The next morning Hermione was still up, she hadn't been able to sleep, despite how tired she was. Deciding she would rather be productive, she had first went through her job offers. She had many offers from the Ministry, from Department of Magical Creatures, to Auror, though that was never going to happen, to Magical Relations, to Unspeakables, even some offers from MACUSA, and while they were all exciting offers, she decided finishing her NEWTS at Hogwarts was more important. She didn't want a job as a war hero; she wanted a job as Hermione Granger, muggleborn witch.
Unfortunately, even after she finished she couldn't sleep, it wasn't just Ron, she reasoned, the war was still fresh in her mind, so many sleepless nights wondering what was to come, if they would even make it out of this alive, being on guard in the middle of the night fighting the cold in tattered clothes and a small fire, rationing food for Ron and Harry even if it meant not eating for a night or two, fighting with each other while wearing the horcrux, researching how to destroy them, almost getting eaten by Nagini in Gordric's Hollow, getting tortured by Bellatrix in the Malfoy Manor for what seemed like an eternity and surviving with her sanity, erasing her parents memories before leaving, never to know what became of them, and fighting the final battle.
They had all lost so much, so why did Ron seem immune? Their kiss during the battle had meant something in the moment, she had been fostering feelings for them for a while, but it simply meant she was scared to lose him if they died. She wasn't sure if she loved him like that, she did at one point, but when did it change? Everything had changed; and for once, Hermione had no idea what to do. There was no book to tell you how to feel normal after being on the run for a year, and facing the darkest wizard in history. She flopped on her bed in resignation, hoping for sleep, but as the sun rose on the horizon, she took down the wards she had put around her room and went downstairs.
Mrs. Weasley was already up and starting breakfast, seemingly enough to feed an army. She smiled at Hermione, who was the first one awake, like she had been last summer. "Hello Dear, please sit." She gestured to a seat, which Hermione took with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, and she phrased her next question carefully, "Hermione, have you gotten any sleep?"
Hermione hung her head, "I was up all night again reading, sorry" she lied not willing to divulge the truth. Mrs. Weasley heard the lie, but let it go, she wasn't about to watch her retreat again. Hermione was like her second daughter, and she hated her hurting. She made some tea, and gave her a large cup paired with a comforting hug. They sat in a comfortable silence that Hermione was not sure she had ever previously shared with the Weasley matriarch; and the morning went on.
Ginny came down next and hugged Hermione, "Sorry for my brother 'Mione," she then leaned in and whispered "I'll happily use my infamous bat-bogey hex if it would help" she smiled mischievously and Hermione relaxed and for the first time what felt like months let out a small giggle. The whole mood in the room relaxed, and Molly enlisted her and Ginny to set the kitchen table.
Once they had finished Harry came down stairs hair a mess and glasses askew, and Hermione resisted the sudden urge she had to fix them, and was glad she didn't when Ginny practically flounced up to give Harry a kiss.
Once they parted she offered a brief "Morning" to Harry and sat at her spot on the table.
Charlie came down the stairs looking much less disheveled than Harry and scooped her up in a big hug, which she returned, he whispered "My brother is a prat. You didn't deserve that." he let her go and she smiled at him in such a way to say he was forgiven.
They didn't realize mid-hug Ron had walked in, "Great Hermione!" He said sourly, "First you get mad at me over nothing and now you try to make me jealous with my brother!"
Hermione was quick to retort magic crackling through her as her anger peaked as Ron stormed away she shouted, "How dare you! After EVERYTHING-" she was cut off by a slamming door and time in the Burrow seemed to stop. The magic that surrounded Hermione was almost palpable. She left out the door from the kitchen and screamed in frustration, linking together a string of swear words that would have startled Voldemort himself. Before anyone could follow her they heard the distinct pop of apparition.
X
Harry groaned and put his head in his hands. Charlie blushed furiously trying to explain to the rest of the kitchen "I didn't mean to- that's not why-"
It was Mr. Weasley who cut him off, having heard the whole exchange he had come out rather quickly still trying to tie his tie, "Charlie, everyone else knows that already, you don't need to worry." They all sat down to breakfast but the only conversation was between Mr. Weasley and Charlie. He was due to leave for Romania after they had started the rebuilding of Hogwarts, and from the bit Harry caught of the conversation; he was trying to convince him to stay. Harry ate very little, but stayed at the table politely.
He soon regretted this decision when Ron came back down, "How nice of you to join us Ron," Harry said sarcastically, his words practically oozing venom, but Ron didn't catch on, instead he pilled his plate full and began to eat.
Mrs. Weasley tried to hold her temper, after all last night had been tense enough, but it was doomed the second her youngest son opened his mouth, "Next time Charlie, keep your hands to yourself," he said mouth full of food, "She is my girlfriend."
Harry was the first to lose his temper "She is not your property Ron! For the love of Merlin! You have not considered her feelings for one moment in this have you?!" and with that he left, Ginny not far behind him.
Charlie couldn't believe what he had just heard, "You really think I would try to take away YOUR girlfriend? You really think that little of me? And after EVERYTHING you two have been through, and as long as you have been friends, you would think you could manage a decent conversation without having her run away pissed off!"
Charlie left the house in the same manor Hermione had, without the swearing. Ron mumbled under his breath "What is it? Piss on Ron day?"
Mrs. Weasley walked away and started to clean, already unable to put up with Ron any longer this morning. Ever since the media had been fawning over the three even more so after the war she had noticed it going to his head, but she didn't ever think he would be like this.
Mr. Weasley was thinking about his younger sons cockiness as well and with nothing more than a shake of his head left for the Ministry, leaving Ron alone at the table once again.
X
Charlie apperated to Diagon Alley and walked into his brothers' shop, he had been going to help since he had gotten back, mostly on the busy days, but being that it was still relatively early he spent a lot of the time restocking. As Charlie seemed to calm down the twins dared to ask what happened. As Charlie recounted the story the twins grimaced. "Little Ronniekins has dug himself quite a hole hasn't he?" Fred asked sullenly, Charlie and George nodded, and the silence lingered for a bit longer.
"I just hope Ron apologizes soon." Charlie stated. Fred and George laughed loudly and Charlie cracked a smile, while the situation was unlikely, he hated how his brother was acting, and hoped he pulled his head far enough out of his arse to see that he may only get one chance at being with Hermione, and he was very close to blowing it. His thoughts were cut off as people started to enter the shop, and working took over.
X
Harry had stormed off from breakfast in a huff. When would Ron see, he was destroying his relationship with Hermione. Hermione deserved more someone who could match her on a mental and emotional level. Someone who understood what being out there had truly met.
Ginny cut him off mid-thought "Harry, I know my brother is daft, but could we please forget about him for one minute?" She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. Ginny kissed him fervently and he tried to bring himself to match her passion, but he simply couldn't match it, she broke apart smiling seeming not to have noticed and leaned into him.
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head but couldn't help but look out to see if Hermione had returned. Harry and Ginny stayed that way for a bit comfortably in silence every so often punctuated with a soft kiss.
From the direction of the house they heard calling for Ginny to come help her in the kitchen. Ginny kissed Harry one more time on the lips, "I'll see you at dinner okay?" Harry nodded and she went back to the house, leaving him with his thoughts.
X
Molly grew more and more worried by the minute. Fred, George and Charlie had come home from the shop. Harry had come in shortly after Ginny, Arthur's hand on the clock was set to traveling and Bill's was set to home. But the time passed and she had finished making dinner and Hermione still wasn't home. By the time dinner was ready even Ron had come down to sit at the table, but Hermione's chair was empty as they ate and doubt crept over everyone in the room.
X
Hermione was livid. How dare Ron accuse her of trying to make him jealous, who did he think she was!? Some slag who got mad and ran off with the first person they saw? After he laughed at her for being scared, and then tried to explain to her how it was funny?! She had definitely been right about him having the emotional range of a teaspoon. She apparated to the first place she thought of, the muggle library near her childhood home. In muggle London she wouldn't be spotted by the media, or stared at by everyone, no one would try to give her free things, or try to help her so they would look good; no, here she was just Hermione Jean Granger and she was so grateful. She and Ron had been friends for a long time, they had been through a lot and they had always been there for Harry, at least, she had. She was filled with rage again, he had left them in the Forest of Dean without a thought to look to live better, and came back fed and rested, while her and Harry still had nothing. He always left when times got hard, he never tried for anything in his life! Exasperated she pulled a book from the shelf and began reading, 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison.
Hermione read all through the day and into the night before a librarian came and spoke to her softly, "I'm sorry dear but we are closed," noticing her position in the book she added, "you can take the book if you want." Hermione smiled graciously and wandered out onto the street picking out a nearby café', she had found enough muggle money stashed in her jumper for a coffee and a muffin, and sat down and finished the book before it was closing time. She went back to the library to put the book back in the book return; and, feeling more relaxed than she had in a long time she took one last look around her for muggles, and then apparated back to the Burrow.
X
It was late probably past midnight, but the light in the kitchen was on, dreading coming face to face with whomever it may be she walked slowly, hoping it would turn off before she reached the door. When she realized the light wasn't turning off she held her breath and went inside. She saw Mrs. Weasley first, then Charlie, the former of which rushed up to give her a big hug. "Oh Hermione! We were so worried!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, and Hermione felt a pang of guilt she knew how worried Molly was about losing anyone now a days.
"Sorry ," she said, "I just needed-"
Charlie cut her off "We understand we were just worried. Did you have a good day at least? You look a little better." He paused and rubbed the back of his neck absentmindedly "-not that you looked bad, I mean.." He trailed off when her heard Hermione laughing.
"Charlie, I know I looked pretty terrible, thank you for trying to be nice about it" she teased and smiled brightly, Hermione seemed to be coping better, and at least for now that would do, after all she hadn't seen her make a joke in a very long time.
"Alright, children time for bed" she said, and for once no one argued and they parted quietly but amicably for the night.
X
The next day was quiet and everyone was thankful for it. While Hermione and Ron didn't speak, everyone almost thought it was for the better. But they couldn't help but wonder if it was the quiet before the storm. Hopefully it would wait another 2 days, after they started rebuilding Hogwarts, hopefully the Golden Trio would get some peace too.
X
The next day however, Ron after much prodding, was forced to go through his pile of parchment filled with job offers, while Hermione read outside while Harry and Ginny played exploding snap nearby. Harry, had spoken to Hermione about his plan to return to Hogwarts and was admittedly very excited, but not surprised, that she would also be returning with him. While neither had spoken to Ron about it, they were not exactly on speaking terms either. All the sudden Ron burst into the backyard parchment in hand speaking so fast no one was sure what he was saying. It was Ginny who spoke, "Woah, Ron calm down, start from the beginning."
Ron still talking very quickly started his story, "I was looking through all the job offers, and I was thinking about the Auror one, you know Harry how we were going to do it together?" Harry started to contradict him, but he had already moved on, "Well I saw this one," he held the paper out like a trophy, "to be the secondary keeper for the Chudley Cannons!"
Hermione surprised everyone by being the first to speak, "Wow Ron, that's great, but" Ron beamed but started up again before she could finish.
"We can travel all over the world 'Mione!" Harry winced at what was to come, and surprised to find silence. Nothing happened but awkward threatening silence.
"Ron, did you say we?" Hermione asked after a moment of collecting herself. Ron's ears turned a shade of red that Harry had never seen before.
"Yeah, well, I always thought that we would be, you know together.." He trailed off lamely looking to Harry and Ginny for help.
Hermione replied, "Well for your information Ronald, I USED to think so too, but now I don't think I see us TOGETHER at all! And not finishing at Hogwarts?! TO PLAY QUIDDITCH?!"
She took a deep breath until Ron started again, "'Mione come off it already, we have so many job offers we don't need to go back, right Harry?"
Harry heart had skipped a beat "Ron, actually.. I'm going back to Hogwarts too." Ron became very angry very quickly, "Wow never thought I would see the day Harry-bloody-Potter would decide to go back to school on his own, or is Hermione forcing you to?" Ron's temper overhead Harry decided to try to brush it off when he heard Hermione, anger coating every word.
"Harry, Ginny, would you be so kind as to leave Ron and I alone?" The couple backed up slowly and turned toward the house, it was like watching a train wreck, as much as you wanted to you couldn't look away.
"Ron," Hermione said in a sickly sweet voice, "Let's talk about this. Clearly you don't see what the problem is so let me explain. I have done everything for you, from homework to feeding you to fighting along side you." He made a noise to interject but she kept going, all her frustration starting to snowball, "I loved you when it was hard, like in sixth year when you were all over Lavender and rubbing my nose in it, but the war ruined more than just Hogwarts, it took lives and it changed people. The war changed me, and it didn't change you, not one bit, you are still that immature child that you were before this happened. You laugh at my fear and then accuse me of trying to cheat on you and you just pretend it didn't happen the next day. But that is it, no more of this and now you can go on and forget about education and live your dreams as a Quidditch star, Merlin knows I don't give a damn anymore. But Ron Weasley don't ever come looking for my help because I am done, and I am especially done with you."
With that Hermione stood up and walked away, she walked into the house, up the stairs and into her room, and the door closed without a sound. Harry thought that this was even scarier than if she had hexed him, Ginny apparently agreed, "I don't know if I want to even ask what happened, but by the look on Ron's face it wasn't what he wanted." Ginny laughed humorlessly and pulled Harry away from the scene.
X
Ron stormed into the kitchen catching Mrs. Weasley by surprise, but she waited for him to speak, "Hermione said I was immature, and that she was done with me. That she didn't think me going to play Quidditch was a good idea. But she can't be done with me I'm the only one who will ever put up with a know-it-all like her."
Molly gaped at her son, what had come over him, "Ronald you have been rather rude to everyone since the war, and even more so to her; ever since your Diagon Alley trip she's been mad at you, and rightfully so in fact. Also plenty of people care about Hermione, and will put up with her as you so put it, you would be lucky to be with the brightest witch of your age, and it would do you well to treat her with some respect. That girl has saved you and Harry with her 'know-it-all'-ness for years. And it is about time YOU start recognizing that." With that Molly walked away leaving a dumfounded Ron sitting alone in the kitchen again.
