Hey… here it is… I don't know if you'll like it. I hope you will, though… because this story is a hard one to write as the characters are actually more complex than in my other story. I hope you'll notice. So… here it is… ladies and gentleman…
Chapter 3: The encounter.
Ronald Weasley was tired of kicking the bad one's asses. It wasn't what he'd call a pacific or tranquil job; especially if your former girlfriend worked there too. And MOST especially if that particular woman looked…well… shaggable… or… on Molly Weasley's terms … appealing.
He loved her! Oh boy! How much he loved her! Even now, almost 15 years since the day they first met, he felt an exuberating passion regarding her precious Hermione Granger, the love of his life and his best friend.
Harry was getting married to his sister in less than a month and Ron was sure he would have to face everyone about not being with Hermione anymore.
Just when Ron was about to fall asleep in his sofa, the door bell rang.
-Who could it be?- He asked curiously as he wasn't expecting anyone… or at least he thought he wasn't expecting anyone.
-Hello, brother- George Weasley said while his younger sibling opened the door.
-Hi- Ron said slowly as George was now in his living room switching the channels on the tv.
-Are you expecting anyone?- George asked half drunk. Ron could tell.
-Actually, I must be off. Got to go to have dinner- he explained, putting his coat on.
-Fancy some company?- George asked putting his best puppy eyes.
-I'll go with …-Ron tried to say, but he noticed the sadness in his brother's eyes- You can come if you want.
George gave his brother one of his beautiful big grins and soon enough they were in lilac's apartment, ready to go to "amour", one heck of a restaurant in Ron's opinion.
As soon as they reached the entrance, the red head noticed Hermione. She looked beautiful in her short red dress and her bushy brown hair was resting comfortably in her shoulders.
-Good evening- He greeted, then leaning forward to Hermione, he said- I brought George with us, you don't mind, right?
-No, not at all, but I smell trouble as this purse that I'm holding here, belongs to my friend Florence- She said calmly.
Just when Ron was about to shout "WHAT?", a female voice coming from the toilet's door frame indicated them all that Florence was now in the room and that things might get nasty.
-Hello, Ronnie!- She shouted but when she realized George was standing behind him she exclaimed- what the hell is he doing here?
-What the hell am I doing here? What the hell are YOU doing here?- George asked.
-I should have known- Florence said- Drunk as always.
-I should have known, a bitch as always- He said in a low voice for only his friends to hear.
-George, Florence, please… don't make a scene- Ron asked his brother, holding his arms.
-I should have guessed you'll take her side- George said bitterly- You've almost taken her side. Ever since you met her… she's more of a sister to you than I am- He confessed. This wasn't the first time George had said it, though he himself couldn't actually tell. Ron could… he remembered the exact day he had pronounced those statements… the day George broke up with Florence because of Snape. (A/N: For a better understanding of his last statement you should read "love is what happens you when you're busy making other plans").
-Come on, dear- Hermione said, running a finger through George's jaw- Please, don't fight. Can you please behave? Please?- She asked also looking towards Florence, who was scarlet in the face with anger. George nodded.
They walked their way into the dinning room, Florence escorted by Krum, Hermione by George and Lilac by Ron, for Hermione's displeasure.
They sat down on their fancy chairs and started talking comfortably as the dished were filled with marvellous food, eventhough most of the people there hated each other to the core.
-So, George- Lilac said- are you seeing anyone?
Both Hermione and Ron frowned, they knew that George's next comment would hurt Florence to the bone. And they loved her too darn much to see her suffer.
-Actually, Lilac, that's a very interesting question as I am, indeed, dating someone. A very special woman, if I may say so. You may have heard of her… Angelina Johnson- He said. All of them raised their eyebrows indicating both surprise and even some kind of admiration towards George's newest acquisition.
-Are you really?- Ron asked- She's the captain for England…
-And a verrry bea-u-tifully-ly woman- Krum added. Beautiful seemed pretty difficult for him to pronounce correctly, apparently. Hermione rolled her eyes, catching a glimpse of Florence's expression. She was almost in tears, as if someone had stubbed her in the back. The wound, Hermione knew this for a fact, was bleeding badly. Hermione put her own hand on hers to show some kind of metaphorical support eventhough she knew it was useless. Ron became aware of his ex-sister in law's sadness and decided to completely change the subject as he wouldn't have liked to punch his brother in the face.
-So, Florence- Ron started- what about your new novel? I've heard it became a best seller last week…
-Yes…- She answered still looking miserable.
-What is it about?- He asked eagerly.
-Haven't you read the copy I sent you?- She asked.
-Yes, but I'm sure most of us here haven't- He answered once again, raising his eyebrows. He was surprised that a clever girl such as Florence could be so thick sometimes.
-Oh!- Florence muttered, suddenly understanding- its about a writer that gets dumped by her husband because he's a big, insecure prat- She explained
-That's a wonderful idea!- Lilac shouted, obviously adulating her, as she wasn't used to have dinner with a celebrity.
Hermione and Ron both knew what the book was about as they had read it in the past. So they knew Florence had lied. What they did not know was that George had read it too.
-That's not the plot- He said sharply looking more lacier than ever.
-How would you know? The plot could have been about out high school years that it would have made a difference at all- She answered sharply.
-I read a book, Florence. I read the copy you sent me. I've read all your books you that matter, so please don't play the victim. The part just doesn't fit you- He said drastically.
-I thought your secretary was using them for fire- She explained bitterly.
-Well, I resent that- he said sarcastically- I shag my secretary's. They are of no use to me if they can read or type or even make a fire- He confessed.
-Oh! I should have thought about that- She said under her breath.
-Yes, my dear. You should because as you may well know the plot of your story was about love; about the love we once shared. Great book; a little fictional to my taste- He said.
Ron was watching Florence's every expression, as to be ready to punch George when necessary. And when the writer's vision began to blur, because of the salty tears, Ron left fist reached his older twins' skin.
-Why were you bloody thinking on, Ron?- Hermione shouted.
-I was thinking about how big of a prat that man was being to her- Ron answered, caressing his knuckles.
-Thanks, Ron- Florence said softly, reaching for her purse- but It wasn't necessary. He just isn't worth it- She said while watching George stand up. He kissed everyone goodbye and with that, she left, slowly followed by George who always followed her home, to make sure she was ok. Because eventhough they weren't a couple anymore, and eventhough they despite each other on lots of ways, the love they had once shared was still burning on both their souls.
So George just followed her to Hermione's apartment, as usually. And also as usually, Florence let him.
