***DISCLAIMER*** I do not, and never shall, own Harry Potter or anything
affiliated with it . . . JKR does. *sniff* But I love to play around on
her playground. I am not attempting to make a profit, I am just addicted
to writing, and fanfic is fun. The only thing I possibly own is Il Fiore
Rosso (and even that isn't totally mine! My friend had to help me with the
translation as I speak no Italian and he is fluent. It means "The Red
Flower" by the way.).
Tears from the Moon and Jedi Cosmos: You girls are great! You both made my day!
Jedi Cosmos: don't worry bout Super Frau. Haha.I get my best writing impulses in her class. I should show you my notes some time. There's German grammar (ick) and then there are more pleasant surprises. I'll bring this to school, of course (haha, gotta show Christy), but I'm glad you are reading it here too. As for credibility, I've noticed that too and it sort of ticked me off - one of the reasons I decided to write something! And I'm glad that you are reading some R/H. They really are perfect for one another.
Tears from the Moon: You WERE the first to review! Yay! Not even my little sister reviewed, LOL, and I know she read it. I'm going to say it again - thank you! You made me feel so awesome today! I'm probably sounding like a broken record here, but it's the honest truth! And I'm loving "If I Knew What to Say!" Keep it going! Your constructive criticism has really helped me! Yes, it's cool how you can meet people through fan fiction. Ok! Enough! On to the story.
Chelsea: Glad you liked the story. Enjoy this chapter too! Let me know if you post anything.
THANKS ALSO to all of my friends at school for putting up with me asking you to read what I've written all the time and for affirming me when I'm feeling down. Ya'll are the coolest! (yes, Alyx, this is me thanking you for your suggestions . . . I DO appreciate them!)
* * * * * * * * * * *
See first chapter for summary.
How Many Ways
Chapter 2: To Prove Your Love
By: Americanangel
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ron held the door for Hermione and she walked inside, followed soon by him. The restaurant must have had a charm placed upon it because it was much larger inside than it looked to be outside; then again, this didn't surprise Hermione. The outside of the building had looked very much like the other shops in Diagon Alley, with a sign over the door bearing its name. The only distinguishing features were vines snaking around the stone walls of the café façade on which many small red flowers were growing. The inside, however, looked like an Italian café rather than the other English pubs along the alley. All around the restaurant were vases of many kinds of red flowers. Red candles burned at each table on top of deep red colored tablecloths. Hallways went in all directions from the main lobby - Ron told Hermione that one led to a family area, and another was a pub serving Italian drinks, while another was for general dining, and yet another which could be rented for parties. The setting made Hermione feel warm and at ease, or maybe that was just Ron holding her hand. . .
Ron strolled over to the desk and spoke with the host, who smiled warmly at Hermione and led them down the hallway towards general dining. When they reached the table, Ron pulled out the chair for Hermione and she sat while he walked around to the other side of the table. The host handed them their menus, bowed, and returned to the entrance hall. Hermione looked around her at the room. It was relatively small, but still spacious. Candles were lit on each table and other candles floated by the walls of the room. A charmed piano and violin played music off to the side, giving the room a romantic yet still casual atmosphere. When she returned her eyes to the table she noticed Ron staring at her.
"Ron, why are you staring at me?" she asked giggling. Ron looked down quickly and blushed a deep red.
"Sorry, Mione. It's just that I've missed you - I never expected to be gone that long! It's part of the job I guess. You look so beautiful tonight; I just can't believe that I'm finally having a dinner date with the one person I've been dreaming of these four years and not another girl."
This surprised Hermione, and although she didn't show it, she was a bit apprehensive at these words. He had been dreaming of her for four years? When they broke up they had promised each other that they would see other people, or rather, now that she looked back on the event, Hermione had made Ron promise that he would see other girls. And he had - she remembered Harry telling her about a few of them, but Ron always came up with something wrong about each of them. They didn't laugh enough, they were too giggly, they were clingy, they weren't intelligent, they talked too much, they didn't talk enough, and so on. Ron had never really let her go, had always measured other girls by her and if they weren't similar enough he didn't go out with them again. Hermione laughed inside her head and thought *Maybe that's why he never had a long relationship. I'm not exactly a normal kind of girl. But what's normal?* Bringing her mind back to the table, Hermione noticed that Ron was giving her a weird look.
"Are you okay, Hermione? You've been staring into space for a good three minutes! What were you thinking about? I've said your name five times!" Ron exclaimed, looking a bit worried.
"Oh, sorry, Ron. I was just thinking about Hogwarts," Hermione replied, which was true; after all, she had been thinking about their relationship there and what had become of it.
"Oh, I see. You had a quizzical expression on your face, though. Like when you are trying to figure something out, or when you don't know what to make of a situation."
Hermione racked her brain to come up with a quick response, "Don't worry. It's nothing. Let's look at our menus, shall we?" She then opened her menu to look at the pasta selections. Ron shook his head and did the same. A few minutes later a relatively short man came over to their table to take their order. He was young and had dark hair and dark eyes; Hermione assumed that he must be one of the sons of the owner of the café. He was wearing black pants and a white dress shirt, but also deep red colored wizards' robes the same color as the tablecloths.
"Buona sera, good evening. My name is Antonio and I will be your server this evening. May I start you off with some wine from our house selection? My family has been growing grapes in the fields of Tuscany for centuries and we use only the purest grapes to make our wine, with a magical touch of course. Or would you perhaps prefer some water with lemon? What would you like, miss?" the man said as he turned to Hermione, pen poised to write on the paper.
"Acqua con il limone, per favore. Grazie," Hermione said casually as Ron and Antonio stared at her in amazement.
"You speak Italian, Mione?" Ron asked her.
"Oh, yeah. My mum's grandparents were Italian and she spent some of her childhood in Italy. She taught me how to speak Italian when I was little. Anyway, do you want any wine? I'll drink a little if you want." Hermione offered to Ron.
"Yeah, sure. Um, could we have the house wine, sir?" Ron asked, a bit bewildered by the fact that his girlfriend spoke Italian.
"Of course, sir. Would you like water with lemon as well?" Antonio asked, winking at Hermione. Ron nodded and Antonio returned to the kitchen with their order. Ron and Hermione studied the menu for a few more moments until they had decided what to eat, which they told Antonio after he brought their drinks.
They spoke of work and Ron told Hermione about a few of his latest projects, though none of them were as exciting as his missions from the past three years after his graduation from the Auror Academy. Hermione remembered that day well. The academy was in Northern Scotland and the entire Weasley clan had turned out for Ron's graduation, plus Harry, Hermione, and Remus. The Hogwarts professors were all busy so they were unable to attend the event, but Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Hagrid had all sent their best. It was a long, yet lovely, ceremony and the family had celebrated afterwards with a large dinner at the Burrow. By the end of the night, all were stuffed of Mrs. Weasley's cooking and full of good spirits.
The dinner at Il Fiore Rosso was delicious and Hermione was glad that Ron had picked the Italian café for their date. Throughout the evening Ron became more and more cheerful and Hermione noticed him staring at her many more times than the first when they had just sat. After dessert, which was a bowl of Italian ice, Ron leaned towards Hermione and took her hand gently.
"Hermione, I've honestly missed you so much. I'm so happy we're back together again. I love you."
It was at this point that Hermione cracked, "Um, Ron? Don't you think it's a bit early for love? I mean, we just got together again two weeks ago when you came back into town. I know we've known each other since we were eleven, but be reasonable. No one falls in true love in two weeks. No one."
Ron gaped at her, "Of course no one falls in love in two weeks, Mione! I've been in love with you for four years! Four years! I realized I loved you after we broke up, but I knew you wouldn't have me back just yet. You needed time to see other people, and I respect that. I was too busy anyway. But take me back, please. Believe me - I really do love you!"
Hermione was bewildered, "Are you sure about that, Ron? You really do love me?"
Ron nodded emphatically, "Yes. I love you Hermione Granger."
Hermione nodded, "Well, actions speak louder than words. You are going to have to prove that to me."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Did you like it? I hope so.leave a review please! Thanks!
~Americanangel
Tears from the Moon and Jedi Cosmos: You girls are great! You both made my day!
Jedi Cosmos: don't worry bout Super Frau. Haha.I get my best writing impulses in her class. I should show you my notes some time. There's German grammar (ick) and then there are more pleasant surprises. I'll bring this to school, of course (haha, gotta show Christy), but I'm glad you are reading it here too. As for credibility, I've noticed that too and it sort of ticked me off - one of the reasons I decided to write something! And I'm glad that you are reading some R/H. They really are perfect for one another.
Tears from the Moon: You WERE the first to review! Yay! Not even my little sister reviewed, LOL, and I know she read it. I'm going to say it again - thank you! You made me feel so awesome today! I'm probably sounding like a broken record here, but it's the honest truth! And I'm loving "If I Knew What to Say!" Keep it going! Your constructive criticism has really helped me! Yes, it's cool how you can meet people through fan fiction. Ok! Enough! On to the story.
Chelsea: Glad you liked the story. Enjoy this chapter too! Let me know if you post anything.
THANKS ALSO to all of my friends at school for putting up with me asking you to read what I've written all the time and for affirming me when I'm feeling down. Ya'll are the coolest! (yes, Alyx, this is me thanking you for your suggestions . . . I DO appreciate them!)
* * * * * * * * * * *
See first chapter for summary.
How Many Ways
Chapter 2: To Prove Your Love
By: Americanangel
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ron held the door for Hermione and she walked inside, followed soon by him. The restaurant must have had a charm placed upon it because it was much larger inside than it looked to be outside; then again, this didn't surprise Hermione. The outside of the building had looked very much like the other shops in Diagon Alley, with a sign over the door bearing its name. The only distinguishing features were vines snaking around the stone walls of the café façade on which many small red flowers were growing. The inside, however, looked like an Italian café rather than the other English pubs along the alley. All around the restaurant were vases of many kinds of red flowers. Red candles burned at each table on top of deep red colored tablecloths. Hallways went in all directions from the main lobby - Ron told Hermione that one led to a family area, and another was a pub serving Italian drinks, while another was for general dining, and yet another which could be rented for parties. The setting made Hermione feel warm and at ease, or maybe that was just Ron holding her hand. . .
Ron strolled over to the desk and spoke with the host, who smiled warmly at Hermione and led them down the hallway towards general dining. When they reached the table, Ron pulled out the chair for Hermione and she sat while he walked around to the other side of the table. The host handed them their menus, bowed, and returned to the entrance hall. Hermione looked around her at the room. It was relatively small, but still spacious. Candles were lit on each table and other candles floated by the walls of the room. A charmed piano and violin played music off to the side, giving the room a romantic yet still casual atmosphere. When she returned her eyes to the table she noticed Ron staring at her.
"Ron, why are you staring at me?" she asked giggling. Ron looked down quickly and blushed a deep red.
"Sorry, Mione. It's just that I've missed you - I never expected to be gone that long! It's part of the job I guess. You look so beautiful tonight; I just can't believe that I'm finally having a dinner date with the one person I've been dreaming of these four years and not another girl."
This surprised Hermione, and although she didn't show it, she was a bit apprehensive at these words. He had been dreaming of her for four years? When they broke up they had promised each other that they would see other people, or rather, now that she looked back on the event, Hermione had made Ron promise that he would see other girls. And he had - she remembered Harry telling her about a few of them, but Ron always came up with something wrong about each of them. They didn't laugh enough, they were too giggly, they were clingy, they weren't intelligent, they talked too much, they didn't talk enough, and so on. Ron had never really let her go, had always measured other girls by her and if they weren't similar enough he didn't go out with them again. Hermione laughed inside her head and thought *Maybe that's why he never had a long relationship. I'm not exactly a normal kind of girl. But what's normal?* Bringing her mind back to the table, Hermione noticed that Ron was giving her a weird look.
"Are you okay, Hermione? You've been staring into space for a good three minutes! What were you thinking about? I've said your name five times!" Ron exclaimed, looking a bit worried.
"Oh, sorry, Ron. I was just thinking about Hogwarts," Hermione replied, which was true; after all, she had been thinking about their relationship there and what had become of it.
"Oh, I see. You had a quizzical expression on your face, though. Like when you are trying to figure something out, or when you don't know what to make of a situation."
Hermione racked her brain to come up with a quick response, "Don't worry. It's nothing. Let's look at our menus, shall we?" She then opened her menu to look at the pasta selections. Ron shook his head and did the same. A few minutes later a relatively short man came over to their table to take their order. He was young and had dark hair and dark eyes; Hermione assumed that he must be one of the sons of the owner of the café. He was wearing black pants and a white dress shirt, but also deep red colored wizards' robes the same color as the tablecloths.
"Buona sera, good evening. My name is Antonio and I will be your server this evening. May I start you off with some wine from our house selection? My family has been growing grapes in the fields of Tuscany for centuries and we use only the purest grapes to make our wine, with a magical touch of course. Or would you perhaps prefer some water with lemon? What would you like, miss?" the man said as he turned to Hermione, pen poised to write on the paper.
"Acqua con il limone, per favore. Grazie," Hermione said casually as Ron and Antonio stared at her in amazement.
"You speak Italian, Mione?" Ron asked her.
"Oh, yeah. My mum's grandparents were Italian and she spent some of her childhood in Italy. She taught me how to speak Italian when I was little. Anyway, do you want any wine? I'll drink a little if you want." Hermione offered to Ron.
"Yeah, sure. Um, could we have the house wine, sir?" Ron asked, a bit bewildered by the fact that his girlfriend spoke Italian.
"Of course, sir. Would you like water with lemon as well?" Antonio asked, winking at Hermione. Ron nodded and Antonio returned to the kitchen with their order. Ron and Hermione studied the menu for a few more moments until they had decided what to eat, which they told Antonio after he brought their drinks.
They spoke of work and Ron told Hermione about a few of his latest projects, though none of them were as exciting as his missions from the past three years after his graduation from the Auror Academy. Hermione remembered that day well. The academy was in Northern Scotland and the entire Weasley clan had turned out for Ron's graduation, plus Harry, Hermione, and Remus. The Hogwarts professors were all busy so they were unable to attend the event, but Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Hagrid had all sent their best. It was a long, yet lovely, ceremony and the family had celebrated afterwards with a large dinner at the Burrow. By the end of the night, all were stuffed of Mrs. Weasley's cooking and full of good spirits.
The dinner at Il Fiore Rosso was delicious and Hermione was glad that Ron had picked the Italian café for their date. Throughout the evening Ron became more and more cheerful and Hermione noticed him staring at her many more times than the first when they had just sat. After dessert, which was a bowl of Italian ice, Ron leaned towards Hermione and took her hand gently.
"Hermione, I've honestly missed you so much. I'm so happy we're back together again. I love you."
It was at this point that Hermione cracked, "Um, Ron? Don't you think it's a bit early for love? I mean, we just got together again two weeks ago when you came back into town. I know we've known each other since we were eleven, but be reasonable. No one falls in true love in two weeks. No one."
Ron gaped at her, "Of course no one falls in love in two weeks, Mione! I've been in love with you for four years! Four years! I realized I loved you after we broke up, but I knew you wouldn't have me back just yet. You needed time to see other people, and I respect that. I was too busy anyway. But take me back, please. Believe me - I really do love you!"
Hermione was bewildered, "Are you sure about that, Ron? You really do love me?"
Ron nodded emphatically, "Yes. I love you Hermione Granger."
Hermione nodded, "Well, actions speak louder than words. You are going to have to prove that to me."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Did you like it? I hope so.leave a review please! Thanks!
~Americanangel
