Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling

Playing House

Chapter 12: Unforeseen

There was no reply from Hermione. The smile on Ron's face disappeared, and a sick feeling erupted in the pit of his stomach. Quickly, he checked the sitting room; she wasn't there.

Then, sensing that she was hiding in somewhere, he walked over to her room and gently knocked on the door.

"Hermione," he called out, swallowing hard.

"What's wrong Hermione?" he asked gently, receiving no reply.

"Could you please open the door?" he asked, raising his voice.

When he was sure that she wouldn't open it he found his wand and pointed it at the door. "I'll break in," he announced, and murmured "alahomora," when he didn't get a positive answer.

There she was in front of the window, eyes locked on a point, her jaw clenched, and her arms folded under her chest. There was an awkward look on her face and Ron knew that it didn't signal good news.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly, fixing his gaze at her. Hermione finally raised her head and looked up at him.

"What's wrong?" she repeated unbelivingly, throwing her hands in the air. "I can't believe you're seriously asking me that. I don't believe it. You're just going to act like nothing happened?"

Ron smirked.

"Just be honest and tell me what's wrong, don't push it. Do you have to ruin my happiness?"

"What?" She blinked, taken aback.

"What? I'm asking you. What's the problem?" he asked impatiently. His mood instantly darkened.

"You crossed the line, Ron. That's what you've done." Hermione blurted out. Ron looked at her, confused.

"I know you would do anything for that job," she didn't wait him to say something, "That's why I accepted your request, but that was way passed just pretending," she continued, out of the breath.

Ron stared at her, at a complete loss of words.

"What are you talking about?"

"Aren't you aware of your behavior?"

"Oh," he finally understood. A silence fell over the room.

"Well I- I just…" he stuttered, completely embarrassed. " I didn't think it would offend you so much," he stated, blushing a deep shade of red.

"It has nothing to do with offending Ron," Hermione explained, her voice calmer. "You've just taken our friendship for a stroll on a restricted path," she stated.

After all these years and after everything that had happened, Ron couldn't believe that she was still referring to their relationship as a friendship. He felt his temper rise.

"What did I do to our friendship?" he roared abruptly. "It was just a peck on the lips, I can't believe you're accusing me," he yelled. "Pretending is something you've done for ages, when it came to me and you. Pretend-"

"Stop being disgusting Ron," she interjected quickly, wincing at his words.

"Tell me that it disgusted you, tell me that you hated it," he pressed on, a little more loudly.

"Don't be silly Ron."

"Than what is it? I still don't see a problem. Didn't you see him, how he was gawking at us? I just panicked all right?"

"Do really think it was the thing that made him believe?" she asked incredulously.

"It helped, didn't it?" he snapped, without missing a beat. "Didn't you see his face?"

"All right Ron," she said, sighing. "I still find it hard to believe that you would forget the fact that you kissed me, but apparently you didn't find it mentionable."

"I didn't say that!" Ron opposed.

"Of course you did," she took a quick step closer. "Didn't you say that you weren't aware of it? If I hadn't said it you wouldn't have mentioned it."

"Well, I'm sorry Hermione, but I'm sorry that I'm not sorry!" he stated. "It wasn't a crime, was it? Who cares if I tell them that I kissed you?"

"That's nobody's business, Ron," Hermione averted her gazes. "This is between you and me," she said in an exasperated manner.

"Okay, if it's you and me then I'm just telling you my opinion. I just did it because at the time I felt like I had to do. I don't regret it and I am not sorry. If your still wondering whether it will effect our relationship then my answer is no!"

"All right," said Hermione, sniffing. "Whatever Ron, but I am sorry I won't be able to pretend like it didn't happen. You just can't interfere," she blurted out.

"What does that mean?" Ron couldn't help but asked.

"It doesn't mean anything," she turned to window, avoiding her face from him.

"I am so confused," Ron murmured.

"Let's hope we can finish this game, without any more trouble," she stated, changing the subject. "I want you to promise me not to do something that would harm our friendship," she demanded abruptly, whirling around on her heels.

"Nothing can harm our relationship," Ron answered nonchalantly.

"You know what I mean," Hermione insisted, after taking a sigh.

"And you know what I mean," Ron pointed out.

"Ron," Hermione bellowed.

"What Hermione? Are you trying to make sure that I won't kiss you again?"

He saw she was turning a deep shade of red. "Honestly Ron, you don't care about how I feel, you just care about your job, don't you?"

"Hermione, could you tell me exactly how you are feeling then?" Ron asked in a completely different voice.

"What a stupid question to ask!" Hermione waved the question away with her hand.

"Just answer!"

"I am not going to answer!"

"Then I am not going to make any promises," Ron concluded, and without another word he walked out of the room, closing the door rudely as Hermione continued to throw insults at his back.

The next day, they hardly spoke to each other. Hermione purposely avoided him. Ron on the other hand didn't need to hide; he just sat there unashamed, thinking that he was pretty innocent. But it wasn't like he didn't care. It was in fact quite the opposite. He thought about it all day, but it was driving him mad, she was pretending like it was the end of the world. It was just a peck. Its not like it was a real kiss or anything, he thought to himself gloomily.

Sometime in the morning, he invited Harry through floo. Thankfully, he accepted his request right away. He was coming along with Ginny to have some drinks after the dinner. Ron quickly informed Hewlitt. There was just one more day left for reaching his victory. Nothing could dishearten him, not even Hermione. And in the afternoon, he declared to Hermione with an offensive tone that Harry had agreed.

She still looked glum and annoyed but to his relief, she didn't protest to playing hostess. After having a quiet dinner together, they started to wait for their guests in the sitting room. They sat across from each other in a tense silence, stubbornly avoiding each other's eyes.

After what felt like an eternity, the doorbell rang breaking the silence, both of them leapt to their feet. Ron sprinted to open the door.

"Hello!" Ginny and Harry were standing outside.

"Hello guys, come on in."

Ginny and Harry were both looking cheerful and full of energy, unlike Hermione and him, and they quickly lightened the atmosphere. Obviously they both sensed the awkward situation between them, however neither of them could find the courage to ask what had happened. Ginny eyed them suspiciously. After an hour, Hewlitt arrived.

They had drunk merrily. Hewlitt was mostly interested with Harry and Ron didn't complaint. Ron watched as he fanned himself while having his drink. Him and Harry looked to be talking vehemently. They talked about Voldemort and the war. Then Ron slid his eyes to Hermione. He saw Ginny whispering in her ear secretly. He immediately understood that Ginny was trying to figure out what had happened between them. Since he knew Hermione very well, he was sure she wouldn't blurt it out.

"Another firewhisky?" Ron asked to Hewlitt once he saw he drained his glass.

"No, thank you," answered Hewlitt, pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his forehead. His face was rather red and Ron noticed he was quieter than yesterday. He mainly just listened to Harry and gulped his drink. Ron thought there was something different with his appearance.

He glanced at Hermione and saw she was staring at Hewlitt as well. They shared a concerned look.

"Well I should go," said Hewlitt, a very short time after his arrival. He was now very pale and sick looking. He got to his feet abruptly but faltered slightly. Ron's eyes widened in concern.

"Are you okay?" asked Hermione worriedly.

"I feel a bit ill," explained Hewlitt, a weak smile on his face. "I think I've drunk too much firewhisky," he stated. Ron noticed there was something forced in his smile.

"It was a nice chat," he turned to Harry.

"It was nice to meet you sir," said Harry as they seized hands. "But do you think you will be able to apparate?" he asked with a worried expression.

"Harry is right," said Ron immediately. "Do you want me to take you to your house?" he asked.

"Ronald is right," approved Hermione. "You can't travel by yourself in this condition," she reasoned.

"No no," opposed Hewlit at once. "Well… I can't let you," he murmured.

"But why?" asked Harry, confused. "You are not fine," he stated.

But Ron immediately understood why Hewlitt wouldn't let them take him home. He was an Auror and his house was secret. Ron wasn't on his team yet, so he knew he wouldn't allow him to learn where he lived.

Ron explained the situation to Harry on the way of door.

"But he is so sick," Harry opposed. Ron replied with a shrug.

"Well you shouldn't travel on your own tonight," Harry said to Hewlitt, grabbing his arm gently.

Ron looked at him curiously, wondering what he had on his mind. "Well I have to," answered Hewlitt, patting his hand sympathetically.

"But we would never forgive ourselves if something were to happen to you," said Ginny unexpectedly. Ron stared at her. They exchanged a puzzled look with Hermione.

"Yeah, she is right," Harry smiled at his wife. "You shouldn't leave, why don't stay here tonight," he blurted out unexpetedly, "I am sure Ron and Hermione would be more than happy to have you in their home."

Ron's head snapped up in surprise, Hermione looked at him with a mouth half open, at a loss for words.

"Wouldn't you Hermione?" asked Harry, with an amused expression on his face. Ginny looked she was having a lot of fun.

"What?" Hermione stared at him. "Oh, well, sure," she replied, before throwing a dark look at Harry. "We would be very happy if you stayed with us tonight," she said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Isn't that right darling?" she asked sweetly gritting her teeth. Ron was shocked. "Oh well, right," he answered tentatively looking at Hermione concernedly. She gave him an annoyed look as though it were all his fault.

"Please be our guest tonight," he turned to Hewlitt. Hewlitt looked surprised. "Are you sure?" he asked. "I don't want to be a burden-"

"Oh please, they have a guest room," Harry interfered quickly.

Ron's heart skipped a beat at these words. Hermione was staying in that room. If Hewlitt stayed there where would Hermione sleep? He swallowed hard. He looked at Hermione and saw that she was scandalised. He caught Harry's eye and shook his head in objection but it was too late.

"All right then," Hewlitt said.

"Then we shoud leave," said Ginny, apparently satisfied. "Mr. Hewlitt should rest," she indicated with a fake worried expression. Ron noticed that she was trying hard not to burst into laughter.

"Yes," Harry agreed quickly. "We had better go," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Nice to meet you again, Mr. Hewlitt. I hope we meet again,"

"Hewlitt smiled at him and said goodbye.

"Ronald, could you please take Mr. Hewlitt to the sitting room? I will bid goodbye to Harry and Ginny," said Hermione.

"All right," Ron managed, recovering from his shock. Ron glanced at Harry on his shoulder and mouthed; "You're so dead."

Moments later, Hermione turned back.

"Well Mr. Hewitt, I'll prepare the guest room for you," she informed. "Thank you," Mr. Hewlitt answered smiling.

"Darling could you help me?" she demanded before she led the way to the guest room.

"Bloody hell," Ron murmured under his breath.

"Oh, yes of course," he answered planting a fake smile. Hurriedy, he followed her into the guest room. Hermione quickly closed the door behind him and cast a silence charm into the room. Ron gulped.

"I can't believe it," she bellowed.

Ron stayed silent.

"How dare they?" she complained.

"Ron could you please say something?" she demanded, her hands on her hips.

"What can I say Hermione?" he replied. "I am as shocked as you are," he stated. "How was I supposed to know that Harry would just make an offer like that?"

"He can be such a prat sometimes," she complained.

"I know," approved Ron meekly.

"But where will I sleep now?" she asked avoiding her eyes. Ron stared at the floor.

"In my room I guess," he murmured.

"What?" Hermione bellowed.

"Hermione," started Ron. "Where else can you sleep?" he asked, trying to sound reasonable.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "In the sitting room?" she asked raising her eyebrows.

"Right," Ron snorted. "Then if he wakes up in the middle of the night you could tell him that you were just napping," he said, sarcastically.

"Hmph," She hufffed in annoyance.

"Come on Hermione," he said, gesturing the sitting room with his head. "He would get suspicious," he prompted.

"All right," she agreed finally, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. "You can carry my things into your room and I'll change the sheets," she explained.

"Okay," said Ron and started to collect her things. When he walked out of the room Hermione was still complaining behind him. "I'll kill him, I'll kill him with my bare hands..."

Ron couldn't help but chuckle.

"Your room is ready," Hermione announced moments later. "You can sleep now," she said, looking much more peaceful. Ron gave away a sigh of relief.

"Thank you Mrs. Weasley," said Hewlitt with a grateful expression, and headed to the guest room. Hermione and Ron stayed there in silence for a moment.

"Well," murmured Ron, scratching his head. " Umm, we should er... sleep too," he stated.

"Yeah right," said Hermione. "I've got work tomorrow."

"Right, me too…"

They walked to Ron's bedroom. Once they entered the room Hermione gazed around suspicuosly and then she grabbed her wand and pointed at the bed under the curious look of Ron.

"Hermione what exactly are you doing?" Ron asked, confused.

"It's just for two already. And if you enlarge it it will bump into the furniture," he quickly explained after he realised what she was trying to do.

"Engorgio!"

There was a loud crash.

"I told you," snapped Ron. He grabbed her wand and brought it to his original size. Hermione huffed angrily.

"I'll change into my nightgown, you can change too," she exclaimed.

"I'll change in the bathroom, you can stay here," he informed just as crossly. He wasn't sure how much longer he could handle her snappy behaviour. He took a quick shower to relax, trying to forget the fact that he was staying in the same bed with Hermione.

When he returned back to the room she was combing her hair.

"Which side of the bed you prefer?" he asked once she was done, battling with himself not to grin.

Hermione merely rolled her eyes at him. And then she walked over to the right side of the bed.

AN: I have a beta now. Yay! Thanks a lot to CayJay05 for accepting to correct my mistakes. "dances" Good news for people who are waiting for sexual tension. It's about to come. But I need some support for this special chapter of course. Coughreviewcough :)