Chapter 2
Explanations
On the cheek.
I could have kicked myself. I could have hexed myself. Or my cousin. Or Ron.
Why did I say that?
"This is Ron Weasley... my boyfriend."
I meant best friend. Stupid, stupid mouth! That dirty betrayer of a mouth!
Trying not to panic, I did the next best thing I could think of. I hugged him, putting my arms around his neck and leaned my lips toward his ear.
"Play along," I whispered.
I released my arms and backed up, then looked at my cousin, who still looked shocked beyond belief.
"Is there a problem, Rosie?" I asked, using a nickname I know she did not like.
She looked at me with wide-eyes then looked at Ron and cleared her throat.
"My cousin failed to mention she had such a hot-looking bloke as a boyfriend," she said, "I was wondering why she was refusing to go out on the town and look for hot boys. Why didn't you say so, Mione?"
I narrowed my eyes. How dare she call me by that nickname? Only my Daddy could use that name! I ignored her and turned to Ron. He seemed to be staring at me, and I suddenly could hear the cogs turning in his mind. Of course he would be shocked to think I'd go out on the town hunting for boys.
"Come on in, Ron," I said, pulling on his arm and tugging him inside. I shut the door behind him. "Let's go up to my room for a bit."
Ron's eyebrows raised and I kicked myself mentally. Oh Merlin, what he must be thinking! First I call him my boyfriend, then kiss him on the cheek, and I am now inviting him to my bedroom!
Ron coughed. "Erm... sure! If your cousin doesn't mind."
I looked over at my cousin and raised an eyebrow questioningly. She suddenly grinned widely.
"I don't mind at all," Rose said, "In fact, it is just what she needs. Someone to take her mind off of her books. Go have fun with your man, cousin. I'll wait as long as it takes." Then she added sweetly, in a sing-song voice. "Play safe!"
It was my turn to gape. Did my cousin just imply that Ron and I were – oh, you little scarlet woman! I turned to Ron and saw that his face was almost as red as his hair. His ears were that color already. Oh, Merlin, she embarrassed him! I grabbed Ron's arm, so I wouldn't grab my wand and hex my cousin, and dragged him up the stairs. Neither of us said a word until we got into my room and I shut my door. I took my wand out of my pocket, and Ron raised his eyebrows. Apparently the idiot thought I was going to curse him. I turned and pointed it at the door.
"Muffliato!" I whispered.
"Thought you didn't approve of that spell," Ron said.
"Times change," I muttered.
I pocketed my wand and immediately reality set in.
"Oh, Merlin!" I moaned, as I paced back and forth across my bedroom floor, "What did I just do? What did I –?"
I stopped, turned on my heel and glared at Ron.
"What are you doing here?!" I demanded.
"Er... you dragged me in here," Ron said.
"Not in here," I said, flustered, "I meant my house, damn it!"
Ron stared at me for a moment, then snorted. "Hermione, you swore!"
"I'll swear again, Ron Weasley!" I exclaimed, "What the bloody hell are you doing here? You could have sent Pig! You could have warned me!"
"Erm – I -" Ron stammered, rubbing his neck.
"How do you even know where I live?" I asked.
I know it was a weird question, given the fact he's one of my best friends. I mean, I know where three of my best friends live. I've never been to one of their houses, but I've been to the Burrow, where two of my best friends – Ron and his sister – live. I guess it is weird I never exactly told my best friends where I live.
"Dad," Ron said, "He looked up your address at the Ministry. The Order wants to put up protective wards around the houses of its members."
"The Order?" I asked, "I thought since Headmaster Dumbledore -"
I paused and inhaled. It had only been a few days since Professor Dumbledore was murdered, and it was still hard to talk about out loud.
"Oh – erm – Mad-Eye is the leader at the moment," Ron shrugged, Interim, anyway, until there's a vote."
"What does this have to do with my house?" I asked.
"I asked Dad if the Order could put protective wards up around your house," Ron said, then shrugged, "For your protection. For your parents, you know."
My heart suddenly swelled two sizes. If I hadn't just accidentally called Ron my boyfriend, if I hadn't kissed him on the cheek, I might have kissed him right then and there. He was so sweet to think of something like that.
Of course I wasn't going to tell him that.
"That's not necessary, Ron," I said.
"Yes it is!" Ron snarled; then he coughed and looked at his feet. "Sorry. Didn't mean to say it like that."
"No offense taken," I said; I was used to his outbursts, it takes a lot from him to phase me these days, "But Ron..."
"No," Ron said, looking back at me, "It is necessary. Reports say that Voldemort is going to target Muggles and Muggleborn. Do you honestly think I'd just let you-?"
"Let me do what?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.
"Let you and your parents stay here all summer in danger with those bastards around hunting Muggles and Muggleborn?" Ron asked.
"I can defend myself and my parents," I said, "I don't need the Order. I don't need you -"
Ron suddenly frowned. "Really? Well, I guess I should leave. So long..."
He made to leave the room and the house, but I grabbed his arm and looked at him.
"Ron, I didn't mean it like that!" I said, almost in a pleading, begging tone, "Of course I need you. You're my best friend."
"Really?" Ron asked, "Because from what happened downstairs, it sounds like I'm your boyfriend now."
My jaw dropped and he looked at me smugly. The last time I had seen that look on his face was when Lavender Brown snogged him.
"I-I distinctly remember telling you to play along," I said, "What do you think that means?"
"How I am supposed to know?" Ron asked, "I rarely understand what mental spew comes out of your mouth."
I glared at Ron and crossed my arms. "What are you doing here? Surely if it was just about wards, your Dad or someone from the Ministry would be here instead!"
"Nope," Ron said, grinning, "Not saying a word until you tell me why you called me your boyfriend. I mean, like you said, you wanted me to play along. I think I deserve an explanation."
I frowned and walked past him, then sat down on my bed.
"I did it just to annoy my cousin," I said.
Okay, that is the honest truth. I did want to annoy her. She dared to call my best friend 'hot'.
"I haven't seen her in many years, not since I found out I was a witch," I said, "She's a Muggle, her dad is my Uncle. My parents went to Ireland for a dentist's convention, and Rose picked me up at the station."
"She was at Platform Nine-and-Three Quarters?" Ron asked, incredulously.
"No, she was waiting near the entrance of it," I said, "I guess she assumed I was either coming from Platform Nine or Ten. Anyway, she picked me up at the station and drove me home. Apparently she's my babysitter." I scoffed. "She's not even a year older than me. And she's horrible!"
"She didn't sound so horrible," Ron said, "Actually, she reminds me of Fred and George."
I snorted. "What makes you think so?"
"She likes joking around," Ron said, "I mean – for a babysitter, she has no problem with you inviting a boy to your room."
I glared at Ron. "Exactly what I mean! Three hours ago, she wanted to give me a make-over! She said she was bored and wanted to go out on the town and look for boys! She asked me if I knew any cute boys around here -"
"Do you?" Ron asked.
I blinked. Exactly what was he implying?
"No, I don't," I said.
"Do you know any cute boys at all?" he asked, grinning.
I narrowed my eyes at him. Two can play that game. "Nope, not at all," I answered playfully.
Ron frowned and sank into the chair at my desk.
"Ron, I'm only making fun," I said; really, I felt bad for the poor bloke.
Besides, he is cute. Not that I am going to admit that!
"Where was I?" I asked, suddenly realizing I was getting distracted.
"You were explaining to me why your cousin has something to do with you calling me your boyfriend," Ron said.
"Right," I said, "Well, she keeps going on and on about boys. The whole ride here, she was telling me about all her boyfriends she's had over the past four years."
"How many?" Ron asked.
"More than most girls," I said, rolling my eyes, "She's a bloody scarlet woman."
Ron snorted. "Well, I can't say I am not surprised."
I glared at him. "Why not?"
"She's – well – she's -" Ron stammered, then coughed and mumbled something.
"She's what, Ron?" I asked. "I didn't hear that."
"She's attractive," Ron muttered.
"Oh, please!" I scoffed.
"Oh, come on, Hermione," Ron said, "You can't deny that your cousin isn't – well – pretty."
I glared at him again. So he thinks she's pretty? Well, of course she is. She's bloody beautiful, but he does not need to say it!
"She reminds me of Fleur for some reason," Ron said.
I scoffed. Loudly. "Phlegm. Of course she's as pretty as Phlegm."
Ron raised his eyebrows, and I realized I had said that out loud.
"Are you jealous?" he asked.
I coughed and stammered, and cursed my cheeks for burning up.
"I'm starting to sense a pattern here," Ron said. "I mean... you called me your boyfriend..."
Oh, Merlin! Okay, I admit it. I really wished Ron was my boyfriend! But – well – Ron wants someone like Fleur Delacour or Lavender Brown! Someone who is pretty.
"Thank you, Hermione," Ron said.
I raised my eyebrows and looked at him. Did he just thank me for calling him my boyfriend. Does that mean...?
"For what?" I asked; my voice sounds so dry.
"Well, if your cousin is, as you say, a scarlet woman," Ron said, "Then I obviously don't want someone like her. Thanks for – well – I don't know."
I sighed. My best friend, oblivious to my feelings as ever.
"Why are you here?" I asked.
Ron stood up and reached into the pocket of his jeans, then pulled what looked like a holiday card, then handed it to me. I opened it up and began to read it.
"You are cordially invited to -" I raised my eyebrows. "Your brother and Fleur? They picked out a wedding date?"
"I told you and Harry both that the wedding was coming up, didn't I?" Ron asked. "Yeah. Actually it is next week. It was originally scheduled to be on the first of August, but Mad-Eye Moody insisted it take place much sooner. He thinks that since August 1st was so openly announced, that it could be open grounds for a Death Eater attack. So, over the past few days, he's been talking to Mum and Dad, and Bill and Fleur, and influenced them. Only bad news is now everything is going in fast-forward. It is a mess around the Burrow. Everyone is working on details and making plans, and stuff. I really don't want to be a part of that."
"You could always stay here until the wedding," I said.
It took me about thirty seconds to realize why Ron was staring at me with raised eyebrows and an open mouth.
Then I realized my big mouth had betrayed me again.
"Why didn't I think of that?" Ron asked.
"What?!" I exclaimed.
"You asked me to play the part of your boyfriend in front of your mad cousin, didn't you?" Ron asked.
I stared at him. Why did my big mouth suddenly decide not to open? Why did it suddenly decide it didn't want to tell Ron that I was joking?!
"Obviously you're quite unhappy with the fact you're stuck here with your cousin," Ron said, "I'd hate for you to get annoyed at her and accidentally curse her. So... sure, I accept your offer."
"Ron..." I said; I didn't know what to say.
On one hand, it would help keep me distracted and calm around my cousin. On the other hand... Oh, Merlin...
"Maybe this isn't a good idea," I said. "I mean... I just flat out lied to my cousin and called you my boyfriend."
"Are you going to go and admit that?" Ron asked.
"No!" I said, "For one thing, she'd laugh at me! For another..."
She'd want you for herself, and I can't have that!
"Well, then, we can't have that," Ron said, "Who am I to deny such a challenge? A Gryffindor never backs down from a fight. Besides... with the threat of attacks on Muggles and Muggleborn, I don't want to risk something happening to you. Until the wards are placed, you're not safe here alone."
"I can take care of myself!" I said.
"And your cousin?" Ron asked, "Hermione, if you get attacked, it probably won't be one-on-one!"
"What makes you think I'm going to get attacked?" I asked.
"Are you bloody serious?" Ron asked, "You're the Chosen One's best mate! Malfoy knows that, Snape knows that! Or did you forget about them?"
My bottom lip quivered as my mind went back to the fight at Hogwarts. How Snape had somehow gotten past me when it was my job to watch his office in the dungeon. Harry had given me that one job, had said he thought Snape was up to something. And I failed and allowed Snape to get past me and murder the Headmaster.
I suddenly felt a comforting arm around me. I looked up and noticed Ron was sitting next to me, with his arm draped around my shoulders.
"Hermione, I'm sorry," he said, "I shouldn't have said it like that."
"No," I said, "You're right."
I suddenly did want him to stay over at my house. Even if it meant he was there to keep me company while my cousin was here. Even if it meant there wasn't a threat of danger.
"You can stay over until the wedding if you want," I said.
"Brilliant," Ron said, "I'll need to talk to Dad first. He might not be too happy, but I definitely don't want to ask Mum, do I? I'll leave that to Dad."
"Do you know what you're going to say?" I asked.
"Depends," Ron said, then grinned, "Should I tell them I'm your boyfriend?"
I glared at him. "What do you think?"
Ron coughed. "Right. I'll just tell him I'm protecting you from threat of Death Eaters."
"That will probably work," I said.
"Come on," Ron said, "Let's go tell your cousin the good news."
He stood up, and offered me his hand to help me up. I once again cursed my warm cheeks but took his hand anyway. He helped me to my feet; unfortunately I underestimated his strength and almost fell down. He caught me and I soon found myself wrapped in his arms.
"Er... thanks," I said.
He coughed and let me go, much too soon for my taste, then backed up. "N-no problem."
"Wait a tick!" I said, as a thought came to my mind, "How did you get here anyway?"
"Apparated!" Ron said, grinning, "I got my license yesterday. Didn't splinch myself at all. Though for a few minutes I was thinking I should put a sticking charm on my eyebrows..."
"Congratulations!" I said; before I knew it, my lips were once again pressed against his cheek.
I realized what I was doing and cleared my throat and backed up. His previously mentioned cheek was blushingly red. I hurried over to the door, hoping he didn't see the flush in my cheeks. We made our way downstairs, and found Rose sitting in the living room, reading a magazine.
"You weren't up there long," Rose said, as she looked at us over the magazine, "Is he that much of a bad snog?"
I glared at my cousin. Two can play at this game. "Nope. He's a pretty good snog. In fact, I've invited him to stay over for a few days."
Rose raised her eyebrows, then smiled. "Well, brilliant! I would love to get to know your boyfriend. Perfect opportunity."
My glare hadn't left my face. If that didn't have a double-meaning, I'm Fluffy the three-headed dog! What a... ugh! I hate her! Nobody messes with my boyfriend!
… I mean best friend!
"Well, anyway," I said, "Ron needs to leave for a little bit to go tell his family. He'll be back shortly."
"Great!" Rose said, "Then we can get some take-out! What do you like, Ron?"
Ron stammered, and I realized he might not even know what take-out meant.
"Er... Hermione knows what I like," Ron said.
Oh, good answer, Ron! I could kiss you for that!
You know... on the cheek again.
I led Ron out of the room and toward the front door.
"What is take-out?" Ron muttered.
"It is kind of like Owl Order Service but for restaurants," I said, "And much quicker."
"Oh," Ron said, "Sounds good. Anyway, I'll be back shortly. Hopefully..."
"See you soon," I said.
Suddenly, Ron kissed me on the cheek. Before I could say anything, he opened the front door and walked out, leaving me holding the previously mentioned cheek, which was growing warmer by the second. A few moments later, I heard a resounding crack, and cursed Ron for making such noise.
"Sounded like his car backfired," Rose said, as she walked over to me, "What heap of junk does he drive anyway?"
"A Ford," I said, thinking of the flying car that was somewhere in the Forbidden Forest. "Ford Anglia."
Rose grunted. "Not exactly the type of car that will pick up girls. Lucky for him, he has you."
"Yeah," I muttered, "Lucky for him..."
"So, my dear cousin," Rose said, "I think it is time I start interrogating you, before he gets back. First question... is he a keeper?"
I grinned and looked at her. "Yes. He is..."
I just didn't clarify exactly what I meant by that.
So... Hermione Granger has a big mouth that likes to betray her thoughts! When will Ron get to kiss it? We'll see...
So, Ron is staying over for a whole week (This story starts on a Saturday) and Hermione has to act like he is her boyfriend. How long before the two of them realize it may be more than an act? Wait and see!
Yes, I am aware I moved up Bill and Fleur's wedding! I had a good reason. I didn't want this story to last a month or so and the wedding will be a pretty good ending setting. Especially if my plans go well.
Hope you liked this chapter!
