A/N: I am taking some time building the mystery element of the story. I hope you will bear with me!
Chapter Seven: The Yellow Brick Road
"It's a test."
Hermione's head snapped around from her chalkboard to look at Chloe who was sitting at one of the desks. "A test?" she asked. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Chloe began, "he asked you to go to his Quidditch match, right? And I am sure that afterwards him and his mates will all go to a pub and hang out. Of course you will be going along too. It will give Ron's friends the opportunity to get to know you and give him the thumbs up or thumbs down."
Hermione shook her head and scoffed. "I can't believe that. Ron just doesn't seem the type to play games. Besides, Harry is Ron's best friend and I am pretty sure he approves of me. I know Ginny did, we got along really well that night at dinner."
Chloe shrugged. "I am not saying Ron is planning it to be that way but that's what it is." She stood up, brushing a piece of paper off her skirt saying, "I need to get back to my classroom and set it up for the kid's final art project. Can you believe the school year is almost over?"
Hermione smiled. "It did go by quickly didn't it? And just think in another few weeks you will become Mrs. Dean Thomas!"
Chloe gave a little squeal and bounced on her feet. "I know! I am so excited! You know, Ron is invited. He hasn't mailed back his response yet. Do you think you two will be coming together?"
Hermione flushed slightly. "Oh, I don't know Chloe. Your wedding is in the country. It is an overnight kind of thing. I don't know if we are ready for that yet."
Chloe smiled at Hermione. "Well, it is still a few weeks away. You never know what could happen between now and then! Call you later!"
Hermione watched her walk out of the classroom. She sat down at her desk, contemplating what Chloe had just said. Her cheeks flushed even more at the thought of what could "happen" between her and Ron in the few weeks leading up to the wedding. If her mum hadn't called the other night, she didn't think she would have had the willpower to stop the intense snogging that had been taking place on her couch. The truth was, even the phone call hadn't interrupted them, Hermione didn't think she would have stopped it anyway. It felt so natural being with Ron, having his lips on hers, his hands roaming her body. She had never felt so alive and so desired.
She had been ecstatic when he called the very next day asking her if she was busy on Friday. His Quidditch team was playing and he wanted to know if she would like to come and watch. Hermione thought it would be fun and eagerly responded yes.
"Great," he had said. "Are you still allowed to go out on a school night?"
"Yes," she had replied, Ron sensing the smile in her voice. "Why?"
"Well," he began, "please don't think it's childish but I have always wanted to see the movie The Wizard of Oz and I saw an advertisement on a bus saying they will be showing it in the park, you know, 'drive-in' style. They are showing it Wednesday night. Do you think you would like to go?"
"I would love to go!" exclaimed Hermione. "That was one of my favorite movies when I was growing up! I can't believe you have never seen it!"
Ron laughed and said, "You would be amazed at the list of Muggle things that I have never done just like I am amazed at the number of Wizarding things you have never heard of."
"We will just have to remedy that, won't we?" said Hermione. "I'll pack us some sandwiches for Wednesday night and we can have a picnic. Is there anything you like or don't like?"
"Hermione," Ron started, "there are a few things you have yet to learn about me. The first is that I have never, never met a sandwich I didn't like. I am sure whatever you bring will be great. I'll bring the drinks. Sound good?"
"Sounds perfect," she had responded. Now she had two dates with him!
A large bang brought Hermione back to reality and she looked up to see her next class trudging through the door. Trying her best to put thoughts of Ron from her mind, she stood up saying, "Let's go ladies and gentlemen! We have a final exam to review for!"
"It's just not sitting right with me, that's all I am saying," said Harry, running his hands through his hair causing it to stand up slightly.
"I know, I know," said Ron, exhaling and throwing his quill down onto the conference table. He had been sitting with Harry going through background information about the two Muggle Born victims to see if they had any connection to one another but so far, nothing was turning up. The one connection that was made, however, was to Ron's suspect, Logan Knox. The first victim, the young girl from the park, grew up in the same neighborhood as Knox. It could explain a lot about the crime scene and the fact that she apparently hadn't put up a fight: she had known her murderer.
Ron had told Harry the details he had discovered about Knox and his apparent connection to Goyle. Harry was having a difficult time accepting that Goyle could be behind an elaborate criminal scheme: he hadn't exactly been the brightest bulb in the box when they had attended Hogwarts. He believed, and Ron had to agree with him, that there was someone else pulling the strings.
"Who could it be and why are they doing this now?" mused Harry. "What do we know about what Goyle does again?"
Ron sighed leaning forward and sorting through some parchments on the table until he found the correct one. "Not much, unfortunately. He tried his hand at some construction jobs but only lasted for a few months. The last steady thing he did was working for a delivery service. After that, he goes off the grid."
"Well," began Harry, "if we are going on the assumption that it isn't really Goyle behind this, then we have to figure that he met whoever is behind all it while he was working one of those jobs. I say we start there and investigate his former places of employment."
Ron nodded, "I can put one or two of my guys on that while we continue to investigate the victims. There has to be some sort of connection there, either between them or to Goyle or to whoever is doing this."
"Agreed," said Harry. He started to gather some of the papers, putting them into a folder. "So, what have you been up to?"
"Whoa, not so fast Potter!" exclaimed Ron. "You haven't told me how it went with Ginny over the weekend."
Harry smiled broadly, "Come of it Ron! You know she said yes! Anyway, I am more interested in your date with Hermione."
Harry watched as a goofy smile came over Ron's features and almost rolled his eyes. "That good?"
"Yeah," said Ron, "that good. We actually got together on Sunday too. I brought her here."
Harry's eyebrows shot up. "You brought her here? Whatever for?"
"I gave her magic lessons," said Ron, his expression softening as he recalled the day they had spent together. "You should have seen her Harry, she was really good! She would have been brilliant if she went to school with us!"
Harry stood and stretched. "Seeing her again?"
Ron stood as well, checking his watch. "Actually, I am due at her place in an hour. We are going to a Muggle movie that I've always wanted to see. She is also going to come to my Quidditch game on Friday."
Harry arched his eyebrow at Ron. "She is going to your game? Are you planning on taking her out with the team after?"
Ron's brow furrowed. "Yeah, I was. Why, do you think it is a bad idea?"
Harry shrugged slightly. "I guess it isn't. It's just those guys can be a little rough sometimes. Are you sure she is going to be able to handle it?"
"I hadn't thought if that way," said Ron. "I am sure she'll be fine. Hermione definitely isn't one to back down from a challenge."
Harry clapped his friend on the back. "I am happy for you Ron. You really seem to like this girl."
Ron turned slightly pink replying, "Yeah, I really do. I just hope I don't do anything to mess it up."
"You won't," said Harry. "It was pretty clear that night we went out that she likes you too. Just be yourself and everything will be fine." He picked up the remaining folders on the table. "Let's get both of our teams together on Friday to compare notes on any progress we make by then, sound good?"
Ron nodded, "Definitely. We need to get this solved before someone else is killed." He felt like he had more at stake now that he had met Hermione. Although it seemed unlikely that anyone would think she was more than just a high school history teacher, he was still uncomfortable with the fact that she was in potential danger due to her blood status. The quicker they could find out who was behind all of this, the better.
"Admit it Ron, you were scared!"
"I was not," he scoffed.
"You flinched!" said Hermione. "I was lying right next to you! I felt it!"
"Fine," said Ron. "But I wouldn't use the world scared. I would use the word—startled."
Hermione looked up at him and smirked. "Imagine that: the big bad Auror, startled."
Ron held up his hands in mock offense. "Alright, alright. I actually don't know what bothers me more about that movie: the fact that Muggles think witches are green or that it is considered a children's movie. Flying monkeys, twisters, houses dropped on people—bloody terrifying! And really Hermione, whoever heard of a 'yellow brick road'?"
Hermione laughed outright. The night had been fantastic. Watching the movie was great but watching Ron watch the movie was even better. They had arrived at the park early enough to claim a perfect spot and had eaten the sandwiches Hermione had brought. Ron had decided to bring butterbeers, disguised as regular beers, much to Hermione's delight. She had never tried them and loved them from the first drop.
When the movie had started, she and Ron had sat on the blanket holding hands and watching. Eventually they had ended up on their stomachs, feet up in the air just like kids. Hermione knew that Ron had a million questions as to how movies were made and how they were able to project the images onto the screen but he had held his tongue for most of the film. He had looked adorable watching the movie wide-eyed, laughing and cringing at the appropriate parts. Hermione couldn't help but sneak glances at him the whole time.
When it was over, they had folded up the blanket Hermione had brought and exited the park with the rest of the crowd, made up of mostly families with children. It must have been a special treat for them to be out late on a school night but since the school year was nearing an end it was easily justified.
Hermione's thoughts were interrupted as she realized that Ron had stopped walking. She stopped as well and realized that they were standing in front of his building. She looked up at him and felt her stomach flip at the way he was gazing down at her. It was getting late but she did not want to go home yet.
"Would you like to come up for a bit?" he asked. "I can make a quick cup of tea."
Hermione could hear the hopefulness in his voice and responded with an eager, "Yes."
As they held hands in the lift, Hermione's heart began to beat even faster as she felt his thumb rub small circles on the top of her hand. They had barely touched all night but when they watched the movie, lying next to one another, Hermione could feel the physical pull between them. She knew he felt it too by the way he would occasionally glance over at her and smile, his blue eyes sparkling. He was just too handsome, thought Hermione. Even dressed in jeans and a hooded sweatshirt, there was just something about him.
As Ron stood next to Hermione in the lift, he reached down and held her hand. It felt so natural to him. He had enjoyed the evening so much. He hoped he hadn't been too much of a bother to Hermione with some of the questions he had about the movie but she hadn't seemed to mind. Quite the opposite actually. She knew all of the answers to his questions almost as if she had studied up beforehand in anticipation of what he would ask. The thought somehow pleased him.
Hermione had brought several sandwiches with her, all of which Ron had loved, as well as some crisps. She thoroughly enjoyed the butterbeer and Ron had made a mental note to ask Mrs. James to pick up some extra so he could bring it over to Hermione's flat the next time he was there. The next time, he mused. He was certain that there would be many next times. Looking down at her, his heart warmed at the thought of just being able to go see her whenever he wanted. Being able to kiss her or smell her heavenly curls or just hold her hand in a lift. He was brought back to reality when the lift they were presently in stopped on his floor and he led Hermione out and down the hall to his flat.
He used his wand to turn on the lights and watched as Hermione deposited the blanket they had lain on onto his dining room table. She had also worn a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, the spring night having grown chilly. Ron watched now as she took it off, revealing a thin cotton t-shirt underneath, the v-neck exposing her chest and the lovely curve of her breasts.
She turned to see him staring at her and asked, "Are you alright?"
Ron cleared his throat saying, "Uh, yeah, right. Water for the tea. Make yourself comfortable." He headed into the kitchen and Hermione could hear the banging of pots and the running of water from the tap. She sat down on the couch, running her hand through her hair then flipping over and shaking her head slightly, hoping that her curls weren't totally out of control. When she righted herself it was to see Ron standing in front of her, holding out a mug of tea.
"That was quick," she whispered.
"Magic," he said. "Remember?" He didn't think he would be capable of saying anything else after watching her try to fix her hair. He had tried his best to gather himself together in the kitchen only to come out here and see her flip her head over, her curls tumbling gloriously down her back. Blood had begun to rush to choice parts of his body.
Hermione nodded taking the mug and sipping. It tasted wonderful but she really didn't care. Ron could have offered to make liquefied boogies and she would have said yes to coming up to his flat. After this past Sunday afternoon on her couch, she was positively aching to feel his arms around her again. As he sat down next to her, Hermione could feel his eyes on her and she tried her best to control her breathing which for some reason was coming quicker.
"Tired?" he asked as he watched her take another sip from her mug.
"Actually," Hermione said, "no. I had so much fun tonight Ron. It was a brilliant idea!"
"I had fun too!" he said, finishing up his mug of tea and watching as Hermione did the same. He took her mug from her hands and placed it on the coffee table along with his own. "I like being with you Hermione. I think I would have fun in a paper bag if you were in there along with me."
"I like being with you too Ron," she replied softly. She found her courage and looked up at him as she said it. His blue eyes were full of longing and something else she couldn't identify, searching hers expectantly. Hermione leaned over kissing him with all of the desire that had built up since they had last seen each other. Her mouth moved hotly against his and she ran her tongue around the outside of his lips. She could hear him groan and almost gasped as he pushed her down onto the couch, covering her body with his. There was no slow escalation this time, just hands grasping and feeling, moving clothes out of the way until their desired destination had been reached.
Hermione's hands wound themselves through Ron's hair as he kissed her neck, his own hands pushing up her thin t-shirt to cup her breasts. She moaned lightly and the sound cut through Ron, raising his level of desire even higher. As his mouth moved up her neck he whispered into her ear, "You feel so good Hermione. I think I can stay like this forever."
Before she could reply, though, Ron had moved his mouth to hers, easily sliding in his tongue to explore its interior. She tasted wonderful too, Ron thought. He could feel her hands on his back, under his shirt, her fingertips tracing the muscles. His body was burning with his need for her and he helped her as she lifted his shirt off of him before taking off her own as well. She looked spectacular wearing just her jeans and a lacy pink bra, her breasts rising and falling rapidly with the shallow breaths she was taking.
Ron traced his finger around the edge of the pink fabric, enjoying the feeling of the slightly scratchy lace against the softness of her skin. He let his fingers dip down over the cup, feeling the tip so f her breasts harden under his light touch. Ron watched as Hermione's eyes closed, her mouth slightly open as she threw her arms back over her head, arching herself even further into his hands. He bent his head down and ran his tongue over the straining fabric until he took the tip into his mouth, sucking on it gently, his other hand pinching and squeezing her other breast as well until he she was moaning underneath him.
Ron moved his mouth back up to hers, plunging his tongue between her parted lips. Hermione took his lower lip between hers and began sucking on it gently. Now it was Ron's turn to groan. He could feel her hand move steadily down his chest until it stopped at the top of his jeans. He paused for a moment to look down at her. Her eyes were open, heavy with desire, and looking into his. Before she lost her nerve, Hermione slipped her hand down and into his boxers until she could feel his hard, hot length. Ron groaned loudly as he felt her small hand wrap itself around him, murmuring her name as he sucked on her earlobe.
Hermione couldn't believe her own boldness but when she had moved her hips she could feel how aroused he was and she wanted to touch him. Ron shifted so they were lying on the couch face to face, his hand going around her back and unhooking her bra, tossing it onto the floor. Hermione was moving her hand up and down as he moved his mouth, kissing the fullness of one breast and then the other before swirling his tongue around a hardened nub, taking it into his mouth and sucking. He could feel Hermione's grip on him lessen and she moaned again. Ron snaked his hand down between them, quickly undoing the buttons of her jeans, his fingers skirting over the top of her knickers. His mouth had captured her lips again and as he felt the wetness of the cotton between her legs, he bit down on her lip, tugging it gently.
Hermione was practically panting as Ron touched her. His fingers were dangerously close to where the center of her desire was pulsing. Her eyes flew open as she felt his fingers move aside her knickers, plunging one into her. His eyes were open as well and she resumed her grip on him, moving her hand up and down as his finger continued its movement within her.
Ron thought he would lose whatever willpower he had when he felt how ready she was for him. Her legs had spread as he had slipped first one, then two fingers into her. As he moved them, he could feel her hips shift slightly in response. Her breasts were pressed against his chest, their softness contradicting maddeningly with his hardness. The feel of her hand tightening around him was driving him wild and he was just about to pick her up and carry her to his bed when he heard it: Harry's voice.
"Ron? Are you there Ron?"
Ron looked down to see Hermione's eyes open a look of panic replacing the look of desire.
"It's okay," he whispered. "He's not really here. He's just in the fireplace." Before he could explain further, Ron disentangled himself from her and sat up looking over the couch to where the fireplace was.
"There you are," said Harry. "Are you alright? You look flushed."
"I'm fine Harry," he replied, gritting his teeth. "What's wrong?"
"There's been another one. Piccadilly. Strauss wants us there five minute ago." Harry paused. "Are you sure you feel alright, you really look—" Harry stopped midsentence a slightly embarrassed look coming across his face. "You're not alone, are you?"
Ron shook his head slowly. "No, I am not alone. I'll meet you there in fifteen minutes."
Harry nodded quickly. "Right. See you in a few." He disappeared into the odd flames that then extinguished.
Ron sighed before sinking back down on the couch next to Hermione who was now sitting up. She had put her bra and t-shirt back on. Her cheeks were flaming and he almost smiled until he realized how embarrassed she was. He took her face in his hands and kissed her gently. "I'm sorry but I have to go. You don't know how badly I want to stay with you though."
Hermione smiled, "I think I have an idea. It's alright, I understand." She kissed him again, her hands running through his hair. She couldn't help but slip her tongue back into his mouth and he emitted a sound that was close to a growl as he pressed her back down into the couch, groaning outright as she wrapped her legs around him.
"You're not making this easy for me," he murmured into her ear as he nuzzled her neck.
Hermione laughed, "I'm sorry but I just can't get enough of you."
He kissed her one more time lightly and then stood putting on his shirt and then holding his hand out to her. "C'mon, I'll walk you back to your place." Hermione took his hand and let him lead her out, grabbing her sweatshirt and blanket along the way.
As they emerged from Ron's building, Hermione put on her sweatshirt, the night having become cooler. It had to be close to midnight. Hermione was going to be exhausted the next morning but she simply didn't care. She felt like she could float home although having Ron's hand in her own was keeping her grounded.
Almost as if reading her mind, Ron said, "I'm sorry it is so late." He knew they could have just Disapparated to her flat but he wasn't ready to let go of her just yet.
"That's alright," she replied. "Tomorrow is already Thursday. Just two more days until the weekend."
"Just two more days until my Quidditch match too," he said. "I hope you don't have high expectations for me after seeing Ginny play. I am not up to par with her."
Hermione squeezed his arm gently, "I am sure that his not true. What position do you play?"
"Keeper. Not too many fancy flying moves but I like it." He stopped walking as they had reached Hermione's building. "I'll walk you up."
When they came to Hermione's door, she turned to kiss him goodnight but he stopped her. "Do you mind if I come in for a moment?"
Hermione's brow furrowed but she said, "Of course." She unlocked the door and moved to go inside but Ron stopped her, putting a hand on her arm and saying. "Let me go in first. Shut the door and stay behind me." Hermione noticed that he had his wand out and all she could do was nod her head in response.
Ron walked into her flat and whispered, "Lumos." He moved to the center of her room and said, "Homenum Revelio."
Hermione watched in silence from behind Ron. Her hands were in the pocket of her sweatshirt, gripping her own wand, which she had taken to carrying around with her. Ron used his wand to turn on her lights and then turned to look at her, drawing her close to him.
"I'm sorry if I scared you. I wasn't planning on telling you this but there have been several murders of Muggle Borns over the past two weeks. That's why Harry appeared tonight. There has been another one and I have to report to the crime scene." He pulled her even closer so he could look into her brown eyes. "I don't think you are in any danger but I just want to make sure you are safe and sound here."
"That's sweet," said Hermione. "Thank you." She reached up and kissed him lightly on the lips, trying her best to restrain herself. It was just the smallest of kisses but it was already causing desire to course through her body. Hermione knew that Ron was reacting in a similar way as he deepened their kiss, his hand on the small of her back pressing her into him. He broke their kiss abruptly, leaning his forehead against hers.
"I don't know how I am going to concentrate," Ron said. With a sigh, he kissed the tip of her nose and walked to her front door. "I'll call you tomorrow, alright?"
Hermione smiled at him. "Alright. Be carefully tonight, okay?"
Ron grinned. "I will be. Goodnight Hermione."
Hermione went to stand by the door kissing him one last time before saying, "Goodnight Ron."
With one last look of longing, Ron turned to walk down the hall. After he heard the door close, he stopped, taking out his wand and performing a few extra protective spells before he continued towards the staircase and out the door.
The cool air felt good. It brought him back to reality. He looked up at the windows of the flat he had just left. The reality was, he was falling hard for Hermione. Very hard.
What made this crime scene almost more disturbing than the previous ones was that it was in a very public place. It would be extremely difficult for Dunne and other Ministry officials to try to keep the Muggles out of this one, Ron thought. A large group of onlookers were already gathering under the marquee of one of the theaters on Shaftesbury Avenue. Ron knew that was where the body would be and, just like the other bodies, probably bear no obvious marks of violence. The only mark would be one invisible to the eyes of the curious Muggles.
Ron saw Harry standing off to the side of the crime scene. Harry turned and spotted Ron and walked over to him quickly.
"It's not good," said Harry. "This time it was an American."
"An American!" exclaimed Ron. "A tourist?"
Harry shrugged. "We can't be sure yet but I saw the police officer pull his license and say the bloke was from New York City. The shit is really going to hit the fan on this one. It the victim really is from the States, Strauss and the Minister are going to need to contact the American Ministry as soon as possible."
Just then, Dunne walked over to them, his expression grim. "His name is Mitchell Ryan. He is twenty-five, a graduate student doing his studies here. Not that I need to say it but he is Muggle Born."
"How do you know?" asked Ron.
"I got a look at his identification before the Muggle police arrived and contacted someone I know in the Ministry in America."
"Good work Dunne," said Harry. He turned to Ron. "Let's get to the office now, see what we can find out about this guy."
Ron nodded. After saying goodbye to Dunne, the two of them made their way to the Ministry. Strauss was already there and not happy at all about it. He had spoken with the American Ministry who was sending over all the information they had on Mitchell Ryan. For a better part of the night, Ron and Harry read about the victim trying unsuccessfully to connect him to the others. Ron couldn't help but feel that they were again missing a crucial piece of the puzzle and that it somehow went back to Goyle and Knox.
It was almost four o'clock in the morning and the rest of Ron's team wouldn't be in for at least another four hours. Strauss had returned home and Harry had fallen asleep on the couch in his office. Ron could easily go the locker rooms where there were a few cots stored for situations like this but he was craving his own bed. He made his way back to the Atrium, standing before the chimneys and the green flames, mentally making a list of everything he wanted to do the next day. It was then that missing piece hit him. He rushed back to his office, heading straight to the file room, pulling open drawers until he located what he was looking for. He glanced over the file and everything started to fall into place. Ron went into Harry's office, shaking his friend to wake up him up.
Harry sat up, slamming his glasses on his face. "Wus the matter?" he asked groggily.
Ron dropped the file onto Harry's lap and said triumphantly, "Lists."
"Lists?" Harry echoed. "Don't take this the wrong way mate, but I think you need to get some sleep. You're not making any sense."
"Lists from the Muggle Born Registration Commission" he said simply. "All three victims, even the American, were on this list. They have no connection to Knox or Goyle or to each other. The first victim knowing Knox must have been a fluke."
"But Ron, these lists have been kept here at the Ministry since the war ended. You don't mean to suggest that—"
"There is a mole in the department," finished Ron. "Someone is helping Goyle. Why Goyle is doing this, I'm not sure. There still could be someone else pulling his strings but I think we have a leak here."
Harry nodded slowly. "It does make sense. We are going to have to show this to Strauss as soon as he comes in."
Ron agreed. "I'm going to head to my flat for a bit. I'll be back in a few hours."
There were still many more questions to answer: Were there more people involved in this? Why after all this time would someone be interested in murdering Muggle Borns? What was the motivation? Was it just a Purebloods fanatical quest?
The questions rattled around Ron's head as he slipped in between the sheets of his bed. It wasn't until sleep started to grab him that his mind turned towards other matters, like the softness of feminine lips on his, the feeling of lush breasts pressed against his chest, and the sound of Hermione moaning his name in his ear. He smiled and fell asleep, his dreams full of things yet to come.
A/N: I had been hoping to include both dates in this chapter but it started to become too long! The next date will be in Chapter 8! Please let me know how you liked this one!
