Chapter 3: Fire and Coal, Ebony and Ivory

"So let me get this straight: you up and shagged your Quidditch Captain on a Dare? The night before the Regional Final?"

Ron was on the phone with his brother-in-law, in the restroom at the back of the bus for privacy. The sex with Angelina must have brought good luck, for the Cannons had beaten the Harpies to advance to the Quidditch World Cup (Ron's sister, Ginny, had been bummed by her former team's loss - a point that Ron decided not to rub in).

"You do realize you took advantage of her, right? You're the one who dared her!"

"On the blow, yeah, but she was the one who fucked me in the wanker! She was under no obligation; that part was consensual! We were just... shagging."

Ron could almost feel Harry shake his head over the phone. "You won't convince Hermione of that," he warned.

"She doesn't have to know!"

"Word travels fast, mate. If Jenkins or any of them heard how bloody loud you and Angelina were being, word will get back to my wife, who will then go running right to your ex-wife!"

"Even if Ginny does go blabbing to her, why would Hermione care? This doesn't affect her!"

"It does if it bloody well affects the two children she had by you!" Harry almost exploded. "Think about Rose and Hugo! This is going to raise lots of questions - from them and anyone else. Is this relationship serious? Will you and Angelina get married? And if so, is she willing to be a semi-parent - their stepmother - with her career?"

Ron sighed. "You're right. Can you head off Ginny and tell Hermione? Prepare her?"

"I'll try," Harry promised. "I suggest you invite Hermione and the kids to the Cup. Introduce them to Angelina afterwards."

"You always say the right thing, Harry," Ron sighed. "Love ya, mate."

"Yeah, I know, you goofy prat. I know."

The Chudley Cannons won a historic victory in the Quidditch World Cup. As soon as Galvin caught the Snitch, Angelina barreled into Ron and gave him a deep kiss. Upon floating back to Earth, Ron led Angelina into the locker rooms. After snogging a bit, he signaled Harry, who brought down Hermione and the kids.

Angelina was very sweet with Rose and Hugo, and gave Hermione a warm hug. This impressed the young single mom. Upon hugging Angelina goodbye, Hermione told the dark-skinned beauty, "You have my blessing."

Angelina was surprised at the confidential bestowing. Marriage had not even been discussed with Ron yet, let alone on her mind. Neverthelesss, she was touched by the gesture; perhaps Hermione had some foresight into where she thought this relationship was headed - and especially foresight when it came to Ron. After all, the clever witch had been married to the man for seven, almost eight years and borne him two children.

Hermione smiled in understanding. "Take care of him." Then, she hugged her ex-husband. "You've got a real winner here, Ronald. Don't fuck it up."

Ron grinned, his eyes twinkling as she whispered this in his ear. "Why, Ms. Granger! Such language!"

Hermione smirked. "It's still Mrs. Weasley; I wasn't that cruel to drop your name after the divorce."

Ron's smile turned sad. "Well, I'm honored," he murmured. "Hey, I bet you'll get to change your name soon once you remarry."

"If, Ron," she laughed. "Not once. Not when. That'll probably never happen," and her own gaze turned wistful.

There was an awkward pause. "So... you got a flight back to the States? Virginia, right?" Hermione had relocated the kids to America after the divorce, dropping her job at the Ministry.

Hermione nodded. "We're blocks away from the American Ministry. And the White House, if the President buzzes me in."

Ron stared. "The... President? The President of the United States? That President?"

Hermione failed to keep the grin and eye-roll at bay. "Yes, Ronald. I'm his Secretary for Magical Affairs."

"Wicked! That's like Cabinet level, right? What's he like?"

"Not officially Cabinet. The President is the only one who knows my position exists. Muggle stuff, you know. And Obama's cool. Very chill."

Ron felt a little hand tug on his sleeve. "Uncle Harry says we have to leave now if he's going to get us to the plane." Rose relayed.

Hermione smiled. "Well, we mustn't keep your uncle waiting. Say goodbye to your father."

Ron hugged Rose and slapped palms with Hugo. He and Hermione stood awkwardly.

"I, um... I better go... Mmmm..." Hermione was suddenly cut off as Ron kissed her lips. For just a flash, her eyes closed as she was transported back in time to a happier day. Hermione vaguely Angelina couldn't see as she dared to kiss Ron back...

But the kiss was chaste, innocent, over as quickly as it had begun. And Angelina didn't see the stolen snog; she had been chatting with Harry. As Hermione ushered her children to the car, she gave Ron one last shy smile back. They parted as friends.

The next year, Ron Weasley and Angelina Johnson were married, aboard the Quidditch pitch. As they kissed, the Cannons team and other guests sent up a happy cheer. Hermione was bravely there for the sake of her and Ron's children. Rose and Hugo themselves were thrilled, even if still unsure of their new family dynamic ("So... you're our stepmother?" Hugo asked the beaming bride). Though Angelina's white dress clashed with her chocolatey skin, and Ron's tuxedo clashed horribly with both his skin AND his hair, neither the Chaser nor the Keeper saw color. No one did. Everyone was grateful at last for the marriage of two people whose love was as deep as the sport they both shared.