A Kiss in Time

Chapter 9

Sorted

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any related characters.

A/N: This is it! The final chapter. I wanted to thank all of you who took the time to read each installment and review. It means a lot! I have another Romione story that I am currently working on (AU this time!) and I am hoping to have the first chapter posted this weekend. Until then, happy reading!

The whistling of the steam engine rang out, signaling the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Platform 9 ¾. Students bustled out of the cabins hurriedly, eager to start their summer after a beautiful and glorious year away at school (free from any darkness for once). Hermione gazed out of the window, raking her eyes through the crowds of people, searching for any semblance of red hair among the masses.

She eventually broke her focus, aware that most students had already located their trunks and were starting to depart from the train. As Head Girl, it was her duty to remain on the train until all students emerged from their cabins and she started to peek into each of the compartments to search for any lost luggage or items left behind. She sighed inwardly. As much as she's loved the responsibility and duties that came along with being at the top of her class, she was well aware that she had a certain someone waiting for her and she was determined to complete her task as quickly as possible.

Hermione caught the eyes of Professor McGonagall, who was swiftly making her way towards her. "Ah! Miss Granger, there you are. I am going to need you to take a look at this compartment, right up here".

"But - " Hermione began in protest, changing another glance out the window. Where was the Head Boy? Hermione thought to herself in irritation.

McGonagall gave her a knowing look. "Please, it'll just take a moment, come quickly now". She spun around and started marching briskly down the corridor, forcing Hermione to follow her.

McGonagall led Hermione to one of the first few cabins on the train. Hermione suddenly noticed a hint of sparkle in her professor's eye as she could have swore she noticed her mouth the words good luck.

Before Hermione could even process that sentiment, she heard the clearing of a throat. Her head snapped towards the compartments and there he was. Ronald Weasley. Dressed in Hogwarts robes, she mused, and looking more handsome than ever.

Ron wore a bashful smile, as his hands were shoved into the pockets of his trousers. There was a nervousness to his composure, evident by how he was shifting his feet from side to side, and chewing on his lip thoughtfully.

"Ron?" Hermione finally managed to utter in surprise. Her feet remained planted firmly on the ground.

Without breaking eye contact, Ron kneeled unceremoniously on the floor. Hermione gasped and placed a hand over her racing heart. Is he doing what I think he is doing?

"Hermione...Jean...Granger" Ron croaked out, taking a deep breath between words. "You are..." Ron paused and chuckled to himself. "I'm going to try to get through this without mucking it up".

Ron broke his gaze briefly to let out a deep breath and then looked back up, his eyes glistening with pure love and joy into Hermione's. "When I was 11 years old, I met you on this train, in this very same compartment. On some level, I knew even then, that you had the potential to drive me absolutely barmy for the rest of my life."

Hermione giggled softly, placing a hand over her mouth, eyes watering.

"I'm sure if you jotted down all of our personal qualities on paper, it would show that we are complete opposites from each other" Ron laughed nervously, "You sure aren't afraid to let me know when I'm wrong. And I always seem to manage to let you know when you need to let loose and have more fun. I love bickering with you. I love kissing you. I love holding you. But most of all, I love that we are best friends first. Ever since that troll incident in first year, we've had each others' backs and I'm pretty sure you've saved my life more times than I can even count anymore" Ron chuckled to himself again, although maintained a steady composure.

"Hermione, meeting you was the best thing that has ever happened to me. You've taught me how to be strong, confident, and how to grow into a man that I hope is deserving of your love. I know that I've pretty much loved you since I was 11 and I will continue to love you for the rest of my life, if you'll have me".

He fished a small box out of his pocket and opened it shakily to reveal a gold, vintage-looking ring. Hermione noted in awe that there was a specific pattern that wrapped around the ring that resembled the vinewood on her wand. Absolutely stunning. "Marry me, Hermione. Make me the happiest bloke alive. Let me love you for the rest of our lives". Hermione was certain that Ron kneeling on the floor, looking up at her with hopeful eyes, was the most adorable scene she has ever witnessed. A vision of the young boy with dirt on his nose flashed through her mind.

"Ronald Weasley…" Hermione's face spread into a slow smile, "I've been yours for longer than I can remember" She choked back the happiest of sobs. "Yes, of course I will marry you".

Ron let out a sharp breath that he was unaware that he was holding and stood to wrap his arms around Hermione in a tight embrace, lifting her feet off the floor. She was giddy with laughter when Ron started spinning her around enthusiastically. Her feet returned to the floor as he pulled apart slightly. Still holding tightly to the ring, he delicately picked up Hermione's left hand and slid the ring on her finger. She admired the way it shined a bright gold, a beautiful contrast to her pale skin. "So exquisite…" Hermione murmured as she traced the molded carvings around the band.

"You like it?" Ron inquired anxiously.

"Like it? I absolutely love it!" Hermione grabbed Ron's face with both hands and brought his lips to hers in a searing kiss.

"Let's never be apart that long again, okay?" She felt Ron murmur against her lips.

"Well you've got me for the rest of our lives, starting now" Hermione responded, pushing her tongue into his mouth to deepen the kiss.

"I like the sound of that".

Hermione faintly acknowledged the commotion just outside the window and she pulled slightly out of Ron's embrace to peer her head towards the glass. She watched as people shuffled in and out of view, oblivious to the celebration happening within the train.

"You know, I half expected our families to be standing there gawking at us" Hermione laughed as Ron groaned.

"Bloody hell, no way. McGonagall is the only one I told as I, you know, had to get her permission to let me board this train again" He smiled cheekily. "I think we deserved a moment to ourselves. Especially after all the meddling those gits have done over the years".

Hermione rolled her eyes and gave Ron a playful nudge. "It's probably good they butted in at times, I wasn't sure we'd figure it out otherwise!"

"Nah" Ron grinned, squeezing her tight around the waist. "I think we would've sorted ourselves eventually".

And sorted themselves they had.