Disclaimer: Still don't own it yet…Oh but how I wish I could take it from J.K. Rowling, that lucky woman!
CHAPTER XXIX: THE END
"Mum, where is he?" Kellie asked, jumping up and down excitedly.
"I'm sure he'll be here any minute," Hermione soothed gently, while looking up at Ginny, who was waiting with her.
Jason rolled his eyes at his twin. "Kellie, will you relax. Dad said he might be a little late and that we shouldn't worry."
Kellie pouted. "I know, but he's been gone for so long with Harry. Where could he be?"
"He probably got caught up in something," he remarked.
"You could say that again," a voice spoke up from behind Hermione. She turned around quickly and found a grinning redhead facing her.
"Daddy, where have you been?" Kellie squealed, wrapping her arms around her father, as he lifted her up.
"Sorry, squirt, but I got so wrapped up in what I was doing that I completely forgot the time," he explained, while planting a kiss on her forehead. "It wasn't until Harry reminded me that we would be late in our lunch with Hermione and Ginny that I remembered I had to get going," he continued and over her bushy head, he mouthed, "Hey `Mione."
She smiled as Kellie laid her head on her father's shoulder, causing Hermione to sigh to herself. What would it be like if Ron lived with her kids permanently. At the moment, he was still living at the Burrow, but she couldn't help feeling that he was probably thinking about the same thing; would they ever live together as a proper family or would they have live separately? After all, they weren't exactly married and yet they had kids.
"Hey don't forget me," Jason complained, while extending his arms to his father. Ron chuckled as he lifted Jason up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Well, now that we've met, let's get moving," Harry instructed, while linking his arm with Ginny. Hermione smiled at this action, half-wishing that Ron would do the same thing to her. Unfortunately, at that moment, his arms were full of his kids. So shaking her head to herself, she apparated to The Leaky Cauldron, along with the rest of them.
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"So as I was saying, Hermione was completely drunk. I mean, she was totaled," Neville continued, as Harry and Ron looked at him in shock.
"What are you trying to say, Nev? That the lady sitting over there with my sister and kids was drunk. As in completely off her knocker?" Ron asked incredulously.
Neville nodded his head seriously, as he laid before them their drinks. "Sad but true. But after all, she was just returning from the hospital and she was in distress," he remarked, coming to her support immediately.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Of course Neville, you do earn a certain gratitude to Hermione, but c'mon. How often do you see the great Hermione Granger drunk?" he pointed out.
Ron grinned gleefully. "Hey Harry, let's torture Hermione a bit with this little piece of information." Harry smiled back. "Let's," he agreed automatically, as he grabbed their drinks.
"Just don't get me in trouble," Neville pleaded. Ron patted his arm sympathetically. "We wouldn't think of it, Neville." He looked relieved and wiped his brow. That was close. Excusing himself from the two boys, he headed off to wait on his other customers.
"Well, what are you two smirking about?" Ginny inquired suspiciously, as Harry handed her drink to her. He slid into the seat next to her and draped his arm around her shoulder. "Why doesn't Ron tell you," he began, while taking a long sip of his drink.
"Tell us what?" Hermione asked curiously. Ron smiled at her, as he handed his kids their drinks. "Now, now Hermione. Didn't they teach you at Hogwarts that you have to be patient once in a while," he chided gently.
She stuck out her tongue at him, which caused her children to giggle at their parents' silly behavior. "Okay so what were you smiling about?" she asked casually.
Ron sighed dramatically and leaned back in his chair. "Neville told us something very interesting about," he paused and looked at the expectant audience. "About someone," he finished slowly, causing Harry to stifle a snicker.
"Oh," Ginny spoke, glancing at the two men. "About who?" she asked. Ron gave Hermione a sly look. Taking a long sip of his drink, he finished, "About Hermione."
"Me?" Hermione squeaked, while placing a hand on her chest. "What did he have to say about me?" she questioned, while searching her mind for something that Neville could have told them about her, something that they wouldn't already know.
"Tut, tut," Harry began, leaning towards his best friend. "Hermione, I'm ashamed of you. When I first found out, I was shocked. How could you possibly become-" he paused dramatically and gave Ron the signal to complete the sentence, "drunk?" Ron finished.
"What?" Hermione shrieked. She looked at her two best friends. "Neville told you that I was drunk?" she asked breathlessly.
Ron and Harry smiled at her as she glanced at Neville, who was busy trying to hide him from her stony glare. "And I thought bartenders were under oath never to reveal what their customers told them," she hissed silently.
Ron snorted and she cast him with a fierce look. Looking back at Neville's crouched position, she muttered under her breath, I'll deal with him later." This caused Ron and Harry to burst into raucous laughter.
"Oh Hermione, you always know how to make me laugh," Harry remarked, as the tears streamed down his cheeks. "I haven't laughed this much in a long time," he continued, while Ginny silently snickered at his side. Ron was busy clutching his sides, as his two children watched on in amusement. Hermione fixed everyone with a stern face.
"And may I ask what is so funny about me being drunk?" she asked, her voice rising slightly.
Ron controlled his laughter as he replied to her question. "It's not funny, `Mione. It's just very surprising, that's all."
"Yea," Harry added, while rubbing his eyes. "It's just very unlike you and it kind of shocked us."
Hermione was silent for a while before exploding, "Well, in that case, I'll just have to make myself drunk more often then. In fact, I'll go get myself drunk right now." She stood up abruptly and was just about to head towards the bar, when Jason grabbed her hand and said, "Mum, don't. We're here to have lunch. You can get drunk later."
"Yes Mum," Ron pleaded, gripping her other hand. She eyed him suspiciously as he went on, "Jason's right. You can get drunk," she raised her eyebrows at him, as he concluded, "later." He patted her seat. "Sit down and enjoy the afternoon." She frowned at him, but nonetheless sat down, while Jason happily resumed drinking his Butterbeer.
So the afternoon carried on rather pleasantly, and as the lunch drew to an end, Hermione couldn't help but feel something very important was going to happen. She was just about to ask her friends, why she would be feeling this way, when Ginny cleared her throat and began, "Excuse me, but I have to go to the bathroom."
Ron didn't look up from the Daily Prophet he and Jason were sharing as they checked the current Quidditch results, but Harry gestured for her to leave.
She smiled at him and blew him a kiss but once she got up, Harry resumed his conversation with Kellie, who would always be his favorite. Taking advantage of their inattentiveness, Ginny motioned for Hermione to follow her. She curiously put her napkin on the table and followed Ginny to the bathroom, where they could talk in private.
When they got there, Ginny squealed, "Hermione, you know what I think?"
Hermione stared at her strangely. "No, I don't know. What is it?"
Ginny sighed dreamily and leaned against the wall. "I think Harry's about to propose to me," she informed her.
Hermione blinked her eyes rapidly. "What did you say Gin?"
Ginny looked at her best friend and repeated what she had said, causing Hermione to look at her in shock.
"Really?" She nodded her head, as Hermione threw her arms around her best friend.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you, but wait a minute." She released Ginny and looked at her confused. "What makes you so certain that Harry's going to propose to you?" she inquired, hoping she didn't sound to doubtful.
Ginny grinned slyly. "You'll probably hate for this, but I felt something in his pocket. So I used my wand and I"
"Ginny, you didn't," Hermione exclaimed. She nodded and lowered her head, in order to hide her grin.
Hermione shook her head. "All Weasleys are the same. They're so darn curious," she cried, throwing her arms in the air.
"Hey, we can't help it," Ginny remarked defensively. "After all, it's in our blood," she pointed out.
She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure, Gin," she replied sarcastically, but smiled at the younger girl.
Ginny smiled back and wrapped her arms around herself. "I just don't know when he'll propose," she murmured softly.
"Who knows, he could do it tonight?" Hermione reassured her.
"I suppose." She frowned slightly and turned to Hermione. "Hermione, if Harry went to go get an engagement ring for me, do you think that Ron did the same thing for you?"
Hermione looked at her incredulously. It definitely was a possibility…
Meanwhile, while the girls were inside the bathroom, Ron and Harry found themselves in a very serious conversation with the two kids. Once the girls had left, all four of them had been engrossed in their activities, whether it was discussing the latest Quidditch plays or talking about the current play he or she was starring in.
But gradually, the conversation shifted to a topic that Ron had never openly discussed with Hermione or her kids. Apparently, however, her kids were more curious than Hermione, herself. It was Kellie who took the first step.
"Dad, can I ask you something?" she began slowly.
Ron smiled at his daughter and squeezed her tiny hand firmly. "Sure thing, kid. What's on your mind?"
Kellie looked at Jason, who gave her a nod of encouragement. Both of them had wanted to ask their parents about this but they never knew how to start. Today, however, was the right time. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Well, you know how Jason and I are your kids, and Mommy's, as well. Right?"
He nodded his head and stole a glance at Harry, who was waiting apprehensively for Kellie to continue. He casually lifted his coffee cup and brought it to his lips, as Kellie carried on, "So since we are your kids, then shouldn't you and Mum be married?"
Ron chocked on his coffee, spraying them with his drink.
"Ron," Harry shrieked, leaping up in surprise.
"Sorry, Harry," Ron muttered and turned to his kids. "What gave you the idea that we had to be married?" he asked his kids.
Jason shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Well, all our friends' parents are married and live together but you and Mum aren't even married and don't even live together and yet we're your children. How's that possible?"
"A very long sentence," Kellie muttered under her breath, which was immediately received with Jason sticking his tongue out at her.
Ron ran his hands frantically through his hair. How could he explain to them about the circumstances in which these two wonderful kids came into this earth? After all, they were still too young.
"Kids, I don't know how to explain this to you," he started, wringing his hands desperately, while looking at Harry for help. He shrugged his shoulders at him and called for the waiter to bring their check.
"But don't you and Mum love each other?" Kellie asked, her blue eyes full of wonder.
"We do, it's just that-" Ron never got a chance to finish his sentence for at that moment Hermione and Ginny had returned from the bathroom, both of them wearing identical expressions on their faces.
"What's up?" Harry asked.
Hermione grinned at Ginny, as she burst into a fit of giggles. "Nothing Harry." She looked at Ron and inquired, "Ready to leave?" He nodded his head dumbly and together they gathered up their things and apparated from the Leaky Cauldron.
Once they arrived back at Hermione's apartment, Hermione and Ron went to tuck their kids in their beds. It had been a long day and the children needed their rest. While they were tucking them in, Harry approached Ginny.
He awkwardly shuffled his feet before beginning, "Hey Ginny."
Ginny continued examining her appearance in the mirror but replied, "Yes Harry."
He nervously loosened his collar and answered hesitantly, "Can I talk to you for a second?"
"Sure," she turned away from the mirror and smiled at him. She gestured towards the living room. "Let's talk," she stated.
Harry shook his head stubbornly. "Somewhere in private," he informed her. Her face changed expressions as realization swept over her. She took a deep breath and joined Harry outside the apartment, so they could talk in private.
Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione were watching their kids fall asleep. Ron, however, was watching Hermione as she sang to her son. "She sure does have a beautiful voice," he mused to himself, as she finished off her lullaby and leaned forward to plant a kiss on his forehead.
As she looked up, she caught eyes with Ron and gave him a small smile. He smiled back as she slowly stood up from the bed and motioned him to do the same. Very carefully, as not to disturb Kellie, he got up from the bed and joined Hermione at the door. As they stood together in the doorway, Hermione whispered, "Aren't they adorable?"
"Yes, they are," he murmured back as he draped an arm around her shoulder. "And we created them," he whispered as he kissed her head. She lifted her head and looked at him with a strange expression on her face. Shaking her head, she moved away from his grasp and headed towards the living room. Confused, Ron walked after her.
"Hermione, are you all right?" he asked, his face full of concern.
She bent low to straighten the pile of magazines on her coffee table, and glancing up, she tucked a stray hair behind her ear, and answered, "Yes, I'm fine. What makes you think I'm not all right?"
He shrugged his shoulders and flopped down on the couch. "Well, you seem quite distracted lately and you just don't seem yourself. I'm worried about you," he admitted shyly.
She gave him a strange look before answering softly, "Thank you for worrying, Ron." She shook her head as if clearing her mind. "But, I'm fine. Seriously." She started to make her way towards the kitchen, when suddenly Ron grabbed her hand, "Oh no you don't," and forced her to sit down next to him.
"`Mione, I think you need a break," he remarked.
She rolled her eyes at him. "You think." She made a move to get up, but Ron stopped her by placing a large hand over hers. She raised her eyebrows at him, but upon noticing his thoughtful expression, her own face softened and she asked gently, "What is it, Ron?"
He avoided making eye contact with her at that moment, but answered, "Hermione, there's something that's been bothering me for a really long time. I really don't know how to say this and-" he paused and looked at her. "This isn't exactly the way I planned on asking you," he finished quietly.
Hermione questioned curiously, "Ask me what?"
He sighed as he got up from the couch and bending down on one knee, he stood before her, as the truth suddenly dawned on her. "Oh Ron, I-"
He held up a hand, but didn't let go off hers. "Hermione, please," he pleaded. "Don't make this any more difficult than it already is." Slowly, he dug his hand into his pocket and kept it there. He continued, "Hermione, I've known you for a really long time and I know you'd probably want me to ramble on about how you changed from since I first met you on the Hogwarts Express, eleven years ago. But trust me, you have. I just want you to know that I loved you then and I love you now.
Nothing can change the love I have for you. It's something so deep and so strong that only when I'm near you, I feel complete. I don't know what I'd do if I ever had to see sharing your life with someone else. It wouldn't seem right." He paused as he noticed the tears starting to form in her eyes. Releasing her hand, he gently placed his hand on her cheek and with his thumb; he wiped away the stray tear that slipped away. "Don't cry, `Mione. I want this to be a happy day. I want you to be happy when I ask you if-" he stopped as he pulled out a tiny velvet box from his pocket and slowly opened the lid, revealing a sapphire ring. "If you will marry me?" he finished quietly.
Hermione felt as though she was back in her second year and had just been petrified. Her body was frozen with fear and she had no control over her emotions. Her cheeks were wet with tears and through the fountain she was creating, she could see Ron's blue eyes looking at her expectantly, and in his hands was a ring, proposing marriage and all she could say was, "Ron, I-" she stopped as she looked down at the sapphire ring. It really was a beauty and she could only imagine what it would like if it were on her hand. She slowly lifted a hand and fingered its shape.
Ron was rambling on about how he was sorry he couldn't afford a diamond for an engagement, but this was the only ring he could afford and how even though he had no current job he would get one soon. After all, he defeated Voldemort. He was bound to become an Auror sooner or later. He was just continuing about how if there was someone else she would marry, when she realized she'd had enough. With all the energy she could muster, she grabbed Ron by his shirt and pulled him closer so she could press her lips firmly against his.
She felt his exclamation but he slowly relaxed under her grip. Finally, they pulled apart, and she stared steadily into Ron's face. His blue eyes were twinkling and there was a small smile lingering on his face. He said in a low voice, "I'll take that as a yes, then."
She smiled at his apprehensiveness and slowly placed her palm on his cheek. "Yes Ron, I will marry you," she stated softly.
Ron's face finally split into a grin, as he let out a loud whoop! "Yes, Hermione Granger's going to marry me!" he cheered happily.
"Ron, shh, keep your voice down. The kids will wake up," she warned, but all worries were forgotten, as Ron pushed her down onto the couch and kissed her with all the passion he had pent up inside of him. She found herself lying on the couch on her back with Ron on top of her, but suddenly nothing mattered to her anymore. She didn't see her children's wide eyes as they saw their parents kiss, nor did she hear Ginny's squeals of happiness, after Harry proposed to her. She was only aware of Ron and his love for her. Her heart swelled with happiness, as he murmured against her lips, "I love you, Hermione."
"I love you too," she whispered, he reluctantly ended the kiss. She looked at him with a confused expression on her face. She wanted to ask what was wrong, but never had the chance, because at that moment, Ron had rushed out the door and was yelling, "Harry, you won't believe it! She said YES!"
***
CHAPTER XXIX: THE END
"Mum, where is he?" Kellie asked, jumping up and down excitedly.
"I'm sure he'll be here any minute," Hermione soothed gently, while looking up at Ginny, who was waiting with her.
Jason rolled his eyes at his twin. "Kellie, will you relax. Dad said he might be a little late and that we shouldn't worry."
Kellie pouted. "I know, but he's been gone for so long with Harry. Where could he be?"
"He probably got caught up in something," he remarked.
"You could say that again," a voice spoke up from behind Hermione. She turned around quickly and found a grinning redhead facing her.
"Daddy, where have you been?" Kellie squealed, wrapping her arms around her father, as he lifted her up.
"Sorry, squirt, but I got so wrapped up in what I was doing that I completely forgot the time," he explained, while planting a kiss on her forehead. "It wasn't until Harry reminded me that we would be late in our lunch with Hermione and Ginny that I remembered I had to get going," he continued and over her bushy head, he mouthed, "Hey `Mione."
She smiled as Kellie laid her head on her father's shoulder, causing Hermione to sigh to herself. What would it be like if Ron lived with her kids permanently. At the moment, he was still living at the Burrow, but she couldn't help feeling that he was probably thinking about the same thing; would they ever live together as a proper family or would they have live separately? After all, they weren't exactly married and yet they had kids.
"Hey don't forget me," Jason complained, while extending his arms to his father. Ron chuckled as he lifted Jason up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Well, now that we've met, let's get moving," Harry instructed, while linking his arm with Ginny. Hermione smiled at this action, half-wishing that Ron would do the same thing to her. Unfortunately, at that moment, his arms were full of his kids. So shaking her head to herself, she apparated to The Leaky Cauldron, along with the rest of them.
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"So as I was saying, Hermione was completely drunk. I mean, she was totaled," Neville continued, as Harry and Ron looked at him in shock.
"What are you trying to say, Nev? That the lady sitting over there with my sister and kids was drunk. As in completely off her knocker?" Ron asked incredulously.
Neville nodded his head seriously, as he laid before them their drinks. "Sad but true. But after all, she was just returning from the hospital and she was in distress," he remarked, coming to her support immediately.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Of course Neville, you do earn a certain gratitude to Hermione, but c'mon. How often do you see the great Hermione Granger drunk?" he pointed out.
Ron grinned gleefully. "Hey Harry, let's torture Hermione a bit with this little piece of information." Harry smiled back. "Let's," he agreed automatically, as he grabbed their drinks.
"Just don't get me in trouble," Neville pleaded. Ron patted his arm sympathetically. "We wouldn't think of it, Neville." He looked relieved and wiped his brow. That was close. Excusing himself from the two boys, he headed off to wait on his other customers.
"Well, what are you two smirking about?" Ginny inquired suspiciously, as Harry handed her drink to her. He slid into the seat next to her and draped his arm around her shoulder. "Why doesn't Ron tell you," he began, while taking a long sip of his drink.
"Tell us what?" Hermione asked curiously. Ron smiled at her, as he handed his kids their drinks. "Now, now Hermione. Didn't they teach you at Hogwarts that you have to be patient once in a while," he chided gently.
She stuck out her tongue at him, which caused her children to giggle at their parents' silly behavior. "Okay so what were you smiling about?" she asked casually.
Ron sighed dramatically and leaned back in his chair. "Neville told us something very interesting about," he paused and looked at the expectant audience. "About someone," he finished slowly, causing Harry to stifle a snicker.
"Oh," Ginny spoke, glancing at the two men. "About who?" she asked. Ron gave Hermione a sly look. Taking a long sip of his drink, he finished, "About Hermione."
"Me?" Hermione squeaked, while placing a hand on her chest. "What did he have to say about me?" she questioned, while searching her mind for something that Neville could have told them about her, something that they wouldn't already know.
"Tut, tut," Harry began, leaning towards his best friend. "Hermione, I'm ashamed of you. When I first found out, I was shocked. How could you possibly become-" he paused dramatically and gave Ron the signal to complete the sentence, "drunk?" Ron finished.
"What?" Hermione shrieked. She looked at her two best friends. "Neville told you that I was drunk?" she asked breathlessly.
Ron and Harry smiled at her as she glanced at Neville, who was busy trying to hide him from her stony glare. "And I thought bartenders were under oath never to reveal what their customers told them," she hissed silently.
Ron snorted and she cast him with a fierce look. Looking back at Neville's crouched position, she muttered under her breath, I'll deal with him later." This caused Ron and Harry to burst into raucous laughter.
"Oh Hermione, you always know how to make me laugh," Harry remarked, as the tears streamed down his cheeks. "I haven't laughed this much in a long time," he continued, while Ginny silently snickered at his side. Ron was busy clutching his sides, as his two children watched on in amusement. Hermione fixed everyone with a stern face.
"And may I ask what is so funny about me being drunk?" she asked, her voice rising slightly.
Ron controlled his laughter as he replied to her question. "It's not funny, `Mione. It's just very surprising, that's all."
"Yea," Harry added, while rubbing his eyes. "It's just very unlike you and it kind of shocked us."
Hermione was silent for a while before exploding, "Well, in that case, I'll just have to make myself drunk more often then. In fact, I'll go get myself drunk right now." She stood up abruptly and was just about to head towards the bar, when Jason grabbed her hand and said, "Mum, don't. We're here to have lunch. You can get drunk later."
"Yes Mum," Ron pleaded, gripping her other hand. She eyed him suspiciously as he went on, "Jason's right. You can get drunk," she raised her eyebrows at him, as he concluded, "later." He patted her seat. "Sit down and enjoy the afternoon." She frowned at him, but nonetheless sat down, while Jason happily resumed drinking his Butterbeer.
So the afternoon carried on rather pleasantly, and as the lunch drew to an end, Hermione couldn't help but feel something very important was going to happen. She was just about to ask her friends, why she would be feeling this way, when Ginny cleared her throat and began, "Excuse me, but I have to go to the bathroom."
Ron didn't look up from the Daily Prophet he and Jason were sharing as they checked the current Quidditch results, but Harry gestured for her to leave.
She smiled at him and blew him a kiss but once she got up, Harry resumed his conversation with Kellie, who would always be his favorite. Taking advantage of their inattentiveness, Ginny motioned for Hermione to follow her. She curiously put her napkin on the table and followed Ginny to the bathroom, where they could talk in private.
When they got there, Ginny squealed, "Hermione, you know what I think?"
Hermione stared at her strangely. "No, I don't know. What is it?"
Ginny sighed dreamily and leaned against the wall. "I think Harry's about to propose to me," she informed her.
Hermione blinked her eyes rapidly. "What did you say Gin?"
Ginny looked at her best friend and repeated what she had said, causing Hermione to look at her in shock.
"Really?" She nodded her head, as Hermione threw her arms around her best friend.
"Oh, I'm so happy for you, but wait a minute." She released Ginny and looked at her confused. "What makes you so certain that Harry's going to propose to you?" she inquired, hoping she didn't sound to doubtful.
Ginny grinned slyly. "You'll probably hate for this, but I felt something in his pocket. So I used my wand and I"
"Ginny, you didn't," Hermione exclaimed. She nodded and lowered her head, in order to hide her grin.
Hermione shook her head. "All Weasleys are the same. They're so darn curious," she cried, throwing her arms in the air.
"Hey, we can't help it," Ginny remarked defensively. "After all, it's in our blood," she pointed out.
She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure, Gin," she replied sarcastically, but smiled at the younger girl.
Ginny smiled back and wrapped her arms around herself. "I just don't know when he'll propose," she murmured softly.
"Who knows, he could do it tonight?" Hermione reassured her.
"I suppose." She frowned slightly and turned to Hermione. "Hermione, if Harry went to go get an engagement ring for me, do you think that Ron did the same thing for you?"
Hermione looked at her incredulously. It definitely was a possibility…
Meanwhile, while the girls were inside the bathroom, Ron and Harry found themselves in a very serious conversation with the two kids. Once the girls had left, all four of them had been engrossed in their activities, whether it was discussing the latest Quidditch plays or talking about the current play he or she was starring in.
But gradually, the conversation shifted to a topic that Ron had never openly discussed with Hermione or her kids. Apparently, however, her kids were more curious than Hermione, herself. It was Kellie who took the first step.
"Dad, can I ask you something?" she began slowly.
Ron smiled at his daughter and squeezed her tiny hand firmly. "Sure thing, kid. What's on your mind?"
Kellie looked at Jason, who gave her a nod of encouragement. Both of them had wanted to ask their parents about this but they never knew how to start. Today, however, was the right time. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Well, you know how Jason and I are your kids, and Mommy's, as well. Right?"
He nodded his head and stole a glance at Harry, who was waiting apprehensively for Kellie to continue. He casually lifted his coffee cup and brought it to his lips, as Kellie carried on, "So since we are your kids, then shouldn't you and Mum be married?"
Ron chocked on his coffee, spraying them with his drink.
"Ron," Harry shrieked, leaping up in surprise.
"Sorry, Harry," Ron muttered and turned to his kids. "What gave you the idea that we had to be married?" he asked his kids.
Jason shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Well, all our friends' parents are married and live together but you and Mum aren't even married and don't even live together and yet we're your children. How's that possible?"
"A very long sentence," Kellie muttered under her breath, which was immediately received with Jason sticking his tongue out at her.
Ron ran his hands frantically through his hair. How could he explain to them about the circumstances in which these two wonderful kids came into this earth? After all, they were still too young.
"Kids, I don't know how to explain this to you," he started, wringing his hands desperately, while looking at Harry for help. He shrugged his shoulders at him and called for the waiter to bring their check.
"But don't you and Mum love each other?" Kellie asked, her blue eyes full of wonder.
"We do, it's just that-" Ron never got a chance to finish his sentence for at that moment Hermione and Ginny had returned from the bathroom, both of them wearing identical expressions on their faces.
"What's up?" Harry asked.
Hermione grinned at Ginny, as she burst into a fit of giggles. "Nothing Harry." She looked at Ron and inquired, "Ready to leave?" He nodded his head dumbly and together they gathered up their things and apparated from the Leaky Cauldron.
Once they arrived back at Hermione's apartment, Hermione and Ron went to tuck their kids in their beds. It had been a long day and the children needed their rest. While they were tucking them in, Harry approached Ginny.
He awkwardly shuffled his feet before beginning, "Hey Ginny."
Ginny continued examining her appearance in the mirror but replied, "Yes Harry."
He nervously loosened his collar and answered hesitantly, "Can I talk to you for a second?"
"Sure," she turned away from the mirror and smiled at him. She gestured towards the living room. "Let's talk," she stated.
Harry shook his head stubbornly. "Somewhere in private," he informed her. Her face changed expressions as realization swept over her. She took a deep breath and joined Harry outside the apartment, so they could talk in private.
Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione were watching their kids fall asleep. Ron, however, was watching Hermione as she sang to her son. "She sure does have a beautiful voice," he mused to himself, as she finished off her lullaby and leaned forward to plant a kiss on his forehead.
As she looked up, she caught eyes with Ron and gave him a small smile. He smiled back as she slowly stood up from the bed and motioned him to do the same. Very carefully, as not to disturb Kellie, he got up from the bed and joined Hermione at the door. As they stood together in the doorway, Hermione whispered, "Aren't they adorable?"
"Yes, they are," he murmured back as he draped an arm around her shoulder. "And we created them," he whispered as he kissed her head. She lifted her head and looked at him with a strange expression on her face. Shaking her head, she moved away from his grasp and headed towards the living room. Confused, Ron walked after her.
"Hermione, are you all right?" he asked, his face full of concern.
She bent low to straighten the pile of magazines on her coffee table, and glancing up, she tucked a stray hair behind her ear, and answered, "Yes, I'm fine. What makes you think I'm not all right?"
He shrugged his shoulders and flopped down on the couch. "Well, you seem quite distracted lately and you just don't seem yourself. I'm worried about you," he admitted shyly.
She gave him a strange look before answering softly, "Thank you for worrying, Ron." She shook her head as if clearing her mind. "But, I'm fine. Seriously." She started to make her way towards the kitchen, when suddenly Ron grabbed her hand, "Oh no you don't," and forced her to sit down next to him.
"`Mione, I think you need a break," he remarked.
She rolled her eyes at him. "You think." She made a move to get up, but Ron stopped her by placing a large hand over hers. She raised her eyebrows at him, but upon noticing his thoughtful expression, her own face softened and she asked gently, "What is it, Ron?"
He avoided making eye contact with her at that moment, but answered, "Hermione, there's something that's been bothering me for a really long time. I really don't know how to say this and-" he paused and looked at her. "This isn't exactly the way I planned on asking you," he finished quietly.
Hermione questioned curiously, "Ask me what?"
He sighed as he got up from the couch and bending down on one knee, he stood before her, as the truth suddenly dawned on her. "Oh Ron, I-"
He held up a hand, but didn't let go off hers. "Hermione, please," he pleaded. "Don't make this any more difficult than it already is." Slowly, he dug his hand into his pocket and kept it there. He continued, "Hermione, I've known you for a really long time and I know you'd probably want me to ramble on about how you changed from since I first met you on the Hogwarts Express, eleven years ago. But trust me, you have. I just want you to know that I loved you then and I love you now.
Nothing can change the love I have for you. It's something so deep and so strong that only when I'm near you, I feel complete. I don't know what I'd do if I ever had to see sharing your life with someone else. It wouldn't seem right." He paused as he noticed the tears starting to form in her eyes. Releasing her hand, he gently placed his hand on her cheek and with his thumb; he wiped away the stray tear that slipped away. "Don't cry, `Mione. I want this to be a happy day. I want you to be happy when I ask you if-" he stopped as he pulled out a tiny velvet box from his pocket and slowly opened the lid, revealing a sapphire ring. "If you will marry me?" he finished quietly.
Hermione felt as though she was back in her second year and had just been petrified. Her body was frozen with fear and she had no control over her emotions. Her cheeks were wet with tears and through the fountain she was creating, she could see Ron's blue eyes looking at her expectantly, and in his hands was a ring, proposing marriage and all she could say was, "Ron, I-" she stopped as she looked down at the sapphire ring. It really was a beauty and she could only imagine what it would like if it were on her hand. She slowly lifted a hand and fingered its shape.
Ron was rambling on about how he was sorry he couldn't afford a diamond for an engagement, but this was the only ring he could afford and how even though he had no current job he would get one soon. After all, he defeated Voldemort. He was bound to become an Auror sooner or later. He was just continuing about how if there was someone else she would marry, when she realized she'd had enough. With all the energy she could muster, she grabbed Ron by his shirt and pulled him closer so she could press her lips firmly against his.
She felt his exclamation but he slowly relaxed under her grip. Finally, they pulled apart, and she stared steadily into Ron's face. His blue eyes were twinkling and there was a small smile lingering on his face. He said in a low voice, "I'll take that as a yes, then."
She smiled at his apprehensiveness and slowly placed her palm on his cheek. "Yes Ron, I will marry you," she stated softly.
Ron's face finally split into a grin, as he let out a loud whoop! "Yes, Hermione Granger's going to marry me!" he cheered happily.
"Ron, shh, keep your voice down. The kids will wake up," she warned, but all worries were forgotten, as Ron pushed her down onto the couch and kissed her with all the passion he had pent up inside of him. She found herself lying on the couch on her back with Ron on top of her, but suddenly nothing mattered to her anymore. She didn't see her children's wide eyes as they saw their parents kiss, nor did she hear Ginny's squeals of happiness, after Harry proposed to her. She was only aware of Ron and his love for her. Her heart swelled with happiness, as he murmured against her lips, "I love you, Hermione."
"I love you too," she whispered, he reluctantly ended the kiss. She looked at him with a confused expression on her face. She wanted to ask what was wrong, but never had the chance, because at that moment, Ron had rushed out the door and was yelling, "Harry, you won't believe it! She said YES!"
***