Raindrops of Love: A Wizard's Promise
It had been a long week. Many of the death eaters had been apprehended by the Aurors and the public had been full of praise for Kingsley Shacklebolt and the newest team of Aurors led by none other than the saviour of the wizarding world - Harry Potter!
But catching them wasn't as easy as talking about it. Who better to ask than Harry Potter's best friend, Ron Weasley? Being a fellow Auror, and having trained especially in dark hexes and curses, Ron Weasley was among the Aurors that led the Auror team from the front thanks to Bill Weasley's instructions and guidance. Not that he would ever tell Hermione he was in the front - she would panic.
Lately, Rodolphus Lestrange had been a right pain for the Auror team. Ron knew that Lestrange had a few death-eaters at his command. He and Harry spent weeks trying to locate their whereabouts but they always seemed ahead. It was a cause for great frustration for the young men.
On this day, Ron Weasley sat with his hands cradling the back of his head, lost in thought amidst the rhythmic drumming of the raindrops on the veranda. The heavy rain poured relentlessly, creating a soothing ambience. Ron could feel the drumming of the rain against the roof.
His mother's words rang in his mind, "Ron. You are now engaged. Maybe take some time off and relax with Hermione."
Ron's father seemed to nod in approval at his wife's words.
But Ron was restless. How could he relax when death-eaters were terrorizing the wizards and muggles alike?
And yet again, Hermione's face swarmed in his mind - her bushy-brown hair even bushier, and her sparkling chocolate-brown eyes that he could forever get lost into.
Ron shook his head, "Focus, Ron!" He said with a scowl. Lately, Neville and his team had captured a rogue supporter of Rodolphus' and thrown him into Azkaban. But what triggered Ron's suspicions and worry was that the man remained unfazed even in the face of certain death! What was he - or rather, Rodolphus - planning?
Just as suddenly, he heard the voice of the one that brightened his life, "Ron, here's your tea!" Hermione's voice was a gentle reminder of the present moment.
"I-I can't let them go scot-free, Hermione!" He muttered.
"Ron, later," Hermione said gently.
Taking a sip, Ron realized too late that the tea was scalding hot! He winced, feeling the burn on his lips, and let out an involuntary yelp.
Hermione let out a soft scream. Trembling, she blew air on the tea, trying to cool it down.
"Ron!" She reprimanded him. Her eyes widened in concern and her face betrayed worry.
"Why - why would you hurt yourself?!" She demanded, her eyes brimming. "Those dangerous missions first. And now, this!"
"Hermione, I am sorry!" Ron stood and gently took the teacup from her hands. She continued to wipe his lips.
Ron's electric-blue eyes met her watery brown eyes. At that moment, amidst the backdrop of the pouring rain, something unspoken passed between them. Hermione, her lips slightly parted, made to blow the tea again. Ron quickly put the teacup down and gathered her in his arms, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat.
Ron brushed his finger across her cheeks, wiping away a stray tear that escaped her eyes. He gathered her face in his cupped hands and bent down.
"I promise I will be careful, Hermione!" He said with all the sincerity he could muster.
She shakily nodded. "You and Harry!"
"I promise!" Ron said, holding her close.
Their lips met in a passionate kiss, a blend of warmth and rain-soaked fervour. The forgotten cup lay on the table, its contents untouched, as if chuckling at the sweet romance unfolding before it. Hermione melted into the kiss, her free hand finding its way around Ron's neck, pulling him closer. Ron, his heart racing, held her tightly, his arms wrapped securely around her, forming a protective cocoon against the world. He leaned against the pillar, his eyes closed, breathing in the earthy scent of wet grass and the soothing aroma of rain. His fingers traced gentle circles on Hermione's back.
Hermione, in turn, pressed her face against Ron's rising and falling chest, feeling the reassuring warmth of his embrace. The drizzle kissed their skin, mingling with the occasional tear that escaped from the heavens above. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the serenity of the moment.
In the silence, broken only by the soft patter of raindrops, they looked at each other.
"I - I love you, Ron!" Hermione said.
"I love you, Hermione! You mean the world to me!" Ron said.
Hermione leaned into him, her head finding its natural spot on his shoulder, her hair falling like a cascade of silk over his heart. In those moments, she found not just warmth, but a profound sense of belonging. His steady heartbeat beneath her ear was a comforting rhythm, a reminder of the love that pulsed between them, strong and enduring. She spoke yet again, her voice muffled by his massive chest, "But, your tea, Ron?"
"I can't have Hermione Granger as my wife and not know a heating charm." Ron chuckled.
Hermione nodded into his sturdy chest, "Good! And if you get yourself hurt again, I will personally have Ginny set her Bat-Bogey Hexes after you, Ron!"
"I will remember that, Mi Lady!" Ron said, feeling a sense of contentment as Hermione sighed against him.