A/N: I'm back, did you miss me? I just can't tell you how happy I am with all the reviews I've received… And I wished I could have gotten this sooner to please my faithful readers, but I didn't have much time… Anyway, here it is now…Read, enjoy, make me happy and review! ;o)

Disclaimer: If anyone thought I own the characters in this story or that I claim ownership over them I am very sorry to disappoint you!

The first summer of the rest of their lives

Chapter XIII: A set of memories

Mrs. Weasley found that such wonderful news had to be celebrated, so she organized a little party for that night. The 'plotters', as the Weasley brothers (minus Ron) and Harry had named themselves, thought that this was the perfect opportunity to reunite their little brother with the brunette of his dreams, a.k.a. Hermione. It took them every ounce of wit they had, but they had finally come up with a brilliant plan to make the two fools see how much they care for each other.

Luckily for them, Bill had rescued from one of the pyramids a pensieve, (the goblins of Gringots didn't think much of the stone basin and they allowed him to keep it). There were many things to be done before that night. Harry and Ginny locked themselves in the boys' room and spend all the afternoon looking at pictures of their days at Hogwarts, trying to remember anecdotes and moments they had shared with Ron and Hermione. Fred and George borrowed Hermione's walkman and had a very interesting afternoon first trying to work out how the 'dam machine' functioned and then selecting the music they would need for their plan.

Everybody had something to do, because the oldest Weasley brothers were helping Mrs. Weasley with the preparation of the party, so Ron and Hermione had nobody to hang with. None of them wanted to interrupt Harry and Ginny, just in case they found them in an awkward position. And they knew Fred and George only to well to meddle with whatever it was they were doing. Of course, they weren't talking to each other, so to spend the day together was not an option.

Hermione had written to Stephen telling him she passed all her exams, omitting the part of the plaque, and he had answered that they should go out celebrating. Hermione doubted before accepting his invitation, it didn't feel right to go out with someone when she had so strong feelings for another person. But the poor guy had invited her so many times, and then there was what she had decided only that morning. Hermione ended up sending him an owl that they could meet 'one of these days' in the same bar they had run into each other a couple of days ago. She knew it was going to be horrible to be with Stephen in the same place where she had first kissed Ron, but they didn't have to stay there. They could meet at the bar and then go somewhere else.

Then she went outside and spent the rest of the afternoon reading by the sunlight, listening to the pacifying sound of the sea. She was so absorbed in her book that she didn't heard the footsteps of another person who had decided to enjoy the bright summer day to catch up with his reading.

Ron step out of the house, 'Flying with the Cannons' under his arm, humming to himself. He didn't see Hermione until he was a few meters away from her. He stopped and considered the situation: She had clearly not seen him, otherwise she would have left right away, as the very least. He could either go back inside and find another place to read or sit on the other side of the backyard and ignore her. The former was not an option because the twins were making a racket with Hermione's walking-thingy and he had a very poor concentration capacity.

So he sat on the opposite end of the garden, his back to Hermione and opened his book. However, that was not a good position to read because of where the sun was. He turned and held the book up to block from view the witch in front of him. But as I said before, his concentration was very poor and, although he hated to admit it, Hermione's face was much more interesting than a book he had read at least a thousand times.

With a silent sight he put down 'Flying with the Cannons' and concentrated in studying Hermione. He had done this a thousand times while they were still at school, he knew her features by heart, yet it was never boring to look at her. She was frowning, that meant she didn't agree with what she was reading.

"Now she's going to bit her lower lip and twiddle with the end of the page" Thought Ron, slightly bemused. Two seconds later, Hermione's bottoms lip was being bitten by her upper teeth and her finger had found the end of the page.

"Blimey! I'm so stupid" Ron cursed himself "I could be kissing those lips instead of watching her from the distance." No matter what he said to the contrary, he was so deeply in love with her that he knew he would never get over it.

He considered for a second going over to where she was sitting and telling her everything he felt: that he was nothing without her, that everything had been a huge misunderstanding and that he would never ever hurt her again. However, after what he had done that morning, she would still be fuming and would refuse to listen to him. Or worst, perhaps she was over him now and was really dating the Palmer moron.

Ron buried his face in his hands in frustration. And he was so deep in contemplating his misery that he didn't notice Hermione getting up and going inside. Only when the sun was completely down did Ron look up to find himself shimmering in the chilly dusk air.

Nights found them all in the living room, chatting in small groups, enjoying Mrs. Weasley's cooking. She had really outdone herself this time, everything was just too delicious to resist.

Suddenly the room went dark and soft music started to play. Fred ignited a filibuster star and levitated in front of him, the effect was that of a spot light.

"Ejem Ejem" He said, imitating a microphone tester "Ladies and Gentlemen, we- that is my dear twin and I- request you take your sits so we can proceed to the beginning of tonight's show." As an answered he received several quizzical looks, but then a path of fairy lights showed that the furniture had been arranged and all the couches and chairs had been placed in front of one of the walls, as if it was a theater.

Each person had a seat awarded, and surprisingly, Ron and Hermione were to sit together, right in the center of the row. Neither of them was too happy about this, but the twins didn't give them time to complain, because once everybody had accommodated him or herself, they stood facing the crowd.

"Dearest members of the family and friends" Announced George "we are gathered today to celebrate the culmination of Miss Granger's Mr. Potter's and Mr. Weasley junior x 5 educational carriers." Said George pompously, but it was crystal clear he was having a hard time keeping his face straight.

"And in honor of the occasion, we – with some assistance from other members of the family- (Hey!) Ok, with much assistance from some others members of the family, have prepared an anthology of their finest moments together." Hermione looked quizzically at Ginny, but the petit Weasley just shrugged and looked away.

"Accio pensive" Shouted Fred pointing his wand at the opposite side of the room. Suddenly understanding what was going to happen everybody bowed their heads just in time to avoid being hit by the black basin.

"Projectio" Pronounced George, and the silver substance inside the pensive began to rise, forming a sort of cinema screen. Meanwhile Charlie, to whom the twins had delegated the task of operating the music, enchanted Hermione's walkman with the sonorous charm so that the slow and romantic songs that the family pranksters had selected would be heard in the whole of the living room.

"Reprocir" Muttered Fred, and one by one all the memories that Harry and Ginny had put onto the basin appeared as if they were watching a home made movie.

When they saved Hermione from the Troll - That was very loyal of you two (Bill).

The chess game that McGonagall had transfigured to protect the Philosopher Stone – Wow Ron, how brave (Ginny). Hermione gasped when she saw the Queen hit Ron, and all the plotters grinned.

Hermione solving Snape's riddle – Clever, very clever (Percy).

Most of the adventures the trio had had, and a few that included Ginny, were shown; especially those in which Ron or Hermione had been very brave or smart or kind to each other. Everybody was having a good time, because the older family members didn't know half the things that had happened at Hogwarts during the previous seven years. And the targets of the plan were starting to get the point subconsciously, and every time the other appeared on the 'screen' they would smile automatically.

Everybody, including Mrs. Weasley, laughed when the images of Hermione hitting Malfoy during third year appeared. But Ron was the loudest and for the first time in two days (at least up to what she knew) looked straight at Hermione, smiling.

After each recollection passed, one of the plotters uttered a pre-planned statement, so as to lead their victims' thoughts to the other. And even Mrs. Weasley, who knew nothing about the plan, helped. For example when the memory of the Yule Ball appeared she cried "Oh my God Hermione, you look absolutely stunning." And when they saw the quidditch match against Revenclaw that awarded Gryffindor the cup, she exclaimed with a watery smile "My little boy, I'm soy proud of you" and Ginny could have sworn she saw Hermione nod in agreement.

Suddenly, Ron and Hermione noted that the new memories appearing were ones that they did not have. They were about them yes, but they were not in the memory. There was the conversation Ron and Harry had had after Hermione had gone to bed the night Harry had kissed Cho. One in which Hermione had asked Ginny, very seriously, "Do you think that Parvaty is pretty? 'Cause, it may be just me, but I think she has a common, insipid sort of face" (A/N: Remember that Ron went to the ball with Padma to the ball, and they are identical). A conversation that had occurred in the boys' room during sixth year when Ron had stated that he "definitely prefer brunettes to blondes and that there was nothing sexier than big, deep, brown eyes" (Of course Ron blushed crimson and glared daggers at Harry for showing that to his family and especially to Hermione). But the most powerful was the one after the Last Battle, in which Ron was lying unconscious in the hospital wing and Hermione, heavily bandaged herself was sitting in a chair next to his bed, grabbing his hand and crying silently.

The three women present were in tears by now, the memory lasted at least five minutes, but anyone could tell that Hermione had spent the whole night waiting, wishing, hoping that Ron would awake.

With that last memory, the 'film' ended. Charlie turned off the music and Bill turned on the lights with a flick of his wand. Mrs. Weasley blew her nose and went to the bathroom to wash her face. Her eldest sons stood up at once and with a subtle gesture to their father they indicated him that they ought to leave the room at that moment. Harry took Ginny by the hand and they too followed the rest of the family upstairs, leaving Ron and Hermione alone.

Ron leaned forward and whispered in her ear "'Mione, I never knew… you never told me, about that night." Hermione's cheeks were still wet from the tears, she gave a soft sob and then smiled sadly.

"I was so worried… I think that was the worst night of y life. Harry had already come round, but Madam Pomfrey wouldn't let anyone stay with him except Dumbledore. She closed the hospital wing and the only ones there were, apart from Harry and the Headmaster, were Ginny, you and me. I was supposed to be lying in bed, but I just couldn't stay still knowing that you hadn't recovered yet.

I thought your sister was sleeping, but she must have been awake that's how she got the memory into the pensive.

You must remember you woke up around nine in the morning; I spent ten hours in that chair, praying for you to open your eyes. I can't tell you what I felt when I saw you were awake and Madam Pomfrey said you were going to be fine" All this was said very quietly, Hermione had her stare fixed in an invisible point in front of her and tears were coming down her cheeks again.

"Why?"

"Why do you think? Because I cared about you, because I knew that my life wouldn't be complete if something happened to you" She answered, still not looking at him.

"You never said anything" He repeated.

"There was no need, you were fine and that was the only thing that mattered. I didn't stay with you all night because I wanted you to thank me later. I did it because I felt it. Because I…" She cut herself, she knew what she had been about to said, she felt what she had been about to say, she just didn't want Ron to know.

"I'm an idiot" Said Ron bitterly.

"Yes, you are."

"You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I blew it." He waited, she didn't say anything nor did she move. Was she willing to listen to what had really happened? He stroked her cheek, and she finally looked at him, but still silent.

"'Mione, I never wanted to hurt you…I would never do that to you…I didn't bet anyone I would ask you out, I did it because I felt it… But it is true that Fred and George gave me a push in the right direction." And he finally told her the whole story, she didn't speak while he was talking. "That's what happened. I tried to tell you, but you had already found consolation in Pa- I mean Stephen… And I don't blame you; he's probably a much better person than I am. I'm not mad at you but I do hate myself, and to be honest I really hate his guts."

Hermione was stunned. To anyone else the whole story might sound like a humongous lie, but she knew Ron and the twins pretty well and they were more than capable of doing such a thing. And Ron did sound honest and hurt. It was impossible for her not to believe him.

"Ron, you know I'm not going out with Stephen don't you?"

"You are not?" His voice considerably higher and more cheerful.

"No, and he did not comfort me in that way." It was Hermione's time to tell a story, but the difference was that when she finished Ron had the biggest smile on his face she had ever seen.

"So, do you forgive me for being such a jerk?"

"Well, I've forgiven you so many times before that I don't see why not." She said ginning.

Ron hugged her so tightly Hermione though her ribs were going to crack.

"Does this mean you are going to enter the cheerleaders?"

Hermione's answer was to throw a pillow at him.

TO BE CONTINUED

IMPORTANT, READ!

A/N: Well, that was a long chapter… You can't complain… Anyway, I have something to ask you, should I finish this fic. in the next chapter or should I continue it? The thing is, I have some ideas but I don't want to push this fic and make it boring… So, it's your call… Please tell me what I should do!

And now, the usual thanks to my reviewers, did I tell you that I love you guys? Well, I do!

40/16: Yeah, I love them two… Especially Fred and George, they just crack me!

Fredrocks: Wow! (Can't stop grinning) but an awesome review! Thanx for all you've said ;o) I'd love it when people recommend me stories, you should tell me the author though… Oh, and sorry for the cliff hanger, I usually hate them too, especially when reading something, but they are necessary sometimes.

I AM EOWYN: Are you happy now? She knows he loves her, or at least that he likes her… Sorry about the stoker thing, I had a bad experience too, but is still something to tell your grandchildren ;o)

Emma-Lynn: You see, there was no need to cry, I didn't made you wait that long… although how knows what tomorrow might bring he he he (evil laughter)

One With A Constant Sugar High: I have a cat and I love her (She is called Fausta and is lovely)… it's just the stereotype of the old, single person that has a cat. I know she didn't date Cedric, but Ron was just being irrational, as many boys are most of the time winks

suckr4romance81789: I'm glad you liked the chapter, oh nad no problem ;0)

Syd: Thank you! I like your idea… I always wanted to have two guys fighting for me, until it happened and, well, long story. Anyway, if you people want me to make this story longer I might use your suggestion.

Leigh: Yeah, I'm bad to the boys, aren't I… but it's cute to see them suffer… not to much though!

Dancerrdw: Sorry, this time I couldn't do it sooner… hope you forgive me!

Fred Potter: Thank you! So happy you like my store, really! Well, something was done for Ron, but don't worry, he'll also do something to really get the girl in the end.