A\N—I have just realized what an utterly depressing chapter that was. So, on top of all the other stuff I promised, this chapter will first (and possibly lastly) contain R\Hr fluff. Courtesy of Alex of course. I hope that the last chapter, even though it was depressing, gave a bit of Alex insight. Also, I'm kind of losing track of my timeline, so if I make Christmas two days before or after you think it should be, forgive me. I would like to announce to the world that I got my braces off today. And I love toddlers. I'm really bored, so email me! I love to talk.
Chapter 9
Dedication-To Tenacious Monkey, cause she has a cool name. And to everyone who said they liked my arrow. My arrow likes you too! Thank you all my reviewers! (and to anyone who has ever fallen on stage in front of 700 people.)
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Master Bedroom, Weasley Manor, 7:16 AM
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Alex woke up long before either Hermione or Ron, but he lay in-between them for a long while, perfectly content. He carefully studied the faces of the adults. His Mum looked more relaxed than he remembered her looking for a long while, and Ron, who had his (obviously) mean and non understanding moments, while sleeping he looked young. Unguarded and quite nice. Alex smiled, wondering if he could draw them. It was no secret that he liked drawing, but thus far his only living subjects (or hostages, depending on which party you asked) had been Jessie and Trevor. Alex finally nodded. He could do this.
He crawled carefully out of the bed, and totted softly down the hall. Now where were those crayons? Alex shut his eyes, trying to remember, and it came to him. The potted plant. He had been trying to hide them from Rion, who had found he had a taste for green ones.
Once Alex had found his (slightly soiled) crayons, he began his picture, which took surprisingly little time. He turned it this way and that, trying to decide which way it looked better, and finally decided it was perfect (A\N now, don't think he's like a mini Van Gouh or something. He's talented for a six year old, but within reason) Now, when should he present his wonderful gift? Mummy's birthday had long since past, and he didn't know Ron's. Christmas was still days away. Alex's face took on a look of serious thought. There was some other day that adults celebrated. He could just remember Daddy bringing Mummy a present when he was really really little.
He heard babbling coming from Rion's room, and walked in, to find his baby brother telling a story to a circle of fascinated teddy bears on his wall.
"And the kitty say meow!" Giggled Rion. "And they all live hap'ly ever after."
The teddies cheered, which cause Rion to look even happier.
" Mornin' Al-ix!" shouted Rion, reaching up and giving his brother a sticky kiss.
"Hey Ri." Alex returned. His voice grew quieter, and more excited. "Ri, I've got a plan!"
"Yay! Al-ix has a plan." Rion cheered. He furrowed his brow. "Al-ix? What's a plan?"
Alex rolled his eyes and continued on. "I want to go find Mr. Blancoeeb and tell him today is Mum and Daddy's anniversary."
Rion grinned. "Ri-on go find Mr. Bl- Mr. Bumblebee and tell him is an a verity.
Alex shook his head. "That's about it." He agreed. Then, summoning all his six year old strength he lifted Rion over the bars of his crib. The moment Rion was on the ground her totted off, after watching him a moment Alex turned and saw the (seemingly blank) picture frame on Rion's wall then quickly left the room and continued back to his room to get ready, and when he was done he commenced to watch the Quidditch game happening on his wall. This is where is mother found him a little later, and she wondered what he kept grinning about.
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Guest Suite, 7:45 am
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Rion pushed on the doors to Blancoeeb's room with all his strength. "Goo Mornin Mr. Bumblebee!" he shouted at the unmoving doors. The sound of hearty laughter could be heard, and Alan Blancoeeb, long since up, opened the door."
"Good Morning Rion. Why are you here this morning."
Rion took a deep breath. "It's Mummy and Daddy's Aniverity"
"Anniversary?" Suggested Blancoeeb.
"Yeas!" replied Rion. "And Al-ix has a plan!"
"Oh really. Does he want to throw them a surprise party?"
Ron looked at him, slightly confused. Well, he loved parties. Most of the time anyway.
"Yeas." He replied. "Yeas."
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Weasley Dinning Room, 9:45 pm
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So that's how it happened that a very nervous and somewhat impressed Ron Weasley stood in a beautifully decorated dining room wearing a dark blue suit (that brought out his eyes) and nicely patterned tie hours later. Alex had finally let him in on the secret around six, so he could buy Hermione a gift if he was so inclined.
The large dining table had been magiced into a small more romantic table, covered with a lacy table cloth. In the center of the table was a bouquet of creamy white roses, with a kiss of pink at the tips. Dripping candles floated low around the table, and the dim room shimmered with fairy light. But that was nothing compared to Hermione, who entered, confused, a few moments later.
She was wearing shimmering dress robes of a deep royal blue. Some of her hair was pilled up on top of her head, but most of it swept down framing her face. Her makeup was soft and perfect. What ever Alex had said to her to get her to dress up had defiantly worked. Ron's breath caught in his throat as she came nearer to him. How was it that every time he saw her she absolutely amazed him?
"Hermione." He finally gasped
She smiled slightly, looking as flushed as a school girl. "Ron. You look really nice."
So do you. Ron's mind said. So do you. "Happy Anniversary." He managed finally.
The confusion returned to her eyes, then cleared again. "Alex." She said, almost sadly. "There something my boys…aren't they."
Ron nodded, and handed her a rose out of the bouquet. The pink tips seemed to reflect off her face, causing it to glow. "Let's sit down shall we." He suggested, pulling out a chair for her and the other for himself.
She looked at him, regret obvious on her face. "Ron." She whispered, "we shouldn't do this. We aren't really married."
Ron walked up to her, so close his cologne filled her nose and thoughts, so close she could see the tiny cut where he had nicked himself shaving…so close that…
"Hermione." He whispered back at her. "Your boys have done this for you. Just enjoy it for what it is…" he seemed to be fighting with something "you're gorgeous Hermione."
He stepped back quickly and she sat down at her place with out another word. Sparkling champain appeared in two champain glasses, followed by Fettuccini Alfredo. They ate for a while in compatible silence, speaking every once in a while. The food was scrumptious. Suddenly Ron laughed through a mouthful of noodles.
"What?" Demanded Hermione.
Ron reached over towards her. "You've got Alfredo sauce on your nose." He whispered.
Hermione also began to giggle she laughed so hard she snorted, and then any pretense of sanity left the room, and both Ron and Hermione were clinging to the table laughing. Finally though, they managed to finish the main course. While they were waiting for the dessert they talked.
"Where are the boys?" Asked Hermione.
"With Blancoeeb upstairs. He's babysitting. Trying to teach them the wonders of Quadpot no doubt."
Hermione nodded.
"You want your present now?" Ron asked her, pulling a small bag out of his pocket.
"You got me a present? But I didn't."
Ron nodded, and handed her the bag, dismissing her protests with a wave of his hand. Inside the bag was the most beautiful pen Hermione had ever seen. The casing looked to be of gold, and red and pink and white roses were encarved in it, wrapping around the writing utensil on a long green vine.
She gaped at Ron for a moment.
"It's just a pen." He began, "but Harry told me how you were writing a book and…"
He stopped at the smile on Hermione's face, and the appearance of chocolate covered strawberries for desert.
After they had finished their meal and the plates had disappeared, Ron also gave Hermione the picture Alex had drawn, which had been entrusted to him earlier. He thought Hermione was going to cry at the double portrait. She didn't however, she just looked at him. "You want to go outside?"
He nodded, and they rose, one of the flowers hooked behind Hermione's ear. As they stepped outside a light snow began to fall again, and before Ron knew what he was doing his lips were closed over Hermione's.
She leaned into the kiss for a single sweet moment, then their lips broke apart, and they both stared at one another. "Oh…" gasped Hermione, words having failed her. Silence rained for a few more moments. "I have to go." Hermione whispered, almost to herself. She turned from Ron and dashed into the house.
He followed her, ears red with frustration. "Hermione? Were are you going to go? You stay in my room!"
Hermione paused and looked at him, and her shoulders began to shake, somewhere between laughing and crying. She waited until he was even with her, and allowed him to take her hand and go off to bed.
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Rion's room, 12:34 pm
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Rion, Alex, and Alan Blancoeeb are all asleep on Rion's floor. The teddy bears are watching them curiously.
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Weasley Manor, Business Parlor, 10:30 am
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Ron and Alan had been in the business parlor for a long time before Hermione decided to bring them some cinnamon rolls and coffee. She stood in the door way watching the men for several minutes before they noticed her as well.
"-Are you sure Ronnie boy? Most of the production would be done in New York. Wouldn't that mean more than half your company lost their jobs?"
Hermione's heart froze. "But this meant. It meant that…"
"I'm sure Alan. Our company has a wonderful lay off plan. All former employee's will be well taken care of."
That was easy for him to say. Thought Hermione. He had enough money that he didn't need to know how much living cost.
"But Ron…."
"Alan, we are here to talk business are we not? Now, I'm more than ready to sign the sale papers."
"Sale." Hermione made a small noise and both men turned to look at her. Blancoeeb looked thrilled at the sight of the food, and Ron paled visibly.
"Hermione." He said, rising to get the tray out of her hands. "Hermione it's not what you think."
Hermione stared at him. "How can you do this to people." She demanded. "Do you realize how many lives you are going to ruin?"
Ron lowered his voice even more. "Hermione, I'll take care of you. And the boys."
She took several steps back. "It's not about me. Or my boys. It's about people Ron. People! You were always in such a hurry to get rich that you've forgotten what its like to have scrape and save up every penny for the smallest things. You've forgotten how it feels to owe people all the time. How it feels to have all the kids at school look down on you because of how little money your family has. Do you realize how many single parents work in your factory? Do you realize that for so many people you and QQS are the only things keeping them off the streets? Or have you changed that much Ron?" She shook her head. "I thought I was recognizing some of the old Ron in you. And last night. Somehow, calm, logical Hermione forgot. Forgot this was all a game to you. Just a business deal." She whirled around from him and began walking out the door. "I have to go get the boys." She said, forcing a smile in her voice for Blancoeeb's sake. "They'll be wanting their share of the cinnamon roles. That I assure you."
And with that she left, and Ron sunk weakly down in his chair, the fight gone out of him.
"What are you looking at?" He asked Blancoeeb tiredly. "Lets get down to business.
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Emma's house, 11:00 am
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Now that Emma had regained some of her rational thought, she couldn't believe how stupid she had been. She and Hermione had exchanged a few letters since Hermione had stopped coming to work, and her owl knew where to find Hermione. Grabbing a scrap piece of parchment and a quill, Emma hurriedly penned a note.
Mione,
I'm sorrier than I can explain here, but your ex husband is trying to find you. I wanted to warn you. Stay safe 'Mi. You and the boys.
Emma
She quickly tied the letter to her owls leg, and it took off with a screech.
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Weasley front hall, 12 pm
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Hermione stood just beside the window, looking out at the snow covered landscape. She had just sent a letter to Susan, the secretary at QQS, informing the woman that she would not be attending QQS annual Christmas party this year.
"Mummy?" Alex voice came from behind her and she turned to see Alex and Rion standing at the top of the stairs. At the same time she heard a scraping on the windowsill. Emma's owl was out there, with a letter.
"Just a second guys." Said Hermione bringing the owl inside. She was opening the letter just as Ron stepped out of his office. Her eyes grew large and her face pale as she read it.
"Mummy?" Called the boys again, seeing her face.
Suddenly there was a loud banging on the front door, and Ron just barely managed to catch Hermione and lower her gently to the carpet as she fainted.
"Mummy!" shrieked the boys as Blancoeeb appeared out of no where and held them back.
The pounding could be heard again at the door.
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fin chapter 9
A\N---Yay! Another chapter, finally. You didn't think it was coming, did you? Anyway, you've read, now review! Next chapter: ex husband, Harry, a startling discovery, and some other stuff to. Defiantly worth reading. If you have any guesses, questions compliments or complaints, do let me know, but also let me know why you are guessing this, or complaining about that. (Ok, well you don't have to.) Much love, see ya next weekend.
Chocolate Frogs and Butter beers,
CatalinaRose
Click this—goodbye!
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