True Love's Rose (Book 1)

Chapter 16: Elimination

Hermione stood in the lobby nervously.  This was the part of the show she was going to hate.  She was going to end up making someone feel bad.  And she had no idea who she was going to eliminate.  She considered Ron.  Just so she wouldn't have to deal with the date.  But she couldn't.  She let out a small sigh as she heard footsteps of the other bachelors making their way into the lobby.

"Okay..."  Hermione said glancing at the group and thinking.  She took a deep breath.  "Before the ceremony starts.  I wanted to let you all know.  This is my least favorite part.  That I knew I'd have to deal with.  And I have no intentions of ever making someone feel bad.  But if you've watched this enough..  You know how it works..  With that being said.."  She took another deep breath turning to grab a rose handing them off first to the ones she knew would be staying on the show. 

She could see the shocked face on Michael's face as he would be one of the few first going home.  She bit her lip momentarily even seeing a hint of anger in his eyes.  "I am sorry..  But for those of you standing here.  This means the end..."

Hermione jolted back surprised as Michael took a few steps close to her.  "You are keeping Dean compared to me?  When you know full well I'm the better man?.."  Hermione fidgeted a little.  She wasn't quite sure what to say.  "Hey..  Pea brain..  She said hit the road."  Ron said stepping next to Hermione and to the front of her so he was slightly between the two of them.  Hermione took a deep breath sighing a little when she watched Michael stomp off out of the lobby with the others who would be going home.

When the others were made sure they were sent back off, Hermione met the other boys in the hall outside the lobby hearing Miranda talk.  "We are deeply sad to see the others go.  But for the rest of you who made the cut.  Congratulations.... And tomorrow we will continue on as scheduled."  Miranda walked off allowing the group to hang out and chat before they would have to return to their rooms.

"Are you okay?"  Ron asked staying behind as the others had gone to their rooms.  Hermione turns to face Ron and nods.  "I'm fine.... Thank you.."  He smiled a little.  "Well..  If I had my wand, I would've jinxed him to the next century."  Ron muttered so they couldn't be overheard.  Hermione laughed shaking her head.  "Well then you would've gotten in trouble from the ministry.  And I can't allow that to happen.  But thank you."  Ron smiled in return.  "We may not have gone in the direction we wanted Hermione.  But I still think of you as my friend.  And I will always do what it takes to protect you."  She nods.  "I know you would Ron."  She hesitantly wrapped her arms around him and Ron did the same pulling Hermione close to hug her.  "I should be going.."  Hermione said pulling back and glancing at Ron.  "Tomorrow will be a long and busy day."  Ron nodded.  "You probably should.  Goodnight Hermione."  She glanced at him a moment longer before she felt him pulling her back in to kiss her.  Hermione was slightly surprised as she didn't expect him to do so.  She wrapped her arms back around him to return the kiss.  "Goodnight Ron.."  She said quietly as she pulled back once again.  Ron watched her make her way back towards her room before heading back to his.

Not able to sleep, Ron crawled quietly out of bed and then exited the room.  He glanced down the hall to make sure nobody could spot him before making his way down the hall to Hermione's room.  He quietly knocked and heard the door open a few seconds later.  Hermione looked surprised to see Ron standing there.  "Ron..  Hey.."  He took a deep breath.  "Hey..  Can I come in?.."  Hermione looked a bit hesitant a moment before stepping aside and allowing him to enter.  Closing the door behind her once Ron walked in.