I'm so glad you guys are able to read this again. It broke my black little heart last week. Anyway, Christmas is a coming (not in real life, unfortunately) so I hope you're prepared for a whole raft of fluff filled content over the next few chapters! ;)
Hermione and Ron finally get to attend a ball together and Hermione takes full advantage of the free champagne.
If Ron had been asked what his greatest achievements were up to this point in his life, he wouldn't have to think long to give you his list; hearing the whole school (minus the Slytherins obviously) singing "Weasley is our King", facing his darkest fears so that he could destroy the Horcrux locket and consistently coming top of his class at the Auror Training Academy. But now he had a new entry – turning up at the Christmas Ball with Hermione Granger holding his hand.
The witch had outdone herself; she was wearing a black, strapless prom dress. It was simple in design, but she'd somehow managed to enchant the beading around the waistline to radiate down the skirt like falling stars. Her hair was twisted into an intricate knot, with a few tendrils of curls framing her face. Although she could have turned up in a bin bag with greasy hair and she still would have looked incredible to Ron.
They stepped into the large ballroom, another secret hidden deep inside the Ministry walls, together. The place was almost unrecognisable. Flickering fairy lights hung from the ceiling, making it look like a thousand stars were lighting the room. Great traditional garlands strung with holly and mistletoe were draped over every available surface and a giant Christmas tree watched over the party from the corner next to a small stage.
The room even smelt like Christmas; the earthy smell of pine trees combined with the delicious scent of cinnamon and mulled wine. The atmosphere immediately put Hermione and Ron in a festive mood.
A Ministry worker, dressed in traditional coat and tails with a holly buttonhole on his left breast, greeted them at the entrance to the room. He checked the invite Ron offered and nodded with a smile. "Mr Weasley plus one… you are sat at table 4. Have a lovely night and Merry Christmas!" The pair were pointed in the direction of a round table, where Harry and Ginny were already sat waving at them.
"Looks like they beat us to it…" Ron grinned and squeezed Hermione's hand before carefully leading her towards the table, weaving their way around other Ministry workers, guests and tables. Although Hermione was used to magic, she couldn't help but feel her breath being stolen away from her as she watched the table covers change colour in time with the music radiating across the room, which was currently coming from a set of string instruments playing traditional Christmas Carols by themselves. It wasn't as garish as she expected, the colours were muted silvers, golds and reds.
"Hey, you two…" Hermione reluctantly let go of Ron to hug Harry first then moved to Ginny as the couple stood up to greet them. "You look beautiful!"
"Thanks!" Harry grinned and kissed his best friend's cheek. "My wife doesn't look too bad either, don't you think?"
Hermione shot him a withering look, but a smile danced across her face despite it. She had a feeling this was going to be a great night. She started to lower herself into the chair next to Ginny's but was distracted at the sight of Madam Radford on the opposite side of the room. She straightened and pushed her small clutch purse towards Ron.
"I'll be back soon, I promise…" With a quick kiss, she turned on her heel and headed towards the Wizengamot member, an excited bounce in her step.
Ron watched her go, an incredulous look on his face. He slumped into a chair at the table.
"Cheer up Ron…" Harry pushed a flute of champagne towards his brother-in-law. "These are self-filling. Just tap it once with your wand and you have unlimited drinks all night."
"Perfect!" Ron tore his eyes away from his girlfriend, who was now chatting animatedly to a stern-looking woman in a plum two-piece and took a long sip from his glass. He could have predicted this would happen; Hermione would not miss out on an opportunity to discuss work in a room full of important people. He let out a short sigh and tried his best to rearrange his face into a smile as Neville and Hannah took their seats opposite them.
"Hi, both…" He tipped his glass towards them then took another swig. "Nev said he wasn't sure you'd be able to make it tonight Hannah.."
"Well the few days before Christmas is usually our busy time. I've left the pub in the hands of Tom; we'll see by the end of the night what state it's in…" Hannah smiled wryly and linked her fingers with Neville's. "But for now, we're here to party!"
"I will drink to that…" Ron joined his friends in a round of clinking their glasses together. He let himself get distracted by Ginny striking up a conversation about the latest Quidditch scores; getting into a heated debate with his sister on who was going to come top of the league this year.
He drained his second glass of champagne as the chatter soon turned to everyone's Christmas plans. Letting Ginny regale Hannah and Neville with funny stories about Christmas at the Burrow, he sat back in his seat, searching the room for Hermione. She was still talking away to the woman in the plum suit but another wizard had now joined them. Hermione was gesticulating wildly, obviously caught up in a passionate discussion about something or other. He felt a small surge of annoyance – they were supposed to be there together after all.
He didn't mind her talking to people about her work, but she could have taken him with her; introduced him to her colleagues like he planned to do with her. He felt his jaw set as he contemplated heading over there to interrupt them, but he didn't want to embarrass her. From what he could remember, the woman Hermione was talking to was an important pawn in the success of Dobby's Law and she had probably introduced Hermione to someone just as equally important. He checked his watch with another sigh; he'd give her 5 more minutes before considering intervening.
The end of Hermione's conversation came naturally to an end. Clare Radford pressed a napkin into Hermione's hand and took the opportunity to give her a brief hug. "You've done wonders on this law, Hermione – you've even converted me on to your side, and I was one of your biggest critics originally. This should help you get the right people on board. Have a lovely night, and Merry Christmas!"
Hermione helped herself to a glass of champagne from a passing waiter as she watched Madam Radford and Mr Summers move on to speak to other people. She unfolded the napkin, smiling at the hand-scrawled seating plan. Small stars indicated the vital workers Hemione needed to talk to about her law. She folded it back up carefully and turned to survey the party. Her eyes passed table 4 and lingered on Ron, immediately feeling a twinge of guilt. He wasn't looking very happy and she worried if he thought she was going back on her word to prioritise him over her work. She took a sip of her champagne, contemplating him for a moment.
Being at the party with him tonight made her feel so proud, even if it had meant being referred to as his plus one. Luckily, in the years since the Yule Ball, he'd gotten rid of the frilly dress robes and instead chosen a set of robes that were an emerald green so deep, they were almost black. She watched as he took another glance at his watch then looked up at her and she felt a jolt of electricity as their eyes met above the crowds. His ice-blue gaze pierced her heart, but instead of chilling her; it just made her feel warm inside, forcing a warm smile across her face. She felt an immense tug to be sat next to him again and followed the pull eagerly.
Hermione slipped into the empty seat between Ron and Ginny, her hand automatically sliding to his thigh as she put her glass on the table. She felt Ron's hot breath against her ear and it sent a shiver down her spine.
"I missed you, 'Mione…"
Hermione turned her head to get a better view of Ron, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm sorry sweetheart, I just couldn't resist speaking to Clare. She promised me an introduction to Mr Summers – he's head of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. He's another member of the Wizengamot I need to get on my side if Dobby's Law is to be successful. She wanted to introduce me to a few more people, but I just wanted to get back to you…"
Ron immediately felt his frostiness melt. He pressed his nose against hers before giving her the softest kiss. "I'll allow it…" Ron smiled as he pulled away.
"Oh, I'm glad…" Hermione laughed and slid the napkin into her bag; deciding there and then to continue to make Ron the focus of the night. If the opportunity came to speak to them then she'd take it, but it was his Christmas party after all.
The room went quiet as Robards stepped on to the small stage to welcome them. Hermione turned her body to watch him better, resting back against Ron's chest. She felt his arm slide over her shoulder and she took his hand, playing idly with his fingers. The Head Auror spoke briefly; paying tribute to their colleagues who had retired that year, as well as Senior Auror Perch who was unfortunately still not well enough to come tonight. He finished his speech by announcing that the food was ready. Hermione grinned as the long tables that had been set out around the edge of the room suddenly filled with food; it was just like being back in school.
The couple kept close to each other as they ate, ignoring the teasing from their table of friends about them being glued together. The jests didn't bother them though, they were just pleased that they were back together and happy.
"So, Hermione, Ron…" Harry spoke up once he'd swallowed his mouthful of chicken. "This is your first 'public' outing as a couple. You worried that you'll be in the Prophet tomorrow?"
Hermione glanced at Ron briefly. He had a mouth full of food so she turned towards her best friend, shaking her head. "Actually we agreed that it would be best now if everyone just knew and then we can just go about our lives without being pestered by witches, and wizards still determined to save Ron from bachelor-dom." She refilled both their glasses with a tap of her wand and drank half of hers in one go. "It's about time the world knew he was mine."
Ginny threw her husband a grin. "Well possessive Hermione is a new look…." She raised her eyebrows at them.
Ron teasingly tried to pull the glass out of Hermione's hand. "I don't mind it. It's nice to be wanted…" He grinned as he watched Hermione take another drink from her glass, he spare hand sliding back to his thigh. He stole a kiss from her, unable to resist the taste of champagne against her lips.
"Well, what happened to you two taking things slow? The way you two are acting, you'll be married with babies before long…" Ginny teased in a friendly manner. She was happy for her brother and her closest friend, but she could never resist the chance to be nosey.
Ron shrugged at Ginny after pulling away from another kiss. "It's been like… five months now? We haven't even really bickered. I think we're over all of the shit from the past, don't you think sweetheart?" He gazed at Hermione with that dopey grin on his face, reminding Harry of that time his best friend accidentally ate a whole batch of love-potion laced chocolates and almost died.
Hermione matched his smile, looking equally as gooey. "I love you…" The champagne was a lethal combination with the festive feeling and the overwhelming rush of love she felt for her boyfriend.
"Oh Merlin, pass the puke bucket!" Ginny wrinkled her nose up jokingly and pretended to vomit over her leftovers. "Why is it always me stuck next to you two snogging each other?!" She elbowed Hermione to try and get her to unglue herself from Ron, but the witch was having none of it.
"I'll save you, my love!" Harry emptied the last of his glass then got to his feet, holding his hand out to his wife. He pulled her up from her seat, laughing as she let out a joyous squeal.
"Hey, wait for us!" Neville followed suit. "Don't leave us with them!" He cast a quick glance at where Ron and Hemione were still snogging each other, oblivious to the mass exodus around the table, then followed Harry and Ginny, towing Hannah behind him.
Hermione eventually pulled away from Ron for breath, her cheeks flushed red and her lips swollen from his assault. She scratched a finger along the line of stubble growing on his jaw. "You're going to give me a rash…"
"I shaved; I promised!" He gave his girlfriend a cheeky grin.
"I don't believe you…" She settled back against him, taking a sip from her glass. She'd lost track of how much she'd had to drink now and her head was buzzing pleasantly. She watched the couples move their way around the dancefloor with a happy sigh.
Ron rested his head against hers. "Do you want to dance?" He watched her closely, wanting nothing more than to make her happy.
Hermione pulled away. "I always got the impression you weren't keen on dancing…"
He smiled at her statement and stood up, holding his hand out for her. "What, because you've seen me look grumpy dancing with McGonagall and ignoring Padma?!" What about at Bill and Fleur's wedding, we danced then…"
"Wasn't that just to stop Viktor hitting on me?" Hermione stood up and took his hand.
"That wasn't the only reason. I actually really just wanted to dance with you…" Ron smiled and pulled her through the now busy dancefloor, seeking out their friends. They eventually located them and forced themselves into the smallest gap in the crowd. They'd missed the slow songs and a heavy bass rhythm now thrummed out across the ballroom.
Hermione lost track of time as she let the music and champagne take over her senses. She felt Ron keep a tight grip on her hip, making sure she didn't stray too far. One of Hermione's favourite songs came on and she turned to face him, grinning as he met her gaze and held it. He replaced his hand on her hip and pulled her closer and she was reminded of the time they went to Ginny's Quidditch party earlier in the summer. They'd danced close like this then. Her breath hitched as she remembered the hot kiss they'd stolen.
She pressed her lips to his again, hungrily inhaling his scent. She was drunk, just like she'd been that night, but this time the kiss was legal and she knew she wouldn't have to run away from him. She giggled at the thought, she doubted she'd even be able to walk a straight line, let alone run at the moment.
The ceiling above them started to snow as the music changed to cheesy muggle Christmas songs. Ron tried to pull away from the kiss as Hermione giggled but she just tightened her grip on him, letting the snow collect on their shoulders and in their hair.
Ron eventually pulled away, sweeping one of her escaped curls behind her ear. Once again, he dropped his lips to her ear. "I'm not sure about you, but I think I'm ready to head home…"
The chill of his words on her skin made her gasp and she pressed her lips to his once more. She nodded at him and slipped her hand into his before turning to their friends.
"Ronald is taking me home!" Hermione declared loudly, grinning at the shouts of goodbye she got in reply. She started to pull at his arm, desperate now to get him out of the ballroom.
Ron moved with her, chuckling softly at how keen she was acting. Suddenly, Hermione's foot slipped in the snow. Luckily, his lightning-fast Keeper skills came into play straight away and he threw his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him to stop her from hitting the floor.
"Oops!" Hermione giggled as she gazed up at him. "You're my hero!"
Ron laughed and gave her a quick kiss before setting her back on her feet. "And you're drunk…" He moved back to their table, holding her close to him to make sure she didn't fall again. He picked up her purse.
"To the portkey!" Hemione called out jubilantly as Ron pushed a glass of water into her hand.
"Drink this first, you drunk…" He eyed her wearily as she did what she was told and held out her glass once it was empty. "Good girl. We'll get you some sober-up potion when you get home; I'm not ready for the night to end yet…"
Carefully, he led her back through the crowds and towards the exit. Hermione chatted away eagerly as they made their way up to the Atrium and the waiting portkeys. They joined the queue and Ron slid his arms around Hermione firmly from behind.
"So, Primrose Cottage or your flat, Mr Weasley?" Hermione snuggled back against him, the glass of water already making her feel a bit more sober.
"Neither; I have a surprise for you…" He grinned into her hair, wishing he could see her face properly.
"A surprise?" Hermione clapped her hands excitedly. "Why?"
Ron shrugged, even though Hermione couldn't see him and stepped up to the front of the queue. "It's Christmas Eve tomorrow, I wanted things to get off on the right foot…" He reluctantly let go of Hermione. "Portkey for Weasley, please…" He took the old muggle telephone and moved aside.
Hermione pulled a face. "You know I hate portkeys…" She reluctantly took hold of the device.
"I know, sweetheart but it will be worth it… trust me!" He grinned as the 'phone started to glow blue and he felt the familiar hook at his navel, pulling them to their next destination.