***DISCLAIMER*** I don't own Harry Potter or anything affiliated with the
series, JKR and WB do, and I am not attempting to make a profit. A bit of
this plot also loosely belongs to the brilliant writers of the movie "The
Wedding Planner." See if you can pick it out!
Felicia ~ Thanks. : - ) I'll update as much as I can!
Hermione - Hogwarts ~ Yay! You found time to r/r! Enjoy!
Kang ~ And I expect nothing less from you than masterpieces as well. ; - ) Although you should definitely go to bed earlier! Glad you liked TNL, and thanks for beta reading my stuff!
TallemeraRane ~ It's coming! Remember, 20 to 25 chapters! I think you'll be very excited after you read this chapter!
Tears from the Moon ~ Yay! I was starting to wonder if you had fallen off the face of the planet. ; - ) Thank you, and I am eagerly awaiting YOUR next chapter as well!
Andie ~ Patience is a virtue! (I know you hate me right now!) But I think you will really like this chapter! It's a significant step!!!
Sunshine Stargirl ~ thanks!
Sugar Blossom ~ Thanks!
Triniroo ~ Yeah, me too! I do agree that Tom Felton is really good- looking, but I have to say that Sean Biggerstaff (Oliver Wood) is the best!
Angelofboox ~ Thanks for the London info! I'll look into the places you mentioned, and I'll be sure to visit them if I *ever* get the chance to go over to the UK. *sigh* I'm working on it! And, I think you will be very happy about this chapter!
I'm excited to hear the reaction of everyone to this chapter! When I started writing this story, I had a few chapters planned out, and this was one of them. I had originally intended for it to be chapter 8, but I figured it wouldn't work well at all - you'll see why! Enjoy!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
How Many Ways
Chapter 13 ~ Breaking the Rules
By AmericanAngel
* * * * * * * * * * * *
And when the stars fall from the sky
You are there to shelter me
You pull me close to your beating heart
And I know I'll never be alone
Never alone, for you are always there
~ Me
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dear Friend,
Ms. Ginny Weasley and Ms. Hermione Granger wish to invite you to a Halloween party to take place at their apartment this upcoming Thursday, 31st October between seven PM and midnight. It's going to be a night full of magic and fun! Owl back either of the two ASAP with your response.
Ginny and Hermione
Ron grinned when he received this letter from Faith, who seemed to have a few more to deliver. He sent her off and replied to Hermione via Pigwidgeon.
Hermione,
Glad to see you are feeling a bit better! I hope you had fun last night, even though Malfoy, again, was a completely stupid git. It seems that you and Ginny have decided to make up for it though, eh? Well, I can come, of course. I have off that day, as I'm sure you do as well. Want me to go shopping with you? I'd love to, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I really don't like shopping, but if it's for you then I'll do it. Well, let me know.
Ron
* * *
Ron,
Yeah, Gin and I decided it would be fun to have a small party of our own. Well, small is in the eye of the beholder of course.
If you'd like to go shopping with me, that'd be great! Then I don't have to carry all the parcels alone! Actually, I think Marc is going with Ginny too so that will be perfect. What time would you like to meet in Diagon Alley? Let me know!
Hermione
* * *
Mione,
Let's meet at ten o'clock, alright? Then we can shop and have lunch before returning to your apartment to decorate.
Ron
Hermione replied in the affirmative and set about creating the list of items to buy. Thursday came quickly and Hermione and Ginny Apparated to Diagon Alley at 10:00 to meet the boys in The Leaky Cauldron.
Ron beamed as his girlfriend came up to him, "Hey," he whispered as he squeezed her hand.
She squeezed back in response and looked up into his eyes, about half a foot above her own, "Hey Ron," she said as she smiled, "Is Marc here yet?"
He shook his head, "Not yet; what's the plan?"
"We are going to divide the list in half and then separate to buy the items," Ginny replied to her brother, "So, if you want, you can have the list now and I'll wait for Marc."
Hermione nodded, "That seems reasonable. Ron and I can get the groceries and take them home before meeting you and Marc back here for lunch at noon. Would you like to do that?"
"Sure," Ginny agreed, "Here."
She handed Ron the list and he looked down at it.
1 bag of sugar
2 cartons of eggs
1 bag of flour
10 bottles of butterbeer . . .
And so on, going through the fruit, meat, and everything needed to make the party, in Hermione's opinion, a success.
"This is a lot of food, we better get going," he said to Hermione. She nodded in agreement and the pair said good-bye to Ginny and went to the entrance to Diagon Alley, where Ron tapped the proper bricks with his wand and they walked inside.
The Alley was decorated for the occasion. Magical streamers hung from the buildings and carved pumpkins appeared in different places. Tame bats flew over the customers' heads and many shopkeepers had bought candy to give to little witches and wizards who came by with their parents on their errands, no doubt preparing for parties just as Hermione and Ron were. Hermione smiled as she watched a little boy of four open a chocolate frog and exclaim in delight that he had found the Harry Potter card.
"It's still weird for me when I open one and see Harry," Ron told Hermione.
She grinned, "I know exactly what you mean!"
They walked on to the Magical Market at the opposite end of the Alley and went into the store. Mothers and their young children were everywhere, as well as other young adults who were also hosting parties.
"Where to first?" Ron asked Hermione, as he didn't have much shopping experience.
Hermione smiled, "First we'll get things that don't need to be refrigerated, such as the bread, sugar, flour, and candy. Then we'll go and get the fruit, and then the meat, milk, and butterbeer. Sound good to you?"
Ron nodded, "Sure, you're the expert of course."
Hermione blushed and the pair proceeded through the aisles of the store gathering the things they needed for the party. When they entered the candy aisle, they saw a young girl with long black hair reaching for the boxes of chocolate frogs, but her mother, or anyone who would be with her, was nowhere in sight.
Hermione knelt down near the little girl, "Hello, my name is Hermione. Where is your mum?"
The little girl blushed, "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers. Mummy was buying fruit and told me to stay there, but I wanted chocolate frog so I came here."
Ron frowned down at her playfully, "Well, that's not a good thing to do. Come on, I bet Mummy is looking for you."
Her lower lip trembled, "But I can't go with you; you are a stranger. She not a stranger, she told me her name. Hermynee. What's your name?"
Ron smiled, "Ron. There. Now I'm not a stranger, am I?"
She shook her head, "Nope. I'm Sara Snape."
Recognition flashed through Hermione's features, "Do you have an uncle named Severus?"
Sara nodded, "Yep, he's Daddy's cousin, but he's lost. Mummy said so."
"Yes, he is," Ron told her softly, "Well, come on, we have to find your Mum. We don't want her thinking that you are lost like Uncle Severus."
Hermione picked Sara up and held her in her arms while Ron followed with the cart. They reached the service counter and told the clerk the little girl's name before turning to go continue their shopping. The clerk amplified his voice and announced that a Sara Snape was sitting at the customer service desk.
"Wait!" Sara called with fear, "You can't leave me with him, Hermynee and Ron. Mummy will get mad because I'll be with a stranger. Stay with me."
No sooner had she said this that her mother came running up to the desk. She looked to be in her late twenties and hugged her little daughter.
"Sara! How many times has Mummy told you that you can't go running off like that! How was I supposed to know where you were? That's very irresponsible. Not good for a little Slytherin. How did you get here?" she scolded the little girl.
Sara bowed her head, "I was trying to get a chocolate frog. Hermynee and Ron found me. I was only hungry, Mummy! I'm a good Slytherin! I promise!"
The woman turned around and saw the pair, "Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, I assume, since you," she pointed at Ron, "Have red hair and the only Hermione and Ron I remember were always together at Hogwarts. Marina Snape. Pleasure. Thank you for finding my little Sara and bringing her back here. That was very Gryffindor of you."
Hermione laughed and shook the woman's hand, "Just doing our duty. We sort of put things in perspective for her by bringing up Professor Snape; then she realized her grave mistake."
Marina nodded, "Yes, my Stephen is always making sure Sara is right behind him for fear that she will be lost like his older cousin. Anyway, have a wonderful holiday. Thank you again." Marina picked up her little daughter and walked off with her in her arms.
Ron turned to Hermione, "Well, she's very nice for being related to that man, even if it is only through marriage; and a Slytherin no less! I would have expected her to snap at us for some reason. Anyway, on to the shopping."
Ron and Hermione finished their shopping around 11:30 and checked it all through the clerk before taking it back to Hermione's apartment and putting it all away before Apparating back to Diagon Alley and meeting up with Ginny and Marc, who were already sitting at The Leaky Cauldron. The four had a splendid lunch together, and Hermione and Ron told the story of Marina and Sara Snape.
"Well, I'm glad you found her," Ginny said, "The whole situation is so sad. That's probably why Marina didn't snap at you two. She was just so glad that her daughter was safe. I've heard that Stephen is one of the only members of the Snape family to agree with the professor regarding the war and You-Know-Who."
Hermione nodded, "As have I."
There was silence for a moment, until Marc looked at his watch, "Well, we all really must be going or we won't have time to decorate."
Ron broke in, "Hermione and I wanted to go for ice cream; is that alright?"
Ginny looked at her watch, "Well, why don't Marc and I go home and the two of you can go? We really should start decorating."
Hermione nodded, "Sounds good."
The four paid Tom and Ron and Hermione went once more into Diagon Alley. Ron ordered a hot fudge sundae to share and they sat at a table near the door of the parlor and watched the guests coming in as they savored the mix of hot and cold.
They were nearing the bottom of the bowl when a couple near the back of the restaurant, unnoticed before this moment, rose and walked in their direction. Hermione was facing this side of the restaurant and Ron was facing the door, so she saw their faces, but they did not see her as they were more interested in each other. Ron, gazing at her features, noticed the shadow that came over them and then her skin turn pale.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked with concern.
"Ron, we have to leave, NOW!" she said suddenly.
"Mione, what's wrong? Why are you so pale all of a sudden? I don't understand," Ron said as Hermione scrambled to finish the last few spoonfuls of the sundae and grabbed his hand before standing to take the bowl to the counter to give back to the parlor. Despite her efforts, however, they were spotted.
"Hermione? Is that you?" a male voice said by the pair, "It is!"
Hermione turned around and replied weakly, "Hello Ian, Melanie. What a pleasure to see you. It's been a while."
Ron looked very confused, "Hermione? Who are these people?"
Ian stumbled over his words, "Well, we're, um . . ."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ron, this is Ian Wells, and don't you remember Melanie Parker?"
The light of recognition dawned on Ron's face, "Melanie Parker; that was the name of your roommate before Ginny, right?"
Hermione nodded, "Correct in one. And Ian was my boyfriend for two years. I found him cheating on me with her, oh, six, seven months ago." She looked down at Melanie's hands, "By the way Mel, nice engagement ring. I'm sure you two are happy." She then stormed out of the parlor, Ron following closely behind.
"Hermione. Hermione! Wait for me!" he called as she ran down the street in the other direction and turned down an alley leading to a potion supplies store. She leaned against the wall and tears began to snake down her face.
"Hermione, what happened between you three? I'm very confused, please tell me what's wrong," Ron told her softly when he caught up with her and took her hands.
"Oh, Ron," she said and she leaned against his body to support herself. He wrapped his arms around her.
"Shhh, it's okay, love. It's okay. Do you want to go back to my place and talk?" he offered as he gently rubbed her back. She nodded, he whispered the spell to Apparate and the two of them appeared in his apartment a few seconds later. He took her over to the couch and held her while she cried against his shoulder, soaking his shirt, but he didn't care. She stopped after a while and they sat there, until he ventured to ask a question.
"Hermione, will you tell me what happened? I know it hurts, but I have to know."
She sat up a little from his embrace, but did not pull away, as she told him the story, "Melanie became my roommate just after graduation; I started going out with Ian about a year and a half, two years later. Mel is an American witch, from California to be exact. She is smart, friendly, and she knows how to get the guys. She has everything going for her, one of those perfect sort of girls. But she was my friend; she became Ginny for me when Ginny wasn't there anymore. I told her everything Ian did for me. He's definitely a romantic; I didn't realize that she was falling in love with him as I told her what he did. He told me he loved me about two months after we started our relationship.
I decided about six months later that I loved him too. He wanted to go all the way with me, but I told him no. You see, Ron, I made a promise to myself and my parents that I wouldn't consummate a relationship until my wedding night. I made that promise when I turned thirteen, and I've kept it. Ian told me that it was okay, and I trusted and believed in him. I was naïve.
One afternoon about seven or so months ago I came home early from work. I had been getting home late every night because our department was going through busy time; we still are, but not as much. Ian and I had a date that night, and I expected him to ask to marry me since he had hinted at it, so I wanted to look good and I was hoping Melanie could help me, since she is a fashion queen and can handle any emergency.
Basically, I found them making out, and about to do more, when I got to the apartment. Melanie moved out a few days later, and I haven't seen either of them since, until today."
The tears started to flow freely again and Ron pulled her closer into his chest so that she could hear his heart beating. He whispered soothing words to her and rocked her back and forth, like she was a baby.
"Mione, I'll never do that to you. Never. As long as you want me, I will never leave you."
She sat up and stared into his eyes, "Ron, don't make any promises you can't keep. Please don't be another Ian Wells. He made those promises too, and he broke them once he realized he wouldn't get what he wanted from me. He looked to Mel and saw what he wanted in her and took her instead of me, it just hurts so much. Sometimes I just feel like I'll never be enough, that there will always be a girl out there who is prettier than me or that there is something wrong with me. I feel like there will always be a Melanie to steal my boyfriend away, and to steal those I love away from me."
Ron looked straight at her, "I love you, Hermione Granger. You can give me Veritaserum and I will say the exact same thing. I would die for you, and I will always be there for you. I know that this probably isn't what you want to hear and now I know why you gave me this challenge, but I promise I am doing everything in my power to show you how much I love you. I only wish I could do more."
His eyes never left her own as he continued, "May I kiss you?"
Slowly, but steadily, she nodded her permission. He gently pulled her closer to him and placed a soft, but deep, kiss on her rosy pink lips, to which she responded in turn. After a few moments they pulled away.
"Thank you, Ron. Thank you for breaking my rules," she said slowly, "That was the best thing anyone could have done for me right then."
He nodded, "You're welcome. Never forget the promise I made to you tonight. I will never leave you as long as you want me. I bind myself to that promise. Now, shall we get you washed up and return to your apartment before Ginny and Marc go insane? I believe it is around three."
Hermione agreed, "Sure, thank you again." She rose from the couch and went to the single bathroom in the apartment, shared by Ron and Harry. She found a washcloth in the medicine cabinet and washed her face with warm water.
Hermione walked back to the family room where Ron was reading a magazine and together they Apparated to Hermione and Ginny's apartment, where Ginny and Marc had just finished setting up the decorations.
The party was a success, with friends coming from all over Britain and having a lovely time. Everyone took note, however, that both Ron and Hermione seemed to be looking a little rosier and happy that evening and took it to heart.
Hermione lay in bed later that night thinking about how even though her world had fallen apart, and it seemed as though everything had been falling on top of her, her world was piecing itself back together again; and it was all a result of Ronald Weasley.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Review! I hope you liked that chapter; I'm really excited about it!
For those who care, prom was a lot of fun! 13 more days of school . . . I will survive!
Next chapter will be a bit of London romance, followed by the Lifehouse concert! You don't want to miss that!
Have a great week everyone! Stay safe, and have a great beginning to the summer!
~AmericanAngel
Felicia ~ Thanks. : - ) I'll update as much as I can!
Hermione - Hogwarts ~ Yay! You found time to r/r! Enjoy!
Kang ~ And I expect nothing less from you than masterpieces as well. ; - ) Although you should definitely go to bed earlier! Glad you liked TNL, and thanks for beta reading my stuff!
TallemeraRane ~ It's coming! Remember, 20 to 25 chapters! I think you'll be very excited after you read this chapter!
Tears from the Moon ~ Yay! I was starting to wonder if you had fallen off the face of the planet. ; - ) Thank you, and I am eagerly awaiting YOUR next chapter as well!
Andie ~ Patience is a virtue! (I know you hate me right now!) But I think you will really like this chapter! It's a significant step!!!
Sunshine Stargirl ~ thanks!
Sugar Blossom ~ Thanks!
Triniroo ~ Yeah, me too! I do agree that Tom Felton is really good- looking, but I have to say that Sean Biggerstaff (Oliver Wood) is the best!
Angelofboox ~ Thanks for the London info! I'll look into the places you mentioned, and I'll be sure to visit them if I *ever* get the chance to go over to the UK. *sigh* I'm working on it! And, I think you will be very happy about this chapter!
I'm excited to hear the reaction of everyone to this chapter! When I started writing this story, I had a few chapters planned out, and this was one of them. I had originally intended for it to be chapter 8, but I figured it wouldn't work well at all - you'll see why! Enjoy!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
How Many Ways
Chapter 13 ~ Breaking the Rules
By AmericanAngel
* * * * * * * * * * * *
And when the stars fall from the sky
You are there to shelter me
You pull me close to your beating heart
And I know I'll never be alone
Never alone, for you are always there
~ Me
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dear Friend,
Ms. Ginny Weasley and Ms. Hermione Granger wish to invite you to a Halloween party to take place at their apartment this upcoming Thursday, 31st October between seven PM and midnight. It's going to be a night full of magic and fun! Owl back either of the two ASAP with your response.
Ginny and Hermione
Ron grinned when he received this letter from Faith, who seemed to have a few more to deliver. He sent her off and replied to Hermione via Pigwidgeon.
Hermione,
Glad to see you are feeling a bit better! I hope you had fun last night, even though Malfoy, again, was a completely stupid git. It seems that you and Ginny have decided to make up for it though, eh? Well, I can come, of course. I have off that day, as I'm sure you do as well. Want me to go shopping with you? I'd love to, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I really don't like shopping, but if it's for you then I'll do it. Well, let me know.
Ron
* * *
Ron,
Yeah, Gin and I decided it would be fun to have a small party of our own. Well, small is in the eye of the beholder of course.
If you'd like to go shopping with me, that'd be great! Then I don't have to carry all the parcels alone! Actually, I think Marc is going with Ginny too so that will be perfect. What time would you like to meet in Diagon Alley? Let me know!
Hermione
* * *
Mione,
Let's meet at ten o'clock, alright? Then we can shop and have lunch before returning to your apartment to decorate.
Ron
Hermione replied in the affirmative and set about creating the list of items to buy. Thursday came quickly and Hermione and Ginny Apparated to Diagon Alley at 10:00 to meet the boys in The Leaky Cauldron.
Ron beamed as his girlfriend came up to him, "Hey," he whispered as he squeezed her hand.
She squeezed back in response and looked up into his eyes, about half a foot above her own, "Hey Ron," she said as she smiled, "Is Marc here yet?"
He shook his head, "Not yet; what's the plan?"
"We are going to divide the list in half and then separate to buy the items," Ginny replied to her brother, "So, if you want, you can have the list now and I'll wait for Marc."
Hermione nodded, "That seems reasonable. Ron and I can get the groceries and take them home before meeting you and Marc back here for lunch at noon. Would you like to do that?"
"Sure," Ginny agreed, "Here."
She handed Ron the list and he looked down at it.
1 bag of sugar
2 cartons of eggs
1 bag of flour
10 bottles of butterbeer . . .
And so on, going through the fruit, meat, and everything needed to make the party, in Hermione's opinion, a success.
"This is a lot of food, we better get going," he said to Hermione. She nodded in agreement and the pair said good-bye to Ginny and went to the entrance to Diagon Alley, where Ron tapped the proper bricks with his wand and they walked inside.
The Alley was decorated for the occasion. Magical streamers hung from the buildings and carved pumpkins appeared in different places. Tame bats flew over the customers' heads and many shopkeepers had bought candy to give to little witches and wizards who came by with their parents on their errands, no doubt preparing for parties just as Hermione and Ron were. Hermione smiled as she watched a little boy of four open a chocolate frog and exclaim in delight that he had found the Harry Potter card.
"It's still weird for me when I open one and see Harry," Ron told Hermione.
She grinned, "I know exactly what you mean!"
They walked on to the Magical Market at the opposite end of the Alley and went into the store. Mothers and their young children were everywhere, as well as other young adults who were also hosting parties.
"Where to first?" Ron asked Hermione, as he didn't have much shopping experience.
Hermione smiled, "First we'll get things that don't need to be refrigerated, such as the bread, sugar, flour, and candy. Then we'll go and get the fruit, and then the meat, milk, and butterbeer. Sound good to you?"
Ron nodded, "Sure, you're the expert of course."
Hermione blushed and the pair proceeded through the aisles of the store gathering the things they needed for the party. When they entered the candy aisle, they saw a young girl with long black hair reaching for the boxes of chocolate frogs, but her mother, or anyone who would be with her, was nowhere in sight.
Hermione knelt down near the little girl, "Hello, my name is Hermione. Where is your mum?"
The little girl blushed, "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers. Mummy was buying fruit and told me to stay there, but I wanted chocolate frog so I came here."
Ron frowned down at her playfully, "Well, that's not a good thing to do. Come on, I bet Mummy is looking for you."
Her lower lip trembled, "But I can't go with you; you are a stranger. She not a stranger, she told me her name. Hermynee. What's your name?"
Ron smiled, "Ron. There. Now I'm not a stranger, am I?"
She shook her head, "Nope. I'm Sara Snape."
Recognition flashed through Hermione's features, "Do you have an uncle named Severus?"
Sara nodded, "Yep, he's Daddy's cousin, but he's lost. Mummy said so."
"Yes, he is," Ron told her softly, "Well, come on, we have to find your Mum. We don't want her thinking that you are lost like Uncle Severus."
Hermione picked Sara up and held her in her arms while Ron followed with the cart. They reached the service counter and told the clerk the little girl's name before turning to go continue their shopping. The clerk amplified his voice and announced that a Sara Snape was sitting at the customer service desk.
"Wait!" Sara called with fear, "You can't leave me with him, Hermynee and Ron. Mummy will get mad because I'll be with a stranger. Stay with me."
No sooner had she said this that her mother came running up to the desk. She looked to be in her late twenties and hugged her little daughter.
"Sara! How many times has Mummy told you that you can't go running off like that! How was I supposed to know where you were? That's very irresponsible. Not good for a little Slytherin. How did you get here?" she scolded the little girl.
Sara bowed her head, "I was trying to get a chocolate frog. Hermynee and Ron found me. I was only hungry, Mummy! I'm a good Slytherin! I promise!"
The woman turned around and saw the pair, "Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, I assume, since you," she pointed at Ron, "Have red hair and the only Hermione and Ron I remember were always together at Hogwarts. Marina Snape. Pleasure. Thank you for finding my little Sara and bringing her back here. That was very Gryffindor of you."
Hermione laughed and shook the woman's hand, "Just doing our duty. We sort of put things in perspective for her by bringing up Professor Snape; then she realized her grave mistake."
Marina nodded, "Yes, my Stephen is always making sure Sara is right behind him for fear that she will be lost like his older cousin. Anyway, have a wonderful holiday. Thank you again." Marina picked up her little daughter and walked off with her in her arms.
Ron turned to Hermione, "Well, she's very nice for being related to that man, even if it is only through marriage; and a Slytherin no less! I would have expected her to snap at us for some reason. Anyway, on to the shopping."
Ron and Hermione finished their shopping around 11:30 and checked it all through the clerk before taking it back to Hermione's apartment and putting it all away before Apparating back to Diagon Alley and meeting up with Ginny and Marc, who were already sitting at The Leaky Cauldron. The four had a splendid lunch together, and Hermione and Ron told the story of Marina and Sara Snape.
"Well, I'm glad you found her," Ginny said, "The whole situation is so sad. That's probably why Marina didn't snap at you two. She was just so glad that her daughter was safe. I've heard that Stephen is one of the only members of the Snape family to agree with the professor regarding the war and You-Know-Who."
Hermione nodded, "As have I."
There was silence for a moment, until Marc looked at his watch, "Well, we all really must be going or we won't have time to decorate."
Ron broke in, "Hermione and I wanted to go for ice cream; is that alright?"
Ginny looked at her watch, "Well, why don't Marc and I go home and the two of you can go? We really should start decorating."
Hermione nodded, "Sounds good."
The four paid Tom and Ron and Hermione went once more into Diagon Alley. Ron ordered a hot fudge sundae to share and they sat at a table near the door of the parlor and watched the guests coming in as they savored the mix of hot and cold.
They were nearing the bottom of the bowl when a couple near the back of the restaurant, unnoticed before this moment, rose and walked in their direction. Hermione was facing this side of the restaurant and Ron was facing the door, so she saw their faces, but they did not see her as they were more interested in each other. Ron, gazing at her features, noticed the shadow that came over them and then her skin turn pale.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked with concern.
"Ron, we have to leave, NOW!" she said suddenly.
"Mione, what's wrong? Why are you so pale all of a sudden? I don't understand," Ron said as Hermione scrambled to finish the last few spoonfuls of the sundae and grabbed his hand before standing to take the bowl to the counter to give back to the parlor. Despite her efforts, however, they were spotted.
"Hermione? Is that you?" a male voice said by the pair, "It is!"
Hermione turned around and replied weakly, "Hello Ian, Melanie. What a pleasure to see you. It's been a while."
Ron looked very confused, "Hermione? Who are these people?"
Ian stumbled over his words, "Well, we're, um . . ."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ron, this is Ian Wells, and don't you remember Melanie Parker?"
The light of recognition dawned on Ron's face, "Melanie Parker; that was the name of your roommate before Ginny, right?"
Hermione nodded, "Correct in one. And Ian was my boyfriend for two years. I found him cheating on me with her, oh, six, seven months ago." She looked down at Melanie's hands, "By the way Mel, nice engagement ring. I'm sure you two are happy." She then stormed out of the parlor, Ron following closely behind.
"Hermione. Hermione! Wait for me!" he called as she ran down the street in the other direction and turned down an alley leading to a potion supplies store. She leaned against the wall and tears began to snake down her face.
"Hermione, what happened between you three? I'm very confused, please tell me what's wrong," Ron told her softly when he caught up with her and took her hands.
"Oh, Ron," she said and she leaned against his body to support herself. He wrapped his arms around her.
"Shhh, it's okay, love. It's okay. Do you want to go back to my place and talk?" he offered as he gently rubbed her back. She nodded, he whispered the spell to Apparate and the two of them appeared in his apartment a few seconds later. He took her over to the couch and held her while she cried against his shoulder, soaking his shirt, but he didn't care. She stopped after a while and they sat there, until he ventured to ask a question.
"Hermione, will you tell me what happened? I know it hurts, but I have to know."
She sat up a little from his embrace, but did not pull away, as she told him the story, "Melanie became my roommate just after graduation; I started going out with Ian about a year and a half, two years later. Mel is an American witch, from California to be exact. She is smart, friendly, and she knows how to get the guys. She has everything going for her, one of those perfect sort of girls. But she was my friend; she became Ginny for me when Ginny wasn't there anymore. I told her everything Ian did for me. He's definitely a romantic; I didn't realize that she was falling in love with him as I told her what he did. He told me he loved me about two months after we started our relationship.
I decided about six months later that I loved him too. He wanted to go all the way with me, but I told him no. You see, Ron, I made a promise to myself and my parents that I wouldn't consummate a relationship until my wedding night. I made that promise when I turned thirteen, and I've kept it. Ian told me that it was okay, and I trusted and believed in him. I was naïve.
One afternoon about seven or so months ago I came home early from work. I had been getting home late every night because our department was going through busy time; we still are, but not as much. Ian and I had a date that night, and I expected him to ask to marry me since he had hinted at it, so I wanted to look good and I was hoping Melanie could help me, since she is a fashion queen and can handle any emergency.
Basically, I found them making out, and about to do more, when I got to the apartment. Melanie moved out a few days later, and I haven't seen either of them since, until today."
The tears started to flow freely again and Ron pulled her closer into his chest so that she could hear his heart beating. He whispered soothing words to her and rocked her back and forth, like she was a baby.
"Mione, I'll never do that to you. Never. As long as you want me, I will never leave you."
She sat up and stared into his eyes, "Ron, don't make any promises you can't keep. Please don't be another Ian Wells. He made those promises too, and he broke them once he realized he wouldn't get what he wanted from me. He looked to Mel and saw what he wanted in her and took her instead of me, it just hurts so much. Sometimes I just feel like I'll never be enough, that there will always be a girl out there who is prettier than me or that there is something wrong with me. I feel like there will always be a Melanie to steal my boyfriend away, and to steal those I love away from me."
Ron looked straight at her, "I love you, Hermione Granger. You can give me Veritaserum and I will say the exact same thing. I would die for you, and I will always be there for you. I know that this probably isn't what you want to hear and now I know why you gave me this challenge, but I promise I am doing everything in my power to show you how much I love you. I only wish I could do more."
His eyes never left her own as he continued, "May I kiss you?"
Slowly, but steadily, she nodded her permission. He gently pulled her closer to him and placed a soft, but deep, kiss on her rosy pink lips, to which she responded in turn. After a few moments they pulled away.
"Thank you, Ron. Thank you for breaking my rules," she said slowly, "That was the best thing anyone could have done for me right then."
He nodded, "You're welcome. Never forget the promise I made to you tonight. I will never leave you as long as you want me. I bind myself to that promise. Now, shall we get you washed up and return to your apartment before Ginny and Marc go insane? I believe it is around three."
Hermione agreed, "Sure, thank you again." She rose from the couch and went to the single bathroom in the apartment, shared by Ron and Harry. She found a washcloth in the medicine cabinet and washed her face with warm water.
Hermione walked back to the family room where Ron was reading a magazine and together they Apparated to Hermione and Ginny's apartment, where Ginny and Marc had just finished setting up the decorations.
The party was a success, with friends coming from all over Britain and having a lovely time. Everyone took note, however, that both Ron and Hermione seemed to be looking a little rosier and happy that evening and took it to heart.
Hermione lay in bed later that night thinking about how even though her world had fallen apart, and it seemed as though everything had been falling on top of her, her world was piecing itself back together again; and it was all a result of Ronald Weasley.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Review! I hope you liked that chapter; I'm really excited about it!
For those who care, prom was a lot of fun! 13 more days of school . . . I will survive!
Next chapter will be a bit of London romance, followed by the Lifehouse concert! You don't want to miss that!
Have a great week everyone! Stay safe, and have a great beginning to the summer!
~AmericanAngel
