Disclaimer: I still don't own Harry Potter because J.K. Rowling does. I am, however, counting the days till "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is released.
Author's Note: As a devoted fan of Ron and Hermione pairing, I would advise all my readers to hear "Anywhere For You," by the Backstreet Boys. While you're hearing it, just think of the pair of Ron and Hermione, and try to fit them into the song. Trust me, it's a wonderful song and just hear it…I just hope you know what I'm trying to point out. Anyway, on with the story…
CHAPTER XXVIII: FINALLY A FAMILY
"Mum, why are we going to visit Grandma and Grandpa?" Kellie asked, clutching her teddy bear tightly towards her chest.
Hermione tore her gaze off the road and turned towards her daughter. She smiled at her and replied gently, "Because honey, Daddy's at the Burrow."
"Oh so then, he's a Weasley, huh?" Jason remarked from the backseat. Hermione looked at her son through the mirror and sighed to herself. Ever since he had found out that his father was alive, he'd been reluctant in accepting the fact. He had even refused in meeting his father, after five years. She didn't want Jason to feel this way towards his father. After all, when he had met Ron, he'd really enjoyed his presence. Who knew how he would react when he found out that he was his father. Oh, the suspense was killing her…
"Mum?"
"Huh," she stared at her daughter, who was eyeing her curiously. "What is it, dear?"
"Jason asked you if our father was a Weasley, too. Is he?"
Hermione nodded her head and turned her head to face Jason, who was busy looking out the road, avoiding her gaze. "Yes, Jason, he's a Weasley. After all, you're last name is Weasley."
"Is that so?" he mumbled under his breath, but before Hermione had time to ask what he'd meant by that, they'd pulled up in front of the Burrow.
Once her children had left the car and were slowly making their way up the pathway, Hermione placed her head on the steering wheel and took a deep breath. "Merlin, please make them like each other," she prayed under her breath. Taking a deep breath, she opened the car door and followed her children up the stairs.
"Molly, we're here," she called out, opening the front door and dropping her car keys and purse onto the coffee table. She noticed her children were busy shuffling their feet nervously. She eyed them curiously before inquiring, "Kids, what's the matter? Go say hello to your grandmother."
"There's no need, Hermione dear. Grandma's here," Molly Weasley stated, coming from the kitchen. Removing her apron, she said good-naturedly, "C'mon kids. Give Grandma a hug." She opened her arms wide and the twins awkwardly hugged her.
"Hey, what's going on? Where's the special Weasley hug, all my children and grandchildren know?" she teased gently, and planted a kiss on their heads. She noticed Hermione standing in the hallway and gave her a wary smile, which Hermione returned with a nod of her head. Both of them were dreading the meeting between father and kids, but they knew it was unavoidable.
"So Hermione how is everything at work?" Molly asked. Hermione gave her a grateful smile and replied, "Not so good. I'm planning on leaving Gringotts and going to Hogwarts to become an Arithmancy teacher."
Molly nodded her approval. "Excellent choice, Hermione. I always agreed with you when you believed Divination was-"
"Excuse me," Jason interrupted, casting them with a stony glare. "I thought we came here to meet our father, not talk about Mum's life."
Mrs. Weasley was startled by her grandson's sudden remark, but she didn't show it. Clearing her throat, she answered, "You're absolutely right, Jason. Come with me to the living room." She started to make her way, closely followed by Hermione, who was clutching onto a frightened Kellie and a suddenly apprehensive Jason.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione followed her, dreading what was going to happen. Somewhere in the back of her head, she knew it was going to be a disaster. The walk from the front door to the living room seemed like an eternity. They finally reached the closed door. She could hear voices coming from inside and from all that she made out the clear strong voice of Ron.
Her heart quickened its pace in realization that behind that door was the father of her children, someone who they believed was dead, just because she told them he was. Well, she could hardly blame them, for she herself had thought he was until now. She had the sudden urge to abandon her children and run back to the car, in hopes that this meeting could be avoided. But, nothing could change that because at that very moment Mrs. Weasley was knocking on the door. She cleared her throat, "Ahem."
The chattering came to a halt, and was quickly followed by the shuffling off feet and the sounds of hushed whispers. Mrs. Weasley smiled at her grandchildren. "Go on, now. Meet your father." Slowly and steadily, she opened the door.
Hermione slowly led her children inside. The first person she saw was Ginny sitting on the couch, with Harry's arm draped protectively around her shoulder. Mr. Weasley was sitting on an empty chair, clutching onto an empty bottle. The fire was blazing and standing with his back towards them, his face facing the fire, was none other than Ron Weasley.
"We're here," Mrs. Weasley declared, joining her husband on the far side of the room. Surprised, Ron turned around and saw Hermione standing in the doorway with two young children and his first thought was Ginny was right. His children were beautiful. The girl was tightly clutching onto a brown teddy bear and the boy, who he remembered was Jason, was looking around him expectantly. Ginny's descriptions had been perfect. It was love and adoration at first sight and they were his and Hermione's; only theirs.
"Hermione," he began, and he was almost afraid he'd lost his voice.
"Ron," she replied, tightening her grip on her children's hands. She gestured towards her children. "Kids." They looked up at her, their blue eyes full of question. She smiled at them. "That's your father, Ron."
"Ron," Jason gasped, staring at Ron, his blue eyes flashing. "Ron's my dad?" She nodded weakly at him and then turned back at Ron, who was watching them apprehensively.
"What?" Kellie shrieked, loosening her grasp from her mother's clutches. "You mean that the Ron who was your best friend is our father?"
"I don't believe this," Jason remarked hysterically, looking back and forth at them wildly. "How is this even possible?"
"Jason, please," Aunt Ginny pleaded.
"Aunt Ginny, how come you never told us our father was alive?" Jason asked, his eyes brimming with tears.
"Jason darling, your father wasn't here for five years. He just came back after a very long time and he never knew he had kids. Please try to understand, sweetheart," Ginny pleaded.
Jason scoffed. "Yeah right. I think you just felt sorry for us and brought us another father for us. I don't believe you." With that, he tore out the door, the tears following freely down his cheeks.
"Jason," Hermione called after him, but he'd already disappeared out the front door. She turned to her daughter, who was looking at the floor intently. "Honey," she began slowly, kneeling before her and holding her hand tightly. "You understand, don't you?"
She was quiet for a long time, and Hermione was almost afraid, she would faint in her arms. Just then, she looked up and she was shocked to see her face streaked with tears. "I believed you, Mum, yesterday, when you told us our daddy was alive. You know, I really did. But now, I think Jason's right, you lied to us. I never want to listen to you again." Sobbing, she tore away from her mother and ran out the door.
"Kellie," Hermione groaned, and slapped her forehead. She looked at the Weasleys and Harry, who were watching with open eyes. "I really wasn't expecting this," she informed weakly.
Harry gave her a small smile. "I know you weren't."
She sighed and stood up. "I'll go talk to them," she announced, but Ron cut her off.
"No, `Mione, I'll do it." He gave her a wary smile. "I think I need to be the one talking to them." She looked at him for a long time before whispering, "Okay." He gave her another reassuring smile and squeezing her hand firmly, he went to search for his kids.
Ron slowly made his way out the front door and scanned the garden closely. He spotted the twins sitting on the bench; Mr. Weasley had made for his children. It was a very special bench, because he and his siblings had used it for a very unique purpose. But right now was not the time to dwell on the past. Taking a deep breath, he made his way across the lawn.
At first, they did not notice his presence, but when his shadow was cast over their small figures; Kellie glanced up quickly and swiveled around. Her eyes were swollen and her cheeks were puffed, but she did not seem angry to see him. Jason, however, was another story. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, standing up and Ron had to hide back a smirk at noticing their height differences. Jason must have noticed it too, for he muttered something under his breath, which sounded like "Never mind," and sat back down.
Ron smiled at the pair, before asking, "Can I join you?"
"Why are you asking us? It's your house," Jason mumbled.
"That's true." He quickly conjured up a chair and placed it before them. He sat down, but they seemed to be avoiding their eyes. He sighed. This was going to be difficult. But there was no harm in trying. "Hey, can I talk to you two?"
"No," Jason replied fiercely, but Kellie was eying him with curiosity. He flashed her his famous lopsided grin, which caused her to blush and look away.
"Look Jason, I know you're angry with me, but sooner or later we're going to have to talk."
"There's nothing to talk about," Jason explained, standing up. "You left us and that's all that matters."
Ron groaned. "I didn't leave you, Jason. I-"
"Yes you did, and you have no right to call me Jason. You abandoned us," he replied firmly.
"No Jas- I never knew I even had kids when I left. Please you've got to believe me," Ron pleaded desperately.
"Why should we?" Kellie asked, speaking up for the first time. Ron turned to face her and he was surprised at how much she resembled Hermione, with her curly long hair, and oval face.
"I'm asking you to believe me, because finding out that I have kids came as much of a surprise to me as it came to you," he answered gently.
Jason scoffed. "I doubt it. We don't even look like you. You've got the Weasley hair and we don't, so that shows we're not even related to you. Well, me at least."
Ron turned to his…son, and gave a smirk. He replied slowly, "You'll be surprised to know how similar we are, Jason."
"Oh yeah," Jason challenged, crossing his arms over his chest. "Prove it."
"Well," Ron mused, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "You've got the same blue eyes I have, as well as the thousands of freckles I have on my face. I'm sure you adore Quidditch as much as I do. You've inherited the same stubborn spirit I have. You've got that fiery glow around you that make people afraid of fighting with you. And," he paused and looked Jason squarely in the eye. "You and I both love your mother till the end of this world," he finished softly.
Jason looked at him for the longest time and there were new tears brimming in his eyes. "Awww, Jason, don't cry," he remarked gently. He reached out his hand and placed it on his cheek. Jason blinked rapidly and whispered tentatively, "Dad."
Ron gasped and pulled his hand away. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. "You're really my dad?" he asked in a disbelieving voice. He nodded dumbly and to his enormous surprise, Jason threw his arms around his neck. "Oh Dad, I'm so sorry for being a prat," he sobbed into his shoulder.
Ron at first was too startled by his actions but cautiously he wrapped his arms around the tiny figure and hugged him warmly. He patted him on the back and whispered, "I'm sorry too."
"So you're really my father?" Kellie asked in a hushed voice. Releasing a teary-eyed Jason, Ron nodded weakly at his daughter. Her face suddenly broke down into tears as she wailed, "Oh Daddy, I've missed you." Mimicking Jason's actions, she gave Ron a warm hug and soon all three of them were hugging each other and crying their hearts out. They were so busy with each other that they didn't notice Hermione standing in the garden until she began, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Ron held back a grin as the twins left his side and went to their mother. "Mum, I'm sorry for not believing you," Jason murmured in her chest. She smiled, and smoothed his curly hair. "It's okay, darling," she soothed gently and lifted their faces. "Now go on inside. Grandma's got some ice cream for you."
They started to make their way towards the house, until Jason stopped in his tracks and turned back to the couple. "Are you coming with us…Dad?" he asked cheekily.
Ron grinned back at him. "In a minute, son." Jason grinned and ran inside, eager to eat Mrs. Weasley's famous ice cream, leaving Ron and Hermione alone.
"Well," Hermione started awkwardly. "Everything sorted out?"
He nodded his head and looked at her so intently that Hermione felt that she was squirming under his gaze. She was just about to ask what he had said when he bent down and remarked, "Kellie forgot her teddy bear."
"Oh." She reached out her hand and replied, "I'll give it to her." He extended his hand and was about to offer it to her, when he grabbed her hand instead. She looked at him with a question in his eyes, which he ignored.
"I want to show you something," he informed her, leading her towards the bench.
"What is it?" she asked curiously, kneeling down next to him.
"Look at the bench," he instructed her. She looked at it and was surprised to see numerous dates written on it. "What is this?" she inquired, smiling at him.
He smiled back and explained, "When we were little, our dad told us that whenever something very important happened to us, we should write down the date on this bench. We each had our own little column for special days for us. I don't know why we had to do it on this bench, but it really was interesting."
He pointed to a date in his own column. "See, this was the date I didn't get in trouble with Mum even though I had caused everything. And this was the date I first met the famous Harry Potter and this here-" he paused and looked at him, with a confused expression on his face.
"And this," she questioned softly.
He frowned before looking at her. "And this was the date I first found out I was in love with you," he replied gently.
Hermione took in a deep breath, as their eyes locked and she almost thought, he was going to kiss her. Instead, he turned away from her and pulled out a quill from his pocket. She watched as he slowly scratched a date onto the bench. She waited patiently, once he'd finished and as they stood up, she asked, "And why is this day important to you?"
Ron silently offered her his hand, which she accepted willingly. As they approached the house, he replied, "This is the day, we finally became a family." Hermione didn't know why but that very statement made her smile.
***
Author's Note: As a devoted fan of Ron and Hermione pairing, I would advise all my readers to hear "Anywhere For You," by the Backstreet Boys. While you're hearing it, just think of the pair of Ron and Hermione, and try to fit them into the song. Trust me, it's a wonderful song and just hear it…I just hope you know what I'm trying to point out. Anyway, on with the story…
CHAPTER XXVIII: FINALLY A FAMILY
"Mum, why are we going to visit Grandma and Grandpa?" Kellie asked, clutching her teddy bear tightly towards her chest.
Hermione tore her gaze off the road and turned towards her daughter. She smiled at her and replied gently, "Because honey, Daddy's at the Burrow."
"Oh so then, he's a Weasley, huh?" Jason remarked from the backseat. Hermione looked at her son through the mirror and sighed to herself. Ever since he had found out that his father was alive, he'd been reluctant in accepting the fact. He had even refused in meeting his father, after five years. She didn't want Jason to feel this way towards his father. After all, when he had met Ron, he'd really enjoyed his presence. Who knew how he would react when he found out that he was his father. Oh, the suspense was killing her…
"Mum?"
"Huh," she stared at her daughter, who was eyeing her curiously. "What is it, dear?"
"Jason asked you if our father was a Weasley, too. Is he?"
Hermione nodded her head and turned her head to face Jason, who was busy looking out the road, avoiding her gaze. "Yes, Jason, he's a Weasley. After all, you're last name is Weasley."
"Is that so?" he mumbled under his breath, but before Hermione had time to ask what he'd meant by that, they'd pulled up in front of the Burrow.
Once her children had left the car and were slowly making their way up the pathway, Hermione placed her head on the steering wheel and took a deep breath. "Merlin, please make them like each other," she prayed under her breath. Taking a deep breath, she opened the car door and followed her children up the stairs.
"Molly, we're here," she called out, opening the front door and dropping her car keys and purse onto the coffee table. She noticed her children were busy shuffling their feet nervously. She eyed them curiously before inquiring, "Kids, what's the matter? Go say hello to your grandmother."
"There's no need, Hermione dear. Grandma's here," Molly Weasley stated, coming from the kitchen. Removing her apron, she said good-naturedly, "C'mon kids. Give Grandma a hug." She opened her arms wide and the twins awkwardly hugged her.
"Hey, what's going on? Where's the special Weasley hug, all my children and grandchildren know?" she teased gently, and planted a kiss on their heads. She noticed Hermione standing in the hallway and gave her a wary smile, which Hermione returned with a nod of her head. Both of them were dreading the meeting between father and kids, but they knew it was unavoidable.
"So Hermione how is everything at work?" Molly asked. Hermione gave her a grateful smile and replied, "Not so good. I'm planning on leaving Gringotts and going to Hogwarts to become an Arithmancy teacher."
Molly nodded her approval. "Excellent choice, Hermione. I always agreed with you when you believed Divination was-"
"Excuse me," Jason interrupted, casting them with a stony glare. "I thought we came here to meet our father, not talk about Mum's life."
Mrs. Weasley was startled by her grandson's sudden remark, but she didn't show it. Clearing her throat, she answered, "You're absolutely right, Jason. Come with me to the living room." She started to make her way, closely followed by Hermione, who was clutching onto a frightened Kellie and a suddenly apprehensive Jason.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione followed her, dreading what was going to happen. Somewhere in the back of her head, she knew it was going to be a disaster. The walk from the front door to the living room seemed like an eternity. They finally reached the closed door. She could hear voices coming from inside and from all that she made out the clear strong voice of Ron.
Her heart quickened its pace in realization that behind that door was the father of her children, someone who they believed was dead, just because she told them he was. Well, she could hardly blame them, for she herself had thought he was until now. She had the sudden urge to abandon her children and run back to the car, in hopes that this meeting could be avoided. But, nothing could change that because at that very moment Mrs. Weasley was knocking on the door. She cleared her throat, "Ahem."
The chattering came to a halt, and was quickly followed by the shuffling off feet and the sounds of hushed whispers. Mrs. Weasley smiled at her grandchildren. "Go on, now. Meet your father." Slowly and steadily, she opened the door.
Hermione slowly led her children inside. The first person she saw was Ginny sitting on the couch, with Harry's arm draped protectively around her shoulder. Mr. Weasley was sitting on an empty chair, clutching onto an empty bottle. The fire was blazing and standing with his back towards them, his face facing the fire, was none other than Ron Weasley.
"We're here," Mrs. Weasley declared, joining her husband on the far side of the room. Surprised, Ron turned around and saw Hermione standing in the doorway with two young children and his first thought was Ginny was right. His children were beautiful. The girl was tightly clutching onto a brown teddy bear and the boy, who he remembered was Jason, was looking around him expectantly. Ginny's descriptions had been perfect. It was love and adoration at first sight and they were his and Hermione's; only theirs.
"Hermione," he began, and he was almost afraid he'd lost his voice.
"Ron," she replied, tightening her grip on her children's hands. She gestured towards her children. "Kids." They looked up at her, their blue eyes full of question. She smiled at them. "That's your father, Ron."
"Ron," Jason gasped, staring at Ron, his blue eyes flashing. "Ron's my dad?" She nodded weakly at him and then turned back at Ron, who was watching them apprehensively.
"What?" Kellie shrieked, loosening her grasp from her mother's clutches. "You mean that the Ron who was your best friend is our father?"
"I don't believe this," Jason remarked hysterically, looking back and forth at them wildly. "How is this even possible?"
"Jason, please," Aunt Ginny pleaded.
"Aunt Ginny, how come you never told us our father was alive?" Jason asked, his eyes brimming with tears.
"Jason darling, your father wasn't here for five years. He just came back after a very long time and he never knew he had kids. Please try to understand, sweetheart," Ginny pleaded.
Jason scoffed. "Yeah right. I think you just felt sorry for us and brought us another father for us. I don't believe you." With that, he tore out the door, the tears following freely down his cheeks.
"Jason," Hermione called after him, but he'd already disappeared out the front door. She turned to her daughter, who was looking at the floor intently. "Honey," she began slowly, kneeling before her and holding her hand tightly. "You understand, don't you?"
She was quiet for a long time, and Hermione was almost afraid, she would faint in her arms. Just then, she looked up and she was shocked to see her face streaked with tears. "I believed you, Mum, yesterday, when you told us our daddy was alive. You know, I really did. But now, I think Jason's right, you lied to us. I never want to listen to you again." Sobbing, she tore away from her mother and ran out the door.
"Kellie," Hermione groaned, and slapped her forehead. She looked at the Weasleys and Harry, who were watching with open eyes. "I really wasn't expecting this," she informed weakly.
Harry gave her a small smile. "I know you weren't."
She sighed and stood up. "I'll go talk to them," she announced, but Ron cut her off.
"No, `Mione, I'll do it." He gave her a wary smile. "I think I need to be the one talking to them." She looked at him for a long time before whispering, "Okay." He gave her another reassuring smile and squeezing her hand firmly, he went to search for his kids.
Ron slowly made his way out the front door and scanned the garden closely. He spotted the twins sitting on the bench; Mr. Weasley had made for his children. It was a very special bench, because he and his siblings had used it for a very unique purpose. But right now was not the time to dwell on the past. Taking a deep breath, he made his way across the lawn.
At first, they did not notice his presence, but when his shadow was cast over their small figures; Kellie glanced up quickly and swiveled around. Her eyes were swollen and her cheeks were puffed, but she did not seem angry to see him. Jason, however, was another story. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, standing up and Ron had to hide back a smirk at noticing their height differences. Jason must have noticed it too, for he muttered something under his breath, which sounded like "Never mind," and sat back down.
Ron smiled at the pair, before asking, "Can I join you?"
"Why are you asking us? It's your house," Jason mumbled.
"That's true." He quickly conjured up a chair and placed it before them. He sat down, but they seemed to be avoiding their eyes. He sighed. This was going to be difficult. But there was no harm in trying. "Hey, can I talk to you two?"
"No," Jason replied fiercely, but Kellie was eying him with curiosity. He flashed her his famous lopsided grin, which caused her to blush and look away.
"Look Jason, I know you're angry with me, but sooner or later we're going to have to talk."
"There's nothing to talk about," Jason explained, standing up. "You left us and that's all that matters."
Ron groaned. "I didn't leave you, Jason. I-"
"Yes you did, and you have no right to call me Jason. You abandoned us," he replied firmly.
"No Jas- I never knew I even had kids when I left. Please you've got to believe me," Ron pleaded desperately.
"Why should we?" Kellie asked, speaking up for the first time. Ron turned to face her and he was surprised at how much she resembled Hermione, with her curly long hair, and oval face.
"I'm asking you to believe me, because finding out that I have kids came as much of a surprise to me as it came to you," he answered gently.
Jason scoffed. "I doubt it. We don't even look like you. You've got the Weasley hair and we don't, so that shows we're not even related to you. Well, me at least."
Ron turned to his…son, and gave a smirk. He replied slowly, "You'll be surprised to know how similar we are, Jason."
"Oh yeah," Jason challenged, crossing his arms over his chest. "Prove it."
"Well," Ron mused, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "You've got the same blue eyes I have, as well as the thousands of freckles I have on my face. I'm sure you adore Quidditch as much as I do. You've inherited the same stubborn spirit I have. You've got that fiery glow around you that make people afraid of fighting with you. And," he paused and looked Jason squarely in the eye. "You and I both love your mother till the end of this world," he finished softly.
Jason looked at him for the longest time and there were new tears brimming in his eyes. "Awww, Jason, don't cry," he remarked gently. He reached out his hand and placed it on his cheek. Jason blinked rapidly and whispered tentatively, "Dad."
Ron gasped and pulled his hand away. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. "You're really my dad?" he asked in a disbelieving voice. He nodded dumbly and to his enormous surprise, Jason threw his arms around his neck. "Oh Dad, I'm so sorry for being a prat," he sobbed into his shoulder.
Ron at first was too startled by his actions but cautiously he wrapped his arms around the tiny figure and hugged him warmly. He patted him on the back and whispered, "I'm sorry too."
"So you're really my father?" Kellie asked in a hushed voice. Releasing a teary-eyed Jason, Ron nodded weakly at his daughter. Her face suddenly broke down into tears as she wailed, "Oh Daddy, I've missed you." Mimicking Jason's actions, she gave Ron a warm hug and soon all three of them were hugging each other and crying their hearts out. They were so busy with each other that they didn't notice Hermione standing in the garden until she began, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Ron held back a grin as the twins left his side and went to their mother. "Mum, I'm sorry for not believing you," Jason murmured in her chest. She smiled, and smoothed his curly hair. "It's okay, darling," she soothed gently and lifted their faces. "Now go on inside. Grandma's got some ice cream for you."
They started to make their way towards the house, until Jason stopped in his tracks and turned back to the couple. "Are you coming with us…Dad?" he asked cheekily.
Ron grinned back at him. "In a minute, son." Jason grinned and ran inside, eager to eat Mrs. Weasley's famous ice cream, leaving Ron and Hermione alone.
"Well," Hermione started awkwardly. "Everything sorted out?"
He nodded his head and looked at her so intently that Hermione felt that she was squirming under his gaze. She was just about to ask what he had said when he bent down and remarked, "Kellie forgot her teddy bear."
"Oh." She reached out her hand and replied, "I'll give it to her." He extended his hand and was about to offer it to her, when he grabbed her hand instead. She looked at him with a question in his eyes, which he ignored.
"I want to show you something," he informed her, leading her towards the bench.
"What is it?" she asked curiously, kneeling down next to him.
"Look at the bench," he instructed her. She looked at it and was surprised to see numerous dates written on it. "What is this?" she inquired, smiling at him.
He smiled back and explained, "When we were little, our dad told us that whenever something very important happened to us, we should write down the date on this bench. We each had our own little column for special days for us. I don't know why we had to do it on this bench, but it really was interesting."
He pointed to a date in his own column. "See, this was the date I didn't get in trouble with Mum even though I had caused everything. And this was the date I first met the famous Harry Potter and this here-" he paused and looked at him, with a confused expression on his face.
"And this," she questioned softly.
He frowned before looking at her. "And this was the date I first found out I was in love with you," he replied gently.
Hermione took in a deep breath, as their eyes locked and she almost thought, he was going to kiss her. Instead, he turned away from her and pulled out a quill from his pocket. She watched as he slowly scratched a date onto the bench. She waited patiently, once he'd finished and as they stood up, she asked, "And why is this day important to you?"
Ron silently offered her his hand, which she accepted willingly. As they approached the house, he replied, "This is the day, we finally became a family." Hermione didn't know why but that very statement made her smile.
***