Hello again!

First of all, thanks to the most amazing betas in the world, Cheesyficwriter and RomioneB, they are the best of the best!

I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

IMPORTANT: If you haven't seen the movies "What happens in Vegas", "27 dresses", "WALL-E" and "Definitely, Maybe". I'm warning you, this chapter has big spoilers on those ones.

The wizarding world, characters included, belongs to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing, nothing at all, besides my eternal love for Ron Bilius Weasley.

RL has been awful to me these last weeks so, please, make me happy and leave reviews.

After the pregnancy party, I had the worst hangover of my life. I didn't even know how I'd gotten home, but I was glad I did because there was no bloody way I could've moved that next morning. Even the sound of my heartbeat made my head throb. Sodding Firewhiskey. Never again, I swore. Never. Ever. Again.

As I fought to survive through the day, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had done something terribly wrong. The last thing I could recall from the night before was being in the kitchen with a terrible need to go to the loo. I closed my eyes for better focus, but as much as I tried, that was just as far as I could remember. Everything after that moment had been wiped out of my mind. I had nothing, it was all just black. Well, I thought, no one could say that I didn't do my best. Besides, no howlers had come and I reckoned my body was just fine, meaning that I hadn't been hexed. All proof led to only one conclusion: whatever I'd done probably wasn't too bad. So, I let the thought fly away from my mind.

Hermione and I spent tons of time together after the pregnancy party. It was really hard for me 'cause I was still hurting from her rejection. But she didn't know that I'd heard her talking to barmy Wanda, and I'd adopt one of Aragog's children before I'd tell her that I was heartbroken because she didn't love me. I still had some pride.

Days turned into weeks, and before I knew it, it was Valentine's day. I woke up unusually early for a Saturday off, and despite my best efforts, sleep didn't return. I rolled on the bed to lay fully on my back, spreading my arms and legs as far as I could reach. I wanted to occupy as much space as possible so the bed wouldn't feel so empty, but it was having the opposite effect, and it only made me feel more sad and lonely. I closed my eyes for a moment and focused on my breathing, wondering why I was being such a soppy. I had been single for many years now, and I wasn't one to make a big fuss about this particular day. Although, I had been heartbroken recently. After enduring everyone at the Ministry bragging about their plans the entire week, I reckoned I should allow myself to be miserable for the day.

Well, if I was going to get on the self-deprecating train, I'd better take the full ride. So, I started to reminisce about Hogwarts. So many years, and so many wasted opportunities. If only I could go back and slap some sense into myself. I wondered if things would be different if Hermione and I had gotten together at school. Maybe not, maybe she would've ditched me anyway. After all, we did have our chance and somehow I buggered it up – wait! Did I?

She never told me why she ended things between us, she just did. I was burning my brain trying to find what could've triggered the breakup but I was pulled out of my recollection by the sound of an owl tapping on the window.

I sat up and found Hermione's owl scowling at me. Can owls scowl? I don't know about other owls, but this one most certainly was. I took an owl treat and opened the window to let it in but, as usual, it refused. The stupid shit. I took the letter, offered the treat and it took it gently. But then, out of the blue, the sodding menace of an owl pecked me and flew away.

'I hate you too, you stupid piece of shit!' I yelled. Fucking owl smirked back at me over its wing. I swear, it did. I took my wand and fixed my finger, then read the letter.

Hey there!

Harry told me you didn't have any plans for today and, as I don't have any plans either, I figured we could be alone together.

I have the entire day planned for us, food included. Also, if that doesn't convince you, I have a special surprise. I know you'll love it, so you better come get it.

Put on your best pyjamas and apparate here. I'll be waiting!

Hermione

P.S. If you have any other plans floo me and let me know.

How ironic that the very reason for my suffering was pulling me out of my bubble of sadness. But, well, I've never been one to refuse free food. So, I took a quick shower, put on clean pants, and went to find my pyjamas. I stood in front of the mirror and surveyed myself. I could always do a desperate move and show up how I was. Was it a bit too forward? Perhaps. I could picture it, "Well, y'know you said to show with my pyjamas and this is how I sleep." I chuckled at the thought, then got sad again because, you see, that wouldn't be of any help. There wasn't anything there she hadn't already seen... and declined. Pyjamas it was, then.

I apparated to Hermione's sitting room and immediately heard a shriek of surprise, followed by a guffaw. I followed her laugh, and found her curled on the sofa hugging her stomach. She was wearing lilac flannel pyjamas, her hair combed in a plait. Beautiful as usual, the witch.

'Don't like my pyjamas?' I asked, resting my hands on my hips, faking offence. Hermione took a few breaths to calm down before she answered.

'Oh, I love them!' She chuckled.

'You better! Otherwise, I'd have to tell little James you don't like our matching pyjamas, and that would be plain cruel.'

'No, no, please don't. I like them! Very fashionable with the little toads, they have very expressive faces.'

'Yeah, Ginny was thrilled when she saw them. You know I gave Harry a set too?' I asked, as I sat on the sofa and greeted her with a hug. 'He says every time they fight, he puts on those pyjamas just to piss her off.'

'Oh, and they say Ginny is the tough one in that marriage.'

'If only people knew the truth,' I sighed, dropping on the sofa. 'Although, I do think she loves it 'cause it highlights his eyes.'

Hermione swiped me on the chest and we both burst into laughter whilst I mockingly recited Ginny's love poem from second year in a sickeningly romantic voice. After a while, we calmed down and I asked, 'Anyway, where's my surprise?'

'Not so fast, Weasley. You have to earn your gift, it can't be that simple, can it?'

'Meaning?' I arched my brows.

'Meaning…' she stretched back to pick something from the side table and sat back, hiding whatever she'd grabbed. Hermione frowned, and bit her tongue in concentration as she fumbled with something behind her back, apparently sorting it. When she was ready, she sat up straight, cleared her throat and proceeded to speak solemnly.

'True friendship is defined by the sacrifices we are willing to make for the sake of our friends. So far, you've proved yourself to be loyal and brave but, are you – don't laugh, you're ruining it – are you courageous enough to submit yourself to the ultimate challenge?' I nodded, and she nodded back, then resumed.

'Very well, then, Ronald Weasley. Today you'll have to face four tasks. Some of them you might enjoy, others you absolutely won't. There's the chance you will laugh but I'm certain that you'll also want to cry. Today… you'll have to endure…' she was wrinkling her entire face with the effort to contain a grin whilst she quickly moved her hands forward, holding two plactic boxes in each one as she exclaimed, 'My supreme selection of romantic comedies!'

'Your what?! Y'know, never mind,' I laughed, 'I don't care, you sold it too well. I'm in, whatever that is, as long as I get fed and you give me my prize at the end.'

'We'll see about that,' she grinned, and stood up, 'come, breakfast is waiting.' I followed Hermione to the kitchen to find a full English breakfast served.

As we ate, Hermione explained to me the rules to win my Valentine's prize. All I had to do was watch four muggle films, and she'd give me my reward. I reckon it didn't seem like such a big challenge, so I was quite confident I'd win.

I was almost finished with my plate when I noticed Hermione had only taken a few bites of her toast, the rest of the food remaining untouched. She suddenly excused herself to the loo, looking quite green. When she came back, I almost thought she'd call the day off, but instead she offered me her plate and made herself some porridge.

By the end of her meal, Hermione had regained some colour, yet to me, she still seemed pretty ill. I told her she should go to bed, and I could take care of her if she was feeling grim, but she dismissed all my concerns, saying she was just fine and began to sort all the arrangements for our day. Stubborn witch, that one.

The first film was about a blonde woman that was ditched by her boyfriend, and her barmy friend took her on a trip to Las Vegas. Crazy city, that one. The wizard side, even worse. I shivered at the memory of the weird things people would do for "fun". Anyway, this woman got wasted and married a very cool bloke, then he won a prize and they had to live together and go to marriage counselling.

Watching the film made me wonder if that's how things would've been between Hermione and me if we were sharing a flat. Probably yes, at least for a few months. Although there's no way I would've taken off the loo door. Hermione is proficient in a variety of hexes, and I fancy my balls where they are, thank you very much. Well, after a while, they fell in love. But the cool bloke buggered it up, and the blonde woman left. Then, the cool bloke found her again and proposed. Overall, not so bad. Also, I had a lot of fun taking the mickey out of Hermione for how similar she was to this bird – they even shared a barmy friend: my sister.

We took a small break, and between a bit of talk and wee time, Hermione managed to make a big bowl of popcorn and grab some pumpkin juice. As we took our places back on the sofa I checked on Hermione to see if she was still sick, but she was just as good as ever, so I figured she was right before and I was worrying over nothing.

She changed the DVD and sat back next to me. As she made a summary of what we were about to watch, I noticed she was shivering so I Accio-ed a blanket. When I finished covering both of us and dropped back to my place, I was pleasantly surprised to find that she was leaning into my side. So, when I finally settled, she snuggled under my arm to rest on my chest. I wasn't thick enough to think that her move had some ulterior motive, but I wasn't made of steel either, therefore I welcomed her and rejoiced in the warmth of her body next to mine. Besides, she had the popcorn, so I needed her close.

The second film was about a bird that was crazy about weddings, and I don't mean healthy fun crazy, I mean St. Mungo's crazy. She had been a bridesmaid in no less than 27 weddings. Merlin, get some help, woman! Anyway, the bird met a bloke, they didn't like each other, but ultimately fell in love. Bloke buggers up, the bird gets mad and ditches him, then the bloke makes a move to win her back. I caught Hermione laughing and sighing throughout the film but I have to say that what I enjoyed more from this one, was the popcorn.

We then paused to have lunch, and I found out that Hermione had meant it when she said she'd take care of the food, for she had bought a pre-cooked shepherd's pie that was quite tasty. We ate in amiable silence, dropping some jokes and discussing the films every once in a while. We finished the pie, and Hermione announced that pudding was to be served whilst we watched the next film, instructing me to go get settled.

I was getting comfy and cosy when she appeared holding two bowls filled with chocolate ice cream. She handed the bowls to me and went to put in the next DVD, then positioned herself under the blanket, leaning into my side as I handed her the pudding. She had a mischievous smile plastered on her face as she held the remote towards the telly, murmured "enjoy" and pushed the play button.

MERLIN'S SAGGY LEFT BALL! I had to resort to the best of my Auror training to remain strong. Hermione was nested in my chest, and I could feel the moistness throughout my pyjamas. The story wasn't sad, but somehow it made my heart clench. I mean, I laughed at the chubby muggles and the cleaning obsessed fella, and most of the time it was pretty fun to see WALL-E struggling to catch EVA's attention. But then they bonded, and he sacrificed himself; and I don't even know why but I couldn't help but feel touched. Holy crap, they didn't even talk! But I was mesmerized by the music and the lights, and…I don't know…I was flooded by all these feelings that made me wanna cry. Luckily for me, there was a happy ending so I could recover my temple and, by the time Hermione sat up, I was able to cheer her up.

'Blimey, Hermione! When you said "enjoy" I swear I thought I was up for a good laugh.'

'Honestly, I didn't even know what the film was about,' she sighed, 'I saw the robots and thought it would be fun. Besides, I remembered one of my colleagues saying it was a romantic comedy... so, when I found it at the store, I figured I'd bring that one for you.'

'Well, thanks!'

'Oh, shush it. I never expected to cry over a robot finding love.' Hermione wiped her tears with the back of her hand and took a deep breath. Then, she looked down and began to pull loose threads on the blanket. I watched her intently, I could feel she was nervous about something, so I knew it was best to wait and let her go at her own pace.

After a few minutes, she lifted her face and with a half-smile, she added, 'I think, after this one, you've earned your prize. I'll go get it... just, wait here,' Then, she hopped out of the sofa and jogged towards her bedroom. I didn't know what to do or say. The air in the room had changed but I didn't have a clue why and that was unsettling.

Hermione came back holding a big squared package wrapped in a frog-designed paper. She left it on my lap and quickly went to sit next to me, 'Okay, Ron. Open it,' she instructed me, an amused look on her face.

I did as I was told, and let out a shriek of joy as the wrapping tore and the gift was revealed. The limited edition of chocolate frogs called "Flavours of the World". Merlin, this woman knew me!

'I take it that you like it, then?' she asked.

'I don't like it, I love it! Can I eat some of them now?'

'Of course you can, they're yours! Who am I, your mum?' she laughed.

I beamed and, as a retort, I opened the box and took the France frog and gave it to her. I knew she loved France and, after WALL-E, I reckon we both could use some chocolate. We got a few more frogs, and with every card we found I was growing more and more amazed to see that she knew who every wizard or witch on the foreign cards were and what they'd done.

I was about to give up finding someone she didn't recognize, when she came clean and confessed she'd done previous research. Hermione Granger, cheating. Harry and I had grown on her! We were about to settle down to go for the last film, when Hermione blurted out,

'I'm pregnant.'

I choked on the chocolate frog in my mouth and she had to pat me on the back to help me recover. I ran to the kitchen to have a glass of water, and when I came back she was crouched on the sofa, her head resting on her knees. I picked up the blanket I'd dropped to the floor on my abrupt escape, and sat next to her, covering both of us with it. I put an arm over her shoulders and leaned in to rest my forehead on her temple, my chin on her knee.

'I'm sorry,' she mumbled, 'I wasn't planning on telling you today, and most certainly not like that… but I… it just slipped out.'

'Are you happy?' I asked, and when she nodded, I added, 'That's all I need to know, Hermione. If you're happy, I'm happy.'

'I'm having twins,' she continued. Merlin sodding pants…

'I guess that's double the happiness, then?' I tried not to sound as shocked as I felt, and she let out a soft laugh.

'I guess you're right.'

'Did you…did you do the–the charm to…I mean–'

'I'll find out when they're born, I want it to be a surprise.' She shook her head, then let out a chuckle and leaned on the back of the sofa rubbing her face with her hands. She dropped her arms to her sides, as she whined, 'Can you believe it? I mean, honestly, who am I?'

'You're a barmy pregnant woman, that's who you – ouch!'

'Prat.'

'Barmy. Anyway, if you don't want to know, I guess it'll make things a bit more difficult but we'll manage. You'll have to move to a bigger flat, though, can't raise two kids here. We'll have to start looking–'

'Well, Ron…about that...'

'–for a better place for you, and once settled, we'll do the nursery first–'

'Ron…I…'

'–I reckon it'll be a bit harder not knowing the sex of the babies, but we can always go for neutral colour–'

'I'M GOING TO AUSTRALIA!'

I gaped at her, fighting to find some words, but I was fucking speechless. I surely heard her wrong, didn't I? But, she pulled me out of my thoughts, answering my unasked question.

'I'm sorry, I…I'm going to move to–to Australia. With my parents. I–I can't do this alone, I need–'

'You're not alone, Hermione. I'm right here!' I almost yelled.

I knew she was in a state, but I was growing desperate. She couldn't go, not again! She surely didn't think she was alone, did she? She had to know, I had to tell her.

'And so is Harry, and Ginny, and mum... she–she'll love to have another kid to fuss around, and...and… your work! You can't leave now, can you? You've worked so hard to–'

'I've already talked to Kingsley. I'm going to help with the International Cooperation for the Regulation of Magical Mistreated Creatures. He offered me the position because he wanted to leave my options open if I ever wanted to come back.'

"…if I ever wanted to come back." I replayed that last statement in my mind, and my heart sank into my stomach. She was considering not coming back. She didn't ask to keep her job, Kingsley had offered.

'I know this is a lot to take in,' she continued, 'but I...I've been thinking about this a lot, and I have to do what's best for my children now. I'm a mum, and my children will have their grandparents and a family.'

'I…I could be your family, y'know? I mean, we all…we are–'

'But you are not. I love you all, but I need my parents now. I really do, and I need you to understand that.'

'I support you,' I said firmly, despite the heaviness on my chest. 'If you need me to, I will always support you. We…we'll write a lot, I mean. We'll keep in touch.'

Her face went from flooded with concern to a bright grin, and she let out a sob as she pounced on me and trapped me in a bear hug.

'Thank you!' she sobbed onto my shoulder. 'It'll be just like when I went to find my parents, see? We'll be fine!'

I squeezed her hard as if she was going to leave right there and then. Merlin, if she thought that her time in Australia was "being fine", I fucking knew we weren't gonna be. At least not me. But instead of sharing all my fears to smash her happiness, I only mumbled, 'Yeah, fine.'

Sometime later, she left my embrace and we talked a bit more about her plans. She wasn't going right away, she was staying until the end of March. A sodding month and a half! That was all I had left to be with her.

I was so pissed with Hermione. How could she do that to me?! But I didn't have any bloody right over her choices; and she didn't owe anything to me. We weren't together. We were two single friends, nothing else.

Bloody hell!

After a while, Hermione insisted that we should watch the last film. I wasn't in the mood, but I reckon she needed to bring some normalcy into the situation and, to be honest, so did I. We sorted everything back, she put the DVD in, and we settled into our previous positions, pretending I didn't feel like she just hit me with a club the size of Grawp.

This film was about some bloke, and how he told his kid the story of who her mum was. There were three birds, and, in the end, one of them was the kid's mum, the other was this bloke's true love and the third was some barmy woman fucking a grandpa. Hermione fell asleep halfway through the film, but I didn't have the heart to wake her. Besides, I was enjoying it quite a lot. It made me wonder If I would have a part in Hermione's story if she ever told it to her kids. I could always be the true love, couldn't I? I mean, we had been coming and going for years…maybe…

Or maybe, I just needed to do what every sodding member of my family kept telling me and move on with my life. I had to make amends at some point with the fact that Hermione and I were just not meant to be. Well, I thought, if I was going to go for a ride on the depression train, I'd better do that at home.

I shifted on the cushion, putting Hermione on my lap. I passed an arm under her knees, the other on her back and pulled her onto me so her head fell into my shoulder, locking it in place with my own. I shook her softly to check for support and being careful not to wake her, I stood up and took her to her bedroom. I opened the door with my foot and laid her gently on the bed. She shifted a bit and let out a loud snort, making me chuckle.

I kneeled beside her, as the creep that I was, and kissed her forehead. I then stood up to leave, but stopped at the door frame, turning back to let out the three words I could not say to her awake.

'I love you.'

I could almost swear I saw her lips twitch into a smile as I left.

All opinions in this chapter belong to one Ronald Bilius Weasley. I loved each of those movies and cried like a baby with WALL-E.