Chapter 4
Unlike yesterday Thursday seemed to go by at a snails' pace, however somehow before she knew it she was walking into Café Rouge 20 minutes early and was being seated at a table. She thanked the waiter and straightened her dress before she sat down. She was wearing a simple light blue dress, which fell past her knees, she'd pulled her hair back so that half or it was up and half was down around her shoulders.
As she sat down in her chair she took a moment to fully look around the café. It had been months since she had come in here, she hadn't really wanted too much over the last few years. It hadn't changed, not one bit. It was still as homely and welcoming as it had ever been. The displays by the till showing all the bakery items you could ever think to eat, and some you only ever dreamed of eating. All that had changed, you noticed, was that it was bigger. She had no idea that they were going to renovate it; however she was glad they had. It meant that more people could sample there amazing food. The waiter came back and asked for her drink order and if she wanted any food. She said that she was waiting for someone, but she would like a latte. He nodded as has walked, writing her order down as he left. When he was out of sight she noticed Ron, standing by the door not sure where he should go. She stood up so that he could see that she was already seated, he said something to the hostess and came over to her.
He had a worried expression on his face, like he thought she was going to explode at any moment. She smiled at him as he approached,
"Hi," She said as he came closer to her "I don't know what you're so worried about, I'm the one that's receiving news." She giggled lightly then gave him a hug trying to lessen the tension between them. It worked; as she pulled away she saw that he was smiling at her.
"I know," He said as they both sat down, "But in truth I have no idea how you're going to take what I have to tell you. I mean we've not been close lately, and I really don't want to upset you." He gave her a half a smile "You are still my friend after all, everything considered."
The waiter came back with Hermione's drink and asked Ron if he'd like anything, he ordered a coffee and the waiter left again.
"I didn't know you drank coffee?" Hermione said looking at him questionably
"It's a new thing really, last few months or so." He looked at her wondering how he should start.
"Oh out with it Ronald, only way to deal with it is to tell me about it." She gave him the look that he knew all too well.
"Ok well I asked you here tonight so that we could talk; about two things mainly. One being that I'm moving back to London and I wanted to make sure that you were ok with that?" He stopped and looked at her.
"I kind of knew that you were back, even for a little while, as I'm sat here talking face to face with you." She smiled at him. "I'm ok with you coming back, of course I am why would I not be?"
"Right, well that's were topic number two comes in. I won't be moving back on my own." He stared at her then continued before she could say anything, "My fiancé will be moving to London with me." He continued to look at her, the look of worry rising on his face rather than hers. The silence went on for a few more moments before he breathlessly said "Please say something?"
She didn't know what to say to him. She was sad about this of course but she was happy for him at the same time, as he had said they are still friends. Trying to take whatever look she did have on her face off, she smiled at him. Her warm everything's okay smile. "I'm so happy for you Ron. So tell me all when did you meet her? Where did you meet her? Is she a witch?" she sort of rambled saying all of the questions so that he would relax and tell her everything from the beginning. She hoped that when she heard to whole story she would know how she felt about it all.
And with the questions she had asked being Ron's green light he started to tell her all about what had happened to him since he had left. He told her that he had gone to work in Bulgaria for the Ministry, but not being able to tell her any more than that as things weren't fully sorted yet so he wasn't aloud, however promising that when he could tell her he would as he knew she would love the work and all the stories that came with it. He told her about his work mates, about how crazy they were and how he thought she would like them most of the time. Saying that he meet his fiancé at work, she was doing the same case that he was at the time but they were on different teams trying to figure out the same problem. Her name was Mildred Dawn, Millie for short, and how they had hit it off right away. She was a witch and had been a few years below them, which answered Hermione's question as to whether or not she would know her. She had been in Ravenclaw and was so much smarter than nearly everyone he knew. Everyone bar Hermione of course he said with a smile, to which she just smile back and let him continue.
"So we are having an engagement party next week some time when Harry and Ginny are home, and we would love it if you could come. She'd love to properly meet you." He said finally slowing down.
Hermione smiled at him once more, "I'd be happy to come. She sounds like a great girl." She said, and she meant it. She was happy to see Ron so happy and excited, she couldn't think when the last time she'd heard him laugh like that, and he was laughing while telling Hermione about her. "She sounds like she keeps you on your toes."
"She does, and I love her for it." He looked down at the floor realising what he had just said.
"Ron it's fine, really. I am happy for you. We both know that we didn't work and now you found someone that you do work with, it's a good thing." She said putting her hand on top of his to reassure him.
He smiled at her. "Thanks Hermione. So what have you been up too? Anyone new in your life?"
"No not really." She had tried to smile as she was talking but she only half managed it.
He looked at her, concern now on his face. Then he quickly changed his expression to lighten the mood again. They continued talking for a little while after all of the main things were said, mainly it was Hermione talking filling Ron in on some of the things he had missed while he was gone. She looked down at her watch, it was coming up to 10pm, and they started to get ready to go. Mainly because the café was closing up for the night. As they headed out of the door Ron turned to her,
"Can you not tell Harry and Ginny about any of this? I'm seeing them as soon as they get back and I'd like to be the one to tell them."
"Of course, it's your news to tell. I know they'll be just as happy for you as I am." She squeezed his hand.
"Want me to see you home?" He asked
"No it's ok Ron. I'll make a slow gander home and then be straight into bed I think. It was a long day at work." And with that they hugged each other once more and walked of in opposite directions.
As she got home she realised that she really was happy for Ron, and in a mean sort of way him finding someone gave her hope. That there was someone out there for her; she just hadn't found them yet. She went upstairs, got ready for bed, and was asleep once her head hit the pillow, her mind not having time to over think all that had happened that night.
A/N
Sorry it's late, but here it is. R&R please I love hearing what you guys think about it. I'm now starting on chapter 5 so hopefully I can get that writin up and uploaded tonight. If not it will be up within the next few days :)
Thanks again to all that are following/favorited this, it keeps me going :)
