Chapter 25
Hermione surveyed Lavender's flat, nodding approvingly. It had taken all day, but they'd managed to seamlessly meld Ron's things with hers, somehow giving the perfect touch to the already finished rooms. Ron had insisted on treating everyone to pizza as a thank you. Hermione and Harry were quick to tease him, insisting the man would do anything to justify indulging in the muggle fast food. There was an awkward moment when they both insisted the other stay and rest while they went with Ron to retrieve the food. It was painstakingly obvious that they both wanted to speak privately with the third member of their trio. Finally, chivalry won out, demanding that Harry concede to Hermione's request.
With a grateful but triumphant grin, Hermione quickly gathered the needed belongings and hurried out the door.
"Okay spill it Potter," Lavender fixed a hard stare on Harry the moment she was sure they wouldn't return.
"What?" Harry gave her his most innocent look. She wasn't buying it.
"You were pretty determined to talk to Ron," she pointed out.
"Obviously about Hermione,' Ginny added knowingly. Harry hesitated. He'd wanted to talk to Ron, not to break his promise, but just beat around the bush and try to quell the ill feeling in his gut.
"Harry," Ginny rested her hand on his arm, looking up at him in concern, "what happened?"
Truly hating to lie, he grimaced and finally told them the truth. "I can't say. I was hoping just to talk to Ron to ease some ill feelings."
The women exchanged worried looks, not liking knowing that there was a problem with their friend and they had to take a backseat and wait it out. Ginny nodded tensely, followed soon by Lavender, silently acknowledging that if there was anyone that would take complete care of Hermione, it was Harry. The air was heavy with feelings of unease as they began to set the tale, preparing for the ensuing meal.
Hermione and Ron strolled out of the building in silence, each just comfortable in one another's company. Once outside, they paused to take in the cool evening air. Unthinkingly, Ron held out his bent arm for Hermione to slide hers through before they continued along in an unhurried stroll.
"What's on your mind?" Ron bluntly asked when they rounded the corner. He waited with surprising patience while Hermione gathered her thoughts.
"I take it moving in together was a quick decision," she finally started.
"Of course," Ron glanced at her from the corner of his eye, wondering just where she was going with this.
"So easy, even Lavender could do it," Hermione added dryly. Ron shot her a dark look, obviously taking the statement as an insult to Lavender. Hermione ignored it, letting him process it. For his credit, Ron had steadily improved his temper control, and actually stopped to think.
"What exactly are you hinting at?" His voice a little rough with irritation.
"Lavender was pretty nervous about asking you to move in. Apparently, when your boyfriend never talks about the future and always lets you make the first move to go to the next level, a girl gets nervous," Hermione's voice was not accusatory, but rather factual. "It's not long before she starts wondering if it's worth it… if he's worth it." She felt Ron's muscles tense beneath her hand, looked over at his face, and saw that her message had been heard loud and clear. She squeezed his arm and raised her free hand to stoke it comfortingly. "Of course, that's just conjecture…" Ron nodded and relaxed a little. They remained silent the short remaining distance to the parlor, each lost in their own thoughts.
"Thanks Hermione," Ron finally murmured as he dropped a kiss on the top of her head. Hermione smiled in response as he slid away to retrieve the delicious smelling pies. The walk back was filled with idle chatter, propelled primarily by Ron. It was obvious there was something else on her mind, and equally obvious she wasn't about to share it with him. Once again he felt a pang in his chest, knowing he'd long ago killed his hopes of ever being part of her inner sanctum again.
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