Just Another Victim of Love

Chapter 8: Guilt and Uncertainties

Disclaimer: How many times do have to say this? Harry Potter is not my idea! I own nothing! However, if Ms Rowling and WB wishes to give me even just 1% of what they earned… I wouldn't mind… ^-^

A/N: I know I promise another chapter right after the last one… I'm so sorry! I really have been busy so I apologize to all you wonderful readers a thousand times! Anyway, I originally wrote this just for fun, and mind you, it's still fun to write but I don't think this story is really going anywhere. I don't think I can really handle a lot of chapters… my creativity faucet leaks quite a bit. What I am trying to say is that I am going to end this story soon (I predict by next chapter) and all I can hope for is that I can end it on a good note. Many many thanks to those that have read my story and left a review, it means so much to me to find one! It makes me feel so special! ^^ Wow, I reckon this may be the longest author note yet!

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"Hermione! Wake up!"

Hermione stirred in her bed. She thought she had turned off her alarm yesterday, but apparently she forgot to. Hermione lazily reached out her hand then slammed it down to push the snooze button. Only it wasn't the snooze button that she hit.

"Ow! Hermione, what did you do that for?" asked Ron, who now had his hand on his head, nursing his would-be bruise. Hermione didn't hear him. Instead, she muttered something on the lines of "stupid" and "gahavay."

Cautiously, Ron tried to shake Hermione's sleeping body. Just a tiny shake. No response. Then a bit harder. He heard a grumble. By then, it was apparent to Ron that drastic measures had to be taken. He tickled her. Hermione jumped and fell out of bed, taking Ron along with her. Ron of course, didn't mind at all, but Hermione was furious.

"Ron! What on earth are you doing in my bedroom! In this hour too! What is wrong with you?" asked Hermione.

Ron, who thought he was in quite a fix, decided to take a small step away from the grumpy girl before he answered.

"Umm, ah… well, good morning sweetie!" Ron tried to give her one of his you-know-you-can't-resist-me smiles. Unfortunately, it was the wrong time in the day to try that smile.

"RONALD WEASLEY! Are you trying to mock me? Now get out my room before I turn you into a ferret and let that sink into your memory along with Malfoy's," bellowed Hermione.

Ron was in shock and was a bit confused from Hermione's words ('mock me? Along with Malfoy? Never!'), but he was able to walk out of the room. As he closed the door, he muttered "Women" under his breath and the next thing he knew was that the door had a huge hole in the center. 'That was close!' he thought to himself and decided to silently wait for Hermione to get ready. 'I desperately need to learn to keep my mouth shut!'

Back in the room, Hermione grumpily got up and made her bed. Not that she wasn't happy to see Ron, but she had only four hours of sleep each night since she went back to work from the holidays and she was hoping she would get a whole nine hours or so on the weekend. She only managed six. All of a sudden though, guilt washed over Hermione. She knew very well that Ron only wanted to spend some time with her on the weekend, and they haven't seen each other (in person, floating face via fire does not count) since that fateful night. Besides, Hermione was leaving for a business trip to Hong Kong in a few days and she wouldn't be able to see him for another week. Hermione half dragged herself to the bathroom and turned on the tap. She need to wake up and it seemed that the only way for her to do so was to take a nice long shower.

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For the first Saturday in many months, Harry had a day off. Quidditch matches were often held on Saturdays because many people were off for the weekend, therefore they were able to come and watch the mid-afternoon matches. On this rare Saturday off, Harry was walking around the mall, hoping to find the right gift for Hermione. Well, actually it was for both Hermione and Ron. He witnessed the event and he was also the first to give his blessing.

"…9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year!" Everyone was wishing everyone else a "Happy New Year" at the Burrow. Once again, the Weasley's were hosting the New Year's Eve party. Harry was standing beside Hermione, with Ron on the other side of her. Hermione and Ron shared a brief kiss and then she turned to give Harry a hug and a peck on the cheek. Before he really got his arms around her, she let go of him and turned back to Ron. Ron all of a sudden gave Harry a wink, which of course he did not understand what it was about. If anything, Ron would probably have been a bit peeved. Harry, however, didn't have to wait long to figure out what Ron had in mind. Looking at Hermione straight in the eye, Ron took her hands and spoke these words:

"Hermione, this past month has been the happiest time of my life. This is the first New Year's that we celebrated together, with our families and as a couple and I hope that this one will be something we can always remember. Something we can tell our grandchildren. Hermione," said Ron, pausing so Hermione, Harry and everyone else in the room can hold on to their breath as they watch Ron slowly get down on one knee, "will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?"

In the background, a small shriek could be heard from the direction where Mrs. Weasley was standing. Hermione, stood in a daze, her eyes gazed as she stared at Ron and the ring he had produced from his pocket. "Hermione, I want this New Year to the first of many New Years to come, for us. I have always loved you Hermione and I always will. Let me ask you again," said Ron, with a small smile on his face, "will you marry me?" The words seemed to wake Hermione up from her daze and she spoke the words Harry didn't want to hear. "Yes! Yes, Ronald Weasley, I'd love to marry you!" With that said, Hermione grabbed Ron and hugged him, then gave him a nice long kiss. Harry was feeling queasy as he watched. However, he was surprised that he was able to clap as the silence was broken and everyone began to cheer for the newly engaged couple. Harry watch Ron slip the ring on Hermione's finger and watched them stare into each other's eyes. 'That could have been me…'

Harry was getting a bit frustrated. He had spent the day looking for something for his best friends, but he had found nothing. He had no idea how hard it was to search for a wedding gift. He, of course, was to the best man. Now that Ron was engaged to Hermione, Ron's attitude was a lot more cheerful and he no longer treated Harry as if he was trying to steal Hermione away from him. Harry on the other hand, was not sure if that was what he wanted to do. In the week following Ron's proposal, Harry experienced quite a few of different emotions. He was first disappointed, sad, angry, confused and finally, he was able to be slightly happy for his best friends. With a defeated sigh, Harry apparated to meet Ron and Hermione at Three Broomsticks for a drink.

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"Harry! Over here!" said a very familiar voice. Hermione was sitting at table by herself, waving frantically at Harry. He wouldn't have missed her even if the place was packed like sardines. The (darn) diamond ring on her hand caught the light and was shining very brightly. Harry strolled over to the table and Hermione got up to give him a quick hug.

"Hey Hermione," Harry said. Looking around the pub he added, "Where's Ron?"

"That childish boyfriend of mine is at Quality Quidditch Supplies, trying to convince a worker there to allow him to take the Thunderbolt out for a test run."

"Oh really? Well, he could have just asked me," said Harry with a smile. Hermione smiled back at Harry. They had a moment of silence.

"So, you guys have any idea when the big day is?" Harry wanted to break the silence but he silently cursed himself for asking the question. Did he really want to know?

To his relief, Hermione shook her head. "Nope. I don't think we need to rush anything. I waited all my life for this, I won't mind waiting a while longer to make sure that this is going to be perfect," Hermione said seriously.

Harry nodded in response. Then he smiled. "Perfect? Well, we know your wedding can't exactly be perfect with Ron as the groom!"

Both Harry and Hermione laughed, with Hermione oblivious to the fact that Harry wasn't completely joking about his statement.

"And do I even dare to ask what was so funny?" Ron had joined the table. Harry and Hermione both shook their head, smiling. Ron shrugged.

"Harry. Glad you don't have a game today or we probably won't be able to get together before Hermione leaves for Hong Kong on Tuesday," said Ron.

"Yah. Just like the old times right?"

All three of them nodded. Once again, a weird sort of silence fell upon the group. It's weird how three people who have been best friends for 14 years, suddenly have no idea what to say to each other just because two of them decided to get engaged.

Ron cleared his throat. "All right, I'll get us drinks. The usual, right guys?" With the nods from Harry and Hermione, Ron left for the counter to order the drinks. Silence remained at the table. Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her chair and Harry absent-mindedly looked around the pub for familiar faces. His fan club was no where in sight to his relief.

"Harry?"

"Yes Hermione?"

"You don't think this is a mistake do you?"

Harry tried not to give away anything, but his eyes widened. "What do you mean?" was all he managed to choke out.

"Well, Ron and I just got back together for one month after seven years. I mean, it's not like he's a stranger, I've known him for 14 years, but do you think it's possible that we are rushing things?"

In his mind, Harry had many thoughts going through. He wanted to tell Hermione, desperately, that it was all a mistake, and that she can't possibly marry him after seven years of isolation and that people change, she might not even be in love with him anymore. It was probably lucky that Harry's loyal side kicked in, reminding him that Ron is his best friend, that Ron is a nice guy, and that he truly does love Hermione. As much as he didn't want to admit, Ron is able to make her happy.

Slowly, Harry managed to string his words together. "No. I don't think so. No Hermione, Ron loves you, and always has, I think you know that. The only question would be… would be if you loved him."

At that moment, Ron came back with the drinks and immediately filled Harry and Hermione in about his conversation with Madame Rosmerta. The conversation picked up from there and it seemed more like the old times. However, Harry noticed that Hermione mostly kept silent throughout the whole conversation. He took it as a good sign.

A/N: YAY! Finished! Expect a wedding for the next chapter and the classic… well a classic scene during a wedding of these circumstances. I once again apologize for the delay and hope you guys all enjoyed this chapter! Thanks to all those that reviewed (you are the best!) and please review this chapter as well. As for whom Hermione's going to be with, I think you all have an idea whom it is. I'm just trying to create suspense here. ^^ Once again, PLEASE REVIEW!