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Chapter Two: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
My Sunday was spent cleaning my house until it shined. I dusted every last dust bunny that I could find, pointedly ignoring the invitation hanging on the fridge. I swept away all the cobwebs, pretending that the invitation was not there. I even scrubbed all grime off the tile and walls, hoping it would take my mind off the God damned invitation. After a grueling five hours of housework, I collapsed onto my bed, knowing that I will probably end up like all the other young teachers at Hogwarts. Purchasing a cottage not to far away from the school so that I can live in it during the school year, and not spend countless hours cleaning it, only to live in it for three months. Plus, I will be able to have a life that way too.
But now, with nothing left to clean, the invitation loomed in the back of my mind. It almost seemed to mock me in a way. In the end, I had to run back to the kitchen and snatch it from the fridge. I took it back up to my room to contemplate. If I didn't go, I would just be giving Sarah exactly what she wanted. Me telling her that she won. She won the very life I wanted. If I did go, I would be subjecting my self to endless criticism from Sarah and all her little friends. Plus, I would be forced to watch her be all over Ron. Could I handle that? I let out a groan as a headache webbed its way into my head. I rolled over on my bed and could feel myself drifting off into a well-deserved nap.
"Hermione! I haven't seen you in so long!" Ron said, wrapping his arms around me, surrounding me in his musky scent. I did not wan to let go. It felt so right. I pressed my nose against his shoulder and breathed in deep, wanting to remember it forever. But then again, I've never forgotten it either.
"Too long," I said, reluctantly releasing him. He stepped from me, and gazed into my eyes. I so badly wanted to grab a hold of him again, but I restrained myself. That wouldn't be very lady like, now would it?
He showed me too the parlor of his beautiful little cottage in the outskirts of London. I loved how his house had that lived-in feel. It was so warm and cozy. It reminded me a lot of the Burrow. He led me over too where Harry and Ginny were standing, talking to Fred and George about their parents new house.
"Hermione, I'm so glad you decided to come," Ginny said, giving me a hug, "And I love your outfit! It's so vintage."
Before I could reply, a shrill little voice, that reminded me a lot of nails on a chalkboard, came in from behind me.
"Ginny, just because it looks like something our grandmothers wore back when they were our age, doesn't make it vintage. I'd say it makes you look like you have poor fashion sense." Sarah said, sipping her martini.
I turned too look at her, wishing she wasn't so beautiful with her shiny blonde hair, big blue eyes, and a body that even super models envied. She looked stunning in her indigo robes that fanned behind her as she walked. They were amazing compared to my old maroon ones, which I had earlier thought made me look sophisticated.
"I think she looks rather lovely," Ginny told Sarah coldly, giving her a glare. I could just tell she was itching to grab her wand and hex the girl.
"You would," Sarah said, turning to walk away. Except, she "accidentally" tripped over the rug and ran into me, spilling her drink all over my robes and knocking me to the ground. "Opps!"
I looked up at her with all the hatred that I could muster. "You bitch!"
"It was an accident!" Sarah protested, looking innocently at everyone.
"It was not! It was on purpose!" I screamed, standing up.
"Now why would I get any pleasure at embarrassing you like this?" Sarah asked, looking appalled by my accusation.
"Come on Hermione, it was an accident," Ron said with a gentle tone.
"What? No it wasn't! She hates me, she always has," I yelled, pointing an accusing finger at Sarah.
"Why would you think that?" Ron demanded.
"It's not like she tries to hide it. With all her snobbish remarks about me," I said, glaring over at her.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Sarah would never do that," Ron said, stepping between Sarah and I so I could no longer see her.
"Are you deaf? Oh wait, that's right, she's got you so whipped you don't even care about your friends anymore," I said, glaring at Ron now.
"That's enough! Now get out!" Ron yelled, his face turning redder and redder by the second.
"But Ron-"
"Out!"
"Ron-"
Suddenly, I woke up with a start, sitting up so quickly, I had to lie back down from dizziness. I glanced around the room, trying to calm myself as I realized that it was just a dream. Fin jumped up onto my bed and began licking my ears, letting me know that he needed to go outside.
"Alright, alright," I said, getting out of bed, "Let's go."
I let Fin out the patio door and watched him jump in the first puddle that he could find from last night's rain. I do not even know why I try to keep him clean anymore. I shook my head at him, before putting the invitation in a door so I wouldn't have to see it anymore. I wish I could get it off my mind that easily too. I'm still a little shaken about how mad Ron was in my dream. I've only seen him that mad when Malfoy was being an ass. Let's just hope I never have to experience it any time soon.
I know it's a bit of a short chapter, but I hope you like it none the less. Thanks for the reviews! Can't wait for more. And remember, advice is always welcome!
Preview:
There he was, standing not even two feet away from me, looking better then he did before. I couldn't believe it. He smiled at me and walked over. I couldn't notice how well he held himself, his head high, his shoulders back. Giving him the look of being proud. Whish, I believe, he is allowed to be so. I smiled back at him and waited for him to reach me.