Healer
Ron opened his heavy textbook once again to study. He sat in Hermione's room, with a mug of coffee, a notebook and hopeless studying to do.
Hermione hadn't improved at all. She still lay on her bed, her wrist laid floppily beside her, taking in her food. Ron turned a page in his textbook, sighing deeply.
"Who knew becoming a healer required hours of studying?" Ron asked Hermione. "Did you know?"
Hermione didn't answer, just stared at the ceiling. Ron sighed again and put down his pencil. He walked over to Hermione and sat on her bed. She sat up, looking at him expectantly.
"I guess it's my fault you got like this in the first place, huh?"
Hermione shook her head. She started to cry.
"Oh, come on, Hermione. You're breaking my heart." He smiled.
She leaned her head against him and started to sob. Ron put his hand on her hair and sighed.
"You know, this crying isn't going to make you feel any better."
She stopped crying and looked at him.
She's beautiful, Ron thought. She never complains about being in this musty smelling room. It's a wonder she cries, since she won't talk to anyone anymore. I hate it when she cries, but, when she cries, her eyes....Wait, wait, am I falling for Hermione Granger? I can't be falling for Hermione Granger. I mean, she's Hermione! But, what's so bad about her being Hermione! Shut up, Ron. Just shut up.
"You were always the book worm, you know? I bet you could help me with this stuff." Ron looked around the room. "Still no window. How inhuman are these people?"
"Ron..." Hermione started to sob again.
Ron held her. "Come on, if you keep this up then I'll never be able to graduate. You know I'd like to get my shirt wet all night, but I've got to study or I'll never pass and you'll never get out of here. Do you understand?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Hermione Granger, I do declare, you are the hardest person to please in the world." Ron sighed. "Well, Harry's off to become an Auror, you know. Says he wants to avenge Sirius. I don't blame him. Quidditch life was exciting, but, it can get very monotonous."
Why am I talking to her like this? Ron asked himself. Can she even understand? Does she even care?
"It's odd, you know. It's like you don't want me to study. Used to be, you'd have to lock me in my Dormitory to study. Funny how things change."
Hermione let go of him and lay back down, looking at the wall.
"You know, when you're sane again I'm going to yell at you terribly. I'm going to pull that bushy hair of yours and I'd like to see you try and catch me when I run away." He laughed.
Ron sat back in the chair on the other side of the room. The equations and the facts, what did it all mean? Well, he didn't need to understand them, just memorize them. As he worked, the clock seemed to speed up, the ticks coming more often then his heart beat. After a while, the ticks seemed to fade away, and become nothing. He felt his head dropping, yet there was nothing he could do to stop it.
Hermione sat up in her bed and looked at the clock. The bold letters said half after one. She couldn't really tell if it was day or night because her room had no windows. She looked over at Ron, who was slumped over on the table. She smiled her odd little smile and took the blanket off of her bed. Carefully, she draped it over him. She didn't know what it was, but a funny feeling stirred inside of her, like a funny memory from a long time ago.
Hermione smiled at him. She pushed the few strands of red hair from his face and went back to her bed, satisfied. She was cold, but it was worth it. Then, she frowned and went back to Ron. She leaned close to his face, watching him breathe. She smiled and kissed him softly on his cheek. Finally satisfied, she went back to her bed. In the darkness, she reached for the picture frame, to make sure it was still there. She brushed her hand against it and felt a surge of joy and energy.
Then, she fell asleep.
~-~-~-~-~-
Ron woke up the next morning, feel warm. He felt so warm, why was it so warm? It was as if he had died. He'd heard that before people freeze to death, they feel this wonderful warmth, as if they're by the fire with their loved ones. But, he wasn't exactly freezing to death, unless of course, the Squib nurse had put the air conditioning to high again.
He raised his head and saw that he was covered with a blanket.
A blanket? Ron thought. How in the world did I get a blanket around me. Wait a second, this is Hermione's blanket!
"Hermione..." He looked over to her. She was shivering on her bed and Ron felt this sudden impact of guilt over him. But why should he feel guilty? He didn't do anything! He walked over to her and draped the blanket over her.
"You are just too much, you know that?" he said. "Beautiful, though. But, just too much."
Hermione seemed to smile in her sleep.
"You sneaky little devil, you're awake, aren't you. You've been watching me all night, messing with me notes, have you?"
"Yes, Ron." She sat, up laughing.
"You know, you could've got a fever from having no blanket. Do you honestly want to get sick?"
Hermione hung her head.
"I was just joking, I was just joking." Ron said, laughing. "You are too much, Hermione Granger. And when I get you out of here I'm going to buy all the pranks in Fred and George's joke shop and pull them on you. Then let's see who's laughing."
Hermione smiled.
"You're getting better, aren't you? But, I can't get you off of this tube thing until I'm your Healer. Which, shouldn't be long."
"Ron!" Ginny, entered the room. "Mum wants to know when your graduation is."
"Gee, I dunno. I dunno if I'm even graduating!"
"Don't be a git, Ron. You're at the top of your class." Ginny slapped his arm. "Besides, I over heard Hermione's Healer. He said he's given up. He says if she doesn't have another Healer voluntarily take her up their moving her to the Basement."
"I'd like to see them try!" Ron stood up valiantly.
"Right, Ron. So, about the graduation..."
"One week. The exams are done, and I was just doing a little last minute studying last night."
"You were doing extra work, for no credit?" Ginny raised her eyebrows.
"Think of it as, extra work with no credit." Ron said.
"Oh, you're so creative." Ginny rolled her eyes.
"I know, amazing, isn't it?"
"Whatever. But, your graduation is in a week, right?"
"Right."
"And you know you'll be graduating?"
"Right."
"And you know that if you don't become Hermione's Healer she'll rot away in the Basement for the rest of her miserable life?"
"I am very aware of that, Ginny." Ron sighed.
"Well then, I guess there's only one thing left to do."
"And what would that be?"
"Buy you a graduation gift." Ginny smiled slyly. "A nice muzzle will do nicely, I think."
~-~-~-~-~-~-
"Stop fidgeting, Hermione." Harry whispered. Hermione became still, but only for a moment or two. She was becoming impatient.
"When are they going to call his name? This list is endless." Ginny whispered to Harry.
"Not yet, they always announce the Valedictory last." Harry said.
"Shush, the lot of you." Mrs. Weasley said.
Harry stopped talking and held on to Hermione's wrist.
"Don't you dare let go of her, Harry, or I'll break your face." Ron had said.
He didn't dare let go of Hermione, Ron's threats were taken seriously. He looked at her. She was wearing some of her old clothes that Ginny had found in her trunk. Harry smiled. She looked like the old Hermione, bored, yet intrigued.
Harry sighed. There was something different about Ron, these days. He seemed less, well, selfish. Not that he had ever been selfish or anything. It was like, he was a different person, a thankful, giving person. His best friend was becoming a mental Healer for his other best friend.
"Hermione." Harry whispered, careful not to let Mrs. Weasley hear. "Do you like Ron?"
Harry only asked this question to enjoy the pinkish color that came to her skin. She blushed madly at the question and turned away from Harry. He chuckled at her.
"Don't worry, I think he likes you too."
"Shut up, Harry." Hermione whispered.
Harry held back a laugh and turned his attention back to the announcer, who had been making a very boring speech about the importance of Healers to the world. It suddenly began to bother Harry that Hermione's wrist was so small. It was like he was grabbing bone, rather then flesh. He hoped Ron would take her off of that tube thing and start feeding her real food.
"Through the years, we've had many outstanding students. But this year, our Valedictory surpasses the rest. He has gotten the highest test results ever recorded here at St. Mungo's Academy of Healer Training. Everyone, please welcome, Ronald Weasley."
Ron walked down, the aisle, his face a magnificent red.
"Way to go, Ron!" Fred and George hooted. Mrs. Weasley elbowed them both to silence, but looked ready to scream at Ron herself.
Ron took his seat amongst his classmates and smiled in the direction that he had heard Fred and George yelling.
The Announcer went on, for about fifteen more minutes and finally said the words everyone wanted to hear.
"Congratulations, our new Certified Healers!"
There was a huge round of applause, and Harry could barely hear Fred and George hooting loudly a few seats away from him.
Hermione, however, wasn't clapping. She sat quietly in her seat, looking ahead of her. Harry sat back down and looked at her, was she sick? Was she going to vomit? Was she all right?
"Hermione, what's wrong?"
She was crying.
"He did it, Harry. He did it!"
"You bet he did, Hermione!"
"Come on, let's go congratulate him!" Ginny said, rushing past Harry.
"Come on, Hermione." Harry said. Most of the people had already gone, and Harry was still trying to get more words of Hermione. "Is something wrong? Are you hungry?"
"Tired, Harry. Just tired." She sighed.
It suddenly occurred to him that for a girl that had only been eating brown stuff out of a tube thing for two years, she had an awful lot of energy. She had waited for Harry and Ron and she had smiled the entire ceremony. She must've been exhausted.
"Here, climb on my back, Hermione."
"Harry!" Hermione giggled.
"Oh come on, it's not like I'm going to marry you, you crazy thing."
"Not crazy..." she said, amused. Harry hoisted her onto his back and began to walk. He stopped suddenly. Why was she so light? Someone of her height should be heavier then this; much heavier then this. She must've only weighed as much as Ginny did during her second year.
"Right then." He said, finally getting over her weight. "Off to Ron."
~-~-~-~-
"Excuse me, ma'am." Harry said, walking up to Ginny. "I've got a special delivery for Ronald Weasley."
"Oh, yes sir. He's right over there." Ginny pointed to where Ron was.
"Much obliged, ma'am." Harry smiled.
Harry walked over to Ron. It still bothered him that Hermione was so light, but he pushed it away from his mind when he saw Ron. He looked so mature, he looked so happy and satisfied.
"Excuse me, Mister Weasley? I've got special delivery for you." Harry let go of Hermione. She wavered a bit.
Ron laughed. "Hello, there." He said to Hermione. "Did you miss me."
Hermione threw her arms around Ron and smiled.
"You did it, Ron! You did it!"
"Yes, Hermione. I believe I did."
~-~-~-~-~-
"Weasley." Hermione's Healer said. "I know you want to help her but, she's a hopeless case. There's nothing you can do. I mean, you're a fresh new Healer, why not take on a more, worthy case?"
"Hermione is plenty worthy, if that's what you mean." Ron said.
"I've been trying for five years, and she won't respond to any therapy or any treatment."
"That's because you treat her like a crazy person."
"Well, that's what she is!"
"No, you're wrong!" Ron stood up. "She isn't crazy! She's different, she's brilliant! She's never been crazy and never will be!"
"You're a fool. She's under a Curse."
"I'm very aware what she's under, sir."
"Then why do you insist that you take a Hopeless Case like this? Hopeless Cases only pay about a hundred galleons a month."
"I've got some money saved up, sir. Besides, I'm not concerned of what I make."
"You should be, no man could live off love alone."
"Then sir, maybe I'll be the first fool that will."
The Healer looked at Ron for a long time and finally sighed, writing a few notes on his clipboard.
"Fine, okay, Weasley. If you want to waste your time like--"
"Thank you sir! Thank you!" Ron said, grabbing his hand and shaking it.
"I hope you know what you're getting into."
"I do, sir. I do."
"Then get out of my sight." The Healer sighed and waved his hand.
~-~-~-~-~-
"Okay, Hermione. The first thing we're going to do is take out this stupid tube thing." Ron said. "Now, this is going to hurt a bit."
He pulled the tube out of her wrist. Blood started to drip out. Hermione let out a small whimper of fear.
"Oh come on, it's just blood." Ron said, wrapping a bandage around her wrist. "There, all better."
"What real food do you plan to feed her?" Harry asked.
"Well, I can't really feed her real food. More like this hospital stuff. Tastes like plastic, it does. Well, at least it's better then that brown stuff. Do you have any idea what that stuff tastes like?"
"Do you?" Harry asked him.
"Nope, haven't a clue." Ron smiled.
He picked up a small package from the side of the table.
"Well, I've got to go. Auror duties call." Harry said, smiling.
"Right, goodbye Harry."
Harry waved to Hermione and apparated with a flash of light and smoke.
"He really needs to work on that. Auror's aren't supposed to leave smoke when they apparate." Ron started yank the plastic off of the top of the container. "Bloody hell, who packages this stuff?" He finally got it off. "Ah, success. Now, my dear, taste your first meal in two years."
Hermione looked at it curiously.
"What is it?" she asked him.
"Well." Ron looked at the bottom of the container. "It says, nutritous, supplemental chocolate pudding. Chocolate pudding that's good for you, now I've seen everything." he smiled.
He held the spoon up to her mouth. "Open your mouth."
Hermione opened it obediently. She swallowed heavily.
"So, how's it taste?" He asked her.
Hermione didn't respond. She held her hand over her mouth, as if she were going to vomit.
"Is it that bad?" Ron asked, he dipped his finger in the brown dessert and stuck it in his mouth. "Hm, not bad. Not as good as mum's, but good."
He fed her more spoonfuls. When the pudding was half empty, he put the spoon down.
"Okay, that's enough. Don't want to overdo it."
Hermione was holding her stomach and holding her mouth.
"Hermione?" Ron sat next to her on the bed. "Hermione, listen to me, you can't throw up. You can't. You have to keep that food in your stomach."
"It hurts..." She whimpered.
"I know, I know. You haven't had food in your stomach for a long time. But you can't throw up. Hermione, this is the only way you're going to get better."
"No, Ron." She tried to make a run for the bathroom.
"No, Hermione." He held her down. "You have to stick this out with me. You've got to keep that food in your stomach."
Hermione clutched her stomach with both hands. She started to cry.
"Make it stop, Ron, make it stop." She cried.
"I'm sorry, Hermione, I'm sorry." He put his arms around her and let her cry on him. "I'm so sorry, I can't. If I could, you know I would. Please try, Hermione. You can't throw up!" He held her tighter.
"Make it stop!" She yelled, her body shaking with sobs.
"Hermione..."
Hermione seemed to press her head against Ron's chest as she sobbed.
Poor Hermione, Ron thought. I want to make it stop, but if she stays on that brown stuff she'll die, for sure. I hate to see her cry. I hate to see her sobbing like this! She doesn't deserve this pain!
Ron sighed deeply and held Hermione for hours. She finally fell asleep in exhaustion. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the tears away from her face. He laid her down on the bed and smiled at her.
Feelings for Hermione, he thought. Maybe.
~-~-~-~-~-~-
"You won." Hermione sighed.
"Of course, I won, 'Mione. I'm the master at Wizard's Chess!"
"Of course." She smiled.
Ron sighed and began to put the pieces back into the box. Hermione looked forlornly at the wall.
"It's been a year, you know." Ron said. "You've improved so much."
Hermione didn't respond, but she got up and sat on her bed. Ron knit his brow and sat next to her.
"Something wrong?"
"Ron..." Her eyes were glistening with familiar tears. "Get me out of here. Get me out of here." She whispered.
Ron put his arms around her. "I will, I promised you I will, and I fully intend to keep that promise." He sighed. "I thought you got over this crying thing."
Ron pulled her away from him. Her face was tear stained again.
"You know, Hermione, when you cry it, it makes just want to, just want to--"
He blushed.
"To what?" She asked distantly.
"To--to--" He started to stutter.
"Kiss me?" She asked.
He looked surprised for a second and then smiled. "Damn you and your bloody brilliance."
He looked into her eyes, her beautiful eyes, glistening and shining. And then he closed his eyes and let all rational thought leave his mind. He let his instinct take over. At least, he let it take over until his other instinct reminded him that he was a human being and needed air.
"Bloody hell!" Ron panted. "Now I know what they mean when they say your first kiss is a breathtaking experience!"
Hermione giggled.
"You aren't crazy, you know."
"I know." She shrugged.
"'Cos crazy people can't kiss that well."
"Kissed many crazy people?" She asked him, smiling.
"Nope, haven't kissed one yet." Ron smiled. "Don't think I need to."
"Good."
~-~-~-~-
"Weasley, aged twenty-three, certified Healer, wishes to approach the High Healer of St. Mungo's with a request?" A hawk nosed woman said to the bulky man.
"Weasley..." The Healer looked at him. "Your patient's name, age, and health?"
"Hermione Granger, Aged twenty-two, Cruciatus Cursed." Ron said, almost proudly.
"Very well, you may appeal to us."
Ron was reminded of a deadly inquisition. Five Healers, all men, and all tall and bulky sat looking at him expectantly. They were the High Healers. They decided who would go home and who would stay at St. Mungo's for life.
"I request, that you let my patient go."
"That's absurd." One of them said. "Your patient has The Curse. No witch or wizard has ever recovered."
"No, sir. My patient has the ability to talk in full sentences and comprehend what is being said to her."
"Really?" Another one said. "Tell us, Miss Granger. Who are your parents?"
"I--I don't know, sir." She stuttered.
"What school did you go to?"
"I don't remember, sir."
"Who was you headmaster?"
Ron was suddenly angered. What were they thinking? She didn't remember anything, how did they expect her to remember this?
"This is stupid." Ron said. "She can't remember those things."
"Then she is not cured, Mister Weasley. The first sign of recovery is memory. Since she cannot remember, I sentence her to St. Mungo's for--"
"No!" Ron protested. "She's recovered, I swear she is!"
"Weasley, if you speak out of turn again, your Healer badge will be taken away and destroyed."
"Besides, even if she was cured." Another Healer said. "She would still have to stay here. Regulation of the Ministry of Magic."
"So you're saying, no matter what I do," Ron said quietly. "She'll never be able to go?"
"In so many words, yes, Weasley." The Healer said. "You are dismissed."
"You can't do this!" Ron protested.
"Ron." Hermione grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the room.
"You can't!"
~-~-~-~-
"So, how'd it go?" Harry asked.
"Not good." Ron ran his fingers through his hair.
"They wouldn't listen." Hermione said quietly.
"I mean, it's not fair! She's perfectly sane!"
"She is?" Harry looked at Hermione.
"Don't be a git, Harry."
"Ron, you kissed her, didn't you?" Harry asked, smiling.
Hermione turned pink and Ron turned a dark shade of red.
"You enjoy making people blush, don't you?" Ron asked.
"Yup, that's me!" Harry laughed.
"Whatever." Ron muttered. "They said, whatever I do, they'd never let Hermione go, no matter what I do, no matter what she says."
"That's not fair." Harry shook his head. "Why would they even appoint her a Healer if it wasn't possible?"
"I guess that's why they call her a hopeless case." Ron shrugged.
"Not hopeless." Hermione said softly.
"I know you're not, 'Mione. All we have to do is get those snot nosed gits to believe that."
"Ron," Harry stopped. "There is a way, you could get her out of here."
"What? Tell me, Harry!"
"Well..." Harry paused. "Wouldn't it be nicer if we could get out of this stuffy room, there aren't any windows in here!"
"Tell me about it." Ron rolled his eyes.
"Hermione!" Ginny chimed, coming in the room. She took Hermione's hand. "How would you like to come down into the gardens with me?"
"Go on." Ron said to Hermione, who looked at him unsurely.
Ginny pulled Hermione along, out of the room.
"That was convenient." Harry muttered.
"So, what were you saying, about Hermione getting out of here?"
"Ron, according to the Ministry of Magic Rulebook. If someone is under an illegal curse and in the current care of a hospital, they can't be set free."
"Uh huh..." Ron said. "Go on."
"Well, if the person is married to a qualified Mental Healer then--"
"Harry Potter! Are you suggesting that I marry Hermione Granger?" Ron stood up, knocking his chair over.
"Well, why not?" Harry asked him. "I mean, you two have been really good friends since you were eleven. That's got to mean something."
"But, I can't MARRY her. I mean, do you know how awkward that would be? I mean, that'd be like you marrying her, if you were a Healer!"
"I would." Harry shrugged.
"You--what?"
"Hey, Hermione's a great girl, you know. You fell in love with her, you know. Remember? When you were a quirky fourteen year old?"
"I--I--" Ron stuttered. "She won't agree!"
"How do you know, Ron? You read that stupid paper. Ron, she'll say yes. If you love her at all, then you'll get her out of this room. Can you imagine spending five years in a room with no windows? Weren't you the one that said that you can't live with her being in here?"
"But--but--"
"Ron, come on! Hermione, you know people under The Curse tend to die earlier--"
"Shut up, Harry. She's not going to die."
"See, there you go again! You love her, Ron! Say it!" Harry grabbed Ron's shoulders. "Say it Ron! Or you can just leave her here, in this stupid room with no bloody windows."
Ron looked at Harry, who had his arms on his shoulders.
"I love her." He whispered.
The door opened again.
"Oh, guess what?" Ginny yelled. "Are you two gits at it again?" She screamed. "Dancing again?"
Harry ripped his hands off of Ron's shoulders. "Damn it, are you trained to come in at the wrong time or something?" Harry asked her.
"No, it's a gift." Ginny shrugged. "Harry Potter is gay!" She sang.
"Ginny Weasley!" Harry yelled, running after her. She screamed as he chased her down the hallway, until they couldn't hear the two anymore.
Hermione walked in the room, almost timidly.
Ron smiled broadly as she entered. "Hey, 'Mione. Did you have fun with Ginny?"
"Maybe." She smiled.
"You know that means a yes to me. Of course, you were always a complicated person." He smiled.
"Ron Weasley." She said, straightening her back. "You drive me crazy."
He laughed. "You know you love it, 'Mione."
~-~-~-~-
"Ginny, I need to ask you for a favor." Ron said.
"Well, what is it?" Ginny asked.
"I need to ask you, erm, if you were a girl and--"
"I am a girl, Ron."
"Oh, right. But, if you wanted to, to get married, what kind of, erm, engagement thing--"
"Ron! You're getting married?" Ginny squealed.
"Ginny Weasley, if you weren't my sister I'd kill you." Ron said. "But, I need you to tell me, what kind of engagement ring, I mean, if you were a girl and were going to get married, then what kind of ring, would erm, suit a person, like, say, Hermione?"
"Hermione?" Ginny exclaimed. "You're going to marry--"
"Shut up, woman!" Ron said. He got a few strange looks from the other customers. "Answer the question."
"Ron, if I was going to get married, I'd want a ring that came from the heart. I know it sounds stupid, but I'd want one that the guy, he chose and wasn't sure I liked it. I don't really want an expensive one, but one that he could hold my hand with and he'd be satisfied when he looked at."
"Ginny, could you be more vague?" Ron asked angrily.
"Ron, just find one that seems to fit Hermione's personality."
"Hermione's personality? Ginny, do you know that I've spent years trying to figure out that girl?"
"Ron, I'm not going to stand here and contradict you. Besides, you really need to find out on your own."
Ginny smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, big brother, but your such a git sometimes." And with that, she walked out of the store, smiling grandly.
"Stupid, Ginny. Leaving me here. I've no idea how to shop for jewelry. I'm no girl. Damn, I wish I'd gone with Hermione to those jewelry stores in Hogsmeade. Then I might've had some idea." He mumbled to himself.
He walked along the cases, each ring more glamorous and beautiful then the next. He liked all of them, but some were a little over what he could afford.
I hate to admit it, He thought. But Ginny was right. I have to pick the one I think Hermione'll like. But, bloody hell, that girl never wore any jewelry in her life! Damn, why the hell is this so damn hard?
He walked along the cases at least three times, now recognizing each ring as its price.
"Maybe I should just get her a necklace instead." Ron mumbled.
"Ron? What're you doing here, baby brother?" Fred asked, suddenly appearing behind him.
"Picking out new earrings for yourself?" George laughed.
"I might ask you gits the same question." Ron said, a bit agitated.
"Ah, mum wanted us to pick up her watch. She dropped it off for repairs." Fred said.
"Looking at rings, I see. Tying the knot with someone?" George asked, smiling widely. "Who's the unlucky girl, Ron?"
"Blimey, do we feel sorry for her. Living you was one thing, but being married to you!"
"Will you two shut up?" Ron asked. "I'm not exactly and expert on this thing."
"Well, woman always want something expensive."
"Something shiny."
"And expensive!" George added. "So, find the one with the biggest price tag and buy it, you can't go wrong."
"After all," Fred snickered. "Money talks. Speaks many languages, it does."
"Really?" Ron asked in disbelief.
"You're so damn gullible, Ron Weasley. Well, we'd better be off, mum's timing us. She gave us fifteen minutes and I believe--"
"George Weasley! Fred Weasley!"
"I believe our time has thus expired." Fred laughed.
They ran past Mrs. Weasley and out the door.
"Ron, dear, what are you doing here?" Mrs. Weasley asked, walking over to him. "Why are you looking at rings, dear?"
"Erm--" Ron turned red. How would he tell his mother he was getting married?
"Are you getting married?" She gasped. "Oh, Ron, that's wonderful, my baby boy, getting married!"
The jewelry clerk behind the counter had been watching Ron the whole time.
"You've a got a big family." He commented.
"Erm, yeah." Ron said. "Mum, what did dad give you as an engagement thing?"
"It's called an engagement ring, Ron." Mrs. Weasley rolled her eyes. "Well, your father was a poor man. He didn't have any money at all, broke as a dog! But, he got a loan from Gringott's and bought me an engagement ring. And Ron, it didn't matter how cheap it was, it was still beautiful to me."
Ron looked at the engagement ring. It wasn't very big. It was pretty though, a simple design, but steal meaningful.
"Thanks, mum." He said.
"Anytime, Ron."
~-~-~-~-~-
"'Mione." Ron said. "Are you hungry?"
"No." She said airily.
"Hermione, I found a way, well, Harry found a way to get you out of here."
"How?" She asked.
"Hermione..."
It's now or never, Ron thought. I have to do this. I have to do this today. I have to do this now. I have to do this today, at this time, right now. Now, as in at this very second. Shut up, Ron. Just, shut up.
"Ron?"
"Huh? Oh, right." He pulled the box out of his pocket.
"What is it?"
He opened it and slipped the ring on her finger. It was a beautiful emerald green ring, simple yet, memorable.
"Hermione, could you, I mean, would you? I mean, will you, erm--will you erm--" Ron turned red and he started to stutter.
"Marry you?" Hermione asked.
"You know, you've really got to stop doing that." He laughed.
"Ron..." She said, looking at the ring in disbelief.
"'Mione, will you marry me?"
~-~-~-
(A/N: Don't you loooooove the suspense??)
Ron opened his heavy textbook once again to study. He sat in Hermione's room, with a mug of coffee, a notebook and hopeless studying to do.
Hermione hadn't improved at all. She still lay on her bed, her wrist laid floppily beside her, taking in her food. Ron turned a page in his textbook, sighing deeply.
"Who knew becoming a healer required hours of studying?" Ron asked Hermione. "Did you know?"
Hermione didn't answer, just stared at the ceiling. Ron sighed again and put down his pencil. He walked over to Hermione and sat on her bed. She sat up, looking at him expectantly.
"I guess it's my fault you got like this in the first place, huh?"
Hermione shook her head. She started to cry.
"Oh, come on, Hermione. You're breaking my heart." He smiled.
She leaned her head against him and started to sob. Ron put his hand on her hair and sighed.
"You know, this crying isn't going to make you feel any better."
She stopped crying and looked at him.
She's beautiful, Ron thought. She never complains about being in this musty smelling room. It's a wonder she cries, since she won't talk to anyone anymore. I hate it when she cries, but, when she cries, her eyes....Wait, wait, am I falling for Hermione Granger? I can't be falling for Hermione Granger. I mean, she's Hermione! But, what's so bad about her being Hermione! Shut up, Ron. Just shut up.
"You were always the book worm, you know? I bet you could help me with this stuff." Ron looked around the room. "Still no window. How inhuman are these people?"
"Ron..." Hermione started to sob again.
Ron held her. "Come on, if you keep this up then I'll never be able to graduate. You know I'd like to get my shirt wet all night, but I've got to study or I'll never pass and you'll never get out of here. Do you understand?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Hermione Granger, I do declare, you are the hardest person to please in the world." Ron sighed. "Well, Harry's off to become an Auror, you know. Says he wants to avenge Sirius. I don't blame him. Quidditch life was exciting, but, it can get very monotonous."
Why am I talking to her like this? Ron asked himself. Can she even understand? Does she even care?
"It's odd, you know. It's like you don't want me to study. Used to be, you'd have to lock me in my Dormitory to study. Funny how things change."
Hermione let go of him and lay back down, looking at the wall.
"You know, when you're sane again I'm going to yell at you terribly. I'm going to pull that bushy hair of yours and I'd like to see you try and catch me when I run away." He laughed.
Ron sat back in the chair on the other side of the room. The equations and the facts, what did it all mean? Well, he didn't need to understand them, just memorize them. As he worked, the clock seemed to speed up, the ticks coming more often then his heart beat. After a while, the ticks seemed to fade away, and become nothing. He felt his head dropping, yet there was nothing he could do to stop it.
Hermione sat up in her bed and looked at the clock. The bold letters said half after one. She couldn't really tell if it was day or night because her room had no windows. She looked over at Ron, who was slumped over on the table. She smiled her odd little smile and took the blanket off of her bed. Carefully, she draped it over him. She didn't know what it was, but a funny feeling stirred inside of her, like a funny memory from a long time ago.
Hermione smiled at him. She pushed the few strands of red hair from his face and went back to her bed, satisfied. She was cold, but it was worth it. Then, she frowned and went back to Ron. She leaned close to his face, watching him breathe. She smiled and kissed him softly on his cheek. Finally satisfied, she went back to her bed. In the darkness, she reached for the picture frame, to make sure it was still there. She brushed her hand against it and felt a surge of joy and energy.
Then, she fell asleep.
~-~-~-~-~-
Ron woke up the next morning, feel warm. He felt so warm, why was it so warm? It was as if he had died. He'd heard that before people freeze to death, they feel this wonderful warmth, as if they're by the fire with their loved ones. But, he wasn't exactly freezing to death, unless of course, the Squib nurse had put the air conditioning to high again.
He raised his head and saw that he was covered with a blanket.
A blanket? Ron thought. How in the world did I get a blanket around me. Wait a second, this is Hermione's blanket!
"Hermione..." He looked over to her. She was shivering on her bed and Ron felt this sudden impact of guilt over him. But why should he feel guilty? He didn't do anything! He walked over to her and draped the blanket over her.
"You are just too much, you know that?" he said. "Beautiful, though. But, just too much."
Hermione seemed to smile in her sleep.
"You sneaky little devil, you're awake, aren't you. You've been watching me all night, messing with me notes, have you?"
"Yes, Ron." She sat, up laughing.
"You know, you could've got a fever from having no blanket. Do you honestly want to get sick?"
Hermione hung her head.
"I was just joking, I was just joking." Ron said, laughing. "You are too much, Hermione Granger. And when I get you out of here I'm going to buy all the pranks in Fred and George's joke shop and pull them on you. Then let's see who's laughing."
Hermione smiled.
"You're getting better, aren't you? But, I can't get you off of this tube thing until I'm your Healer. Which, shouldn't be long."
"Ron!" Ginny, entered the room. "Mum wants to know when your graduation is."
"Gee, I dunno. I dunno if I'm even graduating!"
"Don't be a git, Ron. You're at the top of your class." Ginny slapped his arm. "Besides, I over heard Hermione's Healer. He said he's given up. He says if she doesn't have another Healer voluntarily take her up their moving her to the Basement."
"I'd like to see them try!" Ron stood up valiantly.
"Right, Ron. So, about the graduation..."
"One week. The exams are done, and I was just doing a little last minute studying last night."
"You were doing extra work, for no credit?" Ginny raised her eyebrows.
"Think of it as, extra work with no credit." Ron said.
"Oh, you're so creative." Ginny rolled her eyes.
"I know, amazing, isn't it?"
"Whatever. But, your graduation is in a week, right?"
"Right."
"And you know you'll be graduating?"
"Right."
"And you know that if you don't become Hermione's Healer she'll rot away in the Basement for the rest of her miserable life?"
"I am very aware of that, Ginny." Ron sighed.
"Well then, I guess there's only one thing left to do."
"And what would that be?"
"Buy you a graduation gift." Ginny smiled slyly. "A nice muzzle will do nicely, I think."
~-~-~-~-~-~-
"Stop fidgeting, Hermione." Harry whispered. Hermione became still, but only for a moment or two. She was becoming impatient.
"When are they going to call his name? This list is endless." Ginny whispered to Harry.
"Not yet, they always announce the Valedictory last." Harry said.
"Shush, the lot of you." Mrs. Weasley said.
Harry stopped talking and held on to Hermione's wrist.
"Don't you dare let go of her, Harry, or I'll break your face." Ron had said.
He didn't dare let go of Hermione, Ron's threats were taken seriously. He looked at her. She was wearing some of her old clothes that Ginny had found in her trunk. Harry smiled. She looked like the old Hermione, bored, yet intrigued.
Harry sighed. There was something different about Ron, these days. He seemed less, well, selfish. Not that he had ever been selfish or anything. It was like, he was a different person, a thankful, giving person. His best friend was becoming a mental Healer for his other best friend.
"Hermione." Harry whispered, careful not to let Mrs. Weasley hear. "Do you like Ron?"
Harry only asked this question to enjoy the pinkish color that came to her skin. She blushed madly at the question and turned away from Harry. He chuckled at her.
"Don't worry, I think he likes you too."
"Shut up, Harry." Hermione whispered.
Harry held back a laugh and turned his attention back to the announcer, who had been making a very boring speech about the importance of Healers to the world. It suddenly began to bother Harry that Hermione's wrist was so small. It was like he was grabbing bone, rather then flesh. He hoped Ron would take her off of that tube thing and start feeding her real food.
"Through the years, we've had many outstanding students. But this year, our Valedictory surpasses the rest. He has gotten the highest test results ever recorded here at St. Mungo's Academy of Healer Training. Everyone, please welcome, Ronald Weasley."
Ron walked down, the aisle, his face a magnificent red.
"Way to go, Ron!" Fred and George hooted. Mrs. Weasley elbowed them both to silence, but looked ready to scream at Ron herself.
Ron took his seat amongst his classmates and smiled in the direction that he had heard Fred and George yelling.
The Announcer went on, for about fifteen more minutes and finally said the words everyone wanted to hear.
"Congratulations, our new Certified Healers!"
There was a huge round of applause, and Harry could barely hear Fred and George hooting loudly a few seats away from him.
Hermione, however, wasn't clapping. She sat quietly in her seat, looking ahead of her. Harry sat back down and looked at her, was she sick? Was she going to vomit? Was she all right?
"Hermione, what's wrong?"
She was crying.
"He did it, Harry. He did it!"
"You bet he did, Hermione!"
"Come on, let's go congratulate him!" Ginny said, rushing past Harry.
"Come on, Hermione." Harry said. Most of the people had already gone, and Harry was still trying to get more words of Hermione. "Is something wrong? Are you hungry?"
"Tired, Harry. Just tired." She sighed.
It suddenly occurred to him that for a girl that had only been eating brown stuff out of a tube thing for two years, she had an awful lot of energy. She had waited for Harry and Ron and she had smiled the entire ceremony. She must've been exhausted.
"Here, climb on my back, Hermione."
"Harry!" Hermione giggled.
"Oh come on, it's not like I'm going to marry you, you crazy thing."
"Not crazy..." she said, amused. Harry hoisted her onto his back and began to walk. He stopped suddenly. Why was she so light? Someone of her height should be heavier then this; much heavier then this. She must've only weighed as much as Ginny did during her second year.
"Right then." He said, finally getting over her weight. "Off to Ron."
~-~-~-~-
"Excuse me, ma'am." Harry said, walking up to Ginny. "I've got a special delivery for Ronald Weasley."
"Oh, yes sir. He's right over there." Ginny pointed to where Ron was.
"Much obliged, ma'am." Harry smiled.
Harry walked over to Ron. It still bothered him that Hermione was so light, but he pushed it away from his mind when he saw Ron. He looked so mature, he looked so happy and satisfied.
"Excuse me, Mister Weasley? I've got special delivery for you." Harry let go of Hermione. She wavered a bit.
Ron laughed. "Hello, there." He said to Hermione. "Did you miss me."
Hermione threw her arms around Ron and smiled.
"You did it, Ron! You did it!"
"Yes, Hermione. I believe I did."
~-~-~-~-~-
"Weasley." Hermione's Healer said. "I know you want to help her but, she's a hopeless case. There's nothing you can do. I mean, you're a fresh new Healer, why not take on a more, worthy case?"
"Hermione is plenty worthy, if that's what you mean." Ron said.
"I've been trying for five years, and she won't respond to any therapy or any treatment."
"That's because you treat her like a crazy person."
"Well, that's what she is!"
"No, you're wrong!" Ron stood up. "She isn't crazy! She's different, she's brilliant! She's never been crazy and never will be!"
"You're a fool. She's under a Curse."
"I'm very aware what she's under, sir."
"Then why do you insist that you take a Hopeless Case like this? Hopeless Cases only pay about a hundred galleons a month."
"I've got some money saved up, sir. Besides, I'm not concerned of what I make."
"You should be, no man could live off love alone."
"Then sir, maybe I'll be the first fool that will."
The Healer looked at Ron for a long time and finally sighed, writing a few notes on his clipboard.
"Fine, okay, Weasley. If you want to waste your time like--"
"Thank you sir! Thank you!" Ron said, grabbing his hand and shaking it.
"I hope you know what you're getting into."
"I do, sir. I do."
"Then get out of my sight." The Healer sighed and waved his hand.
~-~-~-~-~-
"Okay, Hermione. The first thing we're going to do is take out this stupid tube thing." Ron said. "Now, this is going to hurt a bit."
He pulled the tube out of her wrist. Blood started to drip out. Hermione let out a small whimper of fear.
"Oh come on, it's just blood." Ron said, wrapping a bandage around her wrist. "There, all better."
"What real food do you plan to feed her?" Harry asked.
"Well, I can't really feed her real food. More like this hospital stuff. Tastes like plastic, it does. Well, at least it's better then that brown stuff. Do you have any idea what that stuff tastes like?"
"Do you?" Harry asked him.
"Nope, haven't a clue." Ron smiled.
He picked up a small package from the side of the table.
"Well, I've got to go. Auror duties call." Harry said, smiling.
"Right, goodbye Harry."
Harry waved to Hermione and apparated with a flash of light and smoke.
"He really needs to work on that. Auror's aren't supposed to leave smoke when they apparate." Ron started yank the plastic off of the top of the container. "Bloody hell, who packages this stuff?" He finally got it off. "Ah, success. Now, my dear, taste your first meal in two years."
Hermione looked at it curiously.
"What is it?" she asked him.
"Well." Ron looked at the bottom of the container. "It says, nutritous, supplemental chocolate pudding. Chocolate pudding that's good for you, now I've seen everything." he smiled.
He held the spoon up to her mouth. "Open your mouth."
Hermione opened it obediently. She swallowed heavily.
"So, how's it taste?" He asked her.
Hermione didn't respond. She held her hand over her mouth, as if she were going to vomit.
"Is it that bad?" Ron asked, he dipped his finger in the brown dessert and stuck it in his mouth. "Hm, not bad. Not as good as mum's, but good."
He fed her more spoonfuls. When the pudding was half empty, he put the spoon down.
"Okay, that's enough. Don't want to overdo it."
Hermione was holding her stomach and holding her mouth.
"Hermione?" Ron sat next to her on the bed. "Hermione, listen to me, you can't throw up. You can't. You have to keep that food in your stomach."
"It hurts..." She whimpered.
"I know, I know. You haven't had food in your stomach for a long time. But you can't throw up. Hermione, this is the only way you're going to get better."
"No, Ron." She tried to make a run for the bathroom.
"No, Hermione." He held her down. "You have to stick this out with me. You've got to keep that food in your stomach."
Hermione clutched her stomach with both hands. She started to cry.
"Make it stop, Ron, make it stop." She cried.
"I'm sorry, Hermione, I'm sorry." He put his arms around her and let her cry on him. "I'm so sorry, I can't. If I could, you know I would. Please try, Hermione. You can't throw up!" He held her tighter.
"Make it stop!" She yelled, her body shaking with sobs.
"Hermione..."
Hermione seemed to press her head against Ron's chest as she sobbed.
Poor Hermione, Ron thought. I want to make it stop, but if she stays on that brown stuff she'll die, for sure. I hate to see her cry. I hate to see her sobbing like this! She doesn't deserve this pain!
Ron sighed deeply and held Hermione for hours. She finally fell asleep in exhaustion. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the tears away from her face. He laid her down on the bed and smiled at her.
Feelings for Hermione, he thought. Maybe.
~-~-~-~-~-~-
"You won." Hermione sighed.
"Of course, I won, 'Mione. I'm the master at Wizard's Chess!"
"Of course." She smiled.
Ron sighed and began to put the pieces back into the box. Hermione looked forlornly at the wall.
"It's been a year, you know." Ron said. "You've improved so much."
Hermione didn't respond, but she got up and sat on her bed. Ron knit his brow and sat next to her.
"Something wrong?"
"Ron..." Her eyes were glistening with familiar tears. "Get me out of here. Get me out of here." She whispered.
Ron put his arms around her. "I will, I promised you I will, and I fully intend to keep that promise." He sighed. "I thought you got over this crying thing."
Ron pulled her away from him. Her face was tear stained again.
"You know, Hermione, when you cry it, it makes just want to, just want to--"
He blushed.
"To what?" She asked distantly.
"To--to--" He started to stutter.
"Kiss me?" She asked.
He looked surprised for a second and then smiled. "Damn you and your bloody brilliance."
He looked into her eyes, her beautiful eyes, glistening and shining. And then he closed his eyes and let all rational thought leave his mind. He let his instinct take over. At least, he let it take over until his other instinct reminded him that he was a human being and needed air.
"Bloody hell!" Ron panted. "Now I know what they mean when they say your first kiss is a breathtaking experience!"
Hermione giggled.
"You aren't crazy, you know."
"I know." She shrugged.
"'Cos crazy people can't kiss that well."
"Kissed many crazy people?" She asked him, smiling.
"Nope, haven't kissed one yet." Ron smiled. "Don't think I need to."
"Good."
~-~-~-~-
"Weasley, aged twenty-three, certified Healer, wishes to approach the High Healer of St. Mungo's with a request?" A hawk nosed woman said to the bulky man.
"Weasley..." The Healer looked at him. "Your patient's name, age, and health?"
"Hermione Granger, Aged twenty-two, Cruciatus Cursed." Ron said, almost proudly.
"Very well, you may appeal to us."
Ron was reminded of a deadly inquisition. Five Healers, all men, and all tall and bulky sat looking at him expectantly. They were the High Healers. They decided who would go home and who would stay at St. Mungo's for life.
"I request, that you let my patient go."
"That's absurd." One of them said. "Your patient has The Curse. No witch or wizard has ever recovered."
"No, sir. My patient has the ability to talk in full sentences and comprehend what is being said to her."
"Really?" Another one said. "Tell us, Miss Granger. Who are your parents?"
"I--I don't know, sir." She stuttered.
"What school did you go to?"
"I don't remember, sir."
"Who was you headmaster?"
Ron was suddenly angered. What were they thinking? She didn't remember anything, how did they expect her to remember this?
"This is stupid." Ron said. "She can't remember those things."
"Then she is not cured, Mister Weasley. The first sign of recovery is memory. Since she cannot remember, I sentence her to St. Mungo's for--"
"No!" Ron protested. "She's recovered, I swear she is!"
"Weasley, if you speak out of turn again, your Healer badge will be taken away and destroyed."
"Besides, even if she was cured." Another Healer said. "She would still have to stay here. Regulation of the Ministry of Magic."
"So you're saying, no matter what I do," Ron said quietly. "She'll never be able to go?"
"In so many words, yes, Weasley." The Healer said. "You are dismissed."
"You can't do this!" Ron protested.
"Ron." Hermione grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the room.
"You can't!"
~-~-~-~-
"So, how'd it go?" Harry asked.
"Not good." Ron ran his fingers through his hair.
"They wouldn't listen." Hermione said quietly.
"I mean, it's not fair! She's perfectly sane!"
"She is?" Harry looked at Hermione.
"Don't be a git, Harry."
"Ron, you kissed her, didn't you?" Harry asked, smiling.
Hermione turned pink and Ron turned a dark shade of red.
"You enjoy making people blush, don't you?" Ron asked.
"Yup, that's me!" Harry laughed.
"Whatever." Ron muttered. "They said, whatever I do, they'd never let Hermione go, no matter what I do, no matter what she says."
"That's not fair." Harry shook his head. "Why would they even appoint her a Healer if it wasn't possible?"
"I guess that's why they call her a hopeless case." Ron shrugged.
"Not hopeless." Hermione said softly.
"I know you're not, 'Mione. All we have to do is get those snot nosed gits to believe that."
"Ron," Harry stopped. "There is a way, you could get her out of here."
"What? Tell me, Harry!"
"Well..." Harry paused. "Wouldn't it be nicer if we could get out of this stuffy room, there aren't any windows in here!"
"Tell me about it." Ron rolled his eyes.
"Hermione!" Ginny chimed, coming in the room. She took Hermione's hand. "How would you like to come down into the gardens with me?"
"Go on." Ron said to Hermione, who looked at him unsurely.
Ginny pulled Hermione along, out of the room.
"That was convenient." Harry muttered.
"So, what were you saying, about Hermione getting out of here?"
"Ron, according to the Ministry of Magic Rulebook. If someone is under an illegal curse and in the current care of a hospital, they can't be set free."
"Uh huh..." Ron said. "Go on."
"Well, if the person is married to a qualified Mental Healer then--"
"Harry Potter! Are you suggesting that I marry Hermione Granger?" Ron stood up, knocking his chair over.
"Well, why not?" Harry asked him. "I mean, you two have been really good friends since you were eleven. That's got to mean something."
"But, I can't MARRY her. I mean, do you know how awkward that would be? I mean, that'd be like you marrying her, if you were a Healer!"
"I would." Harry shrugged.
"You--what?"
"Hey, Hermione's a great girl, you know. You fell in love with her, you know. Remember? When you were a quirky fourteen year old?"
"I--I--" Ron stuttered. "She won't agree!"
"How do you know, Ron? You read that stupid paper. Ron, she'll say yes. If you love her at all, then you'll get her out of this room. Can you imagine spending five years in a room with no windows? Weren't you the one that said that you can't live with her being in here?"
"But--but--"
"Ron, come on! Hermione, you know people under The Curse tend to die earlier--"
"Shut up, Harry. She's not going to die."
"See, there you go again! You love her, Ron! Say it!" Harry grabbed Ron's shoulders. "Say it Ron! Or you can just leave her here, in this stupid room with no bloody windows."
Ron looked at Harry, who had his arms on his shoulders.
"I love her." He whispered.
The door opened again.
"Oh, guess what?" Ginny yelled. "Are you two gits at it again?" She screamed. "Dancing again?"
Harry ripped his hands off of Ron's shoulders. "Damn it, are you trained to come in at the wrong time or something?" Harry asked her.
"No, it's a gift." Ginny shrugged. "Harry Potter is gay!" She sang.
"Ginny Weasley!" Harry yelled, running after her. She screamed as he chased her down the hallway, until they couldn't hear the two anymore.
Hermione walked in the room, almost timidly.
Ron smiled broadly as she entered. "Hey, 'Mione. Did you have fun with Ginny?"
"Maybe." She smiled.
"You know that means a yes to me. Of course, you were always a complicated person." He smiled.
"Ron Weasley." She said, straightening her back. "You drive me crazy."
He laughed. "You know you love it, 'Mione."
~-~-~-~-
"Ginny, I need to ask you for a favor." Ron said.
"Well, what is it?" Ginny asked.
"I need to ask you, erm, if you were a girl and--"
"I am a girl, Ron."
"Oh, right. But, if you wanted to, to get married, what kind of, erm, engagement thing--"
"Ron! You're getting married?" Ginny squealed.
"Ginny Weasley, if you weren't my sister I'd kill you." Ron said. "But, I need you to tell me, what kind of engagement ring, I mean, if you were a girl and were going to get married, then what kind of ring, would erm, suit a person, like, say, Hermione?"
"Hermione?" Ginny exclaimed. "You're going to marry--"
"Shut up, woman!" Ron said. He got a few strange looks from the other customers. "Answer the question."
"Ron, if I was going to get married, I'd want a ring that came from the heart. I know it sounds stupid, but I'd want one that the guy, he chose and wasn't sure I liked it. I don't really want an expensive one, but one that he could hold my hand with and he'd be satisfied when he looked at."
"Ginny, could you be more vague?" Ron asked angrily.
"Ron, just find one that seems to fit Hermione's personality."
"Hermione's personality? Ginny, do you know that I've spent years trying to figure out that girl?"
"Ron, I'm not going to stand here and contradict you. Besides, you really need to find out on your own."
Ginny smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, big brother, but your such a git sometimes." And with that, she walked out of the store, smiling grandly.
"Stupid, Ginny. Leaving me here. I've no idea how to shop for jewelry. I'm no girl. Damn, I wish I'd gone with Hermione to those jewelry stores in Hogsmeade. Then I might've had some idea." He mumbled to himself.
He walked along the cases, each ring more glamorous and beautiful then the next. He liked all of them, but some were a little over what he could afford.
I hate to admit it, He thought. But Ginny was right. I have to pick the one I think Hermione'll like. But, bloody hell, that girl never wore any jewelry in her life! Damn, why the hell is this so damn hard?
He walked along the cases at least three times, now recognizing each ring as its price.
"Maybe I should just get her a necklace instead." Ron mumbled.
"Ron? What're you doing here, baby brother?" Fred asked, suddenly appearing behind him.
"Picking out new earrings for yourself?" George laughed.
"I might ask you gits the same question." Ron said, a bit agitated.
"Ah, mum wanted us to pick up her watch. She dropped it off for repairs." Fred said.
"Looking at rings, I see. Tying the knot with someone?" George asked, smiling widely. "Who's the unlucky girl, Ron?"
"Blimey, do we feel sorry for her. Living you was one thing, but being married to you!"
"Will you two shut up?" Ron asked. "I'm not exactly and expert on this thing."
"Well, woman always want something expensive."
"Something shiny."
"And expensive!" George added. "So, find the one with the biggest price tag and buy it, you can't go wrong."
"After all," Fred snickered. "Money talks. Speaks many languages, it does."
"Really?" Ron asked in disbelief.
"You're so damn gullible, Ron Weasley. Well, we'd better be off, mum's timing us. She gave us fifteen minutes and I believe--"
"George Weasley! Fred Weasley!"
"I believe our time has thus expired." Fred laughed.
They ran past Mrs. Weasley and out the door.
"Ron, dear, what are you doing here?" Mrs. Weasley asked, walking over to him. "Why are you looking at rings, dear?"
"Erm--" Ron turned red. How would he tell his mother he was getting married?
"Are you getting married?" She gasped. "Oh, Ron, that's wonderful, my baby boy, getting married!"
The jewelry clerk behind the counter had been watching Ron the whole time.
"You've a got a big family." He commented.
"Erm, yeah." Ron said. "Mum, what did dad give you as an engagement thing?"
"It's called an engagement ring, Ron." Mrs. Weasley rolled her eyes. "Well, your father was a poor man. He didn't have any money at all, broke as a dog! But, he got a loan from Gringott's and bought me an engagement ring. And Ron, it didn't matter how cheap it was, it was still beautiful to me."
Ron looked at the engagement ring. It wasn't very big. It was pretty though, a simple design, but steal meaningful.
"Thanks, mum." He said.
"Anytime, Ron."
~-~-~-~-~-
"'Mione." Ron said. "Are you hungry?"
"No." She said airily.
"Hermione, I found a way, well, Harry found a way to get you out of here."
"How?" She asked.
"Hermione..."
It's now or never, Ron thought. I have to do this. I have to do this today. I have to do this now. I have to do this today, at this time, right now. Now, as in at this very second. Shut up, Ron. Just, shut up.
"Ron?"
"Huh? Oh, right." He pulled the box out of his pocket.
"What is it?"
He opened it and slipped the ring on her finger. It was a beautiful emerald green ring, simple yet, memorable.
"Hermione, could you, I mean, would you? I mean, will you, erm--will you erm--" Ron turned red and he started to stutter.
"Marry you?" Hermione asked.
"You know, you've really got to stop doing that." He laughed.
"Ron..." She said, looking at the ring in disbelief.
"'Mione, will you marry me?"
~-~-~-
(A/N: Don't you loooooove the suspense??)