Row at the Dinner Table

All of the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermionie were sitting at the table that night, eating Mrs. Weasley's delicious home-cooked dinner, when the discussion about the twins' near future came up.

"You two are smart boys; why not put your talent into something more professional and something that will be put into good use? It's fine to start out with something simple and continue on to more intricate things, but it seems you two have no plan to move on. Do you understand my concern?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"But Mum, this is what we WANT to do with our lives. If we're going to do

something for our entire life, shouldn't we enjoy our work?" George questioned his mother.

"Dear, they do have a point. They also have to have a lot of brains to create their pranks. Think of them as inventors, not joke producers. They really will make a lot of money on a main street like Diagon Alley. Let them do what they chose to," argued Mr. Weasley.

"I WILL NOT HAVE OUR CHILDREN BE UNSUCESSFUL, THE REST OF THE FAMILY HAS STEADY, RELIABLE JOBS! YOU WILL NOT CHANGE THIS!" screamed Mrs. Weasley.

"IT'S OUR LIFE, WE CAN CHOOSE WHAT WE WANT TO DO WITH IT!" George shot back.

"I AM YOUR MOTHER! I HAVE INFLUENCE OVER WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR LIFE!"

"Mum, please, let us do what we want with our life. If anything goes awry, we will find something else that is acceptable in your eyes," Fred said calmly.

Mrs. Weasley gave a large sigh and continued quietly this time. "Ok. You win. Do what you want with your life. It's your choice."

Everybody was sitting silently at the table, listening to the battle between the family members. Things were especially tense and awkward for Harry and Hermionie; who were not family.

Ron gripped Hermionie's hand under the table and whispered to her. "Sorry about this mess; Mum is very sensitive about Fred and George's future and frequently gets upset during mealtimes."

"Oh my god, is Ron hitting on me? Doesn't he know he'll only ever be a friend to me? Does he think differently about me?" Hermionie desperately thought. She didn't know if she could handle one of her best friends having a thing for her.

"Thank you so much for dinner, Mrs. Weasley. It was wonderful. I'm feeling a bit tired after such a long day. I think I might head up to bed. Goodnight everyone," Hermionie said cheerfully. She needed time to think things over by herself. She cleared her dishes and went upstairs to mull things over in her head.

She flopped down on the bed and started thinking things over. Is that why he's been looking at me funny lately? Perhaps is that why he carried my trunk for me and sat so close to me on the train? Is that why-But her thoughts were interrupted when Ron came through the door.

"Hey Hermionie," he said as he closed the door behind himself. "Lately I've been thinking about you a whole lot. I was just wondering," he said as he sat down next to her, holding her hands in his, "if you were interested in going out with me?" At this, his cheeks flushed and his ears turned bright red.

Hermionie was taken aback. Was this the same Ron she had known for six years? She asked herself in wonder. Suddenly she panicked. What do I say? Should I or shouldn't I? I am so confused! She thought in frustration. I'll tell him I'll think it over and tell him once I've reached a conclusion. Yes, that's what I'll do.

"Ron, I will think about it and tell you once I've made up my mind," she stated quite plainly. At that moment, Ginny barged into the room.

"Hermionie, can I talk to you for a sec?" she asked. Hermionie proceeded to follow her out of the room out into her own and shut the door behind her. "I just heard everything Ron said. I borrowed a pair of Fred and George's Extendible Ears and heard the whole thing. So, are you going to or not?" she asked excitedly.

"Gin, I really don't know. I think Ron will only ever be a friend to me. I don't know what to do now."

"Don't worry about it. If you say "no", Ron might get upset about it and all, but I don't think anything could ruin the friendship you have with him. It might change things, though."

"Oh, by the way, I saw Fred eying you throughout the entire meal. I think he might be interested, too," she said gleefully. "Next time I have the chance, I'll ask him whether or not he does."

"If that is true, and Ron finds out, he will erupt with anger!" exclaimed Hermionie. "I was serious when I said I was tired at dinner, so I think I really will go to bed. Goodnight Gin."

"'Night Hermionie."