DISCLAIMER: JKRowling owns Harry Potter, other characters and places familiar to you. All others is probably mine J
Hermione's girl group song was sung by the all female group Honeyz way back 1999/2000. I don't own it okay?
Coolone007: the question is: will Ginny treat Colin well?
Chapter 11: Ron's Proposition
It's been a month since they rescued Ginny from Voldemort's clutches again. Now in this beautiful spring morning, Harry sat down in the living room, alone. Ron went out with Hermione for a picnic and Angela went out with some friends in the Ministry.
It was what Harry was dreading that would come to him sooner or later. Being alone and thinking about Ginny. He walked to the window and gazed to the alley below. He could see the people walking in the alley. Then he saw Neville and Lavender going inside their building. Just yesterday, Neville threw a party and announced that Lavender is carrying their first child. Everybody was so happy when they broke the news. The first baby of their year!
Harry walked inside his room. On top of his study was a quill he never used. It was Ginny's Christmas present. He held it and quickly put it back to its usual place.
He looked at the pictures on top of his shelf. His picture with Hermione and Ron during their third year was there as well as their pictures during their fifth year and when they left Hogwarts. He also has the picture of his parents' wedding with their best man, his godfather, Sirius Black. Then there was his picture with the Dursleys and the Weasleys. He picked that certain picture up. It was taken in Percy and Penny's wedding. Charlie and his fiancée were there as well as Bill and his family. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Fred and George, Ron and Hermione, Ginny and him. They were all smiling happily at the camera.
He looked at Ginny closely, though she has the same red hair as the rest of his family, hers gave a naturally golden glow. She was smiling sweetly at him. His own photographic self kept on looking at her in her beautiful bridesmaid's gown.
Ginny…
She's with Colin now. Colin is the luckiest man in the world for having Ginny. And he's the stupidest, knowing how Ginny felt for him all those years. But what did he do? Run after Cho Chang like a mad dog, although he knew that after Cedric's demise, Cho never laid eyes on other guys.
"Oh, Ginny…" He muttered under his breath.
"Are you sure it's okay that we left Harry alone at home?" Hermione asked as they landed on a field near Hogsmeade. "He seems a little distracted."
Ron put the basket down and spread the yellow blanket. He took their food out before answering Hermione. "He'll manage. It's his fault Colin got Ginny first."
Hermione knew that Ron was right. After all, Ginny showed her affection for Harry in the six years they were together at Hogwarts. It was only Harry who was so thick to return that affection. Hermione thought she was still lucky, at least, she and Ron got together before their stay at Hogwarts ended.
They sat down in the blanket and ate what she prepared for them. After their dessert, Ron moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. "I know I've told you this a million times but I'll say it again, I'm sorry about how I treated you last month."
She smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. "That's okay, I have forgiven you." And then they kissed. It was warm and sweet which left Hermione quite contented with what they have now.
"Hey, Ron, I was thinking, maybe we should throw a baby shower for Lavender. I mean, you know…" She shrugged. Even she was excited when she found out about Lavender and Neville's coming baby.
"But you girls should be the ones thinking about that. What would we know about showers and all?" Ron asked.
"Well, for one, you should be the one who would keep Neville off our hair while we're treating Lavender. You should bring him to some pub or something." She said.
"You seem very excited about this baby, Hermione." Ron pointed out.
"Well, actually, I am. Maybe because we practically grew up with Neville and Lavender." She leaned closer to him.
"How about having one with me?" Ron presented a diamond ring from behind her.
She picked the ring from the black box and examined carefully. "Ron, I…"
"Will you marry me, Hermione?" He asked again.
She was lost for words. She felt tears starting to swell in her eyes.
"Hey, don't cry…" Ron wiped the single tear that fell from her eye.
"Oh, Ron!" She flung herself at him. "I thought you'd never ask!"
Ron pulled away, took her left hand and put the ring on her ring finger, then kissed it. Ron gave her a quick smack and embraced her tightly. "Thank you." He muttered.
They looked at each other for a long time before they decided to go home.
"Tell me, Ron, why do we have to do this?" Harry asked grumpily as they walked across the corridor to Neville and Lavender's apartment.
"We need to keep Neville get in the way as the girls give Lavender a baby shower." Ron explained.
Ron knocked at the door, which was quickly opened by Neville, who was already waiting for them.
"Hey, you guys." He greeted. "Thank you for inviting me."
"So where to?" Harry asked, trying to be cheerful.
"I'll suggest Three Broomsticks but that's too far, don't you think?" Ron suggested.
"Three Broomsticks isn't bad." Neville said.
"Okay, Three Broomsticks it is." Harry put an end to the conversation. He doesn't want to make a big deal out of it. "Let's Floo."
They walked in Harry and Ron's apartment and used the fireplace there to go to Three Broomsticks.
"Oh, what can I get you three?" Madam Rosmerta asked them as they chose a table. "Night out huh boys?"
"Celebrating." Harry answered. "Neville's going to be a father, Ron's engaged to Hermione."
Madam Rosmerta smiled widely. "Oh, look at these boys, growing up too fast! I can still remember you three here six years ago! You were still kids!"
The three of them smiled.
"Oh, and Ron, your sister was here this afternoon with Colin. They make a pretty couple, don't you think?" Madam Rosmerta winked and walked away after taking their orders.
With that remark, Harry's bad mood turned foul.
"Alright there Harry?" Ron asked.
He just grunted in reply.
"Why, Harry? Do you have a thing for Ginny?" Neville asked.
Harry just sat there, looking at the fire. He's not in the mood to discuss Ginny with anybody, even if Neville and Ron were almost like brothers to him.
Ron shook his head at Neville to stop him from inquiring more. He changed the subject. "So how does it feel, future Dad?"
"Oh," Neville started. "I can't tell you. You have to be in my shoes to understand. It's like being excited, worried and happy at the same time! But you'll experience it soon enough. When's the big day?"
"We haven't planned a date yet. But we were hoping around a couple of months from now. Maybe this summer." He answered as a waitress brought their orders at the table. "Harry's best man."
"I'm so excited. I thought you and Hermione might not pull it off, but look at you now!" Neville was laughing. "You used to fight and bicker around Hogwarts then!"
Ron chuckled. "Oh, it's my way of showing how much I love her."
Harry just sat there, half listening to the conversation. Half of his mind is flying to Hogwarts. To Ginny.
"Surprise!" Hermione, Susan Bones, Parvati and Padma Patil shouted as they came in Neville and Lavender's room.
Lavender was clearly surprised. "Oh, you guys, thank you!" Her eyes were turning misty.
The four girls came in with their gifts, cakes and other finger food. They settled in the Longbottom living room, before the fire.
They chatted happily about Lavender's new lifestyle as Neville's wife and future mother. They all can't believe that she'll have a baby soon.
Laughing and tickling each other, Lavender opened the gifts they brought. Hermione beamed when she opened the gift she brought, a beautiful light blue baby robe.
It was when Hermione was reaching for some almond nuts when Susan noticed the sparkle in her fingers.
"Oh, my, Hermione, is that what I think it is?" She held Hermione's hand for the other girls to see.
Hermione blushed. "Yes. Ron and I are engaged."
The four girls hurled at her for a group hug.
"At last!" Parvati exclaimed. "You and Ron finally decided to tie the knot!"
Parvati looked at Padma and both giggled uncontrollably.
"Hey, did we miss something?" Lavender asked.
Padma shook her head. "No, I just remembered the Yule Ball way back fourth year. Ron was my date."
"Yeah. I knew then and there that he had something for you." Parvati butted in. "The look he gave that Krum every time you dance!"
"So when will the big day be?" Susan asked.
"We were thinking about around summer." Hermione answered. "Ginny will be maid of honor."
The four girls looked at each other, they'll have to plan a bridal shower soon.
"What's that?" Colin asked Ginny as Pig swooped down above them as they were eating breakfast in the Great Hall.
"It's from Ron." She quickly tore the envelope open. "And Hermione. They're engaged!" She exclaimed and read on. "I'm maid of honor!"
Colin peeked at the letter. "Mind telling me who the best man is?" He asked, though he was quite sure who that would be.
"Harry." Ginny answered quietly. But she continued reading on the letter before she folded it again and placed back in the envelope. "Oh, they're finally getting married! I can't wait!"
Colin shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He's happy for Ron and Hermione, more or less; he saw how the two got together. But with Harry as best man and Ginny as maid of honor? It sort of made him nervous he might loose Ginny to him.
"Hey, why the long face?" Ginny cooed. "Smile."
He gave her a small smile.
"C'mon Colin, that's not a smile!" She said.
She tickled him to force him to smile and when he did, she kissed him on the cheek. "C'mon, we'll be late for class."
The couple finished their breakfast quickly and headed for Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"Hey, Harry! I'll be over at Hermione to help her with preparations, okay?" Ron said before going out of the apartment.
Harry was reading the latest issue of Quidditch Today where the former Gryffindor Team Captain and Keeper, Oliver Wood was featured; he is the newest addition to Britain's Team this year.
Ron and Hermione would be hosting a barbeque to officially announce their engagement. Most of their friends from Hogwarts would be there as well as their friends from the Ministry.
He looked at the clock. The barbeque will start at five that afternoon and he still has two hours to get ready. He sat comfortably on his favorite sky blue lounge chair. He looked outside the window and thought about the gathering later. The Weasleys will be there, he was sure of that. He wondered if Ginny would come. Though he doubted it, with her being Head Girl and all, but he was hoping anyway. As long as she leaves Colin in Hogwarts.
He didn't know long he was sitting there and looking through the window when the clock sounded four o'clock. He put Quidditch Today, which lay forgotten on his lap, and went in his room to get ready for the party.
He usually spent very little time getting dressed but he was surprised when all of a sudden he paid attention to the littlest details. It was almost five pm when he went out of his room, clad in deep red robes. It was warm so he decided he didn't need a cloak.
He crossed the street to Hermione's apartment. Behind it was a small lanai where the barbeque was set as well as a small dance floor. Hermione was putting a huge pitcher of pumpkin juice in the lanai and Ron was preparing the grill when he came in.
"Hey, where's the party?" He said jokingly. "Looks like everybody's standing you up!"
"Oh shut up, Harry." Ron chuckled.
He was barely settling on Hermione's couch when he heard a knock on the door. "I'll get it!" He said, standing up. It was Angela with George Peterson.
"Hey Harry! Where's the couple?" Angela asked cheerfully, holding a box wrapped in yellow foil and red ribbon.
"They're at the back. Come in!" He opened the door wider and the two went in with George nodding at him. He smiled and nodded back.
In the next quarter of the hour, people started swarming in Hermione's apartment, with Harry being the "butler". Parvati and Padma came in after Angela and George. Next was Neville and Lavender, followed by the Weasley twins with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Percy and Penny with little Amy. And lastly, the Grangers.
"Mum!" Hermione hugged her mother when Mr. and Mrs. Granger went out in the lanai.
Mrs. Granger also gave Ron a hug, which made him blush furiously. The Grangers then moved over to the table occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Harry went out in the lanai with a hunch that nobody will be coming anymore.
Harry sat with the twins and Percy beside the grill. Ron has already started barbequing and Hermione's started to hand out finger food.
"So, Harry, how's the Department going?" Percy asked in his usual very dignified manner, which made the twins snigger.
He shrugged. "Okay, I guess. Except for that encounter with Voldemort and his Death Eaters last month, I'd say it's pretty much normal." He said.
The twins stood up, who can no longer take Percy's attitude, and took over Ron's barbeque while giving him a butterbeer and forcing him to sit down beside Percy.
"So Ron, when's the big day?" Percy asked him.
"Hermione and I were thinking the first Sunday of July." He answered.
Harry nodded. He was best man and Hermione chose Ginny as her maid of honor. He didn't know if this was good or bad or whatever. He just wants to get it over with.
"Isn't Ginny coming?" Percy asked.
This made Harry's insides jolt. Ever since he found out about Colin and Ginny, he felt that inside him. He hated that feeling of resentment and regret that washes over him every time he hears her name.
"I owled her." Ron glanced at him. "She said she'd try. Though Hermione doubts it, knowing the pressures of being Head Girl and all."
The barbeque went on for the next half hour. By six pm, Hermione, Parvati, Padma and Lavender started setting up a makeshift platform there.
Hermione went in to get something inside the apartment when she came, almost running, back. "Hey guys! Look who showed up!"
To Harry's delight, it was Ginny. But when he saw Colin (and his faithful camera) behind her, his grin suddenly sank into a frown. "Why does that person have to come along?" He muttered.
"I'm sorry?" Ron looked at him. "You said something?"
He shook his head. "Nothing."
Ron just gave him a doubtful look. "Ginny! Come over and sit with us!"
Harry looked at Ron disbelievingly. Ron just gave him a funny look. As if he intentionally wanted to piss him off.
Ginny and Colin hurried to their table. "Hey, Ron. Percy, Harry." She greeted. Colin smiled and then suddenly a flash.
The couple sat down between Harry and Percy, to Harry's dismay. Fortunately, Hermione climbed up their platform, called Ron and attracted their attention.
Ron took the microphone and greeted everybody. "Good evening. As most of you know, the reason why we invited you all to this simple barbeque, is for you all to know about my engagement to my beautiful girlfriend, Hermione Granger." He smiled.
Hermione blushed.
"Our wedding," Ron continued. "Will be on the first Sunday of July this year. It is my pleasure to announce my best man, Mr. Harry Potter." Ron motioned him to come to the stage with him. Quite hesitant, Harry did it still. "And of course my lovely fiancée chose my sister, Ginny Weasley, to be her maid of honor."
The small crowd clapped as Ginny went over the platform to join the three. Colin quickly got up, seizing his camera and started clicking away.
Hermione took the microphone from Ron. "Those who attended Hogwarts with us would probably remember the small band we formed when we were in our sixth year. Well," She said. "We are here again and we wanted to give you a little bit of entertainment."
She smiled at Ron and Harry to signal that they could step down the platform already. Ginny took her place with Lavender behind Hermione. Padma and Parvati shared another microphone. Though it was Ginny who's usually in the center of the group, they gave it Hermione this time.
The first chords of the song came in then Hermione, not tearing her gaze from Ron, sang:
I can't believe you're here with me
And now it seems my world's complete
And I never want this moment to end
I close my eyes and still I see
The dreams become reality
And now I know how it feels to be in love...
Then it was Ginny's turn:
I prayed so many nights that you would come my way
An angel from above to light my darkest day
I think it's time for you to hear these lines
'Cause it's something I wanna say
The whole band joined in:
Finally found what I've been looking for
And now you know I'm gonna love you more
Hold me tight 'cause it's always been you (it's always been you)
To think that you were always there (always there)
To be my friend and wipe away my tears
Now it's clear
That it's always been you
Then it was Hermione's turn again, making Ron redder and redder by the minute with Fred and George teasing him.
Sometimes you don't expect that friends
Can become lovers in the end
Only God knows what the future will bring
So hold me close and don't let go
'Cause this is love, boy, don't you know
And we're gonna be together for eternity...
Ginny once again, took control of the song, her gaze at Colin who, to Harry's revulsion, is smiling back at her.
I prayed so many nights that you would come my way
An angel from above to light my darkest day
Love's so strong, it can't be wrong
It is you where I belong
Despite being teased by the twins, Ron stood up and walked up the platform to take Hermione and dance the rest of the song with her. Ginny smiled at the rest of the girls and took her place.
Finally found what I've been looking for
And now you know I'm gonna love you more
Hold me tight 'cause it's always been you...
To think that you were always there (we're always there)
To be my friend and wipe away my tears (wipe away these tears)
Now it's clear
That it's always been you (it's always been you)
The four repeated the chorus three times. Ginny kept her eyes on Colin but met Harry's on her last line "it's always been you…" Then she quickly turned away, eyes turning misty and cheeks blushing.
They bowed and the small crown clapped. Hermione waved her wand and music started filling the air. The dance has begun. Neville danced with his wife. The twins also danced with the twins. The old couples joined them, too. Angela and George P. stood up moments later as well as Colin and Ginny. Percy and Penny just sat there, with Amy. Harry noticed that he was the only person without a partner. For the first time in a long while, he felt out of place.
He watched as the couples swayed to the music. But his eyes rested on Ginny and Colin longer than it did on the others. They were laughing like they were having the time of their lives, which made Harry's stomach make an uncomfortable turn. He got up and stormed into the house, he walked past the front doors and into the alley with the moonlight shining on the pavement. He quickly ran inside his apartment building and locked himself in his room, cursing himself.
There, that's the eleventh chapter. Wrote it during the Christmas break so you'll probably get to read it by the first week of January, the latest…anyway, the next chapter's next… please r/r. Salamat. (Thank you.)