AN: Especially my fans of Secrets will remember that I always seem to have
computer troubles of one type or other. I don't want to explain it here
because it will take too long, but read my bio. A lovely friend let me use
her computer to type this up. I have a few other Secrets chapter I've
written. They will come up when my computer comes back. No hate reviews,
and please be supportive. It's already frustrating enough. Read my bio for
more information.
* * * * *
Ron sighed with relief when the final customer left the Weasley's shop. He locked the door, reveling in the click of the deadbolt - such a quiet sound compared to what he'd gone through earlier.
"Tired?" George asked as he put a spell on the drawer money so that it would count itself. The twins still teased Ron, but not as religiously as they had the first few days.
"Exhausted," Ron admitted as he moved through the aisles to pick up and organize the merchandise. "I never want my kid to be as annoying as some of the whiny brats that come in here. I had a kid asking me 'why' for at least twenty minutes straight. That kind of thing makes a man consider suicide."
"Brings back memories," George said nostoligiacly. "Fred and I loved tormenting unsuspecting sales clerks when I was a kid."
"Don't you mean from the time you could speak?" Ron teased.
George smiled. "Those were the days."
"I hope my little Ronald gets his mother's side of the gene pool."
George started to reply, but Fred was coming out of the office. "Got you an ickle present, Ronnie."
Ron snorted. "Yeah, like I'm mad enough to accept a present from you."
Fred grinned and produced a white envelope. "You mean you don't want your first paycheck?" he asked innocently. "I can always keep the money and write you down as a volunteer."
Ron froze, staring at the envelope in shock. It sounded corny, but it was true: Ron had completely forgotten about getting payed. ". . . Money . . .?"
Fred and George laughed at him. "Isn't he adorable?" Fred asked George. He held out the envelope for Ron.
A smile spread slowly over Ron's face as he took the paycheck, mesmerized.
"Oh, and Mum's on the fireplace asking for you," Fred added.
Ron didn't break out of his reverie. He walked in a continued daze to the back room.
"Oy, Ron," George added.
"Yeah?" Ron turned his gaze from the envelopel.
"Go ahead and head to Hogwarts when you're done with Mum. We can close up here without you."
Ron felt a sense of something . . . almost . . . sentimental. "Thanks. You two are . . . like brothers to me."
Fred clapped a hand to his heart. "We're honored. Aren't we, George?"
George nodded solemnly.
Ron shook his head and went to the office, shutting the door behind him.
"Evening, Ron," Molly greeted warmly, her pleasant face taking up the entire fireplace. "How are everyone?"
"All right. Hermione's healthy and radient. Harry and Ginny are officially together . . . and I got my first paycheck." He held up the envelope.
Molly nodded. "I know. That's what I wanted to talk about. Tomorrow I'm going into town. On your lunch break we're going to go to Gringotts and open up a vault for you and Hermione."
"Sounds delightful." Ron had wavering dreams of saving for something awesome like a new broomstick . . . but, even though saving for a family wasn't as exciting, he felt responsible and proud. If he saved everything, he and Hermione would start life out the right way.
"Wonderful." Molly seemed to have read his thoughts. "You know, Ron, you don't have to save all your money. You can cash a small amount - as long as you're responsible about money."
Ron smiled. He was running low on chocolate frogs, and he'd eaten Hermione's entire stash (the one she thought he didn't know about). He had a feeling the chocolate would taste ten times better knowing he had earned it himself. Putting up with the twins was hard work, afterall. Especially with bratty eight-year-olds and their endless stream of questions.
"I'm responsible, Mum. I love Mione, and I'm going to be an adult about this."
"I'm very proud of you, Ron. I must admit, under the circumstances, I was angry and disappointed for you for the first few months. But now I can see that you and Hermione will be fine."
"Thanks, Mum." Ron's ears tinged red under her praise.
"Now . . . what's all this about Harry and Ginny being 'officially' together?" Molly asked nosily.
Ron grinned. "Oh, they're a strange one, Mum. They're both complete gits, but they go well together. I think they're serious this time - I've never seen them happier."
"This time?"
"Er . . . well . . . they had a short interlude back during Christmas. They've been dancing in circles around each other since school started. Maybe even last year too."
"Oh, my." Molly sighed exasperatedly.
Ron bit back a smile. "It's okay, Mum. They're old enough and smart enough. Plus you've got me to keep an eye on them."
"I don't think it's necessary, but do make sure they don't get into any trouble." Molly smiled again. "I'd best go. Your father's just home, and I have to get dinner on the table. Have a wonderful night. See you tomorrow."
"Love you," Ron blurted, surprised at how easily he said it.
Molly looked pleasantly surprised. "I love you too, Ron. Always have; always will."
* * * * *
Back at Hogwarts, the rest of the group were cozy by the common room fire in Gryffindor Tower. Hermione was reading a baby name book discreetly and making a list of anything that interested her.
Harry was finishing up a Transfiguration essay while shooting glances at Ginny. Ginny, having finished homework, was reading a romance book and enjoying the lust-filled gazes Harry was giving her.
The common room was tranquil, and the younger students had gone to bed an hour before. Those who were left looked up curiously as Ron barged into the room excitedly. They were already wondering to themselves where Ron was going on weekends, and soon they would start rumoring about it amoungst each other.
Ron sat down next to Hermione. "You're the most insanely gorgeous woman I'll ever notice. Ever."
"Is that a tinge of regret?" Hermione asked warily.
"Nope. Just love." Ron leaned close and kissed her good and hard. He trailed off across her cheek and down her neck.
Ginny laughed. "Get a room, you lot."
"Not a bad idea," Hermione said thoughtfully, enjoying Ron's attention.
"Not right now." Ron shot his head up and produced the coveted envelope. "Guess what I have here in my hands."
"A life?" Harry teased.
"Better."
"Chudley Cannons tickets?" Harry tried again.
"I wish. But even better."
Hermione snatched it and opened it up. Her eyes widened as she looked over the contents. "Wow. How much do they pay you an hour?"
"Your paycheck," Harry suggested.
"On the ball, Harry." Ron turned to Hermione and took the wizarding version of a check, skimming it over. "I don't know. Pretty good money by the looks of it. Probably just because I'm their brother."
"It's more than I make."
"Not for long. In another six months to a year, you'll be making four times this much, Mione."
"It's good to know we won't be under any pressure, though. If you save right, we might be able to buy a house by the end of the summer."
"Mum's taking me to open an account at Gringotts tomorrow."
"Can I come?" Hermione's eyes lit up.
"Of course. It's exciting, isn't it? Real money . . . a real future." Ron patted her belly lovingly. "Want to go get that room now?"
"Sounds promising." Hermione gathered her stuff together. "I'll go put this away. You get Harry's Cloak."
Hermione left, and Ron turned to Haryr. Harry didn't even look up from his parchment. "Go ahead and use the Maurader's Map too. You know where they are."
"Thanks, mate." Ron took off upstairs, nearly humming to himself. When he came back down, Hermione was waiting for him. They got into the hallway and ducked under the Invisibility Cloak. Ron snuck a kiss and kept his hands on her waist. His heart swelled as he felt the roundness of her stomach.
"You're the greatest," Ron murmured. "I'm . . . happy. You make me so happy."
"What's gotten into you?" Hermione asked.
"Ever since Valentine's Day - Monday - I've been overcome with all these feelings. It almost seems like I've had five months to store all this love for you. Because I do love you. More than I can even stand to think about sometimes."
Hermione laughed. "You can't stand to think about loving me?" she teased. "Come on, boy. I've been wanting you for awhile. All week. Although you're right. It does seem like five months. Let's go and make love for hours. We won't come up till we absolutely have to."
"Fine by me," Ron said, eagerness apparant in his voice.
* * * * *
Harry dutifully finished his essay. He even overdid the minimum by three inches. He set down his quill and organized his homework. Now that it was done he could spend the whole of Sunday - tomorrow - with Ginny.
Speaking of . . . Harry watched Ginny. She was completely absorbed in the book. She had a hand at her throat, and her eyes were moving very fast across the pages. He watched her for a minute or two before she finally looked up. "Good book?" he asked.
Ginny nodded. She folded the page to mark her spot and set the book down. She stretched like a cat, and Harry admired her body. Ginny laughed at him. "What happened to the embarrassed, awkward stage?" she teased.
"Too much work," Harry grunted. He scooted closer and put an arm around her shoulders. "Besides, aren't we past that? We've gone way past that part of the relationship."
"Yeah," Ginny admitted. "I've always felt it brings a couple closer together when the guy . . . you know. It shows up. It's very intimate."
"It?" Harry asked, perplexed.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "My dearly dense boytoy. I meant feeling your special little friend. Which I've felt. On numerous occassions. He seems very friendly. I'm eager to get to know him."
"My . . . friend?" Harry suddenly got it. "Ginny!" he hissed. But he couldn't help noting her last words. Eager . . . eh? So was he. He blushed even more than when he realized what she'd been referring to.
"I'm just saying that feeling it makes a relationship closer. I mean, I haven't seen it, but judging by-"
"Ginny, shut your mouth," Harry snapped, looking around nervously. His cheeks were bright red. He was oddly pleased in a way though. He knew what she'd been about to say, and even though he wasn't your ordinary manly man, it made him feel special.
Ginny laughed at him. "All right, enough foreplay." She moved closer.
"That," Harry said seriously, "was certainly not foreplay."
"Hey, you. Less talk. More this." Ginny moved to his ear and bit on it gently. "Is that better?"
Harry shivered. "Maybe you should keep it up. We'll see what happens."
"Sounds fun. I hear you're a good teacher."
"Who told you that?"
"Malfoy."
It wasn't funny, but Harry was enjoying this too much to get mad. He wouldn't let that git ruin his fun or his mood. "Mmm . . . well, can't say he was a very good student. I'm looking for a replacement as a matter of fact."
"Really, now? How much do you charge?"
"Five kisses. Each in a different spot."
"I think I can handle that."
* * * * *
The next day, Ron spent the first few hours of work in a rush. Before he knew it, George told him to take an hour lunch and that Mum and a certain bookish young woman were in the office. Ron grinned and went into the back room.
Sure enough Hermione and Molly were both dusting off their robes and chatting amiably.
"Ron!" Molly greeted. She kissed his cheek and embraced him. "Are you ready?"
"Ready," Ron said. He took Hermione's hand and followed Molly out of the store.
Molly gathered Fred in a hug. "Now, you and your brother had best stay out of trouble."
Fred grinned. "Nearly twenty years and she still hasn't figured out that saying that is futile."
"There's still hope," Molly said. She patted him on the cheek and continued on her way.
Ron ignored Fred's suggestive look at him and Hermione. Hermione shot him a glare though.
"It won't take too long to open a vault," Molly said as they walked down Diagon Ally. "Just some paperwork. You did remember to bring your check?"
Ron's mind blanked. He opened his mouth soundlessly and berated himself. Then he heard Hermione laugh. She held up the envelope. "I reckoned you forgot it, so I summoned it before I left."
Ron didn't say anything because his mum was right there, but he squeezed Hermione's hand. She seemed to understand.
A minute later they reached Gringott's steps. Ron used to account this building with shame - what with the little gold pile they always had. Now he was filled with eagerness. Hermione's glittering eyes depicted the same emotion.
Once inside Molly's words rung true. Ron and Hermoine were taken into a small room with one goblin. Molly followed - despite the goblin's protests.
The first ten minutes the goblin asked a serious of questions. The five minutes after that, Ron realized why Molly had come. The goblin tried to slyly tirck Ron and Hermione into all sorts of deals that solely benefited Gringotts. Molly made it abundantly clear the two wouldn't be taken advantage of, and the gobling grimly stopped his pestering. He slid a form across the table that the two lovers signed.
The goblin handed them each a key, gave a spare out, and accepted the chek Ron gave him. He asked if Ron wanted part of it in cash. Ron shook his head. "Put it all in there."
The goblin nodded and finished up the paperwork. "Vault 624 is yours now," he announced. "Thank you for your business, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."
In turn the three shook the goblin's hand. They were led out of the room and back into Gringotts' main hall. They left the dark building and stood on the sunny steps out front.
"I'm going to visit Arthur at the office while I'm out," Molly said. She gave them both a quick hug. "Remember to write, and have a lovely day."
"We will," Ron promised.
"Thank you, Mrs. . . er, Molly," Hermione said.
" 'Twas nothing." Molly waved and disappeared in the crowd.
Hermione and Ron faced each other. "I've still got half an hour, you know . . ."
"Yes, but where can we eat without any money? We're saving for a house, remember?" Hermione smiled. "I'll just see you later."
Ron reached into his robes and pulled out a rather large paper sack. "I told Doby to pack extra. And . . . I know a lovely spot in Diagon Ally Park. That is, if you're interested."
"I'm very interested," Hermione assured him. "Did you remember-"
"I have egg rolls and peanut brittle ice cream."
"I was going to ask if you remembered a blanket." Hermione grinned. "Mmm . . . peanut brittle ice cream. Let's go!"
"Oh, I get it. You're just with me for the ice cream."
"And the egg rolls."
"Forgot about those."
Hermione stood on tiptoes and kissed him for a good thirty seconds, teasing him with her tongue, teeth, and lips. They both were left dizzy. "There's that too."
Ron nodded. "That's my favorite part."
"I can think of a few better things," Hermione said suggestively.
Ron's interest perked.
"Save it for later, Ron."
Ron laughed and took her hand. They stepped onto the cobblestone pathway and walked towards the park.
* * * * * * * * * *
AN: From now on in my fics I'm going to list the CD I listened to while writing because music is such a big part of my life. In this chapter, I listened to Queen - The Game. An awesome CD by an awesome band.
* * * * *
Ron sighed with relief when the final customer left the Weasley's shop. He locked the door, reveling in the click of the deadbolt - such a quiet sound compared to what he'd gone through earlier.
"Tired?" George asked as he put a spell on the drawer money so that it would count itself. The twins still teased Ron, but not as religiously as they had the first few days.
"Exhausted," Ron admitted as he moved through the aisles to pick up and organize the merchandise. "I never want my kid to be as annoying as some of the whiny brats that come in here. I had a kid asking me 'why' for at least twenty minutes straight. That kind of thing makes a man consider suicide."
"Brings back memories," George said nostoligiacly. "Fred and I loved tormenting unsuspecting sales clerks when I was a kid."
"Don't you mean from the time you could speak?" Ron teased.
George smiled. "Those were the days."
"I hope my little Ronald gets his mother's side of the gene pool."
George started to reply, but Fred was coming out of the office. "Got you an ickle present, Ronnie."
Ron snorted. "Yeah, like I'm mad enough to accept a present from you."
Fred grinned and produced a white envelope. "You mean you don't want your first paycheck?" he asked innocently. "I can always keep the money and write you down as a volunteer."
Ron froze, staring at the envelope in shock. It sounded corny, but it was true: Ron had completely forgotten about getting payed. ". . . Money . . .?"
Fred and George laughed at him. "Isn't he adorable?" Fred asked George. He held out the envelope for Ron.
A smile spread slowly over Ron's face as he took the paycheck, mesmerized.
"Oh, and Mum's on the fireplace asking for you," Fred added.
Ron didn't break out of his reverie. He walked in a continued daze to the back room.
"Oy, Ron," George added.
"Yeah?" Ron turned his gaze from the envelopel.
"Go ahead and head to Hogwarts when you're done with Mum. We can close up here without you."
Ron felt a sense of something . . . almost . . . sentimental. "Thanks. You two are . . . like brothers to me."
Fred clapped a hand to his heart. "We're honored. Aren't we, George?"
George nodded solemnly.
Ron shook his head and went to the office, shutting the door behind him.
"Evening, Ron," Molly greeted warmly, her pleasant face taking up the entire fireplace. "How are everyone?"
"All right. Hermione's healthy and radient. Harry and Ginny are officially together . . . and I got my first paycheck." He held up the envelope.
Molly nodded. "I know. That's what I wanted to talk about. Tomorrow I'm going into town. On your lunch break we're going to go to Gringotts and open up a vault for you and Hermione."
"Sounds delightful." Ron had wavering dreams of saving for something awesome like a new broomstick . . . but, even though saving for a family wasn't as exciting, he felt responsible and proud. If he saved everything, he and Hermione would start life out the right way.
"Wonderful." Molly seemed to have read his thoughts. "You know, Ron, you don't have to save all your money. You can cash a small amount - as long as you're responsible about money."
Ron smiled. He was running low on chocolate frogs, and he'd eaten Hermione's entire stash (the one she thought he didn't know about). He had a feeling the chocolate would taste ten times better knowing he had earned it himself. Putting up with the twins was hard work, afterall. Especially with bratty eight-year-olds and their endless stream of questions.
"I'm responsible, Mum. I love Mione, and I'm going to be an adult about this."
"I'm very proud of you, Ron. I must admit, under the circumstances, I was angry and disappointed for you for the first few months. But now I can see that you and Hermione will be fine."
"Thanks, Mum." Ron's ears tinged red under her praise.
"Now . . . what's all this about Harry and Ginny being 'officially' together?" Molly asked nosily.
Ron grinned. "Oh, they're a strange one, Mum. They're both complete gits, but they go well together. I think they're serious this time - I've never seen them happier."
"This time?"
"Er . . . well . . . they had a short interlude back during Christmas. They've been dancing in circles around each other since school started. Maybe even last year too."
"Oh, my." Molly sighed exasperatedly.
Ron bit back a smile. "It's okay, Mum. They're old enough and smart enough. Plus you've got me to keep an eye on them."
"I don't think it's necessary, but do make sure they don't get into any trouble." Molly smiled again. "I'd best go. Your father's just home, and I have to get dinner on the table. Have a wonderful night. See you tomorrow."
"Love you," Ron blurted, surprised at how easily he said it.
Molly looked pleasantly surprised. "I love you too, Ron. Always have; always will."
* * * * *
Back at Hogwarts, the rest of the group were cozy by the common room fire in Gryffindor Tower. Hermione was reading a baby name book discreetly and making a list of anything that interested her.
Harry was finishing up a Transfiguration essay while shooting glances at Ginny. Ginny, having finished homework, was reading a romance book and enjoying the lust-filled gazes Harry was giving her.
The common room was tranquil, and the younger students had gone to bed an hour before. Those who were left looked up curiously as Ron barged into the room excitedly. They were already wondering to themselves where Ron was going on weekends, and soon they would start rumoring about it amoungst each other.
Ron sat down next to Hermione. "You're the most insanely gorgeous woman I'll ever notice. Ever."
"Is that a tinge of regret?" Hermione asked warily.
"Nope. Just love." Ron leaned close and kissed her good and hard. He trailed off across her cheek and down her neck.
Ginny laughed. "Get a room, you lot."
"Not a bad idea," Hermione said thoughtfully, enjoying Ron's attention.
"Not right now." Ron shot his head up and produced the coveted envelope. "Guess what I have here in my hands."
"A life?" Harry teased.
"Better."
"Chudley Cannons tickets?" Harry tried again.
"I wish. But even better."
Hermione snatched it and opened it up. Her eyes widened as she looked over the contents. "Wow. How much do they pay you an hour?"
"Your paycheck," Harry suggested.
"On the ball, Harry." Ron turned to Hermione and took the wizarding version of a check, skimming it over. "I don't know. Pretty good money by the looks of it. Probably just because I'm their brother."
"It's more than I make."
"Not for long. In another six months to a year, you'll be making four times this much, Mione."
"It's good to know we won't be under any pressure, though. If you save right, we might be able to buy a house by the end of the summer."
"Mum's taking me to open an account at Gringotts tomorrow."
"Can I come?" Hermione's eyes lit up.
"Of course. It's exciting, isn't it? Real money . . . a real future." Ron patted her belly lovingly. "Want to go get that room now?"
"Sounds promising." Hermione gathered her stuff together. "I'll go put this away. You get Harry's Cloak."
Hermione left, and Ron turned to Haryr. Harry didn't even look up from his parchment. "Go ahead and use the Maurader's Map too. You know where they are."
"Thanks, mate." Ron took off upstairs, nearly humming to himself. When he came back down, Hermione was waiting for him. They got into the hallway and ducked under the Invisibility Cloak. Ron snuck a kiss and kept his hands on her waist. His heart swelled as he felt the roundness of her stomach.
"You're the greatest," Ron murmured. "I'm . . . happy. You make me so happy."
"What's gotten into you?" Hermione asked.
"Ever since Valentine's Day - Monday - I've been overcome with all these feelings. It almost seems like I've had five months to store all this love for you. Because I do love you. More than I can even stand to think about sometimes."
Hermione laughed. "You can't stand to think about loving me?" she teased. "Come on, boy. I've been wanting you for awhile. All week. Although you're right. It does seem like five months. Let's go and make love for hours. We won't come up till we absolutely have to."
"Fine by me," Ron said, eagerness apparant in his voice.
* * * * *
Harry dutifully finished his essay. He even overdid the minimum by three inches. He set down his quill and organized his homework. Now that it was done he could spend the whole of Sunday - tomorrow - with Ginny.
Speaking of . . . Harry watched Ginny. She was completely absorbed in the book. She had a hand at her throat, and her eyes were moving very fast across the pages. He watched her for a minute or two before she finally looked up. "Good book?" he asked.
Ginny nodded. She folded the page to mark her spot and set the book down. She stretched like a cat, and Harry admired her body. Ginny laughed at him. "What happened to the embarrassed, awkward stage?" she teased.
"Too much work," Harry grunted. He scooted closer and put an arm around her shoulders. "Besides, aren't we past that? We've gone way past that part of the relationship."
"Yeah," Ginny admitted. "I've always felt it brings a couple closer together when the guy . . . you know. It shows up. It's very intimate."
"It?" Harry asked, perplexed.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "My dearly dense boytoy. I meant feeling your special little friend. Which I've felt. On numerous occassions. He seems very friendly. I'm eager to get to know him."
"My . . . friend?" Harry suddenly got it. "Ginny!" he hissed. But he couldn't help noting her last words. Eager . . . eh? So was he. He blushed even more than when he realized what she'd been referring to.
"I'm just saying that feeling it makes a relationship closer. I mean, I haven't seen it, but judging by-"
"Ginny, shut your mouth," Harry snapped, looking around nervously. His cheeks were bright red. He was oddly pleased in a way though. He knew what she'd been about to say, and even though he wasn't your ordinary manly man, it made him feel special.
Ginny laughed at him. "All right, enough foreplay." She moved closer.
"That," Harry said seriously, "was certainly not foreplay."
"Hey, you. Less talk. More this." Ginny moved to his ear and bit on it gently. "Is that better?"
Harry shivered. "Maybe you should keep it up. We'll see what happens."
"Sounds fun. I hear you're a good teacher."
"Who told you that?"
"Malfoy."
It wasn't funny, but Harry was enjoying this too much to get mad. He wouldn't let that git ruin his fun or his mood. "Mmm . . . well, can't say he was a very good student. I'm looking for a replacement as a matter of fact."
"Really, now? How much do you charge?"
"Five kisses. Each in a different spot."
"I think I can handle that."
* * * * *
The next day, Ron spent the first few hours of work in a rush. Before he knew it, George told him to take an hour lunch and that Mum and a certain bookish young woman were in the office. Ron grinned and went into the back room.
Sure enough Hermione and Molly were both dusting off their robes and chatting amiably.
"Ron!" Molly greeted. She kissed his cheek and embraced him. "Are you ready?"
"Ready," Ron said. He took Hermione's hand and followed Molly out of the store.
Molly gathered Fred in a hug. "Now, you and your brother had best stay out of trouble."
Fred grinned. "Nearly twenty years and she still hasn't figured out that saying that is futile."
"There's still hope," Molly said. She patted him on the cheek and continued on her way.
Ron ignored Fred's suggestive look at him and Hermione. Hermione shot him a glare though.
"It won't take too long to open a vault," Molly said as they walked down Diagon Ally. "Just some paperwork. You did remember to bring your check?"
Ron's mind blanked. He opened his mouth soundlessly and berated himself. Then he heard Hermione laugh. She held up the envelope. "I reckoned you forgot it, so I summoned it before I left."
Ron didn't say anything because his mum was right there, but he squeezed Hermione's hand. She seemed to understand.
A minute later they reached Gringott's steps. Ron used to account this building with shame - what with the little gold pile they always had. Now he was filled with eagerness. Hermione's glittering eyes depicted the same emotion.
Once inside Molly's words rung true. Ron and Hermoine were taken into a small room with one goblin. Molly followed - despite the goblin's protests.
The first ten minutes the goblin asked a serious of questions. The five minutes after that, Ron realized why Molly had come. The goblin tried to slyly tirck Ron and Hermione into all sorts of deals that solely benefited Gringotts. Molly made it abundantly clear the two wouldn't be taken advantage of, and the gobling grimly stopped his pestering. He slid a form across the table that the two lovers signed.
The goblin handed them each a key, gave a spare out, and accepted the chek Ron gave him. He asked if Ron wanted part of it in cash. Ron shook his head. "Put it all in there."
The goblin nodded and finished up the paperwork. "Vault 624 is yours now," he announced. "Thank you for your business, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."
In turn the three shook the goblin's hand. They were led out of the room and back into Gringotts' main hall. They left the dark building and stood on the sunny steps out front.
"I'm going to visit Arthur at the office while I'm out," Molly said. She gave them both a quick hug. "Remember to write, and have a lovely day."
"We will," Ron promised.
"Thank you, Mrs. . . er, Molly," Hermione said.
" 'Twas nothing." Molly waved and disappeared in the crowd.
Hermione and Ron faced each other. "I've still got half an hour, you know . . ."
"Yes, but where can we eat without any money? We're saving for a house, remember?" Hermione smiled. "I'll just see you later."
Ron reached into his robes and pulled out a rather large paper sack. "I told Doby to pack extra. And . . . I know a lovely spot in Diagon Ally Park. That is, if you're interested."
"I'm very interested," Hermione assured him. "Did you remember-"
"I have egg rolls and peanut brittle ice cream."
"I was going to ask if you remembered a blanket." Hermione grinned. "Mmm . . . peanut brittle ice cream. Let's go!"
"Oh, I get it. You're just with me for the ice cream."
"And the egg rolls."
"Forgot about those."
Hermione stood on tiptoes and kissed him for a good thirty seconds, teasing him with her tongue, teeth, and lips. They both were left dizzy. "There's that too."
Ron nodded. "That's my favorite part."
"I can think of a few better things," Hermione said suggestively.
Ron's interest perked.
"Save it for later, Ron."
Ron laughed and took her hand. They stepped onto the cobblestone pathway and walked towards the park.
* * * * * * * * * *
AN: From now on in my fics I'm going to list the CD I listened to while writing because music is such a big part of my life. In this chapter, I listened to Queen - The Game. An awesome CD by an awesome band.