An Unexpected Reunion

Chapter 6

Hermione's POV

"Hermione dear, how great to see you" Molly Weasley was fussing over me the minute we came out of the Floo.

The Burrow has been my second home for over 10 years and the house has not changed at all in that time. It's small, cosy and the epitome of a Weasley. Myself and Harry have even been added to the clock. Fred also remains on the clock, permanently in Mortal Peril which is to be expected. I thought his name would have been removed but Molly doesn't seem to be in any rush.

"Ginny dear, I keep telling you that there is no need to bring all this food. You know I make more than enough food for everyone" Molly was pottering around, taking the cheesecake and muffins from Ginny.

"I know mother but since working at the Ministry, I find myself with much more free time on my hands and you know how much I enjoy baking".

I walk outside, the sound of Ginny and Molly getting quieter as I exit the home. Every week, Arthur sets up the table outside. Given there is 11 of us, it's always easier to eat outside where we can extend the table and duplicate the chairs – the sense of belonging here is really something else.

What I didn't foresee this weekend was Ron helping his father prepare the table.

"Ah Hermione, I'm glad you're here" Arthur calls out as I walk towards him and Ron.

"Hello Arthur, anything I can do to help?" I'm trying my hardest to ignore Ron but he is staring at me. I don't mean a glance, I mean it's like he's trying to burn a hole through me. For the first time in a long time, I find myself placing my hand over my wand holder. I know I won't need it, but he looks angry and I'm not in the mood for any funny business.

"Oh no, Ron here has helped with the table and we're all set for eating. What I do need you for is to look at this mysterious artifact that I found when out on a raid the other day. I've shown it to some of my colleagues, one of which said it was called a, urm what was it, Tabadoki I think." Arthur is known for picking up muggle items when on raids, the man just cannot help himself.

"Let's take a look after we've eaten, I think I know what you mean – sounds like a Tamagotchi."

"Excellent, thank you Hermione. I'm just going to see if Molly needs anything else doing before the others arrive." Arthur takes his leave, walking back to the house.

This is when it becomes awkward, I knew it would do. Ron is the one to break to the silence.

"Hey Mione, so how have you been?"

"How have I been? Is that all you have to say Ronald. No apology? No explanation? How have I fucking been?" I was seething. After not seeing him since the pub on Wednesday and the first thing he says is how have I been.

"Mione I am sorry. I don't know what came over me. It is my fault, I was greedy. We'd not really been having sex and a part of me felt unappreciated. The attention I was getting from other people made me feel special and I caved. I really am sorry." Ron looked to the floor, not looking me in the eyes as he spoke.

"Unappreciated and lack of sex. Is that really your excuse Ron? You lived at my house, a house that I own. I fed you, did all of your laundry, ensured you got up in the morning for work. If anyone should feel unappreciated Ron, then that should be me. Not once did I ever complain to you how I felt. You didn't show me any love, you hardly thanked me for everything I did for you. Why would I want to have sex with you when most days I felt like your bloody mother." I knew this wasn't the time or the place to have this conversation, but I couldn't help it.

"Oh stop it Mione, that's a bit far isn't it." Ron was now looking back at me.

"No Ronald, I don't think it is. I admit, there was a lack of sex but I did everything for you Ron and never asked for anything in return. I felt neglected, unappreciated and sometimes unhappy but you were it for me Ron. You were my soulmate. I knew what you were like and I never once complained because I loved you." I could feel my heart breaking all over again.