MY LAST NAME
Chapter 3
It had been a while since Hermione had apparated anywhere, and it had made her feel al little queasy, but the smell of The Burrows made all the nasty feelings disappear. She felt like she was home, and she was, so far, happy she had decided to attended.
She walked slowly up the garden path which led to a huge marquee, and to the side, the front door of the Wesley's household. She could smell delicious food emitting from the kitchen, and tentatively poked her head into the warm room. She saw Molly Weasley looking as flustered as ever, with huge vats of whatever it was she was cooking, stirring themselves. Once she had noticed Hermione, her hands flung to her mouth in disbelief. She looked overwhelmed and unable to speak.
"Hello Molly, it's lovely to see you again" she walked into the kitchen properly, greeting her with a gentle smile. As Molly snapped out of it, she took a few stuttered breaths, and started to cry. She rushed over to Hermione and hugged her tightly.
"Oh Hermione, it's absolutely so lovely to see you too!" she had managed to compose herself by the time she let go. She cupped Hermione's face, as she admired the woman she had grown into.
Hermione had grown taller, with a slim build. Her thick, wavy, brown mane, was tied up in a simple, yet elegant bun. Her eyes teamed with gentleness, and beauty, just like they did when she was still a pupil. She had matured into a woman, and a beautiful one at that.
Mrs Weasley had aged; her eyes drooped softly, but still held that special sparkle. Her hear was thin and wispy, but still had the flame red qualities. Her figure seemed shorter and stouter, but she still had the same warm presence she had when Hermione was only 12, 13 years old.
"Have you only just arrived?" She asked still amazed.
"Yes, I wanted to see you first, and I thought I'd find you here" she chuckled "It smells amazing" Hermione felt herself ease more and more as Mrs Weasley stood there and smiled.
"Well we should go let Ronald know you are here! I'm sure he's going to be even more happier than I am!" She chuckled sweetly and led the way outside. All of a sudden, Hermione started to notice that the choking feeling was slowing bubbling in her throat and stomach. She was terrified. What if Ron didn't want to see her? She took in deep breaths and tried to push it out of her mind, she followed Mrs Weasley out into the garden and into the marquee.
The marquee inside was obviously a lot larger that the outside. It was dressed up beautifully; red, blue and yellow balloons floated independently in the roof of the tent, the tables were set out with thick ribbons, floating candles, and large plates with shining glasses. There was soft music playing, as people chatted and mingled with one another, most of whom she didn't recognise.
Hermione started to feel the eyes burn into her like hot irons. It made her feel extremely uncomfortable, and the dark feeling was gently squeezing her insides. She followed Mrs Weasley through the few people and up to the back of Ron, who was facing away from her, talking to some other relatives she didn't recognise. His back was slightly slouched, his hands buried into his pockets as he stood and listened to his relative speak.
"Ronald, dear, I have a surprise for you" the tension that Hermione was emitting was definitely heard in Mrs Wesley's tone; her voice seemed to tremble slightly, and she looked a little uneasy.
This didn't help Hermione at all. She needed Mrs Weasley to tell her Ron would welcome her back with open arms.
The red haired man turned around still with his hands in his pockets, and locked eyes with Hermione. The room seemed to fall silent.
Ron had matured more since Hermione had last seen him. His jawline was more refined, his shoulders wider, his build more stockier. He was a man now, and this scared Hermione even more.
"Hermione?" Ron whispered in disbelief.
"Happy birthday Ronald" she looked at him, waiting for his response. He continued to look at her before he took in a deep breath and said:
"You know I hate you calling me my full name" he smiled, and nothing had ever felt so right in her life, since she had left him. She laughed gently and looked up at him. The noise in the room returned; the gentle chatter of people returned, and she had never felt more happier.