Disclaimer: I do not own anything relating to Harry Potter, I am simply borrowing J.K. Rowling's wonderful characters, history and locations!
Hermione was nervous. She stood in front of her floor length mirror, fidgeting with her hair. It wasn't as bushy as normal, but it still would not sit correctly atop her head. She had done her best to curl her hair, as Ginny had taught her, and was now trying to pile it all on her head. Frustrated, she let it fall to her shoulders. She cursed herself for wanting to go the muggle way, and not buying an enchanted mirror; it would know what to do.
Tonight was important. Tonight was the night her family would meet Caden's. In essence, tonight was the night Caden's would meet Hermione herself. She had briefly met them in America, when they were attending the same garden party for some Ministry members. That, however, was the extent of Hermione's relationship with Caden's parents. Tonight had to go well, although Hermione's current mood was not a good start to the evening.
Her mind seemed to replay her conversation with Ginny the day before. She could not comprehend Ginny's word choices. She had said that Ron was jealous of Caden. Hermione could not wrap her head around that theory. For, Ron Weasley seemed to be doing fine on his own. He had a brilliant job, one that was perfect for him. He had his share of girlfriends… well one at the very least.
Unless, Ginny had thought Ron was truly jealous of Caden's relationship with her. She laughed coldly to herself at that thought. It was an absurd idea. Ron had made it clear that he didn't view her that way. She had realized that when she returned from America to see Ron's arm draped around Rebecca's shoulders. Hermione pulled at her dress a bit tighter. It infuriated her that he would be so protective, after he had not told her about his relationship with Rebecca in the first place. She had been so upset with him when she returned home that they didn't speak for at least a week.
No, Ron was not jealous. He was simply being an overprotective git. It was not as if it was a particular shock to her. In the past, she would sometimes find him charming when he acted this way.
With a sigh, she took one more glance at herself. As her eyes scanned the mirror from her modest maroon dress to her anxious face, she tried to smile. It looked a bit forced, but would have to do.
They stood on the steps of Caden's small house. Hermione stared at the end of the street, awaiting the inevitable. The last time she talked with the Miffs they had been much too impressed by her past and her friends. She had to give them a break though, after all, it's not every day you find out your son knew the Chosen One's best friend. However, Hermione hoped that with the time that has passed, the two would be well adapted to the fact. Otherwise, tonight would be very interesting.
"Do you have everything?" Caden asked, before casting a spell on the door. Hermione glanced over her shoulders back at him and gave him a half-smiled. He looked handsome in his cream-colored sweater and black pants. He always managed a sophisticated look, even if they were only heading to dinner at Harry's. This sweater was her favorite.
"I think so. They'll be here soon, will they?" She questioned letting her eyes fall on the street again. She tried to hide her uneasiness as best she could.
"Yes, Mother said half past six." With a glance to his watch, he added. "And she's never late."
"Sounds like someone else I know." Hermione teased. "I hope Mrs. Weasley helped Harry clean up the place. It has never been much of a pretty sight." She shifted from one leg to another as a cool breeze swept through the air. She shivered.
"Don't worry so much. They're going to be happy just to see you again and spend some time with the two of us." Caden said, putting his arm around Hermione shoulders. She sighed and closed her eyes, trying her best to stop worrying. She was cut off from such relaxation when Caden chuckled and nodded towards the corner of the street. "Ah, here they come."
Hermione's eyes snapped open and zeroed in on a small black car pulling along the side of the road. The windows were tinted, but Hermione could feel a pair of eyes on her. She found herself smiling timidly in apprehension. Her hands flew to her hair, ensuring herself that it was at least a bit acceptable.
Caden rushed to the curb to open the door, a bright grin plastered on his face. If Hermione hadn't been so nervous, she would have found his behavior adorable, instead though, she was merely annoyed.
As the door opened, a pair of black heels stepped out onto the walkway. Caden held out his hand to help his mother out of the car. She accepted it graciously. "Caden, dear, look at you!" She replied, smiling. Hermione had dimly remembered Caden's parents, but she could see now just how much Caden resembled his mother. She had the same bright, toothy smile, as well as the same shiny blond hair. Hers bounced in large curls across her shoulders, perfect curls that did just as they were told.
"Mother, right on time, you are." Caden said with a laugh.
"Lucky we are too," A voice came from the street. Caden's father slammed the car door as he said this. "Traveling the muggle way is always a trial, but your mother insisted."
Mrs. Miff laughed and swatted her husband as he came nearer. "It's always a bit more interesting that way, don't you think?" She asked, without much care for a response. Her eyes lay pointedly on Hermione. "This must be her, yes?" She said with a nod.
Caden nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yes. Mother, father, this is Hermione."
"Yes, we met at that banquet a summer ago." Mr. Miff recollected. "But now, you're not just Hermione Granger, Ministry intern are you, my dear?" He winked her way with a smile playing against his rounded cheeks.
Hermione blushed. Caden gently touched her elbow, encouraging her. "I suppose not. It is wonderful to see you two again. I've been looking forward to tonight for some time."
"As have we," Mrs. Miff added stiffly. "Now what have the two of you got planned for us?"
"Well, we're actually going to have dinner over at my friend Harry's place. He just returned from traveling and thought it'd be wonderful to meet you." She said, relaxing at the thought of the Weasleys and Harry waiting for her not too far from here.
"The Harry? Harry Potter you mean?" Mr. Miff injected. "We wouldn't happen to be going to Grimmauld Place, would we?"
Hermione started for a moment. "Yes, but how did you know, sir?" She added, trying to be a polite as possible.
Caden clapped a hand on his father's shoulder. "Dad's a huge history buff, especially when it comes to living history. Harry has some great fans in America."
Hermione laughed nervously, more for Harry's sake than her own. "Well I'm sure Harry will be happy to meet the two of you." A breeze swept through the air, causing Hermione to shiver again. "Shall we apparate?"
Mr. Miff jumped at the thought. "Yes please, I've had enough with those muggle contraptions for a few years."
Mrs. Miff tutted as she removed her wand from inside her waistcoat. The rest of them followed suit. Hermione pulled a piece of paper from pocket and unfolded it slowly. "If you would just read this address, you should be able to apparate your way there. It'll take you directly to the foyer. Harry has taken down most of the protection charms for us tonight." She handed the paper to Mrs. Miff, who took it kindly.
Within moments, two loud pops sounded. Hermione glanced at Caden just as he disapparated. She took a deep breath and mumbled, "Here goes nothing."
The noise was deafening when Hermione's feet touched the floor of Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Her eyes widened in worry. Standing up tall, she smoothed out her dress and gazed around the room, catching Harry's eye by the doorway as she did so.
He nodded towards the kitchen. "Caden took them downstairs. Don't worry, they made it." He said as if reading her thoughts.
"I wasn't worried much about that." She huffed. "Why are they yelling? They'll wake- wait.."
"Nice isn't it?" Harry replied coolly. "I didn't think this place would ever be so peaceful."
Hermione took a few steps towards the hall. "Harry, why am I not hearing a catapult of insults? Is she broken?" She asked foolishly.
Harry laughed, pushing his hands in his pockets. "Actually, no. It just so happens, I know two genius wizards that love rebelling against their elders."
"They didn't." Hermione gasped, not that she minded the new silence.
"They did. Nothing too gruesome, mind you. Just think of it as placing a bit of muggle duck tape over the old lady's mouth. It's genius." Harry said with a dramatic sigh.
For the first time since yesterday at the Burrow, Hermione cracked a true smile. "I suppose, they do come in handy once in a while."
Harry chuckled. "Just don't tell them I called them genius. They have such big egos already. No need to add more."
"I won't, promise." She folded her arms across her chest. "The place looks wonderful by the way."
"Mrs. Weasley." He answered plainly.
"I figured as much." Hermione glanced down the hallway that lead to the kitchen, and the mess of voices. "I suppose I should get down there, shouldn't I?"
"Probably a good idea, it'll be fine." Harry said, running a hand through his messy black hair. "It's only the Weasleys. What could possibly go wrong?" Hermione raised her eyebrows at him knowingly.
"What, indeed." She muttered, pulling at Harry's arm. "Come on, if I have to go, so do you."
The two walked in side by side to the brightly lit kitchen. A thick, mouth-watering aroma spread through the air. A smile grew on her lips, as she closed her eyes, taking it in.
"Incoming." Harry grumbled, poking her in the side with his elbow. She stumbled, opening her eyes to an oncoming Mr. Miff.
"Hermione! Your friends are lovely. And who might this strapping young man be?" Mr. Miff asked eyeing Harry with great interest, similar to the way Arthur would be gazing at muggle hair dryer.
Before Hermione could answer, Mrs. Miff, grabbed onto her husband's arm and exclaimed with much more enthusiasm than Hermione had seen those few minutes by the car. "Oh dear, we've missed one." She said, smiling brightly at Harry. Hermione felt a pang of jealousy. She hadn't been able to get a smile out of Mrs. Miff yet today.
"Mr. and Mrs. Miff, this is my friend Harry. He's going to be to giving me away at the wedding." She announced, placing her hand on Harry's back, hoping this wouldn't be too embarrassing. She gave him a weak 'forgive me' smile. His eyebrow rose, confused.
"Harry Potter!" Mr. Miff boomed, as if he had been waiting for an acceptable time. "How are you my boy?"
Harry blinked. "Hello sir-" He began.
"Oh, no call me Malcolm."
"And me Carol. You're practically part of the family now!" Mrs. Miff rejoiced. Hermione refrained from rolling her eyes, although it took much effort. Poor Harry.
"Yes, yes, part of the family. Now tell me, was this truly the head quarters of the infamous Order of the Phoenix?" Malcolm asked curiously.
Hermione shook her head, holding in a laugh as Harry's face when from confused to almost pained. He had seemed to understand her comforting pat a few moments earlier. Hermione briefly tuned out the conversation and questions coming from her soon to be in laws and glanced around the room.
She hadn't seen this many Weasleys together since the summer after Hogwarts. Fred and George were leaning against the wall, a drink in both of their hands, joking with Charlie. It seemed the joke was on their sister, who blushed a bright shade of red as Charlie pulled her in to a hug. Arthur was conversing with Caden, talking actively with his hands. Molly was near the stove, as usual, as she kept gazing happily at her sons, while her daughter-in-law helped set the table. Hermione suddenly felt at peace.
A familiar voice knocked her out of her ravine, "Mr. and Mrs. Miff, great to meet you two. I must have missed the introduced when you came in, I'm Ron Weasley." Ron threw his hand out, stepping between the couple and Harry. "How was your trip here?"
"Oh, hello," Mr. Miff said, glancing anxiously between the two. "Ron Weasley, now, where have I heard that name before?"
"Well dear, you did just meet his wonderful family, did you not?" Mrs. Miff answered, in what must have been her polite voice.
"They are quite the household." Ron agreed, leisurely removing his hand from Mr. Miff's. "I think Mum's ready for us, if you would like to find a seat at the table." Hermione smiled inwardly at Ron's courteous tone.
"Oh yes, it smells delicious!" Malcolm chuckled. "I'll save you a seat by me, Harry?"
Harry pursed his lips and nodded.
"What a good sport you are, mate." Ron praised once the two were out of earshot.
"I tried to warn you, Harry. I'm sorry. I had no idea." Hermione apologized.
"No problem. They're going to be your in laws, as long as you can make it through tonight, any of us can." Harry joked, his green eyes gleaming. "Thanks for the save, by the way, mate. It was getting somewhat… creepy. They knew so much."
Soon all thirteen of them were seated a very long table. The table was piled high with all sorts of deliciously smelling foods. There was shepherd's pie, green beans, carrots, Bouillabaisse (a recipe from Fleur Delacour), rolls, carved ham and a plate of cheese and sausage "for the Americans". Molly never ceased to amaze Hermione with her spread of food. How she was able to finish all of this and clean the house was beyond her.
Caden's parents were true to their word, they ushered Harry next to them at one end of the table. He looked at Hermione with a disappointed stare. She shrugged and bit her lip, unwilling and unable to do much to help him. She found her seat next to Caden and Ginny. Ron sat across from her, rubbing his hands together, probably trying to decide what to try first. He chose the shepherd's pie.
"How did you traveling go?" Mrs. Weasley asked the Miffs. She placed the last bowl plate on the tables (cauldron cakes, Hermione could almost see Ron drooling after them), before taking a seat herself.
"Hermione tells us you were traveling the muggle way? On those large machines, what are they called again? Aerofanes?" Mr. Weasley questioned, with keen interest.
"Airplanes." She corrected with a smile.
Arthur nodded, giving Hermione a thankful grin in return. "Ah, yes, ghastly things." Mr. Miff responded with distaste. He spooned some carrots onto his plate. "How anyone can settle for such things, I'll never know. They were so… muggle." Arthur's face fell immediately.
"But they are able to fly without magic, how extraordinary that must be!" Arthur exclaimed, catching Hermione's eye.
Malcolm shook his head as he passed a dish to his wife. "Magic is much easier." He said simply.
Arthur's lips pursed together, as if having no idea what to say next. Hermione knew he was excited about meeting an American and learning all about American muggles. She was surprised Caden hadn't piped in yet, he always seemed so interested in Hermione's muggle life.
"There are many things that muggles have learned to do without magic." Charlie said coming to his father's defense. "They have these boxes called…. Televisions?" He muttered quietly, receiving a subtle head nod from Hermione. "Yes, these televisions can show what's going on in a completely different part of the world. It's rather amazing."
Taking bite of his ham, Mr. Miff disagreed. "But they haven't got the skill to create moving pictures? A bit mental if you ask me." He took swig of his water, not making contact with any one of the stunned Weasleys' faces.
Silence filled the room. Feeling the tension, Ron looked up from his plate for the first time. "Hermione spent half her life without magic," He mumbled, with a mouthful of bread. "And I think she's doing pretty well. Granted she can be a bit mental sometimes."
Harry snorted into his drink, earning him a glare from Ginny across the table. Although, that was the only look he'd been receiving from her tonight. He laughed nervously, "Yes, brilliant but mental, isn't that right Hermione?"
Hermione, who was smiling moments ago, frowned and narrowed her eyes in his directions. "If I'm not mistaken, my mental capabilities helped get you two through Hogwarts. Or perhaps I should have left you down that trapdoor." She scolded.
The room relaxed with the change of pace. "Caden's told us quite a bit about this Hogwarts of yours. It sounds like a top-notch school." Mrs. Miff said without looking up from her meal. Hermione wasn't sure who she was talking to exactly.
"Oh it was." Fred replied when no one responded.
"Yes, full of prospective ministry leaders, aurors, journalists…" George added.
"And don't forget dark wizards." Fred replied quickly, pointing a finger in George's direction.
"Right you are, right you are."
"Luckily we had Harry Potter on our side. True Gryffindor, he is." Fred smirked, his eyes falling on the chosen one, who was shaking his head.
"Don't be so modest, dear Harry! I'm sure the Miffs would love to hear of you adventures with good ol' Voldie." George replied, clapping his hand on Angelina's shoulder. "Don't you agree, Angelina?"
"Indeed." She said dully, shooting a pitiful look towards Harry.
"I really don't think-" Hermione started, but it was too late. Both the Miffs turned to look at Harry.
"Oh, of course we would!" Mr. Miff called out. The look on his face was one a 5 year old would get if they suddenly realized there was a pony in their backyard. "Gryffindor, is it? What's that mean?"
Harry's mouth opened and closed slightly, his eyes searching out for help. Ginny merely giggled into her napkin. "Well, normally Gryffindor is a place for particularly loyal and brave students. But many people fall in that category-"
"But not every student would partake in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, would they? Or go on secret quests with their headmaster." Mrs. Miff said almost dreamily, reminding Hermione of Luna Lovegood for a brief second.
Harry put his hands up in front him. "I wouldn't have gotten through any of that without Ron and Hermione though. So I can't take the full credit. Hermione was the top student throughout our time in Hogwarts." He added, trying to push the limelight off himself.
"How true that is." Fred exclaimed.
"What would England have done without our Hermione Granger?" George asked, raising a mocking glass, earning him a glare from across the table.
"I bet she wishes she still had Prefect power right about now, don't you think sweetie?" Fred laughed as he nudged Angelina in the side.
Caden cleared his throat, all glanced his way. "Well we'll soon find out, won't be Hermione?" Her eyebrows rose in question. Before she could ask, he continued. "We'll see how England does without their Hermione. Maybe America will have just as much luck." He grinned as his eyes found Hermione's.
Her mouth fell open, along with most of the table. Mrs. Miff suddenly burst out into applause. "You're coming home?!" She cried half question-half statement.
"At some point, after the wedd-" Caden answered but was cut off by a chair screeching.
Hermione watched as Ron disappeared behind the archway. Tension weighed heavily in the room. No one dared to speak, unsure exactly what to say. Hermione felt more than a dozen pairs of eyes on her. She flattened her napkin down on the table, unwilling to meet anyone's gaze. She was angry, and hurt that Caden would unleash such a fragile subject. It was not the time or the place.
Slowly she lifted her eyes to meet his. He was grinning at the remaining Weasleys and his parents. His teeth gleamed and threatened to sparkle. Hermione's fury surged. How dare he? Acting as though this outburst was the best news in the world, acting as if the Weasleys weren't pained at the sudden news.
"Excuse me," She mumbled quietly, edging her way out of her chair. The stares could be dealt with at another time. Right now, Hermione needed to get out of there. She pushed her way past the Fred and George's chairs, finally breathing a sigh of relief when she reached the foyer. Before she realized was she was doing, she pressed her hands against the door and took a few steps outside.
The night had turned cold. She crossed her arms, cursing herself for not wearing a heavier sweater. Music from the neighboring houses could be heard, faintly, through the few half open windows. Hermione found herself swaying slightly as the melody drifted her way.
She was upset. She had told him she would think about it. There were no plans, no timeline of any sort. Of course, she was going to America for work. Did that mean she wanted to pick up her entire life and just leave? No.
A loud thwack lifted her out of her conscience. It had come from the bottom steps, Hermione hadn't even looked down towards the street when she stepped out. "Hello?" She called, her Gryffindor spirit fueling her on as she took a few steps towards the sound.
"I'd prefer if you went back inside." He grunted. "It's freezing out here, plus your new family's waiting for you." Hermione could hear the sarcasm dripping from Ron's voice. He was pouting, that much was obvious.
"What are you doing out here?" She asked more accusingly than she intended.
Ron huffed, "I could ask you the same question." She could barely see him in the darkness. He was seated on the bottom step, his long legs stretching out onto the sidewalk. His hands fall on his knees as he leaned over, glaring at the wintry ground below him.
"I'm angry. When I get angry, I walk away and breathe. Something I'm surprised you seem to have learned." She replied coolly. "Are you keen on brooding alone, or would you like some company?"
He looked up, his blue eyes shining. His lips turned up slightly as he nodded. Hermione gathered up her dress and took a seat. "I didn't want you to find out that way." Hermione muttered after a few moments of silence.
"Yeah? So it's true then?" Ron probed, his voice breaking slightly. "You're leaving England…"
Hermione shook her head, "No! No… it is only an idea. A compromise one could say." She tried, "I wouldn't expect Caden to live here forever, and he had a life there too."
Ron laughed. "But you're supposed to leave us? I didn't know why were so unimportant to you." He added for a good measure. "I saw the look on Harry and Ginny's faces. Even they had no idea you were thinking of leaving, for good."
He glared at her, awaiting an answer. Hermione narrowed her eyes back at him. "Did you happen to see my face as well, since you're such a fine observer? I was just as surprised as anyone else." Ron rolled his eyes, leading Hermione to continue. "I was! I never once said I was leaving after the wedding, or anytime in the near future. Please, Ron, I don't want to argue."
"That's what you say now." Ron mumbled.
"What?"
"You're going to leave. You've got your own life now. Poor Ron will be left alone again. Harry's never home and now you're getting married." Ron sulked. "Maybe this is just the way it's supposed to happen."
"Ron-" Hermione started, this was the first time they had had a conversation about her marriage since, well, since the proposal.
He was quiet for several moments. "I'm used to Harry not being here. It is a part of being Harry; he is always gone. But, I guess I never expected for you to leave us behind. I'm not sure what I will do if you leave. It could never be the same without you here, Hermione." Ron whispered. If he hadn't of said her name, Hermione would have wondered if he remembered she was sitting here. His eyes were gazing out at the darkness that surrounded them.
"I'm not leaving." She said resolutely. "I'm not ready to leave, nor do I want to." Her voice was softer than normal. She desperately wanted to see Ron's eyes. Why, she wasn't sure.
As if reading her thoughts, Ron turned to face her. His lips curled into a half smile. "Good." Hermione saw a spark of joy in his eyes, but it was quickly dashed by something else. Something she couldn't understand. She smiled at him, hoping to light them up again. Although his eyes stayed dark, he smirked at her.
She shivered. For the past five or so years, Hermione had cursed herself for letting his sideways smile do that to her. She always felt horribly guilty for it. "Here," Ron murmured, knocking her out of her thoughts. He was holding out his tan suit coat. He must have thought she shivered from the cold… It was better that way. She accepted it, thanking the stars that it was too dark to notice her pink tinted cheeks.
Hermione couldn't deny the heat that was surging through her. It was so strong that she had to tear her eyes away from his. She silently wished she would stop acting like such a teenager. It was ridiculous.
They sat together, in the cold. Ron began to hum to the music next door. She knew he had no idea what song it was, but that didn't seem to matter to him. Snow had begun to fall lazily around them. Hermione pulled Ron's coat tighter against her. "Hermione…" Ron murmured. His voice was soft, reminding Hermione of that day in the Hospital wing when her name escaped from his sleeping lips.
Her insides turned uneasily. She didn't like going back there, back to when she thought they had a chance, back to when she believed he thought of her differently. It was too hard. "Well, I suppose I should get back inside." Hermione rushed, pushing herself up from the steps.
"Yeah, Caden is probably worried…" Ron trailed off, gloomily watching Hermione stand. "I'll be there in a few minutes." She nodded and pushed through the door.
"Strike one." Ron muttered to himself, shaking the snow out of his red hair.
"It's late. You should probably head up." Caden said stiffly. He hadn't spoken to her much since they left Harry's. She couldn't put her finger on why. He had smiled as they waved goodbye to his parents, but then his faced turned cold. Hermione could hear him gritting his teeth as they strolled down the deserted streets; she was sure it wasn't from the cold.
"Would you like to come in for tea?" She tried as they reached her door, one part of her hoping he'd decline.
Caden shifted, his feet flattening the newly fallen snow beneath him. He glanced at his watch. "Well, I have to work in the morning…"
"Oh, well another time then." Hermione rushed a bit too quickly.
Caden's eyes met hers. She blushed under his intense stare. Suddenly she was worried he could see those feelings she had felt hours before; the ones that she was trying to wrap her head around since she left Ron on the doorsteps. "But I wouldn't mind a cup." He finished, still looking at her intently, watching for a reaction.
"Oh!" Hermione started. "Okay, well come on in then. I'm not sure what I have…" She trailed off, opening the door.
Her house was small, but cozy. She had spent much of her time doing all she could to make it a home. There was a small kitchen, perfect for her quick meals, a bathroom near her bedroom, and a lounge of sorts for entertaining, something she's rarely done. To most, it would look quite plain, but to Hermione, it was home. It had everything she needed, including a built in bookshelf in her bedroom. With a sigh, she let her purse and coat fall on the arm of her sofa.
"That's fine." Caden said reaching for the light switch near the door as Hermione wandered through the darkened room. She meandered through the lounge from memory, tapping her fingers on the coffee table as she passed. "Interesting dinner, don't you think?" He asked slowly.
His words hung in the air. Hermione smiled to herself as she heard the hesitation in his voice. Perhaps he understood her anxieties over the information he so freely shared tonight. "Yes, it was lovely to meet your parents again. I think they were charmed by the Weasleys." She added. "As many are."
Caden stiffed in the other room. His jaw clenched. "Yes, they're a charming group." By this point, Caden had made his way into the kitchen, where Hermione stood, next to the stove. She was on her tiptoes reaching into the cabinets. Caden eyed her curiously, "Quite chivalrous, giving up their time, their coats…"
Her hands slipped from the tea box in the cupboard instantly as her feet fell flat. She turned fiercely towards Caden. "Is that why you've been so quiet?" She whispered. "It was cold outside, I didn't have my sweater." Hermione added fervently
Caden leaned against the doorframe, his head shaking slightly. "You didn't have to follow him. Everyone noticed, Hermione. You practically ran after him." His arms were crossed across his chest. Hermione didn't like his stare, it was full of accusation, none of which she felt she deserved.
Her hands flew up in the air as she turned back to the cupboard, trying to shrug off her irritation. "He was upset. I'm his friend, that's what friends do." She stated.
"I didn't see Harry rising to the occasion."
Hermione scoffed. "Of course not. I'm the one that comforts them, Caden. Its the way it's always been. I was the reason that he was so angry anyway. I could thank you for that actually." She replied frostily, plucking out two tea bags before turning to narrow her eyes at him.
"So he was upset that you're leaving." Caden grinned triumphantly, ignoring her claim.
Hermione murmured, "I'm not going anywhere, Caden. We never agreed on a specific time. And I'm not ready. I don't know if I'll ever be." In waiting for his response, her hands fell onto the corners of the stove, as she stared at the shiny blue pot in front of her.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see him straighten up, his arms uncrossed. "What?" He asked incredulously.
"I told you, I'm not ready to go-" She turned to .lean her back against the counter. Caden's eyes were wide with disbelief. She smiled at him lightly trying to disband the disappoint he was feeling.
"Hermione, I agreed to get married here; to be with your friends, near your home. But this place isn't my home."
"It could be!" Hermione sounded, pushing herself towards him.
Caden shook his head, his hands dug in his pockets. "We talked about this. There are plenty of jobs and people in America."
"Of course there are, but there is no Ron or Harry." Hermione exasperated. "They're my best friends, my family. I can't just… leave."
"So, you want to stay for them." Caden questioned, although he already knew this was the case. "You'll still see them. You will. I'll make sure of it. But Hermione, you're going to be my wife soon. We need to start our life together."
Caden smiled at her, hoping to make sure understand what he was saying. She stared at him, his windswept blond hair and flawless features. "We could start it here." She said quietly, taking a few steps closer to him.
Caden closed his eyes, unsure how to explain. "We could. But I'll be your family then." Hearing a heavy sigh from him, Hermione suddenly realized that maybe Ron wasn't the only jealous one, if he was in fact jealous. Hermione hadn't bothered to think of what her friendships with Ron and Harry were doing to her fiancé.
Hermione's arms flew up around Caden's neck. "You are my family. If you haven't noticed, I happen to like having large families." Caden opened his eyes and smiled half-heartedly. "It is true. But I'm sorry; you can't expect me to give up Ron and Harry."
Caden shrugged, and put his arms around Hermione's waist. "I know. It's so much easier that way though." He bent down and placed a kiss on Hermione's nose. She wrinkled it in response.
The whistled sounded from the kettle. "Tea's done!" Hermione pushed her way out of Caden's arms and removed the tea kettle from the flame as quickly as she could. "Do you still want a cup?" She asked, grabbing two cups off the other wooden rack behind the stove.
Caden shook his head. "I better get going… Unless you'd like me to spend the night?" He added, flashing a hopeful smirk.
Hermione pursed her lips. "I believe we're talked about that also."
"It was worth a try." He explained, taking a few steps to give her a kiss on the cheek before heading for the door.
Thanks for reading! Please review.