Only You
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. For if I did, I would be out celebrating right now.
A/N: Hola everyone! I know I promised to post this last week, but I was busy. I went to go see Wicked! It was awesome. So, this is the very last chapter. Sad, I know. But, I like it a lot. It's all about one of my favorite ships: Ron and Hermione (can I hear a big "awww?"). I love them together. I really do. Okay, so tomorrow I'll be posting my new Marauders fan fiction. You should totally read it when I post it. Well, goodbye! Thanks so much for reading!
Ay me! for aught that I could ever read,
Could ever hear by tale or history,
The course of true love never did run smooth.
- Lysander, A Midsummer Night's Dream
- - -
Finally
(HermionexRon)
Hermione was never one to fall head-over heels for someone. Especially someone as dull-witted and slow as Ronald Weasley. But as much as she hated to admit it, she loved him even if he was a complete idiot sometimes.
Their first, passionate kiss was too perfect for words. Sure it had been a little too passionate and a bit awkward but it had told Hermione two important things: She now knew for sure that she loved him and that the feelings were mutual.
But since then, they had been stuck in an awkward faze. They seemed to be balanced between friends and more than friends and it was not the best place to be. He didn't kiss her anymore, due to his family's constant jokes and he seemed to be afraid that he would fail to please her.
Hermione knew that this was all nonsense. Even though she was hard to please, she hadn't fallen for him because he did everything perfectly. More so the exact opposite; She loved him because he was imperfect.
But as she stared off into the distance on her birthday, things could not seem more hopeless. He blushed whenever he saw her and often couldn't look her in the eye.
The morning had just begun at the Burrow and the day was crisp and sunny. It was the perfect day of a birthday but she was too miserable to enjoy anything. Ron had probably forgotten or would give her a very tacky gift. Still, if it was from his heart that was enough.
She was about to go back to bed when she heard the clanking of dishes downstairs and decided to talk to Mrs. Weasley and get some coffee.
As she left the room, she closed the door quietly behind her so as not to disturb Ginny, who was sharing her room with Hermione. She descended the stairs with as much silence as possible, but it proved difficult since the stairs were always very creaky.
Mrs. Weasley sat in the kitchen alone, fixing her famous Weasley pancakes and omelets. When she heard Hermione enter the room she turned and beam. "Hermione, dear! Want something to eat?"
Hermione shook her head. "Just something to drink, please," she requested.
"Coffee will it be?" she knew how much Hermione liked her coffee.
She nodded. "Yeah, thanks."
Mrs. Weasley took a cold brewed pot of coffee and tapped her wand to it. Instantly, the coffee was piping hot. She grabbed a porcelain mug from the cabinet and poured a fair amount of coffee into it. "Sugar, dear?" she asked.
Hermione nodded. "Yes please."
Mrs. Weasley ripped open a sugar packet and let the sugar dissolve. She placed the mug in front of Hermione who breathed in the sweet smell thankfully. Mrs. Weasley sat down and gave Hermione a searching look. "What's the matter, love?"
Hermione sighed. "It's Ron…he's just been so aloof lately. He won't even look at me sometimes!" she threw her hands up in exasperation.
Mrs. Weasley seemed to be understanding. "Ah, I know dear. He's just been very worried lately. He really loves you, but he's afraid that he can't please you."
Hermione looked as if she was about to cry. "But that's just it! I don't want him to please me! He pleases me by being himself."
Mrs. Weasley nodded and turned away quickly, obviously trying to hide something. She pretended to have just forgotten to do the dishes, but Hermione knew better than that.
Mrs. Weasley turned for a moment and looked at her square in the eye. "Don't worry, Hermione. He'll learn. And who knows, he just might surprise you."
&.&.&.&.&.&.
That evening guests began to arrive for a dinner in Hermione's honor. Although she had requested "a small party," Mrs. Weasley decided to go all out and invite almost everyone.
The actual party was set up outside. There were two long tables at which the guests were seated after they arrived. After dinner, gifts were given and cake was served. Everyone was having a lovely time.
Except for Ron and Hermione. Ron was sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed, looking nervous and bothered. Hermione couldn't relax because he frankly wasn't relaxing either.
Just as the party was beginning to slow, Mrs. Weasley stood. "I'd like to make an announcement. I do believe our Ronald has something to say."
Taking a breath, Ron stood up, moodily, and walked over to her. He fiddled something in his pocket.
"Hermione?"
She looked up at him as her heart began to pound in her chest. "Yes, Ron?" she murmured, starting to blush.
"I…I know that I'm not perfect and that I've been…cold lately," he licked his lips nervously. She nodded slowly, gently encouraging him to continue. "I guess that...after we kissed for the first time, I was a little shocked. I suppose it's because I've never felt this way about anyone before and so I wasn't sure how to react.
"For a while, I thought I should change and be more…just more. I didn't think I was good enough. But, I realized that you really do love me just the way I am."
She smiled. "I do Ronald," she said passionately, hoping that he would realize how much she meant it.
What happened next came so fast that she could hardly believe it. He bent down on one knee and asked the question she'd been hoping he would ask for the past few months: "Will you marry me, Hermione Granger?"
She stood up, her heart beating so fast. "O-of course I'll marry you Ronald! A thousand times over and a thousand times again!" she buried him in a hug as everyone cheered and whooped loudly.
And she felt a hope that she hadn't felt since the war ended.
