Mistakes Happen
Summary: After a huge misunderstanding in their seventh year, Ron and Hermione went their separate ways. Years later they get thrown together unexpectantly and are forced to work with each other peacefully. The result? With Ron and Hermione, who knows. R&R!
Disclaimer: It pains me to say that I...own...nothing.
Chapter 1
~Hermione's Point Of View~
"Done!" I sighed with relief and dropped my quill onto my desk, making sure it landed a good foot away from the essay I'd just spent hours writing. There was no way on this planet that I was going to go through THAT again! I leaned back in my chair and smiled broadly. It felt so wonderful to know that the essay was finished and that I hopefully had a bright career future ahead of me as Representative of the English Ministry of Magic. I had spent five entire years being transferred from office to office in the Ministry as a measly intern that consisted of getting the boss's coffee and filing papers. A living hell and a dramatic change for me! I actually missed my classes at Hogwarts. Of course, I'd always loved them at the time...they were so deliciously educational...but I always pictured myself to be somewhat successful after I graduated! Now, five years had passed, and I was still a nothing.
I was finally taking a stand, though. The slot as Representative finally opened up, and I was more than determined to claim the job as mine. All I had to do was send in a resume, as well as captivate the boss with an interview and my essay and it was as good as mine. Nothing a little confidence couldn't handle, and I felt pretty sure of myself. Suddenly, the room brightened as if the clouds had decided to break open and celebrate with me. I glanced over at my window-seat across the room from my desk where the sunshine was streaming in, making the light blue sky outside visible. Ever since Viktor and I had moved into the small flat in Muggle London, the window-seat was by far my favorite place in the entire house. In fact, it was a large reason why I had persuaded him to buy this flat specifically. Even though it was only a single story house, there was an adorable terrace that stretched beyond the window, next to the small flower garden I had magicked there last summer. Our swinging bench was visible from its secluded spot between two trees in the backyard, and the city skyline was hovering above the white fence.
But most of all, the sky is what claimed most of my attention. It was mesmerizing how it was able to control my moods just by which color it decided to paint across its canvas. When the sun rose, light pinks and yellows stretched themselves across the clouds, making me smile with hope of a new day. In the afternoon, like today, when the sky was a clear blue, I'd get lost in thoughts of thankfulness for all of my blessings. However, the opposite could affect me as well. When the clouds drizzled their annual showers, all I'd want to do is curl up and read a good book, or stretch out on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a movie. Even in storms, when lightning flashed and rain poured, I'd want to huddle next to a crackling fire and sleep until the sun decided to show its face again.
One weather affected me most, though. In the early spring evenings, when the sun set into the skyline, and hot pink and bright orange shot in every direction, I'd get an odd ache in the pit of my stomach that ran through every inch of my body. It was a depressing feeling, and I'd felt it for so long that I wasn't even sure what it meant anymore. It was almost like a profound longing, something only my heart understood. Even when Viktor, my boyfriend of three years, was home from his endless Quidditch tours to hold me and tell me that he loved me, the feeling wouldn't subside. Over the many years, I'd tried to tune it out, but on some evenings, it'd get so intense that I could do nothing more but sit on our fence, my legs dangling a few feet above the ground, and dwell on it.
I jumped at the insistent scratching that began on the screen door in the next room. I chuckled softly to myself, realizing how long I'd been sitting there analyzing my weather-dependency. I hopped out of the chair and hurried into the bright lemon-yellow kitchen where a large snowy owl could be seen on the other side of the door. I smiled at the familiar animal and eagerly opened the door.
"Hey, Hedwig," I murmured, gently untying the letter from his leg as he flew into the room, obviously eager for some water. I set the parchment on the counter, and poured a bit into a bowl before I unraveled it. Yep, there was Harry's unmistakable handwriting.
Hermione,
Hello! I haven't seen you in ages, how are you? Ginny and I just returned from an inspection of each of the major-league Quidditch teams. It must be done, you know, for the Ministry's Department of Magical Games and Sports. I got reacquainted with your boyfriend, and I must say, he isn't very friendly.
Just kidding!
Anyway, apparently Percy and Penelope are expecting a child after all these years, and Mrs. Weasley is determined to throw a party for her first grandchild. Everyone's going to be at the Burrow next Saturday around 7:00. I really hope to see you there, Herm. We all miss you very much!
Your friend,
Harry
PS: Ginny says hi.
I smiled. Harry and Ginny! They had been, and still were, the most adorable couple I had ever seen! Ever since sixth year, when they finally admitted their feelings for each other, which surprised everyone since Harry hadn't mentioned a word of it. Ron especially went into shock.
Ugh, Ron. I frowned at the thought of my former best friend. In fact, he was the reason why I hadn't seen Harry or any of the Weasleys for so long. I, of course, missed them terribly as well, but whenever they invited me to come along for something, I always assumed that Ron was with them, and I couldn't bring myself to go. Before the night ended, I was sure that there was a distinct possibility that I might strangle the smart-ass redhead, and with his family surrounding us, I wouldn't get away alive. In that case, we would both die, and I didn't see Ron worthy of any kind of risk. So, I'd slowly drifted away from my best friend and the Weasleys, minus the few lunches I'd managed to squeeze out of Ginny's schedule. It was quite sad.
Without my permission, my mind drifted to the night in seventh year when a friendship died. Or more specifically, Ron's and mine. It was our very last night at Hogwarts, right after the Graduation Ball. Ron had asked Lavender, I had asked Viktor, and Harry had asked Ginny. All six of us had gone to the ball and had a marvelous time, however I still have no idea why Ron and Lavender went together, since she is such a complete and shallow ditz. Ron obviously felt the same way about Viktor for some absurd reason, but he didn't have the decency to hold back his snide comments. The moment I stepped into the Common Room late that night after Viktor had left, I found Ron waiting for me. He jumped up at the sight of me and swiftly began the most ruthless row we had ever encountered.
"So, how was snogging with the famous Vicky?" Ron had asked spitefully.
"Ron, shut it, I'm not up to it tonight." I'd retorted. It was the truth. I'd had a wonderful night, and I was not about to let him ruin it.
"Cut the crap, Hermione. You know as well as I do that you only went with him for one reason, and one reason only." He'd glared fireballs at me, and muttered the words through clenched teeth.
"Really, what's that, Ron?"
"You're not nearly as independent as you make yourself out to be. You're just too scared to end up alone and unhappy, and you'll take any guy you can get." He'd arched an eyebrow knowingly, and I thought I could rip them off I wanted too.
My mouth dropped open, and I felt my face flush with red-hot anger. "Ronald Weasley, you have no right to say such things to me! How dare you?! You're the one who went to our last Hogwarts event with the school's biggest slut! Everyone here will only remember you as the guy who got lucky on his last night at school!"
And so it continued, our biggest argument that was never forgiven.
We'd scarcely seen each other for the past five years, and when we had accidentally run into each other somewhere like Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, we'd pretend the other wasn't there, and walk on other ends of the road without acknowledgment. Harry, the Weasleys, and even old school mates had tried to force us to talk to each other, but they had never succeeded, and in my opinion, it was going to stay that way.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Ron's Point of View~
As I stood up from the chair I'd been sitting in for the past few hours, I heard a faint pop and didn't even flinch. I guess that's what living with Fred and George in their flat does to a guy after a few years. There were more explosions within those walls than what occurred on a warfront. But, as I turned around, I finally jumped at the sight of a person, but my nerves calmed considerably when I realized whom it was.
"Ugh, I'm exhausted..." I sighed tiredly and ran my fingers through my hair. Trying to write an impressive essay for the Ministry was a tiring feat, and I was in no need of any company at the moment. Sleep, maybe, but not friends. Hopefully Harry would take the hint.
"Oh, it's good to see you too, mate!" Harry exclaimed sarcastically, then attempted to envelope Ron in a mock emotional hug. "It's been too, too long!"
I took the hint. "Okay, okay, how was your trip! Please don't tell me you proposed to my little sister, because you know you have to consult me first." I raised an eyebrow at him, although inside I was mostly joking. Mostly.
"Oh, the trip was great." Harry flopped onto the couch, ignoring most of my comment. "You should've been there. We met practically every Quidditch player there is, including the Chudley Cannons! I still don't understand why wouldn't join us!"
"Because I'm not as lucky as some people, and I had to work at finding a job! In case you've forgotten, you're the one who had millions of job offers dropped onto your dinner plate at Hogwarts! Remember me? The boy-who-got-nothing? If I have to spend one more year working at Weasley's Wizard's Wheezes, I think I'll die." Harry laughed, and I glanced over at him before heading into the kitchen. "I'm serious."
I opened the fridge, extracted a jug of Butterbeer, and took a swig straight from the bottle. I turned to Harry, who had followed me, and offered him some. He grimaced, and I laughed. "Sorry, I guess some of the laziness of Fred and George have rubbed off on me."
"Okay, anyway, your mum asked me to come by and ask the three of you if you wanted to stop by the Burrow on Saturday night around 7:00..."
I watched as Harry suddenly became fascinated with an old Quidditch magazine on the countertop. "Saturday?" I questioned suspiciously. "Why Saturday? Usually when she wants us all to come over, she invited us for the very next night, and today is only Tuesday."
"Uh, yeah, well, she mentioned something about a small...little...gathering for the announcement of Percy's and Penelope's new child."
I was extremely happy for my brother and his wife, no matter how annoying they were, that they were finally expecting. But I made no mention of this to Harry. I decided to go straight to the more important matters, such as the one consisting of my best friend and my family trying to force two rebellious people together. "Whoa, nice one there, Harry. You know I'd rather kill myself than see Hermione again..." Harry flushed at my ability to see right through him, and I laughed. "And you know as well as I do that you invited her. You guys have to stop this! We've avoided each other for five years, and it's going to continue for another five years! Get used to it! I'll send Penelope a 'congratulations' card. But I'll pass on the party. Thanks, though." I turned back to the Butterbeer, as Harry threw the magazine down with a light clap.
"Stubborn asses! I don't understand you two! You're my best friends, and yet you still refuse to simply say 'I'm sorry'! Damn, flashback to kindergarten!"
I set down the jug and looked at him in mock surprise. "Language, Harry!"
He rolled his eyes and sat back in his chair. "Fine. But don't count on that 'next five years' comment. I will succeed!" I snorted, and he continued. "So, what about this job thing?"
Thankful for the change of subject, I told him all about the new opening for Representative of the English Ministry of Magic that I had heard about through my dad, and how I felt so incredibly eager to get the job, it almost hurt. It was such an amazing opportunity! I couldn't believe that the job had opened since it was in such demand because of its ability to let the employee travel wherever the job took them. Not only did the jobholder get to try to smooth things over with foreign people, but they also got to do an insane amount of sightseeing, something I definitely didn't complain about.
The trick was, though, that they were advertising the new opening immensely, and since only one slot was available and over two hundred people applying for it, it was extremely competitive.
"So, I'm just trying to think of it as another Quidditch match. It calms me a bit." I finished rambling, and took another swig of the Butterbeer.
"That's great! I'm so proud of you, mate." Harry said, slapping me on the back. "It's about time you got a real job." He grinned mischievously, and I glared at him.
Suddenly, exhaustion seemed to envelope me, and I looked at Harry wearily. "Harry, won't Ginny worry about you? It's getting late."
"Ron, Ginny's only my girlfriend. I don't live with her. And since when are you trying to send me to her...in the middle of the night?!" He grinned and got up anyway, taking the hint. "I'll see you later. And at least think about that party on Saturday, okay? For your mum!"
"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, as he apparated away. "When pigs fly."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: I know, I know, I should be working on my other fics! But I thought up this plot, and I had to do it before it left me forever! So...encourage me here! R&R! PLEASE! It's for the benefit of all. I'll take flames if they're a MUST...in fact, any review would be welcome! Thanks, all!
Summary: After a huge misunderstanding in their seventh year, Ron and Hermione went their separate ways. Years later they get thrown together unexpectantly and are forced to work with each other peacefully. The result? With Ron and Hermione, who knows. R&R!
Disclaimer: It pains me to say that I...own...nothing.
Chapter 1
~Hermione's Point Of View~
"Done!" I sighed with relief and dropped my quill onto my desk, making sure it landed a good foot away from the essay I'd just spent hours writing. There was no way on this planet that I was going to go through THAT again! I leaned back in my chair and smiled broadly. It felt so wonderful to know that the essay was finished and that I hopefully had a bright career future ahead of me as Representative of the English Ministry of Magic. I had spent five entire years being transferred from office to office in the Ministry as a measly intern that consisted of getting the boss's coffee and filing papers. A living hell and a dramatic change for me! I actually missed my classes at Hogwarts. Of course, I'd always loved them at the time...they were so deliciously educational...but I always pictured myself to be somewhat successful after I graduated! Now, five years had passed, and I was still a nothing.
I was finally taking a stand, though. The slot as Representative finally opened up, and I was more than determined to claim the job as mine. All I had to do was send in a resume, as well as captivate the boss with an interview and my essay and it was as good as mine. Nothing a little confidence couldn't handle, and I felt pretty sure of myself. Suddenly, the room brightened as if the clouds had decided to break open and celebrate with me. I glanced over at my window-seat across the room from my desk where the sunshine was streaming in, making the light blue sky outside visible. Ever since Viktor and I had moved into the small flat in Muggle London, the window-seat was by far my favorite place in the entire house. In fact, it was a large reason why I had persuaded him to buy this flat specifically. Even though it was only a single story house, there was an adorable terrace that stretched beyond the window, next to the small flower garden I had magicked there last summer. Our swinging bench was visible from its secluded spot between two trees in the backyard, and the city skyline was hovering above the white fence.
But most of all, the sky is what claimed most of my attention. It was mesmerizing how it was able to control my moods just by which color it decided to paint across its canvas. When the sun rose, light pinks and yellows stretched themselves across the clouds, making me smile with hope of a new day. In the afternoon, like today, when the sky was a clear blue, I'd get lost in thoughts of thankfulness for all of my blessings. However, the opposite could affect me as well. When the clouds drizzled their annual showers, all I'd want to do is curl up and read a good book, or stretch out on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a movie. Even in storms, when lightning flashed and rain poured, I'd want to huddle next to a crackling fire and sleep until the sun decided to show its face again.
One weather affected me most, though. In the early spring evenings, when the sun set into the skyline, and hot pink and bright orange shot in every direction, I'd get an odd ache in the pit of my stomach that ran through every inch of my body. It was a depressing feeling, and I'd felt it for so long that I wasn't even sure what it meant anymore. It was almost like a profound longing, something only my heart understood. Even when Viktor, my boyfriend of three years, was home from his endless Quidditch tours to hold me and tell me that he loved me, the feeling wouldn't subside. Over the many years, I'd tried to tune it out, but on some evenings, it'd get so intense that I could do nothing more but sit on our fence, my legs dangling a few feet above the ground, and dwell on it.
I jumped at the insistent scratching that began on the screen door in the next room. I chuckled softly to myself, realizing how long I'd been sitting there analyzing my weather-dependency. I hopped out of the chair and hurried into the bright lemon-yellow kitchen where a large snowy owl could be seen on the other side of the door. I smiled at the familiar animal and eagerly opened the door.
"Hey, Hedwig," I murmured, gently untying the letter from his leg as he flew into the room, obviously eager for some water. I set the parchment on the counter, and poured a bit into a bowl before I unraveled it. Yep, there was Harry's unmistakable handwriting.
Hermione,
Hello! I haven't seen you in ages, how are you? Ginny and I just returned from an inspection of each of the major-league Quidditch teams. It must be done, you know, for the Ministry's Department of Magical Games and Sports. I got reacquainted with your boyfriend, and I must say, he isn't very friendly.
Just kidding!
Anyway, apparently Percy and Penelope are expecting a child after all these years, and Mrs. Weasley is determined to throw a party for her first grandchild. Everyone's going to be at the Burrow next Saturday around 7:00. I really hope to see you there, Herm. We all miss you very much!
Your friend,
Harry
PS: Ginny says hi.
I smiled. Harry and Ginny! They had been, and still were, the most adorable couple I had ever seen! Ever since sixth year, when they finally admitted their feelings for each other, which surprised everyone since Harry hadn't mentioned a word of it. Ron especially went into shock.
Ugh, Ron. I frowned at the thought of my former best friend. In fact, he was the reason why I hadn't seen Harry or any of the Weasleys for so long. I, of course, missed them terribly as well, but whenever they invited me to come along for something, I always assumed that Ron was with them, and I couldn't bring myself to go. Before the night ended, I was sure that there was a distinct possibility that I might strangle the smart-ass redhead, and with his family surrounding us, I wouldn't get away alive. In that case, we would both die, and I didn't see Ron worthy of any kind of risk. So, I'd slowly drifted away from my best friend and the Weasleys, minus the few lunches I'd managed to squeeze out of Ginny's schedule. It was quite sad.
Without my permission, my mind drifted to the night in seventh year when a friendship died. Or more specifically, Ron's and mine. It was our very last night at Hogwarts, right after the Graduation Ball. Ron had asked Lavender, I had asked Viktor, and Harry had asked Ginny. All six of us had gone to the ball and had a marvelous time, however I still have no idea why Ron and Lavender went together, since she is such a complete and shallow ditz. Ron obviously felt the same way about Viktor for some absurd reason, but he didn't have the decency to hold back his snide comments. The moment I stepped into the Common Room late that night after Viktor had left, I found Ron waiting for me. He jumped up at the sight of me and swiftly began the most ruthless row we had ever encountered.
"So, how was snogging with the famous Vicky?" Ron had asked spitefully.
"Ron, shut it, I'm not up to it tonight." I'd retorted. It was the truth. I'd had a wonderful night, and I was not about to let him ruin it.
"Cut the crap, Hermione. You know as well as I do that you only went with him for one reason, and one reason only." He'd glared fireballs at me, and muttered the words through clenched teeth.
"Really, what's that, Ron?"
"You're not nearly as independent as you make yourself out to be. You're just too scared to end up alone and unhappy, and you'll take any guy you can get." He'd arched an eyebrow knowingly, and I thought I could rip them off I wanted too.
My mouth dropped open, and I felt my face flush with red-hot anger. "Ronald Weasley, you have no right to say such things to me! How dare you?! You're the one who went to our last Hogwarts event with the school's biggest slut! Everyone here will only remember you as the guy who got lucky on his last night at school!"
And so it continued, our biggest argument that was never forgiven.
We'd scarcely seen each other for the past five years, and when we had accidentally run into each other somewhere like Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, we'd pretend the other wasn't there, and walk on other ends of the road without acknowledgment. Harry, the Weasleys, and even old school mates had tried to force us to talk to each other, but they had never succeeded, and in my opinion, it was going to stay that way.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Ron's Point of View~
As I stood up from the chair I'd been sitting in for the past few hours, I heard a faint pop and didn't even flinch. I guess that's what living with Fred and George in their flat does to a guy after a few years. There were more explosions within those walls than what occurred on a warfront. But, as I turned around, I finally jumped at the sight of a person, but my nerves calmed considerably when I realized whom it was.
"Ugh, I'm exhausted..." I sighed tiredly and ran my fingers through my hair. Trying to write an impressive essay for the Ministry was a tiring feat, and I was in no need of any company at the moment. Sleep, maybe, but not friends. Hopefully Harry would take the hint.
"Oh, it's good to see you too, mate!" Harry exclaimed sarcastically, then attempted to envelope Ron in a mock emotional hug. "It's been too, too long!"
I took the hint. "Okay, okay, how was your trip! Please don't tell me you proposed to my little sister, because you know you have to consult me first." I raised an eyebrow at him, although inside I was mostly joking. Mostly.
"Oh, the trip was great." Harry flopped onto the couch, ignoring most of my comment. "You should've been there. We met practically every Quidditch player there is, including the Chudley Cannons! I still don't understand why wouldn't join us!"
"Because I'm not as lucky as some people, and I had to work at finding a job! In case you've forgotten, you're the one who had millions of job offers dropped onto your dinner plate at Hogwarts! Remember me? The boy-who-got-nothing? If I have to spend one more year working at Weasley's Wizard's Wheezes, I think I'll die." Harry laughed, and I glanced over at him before heading into the kitchen. "I'm serious."
I opened the fridge, extracted a jug of Butterbeer, and took a swig straight from the bottle. I turned to Harry, who had followed me, and offered him some. He grimaced, and I laughed. "Sorry, I guess some of the laziness of Fred and George have rubbed off on me."
"Okay, anyway, your mum asked me to come by and ask the three of you if you wanted to stop by the Burrow on Saturday night around 7:00..."
I watched as Harry suddenly became fascinated with an old Quidditch magazine on the countertop. "Saturday?" I questioned suspiciously. "Why Saturday? Usually when she wants us all to come over, she invited us for the very next night, and today is only Tuesday."
"Uh, yeah, well, she mentioned something about a small...little...gathering for the announcement of Percy's and Penelope's new child."
I was extremely happy for my brother and his wife, no matter how annoying they were, that they were finally expecting. But I made no mention of this to Harry. I decided to go straight to the more important matters, such as the one consisting of my best friend and my family trying to force two rebellious people together. "Whoa, nice one there, Harry. You know I'd rather kill myself than see Hermione again..." Harry flushed at my ability to see right through him, and I laughed. "And you know as well as I do that you invited her. You guys have to stop this! We've avoided each other for five years, and it's going to continue for another five years! Get used to it! I'll send Penelope a 'congratulations' card. But I'll pass on the party. Thanks, though." I turned back to the Butterbeer, as Harry threw the magazine down with a light clap.
"Stubborn asses! I don't understand you two! You're my best friends, and yet you still refuse to simply say 'I'm sorry'! Damn, flashback to kindergarten!"
I set down the jug and looked at him in mock surprise. "Language, Harry!"
He rolled his eyes and sat back in his chair. "Fine. But don't count on that 'next five years' comment. I will succeed!" I snorted, and he continued. "So, what about this job thing?"
Thankful for the change of subject, I told him all about the new opening for Representative of the English Ministry of Magic that I had heard about through my dad, and how I felt so incredibly eager to get the job, it almost hurt. It was such an amazing opportunity! I couldn't believe that the job had opened since it was in such demand because of its ability to let the employee travel wherever the job took them. Not only did the jobholder get to try to smooth things over with foreign people, but they also got to do an insane amount of sightseeing, something I definitely didn't complain about.
The trick was, though, that they were advertising the new opening immensely, and since only one slot was available and over two hundred people applying for it, it was extremely competitive.
"So, I'm just trying to think of it as another Quidditch match. It calms me a bit." I finished rambling, and took another swig of the Butterbeer.
"That's great! I'm so proud of you, mate." Harry said, slapping me on the back. "It's about time you got a real job." He grinned mischievously, and I glared at him.
Suddenly, exhaustion seemed to envelope me, and I looked at Harry wearily. "Harry, won't Ginny worry about you? It's getting late."
"Ron, Ginny's only my girlfriend. I don't live with her. And since when are you trying to send me to her...in the middle of the night?!" He grinned and got up anyway, taking the hint. "I'll see you later. And at least think about that party on Saturday, okay? For your mum!"
"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, as he apparated away. "When pigs fly."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: I know, I know, I should be working on my other fics! But I thought up this plot, and I had to do it before it left me forever! So...encourage me here! R&R! PLEASE! It's for the benefit of all. I'll take flames if they're a MUST...in fact, any review would be welcome! Thanks, all!
