Ron sipped his ale quietly, tapping his foot. George stared at him, waiting for him to reveal to Harry the secret he'd shared back at the shop. If Harry noticed Ron's peculiar behavior, he acted as thought he didn't. George admired Harry for this. He suspected that through the years, Harry had done this often. The Leaky Cauldron filled up as the after-work crowd trickled in. Harry explained some of the new tactics they'd introduced at the Auror Office. Ron tried to pay attention, but his hand kept going into his jacket pocket and his mind wandered to Hermione. George waved over Hannah Abbott for another round.

"I'm starving, I think I'll get something to eat as well," said George. "Anyone else?"

"I'm not hungry," offered Ron.

"You...not hungry?" asked Harry in disbelief. Ron shrugged, his ears turning red.

"What'll you have, Harry?" George asked as Hannah approached.

"Fish and Chips, please."

"What can I get you lads?"asked Hannah.

"Two fish and chips then, and another round of drinks," George said.

"Celebrating?" she asked. George instinctively looked at Ron. Harry shook his head 'no.'

"Not really," said George. "Not yet, anyway. Just a long day."

"How was the shop?" asked Harry.

"Business was booming," George said. "Right, Ron?" He nudged his brother in the ribs. Ron had barely spoken a word. He nodded. Harry gave George a quizzical look. As if in a daze, Ron slowly pulled out the small, back velvet box that contained Hermione'd engagement ring. He twirled it in his fingers, his face flushing. He didn't meet Harry's eyes for what seemed like ages. Then he set the box down in front of Harry.

"I'm going to propose to Hermione," he said, nodding to Harry to take the box.

"Brilliant," said Harry, surprised. "Excellent. Really excellent." Harry picked up the box and opened it to reveal the beautiful ring.

"Ginny helped," said Ron as thought he'd never have found something so glorious on his own.

"It suits her," said Harry. "It's perfect." George beamed, finally glad to be rid of the secret.

"Reckon she'll want to marry me?" asked Ron.

"I already told him she would give him a resounding 'yes,'" said George, rolling his eyes.

"I know she will," Harry echoed. "She loves you, mate." Ron relaxed and took a deep drink from his glass. Hannah returned with the second round.

"Now we're celebrating," said George.

"Oh yeah?"

"Ronnie here's going to ask Hermione to marry him!" Hannah squealed and reached across George to hug Ron.

"Oh, that's wonderful! Congratulations, Ron.""

"She hasn't agreed yet," he said.

"She will," said Hannah, slapping him on the arm. "I always knew you two were perfect together, even when we were in school. What little I saw of you...well, a girl can just tell some things! From what Neville's said you two have acted like a married couple for years!"

"They can argue like one, that's for sure," said Harry.

"I know, I know. I'm still nervous, though."

"How are you going to do it? When, Where?" Hannah asked. Ron filled her and Harry in on his plans so far. Tears developed in her eyes as she listened. Harry smiled, but only George noticed a faint look of disappointment on his face.

"Excuse me, I've got to go to the loo," said Harry.

"Me too," said George giving Harry a pleading glance. Ron looked between Harry and George. He was quite used to Hermione and Ginny going to the loo together. It was a girl thing, he thought. He found it quite odd that Harry and George would go together.

"I'll be here," said Ron shaking his head, amused. Harry looked just as confused but allowed George to follow him.

"Harry," said George pulling him aside just before they reached the lavatory. "Don't ask Ginny to marry you."

"What?"

"Not now, anyway."

"You think I should wait..." Harry said. "I know," he went on, "Ron deserves to do this on his own."

"Exactly," said George. "Sorry mate, but he beat you to the bunch."

"I can wait. I don't want to, but I can wait."

"Good. Glad we agree," said George.

"I'm happy for them," said Harry. "Also...I actually do need to use the loo."

"Right." Harry disappeared into the bathroom and George returned to the table to find the food had arrived. Ron was eating George's chips.

"I thought you weren't hungry."

"I feel a lot better now. I've ordered my own, don't worry."

Harry returned shortly to find the mood had lightened all around. Hannah brought Ron's fish and chips a few minutes later, still showing signs of happy tears.

"I just love weddings!" She exclaimed. As they ate, Ron mused about different ways in which he could pop the question. All he knew is that he wanted it to be everything she'd ever dreamed of...perfect. Hermione had told him that many girls pictured their weddings and proposals from a young age. Thinking of the Hermione he'd known at school, it seemed impossible that Hermione was among these "many." But after being in a relationship for several years, he found it wasn't so hard to believe after all. Hermione had a soft, romantic side she hadn't really shown since sixth year, though during the whole Yule Ball disaster, Ron had begun to suspect there was more to Hermione than he knew. Ron had this romantic side as well and he only hoped it would come to good use when asking her to marry him.

"I reckon she'd say 'yes' even if you had it written in the sky at a Cannons match," said Harry. "Though, I hope you're not considering that."

"Yes, I know better than that," said Ron smiling.

"Did you ask her parents for permission?" George asked, winking at Harry.

"I told them what I was planning, yeah. Didn't have enough air to ask permission...they hugged me so hard!" Hannah returned once more with shots of firewhisky.

"On the house." She passed out the tiny glasses, saving one for herself. "This calls for a toast," she said.

"To my little brother and his bride to be!" George exclaimed, raising his glass high, a little of the drink spilling out. Ron's face had turned red. Despite being jealous of Harry's fame at times, he found that when he actually was the center of attention, it was quite embarrassing. Harry beamed at him as he raised his glass too. Hannah joined and waited for Harry to speak.

"To my two best friends in the word. To their future together!" Ron finally raised his arm, grinning from ear to ear. His face was still beat red, but knowing that he had everyone's vote of confidence made him feel loads better. They were right, Hermione loved him. He need not worry.

"To the future," said Ron with confidence and they poured back their firewhisky.