Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in this story although I love them very much!
Hello all. Back-to-school was pretty good because my best friends and me were in the same homeroom. Yet my Dad forced me to change homerooms so I could have a certain Option (boo-woo!) So it's a bit depressing but I'm going to live through it because I'm...STRONG (LOL) ...eh sorry for rambling but most don't seem to understand! If you've read this...I love you! If you haven't...thanks anyway for reading this fic! TTFN!
Chrismukkah-hunnie: I'm glad you thought it was a good idea! And I have to say I agree that the OC is the best show EVER. I love Seth, same with at least ten of my friends! Thanks for your review too.
Silver Ice: Wow I didn't know it was so funny! I had to work hard to think of something for the Department of Mysteries because it's such a hard place to describe really. Thank you for reviewing!
Mijy: Yeah Ron's got good friends (and me! seeing as I control him in this case) to stop him for doing oh so stupid things. Happy you see you like it! Thanks!
airhead14: Yeah they can be immature but they're adorable. I'm glad you could review this time and thank you for it!
Fawkes Forever: Yeah I know it would be sad to see Ron go that way! It's even sad to see Sirius there. And thanks for reviewing too!
Brummie-Babe: Thank you Thank you! I'm trying to update as soon as possible but it's being more difficult to do so.
bethzc: Ron really needs to get a move on, doesn't he? I'm glad you liked the vials!
Brooke Monica: Nice to know my humor doesn't just make my closest (and weirdest) friends laugh. Thank you for the Department of Mysteries compliment it's a tricky place to write about.
QueEnfullofDrama: LOL well I'm pleased you enjoyed the ending so much! I try...well I hope I can keep up with the quick updates or else Death might be knocking at my door...That's an a pretty cool phrase you've got there. If I ever use it do I need to write a disclaimer along with it? Haha. Thanks for review also.
Miss Court-A-Doo: Thanks for the awesome review! I hope by the end of this story Hermione can manage to redeem herself completely! Yeah it pains me to see Ron so lonely! But in case he doesn't end up with Hermione in this story cough cough you can have him! Or maybe I shouldn't say that since I'm not JKR...lol.
Woo! I'm happy to see I didn't fail you guys miserably or anything. I hope I won't do it now. I'm glad you all enjoyed the vials and the ending with Harry and Ron! I've been feeling down lately so hearing from you all has cheered me up considerably!
The owl looked like it had been scraping at Ron's window for at least an hour and it gave him an indignant hoot as it swooped in angrily. The owl landed on an armchair and ruffled its feathers and studied Ron carefully. He didn't know if an owl could narrow its eyes but this one seemed to be doing so.
"No need to be mad at me" Ron grumbled, "I was in the shower."
The owl gave a loud screech that made Goosebumps form all along his arm. He jumped back a few paces and stared at a mirror in the front foyer of his flat. Moist beads of water were still gently dripping from his redhead. He reached up and gave his hair a shake. Water splattered everywhere. Including the owl. It gave another deafening screech that made Ron knock over an umbrella jar. It smashed into large chunky pieces and Ron looked up once again at his reflection on the water-splattered mirror.
His face had grown pale over the days and there were bags under his eyes. It was most unlike him to look so...old. Damned Love. Ron had been constantly worrying about Hermione getting engaged at any moment. Every time he'd heard she and Seamus had gone out his heart seemed to stop but for some odd reason Seamus seemed in no hurry to propose. He should have thought this was brilliant but somehow it only made things worse. Hermione getting engaged would settle the matter once and for all. It would mean what Ron had dreaded for a long time. She would no longer be open for the taking. In the case of that happening Ron wouldn't have to stress anymore. Sure, he would be heartbroken and deeply regretful of not getting her before but it would have to be better than it was now. Now Ron was always in a fret and didn't know what to do. Half the time he wished to shout it out to the world that he loved and always would love Hermione Granger but at other times he just nagged himself to stay quiet and let them both get on with their lives.
He turned away from the mirror and stared at the broken shards of the umbrella jar. It was almost like looking at his life. Broken apart. Messed up.
"Reparo"
The jumble of pieces flew back together and the umbrella jar stood before him good as new. If only he could put his life back together that way. The owl let out another loud screech and Ron missed breaking the umbrella jar again by mere inches.
"Will you shut up" he snapped, "I'm taking the letter alright?"
The owl seemed to understand because it stuck out the leg with the letter attached to it but turned it's head as if Ron had upset it but getting mad. Ignoring this factor Ron untied the letter and noticed it had a green seal from the Daily Prophet stamped on it. Deciding it was from Hermione he ripped it open quickly.
Dear Mr. Weasley
We, at the Daily Prophet, would like to have you invited to an interview at our Headquarters at 3120 Diagon Alley, London. As you realize we recently mistakenly published a bogus article about you and your family and we have hoped you read our article of apology. However we believe that a new article featuring an interview with you will replenish any wrongful impressions the public may have. Your reporter will be Miss Daphne Greengrass and our Editor in Chief Miss Hermione Granger will supervise the interview. The photographer in question will be Mister Colin Creevey. If you wish to change any of the planned staff assisting you in your interview please notify us as soon as possible. If you do not agree to participate in our interview please owl, floo, or apparate and cancel your interview, which is currently set for five o'clock on the dot today.
Signed
Laura Madley
Daily Prophet Client Affairs Specialist
Candidate for Assistant Editor
Ron wrapped the letter up and smiled for not apparent reason. Hermione will be there. That was a good enough reason for him to show up and take the interview without goofing off. He leaned against the wall and stared straight at her name. At a time he'd frowned every time he heard it but now just hearing a word like it made him feel like all the wind had been blown out of him. The owl screeched once again making Ron leaps backwards and knock over the umbrella jar.
Just as Ron was sitting down to lunch Croaker walked into his office. Panicking, Ron saw him and immediately covered his ears with his hands.
"Weasley, what are you doing?" Croaker demanded.
"Nothing, sir" Ron mumbled lowered his hands. He had just realized how much he'd probably resembled a dolt.
"Weasley!" Croaker shouted leaning into Ron's ear the moment he'd left it unguarded. Ron glared at him. Why did he always have to do that?
"Did you want something, sir?" Ron asked as usual trying not to wince.
"Just wanted to make sure to were on alert" Croaker started. Ron turned back to his lunch and began stuffing some chicken in his mouth.
"And-
"And?" Ron said in a muffled voice through all the chicken. This was the second time this week Croaker actually had something to say to him.
"Close your mouth Weasley" Croaker growled, "And you've got a letter."
"From who?" Ron questioned suddenly worried. The only other time someone sent him a letter at work was when Ginny got hexed badly on the job. He had had to go to St. Mungo's and stay there overnight.
"I don't ruddy know from who Weasley. I'm not your secretary!" Croaker shouted.
"Yes, sir, I know, sir" Ron replied. Croaker grumbled under his breath and tossed Ron the letter. He waited until Croaker was out of the room and he could no longer hear his footsteps stomping down the hall to tear the letter open.
The letter was from none other than Hermione.
Dear Ron
Make sure you don't portray that we share a relationship outside anything professional! I'll explain about it later to you.
Love Hermione
Ron couldn't say he understood but he decided he'd have to go along with it anyways. What did it matter when she wrote Love Hermione?
He flooed to the Daily Prophet Headquarters about ten minutes late. Hermione, Daphne Greengrass and Colin were all standing there, each of them looking rather impatient. Although Colin looked more excited than upset. As soon as Ron stepped out of the fireplace Colin began flashing pictures. Ron barely had time to blink when Colin shot another picture. Then another. Then another...
"Colin! You're wasting your film!" Hermione scolded, holding both arms on her hips.
"Uh right Hermione" Colin said shooting her a shifty look as if he weren't about to cease taking frantic pictures of Ron.
"Good Afternoon" Daphne Greengrass greeted coldly. She had a slightly pinched look about her as if she had lived her whole life in a spur of winter. Her skin was pale. Practically gray. Her eyes looked more red than brown and her dark hair fell over her bony shoulders. The only perturbing thing about her was her red lips. As if they had been dyed by some scarlet substance.
"Same to you" Ron responded just as coolly.
"Welcome to the Daily Prophet Headquarters" Hermione smiled looking at Ron as if she had never met him.
"Hello Miss-erm-Granger is it?" Ron asked trying to keep up the act.
"Yes" Hermione clarified unnecessarily. She reached out her hand and Ron took it and they began shaking hands. Ron stared at her face and kept grinning at her. She was so darn cute when she tried act as if she didn't know him. Suddenly he found her closing the gap between them while still holding his hand. He felt his ears go red and his face warm up.
"Let go of my hand, you've been holding onto it for at least two minutes!" Hermione hissed even though she'd managed to keep her mouth shut. Blushing even more Ron released her hand and coughed quietly.
He noticed Daphne staring at him with raised eyebrows and gave another uncomfortable cough. He didn't have to worry about making the situation seem unsuspicious to both Daphne and Hermione because Colin's camera began clicking away.
"Creevey" Daphne said, "You're blinding us all with your silly camera."
Colin looked crestfallen but managed to smile weakly. Daphne only sniffed in response.
"Shall we go to the interview room?" Hermione suggested.
As they walked down the hall Colin still had to skip to keep up with Ron's long strides.
"Have you seen Harry lately?" Colin said sounding a bit too eager.
"I suppose I have to don't I? We both work at the Ministry." Ron replied simply.
"Do-D'yeh think he'd ever let me have a photography session with him?" Colin asked hopefully.
"I don't know. Maybe" Ron yawned. He had a feeling Harry would rather die than have a photo session with anyone let alone Colin.
"Does he ever mention me? Ever?" Colin wanted to know. Why was it that Colin's voice was still high-pitched and squeaky?
"Sometimes" Ron replied truthfully. He remembered Harry saying Colin could really be a pain in the neck at times.
"Wow. He's really amazing, isn't he?" Colin sighed.
"Please Creevey, why don't you just go lick the soles of Potter's shoes" Daphne sniffed.
Colin fell silent and Ron had to admit that he was grateful to Daphne for shutting Colin up even though it was rudely done.
"Here we are" Hermione said pushing open the door to a luxurious room with comfy, blood red, furniture. Paintings of the first generation of Daily Prophet Staff were placed accordingly throughout the room. Ron noticed various drinks were placed on top of a finely furnished table. He released a low whistle.
"Whoa. You guys go all out for people you interview!" Ron said blinking.
"Whisky?" Hermione inquired.
"Please" Ron nodded.
Hermione handed him a large glass of Whisky and his eyes caught sight of some nuts. Cashews. Evidently the Daily Prophet really did their homework. He noticed other very specific drinks around the table. Hermione gulped some Gillywater and Ron saw her knuckles go white as she gripped her armchair tightly. Colin started chugging down a butterbeer and tapping the table. Daphne sipped some red liquid from a tiny crystal glass. Oddly enough Ron couldn't pinpoint what the drink exactly was. It was most uncharacteristic for him seeing as he'd drunk every drink there was.
"What have you got there?" Ron questioned gesturing towards her glass.
"Blood" Daphne responded. Ron coughed up all the Whisky in his mouth.
"Blood?" Ron gasped causing Colin to take a picture. He stared at Hermione for an explanation. She only shook her head in a pitying way and continued to drink her Gillywater.
"I'm a Vampire" Daphne simpered. She turned her glass a bit causing the blood to create a mini whirlpool. Ron studied the glass carefully. He almost felt sick looking at it.
"Is it...human blood?" Ron asked almost afraid of the answer. He blanched for a second as Colin shot another blinding picture.
Daphne's eyes glinted dangerously, "Of course it's human's blood. Do you expect me to drink the blood of an animal? Vampires are not vulgar barbarians. We only drink the blood of only the foulest living thing. Humans."
Ron wasn't sure whether to be offended or not. Hermione and Colin seemed indifferent to Daphne's comment so he decided to follow their example. He found himself curious to know as to how Daphne obtained the blood. After thinking it through he decided he'd feel a lot safer if he didn't know.
"Well if we're done with the chit-chat then I think we ought to start the interview" Daphne said placing the glass of blood on the table. She dusted off her hands even though she didn't need to and grabbed a Quick Quill and parchment out of a red purse with ugly boil-like things on it.
Hermione also set down her drink and glanced between them thoughtfully. Colin's camera started flashing away like mad. He quickly ceased after receiving a deadly glare from Daphne.
"So Weasley, tell us about your job. Do you like it?" Daphne questioned loudly as if she were insulting him somehow.
"Erm-Ron looked at Hermione for support but she showed no signs of help-I think it's cool if that's what you mean. Everyone at the Ministry's nice" Ron began nervously.
"So are you saying you like your job?" Daphne asked as if he were admitting to some filthy deed.
"Yeah..." Ron responded slightly dumbfounded.
"I've heard from sources at the Leaky Cauldron that you often complain about your job. You claim there's not enough action involved. Thinking of taking up the Auror business like your good friend Potter?" Daphne shot making Ron feel as if he were on trial.
"Well-come on everyone complains about their job. I'm actually planning on being an Unspeakable for all of the future for myself I can see" Ron answered trying to keep cool. He was beginning to understand why Hermione hadn't wanted Daphne to figure out she and him shared a friendship. Daphne was sure to use that to her benefit somehow. She was like the next Rita Skeeter.
"Fine" Daphne said looking him up and down, "Do you keep in touch with any of your old friends from Hogwarts?"
"Yeah I do" Ron replied. To choose his words carefully was key.
"Really?" Daphne said shooting a furtive look towards Hermione. Hermione immediately tensed and looked at Ron carefully.
"You and our Hermione were quite the pair best friends in your days weren't you?" Daphne smirked.
"I suppose we were" Ron said slowly.
"I was at Hogwarts myself at the time. A Slytherin" Daphne continued, "And I always heard the darnest rumors about you two."
"Well obviously they weren't true" Ron muttered through clenched teeth.
Daphne arched a skeptical eyebrow.
"So do you have a girlfriend?" Daphne asked, lightly taking her glass off the table and lifting it to her lips. After she lowered it Ron noticed some of the blood remained on her bottom lip. Her tongue slipped out of her cherry cherub mouth and licked the blood. Ron found it strangely entrancing.
"No I don't" Ron clarified quietly.
"Would you like one?" Daphne added demandingly.
"Which guy wouldn't?" Ron went on. He found himself somehow unable to take his eyes off her lips.
"How far would you go to get one?" Daphne asked twirling a finger through her hair.
"As far as it takes" Ron said in a voice unlike his. It sounded mature and detached from his body. Could Vampires possibly hypnotize their victims? Or maybe Daphne was half-Veela because she was beginning to look mysteriously beautiful.
"So far that you would actually steal your friend's girlfriend?" Daphne questioned.
"Ye-
"Daphne!" Hermione yelped suddenly interrupting Ron midway through him saying "yes." Ron was grateful to her for saving his neck from saying something stupid. He had a feeling Daphne knew more about him then she let on.
"You cannot accuse our guests of criminating acts especially when you haven't shown any evidence beforehand to your Editor in Chief!" Hermione explained sounding as if she had read up on a book about things-you-couldn't-do-at-the-Daily-Prophet.
Ron had suspected Daphne to retort something back but instead she hung her head in shame. He had not known her for long but he could guess that having her bow down to someone was not the usual. But apparently she respected Hermione enough to abide by her rules.
"Yes, sorry 'Mione" Daphne sighed, "Just trying to get a good story."
"Never undermine your integrity for a good story" Hermione tutted as if she were Daphne's mother even though both ladies were fairly young.
Colin started flashing more pictures of Ron. Apparently now that the other two ladies were busy he felt free to take pictures of Ron like crazy. He tried hard not to look the camera's lense in the eye since he was already sure he'd need glasses from all the times he'd had to blink away those annoying green dots.
"Colin!" Hermione said scalding him with her cut-through-air voice, "Will you stop that? How many times do I have to tell you it's a waste of film?"
Colin nodded glumly but kept his finger on the button.
"Ok Weasley shall we get into some more questions?" Daphne supplied. The coldness in her voice had returned. It seemed that she still didn't respect him. Ron found himself in awe at how much they all appreciated and respected Hermione. She was like the Queen of the Daily Prophet. Argh. He was disgusted by how smitten he was by her.
"Now how often do you and Potter keep in touch?"
Colin flashed at least three pictures in the span of less than five minutes.
Author's Note: Hi! Sorry if the chapter was short or something. I wanted to add something else in here but that'll have to wait till the next chappie where things start to get more...serious. But it'll be fun to write nonetheless and fun to read I hope. I hope you all liked this chapter even though it didn't turn out at all the way I thought it would!
Sorry if my updates are getting slower but that's what happens with school I guess. Hmm...I guess I should tell you all now that I'm going to Asia from October 2nd to November 20th. So Unless I miraculously finish the story by then...you know what it means!