Chapter 3:

It had been four hours since the incident and I still couldn't get any sleep. I certainly didn't feel bad about what I did. But for some reason, the situation still bothered me.

I looked over to Ginny. She was asleep, and one of her hands was sticking out. As if she'd been watching it. I squinted really hard at her hand. I realized there was a ring up there. The ring had a beautiful gold band and a red diamond. It didn't take me long to figure out that it was an engagement ring.

Great. Two things Ginny has that I want more than anything. Sleep, and an engagement ring from the man I loved.

I wondered how Harry had proposed to her. Surely he didn't simply get down on one knee. Harry seems like the type of guy that goes above and beyond for things like that. Especially considering it's Ginny. Sadly, I didn't know if I could say the same about Ron. It's not like there's anything wrong with getting down on one knee and just asking. At least he'd be asking.

I got up and went downstairs into the kitchen to eat out my depression.

Ron was leaning against the counter eating Bertie Botts every flavor Beans.

"Hi", I said quietly. He didn't reply.

"You couldn't sleep either?", I asked. He shook his head.

I felt nervous and upset. How could he be upset with me? I didn't do anything. It's not like I started it this time. I turned to him.

"You know, you've got some nerve Ronald. How can you be upset with me for trying to-", I hesitated and felt my face grow warm, "pleasure you. I mean honestly Ronald it's not like I told Charlie to walk in! When Charlie walked in on us I didn't torture you about it because I still enjoyed it. It didn't change anything."

I looked up at him. He was smirking and snickering. Which is when I realized how wrong that statement came out.

"N-no I didn't mean it in a positive connotation, I-I meant that-", I stopped. I was only making things worse anyway. He just kept laughing. I plopped down on the kitchen chair and ran my fingers through my hair. He walked over to me, with a slight chuckle.

"Look, Hermione, I'm sorry", Ron said. I looked up at him. "But seriously Hermione, that was the worse attempt at an insult ever." Ron laughed.

I rolled my eyes. Mentally wondering how the love of my life could be such an arsehole sometimes.

"I'm so sorry Ronald, that my insult didn't meet your standards", I said sarcastically. He sat down across from me at the table.

"I'm really sorry though. I was just kind of humiliated, y'know? Your older brother walking in on one of the best moments I've ever had. I mean think about it Hermione, we've tried to shag for times and we've gotten no where. Maybe we should just not do anything until we get our own place", he said. I considered this idea. If Ginny and Harry are getting married soon, maybe that'll get Ron to start thinking about getting our own place, and getting married. My parents' have settled down just fine now. They can manage on their own. And I'm sure George is more than ready to live on his own now. Then we'll have all the time in the world to shag. It's worth the wait.

"Okay. Deal", I said. We sat silently for a while.

"Did you know that Harry and Ginny are engaged?", I asked. He looked up at me.

"What? What do you mean they're engaged? They're far too young! Harry's got Auror training! Ginny's got Quidditch! Why the bloody hell are they engaged? Why didn't they tell me? How do you know anyway?", Ron asked. Why did I bring that up?

"Ron, calm down. They didn't tell me. I saw the ring on Ginny's finger. And I'm sure her and Harry's job will be under control", I said. As weird as it sounds, I felt like I was defending myself. I was defending myself. Sort of. If he thinks Ginny and Harry are too young and too busy for marriage, what will he think of us?

"I doubt it. Mind you, Harry's not as consistent as he used to be. A wedding will only ruin his performance in training and Ginny's performance in Quidditch. This is absolutely ridiculous", Ron said. Ridiculous. Were all of the thoughts of us growing old together ridiculous to him? Are the thoughts of us being young together ridiculous to him?

"Ron, I don't think it's our place to direct their lives. It wasn't my place to tell you either. Besides Harry and Ginny have been together since the war ended. I think they need to be on a much closer level together than they were teenagers", I said hoping, just hoping he'd take a hint.

"Well they should start by not acting like bloody teenagers all the time, with the hand holding and the kissing in public. It's disgusting", Ron said.

"Well you kissed me in front of them", I said without thinking.

"That's different", Ron said. I wanted to ask how things were different, and if he felt the same way about us. But I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Maybe my priority really shouldn't be planning out my future with him. Maybe my priority should be getting him to plan our future together. Without being too pushy unless absolutely necessary.

"Ron, where do you see yourself months from now?", I asked.

"Done with Auror Training that's for sure", he said. I sighed. So this was his version of a successful future. That didn't include me.

"When should we start looking for a flat?", I asked him. He shrugged.

Still, no information.

I stood up.

"I'm going back to go shower. It's almost morning anyway. No point in trying to go back to bed", I said. Truthfully, I needed to go back to bed. But
I wouldn't be able to with all of the thoughts racing though my head.

"Do you mind if I go first? I have to help Verity organize the Weasley Wizard Wheezes products. George said that Angelina and him were going out today with mum and dad", Ron said. I nodded. He left and I took a seat at the table.

Never had I felt so vulnerable when it came to my relationship with Ron. I always expected us to be married and moving on by now. I'm still living with my parents. Ginny and Harry are already living together. Their engaged. And I'm still at square one.

I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. I looked up to find a tired looking Mrs. Weasley. She turned on the light and jumped when she saw me.

"Oh, Hermione. It's you", Mrs. Weasley said with her hand placed on her heart. "What are you doing up?"

"I-couldn't get any sleep", I lied. She walked over to me and took a seat next to me.

"Hermione, what's wrong? Why are you crying?", Mrs. Weasley asked. She stroked my hair gently.

I hadn't noticed the tears streaming down my face. I quickly wiped them away.

"It's nothing", I lied. I didn't think it would be polite to tell her that her son's a naive arsehole.

"Hermione, dear, tell me what's wrong. You're like a daughter to me, I hate to see you upset. Just tell me what's wrong?", said, "Is it Ron?"

I nodded.

"What did he do?", asked.

"Nothing", I said, "But that's the problem."

"What do you mean?", asked.

"I feel like we're not even really together. We don't live together. We don't go on dates. I'm not even sure if he cares. And I'm already thinking of marriage. We're just not on the same level", I said.

"Have you ever mentioned this to Ron?", asked.

"Sort of", I replied, "I tried to hint it to him, but he didn't get it."

"Just give him time. He'll come around", Mrs. Weasley said. "In the meantime, I have breakfast to make before everyone else gets up."

She got up and walked to the stove and and took out her wand.

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley", I said.

I went upstairs and just as I was about to go back into Ginny's room, I heard Harry and Ginny talking.

"How will we tell everyone?", Ginny asked. I looked inside the room from the crack in the doorway. Ginny was looking down at her ring with a small grin. Harry was standing in front of her with stroking her cheek.

"I don't care if I have to stand on the top of this house and scream it to the world. I'm just happy I'll have the opprotunity to say it", Harry said. Ginny kissed him. I turned away and looked down at the floor. Feeling teardrops prickle my eyelids.

I'd never felt so jealous of Ginny until now.


Sorry for the slow update!

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Sincerely,

Jay