Waiting and Hoping
Chapter 14
The first two weeks of term passed very quickly for Hermione, she couldn't believe how happy and at home she felt. There was just one thing missing; Ron. After his partial declaration on the first night things had been quite awkward between them, friendly still but not quite right. Hermione knew she loved Ron, she had done since the end of third year, it had gradually developed, the thought that Ron might not like her as much as she liked him had always held her back. Then after her parents died she had decided that she didn't deserve happiness. Now her feelings were confused.
The morning of her birthday dawned bright and windy; she woke up on her four-poster bed and stretched, yawning widely. She was extremely glad it was a Saturday; she was planning to spend the morning in Hogsmeade before apparating to the Burrow for a birthday dinner. Her thoughts were disturbed by a knock on the door; she got out of bed, put on her dressing gown and answered the door. It was Ron.
"Happy birthday Mione" he said beaming widely
"Thanks Ron" she said smiling at him
"I've got your present…" he started "Ron you didn't need…" she interrupted
"Of course I did, you one of my best friend, I'm not going to let your birthday pass without spoiling you rotten, now come with me and you can see what it is" she went to get dressed while Ron milled around in the sitting room.
"Ready" she said entering the room, Ron looked at her and smiled,
"You look great" he said, Hermione thanked him
"Now come on, I've set up the room of Requirement for breakfast" they walked up to the seventh floor, passing many students along the way,
"Good morning Professor Granger, Mister Weasley" said a Gryffindor fourth year named Fliss
"Good morning Fliss" said Ron as Hermione smiled "Ready for the Quidditch match" he asked politely,
"Course we are, Connie and I have already been out to check conditions, it looked perfect, we're gonna beat Slytherin hands down!" she exclaimed brightly, they carried on walking
"Are you coming to the match?" Ron asked
"I'd totally forgotten it was on, great Head of house I am! Sure I better go, show some support"
They reached the room of Requirement and Ron opened the door, Hermione walked in and gasped, there was a small table in the middle of the room with breakfast for two already set up, and one rather large parcel on the floor.
"Happy birthday Professor Granger" called a small squeaky voice near Hermione's knees, she looked down and saw it was Dobby; she rounded on Ron, her eyebrows raised. He held his hands up in defense
"I went down the kitchen to bring up some food and he insisted on helping, I'm paying him" Hermione smiled and thanked Dobby before taking her seat,
"Open this," said Ron carefully handing her the large parcel "Careful with it…it's err fragile" She took the parcel and carefully peeled away the wrapping paper. Inside was a small, absolutely adorable black kitten.
"Oh Ron" she squealed, "it's gorgeous" she picked up the label and read:
Dear Hermione,
Happy birthday! Hope you like this kitten, he is half kneazle just like Crookshanks and has brown eyes just like you. Have a great day
Love
Ron
She looked up at Ron and smiled, she decided to call the kitten Oswald, after her grandfather. They had a really enjoyable breakfast and walked together to the Quidditch pitch ready to watch the match.
A/N I know another short chapter sorry! Hope you like it, this chapter is dedicated to Connie and Fliss, two of my best reviewers (Nikki your in the next one!). Please keep reviewing!
Love you all
Laura
xxx