***DISCLAIMER*** I don't own Harry Potter or anything affiliated with the
Harry Potter series, JKR and Warner Bros do.
Fredngeorgegirl, Cal Burkes, mimi, jaxi, triniroo ~ thanks! Enjoy!
Tears from the Moon ~ Thanks. Glad you saw the purpose and didn't miss the point! *sigh* and yes, I want Ron too.
Sakeena ~ Well you can't expect Ron to be perfect, now can you? He can't always be sweet and thoughtful, no guy (or girl!) is! You may get to see Ron all snazzy in his dress robes. Hehe, you'll see!
Felicia ~ yup, Ron is screwed; thanks for reviewing!
Angelofboox ~ I have an American friend who lived in London for a while and she said that American biscuits are called scones in British English, but I'm checking also with a British friend of mine who lives in Alesbury (I probably just completely butchered that name) and lived in the States for a while. Ron will get around to better ways to prove himself, you'll see!
* * * * * * * * * * *
How Many Ways
Chapter 9 ~ Forgive and Forget?
By Americanangel
* * * * * * * * * * *
Quote to go with chapter:
"Forgiveness is the answer to the child's dream of a miracle by which what is broken is made whole again, what is soiled is again made clean."
* Dag Hammarskjöld (I don't know who he is, I just found this quote after searching at google)
Also:
"It is easier to forgive an enemy than it is to forgive a friend."
William Blake
And my favorite of all the ones I read:
"Forgiveness is the final form of love."
Reinhold Niebuhr
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione fell into a deep sleep just after midnight and didn't wake up the next day until late morning. Ginny figured that she was only exhausted from the night before and decided not to wake her as it was Saturday and she didn't have to work. When Hermione finally made her way downstairs in her robe to make some tea, Ginny saw from her puffy eyes and downcast expression that something was not right.
"Hermione?" she gasped, "What's wrong?"
Hermione waved her off as she set the water to boil, "Oh, nothing Ginny. The evening just didn't go well."
"Well, it doesn't look like nothing," Ginny replied, "Please tell me what my git of a brother did to you."
Hermione shrugged, "He just forgot, that's all. He forgets lots of things. I'm sure he didn't mean to . . ."
Ginny cut her off, "But this was really important to you! I mean, you go to all of his ceremonies and events he is required to attend when he asks. The least he could do would be to go to yours."
Hermione poured her tea into a cup and ate the last scone as Ginny continued, "And you have been crying; it obviously affected you more than that."
Hermione nodded, "Yes, there was more. I guess the person who made me the most upset was Malfoy."
Ginny looked puzzled, "Malfoy? What was he doing there?"
"He must have a ministry position at the same level as me or higher," Hermione replied, "Anyway, he was just insulting me more than he usually does and making fun of you and your brother. I was sick of it. He was also pushing the fact that Ron wasn't there, which really hurt me."
Ginny sighed, "It isn't that hard to remember an event, especially when the person you are in love with invites you! Oh dear, the challenge. What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," Hermione replied slowly, "That all depends on what he does. I'm going to go take a shower, Gin. I should at least look presentable, even if I'm staying at home to work." Ginny nodded and waited until she heard the shower running to Apparate to Ron and Harry's apartment.
* * *
"RONALD CHRISTOPHER WEASLEY!" Ginny yelled into the expanse of the apartment from the family room, to which she had Apparated. Ron stumbled into the room from the kitchen and his eyes were wide with apprehension, but he relaxed when he saw his sister.
"G - Ginny, what's going on?" he asked in a nervous sort of voice.
"YOU KNOW PERFECTLY WELL!" Ginny yelled at him.
Ron shivered, "Um, care to enlighten me?"
"You're so infuriating," Ginny replied, "Do you realize what Hermione went through last night? Do you have any clue?"
Ron's face paled, "Last night - the dinner. Oh Merlin, that's what you are talking about. She asked me to go and I forgot."
Ginny exploded again, "FORGOT?! How could you?! You don't just forget a formal dinner. What did you do? Where were you?"
"I was with Harry, Marc, Seamus, and Dean," Ron began, but Ginny broke in.
"You had a BOYS night? Instead of keeping your promise to Hermione? That's so lame, Ron. What a wonderful boyfriend you are. Really brilliant, that idea." Ginny was so angry at her brother that she was shaking.
"It was Dean's idea!" Ron said in shallow defense of himself, "We all got together in Hogsmeade on Wednesday for some drinks. The alcohol must have muddled with my mind a bit so that I forgot about the dinner. When Dean was about to leave he suggested getting together again on Friday for dinner and the Quidditch game - Cannons vs. Wasps Ginny! And the Cannons won! We went out for drinks after the game and I didn't get home with Harry until midnight. I was so tired that I just collapsed into bed and fell asleep."
Ginny shook her head, "Like I said, Ron, that is the worst explanation I have ever heard. How could you be so, so, careless!"
Ron sat on the couch, "Look, Ginny, I'm trying! I asked you and Mum for suggestions for her birthday and I got it all together and I have some other ideas too, but I just messed up, okay! I forgot; it wasn't like I was trying to hurt her or anything, I just wasn't thinking, I . . ."
"Clearly," Ginny replied.
Ron looked up at her, "What do you suggest I do?"
"You need to talk to her. She did not have a good night, and you need to hear what happened. I suggest you write her a letter because she doesn't want to see anyone today," Ginny told him firmly.
Ron nodded, "Okay, Gin. I'll try it."
* * *
Ron sat at his desk, quill poised to write on the parchment before him. He had already written seven drafts of his letter to Hermione and he was ready to write a final copy based on the ones he had already written. Finally, an hour later, it was done and he tied it to Pig's leg to take to his love.
Hermione,
The best thing I can say right now is that I really have nothing to say, what can I say? There is nothing that you did to deserve this and there was no reason for me to forget this dinner, something which was very important to you. I guess the best thing to do is to explain what happened and explain myself.
On Wednesday night I went out with the guys - Harry, Marc, Seamus, and Dean - for drinks and just to see one another again. I guess I had too much to drink because the dinner completely slipped from my mind when Dean suggested getting together again on Friday night and Seamus brought up a Quidditch game between the Cannons and the Wasps. So, I agreed. I got home late that night and was on assignment in Wales (again) all day Thursday. I left my apartment on Friday around eleven to Apparate to Hogsmeade and then walk over to Hogwarts. I must have missed Faith by a couple hours. The Cannons won and the guys took Harry and me out for drinks after the game as well. We didn't get home until past midnight.
I know what I did is inexcusable. I know that it is lame and that you have every right to be mad at me. All I can say is that I am sorry and I am placing myself in your mercy. Please read this carefully and don't just dismiss it because I truly am sorry. I understand if you don't want to talk to or see me for a while. I just want to explain myself, as confusing as I may be.
Please let me know when I can see you again because I want to talk with you about this. I want to make this up to you, if you will let me.
Ron
* * *
Hermione was working on research for Percy when Pig arrived with a letter for her. She gave him a bit of toast and stared at the letter on the table on which her name and address were written carefully, but she could recognize Ron's handwriting anywhere. She wasn't sure if she was ready to read its contents; she was upset with Ron that he forgot, but she was most upset at the evening as a whole, and she was worried about what Ron may have said in the letter. When she had finished her shower she noticed that Ginny was not at home. She questioned Ginny about where she had been when she returned, but Ginny would not tell her. Hermione owled Harry who told her exactly what happened, so she was afraid of the thoughts going through Ron's head.
Hermione chose not to open the letter until late afternoon; she had not expected what she read. Her first thoughts were negative; how could he have just forgotten about the dinner because of a few drinks? She understood the intense pressure he was under, but she thought that he could at least have written a note to himself about the dinner.
The more she pondered what his letter meant, the more she knew that she couldn't respond to it just yet. She had to give it a few days so that she could look at the situation with an open mind as opposed to one racked with emotional stress. She set the letter on her nightstand and continued with her work.
* * *
Ron had not received a response of any sort from Hermione by Wednesday. He had figured that she would want to be left alone for a few days, but he had expected her to have replied by then. He asked Ginny about it, but she said that Hermione had been very busy at the office and had been gone for the greater part of each day.
The thought occurred to him that maybe he could surprise her with something. He had mentioned in the letter that he wanted to make his mistake up to her, but had not given it any thought when he wrote those words. Now, he knew he would have to work harder to show her how much he loved her; he had an idea of what he wanted to do, so naturally he Apparated to the Burrow to run it by his mother first.
"Mum?" Ron called into the house from the kitchen.
"Hello, Ron dear," Mrs. Weasley replied giving her son a hug after bustling into the room from the family room, where she had been sewing. "How are you?"
"I'm alright, Mum," Ron replied, "But I made a huge mistake. I need your help."
Mrs. Weasley looked worried, "What is wrong? What did you do?"
Ron took a deep breath, "I forgot about Hermione's formal dinner last week and went out with Harry, Marc, Dean, and Seamus instead for dinner, a Quidditch game, and drinks. Ginny confronted me about it the next day and told me there was more to it than I knew so I wrote Hermione a letter, but she hasn't replied. I don't know what to do."
Mrs. Weasley sighed and although she was at least seven inches shorter than Ron, he still felt as he had when he was a young boy and she stood over him when she was mad, "Ron, first of all, this happens to the best of people. No one is perfect and Hermione will realize that, but you still have to make it up to her. It is up to her to accept your apology and forgive you and you will have to live with whatever she decides. Do you understand that?"
Ron nodded, "Yes, Mum. I know that I messed up and I am in her mercy. And I want to make it up to her. I have an idea. I was wondering if you could tell me whether or not it was okay; you had a great idea for her birthday, she loved the picnic!"
Mrs. Weasley smiled, "That's good, I'm glad. Your rowboat was a good idea as well, but that doesn't matter. We need something new. What is your idea?"
Ron told her what he had in mind over a glass of milk and some biscuits and she had to admit that her son was becoming better at the dating game. When he was finished she sat thinking and then said, "Well, it needs some tweaking, but we can make it work. We'll need Ginny's help. I'll owl her, and then we can get started."
* * *
Hermione came home from work around noon on Friday, exhausted but miraculously finished with all her assignments, and eager for lunch and a long bath so that she could do some thinking. She hadn't had much time to think about Ron's letter during the week, although she had purposefully been putting it off and finding other things to do.
After her meal she drew the water, turned on her charmed CD player, and climbed into the tub to think. As she soaked in the bubbles she thought about the events of the week before and whether or not she reacted in a way which was rational. She thought about Ron's letter and his explanation. Finally, she came to a decision of what she was going to do.
She decided that she had kept him in silence long enough. She would write him a response later that evening after dinner. She stood up and climbed out of the tub, dried herself, and put on ordinary robes to go shopping in Diagon Alley with Ginny for some things they needed. Hermione was to meet Ginny at The Leaky Cauldron and so she Apparated there as soon as she had pulled her hair into a ponytail at the nape of her neck.
Ginny saw her as soon as she arrived in the bar with a pop. She had been drinking a butterbeer and making small talk with Tom, but she said goodbye once she saw Hermione and made her way over to where her roommate and friend was standing.
Hermione smiled, "Hey Gin, ready to go?"
Ginny nodded, "Yes I am. Where first?"
"Hmm, let's go to Flourish and Blotts for more ink and parchment, then to Madam Malkin's for your new robes, then to the Owl Emporium for owl food, and we'll get food last," Hermione replied, thinking of every place they had to go.
Ginny shook her head, "I have to leave around three for a meeting. Why don't we get my robes first and then buy the food so that I can take it home and you can buy the ink, parchment, and owl food after I leave?"
Hermione thought about this, "Alright, that sounds reasonable. I have to go to the Apothecary for some potions supplies anyway."
Ginny nodded, "Great! Alright, let's go!"
Madam Malkin took Ginny's measurements and gave her a list of available colors and fabrics to choose from. Ginny bought three new sets of robes and Madam Malkin wrapped them up in tight bundles to give to the women. Afterwards, they went to buy food at the market in the alley. They bought fruit, fresh bread, meat, and fish, all of which were packed into a bottomless bag which was made feather-light for Ginny to take back to the apartment with her when she Apparated. Saying goodbye to Hermione, Ginny walked to The Leaky Cauldron with her bundles and Apparated home.
Hermione walked to the Apothecary and bought two bags full of potions supplies as her supplies at work and at home had been running low. She then proceeded to the Owl Emporium and bought food for Faith and for Nat, Ginny's owl. Finally, she went to Flourish and Blotts to buy the ink and parchment, as well as browse for a few books she needed for work. Satisfied, she picked up her parcels and headed to The Leaky Cauldron around six to Apparate home. She arrived to a dark apartment and set her parcels down on a couch nearby.
"Ginny?" she called, hoping her roommate was home from her meeting. She walked over to the stairs but saw no light on in Ginny's room. She then walked into the kitchen and saw someone she had not expected to see for another day or so.
"Good evening, Mione," Ron said softly, looking at her with dancing eyes.
"Ron Weasley! What are you doing in my house?" Hermione demanded, surprised, yet in a strange way excited that he was there.
"Surprise, Hermione. I don't know if you are still mad at me or not, I assume you are since you haven't replied to my letter, but I've missed you so much this week and I told you I would make it up to you so here I am, I tried," Ron strung his words together in a long and fast sentence as he tried to explain the reason he was there. Hermione looked around her and her eyes widened.
Ron had set a table cloth on the kitchen table and set it for two with candles floating overhead and had dimmed the lights (Hermione assumed Ginny had helped him with this). She smelled the chicken which she and Ginny had bought in Diagon Alley baking in the oven along with roast potatoes garnished with parsley and other spices. She saw a bottle of Muggle wine and two wine glasses on the table and smelled freshly cut bread which she saw in a basket, also on the table. She saw a plate of steamed vegetables which had been painted lightly with butter and spiced with ground pepper.
Turning to Ron she replied, "Did you make all this?"
He grinned, "Well, I made some of it. Ginny bought the food with you in Diagon Alley today, minus the wine. I bought that at a store in London. Ginny's "meeting" was to come home and help me cook. I prepared the chicken and the vegetables and she did the decorations and most of the touches. I had to do something for you Hermione. I'm so sorry that I forgot. I knew the only way I could make up for it was to give up a night with the boys. Harry, Marc, Seamus, and Dean are out having fun tonight in Merlin knows where. I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Please, I'm begging you with all my heart for your forgiveness."
Hermione took in a breath, "Let's talk about what happened that night, just so you understand what made me so upset."
Ron nodded, "Alright, we can do that. But first, let me get this chicken and the potatoes out of the oven and serve you dinner. Please, take a seat." Ron pulled out her chair for her and then went over to the oven to take out the chicken and potatoes, which he placed on a platter and put it on the table. He cut meat for himself and Hermione and gave her a bit of everything before pouring her a glass of wine. They began to eat and Hermione told him what happened.
"It wasn't so much that you forgot; that is understandable, no one is perfect. I guess it just made me mad that you forgot about a formal dinner and went to a Quidditch game with your guy friends instead, something which you could do any weekend as proven by the fact that you gave up a boys night tonight. What made the situation worse was Malfoy."
Ron stiffened and his eyes blazed with fury, "Malfoy? What happened? What did he do to you, what did he say?"
Hermione shrugged, "He was just his normal self; he called me a Mudblood twice, insulted your family, and was just all around rude to me. I was already confused about why you weren't there, but he just made it worse. The whole night I felt so hurt and alone."
Ron felt horrible for putting her in that situation, "Mione, I'm so sorry. I wish I could have been there to beat that slimy git up and put him in misery and pain. He has no right to say any of those things to you. You are the most amazing person I have ever met. I'm so sorry."
Hermione thought about what Ron was saying. She looked into his eyes and saw sincerity and honesty in his core. She knew that he wasn't deliberately trying to hurt her and that what he had done was a normal thing for a young man to do. Silently, she had already forgiven him. She just needed to tell him.
"Ron, I accept your apology."
"What?" he asked as his face lit up.
"I forgive you. Thank you for doing this for me."
A wave of emotion poured over Ron as he marveled at her mercy on him, "Mione, thank you. Thank you so much. You won't regret this; I promise you won't regret this."
Hermione squeezed his hand, "I know."
They finished the evening with a warm chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate syrup, one of Ron's favorite desserts and Hermione had to admit that she liked it as well. They washed the dishes together and put away the tablecloth and candles Ron and Ginny had used in setting the atmosphere for the evening. Ron went home before midnight.
"Good night, Mione. Thank you again."
"Good night, Ron. You're welcome."
"Sweet dreams."
"Same to you."
Hermione went upstairs to her room and changed into her night clothes. Curious, she went to Ginny's room to see if she was there; she was not. Returning to her room, she found a note from Ginny on her nightstand on top of Ron's letter.
Hermione,
I hope you enjoyed the dinner. Ron worked really hard, and it was all his idea this time. I am out with Marc, Harry, Seamus, Dean, and Harry and Dean's girlfriends. I should be back after midnight, but don't wait up for me. See you tomorrow.
Ginny
Hermione hadn't known that Harry had a girlfriend; perhaps this was a new development. She climbed into bed and within minutes she was asleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Review!
I hope ya'll are enjoying the story. Have a great week!
~Americanangel
Fredngeorgegirl, Cal Burkes, mimi, jaxi, triniroo ~ thanks! Enjoy!
Tears from the Moon ~ Thanks. Glad you saw the purpose and didn't miss the point! *sigh* and yes, I want Ron too.
Sakeena ~ Well you can't expect Ron to be perfect, now can you? He can't always be sweet and thoughtful, no guy (or girl!) is! You may get to see Ron all snazzy in his dress robes. Hehe, you'll see!
Felicia ~ yup, Ron is screwed; thanks for reviewing!
Angelofboox ~ I have an American friend who lived in London for a while and she said that American biscuits are called scones in British English, but I'm checking also with a British friend of mine who lives in Alesbury (I probably just completely butchered that name) and lived in the States for a while. Ron will get around to better ways to prove himself, you'll see!
* * * * * * * * * * *
How Many Ways
Chapter 9 ~ Forgive and Forget?
By Americanangel
* * * * * * * * * * *
Quote to go with chapter:
"Forgiveness is the answer to the child's dream of a miracle by which what is broken is made whole again, what is soiled is again made clean."
* Dag Hammarskjöld (I don't know who he is, I just found this quote after searching at google)
Also:
"It is easier to forgive an enemy than it is to forgive a friend."
William Blake
And my favorite of all the ones I read:
"Forgiveness is the final form of love."
Reinhold Niebuhr
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione fell into a deep sleep just after midnight and didn't wake up the next day until late morning. Ginny figured that she was only exhausted from the night before and decided not to wake her as it was Saturday and she didn't have to work. When Hermione finally made her way downstairs in her robe to make some tea, Ginny saw from her puffy eyes and downcast expression that something was not right.
"Hermione?" she gasped, "What's wrong?"
Hermione waved her off as she set the water to boil, "Oh, nothing Ginny. The evening just didn't go well."
"Well, it doesn't look like nothing," Ginny replied, "Please tell me what my git of a brother did to you."
Hermione shrugged, "He just forgot, that's all. He forgets lots of things. I'm sure he didn't mean to . . ."
Ginny cut her off, "But this was really important to you! I mean, you go to all of his ceremonies and events he is required to attend when he asks. The least he could do would be to go to yours."
Hermione poured her tea into a cup and ate the last scone as Ginny continued, "And you have been crying; it obviously affected you more than that."
Hermione nodded, "Yes, there was more. I guess the person who made me the most upset was Malfoy."
Ginny looked puzzled, "Malfoy? What was he doing there?"
"He must have a ministry position at the same level as me or higher," Hermione replied, "Anyway, he was just insulting me more than he usually does and making fun of you and your brother. I was sick of it. He was also pushing the fact that Ron wasn't there, which really hurt me."
Ginny sighed, "It isn't that hard to remember an event, especially when the person you are in love with invites you! Oh dear, the challenge. What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," Hermione replied slowly, "That all depends on what he does. I'm going to go take a shower, Gin. I should at least look presentable, even if I'm staying at home to work." Ginny nodded and waited until she heard the shower running to Apparate to Ron and Harry's apartment.
* * *
"RONALD CHRISTOPHER WEASLEY!" Ginny yelled into the expanse of the apartment from the family room, to which she had Apparated. Ron stumbled into the room from the kitchen and his eyes were wide with apprehension, but he relaxed when he saw his sister.
"G - Ginny, what's going on?" he asked in a nervous sort of voice.
"YOU KNOW PERFECTLY WELL!" Ginny yelled at him.
Ron shivered, "Um, care to enlighten me?"
"You're so infuriating," Ginny replied, "Do you realize what Hermione went through last night? Do you have any clue?"
Ron's face paled, "Last night - the dinner. Oh Merlin, that's what you are talking about. She asked me to go and I forgot."
Ginny exploded again, "FORGOT?! How could you?! You don't just forget a formal dinner. What did you do? Where were you?"
"I was with Harry, Marc, Seamus, and Dean," Ron began, but Ginny broke in.
"You had a BOYS night? Instead of keeping your promise to Hermione? That's so lame, Ron. What a wonderful boyfriend you are. Really brilliant, that idea." Ginny was so angry at her brother that she was shaking.
"It was Dean's idea!" Ron said in shallow defense of himself, "We all got together in Hogsmeade on Wednesday for some drinks. The alcohol must have muddled with my mind a bit so that I forgot about the dinner. When Dean was about to leave he suggested getting together again on Friday for dinner and the Quidditch game - Cannons vs. Wasps Ginny! And the Cannons won! We went out for drinks after the game and I didn't get home with Harry until midnight. I was so tired that I just collapsed into bed and fell asleep."
Ginny shook her head, "Like I said, Ron, that is the worst explanation I have ever heard. How could you be so, so, careless!"
Ron sat on the couch, "Look, Ginny, I'm trying! I asked you and Mum for suggestions for her birthday and I got it all together and I have some other ideas too, but I just messed up, okay! I forgot; it wasn't like I was trying to hurt her or anything, I just wasn't thinking, I . . ."
"Clearly," Ginny replied.
Ron looked up at her, "What do you suggest I do?"
"You need to talk to her. She did not have a good night, and you need to hear what happened. I suggest you write her a letter because she doesn't want to see anyone today," Ginny told him firmly.
Ron nodded, "Okay, Gin. I'll try it."
* * *
Ron sat at his desk, quill poised to write on the parchment before him. He had already written seven drafts of his letter to Hermione and he was ready to write a final copy based on the ones he had already written. Finally, an hour later, it was done and he tied it to Pig's leg to take to his love.
Hermione,
The best thing I can say right now is that I really have nothing to say, what can I say? There is nothing that you did to deserve this and there was no reason for me to forget this dinner, something which was very important to you. I guess the best thing to do is to explain what happened and explain myself.
On Wednesday night I went out with the guys - Harry, Marc, Seamus, and Dean - for drinks and just to see one another again. I guess I had too much to drink because the dinner completely slipped from my mind when Dean suggested getting together again on Friday night and Seamus brought up a Quidditch game between the Cannons and the Wasps. So, I agreed. I got home late that night and was on assignment in Wales (again) all day Thursday. I left my apartment on Friday around eleven to Apparate to Hogsmeade and then walk over to Hogwarts. I must have missed Faith by a couple hours. The Cannons won and the guys took Harry and me out for drinks after the game as well. We didn't get home until past midnight.
I know what I did is inexcusable. I know that it is lame and that you have every right to be mad at me. All I can say is that I am sorry and I am placing myself in your mercy. Please read this carefully and don't just dismiss it because I truly am sorry. I understand if you don't want to talk to or see me for a while. I just want to explain myself, as confusing as I may be.
Please let me know when I can see you again because I want to talk with you about this. I want to make this up to you, if you will let me.
Ron
* * *
Hermione was working on research for Percy when Pig arrived with a letter for her. She gave him a bit of toast and stared at the letter on the table on which her name and address were written carefully, but she could recognize Ron's handwriting anywhere. She wasn't sure if she was ready to read its contents; she was upset with Ron that he forgot, but she was most upset at the evening as a whole, and she was worried about what Ron may have said in the letter. When she had finished her shower she noticed that Ginny was not at home. She questioned Ginny about where she had been when she returned, but Ginny would not tell her. Hermione owled Harry who told her exactly what happened, so she was afraid of the thoughts going through Ron's head.
Hermione chose not to open the letter until late afternoon; she had not expected what she read. Her first thoughts were negative; how could he have just forgotten about the dinner because of a few drinks? She understood the intense pressure he was under, but she thought that he could at least have written a note to himself about the dinner.
The more she pondered what his letter meant, the more she knew that she couldn't respond to it just yet. She had to give it a few days so that she could look at the situation with an open mind as opposed to one racked with emotional stress. She set the letter on her nightstand and continued with her work.
* * *
Ron had not received a response of any sort from Hermione by Wednesday. He had figured that she would want to be left alone for a few days, but he had expected her to have replied by then. He asked Ginny about it, but she said that Hermione had been very busy at the office and had been gone for the greater part of each day.
The thought occurred to him that maybe he could surprise her with something. He had mentioned in the letter that he wanted to make his mistake up to her, but had not given it any thought when he wrote those words. Now, he knew he would have to work harder to show her how much he loved her; he had an idea of what he wanted to do, so naturally he Apparated to the Burrow to run it by his mother first.
"Mum?" Ron called into the house from the kitchen.
"Hello, Ron dear," Mrs. Weasley replied giving her son a hug after bustling into the room from the family room, where she had been sewing. "How are you?"
"I'm alright, Mum," Ron replied, "But I made a huge mistake. I need your help."
Mrs. Weasley looked worried, "What is wrong? What did you do?"
Ron took a deep breath, "I forgot about Hermione's formal dinner last week and went out with Harry, Marc, Dean, and Seamus instead for dinner, a Quidditch game, and drinks. Ginny confronted me about it the next day and told me there was more to it than I knew so I wrote Hermione a letter, but she hasn't replied. I don't know what to do."
Mrs. Weasley sighed and although she was at least seven inches shorter than Ron, he still felt as he had when he was a young boy and she stood over him when she was mad, "Ron, first of all, this happens to the best of people. No one is perfect and Hermione will realize that, but you still have to make it up to her. It is up to her to accept your apology and forgive you and you will have to live with whatever she decides. Do you understand that?"
Ron nodded, "Yes, Mum. I know that I messed up and I am in her mercy. And I want to make it up to her. I have an idea. I was wondering if you could tell me whether or not it was okay; you had a great idea for her birthday, she loved the picnic!"
Mrs. Weasley smiled, "That's good, I'm glad. Your rowboat was a good idea as well, but that doesn't matter. We need something new. What is your idea?"
Ron told her what he had in mind over a glass of milk and some biscuits and she had to admit that her son was becoming better at the dating game. When he was finished she sat thinking and then said, "Well, it needs some tweaking, but we can make it work. We'll need Ginny's help. I'll owl her, and then we can get started."
* * *
Hermione came home from work around noon on Friday, exhausted but miraculously finished with all her assignments, and eager for lunch and a long bath so that she could do some thinking. She hadn't had much time to think about Ron's letter during the week, although she had purposefully been putting it off and finding other things to do.
After her meal she drew the water, turned on her charmed CD player, and climbed into the tub to think. As she soaked in the bubbles she thought about the events of the week before and whether or not she reacted in a way which was rational. She thought about Ron's letter and his explanation. Finally, she came to a decision of what she was going to do.
She decided that she had kept him in silence long enough. She would write him a response later that evening after dinner. She stood up and climbed out of the tub, dried herself, and put on ordinary robes to go shopping in Diagon Alley with Ginny for some things they needed. Hermione was to meet Ginny at The Leaky Cauldron and so she Apparated there as soon as she had pulled her hair into a ponytail at the nape of her neck.
Ginny saw her as soon as she arrived in the bar with a pop. She had been drinking a butterbeer and making small talk with Tom, but she said goodbye once she saw Hermione and made her way over to where her roommate and friend was standing.
Hermione smiled, "Hey Gin, ready to go?"
Ginny nodded, "Yes I am. Where first?"
"Hmm, let's go to Flourish and Blotts for more ink and parchment, then to Madam Malkin's for your new robes, then to the Owl Emporium for owl food, and we'll get food last," Hermione replied, thinking of every place they had to go.
Ginny shook her head, "I have to leave around three for a meeting. Why don't we get my robes first and then buy the food so that I can take it home and you can buy the ink, parchment, and owl food after I leave?"
Hermione thought about this, "Alright, that sounds reasonable. I have to go to the Apothecary for some potions supplies anyway."
Ginny nodded, "Great! Alright, let's go!"
Madam Malkin took Ginny's measurements and gave her a list of available colors and fabrics to choose from. Ginny bought three new sets of robes and Madam Malkin wrapped them up in tight bundles to give to the women. Afterwards, they went to buy food at the market in the alley. They bought fruit, fresh bread, meat, and fish, all of which were packed into a bottomless bag which was made feather-light for Ginny to take back to the apartment with her when she Apparated. Saying goodbye to Hermione, Ginny walked to The Leaky Cauldron with her bundles and Apparated home.
Hermione walked to the Apothecary and bought two bags full of potions supplies as her supplies at work and at home had been running low. She then proceeded to the Owl Emporium and bought food for Faith and for Nat, Ginny's owl. Finally, she went to Flourish and Blotts to buy the ink and parchment, as well as browse for a few books she needed for work. Satisfied, she picked up her parcels and headed to The Leaky Cauldron around six to Apparate home. She arrived to a dark apartment and set her parcels down on a couch nearby.
"Ginny?" she called, hoping her roommate was home from her meeting. She walked over to the stairs but saw no light on in Ginny's room. She then walked into the kitchen and saw someone she had not expected to see for another day or so.
"Good evening, Mione," Ron said softly, looking at her with dancing eyes.
"Ron Weasley! What are you doing in my house?" Hermione demanded, surprised, yet in a strange way excited that he was there.
"Surprise, Hermione. I don't know if you are still mad at me or not, I assume you are since you haven't replied to my letter, but I've missed you so much this week and I told you I would make it up to you so here I am, I tried," Ron strung his words together in a long and fast sentence as he tried to explain the reason he was there. Hermione looked around her and her eyes widened.
Ron had set a table cloth on the kitchen table and set it for two with candles floating overhead and had dimmed the lights (Hermione assumed Ginny had helped him with this). She smelled the chicken which she and Ginny had bought in Diagon Alley baking in the oven along with roast potatoes garnished with parsley and other spices. She saw a bottle of Muggle wine and two wine glasses on the table and smelled freshly cut bread which she saw in a basket, also on the table. She saw a plate of steamed vegetables which had been painted lightly with butter and spiced with ground pepper.
Turning to Ron she replied, "Did you make all this?"
He grinned, "Well, I made some of it. Ginny bought the food with you in Diagon Alley today, minus the wine. I bought that at a store in London. Ginny's "meeting" was to come home and help me cook. I prepared the chicken and the vegetables and she did the decorations and most of the touches. I had to do something for you Hermione. I'm so sorry that I forgot. I knew the only way I could make up for it was to give up a night with the boys. Harry, Marc, Seamus, and Dean are out having fun tonight in Merlin knows where. I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Please, I'm begging you with all my heart for your forgiveness."
Hermione took in a breath, "Let's talk about what happened that night, just so you understand what made me so upset."
Ron nodded, "Alright, we can do that. But first, let me get this chicken and the potatoes out of the oven and serve you dinner. Please, take a seat." Ron pulled out her chair for her and then went over to the oven to take out the chicken and potatoes, which he placed on a platter and put it on the table. He cut meat for himself and Hermione and gave her a bit of everything before pouring her a glass of wine. They began to eat and Hermione told him what happened.
"It wasn't so much that you forgot; that is understandable, no one is perfect. I guess it just made me mad that you forgot about a formal dinner and went to a Quidditch game with your guy friends instead, something which you could do any weekend as proven by the fact that you gave up a boys night tonight. What made the situation worse was Malfoy."
Ron stiffened and his eyes blazed with fury, "Malfoy? What happened? What did he do to you, what did he say?"
Hermione shrugged, "He was just his normal self; he called me a Mudblood twice, insulted your family, and was just all around rude to me. I was already confused about why you weren't there, but he just made it worse. The whole night I felt so hurt and alone."
Ron felt horrible for putting her in that situation, "Mione, I'm so sorry. I wish I could have been there to beat that slimy git up and put him in misery and pain. He has no right to say any of those things to you. You are the most amazing person I have ever met. I'm so sorry."
Hermione thought about what Ron was saying. She looked into his eyes and saw sincerity and honesty in his core. She knew that he wasn't deliberately trying to hurt her and that what he had done was a normal thing for a young man to do. Silently, she had already forgiven him. She just needed to tell him.
"Ron, I accept your apology."
"What?" he asked as his face lit up.
"I forgive you. Thank you for doing this for me."
A wave of emotion poured over Ron as he marveled at her mercy on him, "Mione, thank you. Thank you so much. You won't regret this; I promise you won't regret this."
Hermione squeezed his hand, "I know."
They finished the evening with a warm chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate syrup, one of Ron's favorite desserts and Hermione had to admit that she liked it as well. They washed the dishes together and put away the tablecloth and candles Ron and Ginny had used in setting the atmosphere for the evening. Ron went home before midnight.
"Good night, Mione. Thank you again."
"Good night, Ron. You're welcome."
"Sweet dreams."
"Same to you."
Hermione went upstairs to her room and changed into her night clothes. Curious, she went to Ginny's room to see if she was there; she was not. Returning to her room, she found a note from Ginny on her nightstand on top of Ron's letter.
Hermione,
I hope you enjoyed the dinner. Ron worked really hard, and it was all his idea this time. I am out with Marc, Harry, Seamus, Dean, and Harry and Dean's girlfriends. I should be back after midnight, but don't wait up for me. See you tomorrow.
Ginny
Hermione hadn't known that Harry had a girlfriend; perhaps this was a new development. She climbed into bed and within minutes she was asleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
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~Americanangel
