A Christmas Tale

It was snowing so hard that Ron Wealsey thought another ice age was about to occur. As he walked down the crowded Muggle streets, he thought of nothing but peace and tranquillity, ‘Thank God I don’t have any commitments’
Ron entered the tube station and was again met with another commotion of Christmas shoppers; as he saw children egging parents on, Ron couldn’t help but laugh at his ‘fortune’ as he observed one particular father sighing in annoyance
“Daddy I want this for Christmas, Daddy does Santa eat turkey…” Ron laughed
‘Poor miserable bastard, Weasley you have no idea how lucky you are. No family, no relationships. Only a bunch of friends who are content with a bottle of rather expensive scotch at Christmas’

An hour had passed since the station was empty. Ron scoffed at the irony that even in the holiday season the tube is congested like any other work day. Ron ran down the escalator and waited for the tube to arrive, as he was rubbing his hands to keep the cold away he heard footsteps approaching the platform. He looked to his left and saw a woman waiting, she looked at her watch and yawned, however Ron did not keep his eyes off her, not because of her beauty but because he had seen her somewhere before. Her brown hair cascaded down her shoulders; her posture signified a position of authority. However her dress sense signified the opposite.
‘Short black, strapless dress, Office Christmas Party. No you idiot clubbing, looking to get laid’ Ron laughed to himself ‘It’s Christmas, and not to help anyone would be a sin’

However the woman turned to her right and made eye contact with Ron. As the train was arriving and instead of running away she was walking towards him,
‘Well, well the waiting around paid off’ smirked Ron.
The train came to a stop and the doors opened, Ron entered the carriage through the third doors whilst the woman went through the first, as the doors closed the woman approached him
“Ron is that you?” asked the woman breathlessly. Ron did a double take “Hermione?” asked Ron. Both their eyes lit up and they moved in for a strong hug “Oh Ron, it’s so good to see you” cried Hermione as she hugged Ron tightly
“You too Hermione, you too” said Ron.

They both sat down next to each other as they talked
“Well first of all what happened to your hair? Its all brown!” asked Hermione
“Dyed it, do you like?” asked Ron. “Not really, took me ages to guess if it was you”
Ron laughed “Well, I must say you look absolutely amazing, and what a stunning dress? Christmas party.” asked Ron.
“Went out to a few nightclubs, got a few numbers. How about you?” asked Hermione
“Same as you, a lucky bachelor, can’t help but feel sorry for the poor miserable parents this time of year”
Hermione laughed “Yeah can imagine. So how’s the family?” asked Hermione. Ron paused
“Don’t see much of them these days. To put a fairer point, I don’t see them at all”.
Hermione gave an apologetic look
“Ever since Harry, Fred, Percy, Bill, Charlie and mum and dad died, nothing’s been the same.”
A tear ran down her cheek, “I miss them too, your mum was just the most amazing person.” said Hermione.
“Yes she was. Anyway how about you? How’re you’re parents?” asked Ron.
Hermione’s sad expression did not change; “My parents died about eight years ago”
Ron was horrified “I’m so sorry Hermione, how did they…?”
“Car accident, if only I would’ve stood up and gone to the market, they’ll still be alive.”
A few tears ran down Hermione’s, Ron took her head and kissed it. “Oh Hermione don’t cry”
Hermione brushed the tears away “Anyway let’s change the subject, what have you been doing these last eleven years?” asked Ron
“Working as an art curator” Ron smiled “Jesus this meeting s full of ironies. I work as a rare book dealer” Hermione howled with laughter “Ron Weasley is allergic to books!”
“Yeah, well I like rare books the job pays well and you’ve get to travel a lot”
“Jesus in all the jobs in all the world, Ron Weasley becomes a book dealer” laughed Hermione “Yeah shit happens. What about you Hermione how’s life?”
“Pretty good actually, I introduced a Caravaggio exhibition at the Tate.”
“Oh I went to that a few weeks ago. Good stuff” said Ron
“Thanks, wasn’t easy but I think I pulled it off” said Hermione
“Since when has Hermione Granger failed?” asked Ron
“Relationships” Ron couldn’t help but smile, Hermione gave him a sneer
“Jesus, this day just keeps getting better and better” said Ron
“Why? Do you take comfort in my misery?” asked Hermione
“Absolutely” said Ron, “You’re not getting it tonight Ronald”
“Aww” said Ron as Hermione laughed.

The train came to a halt; both Hermione and Ron looked around. “Shit, what’s wrong now?” exclaimed Ron.
“Damnit this is St James Park” said Hermione
The tube driver announced “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is our final stop. Service will resume on the 27th December, I wish you pleasant evening and a Merry Christmas”
“God, I have to get home”
“First of all let’s get out of here” said Ron as they exited the train.

“Where do you live ‘Mione?” asked Ron
“Wimbledon”
“That’s miles away. Shit the streets are empty” said Ron
“Well its 30 minutes till Christmas Day” exclaimed Hermione
“Look Hermione I live 15 minutes away near Victoria. How about if you crash down at my place tonight” asked Ron
“Ron you’re a live saver” exclaimed Hermione
The two started walking and their pace picked up as the streets began to turn to frost.
“Hermione slow down!” exclaimed Ron, Hermione turned around and as she did her heel got stuck in a pavement crack and she fell down on her bum. Ron rushed over to her. “Ow!” said Hermione.
“Sorry Hermione, here let me help” said Ron as he picked up in her arms.
“Oh Ron, you’re so sweet” said Hermione
Ron blushed at Hermione’s comment.

As they reached his front door, he put her down so that he could find his keys. As he put her on her feet she shuddered at the cold and pain she was experiencing.
Ron got the door open and as he closed it behind her Hermione marvelled at the place she was in.
“Wow this is one cool place” said Hermione
“Thanks, sit yourself down on the sofa, Hermione do you mind your ankle being healed by magic?” asked Ron.
“Not one bit, this pain is killing me” exclaimed Hermione. Ron took his jacket off revealing to Hermione that his wand was shrunken and was fixated to his wrist.
“Oh you still carry you wand around with you?” asked Hermione. “Yeah you never know what can happen, I’m telling you this wand has saved my life more times then I care to remember. Not to mention someone else’s. Come on lets get that ankle fixed”
Hermione took off her shoes and put her barefoot on Ron’s knee. Ron pointed his wand on Hermione’s ankle and said ‘Reparo’ a glow emitted and then disappeared.
“That feels much better, thanks Ron” said Hermione as she looked at him
‘Christ he’s gorgeous. How I would love to have those lips on mine, oh his hands are so smooth and strong’ thought Hermione.
“Tell me how you saved peoples lives?” asked Ron. “About a month ago I had a late night and I caught a guy trying to rape a girl. I simply hexed him and I oblivated his memory.”
“That’s very good Ron, a bit reckless, but good” Ron looked down and he noticed Hermione’s beautiful foot was still on his knee; he looked at her toes and wanted to lick them.
“Okay, by the way Hermione. You’ve got nice feet” said Ron. Hermione blushed
“Does the doctor always give the child a lollipop?” said Hermione, Ron laughed
“Sorry no lollipops here” said Ron. “How about a kiss on the affected area?” said Hermione? Ron looked at Hermione and her foot; he picked it up and kissed her sole. Hermione grinned “Thanks Ron” Ron looked at her and again became captivated by her looks. A second passed. “So do you want to clean up before going to bed?” asked Ron.
“Please Ron a nice shower will do me” said Hermione
“Nonsense, how about a nice warm Jacuzzi?” asked Ron. Hermione smiled “With you in it?” asked Hermione grinning at him. Ron was speechless, Hermione laughed
“Oh very funny, do you want me to show you how to use it”
“Please” said Hermione.

After Hermione stripped off and entered the tub she began to think about Ron
“He sure has matured, he is so manly now. He always was. But now he’s got the charm and the intelligence. Oh sorry that wasn’t fair, Ron’s always been there for you, he was right about Krum, the snaky bastard. Why am I thinking of that tosser when I’ve got a real man out there. I can’t do that I’ve known him for nearly twenty years; I don’t want to lose him again. Everything is so perfect”

Ron just got out of the shower and began preparing the spare bedroom,
“Merlin Ron, you’ve got the girl of your dreams. Woo her for pity’s sake. Oh this is difficult you’ve been lusting over her since you were thirteen you have her in you home, there is nothing to ashamed.”
Ron walked out to see Hermione exiting the bathroom wearing a long t-shirt and pants that Ron provided “Sorry about the attire”
“Its okay I don’t sleep in a nightie” said Hermione, Ron smiled sheepishly as he took this information in.
“So do you want to go to bed?” asked Ron.
“What?” asked Hermione, “I mean do you want to do something…Doesn’t matter” said Ron.
“Actually I’m in the mood for a movie” Ron’s eyes lit up. “Yeah same,”
Ron went to his walk in cupboard and opened the door.
“Wow! How many DVD’s do you have?”
“About 1200” said Ron “Fuck?” Hermione looked at the titles. “Oh I haven’t seen this in ages” Hermione took out the DVD of Collateral. Ron smiled
“Its one of my favourite films of the past ten years”
“Same here, lets watch”
Ron led the way into his room, Hermione get under the covers of Ron’s bed as Ron finish setting up the DVD.
Ron turned around and saw Hermione lying under the covers; he nervously walked towards the bed. Hermione uncovered the empty part of the bed and Ron entered under the covers.
After an hour Ron looked at Hermione and he noticed she dozed off, her head on a pillow near Ron’s shoulder. Ron switched everything off and as he began to turn in, Hermione moved closer to him, Ron slowly turned his back to her, however as soon as he did this Hermione cuddled Ron. Ron simply closed his eyes and revelled being cuddled by Hermione, he too fell into a peaceful wonderful sleep.

Ron opened his eyes; he had not moved since late last night, he looked at the clock it read eight. At that moment Hermione stirred and she sat up.
“Hi Ron” she said and smiled sweetly
Ron sighed with relief, “Hey, slept well?”
“Beautifully, nice bed you’ve got here” said Hermione. “Thanks, so want some breakfast?” asked Ron.
“Hmm, yeah” said Hermione. Ron got up and went into the kitchen. Hermione too got up and approached Ron’s wardrobe. “Do you mind if I borrow a shirt? I feel cold in the T-Shirt I’m wearing!” shouted Hermione.
“Help yourself” Ron shouted back. Hermione took out a blue shirt and took off the T-Shirt.

Meanwhile Ron was whisking some eggs. He heard the sound of Hermione’s bare feet walking across the floor. “Are eggs okay?” asked Ron, he then looked up and stopped. He saw Hermione in the shirt and panties and gasped. “Wow, you look nice” said Ron. Hermione smiled “Thanks”

Hermione and Ron sat down, and immediately they both began to speak; they laughed. “Sorry you go first” said Ron. “I just wanted to thank you for putting up with me” said Hermione.
“It was a pleasure” said Ron. “Do you have any plans for today?” asked Hermione.
“Not really. Ginny is with Dean and Fred is with Fleur. Besides I’m not close with them anymore. So nothing just sit around watching movies. Actually Hermione there is something I wanted to ask you” said Ron.
“I’m listening” said Hermione. “When do you get back to work?” asked Ron.
“Oh January 6th, why?” asked Hermione. “Would you like to spend Christmas with me?” asked Ron. Hermione’s face immediately lit up “Oh Ron, of course. I would love to spend Christmas with you.”
Ron smiled “Thanks. I’m afraid I haven’t got any traditional Christmas food.” said Ron. “No worries, I’m not much of a fan of turkey anyway.” “Actually I think I’ve still got some…wait a minute” Ron got up and went into the fridge. “Yeah, still got a huge portion of beef.”
All morning was spent preparing their Christmas dinner. As soon as they finished their dinner Hermione exclaimed.
“Hmm Ron, its delicious”
“Oh come on Hermione I have you to thank for that.”
“Don’t say that Ron. You worked just as hard. Anyway thanks to you I’m having any form of Christmas dinner.”
“Remember the Christmas dinners my mum did”
“Oh yes, I’ll never forget them. I remember those annoying brothers of yours kept playing pranks on you.”
Ron laughed “Yeah, I remember the feast when the war ended. God I never ate so well in my whole life.” Hermione laughed. “I remember you looked dashing in your suit.”
Ron smiled “You too looked good in your periwinkle blue dress, but when the Death Eaters attacked us and…” Hermione nodded. “I know Ron, I too think about it sometimes.” There was a pause. “I can’t believe its dark outside.” said Ron.
“Yeah, its amazing how short the days are during the winter.”
“Erm, Hermione, I was wondering if you would like to go for a walk?” asked Ron.
“Yeah, that’ll be great. We need the air anyway” Hermione got up and went to retrieve her coat.

Hermione and Ron walked on the empty streets of Park Lane; Ron marvelled that being with Hermione made him walk further than he normally would.
“You know one thing that we have that wizards don’t, and that is a nice spacious park” said Ron.
“Yeah that’s true. I’ve always loved Hyde Park, haven’t been here in…my word its been seventeen years since I’ve been here. I remember coming here during primary school. We used to have P.E. here.” Ron and Hermione walked further and saw a couple walking by, all cuddled up. Hermione looked at the woman.
“Emma!” said Hermione. The woman turned and her face lit up. “Hermione!? Oh my God” Hermione hugged Emma. “My word its been a while” said Emma.
“Eight years, since the…funeral” said Hermione.
“Oh Hermione I’m sorry…” “No don’t worry. Its not your fault. So you still working in I.T.?” asked Hermione.
“Yeah, Head of the Department. Sorry Hermione this is Rupert, my fiancé”. Rupert extended her hand and Hermione shook it. “Sorry this is Ron” said Hermione. Emma shook his hand, so did Rupert.
“Wow, so you still at the National?” “Yeah, head of P.R.” said Hermione. “And you Ron?” asked Rupert. “Oh no we’re just friends” said Ron.
Emma laughed “No, what do you do?” “Rare-book dealer” said Ron.
“Books, something I could never get used too.” After a few more minutes of chatter, they exchanged pleasantries and went their separate ways.
“She was my best friend at school. I’m glad we’re still friends.”
“Yeah, mind you she kind of looks like you” said Ron. “Ha, you’re not the first one to say that. And I’ve got to be honest Rupert is a spitting image of you”.
“Yeah I suppose. Its funny that you bumped into two long lost friends in the span of two days” said Ron.
“Yeah, weird that. Do you mind if we sit down?” asked Hermione. Ron and Hermione approached the bench and sat down. “Your legs have finally given away” said Ron. Hermione laughed “Yeah, can’t believe we walked so far. Probably because I’m with you”
Ron’s face lit up “Yeah same. I can’t begin think of a better place I’d rather be than with you here.”
Hermione blushed; “I’m flattered”. At that moment a couple walked by stopping every few steps due to the vast amounts of kissing.. “I guess it’s a lover’s daydream to walk around an empty London with your partner?” said Ron.
“Yeah, poor bastards being tied down by marriage” laughed Hermione nervously.
“I don’t know I guess it’s romantic. I bet all these couples had a missing piece in their lives and now they found it by falling in love and caring for someone.”
“Do you dream of that?” asked Hermione. Ron scoffed “Only every day when I wake up and every night I go to bed”. Ron turned to Hermione and looked into her glassy eyes. “Sorry Ron, I get a bit emotional sometimes” Ron took off his gloves and took Hermione’s cold hands into his own. Hermione was speechless a long silence replaced all the noise within them. It was just them now and no one else. “I think we should get going” said Hermione. Ron nodded “Yeah” Both of them stood up and walked back to Ron’s place.