Hey! WELL...thanks to all you reviewers! I would greatly appreciate a little more support from the ff.net community… but then again if you people think my story is doing fine I don't need to change it to satisfy the needs of the consuming society. Your opinion is the one that matters the most to me!
And…no. Sorry if this is a spoiler but I must say it- Ron does not die in OotP. Another character dies, thought… and it broke my heart entirely. But I am not saying just in case! If you want to know, just email me…as I don't have any problems whatsoever in discussing anything with you people! You are so great to me!
So… chapter 16. Enjoy…
Chapter 16: The truth behind the pearls
Both Hermione and Ron were exhausted and covered in dust. Sure, the boxes had been there since before they were born, but their white shirts weren't at all pleased with that, as they were now brown and smelly.
-Found anything?- He asked casually.
-No, I certainly didn't- Hermione answered biting her lower lip. She did not like to lie to Ron, but then again, it was the only chance they had to be alone without any interruptions whatsoever, as there weren't any charmed pen friends around at the moment. Hermione was feeling rather happy about it.
Her muscles ached because of the hard work, but the prospect of an oil massage bewitched her mind in more than a way. She certainly did love the idea of Ron rubbing her arms, her legs… her every piece of exposed skin… and it had been so long since a man had caressed her body that Hermione thought that she had forgotten all about love making.
But it was better for her not to rush things and take it easy. Maybe he wasn't even into her in that way, but if that was true, why did he kiss her for?
"Anyway, according to Florence- and Florence knows about sex- you can't forget your moves; it's like riding a bike. You never forget how to do it once you've learned" She thought to herself while looking through her fifth box of the day.
-I am so tired- Hermione complained. Ron nodded in agreement, as he himself was feeling rather drained.
-Maybe we should call it a day and get some rest. We can continue tomorrow. Fancy something to eat?- He asked politely. She shocked her head "yes" and with a grin on both
of their faces, they headed towards the kitchen.
-Are you cold?- Ron asked to a very trembling Hermione.
-No, I'm ok- She said, though her lips were shaking uncontrollably and her face had turned into an interesting shade of blue.
-Lumos!- He shouted pointing to the kitchenette with his wand. He looked so strong through Hermione eyes and so protective of her as well. But not in a big brother sort of way, but in a husbands; the title Ron should have taken all along.
-Thanks, Ron- She said sometime later when he offered her a cup of steamy tea.
-Oh, its ok… your welcome, 'Mione… but making a cup of tea isn't exactly a science- He said, his ears going slightly pink for no apparent reason. He hadn't called her 'Mione, and meant it from his heart, for a long time- There's nothing to eat, though- He said, grabbing his stomach with both his hands.
-I packed some sandwiches for the occasion- She said, pulling 7 peanut butter sandwiches from her backpack.
-Oh, 'Mione… what would I do without you?- He asked, smiling without even realizing that those words had come out of his mouth. Hermione went scarlet and Ron thought that his ears had probably gone to the greatest extend of the word "red".
-I didn't mean it- He slowly said, reaching to one of the sandwiches; his hand shaking slightly.
And then, as if suddenly magic had filled the room, both their trembling fingers touched… and for a second, everything in the world made sense even though every item in the room seemed redundant at the moment.
They quickly pulled away from the other; Ron almost touching the wall in fear. Hermione wasn't exactly happy either.
-So-so-sorry about that- He muttered.
-It's-it's-it's alright- She answered in a rush. Her face was burning with embarrassment.
They ate in silence after that, in silence because none of them was brave enough to pronounce a word.
-Life is sometimes pointless, don't you agree?- Hermione asked, in order to brake the ice. She wasn't sure that the chosen topic was appropriate to discuss with Ron.
-What makes you say that?- Ron said between bites.
-Well… many important philosophers over the centuries said that even though we are doomed to die and we are alone in the universe, life is something worth living… I was just wondering what you think about that… because to me, it's just silly-She said looking straight through the window. The wind was blowing hard and every glass in the house looked as though they were about to break into a thousand pieces.
They were alone in a deserted house filled with dust and old clocks that rang at different times, making the both of them jump on their seats. Hermione in particular was about to loose her temper and hit the roof.
-You know what I think, 'Mione? I think life is too darn short and love- and happiness- is the one thing worth living for- He snapped.
Hermione smiled slightly.
-You are one to talk about love!- She almost shouted to his face- you know nothing about love, Ronald Weasley!
-Oh, and I guess you do?- He asked sarcastically.
-That's none of your business, Ronald… that's none of your darn business!- She yelled.
-Fine!- He said turning his back to her and crossing his arms on his chest.
-Fine!- She also said, doing the exact same thing he had done.
And unexpectedly, as if anger had made her think clearer, she remembered the pearls.
"I don't need to stay here if I don't feel like it"- She thought- "Lets get this over with… the sooner I reach home, the better. It's time for me to move on and forget Ron"-But it didn't matter how many times Hermione- or Ron for that matter- repeated themselves so. Their little charade was useless. Love was burning their souls and passion- not ink- was running through their veins.
Things were far from over, but trying to convince herself of the contrary, Hermione went to look for the pearls alone. She knew the hiding place, so that was an easy thing to do. She searched through the sofa cushions until her fingers came across a wooden rectangular shaped box that Hermione threw at Ron's head in anger.
-There you are. Lets go!- She said disappearing.
-Crazy! Mental, that one! I'm telling you!- He said before disappearing himself.
