Summary: Ron discovers something that Hermione has kept from him for 8
months. It nearly makes him have a nervous breakdown.
Rating: PG 13
Author's Note: Okay guys, this is two years later. Hermione, Ron, Harry,
and Ginny are living at Hermione's house.
Two Year Waiting List
By happythoughts
Chapter 1 (8 months earlier)
"Hermione, are you ready?" Ginny called.
"Yeah! I'll be down in a second!" Hermione called back. She threw a brush through her hair and grabbed her purse. When she arrived in the kitchen, Ginny was waiting patiently for her at the kitchen table, listening somewhat to Ron and Harry's conversation about, what else then, Quidditch.
"I'm telling you Harry, this year . it's the Cannons," Ron said seriously.
"Sure, Ron. That's what you say every year," Harry said to him.
"I know, but this year I can feel it. After that match last week . you know they were looking good."
Harry just shook his head and returned to eating his breakfast.
"Okay, let's go Hermione," Ginny said. She leaned down and kissed Harry on the cheek. "We'll be back sometime tonight."
Ron sighed. "Honestly, I don't know why you two are going to some museum when it's a great day outside. We could be going to the pond at the Burrow or something."
"It's not a museum, Ron. Leeds Castle is a very old and well-known castle in England. A lot of history is in that castle. It was the center of communication for witches and wizards during the first war against Voldemort-,"
"All RIGHT, Hermione. All right, sorry. Have a good time," Ron said exasperatedly. "Harry and I will just go to the field and play some Quidditch, right?"
Harry nodded and said in a mouthful of food, "Half fun girlsh!"
Hermione shot Ginny an annoyed look, and they took out their wands and apparated.
~*~*~*~
The view that Hermione saw as she appeared was completely breathtaking. The castle stood on large hill, overlooking a crystal blue lake. Right in the middle of the lake was a small island, with a Weeping Willow right in the middle of it, it's limbs hanging, skimming the water. The grass that she was standing on, and the grass on the hill, was perfectly manicured. Wonderful hanging flowers covered the castle, an array of colors bursting out from everywhere. The view could not have been any more beautiful, unless there was a rainbow in the background.
Hermione heard a gasp behind her. "It's beautiful, isn't it, Ginny?"
"It's gorgeous. I want to live here," Ginny said breathlessly.
Hermione laughed. "I'm afraid that you can't. Even if you could, this place costs tons of Galleons. It makes me sick to think about how much it costs."
"Why couldn't we apparate right on the lawn?" Ginny asked.
"Because just like Hogwarts, this castle is protected by very strong charms, making it unable to apparate onto. It's very safe. So we are going to have to enter through the gates and walk our way from there," Hermione answered.
Hermione and Ginny began to walk through to the gates. Hermione looked around her everywhere she went. There was just so much to take in. When they reached the front of the gates, they heard a voice.
"Badges, please?"
Hermione immediately stuck out her badge. The gates didn't budge. She looked around, puzzled, and saw that Ginny was staring around at the flowers. "Ginny! You're badge!" she hissed to her.
"Oh!" Ginny felt the string around her neck and pulled it out, exposing the badge. Immediately the large golden gates opened, allowing the two women to walk through them and up the dirt, but still very clean- looking, road. All sorts of beautiful flowers lined the path leading to the castle. All of them seemed to glisten and sparkle.
Hermione gasped in surprise, "Ginny! Look at all the faeries flying around the flowers! How brilliant!"
Soon they reached the moat that surrounded the castle. A large brown wooden door opened straight away, it's hinges creaking loudly from old age and wear. When the door landed on ground safely, Ginny and Hermione cautiously stepped onto it and walked across the moat, into the castle.
For a second, Hermione was puzzled. It seemed as though they had not even left the outside. Inside, there were even more plants and flowers all over. It was like a green house, except very much larger. The walls were as high as the Great Hall in Hogwarts. The ceiling was just like the Great Hall's also; enchanted so that it was like there really was no ceiling. Suddenly, something dawned on her.
"Oh! Isn't it fantastic? Just like Hogwarts. Except, it's charmed so that it can't change weather. That way, the weather is always just right, for all of the plants. There are so many exotic flowers ." Hermione trailed off.
Her breath was completely taken away. She gave a small gasp when she saw a small pond in the middle of the room. Large lily pads were spread out among the water, with and huge, beautiful flowers bloomed from them.
"And here is the exact place where you two will stand during your ceremony. Your family, friends, and so on, will sit all along there."
Hermione and Ginny turned around to see who was talking. They saw a cute couple holding hands, listening intently to the lady who was speaking. When Hermione saw where they were standing, she shook her head and turned to Ginny, whispering, "That's silly. They should get married over there, under that arc of flowers, don't you think?"
"Shhhh!!" Ginny said.
And much to Hermione's mortification, the lady who had spoken asked her, "Do you have a problem, miss?"
Sheshook her head and said, "Er, no. Sorry, it's just that, uh, I didn't know you could get married here."
"Well, you can't. There is a two-year waiting list," the lady said, matter of factly.
"Two year?" both Hermione and Ginny gasped, not believing her ears.
"Yes. That's correct. If you would like to sign the list, go through that door and there's a board right ahead with the list on it."
And with that, the lady turned away, motioning for the couple to follow her. She could have sworn her say to them, "Some people just cannot mind their own business."
Blushing with embarrassment, Hermione turned to Ginny. She was surprised to see Ginny with a mischevious glint in her eyes, smiling.
"What is it?" she asked her.
"Nothing . it's just that I have an idea."
"Oh no . what is it?" Hermione asked, anticipating her answer.
"We should sign that list!" Ginny said excitedly.
Hermione's mouth dropped. "Are you crazy?!"
"No! Come on, it's a two year waiting list! There is no way anything will happen. It'll be funny!" Ginny explained. She looked at Hermione with hopeful eyes.
Hermione wavered her decisions. It was true-if she signed it there would be no way for anything to happen anyway. Plus, perhaps she would be married already by the time they got in contact with her.
"Okay!"
Hermione giggled like a little schoolgirl with a crush, and the two of them practically ran out of the hall to the list. Hermione grabbed the quill and quickly read the sign. She saw where it said to sign the Bride and Groom's names. She quickly signed her name and Ron's, and then handed the quill to Ginny, who signed her and Harry's. Ginny ran off, giggling like mad. Hermione stole one apprehensive look at the list, and noticed with surprise that it had been the first time she had ever written something so messily.
~*~*~*~*~
(present)
Ron sat at the kitchen table, reading the Daily Prophet. He was absorbed in the Sports Section, reading the highlights of the Cannons match from last night against the Falmouth Falcons. He was very excited to see that the Cannons had beaten the Falmouth Falcons in the match last night. He knew he had been right. The Cannons were going to take the cup this year, and he didn't care who didn't believe him.
Suddenly, an owl flew through an open window and landed on the kitchen table right in front of Ron. He didn't recognize the owl before. It was white, but had some black and brown feathers scattered here and there. He put the newspaper down, and took the letter that the owl was holding out with his leg. The owl waited for him to read the letter, obviously waiting for a response.
Ron read the envelope, and became very confused.
For: Mr. Ron Weasley and Ms. Hermione Granger
And that was all it said. He and Ginny had never had anything addressed for both of them.
With curiosity and uneasiness, he opened the envelope and took out the piece of parchment. As he read the letter, his eyes grew large and round. He threw the piece of parchment across the table like it had burnd him, hitting the owl, which hooted loudly indignantly.
What the hell is that about? Ron thought with fear. He reached across the table and picked up the letter again, reading it once, twice, and a third time.
Dear Mr. Ron Weasley and Ms. Hermione Granger,
This letter is regarding your signing of the two-year waiting list for the Weasley-Granger wedding to take place at Leeds Castle in Kent. Recently there was a cancellation on the list. Therefore, I am asking you if you would like to schedule your wedding for this coming September 3rd. I will await your owl, and if I do not receive a response from you in two days time, I shall ask the next couple on the list. Thank you, and please consider.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Regina Flannery
Wedding Coordinator of Leeds Castle
Ron still could not register this letter in his mind. He could not remember for the life of him signing a list to get married somewhere! Scratch that, he couldn't even remember agreeing to get married to Hermione! What in the world was this crazy bat thinking? Is this how they did it in the muggle world? The girlfriend just assumes that they are getting married and books somewhere for it to be, without asking the groom? If that were how it was done in this world, Ron would have to say that muggles are downright mad.
Ron stood up quickly, knocking his chair to the floor. His heart was racing, and he began to sweat. He paced the kitchen floor countless times until he came to a decision. That Regina lady was crazy. She must have been hexed or something. Hermione would never do something like this.
He went to one of the kitchen drawers and pulled out a quill and parchment. He sat down at the table and wrote furiously, squeezing the quill so hard that he almost broke it. He sighed when he was finished, and looked over his letter before he gave it to the owl to send back.
Dear Mrs. Regina Flannery,
Who do you think are, eh? Trying to tell me that my girlfriend and I are getting married without either of our permission? That's mad. YOU are mad. I haven't even PROPOSED to Hermione yet, you ugly bat! And if you ever ask us again to get married in your ruddy castle, I'll have you hexed.
That seemed fine. I think that will keep that crazy cow away from Hermione, and me Ron thought to himself.
He folded up the piece of parchment and tied it to the owl, which flew off with it immediately. Ron's heart was still jumping when he heard the front door of the house open and shut.
"Anyone home?"
Ron froze. It was Hermione. What was he going to say to her? How was she going to take this? Should he even tell her about it?
"Oh, there are you are."
Ron flinched when he felt Hermione kiss the top of his head. She walked towards the counter, her hands holding two bags.
"What are you doing home?" Ron asked her, with anxiety. He couldn't take this. He had to get out of there.
"My boss gave me the rest of the day off since I stayed up all night working on those files. So I came home and I brought some lunch with me."
"WHY DON'T YOU ASK ME IF I WANT LUNCH FIRST BEFORE YOU BRING IT HOME!" Ron bellowed.
He ran out of the kitchen, through the living room, and straight out the door.
~*~*~*~
"So after he yelled, he just ran out of the house! I haven't seen him since."
Hermione looked at Ginny and Harry stare at her, both of their faces identical, filled with confusion.
"That's really odd, Hermione," Ginny told her. "Did you two say anything to each other the night before?"
"No! I didn't even get home until 1 o'clock because I worked late last night on some files, and he was already asleep by the time I got home. That's why I'm home now, my boss let me go home since I worked so hard," Hermione answered.
"Hm. Well, he didn't say anything to me this morning before I left for work," Harry said.
"I don't know guys. He was just so random. What did he mean when he yelled 'Why don't you ask me if I want lunch before you bring it home?'" Hermione said, almost talking to herself.
"I have no idea. Ron's really weird sometimes," Ginny said. "Here, let's clean up this table so we can eat dinner on it. Ron'll probably be home soon, I mean, he didn't even eat lunch. So food will call him back."
Harry laughed, but it only made Hermione worry more. With a sigh, she started moving the papers off of the table and put them on the counter. She glanced at the envelope on the top, and turned away. Then, she turned back.
"Hey, this letter is for Ron and me. I wonder what it is?" Hermione said.
She took the already open letter out of the envelope. Her eyes grew larger after every word she read. When she finished it, she turned around and stared at Ginny and Harry with a frightened look on her face.
"Oh my God."
"What is it, Hermione?" Harry asked her looking worried.
"Ginny, it's from that lady from Leeds!"
"Who?" Ginny asked her, looking politely puzzled.
"That lady that was showing that couple around at Leeds! The wedding coordinator!" Hermione yelped.
"Wedding coordinator ." Ginny trailed off still confused. Then, Hermione saw a look of realization pass over her face. She saw her facial expression turn to horror. "Oh my God! She wrote to you! Oh my God.."
"Would someone mind telling me what's going on?" Harry asked impatiently.
Hermione began pacing the room. "Oh no . oh no oh no oh no."
Ginny stood frozen to the stop, and Harry pushed her gently. "Ginny! What are you two talking about?"
Hermione heard Ginny answer, although it sounded so far away.
"Remember when Hermione and I went to Leeds Castle that one day? A long time ago?"
Hermione saw Harry nod out of the corner of her eye.
"Well, there was this lady, showing this couple around . and Hermione made some comment because she disagreed with what the lady was saying. So after a bit, the lady told us that there was a two-year waiting list to get married at that place, but if we wanted to sign it, it was out in this other room. So ." Ginny trailed off.
"So what?" Harry asked her. Hermione could sense his impatience.
"I kind of thought it was be funny for us to sign our names on it, seeing as it would do no harm because we would be at the bottom of a waiting list for two years."
"You signed it?!" Harry asked her with great surprise.
"Yeah . but only as a joke!" Ginny reassured him. "Hermione, show us that letter."
Hermione stopped pacing and gave the balled up letter to Ginny. She saw Ginny's eyes quickly scan it, with Harry reading over her shoulder. Both of their eyes grew wide also.
"No wonder Ron flipped out, Hermione. He thinks that you're ready to get married and he's obviously not ready to," Harry said after a minute.
"I know! I know I know I know! I don't know what I'm doing to do? What am I going to do, guys?" Hermione asked them, her eyes beginning to tear.
Ginny came over to her and gave her a hug. "Don't worry about it, Hermione. We'll talk to him."
Hermione gave a huge sigh of relief and thanked the two of them.
She was going to have a lot of explaining to do.
Two Year Waiting List
By happythoughts
Chapter 1 (8 months earlier)
"Hermione, are you ready?" Ginny called.
"Yeah! I'll be down in a second!" Hermione called back. She threw a brush through her hair and grabbed her purse. When she arrived in the kitchen, Ginny was waiting patiently for her at the kitchen table, listening somewhat to Ron and Harry's conversation about, what else then, Quidditch.
"I'm telling you Harry, this year . it's the Cannons," Ron said seriously.
"Sure, Ron. That's what you say every year," Harry said to him.
"I know, but this year I can feel it. After that match last week . you know they were looking good."
Harry just shook his head and returned to eating his breakfast.
"Okay, let's go Hermione," Ginny said. She leaned down and kissed Harry on the cheek. "We'll be back sometime tonight."
Ron sighed. "Honestly, I don't know why you two are going to some museum when it's a great day outside. We could be going to the pond at the Burrow or something."
"It's not a museum, Ron. Leeds Castle is a very old and well-known castle in England. A lot of history is in that castle. It was the center of communication for witches and wizards during the first war against Voldemort-,"
"All RIGHT, Hermione. All right, sorry. Have a good time," Ron said exasperatedly. "Harry and I will just go to the field and play some Quidditch, right?"
Harry nodded and said in a mouthful of food, "Half fun girlsh!"
Hermione shot Ginny an annoyed look, and they took out their wands and apparated.
~*~*~*~
The view that Hermione saw as she appeared was completely breathtaking. The castle stood on large hill, overlooking a crystal blue lake. Right in the middle of the lake was a small island, with a Weeping Willow right in the middle of it, it's limbs hanging, skimming the water. The grass that she was standing on, and the grass on the hill, was perfectly manicured. Wonderful hanging flowers covered the castle, an array of colors bursting out from everywhere. The view could not have been any more beautiful, unless there was a rainbow in the background.
Hermione heard a gasp behind her. "It's beautiful, isn't it, Ginny?"
"It's gorgeous. I want to live here," Ginny said breathlessly.
Hermione laughed. "I'm afraid that you can't. Even if you could, this place costs tons of Galleons. It makes me sick to think about how much it costs."
"Why couldn't we apparate right on the lawn?" Ginny asked.
"Because just like Hogwarts, this castle is protected by very strong charms, making it unable to apparate onto. It's very safe. So we are going to have to enter through the gates and walk our way from there," Hermione answered.
Hermione and Ginny began to walk through to the gates. Hermione looked around her everywhere she went. There was just so much to take in. When they reached the front of the gates, they heard a voice.
"Badges, please?"
Hermione immediately stuck out her badge. The gates didn't budge. She looked around, puzzled, and saw that Ginny was staring around at the flowers. "Ginny! You're badge!" she hissed to her.
"Oh!" Ginny felt the string around her neck and pulled it out, exposing the badge. Immediately the large golden gates opened, allowing the two women to walk through them and up the dirt, but still very clean- looking, road. All sorts of beautiful flowers lined the path leading to the castle. All of them seemed to glisten and sparkle.
Hermione gasped in surprise, "Ginny! Look at all the faeries flying around the flowers! How brilliant!"
Soon they reached the moat that surrounded the castle. A large brown wooden door opened straight away, it's hinges creaking loudly from old age and wear. When the door landed on ground safely, Ginny and Hermione cautiously stepped onto it and walked across the moat, into the castle.
For a second, Hermione was puzzled. It seemed as though they had not even left the outside. Inside, there were even more plants and flowers all over. It was like a green house, except very much larger. The walls were as high as the Great Hall in Hogwarts. The ceiling was just like the Great Hall's also; enchanted so that it was like there really was no ceiling. Suddenly, something dawned on her.
"Oh! Isn't it fantastic? Just like Hogwarts. Except, it's charmed so that it can't change weather. That way, the weather is always just right, for all of the plants. There are so many exotic flowers ." Hermione trailed off.
Her breath was completely taken away. She gave a small gasp when she saw a small pond in the middle of the room. Large lily pads were spread out among the water, with and huge, beautiful flowers bloomed from them.
"And here is the exact place where you two will stand during your ceremony. Your family, friends, and so on, will sit all along there."
Hermione and Ginny turned around to see who was talking. They saw a cute couple holding hands, listening intently to the lady who was speaking. When Hermione saw where they were standing, she shook her head and turned to Ginny, whispering, "That's silly. They should get married over there, under that arc of flowers, don't you think?"
"Shhhh!!" Ginny said.
And much to Hermione's mortification, the lady who had spoken asked her, "Do you have a problem, miss?"
Sheshook her head and said, "Er, no. Sorry, it's just that, uh, I didn't know you could get married here."
"Well, you can't. There is a two-year waiting list," the lady said, matter of factly.
"Two year?" both Hermione and Ginny gasped, not believing her ears.
"Yes. That's correct. If you would like to sign the list, go through that door and there's a board right ahead with the list on it."
And with that, the lady turned away, motioning for the couple to follow her. She could have sworn her say to them, "Some people just cannot mind their own business."
Blushing with embarrassment, Hermione turned to Ginny. She was surprised to see Ginny with a mischevious glint in her eyes, smiling.
"What is it?" she asked her.
"Nothing . it's just that I have an idea."
"Oh no . what is it?" Hermione asked, anticipating her answer.
"We should sign that list!" Ginny said excitedly.
Hermione's mouth dropped. "Are you crazy?!"
"No! Come on, it's a two year waiting list! There is no way anything will happen. It'll be funny!" Ginny explained. She looked at Hermione with hopeful eyes.
Hermione wavered her decisions. It was true-if she signed it there would be no way for anything to happen anyway. Plus, perhaps she would be married already by the time they got in contact with her.
"Okay!"
Hermione giggled like a little schoolgirl with a crush, and the two of them practically ran out of the hall to the list. Hermione grabbed the quill and quickly read the sign. She saw where it said to sign the Bride and Groom's names. She quickly signed her name and Ron's, and then handed the quill to Ginny, who signed her and Harry's. Ginny ran off, giggling like mad. Hermione stole one apprehensive look at the list, and noticed with surprise that it had been the first time she had ever written something so messily.
~*~*~*~*~
(present)
Ron sat at the kitchen table, reading the Daily Prophet. He was absorbed in the Sports Section, reading the highlights of the Cannons match from last night against the Falmouth Falcons. He was very excited to see that the Cannons had beaten the Falmouth Falcons in the match last night. He knew he had been right. The Cannons were going to take the cup this year, and he didn't care who didn't believe him.
Suddenly, an owl flew through an open window and landed on the kitchen table right in front of Ron. He didn't recognize the owl before. It was white, but had some black and brown feathers scattered here and there. He put the newspaper down, and took the letter that the owl was holding out with his leg. The owl waited for him to read the letter, obviously waiting for a response.
Ron read the envelope, and became very confused.
For: Mr. Ron Weasley and Ms. Hermione Granger
And that was all it said. He and Ginny had never had anything addressed for both of them.
With curiosity and uneasiness, he opened the envelope and took out the piece of parchment. As he read the letter, his eyes grew large and round. He threw the piece of parchment across the table like it had burnd him, hitting the owl, which hooted loudly indignantly.
What the hell is that about? Ron thought with fear. He reached across the table and picked up the letter again, reading it once, twice, and a third time.
Dear Mr. Ron Weasley and Ms. Hermione Granger,
This letter is regarding your signing of the two-year waiting list for the Weasley-Granger wedding to take place at Leeds Castle in Kent. Recently there was a cancellation on the list. Therefore, I am asking you if you would like to schedule your wedding for this coming September 3rd. I will await your owl, and if I do not receive a response from you in two days time, I shall ask the next couple on the list. Thank you, and please consider.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Regina Flannery
Wedding Coordinator of Leeds Castle
Ron still could not register this letter in his mind. He could not remember for the life of him signing a list to get married somewhere! Scratch that, he couldn't even remember agreeing to get married to Hermione! What in the world was this crazy bat thinking? Is this how they did it in the muggle world? The girlfriend just assumes that they are getting married and books somewhere for it to be, without asking the groom? If that were how it was done in this world, Ron would have to say that muggles are downright mad.
Ron stood up quickly, knocking his chair to the floor. His heart was racing, and he began to sweat. He paced the kitchen floor countless times until he came to a decision. That Regina lady was crazy. She must have been hexed or something. Hermione would never do something like this.
He went to one of the kitchen drawers and pulled out a quill and parchment. He sat down at the table and wrote furiously, squeezing the quill so hard that he almost broke it. He sighed when he was finished, and looked over his letter before he gave it to the owl to send back.
Dear Mrs. Regina Flannery,
Who do you think are, eh? Trying to tell me that my girlfriend and I are getting married without either of our permission? That's mad. YOU are mad. I haven't even PROPOSED to Hermione yet, you ugly bat! And if you ever ask us again to get married in your ruddy castle, I'll have you hexed.
That seemed fine. I think that will keep that crazy cow away from Hermione, and me Ron thought to himself.
He folded up the piece of parchment and tied it to the owl, which flew off with it immediately. Ron's heart was still jumping when he heard the front door of the house open and shut.
"Anyone home?"
Ron froze. It was Hermione. What was he going to say to her? How was she going to take this? Should he even tell her about it?
"Oh, there are you are."
Ron flinched when he felt Hermione kiss the top of his head. She walked towards the counter, her hands holding two bags.
"What are you doing home?" Ron asked her, with anxiety. He couldn't take this. He had to get out of there.
"My boss gave me the rest of the day off since I stayed up all night working on those files. So I came home and I brought some lunch with me."
"WHY DON'T YOU ASK ME IF I WANT LUNCH FIRST BEFORE YOU BRING IT HOME!" Ron bellowed.
He ran out of the kitchen, through the living room, and straight out the door.
~*~*~*~
"So after he yelled, he just ran out of the house! I haven't seen him since."
Hermione looked at Ginny and Harry stare at her, both of their faces identical, filled with confusion.
"That's really odd, Hermione," Ginny told her. "Did you two say anything to each other the night before?"
"No! I didn't even get home until 1 o'clock because I worked late last night on some files, and he was already asleep by the time I got home. That's why I'm home now, my boss let me go home since I worked so hard," Hermione answered.
"Hm. Well, he didn't say anything to me this morning before I left for work," Harry said.
"I don't know guys. He was just so random. What did he mean when he yelled 'Why don't you ask me if I want lunch before you bring it home?'" Hermione said, almost talking to herself.
"I have no idea. Ron's really weird sometimes," Ginny said. "Here, let's clean up this table so we can eat dinner on it. Ron'll probably be home soon, I mean, he didn't even eat lunch. So food will call him back."
Harry laughed, but it only made Hermione worry more. With a sigh, she started moving the papers off of the table and put them on the counter. She glanced at the envelope on the top, and turned away. Then, she turned back.
"Hey, this letter is for Ron and me. I wonder what it is?" Hermione said.
She took the already open letter out of the envelope. Her eyes grew larger after every word she read. When she finished it, she turned around and stared at Ginny and Harry with a frightened look on her face.
"Oh my God."
"What is it, Hermione?" Harry asked her looking worried.
"Ginny, it's from that lady from Leeds!"
"Who?" Ginny asked her, looking politely puzzled.
"That lady that was showing that couple around at Leeds! The wedding coordinator!" Hermione yelped.
"Wedding coordinator ." Ginny trailed off still confused. Then, Hermione saw a look of realization pass over her face. She saw her facial expression turn to horror. "Oh my God! She wrote to you! Oh my God.."
"Would someone mind telling me what's going on?" Harry asked impatiently.
Hermione began pacing the room. "Oh no . oh no oh no oh no."
Ginny stood frozen to the stop, and Harry pushed her gently. "Ginny! What are you two talking about?"
Hermione heard Ginny answer, although it sounded so far away.
"Remember when Hermione and I went to Leeds Castle that one day? A long time ago?"
Hermione saw Harry nod out of the corner of her eye.
"Well, there was this lady, showing this couple around . and Hermione made some comment because she disagreed with what the lady was saying. So after a bit, the lady told us that there was a two-year waiting list to get married at that place, but if we wanted to sign it, it was out in this other room. So ." Ginny trailed off.
"So what?" Harry asked her. Hermione could sense his impatience.
"I kind of thought it was be funny for us to sign our names on it, seeing as it would do no harm because we would be at the bottom of a waiting list for two years."
"You signed it?!" Harry asked her with great surprise.
"Yeah . but only as a joke!" Ginny reassured him. "Hermione, show us that letter."
Hermione stopped pacing and gave the balled up letter to Ginny. She saw Ginny's eyes quickly scan it, with Harry reading over her shoulder. Both of their eyes grew wide also.
"No wonder Ron flipped out, Hermione. He thinks that you're ready to get married and he's obviously not ready to," Harry said after a minute.
"I know! I know I know I know! I don't know what I'm doing to do? What am I going to do, guys?" Hermione asked them, her eyes beginning to tear.
Ginny came over to her and gave her a hug. "Don't worry about it, Hermione. We'll talk to him."
Hermione gave a huge sigh of relief and thanked the two of them.
She was going to have a lot of explaining to do.