Chapter 5- Reconciliations and Surprises
Ron was staying. He knew it. He had known it ever since he had looked into Hermione's eyes that night at his welcome home party.
Aurors didn't need him. They had plenty of people who were happy to do the job for him, and he was always available if he was needed.
So he sold his apartment in Wales. And he was bloody glad. He hated that place anyway, with the stupid prat for an owner.
There was just one problem with his plan.
He needed a job.
* Hermione Granger hadn't been having a very good summer. Harry and Ginny had spent almost the whole time in Hawaii on their honeymoon. Hermione had always wanted to go to Hawaii, the culture and geology was fascinating. The months had past by quite quickly, but, yet, it was easy to let them when there was so much for Hermione to read. She tackled some of her biggest projects that summer, and even managed to refurbish her flat a bit.
Before she knew it, it was August again. The end of August in fact. Harry and Ginny finally returned from their honeymoon full of stories, and carrying lots and lots of pictures that Ginny showed to Hermione one day.
"Ooh, and look, see there's the big sea turtle we saw, it almost bit my head off! I screamed so loud! Oh, and there's Harry standing in front of our hotel sign, and there's."
Ginny chattered on happily about her trip, but Hermione found it hard to pay attention. She always seemed to have that problem nowadays.
"Hermione!" Ginny's voice jerked her out of her thoughts. "Do you want to see the wedding pictures?"
"Oh, oh yes of course!"
Ginny whipped out a large picture of the wedding party. A smiling Ginny and Harry stood in the center. Harry's grip was tight around Ginny's waist, and Ginny looked radiant in her flowing dress. Hermione saw herself in the picture, happily noting her hair was lying flat and curly in the picture. She saw Ron, and felt the familiar butterflies in her stomach. She smiled to herself. She was beginning to like that feeling again, after hating and crying over it for so long.
"You looked radiant Gin," Hermione said, giving Ginny's arm a squeeze. "It was a wonderful wedding."
*
"It was a wonderful wedding, mate," Ron said, smiling. "Honest."
"Yah," Harry smiled at his friend mischievously. "It was a wonderful honeymoon too."
Ron looked horrified. "Ugh, I did not want to know that."
Harry laughed. "So, what brings you to my humble abode?"
Ron looked around the luxurious flat. "I would hardly call this humble, Harry. Anyway, I have two things. I found a flat-"
"Honest? Halleluiah, you'll be out of here finally!"
"Shut up. And, I found a job!"
"This quick? Wow, all that moaning and groaning that you were going to work at Madame Malkin's measuring people was for nothing?"
"Yeah. And shut up."
"You're going reserve Auror then?"
"Yah, it's been so quiet lately, I reckoned it was the right thing to do."
Ron started for the door.
"Wait, Ron, what's the job? You never told me what your new job was."
Ron smiled. "Oh. Well, you're looking at the newest Hogwarts Defense the Dark Arts teacher."
*
September first was always an exciting day for Hermione. She always loved teaching, and she loved meeting all the new first years.
This year, however, was different. She was still excited about it, but she knew she would miss Ron. They were so close to being, well something again.
She moved her things back into her office without hitch, leaving everything in perfect position. She knew within a couple days the place would be a wreck, and wondered if she should take a picture to prove to herself her desk actually could be neat.
"Hermione?" Ginny's flushed face appeared in her doorway. "A little help here?"
Hermione grinned to herself, and went to go help Ginny unpack. Ginny was infamous for bringing boxes of things to decorate and put in her office, and Hermione had spent many a year helping her sort through her various items.
When she arrived in Ginny's room, she found her friend unpacking a large box of framed pictures.
"Wow, Gin," said Hermione, incredulously. "Are these all of you and Harry?"
Ginny reddened. "No, of course not. They're of the whole family. I thought I'd put them all around my office. It gives it a homey feel." She took a framed picture of Percy's family out of the box, and hung it on a nearby wall.
"Oh my! I almost forgot! Mum wanted me to tell you, Penny had her baby! I was going to visit, but it's the first day of school and all. Isn't that exciting?"
Hermione smiled. "Is it a boy or a girl?"
"A boy? Can you believe it? They have exactly three girls and three boys! His name is. hold on." Ginny reached into her pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper. "Christopher Michael Bartholomew James Weasley."
Hermione blanched. "Is it really necessary for him to have all those names? You'd have thought they would have run out by now!"
"Honestly," said Ginny, shaking her head.
*
Ron was not just nervous; he was petrified.
He looked around his office. He had tried to keep the orange down to a minimum, but every single Cannons poster seemed to be screaming, "Put me up!" at him. He liked it though; it made his office seem more him. And plus, now his new apartment wouldn't make Hermione groan every time she visited.
He smiled happily to himself. He had done it again. He had thought of her, and actually felt happy instead of guilty.
He made his way down to he sorting ceremony. Professor Ron Weasley. He liked it.
*
Hermione and Ginny finally finished fixing Ginny's room up and headed towards the Great Hall. A number of students had already arrived, and when they walked in, a swarm of girls surrounded Ginny eagerly.
"Ooo, Professor, can I see your ring?"
"I bet the wedding was lovely!"
"Did you have a nice wedding?"
"I saw your picture in the paper professor, oh you looked wonderful!"
Ginny laughed. "Yes girls, it was a wonderful wedding. If you like, I'll tell you all about it after the ceremony."
They got past them and up to the tables. Ginny was laughing. "I wonder who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is?" she asked. "It was such a shame Snape didn't get the position again."
Hermione laughed. "Poor Snape. I really can't see him teaching anything but Potions though."
Hermione saw the first years marching in, and smiled to herself. She remembered her own ceremony so vividly, filled with hope she had found a world she had finally belonged in. She was so caught up in the ceremony she didn't even notice a man settling in the seat next to her.
" Jamison, Chloe!!"
"Hey Hermione." The voice was right in Hermione's ear. She jumped, and looked over on her right, shocked.
Ron was sitting there, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry if I scared you," he said.
"R-Ron?" Hermione squeaked. "A-are you here to see me?"
"No, didn't anyone tell you?" His grin turned impish. "I'm the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Really? Oh, wow. Um, great. That'll, be.fun!"
"Yeah," Ron's blue eyes gleamed. "It'll be just like old times. Me, you, at Hogwarts. God I've missed this place." He smiled.
Hermione grinned, and thankfully noted Dumbledore began his speech, and they could no longer talk. She was glad Ron couldn't see her sheer happiness in her face.
* Ron sat nervously on his desk, watching his first class file in. The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor first years looked flushed with excitement, and he tried to look casual.
"All right, take your seats." Ron stood up, and faced the eager faces. "My name is Ron Weasley. You may call me Professor." He smiled, and leaned back on his desk. "Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. This is an important class; one you will most certainly need if you wish to survive in the magical world. Its my job to teach you how to defend yourself against some of the darkest things know to wizard kind. However, I do plan to have some fun in this class, and I hope you do too."
*
"Arithmancy." Hermione faced the class of third years. "How many of you enjoyed sums as a child in nursery school?" She watched as most of the kids tentively raised their hands. She smiled. "Then you are in the right place. Arithmancy is the study of spells through mathematics, trying to figure out spells using complex problems and equations. This class is for the able- minded student, who likes a challenge. I cannot assure you that you will do well in this class. But, I hope you do and have an enjoyable time as well. So, I have your course syllabus. Please follow along as I explain it aloud.
Hermione rambled through the rest of her lecture with ease, and managed to give out a substantial amount of first day homework in the process. Satisfied as the bell rang, she turned to prepare for her next class, and was startled by a head in her fireplace.
"Oh, hello Ron," she said quietly.
"Hi Hermione. How was your first lesson?"
"Good, um, how was yours?"
"Good, good, listen Hermione, we need to talk. Can you meet me in Three Broomsticks after lessons?"
"Um, sure, that sounds nice."
"OK, good, see you then."
"Alright see you."
*
Hermione hurried along the streets of Hogsmeade, her bag over one shoulder, and her coat thrown hurriedly on. She tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach as she pushed open the door to Three Broomsticks.
"Hermione!" Ron came to her almost immediately. "Thanks for coming, um, here, sit down. Do you want a drink?"
"Um, no, I'm fine. Thank you though." Hermione sat down and watched Ron position himself on the other side of her.
"Oh, um, here, this is for you." Ron blushed red, and handed her a rose.
"Oh," Hermione blushed. "It's beautiful Ron. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Ron's ears were still pink, but he continued. "Listen, Hermione, I've been thinking. And, well, I hate being able to talk to you and, stuff. So, I was hoping maybe we could get rid of all the awkwardness between us, and we could uh, be friends again."
Hermione smiled. "Ok."
"Ok?"
"Yeah."
"Well then," Ron smiled back at her. "We have lots of catching up to do, don't we?"
*
Hermione hadn't felt this good in a while. She practically skipped across the stone walkways of Hogsmeade and into her flat, where she had decided to stay the night. She took of her scarf and jacket, and was proceeding to make herself a cup of tea when her fire indicated she had a visitor. Hermione crouched down to answer it, and Ginny's face appeared.
"Hey Gin!"
"Hey Hermione." Ginny looked flushed and excited. "I'm glad I caught you."
"Why? What's going on??"
"Can I come over?" Ginny asked.
"Of course Gin," Hermione stepped away and Ginny came through the fireplace. Ginny had a huge, silly grin on her face.
Hermione sat by her. "Ginny, what's going on?"
"Hermione, I'm pregnant!"
Hermione gasped. "Are you sure?"
Ginny turned to face her on the couch. "Yes. I'm sure."
"Ginny, that's fantastic! You're going to have a baby!"
Ginny nodded. I know! I can't believe it. I've told Harry already. We're going to see Mum and Dad tomorrow."
"Ginny, this is so exciting! A baby!"
Ginny looked ready to explode from happiness. "Yeah, I know! Anyway, I have to get going. Harry just went to get something to celebrate. I'll see you tomorrow, alright?"
Hermione gave Ginny a quick hug, watched her disappear into the flames, and settled in with her tea. What an eventful year this was turning out to be.
Ron was staying. He knew it. He had known it ever since he had looked into Hermione's eyes that night at his welcome home party.
Aurors didn't need him. They had plenty of people who were happy to do the job for him, and he was always available if he was needed.
So he sold his apartment in Wales. And he was bloody glad. He hated that place anyway, with the stupid prat for an owner.
There was just one problem with his plan.
He needed a job.
* Hermione Granger hadn't been having a very good summer. Harry and Ginny had spent almost the whole time in Hawaii on their honeymoon. Hermione had always wanted to go to Hawaii, the culture and geology was fascinating. The months had past by quite quickly, but, yet, it was easy to let them when there was so much for Hermione to read. She tackled some of her biggest projects that summer, and even managed to refurbish her flat a bit.
Before she knew it, it was August again. The end of August in fact. Harry and Ginny finally returned from their honeymoon full of stories, and carrying lots and lots of pictures that Ginny showed to Hermione one day.
"Ooh, and look, see there's the big sea turtle we saw, it almost bit my head off! I screamed so loud! Oh, and there's Harry standing in front of our hotel sign, and there's."
Ginny chattered on happily about her trip, but Hermione found it hard to pay attention. She always seemed to have that problem nowadays.
"Hermione!" Ginny's voice jerked her out of her thoughts. "Do you want to see the wedding pictures?"
"Oh, oh yes of course!"
Ginny whipped out a large picture of the wedding party. A smiling Ginny and Harry stood in the center. Harry's grip was tight around Ginny's waist, and Ginny looked radiant in her flowing dress. Hermione saw herself in the picture, happily noting her hair was lying flat and curly in the picture. She saw Ron, and felt the familiar butterflies in her stomach. She smiled to herself. She was beginning to like that feeling again, after hating and crying over it for so long.
"You looked radiant Gin," Hermione said, giving Ginny's arm a squeeze. "It was a wonderful wedding."
*
"It was a wonderful wedding, mate," Ron said, smiling. "Honest."
"Yah," Harry smiled at his friend mischievously. "It was a wonderful honeymoon too."
Ron looked horrified. "Ugh, I did not want to know that."
Harry laughed. "So, what brings you to my humble abode?"
Ron looked around the luxurious flat. "I would hardly call this humble, Harry. Anyway, I have two things. I found a flat-"
"Honest? Halleluiah, you'll be out of here finally!"
"Shut up. And, I found a job!"
"This quick? Wow, all that moaning and groaning that you were going to work at Madame Malkin's measuring people was for nothing?"
"Yeah. And shut up."
"You're going reserve Auror then?"
"Yah, it's been so quiet lately, I reckoned it was the right thing to do."
Ron started for the door.
"Wait, Ron, what's the job? You never told me what your new job was."
Ron smiled. "Oh. Well, you're looking at the newest Hogwarts Defense the Dark Arts teacher."
*
September first was always an exciting day for Hermione. She always loved teaching, and she loved meeting all the new first years.
This year, however, was different. She was still excited about it, but she knew she would miss Ron. They were so close to being, well something again.
She moved her things back into her office without hitch, leaving everything in perfect position. She knew within a couple days the place would be a wreck, and wondered if she should take a picture to prove to herself her desk actually could be neat.
"Hermione?" Ginny's flushed face appeared in her doorway. "A little help here?"
Hermione grinned to herself, and went to go help Ginny unpack. Ginny was infamous for bringing boxes of things to decorate and put in her office, and Hermione had spent many a year helping her sort through her various items.
When she arrived in Ginny's room, she found her friend unpacking a large box of framed pictures.
"Wow, Gin," said Hermione, incredulously. "Are these all of you and Harry?"
Ginny reddened. "No, of course not. They're of the whole family. I thought I'd put them all around my office. It gives it a homey feel." She took a framed picture of Percy's family out of the box, and hung it on a nearby wall.
"Oh my! I almost forgot! Mum wanted me to tell you, Penny had her baby! I was going to visit, but it's the first day of school and all. Isn't that exciting?"
Hermione smiled. "Is it a boy or a girl?"
"A boy? Can you believe it? They have exactly three girls and three boys! His name is. hold on." Ginny reached into her pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper. "Christopher Michael Bartholomew James Weasley."
Hermione blanched. "Is it really necessary for him to have all those names? You'd have thought they would have run out by now!"
"Honestly," said Ginny, shaking her head.
*
Ron was not just nervous; he was petrified.
He looked around his office. He had tried to keep the orange down to a minimum, but every single Cannons poster seemed to be screaming, "Put me up!" at him. He liked it though; it made his office seem more him. And plus, now his new apartment wouldn't make Hermione groan every time she visited.
He smiled happily to himself. He had done it again. He had thought of her, and actually felt happy instead of guilty.
He made his way down to he sorting ceremony. Professor Ron Weasley. He liked it.
*
Hermione and Ginny finally finished fixing Ginny's room up and headed towards the Great Hall. A number of students had already arrived, and when they walked in, a swarm of girls surrounded Ginny eagerly.
"Ooo, Professor, can I see your ring?"
"I bet the wedding was lovely!"
"Did you have a nice wedding?"
"I saw your picture in the paper professor, oh you looked wonderful!"
Ginny laughed. "Yes girls, it was a wonderful wedding. If you like, I'll tell you all about it after the ceremony."
They got past them and up to the tables. Ginny was laughing. "I wonder who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is?" she asked. "It was such a shame Snape didn't get the position again."
Hermione laughed. "Poor Snape. I really can't see him teaching anything but Potions though."
Hermione saw the first years marching in, and smiled to herself. She remembered her own ceremony so vividly, filled with hope she had found a world she had finally belonged in. She was so caught up in the ceremony she didn't even notice a man settling in the seat next to her.
" Jamison, Chloe!!"
"Hey Hermione." The voice was right in Hermione's ear. She jumped, and looked over on her right, shocked.
Ron was sitting there, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry if I scared you," he said.
"R-Ron?" Hermione squeaked. "A-are you here to see me?"
"No, didn't anyone tell you?" His grin turned impish. "I'm the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Really? Oh, wow. Um, great. That'll, be.fun!"
"Yeah," Ron's blue eyes gleamed. "It'll be just like old times. Me, you, at Hogwarts. God I've missed this place." He smiled.
Hermione grinned, and thankfully noted Dumbledore began his speech, and they could no longer talk. She was glad Ron couldn't see her sheer happiness in her face.
* Ron sat nervously on his desk, watching his first class file in. The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor first years looked flushed with excitement, and he tried to look casual.
"All right, take your seats." Ron stood up, and faced the eager faces. "My name is Ron Weasley. You may call me Professor." He smiled, and leaned back on his desk. "Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. This is an important class; one you will most certainly need if you wish to survive in the magical world. Its my job to teach you how to defend yourself against some of the darkest things know to wizard kind. However, I do plan to have some fun in this class, and I hope you do too."
*
"Arithmancy." Hermione faced the class of third years. "How many of you enjoyed sums as a child in nursery school?" She watched as most of the kids tentively raised their hands. She smiled. "Then you are in the right place. Arithmancy is the study of spells through mathematics, trying to figure out spells using complex problems and equations. This class is for the able- minded student, who likes a challenge. I cannot assure you that you will do well in this class. But, I hope you do and have an enjoyable time as well. So, I have your course syllabus. Please follow along as I explain it aloud.
Hermione rambled through the rest of her lecture with ease, and managed to give out a substantial amount of first day homework in the process. Satisfied as the bell rang, she turned to prepare for her next class, and was startled by a head in her fireplace.
"Oh, hello Ron," she said quietly.
"Hi Hermione. How was your first lesson?"
"Good, um, how was yours?"
"Good, good, listen Hermione, we need to talk. Can you meet me in Three Broomsticks after lessons?"
"Um, sure, that sounds nice."
"OK, good, see you then."
"Alright see you."
*
Hermione hurried along the streets of Hogsmeade, her bag over one shoulder, and her coat thrown hurriedly on. She tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach as she pushed open the door to Three Broomsticks.
"Hermione!" Ron came to her almost immediately. "Thanks for coming, um, here, sit down. Do you want a drink?"
"Um, no, I'm fine. Thank you though." Hermione sat down and watched Ron position himself on the other side of her.
"Oh, um, here, this is for you." Ron blushed red, and handed her a rose.
"Oh," Hermione blushed. "It's beautiful Ron. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Ron's ears were still pink, but he continued. "Listen, Hermione, I've been thinking. And, well, I hate being able to talk to you and, stuff. So, I was hoping maybe we could get rid of all the awkwardness between us, and we could uh, be friends again."
Hermione smiled. "Ok."
"Ok?"
"Yeah."
"Well then," Ron smiled back at her. "We have lots of catching up to do, don't we?"
*
Hermione hadn't felt this good in a while. She practically skipped across the stone walkways of Hogsmeade and into her flat, where she had decided to stay the night. She took of her scarf and jacket, and was proceeding to make herself a cup of tea when her fire indicated she had a visitor. Hermione crouched down to answer it, and Ginny's face appeared.
"Hey Gin!"
"Hey Hermione." Ginny looked flushed and excited. "I'm glad I caught you."
"Why? What's going on??"
"Can I come over?" Ginny asked.
"Of course Gin," Hermione stepped away and Ginny came through the fireplace. Ginny had a huge, silly grin on her face.
Hermione sat by her. "Ginny, what's going on?"
"Hermione, I'm pregnant!"
Hermione gasped. "Are you sure?"
Ginny turned to face her on the couch. "Yes. I'm sure."
"Ginny, that's fantastic! You're going to have a baby!"
Ginny nodded. I know! I can't believe it. I've told Harry already. We're going to see Mum and Dad tomorrow."
"Ginny, this is so exciting! A baby!"
Ginny looked ready to explode from happiness. "Yeah, I know! Anyway, I have to get going. Harry just went to get something to celebrate. I'll see you tomorrow, alright?"
Hermione gave Ginny a quick hug, watched her disappear into the flames, and settled in with her tea. What an eventful year this was turning out to be.