CHAPTER 10 Only Thing Is To Choose
There was a deep awkward silence as both Ron and Hermione looked at their shoes or the kitchen floor, anything so they wouldn't have to look at each other and acknowledge the awkward silence that had now fallen over them. Hermione compulsively tried to straighten her bushy, unkempt hair, as she ran her hand over it, going faster every time. Ron had become intensely interested in his shoes, studying each detail and analysing the laces. Hermione took a deep breath as she raised her head and looked at Ron. His freckles were still there, though not as prominent as they used to be, his flaming red hair sticking up in all places and was cut quite short and he was as tall as ever, though not as lanky as he once was. Over the years he really hadn't changed that much.
Sensing Hermione looking at him, Ron raised his head and looked into her chocolate eyes that he remembered so well, her bushy brown hair still stuck up in all the wrong places, much like his own he chuckled as he thought this, and she looked as Hermione-like as ever. Ron smiled at the thought of this.
"So how are you Ron?" Hermione asked nervously, breaking the ice.
"I'm fine and you?" Ron replied stiffly and looked at his feet again.
"Oh the usual still chasing after Harry because he lost my old texts", Hermione replied giggling nervously. Ron looked up at this.
"Oh right", Ron replied looking downcast again, "You know I'm really happy for you".
"Err thanks Ron", Hermione said confused.
"I'm sure you and Harry make a great couple".
"What?" Hermione asked looking Ron straight in the eyes.
"You seem to fit together very well", Ron said smiling thought his tone showed he was anything but happy.
"I'm not going out with Harry!"
"You've been friends for.What?" Ron cried looking up.
"We're not going out. We never have and never will", Hermione replied seriously.
"Oh", Ron said looking happier. "That's good, I mean no it isn't. No! Now I'm getting confused", Ron said laughing to himself rather nervously.
"I know what you mean Ron and its fine. I understand when it comes to us.", Hermione trailed off.
"Yeah", Ron replied. "Us was always complicated", and when he realised what he said he went bright red and looked down at his feet again. There was silence again.
"Look Ron", Hermione said walking towards him. "Can't we just act civil towards each other. I mean its been three years!"
"Yeah", Ron replied looking up at her again.
"Can't we just shake hands?" Hermione asked holding out her hand. Ron slowly nodded his head and they shook hands, rather slowly and each one not letting go, as if they would let go the other would be gone. So they stood there looking into each other's eyes, their hands still clasped the other.
Ron gulped as he looked at Hermione, only an arm width away, so many dreams and longings for her over the three years and now she was so close, close enough to feel her breath on his face. Close enough to kiss.
"I'm with Krista", Ron blurted out and pulled his hand away.
Hermione looked dejected and replied, "I know, Harry told me. I hope you're very happy".
"I am", Ron replied rather too quickly and Hermione being as intuitive as she is, picked up on it straight away and placed her piercing look on Ron, trying to read some emotion in his eyes. She could only see confusion.
Hermione took another deep breath, calmed her nerves and said, "Do you think we'll ever be over each other?". Ron looked up at her and saw only weariness in her eyes. He shrugged his shoulders as no words came to him.
Just then the back door opened and Fred, George, Bill and Charlie walked in talking animatedly. They stopped talking when they saw Ron and Hermione standing there awkwardly.
"Yes well", Hermione sighed then she turned to Fred and George and smiled, "Hello Fred, hello George. How are you?"
"Even better seeing you here with Ron", Fred beamed and George nodded his head. Hermione smiled.
"You ready Hermione. We had better hurry the agent is waiting", Bill said grabbing his cloak and Charlie took out his wand. Hermione nodded and turned to the twins.
"Goodbye Fred, goodbye George", and they said goodbye. Lastly she turned to Ron and held out her hand for him to shake.
"Bye Ron. Take care", though the last part she said quieter and smiled as they shook hands. Ron returned the smile.
"Bye Hermione", Ron replied. Hermione followed Bill and Charlie out the door and she was gone.
"Ok Ronnekins what can we help you with?" George asked as he sat down on a stool. "Err", Ron started turning red. "I need some advice".
"Ah our Ronnekins, you have come to the right place. Still harbouring some old feelings for Hermione eh?" Fred asked grinning from ear to ear.
"No I don't!" Ron replied automatically. "Its about Krista".
"You're having problems with Krista because you're still madly in love with Hermione", George said grinning at his brother.
"NO!"
"Krista is jealous because she thinks you're in love with Hermione", Fred added.
"Which you are!" George said.
"No and no!" Ron said getting angry. "Why don't I just go and find someone I can actually talk to".
"Ok little bro keep your head on", Fred tutted.
"Now tell us all, we will help", George added getting some pumpkin juice.
"Some for me too George", Fred said, then turned to Ron once again, "Care to talk about your little with our Hermione?" Fred asked.
"No", Ron replied stubbornly then sighed and added shaking his head, "I can't believe I blurted out, 'I'm with Krista'. Oh I'm such a Dumbass!"
"Well apart from stating the obvious", Fred started.
"That you're with Krista", George added.
"And a Dumbass", Fred finished, "I think our Ronnekins still has a flame for old Hermione".
"I don't!" Ron replied crossly.
"Which is why you're having this problem now", Fred said.
"Look Ron we're not that stupid, we've seen some relationship problems in our time. You're having problems with Krista because you've realised you still feel something for Hermione, probably because of that article and seeing her just now wouldn't have helped", George said.
Ron looked dumbfounded from Fred to George", How do you do that?"
"Oh Ron", Fred said shaking his head like Ron was a lost case.
"As we said we know a few things about stuff like this", George added.
"Look Ron you don't really have any problems with Krista. Sure we're not exactly heading the 'Krista is the greatest' campaign", Fred said.
"Due to mum mostly", George added.
"But she is a great girl, very devoted to you by the looks of it, she seems smart, good job, lots of money and very attractive. We've seen you with worse, so there's nothing wrong with her", Fred said.
"And we're quite sure she loves you very much. What you're doing is letting old feelings and confusions get in the way with what you have. Sure you once really loved Hermione and were ready to spend the rest of your life with her, but you two are split up, and no matter how many years will pass you will always have some feelings for her. I mean who wouldn't under the situations", George said.
"The point is you're with Krista and Hermione is past", Fred said sighing.
"Why couldn't you have said this a few days ago when Krista was at the dinner. I mean it would really have helped", Ron said rather crossly.
"Come on Ron you know how our family is, especially mum. We didn't know the girl so of course we would have teased you about Hermione. I mean come on we always do that!" Fred sighed
"But when you got so angry because she left and ran after her we realised to what extent you loved this girl. And we hated to admit it, but you two should be happy for each other", George said.
"I know all that, its just I realised I still love Hermione deep down, but I love Krista and now I'm just confused. I love my girlfriend yet I still love my ex girlfriend. How can that be?"
"Well Ron looks like you can only do one thing", Fred said.
"What's that?" Ron asked.
"Choose", Fred replied.
"It all comes down to, do you want to keep on going out with Krista even though deep down inside you still have feelings for Hermione, or do you break up with Krista and try your luck with Hermione again", George finished.
"What try with Hermione again? No way! I can't do that!" Ron cried.
"Then stay with Krista and work a way around the Hermione problem", Fred said.
"And how do I work around the Hermione problem?" Ron asked.
"Well you have to figure that out", George sighed.
"Now we have to go, we have much work that needs doing and our women want us back in the shop", Fred sighed getting up and stretching his legs.
"You've been a whole load of help", Ron grumbled. "I'm about as confused as ever".
"Well Ron we only told you what we thought", Fred said.
"But you said you were experts", Ron said getting annoyed.
"Haven't you learnt yet, when it comes to us we exaggerate things", George sighed.
"Well thanks for the confusing help", Ron grumbled and Apparated home.
When he reached his flat and unlocked the door, he heard music in the kitchen, dropped his gear beside the couch and walked into the kitchen. Krista was standing at the stove stirring some soup as the Witch Wireless Network was blasting some new act on the radio.
"What are you doing here?" Ron asked confused.
"Oh hello sweetie", Krista said turning around and kissing him gently on the lips. "I didn't think you would be home so early. Was training cut short?"
"Yeah I was playing too bad", Ron sighed as he sat down on a chair in the small kitchen. "So why exactly are you making dinner in my flat? Not that I mind or anything".
"Oh well I had a day off and I thought you might have had a long day and I know how you always enjoy your big meals after a training session", Krista replied adding some pepper to the soup and tasting it again. "So I thought I'd come over and make you a nice meal".
"That's sweet but you didn't have to", Ron said kissing her on the cheek.
"But I wanted to", Krista replied sweetly and smiled at him.
"Thanks", Ron replied smiling back at her. "So do you need any help?"
**************************************
Later that night Ron and Krista were cuddled up on the couch, Krista's head leaning against Ron's chest as Ron absentmindedly played with their hair as they watched some muggle television.
"I don't think I will ever get used to this television", Krista said as she watched the movie on the tv.
"Someone a few years ago got me into it and I've gotten used to it really. I mean it's a bit crude but we have nothing like this in the wizarding world. Plus its addictive", Ron replied.
"I suppose it is", Krista said and cuddled closer to Ron. "This is nice, just us two on a night in".
"It is", Ron replied smiling to himself.
Suddenly there was a loud crack and Harry Apparated into the living room.
"Hey mate, breaking past the security on the house to Apparate in is illegal, plus not very nice", Ron cried mock offended.
"Sorry Ron, but had to be done. Its an emergency and I need your help", Harry replied walking towards him. Ron sat up straight.
"Why what's wrong?"
"Its Hermione. She's in danger and she's at the Canon's grounds", Harry replied.
"What?" Ron cried standing up and grabbing his wand and cloak. "I'm coming! Bye Krista, sorry about running off", Ron cried and both Harry and Ron Disapparated.
There was a deep awkward silence as both Ron and Hermione looked at their shoes or the kitchen floor, anything so they wouldn't have to look at each other and acknowledge the awkward silence that had now fallen over them. Hermione compulsively tried to straighten her bushy, unkempt hair, as she ran her hand over it, going faster every time. Ron had become intensely interested in his shoes, studying each detail and analysing the laces. Hermione took a deep breath as she raised her head and looked at Ron. His freckles were still there, though not as prominent as they used to be, his flaming red hair sticking up in all places and was cut quite short and he was as tall as ever, though not as lanky as he once was. Over the years he really hadn't changed that much.
Sensing Hermione looking at him, Ron raised his head and looked into her chocolate eyes that he remembered so well, her bushy brown hair still stuck up in all the wrong places, much like his own he chuckled as he thought this, and she looked as Hermione-like as ever. Ron smiled at the thought of this.
"So how are you Ron?" Hermione asked nervously, breaking the ice.
"I'm fine and you?" Ron replied stiffly and looked at his feet again.
"Oh the usual still chasing after Harry because he lost my old texts", Hermione replied giggling nervously. Ron looked up at this.
"Oh right", Ron replied looking downcast again, "You know I'm really happy for you".
"Err thanks Ron", Hermione said confused.
"I'm sure you and Harry make a great couple".
"What?" Hermione asked looking Ron straight in the eyes.
"You seem to fit together very well", Ron said smiling thought his tone showed he was anything but happy.
"I'm not going out with Harry!"
"You've been friends for.What?" Ron cried looking up.
"We're not going out. We never have and never will", Hermione replied seriously.
"Oh", Ron said looking happier. "That's good, I mean no it isn't. No! Now I'm getting confused", Ron said laughing to himself rather nervously.
"I know what you mean Ron and its fine. I understand when it comes to us.", Hermione trailed off.
"Yeah", Ron replied. "Us was always complicated", and when he realised what he said he went bright red and looked down at his feet again. There was silence again.
"Look Ron", Hermione said walking towards him. "Can't we just act civil towards each other. I mean its been three years!"
"Yeah", Ron replied looking up at her again.
"Can't we just shake hands?" Hermione asked holding out her hand. Ron slowly nodded his head and they shook hands, rather slowly and each one not letting go, as if they would let go the other would be gone. So they stood there looking into each other's eyes, their hands still clasped the other.
Ron gulped as he looked at Hermione, only an arm width away, so many dreams and longings for her over the three years and now she was so close, close enough to feel her breath on his face. Close enough to kiss.
"I'm with Krista", Ron blurted out and pulled his hand away.
Hermione looked dejected and replied, "I know, Harry told me. I hope you're very happy".
"I am", Ron replied rather too quickly and Hermione being as intuitive as she is, picked up on it straight away and placed her piercing look on Ron, trying to read some emotion in his eyes. She could only see confusion.
Hermione took another deep breath, calmed her nerves and said, "Do you think we'll ever be over each other?". Ron looked up at her and saw only weariness in her eyes. He shrugged his shoulders as no words came to him.
Just then the back door opened and Fred, George, Bill and Charlie walked in talking animatedly. They stopped talking when they saw Ron and Hermione standing there awkwardly.
"Yes well", Hermione sighed then she turned to Fred and George and smiled, "Hello Fred, hello George. How are you?"
"Even better seeing you here with Ron", Fred beamed and George nodded his head. Hermione smiled.
"You ready Hermione. We had better hurry the agent is waiting", Bill said grabbing his cloak and Charlie took out his wand. Hermione nodded and turned to the twins.
"Goodbye Fred, goodbye George", and they said goodbye. Lastly she turned to Ron and held out her hand for him to shake.
"Bye Ron. Take care", though the last part she said quieter and smiled as they shook hands. Ron returned the smile.
"Bye Hermione", Ron replied. Hermione followed Bill and Charlie out the door and she was gone.
"Ok Ronnekins what can we help you with?" George asked as he sat down on a stool. "Err", Ron started turning red. "I need some advice".
"Ah our Ronnekins, you have come to the right place. Still harbouring some old feelings for Hermione eh?" Fred asked grinning from ear to ear.
"No I don't!" Ron replied automatically. "Its about Krista".
"You're having problems with Krista because you're still madly in love with Hermione", George said grinning at his brother.
"NO!"
"Krista is jealous because she thinks you're in love with Hermione", Fred added.
"Which you are!" George said.
"No and no!" Ron said getting angry. "Why don't I just go and find someone I can actually talk to".
"Ok little bro keep your head on", Fred tutted.
"Now tell us all, we will help", George added getting some pumpkin juice.
"Some for me too George", Fred said, then turned to Ron once again, "Care to talk about your little with our Hermione?" Fred asked.
"No", Ron replied stubbornly then sighed and added shaking his head, "I can't believe I blurted out, 'I'm with Krista'. Oh I'm such a Dumbass!"
"Well apart from stating the obvious", Fred started.
"That you're with Krista", George added.
"And a Dumbass", Fred finished, "I think our Ronnekins still has a flame for old Hermione".
"I don't!" Ron replied crossly.
"Which is why you're having this problem now", Fred said.
"Look Ron we're not that stupid, we've seen some relationship problems in our time. You're having problems with Krista because you've realised you still feel something for Hermione, probably because of that article and seeing her just now wouldn't have helped", George said.
Ron looked dumbfounded from Fred to George", How do you do that?"
"Oh Ron", Fred said shaking his head like Ron was a lost case.
"As we said we know a few things about stuff like this", George added.
"Look Ron you don't really have any problems with Krista. Sure we're not exactly heading the 'Krista is the greatest' campaign", Fred said.
"Due to mum mostly", George added.
"But she is a great girl, very devoted to you by the looks of it, she seems smart, good job, lots of money and very attractive. We've seen you with worse, so there's nothing wrong with her", Fred said.
"And we're quite sure she loves you very much. What you're doing is letting old feelings and confusions get in the way with what you have. Sure you once really loved Hermione and were ready to spend the rest of your life with her, but you two are split up, and no matter how many years will pass you will always have some feelings for her. I mean who wouldn't under the situations", George said.
"The point is you're with Krista and Hermione is past", Fred said sighing.
"Why couldn't you have said this a few days ago when Krista was at the dinner. I mean it would really have helped", Ron said rather crossly.
"Come on Ron you know how our family is, especially mum. We didn't know the girl so of course we would have teased you about Hermione. I mean come on we always do that!" Fred sighed
"But when you got so angry because she left and ran after her we realised to what extent you loved this girl. And we hated to admit it, but you two should be happy for each other", George said.
"I know all that, its just I realised I still love Hermione deep down, but I love Krista and now I'm just confused. I love my girlfriend yet I still love my ex girlfriend. How can that be?"
"Well Ron looks like you can only do one thing", Fred said.
"What's that?" Ron asked.
"Choose", Fred replied.
"It all comes down to, do you want to keep on going out with Krista even though deep down inside you still have feelings for Hermione, or do you break up with Krista and try your luck with Hermione again", George finished.
"What try with Hermione again? No way! I can't do that!" Ron cried.
"Then stay with Krista and work a way around the Hermione problem", Fred said.
"And how do I work around the Hermione problem?" Ron asked.
"Well you have to figure that out", George sighed.
"Now we have to go, we have much work that needs doing and our women want us back in the shop", Fred sighed getting up and stretching his legs.
"You've been a whole load of help", Ron grumbled. "I'm about as confused as ever".
"Well Ron we only told you what we thought", Fred said.
"But you said you were experts", Ron said getting annoyed.
"Haven't you learnt yet, when it comes to us we exaggerate things", George sighed.
"Well thanks for the confusing help", Ron grumbled and Apparated home.
When he reached his flat and unlocked the door, he heard music in the kitchen, dropped his gear beside the couch and walked into the kitchen. Krista was standing at the stove stirring some soup as the Witch Wireless Network was blasting some new act on the radio.
"What are you doing here?" Ron asked confused.
"Oh hello sweetie", Krista said turning around and kissing him gently on the lips. "I didn't think you would be home so early. Was training cut short?"
"Yeah I was playing too bad", Ron sighed as he sat down on a chair in the small kitchen. "So why exactly are you making dinner in my flat? Not that I mind or anything".
"Oh well I had a day off and I thought you might have had a long day and I know how you always enjoy your big meals after a training session", Krista replied adding some pepper to the soup and tasting it again. "So I thought I'd come over and make you a nice meal".
"That's sweet but you didn't have to", Ron said kissing her on the cheek.
"But I wanted to", Krista replied sweetly and smiled at him.
"Thanks", Ron replied smiling back at her. "So do you need any help?"
**************************************
Later that night Ron and Krista were cuddled up on the couch, Krista's head leaning against Ron's chest as Ron absentmindedly played with their hair as they watched some muggle television.
"I don't think I will ever get used to this television", Krista said as she watched the movie on the tv.
"Someone a few years ago got me into it and I've gotten used to it really. I mean it's a bit crude but we have nothing like this in the wizarding world. Plus its addictive", Ron replied.
"I suppose it is", Krista said and cuddled closer to Ron. "This is nice, just us two on a night in".
"It is", Ron replied smiling to himself.
Suddenly there was a loud crack and Harry Apparated into the living room.
"Hey mate, breaking past the security on the house to Apparate in is illegal, plus not very nice", Ron cried mock offended.
"Sorry Ron, but had to be done. Its an emergency and I need your help", Harry replied walking towards him. Ron sat up straight.
"Why what's wrong?"
"Its Hermione. She's in danger and she's at the Canon's grounds", Harry replied.
"What?" Ron cried standing up and grabbing his wand and cloak. "I'm coming! Bye Krista, sorry about running off", Ron cried and both Harry and Ron Disapparated.
