Opened At The Close...

17: Meanwhile Elsewhere

     After they watched Harry and Ginny fly away, most of the guests left. Some, however, stayed behind to help clean up, which didn't take long because, well...magic. Hermione took up the post of folding napkins and tablecloths into boxes, while the Weasley boys did the dishes using scouring charms. McGonagall vanished all the chairs and tables that had been conjured that afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley gathered all the candles and put them out in two seconds flat, while the other Harpies lined up outside the tent and folded it in two minutes flat.
     A while later, after the Harpies, Bill, Charlie, Percy, McGonagall, Hagrid, and Kingsley had left, the Burrow was quiet. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had gone to bed, thinking that Ron and Hermione had left and forgotten to say good-bye. That was not the case, however.
     Hermione had been so busy cleaning up the garden and cleaning the kitchen that she had forgotten to put on normal clothes. After finally finishing, she realized she was still wearing the dress. The silver gown still fluttered around her ankles as she ascended the steps, on her way to Ginny's room where more comfortable clothes awaited her. On the way up, she ran straight into something very solid, and was knocked backwards.
"Woah!" Ron said, catching her around the waist."Sorry! I was just looking for you."
"It's okay," Hermione said sheepishly as they walked back to Ginny's room. Ron was already wearing a t-shirt and pajama pants. She said, "After I get changed we can go home."
Ron nodded, then he said, wrapping his arms around her,"I didn't get a chance to tell you how beautiful you looked tonight."
Hermione's cheeks felt warm. "Oh, thank you. You looked handsome, too."
     Ron felt like now was a perfect time to ask her, yet he couldn't find the courage.
"Thanks. I'll wait for you in the kitchen," was all he said. Then, he kissed her and descended the steps, leaving a slightly disappointed Hermione to get changed.
     After they Disapparated to their appartment, Hermione hoped he might ask her there, but he didn't, and she as too tired to think about it much. As soon as their heads hit the pillows, Ron and Hermione fell into a deep sleep.
    
     When Hermione opened her eyes, sunlight was streaming through the window. It's a Sunday, she thought drowsily. We can sleep in if we want. Neither of us has work today. She made to put her arm around Ron, but found nothing but cold mattress and quilt in his place. Then she noticed the smell of coffee and waffles and smiled. Had Ron really gotten up early to make breakfast? He had never done that before.
      As she walked into the kitchen, Ron glanced at her from over his shoulder and grinned.
"Good morning," he said, opening the waffle iron.
"Good morning, my love," Hermione yawned, giving him a hug from behind.
"Did I make the coffee right?"Ron asked as he got the maple syrup from a cabinet."I never drink that nasty stuff, so I don't really know what it's supposed to taste like." Hermione laughed.
"It's an acquired taste," she said pleasantly, as she brought the mug to her lips; it was the most strong coffee she'd ever tasted. Her eyes widened.
"Is it bad?" Ron asked by the look on her face.
"Well," Hermione said hoarsely, her eyes still wide. "It's a little strong, but you'll get there."
"Just be glad I didn't burn these waffles," Ron said furtively, bringing two plates to the table.
"I have to say, I wasn't expecting breakfast from you," Hermione admitted. Ron smiled and kissed her suddenly, as they wrapped their arms so tightly around each other that the air was knocked out of both of them. They pulled their faces away and gasped for air, then dived back in again.
"Hermione,"Ron said when they finally broke apart. "I love you more than anything."
"And I love you, Ron," Hermione said, her stomach fluttery."I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Marry me, then?" Ron asked, getting down on one knee and opening a little green box he pulled from his pocket. "Hermione Granger, will you marry me?"
"Ronald!" Hermione squealed. "Yes! Yes, yes I will!"
       The kiss that followed was the best kiss of both their lives.