Note: Harry Potter was created by J. K. Rowling and is a film series created by Warner Bros.

It had been almost five years, since Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and their classmates graduated from Hogwarts. During the past five years, Harry had been celebrated, for defeating Voldemort. He had been given lots of money, which he used to buy a nice home. He no longer had to live with his mean uncle, Vernon. Harry was relieved, that he didn't have to deal with Vernon bullying him and Vernon was glad, that he didn't have to live with his troublesome nephew. Hermione had gone to college and as to be expected, she was the hardest-working student and she got the best grades. Ron went to the same college, before betting bored and leaving. Hermione and Ron were still dating and they were happy, even though Ron caused a lot of mayhem.

Harry had only seen Hermione and Ron, every once in a while, for the past five years. Because of that, he was glad to hear that Hogwarts was having a reunion party, for him and the other students, that graduated the same year as him. Since Harry and his friends were considered to be some of Hogwarts' greatest heroes, the party was expected to be a big and grand event. Harry and his classmates were even allowed to stay at a hotel, that was only a few miles away from Hogwarts, for free. Harry was doing fine, when it came to money, but he was still happy, that he was getting a free vacation and so were his friends. He could hardly wait, to see them again.

Harry decided to visit Ron, at his latest place of work. Ron had gone through quite a few jobs, over the years. His latest job was at a restaurant, that was about thirty-miles away from Hogwarts. Ron was a waiter and he had been working there, for four months. It wasn't very long, but he had kept that job much longer, than his previous jobs. Harry walked inside of the restaurant. The restaurant was big and was full of decorative paintings, soothing music, fancy customers and clean floors and walls. It was much nicer, than the fast-food places, that Harry normally ate it.

Harry sat down. He was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans. Hermione Granger sat next to him. Harry had texted her, that she was going to pay Ron a visit, at his place of work. Hermione was wearing a light-blue dress. Harry said, "Hi, Hermione."

Hermione replied, "Hi, Harry."

Harry asked, "How are you?"

Hermione replied, "I'm doing great. I graduated college, with perfect attendance and I got over ninety-percent, on all of my classes."

Harry said, "That's impressive."

Hermione asked, "How have you been doing?"

Harry said, "Well, I've been having fun, with all the fame I've received. I've gotten so many prizes and stacks of cash, for defeating Voldemort, that I don't think I'll ever have to get a job." He sighed and said, "However, not everything's perfect. Ginny dumped me."

Hermione asked, "Why would she do that?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know. Things were going good, until one day, where she freaked out, grabbed me and threw me across the house, while calling me a bunch of insults."

Hermione said, "That doesn't sound like something, that Ginny would do. Have you seen her, since then?"

Harry replied, "She refuses to see me and she's blocked me, from her cellphone."

A few minutes later, Ron walked by. Ron had grown a red beard, which had lots of food crumbs, stamps and stickers. He was wearing a white shirt, that was covered in sweat and pants, that had a couple of holes. Harry hadn't told Ron, that he was coming, so Harry's visit was a big surprise. Ron smiled, while saying, "It's Harry." Ron was so excited, that he grabbed one of the radios and switched the soothing music-station, to a rock station. Ron started dancing, while a loud rock song played.

Harry said, "Um, hi, Ron."

Ron asked, "What are you doing here?"

Harry said, "I came by, to see you and Hermione."

Ron said, "That's awesome. You're a lot more hip and cool, than my usual customers. What do you want to drink?"

Harry said, "I'll have a soda."

Hermione said, "And I'll have a glass of milk."

Ron stuck his tongue out and replied, "Milk, one of the most unappealing types of drinks." Hermione gave Ron a disapproving look. Ron said, "However, that doesn't mean Hermione doesn't have good taste. She's the best."

A few minutes later, Ron started walking back to Harry and Hermione. He had the drinks, that they ordered, on a plate. Ron got distracted, by the thoughts in his head, which led to him losing his balance. Hermione's milk landed on the floor and Harry's soda landed in his hair. Ron looked embarrassed, while saying, "I'm sorry."

Hermione looked down, at the floor, which had a milk stain. She said, "How gross."

Harry grabbed some napkins and started putting him on his head, while saying, "I got soda in my hair."

Ron said, "I'm really sorry, Harry."

Hermione said, "Ron, I hope you don't make these types of mistakes, when dealing with the other customers."

Ron explained, "Actually, I've done plenty of accidents, over the past couple of months. However, the manager is only around, during certain hours of the day and I'm not around, during those hours."

Harry said, "I'm going to go to the bathroom, to get the soda out of my hair."

After Harry used the bathroom sink, to wash his hair, Ron ran up to Harry and said, "Can I talk to you, in the kitchen?"

Harry raised an eyebrow and said, "I'm pretty sure, that waiters aren't supposed to bring customers into the kitchen, Ron."

Ron replied, "It'll be fine."

Harry and Ron went into the kitchen. Ron was feeling a bit anxious, so he wasn't being very careful. This led to Ron bumping into a chef, who dropped a pot. The chef angrily stared at Ron.

Harry looked at Ron, while asking, "What's going on?"

Ron pulled a ring, out of his pocket. The ring was blue and looked like a cheap piece of plastic. Ron said, "I got this little beauty, from one of the lobby's machines. It only cost a dollar. I'm thinking about using it, to propose to Hermione. However, I wanted to get your opinion, before I try it."

Harry replied, "Well, first off, I want to say, that you and Hermione are a great couple. I think it's wonderful, that you want to propose to her."

Ron nudged Harry and responded, "Thanks, Harry."

Harry said, "However, I don't think that's the right ring."

Ron had a confused look on his face, while asking, "Why not?"

Harry said, "It's a cute ring, but it's pretty cheap. A wedding ring is supposed to be extravagant. If you give Hermione this cheap ring, she might think the proposal's a joke."

Ron asked, "Really?"

Harry said, "I'm afraid so."

Ron said, "That's a bummer. I thought this ring would be perfect. It's blue, which is a good color and it only costs a dollar. I've seen people, who have rings, that costed thousands of dollars. I thought I was the luckiest guy in the world, for finding such a cheap ring." He sighed and said, "However, you're probably right. Hermione deserves a lot better, than this cheap thing." Ron tossed the ring, which landed in a chef's pot. The chef angrily sighed, because he had to re-do his boiling.

Harry looked at Ron, while asking, "What do you think you'll do, for a ring?"

Ron said, "I don't know." He nervously smiled, while saying, "If I'm being honest, I'm not doing the best, when it comes to money. I don't get paid as much, as most of the other waiters, since I'm new and inexperienced. Plus, I'm pretty sure I'm going to lose this job, after the manager asks my co-workers how I've been doing."

Harry tried to make Ron feel better, by saying, "You don't have to get Hermione the fanciest and most-expensive ring, that's ever been made. However, you do need to get her something nicer, than a one-dollar ring."

Ron started scratching his chin, while thinking of ideas. Eventually, he said, "Maybe you can help me."

Harry replied, "I'd be glad to. What's the plan?"

Ron said, "During our vacation time, you and I will go shopping. You'll help me find a ring, that's well-priced."

Harry replied, "Sounds good."

Ron smiled and said, "I knew I could rely on you. By the way, don't tell Hermione, that I'm going to propose to her."

Harry replied, "I would never do that."

Harry walked out of the kitchen and went back to the table, that Hermione was at. Hermione looked at Harry, while asking, "What did you and Ron talk about?"

Harry said, "Oh, we were just having a friendly chat."

Hermione said, "So, have you heard from Luna Lovegood?"

Harry replied, "Yes I have. She sends cards, for every holiday."

Hermione responded, "She does the same, for me. She's still as delightfully-odd, as ever."

Harry said, "So, I'm guessing you've read a lot of books."

Hermione started looking excited, while saying, "I sure have. Over the past five years, I've read over twenty-thousand books."

Harry replied, "Wowsers."

Hermione sighed and said, "A lot of the books, that I read, weren't by choice. Since I've been dating Ron, Ron expects me to read a bunch of comics. I've read hundreds of superhero tales, in recent years."

Harry said, "That's not the sort of thing, that I'd expect you to read."

Hermione replied, "I know, but Ron loves that stuff and he gets to happy, when I read the comics."

Harry said, "Well, some comics can be really good. I'm sure there must of been a few, that you enjoyed."

Hermione replied, "That's true."

A few minutes later, Ron returned to the table and gave new drinks, to Harry and Hermione. He nervously chuckled and said, "I'm sorry, about that little accident, that I caused. What would you guys like to eat?"

Hermione said, "I'll have the chicken, with a side of fries."

Harry said, "And I'll have the toast, with a side of butter."

Ron raised an eyebrow and said, "Toast? It's noon, Harry. Also, who orders a side of butter?"

Harry said, "I'll have some onion-rings, too."

Ron replied, "Okay, toast-lover." Ron walked to the kitchen, while laughing.

Harry jokingly said, "Apparently, I'm Hogwarts' number-one lover of toast."

Hermione replied, "Well, I'm Hogwarts' biggest bookworm."

Harry said, "You better be careful, about using that word."

Hermione asked, "Bookworm?"

Harry nodded and explained, "There was a villain, from the classic Batman TV show, with the same name. Whenever that word is used, Ron will got into a long and passionate recap, of that episode."

Hermione said, "I've learned a lot, from dating Ron. I can never talk about ancient history, without him making a documentary-length speech, about Batman's King Tut. Also, I stopped eating eggs, to make Ron stop making references to Egghead."

Harry smiled and said, "Wow, dating Ron must be hard, sometimes."

Hermione replied, "You have no idea. I think he cares more about bats, than Bruce Wayne does."

Several minutes later, Ron started walking back to Harry and Hermione, while carrying their lunches. He almost slipped on the milk, that was still on the floor, but he managed to keep his balance. He put Harry and Hermione's lunches, on the table.

Harry and Hermione said, "Thanks, Ron."

Ron replied, "No problem." He sat down, at the table.

Harry asked, "Are you going to be having lunch, too?"

Ron said, "You could say that. I figure I'll take whatever stuff, that you guys don't want."

Harry grabbed a piece of toast and started eating it. Ron started grabbing Harry's onion-rings. Harry said, "Hey, you're taking my onion-rings."

Ron replied, "I figured you didn't want them."

Harry asked, "Why would you think that?"

Ron said, "You were eating the toast, first, which doesn't taste as good."

Harry replied, "I was saving the best, for last."

Ron responded, "Oh, nice strategy. However, I'm sure you won't want all of your onion-rings." Ron grabbed several onion-rings and started munching on them.

After Harry finished eating his toast, he looked down and saw that Ron had eaten all of the onion-rings, except for one. He sighed and said, "Ron."

Ron replied, "I'm sorry, but I was pretty hungry. The last onion-ring can be your dessert."

Hermione looked down and saw that most of her fries were gone. She sighed and said, "I'm guessing Ron's the one, who ate my fries."

Ron replied, "I'm sorry."

After the gang was finished eating, Ron looked at Harry and Hermione, while asking, "How was your dinner?"

Harry said, "I only got to eat half of it, but I suppose it was good."

Hermione said, "Ron, do you often take food, from your other customers?"

Ron replied, "I do, but I usually try to be more subtle. I usually just sneak a few fries, from the customers. Most of the time, they don't notice."

Suddenly, the gang heard a voice say, "Come here." Ron turned around and saw his manager. He was a sharply-dressed man, who had black hair.

Ron started getting nervous, while saying, "My manager rarely comes here, during this time of the day."

Ron got up and started walking to the manager. They were faraway enough, that Harry and Hermione couldn't hear them. Ron asked, "What's going on?"

The manager explained, "Mr. Weasley, I've heard a lot of complaints, from various customers and employees, about your work. I don't like believing rumors, so I decided to spy on you, today, to see how you were doing. I hate to say this, but the rumors are true. You've been making messes, stealing food and a few other things."

Ron nervously asked, "Am I going to get punished?"

The manager said, "I'm afraid I have to. I'm reducing your pay, to minimum wage."

Ron replied, "You can't do that. I work at a high-scale restaurant."

The manager said, "This is the best offer, that I can give you. A lot of your co-workers wanted you to get fired, but I'm giving you another chance."

Ron sighed and replied, "I understand."

Ron walked back to the table and looked at Harry, while whispering, "We need to talk, alone."

Harry nodded and stared at Hermione, while saying, "Ron and I will be back, in a minute."

Hermione replied, "Um, okay."

Harry and Ron went into the restroom and talked in front of the sink. Ron said, "My manager reduced my pay, because of how I've been acting."

Harry replied, "You didn't get fired, so that's something to be thankful about."

Ron put his hands on his face, while saying, "Earlier, I was worrying, about not having enough money, for the ring. Now that my pay's been reduced, I don't know what I'll do."

Harry put his hand on Ron's shoulder and said, "We'll think of something."

Ron asked, "Do you really think so?"

Harry said, "I do."

Ron gave Harry a hug and said, "Thank you, Harry. You're quite the friend."

Harry said, "By the way, I think you should tell Hermione, about your pay being reduced."

Ron raised his eyebrows and asked, "Are you being serious? That's a terrible idea."

Harry said, "I've watched a lot of romance films and I've learned that it's not a good idea, to hide the truth. Hermione will probably be a little mad, but being honest is a much better solution, than stretching the truth."

Ron sighed and replied, "I'll give it a shot, but I fear this won't end well."

A moment later, Harry and Ron walked back to Hermione. Hermione asked, "What's going on?"

Ron started pacing around the table, while saying, "Hermione, I have news and it's not good news. It's the type of news, that might make you hate me."

Hermione asked, "What's going on?"

Ron took a long pause, before saying, "The manager reduced my pay, because of the troublesome things I've been doing, like all the accidents."

Hermione replied, "I've warned you, about being careful."

Ron said, "As usual, you were being smart and I wasn't. I can understand, if you're mad and if you want to yell at me, I'll understand."

Hermione replied, "I'm not going to yell."

Ron looked surprised, while saying, "Really? Does that mean you don't hate me?"

Hermione said, "I love you. I just want you to work harder and be safer, from now on."

Ron replied, "I'll try, for you."

Hermione kissed Ron and said, "I'm glad to hear that. We better start heading towards the hotel."

Ron replied, "Okay."

While Hermione was paying for her meal, Harry looked at Ron and whispered, "I think everything's going to be okay."

Ron whispered, "Maybe, but if we don't find a decently-priced ring, I'm doomed."