97. A strange question

Harry and Ron were standing in one of the many aisles of Ambrosius' shop. This particular aisle was filled with resplendent jewelry that shined clearly in the sunlight. It was nearly a rainbow of gems and precious metals.

Ron shifted through the items with mild curiosity. It didn't appear that he had anything specific in mind and was just amazed by the sheer number of selections. Never had he seen such blatant wealth on display besides Harry's vault.

It was a different matter all together for Harry. His green eyes narrowed at every piece that he shifted through. Rings, necklaces, and earrings had been perused for tens of minutes at a time. The peak of his interest was in the bangles of which he had devoted over an hour inspecting. His latest object of inspection was a bangle of a dark green hue.

Ron was mildly perturbed by the level of attention and concentration that Harry was putting into the endeavor. His friend had hardly spoken a couple of words to him since they had entered the aisle. A part of him was impressed really. This level of attention was usually reserved for his magical studies.

Finding himself bored by the silence that had grown between them, he opened discussion with a casual tone, "So things still going well with Teleute?"

The serious expression that had been carved on Harry's face instantly melted to a goofy smile Ron always saw him wear when talking about his lover. Harry finally turned towards him, "It's great. I'm one lucky guy, you know."

That earned him a snort from his Ron. Rare was it for Harry to neglect a chance to point out how fortunate he was in his romantic life. Then again, Ron had no one but himself to blame for bringing up one of his favorite topics. Well it was too late to turn back now, "Have I ever told you that you have it bad? How can you stand to be so sappy?"

Harry shrugged at the jab. He wasn't going to allow something like second hand embarrassment prevent him from expressing his gratitude for his good fortune. There was a chance he was heavily biased, but he was sure a woman like Death was a rare find.

"She makes me happy. Doesn't Hermione make you feel the same way?" he decided to return the favor.

Ron coughed through his stammers and collected himself, "Being with her is nice, even if she can be too smart for her and my own good." He looked around as though there was a chance someone was around to poke fun at him for being so emotional.

"Hermione is Hermione after all," he said with a knowing smile that caused Ron to fidget.

Ron decided that it was time to sway the conversation away from his own emotions, "Never mind that. So you really want to propose?"

Harry let out a light chuckle, "You sound as nervous as I am. Afraid that Hermione will start nudging you if Teleute says yes? There's Mrs. Weasley to consider as well. Even if she agrees, we don't have to marry right away so there's no pressure for you."

Ron grew increasingly flustered before pushing down those emotions. He shot Harry an incredulous look, "What do you mean 'if she agrees'? As lovey dovey as you two are she's sure to say yes. She seemed like a smart girl so she has to know how much you love her. When you propose, she's going throw her arms around with happy tears and say 'yes yes yes'."

Harry's heart warmed at the reassurance, "I didn't know you could be so romantic. Hermione must really appreciate that."

"Oh, shut it," he grunted with a lopsided grin.