The Allure of Ronald Weasley: Chapter 5
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, except my cute green iPod and the plot.
A/N: Sorry it's been so long since my last chapter, but I've been getting ready for College and I've been pretty busy. I leave in 9 days: )
But enough about that! Please read and review, and thanks to everyone that has been reviewing, I really appreciate it!
Chapter 5: Soul Mates
Hermione and Ron walked out the front door and into the beautiful Weasley garden. The weather was forgiving to those sick of sweltering summer days, since September was approaching and the hot and humid days were less and less frequent.
Hermione cursed at herself for wearing her ridiculous outfit, because she was actually quite cold. She had gotten it as a gift from Lavender's sister because she was going on and on about how Hermione needed to look more feminine. Hermione remembered getting angry but she took the clothes anyway because she didn't want to be rude.
A consistent wind was blowing at her arms and legs, but she convinced herself that it was worth it to get Ron's attention. She knew she had to annoy Harry enough so he would get out of the way while she had some alone time with Ron. She missed their week together before Harry came.
Hermione rolled her eyes as she looked over at Ron, who was constantly staring at her. Whenever he noticed her looking over and catching his eye, he blushed and quickly turned his head and pretended he was immensely interested in the bird feeder they were walking by.
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, she thought.
Yes, it was. Don't you want his attention?
Yes, I do. But not like this. I want him to love me for who I-Did you just say love?
NO! No, I meant like. I mean, I just want to be closer to Ron-You mean closest. You know how jealous you got when Ron and Harry were fooling around. You know how jealous you are when you see them laughing together. You don't want them to be closer than you are with Ron. You think he's going to steal him away from you.
Well, maybe, but really I just-"So… Hermione," Ron interrupted her thoughts. She had almost forgotten that they were walking together because she was so caught up in a mental argument. "What did you want to talk about?"
"Listen, Ron," started Hermione, as she led them to a stone bench on the opposite side of the garden that they had come from. She sat in the middle, and it took Ron a few moments to decide on which side to sit by her and how close he should sit. He finally decided to sit on the arm with his feet on the bench, facing her.
"Remember the other night, when we were laying in the grass and we were talking?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah, and we got so scared when Mum knocked over that can?" Ron smiled in memory of how frightened he had been, and the relief when he realized what had happened.
"Yeah. Well, before that happened, we had been talking about soul mates…"
"Oh yeah! I remember." Said Ron.
"Well, what's your take on them? What does it mean to you?"
"Soul mates…" Ron wondered for a moment about what he really thought of it. "…like someone you're perfectly comfortable with telling everything to… Mum and Dad were talking about it once and saying that they were soul mates because they were so comfortable together. They said you know you're soul mates when you would give your life for theirs, and when you have some connection you can't explain."
Hermione was silent for a minute. She was surprised at how much thought Ron had put into this. She wondered if he had thought about it before. She wondered…
"Ron, do you think you've found your soul mate yet?"
Ron's ears turned red and he looked down at his ratted shoes.
"I still feel so young… but really we're not that young anymore. But I think maybe we… well it's kinda crazy but…"
"Yes, Ron?" Hermione's heart started beating faster. Was he going to say what's she had been longing to hear for years? She knew, deep down, since she had met him that she loved him. She knew it. Yes, they got into fights sometimes, but all couples did. Her mind was racing. Was she finally going to get the chance to be with someone she truly cared about?
"Well, I think maybe we're old enough to understand who we love. And it might sound crazy… but…" Ron trailed off, looking embarrassed.
"Ron! It's alright, you don't have to say any more! I already know! I knew it all along!" Hermione jumped up and gave him a huge hug that almost knocked him off the bench.
Ron started laughing from nerves, and heaved a huge sigh of relief. "Oh Hermione, I'm so glad you understand. I thought for sure that you would think I was crazy for what I was going to say."
He began talking so fast, as if to let out something that had been plaguing him for a long time. "I mean, it's just that I've known Harry for such a long time, and it's kind of hard not to love your best mate, I mean, after all we've been through together, and we can really talk you know, and maybe it's crazy that I think we're soul mates but I really can't see myself with anyone else, but I was scared he'd think I was crazy for thinking all of this but, I … Hermione?" Ron paused from the sight of Hermione's confused face, her mouth wide open.
Hermione had stopped breathing. She stood there, motionless, her face static. Her jaw snapped shut at the sound of her own name.
"R- Ron… maybe you don't…. I mean, he's your best friend, we're talking about, soul mates… I mean, like who you want to marry… who you want to spend the rest of your- I mean…"
"Yeah… but see… I really do love him, more than anyone else. I knew you'd understand Hermione, you always understand. I really appreciate you listening and not thinking I'm crazy."
Hermione nodded silently as Ron got up from the bench and gave her another hug. "Oh, and Hermione, did I mention that you look stunning on that outfit, I mean literally, I was stunned at how different you look. It's kinda hot." Ron seemed giddy from letting out his inner secret, and seemed as though he would speak whatever was on his mind.
Hermione fumed inside. How DARE he compliment me on how hot I am after telling me he's in love with HARRY!
She sighed in frustration. Why are ALL boys so COMPLICATED?