One and Only

Ron Weasley’s room was an untidy mess. His old school robes lay scattered on the floor as to make room for the new ones Fred and George bought for him, including a black silk dress robe, in the closet. Parchment and quills were all over his room, though the ink bottles were placed neatly on his desk which, other than the ink, was completely void of school materials.

A ray of sunlight illuminated Ron’s face. His face contorted into a face which suggested that, more than likely, he didn’t want to wake up.

Ron’s right eye opened slightly as a figure stepped in between the ray of light and his face. He squinted, now with both eyes. His eyes quickly adjusted to the light.

“Harry,” Ron said confusedly. Harry was supposed to be with the Dursley’s. What would he be doing here. It was only the second day of summer vacation.

“Yep,” Harry said with a smile. “I sent an owl to Dumbledore and he said it was alright if I came here but would have to go back for the last two weeks.” Harry then stepped over a pair of moldy underpants and sat on Ron’s bed.

Ron rose from his bed swooping up clothes as he headed for the bathroom. He took a quick shower and then got dressed. Harry noticed his freckles seemed to be lessening. His clothes also seemed to be his size.

“What do you want to do,” Ron asked Harry.

“How about clean your room,” Harry suggested stifling a laugh as he looked around.

“Nah. Mum’ll do it,” Ron said swatting Harry’s suggestion away. “Simple spell. I’d do it but I’m underage.” Ron said the last part feigning innocence.

Ron and Harry made their way to the kitchen. Everyone looked the same, George Fred, and Ginny, seeing as how only two days ago they were all in school. Bill and Charlie went back to their respective jobs, and Percy had rented a flat nearer to his office.

“Hello Dears,” Mrs. Weasley said happily toward Harry and Ron. She poured sausages onto Harry’s and Ron’s plates before they even sat down to eat. She wasn’t fussing over if Harry was all right, to Harry’s relief.

“Hello Mrs. Weasley.”

“’Mornin’ Mum.”

Mr. Weasley looked up from his paper to look at the two. He was wondering why only two voices replied to his wife.

“Where’s Hermione,” asked Mr. Weasley returning to his paper. Fudge was doing a very good job of keeping what happened out of the papers.

Ron mumbled the answer inaudibly, obviously disapproving of her decision.

“Sorry,” Mr. Weasley said once again prying his eyes away from the paper. He leaned closer to Ron to hear his son better.

“She’s in Bulgaria visiting ...Victor Krum,” Ron said with a trace of bitterness. Mr. Weasley, whether the subject didn’t interest him or sensing Ron’s emotions, dropped the subject.

“When will she be returning,” Mrs. Weasley asked as she sat down to eat breakfast.

Ron looked to Harry. Ron didn’t know and neither did Harry.

“We don’t know Mrs. Weasley,” Harry said as Ron returned his attention to his eggs.

“Send her an owl,” George said with a mouthful of sausage..

“Don’t talk with your mouth full George,” said Ginny. She had been awfully quiet. “Can’t understand a word you’re saying.”

“I said,” George said after swallowing. “Send her an owl.” George enunciated the words as if talking to a child.

“Pig’s too small to make that kind of journey,” Ron said quickly. “And Percy wouldn’t let me borrow Hermes if it meant the world would be saved from destruction..”

“Use Hedwig,” said Fred

“She’s on an errand, but you can use her when she comes back,” Harry interjected.

Ron quickly ate the rest of his breakfast, kissed Mrs. Weasley, and put his plate in the sink before heading back to his room.

“What’s up with him,” Fred asked Harry.

“I don’t know,” Harry said truthfully.

I don’t want to send her an owl. It is obvious she doesn’t like my – I mean our company. She can stay in Bulgaria for as long as she wants to stay I don’t care.

Ron barely noticed that he had already arrived at his room and was cleaning it up muggle style. He came across a picture of Hermione and Krum taken at the Yule Ball. Hermione waved toward Ron smiling. Ron smiled back. Krum was trying to tug Hermione out of view. Eventually Hermione gave and let Krum lead her to aside. Ron took the picture and stuffed it in his dresser drawer.

A month later in Bulgaria

“I understand Hermy-own-ninny,” said Krum dejectedly. “I could tell this could not haff lasted.”

“I’m so sorry,” said Hermione genuinely. “I’ll be leaving for Britain tomorrow. I hope you’re not angry.” She had stayed at Krum’s mansion for one day, it was too weird for her parents who tagged along. From the second day on they stayed at a muggle hotel. It was no near as large as Krum’s mansion, but at least her parents were calm.

“No, I’m not angry,” said Krum dejectedly once more. With that Krum left the hotel room via fireplace. “’Bye.”

“Hermione, have you packed all your things,” Mr. Granger yelled from the bathroom.

“Yes, Dad,” she replied. “I’ll be going to bed now.” She got up from the chair she sat in after the long talk with Victor Krum. She walked into her bathroom and changed into her sleeping clothes, and slipped into bed.

I hope you’re worth this Weasley.

There she lay contemplating whether she made the correct decision, little thinking of her love’s only misery.