Disclaimer: Hmm...
A/n: Hey.ü Here's the next chappie.
By: Aningme
Chapter 31
Dilemma
Opening the door of the beautiful conference room, Ron stared at the luxurious, extravagant room before him. It was implausibly majestic, full of plush sofas and carved premium wood, with silk curtains and expensive paintings. The lights were dim, giving the night an extra exotic touch. He had lived in rich people's lifestyle for a few years already. But this five star hotel was by far the best of all he had seen. Perhaps David Milgates owned it. It was probable.
Seeing a silhouette by the window, Ron stood still and cleared his throat. It looked as if the man didn't notice his presence.
He seemed like he was just staring at the window.
"Good evening Weasley." David started, not even facing him. "We have finally met."
Ron furrowed his brows. That voice sounded familiar. "Yes, I think it is very fortunate." He answered. He swore he knows that voice.
David smiled. "Well, I believe that your company had agreed on the merger plan my assistant had requested of you." He said. "I think it would be great to work with you."
Ron's eyes almost rolled out of his sockets. He knows that voice. He's damn sure of it.
"Hell." Ron suddenly said.
David just frowned. "You think I am joking, Weasley?"
Ron's blood boiled. "You son of a bitch."
Draco smirked and turned around to face his old friend Ron Weasley. It had been a while. "Now, now, I thought we were over calling names?"
Ron couldn't help it but fume. "What in bloody hell are you doing here, Malfoy?" He spat. "You bastard slug. David Milgates, huh?"
Draco laughed. It was indeed a pathetic name. "It's really funny, isn't it? At least I have left my initials in it."
"Initials my ass." He wanted to kill him. "What the hell do you want?"
"I just want the merger plan, fulfilled. I could use your sales company to sell out my models. I have created new advanced PC's and links for—"
"I don't give a damn about your work, asshole. Consider the merger plan aborted."
Draco cocked his head. "I'm giving you a favor, Weasley. With my models, your company would have the highest rates in the whole world."
"Stop talking bullshit, Malfoy." His temper was getting hold of him. "You're doing this because of Hermione."
Draco paused, hearing her name. It had been a while since he had heard her name. "This is not about her. I'm just doing my job."
Ron sighed and turned on his heel. "Forget it. You're wasting my time."
He walked to the door and suddenly paused, holding the knob. "You think you could buy me like this? Think twice. You have hurt her before; I can't let you do that twice."
He slammed the door, leaving Draco alone.
She sat in the cozy plush sofas in the colorful living room of Ginny's house, staring at the fluffy pillows. It's all still the same, the wrong color combinations of neon green and yellow, the bright pink curtains, the lavender table cloth. It seemed sickening when you look at it for the first time. But then, staring at it long enough, it didn't look so bad.
How she wished she could see his sickened face, pale and weak knowing he's in a house like this. He couldn't stand in a place like this. Not him.
"Ron's still not around?" Seamus asked, seeing Hermione dreaming the night away. Ginny was in the kitchen, preparing the supposed dinner. And little Relina was playing doll house across Hermione.
Hermione smiled glumly and shook her head. "He's meeting with the famous David Milgates. Expect him to be late."
"I see." Seamus nodded. "Neville?"
"He couldn't make it. He's up with their Orlando Florida project. He said he'd be gone there by now."
Seamus frowned. Everybody seemed to be busy these days. "I just hope Ron gets here as early as possible.
But then, surprising them both, they heard the doorbell sing its newly improved melodic sound, something Ron himself installed for his sister. It sounded like a lullaby. A gift for Relina when she was born.
"It must be him." Seamus shrugged, walking towards the door.
Hermione just watched.
Opening the door, Ron stood with his marvelous black suit, a kind of suit he always wears in times of great meetings and all.
But his face didn't seem cheery. Something must have gone wrong.
Hermione stood up and greeted him. "Decided to be early?"
Ron tried on a smile. But it never erased the annoyance present in his face. "Never thought it would be this brief."
Seamus gave out a laugh, trying to cheer the mood up. It seems like his friends were not in the mood for partying tonight. "Had a tough night, mate?"
Ron sighed and hissed. It wasn't just tough. It pissed him off. "Yeah, I could consider it that way."
"How was David Milgates? What does he look like?" Hermione asked conversationally. She rarely sees Ron this fumed and annoyed in his work. He loved his work.
Hearing that stupid name did nothing but heat him up more. "He's a jerk."
Seamus and Hermione gave each other a look.
"Don't ask." Ron abruptly added. He couldn't tell them about that yet. No. Especially to Hermione.
Everything seems fine with her. He couldn't ruin her. Not in a million life times. Not just because of that asshole. Asshole. Ron hissed in his mind. He really had the passion to kill him.
Seamus sighed. "Well then, you guys want a drink?"
Hermione shrugged. Ron gave them a curt nod.
Seamus sighed and went for the kitchen. This would be a long night.
Gathering up in the table, they started lighting up the candles in the cake and sang "Happy Birthday". It had been two years already. Two long years.
Staring at them, Hermione felt glad seeing her niece's eyes pop out in excitement. Gifts were placed before her. And she let her eyes feast on them for a full minute.
"I open, mommy?"
Ginny laughed and pecked her daughter's cheek. "Of course dear. Let's check out Uncle Ron's!"
Grabbing the small box from the table, Relina ripped the wrapper off and drooled over the box. Opening it slowly, her face shone with happiness, seeing the small music box. Opening it, there was a necklace inside, and the box started to sing a melodious song.
"Wow! Thank you Uncle Ron!" The girl shrieked.
Ron smiled at her and pecked her cheek. He still looked gloomy. "It's an antique music box. You better take care of it."
Ginny gave her brother a side long look. "Where did you get these kind of stuff?"
Ron grinned. "I got in from the auction last weekend in my trip to Ireland."
Ginny and Seamus shook their heads good naturedly.
"Hey, check out my gift too." Hermione laughed, as the little girl started rummaging the rectangular shaped gift.
Opening it, it was a book.
"Wow!" Relina shrieked again, staring at it. It was leather bound book, almost a little old, its pages of cream yellow, its title printed in gold.
Relina tried to read it slowly. "Ba…ba…"
"Basics in Magic. It's for your school." Hermione smiled. She remembered reading that the moment she got on the train on their first year in Hogwarts. Then she met Ron and Harry…
"Aww, that's too sweet, Herm." Ginny sighed, patting her shoulder.
Hermione just watched the child browse through the book, seeing some pictures of different creatures Hagrid usually takes care of, pictures of potions, of famous wizards, and all.
"Thank you, Aunt Herm!" Relina exclaimed, still reading.
"Now, now, don't forget our gift!" Seamus added.
Ginny clapped her hands and smacked her husband's lips. "We got it just the way here. I know you wanted it so badly, baby."
Relina stared at her parents in awe. "My… favorite?
"Yes, honey. We got you a little present." Seamus smiled. Getting something from the counter cabinet, Seamus presented a long wrapped something.
Relina seemed to stop breathing.
"A broom!" Relina screamed and jumped to her parents' arms.
Seamus and Ginny lovingly caught her. "Latest model, Skyline 1000." Seamus added.
Relina caressed it. "Can me fly? Can I mommy? Daddy?"
They all laughed at the child's eagerness.
Seamus knelt down to his daughter. "You want me to teach you?" He smiled, grabbed her hand, and walked off to the backyard.
Ron, Ginny, and Hermione followed them, watching the father and daughter bond.
Ginny's eyes watered. "It's really good to see a family like this." Ginny sniffed.
Hermione wrapped an arm around her, staring at the mini broom. She remembered the night they flew into the sky. She was flying. "It really feels good to be back here."
Ron smiled. "Yeah, it is."
Hermione glanced at him, still seeing the confusion in his eyes.
"Don't forget to use the blocking spell! People might see you guys flying around." Ginny added, walking up to them.
Ron and Hermione just kept on watching them.
Ron didn't know what to do.
A/n: Yes. Boring. lol!ü Wait up for the coming ones.ü I hope that would help.ü
Vegas Chick - Yes, he changed his name.ü Why? Let's just say that he wanted to keep his profile low.ü lol.ü Thanks for the review by the way.ü And yeah, I'll remember that friday is also a weekend.ü Thanks! TC!
lost-soul-gal - yeah. He is David Milgates.ü but may I ask, what is sch?ü lol!ü Yeah, yeah, I know I'm dumb. I don't know what it is.ü lol!ü But anyway, I hope you would tell me?ü TC!
MissDitzy - loved your review!ü That totally rocks! Yeah!ü Thanks a lot!ü And about the question thing, that sometimes happens.ü I totally have a very low IQ and I have to think really hard for something to register in my damned brain. Seriously. But anyways, thanks for the fab review, and I hope to see you next time.ü TC!
mysteriouscharm - lol!ü Hope that hunch goes with this chap!ü TC! Thanks for the review!ü
hplucky - Here.ü I hope you got the job thing.ü (Obviously you did.)üIgnore the lady.ü Anyways, thanks for the review!ü Hope to see you on the next chapter.ü TC!
curlyqntx- Lol.ü David Milgates. Isn't it silly?ü Anyways, see you soon.ü Will post more.ü TC!ü
chaste-aeon - Well, you are a busy person, chaste-aeon. I could tell.ü LOL!ü Anyways, yeah, that movie rocks!ü Love it really.ü And yeah, David is a nice name with a letter "D" for a start.ü Really Matches Draco.ü Anyways, see you again this weekend!ü TC!ü And I hope you get through with all those head aching homeworks!ü I have to do mine too.ü
The famous, the glamorous, Gryffindor Drummer - LOL!ü I just liked to say that.ü Anyways, thanks for the TC comment.ü I'd start using it from now till the very end of Fanfiction.ü LOL!
TC!
Anyways, It's alright.ü Lots of people scare me. I get scared easily.
Yeah, a pussy coward girl.
Forgive me.ü
Hehe.ü Hope to see you then!ü Until this weekend!ü
TC!
Aurum Potestas Est - Lol.ü Yes, I will post more soon.ü I'm just finishing up some of my hws and when I'm done, I'll post as many chapters as I can.ü Lol.ü And yup, Draco is David.ü Until then!ü See you soon!ü
TC!
JinxTwix- Yeah, I believe that chapter 30 was pretty lame.ü Sorry about that.ü This chapter is senseless too. But I hope the next chapter after this would clear things up and boost this. It needs a little boosting don't you think?
Damn! I have to be inspired!
I actually write these chapters before I sleep. And yeah, I always lack sleep these days because of school. And I can't think right when I'm sleepy and when I don't have a cup of coffee in my hand. Yeah, I'm a coffee fiend.ü lol.
Anyways, until next update then!ü TC!
his-lil-shortie- WELCOME ABOARD!ü It was good that you liked the story.ü Thanks for reviewing it too.ü Yeah, the suspense and all was quite a tough thing to hold on to. But it was worth it.ü Things just pop out of my head.ü Anyways, see you until next update!ü Hope to see you again soon.ü TC!
Queen of Duct Tape - Yeah, you really have great analysis skills.ü Love the way you think.ü You always figure out the everything and your theories are just always right.ü Keep up!ü
Anyways, yeah, I live in the Philippines with the double "p".ü lol.ü Schooling system? Hmm... We actually go to school from June to March.ü We have Christmas breaks from December something to January something.ü Then we would also have summer breaks from March something to June something.ü That's how it works here.ü We only have two seasons here.ü Rainy and Summer.ü Boring isn't it? Yeah. I would like a four seasoned country.ü LOL!ü Pf course I love my country too.ü Anyways, July 4 is your independence day right?ü Happy belated independence to your country then!ü lol.ü
Anyways, gotta go for now.ü Thanks again for , of course, the marvelous and astoundingly implausible review you have made.ü Until then. TC!ü
diabolicalone18 - thanks for the review!ü And WELCOME ABOARD!ü Hope to see you until the end of this fic.ü Until then, TC!ü
guitargirl08 - lol.ü That name just popped out of my head.ü Never thought I would use it in one of my stories.ü Anyways, thanks for the review!ü Until next update!ü TC!
Dearest catgurfurreel - hey!ü glad you could make it.ü what happened to your account anyway? Anyways, it's up to you if you still want to post.ü It's okay if you don't, really.ü You have given me a lot of help for this.ü and for that, THANK YOU!ü lol.ü Missed you anyway.ü Until then!ü See you!ü TC!
And to all people out there, have a good day!ü LOL!ü