A/N-Hey there all, just lettin' ya know, as usual, that I own none of these characters, etc. But you all knew that already-winkwink-
Chapter 3: Flashback to Embarrassment
Ron sat on his bed, fuming as he stared at his Chudley Cannons poster. He couldn't understand all of the emotions mixing inside of him at the same time: anger, sadness, desperation, want, bitterness, confusion, lust. It made his stomach churn and his blood boil.
Unable to sit still any longer, he stood up and paced the short length of his room, pondering the letter for what seemed like the millionth time. No reply for so long…and then, all of a sudden, a death in the family? It just didn't seem to add up to Ron. Why hadn't she been more specific? Why? There were never enough answers for his many questions.
What Ron was sure of, however, was the growing emptiness that took over his soul every day since leaving Hogwarts. Sure, he missed his best friend, Harry. But Hermione…
Just thinking of her spiked Ron's pulse.
Not that he wasn't thinking of her often. He mentally replayed their goodbyes on Platform 9 and ¾ after watching Harry depart with the dreadful Dursleys.
-flashback-
"I do hope Harry will be alright," sighed Hermione, watching Harry's walking figure fade away in the distance.
"Ah, well," Ron said, "he'll be safe for a time." An awkward silence. "I hope."
Tears began filling Hermione's eyes. "Ron, I'm scared for Harry. I can't imagine what life would be like without him."
-back to present-
Ron winced. That remark had hurt. He tried not to think of it when he was reminiscing.
-flashback-
Continuing the conversation and attempting to comfort Hermione, Ron said, "Hermione, before you know it, we'll all be together at my house, eating my mum's great cooking and telling stories." He forced a smile. "No worries, right?" He prayed that these words would comfort her.
Hermione, in spite of Ron's attempt to make her happy, burst into tears. Ron grimaced. He had obviously said something wrong.
"Oh, Ron," she wailed, "you're right. Worrying won't solve anything. I'm just being overdramatic. Thanks for bringing me back to earth." She embraced him tightly. "I'm going to miss you so much," she sobbed.
Ron was quite taken aback by this sudden flow of emotions. Must be that time of the month, he thought to himself, recalling similar situations with his mother and sister. At the same time, he couldn't help noticing how her hair smelled of lilacs, how she was so warm, how her body fit next to his so perfectly. He closed his eyes, attempting to savor the moment, and prepared to confess, when-
BANG! The twins Apparated next to the two of them. Ron and Hermione jumped about a foot in the air (not to mention apart from each other).
"Sorry!" shouted Fred, as loudly as possible.
"Didn't mean to interrupt any 'inappropriate shows of affection', as dear Mum would say!" George screamed at the top of his lungs, with a cheeky grin on his face.
Ron wished he could sink into the floor. He would never live this one down.
"Ron!" scolded Mrs. Weasley, puffing up like an angry cat as she strode over to the four of them. "What exactly is going on here? Choose your words carefully!"
"Little Ronnie here's in love, and there was a little bit of "P-D of A", if you catch my meaning, Mum," Fred said suggestively.
Ron yelped, "No, Mum! Hermione—Hermione and I were just saying goodbye, and we were hugging, and-"
"Ron!" gasped Mrs. Weasley. "Were you trying to-" She couldn't make herself say the word. Trying again, she sputtered, "Trying to-" Failing yet again, she got red in the face. For the third time, she said, with much scandal in her voice, "Trying to-fondle-"-cough, cough- "her?"
Ron was beet-red with embarrassment. Mrs. Weasley's expression was of pure fury. Behind the two "sinners", Fred and George were trying not to explode with laughter. Fred had one hand on his stomach and the other covering his mouth. George clasped both hands over his mouth. Tears of suppressed laughter ran down his cheeks.
"No, Mrs. Weasley, Ron is right," said Hermione, exasperated. "We were just saying our goodbyes and the twins got the wrong idea. Honest. I," she added importantly, "would never do such a thing."
Mrs. Weasley's face relaxed a bit. "All right, dear, I believe you. But I'll be keeping a close eye on you all," looking pointedly at Ron, "just the same."
-end flashback-
Ron opened his eyes. He was lying on his bed again, though he wasn't quite sure how he had gotten there. A strange, tingling flooded his veins.
It was such a bittersweet moment. After all the drama, Ron and Hermione had said their goodbyes as normally-and as platonically- as their circumstances would allow. Still, Ron couldn't help wondering what had been running through Hermione's head. Was she embarrassed by the idea of being Ron's girlfriend? Or was it just embarrassment over being accused of wrongdoing? Ron wasn't quite sure.
As he moodily considered it all, a knock sounded at his bedroom door.
A/N-Okay please read/review!!!! I probably won't be updating for a week- week and 1/2(ahhhh I HATE FINALS!!!!), so hang tight-I'll be back and better than ever soon...: )