Birds, Blokes, and Invisibility Cloaks Chapter 2: Those Blokes, a harry potter fanfic

TITLE:

"Birds, Blokes, and Invisibility Cloaks"

AUTHOR:

Anna ((XoWiCkEdOnEoX))

DISCLAIMER:

Nothing's changed. I still own nothing. Sweet.

NOTE:

I'm sorry if the way Victor Krum talks is not true to the books… I'm not all that great at it so, please, forgive me.

"The course of true love never did run smooth." – William Shakespeare

CHAPTER TWO: THOSE BLOKES

It was night time and Ron and Hermione were walking towards the tent they had set up for the Qudditch World Cup. England had just won the Cup over Bulgaria and Victor Krum had broken his nose again by a Bludger. Ron was holding Hermione's hand as they talked animatedly about the match. He was telling her about all the highlights and she listened quite intently.

"Ron, you are so smart. I never really understood Qudditch like you did." She said, fondly gazing up at him. Ron just shrugged but couldn't resist smiling down at her. They didn't have to walk far until they reached their tent. Harry and Ginny had gotten their own tent with separate bedrooms while Ron and Hermione were sharing a bed in their own. Once they returned Ron made a fabulous dinner and the two of them ate quickly, taking breaks when Hermione praised him for his skills. When they had finished Ron took her hand and they walked out of the tent and lay down in the grass, gazing up at the stars.

"The stars look beautiful tonight, don't you think?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, but do you know what's even more beautiful than that?" Ron asked her, flipping onto his side to look at her. She turned her head to face him and raised an eyebrow.

"What?" She asked but Ron didn't answer. Instead he leaned over and began kissing her. When he finally split apart from her to breathe he looked deeply into her eyes.

"You." He whispered and she then pulled him by the collar until they were both back inside the tent. When they had reentered Hermione began to kiss him more aggressively. Her hands roamed over his chest and back and his rested firmly on her waist. She pressed her body against his and they walked over to the bed…

An hour later the two lay comfortably underneath the covers, Hermione in her underwear and bra (which she had just retrieved from the floor) and Ron just in his boxers (that he had retrieved from on top of the dresser). Ron's arms were around her small body and she was running her fingers along his bare back.

"'Mione," He said and she giggled at the use of this nickname. "I love you."

Hermione looked up at him and smiled. Then, she kissed him softly on the lips.

"Oh Ron," She started, this time running her fingers through his hair. "I love Harry."

The tent had melted away now and Ron was standing in the clearing of a forest. Snow was on the ground and he was aching because his body and clothes were drenched in cold water. He held a sword at his side and watched as a distorted, terrible version of Hermione placed her lips on an equally distorted Harry. Her voice was echoing through his mind.

"I love Harry. I love Harry. I love Harry."

Then, he was running away. He was running into the forest and away from the tent. Hermione was chasing after him, sobbing and crying out his name.

"Ron! Ron, come back! Ron! Please! Please don't leave!" She cried but he couldn't take that sound anymore. He couldn't bear to hear her crying.

"Ron! Ron! Ron!"

Ron Weasley sat upright in his bed. Something wasn't right here. The sun was shining brightly through his window and the curtains were wide open. He listened for a moment but heard nothing. He looked over at the clock and felt his stomach flip.

8:45.

He was supposed to be at Flourish and Blotts by 8:30. He jumped out of the bed and ran to his closet. He was lucky; he had taken a shower the night before after Hermione "accidentally" poured gravy down his front. His stomach flipped over again.

It was Hermione's fault. She had said that she would wake him up like she normally did. His ears were burning now as he pulled on a pair of jeans and a dark blue button up shirt. He dashed from the room and ran out of the flat. When he exited the shop he saw Neville standing there with Ginny.

"Thanks for waking me up, Gin!" He yelled as he ran past her.

"I left before everybody else was awake." Ginny said calmly as he slammed the door shut behind him and headed down the street. The only good thing was that the book signing didn't even start until 9:00 so he hadn't exactly missed anything. As he ran into the shop he saw Harry standing behind a long table where a bunch of books were stacked.

"Hey, Ron! What are you doing here? Hermione told us that you weren't feeling well." Harry said as Ron approached him.

"WHAT?" Ron yelled and a few customers looked around at him alarmed. He made a rude hand gesture and Harry pulled him into a back room where they found Hermione talking to a blonde man with a pointed face. Her hair was smooth and straight, pulled into a high ponytail. She wore a nice white quarter-sleeve shirt with a knee-length black skirt. She looked very pretty indeed but the man talking barely seemed to notice.

"Right, well that's all you need to know I suppose. If you need any assistance I'll be around. Bye." The man said moodily and exited the room. Hermione turned to look at Ron and her eyes widened.

"Didn't think I'd show up, did you?" He spat and she looked down at the ground. "Didn't bother telling any one else that you weren't planning on waking me up either. You lied to everybody and said that I was sick! You poured the gravy that I made for you all down my shirt last night and to top it off, I've tried apologizing to you every second I get and you still won't forgive me! Was that Malfoy?" Ron ranted and finally turned to stare at Harry.

"Yes, he works here." Harry muttered. Ron turned his attention back to Hermione who was crying.

"If you didn't what?" She asked with a sniffle.

"If I didn't like you a whole lot! You're my girlfriend for crying out loud! You're supposed to forgive me when I do stupid things!" Ron shouted.

"Well you do an awful lot of stupid things!" Hermione shouted right back, wiping her tears away quickly.

"What are you saying? You don't want to be my girlfriend any more?" He yelled and he felt his heart racing, banging against his chest.

"Yes! I do not want to be your girlfriend anymore! This relationship is over for good!" She shouted, flinging her arms out.

"Fine then!" He yelled his voice cracking.

"Fine!" She repeated and finally stamped out of the room.

There was a moment of silence before Ron turned to stare at Harry who looked quite bewildered. When they both finally came to their senses Harry gave Ron a 'There's-Nothing-You-Can-Do-About-it-Now' Look and the two walked out of the back room. Draco Malfoy was standing in front of the long tables piled with books, where Hermione sat smiling a little too brightly. A long line had formed and Ron could see it stretched all the way outside the door. Not even this burst of popularity could cheer him up though. He had let it happen again! This was third time they had broken up in five months. How was he ever supposed to settle down with Hermione for good, let alone tell her that he loved her, if they couldn't even date for a solid five months?

He glanced over at where Hermione sat at the end of the table. He had wanted to tell her how much he loved her for a long time now but it never seemed like the right moment. He had messed up so many other romantic situations with her and he wanted this one to be special. To him, saying "I love you" was a big deal. He had never loved any one like this before. Hermione was special, and he had known that from the very first time he had met her. For years he had been so completely oblivious to everything about her and when he had finally figured it all out… she found Krum.

That was it! Krum! Victor would be coming to the book signing and Hermione expected Ron to get jealous and be rude like he usually was.

"Not this time, though!" Ron thought to himself. "I'll show her! I'll be extra polite to Krum, play nice and all that. Then we'll see who the bigger person is. When she sees me being friendly with dear Vicky she'll have to forgive me!" Ron could have laughed at the brilliance of his plan but he thought it would probably be a bad idea. Malfoy had called for silence in the crowded shop now and all eyes were on him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the book signing will now begin. Please stay in a proper line and Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, and Ms. Granger will sign your books accordingly then you may move to the front register to purchase your copy of 'Harry Potter and the Dark Lord: The Journey for the Horcruxes and the Battle of Hogwarts'. Thank you." He said dryly before moving towards the front register and allowing the procession to begin. The people went to Ron first, then Harry, and finally Hermione who they seemed most anxious to meet.

"Is it true that you saved Harry Potter from a freezing lake?"

"Are you really a Parselmouth?"

"Did you really use fangs from a Basilisk to destroy Helga Hufflepuff's cup?"

"Are you two actually dating?" This last question was directed at Hermione and Ron. All three of them looked up suddenly and stared at the teenage girl who had asked the question.

"No, we aren't anymore." Hermione said simply and the girl nodded, then turned to smile at Ron. Hermione glared at the girl and then at Ron who had resisted the urge to smile back. He just nodded at her and she walked away giggling.

"I have to say that's a shocker." A tall, broad-shouldered man said as he approached the table. His dark, curly hair fell around his boyish face in a very handsome fashion. He looked over Hermione with eyes as dark as his hair and he blinked his long, dark, eyelashes. Ron recognized him as Kyle Barclay, an Auror who had always fancied Hermione. Kyle had always kept his distance while the two were dating but Ron had watched how, when ever he and Hermione broke up, Kyle was the first to ask Hermione on a date. She had always rejected him, probably because she knew that none of their break ups were that serious but Ron had a bad feeling about this one as Hermione fluttered her equally long eyelashes back at him.

"Hello Kyle! It's lovely to see you here." Hermione said in a sickly sweet voice that made Ron want to gag.

"I couldn't very well miss this, 'Mione!" He said with a laugh and Hermione giggled at the sound of this nickname. Ron felt his ears burning as well as the rest of his face. Hermione had never let him call her "Mione" before no matter how much he begged her! She always told him that she hated nicknames and never wanted one. Ron accidentally spilled his ink while dipping his quill into it rather forcefully. Harry looked over and shot him a warning look.

"Look, 'Mione, I know its short notice but I was wondering if you were busy this Friday night? Perhaps you and I can get together for a nice dinner and… talk." Kyle inquired flashing Hermione a winning smile. She gave him another offensive giggle before her cheeks burned red.

"You're right. It is short notice, Kyle." Her eyes flashed in Ron's direction. "But I'm sure we can figure out something. Perhaps we can get together next Friday instead. I'll get back to you at work tomorrow." Kyle smiled brightly before saying goodbye and walking out of the shop. Ron was glaring at Hermione from across the table but she wouldn't look at him. She continued to have polite conversations with the customers while she signed their books while Ron just murmured "hello's" and "goodbye's" to everyone.

It was almost eleven when Victor Krum made his way to the front of the line. He looked down at Ron and offered him a cautious smile that Ron returned ten fold. He looked down at Ron and raised a thick eyebrow before speaking.

"Hello. You are Von, aren't you?" He asked still being careful incase this was some sort of trap.

"Yes. It's good to see you again Krum. How have you been? I see you're still doing well with Qudditch." Ron said and fought back the urge to strike at Krum when he glanced over at Hermione.

"I've been vell. And thank you, Qudditch is getting harder and harder as I get older but it's impossible to give up." Victor said and Ron nodded as he signed the book.

"I know what you mean. Harry and I still have a go every now and again." Ron told him as Victor moved a few inches to where Harry sat and had him sign the book.

"Hello Harry. It's nice to see you again, too." He said and Harry nodded.

"Same here, Krum." Harry said as he passed the book down to Hermione who took it and then squealed happily at the sight of Victor.

"Oh Victor! I'm so glad you could make it! I was worried you would be too busy playing professional Qudditch." Hermione said loud enough for Ron (and probably everyone else in the store) to hear. Victor just nodded looking even more confused than usual. He shot Harry a pleading look before returning to look at Hermione's smiling face.

"I couldn't miss this. I'm very impressed. I'm can't vait to read it." He said and Hermione gave another obnoxious giggle which even Victor looked slightly repulsed by.

"Why, Victor! Thank you so much. Are you going to stay around with us until we've finished or do you plan on walking around Diagon Ally?" She asked him apparently oblivious to his repulsion.

"I'm going to valk around the street till you're done. I think I'll see the joke shop. I've heard it's great." Victor told her and she nodded so enthusiastically Ron expected her head to pop off.

"It is great. My brothers founded it, and now my sister helps run it. She's in charge of the store here in Diagon Ally." Ron said matching Hermione's enthusiasm. She finally turned to him and Ron was a little frightened by her look. She was angrier than he'd ever seen her.

"Oh, I see. That is very nice. Vas your sister a bridesmaid at the vedding?" Krum asked and Harry adjusted uncomfortably in his seat.

"Yes. I'm her boyfriend." Harry said quickly and Ron, Victor, and Hermione all looked at him bemused. Harry merely shrugged and continued to sign the book in front of him.

"Vell you are a lucky man. I vill see you all later. When does this end, exactly?" Victor asked Hermione.

"Around four o'clock, Victor." She said and blinked a bunch of times so her eyelashes fluttered a bit. Ron couldn't help but roll his eyes and snort at this. Hermione never did realize that she was about as hopeless at flirting as he and Harry were. She also didn't realize that she didn't need to flirt because she was already so damn beautiful. Victor nodded and walked out of the shop again with one last glance at Hermione and then Ron. He was shocked by this gesture but tried his best not to show it.

A couple more hours went by but nothing too exciting happened. They saw a few people they recognized, including Kingsley. There was a large uproar at the sight of the Minister of Magic himself and people were rushing over to him and shaking his hands. His visit had been brief and he got their signatures, congratulated them on the book, and wished them good luck on finishing their Auror training. George, Lee, Charlie, Percy, Bill, and Fleur also stopped by for a quick conversation.

At a quarter to three Luna, Dean, and Ginny arrived. Ginny had a rucksack slung across her back and Luna and Dean were holding hands. Luna was beaming at the sight of them and as she rushed over to them Ron saw Harry beaming back.

"Hello." Luna's dreamy voice reached them before she did. Ginny bent over the table and kissed Harry on the lips. Ron looked away at this and instead focused on the group of teenage girls who had seen the kiss and were no cringing and shooting evil glares at Ginny.

"Hey!" Dean said and shook all of their hands.

"Dean! Thank you so much for the illustrations! You should be here signing books too!" Hermione said happily.

"Oh, it was nothing. You guys saved my life. It was the least I could do." He shrugged and Luna turned and beamed at him.

"Yeah, you really did do an awesome job." Ron agreed but Hermione didn't look at him.

"Thanks mate. Look, we can't stay long because of this mad line but we just wanted to stop by and say hello. We'll come by tomorrow morning before we take off." Dean said.

"Take off for where?" Harry asked and Luna looked at him, eyes wider than ever.

"We're going to Scotland! They've been having awful trouble with a herd of Nickelbunglers living in a big lake over there. The Muggles have been reporting sightings of it for years now and Ministry workers have to stop by and cast some Confundus Charms. The Muggles think there's only one but I believe there are more than 50 at the very least." She explained happily.

"Do you mean the Loch Ness Monster?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Oh yes, that's what the Muggles there call it. It's an ancient species, the Nickelbunglers. They turn invisible at will and live for thousands of years. Fascinating creatures, really. Dean and I are just dropping by to say 'hello' to the herd and study them. We're writing an article about them for the Quibbler for Daddy to publish." She told them and Ron tried to suppress a laugh. Luna might be weird and interested in things that didn't exist but she was definitely one of the most determined people he had ever met.

"Well, we'd better get going. See you all tomorrow morning." Ginny said and bent down to kiss Harry again. Ron looked over and saw the group of girls giggling. Apparently they had moved on from Harry to him. Ron resisted the urge to toss his hair back and just shook his head and stole a quick glance in Hermione's direction. She was staring daggers at the group of giggling girls but was pretending not to notice Ron at all. Ginny, Luna, and Dean exited the store with three new, signed copies of Hermione's book and more than an hour later the crowd had completely died off.

"Alright. It's done now so you can all leave. Thank you for coming. Goodbye." Draco said shortly before walking into a back room and away from the trio.

"Pleasant chap." Ron said and Harry laughed.

"Listen, I'm going take these books to your Mum and Dad's house. I'll meet you back at the flat." Harry told Ron.

"Why don't you just let me take them?" Ron asked.

"Do you want to leave Hermione and Victor alone together?" Harry asked him and Ron's eyes widened.

"Get going then." He said to Harry and he laughed before Disapparating from the store. Ron looked over to see Hermione already exiting the store where Victor Krum stood just outside the doors. He quickly ran over to them and startled Victor and had Hermione throw him another rotten look.

"What are you doing?" She snapped but he just smiled at her.

"I'm going home, Hermione. I am going to cook dinner for you and our guest." He said and tried not to laugh as her face turned bright red with anger.

"You cook?" Victor asked him before Hermione could say another word.

"Yeah, my sister and I always take care of the food at the flat cause our Mum was a great cook and I guess we inherited her skills." Ron explained and Victor nodded. "Shall we go then?" He asked in his most polite voice that he knew Hermione would have loved any other day but this one.

He led the way down the street but made sure not to walk too far ahead of Hermione and Krum so that they couldn't have any moments alone. When they reached the shop they found Neville working there and after saying a brief "hello" they continued to walk up the stairs.

They entered the flat in silence and Hermione and Krum both went and sat down on the couch.

"Well, I guess you can go ahead and make dinner, Ron!" Hermione said smirking. If he made dinner that meant he had to stay in the kitchen and not with them.

"Oh… right… I'll just be a few minutes." He said and hurried off to the kitchen. He made sure that the door was wide open and bustled through the small room all the while keeping an eye on Victor and Hermione in the sitting room. They were talking now and Victor seemed to be very interested in what Hermione was saying but he rarely said anything back to her. Ron wondered whether he looked that intent and handsome when Hermione spoke to him and if the fact that he constantly responded to her was a bad thing. He finished sorting out all of the foods, made them start to cook themselves, and headed out to where the other two were. He took a seat in an armchair and listened as Hermione told Krum all about her plans for SPEW.

"Once I'm an Auror it will be a lot easier to pass on ideas like SPEW through the Ministry. It's improved so much since Kingsley's been Minister! You just wouldn't believe the difference…" She went on and on about the Ministry and SPEW and Auror training for another hour until dinner was served, she talked throughout their meal, and then a couple hours after that as the three sat in front of the fireplace. Ron had not tried to interject or express his opinions in the matters she brought up because he knew it would make matters worse. Not to mention the fact that Hermione seemed to enjoy Victor's silent company.

At half past ten Hermione stood up and stretched.

"Here, Victor, let me show you to your bed. It's in-"

"It's in my room, I hope you don't mind." Ron cut Hermione short and she looked at him in shock instead of anger. "You can have my bed. I'll sleep out here on the couch." He explained exchanging a meaningful look with Hermione. He realized that she didn't want him in the bedroom with her but he didn't like the idea of Krum in there either so he had come up with this solution while Hermione had been talking.

"That's sounds good to me." Victor said and Hermione made an odd choking sound before clearing her throat.

"I'm going to bed then. I'll see you both in the morning." She said a little shrilly before marching towards her room. Before she could completely exit the room, however, Ron followed her and pulled her aside in the hallway leading to the bedroom.

"Let go of me." She whispered fiercely so Victor couldn't hear.

"Not until you let me talk." Ron whispered back. He had to know what was bothering her so much.

"I've heard all of your apologies but it's over, Ron! We're done!" Her attempts to throw his arm off of her were getting rather frantic and Ron could tell that she was a few moments away from breaking down in to tears.

"Well you can hear them again then! I'm sorry I called you those names Hermione and I'm sorry for what I said. You just don't understand what it's like for me-"

"Yes, I bet living in a beautiful flat, having a steady job, and a girlfriend that does basically everything for you is incredibly difficult!" Hermione interrupted and he pushed the rude retort he had to the back of his mind.

"I don't mean that! I mean with you and Harry!" He told her and she stopped struggling to be released.

"Me and Harry? Ron there is nothing going on! Why can't you just let it go?" She sighed heavily.

"Look, do me a favor and read the book." Ron told her simply. He knew that if she read that book, the part he had written about the Horcrux, she would finally understand.

"Ron I don't need to read the book! I wrote it!"

"You didn't write the whole thing, though. Read the chapter I wrote about the Horcrux. It'll explain things a lot better. Just… read it." Ron said and finally let go of her arm. She stared up at him for a moment before turning from him and going in her room. It was Ron's turn to sigh heavily as he dragged his feet back to the sitting room where Krum was staring moodily in to the fire.

"Hello!" Harry had entered the flat again and looked unbelievably chipper.

"Hi."

"Hello, Harry." Victor said, standing up and shaking his hand.

"What are you two up to?" He asked and suddenly looked at Ron with an alarmed expression as Victor took his seat on the couch again.

"Talking. Hermione's just gone to bed." Ron answered moodily.

"You're still not together?" Harry asked and Ron nodded.

"You two are not dating anymore?" He asked but his voice was even and he didn't seem at all excited like Kyle had been.

"No. She broke up with me this morning. It's not the first time though. It's the third time in five months." Ron explained and Victor nodded but did not look back up at him.

"Is that vhy she invited me to the signing? She vanted to make you jealous?" Krum asked, but once again did not seem all that interested in hearing the answer.

"I guess so." Harry replied, taking a seat in his armchair.

"Her efforts seem vorthless though. You are not falling for them this time?" Krum asked and looked up at Ron who was still standing next to him.

"No. I know what she's trying to do and I won't let it bother me. Besides, you don't seem to be falling for it either." Ron said and looked down at Krum suspiciously.

"That is because I have a girlfriend back in Bulgaria. I planned on telling Her-my-own-ninny about it vhen I got here but I have not been able to speak very much." Krum said and Ron couldn't help but laugh a little at this.

"Yeah, well, with Hermione you kind of have to interrupt her and shout at her before she gets the point that you want to talk." He said and it was Victor and Harry who laughed. Ron's mood seemed ten times brighter now that he knew Krum already had a girlfriend and that Hermione's flirtations were getting her nowhere.

"I have noticed. She likes it better vhen you talk vith her though. She has told me before that is vhy she likes you two so much. You two talk to her often. I'm afraid I vas never a very conversational person." Krum confessed and they nodded.

"I always thought that she liked you more than Harry and I because you let her do all the talking." Ron said and Krum laughed a little more heartedly at this.

"I guess ve've both just had the vong impression of each other this vole time." Krum said and for the very first time, Ron was glad that he was there.

"It's funny how we both ended up involved with the same bird, though." Ron commented.

"Yes. But you have von her in the end, haven't you?" Krum said.

"I did. We've broken up, though, remember?" Ron reminded and felt his heart sink a little at this.

"You vill get back together soon. I have a feeling. Her-my-own-ninny voves you after all." Krum said and Ron felt his heart fly into his throat.

"What?" He asked his voice an octave above normal.

"Her-my-own-ninny voves you. She has told me a few times in her letters. She says that she voves you deeply but fears that you do not feel the same because you have not said 'I vove you' to her." Krum explained and Ron's ears burned.

"I told you so." Harry muttered but Ron ignored him.

"I… I thought… I thought she wanted me to wait before I said 'I vove you' – I mean 'I love you'." Ron said more to himself than to Victor.

"That's women for you."

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"Harry, get up! We've got to be at Flourish and Blotts in five minutes!" Hermione whispered fiercely in his ear. Harry opened his eyes slowly and looked around the room. He had taken a day off of work so Ginny could not give him his usual morning wake up because she had already gone down stairs to open the store. Harry threw his covers off and rushed over to the wardrobe but before he reached it he noticed Ron still sleeping in his own bed.

"Aren't you going to wake up Ron?" He asked Hermione but she just shrugged and shook her head.

"He's not feeling well." Was all she said before exiting the room. Harry looked over at Ron again to see him writhing a little in his sheets, sweating, and having what Harry could only guess was a bad dream. He turned away again and pulled on jeans and a nice dark red shirt before walking out of the bedroom. Hermione tossed a piece of toast at him which he caught successfully.

"Let's go!" She said and the pair left the apartment and rushed down the stairs.

"Tell me again why you didn't wake me up earlier?" Harry said a little annoyed by having to rush and only giving Ginny a swift kiss before leaving the building.

"I figured you would want to sleep in but then I accidentally slept in too!" She explained and the two rushed down the street and entered the shop five minutes later.

"You're late."

Harry's eyes grew wide when he saw the person who had spoken.

"What the hell are you doing here?" He blurted out and Draco Malfoy sighed deeply.

"You're little girlfriend said the same thing when I delivered the letter. I suppose she forgot to mention that it was I who gave it to her. She probably thought you wouldn't show up if you knew I was in charge of the signing." Malfoy said and Harry could tell that he was trying his hardest not to sneer.

"Right." Harry said awkwardly and the three of them looked at each other for a moment.

"There's a room in the back where you can stay before the signing starts. There's butterbeer and other refreshments for you." Malfoy told them and lead them past a long table covered in deep purple books with green writing on them.

The room behind the table was filled with even more books; these ones were in better condition than the ones of the shelves outside and were obviously new. Harry looked over expecting to find Hermione gazing over the books and examining them more closely but was surprised to find her looking down at her feet. Malfoy walked into the room and approached Hermione.

"There's some stuff that I have to tell you before the signing starts. First off, there will be lots of people around and you can't carry on any personal conversations if one of your friends stops in because the other people in line will come complaining to me and I don't feel like dealing with them…" Harry rolled his eyes and walked out of the room and went to examine Hermione's books on the long table. There were long golden quills resting there along with black ink bottles. As Harry grazed the feathers on the golden quill he heard the door to the shop fly open and a tall, long-nosed, red head came flying through the shop. Harry raised his eyebrows as the angry looking young man approached him and met him behind the table.

"Hey, Ron! What are you doing here? Hermione told us that you weren't feeling well." Harry said and Ron's eyebrows flew up into his hair and his face turned bright red.

"WHAT?" He yelled and the people around them looked over to the pair in alarm. Ron made a rude hand gesture and Harry grabbed his arm and dragged him into the back room where Draco was finishing up his instructions with Hermione.

"Right, well that's all you need to know I suppose. If you need any assistance I'll be around. Bye." Draco said looking more and more uncomfortable with each word. He nodded and left the room, careful not to make eye contact with either Ron or Harry. Hermione had looked up now and was staring wide-eyed at Ron.

"Didn't think I'd show up, did you?" Ron spat at her and she returned her gaze to the ground looking guilty. "Didn't bother telling any one else that you weren't planning on waking me up either. You lied to everybody and said that I was sick! You poured gravy that I made for you all down my shirt last night and to top it off, I've tried apologizing to you every second I get and you still won't forgive me!" Ron shouted at her but she didn't look up at him. Ron then turned to Harry. "Was that Malfoy?" He asked thickly.

"Yes, he works here." Harry muttered not wanting Ron to turn his rage on him. He didn't and instead turned back to Hermione who was now crying.

"What the bloody hell are you crying for? You're the one who's been lying and making me late! You're the one who's got the upper hand in this fight because I am actually admitting that I'm wrong! Do you think I would even bother trying to beg for your forgiveness if I didn't-" Ron stopped abruptly and Hermione's head snapped up to look at him. Harry knew that Ron had almost told Hermione that he loved her but had stopped himself before it could slip out. Harry had always thought Ron was being stupid by not confessing his real feelings for Hermione, but then again, Ron had always been a little slow with these sorts of things. It had taken him almost four years to realize she was a girl.

"If you didn't what?" Hermione asked and she sniffed.

"If I didn't like you a whole lot! You're my girlfriend for crying out loud! You're supposed to forgive me when I do stupid things!" Ron shouted at her, obviously wishing he hadn't been so careless with his words.

"Well you do an awful lot of stupid things!" Hermione finally shouted back and Harry was kind of glad that she had decided to defend herself. It was much better than having Ron yell at her.

"What are you saying? You don't want to be my girlfriend any more?" He yelled and Harry knew what was coming next.

"Yes! I do not want to be your girlfriend anymore! This relationship is over for good!" Hermione flung her arms out and Harry's stomach dropped. He hated it when Ron and Hermione broke up. They would spend the rest of their time ignoring each other and glaring until one of them (usually Hermione) finally apologized for their behavior and the two made up (in ways that Harry never appreciated since the flat had very thin walls).

"Fine then!" Ron yelled his voice cracking. Harry looked over at him surprised. Ron actually sounded upset. Usually he was happy that he and Hermione had broken up and would brag about how he was a free man even though he never did anything with any other girls and came crawling back when Hermione finally apologized. Harry sometimes thought Ron enjoyed their break ups because it gave him and Hermione an excuse to make up.

"Fine!" Hermione repeated and she stamped out of the room. Harry looked over at Ron in surprise and Ron mirrored his expression. The two stared at each other for a moment both trying to figure out what had just happen. When they both seemed to figure it out in their minds Harry shrugged and they headed out of the room to find Draco Malfoy standing in front of the table and Hermione smiling at the awaiting crowd. The line of people stretched from the front of the table, around all of the large bookshelves and then out of the door and partly down the street. Harry's eyes widened at this and he smiled awkwardly at the crowd as they all began to whisper when they spotted them. He saw them all gaze up at his scar and he shook his head slightly. It hadn't hurt him since Voldemort had died.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the book signing will now begin. Please stay in a proper line and Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, and Ms. Granger will sign you books accordingly then you may move to the front register to purchase your copy of 'Harry Potter and the Dark Lord: The Journey for the Horcruxes and the Battle of Hogwarts'. Thank you." Malfoy said in a bored voice before moving towards the front register as the first people slammed their books in front of them and they began signing.

"Is it true that you saved Harry Potter from a freezing lake?" A young girl asked Ron looking up at him with big eyes.

"Yes, I did." Ron said but for once he did not look interested in reliving the adventure.

"Are you really a Parselmouth?" A teenage boy asked Harry as he pushed his book in front of him.

"I used to be. I can't speak it anymore though. When the Tom Riddle in me was destroyed I lost the ability to speak it." Harry explained and the boy nodded. The use of Voldemort's real name had become a habit to him. After the war had ended he had decided that it would be better for people to call him by his birth name rather than the name they all had feared to speak for so long.

"Don't you wish you could still do it?" The boy asked.

"Not really. It wasn't nearly as cool as it sounds." Harry told him and the boy walked away.

"Did you really use fangs from a Basilisk to destroy Helga Hufflepuff's cup?" An older man asked Hermione and she nodded.

"Yes. We got them from the Chamber of Secrets. It's all there in Chapter Thirty One: The Chamber Re-Opened." Hermione explained and the man walked away.

"Are you two actually dating?" A teenage girl had asked the question to Ron and Hermione. The trio was staring at her and Harry felt like the entire room had gone silent for a moment, awaiting the answer.

"No, we aren't anymore." Hermione said simply and the girl nodded, then turned to smile at Ron. Hermione glared at the young girl but Ron, to Harry's surprise, merely nodded at her and she left in a fit of giggles.

"I have to say that's a shocker." Kyle Barclay said walking up to the table. Kyle worked at the Ministry with Hermione, Ron, and Harry and had always had an eye for Hermione. He was looking over at her and smiling sweetly.

"Hello Kyle! It's lovely to see you here." Hermione said her voice honey-sweet and made Harry cringe.

"I couldn't very well miss this, 'Mione!" He said with a laugh and Hermione began giggling. Harry rolled his eyes and knew that Ron wouldn't be reacting well to that. He had always wanted to call Hermione that but she had never allowed him to. Harry couldn't see why she didn't like the nickname because it sounded much better than plain old 'Hermione'. Ron stabbed his quill into the ink bottle with such force that it tipped over and spilled. Harry gave Ron a warning look trying to silently tell him that if he blew up at Kyle now, Hermione would never forgive him for it.

"Look, 'Mione, I know its short notice but I was wondering if you were busy this Friday night? Perhaps you and I can get together for a nice dinner and…talk." Kyle said and smiled brightly at Hermione. Harry was instantly reminded of Gilderoy Lockhart and he wondered how a girl who always seemed to fancy men with gorgeous, award-winning smiles could be in love with a guy who had a boyish lopsided grin. Hermione was giggling again and her cheeks turned pink.

"You're right. It is short notice, Kyle." She looked over at Ron. "But I'm sure we can figure out something. Perhaps we can get together next Friday instead. I'll get back to you at work tomorrow." Hermione said. Kyle then said goodbye and Ron glared after him until he exited, then he turned his glare towards Hermione. Harry wasn't worried about Hermione and Kyle. He knew that Hermione was going to turn him down tomorrow at work but she just wanted to annoy Ron by making him think she was actually going to go through with it.

"By this time next week they'll be snogging in our living room and Ron will be agreeing with everything she says." Harry thought to himself.

Ron had recalled the fight for Harry when he had returned to the flat that night. Ron had expected Harry to tell him that he was being stupid, that he was being irrational, and that he should stop thinking he and Hermione had something together. Instead, though, Harry shrugged, explained calmly to Ron that he had no feelings beyond friendship for Hermione, and convinced him that he had to apologize. Ever since Ron's encounter with the locket Horcrux Harry had been much more lenient with Ron's jealously towards him and Hermione. He now understood that it wasn't just Ron seeking attention, it was actually Ron's biggest fear. Harry knew that in the two years that had past since the Horcruxes were destroyed Ron had not told Hermione anything about what happened other than "it screamed". In the book, however, Ron had gone into full detail about his encounter with the part of Tom Riddle's soul and had written down every word the locket had said to him because he had been dreaming about it for years. Harry had been the one to proof-read the chapter and was thoroughly surprised to see some of the things written there. Although Harry had been present at the time he had never asked Ron what he had been feeling while the Horcrux tormented him and reading it first hand made it seem all that much worse.

"And when Hermione reads it she'll know." Harry thought. When Hermione finally got the chance to read Ron's chapter of the book she would finally know why he always blew up when she and Harry shared a fun moment without him or implied (always unintentionally and without real feeling) that they loved each other. It had always been a joke to Hermione and Harry had played along but Ron never took to it well. The chapter would explain to Hermione the reasons behind that, and even explain his real feelings for her. "And then," Harry thought, "They'll finally get married."

Strange as it seemed, Harry had often fantasized about the day his two best friends got married. It would mean that he would no longer have to deal with the fights or worry that their friendship would be ruined. He imagined how he and Ginny would walk over and congratulate them, telling them how great married life was since they would have married months before…

Harry fought back his insane grin. He was proposing to Ginny in a few days. He had already purchased a beautiful diamond ring from a jeweler on Diagon Ally and tonight he would be going to visit Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to ask their permission to marry their youngest child and only daughter. He was going to bring them their two copies of Hermione's book and tell them all about the book signing. Then, he would offer to make tea but allow Mrs. Weasley to do it (because she would insist upon him sitting down and resting after a hard day). He would chat with Mr. Weasley about life at the Ministry and all the improvements being made, then ask Mrs. Weasley how her other children were doing. After a few more minutes of polite chatter, he would bring up his relationship with Ginny and once he got them used to the idea of the pair being serious for over a year now, he would tell them his wish to propose to her.

He could just imagine their faces now! Mr. Weasley would pat him on the back and beam while Mrs. Weasley would start to cry and bring him in to a bone breaking hug. She would weep and tell him how glad she was that she would have him as a son-in-law and Mr. Weasley would get excited about Harry teaching his daughter the tricks of Muggle living.

Harry sighed deeply and before he knew it, it was eleven o'clock and Victor Krum had made his way to the front of the line. He was looking down at Ron with a careful smile as if he were afraid Ron might stand up and punch him. Surprisingly, however, Ron grinned broadly back and Harry felt his jaw drop open.

"Hello. You are Von, aren't you?" He asked and Harry saw Ron cringe a little at the way Krum said his name.

"Yes. It's good to see you again Krum. How have you been? I see you're still doing well with Qudditch." Ron said to him brightly and Harry was reminded of Hermione's attitude towards Kyle.

"I've been vell. And thank you, Qudditch is getting harder and harder as I get older but it's impossible to give up." Krum said and Ron nodded enthusiastically as he signed Victor's book.

"I know what you mean. Harry and I still have a go every now and again." Ron explained as Krum moved in front of Harry who took the book and signed.

"Hello Harry. It's nice to see you again, too." He said and Harry nodded.

"Same here, Krum." Harry replied and passed the book down to Hermione who had been chatting to an older woman and hadn't noticed Krum's arrival yet. When she had said goodbye to the woman and taken up the book she squealed as her eyes fell upon Victor.

"Oh Victor! I'm so glad you could make it! I was worried you would be too busy playing professional Qudditch." Hermione said loudly. Victor just nodded looking confused and giving Harry a pleading look. Harry shrugged at him, not knowing how to stop Hermione's odd mood, and Victor turned to look back at her.

"I couldn't miss this. I'm very impressed. I can't vait to read it." He said. Hermione began giggling again and Ron, Harry, and Krum all cringed at the sound.

"Why, Victor! Thank you so much. Are you going to stay around with us until we've finished or do you plan on walking around Diagon Ally?" Hermione asked him, either not seeing or ignoring all of their repulsed looks.

"I'm going to valk around the street till you're done. I think I'll see the joke shop. I've heard it's great." Victor told her and she nodded.

"It is great. My brothers founded it and now my sister helps run it. She's in charge of the store here in Diagon Ally." Ron interjected suddenly. Hermione turned to look at Ron and Harry was positive that if looks could kill Ron would have just dropped dead.

"Oh, I see. That is very nice. Vas you sister a bridesmaid at the vedding?" Krum asked and Harry felt the roar of a dragon in the pit of his stomach. He remembered how Krum had asked about Ginny and had seemed very interested in her until Harry had mentioned her non-existent (at the time) extremely jealous boyfriend.

"Yes. I'm her boyfriend." The words had slipped out before he had realized it and the three of them looked over at him confused and surprised. He shrugged awkwardly and looked back down at the book in front of him.

"Vell you are a lucky man. I vill see you all later. When does this end, exactly?" Krum asked, looking down at Hermione.

"Around four o'clock, Victor." She said, blinking quickly so her eyelashes fluttered. It was hard for Harry not to laugh at her and he could tell that even Ron was resisting the urge.

After a few more hours they saw Kingsley, George, Lee, Charlie, Percy, Bill, Fleur, Seamus Finnigan, Neville, Hannah Abbott, Ernie MacMillan, Susan Bones, Denis Creevey, and a number of their other old classmates. They talked to them for a few minutes, enough for a quick update on their lives before they had to rush out because of the long line of waiting people.

At a quarter to three Luna, Dean, and Ginny arrived. Harry smiled as the trio entered, not only because his girlfriend was there but also because Luna was amongst them. Luna was beaming at him, her large eyes capturing his own. Harry smiled back at her. She wore a large green ribbon on the top of her long blonde hair that matched the long green shirt she wore over tight jeans and green flats.

Luna had meant so much to him as a friend. She had taught him that it was okay to trust in others, and that is was okay to grieve. But she had also taught him that there are certain things you must do alone, and that you must move on no matter how hard it seems. She had been his only friend to lose a parent and knew what it was like for him when he had lost Sirius. She had sympathized but not felt sorry for him. Luna had been someone he could turn to when confused and she would help him to understand in her strange, Loony way.

"Hello." Luna said, her voice drifting to them as they approached. When the three reached the table Ginny bent over it and kissed Harry. He smiled inspite of himself, thinking of his plans that night. Ginny wore a tight red shirt and a black blazer that matched her black boots. She had always had a good fashion sense that she had stubbornly been trying to rub off on Hermione.

"Hey!" Dean said and shook all of their hands

"Dean! Thank you so much for the illustrations! You should be here signing books too!" Hermione said happily, finally abandoning her sickly sweet tones.

"Oh, it was nothing. You guys saved my life. It was the least I could do." Dean said modestly as Luna turned her smile to him.

"Yeah, you really did do an awesome job." Ron spoke up obviously hoping Hermione would smile at him like Luna was smiling at Dean.

"Thanks mate. Look, we can't stay long because of this mad line but we just wanted to stop by and say hello. We'll come by tomorrow morning before we take off." Dean said

"Take off for where?" Harry asked Luna who looked at him with wide eyes.

"Do you mean the Loch Ness Monster?" Hermione asked and Harry knew that she was seconds away from telling Luna that such things did not exist but Luna cut her off.

"Oh yes, that's what the Muggles there call it. It's an ancient species, the Nickelbunglers. They turn invisible at will and live for thousands of years. Fascinating creatures, really. Dean and I are just dropping by to say 'hello' to the herd and study them. We're writing an article about them for the Quibbler for Daddy to publish." Luna explained to them and Harry nodded hoping Ron wouldn't laugh and that Hermione wouldn't scoff. When neither did Harry sighed in relief.

"Well, we'd better get going. See you all tomorrow morning." Ginny said and bent down to kiss Harry again. Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw Ron looking away from this like he normally did. Harry had been worried about Ron the most when it came to proposing to Ginny but, then again, Ron been quite supportive of the pair ever since Ginny moved in so Harry hoped he would feel the same way about their marriage.

"What's up with them?" Ginny whispered in Harry's ear as Ron continued to look over at a group of teenage girls and Hermione glared at them.

"They broke up again." Harry whispered back and Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Oh, great! Make sure they don't kill each other tonight." She whispered and then straightened up and left with Luna and Dean.

Within the next hour the crowd thinned and soon nobody was left. Malfoy walked back over to them looking slightly flustered.

"Alright. It's done now so you can all leave. Thank you for coming. Goodbye." Draco said shortly before walking into the back room and away from them.

"Pleasant chap." Ron said and Harry laughed.

"Listen, I'm going take these books to your Mum and Dad's house. I'll meet you back at the flat." Harry told Ron.

"Why don't you just let me take them?" Ron asked.

"Do you want to leave Hermione and Victor alone together?" Harry asked him and Ron's eyes widened.

"Get going then." He said to Harry and he laughed before Disapparating from the store.

After the uncomfortable near-strangulation that he had become accustomed to over the years, he appeared again in the yard of the Burrow. The chickens were clucking merrily and a few gnomes had stuck their heads out of the bushes to look at the new arrival.

The back door was open, a custom that Mrs. Weasley had gotten in the habit of ever since the war had ended. Harry knocked on the open door and looked into the seemingly empty house.

"Hello? Mr. and Mrs. Weasley? It's Harry." He called into the house. He then heard some bustling and Mrs. Weasley came heading towards him from the staircase. She was wearing a very pretty dress and her face was made up.

"Oh! Harry dear I forgot that you were coming by to drop off the books. I'm afraid Arthur and I are in a terrible hurry. We're going out to dinner this evening and we're late!" She explained leading him into the house.

"Really?" Harry said and his heart sunk. He had planned out the perfect way to ask the Weasley's for their daughters hand and now his plans were ruined.

"Yes, sorry. Thank you so much for dropping off the books though! We can't wait to read them. The idea of Ronald writing part of a book is just so thrilling! He told me that it would have a section about when he destroyed that dreadful locket! I cannot wait to see how he did it!" Mrs. Weasley said excitedly as she bustled about the kitchen trying to clean up before going out.

"Look, Mrs. Weasley I need to ask you and Mr. Weasley something." Harry started slowly. How was he supposed to prepare them for this? He had no time!

"You do? Let me just get him. Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley shouted up the stairs and Mr. Weasley soon came running down.

"Molly I can't find my left shoe! Where is it?" Mr. Weasley asked searching around the floor and in the cabinets, not noticing Harry's presence.

"Arthur, Harry's here with the books and he has a question for us." Mrs. Weasley said picking up his shoe from inside the sink and handing it to him. Mr. Weasley turned to look over at Harry and smiled brightly.

"Why, hello there Harry! Sorry for the mad rush. You know us Weasley's, always late for something." He laughed as he shoved his shoe on.

"Right. Um, I just wanted to… er… there's something really important I need to ask." He said as the two of them continued to bustle about.

"What is it, Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked, fixing her makeup in the reflection of the faucet.

"Maybe you two had better sit down." He said. He might have to do it fast but he was going to do it right!

"Alright, but please be quick we have to run." Mrs. Weasley said and the three of them sat down at the kitchen table.

"Okay, so you know that Ginny and I have been dating for two years now and that we love each other very much."

"Yes, it is wonderful that she found someone like you, Harry." Mr. Weasley praised

"We are so proud of her for growing up so fast and taking over for George!" Mrs. Weasley said happily.

"Right, well, you know that I would do anything for her and that after the War I've been much more open to relationships with people. I learned how to love just like Dumbledore always wanted me to. And I was just-"

"We are proud of you too, Harry! You've lived up to and beyond all of Dumbledore's expectations!"

"Yes and the way you treat our little girl is absolutely wonderful."

"Thank you, anyways, I was thinking-"

"Harry how much longer do you think this will take?-"

"Yes, we are really late for dinner."

"It will just take-"

"We made reservations and if we don't get there soon they'll give away our table."

"And Arthur has been working so hard at the office lately that we really wanted a night to relax."

"I understand but-"

"You wouldn't believe how hard I've been working to help fix up the Ministry. Then again, I know you've been working hard too."

"Ron tells us that the three of you have been under a lot of pressure to pass your training final but I'm sure you will-"

"I WANT TO ASK GINNY TO MARRY ME!"

The room went dead silent. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's jaws had dropped open and Harry's face lost all color.

"Um… I mean... Er… May I have your permission to have your daughters hand in marriage?" Harry quickly revised. Mr. Weasley shut his mouth quickly but Mrs. Weasley continued to stare open mouthed at Harry.

"Harry, our daughter is only 19 years-old." Mr. Weasley started slowly.

"Yes, I know, but in a couple months she'll be 20 and I don't plan on marrying her until sometime next year-"

"She's only been away from Hogwarts for a year-"

"But she's seen and done more than most people see or do in their entire lives!"

"Ginny has only been away from home for a year now, living with three other people and I'm just not sure she's ready to live one-on-one with just you."

"She's definitely ready for that. She's cooks breakfast with Ron every morning and Hermione taught her all the household charms and spells and we all do our own bit of chores around the flat. She wakes me up every morning just like Hermione wakes up Ron-"

"Do you really want to do this?" Mrs. Weasley spoke up and Mr. Weasley and Harry both turned to look at her.

"Excuse me?" Harry asked not daring to believe his ears.

"Are you serious about marrying my daughter?" Mrs. Weasley asked again and this time Mr. Weasley looked at Harry with the same curious expression.

"I've never been more serious about anything in my life." He said and a tear ran down Mrs. Weasley's cheek.

"Then you have our permission, Harry." She said and it was Harry's turn to drop his jaw.

"Really?" He asked and Mrs. Weasley laughed.

"Of course. We've known you since you were eleven years old and we know that you are a good boy. Now, you're a man and there's nobody I could think of who would take better care of my little girl." She said.

"Yes, Harry. I guess this is a good thing. As long as Ginny is ready for marriage, we support you." Mr. Weasley said and he stood up from the table. He held out his hand and Harry shook it gladly.

He had their permission! He could propose to Ginny! They could get married and move to a house by the sea with their three or four children.

"Now we'd better get going, darling. Make sure to tell us all about it, Harry!" Mrs. Weasley said as the two of them headed towards the back door.

"Oh! Ok! Thank you! I'll talk to you soon! Goodbye!" Harry said following them out of the door as they Disapparated. He stood for a moment longer looking out at the distant hills. He sighed with relief and then Disapparated back to Diagon Ally.

He arrived in front of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and entered to find Neville chatting to Hannah Abbott as they were preparing to close the shop.

"Hey, Harry!" Neville called and Hannah waved next to him.

"Hey, Neville! Hey, Hannah!" Harry called back happily.

"Tell Hermione that we love her book so far! I'm already on Chapter Ten! Hannah's on Chapter Twenty because she reads much faster." Neville said and he looked over at Hannah who was giggling and blushing.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it!" Harry said unable to hide his joy both from the compliments on the book and the excitement of being able to propose to Ginny.

"It's amazing! And can you tell Ron that his Chapter has been my favorite so far? It was so captivating and so scary. He was very brave in saving you and destroying that Horcrux even though it tried to torture him with those weird figures of you and Hermione! I never thought he could do something like that!" Hannah said in her small voice.

"Thanks, I'll go tell him right now!" Harry said and dashed up the staircase. Ron would be so pleased with himself to hear that somebody had thought he was brave and a hero.

He tapped the door handle and whispered the password before opening it and stepping through. When he entered he found Krum sitting on the couch staring in to the fire and Ron standing next to him doing just the same.

"Hello!" Harry said excited about giving Ron the news.

"Hi." Ron said and Harry knew immediately that now was not the best time.

"Hello, Harry." Krum said and he got up off the couch and shook Harry's hand.

"What are you two up to?" Harry asked them suddenly aware of who he was talking to. Ron and Krum together in the same room? This couldn't be good!

"Talking. Hermione's just gone to bed." Ron answered and his grumpy tone told Harry exactly why Ron and Krum were alone.

"You're still not together?" Harry asked and Ron nodded in reply.

"You two are not dating anymore?" Krum asked Ron, not taking his gaze away from the flames.

"No. She broke up with me this morning. It's not the first time though. It's the third time in five months." Ron explained and Harry felt his own mood dampen.

"Is that vhy she invited me to the signing? She vanted to make you jealous?" Krum asked.

"I guess so." Harry said and he sat down in his usual armchair.

"Her efforts seem vorthless though. You are not falling for them this time?" Krum asked Ron.

"No. I know what she's trying to do now and I won't let it bother me. Besides, you don't seem to be falling for it either." Ron said looking down at Krum with a raised eyebrow.

"That is because I have a girlfriend back in Bulgaria. I planned on telling Her-my-own-ninny about it vhen I got here but I have not been able to speak very much." Krum explained and Harry and Ron both laughed at this. Hermione had a bad habit of talking too much around certain people. The two of them had just learned how to interrupt and share their own thoughts before she could get too carried away.

"Yeah, well, with Hermione you kind of have to interrupt her and shout at her before she gets the point that you want to talk." Ron said and Victor laughed as Harry nodded in agreement. Ron seemed much happier now which also brought up Harry's mood again.

"I always thought that she liked you more than Harry and I because you let her do all the talking." Ron said and Krum laughed a little more heartedly at this.

"I guess ve've both just had the vong impression of each other this vole time." Krum said and Ron smiled.

"It's funny how we both ended up involved with the same bird, though." Ron said.

"Yes. But you have von her in the end, haven't you?" Krum said but he did not sound bitter like Harry would have expected.

"I did. We've broken up, though, remember?" Ron reminded said and his face fell a bit.

"You vill get back together soon. I have a feeling. Her-my-own-ninny voves you after all." Krum said and Ron's face lost color.

"What?" Ron asked his voice an octave above normal.

"I told you so." Harry muttered but Ron ignored him. Harry had been telling Ron this for more than a year now and finally, when an international Qudditch player tells him, he listened!

"I… I thought… I thought she wanted me to wait before I said 'I vove you' – I mean 'I love you'." Ron said to himself.

"That's women for you." Harry said and Ron nodded his agreement.

"Them birds… how are we supposed to figure out what they're thinking? And how are we supposed to know what to do or what to say all the time?" Ron asked sitting down on the couch beside Victor and staring into the fire with him.

"Vell, you could alvays do what I do. Just listen, nod, and hope for the best."

Woohoo. Second chapter done.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN LAST CHAPTER:

-Ron's account ((as seen in the book "Harry Potter and the Dark Lord: The Journey for the Horcruxes and the Battle of Hogwarts"

- Fluff. Duh.

-The damn Invisibility Cloak ((that I just know you've been wondering about)) will make its debut.

-Ron's moment of truth… will he confess his love or chicken out?

-The proposal ((aah!))

Read & Review please.

--Anna--