Chapter 4--Complications
"Ron!" She sounded breathless. "I didn't know," she blushed and stammered. The young man beside her looked at Ron coolly. The man obviously knew who he was.
"Darling," he said, leading her to the seat next to Ginny. He had his hand on the small of her back protectively. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Ginny smiled at both of them when they made their way to the chairs next to her. Apparently Ginny and the boyfriend were chummy buddies. He kissed her on the cheek and Ginny gave him a hug. Ron turned around to face the front, and felt a light brush of fabric and warm skin against the back of his head. He knew immediately that Hermione had touched him as she went to hug his sister. Of course it was accidental, but the hairs on the back of Ron's neck still stood on end.
It must have been a beautiful ceremony, but Ron didn't hear any of it. He was frozen in place, desperately trying to remember how to breathe. When the bride and groom turned to face the audience as Mr. and Mrs. Percy Ignatius Weasley, everyone applauded, including Ron, although he had no idea why. When the white doves were released into the air, Ron actually startled.
George took pity on him and escorted him after the ceremony to the reception area. He kissed Audrey and embraced his brother, mumbling something he hoped was appropriate.
Boyfriend was causing quite a stir among the female guests; especially Audrey's bridesmaids. Apparently he was someone famous, although Ron had no idea who he was. Even Charlie seemed to recognize him. Ron sidled up next to Charlie and asked him who the bloke with Hermione was.
"Are you shitting me?" Charlie asked, grabbing hold of Ron's arm and pulling him away. "That's Jack Badham of the Tutshill Tornadoes. Every team in Britain has tried to sign him since he left the Woolongong Warriors last year. He just signed with the Tornadoes. I thought the Cannons were going to get him, but Tutshill offered him more gold than God's got and he signed for five years. He was the best keeper in the Australian league but for some reason decided to move to Britain. You remember him, right? Named World Cup's MVP. Nobody can score on this man. He's phenomenal. He can be in three different places at once."
"Oh right," Ron said. "I remember that World Cup. Australia beat Ireland that year. That's him? Did you know he and Hermione were, uh, dating?"
"Nah. I just follow Quidditch. I don't read the celebrity papers. She sure likes her Quidditch players, though." Charlie unnecessarily pointed out.
Ron swallowed hard. "Yeah," he said.
Famous boyfriend stayed by Hermione's side as they chatted away with Ginny and Harry. For once in his life, Harry wasn't the most famous person in the room. Guests were trying to get next to Jack, but he stayed focused on Hermione, never leaving her side.
Ron wanted to talk to Hermione alone, but from his view, he'd have to take out ridiculously handsome famous rich boyfriend before that happened. Were they joined at the hip for fuck's sake? Finally, dejected, he gave up and made his way around the buffet table.
Hermione excused herself. Ginny asked if she wanted her to go with her, but she laughed and said she could go to the loo by herself. Jack kissed her cheek and she started making her way to the inside of the Burrow. Ron was coming out of the bathroom and nearly ran into her.
He grabbed her arms so she wouldn't fall. "Hermione!" he said, startled. He had waited for a moment like this all day and now he was speechless.
"Ron," Hermione fidgeted. She stepped away from him, but he still had her about her arms. "Excuse me," she said finally. He released her.
"Hermione. Please, I need to talk to you." Ron pleaded.
Hermione looked at him; she was going over something in her mind.
"Please," he said again. He took her by the arm and guided her into the bathroom. He locked the door behind them. They stared at each other.
Hermione licked her lips. "Well?"
"You look beautiful," he said, hedging a little.
"Thank you." She blushed.
"I wanted to apologize to you for running out without saying goodbye. I know you probably hate me, and I don't blame you."
"Are you back for good?" she asked. Ron winced at her tone.
"I don't know," he said honestly. "I wish I could say."
"So do I," she said shortly.
"I've missed you, Hermione." He said. "I see you've moved on."
"Yes," she said. "And you should, too." She snapped.
"Where'd you meet your, er, Jack?"
"In Australia. Soon after you left, I went there to find my parents and we met. He's very nice." Hermione added.
"Seems to be. He left Australia for you?"
Hermione blushed deep red. "He was looking to relocate and decided to come here. I doubt if I had much to do with it."
"I don't know about that," Ron said honestly. "He seems pretty smitten to me. How long have you been together?"
"Six months," she said.
He swallowed hard. "Are you two engaged?'
Hermione smiled a secret smile and shook her head shyly. "No."
"Are you happy?" He asked. He tried to keep the sadness out of his voice, but he didn't think he was successful.
"Let's see," she began thoughtfully. "A handsome rich man loves me unconditionally and swears never to break my heart; swears to protect me and never leave me. Yeah, Ron, I think I'm pretty happy." Her voice was cold. She made a move for the door; he wasn't going to stop her. Resigned, he stood back as she approached the door.
"But is he the love of your life?" he asked quietly.
Hermione slapped her hand over her mouth and sobbed loudly. She pushed past him and ran out the door.
Ron followed her and watched Jack's expression change from concern to anger. She told him she had to leave and without another word Jack took her arm and they made their way out of the garden. Ginny looked up at Ron and gave him a deadly look. Harry looked up gave his old friend a wan smile and shook his head.
Despite the obvious mess Ron had made of things, he actually felt encouraged. For the first time in a long time, Ron believed there may be hope. Now all he had to do was figure out his next move.
