Summary: The night Ron planned to propose to Hermione, an unexpected
visitor shows up at their dinner. How will Ron handle the uncomfortable
situation? Poorly.
Rating: PG 13
Author's note: Thank you for the reviews! Please keep reviewing. They keep
me going. If I don't get reviews, then it makes me think that this story
sucks. ^_^ BTW, Nurgon, in response to your review, yes, I did take that
line about the coat from Friends. I told you I was basing this story on a
few Friends episodes I saw. ;)
Two Year Waiting List
By happythoughts
Chapter 3
~*~*~*~
"Viktor?" Hermione gasped.
Ron found himself staring at a tall, buff, tan man. Ron's insides churned. Why? WHY of all nights? Just please tell me why.
"Krum! What are you doing here?" Ron said, standing up to shake his hand. He softly whimpered when Krum shook his hand, crunching them with his strong grip.
"'ermione! Veesley! I am here visiting my relatives," Krum answered.
For once, Ron realized, Krum seemed to be smiling. When he followed his gaze though, he realized that the reason of Krum's happiness was that he was staring at Hermione. Immediately, Ron put his arm around Hermione's waist protectively.
"Well, it was great seeing you! Bye then!" Ron said, trying to get him away from them.
Krum gave him confused look.
"Oh, Ron, don't be so rude!" Hermione said, moving away from his tight grip around her. She walked around their table and gave Krum a big hug.
"It's great seeing you! What a coincidence!" she said excitedly. "Oh, you cut your hair! I always liked it short."
Ron growled. But then he noticed a pretty blond girl standing quietly behind Krum. He turned to Krum.
"Is this your girlfriend, Krum?"
Viktor turned. His eyes widened. "Oh, no, no. This is my cousin, Kate."
"I'm glad you didn't cut your hair short, Kate. I like it much better long," Ron said jokingly.
Hermione, Krum, and Kate all looked at him oddly. Ron squirmed.
"Hi, I'm Ron," he said to Kate introducing himself, "I make jokes when I'm uncomfortable?"
She took his hand cautiously, "Hello."
"Vell, it was vunderful seeing you two. Maybe we can meet again before I leave?" Krum asked the two of them, but Ron noticed that he was talking to Hermione when he did.
"Yes! Yes that would be wonderful, wouldn't it be, Ron?" Hermione asked him, her eyes bright and hopeful.
Ron gulped and nodded.
"Good. Good, vell, I will owl you when I can--,"
"Excuse me, Mr. Krum?" A waiter appeared behind him. He was quivering, either from excitement of waiting on a famous Quidditch player, or the fact that he was only about 5 feet tall and Krum towered over him.
Krum turned around. "Yes?"
"You're . you're table is right here," the waiter informed him.
Ron stared. This couldn't be happening.
"Oh this is great! Right next to us!" Hermione squealed.
"Great!" Ron faked. He fell into his own seat, slouching. "Just great," he muttered angrily.
~*~*~*~
"Oh and remember when we flew over to that huge mountain? Oh it was so beautiful, Ron. You would have loved it."
Ron had had to bear to listening to Hermione and Krum reminisce over her visit with him over the summer a year ago for about an hour.
"Yes. I'm sure I would have," Ron muttered, picking at his already cold food.
He looked at his watch. It was 11:30 PM. He couldn't believe it. They had been at the restaurant for 2 and half hours.
"Oh, will you look at that? It's already 11:30. Hermione, we better get going, Harry and Ginny will be waiting for us," Ron said, interrupting Hermione and Krum, who were laughing loudly.
Hermione's face fell. "Oh well, you're right."
"Yes, I am. It was nice seeing you Viktor, Kate," Ron said quickly, standing up and grabbing his coat. He felt the box in his side pocket and had a large urge to groan miserably.
"Yes, it vas a fun time. Good to see you, 'ermione," Viktor said. "And you too, Ron," he added with an afterthought.
"Bye, Viktor! Nice meeting you, Kate!" Hermione said as she hugged Viktor tightly.
Ron had his hands in fists, fighting a large urge to punch Krum in the face.
~*~*~*~
Ron and Hermione arrived back at the house around 11:45. He hadn't talked since they had left the restaurant-he had let Hermione mention endlessly how nice the dinner had been. When they walked through the door, he saw Ginny and Harry sitting on the couch waiting for them.
When he shut the door behind him and Hermione, Ginny and Harry turned around. Ginny jumped up from the couch and squealed. She ran up to Hermione and gave her a big hug.
"Congratu-,"
"Wait!" Ron exclaimed.
Ginny let go of Hermione and looked at him. "What, Ron?"
"Wait. Wait 'til you hear about what happened tonight," he said.
Ginny and Harry looked at him with puzzled faces. "What happened?" Harry asked him.
"Just guess who we saw!" Ron said, faking excitement, and clapping his hands together.
Ginny and Harry stared.
"Good ole' Viktor Krum!" Ron finished.
Their faces dropped.
"Yeah! It was great. And guess what else!"
"What?" Ginny asked softly.
"We had the privilege to eat the whole dinner with him and his cousin Kate! Didn't we, Hermione?"
"Yes, yes we did. It was a very pleasant dinner," Hermione said. "He's visiting his relatives for the week. But I'm very tired so I think I'm going to go up to bed now. I'll talk to you guys tomorrow. I'm off, so maybe we can all do something."
They all nodded at her and wished her a goodnight. When they all heard the bedroom door close, Harry and Ginny turned to Ron with disappointed and sympathetic faces.
"Oh, Ron."
Ginny walked over to him and gave him a hug. "I'm so sorry."
"Yeah.that really.wow. Talk about bad luck," Harry said.
Ginny shot him a look.
"So . now what?" Ron asked them.
Harry shrugged. "Just ask her tomorrow."
"Yeah! Tomorrow!" Ginny assured him.
"Yeah, I suppose. I don't know, it just doesn't seem right anymore. Like the mood was set tonight. Now it's all gone," Ron said unhappily.
Ginny patted his arm sympathetically. "Don't worry, Ron. Krum showing up just means that it wasn't the right time to do it. Tomorrow will be a better day."
Ron gave a sigh. "You're right."
"I know," she said jokingly.
"I'm tired. I'm going to go to bed now," Ron said. "'Night."
"Goodnight, Ron. You'll feel better in the morning."
Harry gave his shoulder a squeeze. "Don't worry about it."
Ron nodded and went upstairs.
It looked like he was back to round one.
~*~*~*~
Hermione woke up late the next day. She gasped when she saw the time.
"It's already eleven thirty? Ohmigosh."
She hurriedly jumped out of bed, surprised that Ron wasn't still sleeping. Then, she heard a knock at the window. Looking over, she saw an owl with a letter attached to it flying outside. Quickly opening the window, she took the letter and the owl flew off. Scanning the page, she sighed. The Department was in desperate need of help. Two people had called out because of a virus that was going around. The only day that she was free to spend some time with Ginny, Harry, and Ron, she had to go back to work. She threw her robe around her and headed downstairs, finding Harry, Ginny, and Ron sitting at the table talking.
"Good morning! We were just about to go wake you up, sleepyhead," Ginny said.
"I can't believe I slept that late! I'm so sorry," Hermione apologized shaking her head.
"Must've been all that Krum you had last night," Ron muttered.
Hermione didn't hear him clearly. "What was that, Ron?"
"I said, 'Must've been all that crumb cake you had last night at dinner'," he answered.
"Oh . I don't know, maybe," Hermione said. I never knew crumb cake made you sleepy.come to think of it, I never even had crumb cake last night.
"We were thinking of going to the Burrow tonight for dinner," Harry said.
Hermione's eyes lit up. "Oh! Yes, that would be wonderful! We haven't visited your mum and dad in such a long time," she said to Ron.
"Yeah," he grunted.
Hermione's face fell. What on earth is wrong with him this morning?
"Is something wrong?" she asked him.
She saw Harry and Ginny look at each other.
"What? What is it?" she asked them worriedly.
"Nothing! Hermione, why don't you go get dressed so we can go out, okay?" Ginny said.
"What are you guys hiding from me?" Hermione demanded.
"What are you hiding from us?" Ron asked her angrily.
Hermione stopped. "Ron, what are you talking about?"
"You seemed awfully chummy with Vicky lastnight," he retorted.
She saw Harry and Ginny both look at Ron, astounded.
What in the world? Hermione thought. "I haven't seen him in a year, Ron. You'd be the same way if you saw one of your good friends, wouldn't you?"
Ha. Got him there.
Ron scowled. "Why don't you just go and have dinner with Krum tonight and we'll just go to the Burrow," he said rudely, motioning to Harry and Ginny.
Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "How can you say that?!"
Ron didn't respond.
"FINE! You three have fun tonight! The only day that I'm off I guess I'll go do something by myself! OR with VIKTOR! If you want, you can go out with FLEUR! I don't CARE!" Hermione screamed.
She ran out of the room and up the stairs, slamming her door behind her. She knew it was a childish thing to do, but it was also childish of Ron to think that she would ever still have feelings for Viktor. Not even bothering to take a shower, she threw on a pair of robes that she wore to work, and apparated.
~*~*~*~
"You look.awful, Hermione!"
Hermione looked up from her paperwork and found herself looking at Malena, her coworker.
"Thanks," she said sarcastically.
"What's happened?" Malena asked her.
"I had a rough morning . I was supposed to be off today and then they owled me asking me to come in because of all the people who called out sick. Honestly, it's called medicine. And then Ron and I got into a fight, right in front of Harry and Ginny-,"
"You two got into a fight?" Malena asked her, surprised.
"I know, weird, isn't it? Haven't had one of those in about a month," Hermione said, sighing.
"What was it about?"
"Oh I don't know! We ran into Viktor Krum last night and Ron thought that he and I were a bit too chummy or something so now he thinks we are dating behind his back. I'd say, out of all that we've been through, he still thinks that I have some feelings for Viktor or something!" Hermione exclaimed.
Malena was silent. "Oh. I see. That is strange." she trailed off.
Hermione looked up. "What? What's wrong?"
Malena hesitated. "It's just that . well, actually, he's waiting right outside your door right now."
Hermione's mouth dropped. "Wait . who is?"
"V-Viktor Krum."
Hermione shrieked. "Shut up!"
Malena nodded. "It's a good thing your walls are protected by the silent charm, eh?"
"Oh god, Malena! What am I going to do! If Ron finds out that Viktor was here he'll really be mad! Oh gosh . this is terrible!" Hermione said, starting to panic.
"Do you want me to tell him to come back later?"
"No! No . just . oh just let him in," Hermione said.
"Okay." Malena walked over to the door and opened it. "She's ready to see you," Hermione heard her say quietly.
Viktor walked in. "Hello, 'ermione."
"Viktor! What a surprise! What are you doing here?" Hermione said, trying to sound cheerful.
"I. I vanted to talk to you."
A cold feeling swept over Hermione's body. She didn't like the way that Viktor was looking at her.
"What . what is it? Something wrong?" she asked him nonchalantly.
"'ermione ."
"What?" Hermione asked again, dreading what he was going to say.
"I'm still in love with you."
Hermione's hands flew to her mouth. "No," she whispered.
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No. No. You can't be," Hermione said. Had he really just said that to her?
"I am," Viktor said solemnly.
"Viktor, you can't just come in here after a year and confess your love to me. You know that Ron and I are together--,"
"But he is not--,"
"No, Viktor. He is everything to me," Hermione said firmly. "I love him."
Hermione was heartbroken to see Viktor's face after she said that. But how dare he come into her office unexpected to tell her something like that! It was terribly rude of him. And she had no romantic feelings anymore for him . not like she had had any before anyway. It was always Ron. Always. Hermione shocked herself when she realized that she had always loved him. She had to tell him that. Soon.
"I am sorry," Viktor said finally.
Hermione took a deep breath. "It's okay."
"Vell, I guess I vill be going. I'm sorry for upsetting you," he said to her sorrowfully.
"It's . it's all right, Viktor. Um, I think it would be best if we didn't see each other for a while. It would be best for both of us," Hermione said resolutely, but with a bit of a sad tone also.
"Yes. Yes, I think you are right. I wish you the best of luck, 'ermione. I know that Ron cares about you very much," Viktor said, with a bit of a strained effort.
"Thank you," Hermione said.
"Goodbye, 'ermione."
"Goodbye, Viktor."
And with one final look at Hermione and a small smile, he apparated.
~*~*~*~
When Hermione's shift ended, after what seemed like five years, she quickly apparated straight to the Burrow, where she knew Ron would be for dinner. The Burrow's living room appeared around her. She heard voices coming from the kitchen, where the family was having dinner.
"It's such a shame that Hermione couldn't be here. I haven't seen in her so long. Why did you say that she couldn't make it, Ron?" Hermione heard Mrs. Weasley ask.
Hermione walked into the kitchen before Ron could make up an excuse.
"Actually, I made it just in time, I see," she said.
"Oh, Hermione! Oh, please sit down! We were just starting to eat. Oh it's wonderful to see you. Please, sit down!" Mrs. Weasley said excitedly while hugging Hermione and leading her to an empty seat next to Ron.
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. Hello, Mr. Weasley, how are you?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione! I'm well, thank you. Good to see you!" Mr. Weasley replied joyfully.
Hermione sat down next to Ron, whose ears she could see were red at the tips.
"What are you doing here?" Ron hissed to her while Mrs. Weasley went to get a plate for Hermione.
"Do you have a problem with it?" Hermione asked coolly.
Ron didn't answer. He scowled and began to eat his food.
"I need to talk to you after dinner," Hermione whispered.
Ron merely shrugged and returned to eating. Hermione sighed unhappily and joined in the conversation at the table politely, waiting until Ron was finished eating so that she could excuse the two of them so they could talk. But it seemed like Ron was taking his dandy time, so that he could possibly avoid the conversation all together. Typical, Hermione thought irritably.
~*~*~*~
I can't believe her. Coming to the Burrow without being invited. Okay, she was invited but she said that she wasn't coming. She can't just take back her offer. It's so like her. Thinking she can do whatever she thinks is right. Hmph, Ron thought angrily while eating dinner.
"I need to talk to you after dinner," Hermione whispered to him.
Ha. I'll show her. I'll just take my time eating. That'll tick her off.
Ron waited a whole hour before he allowed himself to talk with Hermione privately. He had even offered to do the dishes, which surprised and pleased Mrs. Weasley greatly. ("Oh, Ron! Living in a muggle household must really be paying off!")
"Are you finished?" Hermione asked him impatiently, tapping her foot on the ground.
Ron took his time trying to wipe a speck off of the last dinner plate. He hadn't even bothered using magic to wash them.
"Honestly, Ron. Stop trying to avoid the conversation. I really need to talk to you!" Hermione pleaded.
Ah, there it goes, Ron said as the speck vanished.
"Ron, please. It's important."
Something about Hermione's tone made Ron put down the last plate and stare at her. To his surprise, her eyes were wet and she had a look on her face that always made Ron melt.
"Okay. I'm finished," he said. "What do you want to talk about?"
"You know what I want to talk about. But there's more, Ron. Can we go outside please?" Hermione asked him.
Ron nodded and started walking towards the back door and held it open for Hermione. They started walking towards the pond.
"Okay . so, what's up?" Ron asked Hermione.
He heard her take a breath. He looked out across the pond, waiting for her to start talking.
"Someone came to visit me today at work."
He froze. Oh no.
"Who?" he asked briskly, although he already knew the answer.
"Viktor."
Ron shut his eyes. "Ah. I see."
"Ron, don't be angry."
Damnit. I hate how she can read my mind so easily.
"Okay. I'm not," he said.
"I know you are. But, Ron, I didn't ask him to come. He came on his own," Hermione reassured him.
"What happened?" Ron asked her, still staring out to the lake.
"Nothing."
"I'm going to ask you again. What happened?"
He heard Hermione take a deep breath again. "He still loves me."
Ron's heart froze to steel. "And?"
"Ron, look at me," Hermione begged.
Ron turned his iron body to her. "What." It was more of a statement than a question.
"I told him that I am in love with you. I always have been. Ever since second year. It's always been you, Ron." Hermione said truthfully, her beautiful eyes shining.
Ron didn't say anything.
"And . and I told him that I thought it would be best if we didn't see each other for a while," Hermione added. She looked at him, waiting for him to respond.
Finally, he said something. "Why? Why do you love me?"
"Oh Ron . why not?" Hermione asked him back, smiling.
It was a good enough answer. Ron took her in his arms and hugged her. Hermione held him close, burying her head in his shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Ron. I'm so sorry," she cried.
"Shh.don't worry. Don't cry, Hermione. I'm sorry too. I was such a prat," Ron said.
"No, Ron. All you wanted was a nice night out for the two of us, and I was silly enough to talk to Viktor the whole night instead of enjoying each other's company. I'm so sorry," Hermione said quickly.
"Hermione, let's just say that we're both sorry, and forget about it. I feel like we're fighting about something in fourth year again. Like when I got jealous because you went to the Yule Ball with Viktor," Ron said with a laugh.
"I love you, Ron," Hermione said quietly.
"I love you too, Hermione."
They stood holding each other for another couple of minutes. The sky began to dim, and the stars came out. Hermione was the first one to speak.
"Ron, where are we going?" she asked, looking up at him.
"What do you mean?" Ron asked her, not understanding.
"I mean, we've been together for two years. Have you ever thought about ."
Ron gulped. "Yes."
Hermione's eyes grew wide. "You have?"
Ron nodded. He let go of Hermione and put his hands in his pockets. Hermione stared at him, looking confused.
"What's wrong?"
Ron found it. He took it out of his pocket and hid it in his fist.
"Ron, what is it?" Hermione asked him.
"Hermione, I . I've been wanting to say . I mean do . well both, for awhile and I just. I want to let you know that I, well. Wait." Ron got down on one knee.
"RON! HERMIONE! C'MON, WE'RE LEAVING!"
Ron silently groaned. Perfect timing, Harry.
"Ron, what's wrong? Are you sick?" Hermione asked him worriedly, getting down on her knees also.
"No, Hermione, stand back up. Get up!" Ron implored.
"RON! HERMIIIONE! HURRY UP!" Ron heard Ginny yell.
Ron turned to the back door, about to burst with anger. "WILL YOU WAIT A SECOND YOU TWO?!"
Ginny and Harry were standing at the door, looking impatient. "Ron, NO! We're tired and we're leaving right-,"
Ron saw Harry finally realize what he was trying to do. He covered Ginny's mouth and led her away and back into the house. Satisfied, Ron turned back to Hermione, who was still looking worried and was still on her knees.
"Okay, sorry. Hermione, I-I love you," Ron began.
"Ron, I love you too!" Hermione said.
"And I've been thinking.you know, about our relationship," Ron said. He looked at Hermione. He was startled to see that her face was full of horror.
"Ron . wait. Are you trying to break up with me?" she asked in anguish.
"W-what?" Ron asked her. How in the world did she get that idea?
Hermione stood up and started walking away, talking to herself.
"Oh, I should have seen it coming! The last date . the fight in the morning . and then me trying to talk about marriage . UGH! I'm going to KILL Viktor! He's ruined everything! Ohmigosh, this isn't happening!"
Ron caught up with Hermione and grabbed her arm. "Hermione! No! That's not what I was going to say!"
"Ron, don't try to explain yourself. I deserve this," Hermione said, starting to cry.
"Hermione! I wasn't going to break up with you! Now will you listen to me for a bloody second without assuming what I'm going to say?!" Ron shouted.
Hermione stopped and stared. After what seemed like an eternity of Hermione staring at Ron's livid face, she spoke. "Okay, what were you going to say?"
Ron took a few deep breaths before calming down. You're okay, Ron. Just count to three. One. Two. Three . Here we go.
"Hermione. W-will you marry me?"
Forgetting that he wasn't even holding the ring out or wasn't even down on one knee, he fell to his knees and held the box out. Hermione's jaw dropped with surprise. Her hands flew to her mouth and she also fell to her knees.
Ron waited only three agonizing seconds until Hermione screamed, "YES!!"
"Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" she squealed, throwing her arms around Ron's neck and kissing his face everywhere.
"Yes!" She kissed his forehead.
"Yes!" She kissed his right cheek.
"Yes!" She kissed his left cheek.
"Yes!" She kissed his chin.
"Yes!" She kissed him right on the lips.
"Wow, if I'd have known you'd kiss me this much, I would have asked you to marry me a LONG time ago," Ron joked.
"Shut up," Hermione said, kissing his lips again.
And for once, Ron did.
THE END
*REVIEW*
A/N: Aw. Happy ending! Don't worry, there is an epilogue on it's way. I think. ;) Review please!
Two Year Waiting List
By happythoughts
Chapter 3
~*~*~*~
"Viktor?" Hermione gasped.
Ron found himself staring at a tall, buff, tan man. Ron's insides churned. Why? WHY of all nights? Just please tell me why.
"Krum! What are you doing here?" Ron said, standing up to shake his hand. He softly whimpered when Krum shook his hand, crunching them with his strong grip.
"'ermione! Veesley! I am here visiting my relatives," Krum answered.
For once, Ron realized, Krum seemed to be smiling. When he followed his gaze though, he realized that the reason of Krum's happiness was that he was staring at Hermione. Immediately, Ron put his arm around Hermione's waist protectively.
"Well, it was great seeing you! Bye then!" Ron said, trying to get him away from them.
Krum gave him confused look.
"Oh, Ron, don't be so rude!" Hermione said, moving away from his tight grip around her. She walked around their table and gave Krum a big hug.
"It's great seeing you! What a coincidence!" she said excitedly. "Oh, you cut your hair! I always liked it short."
Ron growled. But then he noticed a pretty blond girl standing quietly behind Krum. He turned to Krum.
"Is this your girlfriend, Krum?"
Viktor turned. His eyes widened. "Oh, no, no. This is my cousin, Kate."
"I'm glad you didn't cut your hair short, Kate. I like it much better long," Ron said jokingly.
Hermione, Krum, and Kate all looked at him oddly. Ron squirmed.
"Hi, I'm Ron," he said to Kate introducing himself, "I make jokes when I'm uncomfortable?"
She took his hand cautiously, "Hello."
"Vell, it was vunderful seeing you two. Maybe we can meet again before I leave?" Krum asked the two of them, but Ron noticed that he was talking to Hermione when he did.
"Yes! Yes that would be wonderful, wouldn't it be, Ron?" Hermione asked him, her eyes bright and hopeful.
Ron gulped and nodded.
"Good. Good, vell, I will owl you when I can--,"
"Excuse me, Mr. Krum?" A waiter appeared behind him. He was quivering, either from excitement of waiting on a famous Quidditch player, or the fact that he was only about 5 feet tall and Krum towered over him.
Krum turned around. "Yes?"
"You're . you're table is right here," the waiter informed him.
Ron stared. This couldn't be happening.
"Oh this is great! Right next to us!" Hermione squealed.
"Great!" Ron faked. He fell into his own seat, slouching. "Just great," he muttered angrily.
~*~*~*~
"Oh and remember when we flew over to that huge mountain? Oh it was so beautiful, Ron. You would have loved it."
Ron had had to bear to listening to Hermione and Krum reminisce over her visit with him over the summer a year ago for about an hour.
"Yes. I'm sure I would have," Ron muttered, picking at his already cold food.
He looked at his watch. It was 11:30 PM. He couldn't believe it. They had been at the restaurant for 2 and half hours.
"Oh, will you look at that? It's already 11:30. Hermione, we better get going, Harry and Ginny will be waiting for us," Ron said, interrupting Hermione and Krum, who were laughing loudly.
Hermione's face fell. "Oh well, you're right."
"Yes, I am. It was nice seeing you Viktor, Kate," Ron said quickly, standing up and grabbing his coat. He felt the box in his side pocket and had a large urge to groan miserably.
"Yes, it vas a fun time. Good to see you, 'ermione," Viktor said. "And you too, Ron," he added with an afterthought.
"Bye, Viktor! Nice meeting you, Kate!" Hermione said as she hugged Viktor tightly.
Ron had his hands in fists, fighting a large urge to punch Krum in the face.
~*~*~*~
Ron and Hermione arrived back at the house around 11:45. He hadn't talked since they had left the restaurant-he had let Hermione mention endlessly how nice the dinner had been. When they walked through the door, he saw Ginny and Harry sitting on the couch waiting for them.
When he shut the door behind him and Hermione, Ginny and Harry turned around. Ginny jumped up from the couch and squealed. She ran up to Hermione and gave her a big hug.
"Congratu-,"
"Wait!" Ron exclaimed.
Ginny let go of Hermione and looked at him. "What, Ron?"
"Wait. Wait 'til you hear about what happened tonight," he said.
Ginny and Harry looked at him with puzzled faces. "What happened?" Harry asked him.
"Just guess who we saw!" Ron said, faking excitement, and clapping his hands together.
Ginny and Harry stared.
"Good ole' Viktor Krum!" Ron finished.
Their faces dropped.
"Yeah! It was great. And guess what else!"
"What?" Ginny asked softly.
"We had the privilege to eat the whole dinner with him and his cousin Kate! Didn't we, Hermione?"
"Yes, yes we did. It was a very pleasant dinner," Hermione said. "He's visiting his relatives for the week. But I'm very tired so I think I'm going to go up to bed now. I'll talk to you guys tomorrow. I'm off, so maybe we can all do something."
They all nodded at her and wished her a goodnight. When they all heard the bedroom door close, Harry and Ginny turned to Ron with disappointed and sympathetic faces.
"Oh, Ron."
Ginny walked over to him and gave him a hug. "I'm so sorry."
"Yeah.that really.wow. Talk about bad luck," Harry said.
Ginny shot him a look.
"So . now what?" Ron asked them.
Harry shrugged. "Just ask her tomorrow."
"Yeah! Tomorrow!" Ginny assured him.
"Yeah, I suppose. I don't know, it just doesn't seem right anymore. Like the mood was set tonight. Now it's all gone," Ron said unhappily.
Ginny patted his arm sympathetically. "Don't worry, Ron. Krum showing up just means that it wasn't the right time to do it. Tomorrow will be a better day."
Ron gave a sigh. "You're right."
"I know," she said jokingly.
"I'm tired. I'm going to go to bed now," Ron said. "'Night."
"Goodnight, Ron. You'll feel better in the morning."
Harry gave his shoulder a squeeze. "Don't worry about it."
Ron nodded and went upstairs.
It looked like he was back to round one.
~*~*~*~
Hermione woke up late the next day. She gasped when she saw the time.
"It's already eleven thirty? Ohmigosh."
She hurriedly jumped out of bed, surprised that Ron wasn't still sleeping. Then, she heard a knock at the window. Looking over, she saw an owl with a letter attached to it flying outside. Quickly opening the window, she took the letter and the owl flew off. Scanning the page, she sighed. The Department was in desperate need of help. Two people had called out because of a virus that was going around. The only day that she was free to spend some time with Ginny, Harry, and Ron, she had to go back to work. She threw her robe around her and headed downstairs, finding Harry, Ginny, and Ron sitting at the table talking.
"Good morning! We were just about to go wake you up, sleepyhead," Ginny said.
"I can't believe I slept that late! I'm so sorry," Hermione apologized shaking her head.
"Must've been all that Krum you had last night," Ron muttered.
Hermione didn't hear him clearly. "What was that, Ron?"
"I said, 'Must've been all that crumb cake you had last night at dinner'," he answered.
"Oh . I don't know, maybe," Hermione said. I never knew crumb cake made you sleepy.come to think of it, I never even had crumb cake last night.
"We were thinking of going to the Burrow tonight for dinner," Harry said.
Hermione's eyes lit up. "Oh! Yes, that would be wonderful! We haven't visited your mum and dad in such a long time," she said to Ron.
"Yeah," he grunted.
Hermione's face fell. What on earth is wrong with him this morning?
"Is something wrong?" she asked him.
She saw Harry and Ginny look at each other.
"What? What is it?" she asked them worriedly.
"Nothing! Hermione, why don't you go get dressed so we can go out, okay?" Ginny said.
"What are you guys hiding from me?" Hermione demanded.
"What are you hiding from us?" Ron asked her angrily.
Hermione stopped. "Ron, what are you talking about?"
"You seemed awfully chummy with Vicky lastnight," he retorted.
She saw Harry and Ginny both look at Ron, astounded.
What in the world? Hermione thought. "I haven't seen him in a year, Ron. You'd be the same way if you saw one of your good friends, wouldn't you?"
Ha. Got him there.
Ron scowled. "Why don't you just go and have dinner with Krum tonight and we'll just go to the Burrow," he said rudely, motioning to Harry and Ginny.
Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "How can you say that?!"
Ron didn't respond.
"FINE! You three have fun tonight! The only day that I'm off I guess I'll go do something by myself! OR with VIKTOR! If you want, you can go out with FLEUR! I don't CARE!" Hermione screamed.
She ran out of the room and up the stairs, slamming her door behind her. She knew it was a childish thing to do, but it was also childish of Ron to think that she would ever still have feelings for Viktor. Not even bothering to take a shower, she threw on a pair of robes that she wore to work, and apparated.
~*~*~*~
"You look.awful, Hermione!"
Hermione looked up from her paperwork and found herself looking at Malena, her coworker.
"Thanks," she said sarcastically.
"What's happened?" Malena asked her.
"I had a rough morning . I was supposed to be off today and then they owled me asking me to come in because of all the people who called out sick. Honestly, it's called medicine. And then Ron and I got into a fight, right in front of Harry and Ginny-,"
"You two got into a fight?" Malena asked her, surprised.
"I know, weird, isn't it? Haven't had one of those in about a month," Hermione said, sighing.
"What was it about?"
"Oh I don't know! We ran into Viktor Krum last night and Ron thought that he and I were a bit too chummy or something so now he thinks we are dating behind his back. I'd say, out of all that we've been through, he still thinks that I have some feelings for Viktor or something!" Hermione exclaimed.
Malena was silent. "Oh. I see. That is strange." she trailed off.
Hermione looked up. "What? What's wrong?"
Malena hesitated. "It's just that . well, actually, he's waiting right outside your door right now."
Hermione's mouth dropped. "Wait . who is?"
"V-Viktor Krum."
Hermione shrieked. "Shut up!"
Malena nodded. "It's a good thing your walls are protected by the silent charm, eh?"
"Oh god, Malena! What am I going to do! If Ron finds out that Viktor was here he'll really be mad! Oh gosh . this is terrible!" Hermione said, starting to panic.
"Do you want me to tell him to come back later?"
"No! No . just . oh just let him in," Hermione said.
"Okay." Malena walked over to the door and opened it. "She's ready to see you," Hermione heard her say quietly.
Viktor walked in. "Hello, 'ermione."
"Viktor! What a surprise! What are you doing here?" Hermione said, trying to sound cheerful.
"I. I vanted to talk to you."
A cold feeling swept over Hermione's body. She didn't like the way that Viktor was looking at her.
"What . what is it? Something wrong?" she asked him nonchalantly.
"'ermione ."
"What?" Hermione asked again, dreading what he was going to say.
"I'm still in love with you."
Hermione's hands flew to her mouth. "No," she whispered.
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No. No. You can't be," Hermione said. Had he really just said that to her?
"I am," Viktor said solemnly.
"Viktor, you can't just come in here after a year and confess your love to me. You know that Ron and I are together--,"
"But he is not--,"
"No, Viktor. He is everything to me," Hermione said firmly. "I love him."
Hermione was heartbroken to see Viktor's face after she said that. But how dare he come into her office unexpected to tell her something like that! It was terribly rude of him. And she had no romantic feelings anymore for him . not like she had had any before anyway. It was always Ron. Always. Hermione shocked herself when she realized that she had always loved him. She had to tell him that. Soon.
"I am sorry," Viktor said finally.
Hermione took a deep breath. "It's okay."
"Vell, I guess I vill be going. I'm sorry for upsetting you," he said to her sorrowfully.
"It's . it's all right, Viktor. Um, I think it would be best if we didn't see each other for a while. It would be best for both of us," Hermione said resolutely, but with a bit of a sad tone also.
"Yes. Yes, I think you are right. I wish you the best of luck, 'ermione. I know that Ron cares about you very much," Viktor said, with a bit of a strained effort.
"Thank you," Hermione said.
"Goodbye, 'ermione."
"Goodbye, Viktor."
And with one final look at Hermione and a small smile, he apparated.
~*~*~*~
When Hermione's shift ended, after what seemed like five years, she quickly apparated straight to the Burrow, where she knew Ron would be for dinner. The Burrow's living room appeared around her. She heard voices coming from the kitchen, where the family was having dinner.
"It's such a shame that Hermione couldn't be here. I haven't seen in her so long. Why did you say that she couldn't make it, Ron?" Hermione heard Mrs. Weasley ask.
Hermione walked into the kitchen before Ron could make up an excuse.
"Actually, I made it just in time, I see," she said.
"Oh, Hermione! Oh, please sit down! We were just starting to eat. Oh it's wonderful to see you. Please, sit down!" Mrs. Weasley said excitedly while hugging Hermione and leading her to an empty seat next to Ron.
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. Hello, Mr. Weasley, how are you?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione! I'm well, thank you. Good to see you!" Mr. Weasley replied joyfully.
Hermione sat down next to Ron, whose ears she could see were red at the tips.
"What are you doing here?" Ron hissed to her while Mrs. Weasley went to get a plate for Hermione.
"Do you have a problem with it?" Hermione asked coolly.
Ron didn't answer. He scowled and began to eat his food.
"I need to talk to you after dinner," Hermione whispered.
Ron merely shrugged and returned to eating. Hermione sighed unhappily and joined in the conversation at the table politely, waiting until Ron was finished eating so that she could excuse the two of them so they could talk. But it seemed like Ron was taking his dandy time, so that he could possibly avoid the conversation all together. Typical, Hermione thought irritably.
~*~*~*~
I can't believe her. Coming to the Burrow without being invited. Okay, she was invited but she said that she wasn't coming. She can't just take back her offer. It's so like her. Thinking she can do whatever she thinks is right. Hmph, Ron thought angrily while eating dinner.
"I need to talk to you after dinner," Hermione whispered to him.
Ha. I'll show her. I'll just take my time eating. That'll tick her off.
Ron waited a whole hour before he allowed himself to talk with Hermione privately. He had even offered to do the dishes, which surprised and pleased Mrs. Weasley greatly. ("Oh, Ron! Living in a muggle household must really be paying off!")
"Are you finished?" Hermione asked him impatiently, tapping her foot on the ground.
Ron took his time trying to wipe a speck off of the last dinner plate. He hadn't even bothered using magic to wash them.
"Honestly, Ron. Stop trying to avoid the conversation. I really need to talk to you!" Hermione pleaded.
Ah, there it goes, Ron said as the speck vanished.
"Ron, please. It's important."
Something about Hermione's tone made Ron put down the last plate and stare at her. To his surprise, her eyes were wet and she had a look on her face that always made Ron melt.
"Okay. I'm finished," he said. "What do you want to talk about?"
"You know what I want to talk about. But there's more, Ron. Can we go outside please?" Hermione asked him.
Ron nodded and started walking towards the back door and held it open for Hermione. They started walking towards the pond.
"Okay . so, what's up?" Ron asked Hermione.
He heard her take a breath. He looked out across the pond, waiting for her to start talking.
"Someone came to visit me today at work."
He froze. Oh no.
"Who?" he asked briskly, although he already knew the answer.
"Viktor."
Ron shut his eyes. "Ah. I see."
"Ron, don't be angry."
Damnit. I hate how she can read my mind so easily.
"Okay. I'm not," he said.
"I know you are. But, Ron, I didn't ask him to come. He came on his own," Hermione reassured him.
"What happened?" Ron asked her, still staring out to the lake.
"Nothing."
"I'm going to ask you again. What happened?"
He heard Hermione take a deep breath again. "He still loves me."
Ron's heart froze to steel. "And?"
"Ron, look at me," Hermione begged.
Ron turned his iron body to her. "What." It was more of a statement than a question.
"I told him that I am in love with you. I always have been. Ever since second year. It's always been you, Ron." Hermione said truthfully, her beautiful eyes shining.
Ron didn't say anything.
"And . and I told him that I thought it would be best if we didn't see each other for a while," Hermione added. She looked at him, waiting for him to respond.
Finally, he said something. "Why? Why do you love me?"
"Oh Ron . why not?" Hermione asked him back, smiling.
It was a good enough answer. Ron took her in his arms and hugged her. Hermione held him close, burying her head in his shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Ron. I'm so sorry," she cried.
"Shh.don't worry. Don't cry, Hermione. I'm sorry too. I was such a prat," Ron said.
"No, Ron. All you wanted was a nice night out for the two of us, and I was silly enough to talk to Viktor the whole night instead of enjoying each other's company. I'm so sorry," Hermione said quickly.
"Hermione, let's just say that we're both sorry, and forget about it. I feel like we're fighting about something in fourth year again. Like when I got jealous because you went to the Yule Ball with Viktor," Ron said with a laugh.
"I love you, Ron," Hermione said quietly.
"I love you too, Hermione."
They stood holding each other for another couple of minutes. The sky began to dim, and the stars came out. Hermione was the first one to speak.
"Ron, where are we going?" she asked, looking up at him.
"What do you mean?" Ron asked her, not understanding.
"I mean, we've been together for two years. Have you ever thought about ."
Ron gulped. "Yes."
Hermione's eyes grew wide. "You have?"
Ron nodded. He let go of Hermione and put his hands in his pockets. Hermione stared at him, looking confused.
"What's wrong?"
Ron found it. He took it out of his pocket and hid it in his fist.
"Ron, what is it?" Hermione asked him.
"Hermione, I . I've been wanting to say . I mean do . well both, for awhile and I just. I want to let you know that I, well. Wait." Ron got down on one knee.
"RON! HERMIONE! C'MON, WE'RE LEAVING!"
Ron silently groaned. Perfect timing, Harry.
"Ron, what's wrong? Are you sick?" Hermione asked him worriedly, getting down on her knees also.
"No, Hermione, stand back up. Get up!" Ron implored.
"RON! HERMIIIONE! HURRY UP!" Ron heard Ginny yell.
Ron turned to the back door, about to burst with anger. "WILL YOU WAIT A SECOND YOU TWO?!"
Ginny and Harry were standing at the door, looking impatient. "Ron, NO! We're tired and we're leaving right-,"
Ron saw Harry finally realize what he was trying to do. He covered Ginny's mouth and led her away and back into the house. Satisfied, Ron turned back to Hermione, who was still looking worried and was still on her knees.
"Okay, sorry. Hermione, I-I love you," Ron began.
"Ron, I love you too!" Hermione said.
"And I've been thinking.you know, about our relationship," Ron said. He looked at Hermione. He was startled to see that her face was full of horror.
"Ron . wait. Are you trying to break up with me?" she asked in anguish.
"W-what?" Ron asked her. How in the world did she get that idea?
Hermione stood up and started walking away, talking to herself.
"Oh, I should have seen it coming! The last date . the fight in the morning . and then me trying to talk about marriage . UGH! I'm going to KILL Viktor! He's ruined everything! Ohmigosh, this isn't happening!"
Ron caught up with Hermione and grabbed her arm. "Hermione! No! That's not what I was going to say!"
"Ron, don't try to explain yourself. I deserve this," Hermione said, starting to cry.
"Hermione! I wasn't going to break up with you! Now will you listen to me for a bloody second without assuming what I'm going to say?!" Ron shouted.
Hermione stopped and stared. After what seemed like an eternity of Hermione staring at Ron's livid face, she spoke. "Okay, what were you going to say?"
Ron took a few deep breaths before calming down. You're okay, Ron. Just count to three. One. Two. Three . Here we go.
"Hermione. W-will you marry me?"
Forgetting that he wasn't even holding the ring out or wasn't even down on one knee, he fell to his knees and held the box out. Hermione's jaw dropped with surprise. Her hands flew to her mouth and she also fell to her knees.
Ron waited only three agonizing seconds until Hermione screamed, "YES!!"
"Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" she squealed, throwing her arms around Ron's neck and kissing his face everywhere.
"Yes!" She kissed his forehead.
"Yes!" She kissed his right cheek.
"Yes!" She kissed his left cheek.
"Yes!" She kissed his chin.
"Yes!" She kissed him right on the lips.
"Wow, if I'd have known you'd kiss me this much, I would have asked you to marry me a LONG time ago," Ron joked.
"Shut up," Hermione said, kissing his lips again.
And for once, Ron did.
THE END
*REVIEW*
A/N: Aw. Happy ending! Don't worry, there is an epilogue on it's way. I think. ;) Review please!