A/N: OMG! I'm so happy! I know compared to other stories the reviews I have aren't that much… but I can't help but love all my reviewers! You are the reason I write! So don't stop reviewing! Sorry about the late update! Forgive me! This is a long one! Here is chapter 7 starring Viena!

Disclaimer: I'm seriously broke; $4.53 is all I have in my possession! So please, please, please don't sue me!

Chapter 7:

Hermione frowned as her ink ran out. She scribbled with her quill, scratching the parchment and almost ripping it but no ink came out. She sighed as she stared at the empty ink pot on her desk. Everything seems to go wrong. It was probably because she hadn't had her head on straight. Her mind was always somewhere else and she couldn't seem to concentrate. It annoyed her to no end! Maybe she should have taken the trip to India regarding the magic carpet trade. Instead she let her co-worker take it. She sighed; Ginny had forbid her to leave the country until her wedding was over. A weak smile snuck up on Hermione as she thought of Ginny. That girl could control just about everything! Hermione got up from her desk and walked out of her office. She needed some fresh air; it was her lunch break after all. She grabbed her coat from the coat hanger just beside her office door and walked past her secretary's desk.

"Miss. Granger!" her secretary said getting up from her desk.

"Yes?"

"You have a visitor, I was just about to knock on your door," she said smiling.

"A visitor?" Hermione furrowed her eyebrows, Harry had said he was taking Ginny out today so there was no way it was either of them. Ron wouldn't have come… would he? Who could it be?

"Hermione!"

The voice sounded familiar but she couldn't' put her finger on it. Hermione turned around. She gasped as she saw her visitor; she almost dropped her coat in her hand. She tried to smile but failed. How can she look at the girl when she was about to kiss her boyfriend just the other day? "Viena," she said evenly, trying to not focus on the almost-kiss yesterday.

Viena smiled tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry if I just barged in without an owl, I just wanted to talk to you about something. I hope I'm not ruining any plans you have for lunch," she said cautiously.

Hermione shook her head, "No, no, it's fine. I'd love to have company for lunch," she said smiling for real now. Viena was a nice person and Hermione couldn't deny that.

"Well in that case, do you want to go to the restaurant near by? It's absolutely fabulous there! That is if you like Italian?" Viena said clapping her hands excitedly.

Hermione giggled at the childish behavior, "Lead the way,"

Viena laughed good-naturedly and walked out talking about how it was her favorite restaurant in London.

Hermione smiled and nodded having not much else to say. It was weird to have the girl friend of the person you love to be so likable. She wanted to hate Viena but it was just not possible. She sighed, her life was so complicated!

They arrived at the restaurant and immediately the owner came over and greeted them. "Miss. Viena! What a pleasure! Is this your friend?" the enthusiastic woman said as she guided Viena and Hermione to their table.

Viena nodded, "Yes, this is Hermione,"

The owner of the restaurant smiled and left saying that a waiter will be with them in a second.

"You must come here a lot." Hermione said as a waiter came and asked if Viena was going to have the usual.

"Every time I'm in London I come here, though Scotland is where I'd rather be,"

"I've never been to Scotland, what's it like?" Hermione asked leaning in, curiosity getting the best of her.

"You mean you never visited?" Viena asked surprised, she almost looked like she choked on her water. Hermione shook her head feeling ashamed for some reason. "I thought you and Ron saw each other as often as you can! I mean the way he goes on and on about you seemed like you were so close! I know Ron's hasn't been in London for a couple of years but I thought you always came to visit… Ron doesn't stop talking about you, and it's always compliments. I wanted to meet you so much!"

Hermione blushed, Ron talked about her? Compliments? He hardly ever complimented her… or maybe she was never there to hear him. "Actually Ron and I haven't talked to or seen each other in a while, we've been very busy… I didn't even know about you until you came!"

"Oh really?" Viena put on a thoughtful look, tapping her chin lightly with her fingernail.

Hermione suddenly felt embarrassed telling her this. Some friends they have been. She wished they stayed in contact, she wished he never left. Hermione gave a little sigh, barely audible. The waiter came with their food and placed the two plates of spaghetti in front of them.

"Angel hair has to be my favorite," Viena said, "They make the sauce so well you will just die!" she said and ate some of her spaghetti. "Perfect," she said smiling and took a sip of the wine the waiter had poured.

Hermione laughed a little and took a small sip of her own wine. She needed to relax, Viena apparently had no idea what had almost happened at the picnic. In fact she doesn't even know they were together! She wrung the napkin in her lap and her hands felt sweaty. Her napkin was so wrinkled and crinkled that she dropped it to the side so that she'd stop playing with it. She took another sip of wine. Relax, Hermione, just relax. She doesn't suspect a thing, and nothing happened you shouldn't feel guilty at all!

They ate their meal in peace. Hermione loosened up and began eating like a normal person and not someone in trial. Her head felt considerably lighter after a few more sips of wine. Viena hadn't mentioned the picnic at all and Hermione felt relieved to know it was just between her and Ron. It had been going well until Viena cleared her throat, catching Hermione's attention. She looked up cautiously.

Viena gave a smile, "I'm sorry, it's just," she paused and Hermione was afraid that she knew and that her eyes were betraying her, telling her secret, "I came here because I wanted to ask about Ron. I know how close you guys are and I was hoping you could shed some light into my situation." she tucked her hair behind her ear and her face reddened slightly.

Hermione gave a weak smile. She had to give advice on RON? She swallowed the spaghetti in her mouth; it didn't taste as good as it did a moment before. She let her fork drop onto the plate and fidgeted in her seat.

"You see, well I- how should I put this…" Viena looked down at her lap and didn't see Hermione's obvious discomfort. She looked up at Hermione desperately, "I really like Ron, I really do, I think I might even love him!" she blurted out. "But he's so distant, especially when we came to London, it's like he's somewhere else. I've been feeling it in Scotland when we started going out he wasn't always there. His mind was always on something other than me. I'm starting to suspect that he's thinking about someone… perhaps an ex-girlfriend?" she looked at Hermione hopefully as if she held all the answers to her problems.

Hermione's jaw went slack, how was she supposed to react to this? Ron had never been distant when they went out… he was nervous yes but always attentive. He had always given her his full attention even when she had been talking about the strangest things that wouldn't interest him at all. It was something she had liked about him the most. "I don't know, he never seemed distant to me… maybe he has a lot on his mind, especially the wedding…" she trailed off not exactly sure how to answer her.

Viena nodded, "I know… it's just… I don't know if he feels the same way. I'm so insecure about our relationship; I was hoping you'd be able to help,"

Hermione looked away for a while. Had Ron been thinking about her? Maybe… just maybe he might still… she shook her head. He's with Viena now and interfering would be wrong. Her role in Ron's life is to be a good friend and good friends wouldn't try to sabotage his relationship. She dug her nails in her palms trying to pry her attention away from the pain in her chest, "He likes you a lot, he told me himself," she said finally.

Viena smiled, "I hope so…"

Hermione took a deep breath, "I know so," she said, "I know because Ron treats you special, he takes time to be with you. He brought you here to meet his family; he doesn't do that with any girl. He brought you to his sister's wedding! Bringing someone to a wedding is already a big deal but to his only sister's wedding is a great deal. You shouldn't worry," Hermione was on the verge of tears. Her heart ached as if someone was squeezing it. She was sure it was bleeding.

Viena smiled, "Thank you, you really are a great person. Ron was right; you're just about perfect,"

Hermione bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying. Her eyes stung from the effort she was putting on them to stop the tears. Perfect? He said she was perfect? Then why did he leave? She felt a sudden urge to leave the restaurant and have a good cry in her bedroom.

"You know, now that you mention it," she smiled secretively, giggling softly. "I saw a sapphire ring in his drawer. It was plain but I think he got it for me. He should know I prefer diamonds, it is my birth stone… oh well it's the thought that counts! Maybe he'll propose after the wedding! Oh it'd be so romantic!" she sighed dreamily off in her own world.

Hermione stared dumbstruck at Viena. She was dizzy and wanted to throw up. There was a pang in her chest, an empty feeling inside. Her heart beat was echoing in her ears, deafening them. It was suffocating and her breathing hitched, her voice stuck in her throat and her head spun. Barely forming a sentence she excused herself. She ran to the bathroom, a hand over her mouth and tears spilling out. The ring, it had to be the ring! Her ring! The ring she had wanted so much! He had bought it for Viena! It could have been any other ring and it wouldn't have hurt as much but he just had to buy the ring she wanted! Why did he do it? Was he playing with her? Being so nice, making her feel like she had it all, and then taking the rug right underneath her. She was panting and her breathing was labored. It hurt her lungs to breath, her chest was heaving and she couldn't calm down her beating heart.

The washroom was empty and so nicely decorated, with a little seating area with a big fancy mirror but it went unnoticed by Hermione. She splashed her face with cold water and it made her shiver. Her eyes were unmistakably red. Hermione rubbed at them tiredly. Enough was enough, she had cried over him too many times! She dried herself and placed a simple spell on her eyes. Looking new and refreshed she stepped out, ready to face the world. Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat; it made it difficult to maintain her composure.

She walked back to Viena once again, acting like she hadn't been crying the last ten minutes. She was one heck of an actress.

Viena smiled at her, "I feel so much better now, I can't believe I was so worried. Thank you," she said sincerely, having no idea what her words meant to Hermione.

Hermione tried in vain to smile but only a trace of a smile came on her lips, it was pathetic. "I'm glad," she croaked out.

"You know Hermione, I know this great fellow, a friend of my brother, and I'm currently staying at his house in London. I heard that you were single, so I thought we could all get together? Say… tonight?" she said smiling.

Hermione couldn't help but nod and smile. She didn't want to be with another man, nor did she wish to see Ron with another woman. Hermione groaned inwardly, she could have made a simple white lie to ease out of the situation but her mind had stopped working hours ago. She questioned her famous title as the smartest witch of her year, if she was so smart why was she such an idiot? A rhetorical question, please don't answer that. Now she was talking to herself, insane she was. She sighed and resumed on with her meal regretting that she hadn't just called in sick today.

Viena chatted on about what a great bloke her brother's friend is and how he had been eager to meet her. Hermione didn't hear a word she said but nodded anyways. They went their separate ways and Hermione was glad to be back in her office chair again looking at the unfinished parchment on her desk.

She spun around happily on her chair and giggled like a child. Hermione felt giddy all of a sudden and all thoughts remained forgotten. She stopped spinning and sighed heavily. Stress came back like a tidal wave. Feeling unusually worn out, she got up and packed her things. Hermione told her secretary she was taking the rest of her day off and will be finishing her work at home.

Though when she did get home she didn't do any of her work as planned but instead dove into her bed and took out the book under her pillow. She opened the book hoping the book mark stayed put. She smiled fondly and read the book that smelt faintly of Ron, perhaps it was her imagination. It must have been hours, she read the same quote over and over again. It was her favorite in the book, cheesy as it may sound it sounded like a love poem. The quote was from the bible, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

It made her feel oddly happy as if refilling her broken heart. She had never been a believer of God, but this verse, made her compelled to believe that God is really there. It made her heart race and her cheeks warm up at the thought of Ron reading this and think about her as he bought the book. She looked at the clock and sighed as she had to get ready for their little outing that Viena had planned.

She took out an old dress at the back of her closet and put it on. It was black and reached her knees, simple and plain but nicely so. She took out a necklace a gift Harry had gotten her last Christmas. It was golden and had a small pendant in the shape of a star. He had told her to never lose hope and somehow she knew he was talking about Ron. That day she really thought she shouldn't lose hope and that Ron would come around one day and confess his undying love for her. But who was she kidding? She slipped into a pair of black heels and grabbed a purse. Her hair was let down, it had grown considerably long; she had not bothered to cut in for a long time. Having a last look over in the mirror she felt satisfied and left the house the muggle way.

Hermione felt a bit chilly in her light coat she had but didn't complain. May was a month she always dreaded; it was weird in the sense that this was the time right before the tests. Most of the memories in May were her nagging Harry and Ron to study. They had so many arguments but in the end Ron had thanked her with a chaste kiss on her cheek. It made all the screaming she did worth it.

She arrived at the restaurant late, walking had not been such a great idea. Her feet were killing her and it made her late. She found a figure standing outside, hands in pockets and kicking a random rock on the ground. Hermione soon found out that it was Ron. She gasped and smiled at the sweet gesture. He was waiting for her. Her heart sped up and her knees went weak. He was dashing in his light blue dress shirt and grey dress pants. There was no tie instead he left the top few buttons open and Hermione thought that he couldn't have done a better thing. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and let her view the newly formed arm muscles there. She supposed she could thank auror training for that. He looked up suddenly as if he felt her presence and looked at her straight in the eye. Being caught staring she blushed and scurried over to him.

"Hey," he said taking his hands out of his pockets.

"Hi," she replied breathless.

"Come on," he said with a jerk of his head. He walked in front and held the door open for her. She lowered her head and mumbled thanks. He led her to a table for four, Viena and a man sat there talking animatedly. The man looked up to their arrival and he stared at Hermione in curiosity before getting up.

"This is Hermione, Kevin, and Hermione this is Kevin," Viena introduced.

"Please to meet you," Hermione said respectfully.

She was caught by surprised when he took her hand and planted a quick kiss, "A pleasure," he said his eyes twinkling. He let go of her hand and pulled out a chair for her.

Hermione took the seat, "Thank you,"

He smiled. He was handsome in a refined way, with dark hair and light grey eyes. He was dressed primly with a white shirt and black pants. He had an amazing smile that seemed contagious making her smile in return. But to Ron he paled in comparison, well to Hermione that is.

"Well, since we're all here, let's order shall we?" Viena said as she waved a waiter over.

Hermione ordered a salad; she didn't feel like eating much. While they were waiting for their food the waiter poured their wine.

"A toast?" Viena asked as she raised her glass, "what shall we toast to?"

"To Love," Hermione said as she raised her glass. She didn't know why she said it but when she did they all turned to look at her. Ron had something in his gaze that she couldn't identify.

Kevin smiled, "To love," he repeated as he lifted his glass.

"To love," Ron said smirking as if he found the situation funny.

"To love," Viena said and the four glasses met with a clang. They all took a sip.

"So Hermione, I heard you work at the ministry, in which department?" Kevin asked as he turned to her with those brilliant grey eyes of his.

Hermione was mesmerized, "The department of magical trading,"

"Ah, then the magic carpet trade must cause a huge problem,"

"Yes, it's chaos!" Hermione said excited, she loved talking about her work. It's a good thing she's not an unspeakable. "The Persian carpets are the best but they simply won't trade with us unless we offer a ridiculous amount of money. We're trying to work around that by using India as a bridge to send the carpets over. One of my co-workers are down there negotiating, hopefully it'll all go well, because if it doesn't the Ministry will not allow any magic carpet trades!"

"Really? But magic carpets are so convenient, especially for mothers with small children, since it's able to fit many more people than a broom without the requirement of balancing. Floo just won't work; the children might end up in the wrong place and apparating would be dangerous for long distance traveling. The magic carpets would be a benefit for England to possess." Kevin said.

Hermione nodded, "I know, I keep telling them that but they insist it is not worth the trouble. I had to ask so many times for them to let one of our department member go to India."

"Well I hope it goes over smoothly," Kevin said, he placed a hand over Hermione's on the table.

She blushed at the contact. When she looked to the side, she found Ron glaring at the two hands on the table. She looked away hastily.

"Viena has mentioned you were the smartest witch of her year but she has forgotten to mention that you are also the most beautiful," Kevin said as his thumb rubbed her hand.

Hermione blushed again, "Hardly, I couldn't possibly-"

He cut her off, "nonsense, I have never met a more beautiful witch in all my life,"

Hermione knew he was sweet talking her but it was nice to hear it. She smiled, "Thank you,"

The food arrived and they began eating. Ron chewed furiously at the food, poking the meat with his fork so vigorously. Viena gave him a worried glance. She placed a calming hand on his shoulder. He did not calm down in the slightest.

Hermione frowned. Careful not to draw attention she placed her hand on his leg underneath the table. He looked up at her with wide eyes but she was talking with Kevin as if her hand wasn't anywhere where it shouldn't be. She gently moved her hand up and down his thigh trying to sooth his tense muscles. She felt him relax and she stopped moving her hand, though she left it on his leg.

Dinner was pleasant and she found out that Kevin had went to the same school as Victor had and that he had been there at the Triwizard Tournament. He told her that he had seen her there but assumed that she was taken by Victor and did not attempt a conversation. He was an intelligent person who also happened to be an author and wrote three books in total. They were all on charms and how they work with the mind. Hermione leaned in, anything that has to do with learning she was always interested. He explained that charms had a lot to do with the mind and that concentration was a must. Hermione agreed and they talked on and on that she forgot about her salad.

When everyone had almost finished their meal the atmosphere in the restaurant changed. The lights dimmed and slow music drifted throughout. Hermione looked around and saw couples getting up and going onto the dance floor.

Kevin smiled, offering Hermione a hand, "Would you care to dance?" he asked.

Hermione took his hand, "I'd love to,"

He led her to the dance floor. With his hand on her waist and the other in her hand they began to sway to the music. "I've wanted to dance with you ever since I saw you at the Yule Ball," he whispered in her ear.

Hermione smiled. This was nice. It wasn't perfect but nice. He wasn't Ron but he was nice. Nice was something she could live with. He spun her around only to catch her again. She could smell his expensive cologne; it was nothing like Ron's but nice in its own way. Everything about Kevin was nice, nothing more, nothing less. The song slowed to a stop and she let go. As she stepped back someone grabbed her hand roughly and pulled her into their arms.

She looked up startled.

Ron.

He looked angry or was it jealousy? He held the same look he saved for Victor. When had he gotten here? Hermione opened her mouth to ask the very question but she fell in awe as the lighting made his hair the most brilliant shade of red. His eyes stood out due to the light blue of his shirt. She was captivated. So much that she didn't dare to speak.

She hadn't danced with Ron often. He hated to dance. They had only danced twice at Bill's Wedding and once at Charlie's. They were both absent at Percy's wedding. She wondered if she'll dance with him at Ginny's wedding. She hoped so. She loved dancing with him. Subconsciously she leaned in and rested her head on his chest. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment. It's been far too long.

Before she knew it the song ended and Ron pulled away from her, giving her a long hard look. "Stay away from that guy, he's trouble," he warned before stepping away and going to Viena.

Hermione stood there stunned. Was he watching out for her? Or was it something else? She didn't have time to dwell on it for long before Kevin came up to her.

"Let me take you home, the couple over there look like they could use some alone time," Kevin said.

Hermione looked over to the table, Ron looked solemn, and Viena clung to his side. She nodded, no longer wanting to stay. He quickly told the other two of where they were headed and took Hermione's hand. They retrieved their coats and left the restaurant. It was dark and many stars were out. Hermione took in a breath of air. They fell in silence as they walked towards Hermione's house.

"So how come?" Kevin asked.

Hermione raised an eyebrow.

He elaborated for her, "How come such a beautiful lady like yourself is all on her lonesome?"

She shrugged, "No time, busy with work," she stated, hoping it was reasonable enough.

"You can always make time; you're your own boss are you not?" He said seeing right through her lie, "So tell me, how come?"

Hermione bit her lip, "Would you believe me if I said I wanted to die an old maid?"

Kevin laughed shaking his head, "A girl like you? Bet you dreamed of the perfect wedding already. I can tell you're a classic kind of girl," he said.

"Don't judge a book by its cover," was Hermione's reply.

"I bet I could take a wild guess," Kevin said. Hermione didn't say anything, feeling encouraged Kevin continued on. "You love someone, or more specific, you love that guy in there, Ron," he said.

Hermione stopped in her tracks, frozen in place. "N-no! Of course not! He's my friend, how could I- no," she said and started walking ahead, denying it the whole way.

He smiled, "Come on, you know I'm right," he said as he caught up to her, "I can see it in your eyes,"

Hermione looked down, "I not supposed to, it was over long time ago… he's found someone else," she said so quietly it was a wonder he heard.

He let out a breath looking up at the sky, "Yeah well, we all end up loving people we know we shouldn't," he said.

Hermione looked up at him. It hit her right then, he loved Viena! How had she not realized it? He had been so happy when he was talking with her. How he had kept looking over at Viena. How he purposely left because he knew Viena wanted to be alone with Ron. It all made perfect sense. "You love her,"

"So you figured it out," he said putting his hands in his pockets, "She'll never have me, deserves someone better,"

"That's what they all say, I have a friend who said that, but now he's going to marry the girl." Hermione said thinking of Harry and Ginny.

Kevin smiled, "In my case it's true, just look at her then at me. It just doesn't work that way," he sighed.

"But you wish it'd work out anyways?"

Kevin gave a lop-sided grin, "I wish with all of my heart," he gave out a sad laugh. "But you," he pointed at her, "you have a chance, the way he was looking at you was exactly how I look at Viena. I knew right then that he loved you." he said.

Hermione shook her head, "I gave up, I think I'll be okay with second best," she smiled, "You can't always have it all,"

"Life's unfair like that," Kevin said. By this time they had already reached Hermione's door. He held out his hand for a shake, "It was nice meeting you,"

She shook it, "Likewise," She opened the door and stepped inside, just before she closed it he spoke.

"You know the stuff I said tonight? I wasn't lying. You are beautiful and brilliant and I really did want to dance with you. That Ron is one lucky bloke, having two of the most amazing women in love with him. Man, some guys have it all," he said grinning at Hermione.

Hermione smiled, "I wish you all the best, don't lose hope,"

"Good night," he said and waved before he left.

Hermione closed her door. She felt satisfied today and the dinner wasn't awkward like she thought it'd be. In fact it was nice. Ron was acting a bit stressed out. He really must be going to be proposing to Viena… it hurt to think it. She changed and went to bed feeling empty and alone. The bed seemed extremely large and she felt so tiny. She missed Ron's warm embrace, his irresistible scent and his wide smile. It was cold in her room even though it was May and she shivered as she drew the blanket closer. She closed her eyes, dreaming of sunny fields and a red haired prince. A soft smiled graced her lips.

Ron.

A/N: I told you I was going to add Viena into the story more! It was fun using Viena! I like how I can use Viena to tell things about Ron that Hermione never knew about. I hope you liked this one! I don't know why I put so many unacquainted love in this story… poor Kevin!

Katie – awww I can't believe you cried, it's so nice to know my writing moved you that much!

Reader of Canon FF – yeah, I know how it feels with the whole 'I like that guy but he's with her now' because one time this guy liked me and then at the time I didn't like him back, but after he was with some other girl I started liking him… so it was a big huge mess… well it's over now!

connieewing – we're getting to that, they'll say 'I love you' soon! Though it might not be the way you expected!

xbornconfused2x – it was pretty much random, I just thought of it and started writing and suddenly I had a whole plot written out! The best ideas come least expected!

sweetpea symphony – another story in Ron's point of view? I don't know… because it'll be the same plot and everyone will know what's going to happen, it's not as fun when you already know the whole story… but maybe if I feel up to it

Thank you to those who review! I wanted to reply to all of them but I couldn't… well REVIEW!