'm just…well…I…I'm going to—" Ron mumbled a few words.
"You're going to what?" Harry asked.
"I'm going to asertmarrme." He whispered.
"WHAT!" Harry asked.
Ron yelled, "I'M GOING TO ASK HER TO MARRY ME, OKAY!"
Harry stared. He was speechless. "You…are going to…what?"
Ron sighed. "I've been trying to work up the courage to do it for about three months, but I just can't seem to be able to ask her."
"And you're going to try again, I suppose."
"Right."
Harry shook his head. "Ron, If you're going to ask her, you can't just not keep doing it. You love her, right?"
"Yeah…" Ron couldn't see where this is going.
"And she loves you, right?"
"I hope so."
"Well?"
"'Well' what?" Ron asked.
Harry demanded, "Does she or not?"
"I don't know, I can't see into her mind!" Ron said.
"Did she ever say it?" Harry asked.
Ron thought a second. "Well…uh…yeah…once or twice…maybe…"
"Then case closed." Harry said. "If you love her, and she loves you, then don't think twice!"
"But…" Ron argued. "What if she says no?"
Harry shook his head. "Ron, you have a lot to learn about women."
"Like you're one to talk." Ron muttered. "I noticed you haven't asked Luna to marry you yet."
"I was…waiting for the right moment." Harry defended.
"'Right moment' my ass." Ron muttered.
"Well…" Harry said. "I know Hermione, and I know she will accept no matter what."
Ron looked away. "Are…you…sure?"
"Yes!" Harry said. "Hermione will be thrilled."
At that moment, the doorbell rang. Ron jumped to his feet. He felt his heart pound again.
"Speak of the devil." Harry said. While Ron began checking his hair. "Relax, mate, it'll be fine."
Ron stared at the door, not making a move towards it.
"Oh, for the love of—" Harry opened the door, revealing Hermione.
"Hi, Harry. Is—Ron." She said, staring at him while he looked frozen. "Why are you wearing a tux?" She asked.
"I knew it!" Ron yelled, running back into the bedroom.
"What's his problem?" Hermione asked, walking into the apartment.
Harry looked back in the direction of the bedroom. "He's…uh…nervous?"
"Why?" She asked. "It's not like he's never been on a date before!"
"Yeah," Harry said, franticly trying to come up with an excuse. "He's…well…"
"He's been acting nervous for three months now!" Hermione said. "It's really starting to bug me!"
Harry scratched his head. "Well…uh…"
"Is this better?" Ron asked, coming out from the bedroom. He was wearing regular clothes, and Harry noticed he had something in his fist.
"Better." Hermione said. "Come on, we're going to be late!"
Ron followed her to the door. Harry saw him pause right before he went through it and slip a small, black box into his pocket. He sighed, and followed Hermione.
"Well, that was a good dinner." Hermione said, walking next to Ron.
He nodded, and silently cursed himself. He had meant to ask her right after they finished dinner, but he just couldn't bring himself to it. He suddenly felt nervous again, because he knew he had to ask her sometime, yet it was hard to even think about it.
"Ron, are you going to say anything?" Hermione asked. "You haven't spoken since we had dinner."
"Well…uh…would you like me to talk?" He asked. This isn't good…He thought.
She sighed. "Ron…it's just…this silence has been bugging me lately. You're nervous all the time, you hardly talk to me, and you stare at me a lot…and…I think we're drifting apart."
Code Red! "What?" Ron asked. "We're not drifting apart! Come on, we're closer than ever!"
"Yeah, right." She said. "Ron…I just think its time we took a little break."
"Wh-what? Hermione, we can't—"
Hermione sighed. "Ron, I like you, I really do, but I'm wondering if you like me."
"Hermione, I like you! Why would you think— You're dumping me, is that it?"
She looked away. "No, Ron…"
"Is there someone else?" He demanded.
"No! Ron, I…I need to get my life in order, okay? I just think we both need some time to think on things, okay? Just give me some time…and I'll call you." She started walking away.
He ran to catch up with her. "Hermione, wait!"
She kept walking. "Thanks for the lovely dinner, Ron."
Ron stood and stared as she kept walking away. He touched the bulge in his pocked where he kept the wedding ring. Why? Why did she have to do this now?
Author's Note: Yay! First chap! This started sad, but it gets better. It gets way better. Please review for the lovely author who will appreciate a simple review very, very much!
