Note: Hey all! Hope you all enjoyed the last chapter, even though it was
kinda short. I hope I don't start to get too emotional but this is my
second last chapter and I just want to say thanks for being really
supportive of my first fanfic. All those reviews were very much
appreciated!
Anyway, on with the fanfic . . .
Chapter 9 - Together At Last and Forever (part 1)
It was so strange. This time one week ago Hermione had been having so many problems she didn't know if there were any ways of escaping them other than the alternative of suicide. But now things were completely different. In the space of one week her life had changed for the better. Now she didn't have to face any problems alone; she was with Ron. The future was a whole lot brighter.
Dear Hermione,
No matter how much I would like for you to come to Bulgaria I know that whatever choice you make is best for you. Congratulations are also in order I am thinking. You must really love Ron and if he loves you too it is right that you should be together. Congratulate him for me on being so lucky. I hope he realises how lucky he is to have you. Have fun with him and make sure he is treating you well. Love from Viktor.
Hermione smiled as she read the letter Viktor had sent her the day before. She folded it and slipped it into the pocket of her robes. For some strange reason she loved reading the letter over and over again. She supposed it was some kind of written proof that she and Ron were going out with each other. Every time she read the bit about Ron being with her she couldn't help but grin widely. It was now official. She and Ron were going out together and most of the school knew about it. Parvati couldn't stop giggling when she saw Hermione and Lavender was fuming with rage over it.
Ron's ears turned red whenever his friends teased him playfully about it and he responded telling them to shut up. During lunch he would hold her hand under the table while he talked to her and she just thought it was so incredibly sweet. They went to classes together, well, they always had done but there was just something more special about it now.
Their relationship with Harry hadn't suffered and they did their best to talk with him just as much. This was important as Harry was now more vulnerable. Being alone together meant leaving Harry on his own and with the risk of Voldemort still lingering on they had to make extra sure Harry was safe.
Hermione never realised she loved the position of Head Girl so much. Ron had to quickly get used to his new responsibilities and it was hard to do this. But they went to meetings together, made decisions together, did practically everything together . . .
Feeling in her pocket for the letter again Hermione moved in closer to Ron. She breathed in his scent as he slipped his arm around her. They were sitting in the Head Boy and Girl Room after sorting through some suggestions from students about the possibility of more frequent trips to Hogsmede. The room was specially designed for the head boy and girl for studying in privately and they also had a separate bedroom each if they were staying up late revising and wanted to go to sleep. Ron idly put his arm around her, drawing her nearer and yawned widely. She loved it when he was so lazy and couldn't be bothered to work. Although she had got annoyed by this before she learned to accept this as it was in his personality and she loved everything about him; even his faults.
No matter how hard she tried she couldn't explain how she felt for Ron. It was complicated and sometimes Ron couldn't really understand what she was saying. But now it didn't matter; she was with him and whether or not Lavender Brown or anyone else approved of this made no difference whatsoever. Ron propped his feet up on a stool nearby and kissed Hermione on her forehead. The sofa they were sitting on was so comfortable - too comfortable to encourage them to work and not relax on it together. Ron gently stroked Hermione's hair.
'It's not fair!' he complained. 'Why the hell should we care if the students get more frequent trips to Hogsmede? We're leaving this school next week. Left it a bit late to suggest it, didn't they?'
But Hermione wasn't listening to him for once. She was still thinking about the letter. 'Ironic, isn't it?' Hermione said as if in a day dream.
'What's ironic?' Ron asked.
'Some time during our fourth year Viktor asked Harry if there was anything going on between Harry and myself. When all this time Viktor should have been chasing after you to warn off.'
'He asked Harry?' Ron said, turned around to face her. Harry hadn't told Ron about what Viktor asked him and neither did Hermione, it wasn't important.
'Yeah', Hermione explained. 'A while after he asked me to come to Bulgaria with him I told him that I liked someone else and it might not be a good idea to go. It wouldn't have been fair on me, Viktor or that person. Viktor just jumped to the conclusion that it was Harry I liked and asked him about it. It was around that time that Barty Crouch, the older one was killed.'
Ron was breathless. 'It was me you liked right? You've liked me ever since fourth year?'
Hermione smiled shyly. 'I've liked you from practically the first day of school.' Hermione blushed furiously. 'I was telling Viktor about how I liked someone else and that I don't exactly know why I liked that person. I suppose I've had a bit of a crush on you ever since I first met you. You've been a great friend to me ever since and so has Harry. But I just liked you in that way.' Ron was smiling. 'I was so hurt when you called me a nightmare.'
Ron's smile faded quickly. 'Look Hermione, I'm really sorry about that. You know I have such a big mouth. If I could change what happened-'
Hermione cut him off, 'It doesn't matter now', she said, kissing him quickly. 'You made me cry a lot but I annoyed you just as much to make up for it.'
'Then how did you end up becoming Vicky's girlfriend?' Hermione gave Ron a warning look. 'Ok, how did you end up fancying Viktor?'
'I was flattered I suppose', Hermione said. 'I just couldn't believe that a boy could like me even when I had bushy hair and big teeth.'
'Hey!' Ron cried. 'I'm very fond of your bushy hair.'
Hermione gave him a playful slap. 'Are you making fun of me?'
'No', Ron said seriously. 'I think you're beautiful.' He leaned in towards her and kiss her, teasing her with his tongue by flicking it in and out. Hermione smiled against his lips and pulled him closer. The kiss was over too quickly and Ron pulled away to look at her. He gave her a questioning look.
'Sorry', Hermione said. 'I'm just thinking about Viktor.'
Ron looked upset. 'Well whatever turns you on.'
'No! I didn't mean anything like that I was just thinking about the Yule Ball. I was waiting for ages for you to ask me.'
'I've only recently realised I love you Hermione', Ron protested. 'If I'd have known sooner I'd have asked you.'
'But when you said you were going to take the best looking girl even if she were completely horrible I thought I didn't stand a chance so I walked off to the library and Viktor asked me there. I thought that I wouldn't get any other offers, except Neville who asked me afterwards so I accepted. When we had that argument at the ball over me going to it with Viktor I went outside. Viktor found me out there and we talked. He asked if I would let him kiss me and I said yes. But I still liked you more. I just wanted to give you time to start to like me like I liked you. Even though I told Viktor I liked someone else he still asked me to be his girlfriend so I said yes.'
Ron looked at Hermione apologetically. 'I would have asked you Hermione. I did but you had already said you'd go with Viktor.'
'I know', Hermione said quietly.
He put his finger under her chin and tilted her face up towards his. 'Hermione, will you go to the Senior Leavers Ball with me next week? 'Cause if you don't I'll have to take Eloise Midgen and even though her acne's loads better her nose is off centre.' Hermione laughed and put her forehead against his to look deeper into his eyes. 'Besides', he continued, quietly, 'I want to take the best looking girl at Hogwarts to the ball. I want to take the best looking girl in the world with me.'
'Yeah, I'd love to come with you', Hermione beamed moving towards his lips for a kiss.
'Really?' Ron asked, but Hermione noticed a mocking tone in his voice. 'I was talking about Luna Lovegood.'
'Ron!' Hermione squeaked, not knowing whether to slap him or laugh. 'Trust you to make a joke at a moment like this!' She pushed his chest and he fell back on to the sofa, but he pulled her with him. She lay on top of him, giggling.
'At a moment like this?' Ron asked playfully and he pulled her down further to kiss her. Ron had never went further than only kissing Hermione but he kissed her so passionately his kisses compensated for other things. Hermione wanted to take things further but didn't have the courage to ever ask Ron.
His lips moved slowly under hers, letting his tongue move into her mouth briefly. She slid hers in quickly, hoping for him to sense her eagerness. But Ron wanted all their kisses to be special so he wanted to please her without rushing things. He gently pushed his tongue against hers and moved it back into her mouth. As he pulled his out he stroked her bottom lip with his tongue. She loved the way he caressed the edges of her mouth with his tongue and made her feel so breathless after every kiss. She loved the way he wanted to make her feel special and had his own special kiss for only her. She loved the way she could hardly breathe when he kissed her and he loved the way she looked after he kissed her; like she was in a daze. But most of all she just loved him. He meant the world to her.
The kiss deepened as Ron quickened the pace gradually and kissed her harder. His tongue moved completely into her mouth now and touched every part of her mouth. He brought her tongue into his mouth with his own and they kissed so passionately for what seemed like hours. Hermione felt his hands on her waist and gasped when they moved down to rest on her backside. He moved his hands up and down them pulling them closer to his own body. If she had been standing she thought she would have fainted from his touch but while she had the advantage of lying on top of him she stroked his chest, feeling his muscles react to her hands.
Suddenly Ron pulled away quickly and looked at her seriously.
'What's wrong?' she gasped.
'We're late for potions!' Ron cried.
Without a moment's hesitation they jumped off the sofa, grabbed their bags and ran to the dungeon for their potions lesson, with the thought of their kiss still in their mind.
Ron was running so fast it was hard to keep up with him. Going to potions was another daily task and it was almost unbearable trying to get through their classes of hell with Snape. He always found some reason to humiliate them and still tortured Harry with him snide remarks. That hadn't changed at all but they often blamed themselves for keeping potions on for their N. E. W. T. 's. Hermione was seriously looking into the profession of Healing, since her parents were both dentists she thought it might be a good idea to take on a career which was most like theirs.
Harry was still thinking on being an Auror but he wasn't completely sure it was what he wanted. And Ron . . . he just didn't have a clue about what he wanted to do. He changed his mind too much but he thought about a career which involved working with muggles, like his father. Hermione had been advised to keep on potions if she wanted to be a Healer and Harry had also been told in his fifth year to keep on potions to be an Auror. So no one knew what had possessed Ron to keep up potions. Harry and Hermione just assumed it was to be in their class and potions was needed for a wide range of careers.
In their O. W. L. 's Ron had just scraped an 'A' in potions, much to his surprise and Professor Snape had been begged by Professor McGonagall to take him in his class. Harry had managed an 'E' in potions which was even more surprising as Harry hated potions. But the exam had been much easier without Snape breathing down his neck while he took the exam. Hermione had passed with an 'O', which was not surprising at all. So here they were all together in the same potions class. They had taken their N. E. W. T.s and now all they had to do was enjoy their summer and wait for the results. Soon they would be leaving Hogwarts and Snape forever.
'Now today, we will be doing a little experiment. The Ministry have sent us a note telling the school how essential it is for you to know how to identify this certain potion. It is a potion which can be used to treat the victim of an Unforgivable Curse.' Hermione could feel a lot of eyes staring at her. 'If a person is suffering because of the after effects of one of the curses then this potion will ease their sufferings, whether they suffer from emotional or physical pain.
Before I hear any complaints about not teaching this earlier I just want to make it clear that due to recent events the Ministry have decided to have it taught it to you at the last minute so thankfully this will be the last experiment I will have to teach to you who are less capable of the work. We will need all the ingredients set out on my desk and a magiscope to mix the ingredients more precisely; it can be very tricky to do this experiment.
Now, as you are all seniors and in your final year the Ministry foolishly thinks that you are all mature and capable enough to handle a magiscope on your own. Unfortunately for many of you that is not the case but you will all need to do this work on your own. Merlin knows I've given you all the assistance you'll ever need in experiments and yet you still manage to mess something up. Normally the magiscopes are only used on very special occasions and you haven't used them at all. But I want to tell you all now, each magiscope is very, very, very expensive. You have no idea how much saving the school has had to do and how much funding we have got from the Ministry to be able to afford these.' Snape was stressing every single syllable.
'We are very fortunate to have got these and they are very new. If I told you how much they were worth you would be too afraid to take them out of their cupboards. I cannot stress enough the importance of handling these magiscopes carefully and . . . responsibly.
If, however you manage to break one of these . . . well. Let's just leave it at this; if you break one your family will struggle to be able to afford to feed themselves for a good few years in order to replace the broken magiscope. And if you were Weasley and broke one I don't know how you'd even afford to live in a house let alone feed themselves at all to be able to repay the damage.' Snape said silkily. Ron gave a huge gulp and clasped the sides of his chair tightly.
When Snape finally gave them permission to get the magiscopes out everyone held them as if they were about to explode at any second. Hermione noticed they looked very much like a muggle microscope only much more advanced as they were used to examine potions.
'There he goes again', Harry sighed, 'throwing empty threats at us. He never changes, does he?'
Ron whimpered and Hermione just shrugged.
'Oh well, we won't have to put up with this much longer', she said.
'Well what are you all waiting for? For you all to suddenly become enlightened and have some great intelligence? Because believe me it won't be happening any time soon, to any of you. So get to work!' Snape snapped at them.
Harry grunted as he collected some ingredients from Snape's desk. Ron leaned across the desk and shyly handed Hermione a paper bag. She took it with a puzzled expression on her face.
'Everyone's talking about buying their girlfriends a dress or robes to wear to the Ball but I can't really afford one for you.' Ron explained, but his voice was low so that only Hermione could hear him. 'I got you something else. It's something you can wear.'
Hermione opened the paper bag and peered inside. The look on Ron's face told her he didn't want anyone to know he couldn't buy her a dress. She gasped when she saw the gift.
'Thanks Ron', she breathed.
Ron's ears went red. 'It's not much and I'm really sorry about the dress-'
'No! I love this Ron. It's really lovely of you to think of this.'
A huge smile broke out on his face and he beamed. Hermione reached inside the bag and took out the perfume to look at it. It was presented in a beautiful bottle with little designs such as little magical creatures on it and little mermaids appeared to be swimming about in the sweet-scented perfume. Although the bottle was small, it was carefully made and each miniature creature was so detailed.
'Remember you bought me perfume in our fifth year for Christmas?' she asked tearing her eyes away from the enchanted perfume to gaze at him.
Ron nodded. 'Yeah, I dunno why I did that', he chuckled. 'I guessed you were fed up with books and stuff and perfume would be different. Did you like it?'
'Yeah', Hermione said, remembering its unusual smell, unusual but nice. 'I liked it. It was a change from the usual books I usually get as presents . . . I love you Ron', she added in a whisper.
Her words took Ron by surprise. He raised an eyebrow. 'Thanks', he said softly.
'What?' asked Hermione, questioning the surprised expression on his face.
'Nothing', Ron told her, taking her hand gently. 'It's just that I love hearing you saying that and it's weird hearing you say it at the same time. It's so great to hear you say it though. I love you too. Oh yeah, and I got you a book on the History of Healing. I know you like that kind of stuff.'
'I've got something for you too', Hermione said. 'I meant to give them to you earlier for getting Head Boy but I kept forgetting.' Hermione reached into her bag and brought out two boxes. They were quite big and took up nearly half the space in her bag. She handed them to Ron.
'Thanks!' he cried, ripping the wrapping paper off the first box. 'Wow! Chudley Cannons: The Guide for Fans. This is great!' Ron held the book up closer to his face to read the cover. It was special edition hardback book and he ran his fingers along the title printed in gold. The team members flew around on the front cover waving up at him.
Hermione smiled as she followed his expressions move from surprised, to amused, to interested as he turned each page. When he had skimmed through the book he set it down, only to pick up the next box. He tore the paper off as he had done with the first box and a few other students looked over as he cried out in surprise.
'Whoa! The Chudley Cannons Chocolate Set!' No matter how much older Ron got his love for chocolate had never lessened. As soon as she saw the box set sitting on a shelf in Honeydukes she immediately thought of Ron. The chocolate had been enchanted to look like the team and to also move and act like them. It was a perfect present for him. She half expected to find, 'Especially made for the Ron Weasleys of the Wizarding World', written on it. Ron's eyes lit up as he counted and named all the players in the box - they were all there. He was completely overwhelmed by the gift. You could see the team inside the box and each one was so detailed and life-like.
'Do you like it?' Hermione asked, but the look on his face already gave her an answer.
'It's wicked!' Ron told her, but then he looked upset about something.
'What's wrong?' she asked.
'The presents you gave me were amazing. My gifts are rubbish compared to yours. I hate being poor!' he confessed, hanging his head.
'Don't be so silly', Hermione said softly, taking his hand from across the table. 'I love the presents you got me. You got me the presents I like and I got you something you like. I was going to get you a book, but I know you don't like that kind of stuff.' Ron looked up at her warm smile. She was so pretty when she smiled like that.
'Thanks for you help you two', Harry said. He was carrying all the ingredients and they tumbled out of his arms as he reached the table.
'Sorry, Harry', Hermione said, suddenly remembering they had left Harry to do all the work on his own. 'Ron and I will make the potion.' Ron was about to object but gave in to Hermione's warning look.
The lesson passed slowly, just the way it did in any potions lesson they had been to. Knowing it was their last ever potions lesson made them feel better though.
'Hey, Harry, Ron!' Dean called from over at his table.
'What's up Dean?' Ron called back.
'Wanna go to Hogsmede tomorrow since our last chance?' Dean asked.
'Yeah ok.' Harry answered.
Ron looked at Hermione as if asking her to come along. She smiled and nodded her head.
'Yeah, we'll be there', Ron said.
'You don't mind if I bring Ginny, do you Ron?' Dean said, afraid that Ron would object.
'Er. . .'
'Oh let her come along Ron', Hermione said. 'We can go to the Three Broomsticks or something. We don't have to be around them.'
'Oh ok', Ron gave in. However, Ron started to grunt and complain about the potion being hard to make constantly. He wasn't happy at the thought of his little sister going out with his friend Dean. He'd feel much better if she was going out with someone he knew really well, like Harry.
'Easy with that!' Harry warned Ron as Ron mixed the potion so violently it was spilling up over the edges of the cauldron. 'Be careful!'
'I am being careful', Ron snapped as he pulled the spoon out of the cauldron and slammed it down on the table, while glaring at Dean.
After the potion had been made Snape collected the potions and told everyone to tidy up. Ron was still growling and stomping around.
'Why don't you clear up the table Ron', Hermione quickly suggested. Ron grabbed a cloth and started to wipe the table. His fist was clenched and Hermione was afraid he'd rub a hole into the table, he was rubbing so hard.
'I've checked all your potions and I think it is safe to say they at least won't kill anyone who drinks them but whether they work or not is an entirely different matter. So I will test them all now. Seeing as this is the last potions class I will ever take you for let me just say that I can hardly say it was a pleasure teaching you and I hope I never see some of you again. I pity that big wide world you are all setting out into. You are the future Healers, teachers or Aurors of this world. Merlin help us all.' Snape sneered.
Ron rubbed the table even more roughly.
A loud crashing sound came from the table where Ron was cleaning it. For a split second Hermione feared Ron had broken a magiscope.
'WEASLEY!' Snape roared.
Everyone gave a huge sigh of relief when they realised what it really was that Ron had knocked over and broken by accident.
'It's alright, sir', Hermione squeaked. 'Ron's just knocked over my perfume.'
Students were lying lazily beside the lake, drinking butterbeers or splashing each other near the waters edge as Ron, Hermione and Harry made theirs way into Hogsmede Village. This was the last time they would ever make this walk from the school to the village. They remembered the times they had spent together in the village and all the good times they had at Hogwarts. But soon they would leave it all behind and start their new lives somewhere else.
'Do you think we'll still know each other in about thirty years time?' Hermione asked Ron and Harry.
''Course we will.' Ron assured her.
'We're best friends, we'll always stay in touch. Even if we move really far away from each other.' Harry added.
'You won't get rid of me that easily.' Ron said as the village of Hogsmede came into sight. 'We'll still be friends when you're a famous Quidditch player Harry, Hermione is headmistress of Hogwarts and I'm Minister of Magic.' They all laughed but they knew that no matter what they'd always be friends. Their friendship mattered too much.
Dean, Neville, Ginny, Susan and Seamus were all waiting for them outside Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes. Since they all had their own things to buy they all decided to split up. Dean and Ginny paired up, Susan and Harry went off together and Seamus and Neville went their own way. Hermione was left on her own with Ron - which was just what she wanted. As soon as everyone had gone off Ron grinned at Hermione and took her hand, squeezing it gently.
'Ron are you sure you still want to get me another perfume? You don't have to you know.' Hermione said. But Ron was determined to replace the perfume he had broken only the day before.
'Yeah, of course I do.' He said, and Hermione knew there was to be no arguing with him over this. While they were there they decided to call in on Fred and George to see how they were getting on in their shop. 'Maybe they'll give me some free dungbombs', said Ron hopefully. 'I want to let them off in Snape's office before I leave Hogwarts.'
'Ron!' Hermione cried. 'You never change do you?'
'Nope.' They entered the shop together only to see lots of Hogwarts students and other young children all gathered around watching a display of Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs Fred and George had let off. The children were cheering and Fred and George seemed to be having just as much fun as them.
'Well, if it isn't ickle Ronny-kins and his wittle girlyfriend', Fred taunted when he saw them coming into the shop. 'What can we get you?'
'Could I have some dungbombs please?' Ron said, trying to ignore Fred's teasing.
'That'll be two sickles for a small bag please', George said.
'I was kind of hoping you'd give me them for free', Ron pleaded.
'Oh yeah sure, do you want the whole shop and all while you're at it?' George said sarcastically.
'He's going to let them off in Snape's office before we leave school', Hermione informed the twins.
'Well, why didn't you say so!' Fred laughed. 'Here.' He lifted a large bag of dungbombs off the shelf and handed them to Ron. 'Let off some from us will you Ron? Mind you use all of these in Snape's office. We're not always this generous in handing out free stuff. Business might be better than ever but we only give out free dungbombs for a special cause.'
'Go off and play with your wittle girlyfriend now Ronny-kins', George said in a motherly voice. Ron went bright red.
'Shut up!' he warned turning to leave with Hermione.
'Off for a quick shag behind the broomstick shed are you Ron?' Fred called. Hermione could feel Ron squeezing her hand even more tightly with embarrassment.
George put on a high pitched voice that sounded as if he were trying to imitate a girl. 'Oh Ron! Is that a wand in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?' Ron slammed the door shut as they went back outside.
'Stupid, bloody gits', Ron muttered furiously.
'Uh. . . so, what should we do now?' Hermione asked, trying to take Ron's mind off his embarrassment.
'Dunno. . . fancy a quick shag behind the broomstick shed?' Ron joked. Hermione shot a quick glance at him to see if he was serious - he sounded serious. Ron straightened up and chuckled at Hermione's shocked expression. 'It was just a joke', he said, taking both her hands and looking into her eyes. 'Come on then, let's go to Dervish and Banges. That's where I got the perfume before.'
Even though Ron had been joking, she had thought for a fraction of a second that he was serious, even though he was joking. It had scared her. The prospect of being with Ron in that way scared her. But what scared her even more was that in that split second that she thought he was serious she wanted to do it.
I want to more than anything, she thought to herself. But I wouldn't know what to do if I was in the situation. Come on! This is Ron here. I love him and everyone who's ever done it has started off the same as me once.
This was something she wanted to do. It meant so much to her. Being with Ron was fine, no, it was more than fine. Wonderful, amazing, fabulous, fantastic, words couldn't describe it. But she wanted to show Ron how much she loved him. They had spent six whole years bickering and snapping at each other she wanted to make up for all those times she was nasty to him. She was afraid she'd lose him. . .
He was so different now. Much more grown up. His brother's taunts didn't annoy him so much. He changed so much that he had become a better person, but kept all his qualities that made him a good person in the first place.
They made their way to Dervish and Banges and Ron took out some money from his pocket. Ron always was awkward when people saw him handling money. When he dropped the knuts for a fifth time Hermione picked them up for him.
'Would it be alright if I go to Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop?' Hermione asked, handing the money to Ron. 'I just want to see if I could get some teachers a quill as a present. You know, for being really helpful teachers.'
'Yeah sure', Ron said, glad that Hermione wouldn't constantly have to be reminded how poor he was. He hated when she saw him struggling to pay for something.
'Thanks Ron, I'll only be a few minutes.'
Hermione turned, only to be feel Ron reach out and hold her arm. He tugged it gently.
'Fine then, don't give me a goodbye kiss.' Ron joked, pretending to sound outraged.
'Ron! I'm only going for five minutes!' she laughed. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and smiled when he wouldn't let go of her arm. A stern look from her quickly made him drop her arm.
'Ok', he sighed. 'You're getting quills right?'
'Right!' she called walking away.
Wrong. It was a lie. As much as she hated lying to her best friends this was only a little white lie. What she really wanted to do was to go to Madam Malkin's shop to see if her dress robes for the ball were ready. When she had heard there was to be a final ball for the seniors leaving Hogwarts Hermione immediately went out and ordered a dress to wear. She didn't want to tell Ron, as he thought she would be wearing her old one from fourth year so she wanted to surprise him. She knew he was secretly uncomfortable about Hermione going to the ball in a dress she had worn when she was with Krum but he assured her on the way to Hogsmede that it didn't matter as long as she was going to the ball with him.
'Hello Madam Malkin, are my dress robes ready?' Hermione said brightly as she walked into the shop.
'Oh hello Miss Granger', Madam Malkin greeted her. 'Yes I believe they are. They just arrived this morning. Would you like to take a look at them?'
'Please.' Hermione said excited hurrying up to the desk. Madam Malkin disappeared into a store room and came out holding Hermione's dress robes. They simply took her breath away.
'Oh! It's beautiful!' Hermione exclaimed. The dress robes were a soft, violet colour, this time, and its light, soft colour made the dress look so delicate. When she reached out and felt the fabric she realised the dress really was delicate. It was made of such light silk and it didn't look too over the top. The bottom half of the dress sat out just a little just below the waist line. And the waist line had a line of tiny lavender blue flowers across it. She had had this dress especially made.
'Would you like to try it on?' Madam Malkin asked, taking a compliment from Hermione's reaction to the dress.
'Yes please', Hermione said, still hardly believing how beautiful it was. Madam Malkin showed her to a room she could change in and Hermione took the dress into the room to try it on. The dress fell elegantly down over her head to her feet and swayed slightly when she walked to the mirror. Beautiful. There was no other way to describe it. She looked like an angel and she knew Ron would love it.
Gathering her hair up in her hands she tried to imagine her hair in loose curls. She would tie it back in a bun but let some curls fall around her face. Ron would find her irresistible but he could only see it at the ball, no sooner.
But she didn't have much time left so she quickly changed back into her normal clothes and brought the dress to Madam Malkin to pay for it.
'Thankyou ever so much', Hermione said quickly. 'I have to go and meet Ron now.'
'Bye dear!' Madam Malkin called as Hermione ran out of the sop. But when she reached Dervish and Banges Ron was still in the shop, standing at the counter, paying for the perfume. Hermione was standing at the door of the shop, reading some posters on careers to kill time when suddenly she felt two hands cover her eyes from behind her.
Chapter 9 - Together At Last and Forever (part 1)
It was so strange. This time one week ago Hermione had been having so many problems she didn't know if there were any ways of escaping them other than the alternative of suicide. But now things were completely different. In the space of one week her life had changed for the better. Now she didn't have to face any problems alone; she was with Ron. The future was a whole lot brighter.
Dear Hermione,
No matter how much I would like for you to come to Bulgaria I know that whatever choice you make is best for you. Congratulations are also in order I am thinking. You must really love Ron and if he loves you too it is right that you should be together. Congratulate him for me on being so lucky. I hope he realises how lucky he is to have you. Have fun with him and make sure he is treating you well. Love from Viktor.
Hermione smiled as she read the letter Viktor had sent her the day before. She folded it and slipped it into the pocket of her robes. For some strange reason she loved reading the letter over and over again. She supposed it was some kind of written proof that she and Ron were going out with each other. Every time she read the bit about Ron being with her she couldn't help but grin widely. It was now official. She and Ron were going out together and most of the school knew about it. Parvati couldn't stop giggling when she saw Hermione and Lavender was fuming with rage over it.
Ron's ears turned red whenever his friends teased him playfully about it and he responded telling them to shut up. During lunch he would hold her hand under the table while he talked to her and she just thought it was so incredibly sweet. They went to classes together, well, they always had done but there was just something more special about it now.
Their relationship with Harry hadn't suffered and they did their best to talk with him just as much. This was important as Harry was now more vulnerable. Being alone together meant leaving Harry on his own and with the risk of Voldemort still lingering on they had to make extra sure Harry was safe.
Hermione never realised she loved the position of Head Girl so much. Ron had to quickly get used to his new responsibilities and it was hard to do this. But they went to meetings together, made decisions together, did practically everything together . . .
Feeling in her pocket for the letter again Hermione moved in closer to Ron. She breathed in his scent as he slipped his arm around her. They were sitting in the Head Boy and Girl Room after sorting through some suggestions from students about the possibility of more frequent trips to Hogsmede. The room was specially designed for the head boy and girl for studying in privately and they also had a separate bedroom each if they were staying up late revising and wanted to go to sleep. Ron idly put his arm around her, drawing her nearer and yawned widely. She loved it when he was so lazy and couldn't be bothered to work. Although she had got annoyed by this before she learned to accept this as it was in his personality and she loved everything about him; even his faults.
No matter how hard she tried she couldn't explain how she felt for Ron. It was complicated and sometimes Ron couldn't really understand what she was saying. But now it didn't matter; she was with him and whether or not Lavender Brown or anyone else approved of this made no difference whatsoever. Ron propped his feet up on a stool nearby and kissed Hermione on her forehead. The sofa they were sitting on was so comfortable - too comfortable to encourage them to work and not relax on it together. Ron gently stroked Hermione's hair.
'It's not fair!' he complained. 'Why the hell should we care if the students get more frequent trips to Hogsmede? We're leaving this school next week. Left it a bit late to suggest it, didn't they?'
But Hermione wasn't listening to him for once. She was still thinking about the letter. 'Ironic, isn't it?' Hermione said as if in a day dream.
'What's ironic?' Ron asked.
'Some time during our fourth year Viktor asked Harry if there was anything going on between Harry and myself. When all this time Viktor should have been chasing after you to warn off.'
'He asked Harry?' Ron said, turned around to face her. Harry hadn't told Ron about what Viktor asked him and neither did Hermione, it wasn't important.
'Yeah', Hermione explained. 'A while after he asked me to come to Bulgaria with him I told him that I liked someone else and it might not be a good idea to go. It wouldn't have been fair on me, Viktor or that person. Viktor just jumped to the conclusion that it was Harry I liked and asked him about it. It was around that time that Barty Crouch, the older one was killed.'
Ron was breathless. 'It was me you liked right? You've liked me ever since fourth year?'
Hermione smiled shyly. 'I've liked you from practically the first day of school.' Hermione blushed furiously. 'I was telling Viktor about how I liked someone else and that I don't exactly know why I liked that person. I suppose I've had a bit of a crush on you ever since I first met you. You've been a great friend to me ever since and so has Harry. But I just liked you in that way.' Ron was smiling. 'I was so hurt when you called me a nightmare.'
Ron's smile faded quickly. 'Look Hermione, I'm really sorry about that. You know I have such a big mouth. If I could change what happened-'
Hermione cut him off, 'It doesn't matter now', she said, kissing him quickly. 'You made me cry a lot but I annoyed you just as much to make up for it.'
'Then how did you end up becoming Vicky's girlfriend?' Hermione gave Ron a warning look. 'Ok, how did you end up fancying Viktor?'
'I was flattered I suppose', Hermione said. 'I just couldn't believe that a boy could like me even when I had bushy hair and big teeth.'
'Hey!' Ron cried. 'I'm very fond of your bushy hair.'
Hermione gave him a playful slap. 'Are you making fun of me?'
'No', Ron said seriously. 'I think you're beautiful.' He leaned in towards her and kiss her, teasing her with his tongue by flicking it in and out. Hermione smiled against his lips and pulled him closer. The kiss was over too quickly and Ron pulled away to look at her. He gave her a questioning look.
'Sorry', Hermione said. 'I'm just thinking about Viktor.'
Ron looked upset. 'Well whatever turns you on.'
'No! I didn't mean anything like that I was just thinking about the Yule Ball. I was waiting for ages for you to ask me.'
'I've only recently realised I love you Hermione', Ron protested. 'If I'd have known sooner I'd have asked you.'
'But when you said you were going to take the best looking girl even if she were completely horrible I thought I didn't stand a chance so I walked off to the library and Viktor asked me there. I thought that I wouldn't get any other offers, except Neville who asked me afterwards so I accepted. When we had that argument at the ball over me going to it with Viktor I went outside. Viktor found me out there and we talked. He asked if I would let him kiss me and I said yes. But I still liked you more. I just wanted to give you time to start to like me like I liked you. Even though I told Viktor I liked someone else he still asked me to be his girlfriend so I said yes.'
Ron looked at Hermione apologetically. 'I would have asked you Hermione. I did but you had already said you'd go with Viktor.'
'I know', Hermione said quietly.
He put his finger under her chin and tilted her face up towards his. 'Hermione, will you go to the Senior Leavers Ball with me next week? 'Cause if you don't I'll have to take Eloise Midgen and even though her acne's loads better her nose is off centre.' Hermione laughed and put her forehead against his to look deeper into his eyes. 'Besides', he continued, quietly, 'I want to take the best looking girl at Hogwarts to the ball. I want to take the best looking girl in the world with me.'
'Yeah, I'd love to come with you', Hermione beamed moving towards his lips for a kiss.
'Really?' Ron asked, but Hermione noticed a mocking tone in his voice. 'I was talking about Luna Lovegood.'
'Ron!' Hermione squeaked, not knowing whether to slap him or laugh. 'Trust you to make a joke at a moment like this!' She pushed his chest and he fell back on to the sofa, but he pulled her with him. She lay on top of him, giggling.
'At a moment like this?' Ron asked playfully and he pulled her down further to kiss her. Ron had never went further than only kissing Hermione but he kissed her so passionately his kisses compensated for other things. Hermione wanted to take things further but didn't have the courage to ever ask Ron.
His lips moved slowly under hers, letting his tongue move into her mouth briefly. She slid hers in quickly, hoping for him to sense her eagerness. But Ron wanted all their kisses to be special so he wanted to please her without rushing things. He gently pushed his tongue against hers and moved it back into her mouth. As he pulled his out he stroked her bottom lip with his tongue. She loved the way he caressed the edges of her mouth with his tongue and made her feel so breathless after every kiss. She loved the way he wanted to make her feel special and had his own special kiss for only her. She loved the way she could hardly breathe when he kissed her and he loved the way she looked after he kissed her; like she was in a daze. But most of all she just loved him. He meant the world to her.
The kiss deepened as Ron quickened the pace gradually and kissed her harder. His tongue moved completely into her mouth now and touched every part of her mouth. He brought her tongue into his mouth with his own and they kissed so passionately for what seemed like hours. Hermione felt his hands on her waist and gasped when they moved down to rest on her backside. He moved his hands up and down them pulling them closer to his own body. If she had been standing she thought she would have fainted from his touch but while she had the advantage of lying on top of him she stroked his chest, feeling his muscles react to her hands.
Suddenly Ron pulled away quickly and looked at her seriously.
'What's wrong?' she gasped.
'We're late for potions!' Ron cried.
Without a moment's hesitation they jumped off the sofa, grabbed their bags and ran to the dungeon for their potions lesson, with the thought of their kiss still in their mind.
Ron was running so fast it was hard to keep up with him. Going to potions was another daily task and it was almost unbearable trying to get through their classes of hell with Snape. He always found some reason to humiliate them and still tortured Harry with him snide remarks. That hadn't changed at all but they often blamed themselves for keeping potions on for their N. E. W. T. 's. Hermione was seriously looking into the profession of Healing, since her parents were both dentists she thought it might be a good idea to take on a career which was most like theirs.
Harry was still thinking on being an Auror but he wasn't completely sure it was what he wanted. And Ron . . . he just didn't have a clue about what he wanted to do. He changed his mind too much but he thought about a career which involved working with muggles, like his father. Hermione had been advised to keep on potions if she wanted to be a Healer and Harry had also been told in his fifth year to keep on potions to be an Auror. So no one knew what had possessed Ron to keep up potions. Harry and Hermione just assumed it was to be in their class and potions was needed for a wide range of careers.
In their O. W. L. 's Ron had just scraped an 'A' in potions, much to his surprise and Professor Snape had been begged by Professor McGonagall to take him in his class. Harry had managed an 'E' in potions which was even more surprising as Harry hated potions. But the exam had been much easier without Snape breathing down his neck while he took the exam. Hermione had passed with an 'O', which was not surprising at all. So here they were all together in the same potions class. They had taken their N. E. W. T.s and now all they had to do was enjoy their summer and wait for the results. Soon they would be leaving Hogwarts and Snape forever.
'Now today, we will be doing a little experiment. The Ministry have sent us a note telling the school how essential it is for you to know how to identify this certain potion. It is a potion which can be used to treat the victim of an Unforgivable Curse.' Hermione could feel a lot of eyes staring at her. 'If a person is suffering because of the after effects of one of the curses then this potion will ease their sufferings, whether they suffer from emotional or physical pain.
Before I hear any complaints about not teaching this earlier I just want to make it clear that due to recent events the Ministry have decided to have it taught it to you at the last minute so thankfully this will be the last experiment I will have to teach to you who are less capable of the work. We will need all the ingredients set out on my desk and a magiscope to mix the ingredients more precisely; it can be very tricky to do this experiment.
Now, as you are all seniors and in your final year the Ministry foolishly thinks that you are all mature and capable enough to handle a magiscope on your own. Unfortunately for many of you that is not the case but you will all need to do this work on your own. Merlin knows I've given you all the assistance you'll ever need in experiments and yet you still manage to mess something up. Normally the magiscopes are only used on very special occasions and you haven't used them at all. But I want to tell you all now, each magiscope is very, very, very expensive. You have no idea how much saving the school has had to do and how much funding we have got from the Ministry to be able to afford these.' Snape was stressing every single syllable.
'We are very fortunate to have got these and they are very new. If I told you how much they were worth you would be too afraid to take them out of their cupboards. I cannot stress enough the importance of handling these magiscopes carefully and . . . responsibly.
If, however you manage to break one of these . . . well. Let's just leave it at this; if you break one your family will struggle to be able to afford to feed themselves for a good few years in order to replace the broken magiscope. And if you were Weasley and broke one I don't know how you'd even afford to live in a house let alone feed themselves at all to be able to repay the damage.' Snape said silkily. Ron gave a huge gulp and clasped the sides of his chair tightly.
When Snape finally gave them permission to get the magiscopes out everyone held them as if they were about to explode at any second. Hermione noticed they looked very much like a muggle microscope only much more advanced as they were used to examine potions.
'There he goes again', Harry sighed, 'throwing empty threats at us. He never changes, does he?'
Ron whimpered and Hermione just shrugged.
'Oh well, we won't have to put up with this much longer', she said.
'Well what are you all waiting for? For you all to suddenly become enlightened and have some great intelligence? Because believe me it won't be happening any time soon, to any of you. So get to work!' Snape snapped at them.
Harry grunted as he collected some ingredients from Snape's desk. Ron leaned across the desk and shyly handed Hermione a paper bag. She took it with a puzzled expression on her face.
'Everyone's talking about buying their girlfriends a dress or robes to wear to the Ball but I can't really afford one for you.' Ron explained, but his voice was low so that only Hermione could hear him. 'I got you something else. It's something you can wear.'
Hermione opened the paper bag and peered inside. The look on Ron's face told her he didn't want anyone to know he couldn't buy her a dress. She gasped when she saw the gift.
'Thanks Ron', she breathed.
Ron's ears went red. 'It's not much and I'm really sorry about the dress-'
'No! I love this Ron. It's really lovely of you to think of this.'
A huge smile broke out on his face and he beamed. Hermione reached inside the bag and took out the perfume to look at it. It was presented in a beautiful bottle with little designs such as little magical creatures on it and little mermaids appeared to be swimming about in the sweet-scented perfume. Although the bottle was small, it was carefully made and each miniature creature was so detailed.
'Remember you bought me perfume in our fifth year for Christmas?' she asked tearing her eyes away from the enchanted perfume to gaze at him.
Ron nodded. 'Yeah, I dunno why I did that', he chuckled. 'I guessed you were fed up with books and stuff and perfume would be different. Did you like it?'
'Yeah', Hermione said, remembering its unusual smell, unusual but nice. 'I liked it. It was a change from the usual books I usually get as presents . . . I love you Ron', she added in a whisper.
Her words took Ron by surprise. He raised an eyebrow. 'Thanks', he said softly.
'What?' asked Hermione, questioning the surprised expression on his face.
'Nothing', Ron told her, taking her hand gently. 'It's just that I love hearing you saying that and it's weird hearing you say it at the same time. It's so great to hear you say it though. I love you too. Oh yeah, and I got you a book on the History of Healing. I know you like that kind of stuff.'
'I've got something for you too', Hermione said. 'I meant to give them to you earlier for getting Head Boy but I kept forgetting.' Hermione reached into her bag and brought out two boxes. They were quite big and took up nearly half the space in her bag. She handed them to Ron.
'Thanks!' he cried, ripping the wrapping paper off the first box. 'Wow! Chudley Cannons: The Guide for Fans. This is great!' Ron held the book up closer to his face to read the cover. It was special edition hardback book and he ran his fingers along the title printed in gold. The team members flew around on the front cover waving up at him.
Hermione smiled as she followed his expressions move from surprised, to amused, to interested as he turned each page. When he had skimmed through the book he set it down, only to pick up the next box. He tore the paper off as he had done with the first box and a few other students looked over as he cried out in surprise.
'Whoa! The Chudley Cannons Chocolate Set!' No matter how much older Ron got his love for chocolate had never lessened. As soon as she saw the box set sitting on a shelf in Honeydukes she immediately thought of Ron. The chocolate had been enchanted to look like the team and to also move and act like them. It was a perfect present for him. She half expected to find, 'Especially made for the Ron Weasleys of the Wizarding World', written on it. Ron's eyes lit up as he counted and named all the players in the box - they were all there. He was completely overwhelmed by the gift. You could see the team inside the box and each one was so detailed and life-like.
'Do you like it?' Hermione asked, but the look on his face already gave her an answer.
'It's wicked!' Ron told her, but then he looked upset about something.
'What's wrong?' she asked.
'The presents you gave me were amazing. My gifts are rubbish compared to yours. I hate being poor!' he confessed, hanging his head.
'Don't be so silly', Hermione said softly, taking his hand from across the table. 'I love the presents you got me. You got me the presents I like and I got you something you like. I was going to get you a book, but I know you don't like that kind of stuff.' Ron looked up at her warm smile. She was so pretty when she smiled like that.
'Thanks for you help you two', Harry said. He was carrying all the ingredients and they tumbled out of his arms as he reached the table.
'Sorry, Harry', Hermione said, suddenly remembering they had left Harry to do all the work on his own. 'Ron and I will make the potion.' Ron was about to object but gave in to Hermione's warning look.
The lesson passed slowly, just the way it did in any potions lesson they had been to. Knowing it was their last ever potions lesson made them feel better though.
'Hey, Harry, Ron!' Dean called from over at his table.
'What's up Dean?' Ron called back.
'Wanna go to Hogsmede tomorrow since our last chance?' Dean asked.
'Yeah ok.' Harry answered.
Ron looked at Hermione as if asking her to come along. She smiled and nodded her head.
'Yeah, we'll be there', Ron said.
'You don't mind if I bring Ginny, do you Ron?' Dean said, afraid that Ron would object.
'Er. . .'
'Oh let her come along Ron', Hermione said. 'We can go to the Three Broomsticks or something. We don't have to be around them.'
'Oh ok', Ron gave in. However, Ron started to grunt and complain about the potion being hard to make constantly. He wasn't happy at the thought of his little sister going out with his friend Dean. He'd feel much better if she was going out with someone he knew really well, like Harry.
'Easy with that!' Harry warned Ron as Ron mixed the potion so violently it was spilling up over the edges of the cauldron. 'Be careful!'
'I am being careful', Ron snapped as he pulled the spoon out of the cauldron and slammed it down on the table, while glaring at Dean.
After the potion had been made Snape collected the potions and told everyone to tidy up. Ron was still growling and stomping around.
'Why don't you clear up the table Ron', Hermione quickly suggested. Ron grabbed a cloth and started to wipe the table. His fist was clenched and Hermione was afraid he'd rub a hole into the table, he was rubbing so hard.
'I've checked all your potions and I think it is safe to say they at least won't kill anyone who drinks them but whether they work or not is an entirely different matter. So I will test them all now. Seeing as this is the last potions class I will ever take you for let me just say that I can hardly say it was a pleasure teaching you and I hope I never see some of you again. I pity that big wide world you are all setting out into. You are the future Healers, teachers or Aurors of this world. Merlin help us all.' Snape sneered.
Ron rubbed the table even more roughly.
A loud crashing sound came from the table where Ron was cleaning it. For a split second Hermione feared Ron had broken a magiscope.
'WEASLEY!' Snape roared.
Everyone gave a huge sigh of relief when they realised what it really was that Ron had knocked over and broken by accident.
'It's alright, sir', Hermione squeaked. 'Ron's just knocked over my perfume.'
Students were lying lazily beside the lake, drinking butterbeers or splashing each other near the waters edge as Ron, Hermione and Harry made theirs way into Hogsmede Village. This was the last time they would ever make this walk from the school to the village. They remembered the times they had spent together in the village and all the good times they had at Hogwarts. But soon they would leave it all behind and start their new lives somewhere else.
'Do you think we'll still know each other in about thirty years time?' Hermione asked Ron and Harry.
''Course we will.' Ron assured her.
'We're best friends, we'll always stay in touch. Even if we move really far away from each other.' Harry added.
'You won't get rid of me that easily.' Ron said as the village of Hogsmede came into sight. 'We'll still be friends when you're a famous Quidditch player Harry, Hermione is headmistress of Hogwarts and I'm Minister of Magic.' They all laughed but they knew that no matter what they'd always be friends. Their friendship mattered too much.
Dean, Neville, Ginny, Susan and Seamus were all waiting for them outside Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes. Since they all had their own things to buy they all decided to split up. Dean and Ginny paired up, Susan and Harry went off together and Seamus and Neville went their own way. Hermione was left on her own with Ron - which was just what she wanted. As soon as everyone had gone off Ron grinned at Hermione and took her hand, squeezing it gently.
'Ron are you sure you still want to get me another perfume? You don't have to you know.' Hermione said. But Ron was determined to replace the perfume he had broken only the day before.
'Yeah, of course I do.' He said, and Hermione knew there was to be no arguing with him over this. While they were there they decided to call in on Fred and George to see how they were getting on in their shop. 'Maybe they'll give me some free dungbombs', said Ron hopefully. 'I want to let them off in Snape's office before I leave Hogwarts.'
'Ron!' Hermione cried. 'You never change do you?'
'Nope.' They entered the shop together only to see lots of Hogwarts students and other young children all gathered around watching a display of Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs Fred and George had let off. The children were cheering and Fred and George seemed to be having just as much fun as them.
'Well, if it isn't ickle Ronny-kins and his wittle girlyfriend', Fred taunted when he saw them coming into the shop. 'What can we get you?'
'Could I have some dungbombs please?' Ron said, trying to ignore Fred's teasing.
'That'll be two sickles for a small bag please', George said.
'I was kind of hoping you'd give me them for free', Ron pleaded.
'Oh yeah sure, do you want the whole shop and all while you're at it?' George said sarcastically.
'He's going to let them off in Snape's office before we leave school', Hermione informed the twins.
'Well, why didn't you say so!' Fred laughed. 'Here.' He lifted a large bag of dungbombs off the shelf and handed them to Ron. 'Let off some from us will you Ron? Mind you use all of these in Snape's office. We're not always this generous in handing out free stuff. Business might be better than ever but we only give out free dungbombs for a special cause.'
'Go off and play with your wittle girlyfriend now Ronny-kins', George said in a motherly voice. Ron went bright red.
'Shut up!' he warned turning to leave with Hermione.
'Off for a quick shag behind the broomstick shed are you Ron?' Fred called. Hermione could feel Ron squeezing her hand even more tightly with embarrassment.
George put on a high pitched voice that sounded as if he were trying to imitate a girl. 'Oh Ron! Is that a wand in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?' Ron slammed the door shut as they went back outside.
'Stupid, bloody gits', Ron muttered furiously.
'Uh. . . so, what should we do now?' Hermione asked, trying to take Ron's mind off his embarrassment.
'Dunno. . . fancy a quick shag behind the broomstick shed?' Ron joked. Hermione shot a quick glance at him to see if he was serious - he sounded serious. Ron straightened up and chuckled at Hermione's shocked expression. 'It was just a joke', he said, taking both her hands and looking into her eyes. 'Come on then, let's go to Dervish and Banges. That's where I got the perfume before.'
Even though Ron had been joking, she had thought for a fraction of a second that he was serious, even though he was joking. It had scared her. The prospect of being with Ron in that way scared her. But what scared her even more was that in that split second that she thought he was serious she wanted to do it.
I want to more than anything, she thought to herself. But I wouldn't know what to do if I was in the situation. Come on! This is Ron here. I love him and everyone who's ever done it has started off the same as me once.
This was something she wanted to do. It meant so much to her. Being with Ron was fine, no, it was more than fine. Wonderful, amazing, fabulous, fantastic, words couldn't describe it. But she wanted to show Ron how much she loved him. They had spent six whole years bickering and snapping at each other she wanted to make up for all those times she was nasty to him. She was afraid she'd lose him. . .
He was so different now. Much more grown up. His brother's taunts didn't annoy him so much. He changed so much that he had become a better person, but kept all his qualities that made him a good person in the first place.
They made their way to Dervish and Banges and Ron took out some money from his pocket. Ron always was awkward when people saw him handling money. When he dropped the knuts for a fifth time Hermione picked them up for him.
'Would it be alright if I go to Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop?' Hermione asked, handing the money to Ron. 'I just want to see if I could get some teachers a quill as a present. You know, for being really helpful teachers.'
'Yeah sure', Ron said, glad that Hermione wouldn't constantly have to be reminded how poor he was. He hated when she saw him struggling to pay for something.
'Thanks Ron, I'll only be a few minutes.'
Hermione turned, only to be feel Ron reach out and hold her arm. He tugged it gently.
'Fine then, don't give me a goodbye kiss.' Ron joked, pretending to sound outraged.
'Ron! I'm only going for five minutes!' she laughed. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and smiled when he wouldn't let go of her arm. A stern look from her quickly made him drop her arm.
'Ok', he sighed. 'You're getting quills right?'
'Right!' she called walking away.
Wrong. It was a lie. As much as she hated lying to her best friends this was only a little white lie. What she really wanted to do was to go to Madam Malkin's shop to see if her dress robes for the ball were ready. When she had heard there was to be a final ball for the seniors leaving Hogwarts Hermione immediately went out and ordered a dress to wear. She didn't want to tell Ron, as he thought she would be wearing her old one from fourth year so she wanted to surprise him. She knew he was secretly uncomfortable about Hermione going to the ball in a dress she had worn when she was with Krum but he assured her on the way to Hogsmede that it didn't matter as long as she was going to the ball with him.
'Hello Madam Malkin, are my dress robes ready?' Hermione said brightly as she walked into the shop.
'Oh hello Miss Granger', Madam Malkin greeted her. 'Yes I believe they are. They just arrived this morning. Would you like to take a look at them?'
'Please.' Hermione said excited hurrying up to the desk. Madam Malkin disappeared into a store room and came out holding Hermione's dress robes. They simply took her breath away.
'Oh! It's beautiful!' Hermione exclaimed. The dress robes were a soft, violet colour, this time, and its light, soft colour made the dress look so delicate. When she reached out and felt the fabric she realised the dress really was delicate. It was made of such light silk and it didn't look too over the top. The bottom half of the dress sat out just a little just below the waist line. And the waist line had a line of tiny lavender blue flowers across it. She had had this dress especially made.
'Would you like to try it on?' Madam Malkin asked, taking a compliment from Hermione's reaction to the dress.
'Yes please', Hermione said, still hardly believing how beautiful it was. Madam Malkin showed her to a room she could change in and Hermione took the dress into the room to try it on. The dress fell elegantly down over her head to her feet and swayed slightly when she walked to the mirror. Beautiful. There was no other way to describe it. She looked like an angel and she knew Ron would love it.
Gathering her hair up in her hands she tried to imagine her hair in loose curls. She would tie it back in a bun but let some curls fall around her face. Ron would find her irresistible but he could only see it at the ball, no sooner.
But she didn't have much time left so she quickly changed back into her normal clothes and brought the dress to Madam Malkin to pay for it.
'Thankyou ever so much', Hermione said quickly. 'I have to go and meet Ron now.'
'Bye dear!' Madam Malkin called as Hermione ran out of the sop. But when she reached Dervish and Banges Ron was still in the shop, standing at the counter, paying for the perfume. Hermione was standing at the door of the shop, reading some posters on careers to kill time when suddenly she felt two hands cover her eyes from behind her.