Chapter 2

When Ron arrived in Hermione's living room, he looked around. It was a nice muggle house, very well decorated with light brown sofas and matching curtains.

Last time he came here was in his 6th year, but last time he came, Hermione wasn't getting married. He dropped his bag and went searching for her. As he entered the kitchen, he saw two girls standing near the kitchen sink, laughing. He couldn't stop staring at the huge, glowing ring on Hermione's finger. She was wearing a navy blue top with denim trousers, and the girl opposite her was also wearing muggle clothes, which were probably Hermione's. She had a black t-shirt and shorts that emphasized her flaming red hair. She was also one of Hermione's best friends. It was Ginny Weasley.

Ron moved ahead to say hello, despite the lump in his throat.

"Hi," said Ron, waving at them nervously. He suddenly felt two pairs of eyes gazing at him.

"Oh Ron, y-you came. You really came!" said Hermione, going over to him and swinging on his neck.

"Were there any doubts?" Ron asked.

"It's been so long," said Hermione. "Where have you been? I missed you so much and I have so much to tell you." I bet you do, thought Ron, trying to smile.

"Hello Ron," said a voice behind Hermione. "How is it going?"

"Great, how are you?" said Ron, giving Ginny a hug as well.

"Fine. Well, I'll leave you two. I have to go and take care of some things. So I will see you later, Ron."

As she said those words, Ginny was gone. Hermione and Ron were left alone in the kitchen, staring at each other. Hermione finally broke the uncomfortable silence.

"It's really good to see you, Ron. I am glad you could make it."

"Yeah, me too. I still can't believe you are getting married... I mean, not like no one would have asked, of course, but who would have thought so soon?" said Ron with a nervous grin. I've been here for two seconds and I'm already getting myself in trouble, he thought. To his surprise, she laughed.

"I know. I am as surprised as you are. All this was so unexpected," said Hermione, blushing. "Come and meet my parents. They will be glad to see you."

Hermione seized Ron's arm and dragged him through the garden, where Mr. and Mrs. Granger were sitting at a table, drinking tea. They looked a bit concerned about Hermione, as she still didn't tell them to whom she was getting married.

"Mother, father look who is here-"

"Oh Hermione! What a wonderful surprise! I knew you would make us proud," said Mrs. Granger, rushing at Ron to give him a hug. Hermione quickly let go of Ron's arm.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Ron said. He was a bit surprised at how excited they were to see him. He shook Mr. Granger's hand and glanced at Hermione, who looked pretty bothered.

"Mother, it's not what you think-" Hermione began before getting cut off again.

"Ron, darling, don't you worry. You will make a wonderful groom."

"Err...thanks, I think."

"Yeah, Hermione. We were wondering who in the world stole our daughters heart," said Mr. Granger, patting Ron's back.

"I always knew there was more to all those arguments," said Mrs.Granger, chuckling.

"Mother, I am not marrying Ron!" shouted Hermione.

For a few seconds there was no noise, and then Mrs. Granger proceeded.

"Oh well then- welcome, Ron. Would you like to have some tea?" asked Mrs. Granger, a bit embarrassed.

"I would love-" Ron started, but Hermione gave him a look that made him change his mind straight away. "-to, but I already had some before I got here. Thank you," he said with a smile.

"Well, Ron, you must be tired. Uh, why don't I show you where you'll be staying," said Hermione, pulling Ron through the garden.

"It's been a pleasure, Mr. and Mrs. Granger."

Once they arrived in the living room, Ron took his bag and followed Hermione down a big hallway, passing loads of doors, which led to several different rooms. Hermione's house looked like a mansion. It was indeed well decorated. The hallway was filled up with pictures of Hermione with her parents, and some with her friends. She guided Ron into a simple room. There was a bed, a table, and a bookshelf.

"Here we are. This is where you'll be staying. Do you like it?" said Hermione with a smile.

Ron looked around. It seemed like Hermione used to spend a lot of time here, especially because of the books. He walked to the bookshelf and grabbed one. The author was a Muggle, Ron said to himself. He read the title of the book, Dangerous Liaisons, keeping in mind to read it when he had time. Finally, he met Hermione's eyes and said, "I love it."

"Good," Hermione replied.

Ron then sat on the bed and Hermione sat next to him.

"Ron."

"Umm?"

"I am sorry for my parents' behavior earlier. Honestly, it was embarrassing."

"It's ok, Hermione. It was funny though, you know, they really thought that I was the groom," Ron chuckled.

"Come to think of it, it was quite amusing. I wonder where they got that idea from," she said, scratching her arm and trying hard to avoid Ron's eyes.

"Well, I can see you haven't told them who you are marrying yet."

"I wanted to tell you first," said Hermione. Ron raised his eyebrow. "Not only you, of course, but my closest friends," she said quickly.

"Yeah, I see," replied Ron, confused. "So who is the lucky guy? Everybody is dying to know."

"It's Viktor," said Hermione.

Ron didn't know what to do. Viktor, bloody Vicky, had gotten to her faster than he ever could. It was worse than a nightmare. He wanted to shout, burst out...tear off his "real" arm! Instead he blurted, "Ah Viktor Krum, yes...he is a great guy. I saw him a couple of times during the Quidditch World Cup."

"Did you? Well, we met again in Germany while he was on a break because of his 6-month suspension. As you know, we wrote to each other a lot and then we started dating for some time, and he finally proposed. When I accepted, I immediately wrote to Harry, Ginny and you to tell you the news. I am really excited. I haven't planned anything yet; we want to keep the wedding really casual-"

Ron didn't really fancy knowing either about how Viktor made his advances on her or about this marriage, which was completely wrong, in his opinion.

He interrupted. "So when's Krum coming?"

"Oh, Viktor might arrive tomorrow afternoon. I wrote to your family too, and I think they might be coming in a day or two," replied Hermione. "I think I better go see my parents and let you rest a little," she smiled.

"Yeah, and can you tell Ginny to come by. I need to tell her something."

"Of course."

Hermione left the room, leaving Ron all by himself. He walked to the window and watched the sunset.

He was upset because he had really believed that Hermione would never go out with Krum. That was what Ginny used to tell him, and now she was marrying him. Viktor, the grouchy git, the famous Quidditch player. Famous and rich, and in a few weeks, he'll be famous, rich and Hermione's husband. No! he said to himself,this is not going to happen, it should not happen and I'll make sure of it.

A/N: A special thanks to Kedavra 77, my beta and also to all the readers.