Talking to Hermione did not prove as easy as Ron had hoped when he made his decision. For one thing, she had asked him not to contact her, and ignoring her one request was probably not the best way to start off repairing their relationship. He thought about going to see her at work, but realised that probably counted as breaking the rules as well, and he did not want her to be angry with him before he’d even had a chance to speak. His only option was to wait and hope that he bumped into her at some point, though past experience told him that was unlikely. Fortunately, he did know when she usually took her lunch and therefore hoped he would be able to increase his chances of a spontaneous meeting.
Monday and Tuesday passed without any opportunities. He was out on field work and only stopped into the office for half an hour at the beginning and end of each day for briefings. At work he did his best to keep his mind on the job. He knew that any lapse in concentration could seriously cost him and having messed everything else up, he couldn’t let his job go down the same route. Each evening though, he would get home and find himself glancing up at the sky every five minutes, hoping for an owl from Hermione. But it seemed as if whatever it was she needed to think about was going to take her some time.
On Wednesday, Harry almost had to physically restrain him from going Hermione’s department.
–I just need to see her,†Ron argued as he tried to push past Harry’s outstretched arm.
–She won’t thank you for it. And of all the places to have this conversation, do you think that work is the best one?â€
–Well where else am I supposed to do it? I can’t go round to her parents’, she hasn’t been in touch with me. I don’t want to wait anymore!â€
–Well you’re going to have to.â€
–I could at least go by her office and pretend I need to speak to that Longley guy.â€
–Don’t even think about it. She doesn’t want to talk to you, and she definitely doesn’t want you talking to her boss.â€
–You’ve seen her then?†Ron had stopped trying to get past Harry and was staring at him, waiting for an answer.
–Yes. She was round at ours last night. I’m sorry, Ron, but she’s my friend too, and Ginny’s friend, and you know I can’t take sides between the two of you.â€
–I know. I just thought you might have mentioned you’d seen her.â€
–I didn’t think it would do you any good.â€
–How was she?†Ron wasn’t really sure what answer he wanted to hear to this - obviously he didn’t want her to be unhappy, but if she was perfectly fine while he was going through hell missing her, then he wouldn’t know what to think.
–I don’t want to talk about it, Ron. I’m not being the person in the middle again.â€
–But you definitely don’t think she wants to see me?â€
–I…I don’t know. I think she does want to see you, but I think she’s worried about what she’ll say when she does. I’m not sure she knows what she wants yet, and until then, you’re better off leaving her to it.â€
It took Ron a moment to digest this news. –I can’t just let her leave me,†he said at last, complete dejection in his voice. –What do I do if she decides she’s better off without me?â€
Harry was spared from thinking of an answer by the gruff voice of Jones shouting across the room. –Potter, Weasley, will you be joining us today? We were due to start five minutes ago.â€
–Sorry, Sir,†Harry replied. –Come on,†he then muttered to Ron. –You’ll have to deal with this later.â€
That evening, Ron was due to be working in the shop. Exhausted from his week, he excused himself to the back office for most of it and worked on some of the backlogged paperwork. George closed at seven anyway, and then they spent an hour tidying and restocking, as well as chatting about some of George’s latest ideas.
–Coming up for a drink?†George asked when they were done.
–Better not. Not been sleeping too well and got work again tomorrow. I’ll be in again afterwards though.â€
–See you then, little brother.†George gave him a wave as Ron let himself out. They had gone through the whole evening managing to avoid talking about Hermione, and he was grateful for it. He needed the distraction.
Another evening passed with no letters, and before he knew it, he was back at the Ministry. He began to wonder if the rest of his life was just going to pass in the same way - from The Burrow to the Ministry to the shop. He began to realise how little time he’d spent with Hermione since they got engaged. The ache of missing her was almost unbearable.
–Ron, Harry, are you coming to the meeting?†Neville interrupted his thoughts early on Thursday afternoon. –You probably don’t want to be late after yesterday.â€
–You’re probably right,†Ron replied gloomily. –Do you know what this one’s about?â€
–Not a clue. Probably some more paperwork procedure that we desperately need to learn.â€
The three boys headed to the large meeting room at the end of the corridor. To their surprise only about half their course-mates were in there. Usually these meetings were completely full.
–Right,†started Jones, once everyone was seated. "We’ve got something quite important to talk to you about.
–As you know, the Auror training programme is an eighteen month intensive course, culminating in a week of final exams before you become officially qualified. It is very unusual for there to be any exceptions to this.
–However, after conversations with the Minister and other department heads, we feel that some of you have a certain level of practical experience in the field that should contribute towards your training. Those of you in this room are the people that we think have demonstrated the necessary skills to be put on an accelerated programme.
–We are therefore offering you the opportunity to bypass the final six months of the programme and sit your final exams in four weeks’ time. This opportunity is not being offered to everyone - only those who we think are really ready, and you are able to decline the offer and complete the training alongside everyone else if you prefer.
–Don’t underestimate how hard this will be. The exams you sit will be just as tough as if you waited another six months. We’re not giving you an easy ride - you are expected to be the best of the best. I expect an answer by five o’clock tomorrow afternoon. If you choose to accept, then you will be put on a specialised revision and practice timetable for the next four weeks.â€
He stopped talking and it was clear that they were dismissed. Just as they stood to leave, Jones called out, –Weasley, my office - five minutes.â€
Harry glanced at Ron. –What’s that about?â€
–No idea. Probably made a mistake in the case reports we did yesterday. No doubt I’ll get a good talking to about the necessity of following good procedure.†Harry snorted. Life in the Auror office seemed to involve far more paperwork and bureaucracy than any of them had anticipated.
–So,†said Neville catching up with, –what do you think? Are you going to go for it?â€
–I think so,†replied Harry. –It’d be good to actually be qualified and not have any more exams to worry about.â€
–Yeah, I mean, if they’ve picked us they must think we’d be all right, so I’ll probably give it a go.â€
–I’m not sure yet,†Ron said, –It depends on George, and Hermione.†He stumbled over his fiancée’s name and tried not to let his sudden awkwardness show. –It’s going to be a lot to deal with over the next four weeks. And I’d better get going, or Jones will kill me.â€
He quickened his pace and headed for his boss’s office.
–You’d better take a seat, Weasley,†the Auror said when he entered.
–Now, I think you should know that your place on the accelerated programme was not supported by everyone. The Minister was quite insistent that you should be given a chance, but quite frankly, your behaviour over the last week has not been what been what we expect from an Auror four weeks away from qualifying.â€
–I’m sorry, Sir, it’s just that-â€
–I don’t want to hear it. I’m not interested in what’s going on in your private life, Weasley, though it’s bloody obvious that something is. Part of being an Auror is that you put everything but the job out of your mind as soon as you step in the office. This is the kind of job that can get you killed, Weasley. You can’t afford to give it only half your attention. So this is your only warning - pull yourself together, and deal with whatever it is that’s distracting you. I’m expecting an answer from you tomorrow, and I want you to be sure you’re committed when you give it.â€
–Yes, Sir, sorry, Sir.†Ron stood and headed back to his cubicle. His head was swimming. How was he supposed to know what to do for the best? If he did the exams, he’d have to stop working in the shop, but then he’d be letting George down. And the sooner he qualified, the more time afterwards he’d have to spend with Hermione, but if he had to spend the next four weeks doing nothing but revision, how was he ever going to convince her that they should give it another go?
–You all right?†Harry asked when he got back to his cubicle. –You look as white as a sheet.â€
–Yeah, fine,†he mumbled, not really ready to talk to Harry about the worries swirling through his mind.
Harry looked worried but didn’t push the matter any further. For the rest of the afternoon, Ron did his best to block out everything and just focus on his work, but he was still a nervous wreck by the time he arrived at the shop.
–Blimey, Ron, what’s wrong?†asked George as soon as he saw him
–Nothing, I’m fine. Long day, that’s all. I’ll keep going with the books if that’s all right?â€
–No arguments from me.â€
Shortly after the shop had closed for the evening, George called him through from the front. –Ron, can you come out here for a minute?â€
Sighing, Ron heaved himself to his feet, though his body was begging to just be allowed to relax for a bit. –What’s up?â€
–I need to talk to you about something. Let’s go upstairs.â€
Ron glanced at his watch. –Honestly, I can’t stay too late tonight. I’ve got some work to do at home.â€
–This won’t take long.â€
They settled themselves in the living room and George cleared his throat. –I’ve decide to hire a new member of staff, to look after the admin side of stuff. It’s not my strength. It wasn’t Fred’s either but we used to do all right. I’ve realised now though that I need to concentrate on the products and pay someone else for the rest of it. We’re doing well enough to afford it.â€
–I thought that’s the stuff I had been doing? I know I’ve not been able to give as many hours recently but I can definitely do a bit more. There’s always weekends to catch up.†Ron couldn’t help but feel a bit hurt that George was saying he wasn’t do enough to help when he’d been virtually killing himself to be there as often as he could.
–I know, but that’s part of the point, Ron. I think it’s time you stepped back.†He held up his hand to stop Ron’s retort. –It’s not that I don’t want you here. Merlin knows you pretty much saved this business a year ago, but you can’t keep it up. It’s too much for you, Ron. I should have done this months ago, but honestly, I like having you here. It took what happened with Hermione to make me realise that I was being selfish keeping you here. I felt like such a git when I realised what I’d been doing. So I’m hiring someone, and freeing you to do what you need to.â€
Ron didn’t know what to say. It was good of course, and in a way George was making his decision for him, but he wasn’t so sure that it was what he wanted.
–And that’s not all,†George carried on. –I’ve decided that I don’t want to keep Fred’s half of the business. The shops is called Weasleys, and I want to keep it that way. So I’m splitting it. Twenty per cent to you, twenty per cent to Mum and Dad - they’re not interested in the business side of things but I want them to benefit from the money - and then two a half per cent each to the others.
–I want you to have this. I’ve spoken to everyone else and they all agree that you deserve the bigger share. You did all the work in here when I couldn’t and I know Fred would want you to be a part of business. I keep my own half but the rest of you have a small part of it. I offered more some to Harry, of course, but he’s a git and wouldn’t take it. So what do you say?â€
–I…I…I don’t know really. Thanks, I guess.â€
–Way to sound grateful, Ron!â€
–Sorry, I really am sorry. I just don’t want to let you down.â€
–Quit with the mushy stuff, Weasley. I’ve said all the moving stuff I’m going to say. The fact is, you need to move on and get out of my shop. And you need to work things out with Hermione, which you can’t do sitting in my back office. Now unless I’m imagining things, you told me you had stuff to do tonight, so there’s no point in hanging round here anymore. I’ll see you on Sunday for lunch probably. Tell Mum, would you?â€
Ron stood up, feeling completely numb. Just as he turned to leave, George spoke again.
–Oh and one more thing.†He held out his hand. –We’ve got a deal now, so we’d better shake on it.â€
Ron took his hand and gripped it firmly. –Thank you, George. Really, thank you.â€
–Forget about it. I’m having contracts drawn up in the next week or so for everyone to sign but other than that there’s not much to it. But don’t forget what I said, about Hermione. Don’t let her go - you’re too good for each other.â€
Ron smiled weakly at him. –I’ll do my best.
He spent the evening looking through his training notes, trying to work out if he could possibly complete the course in four weeks. He wanted to, of course, but Jones’ words were still ringing in his ears and he wasn’t sure if he was really capable.
When he went to bed that night, he still hadn’t made a decision. He would just have to hope that by the time he got to work the next day, he would know what it was he wanted to do.
The next morning, the office was buzzing with the news of the accelerated training programme. It seemed like almost everyone who had been offered it would take the opportunity, though Ron still had his doubts.
He took his lunch alone that day, needing some time to work through his thoughts. However, when he reached the staff dining room he was surprised to see Hermione sitting alone at one of the tables, eating a sandwich while skimming a long document. For the first time all week, he had actually managed to put her out of his mind but then suddenly, here she was, and he had no idea what he was going to do.
Just as he was about to turn and leave, she looked up and saw him. She gave him a half smile and it was all the prompting he needed. He grabbed a sandwich from the fridge and went over to join her.
–Do you mind?†he asked, his heart thumping wildly. He had never felt quite so nervous about talking to her before.
–No, not at all,†she replied, closing the document she was reading.
–So, how’re you?†He knew he was being ridiculously formal, but he didn’t really know what else to say. Desperate as he had been to talk to her, he suddenly realised how inappropriate the Ministry dining room was for the purpose.
–I’m okay.†She looked tired. –I heard about the accelerated programme. Congratulations - it’s a really good opportunity for you.â€
–I’m not really sure about it. It’s going to mean some intense work over the next four weeks, and there’s no guarantee I’ll actually pass.â€
–You should still try though. You’re just as capable as Harry and Neville and they’ll both be doing it.â€
He smiled at her. She’d always had a way of making him feel better about himself, making him believe that he could do things he hadn’t thought possible.
–Do you think maybe we could meet up, to talk?†He garbled the words out in one breath and then sat anxiously waiting for her reply. She didn’t speak for a moment and he was terrified that he had pushed things too soon.
–Yes, I think we probably should,†she replied eventually. –We have things to sort out.â€
–Are you free tonight?â€
–Yes, that would work. But not at The Burrow. I need to meet somewhere that’s a bit less personal.â€
–Oh um, we could go out for dinner? There’s somewhere new on Diagon Alley.â€
She smiled. –I’ll see you there at eight. Oh and Ron, just go for the exams - you’ll never know unless you try.â€
It was just what he needed. As soon as he got back to the office, he marched to Jones’ office.
–I’m going to take the exams, Sir, and I’m not going to let you down.â€
–Good,†came the gruff reply. –Now, get out of here, and do some work.â€
Ron spent the rest of the afternoon analysing his conversation with Hermione, going back over every word and trying to find the hidden meaning. She had agreed to meet, but she had said ‘we have things to sort out’ - what if she was talking about them breaking up? Or cancelling the wedding? It was too much to think about.
He left the office promptly so he could spend plenty of time getting ready. He found his best robes - the ones he had bought with his first trainee author pay packet - and had a shave. He wasn’t going to give her any reason to doubt him.
At five to eight he left the house and headed for the restaurant. Hermione was waiting for him outside. Almost without thinking he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. He was relieved that she did not immediately recoil from him.
–It’s good to see you,†he said.
–You too. I mean it. I’m sorry I didn’t get in touch sooner, but I-â€
He stopped her. –It’s okay. I get that you needed time to think.â€
The restaurant was busy but not packed and they were able to get a table straight away. They sat making small talk for a while, sticking to the safe topics - the menu, the Auror programme, Harry and Ginny - while carefully avoiding talk of the wedding or the argument. Eventually, after they had ordered, Ron cleared his throat.
–We should probably talk about, well, lots of things, I suppose. I need to say sorry, Hermione. I know I was an idiot and I spent too much time at work or in the shop, and that I wasn’t concentrating enough on you or the wedding and I’m so sorry that I didn’t know what was going on at work and I’m just really sorry, but I love you, Hermione, and I’ve realised more than ever that I want to marry you. And I’m going to try so hard to change. I’m not working in the shop anymore, and once my exams are done I’ll be able to spend more time with you and we can make sure we have the best wedding - the wedding that is right for us.â€
He hadn’t planned to let everything out in one go but once he started he just couldn’t stop. When he had finished he just sat, waiting for some sort of response.
–I love you too, Ron, I really do, and I’m sorry too. The wedding, it turned me into a person I didn’t like. I know you were doing your best and that of course your exams and George should always be more important than one stupid day.â€
–But,†she bit her lip nervously, –I’m not sure we’re ready to get married.â€
Ron felt as if he had been punched in the stomach. Yes he’d had doubts of his own, but only for one night. He knew with absolute certainty that she was still the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
–I’ve missed you this week more than I thought was possible. But the thing is, we’ve never not been together. Even before we were dating we were best friends. This is all we’ve known since we were elven years old.â€
Her voice was shaking now, and there were tears glistening in her eyes. Ron wanted to run away, or start shouting at the top of his voice - anything so that he wouldn’t have to hear the next words that came out of her mouth.
–I think we should take a break.â€
And just like that, everything stopped.
–Hermione, no-â€
–Listen to me, Ron. We need to be sure. We need to know that this is what we want, that we’re not just staying like this because it’s easy.
–Mum and Dad want to go back to Australia, not for good, but for a holiday. They managed to get some good deals on a last minute flight. I’m going to go with them. We’ll be gone for four weeks. I’m taking the time off work because I need a break from that too. Ever since I started at the Ministry, I don’t feel like I’ve been happy, and I’m going to have to think about whether that’s right for me as well.
–I’m not saying we should cancel the wedding - not yet. Even when we get back, there’ll still be two months to go. But I do think we need to be apart for a while. And you need to pass your exams.â€
–Hermione,†his voice cracked and he knew that any minute now, he would be crying too, –I love you. The past week, I’ve not been able to focus on anything. I need you. And so what if we’ve always been together. That doesn’t make it wrong.â€
–I know, but before we do this, before we make the biggest commitment of our lives, we have to be sure. I promise you, Ron, I promise that I will come back. I don’t know what I’ll say when I do, but I’m not leaving you, I swear.â€
At that moment, the food arrived and the tension that had built up around them was lost. They ate in silence, and both declined dessert. After Ron had paid the bill, they stood in the street, both waiting for the other to say something.
–I’ve got to go,†said Hermione at last. –Don’t worry about me, Ron. Just focus on your exams. I’ll see you soon.â€
A sudden impulse took over him and he leaned into kiss her, but she stopped him.
–Please don’t. Don’t make this harder than it already is.†And before he could do or say anything else, she was gone.
Forever Yours by coolh5000
Chapter Notes: I know you may all be fainting in shock at the sight of a second new chapter in two days but I'm on a roll (and trying to do NaNoWriMo which means actually writing for once). Hopefully the next chapter is not too far away either. I'm planning for about six chapters at the moment. Once again, Kara is a brilliant beta and I love her.
Chapter Endnotes: Sorry - things had to get a bit more angsty before they could get better! I would love a review if you fancy telling me what you think.