Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, brilliantly created by J.K.
Rowling. Most situations are based on those created by J.K. Rowling.
Chapter Thirty-Five: The Proposal
A couple of hours later, the four friends were resting comfortably in the hospital wing, Harry telling the story of what had happened that night. He was interrupted every now and then by Ron, who would hiccup. Though the situation was serious, it always made Hermione and Ginny giggle, and Harry even managed to crack a smile a few times.
The entire school soon heard about the attacks, and they were all dying to ask Harry and his friends firsthand what had happened in Hogsmeade. Madame Pomfrey was beside herself trying to keep peeking students from the hospital wing doors. Eventually she had to charm them to keep prying eyes out.
There was a general feeling of elation in the castle, as the students came to realize that the evil, powerful wizard had met his demise. Even the teachers were letting a little loose. Professor McGonagall joined the party in the Gryffindor common room, and celebrated with the students around her.
"Too bad we're missing the party," said Ron.
"It's nothing special," said Ginny. She was not required to stay in the hospital wing as she had not been hit with any spells the night of the battle. "Without Fred and George the food's just not as great. Though Colin and Dennis did their best."
"The important thing is, Voldemort's gone," said Harry. "He can't ever hurt us anymore."
"Right," said Ron, and he smiled and looked over at Hermione. She smiled back at him, but there was something behind her smile that made him worry. She turned her head and gazed out the window, thinking. Ron knew she was keeping something to herself.
* * *
The next afternoon, Ron and Hermione were released from the hospital wing. "Want to go outside?" Ron asked as they walked back to the common room together. "It's a really nice day." He could see that most students had the same idea, and were either playing various games or just lounging on the grass outside. Hermione looked as well, and then shook her head.
"No," she said. "I don't really want to be around people right now."
"Okay," said Ron, and they continued on their way. When they got to the common room, Ron let Hermione in before him, and then climbed in himself. He was happy to see that there was nobody in the room when Hermione turned to him and fell into his arms, sobbing. He held her close for a moment, confused, and then she pulled abruptly away and tried to wipe tears from her eyes. She walked towards the fireplace. Ron could still see her shoulders shaking slightly, and he was worried.
"Hermione, please tell me what's wrong," Ron said. He walked over to her and tried to put his arm around her, but she moved away. Ron persisted and walked towards her. "Hermione."
"It's nothing," she said.
"Hermione, it's not nothing," Ron said. "I've never seen you cry like this."
"I've cried in front of you before!" Hermione protested.
"Not like this," said Ron. "Something's wrong. Really wrong. I can hear it." He put his arm around her, and she stiffened but didn't pull away. "Please, tell me."
Hermione stiffened more and moved roughly away from him. "I'm scared, okay Ron? Terrified of the world and what it will do it us! We're leaving school! It's over! We're not going to be safe in the confines of Hogwarts anymore! And I know Voldemort's gone, but how can that ensure that some other evil won't come? We're leaving school, we're going to have jobs and a life away from here! What is that going to do to you and me? The world is a very stressful place. We all could have died that night, Ron!" She was sobbing again, covering her face with one hand while she used the other to steady herself on the mantle.
Ron looked at Hermione and a sudden realization came over him. "Marry me."
Hermione's tears halted abruptly, and she looked at him, her face a blotchy red. "What?"
"Marry me," Ron said again. "Then nothing can tear us apart. Not jobs, not friends, and certainly not the world."
"But Ron-"
"No. Hermione, I've loved you since I was eleven years old. We've had our differences, but nothing we can't overcome. So we're young, so we're just starting out in the world, SO WHAT?! All I need to know is that I love you and you love me. It's all that matters, all that's EVER mattered." He stopped and looked at her. "So, Hermione Granger, will you marry me?"
Hermione felt another tear slip down her cheek, though the mood was suddenly quite different as she said, softly, "Yes." She moved closer to him. "Yes, Ron, I would love you marry you." She was inches from him now and she stood on her toes to kiss him, affirming her answer.
When they pulled apart, Ron looked ashamed. "I'm sorry I don't have a ring for you," he said. "I didn't expect to do this today."
Hermione smiled and snuggled into his arms. "I don't need a ring. You're what I need."
* * *
Still Ron insisted on buying Hermione an engagement ring, so as soon as Harry was out of the hospital wing, Ron dragged Harry and Ginny into the village. He had worked hard to get Professor McGonagall to give the three of them special permission to leave the grounds for the day.
"Do you even have any money?" Ginny asked Ron as they stopped outside the jewelers.
"Some," said Ron. "I've been saving."
"Enough for an engagement ring?" Harry asked.
"Well, okay, I asked Fred and George for a loan," Ron admitted.
"You did?" Ginny asked. "When?"
"Sent them a letter right after Hermione said yes," Ron said. "They were happy to help. Even though Feed complained a bit 'cause Angelina saw the letter and asked why THEY weren't getting married." Ginny laughed. "I expect two weddings in the family soon."
Ginny looked at her brother and smiled at him. "I can't believe you asked Hermione to marry you!" she gushed. Ron blushed.
"Let's go in," he said, and the three of them entered the store.
"Can I help you?" came the voice of a female witch. They looked up at her face, surprised to find three young students in her shop.
"He needs and engagement ring," said Ginny, gesturing towards Ron.
The woman smiled. "Please, come and have a look," she said, and she pulled out a tray with many rings on it. Ron looked down at the try and immediately one ring stood out. He picked it up and looked at it, showing it to Ginny.
"What do you think?" he asked her.
Ginny looked at the ring. The band was made of white gold, and it had a simple round solitaire diamond in the center of it. "I really like it," she said. "And I think Hermione will too."
"Harry?" Ron asked.
Harry looked at the ring and shrugged. "Not to be insulting or anything mate, but I don't know anything about jewelry."
Ron laughed a little bit, and then turned to the woman to discuss prices with her. As he did that, Harry and Ginny wandered around the store. "Just so you know," Ginny said to Harry as they looked at bracelets, "I like platinum."
"What?" Harry asked.
"Well, you said you know nothing about jewelry," Ginny said. "So I'm helping you. Just in case."
"In case what?" Harry teased her.
Ginny laughed and punched him in the arm. "You know exactly what I mean," she said.
"Ready?" came Ron's voice. He was standing near the door, and Harry and Ginny turned and joined him there. "Thank you!" Ron called again to the sales witch as they left the store.
* * *
The next two days were a buzz of excitement as the Gryffindor seventh years planned for their graduation day. "I can't believe I have to be alone here next year," Ginny said sadly as the four sat in the common room on the morning of graduation. "I'm going to miss you all so much."
"It's just a year, Gin," said Hermione, hugging her friend. "And we'll come to Hogsmeade whenever you have a weekend free."
"You better," said Ginny. "I will hold you to that."
"Well, we'll be able to apparate," said Ron, "so it's a promise."
"You can't apparate on the -"
"Hogwarts grounds," Ron finished, and he kissed her. "I KNOW that. You've only told me, like fifty thousand times since we met. But we CAN apparate into Hogsmeade. You would think you would know that, my little know it all."
Hermione smiled. "Shut up," she said, but she was laughing. "Now, I have to get ready for the ceremony. And you two should do the same. Graduation is in an hour, and your parents will want to see us all before it starts."
"Better do as she says," said Ron, and he stood with her and they headed up their separate staircases to their dormitories.
* * *
"Oh, don't you look handsome," said Mrs. Weasley as she straightened a strand of Ron's hair. "I can't believe my youngest boy is graduating from Hogwarts."
"We're so proud son," said Mr. Weasley, and Ron beamed. "Now, we'll see you at the banquet afterwards!"
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley took Ginny with them to find seats. They filed in next to Freed, George, Angelina, Katie, Percy, a very pregnant Penelope, Bill, Charlie and Dawn. Mrs. Weasley smiled, once again happy because her whole family was in one place. She turned her attention to Albus Dumbledore when he stood to speak.
"Students, alumni, and parents," he began. "It is wonderful to see you on this glorious day. Glorious for many reasons, of course. The first and most important is that your sons and daughters sit here before me about to embark on the next great adventure of their lives: adulthood. I am pleased to say that they are among one of the finest classes Hogwarts has ever turned out. Secondly, I am pleased that we are sitting here today in peace. Voldemort has been defeated and we can finally begin to put the pieces back together." The audience cheered.
"So without further ado, I present the graduating class of nineteen hundred and ninety eight."
The audience applauded again, and Professor McGonagall stood and began to call out names. Harry noticed the Sorting Hat was present again, and as each student stood to walk on stage, their diploma appeared inside the hat. Professor McGonagall took them and handed them to the individual students as they passed. "Hermione Margaret Granger!" McGonagall called out, and Hermione smiled and walked to her teacher. She took the diploma and surprised everyone when, instead of shaking Professor McGonagall's hand, she gave her a hug.
"Harry James Potter!" Cheers went through the crowd as Harry walked onto the stage and got his diploma. He was embarrassed when he saw that most of the students and their parents were standing and clapping. Still, his moment passed as quickly as Hermione's had, even though the applauding continued for a few moments after he had sat down.
The list of names went on. Soon it neared it's end, when Professor McGonagall called, "Ronald Charles Weasley!" There were once again loud cheers, though they seemed gathered from one section of the audience, and sure enough, most of the Weasley family was on their feet, cheering their son or brother (or brother-in-law) on.
When Professor McGonagall came to the end of the list, she smiled at the students before her, and reintroduced Dumbledore to the podium.
"Now, I know you are all hungry, but before we get to the feast, there is one last order of business," he said, and he raised his wand. "I now present the GRADUATES of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! I now pronounce you graduated!" His wand tip ignited, and confetti shot from it and fell over the students and the crowd as they cheered.
* * *
The feast was excellent, and perhaps because it was the last one they would enjoy at Hogwarts, Ron, Hermione and Harry proclaimed it the best one. They were thrilled that they were going to head to the Burrow the next day and spend their time there until they were able to get themselves settled. In a month's time, Harry was headed for Auror training, Ron to Healer training and Hermione would begin her Mind Reader apprenticeship. They were nervous and excited at the new life that would begin for them.
Still, there was something Ron needed to do before he and Hermione left Hogwarts. When evening fell, he asked her to take a walk down to the lake, and she happily agreed. They held hands as they walked along the shore.
"It'll be weird," she said to him. "To not be here anymore."
"Yeah," Ron agreed. "I'll miss it."
"Me too."
Ron felt his pocket to make sure that the ring was still there, and he held Hermione hand tight and stopped walking. She did the same. "What?" she asked him.
"Well, it's just that -" he said. He stopped. 'Why am I so bloody nervous? She already said yes!' "It's just-"
"What Ron?" Hermione asked.
"I have something to give you," he said. "I guess you could say it's a graduation gift."
"Ron, we said no gifts!" Hermione exclaimed. "I didn't get you anything." She was feeling slightly embarrassed.
"No, this is something special," said Ron, and he pulled the box out of his pocket, and knelt down on one knee.
Hermione smiled. "Ron!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing? You've already asked me to-"
"Shh!" he exclaimed. "I want to do this right this time, and I can't if you talk!"
"But Ron!" Hermione protested.
"Shh!" he said again. "Let me talk."
"When I asked you to marry me before, I didn't expect to do it," he started. "But I wanted to. I still want to. If there's anything I know, it's that I want to be with you for the rest of my life. And I know you said all you need is me, but I wanted you to have this. So, Hermione, will you marry me?"
He opened the ring box, and Hermione smiled when she saw the ring. "Oh, Ron, it's beautiful," she said. She looked at him. "And my answer remains the same. Yes!"
Ron put the ring on her finger, then stood and hugged her tightly. He kissed the top of her head. "I love you."
"Love you too."
He picked up her left hand and looked at the finger that now wore her engagement ring. "You do know that my mother will see that, right?" he asked. "She has a sense for these things. Hones right in on them."
"So, we have to tell our parents," said Hermione.
"Yeah, I know," said Ron. "But it's nice to have this just between us."
"I know," said Hermione. "So let's just stay here for a bit longer before we go back to the feast."
"Good idea," said Ron, and he hugged her again. When they pulled apart, he took her hand again and they continued walking along the bank of the lake.
All in all, it was a perfect day.
Chapter Thirty-Five: The Proposal
A couple of hours later, the four friends were resting comfortably in the hospital wing, Harry telling the story of what had happened that night. He was interrupted every now and then by Ron, who would hiccup. Though the situation was serious, it always made Hermione and Ginny giggle, and Harry even managed to crack a smile a few times.
The entire school soon heard about the attacks, and they were all dying to ask Harry and his friends firsthand what had happened in Hogsmeade. Madame Pomfrey was beside herself trying to keep peeking students from the hospital wing doors. Eventually she had to charm them to keep prying eyes out.
There was a general feeling of elation in the castle, as the students came to realize that the evil, powerful wizard had met his demise. Even the teachers were letting a little loose. Professor McGonagall joined the party in the Gryffindor common room, and celebrated with the students around her.
"Too bad we're missing the party," said Ron.
"It's nothing special," said Ginny. She was not required to stay in the hospital wing as she had not been hit with any spells the night of the battle. "Without Fred and George the food's just not as great. Though Colin and Dennis did their best."
"The important thing is, Voldemort's gone," said Harry. "He can't ever hurt us anymore."
"Right," said Ron, and he smiled and looked over at Hermione. She smiled back at him, but there was something behind her smile that made him worry. She turned her head and gazed out the window, thinking. Ron knew she was keeping something to herself.
* * *
The next afternoon, Ron and Hermione were released from the hospital wing. "Want to go outside?" Ron asked as they walked back to the common room together. "It's a really nice day." He could see that most students had the same idea, and were either playing various games or just lounging on the grass outside. Hermione looked as well, and then shook her head.
"No," she said. "I don't really want to be around people right now."
"Okay," said Ron, and they continued on their way. When they got to the common room, Ron let Hermione in before him, and then climbed in himself. He was happy to see that there was nobody in the room when Hermione turned to him and fell into his arms, sobbing. He held her close for a moment, confused, and then she pulled abruptly away and tried to wipe tears from her eyes. She walked towards the fireplace. Ron could still see her shoulders shaking slightly, and he was worried.
"Hermione, please tell me what's wrong," Ron said. He walked over to her and tried to put his arm around her, but she moved away. Ron persisted and walked towards her. "Hermione."
"It's nothing," she said.
"Hermione, it's not nothing," Ron said. "I've never seen you cry like this."
"I've cried in front of you before!" Hermione protested.
"Not like this," said Ron. "Something's wrong. Really wrong. I can hear it." He put his arm around her, and she stiffened but didn't pull away. "Please, tell me."
Hermione stiffened more and moved roughly away from him. "I'm scared, okay Ron? Terrified of the world and what it will do it us! We're leaving school! It's over! We're not going to be safe in the confines of Hogwarts anymore! And I know Voldemort's gone, but how can that ensure that some other evil won't come? We're leaving school, we're going to have jobs and a life away from here! What is that going to do to you and me? The world is a very stressful place. We all could have died that night, Ron!" She was sobbing again, covering her face with one hand while she used the other to steady herself on the mantle.
Ron looked at Hermione and a sudden realization came over him. "Marry me."
Hermione's tears halted abruptly, and she looked at him, her face a blotchy red. "What?"
"Marry me," Ron said again. "Then nothing can tear us apart. Not jobs, not friends, and certainly not the world."
"But Ron-"
"No. Hermione, I've loved you since I was eleven years old. We've had our differences, but nothing we can't overcome. So we're young, so we're just starting out in the world, SO WHAT?! All I need to know is that I love you and you love me. It's all that matters, all that's EVER mattered." He stopped and looked at her. "So, Hermione Granger, will you marry me?"
Hermione felt another tear slip down her cheek, though the mood was suddenly quite different as she said, softly, "Yes." She moved closer to him. "Yes, Ron, I would love you marry you." She was inches from him now and she stood on her toes to kiss him, affirming her answer.
When they pulled apart, Ron looked ashamed. "I'm sorry I don't have a ring for you," he said. "I didn't expect to do this today."
Hermione smiled and snuggled into his arms. "I don't need a ring. You're what I need."
* * *
Still Ron insisted on buying Hermione an engagement ring, so as soon as Harry was out of the hospital wing, Ron dragged Harry and Ginny into the village. He had worked hard to get Professor McGonagall to give the three of them special permission to leave the grounds for the day.
"Do you even have any money?" Ginny asked Ron as they stopped outside the jewelers.
"Some," said Ron. "I've been saving."
"Enough for an engagement ring?" Harry asked.
"Well, okay, I asked Fred and George for a loan," Ron admitted.
"You did?" Ginny asked. "When?"
"Sent them a letter right after Hermione said yes," Ron said. "They were happy to help. Even though Feed complained a bit 'cause Angelina saw the letter and asked why THEY weren't getting married." Ginny laughed. "I expect two weddings in the family soon."
Ginny looked at her brother and smiled at him. "I can't believe you asked Hermione to marry you!" she gushed. Ron blushed.
"Let's go in," he said, and the three of them entered the store.
"Can I help you?" came the voice of a female witch. They looked up at her face, surprised to find three young students in her shop.
"He needs and engagement ring," said Ginny, gesturing towards Ron.
The woman smiled. "Please, come and have a look," she said, and she pulled out a tray with many rings on it. Ron looked down at the try and immediately one ring stood out. He picked it up and looked at it, showing it to Ginny.
"What do you think?" he asked her.
Ginny looked at the ring. The band was made of white gold, and it had a simple round solitaire diamond in the center of it. "I really like it," she said. "And I think Hermione will too."
"Harry?" Ron asked.
Harry looked at the ring and shrugged. "Not to be insulting or anything mate, but I don't know anything about jewelry."
Ron laughed a little bit, and then turned to the woman to discuss prices with her. As he did that, Harry and Ginny wandered around the store. "Just so you know," Ginny said to Harry as they looked at bracelets, "I like platinum."
"What?" Harry asked.
"Well, you said you know nothing about jewelry," Ginny said. "So I'm helping you. Just in case."
"In case what?" Harry teased her.
Ginny laughed and punched him in the arm. "You know exactly what I mean," she said.
"Ready?" came Ron's voice. He was standing near the door, and Harry and Ginny turned and joined him there. "Thank you!" Ron called again to the sales witch as they left the store.
* * *
The next two days were a buzz of excitement as the Gryffindor seventh years planned for their graduation day. "I can't believe I have to be alone here next year," Ginny said sadly as the four sat in the common room on the morning of graduation. "I'm going to miss you all so much."
"It's just a year, Gin," said Hermione, hugging her friend. "And we'll come to Hogsmeade whenever you have a weekend free."
"You better," said Ginny. "I will hold you to that."
"Well, we'll be able to apparate," said Ron, "so it's a promise."
"You can't apparate on the -"
"Hogwarts grounds," Ron finished, and he kissed her. "I KNOW that. You've only told me, like fifty thousand times since we met. But we CAN apparate into Hogsmeade. You would think you would know that, my little know it all."
Hermione smiled. "Shut up," she said, but she was laughing. "Now, I have to get ready for the ceremony. And you two should do the same. Graduation is in an hour, and your parents will want to see us all before it starts."
"Better do as she says," said Ron, and he stood with her and they headed up their separate staircases to their dormitories.
* * *
"Oh, don't you look handsome," said Mrs. Weasley as she straightened a strand of Ron's hair. "I can't believe my youngest boy is graduating from Hogwarts."
"We're so proud son," said Mr. Weasley, and Ron beamed. "Now, we'll see you at the banquet afterwards!"
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley took Ginny with them to find seats. They filed in next to Freed, George, Angelina, Katie, Percy, a very pregnant Penelope, Bill, Charlie and Dawn. Mrs. Weasley smiled, once again happy because her whole family was in one place. She turned her attention to Albus Dumbledore when he stood to speak.
"Students, alumni, and parents," he began. "It is wonderful to see you on this glorious day. Glorious for many reasons, of course. The first and most important is that your sons and daughters sit here before me about to embark on the next great adventure of their lives: adulthood. I am pleased to say that they are among one of the finest classes Hogwarts has ever turned out. Secondly, I am pleased that we are sitting here today in peace. Voldemort has been defeated and we can finally begin to put the pieces back together." The audience cheered.
"So without further ado, I present the graduating class of nineteen hundred and ninety eight."
The audience applauded again, and Professor McGonagall stood and began to call out names. Harry noticed the Sorting Hat was present again, and as each student stood to walk on stage, their diploma appeared inside the hat. Professor McGonagall took them and handed them to the individual students as they passed. "Hermione Margaret Granger!" McGonagall called out, and Hermione smiled and walked to her teacher. She took the diploma and surprised everyone when, instead of shaking Professor McGonagall's hand, she gave her a hug.
"Harry James Potter!" Cheers went through the crowd as Harry walked onto the stage and got his diploma. He was embarrassed when he saw that most of the students and their parents were standing and clapping. Still, his moment passed as quickly as Hermione's had, even though the applauding continued for a few moments after he had sat down.
The list of names went on. Soon it neared it's end, when Professor McGonagall called, "Ronald Charles Weasley!" There were once again loud cheers, though they seemed gathered from one section of the audience, and sure enough, most of the Weasley family was on their feet, cheering their son or brother (or brother-in-law) on.
When Professor McGonagall came to the end of the list, she smiled at the students before her, and reintroduced Dumbledore to the podium.
"Now, I know you are all hungry, but before we get to the feast, there is one last order of business," he said, and he raised his wand. "I now present the GRADUATES of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! I now pronounce you graduated!" His wand tip ignited, and confetti shot from it and fell over the students and the crowd as they cheered.
* * *
The feast was excellent, and perhaps because it was the last one they would enjoy at Hogwarts, Ron, Hermione and Harry proclaimed it the best one. They were thrilled that they were going to head to the Burrow the next day and spend their time there until they were able to get themselves settled. In a month's time, Harry was headed for Auror training, Ron to Healer training and Hermione would begin her Mind Reader apprenticeship. They were nervous and excited at the new life that would begin for them.
Still, there was something Ron needed to do before he and Hermione left Hogwarts. When evening fell, he asked her to take a walk down to the lake, and she happily agreed. They held hands as they walked along the shore.
"It'll be weird," she said to him. "To not be here anymore."
"Yeah," Ron agreed. "I'll miss it."
"Me too."
Ron felt his pocket to make sure that the ring was still there, and he held Hermione hand tight and stopped walking. She did the same. "What?" she asked him.
"Well, it's just that -" he said. He stopped. 'Why am I so bloody nervous? She already said yes!' "It's just-"
"What Ron?" Hermione asked.
"I have something to give you," he said. "I guess you could say it's a graduation gift."
"Ron, we said no gifts!" Hermione exclaimed. "I didn't get you anything." She was feeling slightly embarrassed.
"No, this is something special," said Ron, and he pulled the box out of his pocket, and knelt down on one knee.
Hermione smiled. "Ron!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing? You've already asked me to-"
"Shh!" he exclaimed. "I want to do this right this time, and I can't if you talk!"
"But Ron!" Hermione protested.
"Shh!" he said again. "Let me talk."
"When I asked you to marry me before, I didn't expect to do it," he started. "But I wanted to. I still want to. If there's anything I know, it's that I want to be with you for the rest of my life. And I know you said all you need is me, but I wanted you to have this. So, Hermione, will you marry me?"
He opened the ring box, and Hermione smiled when she saw the ring. "Oh, Ron, it's beautiful," she said. She looked at him. "And my answer remains the same. Yes!"
Ron put the ring on her finger, then stood and hugged her tightly. He kissed the top of her head. "I love you."
"Love you too."
He picked up her left hand and looked at the finger that now wore her engagement ring. "You do know that my mother will see that, right?" he asked. "She has a sense for these things. Hones right in on them."
"So, we have to tell our parents," said Hermione.
"Yeah, I know," said Ron. "But it's nice to have this just between us."
"I know," said Hermione. "So let's just stay here for a bit longer before we go back to the feast."
"Good idea," said Ron, and he hugged her again. When they pulled apart, he took her hand again and they continued walking along the bank of the lake.
All in all, it was a perfect day.