Hollywood remake – How did we not Know
As done by Billybob csagun36 a task begun on 03-26-2017
Published with the permission of the original author, as granted on 04-03-2017
Rated M so as not to offend all those morality 'prigs' out there (go ahead I dare you … look it it up) There is also adult level humor (in this tale) which will upset those that insist that all HP fan fiction be written for readers that are no more than twelve years of age.
Alternate universe (AU): for obvious reasons
Chapter three: intervention
88**88
Flashback:
All through this – heart to heart chat neither of the National hero's … which were so engrossed in expressing their_ 'feelings' _like a villains monolog at the cinema … they both completely overlooking the fact, that all the other Wesley's were eavesdropping very intently … on every word being said – (even Molly was listening in from the kitchen). None of them knew, that Ron hadn't left the Burrow directly, instead he had apparated up to the pensive, drained his memories into a test-tube shaped container (pocketed his memories) and then apparated away to the solitude of his heavily-warded sanctuary … to consider his next move.
End flashback
88**88
Two days later,
88**88
At a tiny stone cottage, preached at the edge of the cliffs of Dover. – Suddenly; several apparitions' pops were heard in the woods, behind the structure. - It was an overcast day and the rain was just starting to fall as the Weasley siblings gathered for an intervention. There was a light within and smoke could be seen coming out of the chimney.
"Are you sure this is his cottage", Charlie asked
"Yes, of course – I personally handled the paperwork on the deed", Percy replied.
"Then it is Showtime; big brother," Ginny muttered into Bill's ear. - Who then took out his wand and spent the next several minutes taking down some really impressive security wards. – In no time at all, he was sweating profusely from the effort, - finally Bill nodded and gave the signal to Charlie. Then; One by one, the siblings got each other's attention and silently moved through the hole that Bill had created … until they were all standing in front of Ron's cottage door.
"Once again … why are we doing this?" Fred asked.
"Because otherwise things will remain permanently awkward … you dolt", Ginny hissed. "Besides; you heard Mum … we broke him, we fix him"
"Why does Granger get a pass, she ignored him for years"
"Granger started to fix the damage she did, three years ago … and Mum fully acknowledges that fact. - That she has mucked-up her attempt, repeatedly … is a side issue at the moment, otherwise; there would be hell to pay by_ little mother _", … Whatever Ginny was going to say next was interrupted, by the door abruptly opening.
"You know … In spite of the wards I have on this place. - I can still hear a 'herd of trolls' like you-lot … doing the nutcracker ballet on my front stoop?" Ron said with a smirk.
"We need to talk." Bill said, frowning. "Can we come in … it's starting to rain"?
"You cleaned?" - Charlie asked as he entered the cottage, stating the oblivious. - The lounge, although small … was spotless, a clear sign that something was seriously bugging Ron. The last time he cleaned his living space was when Charlie had left to go study dragons.
"Is my cottage clean?" - Ron asked sounding puzzled. "Of course it is, I have a house-elf now. Why do you ask?"
"You have a house-elf, eh. - - Why am I the last to know", Charlie bemoaned.
"You live in Romania … you dolt" - Ginny snorted.
"Do Mum and Dad know about all this?" Percy asked.
"Tweaky … could you please prepare some tea and biscuits for my wet guests." Ron said over his shoulder, ignoring the last question, before sitting back down in his favorite chair. A spider crawled over the wall beside him. Without jumping up he reached for a Quidditch magazine and automatically swatted the bug flat.
"Merlin; why is it, that everywhere I go, I encounter bloody spiders?" he muttered nervously. Bill and Charlie looked at each other. - They had no idea why their littlest brother could get so upset by spiders. – Meanwhile; Fred and George felt awful. They were shocked to realize that their childhood prank had such long lasting effects.
"Ron … err…"
Ron got up abruptly and walked over to the lounge window, then turned about and faced them. - Bill abruptly noticed how much his little brother had grown since he last saw him... another thing he had overlooked. - Ron was even taller and far more muscular than Charlie was now.
"What is it then? - - Did some of my memories offend you-lot", Ron sneered. – "Did a few of my childhood insecurities ruin your sleep? -You can forget about the spider thingy … I've put that phobia behind me …no big deal"
"The spider thingy wasn't in there, Ronnie - but …We …err, saw some other memories." Ginny said. She watched as Ron began to stiffen.
"Did you now?" he asked, in forced casual tone.
"Ron, we're sorry that we ever made you feel that you weren't important", Bill said. "Why didn't you ever tell us?"
"Hmm? – That would have been a really hard thing to do Bill; with you in Egypt and Charlie in Romania. - Oh wait, I could have gone to 'good-old' Percy. - But even as a mere Prefect; he wasn't what you could call - approachable … especially on personal matters. – And then there is Fred and George, the primary source of troubles … now they would have laughed their arse off _and then used the knowledge to blackmail me … forever. – Finally, my beloved (tattle-tail) little sister … Ginevra; she wouldn't have understood either, as she wasn't bullied like I was. - - Actually; Mum would have killed the lot of you, had you mistreated your sister."
"The twins picked on me plenty …", Percy began.
"… And how many detentions did you give them in return - you gave as good as you got in that prank-war; brother mine", Ron countered
"I got pranked too", Ginny weakly protested
Ron spun around, the feelings he'd been hiding for years coming to light. "And yet … the twins always managed to pin the blame on me when they pranked you_ and you let them".
"Did… did you really think Mum didn't want you?" Percy interrupted, in a small voice.
"Well let's see, our mother is beyond wonderful and she had no trouble at all … remembering everyone else's favorite color, or sandwich for the train ride to Hogwarts. My jumper is Maroon every single year, even though I told her repeatedly, that I prefer light blue. – I got Corned beef for the train, even though only Bill likes those. - Then there was the family wide shock at the announcement that I was appointed prefect, instead of the_ Chosen-One. - A horrible mistake, she called it. - She even Flooed the headmaster's office to confirm that Harry wasn't in reality the Prefect for our year. "
Ron had some good points. - Charlie had to admit that; he had failed at being a big brother when he had gone so far away to study dragons. He should have kept better tabs on what was going on at home.
"Hey, we're sorry." Bill said feeling equally guilty.
"About what?" - Ron asked, genuinely surprised.
"For making you feel so …" Bill muttered.
"… Invisible … is that the word you're looking for." Ron interjected and then he laughed briefly. – "It's a-tad late to worry about me being bullied – don't you think? - - Water under the bridge … I imagine. - - There was an old saying of grandpa's …that goes: 'That, which does not destroy us, makes us stronger' - That's what I always hoped was the end result of what happened to me … make me stronger … bolder – it didn't work out that way … not in the courage department and not with the ladies. I'm a self confessed coward, who will most likely never marry".
"Everything else; including Hermione, is most likely a 'moot-point' _now. - - If, as I suspect … she knows all about what the locket said to me … then her disappointment in me for being so easily manipulated, will be profound. – In the light of these facts; whatever pathetic relationship that I did have with the girl … is now most likely ruined. _ That you-lot finally know, how badly I use to feel about myself as a child … is actually more uncomfortable to think about … than embarrassing."
"But we mucked you up something awful – ruined your chances with girls – almost botched-up your keeper skills in Quidditch?" - George admitted in a deeply repentant tone.
"I went through the Riddle war too, and we all got mucked-up by that. Luckily; I have a very close friend that is a girl/young woman. She even use to let me snog her … once in a great-great while. - She told me once of the dangers of messing with the past (she had a time turner). She told me to accept whatever happened and move on_ and with a-bit of help, I have, I think. - - I own my own shop … I have a flat, a wonderful House-elf and this cottage … not bad - for a barely literate; dimwitted tradesman".
"Ronnie shut-it, we are trying to say, we are sorry for what we did to you …" George said
"… And I'm trying to tell you-lot, that there is no benefit to be had … in sobbing over missing the quaffle. - - Losing is a part of life, it's not fair … but that's the way life goes. - Let me also remind the lot of you, of what dad always said about card games, 'play the hand your dealt',"
"What he say?" - Fred asked
"I was fated to be just an average bloke … and there are more like me than you overachievers. - I try to play the cards that destiny dealt me … without complaint _and for me; that has not been easy - - I'm not brilliant or stupid. I am what my experiences have made me (good and bad) and generally … I am not unhappy with how I turned out. I have mental issues … yes; but then-again most war veterans do and I under therapy for it. –
"You're in therapy?" George asked.
"Two years now", Ron replied.
"Has it helped?" - Fred said
"When I think about all the crap, that Harry went through as a child and then later at Hogwarts … I can't help but wonder why he isn't in a mental ward right-next to Gilderoy. Honestly … Harry's nightmares are loads worse than mine. If you-lot want to make amends for what life did to Harry and to me … you will promise to help Ginny get Harry into therapy (he won't listen to me) – Personally … if any of you … ever_ 'bring up' _again in my presence … anything you heard or saw in that pensive … I'll make you regret the day you all … were born", Ron threatened in a deadly serious tone.
88**88
None of the siblings were especially happy about how this 'chat' had worked-out before leaving - for Ron was (as usual) far too forgiving. - The consensus was, 'that they had botched it and it could have gone better' - - worst yet … they still had their Mum to answerer to, and she wasn't as forgiving as ickle Ronniekins. - In no time at all, only Ginny remained. - "About the Locket", she said. "Hermione had the right to know what it said to you … how you felt about her ... still feel about her … for good or bad it's the real reason that you left the tent."
"NO – the destruction of the locket happened_ after _I had left. - I destroyed that stupid thing, during on my first return visit and besides … that pensive didn't show what happened when I got the half-drown Harry back to the tent or why I left a second time. The bottom line is ... it wasn't your secret to tell – it was mine … dammit", Ron screamed in barely controlled anger. - - "She and I haven't spoken about my cowardness during the Horcrux camping trip. - - Not once, in five years_ and I would have preferred that policy had remained intact. - You have opened-up an old wound; Ginevra and it's not in Hermione's nature to leave well-enough alone".
"The confrontation with her about this … shouldn't be that bad", Ginny said without conviction. - "I am really sorry about all this Ronnie. - I think that makes two times in seven years, where I've 'mucked-up' your thing with Granger. - If it is any comfort to you, Hermione was really upset about the Locket thingy - - but maybe her ending it with you, will turn out to be a good thing. You haven't gotten anywhere with her in three years … maybe you can move on now_ and find someone else … someone better … someone who will let you do more than kiss?" - Ginny said with sadness, suspecting that she had once again lost Ron's trust… she was in tears when she got home.
88**88
Ten minutes later … after staring out the window sadly, Ron went back to his chair only to find that his 'tea' was stone cold, - he looked up and said: "Tweaky, can I get a fresh cuppa". A moment late there was a sharp rap on the door, and Ron walked over to answer it, while saying: "what wrong with you Ginevra … did you forget something?" – He opened the door and to his great surprise he saw a soaking wet and very determined looking Hermione … standing in his doorway.
Looking a-bit like a drowned rat, having walked further in the rain than his siblings. - She was carrying a small overnight bag, which was (most likely) big enough on the inside to contain ten times the space required to store; double the amount of everything Hermione had ever owned, during her entire life … up to this point. (using the beaded bag of the hunt for comparison) - He looked up from the bag to her dripping wet face, just in time to hear:
"Ronald; enough is enough, I'm moving in",
"You're what … why?" Ron replied feeling utterly gob smacked
"Because I've made a few (minor) miscalculations in our … relationship (three years worth - apparently) by reducing the priority of what we have, in favor of other things.
"You don't admit mistakes", Ron said gob smacked.
"Mistakes … who said I made a mistake?" - Hermione countered heatedly. – "What happened was a few … very few … really minor missteps (totally out of my control) concerning when to move-on to the next level in a relationship, that I nearly ruined at school with my fixation over Harry".
"Are you talking about Viktor or Cormac?" Ron asked genuinely confused.
"I'm talking about you silly", she replied with a blush.
"There was no_ us _ not at Hogwarts, or during the hunt", Ron said with blunt honestly
"I've already admitted to a few minor missteps; Ronald Bilius (so don't push it) and this is not the time to open old wounds. - - However; while we are on the subject of injuries done to you … after hearing every single detail concerning what was in_ the Locket … and its destruction. - I'm not feeling all that forgiveful toward Harry at the moment. – He should have told me that your worst nightmare centered on me and him. One day … I will want to see that memory."
"Not going to happen", Ron half whispered.
"Oh I will see it, Ronald Bilius … count on it", Hermione growled back. "The odd thing was; that after telling me what the locket said … it was like the flood gates of Harry's mouth opened full (like a dam bursting) and Harry began telling me all kinds' of things that you did for me; that I didn't acknowledge.
That's why I can't honestly trust myself in his company right now; he and Ginny have lied to us repeatedly and I feel so tempted (at this point) to hex his sorry-arse – into a slug. - - You were right, it wasn't Harry's secret to tell … and nor was it Ginny's. - But we will be discussing the pros and cons of belated full disclosure ... at another time. - - You should have taken me with you when you left … and explained in private instead of me learning about it from … (but you didn't – and that's for later too).
"So Percy told about my bolt-hole (when he got back home) and you're here to tell me we're done", Ron said trying to cut-short an easily predictable discussion.
"I did want to get to you first; before the others (but it didn't work-out that way)", Hermione admitted, sounding extremely irritated. "And we are certainly not done".
"We're not?" Ron asked genuinely surprised.
"Far from it actually … As we speak …Harry and Ginny are being interrogated by your parents (it's their turn)" Hermione said with a truly evil smile. – "Next to me, those two did the most damage to you. I actually find their impending pain somewhat comforting because: one) they arranged for me to go first with your parents - and: two) they let you down so badly. – The lesson I have learned from all this is: that it is impossible for a secret to stay a secret ... at the Burrow, once exposed. - Yes Ronald; your parents know absolutely everything … Which means_ they will want a serious word with you … tomorrow"
"Gulp … yeah I half-expected that much," Ron admitted, - "I just wanted to give everyone enough time to cool-down and put things in proper perspective, before I faced the music"
"Good thinking actually… I didn't believe for one second – what the twins said. That you were trying to run away from your problems (like a child) - for I too, needed to step back, cool down and think things through. - - The locket and what it revealed shocked me deeply and inspired me at the same time … Luckily - your parents have agreed to let me- 'sort out' - our _issues first, before _we_ see them again. Your father seems to think that you'll be more open with them … if I'm there for moral support".
"Yes; that's true enough", Ron admitted in a near whisper.
"However; as I said, After your siblings told your parents everything (I got most of the blame) …your parents instantly wanted to have 'a private word' with me … Ginny took delight in telling them about your spider phobia and then Bill informed them about your siblings general consensus, concerning why our relationship has been semi-permanently … on hold … for so long …"
"…They all admitted that you could do better", Ron interrupted sadly.
"No - actually, they are all convinced that you can do loads better … than me (and they are most likely correct on that point). I have been dragging my feet, delaying things whenever possible and avoiding any intimate situations. - Whenever I said stop, you did; without complaint, or making me feel the least bit guilty. Do you know how often I've been pressured (on a date) to do things before I was ready?".
"Who did that ... Viktor or Comac?" Ron asked automatically.
"Both, actually; it's also happened to me a dozen times or more … with some of the other guys I dated after the war. - Naturally you had to be the exception. You're to blame of course … you've been so understanding … so patient … so irritatingly honorable – I never feel pressured in your arms to …" - She began only to stop mid-sentence as she became extremely thoughtful.
"Of course, it's my entire fault, nothing new there", Ron said with growing despair. - "Apparently; I'm total rubbish with witches".
"NO…no, I disagree … you encouraged me go to find myself and while away from you and I did find my place in post war England. - You gave me the right amount of support that I needed to find my wings,
"And now it's time to fly away?'
"That's what your parents thought", Hermione said in an angry tone – "After you left and no-one could find you. I ended -up having (without you) an utterly embarrassing_ 'heart to heart chat' _with your furious mother concerning my long term intentions in regards to you. – She wants grandchildren from you_ and has been aware for some time of the snail-pace progress in the_ 'hands on' _part of our relationship. She knew without asking … that I was the one holding things back. - - Did I already mention, how truly scary your Mother can be – when she is really-really – upset".
"You've been waiting for someone better to come along, I suppose" Ron said in a resigned tone.
"That's your families consensus; your sister outright accused me of playing-you", Hermione said sounding slightly angry. "I am however quite disturbed that you mirror their option, has your therapy not helped (at all) with your self-image issues?"
Ron ever so wisely decided to remain silent.
Not getting a reply to a rhetorical question, Hermione pressed-on. - -"Your Dad even took an entire day off from work to help sort out where I stand with you in light of the revelations of the locket incident … most embarrassing".
"They forced you out of the Burrow … I'm so sorry", Ron bemoaned again while glancing down at her overnight bag.
"Shut-it … Ronald, the bottom line is your entire family has spent the last two days regretting what they have collectively done to you. - Nor are they pleased with what I have done to you emotionally. – Thanks in large part to your sister … (by the way - I can't see my-self sharing a bedroom with that girl ... ever again) - my multi-year fixation with Harry has also been fully aired in the_ Burrow _lounge and the foolishness of my Potter pursuit; repeatedly pointed out to me. - The only good that came from that episode ... was a surprisingly open and frank discussion of how to avoid making the same mistakes with your children".
"At this point, I doubt there will be any", Ron said
"The twins joked that you should take over their share of making offspring's for your Mum (as they fully intend to stay single) and_ sire _eight nippers … while Ginny and Harry pop out six (like your mother) But I don't want to become a bare-foot and pregnant breeding machine. - I want a career and strongly believe that I can have it all ... with no more than two children coming out of me ... that would be ideal number for us". Hermione rambled on with a wistful smile.
"Two - - us?" Ron asked mystified.
"Never mind that now" Hermione said blushing hard at being caught-out, before again … pressing on. "Although I don't approve of House-elf enslavement (as a general principle), I have bore witness of your loving handling of Tweaky, and the respect you have shown her. Over time; I have come to agree that abrupt freedom for them … is not the answer and I cannot find fault in how your house-elf is treated. In fact I only wish that others were as concerned as you are to house-elves working conditions."
"And what does this have to do with two children?"
"Honestly Ronald, isn't it obvious" … She said sounding irritated. "You have already in place a prefect nanny (Tweaky) for the massive amount of offspring's that the twins want you to have. I understand that Audrey and Percy have a house-elf now and Fleur is considering one. Your entire family, including both parents consider Tweaky a great selling point for any witch that wants it all (as I do) a career and a family. I didn't like that discussion at all, they speak of you like a sellable commodity, and your father actually admitted that he'd been approached about an arranged marriage for you … how barbaric.
"Arranged marriage is a corner stone to the Wizarding community. Our society is different in many ways to Muggle's".
"I fully understand that the wizard world is a unique culture, I just don't approve of some of your customs. Anyway … as I was saying; your entire family wants to make amends to you; but the just don't know how. - Harry and I especially are concerned about losing you over this pensive fiasco … well, while brainstorming for a solution; the twins actually came- up with one of their traditionally perverted ideas … an amusing way-out, which … oddly enough, I think will help me … convince you of the depth of the genuine feelings that have developed in with growing certainty, since Malfoy Manor. In short … I've fallen in love with you"
"No way … you couldn't possibly ... not your intellectual equal … thick as a post … mere shopkeeper", Ron weakly began to rambled on and on. – "You really shouldn't force your-self to settle for second best, (over the pensive incident) when there are - literally loads - of better wizards out there for you to chose from. - I won't break-apart when this ends and I couldn't bare your pity"
"Ronald - stop spewing rubbish … at once. Right from the off … I DO NOT SETTLE for second best … in anything I do, and – I don't feel pity for you. To be honest, right after the Riddle war I actually tried the casual dating scene while looking for my parents in Australia, just to test the waters … so to speak. I wasted two years in denial of my budding feelings for you. - However; even as my fame got me dates, the wizards (down under) proved to be very disappointing, mainly because they were … not you. - I tried again during my 'repeat year' at Hogwarts and found Ravenclaw boys totally self-absorbed (as expected) and thoroughly lacking in any kind of warmth or sense of humor_ bottom line again … not you. … I began to doubt my own sexuality when even the wizards of the Ministry … couldn't hold a candle next to the shopkeeper – Ronald Bilius."
"Nothing special about me", Ron said in a half-whisper
"You need to remember; that we hardly ever argue anymore, that I look forward to being (alone) in your company now. That I take pleasure in kissing you, although perhaps not as often as I should, that has to change … I know that. - – Oh and before I forget – while discussing in family conclave our romantic progress or lack thereof (highly discomforting) your family has collectively determined that the best possible way to accelerate our relationship and to bring- us -into parity with the now engaged Harry and Ginny … thus substantially boasting your injured self image (I should point out that your mother wasn't the only vote against this idea) The twins suggested that the best way to equalize the disparity in our opposite sex experiences without forcing you into a series of blind dates (because they have already tried and failed with that tactic, while I was away). Their current solution boils down to this; getting you drunk at a (safe) pub and then ... laid".
WHAT IN BLOODY HELL? – the lot of you are all mental … total nutters", Ron screamed. - "And who (pray tell) did my siblings and Dad, line up for this pity shag …?"
"Me … actually, I volunteered"
"Not the least bit funny Hermione."
"I agree that having sex wasn't what I had in mind, as a quick-fix cure for your self-confidence issues. – As my own experience in intimate activity, actually isn't all that much greater than yours. - But after I thought it over carefully, I came to believe that a active sex life would benefit both of us equally",
"Make your case ... barrister", Ron began, trying with difficulty to remain calm, in the face of the ridiculous. - "Explain to me in simple terms the pros and cons of sex with a mere shopkeeper"
"Don't take that attitude with me; Ronald Bilius. I have actually given this bizarre idea a lot of thought … I have tested my resolve, repeatedly … by dating others, whereas you - didn't feel the need. - I've been (on and off) aggressively pursuing you (for me) since the war, I even_ 'raised the ante'_ and went slightly pro-active during the last three years. I made a few minor missteps there, I suppose – and after learning of the locket incident today - I have come to the inescapable conclusion, that my Malfoy Manor conclusion was the correct one after all. - In light of recent events I have determined that it is _ 'high time' _that I stop this prolonged flirting game and openly admit that I love you.
"You do?" Ron replied weakly.
"Yes … Ronald I do, and with that undeniable _ 'FACT' _clearly in mind, I have decided to accelerate (more than a-tad) my original time table plans for us, by asking you formally (right now) to marry me".
Ron eyes were wide and he stood rock still … stunned speechless … 'this is some kind of joke … she can't be even remotely serious,' - he said to himself as his mind went all fuzzy.
"We will live together first … of course – I acquired the spare key to your flat (over the shop) that you kept at the Burrow, but I didn't know about this cottage at all. - Interesting development … unexpected I must say. You really must show me around. - - And then after a respectful engagement period … a tentative wedding date can be determined, and set _for sometime in the middle of next June …"
"You can't possibly be serious about this … Married?" Ron exclaimed
"Honestly, Ron, I would really feel better about us having loads of sex, if we were at least … engaged."
"We don't have to have sex, especially if it was the twin's idea and not yours. Forced sexual therapy won't cure my nightmares", Ron insisted.
"Are you upset that a modern witch that knows you as well as I do _ would have the gall to pop the question of Marriage?" she asked.
"Who asks doesn't matter to me … the point is this is an insane idea, unless it's a prank at my expense" Ron asked again.
"Not a prank, I don't do pranks … I am serious here," she countered heatedly
"Really … do tell … how serious?" he asked
"Well … after considerable thought. - I took the liberty to acquire a modestly priced wedding set that I liked (while in Diagon alley yesterday … your Mum helped with that) The rings are in the overnight bag I brought with me, along with all the furnishing from my former flat … I've canceled my lease. Your Mum thinks we should bin all of your furnishing and use mine exclusively, but I disagree … I believe that it should be half and half. - Oh and by the way … I have also applied for a marriage license … after getting your parents' permission.
"My parents approve"
"Reluctantly … Yes … I argued the merits of the idea, by pointing out your feelings and admitting that I couldn't possibly ask for a better husband"
"I love you … you know that … for the longest time", Ron said with unshakable sincerity. "But you don't have to go so far to mollify my family. - I'm all in favor of more kissing and all… but marriage is a-bit of overkill, don't you think".
"So you don't want to marry me" Hermione asked
"Of course I do, imagining our wedding day is how I make a patronus "
"That's your happy thought" Hermione said deeply touched.
"Yes – to me you walk on water … but you don't have to do this"
"Do I have to get my club and drag my unconscious life-mate back to my cave?"
"What are you going on about?"
"I am going to marry you Ronald, it's going to happen sooner rather than later and then … someday I will give you a total of two children".
"I'm not going to talk you out of this … am I"
"An engaged witch, is a horny witch" she said seductively
"How about a compromise, I say yes to marriage idea of yours and we go see my parents tomorrow with an engagement ring on your finger (that will mollify my Mum ... big time) - But we have a longer engagement than you proposed (next June is Ginny's wedding – and we don't want to mess with that) a longer engagement ... just in case you change your mind"
"But I won't … you belong to me, and I belong to you, I am just not denying that truth anymore."
"That's it then, Yes Hermione jean I will marry you", Ron said before he Kissed her.
Fin
Post story notes
Thanks again to Ginnyrules27 for the inspiration; the original version can still be read, with my twisted revision most likely suffering in comparison.
The alternate universe plotline of Ron not coming back until 'Malfoy Manor' is a favorite of mine and has been used in several of my other stories. - - I have also greatly desired somewhere in cannon a _ 'Gotcha' _moment. - Wherein a fence sitting Hermione, who is always there for Harry (implied romantic attraction) which is why Harmione fans (insanity) exists … (in other words) there should be a point where she_ CLEARLY _switches her romantic focus from Harry to Ron. Otherwise the long awaited in public Kiss seems to come from (out of the blue) and can be easily confused with a reward for Ron's (spew like) sudden concern for house-elf safety during the Hogwarts battle.
I am as you can easily tell, a great fan of Ron, mister average, and the only one negatively affected by the Locket. Cannon is a little vague about Ron's post war career. - JK Rowling at first indicated an Auror career with Harry, but then seemed to imply that He stayed with George as a shopkeeper. I clearly prefer that Harry and Ron have different occupations.
Once again all credit goes to Ginnyrules27 - - Fan fiction dot net Id #: 6428997