Chapter Two

An Uncertain Hermione Granger

"Pardon me," Daniel asked the restaurant host, "could you tell me where Miss Hermione Granger might be?"

The attractive young man was directed to the bar where an enchanting young woman in black dress stood swarmed by a crowd of reporters all trying to get an interview from her. She waved to him over the sea of people beckoning him to join her.

A party was being held at the British Ritz Carlton celebrating the premiere of The Importance of being Earnest. Hermione Granger had stolen the show as the female lead, Cecily Cardew.

"Congratulations, Miss Granger, you were beautiful tonight!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed the play." She replied, sipping her champagne.

"What's your next project Miss Granger?"

"Miss Granger, what do you think about going Hollywood?"

"Hermione, tell us about your relationship with Daniel George!"

Just as she was becoming surrounded by reporters, the handsome, Daniel strolled toward her carrying a bouquet of roses.

"Well done, darling." London Prime Minister runner, Daniel George, said kissing his girl friend on the cheek.

Cameras had gone crazy, flashing the couple as they displayed their affection.

"They're beautiful Daniel!" Hermione gushed over the roses. "I'm so glad you're here."

"That's enough pictures for tonight," Daniel dismissed the photographers, sweeping Hermione away from the crowd, "will you all excuse us, please." He led her out onto the balcony, over the spectacular view, so the two of them could be alone. The flashing of cameras still followed them.

"You were brilliant tonight Hermione," He said, softly pulling her into a tender kiss. "and you look absolutely lovely."

Hermione's heart began to race and she could feel her palms sweating. Was he proposing? She was suspecting he would propose any day, they had been dating for over a year now, but she wasn't entirely sure if her answer was yes.

"You know love," Daniel started, holding her trembling hands. "Lately you've seemed…distracted. Like, you've had a lot on your mind."

He paused, still fiddling with something in his tux pocket.

"I hope it's not because of us."

"Of course not, Daniel." she reassured him. "Things have just been hectic, with the play and all…"

"But for the past few weeks it's like you haven't even been here, like you've been off in another world."

Daniel looked into Hermione's lovely brown eyes, but to his dismay she wasn't looking into his. In fact, she was almost avoiding his eyes. What could be so important they she would hide from him?

"I'm sorry," She said softly, after a long pause, "I have been preoccupied lately, and I know I've ignored you for past month, but I'm fine now."

Hermione kissed his cheek softly. "I'm back."

"Good." Daniel sighed in relief. He still wasn't sure what caused Hermione to behave so unusual, but if he said she was fine, he was willing to believe her.

"Well as long as we're okay, I want to ask you something."

This was it. He was going to propose. So much was swimming around in Hermione's head she couldn't think straight.

"Hermione Granger," Daniel began as he slowly bended his knee in front of her. "Ever since I've known you there was something about you, something…" he paused searching for the right words, "magical. Like, you're immortal."

Hermione's heart stopped. She couldn't breath and the world was spinning. What was he saying? Something about magic? Does he know something?

"Hermione?"

"Hmmm?"

"Haven't you been listening?"

"Of course, yes, I'm sorry," She apologized.

"Darling, will you marry me?" Daniel whispered.

Hermione looked into the eyes of the man that adored her so much. After a year's relationship, did she still not know how she really felt about him?

He pulled out an astonishing diamond engagement ring. Hermione gasped as he slipped it gently on her skinny finger.

Hermione cared deeply for Daniel George. He was handsome, he was about to become Great Britain's youngest Prime Minister, and he loved her very much. She would be out of her mind to say no.

A part of her wanted to scream "Yes, I will be Mrs. Daniel George!" but something inside her wouldn't allow it. Hermione didn't know what it was, but it was keeping her from marrying the man of her dreams.

Daniel waited patiently waited for a response. He could sense her doubt as her hands shook uncontrollably. His heart began to sink.

Despite all her doubt however, Hermione looked up at Daniel and smiled at him.

"Yes, Yes!" Hermione cried.

Daniel swooped her into his arms and spun her round in celebration. he gave his soon-to-be-bride a passionate kiss.

"Everyone," Daniel called to the party's attention as he set his new fiancé down. "May I have everyone's attention please?"

All the party guests turned their interest to them. Hermione froze

"I would like to make an announcement," his face was glowing with excitement. "Hermione and I…are engaged to be married!"

The whole party gasped and applauded the engaged couple. The band began to play songs of celebration and a crown of people came up to them expressing congratulations.

Later that evening, the attention had become too much for Hermione and she told Daniel that with the play and all the excitement of the engagement, she needed some rest.

Hermione lay in bed, later that evening, admiring the diamond Daniel had given to her. Suddenly, it became obvious why Hermione was filled with so much uncertainty.

"Ron…"