Mistaken Love

Saturday evening quickly approached and Hermione couldn't help but worry about her decision. She knew what her brain told her to do and what her heart told her to do, but neither one outdid the other.

Saturday evening, Hermione led her parents up to the front door of the Burrow, which was wide open. Hermione gently rapped on the doorframe.

"Come in, dear!" Mrs. Weasley called from the stove.

Hermione stepped inside, her parents following behind her.

"Mrs. Weasley, you remember my parents," Hermione said, introducing them.

"Please, Hermione, call me Molly," she insisted. "Of course I remember your parents. Nice to see you again." She turned to Hermione. "Hermione, everyone is in the garden," Molly said, motioning to the back door.

Hermione left her mother in the kitchen with Molly and led her father outside.

Hermione's eyes widened as she stepped out into the garden.

Literally, everyone was there. Fred and George were showing Lee their new products for the joke shop. Bill was talking with Fleur, his wife as of last year. Harry and Ron were talking to Charlie, most likely about Quidditch. Even Percy was there, jotting things down on a piece of parchment.

"Hello!" Mr. Weasley greeted Hermione and her father. "I'm so glad you could make it!"

Hermione left her father talking to Mr. Weasley about the "fascinating" world of Muggles.

Hermione headed toward Ron, her heart pounding hard in her chest. She knew what had to be done.

"Your time's running out," Ginny whispered from behind her.

Hermione longed to turn around and slap Ginny, but instead, ignored Ginny and continued toward Ron.

"Hermione," Ron said with a smile. "How are you, love?"

"Ron, may I speak to you for a moment?" Hermione asked, ignoring Ron's question.

"Dinner's ready!" Molly called as she brought out the food.

"Can this wait?" Ron asked nervously.

"Sure," Hermione said, putting on a fake smile.

Ron led her to the table where they sat down next to each other. Ginny sat down next to Hermione, and Harry next to Ginny.

Hermione looked across the table where she saw George sit down.

Molly moved around the table, serving everyone a helping of chicken and vegetables.

Hermione absentmindedly picked at her chicken, moving it around on her plate, not really eating it. Every so often, Hermione's mother would ask her why she wasn't eating, which was when Hermione would promptly shove a bite of chicken in her mouth. She was sure that the chicken was wonderful, but everything seemed to have no flavour or appeal.

After everyone's plate was clean, except for Hermione's, Ron stood up and tapped on his glass with his fork.

Everyone immediately stopped talking and looked at Ron. There was a wide range of emotions on everyone's face. Molly looked as though she was going to burst into tears at any moment while Harry merely grinned.

"As you all know, Hermione and I have been dating for five years," Ron announced, his ears turning red.

Hermione looked at George. She could see the pain in his eyes.

Ron continued, "Tonight is a very special night. It is the night that I ask for Hermione's hand in marriage."

Hermione's attention suddenly turned to Ron. Tears stung at her eyes.

"Hermione, will you marry me?" Ron asked, holding out a small diamond ring.

Hermione wanted so badly to tell Ron no, to tell him the truth, but she couldn't.

"Of course I'll marry you, Ron," Hermione sobbed.

Ron slipped the ring on her finger, smiling, obviously relieved.

Hermione stared at the ring in shock. She had said yes. She forced herself to look at George.

He looked like his heart had just been hammered to pieces. He managed to give her a slight nod, realising that it was over.

Ginny and Hermione helped Molly and Hermione's mother clear the table, as the boys congratulated Ron.

"You did the right thing, Hermione," Ginny whispered.

Hermione nodded. Her brain told her that this was the right decision, indeed. But her heart convinced her otherwise.