Disclaimer: ..:sigh:.. I think I have an identity crisis because I'm writing Harry Potter yet I'm not JKR...
Whoosh! Life is good! Even though homework SUCKS! lol ain't that sooo mature of me to say? well as is the quote "you can't always stay young but you can always stay immature" which totally applies for me! You know I got this song stuck in my head that sort of goes with the fic...don't worry no song fic chapters are coming up! Buut..
Memories of it still keep calling
And calling
But forget it all I know I will
Tempted by the fruit of another
Tempted but the truth is discovered
What's been going on
Now that you have gone
There's no other
Tempted by the fruit of another...
haha! I love that song! Sometimes me and my crazy oldies music can get a little carried away...Anyways..Best get to the thanks to all the reviewers! Woo! (perhaps I'm hyper too!)
Chrismukkah-hunnie: Yeah I want the hockey back! Yes darn that good old Seamus...but it's true his future with Hermione probably isn't the perfect mix and I kind of spoke that out in the Soul Mate chapter with the vials and all. Yes! Romance is so awesome when written right. I don't usually dig anything too sappy but fluff is alright by my standards! Hm too bad no guy can confess an undying love for me! ..:cough:..I'm in an odd mood so bear with me! Thanks for the review too!
QueEnfullofDrama: I actually forgot what I was talking about also! I LOVE YOU TOO! (As you can see I haven't had my proper medication either!) I'll be sure to check out Hawaii while in Asia, thanks! Oh and psst! Thanks for the review!
owlpostagain: Thank you for reviewing! Yeah! Ron's well of despair is just growing! Aren't I just the cruelest person in the world right now...haha...I hope I redeem myself by the end of this chappie as a kind-hearted lil softie! (psh..yeah right..even I didn't buy that and I said it)
Silver Ice: Yeah Seamus beat him to the prize again! lol well I hope your past it now 'cause new chapter, new travesty right? Ron should be able to redeem himself I mean who can stay mad at someone as wonderful as our Ron? But as someone who's also forgetful I must say not even I would forget my best friend/one true love's birthday but hey it makes the story interesting LOL. Thanks for your review also!
Brooke Monica: Thanks! Yup it was a bit short! I hope to make this one if not longer than at least the same length as I usually do. Ron really messed up badly on that birthday call but let's hope he gets a second chance as everyone should. My lips are sealed about when exactly Seamus will propose although the image is vivid in my mind! Thanks for the reading material too! I'm open to other couples other than R/Hr.
airhead14: All's fair in love and war. ..:grins wickedly:.. That was snappy even for me. lol. Thanks for the review and I'm glad you think the quality of the story is increasing not decreasing!
LunaAqua: Yeah Poor Ron! Gosh now I sound like a reviewer! Which I am sometimes to my own work. I can be rather hurtful to myself at times! Lol but it's all in good fun. Anywho cute pun and thank you very much for reviewing!
bethzc: Thanks! Seamus always seems to be one step ahead even though he doesn't know he's competing! Don't worry about reviewing certain chapters and not others! It won't make me love you any less!
lindsey-31: Thanks for the compliment! And I just don't mean the great chapter one but also the evil one. And yes I do know I'm evil! Mwuahaha! I let Seamus get the bag because it just frustrates you all so much and causes me great amusement! Ok there I was joking lol. I'm evil not a meanie. Hey your cute line was well, cute! But it ain't going to happen! Don't worry there is fluff though!
Bella-Rose01: School is EVIL! I don't have to put Ron and Hermione together but it'd always be a perfect and happy ending. Sometimes perfect and happy endings aren't always the best stories to read...not that I'm impling anything...(Or am I bluffing?) (Or am I bluffing about bluffing?) Ahaha so confusing I know! Thanks for both your reviews though!
Miss Court-A-Doo: Thanks for the reviews and stories. Both are greatly appreciated! ..:sigh:.. I really am giving hard an awfully hard time...maybe I should ease up on him and just let him have Hermione...NOT! I'm not letting that happen anytime soon! LOL! Hmm...maybe I am a meanie...
Mijy: LOL! Yes the nearest big blunt object...Ron's so slow and Seamus keeps interfering because...well...because it works with my plot! hehe...if he does tell Hermione he's sure to have problems doing it! You need to read it badly? Really? You do? Why no ones ever said that about my story before...Thanks! I know that aching feeling! I have this awesome story I know that hasn't been updated since July! And of course there's the long wait for the Half-Blood Prince! Hey you have a social life! We all have online social lives...don't we...?
Trikitty: It's about time you left a review especially since I've been telling you to read my fic since uh, I dunno, FOREVER! I love you loser! Haha! Trik Trok Trilley Aw! You should've written that! Who cares if people think you're weird! You know I love you Jui! Sudden urges, eh? OoOoOo! Lol that reminds me Bret and Jui OoOoOo-ui! I'm happy you love it and curious about it! 'Cause you know your dumb opinion matters to me buddy! You should seriously write a fic since your so 'good at writing' now, eh? Remember like last weekend when I had to read you every chappie? My throat was so sore!
Bhekie: I feel your pain! Well maybe not so much as you but it does stink that Ron's being thrusted to one side! Thanks for the review too! I hope this is as good as you anticipated!
Now thoughts on the chapter...ANOTHER Birthday! I didn't expect two birthdays...thought I would have to choose one or the other but I'm getting a massive fluff request because no one likes to see poor Ronniekins so distraught! So voila! This chapter has been born!
"That's what you got Hermione after forgetting her birthday? A Sunshine gift bag? Aren't those things like cheaper than a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans?" Harry asked in a mock serious voice before falling into peels of laughter. Ron scowled at him as he rolled on his own rug.
"It's not my fault that Seamus stole my gift" Ron grumbled crossing his arms over his chest in a childish manner. He had been sulking all day and had annoyed the hell out of anyone who he met, finally ending up in Luna and Harry's apartment. He waited until Harry had fully finished laughing before glaring at him.
"Oh don't give me that" Harry said, "I invented that."
Ron didn't answer but just chose to glare at some other inanimite object in the apartment. It was by far the most beautiful apartment Ron had seen in all his wanderings. It almost gave him the feeling of Gryffindor common room with it's red draperies and gold finishes. Entrancing and peculiar objects were constantly in movement around the room. Most were, of course, things Luna had gathered together from all over the wide-spread of five continents. The only places that had missed out on a visit from her were North America and Antarctica not that she wasn't intrigued to go but there hadn't been enough time.
Maybe he'd got it wrong, this apartment was not so much the Gryffindor common room as it was Dumbledore's office.
"So when are you planning to go to the party anyways?" Harry questioned. Ron snapped his head up so fast his neck gave a ear-splitting crack. Both boys cringed and Ron started to rub his neck.
"How do you know I'm even going?" Ron sniffed and stood up. He wandered over to the bookshelf and pretended to skim through all the different titles written across the spine. He knew that he had no reason to be so crude to his best mate but hadn't Harry done the same thing to Ron most of their fifth, sixth and seventh year?
"Ron" Harry called out. Ron kept staring at the spines of the book but was intently listening to Harry at the same time. "Now that your up can you get me something to eat?"
Ron shot Harry a venemous look but as if on cue his own stomach let out a low grumble of hunger. Harry's eyes flickered to Ron's stomach and back to his face with a slight smile.
"Looks like I'm not the only person that's starving" Harry said grinning. Ron couldn't help but return a sheepish grin back. He stepped into the kitchen and opened many finely furnished cupboards after the other. Bread, Bagels, Apples, Parsley, Powdered Unicorn Horn, Yogurt, Tomatoes, Frosted Gingersnaps and Butterbeer, Chilli Peppers-wait Frosted Gingersnaps and Butterbeer?
"How about Frosted Gingersnaps and Butterbeer?" Ron's voice rang out. Harry returned a bellow of approval and both boys sat down to a feast of sugary delight.
Everybody was to meet at the Burrow and leave together to arrive at Hermione's birthday party. The house was filled with a more odder looking crowd that usual. Everyone was dressed in elegant Muggle clothing and looked rather uncomfortable and funny. But Ron had to admit all the women did look spiffy.
"My goodness is this outfit meant to be worn or meant to suffocate?" Mrs. Weasley huffed waving a fan close to her face. She was wearing a rather nice soft yellow suited top with a skirt. She looked rather hassled though.
"Will you look at this blouse it's practically pushing my bosoms out of it!" Mrs. Weasley complained, "Muggles and their fashion, I will never quite understand it."
"You look lovely Molly dear, like a real Muggle!" Mr. Weasley responded. He was wearing something Harry mentioned as a tux or something. He was entirely black and white as were all the boys present. It seemed Muggle Men only wore these colors where as women wore every hue of the rainbow. Ron yawned and slumped onto a couch. He had put up quite the fight to not go and he had most of them convinced that he had seriously been thinking about skipping the celebration but had flashed him a stealthy glare which quickly ceased his pouting.
He reached up to the collar of his outfit and loosened it a bit. He wondered why Muggles wore their clothes so tight. Only Harry managed to keep his twitching under control.
"Mum can I take off this...what's it called again Harry?-"A bow tie"-this bow tie?" Fred asked. Mrs. Weasley whirled on him as if daring him to ask that again.
"Actually I'm all good" Fred said almost quivering under this mother's glare.
"Arthur how exactly are we going to reach this Bakers Hall?" Mrs. Weasley asked, "It's a Muggle Banquet Hall so I doubt you know where it is."
"Bakers Hall? I know where that is. It's a few minutes walk from the Monument and Tower Hill underground stations" Harry explained. The rest of the family stared at him just as throughly confused as before he gave his explaination.
Harry sighed, "Don't worry I'll make sure we get there all right. But we should get a move on if we want to get there in time."
"Just as soon as the girls get down here" clarified. Evidently she had enough patience to wait for four girls to get ready but she did not have the same courtesy of patience to talk to the boys kindly.
Sooner or later the girls began descending the steps and Ron was sure they would be the prettiest ones there. Their only true competition could be Hermione. Fleur and Penelope were wearing two red gowns that looked almost identical except perhaps Fleur's was cut higher up. Their blonde hair was complimented beautifully and Penelope looked for once as if her beauty could actually rival that of Fleur's.
Ginny chose we wear a black gown that was simple but contrasted with Ginny's best feature. Her shoulders. Ron was grateful she wasn't wearing anything red. Too much of a clash with her hair. In her black gown though even Ginny's freckles looked ladylike.
And finally Luna clomped down the stairs last of all in a silky blue dress with a sweater draped over it. Her blonde hair was combed nicely and actually looked golden for once. The girls looked much more comfortable in their outfits that the boys did.
"You all look like Penguins!" Luna said gleefully.
"Penguins?" Harry said blinking.
"Yes all black and white. Penguins!" Luna repeated happily, "Do all Muggle Men dress like penguins?"
Harry looked as if he were about to say something important but ended up saying, "Yes they do sweetheart."
Ron smiled thoughtfully. He was going to have that too someday.
The whole course of the party Ron was sure to steer clear of Hermione. She was probably still angry at him and wouldn't want him around her. The whole party angered Ron anyways. He grimaced as he thought of the gift opening. He'd have the cheapest gift of all.
"Ron-Ronald Weasley?"
Ron turned around and came face to face with the most gifted women he'd ever met. Mrs. Granger. His women had actually given birth to a creature as precious as Hermione.
"Good Evening Mrs. Granger" Ron responded, "How are you?"
"Fine thank you" Mrs. Granger answered, "Why look at you! All neat and tidy! You've grown quite handsome!"
She took his hand and stared at him proudly from top to bottom. Ron could feel his ears grow red.
"Thanks a bunch Mrs. Granger" Ron mumbled, "Erm you want to have a seat?"
"What a gentlemen" Mrs. Granger said smiling Hermione's smile.
They both took a seat at a vacant table. Suddenly a quiet washed over them and Ron stared at couples on the dance floor swaying to a gentle beat. He watched as Bill and Fleur passed them. Her head was tucked between his neck and shoulder and her hand was playing with the cringe of hair on the back of his neck. His hands were carressing Fleur's back slowly and it struck Ron that the only women with him now was a 45 year old who was married. It made him feel oddly lonely like he had never felt before. Could it be that the invincible Ron needed love?
"Hermione talks about you all the time" Mrs. Granger spoke suddenly, frightening Ron.
"Err-she does?" Ron said curiously.
"Yes she does. Says the most sweetest things about you." Mrs. Granger. Ron glanced at Mrs. Granger to see if she was teasing him. She didn't look like she was.
"I'm glad you're taking care of her" Mrs. Granger went on, "She needs a man like you in her life."
Mrs. Granger gave him an odd small smile before trailing off to the rest of Bakers Hall.
Bakers Hall was quite impressive by Muggle Standards and the waiters serving them were so fast that they were almost as good as the house-elves. The food was delicious and each dish was Hermione's favourite. Ron would know seeing as to how he was the one who'd fed the information to Seamus. Celestia Warbeck, Hermione's favourite singer had been hired. Ron knew this also because he was the one to tell Seamus that too.
When the cake came out Ron was surprised to see it wasn't cheesecake since that was Hermione's favourite kind and he had told Seamus so. But instead a chocolate cake, the size of Colin, with chocolate sauce practically dripping off it was served and the guests all clapped happily. Hermione's face shone as Seamus stood beside her occasionally kissing her on the cheek and when he felt right on the lips. The crowd released sighs of contentment and Ron felt his face grow hot with jealously.
When the Birthday drawl had been sung the presents came out. Ron frowned when he noticed his was the smallest one. Hermione's thin timid fingers began unwrapping them one by one. Each one got better than the one before it. At last only Ron and Seamus' gifts remained. Seamus probably wouldn't have wanted it any better way. Ron wouldn't have wanted it that way at all. Perhaps if his gift had been between the fifty and the last seventy Hermione wouldn't have paid it much heed but now...
For the irony of it all she left Ron's as the last one and opened Seamus's first. Perhaps she believed the saying that the smallest packages contain the best gifts.
"Who's this from?" Hermione asked holding up an envelope that most likely contained a certificate of ownership over the star. Ron smiled slowly at how her best gift was smaller than Ron's, the worst gift.
"It's from me baby" Seamus replied wrapping his arms around Hermione's hips. Hermione smiled at him softly. Ron couldn't help but notice how affectionate they were being today. She carefully opened the envelope and she read the letter slowly. When she was done she just sort of stared at it. Was she that amazed? When she looked up it was at Ron oddly enough. Her eyes stayed on him for barely five seconds before she let out a squeal of delight and jumped on Seamus in a massive hug. She planted a kiss on his cheek and after a while took to the next present.
"A Sunshine gift bag" Hermione smiled, "Who's this from then?"
"Ron" Harry replied.
"Ron? Where is Ron?" Hermione asked looking around. Other people also turned and began searching. It was to no avail though because Ron was gone.
It was a cold autumn night and Ron regretted not having brought a cloak to feel him warm. The Tower Hill underground station was empty this time of night except for an old begger and his violin. Ron had searched his pockets for Muggle Money and had found a wad of it to give to the man. Money meant nothing anymore. Specially the Muggle kind. The dark almost drowned Ron in sorrow. He couldn't bear to stay at the party and watch Hermione open his gift. He'd barely been able to contain his frustration when she'd thrown herself on Seamus.
'She's probably sucking his face off right now' Ron thought darkly.
He stared down infront of him to the tunnel where the train came from. He wondered what would happen if he binded himself to it. What happened to wizards after they died anyways? Did they go to the same place as Muggles? If so, was it heaven?
"Penny for your thoughts young man?" the old begger asked in his hoarse voice.
Ron laughed sourly, "It's alright sir. I know you don't have a penny to spare."
The old man also managed to laugh heartily which surprised Ron. He was so...poor and lowly yet he could still laugh. Why was it that Ron couldn't laugh if he was so fortunate?
"How about I tell you what's up for free?" Ron suggested, "Well there's this girl."
"Ah" the old man commented smiling a toothy grin, "Every good love story has a girl. The girl."
"Yeah I suppose so. Well this girl definitely is the girl but she's with this other guy" Ron continued.
"And every good love story has the other guy" the man said knowingly.
"Yeah well she's with him. I love her. You catch my drift" Ron sighed and started to rub his forehead. A long silence followed until it was broken by the old man.
"This-this girl, does she have brown eyes?" the old man questioned.
Ron looked up at him, "Why yes."
"And bushy brown hair?" the old man inquired with a slight smile playing on his face.
"Yeah, yeah she does." Ron answered bewildered.
"She's got a warm peachy glow about her, does she?" the old man asked.
"Yeah" Ron said his eyes widenining. Was this man a Seer?
"How do you know all this?" Ron wanted to know.
"Because the girl is here" the old man finished, a massive grin sweeping his wrinkly face.
"WHAT?" Ron thundered and whirled around, "Hermione! How much of that did you hear?"
"Just this gentleman describing me" Hermione said gesturing towards the begger. She lifted the bottom of her gorgeous white gown and came to sit beside Ron on the dusty station bench.
"You'll get your dress dirty" Ron murmured.
"It doesn't matter" Hermione shrugged, "I missed you at the party today."
Ron blushed, "Did you? I thought you hated me for forgetting your birthday."
"I did" Hermione said simply, "But then, as always, I forgave you."
Ron remained silent. He was full aware that he hadn't been so close to Hermione for a long time.
"How could I not" Hermione said, "After all you did get me that star."
Ron stared at her incredulously, "Um Hermione sorry to burst your bubble but Seamus got you that star."
Hermione's tinkling laugh rang through the air, "I know that you prat. But I know full well he didn't just go to Comos and Astros Inc. on his own. You took him there so either you or he could get the star for me."
Ron let out small puffs of air that were visible in the cool night air, "Yeah I guess. Sorry about the sunshine bag by the way."
"S'ok. I know what you meant to do and it was very sweet" Hermione said leaning back on the bench and half of Ron's shoulder. In a sudden surge of instinct he swung his arm around her shoulders and started to trace his fingers over her shoulder. Ron glanced at her strangely and realized she was shivering.
"Here have my-erm thingy" Ron said taking his coat off. Hermione protested but he quickly wrapped her around it and she fell silent. Shit, now he was freeezing. But he was worth it to save Hermione from a runny nose.
"I'm glad you told Seamus all that stuff about me" Hermione said softly,"And don't deny it because I know I didn't tell him all that stuff about my favourite food and music."
"Your welcome" Ron mumbled not quite sure what to say. He felt his insides defrost under Hermione's appreciation.
"You shouldn't have left the party" Hermione said gently, "I wanted a dance with you."
"Care to have one now?" Ron suggested. Hermione smiled up at him.
"And how will we do that?" she asked in mock innocence.
Ron nodded towards the begger and his violin, "Play it maestro."
The soft music of the violin weaved through the air as Ron lended his arm to Hermione. She took it gingerly and they both strolled behind the bench where there was more space. They blended well with the silvery notes of the begger as they got into position.
"I've been wanting a dance since the Yule Ball" Ron said quietly as they started to sway with poise.
"Me too" Hermione replied resting her head inbetween Ron's neck and shoulder. He hadn't felt his heart ever thump so loudly. He wondered if Hermione could possibly hear it. He started to stroke her hair with ease.
"Can you hear it?" Ron questioned stupidly.
"Can I hear what?" Hermione answered with a question as she held onto him snugly.
"My heart?" Ron supplied.
"I don't think so" Hermione said logically, "My heart's beating too loudly for me to hear anything else."
Ron felt his grip on her waist tighten.
Somewhere the sudden ringing of bells sounded the official timing of three in the morning. Hermione pulled away.
"It's three" she said unnecessarily keeping her eyes locked with his.
"Mmm" Ron nodded and slowly leaned his head in. His forehead rested against hers and he turned it ever so slightly so that he could lean in close enough to kiss her. Her breathing grew harsh and the mist of her breath fell upon his own lips. He reached a hand up to cup her chin and their eyes met in one intense moment which would seem like a millenium to them both. He was close enough to smell the scent of chocolate cake on her breath. Her mouth opened slowly as if welcoming him in.
"Seamus is waiting" she said abruptly, pulling away from him before he got his kiss, "I have to go."
He stared at her blankly, "Don't go."
She was already at the steps and stopped when he spoke. She turned at the same time the begger played a particularly beautiful note giving her the feel of an angel. She walked back to him softly and took hold of his hand, bringing it to her cheek.
"You know you've always had a hold on me Ron" Hermione said breathlessly, "But I have to go."
She stood on tippy-toes to place a faint kiss on his freckled cheek and released his hand. Ron watched her carry herself away from him and into the moonlight. A rush of cold wind whipped through the underground station at her leave and all the warmth Ron had felt drained away.
Now he was a Penguin without it's coat.
Author's Note: Sorry if I overdid the fluff but I really felt it there for a second. I think at one point I might have been muttering the dialogue to myself. LOL. Insane I know. I hope you like this chapter because I sure as hell did. It was fun to write because it had more Hermione-Ron passionate action than the rest of the chapters put together.
Buuut! Enjoy the happiness while it lasts because you guys know me and the mushy stuff don't mix well for very long!
..:cackles:..
Winky
p.s. Wasn't this a pretty quick update?