Authors Note
Hello there, I hope you have enjoyed the first two chapters of this story. I know they were kind of short, but the first two chapters were meant as an introduction, the chapters will be a bit longer now that the story is going to start to e
The Dinner
"The Chosen Girl" was the headline on the following mornings Daily Prophet. Beneath the headline was a full page picture of Harry Potter taking Ginny Weasley into has arms and kissing her. Hermione was not only happy to see that Harry and Ginny finally seemed to be getting back together but also delighted to see that the Prophet was focusing thier attention on Harry and Ginny and there were no stories that day about Her and Ron.
Hermione had to admit to herself she had been the happiest she had ever been over the last few days now that she and Ron were finally together. She reflected on their friendship over the last 7 years and thought of one day in particular. The day she was forced to confront her feelings for Ron…
****
"Ermione what are you doing here with me?" Viktor Krum asked as he looked at her seriously. She looked at Viktor just a little bit confused. Viktor and her were sitting in a quite corner of the library. Viktor had just completed the second task of the Tri Wizard tournament. He found her after Harry found Fudge's body and asked if he could talk to her. She agreed and they walked to the Library.
"Viktor I really do not understand he question. I am here because I like you and enjoy your company" she took his hand trying to reassure him of her feelings for him.
"Ermione," Viktor did not return her grasp. "You are one of the smartest witches I have ever met."
He took a breath and continued "You are also one of the most beautiful young women I know."
Hermione felt herself blush as he complimented her .
"I have to believe the reason you do not understand my question is you either really do not know what I am talking about. I think knowing you that is unlikely which means that you are refusing to see what it is I am talking about. I believe that you know why I am asking the question so I have to believe that this is either something you are not letting yourself see or you see it but do not want to acknowledge it"
"Viktor" Hermione said hesitantly"
Viktor again held up his hand "Ermione please let me finish" as he said this he took his hand away from hers. "I want you to let me say everything I have to say before you say anything."
Hermione bit her lip nervously she may have tried to convince Viktor that she had no idea what he was talking about. But after what happened earlier that afternoon she thought she knew what Viktor was going to say.
She still remembered the burning anger she had felt when Fleur had kissed Ron. She also noticed Viktor's expression after seeing this so she knew he either knew something or suspected.
"Ermione I saw how you reacted when Fleur kissed Ron Weasley. Even though you never told me everything that happened between you and Ron at the Yule ball I know how upset you were after you had that fight with Ron."
Hermione had to look away from Viktor as he continued. She knew now what he was going to say and could not look him in the eye. She was afraid of what she would see in his eyes. She never meant to hurt Viktor.
She remembered being flattered at his asking her to the Yule ball.. Until then she was known as a smart student however no one seemed to notice that she was a young woman as well… Well at least not the person she wanted to notice.
She never dreamed how much her going to the Yule ball with Viktor would affect her friendship with Ron. She never dreamed it could have turned out the way it did. She had not meant to hurt Ron and had been waiting for him to ask her to the ball for several weeks. It was not her fault he did not have the nerve to ask her.
"'Ermoine you may not want to admit but the one thing I know is you do not want to be with me or anyone other than Ron Weasley" Even though she knew this was what Viktor was going to say she was still surprised to hear the words. "I will always be your friend 'Ermoine but it would not be right for me to continue to see you given what I know."
Hermione waited to see if Viktor had any more to say. When he did not say anything else she spoke trying not to show how much she was hurting inside.
"Viktor you are right. I realized a long time ago that I am in love with Ron Weasley. I even tricked myself into thinking he felt the same way about me. I realized after waiting for Ron to ask me to the Yule Ball that Ron does not feel the same way about me. The hardest thing I have had to do over the last couple of months is to let Ron go and realize he will never see me as anything more than a friend."
As she said this she was amazed at how much saying these words hurt her. She wanted more than anything for Ron to feel the same way she did however it was obvious to her he did not.
"'Ermione" Viktor took her hand in his as he continued, "Ron may not be able to admit it but I have watched the two of you over the last few months and the one thing I can tell you is that Ron is very much in love with you"
Hermione looked at Viktor as if he had lost his mind. How could he think that Ron had any feelings for her after the way he had treated her over the last few months.
"I know you are wondering how I can say this. The answer the same as what you would say to me to convince me he feels nothing for you. The thing is I am going to give you things from a man's point of view. The reason Ron has been treating you the way he has is he was deeply hurt when you came to the Yule ball with me. He did try to ask you to the ball 'Ermione"
Hermione had forgotten she had told Viktor how Ron had asked her to go the the ball so horribly. "Granted the way he asked you was the worse way anyone could ask someone, the fact remains he did ask you. I think Ron is just as blind as you are when it comes to recognizing how you feel about him. Ron never expected you to accept his invitation. Expecting to be rejected he gave you an out with the option of going with Harry. The one thing he wanted you to do was to choose him. Instead you chose someone else entirely."
Hermione had not thought of this and began to understand how hurt Ron must have felt after she showed up to the ball,. She was surprised at how much insight Viktor had on her and Ron's relationship. She was grateful to Viktor for having the courage to point these things out to her.
"Thank you Viktor" she could feel the tears in the back of her eyes as she spoke. "I do not understand. If Ron does feel the same about me as I do for him why does he not just simply tell me?'
Viktor gave her a slight smile. "Because right now Ron does not believe you have any feelings for him at all. To be honest with you if I was in his shoes right now I would think the same thing based on what you have done recently."
"But Viktor the only reason I started going out with you is I believed I had no chance with Ron at all"
Viktor chuckled as he spoke. "'Ermione Ron does not know that. He looks at you dating me as proof he never had a chance with you to begin with." Viktor let go of Hermione's hand. "Now in Ron's mind he is not someone you would even consider going out with. He looks at himself and then me and in his mind you would never want to go out with someone like him"
Hermione could not believe she was having this conversation with Viktor. He was actually giving her advice on Ron. Something until now she really did not have anyone she could talk with about Ron.
"How could he think that? More importantly how can I convince him that he is wrong?" she asked sounding a bit more desperate than she wanted to.
"Ermione. I hate to say this but you are going to have to be patient with Ron and start over. It is going to take some time but if you are patient and try to be understanding Ron will come around."
After that day she started to do what she could to get Ron to see her as more than just a friend. She continued to write Viktor about the things that were going on.
She remembered the touching letter that Viktor had sent her after the Battle in the Ministry of magic. He wanted to know if she along with the others of Dumbledore's army were insane trying to take on Death eaters by themselves.
He then sent her a stinging letter after she asked Cormac Mclaggen to Slughorn's Christmas party. Telling her in no certain terms that she would not ever get a chance with Ron if she continued to hurt his feelings,
She remembered writing a letter to Viktor that had to be just overflowing with joy as she told him how Ron told her he loved her that day in the Gryffindor common room. She also received another letter again asking her if she and the rest of them were out of there minds for once again taking on the Death Eaters at Hogwarts at the end of there sixth year, He finished that letter by reminding her that if either her or Ron were killed in these battles they would never have the chance to be with each other.
He was very supportive when he heard about her and Ron's plans to join Harry on his mission to destroy the Horcruxes. She had not told Viktor what the mission was but only that there was something she and Ron had to do.
After word got out about the Battle of Hogwarts he wrote her again expressing how glad he was that She, Ron and Harry had survived the battle and also expressing his sadness at the loss of so many good witches and wizards in that battle. He could not keep himself from showing how happy he was when she told him that she and Ron were now together. He smiled as she told him and simply said "See I told you that you two would get together. I am glad for you. I can see how happy you are"
***
Hermione smiled again as she looked at the headline in today's profit. Let Harry and Ginny enjoy the spotlight for a change she thought. Over the last few days in addition to the many stories of Harry, Ron and her exploits over the last year the Prophet for some reason had a lot of stories in the gossip columns about her and Ron dating.
She remembered one story that speculated that she and Ron had actually secretly gotten married while in hiding. Though the story was completely wrong, she could not help thinking that the one thing that she would love more than anything would be to marry Ron Weasley She knew that she was getting ahead of herself but the fact was she could not imagine being with any other man other than Ron, Hermione looked up from the paper as Ginny came down the stairs looking extremely happy as well. Hermione smiled at Ginny as she handed Ginny the daily prophet.
"You made the front page" she said giggling.
Ginny looked at the front page and turned bright red as she saw the head line and the picture.
"Please do not let anyone see that" she pleaded. "I will die of embarrassment all over again"
Hermione and Ginny laughed as the remembered the hard time that George had given her after Harry had kissed her yesterday. It was good to see George show some of his old self after the funeral. Even if it was at Ginny's expense. Hermione also knew Ginny was grateful her mother and father had said nothing after she got back from talking to Harry.
Hermione Laughed and said "I am just happy the gossip columnist has a new couple to write about. If I read one more article about how Ron and I are secretly married I will die."
Ginny Laughed with Hermione "Well it took you two long enough! You should just skip dating and go right to the alter."
Hermione gave Ginny a playful slap "Just remember I am not the only one to have to wait for there boyfriend to wake up and come to there senses."
Ginny smiled back at Hermione. "That is true however it was obvious to anyone watching you and Ron for more than a minute that you two wanted to be together. I still have no Idea what took the two of you so long!"
"For whom to take so long dear" Mrs Weasley asked her daughter as the came into the dining room. Both Hermione and Ginny laughed . "Nothing Mom" Ginny answered quickly.
Mrs. Weasley gave Ginny a gentle hug as she started to put breakfast on the table. To Hermione's surprise she also gave her a hug as well. Then she spoke to both of them.
"Hermione, I always knew that at some point Ron would wake up and see how much you too belonged together. I have to admit I wish it had not taken him so long. But he finally did come to his senses and I have never seen him so happy before."
She saw the Headlines and the picture on the front page of the prophet. "As for you my daughter." Mrs. Weasley tousled Ginny's hair affectionately "Both your father and I always knew you had a crush on Harry. I am happy for you that he too came to his senses." She looked at both Ginny and Hermione "I am happy for all of you. For once I can worry about something other than all of you being in danger. Take your mothers advice. Enjoy your time together and do not take each other for granted."
Hermione and Ginny assured Mrs. Weasley they would take her advice. After that the three of them sat down and enjoyed some "Girl talk" before hearing Harry and Ron coming down the stairs.
"Oi Mate," Ron said to Harry as he grabbed the morning profit. "I should throttle you for such a public display with my sister" he punched Harry in the shoulder playfully "and in front of the press too." He started to put his arms around Hermione and stopped when he saw his mother sitting at the table.
"Now if I could only get my son to take my advice" Mrs. Weasley said as she got up and walked out of the dining room. The confused look that Ron gave his mother was too much. Hermione and Ginny both started laughing uncontrollably.
****
A couple of days later Hermione sat on the front porch of the Burrow looking at the road anxiously. Hermione was more nervous than anyone had ever seen her before. She had only told Ron how nervous she was at seeing her parents again. It had been almost a full year since she had cast the memory charms on her parents and sent them to Australia.
Kingsley had let Hermione know her parents were fine however they would have to spend some time at St Mungos so the memory charm she had cast could be removed and their memories restored. Kinglsey had to let Hermione know the healers at St Mungos had a great deal of trouble reversing the spell she had cast. As a last resort they had asked him to get the counter spell from Hermione so they could restore her parents memories. Kinglsey remembered the healers commenting on there disbelief that such a powerful spell had been cast by a witch of only eighteen. He did remind the healers the Hermione Granger was probably one of the most talented witches in the Wizarding world. The healers did not argue that point with him.
Hermione continued to look at the road nervously. As she sat looking Luna came out the porch and sat next to Hermione. Of all the people Hermione had gotten to know over the last couple of years her friendship with Luna surprised her the most.
Luna was the exact opposite of Hermione. While Hermione put her faith in the meticulous study and analysis of the facts. Luna based a lot of what she believed on a deep rooted faith. The one thing that Luna had over Hermione was her uncanny ability to read people and at times in infuriating ability to see and speak the truth. Luna also seemed to have the knack for being able to comfort people, something that Hermione at times wished she could do.
"Hello Hermione Granger." Luna always addressed people by the first and last names when starting a conversation. This was another one of Luna's traits many found odd. For Hermione and the rest of the family this was just Luna. Hermione could only think of six people that Luna was comfortable enough to do this with. She was happy to know that she was one of them.
"Hi Luna" Hermione tried to hide how nervous she was. She however knew with Luna that would not be possible. Another thing about Luna is she always seemed to know exactly when her friends needed her and made it point to be there for her friends. Hermione thought it kind of sad that Luna considered only six people in the Wizarding world her friends. She thought the rest of the Wizarding world was missing out on a young witch that had a lot to offer.
Hermione remembered how Ron told her that his talk with Harry about Ginny after Fred's funeral had been made a lot easier because Luna had seemed to set Harry's mind at ease. Hermione knew that if Luna had come out to sit with her she must feel that Hermione needed some comfort now. One of the other things that Ron, Harry and Hermione found is that when they were down, or overwhelmed by all that was going on Luna was always there. They did not know how she knew they needed someone to talk to but Luna knew.
Hermione did not like to admit it but for her now was one of those times, she had tried explaining to Ron her apprehension but he did not seem to understand. Hermione thought he might be a bit more understanding if he had he not been so nervous about meeting her parents for the first time. Hermione looked at Ron through the window and saw that he seemed a lot more at ease than he had been earlier. She also remembered seeing Luna sitting with Ron
"What did you say to Ron Luna? I have been trying to get him to calm down all day" she looked at Luna as she asked
"I just let him know that all your parents would want is for you to be happy. Since he has made you the happiest anyone has seen you they would not have any problem with him dating you." Ron and Hermione had also decided one of the reasons Luna seemed to be able to comfort people was her voice. Many described it as dreamy but Hermione had decided it was more serene than dreamy. The other thing that amazed Hermione was Luna's ability to see the simple truth in matters. She knew Luna was right her parents would accept Ron simply because he made her so happy.
Hermione was worried that her parents would not forgive her for sending them away with no memory of her. Luna broke her thoughts
"Hermione you have nothing to worry about you know. Your parents may be unhappy about you casting a memory charm on them, however in the end you are their daughter and they will understand why you had to do what you did. In end of it all they are going to be happy that you are ok"
Hermione felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted off her shoulders. She had been worrying that her parents would not forgive her for sending them away. At that moment she was grateful to have Luna as a friend. She hugged Luna as she said "Thank you. I don't know how you do it but you always seem to know when your friends need you"
Luna smiled back at Hermione "Must be the Nargles" she squeeze Hermione's hand and the two of the sat in silence both watching the road to the burrow. Even though Luna said nothing more Hermione was comforted by her presence.
After what seemed like forever four figures appeared on the road to the Burrow. Hermione immediately stood up and ran to the road. To her surprise her parents were being escorted by Kingsley Shackelbolt and Arthur Weasley. She was not surprised that Mr. Weasley had escorted them but the Minister of Magic certainly had better things to do than to reunite her with her parents.
Hermione's mother broke away from Mr. Weasley the minute she saw Hermione and the two women hugged each other both crying with joy. Hermione's father waited until the two women were through before he too embraced his daughter in a fierce hug.
"Mom, Dad" Hermione spoke excitedly "I am so glad to see you both"
Mrs. Granger smiled back at her daughter. "We are glad to see you as well. Mr. Shacklefort and Mr. Weasley told us all the trouble you have been into over the last year." She looked at her daughter with is stern look. "And if you ever make us forget about you again I will never forgive you"
Hermione looked down to the ground "Mom I had to do that for your protection. The dark lord would have killed the both of you had he been able to find you."
Hermione's mother lifted her face so she could look into her eyes. "We both know you did what you had to do to protect us. However that meant you had to face all of this on your own. We are your parents and would have gladly risked anything for you"
Hermione gave her mom a weak smile "Mom I would have never been able to live with myself if anything happened to the two of you because of me."
Mr. Granger cleared his throat, getting the attention of his wife and daughter. "We understand you had to protect us Hermione." He looked behind Hermione as Luna was the first to arrive. "Mom, Dad this is Luna Lovegood."
Mr. Granger shook Luna's hand "It is a pleasure to meet you Ms Lovegood. We have enjoyed reading about all of your accomplishments as well"
Luna blushed as she said hello to the Grangers.
Hermione could see the rest of the Weasleys coming out to greet her parents. Harry and Ginny holding hands were to first to arrive after Luna. Hermione introduced her parents to everyone. Her parents remembered Mr. and Mrs. Weasley from meeting them at the beginning of Hermione's second year at Hogwarts. Hermione saw Ron hanging back nervously as she finished the rest of the introductions. She held her hand out to Ron and he slowly walked up to her.
"Mom, Dad" she said taking Ron's hand. "I would like to introduce you to someone very important to me. This is Ron Weasley"
Her father appraised Ron briefly before shaking Ron's hand. "So you are the one we have been reading so much about over the last few days." Hermione caught a mischievous glint in her father's eyes. "Is it true you married my daughter while you were in hiding with her last summer" Ron gasped as Mr. Granger finished
"No sir I Hermione and I have not gotten married" he stammered blushing.
Hermione knew not to try and stop her father when he had someone on the hook. Her father enjoyed a good joke and from the look on Ron's face he had Ron completely fooled
"Well why not son!" Mr. Granger said seriously. Ron was rescued by Hermione's Mother as she shook his hand she said "Ron we are pleased to meet you finally. We have heard a lot about you over the last few years. Don't worry about my husband. She looked at Hermione's father "He does not know when not to tease someone"
Hermione blushed when Ron looked at her as her mother finished. She had told her mom and dad all about Ron. Her mother knew she had fallen in love with him after her third year at Hogwarts. Her mother always advised Hermione to be patient and if she and Ron were meant to be they would. Hermione smiled to herself as she realized her mother had been right.
After the introductions all of them went in for a lively dinner. Hermione, Ron, Harry, Ginny Luna and Neville shared the adventures they had over the last year. Everyone laughed as Luna described Professor McGonagall's near heart attack in the Ravenclaw common room when she had discovered she had not just one but two outlaws in the school.
Hermione told her parents about her part in the battle of Hogwarts, though she downplayed how dangerous the battle had been for her. She told them about Her, Ginny and Luna's duel with Bellatrix Lestrange. Hermione again left out how Ginny had almost been hit by a killing curse. As she finished her story Kingsley cleared his throat.
Everyone looked at Kingsley as he spoke. "Well I guess this is the best time to make this announcement" as he spoke he looked at the six teenagers sitting at the table. "The ministry has completed its inquiry into the Battle of Hogwarts. It has been decided that the six of you, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Neville will be awarded the Order of Merlin First class." As he finished this announcement the rest of those at the table clapped. They did not seem to notice none of the six being given the award were not cheering. "The rest of those in Dumbledore's army that fought in the battle will be getting the Order of Merlin Second class." He looked at the rest of the Weasley family, "This also means the rest of the you Wesley's will be getting this award as well." With this announcement it was Hermione and her friends turn to cheer.
After dinner Ron and Hermione sat with her parents and talked for a couple of hours. Both of them answering questions about the year they had spent and what they wanted for the future. Hermione noticed Ron looking at her intently as he spoke about his future plans. Like there was something more he wanted to say but could not at that time.
Hermione overall was quite pleased with the way the evening had gone. She had not realized how badly she had missed her parents and looked forward to going home. However her mother and father told her it would be better if she stayed at the Burrow as it would be hard to explain why so many reporters for the Wizarding newspapers would show up at her house once the knew she was there. Her mother gave her a cell phone and told her she expected Hermione to keep in touch with them. She promised to. She also could see Mrs. Weasley whispering to Mr. Weasley to leave the cell phone alone.
Over the next few weeks' life settled into a comfortable routine at the burrow. Ron, Ginny and Harry spent as much time with each other as they could. Each of the couples also taking the time the needed for themselves. Harry Ron and Hermione also spent time getting ready to go to Hogwarts to take there N.E.W.T Exams. Professor McGonagall had sent them the necessary subjects and books for each of the careers that they had expressed an interest in.
Ron and Harry studied to become Aurors working on potions, defense against the dark arts and other subjects they would need to enter the Auror training program. Hermione studied law. She had decided she wanted to join the prosecutor's office in the department of magical law enforcement. She planned on a career prosecuting those Death eaters that would be caught and making sure they went to Azkaban where they belonged. Ginny had decided along with Luna decided not to accept the offer for an abbreviated school year and planned on returning for a full year at Hogwarts.
Kingsley asked Arthur Weasley to come work for him as his personal assistant. This was a huge promotion for Mr. Weasley and he did enjoy his work. The rebuilding of the Ministry of Magic was one of the most important jobs he could think of and was happy to have some say in how the new ministry was to be formed.
Harry, Ron, Hermione as well as Ginny, Luna and Neville having been awarded the Order of Merlin first class the highest honor anyone could be offered by the Wizarding world. The rest of those in Dumbledore's army received the Order of Merlin 2nd class. It seemed however, the press focused all of there attention on the six leaders of Dumblore's army.
As some of the stories in the Prophet became more and more farfetched the six of them decided it was time to tell there side of the Battle of Hogwarts as well as for Harry, Ron and Hermione to tell what they had been doing while searching for the Horcruxes . They agreed they would give there story to Luna's father rather than the Daily Prophet. Harry, Ron and Hermione were still unhappy with the stories the Prophet had run about them while on the run most important of all Mr. Lovegood continued to accurately tell the Wizarding World what was happening during the time the Trio was in hiding, until Luna had been kidnapped by Deatheaters. They for the most part gave an accurate account of what they did over the last year.
They of did not tell the press that Ron had actually abandoned them for a short period time. They implied that Ron had to leave to get treatment for being splinched during there escape from the attack on the Ministry of Magic. To the relief of Mr. Lovegood they also left out of their account of events his trying to hand Harry, Ron and Hermione over to the death eaters to rescue Luna, a fact that they also felt they did not need to share with Luna. Although Ron had expressed the belief that Luna was already aware of her father's actions.
In addition to the two couples growing closer to each other they found that they were also becoming very close friends with Luna and Neville as well. It was not unusual for Luna to pop in and have dinner with the Wesley's as well as spending many hours with the Hermione and Ginny. Harry and Ron both felt a great deal of affection for Luna and god help anyone these days that made the mistake of putting her down in front of them. This was something the Prophet learned the hard way as they printed a story on Luna's odd behavior over the years.
This lead to a stinging rebuttal written by Harry and Ron letting the Prophet know how important a role Luna had played in the success of there mission as well as letting the Wizarding world know of the great courage it had taken for Luna to survive the time she spent in Azkaban prison and the Malfoy's basement.
To Luna's displeasure this ended up making her just as famous as Ron, Harry and Hermione. Luna expressed to Ginny and Hermione the desire to have her quite life back. Hermione and Ginny laughed as they let her know that none of them would ever have a quite life again.
This had become very obvious on an evening that Ron had decided to take Hermione on a double date with Harry and Ginny. Ron knew that Hermione did not mind hanging around the burrow as long as she was with him. Ron told Harry when presenting his plan to him
"It is not right. When you are dating someone it is helpful if you take them out for a date!"
Harry tried to argue with Ron but Ron had pointed out that Harry had taken Ginny out on dates before while he has never had the chance to take Hermione out on a date.
Hermione was touched at how Ron had gone about planning a perfect evening for her. He started by asking his father the name of the best restaurant for wizards and witches in London. Once Ron had the name he called and made reservations. He also arranged for a car service ran by wizards to pick them up at the burrow and drive them to the Restaurant.
The day of their date Ron stopped by the room she was sharing with Ginny. He seemed just a little nervous as he stood in the door. Ginny quickly left the room, Hermione was sure that Ginny knew what Ron was up to.
Ron smiled at Hermione Sheepishly. "So are you ready for tonight?"
Hermione smiled at Ron sweetly "Yes I am. I had my mother send me some things."
Ron reached by the door and pulled a box. "I got this for you" he handed her the box. Hermione took the box and opened it. She gasped in surprise in the box was one of the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen. "Oh Ron, How did you?"
Ron smiled back at Hermione. "Your mother helped me with it. She took me to get it when you and Ginny to Diagon alley with Luna."
Hermione gave Ron a shocked look. "I don't believe it Ronald Weasley you set that whole afternoon up so you could get rid of me for the afternoon didn't you!"
she tried her best to sound angry but she was not able to do that. She was touched at how much trouble Ron had put into this evening. She did have one question for him
"How did you get in contact with my Mother Ron?" Ron just smiled and left the room.
At eight o clock that evening the car dropped the four of them off at the restaurant. The four of them went in and were surprised to see a group of people waiting to be seated. Ron went up to the host and spoke to him softly. The host looked at Ron and the rest of his party and his eyes widened for a brief second. Hermione noticed several of those waiting in line were also looking at them and pointing and whispering to themselves.
Ron was still standing when another well dressed man hurriedly ran up to him from the dining area. Hermione overheard him talking to Ron as he shook his hand enthusiastically. "Mr. Weasley thank you so much for choosing our restaurant this evening" He looked to the line and immediately came over "Ms Granger, Ms Weasley and Mr. Potter" he gushed as he shook each of there hands. "Please come with me your table is ready."
Hermione could here those waiting be seated talking amongst themselves as they were being taken to there table. They all were excited about seeing the four of them. She could here them saying "That is Harry Potter" or "There is Ron Weasley." Hermione at first kind of found the attention flattering , now she was getting tired of it.
The four of them were lead to a table in a private corner of the dining area. The Maitre Dee refused to let Ron tip him. He apologized to Ron as he told him he could not take his money. When Ron tried to insist the Maitre Dee said he would not insult Ron by taking his money.
Ron took Hermione's hand as he sat down next to her. Hermione was sure the restaurant was more than out of Ron's budget but did not say anything to him as she reviewed the menu. As they were reviewing the menu the wine steward approached the table with a bucket of Ice and what appeared to be a bottle of champagne and began to chill the bottle in the ice,
"What is this" Ron asked the wine steward as he set out four glasses on the table
"Sir this is the finest Champagne we have to offer." He popped the cork on the bottle and poured a glass and handed it to Ron. "Sir we did not order this" Ron stated calmly.
The waiter looked at Ron and explained "I know you did not order this sir. This is from the wait staff for you and your party Mr. Weasley"
Ron did not know that much about champagne but he did now something about how waiters were paid. He also was willing to bet that the bottle sitting in the ice was cost more than many of the waiters would make in a night. He tried to refuse the champagne. The wine steward would not let Ron send the champagne back and waited for Ron to sample the glass he had given him. Ron took a sip of the champagne and nodded his approval. The wine steward poured three more glassed for Harry, Ginny and Hermione. Before leaving he let them know it was an honor to serve them.
"How about that Ron," Harry smiled as he took a sip from his champagne glass,
Ron smiled back at Harry "Yeah how about that" Ron did not seem comfortable with the way they were being treated. "They probably have lost a full night's wages to pay for this" he continued
Harry nodded in agreement "Well we will make it up to them with a good tip Ron"
Ron looked at Harry "Yeah that is if they let us tip them"
Harry nodded his head in agreement as he looked at the menu
The four of them enjoyed each others company as the talked about the up coming school year. Ron and Harry told Hermione and Ginny at a recent visit they had made to the Aurors office. They were amazed at how much training they would have to go through before becoming Aurors. They learned they would have to go through a series of test just to be accepted as Aurors.
To be an Auror you had to go through a written exam, a one on one interview and a practical exam. If they passed all three then they would have to attend a 16 week training class. Once they finished that they would be assigned to work with senior Aurors in the department for three years They would finally be appointed Aurors after they finished the three years of training.
As Ron was explaining this there waiter arrived at there table with several plates and started laying them out on the table. The food smelled heavenly. Ron again asked the waiter "We have not ordered anything yet sir"
The waiter explained to him as he continued to put the food out. "Sir we have taken the liberty of preparing the finest meals we have to offer for you and your guest. Please do not try to argue with me sir. The head chef insisted on making your dinner himself once he heard you were here."
Ron turned a little red from embarrassment but let the waiter serve the meal. Hermione had to admit the food was wonderful, some of the best she had ever tasted. She made sure that she did not drink too much of the champagne as she ate. None of them were used to drinking anything harder than Butterbeer and she did not want to get drunk tonight. She noticed the rest of them were also being careful of how much they drank.
Except for the fact that they had not been given the chance to choose what they wanted. The wait staff seemed to choose everything for them and they seemed to always choose the best the restaurant had to offer for them. Hermione enjoyed everything that was served but was worried that Harry and Ron would have to do a stint in the kitchen to pay for the dinner. Hermione also could not help but notice the other patrons in the dining area would point at them and talk amongst themselves. Thankfully the wait staff made sure that the four of them were allowed to enjoy their dinner.
After enjoying a wonderful meal they talked for sometime. Hermione was sure that Ron was waiting for the bill to arrive so they could settle everything and be on there way. Ron had asked Hermione if she would like to take a moonlit walk along the Thames before heading home. Hermione thought that was great idea. After waiting for what seemed like an hour Ron finally stopped there waiter and asked him to bring the check.
The waiter looked at Ron surprised. He then said he would be right back.
After several minutes a well dressed man came to the table. He looked at the four of them as he came to the table, "Good evening Mr. Weasley" he started "I am the Restaurant manager and I understand there is a problem"
Ron looked across the table to Harry who looked just a puzzled as Ron.
"No sir everything was wonderful. There is no problem. We would just like to settle our bill."
The manager smiled at Ron. "Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter I don't think you understand there is no bill to settle" he stated this trying to leave no room for argument.
Ron smiled back at the manager. "Sir there must be a bill. We have just had a fine meal along with some of the best champagne you have to offer." Ron looked the manager in the eye "I know I do not know much about the restaurant business but I do know it is customary to have the customers pay for their meal."
The manager smiled at Ron patiently. "You of course are correct Mr. Weasley. However your money is no good here. Your meal is on the house. Sir we will not accept money from the ones who defeated the Dark Lord." The manager saw that Ron was going to argue with him "Please sir. If you would feel better the staff would be honored if you would allow us to take your picture. We however will not let you pay for your evening."
Hermione knew that this did not sit well with Ron. She also saw he knew there was no sense in arguing with the manager. They stood with the Maitre Dee, them Manager as well as their waiter and Wine steward for several pictures. As they were leaving Ron tried to slip a tip to there waiter. The waiter refused to accept the tip from Ron saying it was an honor to serve him. As they left they all were treated to a round of applause from the rest of the patrons in the restaurant.
Hermione took great pleasure that night in walking with Ron along the Thames her head on his shoulders. She noticed several witches and wizards stare at them as the four of them walked along the river front. This was an area well known to be frequented by those in the Wizarding world when they would go out for a night out in London. Even though no one bothered them Hermione was uncomfortable with everyone pointing at them and whispering. She was sure that Harry, Ginny and Ron were also uncomfortable as well.
Except for being pointed at and the fact that they were not allowed to pay for anything that night Hermione had to admit her first date with Ron was very romantic and she did not want it to end.
The following day she and Ginny were talking with Luna about the previous night. Luna did agree that even though people did respect there privacy it was still unnerving to have people pointing at you and whispering.
"The thing is I want to do more than just hang out here at the Burrow all the time." Ginny nodded agreement with Hermione, "I just am not comfortable with the attention we got last night"
Luna agreed with Hermione that the attention could be bothersome.
"You do have a solution you know Hermione and Ginny" she stated as a matter of fact.
"You mean besides not going out" Ginny asked
"Yes" Luna answered. "The answer is quite simple"
Hermione stared at Luna. She could not think of any place the four of them could go out and not be recognized by people.
Luna smiled as she continued "Yes just go where you are not well known." Both Ginny and Hermione looked at Luna as she continued "When you go to London just go out where the Muggles do. After all the Muggles have no Idea who Hermione Granger or Ginny Weasley are."
Hermione and Ginny looked at each other both smiling. They could not believe how simple the solution to the problem was.