First Comes Marriage, Then Love?

Chapter X: Late drinks, late movies

The Utaette Kedel was a very famous pub in Denmark. Most witches and wizards went there to have a drink at least once a week. Ron liked it there because it had something of the Leaky Cauldron. It reminded him of the home he had left behind and mostly of the people he had left behind. He usually stopped for a beer after work, and today was not an exception. He had had a tough day but he didn't want to go home just yet.

He entered the pub and went straight to the counter. He sat on one of the high benches and made a hand gesture to the bar tender indicating that he wanted the usual. It was the same every time. He never sat on one of the tables. He never spoke to anyone. He merely sat there, his stare fixed on his glass and his mind hundreds of miles away. The bar owner had seen his symptoms too many times to ask him anything, so he never did.

But that night something changed on his routine. He had drained half his drink when a pretty brunette in a revealing green dress sat next to him. In primitive Danish that gave away her condition of foreigner, she ordered a Scotch. Ron didn't look up from his glass, even thought he knew the woman sitting next to him was British. Only when her perfume got to him did he acknowledge her presence. It was a scent he knew only too well. It was the smell he had felt on Slughorn first class; the one that made his heart lift no matter what; the one he had dream to wake up to for so long.

The lady smiled at him when she saw he was looking her way. He tried to return the gesture but he only managed a pathetic grimace.

"A bad day?" she asked, returning to her own glass.

"Try a bad life," Ron answered.

"I had an inkling you were British too. I'm Haley," she said extending her had towards Ron

"Ronald," he said in an unenthusiastic tone, but shaking her hand anyway.

"Wait, are you Ron Weasley?" she asked excitedly. Ron looked at her more closely, trying to see if he knew her. But he was certain he had never seen her face before. Although he had been a clueless teenager, but he usually remembered all the pretty girls he had met.

"I don't want to be rude or anything, but do I know you?"

"No, well I don't think so."

"Then how?"

"I went to Hogwarts too. I'm a year younger than you. I don't expect you to remember me, I was in Ravenclaw but of course I knew you. You were Gryffindor keeper and you did a lot of extraordinary things with Harry Potter. Everyone knew who you were."

Ron looked at her, his face showed a mixture of self-content and disbelief. For the first time ever since he had learnt that Hermione and Fred were getting married, he felt the knot on his stomach he had thought would never leave, relaxed a little.

"So, what are you doing here in Denmark?" It was clear she wanted to start a conversation with him. The only time something like that had happened to Ron had been when Lavender had ambushed him after that Quidditch match. He wasn't used to pretty women wanting to talk to him. He wasn't complaining of course, but it made him feel a little uncomfortable.

"I'm working here." He remained silence for a couple of seconds and then thought he ought to say something. "Hm and you?"

"I'm participating in Hogwart's students exchange program. I'm doing my last year here. But things are different because instead of going to a boarding school, students attend classes during the day and then they return home. I'm staying at a rented apartment a few blocks from here."

"That's interesting." He had no idea what to say. She smiled at him and he felt a little more reassured. "I didn't know Hogwarts had an exchange program."

"Yes, but I don't want to talk about it." Haley was still smiling at Ron, but more sexily now. "It's not every day you have a chance to talk to Ron Weasley." Ron blushed scarlet. That was a phrase he had never heard, especially not from a gorgeous lady.

She had finished her drink and Ron, struck by a sudden inspiration, offered to buy another. She accepted but on the condition they moved to a table at the back of the bar.

"It's more intimate there," she said, taking her re-filled glass and walking from the counter towards the farthest empty table moving her heaps more than it was necessary. Ron, who still wasn't sure what was going on, followed her.

Haley was a very confident woman, and she directed the conversation. Ron was very please to hear that she thought he was: very brave, cunning, and an excellent Quidditch player, on top of being extremely attractive. She was flirting with him shamelessly and he was falling right into her trap. Soon he was showing her the scars from the brain attacks and retelling what had happened during the second task of the Triwizard Tournament.

"So, who's she?" Haley asked once he had finished his last story.

"Who's who?" He asked bewildered.

"The girl you are so depressed about. Oh, don't try to deny it. It's written all over your face."

Ron had never discussed his feelings for Hermione with anyone, with the exception of Harry and Ginny. But there was something about this girl. She was charming, enchanting. He felt comfortable talking to her, as if they had been friends since forever. Suddenly, Ron found himself telling Haley all about Hermione, from the day they had met on the Hogwart's Express to the night she and Fred had announced their marriage.

"Wow! You really love her. I had never heard a mal talk with so much passion about someone. Not even a star Quidditch player."

"Saying that I lover her is an understatement. She's my everything. I could die for her."

"You know, you are one of a kind. Anyone else in your situation would have done something to avenge his or her feelings."

"Perhaps a couple of years ago I would have. But after all I've seen since the war started changed me," he answered simply.

"But tell me the truth. Wouldn't you want, deep down, to do something to get her back, if you had the chance?"

"There's nothing I can do. Believe me, I've given the matter a great deal of thought"

"There's always something to be done, if you have the guts." He have her a quizzical look, to which she responded with a mysterious smile. "Imagine this: instead of being here with me at this shabby pub, moaning over your lost love, you could be at your cozy house, sharing a home-cooked dinner with her, looking into her loving eyes while she tells you about her day… I mean, if you are certain that she loves you back, it's not a lost battle. And nothing is more appealing to a woman than a man who fights for her."

Among her many talents, Haley had a captivating voice. There was something about the way she spoke that enchanted all her listeners. Plus she was painting a picture Ron had dreamed of every free moment he had had. In other words, she had caught his full and complete attention. There was nothing he wanted more than being back with Hermione, and here was someone- who seemed to admire him and was trying to help him- reminding him that when there's a will, there's a way.

"So, what would you do if you were in my place?" he asked.

"I know what I wouldn't do. I would never retreat without giving a fight."

"I'm not in a position to fight."

"Then you need to get some alleys." Ron actually laughed at this.

"If you are thinking something like making her jealous, it will never work. She's too clever. She'll see right through it. Besides, it's not like she has married Fred because she's in love with him. I mean, it's not a question of winning her back. It's more like changing a factual situation"

"That's exactly why you have so many possibilities of succeeding."

"I still don't know what I could do."

"What if I told that there's someone who has the power to help you with your problem."

"And why would this person want to help me?"

"I'm sure he'll find a way for you to repay him. But he's very powerful and probably the one person who can give you what you want. And besides, would you put a price to being with your beloved Hermione." She didn't wait for him to answer. "Listen, I have to go now. Think about what I've said. Here's my address, send me a note if you reach a decision." With a blatant wink and a sexy smile she disapparated, living behind a piece of parchment with an address.

Ten minutes later, Lord Voldemort received a note with the same handwriting: "It's done my Lord. The blood traitor has been hooked. Everything's going according to the plan." Even down at the village, the murderess laughter was heard.

But Ron was not the only Weasley who was sitting in a pub having a conversation about his feelings. But this redhead was not talking to a complete stranger but to his brother. However, the subject of the conversation was basically the same.

"So, where's your lawfully wedded wife?" asked George as he and Fred entered the place.

"She had to work late," answered the other twin rolling his eyes.

"And what's your excuse for wanting to come here?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you that I didn't want to have dinner alone, would you?" George didn't need to answer. "I didn't think so. Ok, the truth is I need to talk to you."

"If you are going to dump me, at least do it gently," joked George.

"Please, this is serious. And the only reason I'm telling you this is because I don't know what to do with myself. The last thing I want to hear is your 'I told you so' which I'm sure you'll say." George had scarcely seen his brother's face so grave. That was not good.

"What is it?"

"Something very bad has happened. Something that should have never had happened. I didn't realize until it was too late, and now I don't know what to do."

"Will you stop blabbing and tell me what's wrong," George interrupted a little exasperated.

"I'm not blabbing! I'm trying to explain to you and to myself how things got to this state because I really don't-"

"FRED!"

"I'M IN LOVE WITH HERMIONE." That left George quite speechless for a couple of seconds. He looked like he had just been stunned. He could only think of one thing to say, but it wasn't right and it certainly wasn't going to be helpful to say I knew this was coming.

"Are you thinking about doing anything about it?"

"How could I? You said it yourself, Ron's out brother and he loves her."

"But?"

"There are not buts. Or at least there shouldn't be."

"If there weren't, you would not be telling me this," he said knowledgeably.

"Man, I love her! I can't stop thinking about her when she's not around. And when she is, it takes all the self-restrain I posses not to hug her and kiss her. This is killing me and yet I never feel more alive than when I am with her."

"Can't this be an infatuation?"

"No. I had never felt like this before. It's the real thing. For example, last night we were watching a movie, and she felt asleep. I couldn't take my eyes off her. The light of the T.V. illuminated her face and she looked like an angel. The most beautiful thing I had ever seen," Fred sighted

"I don't know what to tell you. In any other situation I would advice you to go for it…But not with Ron in the middle. Do you have any idea how she feels about him?"

"I asked her when we first accepted the mission. She told me she didn't really know."

"Haven't you discussed the subject with her lately?"

"She never wants to talk about it. But every time Ron's name is mentioned she gets sad. I know she misses him, and she feels guilty about him leaving. And then there are those times when I could swear she feels something for me."

"You mean beyond friendship?" asked George, his face contorted in disbelief.

"Yes. It sounds crazy, I know. But there are those little things. Like when she bought me the books."

"You told me she did that as a wedding present."

"I was trying to convince myself as well. But you know how expensive those books are. And she also got me the armchair and everything else. But it's not just that. It's the way she looks at me some times."

"Try not to focus on that sort of things, it'll only make it all more difficult." George didn't voice his opinion, because his brother wouldn't hear it anyway. Bur he was pretty sure it was all in his twin's mind.

"I know I mustn't, but that's easier said than done."

"I really don't know what to tell you. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now."

"It's ok. I'm not looking for advice here. I just wanted to get it out of my chest, but I know I can't do anything about it."

Fred left the pub and entered muggle London. He had arranged to meet Hermione at the Theater to catch a late movie. She had accepted only because it was Friday. And because he had become such a movie fanatic it was hard to discourage him from seeing at least five movies a week. Hermione had suggested inviting George and Katie to join them, and he had said he'd ask. But he had not real intention of inviting his brother. Being at the movies was the perfect occasion to be close to Hermione without having to make up any excuses. And he'd rather take advantage of the situation being alone. He knew it was wrong and that he should avoid those moments. Yet, he was not about to renounce to such a pleasure.

He arrived at the door of the Theater to find that Hermione was already there, waiting for him, smiling but looking exhausted.

"Hello 'Mione, how are you?" he said planting a noisy kiss on her cheek. This made her giggle.

"Tired, it was an incredibly long day. I hope the movie is good, otherwise I'll fall asleep within fifteen minutes."

"George told me it was good. I think we could trust his judgment. We liked all the one he recommended us," Fred commented as the entered the place and bought the tickets.

They went into the room and found their sits. Hermione told her husband about her long day and he listened carefully. With any other girl he would have put a face of paying attention while his mind wondered freely. But with Hermione everything was different. He wanted to listen to every single word she uttered. No topic seemed boring when she talked about it.

"And then I told her that I would have the data ready for next Tuesday, but of course that'll mean work great part of the weekend," Hermione finished.

"You know who you sound just like, don't you?" asked Fred putting a mock face of disgust.

"Whom?"

"Percy! Are you sure you are not in love with your boss as he was with Mr. Crouch?" Hermione punched him on the arm.

"That was very offensive, you know," she stated, pretending to be highly affronted.

"Why? I thought you worshiped Percy. Wasn't he everything you ever wanted to be?" Hermione glared at him and moved away from Fred in her sit. He extended his arm and moved her back to his direction, keeping it around his shoulder once she was as close as she could be.

"You know I'm joking. You are my little mischief maker," he said grabbing her nose as if he was talking to a five-year old.

At that moment the lights of the room were dimmed and the publicities before the movie started. Hermione yawned widely and rested her head on his shoulder. "Wake me up when the movie starts." She whispered in his ear making shivers run down his back.

But when the move began, he didn't wake her. He was too content having her breathing quietly on his neck to ruin the moment. Besides he knew she was really tired and had only agreed to see the movie because of his newly-found obsession.

Hermione, however, was only half-asleep. She knew perfectly well were she was; only she was too comfortable, warm and happy to move. Her eyelids were too heavy to open them and the quiet music that marked the beginning of the film was like a lullaby. In this state of stupor her mind drifted to the man who was sitting next to her, on whose shoulder her head was resting. She couldn't tell how it had happened, but she was in love with that man. It had taken her weeks to acknowledge and accept her feelings. Nobody new about them and nobody would ever do. She had two powerful reasons: the first one was Ron and the second one was that there was no way Fred returned her feelings. True, she had caught him staring at her a couple of times, and he did seemed to reserve a special smile only for her, but surely that meant nothing. Finally, with her mind full of thoughts about Fred, she fell into a deep sleep.

"Wake up sleeping beauty. It's time you move from dreams to reality." Fred shook her slightly. The lights were back on and the movie had ended. What he did not know was that Hermione had indeed been dreaming about him.

She opened her eyes looking disorientated. Then she stretched her arms and smiled at Fred. "How was it?" she asked accommodating her hair.

"Very good, but I liked the one we saw last week better."

"Which one exactly?" she inquired sarcastically. In truth they had seen six movies the previous week.

"The Notebook, that was an amazing movie. I know it's a chick's movie, but I still liked it."

"That one was fantastic! So romantic," she said in a dreamy voice. They had just left the theater and the streets were empty due to the lateness of the hour. Fred looked at Hermione, who was standing right next to her. She looked gorgeous, with her hair pulled up in a pony tale and her light working clothes.

"Let's dance," said Fred suddenly.

"What?"

"Let's dance. I want to dance with you in this empty street."

"Fred, are you all right?" she asked eying him out of the corner of her eye.

"Yes, I'm fine and I want to dance with the most beautiful witch." Just as had happened on those occasions he had wanted to kiss her so badly, he desperately wanted to dance with her, just as the boy had done in the movie. Without waiting for an answer he grabbed her by the waist and started spinning to the rhythm of an inexistent music.

She laughed freely at the ridiculousness of the situation. Never in her life had she done something so illogical. Leave it to Fred to propose that sort of things. And yet she loved it. There was a gorgeous, intelligent, completely amusing man asking her to dance in the middle of London. Add to that he was the man she loved. Who would say no to such a panorama?

The music inside Fred's head changed and he pulled Hermione closer. By now they were used to dancing together and they had already agreed they made a great couple at that. Hermione looked up at Fred to comment something, but she found herself instantly trapped by his eyes. Suddenly a magnetic force erupted between them irresistibly drowning their faces together. Their lips met and fireworks exploded. It was as perfect as Hermione remembered it. Fred was simply in heaven. Kissing Hermione like that felt better than winning a quidditch match, than prancking someone. It was better than anything he had ever experienced.

As if to complete this picturesque scene, it began to snow. It was the first snow of the year. Feeling the cold snow flakes over their faces, the couple broke the kiss smiling. They didn't say a word, there was no need. Fred put his jacked over Hermione's shoulder and they walked back to their apartment through the now slightly whiter streets.

Once home, they went to bed, still in silence. Hermione was lying facing the wall when she felt Fred come closer. He cuddled against her figure and embraced her with his free arm. She smiled and accommodated herself against his bare chest. Fred raised his head from the pillow and whispered to Hermione's ear, "I love you 'Mione."

"I know, I love you too," she answered. And with that, both of them fell peacefully asleep.

A/N: You thought I wouldn't make any comment? It's not like me, you know! It's jsut thatfor the comments you need to have read the story first.

First of all, as usual, thanks to the wonderful, wonderful readers who are following this story, and especially to those who take the time to review after each chapter!

A few notices: The name of the pub is the translation of Leaky Cauldron into Danish ;o)

Then, if you want me to, and I find the time, after I finish this story I might write a kind of bonus chapters with the moments Fred and Hermione realized they are in love with each other. I didn't put it here because it occurred to me when I had most of the chapter finished, and re-writing it would have meant taking much more time to update!

And finally, talking about updates, it'll probably take a bit long for the next chapter, so I hope you enjoyed this one! And as always: don't forget to review! ;o)!