Disclaimer: Everytthing belongs to J.K. Rowling

Playing House

Chapter 14: Revelation

Ron stood there for a minute, frozen in shock, his mouth agape.

"Ronald," cried Mrs. Weasley sobbing, "Tell me it isn't true," she indicated the picture, "tell me you didn't… oh… Ronald," she abruptly collapsed into the nearest armchair.

"Mum, look," Ron stuttered, taking a step closer. "It isn't what you think…" he tried to explain miserably not knowing what to tell exactly. " I can explain…"

"How could you get married Ron?" asked Mrs. Weasley, interrupting his explanation. "Why didn't you tell us? I mean why? We wouldn't have opposed. I love Hermione dearly. Merlin knows I've but waiting for this, but not like that…" she shook her head in disappointment.

Ron stood there totally bewildered.

"I had come here for an early spring cleaning, as I always do," Mrs. Weasley began, sniffing, "but as soon as I came inside I saw these," she indicated the pictures.

"Mum" Ron started, recovering from his initial shock. "Well, there is a good explanation for this, but please calm yourself," he said, his cheeks red with embarrassment. He tried desperately to think of a good excuse but there was no sense in tiptoeing around the subject. He knew Hermione would hit the roof but he had no other option.

"Well mum," he restarted after a long minute. Mrs. Weasley settled her wet eyes on him. "We didn't get married, mum!" he blurted out quickly. "It's fake, these pictures I mean," he stated as he sank down into the sofa, feeling emotionally drained. Mrs. Weasley looked at him expectantly.

"Weeks ago, Kingsley informed us that the famous Auror team DRM would be choosing a member," he started slowly, "I was ecstatic, you know how I hate paper work," he added quickly. "I've always dreamed to be a secret auror." Mrs. Weasley exhaled audibly.

"But chief told us that it wouldn't be easy. There had been a lot of obstacles for the job. And the most important one was to have a family because the president himself demanded to see the domestic life of the members," he paused and looked up to his mum's eyes to see if she understood, however she remained silent.

After a short pause he continued. "I was desperate; I had no chance with a bachelor life. And then I came up with this idea," he stated, as though it had been his idea because he didn't want to disgrace Harry. He was her favorite and only son-in-law, after all. "I had no intentions in pulling Hermione into this," he looked at her with his puppy dog eyes. "But I was desperate, no one else would help."

He paused once again. Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips, looking disapprovingly.

"Therefore I offered Hermione and she agreed to act as my wife until the president chose the new member," he concluded. Very embarrassed for spilling everything to his mother, he opted for silence. With every word, his game sounded more and more ridiculous, even to his ears. He hated himself.

"Do you mean," Mrs. Weasley started after a moment, looking thoughtful and taken aback. "This was just a game, this was all for a promotion?" she asked, looking at him incredulously.

"Yeah mum," Ron nodded, "We were just playing house."

For a moment, Mrs. Weasley didn't speak. Under the piercing gaze of his mother Ron felt a lump form in his throat and he sank even lower in his seat.

"I still don't get it," Mrs. Weasley broke the silence; staring at the picture she was holding. "This is the stupidest idea, I've ever heard," she stated in disbelief. "I mean aren't you worried that your lie could be revealed?" she asked, rasing up to her feet slowly. "This would cause much more trouble for you," she started to pace in the room, "And for Hermione of course," she abruptly turned to him, her hands on her hips, "And risk her own job?" she asked, shaking her head slightly. "Hermione is the most sensible and logical girl I know, she must have known that this would be devulged eventually." Ron remained silent and stared at his feet.

Mrs. Weasley suddenly leapt up at him. "You didn't force her, did you?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Mum, no!" Ron yelled in rejection.

"Ronald?" Mrs. Weasley raised her eyebrows, her voice shaking in disappointment. "Tell me you didn't make her join you! Because I know my son very well, I know how stubborn you are-"

"I swear I didn't mum!" Ron interjected quickly. "Why would I do that? I can't believe you're seriously even considering that I'd do such a thing," he stated taken aback. "Okay, it was I who suggested it but-" he continued his face completely red, "but she agreed willingly to help me," he reassured.

Mrs. Weasley blinked at him, still not looking believed. "Then where is she now?" she asked abruptly.

Ron was surprised by her question. He swallowed hard and avoided her eyes. "Umm, she is," he muttered, "Where else is she mum?" he gave away a fake chuckle, "Of course she's still at work," he blurted out with a fake bright tone.

Mrs. Weasley glanced at the clock. "At this hour?" she asked. Ron slid his eyes to the clock as well. It was almost eight o'clock and normally Hermione would be at home unless something very important had happened. And the inner voice in his head was saying that something had already happened.

"Well she is very busy nowadays," he lied immediately.

"Okay," said Mrs. Weasley calmly looking sceptically. "I'll wait until arrives. I am not going home until I talk to her," she stated unexpectedly and settled back down into the armchair. Ron felt a slight panic rise from within him.

"You don't have to wait mum," he reacted abruptly. "I mean, you don't need, she is-" he struggled in desperation. "She would be embarrassed mum, please," he said finally in a pleading voice. "I should tell her that you know," he remarked, praying that she would understand. Mrs.Weasley stared at him in a different way.

"Okay Ron," she said, getting up to her feet. "I am going now," she informed, "but don't think this is over," she warned, shaking her fist threateningly.

She walked up to the fireplace. Behind her Ron gave a sigh of relief. After grabbing some floo powder, Mrs. Weasley turned to him yet again.

"Both of you are to come home, as soon as she returns," she ended her speech with a stern look and stepped inside the fireplace. Ron nodded desperately.

"Mum," he called out before she could yell 'The Burrow,' "Please don't tell anyone," he requested. "Especially not to twins," he added, wincing.

Mrs. Weasley looked at him as if to say 'like that matters now' but then she slowly nodded her head before she disappeared, leaving green flames behind her.

Ron was totally taken aback with her sudden visit. He had never guessed that she would come to his place; she had always come for spring-cleaning but it was always in late April. He felt so ashamed with himself. He wondered how long Hermione would be. He had a sick feeling that she wouldn't be coming home. But it was impossible. He had to see her, and soon.

For a moment, he headed to the fireplace but then quickly remembered that her line had been cut. He left home and apparated to her street. As soon as he entered the small garden, he noticed that her lights were off. He felt a tough pain in his chest. But again, he reached the door and severely knocked on it. After five minutes waiting, he received no reply.

Feeling himself beginning to panic, he quickly apparated to Harry and Ginny's house as he always did when he needed help. Much to his relief, they were both home.

"Hello, Ron!" it was Ginny who greeted him.

The enormous grin on her face disappeared as she noticed his sullen face.

"What's wrong?" she asked, taken aback.

Ron didn't reply right away and instead he entered the house. Harry was in the dining room munching on a plate of potatoes; apparently they were having dinner before he arrived.

"Ah, Ron," said Harry looking surprised to see him.

"Ron would you please tell me what's wrong?" demanded Ginny impatiently who followed him into the dining room.

Ron glared at her and then back at Harry. He sighed dramatically.

"Ron, what is it?" Harry prompted.

"I'm doomed, guys. Mum knows," he blurted out, running a head through his hair as he paced back and forth in the room.

Ginny gasped in shock, Harry stared at Ron in amazement.

"How?" they asked in unison.

"When I came back home, she was standing in the middle of the living room with a wedding picture of us in her hand!"

"Oh my god," Harry hissed. "This can't be good," he stated. "But why was she even there?"

"Spring cleaning," Ginny answered for Ron, nodding her head in understanding. "She always visits him for the big cleaning, since she knows that he's not capable of even a simple cleaning spell," she continued since Harry looked like he didn't get it.

"What did you tell her?" she turned to Ron excitedly. "You didn't tell her, did you?" she asked raising an eyebrow. Harry stared at him expectantly.

"What else could I do Ginny?" he looked at her, "I mean how could I explain the pictures? She thought we had gotten married without telling her. She was so furious that I was afraid to lie anymore."

"So you told her about you and Hermione playing house?" asked Harry, surprised.

"Yeah," Ron nodded. "But don't worry," he added as Harry looked alarmed, "I told her it was all my idea," he stated. Harry looked visibly relieved. Ginny rolled her eyes.

"So what did she say?" she asked curiously as she indicated Ron to sit down.

"Well, she didn't believe me at first," started Ron. "Then she accused me of being childish. And what more she couldn't imagine that Hermione would say yes to such a stupid idea," he continued.

"She has a point," murmured Ginny mutely.

"And then do you know what? She accused me of forcing Hermione to join me!"

"Oh no," said Harry. "And what did you say?"

Ron frowned. "I protested of course, saying that I would never ever do that."

"Could you make her believe that she was volunteer?" asked Ginny.

"Yeah I think so," Ron wrinkled his nose. "But then something worse happened," he looked up to their face and grimaced.

"Yeah?" Ginny prompted.

"She asked me where Hermione had been."

They both stared at him looking puzzled.

"What did you say?" asked Ginny tentatively, looking afraid of hearing something stupid.

"I lied and told her that she was busy," said Ron and then he quickly avoided his eyes.

"Okay but indeed you know where she is, don't you?" asked Harry slowly rasing an inquisitive eyebrow. Ginny narrowed her eyes at him.

"No," Ron replied sheepishly. "I don't know!"

"Ron, you prat, what have you done to her?" scolded Ginny quickly.

"Nothing," Ron answered but his voice slow.

"Ron!"

Ron stayed silent for a long minute, staring at his feet. "Well, we…" he managed. " We didn't argue but…"

"Okay but?"

"Well you know we had to sleep in the same bed," he said hoarsely. He was beginning to turn red.

Harry and Ginny shared an evil grin. "Yeah?"

"I told her that I loved her," he exclaimed, his voice cracking slightly.

"Finally," Ginny positively beamed, Harry chuckled merrily. "So what's wrong with it?"

"Something more happened," he mentioned slightly, hoping that they wouldn't dig it out. He had no intentions of telling them what he and Hermione had shared that night, "but she didn't say it back," he stated quickly, "what if she regretted?" he groaned, running his hands over his face.

"Don't be silly Ron, of course she loves you," Ginny consoled quickly. They shared a confused look with Harry.

"Why on earth she didn't come home then?" asked Ron, disappointed.

"Maybe she felt embarrassed and went back to her house," remarked Harry, shrugging.

Ron shook his head. "No, she's not home, I checked her house, she wasn't there."

Harry frowned, and Ginny stared at him, looking thoughtful.

"Well, are you sure you didn't say or coughdocough something wrong?" asked Ginny in an amused voice.

The question seemed to catch him off guard. His heart did a somersault. "No," he pressed loudly, blushing a crimson shade of red. Ginny made a grumbling noise showing that she wasn't buying that, however she went on.

"Well, don't worry Ron maybe she wanted to clear her head, you know with this stupid game and with everything that's been happening, give her some space," she remarked knowingly. "I'll go to her office tomorrow and find out what's wrong with her," she patted him on the arm affectionately.

"Thanks Gin," said Ron whole-heartedly. He was enormously relieved.

"Well, I should go now," he got to his feet, realising that he had interrupted their dinner.

"Stay for dinner," suggested Harry, clearly not wanting to leave him alone. Ginny nodded in agreement.

Ron gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you guys," he patted Ginny on the shoulder, "but I had better go home," he said, "Just in case Hermione decides to come back," he added.

He had lied them. He wasn't going back to the house. After all that happened, he couldn't bear to stay at home alone. After leaving the Potter Mansion, he went to the Shrieking Shack. It as usual was empty and dull.

The bartender in the bar glanced at Ron before he reached the bar, he prepared a double glass of firewhisky, and before Ron ordered, he placed it in front of him.

Ron nodded in appreciation.

"I've spoiled everything," he murmured, after taking a sip of his glass. "Do you know what?" he asked looking up at the bartender who was staring at him with curiosity. "I did the most stupid thing, I treated her like an 8 year old child, she thinks that I played a game with her, but I didn't, I didn't act during this game," he continued out of breath.

"I lied to everyone, oh no," he drained his glass in one gulp. Bartender kept looking at him, showing no sign of pity.

"Come on tell me," Ron continued. "I am the most stupid person in this planet," he put his head on the counter.

"Maybe this is just the way it should be," bartender said in a slow voice. Ron frowned deeply. "What?" he asked stupidly.

"This game, I'm saying," said bartender, "maybe it was on that needed to be played," he arched an eyebrow.

"But she's gone," said Ron inconsequencely.

The next morning, Ron woke up with a pounding headache. He forced himself out of the bed, rubbing his eyes lazily. He didn't know, how long had it been since he'd slept. He merely remembered that when he had come home it was almost dawn. Eagerly, he checked the house to see whether Hermione was home. It was very quiet. Feeling disappointed, he had a quick shower to sober up, and went straight to the Ministry.

He had been very late for work but he didn't care. Once he entered the office, everybody gave him a confused stare as he walked unusually solemn. Julie was the only one who didn't seem to notice the difference in his mood; she quickly walked over him before he reached his desk.

"Hello, Ron," she greeted with a seductive smile.

"Hi," Ron flatly replied.

"You look a bit tiresome nowadays," she remarked. "Yeah," said Ron, not quite understanding what she was up to.

"Actually I can understand this DRM job's got all of us stressed," Julie continued, "well we both need to cheer up," she blurted out abruptly, her voice a bit loud. At this scene, Mr. Scott coughed falsely. Mr. Bright, the exchange team member, gave them a curious look but when Ron met his eyes he rapidly turned back to his paper. However Ron thought he saw an unpleasent expression on his face. He quickly ignored the thought.

"Why don't you come over my house?" she asked all of a sudden.

Ron was surprised by the question. "Oh," he said, feeling uncomfortable as he remembered the events that had taken place the last time she had visited him. "Well," he mumbled, trying to find an excuse, "I promised my friend I'd visit him," he lied quickly.

Julie pursed her lips like a child, but reluctantly smiled. "All right," she said, looking disappointed, "if you say so," she said and headed back to her desk.

Ron gave a sigh of relief. He had no intention of messing things up even more while everything was already complexed. He needed to see Hermione but he had no idea where she was.

He'd spent the whole day thinking about her and the previous night. He couldn't understand what her problem was. She loved him; he knew that even though she hadn't pronounced it. He knew that because he had felt it in her kiss. Where was she now? What if she would never come back again? As the hours passed, a lot of silly thoughts went through his mind.

He didn't have to wait too long for an answer, in the evening, before he left the Ministry, Ginny dropped by his office.

"Ginny," he greeted her, feeling suddenly excited. He knew she'd come bringing news of Hermione.

"Hi," Ginny greeted back him in a subdued manner.

"Did you find out where she was?" he asked quickly.

"Yes," answered Ginny, having a seat across him. Ron sighed in relief.

"Where is she then?" he asked. "Why has she been hiding? Why didn't she come home?" he asked out of the breath. The stress he'd been holding in all day finally exploded.

"Ron calm down," said Ginny angrily.

"Okay," said Ron. "Tell me, I'm listening!"

"Well I dropped by her office today," she began, "to find out what was wrong with her," she arched a serious eyebrow, "but she wasn't there," she said and paused for a moment to see his reaction.

"What do you mean she wasn't there?" asked Ron slowly, getting up to his feet slowly.

"Ron sit down," demanded Ginny. "I asked her colleagues where she had been, one of them told me that she left for a break,"

"Oh my god! Why?"

"The thing is Ron, from what I've learnt, Hugh asked Hermione out for but Hermione kindly declined him, saying that she had been very busy. Hugh was furious and asked her why she wouldn't accept him. Then he blurts out that knew the reason. He exclaims that he knew she was married. Hermione asks where did he get this and Hugh explains to her how you told him," she paused and waited Ron's response. Ron felt the colour drain from his face.

"What did you tell Hugh when you last visited Hermione at the office?" asked Ginny angrily.

"Well, I-" Ron lowered his gazes. "Nothing," he replied quickly.

"Ron," Ginny raised her eyebrows, loosing her patience.

"Well okay," he trailed off. "Hugh asked me if I was her husband since I treated her like I was, and I- I-" he started to struggle as he saw a murderous face on Ginny's face. "But I was just poking fun with him Ginny," he added anxiously.

"And it doesn't stop here," continued Ginny furiously. "He was really embarrassed that he'd gotten shot down so quickly so he started to tell everyone in the office that she was married, hoping to ruin her reputation!"

"So it's not about that night then?" asked Ron stupidly.

"Do you have to ruin everything at the last minute Ron," Ginny snapped. "She risked her job for you and you played with fire!"

Ron looked ashamed.

"I love her Ginny," he said sincerely. "I didn't want the slimy git flirting with her," he lowered his gazes.

Ginny sighed audibly, pitying him.

"I don't know how you'll fix this Ron, she's really angry with you," she remarked.

"Then you talked to her?" asked Ron eagerly.

"Yes," Ginny nodded.

"Ginny please tell me where is she now?" Ron got to his feet abruptly. His face lightened significantly. "I promise I'll fix everything," he assured her, "just tell me, where she is?"

"I don't know Ron," Ginny shook her head, "she specifically asked that I not tell you," she pointed out.

Ron settled his puppy dog eyes on her.

"Argh," Ginny waved a hand in the air. "All right, but promise me you'll fix everything okay?"

"Okay" he grinned broadly and planted a wet peck on her check. "She's in her parents house," Ginny stated.

"Tell her that you love her," she advised.

"I already did Ginny," said Ron.

"Tell her again!"

"All right," he nodded.

They both made their way out of the ministry, Ron's head swirling with thoughts of Hermione and how he was going to wheedle his way out of this one. In a flash Ginny apparated to home while Ron made his way to the centre of the London.

AN: Thanks to my wonderful reviewers, I want you to know how much I appreciate you all. I hope you like this one too even though Hermione isn't there. I promise next chapter she will be in, and I promise it will be very soon.

Once again, a huge thanks goes to my lovely beta CayJay05