Disclaimer: My fingers start hurting every time I have to type this. If I said Harry Potter belonged to me, would it make a difference to you or me? No, so get over it. Harry Potter's mine! (By the way, J.K. Rowling came to me the other morning and sued me for stealing her creation. *Sigh* I did make the attempt, didn't I?)
CHAPTER XXIII: A HOGWARTS VISIT
"Virginia Weasley, do you know where my shoe is?" Ron demanded from the hallway, with one of his feet shoeless.
Ginny turned away from the mirror and faced him, her hands in her hair as she made a bun. "No I don't Ron. Did you check underneath your bed?"
Ron's face lit up. "Good idea, Gin." He disappeared with a pop and reappeared with both his shoes on and a grin splattered across his face.
"What's so funny?" Ginny asked, turning back to face the mirror and applying some rogue on her cheeks.
"Nothing. I just saw Fred and George's latest invention, which is surely going to be a number one bestseller," Ron informed her, while tightening his robes.
Ginny rolled her eyes at him. "Sometimes I just don't understand them. Fred and George are successful businesspeople, but they still find the need to create all their inventions at the house. Don't they have enough money to go find a nice building that they can blow up whenever they feel like it?" Ginny complained.
He laughed. "Yes they can do that, but don't you realize that all their ideas come from their beloved Burrow?" he pointed out.
"Well boo-hoo. I'm sorry if their brilliance is affected by their surroundings," she answered. Just then, there came a knock at the door.
"I'll get it," George yelled, coming down the stairs by the railing and hurrying to the door. "It's probably our latest orders; they were supposed to arrive today."
Ron and Ginny waited while George disappeared. They could hear voices but by the sound of George's disappointed voice, it wasn't what he'd expected.
"Who is it, George?" Ron questioned loudly, while perching himself on the living room couch.
He reappeared into the family room. "Harry and Hermione are here to see you," he declared and then disapparated quickly.
Ron sighed to himself and busied himself by taking sudden interest with the Afghan rug on the floor. Hermione and Harry were here to take him on a tour of Hogwarts, since he didn't quite remember what it was like. Since they were the ones who spent most of their time with him, they had agreed to show him the school. But seeing Hermione wasn't something Ron was exactly looking forward to. When he'd returned that night home, his mind was so jumbled up that he didn't understand what had caused him to attack her so violently. It was just that he was frustrated that even now they were keeping secrets from him. He was curious to know Hermione's husband was, but right now his only concern was to ask forgiveness from Hermione. Unfortunately, apologizing wasn't one of his strong points.
"Hello earth to Ron," Harry's voice started, interrupting his thoughts. He lifted his eyes off the carpet and gave Harry, who had been waving his hand in front of his face, a warm smile.
"Glad to know you're eager to go with us," Harry commented, returning the smile.
"I am excited about going to Hogwarts," he said, getting up to his full height. "I was just thinking."
"About?" Harry asked.
Ron heaved a deep breath. Since he had known Harry for twelve years and he was one of his closest friends, he was positive that he had more than once discussed his relationship with Hermione. So he seemed it was safe to tell him that he'd had yet another brawl with her.
"I was thinking about saying sorry to `Mione," he answered, nodding his head in the direction of where the two girls were engrossed in a conversation.
Harry grinned to himself, remembering so well about their last fight in their seventh year, which miraculously had ended with a kiss. So he replied nonchalantly, "When are you going to do it?"
Ron gave him a lopsided grin and a slight shove. "As soon as you take Gin and get out of here."
He gave him a small salute. "Right away sir. We'll be waiting for you in the flying car."
Ron rolled his eyes. "Can't wait for it." He watched as Harry interrupted Ginny and Hermione and escorted his sister out, leaving he and Hermione the only one's in the room. She seemed to be avoiding his gaze and his presence so he began, "Hey."
She looked up from the floor and gave him a feeble wave.
"You know it's safe to come close to me," Ron stated, hoping his voice sounded casaul.
"Last time I was close to you, it wasn't exactly safe," Hermione replied curtly, pursing her lips together.
Ron groaned. Hermione was as stubborn he was. Refusing to admit anything. "Look Hermione, I'm sorry for what I did to you last time. I was just so mad that you hid something from me. And besides, my sleepiness wasn't helping either and I just blew up. Do you forgive me?" he asked, clasping his hands together and pouting.
She stared at him for a while as though he had just sprouted something alien-like. Finally after what seemed like ages for him, she admitted, choosing her words carefully, "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have hid something from you, especially after what you've been through. And Jason really liked you."
"Really?" Ron smiled to himself. If her son liked him then there was obviously no chance of Hermione not being able to forgive him. "So you forgive me?" he inquired hesitatingly. He wanted to ask her how the kids were doing but he decided to wait for a better time, like after he was forgiven.
She grinned back, and slowly fingered the silver locket that was clasped around her neck. It seemed vaguely familiar to him but he couldn't quite picture it properly.
"Friends?" he remarked, sticking out his hand for her to shake, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Friends," she replied, shaking it firmly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'm so glad that you finally decided to pay a visit to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall, acting Headmistress, stated, while graciously greeting them at school, after a long trip in Ron's flying car, which had been enchanted by Mr. Weasley.
"Professor McGonagall, you don't think we'd forgotten about school, had you?" Harry asked in mock surprise, while receiving a quick punch from Ginny.
Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows at him. "It seems as if your manners are yet to improve, Mr. Potter. Not that I have anyone in particular to blame," she sniffed, while Ron rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I presume you are here just for a visit."
Hermione shook her head. "Oh no, Professor McGonagall. We're here to show Ron the school, in case his memory might come back."
"Oh," she murmured, her eyes traveling across the four and resting on the redhead, as if noticing him for the first time. Ron shifted uncomfortably under he scrutinizing gaze.
"Well in that case, I think I'll leave you four alone. After all, I simply can't ignore my duties as Headmistress just because Mr. Weasley has to be shown the school," she said sternly yet with softness in her voice. "Just mind the classes and don't try to bring much attention to the other students. They might become inquisitive or even worried with your presence in the castle and might spread some rumors," she warned them.
"Don't worry Professor McGonagall," Ginny chirped. "We won't disturb you."
She nodded her head understandingly. "Good, now if you'll excuse me, I must return to Dumbledore's office." Saying so, she left the four standing alone in the Great Hall.
"Well," Hermione began, rubbing her hands and turning to her friends. "What are we waiting for? Let's go."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mister Wheezy," Dobby squeaked happily, giving Ron a good handshake. "Me is so happy to see you again," he exclaimed excitedly.
"Nice to see you too Dobby," Ron grunted, when yet another house-elf grabbed him around the neck and gave him a friendly squeeze.
Harry laughed. "Looks like the house-elves really missed you, Ron," he commented, while a group of elves approached them with a tray full of assortments.
"Remember how you and Ron used to sneak food out of the kitchen so we would have a huge supply during our Quidditch celebrations," Hermione chimed in, while taking a bite out of a delicious pastry.
Ron grinned to himself, as he carefully chose a chocolate tart. Hermione and Harry had told him how his twin brothers used to sneak food out of the kitchen, a tradition that he and Harry had continued throughout their final years.
After a few minutes of acquainting themselves with the hyperactive elves, they left the kitchen in good spirits. The kids were tumbling out of their classrooms as they headed off in different directions. Pushing their way through the crowd, they made their way into an empty classroom, where Harry suggested that Hermione should show Ron the Gryffindor House. This, however, caught Hermione's attention.
"And do tell us Harry, why you won't be accompanying us?" she asked curiously.
Harry gave her a grin. "Because, Ms. Granger, Ginny and I are going to go for a walk," he announced, as Ginny slipped her arms through his.
"Oh really," Hermione remarked slyly, glancing at Ron, who seemed to be watching her instead. "What?" she demanded.
"Do you mind showing me around?" he inquired slowly.
"Of course not," she answered, sighing. Apparently Ron didn't catch what was just happening here, so once the two had excused themselves from them, she started to lead Ron towards the Gryffindor House, which would be empty right now, since classes had resumed once again.
"You don't seem too happy about coming here," Ron observed, as they walked.
Hermione sighed. "I am happy to be back. It's just that I'm coming back after such a long time that I'm not sure if I remember everything that well. And besides, I've got a lot on my mind," she admitted, suddenly realizing they were nearing the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Like your kids," he murmured. Before Hermione had a chance to reply, however, the Fat Lady had spotted them, who exclaimed gleefully, "Oh my lucky stars, I thought I'd never see you two again."
"Hi," Hermione stated politely.
"This is the Fat Lady?" Ron muttered in her ear.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten me, Mr. Weasley," the Fat Lady remarked sharply. Then her face softened, as if recalling something. "Oh dear, do forgive me. I completely forgot."
Ron smirked at her. "That's all right. Now could you please let us in."
"Not without the password," she said cheekily.
"Fairy lights," Hermione announced. The Fat Lady grinned at her as the portrait swung open, revealing a large hole.
"After you," Ron requested. She rolled her eyes at him, lifted her robes and crawled into the hole, Ron close at her heels. Once they entered the common room, Ron was hit with a sudden pang in the head. Wincing he clutched his head, and rubbed it gently.
Hermione noticed his agony and asked worriedly, "Ron, are you all right?"
"Don't know," he grumbled, as he continued to massage it, but the pain wouldn't go away. Shaking her head, Hermione moved his hands aside. Placing both her hands on either side of his head, she started to gently massage him.
"Feeling better?" she queried, continuing with her movements.
"Loads," he murmured, locking eyes with her. Suddenly, he felt as though she was doing it for too long and grabbed her arms quickly. Startled, she released him and took a step back.
"Sorry `Mione," Ron said softly.
She shrugged her shoulders and gestured towards the room where she and Ron had shared during their seventh year. "Would you like to see your bedroom?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Wow," Ron breathed, completely spellbound. "I lived here," he muttered, trailing his fingers across the velvet blanket. Hermione nodded her head and sat down on the bed, gently taking in the unforgettable room. Everything looked the same since she had last been here.
After her graduation, as a sign of courtesy to her, Professor Dumbledore had informed her that the Head Boy and Head Girl bedroom would no longer be used but they would be building another room for them. So now five years later, nothing in the room had changed much, except everything was much dustier. She was so wrapped up in her own thoughts, that she didn't notice Ron move across the room and stand next to the window.
Rubbing her eyes quickly, she went to join him, who was busy staring out the window. "Like the view?" she asked, leaning against the windowsill.
He nodded his head, as his gaze shifted, suddenly resting upon the couple that was walking in the Hogwarts ground.
"Is that Harry with my sister?" he asked, squinting his eyes to get a better look.
Glaring against the sun, Hermione observed the two young people walking and holding hands. She nodded her head and was just about to ask Ron to leave the window because she wanted him to marvel at the sight of the bathroom, when she heard him gasp. "What is it?" she questioned urgently.
"Harry's kissing Ginny," he stated, pointing at them.
Hermione let out a low laugh. Apparently Ron didn't remember that they had been a couple at school and was totally unaware that Ginny still had strong feelings for his best friend. She knew Harry wanted to be the one to tell him about his relationship with Ginny, so choosing her words carefully, she remarked, "You don't mind, do you?"
Ron tore his gaze off them and looked straight at her. "Should I?" he replied quietly.
She didn't respond and busied herself with twirling her hair. Ron sighed and turning away from her, he leaned against the window to got a better look at the room. "Something the matter?" she queried gently. He was silent for a while before answering slowly, "Something very special happened between us here, didn't it?"
Hermione took in a deep breath. How did he know about that? No one had ever told her that he could remember things from different times of his memory. So hoping to keep a calm tone, she answered, "What makes you say that?"
He looked at her, his face intent. "Every time I look at this room, I think of you."
She gasped slightly and gripped onto the windowsill for support. Ron didn't realize how close to the truth he was. She was just about to say something to get his mind off that thought, when the bedroom door flew open, revealing a disheveled McGonagall.
"Mr. Weasley. Ms. Granger. Come quick! Dumbledore and the rest of the wizards have discovered the spell to cure Ron!"
***
CHAPTER XXIII: A HOGWARTS VISIT
"Virginia Weasley, do you know where my shoe is?" Ron demanded from the hallway, with one of his feet shoeless.
Ginny turned away from the mirror and faced him, her hands in her hair as she made a bun. "No I don't Ron. Did you check underneath your bed?"
Ron's face lit up. "Good idea, Gin." He disappeared with a pop and reappeared with both his shoes on and a grin splattered across his face.
"What's so funny?" Ginny asked, turning back to face the mirror and applying some rogue on her cheeks.
"Nothing. I just saw Fred and George's latest invention, which is surely going to be a number one bestseller," Ron informed her, while tightening his robes.
Ginny rolled her eyes at him. "Sometimes I just don't understand them. Fred and George are successful businesspeople, but they still find the need to create all their inventions at the house. Don't they have enough money to go find a nice building that they can blow up whenever they feel like it?" Ginny complained.
He laughed. "Yes they can do that, but don't you realize that all their ideas come from their beloved Burrow?" he pointed out.
"Well boo-hoo. I'm sorry if their brilliance is affected by their surroundings," she answered. Just then, there came a knock at the door.
"I'll get it," George yelled, coming down the stairs by the railing and hurrying to the door. "It's probably our latest orders; they were supposed to arrive today."
Ron and Ginny waited while George disappeared. They could hear voices but by the sound of George's disappointed voice, it wasn't what he'd expected.
"Who is it, George?" Ron questioned loudly, while perching himself on the living room couch.
He reappeared into the family room. "Harry and Hermione are here to see you," he declared and then disapparated quickly.
Ron sighed to himself and busied himself by taking sudden interest with the Afghan rug on the floor. Hermione and Harry were here to take him on a tour of Hogwarts, since he didn't quite remember what it was like. Since they were the ones who spent most of their time with him, they had agreed to show him the school. But seeing Hermione wasn't something Ron was exactly looking forward to. When he'd returned that night home, his mind was so jumbled up that he didn't understand what had caused him to attack her so violently. It was just that he was frustrated that even now they were keeping secrets from him. He was curious to know Hermione's husband was, but right now his only concern was to ask forgiveness from Hermione. Unfortunately, apologizing wasn't one of his strong points.
"Hello earth to Ron," Harry's voice started, interrupting his thoughts. He lifted his eyes off the carpet and gave Harry, who had been waving his hand in front of his face, a warm smile.
"Glad to know you're eager to go with us," Harry commented, returning the smile.
"I am excited about going to Hogwarts," he said, getting up to his full height. "I was just thinking."
"About?" Harry asked.
Ron heaved a deep breath. Since he had known Harry for twelve years and he was one of his closest friends, he was positive that he had more than once discussed his relationship with Hermione. So he seemed it was safe to tell him that he'd had yet another brawl with her.
"I was thinking about saying sorry to `Mione," he answered, nodding his head in the direction of where the two girls were engrossed in a conversation.
Harry grinned to himself, remembering so well about their last fight in their seventh year, which miraculously had ended with a kiss. So he replied nonchalantly, "When are you going to do it?"
Ron gave him a lopsided grin and a slight shove. "As soon as you take Gin and get out of here."
He gave him a small salute. "Right away sir. We'll be waiting for you in the flying car."
Ron rolled his eyes. "Can't wait for it." He watched as Harry interrupted Ginny and Hermione and escorted his sister out, leaving he and Hermione the only one's in the room. She seemed to be avoiding his gaze and his presence so he began, "Hey."
She looked up from the floor and gave him a feeble wave.
"You know it's safe to come close to me," Ron stated, hoping his voice sounded casaul.
"Last time I was close to you, it wasn't exactly safe," Hermione replied curtly, pursing her lips together.
Ron groaned. Hermione was as stubborn he was. Refusing to admit anything. "Look Hermione, I'm sorry for what I did to you last time. I was just so mad that you hid something from me. And besides, my sleepiness wasn't helping either and I just blew up. Do you forgive me?" he asked, clasping his hands together and pouting.
She stared at him for a while as though he had just sprouted something alien-like. Finally after what seemed like ages for him, she admitted, choosing her words carefully, "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have hid something from you, especially after what you've been through. And Jason really liked you."
"Really?" Ron smiled to himself. If her son liked him then there was obviously no chance of Hermione not being able to forgive him. "So you forgive me?" he inquired hesitatingly. He wanted to ask her how the kids were doing but he decided to wait for a better time, like after he was forgiven.
She grinned back, and slowly fingered the silver locket that was clasped around her neck. It seemed vaguely familiar to him but he couldn't quite picture it properly.
"Friends?" he remarked, sticking out his hand for her to shake, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Friends," she replied, shaking it firmly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'm so glad that you finally decided to pay a visit to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall, acting Headmistress, stated, while graciously greeting them at school, after a long trip in Ron's flying car, which had been enchanted by Mr. Weasley.
"Professor McGonagall, you don't think we'd forgotten about school, had you?" Harry asked in mock surprise, while receiving a quick punch from Ginny.
Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows at him. "It seems as if your manners are yet to improve, Mr. Potter. Not that I have anyone in particular to blame," she sniffed, while Ron rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I presume you are here just for a visit."
Hermione shook her head. "Oh no, Professor McGonagall. We're here to show Ron the school, in case his memory might come back."
"Oh," she murmured, her eyes traveling across the four and resting on the redhead, as if noticing him for the first time. Ron shifted uncomfortably under he scrutinizing gaze.
"Well in that case, I think I'll leave you four alone. After all, I simply can't ignore my duties as Headmistress just because Mr. Weasley has to be shown the school," she said sternly yet with softness in her voice. "Just mind the classes and don't try to bring much attention to the other students. They might become inquisitive or even worried with your presence in the castle and might spread some rumors," she warned them.
"Don't worry Professor McGonagall," Ginny chirped. "We won't disturb you."
She nodded her head understandingly. "Good, now if you'll excuse me, I must return to Dumbledore's office." Saying so, she left the four standing alone in the Great Hall.
"Well," Hermione began, rubbing her hands and turning to her friends. "What are we waiting for? Let's go."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mister Wheezy," Dobby squeaked happily, giving Ron a good handshake. "Me is so happy to see you again," he exclaimed excitedly.
"Nice to see you too Dobby," Ron grunted, when yet another house-elf grabbed him around the neck and gave him a friendly squeeze.
Harry laughed. "Looks like the house-elves really missed you, Ron," he commented, while a group of elves approached them with a tray full of assortments.
"Remember how you and Ron used to sneak food out of the kitchen so we would have a huge supply during our Quidditch celebrations," Hermione chimed in, while taking a bite out of a delicious pastry.
Ron grinned to himself, as he carefully chose a chocolate tart. Hermione and Harry had told him how his twin brothers used to sneak food out of the kitchen, a tradition that he and Harry had continued throughout their final years.
After a few minutes of acquainting themselves with the hyperactive elves, they left the kitchen in good spirits. The kids were tumbling out of their classrooms as they headed off in different directions. Pushing their way through the crowd, they made their way into an empty classroom, where Harry suggested that Hermione should show Ron the Gryffindor House. This, however, caught Hermione's attention.
"And do tell us Harry, why you won't be accompanying us?" she asked curiously.
Harry gave her a grin. "Because, Ms. Granger, Ginny and I are going to go for a walk," he announced, as Ginny slipped her arms through his.
"Oh really," Hermione remarked slyly, glancing at Ron, who seemed to be watching her instead. "What?" she demanded.
"Do you mind showing me around?" he inquired slowly.
"Of course not," she answered, sighing. Apparently Ron didn't catch what was just happening here, so once the two had excused themselves from them, she started to lead Ron towards the Gryffindor House, which would be empty right now, since classes had resumed once again.
"You don't seem too happy about coming here," Ron observed, as they walked.
Hermione sighed. "I am happy to be back. It's just that I'm coming back after such a long time that I'm not sure if I remember everything that well. And besides, I've got a lot on my mind," she admitted, suddenly realizing they were nearing the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Like your kids," he murmured. Before Hermione had a chance to reply, however, the Fat Lady had spotted them, who exclaimed gleefully, "Oh my lucky stars, I thought I'd never see you two again."
"Hi," Hermione stated politely.
"This is the Fat Lady?" Ron muttered in her ear.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten me, Mr. Weasley," the Fat Lady remarked sharply. Then her face softened, as if recalling something. "Oh dear, do forgive me. I completely forgot."
Ron smirked at her. "That's all right. Now could you please let us in."
"Not without the password," she said cheekily.
"Fairy lights," Hermione announced. The Fat Lady grinned at her as the portrait swung open, revealing a large hole.
"After you," Ron requested. She rolled her eyes at him, lifted her robes and crawled into the hole, Ron close at her heels. Once they entered the common room, Ron was hit with a sudden pang in the head. Wincing he clutched his head, and rubbed it gently.
Hermione noticed his agony and asked worriedly, "Ron, are you all right?"
"Don't know," he grumbled, as he continued to massage it, but the pain wouldn't go away. Shaking her head, Hermione moved his hands aside. Placing both her hands on either side of his head, she started to gently massage him.
"Feeling better?" she queried, continuing with her movements.
"Loads," he murmured, locking eyes with her. Suddenly, he felt as though she was doing it for too long and grabbed her arms quickly. Startled, she released him and took a step back.
"Sorry `Mione," Ron said softly.
She shrugged her shoulders and gestured towards the room where she and Ron had shared during their seventh year. "Would you like to see your bedroom?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Wow," Ron breathed, completely spellbound. "I lived here," he muttered, trailing his fingers across the velvet blanket. Hermione nodded her head and sat down on the bed, gently taking in the unforgettable room. Everything looked the same since she had last been here.
After her graduation, as a sign of courtesy to her, Professor Dumbledore had informed her that the Head Boy and Head Girl bedroom would no longer be used but they would be building another room for them. So now five years later, nothing in the room had changed much, except everything was much dustier. She was so wrapped up in her own thoughts, that she didn't notice Ron move across the room and stand next to the window.
Rubbing her eyes quickly, she went to join him, who was busy staring out the window. "Like the view?" she asked, leaning against the windowsill.
He nodded his head, as his gaze shifted, suddenly resting upon the couple that was walking in the Hogwarts ground.
"Is that Harry with my sister?" he asked, squinting his eyes to get a better look.
Glaring against the sun, Hermione observed the two young people walking and holding hands. She nodded her head and was just about to ask Ron to leave the window because she wanted him to marvel at the sight of the bathroom, when she heard him gasp. "What is it?" she questioned urgently.
"Harry's kissing Ginny," he stated, pointing at them.
Hermione let out a low laugh. Apparently Ron didn't remember that they had been a couple at school and was totally unaware that Ginny still had strong feelings for his best friend. She knew Harry wanted to be the one to tell him about his relationship with Ginny, so choosing her words carefully, she remarked, "You don't mind, do you?"
Ron tore his gaze off them and looked straight at her. "Should I?" he replied quietly.
She didn't respond and busied herself with twirling her hair. Ron sighed and turning away from her, he leaned against the window to got a better look at the room. "Something the matter?" she queried gently. He was silent for a while before answering slowly, "Something very special happened between us here, didn't it?"
Hermione took in a deep breath. How did he know about that? No one had ever told her that he could remember things from different times of his memory. So hoping to keep a calm tone, she answered, "What makes you say that?"
He looked at her, his face intent. "Every time I look at this room, I think of you."
She gasped slightly and gripped onto the windowsill for support. Ron didn't realize how close to the truth he was. She was just about to say something to get his mind off that thought, when the bedroom door flew open, revealing a disheveled McGonagall.
"Mr. Weasley. Ms. Granger. Come quick! Dumbledore and the rest of the wizards have discovered the spell to cure Ron!"
***