Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!
Chapter 40
Hermione held Rose, still in her sleeper suit as they trailed their way across the den, traveling to Ron's room. Rose woke at her routine time, letting Hermione sigh a breath of relief that her daughter easily adjusted back into her schedule. However, she probably could have used some more sleep, as the tot woke cranky and not willing to let her mum change her for the day. Hermione managed a fresh nappy before the tot scrunched her face up and wailed. With a huff, Hermione thought quickly. It was time for Ron's next doses, after all. And he always as in a pleasant mood when Rose was around him. Perhaps, that would be enough of a distraction that he wouldn't be embarrassed about their mishap the night before. Hermione blushed as she thought back on it. Internally swooning that it had been her starring in his fantasy. Or, that's at least what he had told her. She hadn't known what to think anymore between them. She just knew she would do whatever it would take to keep her and Rose safe.
Rose's mood instantly changed when Hermione mentioned she could go see her father. Leading them to where they were now, a few paces away from Ron's door.
"Daddy will be sleeping, so we need to wake him up nicely. Can you do that Rose? Quietly," Hermione reminded the tot.
"Shhh!" Rose placed a finger to her lips, showing her Hermione that she could be quiet.
Hermione slowly opened the door, expecting to find a sleeping Ron on the bed. Instead, she saw the wizard sitting up on the mattress, clinging to a copy of the Daily Prophet. His face was hard when he was scanning over the parchment. He glanced up at the door opening.
"Daddy awake, Mummy!" Rose squealed in excitement, looking to her mum while clapping her hands.
"Oh, I thought you'd be sleeping still," Hermione explained her surprise, setting Rose at the base of the bed. The toddler crawled up to her father.
His face softened as he set the parchment to the side, allowing Rose to crawl to his chest.
"I was, but, a Ministry owl delivered the Prophet and woke me," he paused to glance at the child straddling his torso, "Good morning, love." He kissed her forehead before turning back to Hermione.
"You need to see this," he stated, handing the folded parchment to Hermione. She took the item and raised it to read.
Auror Department Scandal: Cormac McLaggen arrested for involvement in Weasley poisoning
Hermione's eyes grew wide as she looked up from the Prophet, but, before she could say a word, the shrill ring of the Floo network alarm sounded. She turned to glance that direction, before looking back to Ron.
"Here, help me up?" Ron placed Rose on the floor, who looked put out that she was being set aside by her father instead of being the center of his attention. Hermione shifted to Ron's side, putting his legs on the ground, and helping him stand. When they hobbled into the den, Hermione waved her wand, allowing the visitor in. Ron sat on the settee, as Rose followed them in, rushing to Ron when she realized he was no longer standing. Out rushed Britton Kensington.
"Britton, what's going on?" Ron uttered, as soon as the man stumbled from the fireplace.
"I take it you saw this morning's Prophet?" the Auror asked dismally.
"Daddy! Up pwease!"
Ron reached down to pull the tot up as he nodded at Britton, "Yes we bloody saw it, what is going on? Why weren't we notified?"
"Ron, please," Hermione stepped in, still holding the Daily Prophet. The pair now looking at Kensington expectantly.
"I was just notified that the Prophet got ahold of the story. We were going to come over today and tell you."
The author looked between the two, "I guess I'll do that now. Ron, you were right. McLaggen was behind spiking your drink. Avery told us that he was the one pouring the drinks that night, backed up by many other Aurors, they refused to say, until they found out that you were poisoned. They're damn loyal to ya, mate. But, it gets even messier from there..." Kensington took another breath.
"One of the barmaids was cleaning the loos later that night. She walked in on a pair... erm, coupling."
The auror glanced uncomfortably at the tot staring at him in Ron's lap, "the male matching McLaggen's description, and the female matching Lavender Brown's."
Hermione gasped as he made the news.
"This, as you might have guessed piqued our interest. We instantly looked into if McLaggen could be Brown's accomplice in the previous investigation. He was in Ireland. However, being in another country doesn't necessarily give him an alibi. So, we crossed checked him against the letters Ron supposedly wrote, and, it was a match." Ron's heart was beating quickly. They had really done it, they'd finally sorted out who intended to ruin their lives.
"We also looked into his previous job, thanks to you notifying Hartman, Ron. He was fired for the sexual harassment of two female employees. His father's connections set him up here," Kensington took a breath, and pinched the bridge of his nose quickly, before returning to his announcement.
"He was arrested in the early hours this morning. We wanted to wait a bit longer, to tell you, and have everything ready for trail as soon as possible, but, we had a stakeout on him, and he appeared to be leaving. We couldn't risk that, so we jumped at an arrest. We still have everything we need..." The Auror paused, thinking through his next statement before he continued.
"We're charging him with a lot, obviously. However, we are confident that Lavender planned the poisoning with McLaggen. We have to pull her back into court, and that could get messy... Nevertheless, we're willing to give it a go."
Kensington glanced at his watch before raising his eyebrows. "I must get going now that you have been informed, there's much to do. I'll be in touch with any updates. Well done, Ron."
He nodded to both of them, before turning swiftly, and filling his hand with powder.
"Oh, and congratulations on the promotion, Ron. You've earned it." At that, he stepped into the Floo and vanished into the flames. Leaving a stunned Ron and Hermione. Luckily, their daughter wasn't concerned with what the Auror had spoken of.
"Bweakfast Mummy!" The tot reminded Hermione. The witch glanced at her daughter before looking toward the kitchen.
"I'll get your potions ready and make some breakfast," she spoke, still dazed as she processed all of what happened.
She paced to the kitchen to begin cooking some eggs, rummaging through Ron's potions while they fried. Hermione played the conversation from minutes prior. Comprehending everything he had told them. Before she knew it, Rose was in her high chair, and Ron sat at the dining table, consuming the potions she had begun lying out.
"How did you get her up there?" Hermione asked as she set a plate of fried eggs on the table of the high chair. Rose dug in hungrily, as the witch returned to the kitchen to slice some fruit.
"I lifted her of course," Ron explained, grimacing at the taste of the last brew he drank down.
Hermione turned to him sharply, "Ron, you know you shouldn't do that! You're just allowed to begin walking alone! You shouldn't be lifting Rose up."
Ron had to quickly drink another concoction to restrain the eye roll he desperately felt like making.
"It was less than ten seconds, Hermione. She's fine. I'm fine. We're just fine."
"If you don't follow the healer's orders, how are you to recover like they say?" Hermione insisted as she finished chopping the apple and placed it on a plate, moving to chop some more fruit.
"Lifting her is nothing. She's just over two stone. I've lifted loads heavier before."
The witch picked up the fruit filled plate and began carrying it to its destination, "That doesn't matter. You could hurt yourself! That's why the healer wants you to take it easy! You'll overdo it and reopen your previous injuries! Causing infections and-" she stopped suddenly, standing in front of the high chair. Her eyes were closed and she was taking a slow deep breath. Rose paused her consumption of eggs, a slippery piece sliding from her moist fingers as she did so, to look curiously at her Mum, who had stopped with the plate of fruit just inches out of her reach.
"You're right. I'm sorry," Hermione opened her eyes again and resumed her action of passing the plate to Rose, "I'm overreacting. Just know it concerns me when you could be overdoing things."
The witch left it at that, returning to the kitchen to finish breakfast. Ron took the time to complete the ingestion of his potions and ponder why the beginning of their row stopped so quickly. Ron began to grow concerned as he reviewed the reasons; the largest of which, was that she stopped caring. The redhead knew he couldn't possibly let that happen. He needed to do something.
He was broken from his thoughts by the clinking of a plate, gently set in front of him. He looked down to see a plate of fried eggs, a variety of sliced fruit, and slightly burnt toast. A smile grew on Ron's lips.
"You burnt the toast," Ron commented, glancing up at the witch, who was plucking a piece of soggy egg from the toddler's curly locks before sitting across from him. She looked up at his statement.
"I did. It's your favorite after all," she took a sip of her steaming tea, after adding a small spoonful of honey to it. She then dug into her own breakfast, glancing between him and the tot, while he wore a ridiculous grin on his face, gazing at the witch. Hermione felt butterflies rise in her stomach as he continued staring at her. A warm blush rose to her cheeks.
"What?" She asked, hoping to break whatever trance he was in. It worked, momentarily at least, bringing his eyes down to his charred toast before they returned to her lovely form.
"You remembered."
He picked up the item of their discussion and brought it to his lips, taking a large bite out of the crisped bread. Ron loved the charred edges of the slightly burnt toast. It added the perfect amount of crunch. When Hermione discovered this at Hogwarts so many years ago, she couldn't understand why he would like the taste. Harry and she just figured it was part of his bottomless pit trait.
"Of course, I did. I know most of your favorites... unless they've changed recently..." Hermione cleared her throat, cursing herself internally. She didn't mean to bring up the fact that they'd been apart so long. Couldn't she handle a civilized conversation for a few moments? The witch could tell she had ruined yet, another conversation between the two. Ron went back to eating while keeping his eyes on his food.
Hermione didn't feel like eating much anymore. Why did she have to ruin a friendly conversation? It could have at least been that, not stone cold like she knew she had been, and not the fire induced rows they had in school. Something in between, that's what she needed right now, before they could move on to...
She needed to change the subject. Twisting the fork in her minuscule pile of eggs, compared to Ron's, as she wracked her brain for anything she could do that wouldn't cause an issue between them.
"What promotion was Auror Kensington speaking of?" Hermione thought this might be a safe avenue to travel. All she knew about the Auror divisions was that Ron was apparently at the highest, according to her discussion with Harry. She glanced up from her plate to see his reaction, thinking she may possibly be able to turn it around if he tensed.
Ron shrugged and reached to refill his cup of tea.
"I was promoted to Head Strategist in the Special Forces," he took another bite of his toast while Hermione waited to hear more.
"That sounds important. What is entailed with that?" Hermione tried to keep it casual, although she felt the sinking feeling once again, in the pit of her stomach. If his job was dangerous now, she couldn't imagine what a promotion had brought him.
Ron wiped his scruffy face with a napkin before replying, "I'll be managing and approving all planned missions before they are enacted. I'll plan some too."
Hermione nodded her head in understanding, "What does this mean for your workload?"
"Less missions. Really, just more work in the placement and times of everything."
He shrugged, reaching for his tea once more.
"Less missions?" Hermione repeated, a hopeful light in her voice.
Ron nodded, finishing off his cup of tea.
"Yea. The most would probably be once a month, depending on how bad of a situation it was."
"But... will you enjoy that? You like the actual combat, versus the paperwork. Now, you have less of what you like, and more of what you don't," Hermione explained, truly curious why Ron had accepted this promotion.
Ron paused, shifting the food around his plate before answering.
"It was more enjoyable in the early days of it. When it didn't matter if I was hurt or if I... Well, now, I have priorities. Rose, and-" He paused before he added the witch into the mix, unsure how she would react, "anyways, this is the safer route, while still doing what I love."
He glanced up at Hermione who was gazing back at him as he spoke, she caught herself staring, and swiftly interested herself in shoveling Rose more breakfast.
"I actually applied to a different department; resigning from the Special Forces a couple of months ago, because of the uncertainty of it all. I just told them not to make it official until this case we'd been working on for almost a year, was closed. I supposed they saw the opportunity as Head Strategist instead and gave it to me. It has the same thing that interested me from leaving in the first place, so I took it."
"Really?" Hermione had been shocked, though she tried not to let it show on her features. Ron's career caused a lot of anxiety for the witch. Knowing he could leave instantly and never return... like his last mission almost ended.
Ron chuckled a bit, "well, yea. I reckon now Rose is here, I have to be more careful. She wouldn't understand if I just left and never came back. Ya know?"
Hermione nodded silently, knowing that neither she, nor Rose, would ever understand if he was taken away from them.
Almost every night that week something was happening that all led up to the upcoming nuptials.
At the family dinner, Hermione kept back as family members spoke with Ron and asked him hundreds of questions about his healing. Accompanied by the latest scandal in The Prophet, something all of them wanted to know, as none of them could trust the source. Hermione assisted Ginny as she fussed with completing the final touches to her ceremony.
The next night was the Ginny's hen night, and Harry's stag do. The latter had insisted they stay at the Leaky, where they could relax with a couple of drinks; nothing to wild or crazy. He feared George might get up to some antics if they were to go out on the town. While Ginny had insisted the opposite. She wanted to go out to Muggle London to celebrate. Drinks and dancing were on her mind. Hermione dropped off Rose at the Burrow before Flooing to Grimmauld Place. The men and women gathered around, chatting as they waited on the bride and groom. Ginny and Harry spared a private moment before they parted ways for the night; following the tradition that they not see each other until she walked down the aisle.
Hermione adjusted her dress once more. She had already cast a lengthening charm on the fabric, but, still felt self-conscious about the length. Ginny, of course, had chosen the ensemble. Not without protest from Hermione. The witch adjusted the dress until she felt it covered more on her paling winter skin.
Ron had been leaning against the wall, speaking with Bill, when Hermione stepped forward, messing with her dress for a moment, before pacing over to him.
Ron stood straighter, shifting his weight from the wall to the cane he held. He glanced over the witch, not being able to suppress the smile that spread across his skin. After she finished fussing with the fabric, she glanced up, noting his gaze on her figure.
"You look great," Ron spoke to the witch who leaned on the same wall he had just been using.
"Your sister and these dresses. I just don't get it!" She shook her head in exasperation, letting her wild curls bounce with the movement. Ron thought of several reasons Gin picked out such form fitting dresses for Hermione, the blaring one was for their reconciliation.
"Please don't overdo it tonight. Tomorrow's the luncheon for rehearsal, and the day after is the wedding. Gin'll have my head if you're not able to walk down the aisle!" Ron had a mock face of offense on his face, while Hermione rolled her eyes. He grinned at the familiar gesture.
"I promise, I'll abide by the healer's orders tonight. Just sitting and watching everyone have fun, and not letting them get too pissed to Floo home," Ron held up his hand while reciting the promise.
"You're such a smart arse," Hermione muttered under her breath. Ron raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"So, you curse now?"
She shook her head, releasing a puff of laughter, "only when it comes to you."
Ron enjoyed the jest, and proceeded to respond, when the couple of the night finally made their appearance.
"Alright! Are you finally done shagging so we can go enjoy ourselves?" George joked, earning a hard elbow in the ribs from his pregnant wife.
"We weren't-" Harry began, slightly flushed.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, we are. So, plans are the same. Yes?" Ginny interrupted, looking toward Hermione and Ron.
"Angelina and I are to oversee everything, making sure no one drinks too much that they can't Floo home, and that everyone stays safe in Muggle London. Ron will do the same for the men," Hermione explained.
Charlie stepped in then, "No drinks for me either. I'll be joining Ron tonight."
Ron was taken off guard by this.
"Why would ya do that?" Ron questioned, not sure why his brother would give up such a fun and carefree night.
"You're not allowed to do spells for another three days. If something happens, I'll be there to help," Charlie explained, leaving Ron to become frustrated.
"I don't need-"
"Okay then! Looks as if everything's settled," Ginny turned and pecked a kiss to Harry's lips before turning to Hermione.
"Let's go! I'm so excited for this club thing Hermione!" Ginny effectively distracted them all from the start the row. Hermione linked arms with Ginny, preparing to Apparate. She glanced up at Harry before she went.
'Watch her,' he mouthed.
Hermione grinned and nodded her promise.
The men at the Leaky had been having a blast. The drinks were abundant, the conversations flowing, and the company cheerful. Ron sat between Harry and George, who were both thoroughly tipsy, and making their way over to the dart game across the pub.
Charlie sat down with a mug of Butterbeer in tow, sliding one over to Ron. He took it ruefully, and looked into the glass.
"You know, I didn't need your help tonight. You should be enjoying the time off to have a bit of fun," Ron attempted, still a bit bitter that his brother thought he needed the assistance.
"Oh, I know you didn't. You probably don't follow that 'no magic' rule anyway. But, I figured it wasn't easy being in a pub and watching everyone drink while you're not. So, I thought I'd join ya."
Ron watched his brother carefully for a few moments. He knew he needed to finally put aside the feeling of jealousy that crept into him. Ever since that fiasco, things have been tense and awkward, not like the free-flowing relationship they used to have. Ron knew Charlie had a good heart, out of all his brothers, he felt the most like Charlie. Knowing what was right, and doing it, even if it was difficult. He knew he was incredibly loyal, and determined to protect the weak. Under his rough exterior, Charlie was pretty much a softie; not that anyone would admit that to his face. He once got into a fist fight at Hogwarts when some git insulted Percy's hand-me-down robes. The more Ron thought about it, the more he understood just how wrong he was: Charlie would never betray him like that. He suddenly felt guilty at his prior actions.
"Ya know, one night, about a week into the trip, I was in the den at the Granger's, making some last-minute adjustments on one of the dragon's caring procedures, when Hermione came down. I don't think she expected me, because she was startled," Charlie paused, rummaging in his thoughts before continuing, "she didn't look too well. Dark bags under her eyes, while they were red and bloodshot; she looked as if she hadn't slept the whole trip. They were swollen too, like she'd been crying. We mainly sat in silence while I scribbled away and she sipped some tea. I think her parents had a lot to do with it. They seemed to hate anything that came up about magic; practically ignored me the entire time."
Charlie took a gulp of his Butterbeer and wiped the froth from his beard before continuing.
"She just started speaking, like she needed to say it. Not excitedly, but, more just wanting to verbalize it. Anyways, she said that she told you that she loved you, and you confessed your feelings to her. As she said it, this bright grin spread across her face, she must have realized it had actually happened. I told her it was about time, since you two had been head over arse in love with each other for years. She laughed, but, she just sat there grinning into her cup for a while before she returned back to her room." Ron swirled his Butterbeer before taking a rather large drink as well. Feeling the icy liquid travel down his throat was refreshing and he had to admit it was kind of Charlie to bring one to him.
"I think she was missing you hard at that point. Her parents loathed that I stayed there, and couldn't do anything about it, but, I knew if I were to make sure nothing happened I needed to be right there. You'd have my bollocks on a chain if I had let anything happen to her on that trip." He laughed, before going silent, mulling something over before he proceeded.
"If I would have known everything behind Hermione's words, back then, maybe I would have put it together when she started getting ill. Ah, who am I kidding? I wouldn't have figured it out. But, if I would have known, Ron, that she was carrying your kid, then you would have heard it from me. I love Hermione like a sister -Like I reckon all our brothers do- but, I wouldn't have cared if she didn't want you to know. I would have told you anyways. ...I get that the letters were fake and that huge shitload mess happened. But, just know that you're my brother, and I'll always be on your side."
"If that's true, why didn't you tell me she was staying with you?" Ron argued, frustrated with himself for bringing the issue up.
"To be honest, I thought you'd put it together. But, I told Hermione numerous times to contact you. She insisted she just needed time, then she'd go back. Plus... I may have been acting a bit childish and keeping it from you since you accused me of sleeping with her." Charlie gave Ron a knowing look.
Ron flushed at the knowledge, "yea, sorry about that. It just made sense in all my jealously. Every woman would want you, so it made sense to me that Hermione would too."
"Well, then I reckon Sophie would be furious," Charlie muttered while he took another swig. Ron quirked his eyebrow at him.
"Who's Sophie?" Ron asked.
"The lass I've been sleeping with for the last four years," Charlie explained as if he were discussing the weather, ending with a small chuckle.
Ron's mouth dropped open, astonished at the words his brother was saying.
"You've been shagging the same girl for four years? You've made it sound like you've been with a dozen girls before," Ron sputtered, still grasping that his vivacious brother had had something consistent in his life for that long.
"Maybe at Hogwarts and a bit after. But," Charlie had a faint hint of red touch his cheeks, "When I met Sophie, she changed everything. I only wanted her, and she wanted only me."
Ron watched his elder brother carefully, glancing over to view the rest of the party making sure everyone was still upright, before returning his gaze.
"So, this Sophie is more than a shagging mate, isn't she?" He questioned, noting by Charlie's reaction that he was correct.
"Aye. She is. I just, well, I-" he finished off his drink and cleared his throat before continuing, "I've never been good in the area of a relationship, or their emotions. So, we hang out, eat together, shag when we have time, but, we're not in a relationship mom would approve of, ya know?"
Ron remembered back who when they were young. Their mother always used to tell them that if they couldn't tell her about it, then they shouldn't be doing it.
"Do you love her?" Ron asked, taking the older man by surprise.
"I think I do. I've never been before, but, I reckon this is what it would feel like," Charlie responded.
"Like you need her to live, every moment away from her is a moment wasted, and you would do anything to make her the happiest woman in the world?" Ron prompted, as Charlie nodded to all he was given.
"Then tell her. Not a moment should go by without her knowing how you truly feel about her."
"Like you did with Hermione?" Charlie pushed, knowing that the relationship there had yet to be reconciled.
"That's different. We've been through hell and back," Ron argued.
"And because of that, you're willing to let her slip through your fingers as she pulls away and you let her?" Charlie challenged, as Ron set his jaw and clenched his teeth tightly. He wanted to fight back. But, the words his brother had spoken rung in his head.
Charlie was right. They were moving away from each other instead of back together. And what was worse; Ron was letting her go. He knew he couldn't live without her, yet, he still hadn't confronted her about their standing. That very act could very well cause the result he dreaded.
"What if she doesn't want to try anymore? What if we've just been through too much, and… she wants to leave for good?" Ron voiced as a faint whisper.
Charlie looked at the younger redhead across from him solemnly, "I guess that's something we'll both have to risk then."
A large throng of laughter brewed over from the other side of the room. Men's clapping and shouting surrounded a wankered George who was beginning to dance and remove his shirt atop of a table.
"Fuck. Angelina's going to kill us. He's completely trolleyed!" Charlie shoved his drink to the side, while leaving his payment skittering on the table. Ron moved to follow, while Charlie's previous conversation reverberated in his mind.
"Well? How do I look?" Ginny asked, twirling a bit as she straightened her veil.
Hermione looked on at her friend, hardly believing that she would be walking down the aisle in merely twenty minutes. She stood tall in her gown, ballroom instead of a slender type as Hermione had figured for the girl she had known for years. Even for the chilly weather, the strapless sweetheart held tightly to her abdomen, accentuating her slight curves. Wearing a touch more makeup than usual, and having her hair pinned half up, half down, she was officially prepared to marry the love of her life.
"I think someone will need to catch Harry's jaw when he sees you. You look stunning, Gin," Hermione grinned as her eyes sparkled from the emotions of the day. Ginny had chosen Gryffindor's crimson and gold as her wedding colors; the very shades Hermione was wrapped in. She also chose to stick with a sparkling golden, strapless, sweetheart neck, with a light crimson shawl draped over her bridesmaids' shoulders. Luckily, the long breathable fabric covered their legs and looked marvelous on every woman.
"Good. That was the goal. Thank you for everything, Hermione. Especially for getting that git brother of mine healthy and walking for this. You're a miracle worker," the bride stepped closer to the witch and enveloped her in an embrace.
"I just followed the healer's orders is all. He did it all himself," Hermione squeezed her back, "I'm so ecstatic for you."
She pecked the bride on the cheek, wiping a loose tear from her eye.
"You know, I expect you'll not be too far after us. Rose will be thrilled to be a flower girl again," Ginny, adjusted Hermione's shall as she spoke. Hermione's smile dropped.
"Gin, I'm not so sure-"
Both women turned when a knock sounded.
"I'm here to escort a certain maid of honor to the groom. He'd like to have a word with her," Ron poked his head in through the door, covering his eyes with his hand.
"You know you can look, right? It's only Harry who's not supposed to see," Ginny laughed, shaking her head at her brother's attitude.
"No can do, sis. Harry's given strict orders that none of his groomsmen are allowed to see the bride. He wants to be the first," Ron chuckled.
"Whatever you tosspot, now don't keep her too long! I need her with me!"
Hermione left the room as Fleur and Angelina shuffled in. The latter's five-month pregnant belly showing in her matching dress.
Hermione closed the door behind her as she heard the women's squeals of how beautiful the bride to be was. Hermione laughed softly before turning and facing Ron. His eyes instantly met hers, as he was already staring at the witch. Eyes wide, he took in her form.
"You look exceptional," he spoke breathlessly. She felt a blush tinge her cheeks. Ginny had insisted that all bridesmaids had a twisted half up, half down hairstyle. Her makeup was heavier than she normally would, accentuating her large brown eyes and painted her lips a deep red.
"Thank you," She tried to calm her thudding heart as Ron's cerulean eyes continued their gaze, "Where's Rose?"
Ron nodded toward the way he began walking, "Entertaining all the groomsmen with her cousin. And probably keeping the tension low for Harry," he added.
Hermione walked with him silently, keeping the pace at which he set. He now walked with a cane; an improvement from his crutch. However, Hermione noticed how he tried to keep his frustration at bay as he still wasn't able to do what he would like to. His speed was much slower, instead of his lanky paces, he more hobbled along to where he needed to go. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but, the limb still gave him some pain. Placing more weight on it more often was a challenge he pushed hard; no matter how much nagging Hermione used to keep him resting it.
They entered the boisterous room, roaring with laughter and giggles from the two small tots. The groomsmen's eyes rose to the newcomers. George let out a long, low, whistle.
"Well aren't you a looker, Hermione. You sure you're taken by my git brother?" Laughter filled the room, coming from the tall men, except the youngest Weasley. Hermione felt another flush faintly flow over her cheeks.
"Alright, everyone. Out." Harry sobered, ordering the men and children to exit the room. The men piled out, grinning at the pair before exiting the room.
"But, really sis, you look beautiful," George mentioned on his way out the door, as Hermione muttered a soft thanks.
Ron took Rose's hand as he followed the rest out the door. Harry looked at Hermione as she stared back at him.
"Look at us, eh?" Harry chuckled nervously, Hermione grinned at the comment.
"It's like we've all grown up or something," she shrugged, smiling back at her longtime friend.
"I wasn't sure this day would come..." Harry sighed, looking into the mirror to straighten his dress robes.
"You mean you weren't sure if I would ever come," Hermione's smile turned sad. Harry nodded before turning to the witch.
"Well, yea. We weren't doing this without you, and you refused to acknowledge it. I wasn't sure if I was ever going to marry her." A sad moment passed between the two. Harry shook his head, and returned his eyes to Hermione.
"But, we're here now. Thank you for being here with us."
"Absolutely, Harry," she closed the distance between the pair and hugged him tightly. When the embrace ended, she stepped back, resting her hands on his biceps.
"Now, let's have a proper look at you," she combed aside some of his unruly locks, and straightened his glasses, "There. I'm not sure Ginny will recognize you."
"Ha ha, Hermione," the raven-haired man faked a laugh, glancing at his watch, "But, we should probably get going." He leaned to peck Hermione's cheek before leading her out of the room.
Hermione watched as Rose was twirled around the dance floor by the lanky ginger. The tot bubbled with laughter, as she moved as quickly as she could to keep up with him. A wide grin was plastered on his face, watching his daughter have a tickle at dancing with him.
When the song ended, Ron led the tot back to where his parents were sitting at their table. He kissed her cheek before releasing the tot to his mother. Molly held the child, happily snuggling with her as Rose chattered on about her sparkly flower girl dress that matched her Mummy's. Hermione smiled at the pair, taking a sip of her champagne. As she set the glass down, she noticed a large freckled hand extended in front of her. Her eyes trailed up the muscular arm to whom it was connected to.
"Dance with me?" Ron asked, confident of her answer in front of his parents. She glanced over to his parents; Molly looking exuberant at the two, as Arthur took a turn doting on their grandchild. Her eyes trailed back to the deep blue meeting hers.
"Aren't you tired? Healer Driscoll said you should be taking it easy until-"
"Not at all. I just want to dance with the most stunning woman in the room," Ron smiled crookedly. Hermione bit her lip at she slipped her hand into his. His grin grew as he turned to lead her to the dance floor. She followed him closely, watching his leg as he walked. He leaned most of his weight between the cane and his uninjured leg. He stopped near the edge of the dance floor, a more secluded area where the lights were dim. He turned to face the witch, looking at her hesitantly.
"May I?" His eyes drifted down to her middle and back. She nodded, as he rested his hand on her small waist. She sucked in a breath, now realizing just how close they were. She put her hand on his shoulder, while looking at his other hand befuddled.
"How exactly is this going to work?" Hermione quipped, raising an eyebrow at him. He smirked down at her, causing her stomach to flutter.
"I'm a wizard, aren't I?" He sent the cane soaring over to the side of the tent, it settled on the fabric wall.
"You're not supposed to do magic yet, Ron!" Hermione reprimanded the redhead.
"It's just a little spell, Mione. It's no harm," Ron moved his hand to hold hers, holding her firmly in a dancing pose. He began to gently sway them to the slow music the band was playing. She moved along with him. Time passing as they moved together fluidly. After the song ended without either of them speaking, Ron grew the courage he needed to have the conversation that would finally decide their future.
"What do you want, Hermione?" He whispered, breaking the silence between them. Hermione shook her head.
"For you to stop overusing your leg, and start following the healer's orders!" She scoffed in exasperation at what she had been telling him for the past several days.
"I meant about us."
Shocked, Hermione's eyes snapped up to his serious face. The deep blue orbs gazed intensely into hers. She realized this was the time for their conversation; the time she and Ron decided just what their future was. She took a deep breath, knowing just how this conversation could leave her in love and hopeful, or in love and heartbroken.
Ron watched her as she thought of her answer.
"I don't… want to be hurt again," she whispered, just loud enough for Ron to hear her over the murmur of guests and music.
"I don't want either of us to be hurt again," Ron responded, squeezing the hand holding hers. She lowered her eyes to his shoulder.
"Do you still love me?" Ron questioned her, unsure if he should have been so brazen. Yet, he wasn't sure how else he was to discover her response. She trailed her eyes up his neck, across his strong jaw, and up to his eyes once more; this time, her eyes were glistening with unshed tears.
"Yes, I do. I love you more than anything." She spoke clearly, cutting through the noise of the room. The fingers on his shoulder curling into the fabric of his shirt.
"And you're pushing me away because you're frightened." Ron voiced, somewhere between a question and a statement, watching as a tear rolled down her cheek.
A group of party goers passed them on the way to the center of the dance floor, breaking the couple's intimate conversation. Hermione sniffled, and swallowed to regain her composure.
"I'm terrified, Ron."
"Terrified of what, love?" He prompted her to continue.
"Of everything that has happened to us, happening again. We've had such a difficult go of things... it hurt so..." She sniffled again, and looked toward the edge of the tent. Ron knew that she was uncomfortable with the confrontation. But, here, they were in each other's arms. They were surrounded, eliminating the option of shouts, and running away; something they both happened to turn to.
"I know," Ron released his hand from hers to wipe her fallen tears. She brought her face to look toward him again, but did not raise her vision.
"...when you left... I thought I was going to die," Ron continued, "all I could do was search for you. Even when the family forced me back home... I couldn't sleep, or eat, or," he swallowed down his own emotions. "Not until Harry got your letter. Even then, that just took away the panic of your safety. Then, it just hurt, Mione. Knowing that I hurt you so much, and not being able to take it back or..." He set his jaw and shook his head in anger.
"I should have never gone to the pub that night. Should'a never drank or even listened to that bint. I should've told her right where to shove that fucking certificate... I..." He closed his eyes, and sighed. He opened them to Hermione's, staring intensely into his.
"I'm sorry I messed it up. I should have trusted you before, when you and Charlie both told me nothing happened. I was just so jealous that..." he shook his head again, "No excuses. I should have listened to my family; trusted you both."
After a moment of Ron getting control of his emotions, Hermione spoke.
"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have run away. No matter how much of what you said hurt... I-I should have realized you weren't thinking straight and spoken to you once you were sober... I took your daughter away from you..." she gasped, stepping back from him as if she had only just realized it.
"You should hate me! I didn't let you see her- you-you could have died! And I refused you to see her!" Hermione's breathing picked up as she was on the verge of a sob. Ron instinctively pulled her closer to him as she was stepping away, her chest now resting against his; he could feel her heart thumping rapidly beneath her dress.
"I don't hate you," he murmured into her ear as she leaned closer to him, "I never could."
Hermione's chin rested on his shoulder as both of his hands rested on her waist.
"You have every reason to," she whispered, her voice breaking as another tear slid down her face.
"I don't."
"And why, do tell, is that?" She croaked through a hiccup.
"Because I love you. I reckon I've been in love with you since sixth year."
Hermione pulled back to see his expression.
A moment passed, as they stood on the dance floor. The couples continued to dance further in, completely unaware of the long-awaited reconciling.
"What do you want, Ron? For us?" She threw his first question of the night back at him.
"I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Ron was losing count of just how many times he might have been too brazen that night. But, it had been working thus far. He couldn't keep doing it anymore; holding back wasn't working, giving her space wasn't fixing anything. He needed to be as honest as he wanted to be with her; perhaps she then would be truthful with him too.
Her face stayed stone-like as Ron decided continuing might be just what action was next.
"I want to marry you, and grow old together. I want to wake up with you each morning and hold you until we fall asleep each night. I want to raise our daughter together and show her what it looks like to have two parents who are madly in love with each other. I want to kiss you before you go off to work each morning, and watch you curl up and read on your days off. I want everything with you."
Hermione stood speechless, her eyes wide and mouth parted at his words.
"You... want to marry me?" She breathed, in awe. Ron gripped her waist snugly, realizing they had stopped swaying some time ago...
"Absolutely. I would do it right now if it wasn't my sis and Harry's wedding," Ron explained, pausing for a moment before adding on, "actually, sod it all. If you wanted, I'd marry you right here, right now."
Hermione still seemed to be struggling for words.
"Even after all we've been through?" She challenged gently.
"Because of everything we've been through. I know how critical you are. I'm not willing to let you go again, unless that was your wish. You're it for me, Mione. Everything we've been through just confirms that. We've been through hell, and we've hidden our true feelings for each other by running away and being insecure. But, through it all... there's been no one but you."
Hermione brought her hand, both of which had been sitting on his shoulders, to cradle his face endearingly. "You're it for me too. I couldn't agree more, Ron." She beamed as she uttered the words.
Ron grinned at her response. He couldn't believe it. After all the rubbish they had gone through, the witch of his dreams was standing in his arms, professing her love to him. Ron leaned in closer to the witch.
"Where does that leave us now?"
"Engaged?" She laughed nervously, causing Ron's smile to slightly falter. Her grin faded at the change in his appearance.
"Well, if you want it to, then yes. But, I had something more special than this planned... I want to do it proper, if you'll let me," Ron explained, pulling her tighter to him reassuringly. She breathed a sigh of relief at his reasoning. Nodding in agreement.
"So where does that leave us now?" Hermione jested, leaning closer to Ron, hardly remembering they were in a room full of people.
"I reckon sorted out enough to kiss yo-"
Before Ron could finish, Hermione closed the distance between their lips. They had both missed this. As surprising as the embrace was, it was familiar; comforting. Hermione's hand traveled to the hair at the nape of his neck, tugging him slightly closer into the kiss.
"We just have some things to work on… I've got to stop believing others and trust you… stop these stupid insecurities I have," Ron breathed as their kiss ended. He pecked her lips, moving his hands down to intertwine their fingers.
"I have to trust you and stop doubting everything about us…" Hermione whispered against his lips, reaching up for another kiss. This is how it was supposed to be. They both knew it. Moments later, they parted, for much needed air.
"Hey, you two, I wondered where you had gone off..." Ginny called as she approached the pair with Harry. Noticing the closeness between the pair, glancing down at their hands, still entwined at the pinkies.
She gently nudged Harry to have him observe the very same detail.
"Where's my favorite niece?" Harry glanced around, figuring the tot would be near her parents. At that moment, Charlie toted over the sleeping child.
"Mum left a bit ago, and left her to me. But, I've got to get going as well. Another dragon problem, you see," Charlie explained, passing the tot to Hermione, who quickly summoned Ron's cane over. Ron gave his brother a curious look, and had to wonder if it was truly a dragon or if his reason had anything to do with their conversation from a few days prior. The ginger hugged his sister, and shook Harry's hand, congratulating them both, before turning to say his goodbyes to his brother and Hermione.
Ginny moved in first. Placing a kiss to Rose's lolling head, and giving Hermione a tight hug.
"You look absolutely radiant! I expect full details when I get back!" She whispered placing a smacking kiss to her cheek, as Hermione nodded at her comment. Harry moved to his longtime friend next, first, brushing the curls of his niece's hair gently with his hand before whispering a goodbye and pecking her cheek. Then, moving to the witch. He wrapped her in a hug, and Hermione did the best she could to hug him back tightly.
"Congratulations again, it was beautiful." He stepped back from the hug. She leaned in a kissed his cheek, hugging him once more.
As they broke, an announcement was made that the couple of the night were about to leave.
Harry and Ginny left to say goodnight to the other guests, leaving Hermione, Rose, and Ron in the darkened corner of the dance floor.
"Are you ready to go home?" Ron questioned, linking their fingers again. He loved the feeling of her smaller hand in his larger one. Hers: delicate and soft. His: rough and strong. He gave a slight squeeze.
"I am now."
And Hermione knew she was finally right.
A/N: I appreciate all of your patience for how long this chapter took. It was a busy few weeks with the end of school, my birthday, and my new nephew arriving into the world few weeks early. I also had some difficulty being motivated to write. But, I'm won't get into that.
However, I would like to address that if you believe this fic has anything that is making you uncomfortable (abuse of any kind,) then please, don't read it! I would hate for it to be depicted that way, as it was nowhere near my intention. If either of these characters were abusing each other, then I would not have them together in the end. Abusive relationships are wrong, and they don't work. Hermione and Ron have been through a lot, and with misunderstandings, they are slowing working their way together.
Thank you for reading, I'll stop ranting now. Leave a review if you wish.
More to come.