A\N I've been in school for three weeks now. I hate it. Just thought I'd get that out. I'm having problems with details in this chapter, so anywhere that needs more details let me know.
Borrowed Hearts
Chapter 4
Disclaimer—I have borrowed these characters from JK Rowling, and Borrowed Borrowed Hearts from whoever owns it.
This chapter is dedicated to :Majestic, who has 'forced' me to update, and to BoredLittleMe, who has reviewed almost everything I have written. I love all of you guys!
**********************************************************************************
Weasley Business Parlor, 12 noon
**********************************************************************************
"-That's right guys, a little to the left good. Good. Perfect."
Ron walked into his Parlor just in time to see Hermione rearranging all his Christmas decorations. The floating candles were alternating red and green; there were severally raggedy looking stockings on a fireplace. A cheery fire was burning in the grate. The tree had stayed much the same, Fred and Georges special ornaments were still hanging precaustiously from the great height, but they were spread out more haphazardly than before, and had been joined by some obviously handmade ornaments, even a few that looked like Rion's handiwork. There were large soft looking throw rugs across the floor. She was wearing a red sweater and blue jeans, her hair down straight, a bit bushy, like it had been in the old days.
"Hermione!" He exclaimed, "What are you doing to my house?"
She clapped her hands twice and the ghost servants who had been helping her disappeared. "I didn't think your house looked very family like. So I decided to do some redecorating we really should have done it together as a family, but I didn't think that you'd have time. Being so busy. Head of a company and all that. Gone real far in your life."
Her tone said the same, light and happy, but Ron had the distinct impression she was trying to make a point.
"Redecorating Huh? And I suppose you are responsible for the wreath hanging on my door?" Ron replied.
Hermione laughed. "Of course. Ron, that reminds me. The two thousand you promised me." She looked at the few presents under the tree. I need it early. I want to get some gifts under this tree."
Ron stared at her, everything he had ever been taught telling him that he had to get his moneys worth before he dished it out. "Here." He whispered. And handed her a leather satchel that Hermione knew had more money in it than she had seen in years.
"Thanks Ron." And she disappearated.
"She hasn't changed a bit."
Ron whirled around to see Harry there laughing.
"Hasn't she?" he asked wonderingly
"No Ron."
"Well things aren't like they used to be."
"Did you expect them to be Ron? You haven't seen her in a decade. You were happy not having seen her in a decade. She's only been here three days. We all might as well be strangers."
Ron's eyes reflexively got wider at the term strangers, but he didn't say a word.
"I don't suppose anyone's ever going to tell me what happened at Dumbledore's funeral?" Harry added hopefully.
"No."
"Between your secrets and Hermione's secrets." Sighed Harry. "You two have no idea how much you have in common
"What you didn't get her to tell her what happened to her after she left?"
"I wouldn't even bother asking her mate, but I have a feeling its something bad." He sighed. "I've gotta get back to the boys. They're napping. I'm supposed to be babysitting.
And the two friends went their separate ways, Harry to play with the kids, Ron back to his office, a large order for Nimbus 2002's had come in.
**********************************************************************************
Hermione's dressing room, Weasley Manor 8:30 pm (the next day)
**********************************************************************************
Hermione was sitting in her dressing room, gazing almost dreamily into the mirror. She was due down in the entrance way in twenty minutes to meet Blancoeeb, but the ghosts had finished dressing her ten minutes before. Her hair was smooth and pulled into a fancy twist on the back of her head. A long green evening gown fit her in all the right places and was insinuated nicely by the red ornament earrings she was wearing. Most importantly, the ring finger of her left hand was decorated with an extremely fancy and expensive looking wedding ring. Perhaps a little to fancy. Hermione thought, but absolutely gorgeous none the less.
"You look nice."
Hermione turned away from the mirror. It was Harry, dressed in his Quidditch robes, a single suitcase in his hand.
"Thank you." Her voice was tight, pained.
"Are you alright?"
"Harry I don't know if I can do this. I wasn't good at being married, even when I was. And Ron and I are like strangers."
"Hermione Granger. I'm sure you were a great wife. Your husband was a jerk. People can be jerks. It happens. And, yes, We're all like strangers. But we were strangers on the Hogwarts Express almost 20 years ago, and that turned out alright."
"Right."
"You've got a lot more in common now than you used to."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Ron uses ghosts in his house, not house elves. You think about it."
Hermione's eyes got large, and she noticed Harry's bag for the first time. "Are you leaving?"
He nodded. "I'll be back for Christmas. I've already told the boys goodbye, I'll say hello to Blancoeeb, and then I'll leave.
Hermione nodded, then, realizing the time she went to get her boys.
**********************************************************************************
Rion's Room, 8:45 pm
**********************************************************************************
Alex and Rion were sitting in Rion's room, being watched by a pretty ghost maid named Annie.
Rion was playing with the dancing teddy bears on his wall, while Alex sat in the rocking chair reading Quidditch through the ages, glancing up at his brother every now and then, and stumbling only over the biggest words. They were both dressed in small suits, although neither of them looked particularly thrilled about it. Rion had already managed to tear his tiny bowtie, and Alex was wishing he knew magic, he would certainly make this torture devise disappear.
"How are my boys?"
"Mummy" cried both boys happily.
"Is it time to go?" Alex asked her, his small face serious
Hermione laughed. "Yes sweetness." Alex put his book away and tried to pick up Rion, who easily managed to squirm away.
"Hold me Mummy." The little boy said, holding up his arms. Hermione laughed before murmuring a fixing charm over both her boy's rumpled suits, picked up Rion and took Alex's hand. Then the small family proceeded down to the grand stairway to where Ron and Harry were waiting. She laughed inside at the looks on both their faces. They were gaping
**********************************************************************************
Entrance Hall, Weasley Manor, 8:52 pm
**********************************************************************************
"Wow." Ron breathed finally. Hermione looked gorgeous, even with two munchkins clinging to her skirts.
"Cleans up nice doesn't she." Replied Harry.
Ron was still gaping. He was reminded strongly of the Yule ball in fourth year. Then, just as Hermione, Rion and Alex reached the bottom of the staircase, the door bell rang.
Ron nearly swore, but managed to keep a hold on himself since there were kids present. The spell was broken however.
Suddenly Harry looked at Ron, a terrified expression on his face. "DON'T GET THE DOOR!" He yelled to the ghostly servants, who stopped in mid-flight.
"Harry?" Ron said, feeling panicky. "What are you own about?"
"Your ring you git! We forgot to get you a wedding ring!"
Ron paled, his red hair and freckles standing out sharply.
"Well! Get one! Quick!"
Harry reached for his wand and began to mutter a spell, but Ron jerked his hand away. "That's the wrong hand you dolt!"
The door bell rang again, sounding sharper this time to everyone's ears. At the last moment a ring appeared on Ron's left hand as well.
"Thanks 'Mione." He replied with out thinking as Harry answered the door.
**********************************************************************************
Entrance Hall, 9:00 pm exactly
**********************************************************************************
"Good evening Mr. Blancoeeb." Harry told the man that was standing there, shaking his hand.
"It's good to see you again Mr. Potter." Replied the dark haired man earnestly in a heavy American accent. "Going to a game?"
"Yes sir. I'll be back for Christmas. Wish I could stay longer, but I really have to run, I'm late as it is." Harry replied.
"Goodbye then Mr. Potter. See you in a few weeks."
And with that Harry disappearated and Blancoeeb turned his attention to Ron, Hermione and the boys. "Ronnie Boy!" He exclaimed heartily. "So nice of you to have me. This must be your lovely wife and children."
"Yes." Replied Ron nervously. "This is Hermione, Alex, and the little one is Rion." He said, gesturing to the toddler whom Hermione had just placed on the floor.
"It's nice to see that Ronnie here has such a lovely wife." Blancoeeb told Hermione, kissing her hand.
"Thank you." She replied, staring at him curiously. He looked sort of familiar…
Blancoeeb turned to the boys. "Alex! How're you doing there kiddo?"
"Fine sir." Replied Alex quietly.
"And Rion!" Boomed the man, causing Rion to cower slightly. "Good to meet you as well."
"Tha's…Tha's my Daddy." Annoced Rion, pointing to Ron.
Alex stifled a laugh. "Mummy, don't you think it's time for Ri to go to bed?" He asked Hermione quietly. Hermione nodded, and began to gather up her youngest. (a\n don't worry, he's already eaten) s As she began to leave she heard Blancoeeb say, bright, clear blue eyes twinkling "You're lucky Ronnie Boy, they look nothing like you." She tried to think as she heard Alex again trying not to giggle. Those blue eyes looked very familiar.
"Well." Ron stated as he watched Hermione's retreating back. "Let's proceed into the dining room shall we? I assume dinner is ready. Hermione will join us shortly." And he took Alex's hand (somewhat awkwardly.) Then the remaining few walked in to the large ornate dining room, where the first courses were already set out.
**********************************************************************************
A\N The end. (Of chapter 4) I know, its kind of short, but provided I get my homework and housework done I will update again before Monday. Next time, our characters go skating, Alex finds out why Ron doesn't like Maroon, and Ron and Hermione fight. I've decided the paring. Don't forget to read and review.
Love ya
~CR~
click this
*******
*******
*******
*******
*******
*******
*******
*******
**************************
***********************
*******************
***************
***********
*******
***
*