For Longer Than Forever: Ch. 5: What-ifs and Loans
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry PotterĀ® or any of the entities involved.
When Ron and Hermione got to the hill, Ron slipped down onto the ground and held Hermione in his lap, stroking her hair. She marveled at how beautiful everything-- life was when you were in love. She suddenly wondered how long she had been without him unwillingly.
"How long have you liked me?" she asked him.
"I've loved since the moment I saw you, intensified by your personality. And every moment I am in your presence is just another factor."
"So we could have had years together? Why didn't I just say something? We could've had so long, and yet I was just too cowardly." She hung her head.
He immediately lifted her chin and took her face into his hands. "This is not, in any way, your fault. It was simply the way things were meant to be." He lay down in the grass and just thought about what would've happened if they had dated in first year, or even second. What if he had asked her out in third year?
"I almost asked out in third year...in this very spot actually. What would you have said?"
"I would've said yes. I can't think of a reason I would've said no."
Ron sat there and thought of all the times he had almost asked her out.
"What would've happened if I had turned down Viktor? Would we still have dated?" Hermione wondered aloud.
"I don't know. I think these what-ifs are useless. We could go on like this for hours."
Hermione laid down in his arms, with her head on his chest. They laid like that until they realized the sun was going down.
"We better go back."
"I guess."
He picked her up again and she didn't let go of him until they reached the doors of the school. He let her down on her own feet and they interlocked fingers and walked in.
They walked in the Great Hall, thinking it was time for dinner, but there was no one there. Ron checked his watch and it said five o'clock.
"We're too early," Ron said, showing her his watch.
"Common room?" Hermione asked.
"Where else would we go?"
They came to find all the 1st and 2nd years and the occasional others, including Harry.
"Love, I have something I need to do, can I talk to you later?" He asked her.
"I guess..."
"Ok, love you," he said, kissing her, and proceeding to go over to Harry.
"Hey, mate, can I borrow some money?"
"How much?" Harry said, dubiously.
"About 10 Galleons. It's really important," Ron assured him.
"That's not a lot. Can you tell me what it's for?"
"If you promise not to tell anyone."
"Oh. This must be pretty serious. I solemnly swear I will not tell anyone why you desperately need 10 Galleons," Harry said, laughing.
Ron told him of his plans which made Harry smile.
"Surely that costs more than 10 Galleons."
"It does. A lot more, but I've been doing some careful investing, and some betting, saving up for...well that's not important anymore. This is so much more."
Harry handed him a handful of gold and told him to take his time. This was something you definitely didn't want to do hurriedly. Before Ron left, however, he told Harry about his plans for tomorrow, and Harry's involvement in them.
A/N: Thanks to my friend Caroline for encouraging me...ok, convincing me to write out some of my storylines to streamline and edit them.
Also, 20 points to whoever figures out what Ron needs the money for.
