-'Are you going to be staring at me all day, Ronald Weasley, or are you going to hand me my bag?' said Hermione, trying to sound annoyed, but deep-down glad that she had seen him again. She knew he wouldn't give up until he got his way... at least that's what she was hoping for.
-'Ah, you got some tricks up your sleeves, don't you, you sly girl?' said Ron with a coy smile on his face.
-'What the hell's that supposed to mean?'
-'Don't play dumb with me, Hermione. It doesn't suit you. You left your bag here on purpose so that I'll come after you... I saw this trick once in a Muggle movie... I gotta say, pretty clever.' That got Hermione thinking. Did she really leave her bag there just so he would run after her, to give it back to her? She knew that a big part of her wanted that. She tried to make an attempt at replying but gave up, finding no words to answer back. 'So, tell you what... we could make a deal.'
-'Are you totaly out of your mind? Barely five minutes ago, I said I never wanted to see YOU again, and now you expect me to make a deal with you? Damn, Ron... I thought you would've gotten a bit smarter over the years.'
-'Oh wow. Really hillarious, Hermione. You know talking like that won't make me give you your bag any sooner.'
-'Give that to me this instant, Ron Weasley, or else...'
-'Or else WHAT?' Ron said tempting her to go on... she really didn't know what she would do to him, so she did the first thing that came to mind. She jumped on him and snatched the bag right out of his hands.
-'You are so predictable.' He said, an annoying smile plastered on his face. This wasn't the Ron Weasley she was used to seeing. He had changed a lot during the past years, but she wasn't sure if it was for the better.
-'What the hell is that supposed to mean?'
-'I guess I should buy you a dictionary. It means that I knew that that's what you were about to do. That's why I took your palm pilot out of your bag.' She was so mad now. Why was he doing this? Just to see her all fired up?
-'You arrogant bastard. You went THROUGH MY BAG??? How DARE you! Ugh... You are the most... most... God, I can't even find a word to describe you...'
-'Um... try irresistable, that works... or handsome... anything in those lines... now back to my deal... Here's what I'm thinking, I get to see you anytime I want during the next month... if you feel that you still don't want to see me, then fine, I'll walk outta your life, for good this time... BUT if I feel that you still DO want to see me but you're lying and you say you don't, then well... you just have to accept me in your life, 'cause you won't be able to kick me out.' While Ron's little speech, Hermione's mouth opened and closed a few times making her look a lot like a fish. She was totally shocked by the new Ron... the one standing in front of her. This was NOT the Ron that she knew, it was as if he had changed bodies with Draco Malfoy or something. After a minute of silence, she finaly got the strength to say:
-'That's blackmail... you're just low enough to think of something as stupid as that.'
-'Low or high, I don't care what you think. DO we have an agreement.'
-'That all depeneds. I have a few questions I'd like to ask.'
-'Shoot.'
-'When do I get back my palm pilot?'
-'AFTER we shake on this agreement.'
-'How would you know if I'm lying? I mean, if I say I don't want you in my life and you think it's a lie... how would you know?'
-'Ever heard of Veritaserum?' Said Ron, but by the scandalized look on Hermione's face, he felt he needed to explain himself. 'Just a joke, Herm. Don't have a cow. Do you know yourself AT ALL? You cannot tell a single lie to me if your life depended on it. I would know when you're lying, trust me.'
-'Oh God. I KNOW i'm making the stupidest mistake EVER, but seems like I have no choice, now do I?'
-'You got that right.'
-'All right then, Mr. Weasley, you've got yourself a deal.' She said as she held her hand out for him to shake. As he did, she felt a shudder go through her spine at his touch. She looked deep down in his baby blue eyes and saw the Ron that she used to know smiling back at her.
-'Now that that's settled... the first time that I'd want to see you is... um, let's see... tonight, at 10:00.'
-'ARE YOU INSANE? I have something to do tonight...'
-'Chill Hermione. Please step inside before I get kicked out of my building.' She accepted his offer, seeing how some of the neighbours had now their doors open, looking at them. She walked in and for the first time examined him. He looked pretty good. In fact, too good for comfort. She actualy felt herself drawn to him. He had a built body and a very handsome face. Not the type one would call cute, but the type that one would drool over.
-'So what's this thing that you have planned tonight?'
-'Well, you might actualy know about it.' She said, feeling more relaxed after having taken a deep breath. 'It's this party Harry's having... everybody from your family is invited.' She said, trying to get Ron to back off at the mention of Harry's name, but he didn't seem to want to budge.
-'Oh actualy, I DO know about it. Ginny told me... she even invited me. So I AM invited, which means that I COULD come... what do you say? I'll see you there?' It was really hard for her to say no,especially to Ron.
-'All right... but if you're shocked out of your wits there, don't blame me, Ronald.'
-'Don't call me that. You KNOW I hate being called that.'
-'It's at Harry's place. See you there... and once again, don't blame me if you get a huge shock.'
-'Yeah yeah yeah. Bye now, Herm.' He said and offered her his hand for her to shake. She did and inside she was grinning like the cheshire cat. She had Ron back in her life. What could be better than that? She had hoped for this for eight years.
******************
Ron put on a tux he had had but never got an actual chance to wear before. He had to admit, it did look quite good on him. He showed up at Harry's place at 10:15, wanting to arrive fashionably late, so that Hermione would be looking for him. As soon as he walked in, he saw her anxious face, and just as he had wanted, she was looking around furiously for him and when she did spot him, a smile spread over her face. As soon as he got a look at her, his breath got caught in his throat. She looked absolutely amazing. She wore this beige strapless dress that had beads around the chest area, but an elegantly simple bottom. Yes, it was very simple, but it was more than enough to turn all the heads. He had heard of the expression 'stop him dead in his tracks' but he had never truly understand the meaning until now. He was still admiring Hermione's figure from afar but what happened next made him shocked beyond words. Harry, of all the people, came and grabbed her by her waist, turned her around and gave her a huge kiss on her lips. She threw her hands behind his neck, bringing him closer, as if aware that Ron would be even more furious. He was left speechless to say the least. Harry and Hermione? HARRY AND HERMIONE? How wrong was that? Ever since Harry's sixth year, he had shown immense interest in Ginny. What the hell was this about? HARRY AND HERMIONE? No matter how many times he said these words in his head, it just seemed wrong. It even seemed wrong to place them in a sentence together, let alone having them make out right in front of his face. So this is what she meant by a huge shock. She was dating the infamous Harry Potter. But how could Harry do this to him? He was always aware of Ron's feelings for her. He was even the one who had tried to push them together. 'But,' he thought to himself, 'serves me right... I was the one who told them I didn't want to see the lot of them, now this is what happens. I guess I betrayed them first.'
After pulling out of Harry's embrace, she whispered something into his ear and both of them turned to him, Harry with a mixture of happiness and fright on his face. They walked over to him.
-'Ron, my gosh. I can't believe you're here. After 8 years. It's great to see you, mate. I never thought I'd see you again. I would've invited you myself but I didn't think you'd want to hear from me. You know after our 7th year and everything.' Ron still couldn't find it in himself to utter a single word. All that he was able to do was his secret hand shake with Harry.
-'Yeah... it's great to see you, too. I thought it was time for a belated appology. You know, call it truce, if you're willing.' He said, but he couldn't make his eyes smaller and Harry was very well aware of his shock because he took his arm off of Hermione's waist.
-'No need, mate, it's already forgotten.' Harry answered, but suddenly, the whole room fell silent as a gorgeous red-head walked in with a very handsome young man on her arm. Harry's face looked full of envy of the guy on her arm and he looked so jealous that Ron thought he would snap the guy's head off. And Hermione looked very bothered as well,looking uncomfortably at Harry. It was only a minute after staring at the beautiful woman that Ron realised he was staring at Ginny. It was only then did he understand what was going on. Harry was still in love with Ginny but he was only going out with Hermione because Ginny either wouldn't go out with him or that she was with this new guy. What surprised him even more was the fact that the guy looked uncannily like Draco Malfoy, the dream team's sworn enemy.
When Ginny looked in Ron's direction, she let go of the man's arm and shrieked:
-'Ron?'
-'GINNY?' He said as Ginny ran towards him, throwing herself in his arms.
-'OH-MY-GOSH!!! I cannot BELIEVE you're here. I didn't think you would come. OH GOD!!! Do you have ANY idea how much I've missed you over the years?' Ginny said, not letting go of him. 'You freak. What the hell was wrong with you? It took eight years to knock some sense into you, did it? I dunno what made you come around but I thank the heavens for it.' At this, Ron risked a glance towards Hermione who was looking back at him, but they both turned their heads in the opposite direction. The man had now walked to where they were and had a smile on his face, seeing Ginny this happy. She finally let go of Ron and said Hello to Harry and Hermione but Ron noticed that she did not look in Harry's eyes. She turned to Ron again.
-'You remember Draco, don't you, Ron?' She said, pointing to the blond man next to her.
-'I sure do... are you guys dating?' He blurted out, and at that, all the smiles were wiped off of Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Draco's face. He had seemed to be touching a sensitive spot.
-'Um... y... yes, I guess you could call it that.' Ginny said very fast, trying to avoid everybody's stares and looking down. After a few seconds of silence, she looked back up with the same smile she had on her face, but somehow, this one didn't look that sincere. 'I see that you already got re-acquainted with Harry and Hermione.' And Ron could've sworn her voice was full of jealousy.
-'Yeah... yeah, I have. And I must admit, it WAS quite a shock.' Ron said, looking Hermione square in the eyes. It was as if Ginny and Ron had planned to make tonight as awkward as possible for Harry and Hermione. 'So how long have YOU TWO been dating?' He said looking from Harry to Hermione.
-'Um... well... around... a year, I think.' Harry said, sounding very nervous and Hermione didn't look all that comfortable either.
-'Well, congratutaltions. I always knew you two had chemistry, ever since Hogwarts. But you tried to deny it all these years.' Ron said, full of spite, a fake smile on his face. He could not believe himself, how he brought himself to say such things.
-'There WASN'T anything going on between us in Hogwarts, Ron. You know that full well.' For the first time that evening, Hermione spoke up. 'And you're just stupid if you think that I've lied to you during all those years. Maybe if you had paid closer attention back then, you would've noticed that I didn't have any feelings for Harry, but I guess you were too blind to see what was right in front...' Hermione said, but stopped herself. This was not the time nor the place.
-'Oh PLEASE continue, Hermione.' Ron said. It was just like old times, Ron and Hermione arguing. 'What was right in front ... please do go on.'
-'This is stupid... we're not teenagers anymore. This is just childish.'
-'Oh, is that your word of the day? Stupid? 'Cause I think it's the... hmm, lemme see, tenth time you used it today.' Ron said, red in the face from anger.
She was not going to let him get to her, this was not how she had planned the evening, she told herself, and with that, she walked away, leaving a very awkward atmosphere. Ron looked from Ginny to Draco. They seemed very uncomfortable as well, both of them avoiding his eyes. Harry seemed totaly unaware of what was going on, in fact, he was looking at Ginny so deeply that when he turned around and didn't find Hermione there, he looked stunned.
-'Where did she go?' He said.
-'Maybe if you would have paid closer attention to your OWN girlfriend you would've known.' It was not Ron, but Draco who said this, but it was as if he took the words right out of his mouth. 'Let's go Gin, seems that SOME people have a problem keeping their eyes to themselves.' He said, ushering Ginny away as she looked back in awe at Harry. Ron could've sworn he saw her eyes shine with tears. It was now only Harry and Ron left.
*******************
This was longer than the least chapter... well, hopefully you guys like... I have another chapter but iunno if I shud post right away or a bit later... well, review, tell me how you feel about the story so far, and I'll post the next chappie, k? Love all of you who reviewed. *lol, there were only three of you, but I love you just the same.*
btw. I corrected some of the mistakes, which would mean that I replaced this one. This is the corrected version, hopefully I didn't leave any mistakes out.
-'Ah, you got some tricks up your sleeves, don't you, you sly girl?' said Ron with a coy smile on his face.
-'What the hell's that supposed to mean?'
-'Don't play dumb with me, Hermione. It doesn't suit you. You left your bag here on purpose so that I'll come after you... I saw this trick once in a Muggle movie... I gotta say, pretty clever.' That got Hermione thinking. Did she really leave her bag there just so he would run after her, to give it back to her? She knew that a big part of her wanted that. She tried to make an attempt at replying but gave up, finding no words to answer back. 'So, tell you what... we could make a deal.'
-'Are you totaly out of your mind? Barely five minutes ago, I said I never wanted to see YOU again, and now you expect me to make a deal with you? Damn, Ron... I thought you would've gotten a bit smarter over the years.'
-'Oh wow. Really hillarious, Hermione. You know talking like that won't make me give you your bag any sooner.'
-'Give that to me this instant, Ron Weasley, or else...'
-'Or else WHAT?' Ron said tempting her to go on... she really didn't know what she would do to him, so she did the first thing that came to mind. She jumped on him and snatched the bag right out of his hands.
-'You are so predictable.' He said, an annoying smile plastered on his face. This wasn't the Ron Weasley she was used to seeing. He had changed a lot during the past years, but she wasn't sure if it was for the better.
-'What the hell is that supposed to mean?'
-'I guess I should buy you a dictionary. It means that I knew that that's what you were about to do. That's why I took your palm pilot out of your bag.' She was so mad now. Why was he doing this? Just to see her all fired up?
-'You arrogant bastard. You went THROUGH MY BAG??? How DARE you! Ugh... You are the most... most... God, I can't even find a word to describe you...'
-'Um... try irresistable, that works... or handsome... anything in those lines... now back to my deal... Here's what I'm thinking, I get to see you anytime I want during the next month... if you feel that you still don't want to see me, then fine, I'll walk outta your life, for good this time... BUT if I feel that you still DO want to see me but you're lying and you say you don't, then well... you just have to accept me in your life, 'cause you won't be able to kick me out.' While Ron's little speech, Hermione's mouth opened and closed a few times making her look a lot like a fish. She was totally shocked by the new Ron... the one standing in front of her. This was NOT the Ron that she knew, it was as if he had changed bodies with Draco Malfoy or something. After a minute of silence, she finaly got the strength to say:
-'That's blackmail... you're just low enough to think of something as stupid as that.'
-'Low or high, I don't care what you think. DO we have an agreement.'
-'That all depeneds. I have a few questions I'd like to ask.'
-'Shoot.'
-'When do I get back my palm pilot?'
-'AFTER we shake on this agreement.'
-'How would you know if I'm lying? I mean, if I say I don't want you in my life and you think it's a lie... how would you know?'
-'Ever heard of Veritaserum?' Said Ron, but by the scandalized look on Hermione's face, he felt he needed to explain himself. 'Just a joke, Herm. Don't have a cow. Do you know yourself AT ALL? You cannot tell a single lie to me if your life depended on it. I would know when you're lying, trust me.'
-'Oh God. I KNOW i'm making the stupidest mistake EVER, but seems like I have no choice, now do I?'
-'You got that right.'
-'All right then, Mr. Weasley, you've got yourself a deal.' She said as she held her hand out for him to shake. As he did, she felt a shudder go through her spine at his touch. She looked deep down in his baby blue eyes and saw the Ron that she used to know smiling back at her.
-'Now that that's settled... the first time that I'd want to see you is... um, let's see... tonight, at 10:00.'
-'ARE YOU INSANE? I have something to do tonight...'
-'Chill Hermione. Please step inside before I get kicked out of my building.' She accepted his offer, seeing how some of the neighbours had now their doors open, looking at them. She walked in and for the first time examined him. He looked pretty good. In fact, too good for comfort. She actualy felt herself drawn to him. He had a built body and a very handsome face. Not the type one would call cute, but the type that one would drool over.
-'So what's this thing that you have planned tonight?'
-'Well, you might actualy know about it.' She said, feeling more relaxed after having taken a deep breath. 'It's this party Harry's having... everybody from your family is invited.' She said, trying to get Ron to back off at the mention of Harry's name, but he didn't seem to want to budge.
-'Oh actualy, I DO know about it. Ginny told me... she even invited me. So I AM invited, which means that I COULD come... what do you say? I'll see you there?' It was really hard for her to say no,especially to Ron.
-'All right... but if you're shocked out of your wits there, don't blame me, Ronald.'
-'Don't call me that. You KNOW I hate being called that.'
-'It's at Harry's place. See you there... and once again, don't blame me if you get a huge shock.'
-'Yeah yeah yeah. Bye now, Herm.' He said and offered her his hand for her to shake. She did and inside she was grinning like the cheshire cat. She had Ron back in her life. What could be better than that? She had hoped for this for eight years.
******************
Ron put on a tux he had had but never got an actual chance to wear before. He had to admit, it did look quite good on him. He showed up at Harry's place at 10:15, wanting to arrive fashionably late, so that Hermione would be looking for him. As soon as he walked in, he saw her anxious face, and just as he had wanted, she was looking around furiously for him and when she did spot him, a smile spread over her face. As soon as he got a look at her, his breath got caught in his throat. She looked absolutely amazing. She wore this beige strapless dress that had beads around the chest area, but an elegantly simple bottom. Yes, it was very simple, but it was more than enough to turn all the heads. He had heard of the expression 'stop him dead in his tracks' but he had never truly understand the meaning until now. He was still admiring Hermione's figure from afar but what happened next made him shocked beyond words. Harry, of all the people, came and grabbed her by her waist, turned her around and gave her a huge kiss on her lips. She threw her hands behind his neck, bringing him closer, as if aware that Ron would be even more furious. He was left speechless to say the least. Harry and Hermione? HARRY AND HERMIONE? How wrong was that? Ever since Harry's sixth year, he had shown immense interest in Ginny. What the hell was this about? HARRY AND HERMIONE? No matter how many times he said these words in his head, it just seemed wrong. It even seemed wrong to place them in a sentence together, let alone having them make out right in front of his face. So this is what she meant by a huge shock. She was dating the infamous Harry Potter. But how could Harry do this to him? He was always aware of Ron's feelings for her. He was even the one who had tried to push them together. 'But,' he thought to himself, 'serves me right... I was the one who told them I didn't want to see the lot of them, now this is what happens. I guess I betrayed them first.'
After pulling out of Harry's embrace, she whispered something into his ear and both of them turned to him, Harry with a mixture of happiness and fright on his face. They walked over to him.
-'Ron, my gosh. I can't believe you're here. After 8 years. It's great to see you, mate. I never thought I'd see you again. I would've invited you myself but I didn't think you'd want to hear from me. You know after our 7th year and everything.' Ron still couldn't find it in himself to utter a single word. All that he was able to do was his secret hand shake with Harry.
-'Yeah... it's great to see you, too. I thought it was time for a belated appology. You know, call it truce, if you're willing.' He said, but he couldn't make his eyes smaller and Harry was very well aware of his shock because he took his arm off of Hermione's waist.
-'No need, mate, it's already forgotten.' Harry answered, but suddenly, the whole room fell silent as a gorgeous red-head walked in with a very handsome young man on her arm. Harry's face looked full of envy of the guy on her arm and he looked so jealous that Ron thought he would snap the guy's head off. And Hermione looked very bothered as well,looking uncomfortably at Harry. It was only a minute after staring at the beautiful woman that Ron realised he was staring at Ginny. It was only then did he understand what was going on. Harry was still in love with Ginny but he was only going out with Hermione because Ginny either wouldn't go out with him or that she was with this new guy. What surprised him even more was the fact that the guy looked uncannily like Draco Malfoy, the dream team's sworn enemy.
When Ginny looked in Ron's direction, she let go of the man's arm and shrieked:
-'Ron?'
-'GINNY?' He said as Ginny ran towards him, throwing herself in his arms.
-'OH-MY-GOSH!!! I cannot BELIEVE you're here. I didn't think you would come. OH GOD!!! Do you have ANY idea how much I've missed you over the years?' Ginny said, not letting go of him. 'You freak. What the hell was wrong with you? It took eight years to knock some sense into you, did it? I dunno what made you come around but I thank the heavens for it.' At this, Ron risked a glance towards Hermione who was looking back at him, but they both turned their heads in the opposite direction. The man had now walked to where they were and had a smile on his face, seeing Ginny this happy. She finally let go of Ron and said Hello to Harry and Hermione but Ron noticed that she did not look in Harry's eyes. She turned to Ron again.
-'You remember Draco, don't you, Ron?' She said, pointing to the blond man next to her.
-'I sure do... are you guys dating?' He blurted out, and at that, all the smiles were wiped off of Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Draco's face. He had seemed to be touching a sensitive spot.
-'Um... y... yes, I guess you could call it that.' Ginny said very fast, trying to avoid everybody's stares and looking down. After a few seconds of silence, she looked back up with the same smile she had on her face, but somehow, this one didn't look that sincere. 'I see that you already got re-acquainted with Harry and Hermione.' And Ron could've sworn her voice was full of jealousy.
-'Yeah... yeah, I have. And I must admit, it WAS quite a shock.' Ron said, looking Hermione square in the eyes. It was as if Ginny and Ron had planned to make tonight as awkward as possible for Harry and Hermione. 'So how long have YOU TWO been dating?' He said looking from Harry to Hermione.
-'Um... well... around... a year, I think.' Harry said, sounding very nervous and Hermione didn't look all that comfortable either.
-'Well, congratutaltions. I always knew you two had chemistry, ever since Hogwarts. But you tried to deny it all these years.' Ron said, full of spite, a fake smile on his face. He could not believe himself, how he brought himself to say such things.
-'There WASN'T anything going on between us in Hogwarts, Ron. You know that full well.' For the first time that evening, Hermione spoke up. 'And you're just stupid if you think that I've lied to you during all those years. Maybe if you had paid closer attention back then, you would've noticed that I didn't have any feelings for Harry, but I guess you were too blind to see what was right in front...' Hermione said, but stopped herself. This was not the time nor the place.
-'Oh PLEASE continue, Hermione.' Ron said. It was just like old times, Ron and Hermione arguing. 'What was right in front ... please do go on.'
-'This is stupid... we're not teenagers anymore. This is just childish.'
-'Oh, is that your word of the day? Stupid? 'Cause I think it's the... hmm, lemme see, tenth time you used it today.' Ron said, red in the face from anger.
She was not going to let him get to her, this was not how she had planned the evening, she told herself, and with that, she walked away, leaving a very awkward atmosphere. Ron looked from Ginny to Draco. They seemed very uncomfortable as well, both of them avoiding his eyes. Harry seemed totaly unaware of what was going on, in fact, he was looking at Ginny so deeply that when he turned around and didn't find Hermione there, he looked stunned.
-'Where did she go?' He said.
-'Maybe if you would have paid closer attention to your OWN girlfriend you would've known.' It was not Ron, but Draco who said this, but it was as if he took the words right out of his mouth. 'Let's go Gin, seems that SOME people have a problem keeping their eyes to themselves.' He said, ushering Ginny away as she looked back in awe at Harry. Ron could've sworn he saw her eyes shine with tears. It was now only Harry and Ron left.
*******************
This was longer than the least chapter... well, hopefully you guys like... I have another chapter but iunno if I shud post right away or a bit later... well, review, tell me how you feel about the story so far, and I'll post the next chappie, k? Love all of you who reviewed. *lol, there were only three of you, but I love you just the same.*
btw. I corrected some of the mistakes, which would mean that I replaced this one. This is the corrected version, hopefully I didn't leave any mistakes out.