Chapter 12 To tell the Family --- Or Not?
On their way back to the Burrow, they stopped by Hogsmead and went to the Three Broomsticks to have some Butterbeer and just talk about their feelings, what they know and what the Headmaster thinks.
"Ron, do you love me?"
"Oh, Hermione, you know I do. I'm right here with you and I'm not going anywhere without you, besides, my Mum, and Ginny, they both like you as if you were a family member already, to say nothing of my brothers."
"But, Hermione, there's some things that I don't remember, or recall, not like you do. If I could put a name on it, I'd say that you've got perfect memory. Anyway, there are times that I do recall some things that feel right, or seem familiar. And, you're one of them."
"Ohhh, thank you Ron, thank you. I know you're not much for words or expressing your feelings, but you've done a good job.
"Go drink your Butterbeer, don't want to waste it." Ron said, drinking his.
"Now Ron, lets keep our minds on the subject at hand, namely, what do you think of us being married, before school starts up again?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione," Ron said, looking direct at her, deep into her chocolatey brown eyes, "you are my one and only love. And, to answer your question: YES! I do want to marry you. I'd love for us to return to school as Husband and Wife. Besides, you'd make a better dorm mate than what I've had these past 6 years!" Ron said this laughing, but in reality, he really did love her.
"Oh, Ron, that's just want I wanted to hear you say!" Hermione reached across the table and held his hand in hers.
"Has Harry said anything to you today?" Ron asked.
"Yes, we talk each day, but he does try to stay out of things." Hermione said.
"Really? Harry was always one to ask questions, but when it came to him, he always clamed up. I wonder what he thinking?" Ron asked, mostly to himself.
Hermione just sat there, seemingly gazing off into space, eyes not focusing. She was listening to Harry.
"Hermione" said Harry speaking directly to her mind. No one else could hear him.
"Yes, Harry? I take it you've been listening to our conversation." Hermione said.
"I have, and I do like the idea of you and Ron marrying. You and him deserve one another. You both are my best of friends and I just don't want to loose you, either of you." Harry said. Hermione could feel the emotion choking up his voice.
"Harry, are you ok?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. It's just, well, I appreciate all you're trying to do, for me, that is, 'Hermione'" Harry mentioned, knowingly.
"Are you sure, Harry, that this path that Ron and I are about to take, is one that you approve of?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Yes, it's ok. Don't worry about me. I think I'll be ok. Being with you, Hermione, this way, is comforting to me. I've never felt this amount love that you have for me, not since well, that first time we all were together when I was small." Harry said, softly.
"Oh, Harry, thank you. And, Ron and I will do our best to bring you back, here, with us. Oh, it'll be so good to hold you again!" Hermione said eyes misting over.
"Thanks, M- I mean Hermione. Thanks very much." Harry said.
Tears were rolling down Hermione's eyes.
Her hands were resting on the table, eyes unfocused.
"Hermione?" Ron asked her. "Are you ok?"
"Yes, Harry was talking with me. He told me he approved of us marrying and the plans we have of bringing him back. He told me he felt very comfortable being here, with me." Hermione said all this, wiping her eyes of the tears that had misted over her.
"Oh, well, that's good to hear, coming from you and him. I do worry some about you when you get this way. I feel as though there's something I need to do to help you, to, something. I don't know. I guess I just worry when it comes to you." Ron said softly, eyes looking down into his Butterbeer.
Hermione placed her hand on Ron's, to comfort him, to let him know that she was alright and that she liked and appreciated his concern over her.
"Ron, hon, I love you, and the concern that you have for me, about me, touches me, it touches my very heart. Just keep on being concerned over me and we'll both be ok." Hermione said this and just leaned over and kissed him on his cheeks
"Thanks, Hermione. You mentioned that you'd like to get married as soon as possible. When would you want? What date?" Ron asked.
"Well, this is October. How about the 31st? That's Halloween". Hermione suggested, gently.
"Sounds good to me. Now, we've got to tell everyone, make plans, send out invitations, there's just a lot of stuff to do." Ron suggested.
"You're right. Lets go, and get back to the Burrow and tell Mum." Ron said.
As they got back to the Burrow, by floo, they noticed that Molly was still there and that there was a large brown owl sitting in the window.
"Mum, who's the owl for?" Ron asked.
"Letters from school. Here, they just arrived. Here's one for you, Hermione, dear. Seems the headmaster always knows where to send they owls." Molly remarked, surprisingly.
Ron opened his parchment and found that Dumbledore will be resuming classes after Christmas holidays and they are to return the day after New Years' Day.
Ron looked at Hermione – "You want to tell her, Hermione, or let me?" Ron silently asked her with a look.
"Molly, uh, Ron has something to tell you." Hermione said, hesitantly.
"Oh? What is it, Ron?" Molly asked while still in the kitchen.
"Mum, Hermione and I want to get married on Halloween and return to school to finish out the year. We know we can do this. We'd need your, and Dad's approval." Ron asked.
"Well, Ron," Molly began, sitting down at the kitchen table, "It's a big step and I know that you and Hermione are both level headed, plus you'll be together at school. That'll help you both in being with each other, and growing closer. That'll help in bonding as a husband and wife. You have my approval, Ron."
"Thank you, Mum, thank you. I'll talk with Dad when he gets home." Ron said.
"Oh, Ron, my parents! We have to tell them, and the sooner the better. My Mum and your Mum can get together to help, especially with my gown. Let's go and tell them together. It won't take long. Besides, they're connected to the floo network, so we can get there quicker." Hermione said.
"Ok, I'd better get to know them, shouldn't I? I feel kinda funny around them." Ron said.
"Ron, don't be afraid. Remember: My Mum will be YOUR Mum. So feel free to go and see them anytime you want. You'll be welcome in their home, always. Now, let's go." Hermione said this while tugging on his hand, pulling him back towards the fireplace, to floo over.