Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of 10
Romione RavendorShe needs his help, and though he doesn't know it, he needs hers.
We don't own them. It's all JK Rowling's. We're just borrowing them for the moment.
Severus and Hermione spent the next few weeks in the library, researching a variety of subjects such as the efficacy of hexes and curses when cast verbally versus non-verbally and different Slicing Hexes and their effects. Both of them did their work during their free periods, and occasionally, Severus asked Hermione to stay for dinner or spend some extra time on the weekends to continue their research. Sometimes, Hermione brought books and parchments home to continue her reading well into the night.
They managed to compile a list of ideas to test. One evening, Severus sat on the settee in front of the fireplace, poring over a set of parchments. When his eyes started wandering over his cramped, spiky writing, he closed them and contemplated the conundrum that was Hermione Granger. She no longer reminded him of the irritating, bushy-haired, buck-toothed know-it-all who was the bane of his existence whilst she was a student. She matured but then again, what student amongst her peers had not grown up too soon as a result of the war? As he tapped his quill against his lips, he admitted to himself that her company was not as trying or challenging as he'd thought and that he had come to enjoy the companionable silence that accompanied their evening research sessions. Shaking his head, he reflected on how amazed he was that anyone, and most especially Miss Granger, would willingly spend any sort of time with him. He persisted on addressing her formally but finally gave in after she'd insisted for the umpteenth time that he should call her Hermione because, as she put it, "I feel like a little schoolgirl when you address me as Miss Granger." Rubbing his forehead, he sighed as he recalled Hermione's insistent tone of voice.
The hex Dolohov had cast on her puzzled him. He figured it was one of Dolohov's specialities that he had loved to use against Muggles and Muggle-borns. Dolohov generally had cast it on either their chests, or in the case of most Muggle-born girls and women, their wombs. It was an interesting academic exercise to determine what effect Dolohov's issuing that particular hex non-verbally would have on the victim. He was fervently hoping that he and Miss Granger... no, Hermione, could find something, whether it be a potion, some sort of charm or counter-curse, or a combination of the two, that would alleviate her symptoms at least or, even better, cure her completely. Now that he had the opportunity to know her better, the thought of losing her to this curse started to bother him. He had sworn to Albus Dumbledore that he would protect his students, and since she had been one of his students at the time she had been hexed, if he were to lose her, it would feel like another failure on his part.
A piece of parchment shot out of the fireplace and hit him on the forehead between the eyes. He blinked several times and glowered at the offending piece of parchment. After having cast several Dark-detection curses and other curse- and hex-detection spells on it, he broke the seal and frowned at it. It was from Miss Granger no, Hermione, and she seemed to have found a key piece of information. She wanted to see him before classes tomorrow. Reaching for his quill, he scratched out an answer, then sent the parchment back through the Floo.
He cast a tricky charm that told him the time down to the nearest second, and it told him it was getting very late. In the past, he could have subsisted on very little sleep, but after a lifetime of physical abuse, he found his aging body needing more and more rest in order for him to function. Flicking his wand at his parchments and books caused them to stack neatly at his well-worn desk. He stood up, stretched, and wandered off to bed.
Hermione heard her alarm going off sooner than usual and glanced at the time. Six o'clock? Why would she be waking up so early? It was at least a half hour earlier than she normally got up. But then she remembered the breakthrough she had made the night before. In a book she had specially ordered from one of Flourish and Blotts' foreign branches, she had read about a potion that helped with the long-term effects of curses, but she didn't know how they were going to get some of the required ingredients. The potion was difficult to brew, though considering who she was working with, she knew that wasn't going to be an issue.
She sat up slowly and gave herself a push to get up off the mattress, taking care not to wake Ron. She could feel she had become worse over the past few weeks. It wasn't anything major, but she was more tired, and she was using a lot of cosmetics so that she didn't look so pale. She went into the bathroom and took her shower, using a quick drying charm to dry her hair, and sighed at her pallid complexion.
As she was coming out of the bathroom, she heard Ron walking around. Damn it! she thought. Fortunately, I have a ready excuse for why I'm leaving so early.
"Up so soon?" Ron asked as he kissed her. "Why so early, love?"
"Good morning," she said, returning the kiss. "We have a meeting this morning to discuss Halloween. I think Minerva is doing something different this year."
"Oh?" Ron asked. "Something different from floating pumpkins and wonderful food?"
"Yeah. I don't know what it will be, but I heard talk it might be a masquerade ball. I never realised how many meetings teachers had to go to during the year."
Ron shrugged. "Well, all Harry and I ever had to worry about was enduring your constant nagging for us to study and staying out of trouble," he replied. "We never knew what the teachers did when they weren't teaching or watching us in the Great Hall or patrolling the corridors at night."
"True," Hermione said. She hugged him. "I'm sorry I woke you up. I was really trying to be quiet." She suppressed a yawn and smiled at him. "Why don't you go back to sleep and get another forty winks for me?"
Ron grinned. "That sounds like a great idea. Thanks, love." He kissed her and shuffled back to bed.
Hermione was glad he had accepted her reason for leaving so early, and she didn't have to explain further. Gathering up her books and notes, she put on her cloak and the scarf Molly had given her for her birthday. It hadn't snowed yet, but there was a hint of it in the air, and Poppy had advised her against catching a cold.
Several minutes later, she entered the warmth of the castle and was heading to the dungeons towards Severus' office when she stopped short. A cup of coffee sounded good, and she thought maybe he would enjoy one as well.
She made her way to the picture of the bowl of fruit and tickled the pear to open the door to the kitchens. When a house-elf greeted her, she smiled.
"Good morning," she said politely. "May I come in, please? I'd like to get some coffee for myself and Professor Snape."
The house-elf nodded, scurried off to a corner, and came back very quickly with a tray laden with a coffee pot, two mugs, milk, sugar, and chocolate-covered biscuits. "Does Missy wants anything else?"
Hermione thought for a moment, remembering Severus' fondness for fruit. "I believe Professor Snape is fond of fruit..."
"Yes, Master Potions professor likes bananas and berries." The house-elf disappeared to another corner of the kitchens and returned with a bowl heaped with cut fruit, which was placed on the tray. "Does Missy wants anything else?"
"No, thank you very much," Hermione said with a smile.
"Missy is most welcome," the house-elf said, bowing low to the floor.
Fifteen minutes later, Hermione was glad to see the door to Severus' office. Using a Levitation Charm on the tray, she knocked on the door.
Severus glanced at a clock on the mantle. Naturally, Miss Granger... no, Hermione, would be several minutes early. He sighed, rubbed his forehead, and said, "Enter."
Hermione Levitated the tray in front of her as she entered the room, her bag of books on her shoulder. She wondered exactly what his reaction was going to be. Actually, she had a good idea what it would be.
"Good morning."
Severus slightly inclined his head in greeting. He looked past her at the tray laden with coffee and food and scowled at it. "And what, pray tell, is all of that, Hermione?" he asked quietly.
"It's cold outside, and I felt like having a cup of coffee. I thought perhaps you would like one too." She Levitated the tray over to a small table.
Severus glowered at the bowl of fruit and the biscuits that were sitting on the tray. "What made you think I would want any of this?" he asked, gesturing to the food.
"The biscuits were the house-elf's idea. As for the fruit, I noticed that you enjoy it at breakfast. You don't have to eat it if you don't want it." She took the coffee pot and poured herself a cup, putting milk and sugar in it and sitting down.
Severus was taken aback by Hermione's observation. His momentary look of surprise was quickly replaced by a mask of indifference. He raised an eyebrow at Hermione as he poured himself a cup of coffee and sat on his chair. "I didn't know you'd care to notice trivialities like that," he murmured.
Hermione took a sip of coffee and looked at him over the top of the cup. "If there is something the past fourteen years has taught me, it's that you never know when the most inane piece of information may come in handy."
Again, he was taken aback by her words. It sounded like something he would have thought, but not articulated. After all, he had spent most of his adult life spying for one side or the other. He bent forward over his cup, allowing his hair to swing forward to cover his face. He carefully regarded her through his hair and marvelled at the conundrum that was Hermione Granger. He took a sip of coffee, then straightened up to look at her. "Well? What information did you find that caused you to interrupt my morning?" he asked.
She reached into her bag to bring out the books and notes she had taken. "I had requested that Flourish and Blotts contact their branches abroad to get us a larger scope of information. Since I did, and still do, spend most of my time and salary in there, they didn't think any requests that I made strange. The books I found were most useful," she said, handing him two books, one on curses and the other on potions. "There is a curse in there that is similar to mine, and it may have been where Dolohov got his inspiration. The potion that is made to counteract it is difficult, but not impossible for an experienced brewer. It does take time, and then there's the problem of bringing in foreign ingredients into the country."
Severus took the books and read the passages she had marked. "This does indeed have some promise," he murmured whilst tracing his lower lip with his pointer finger. "There will be no problem bringing these ingredients here. You needn't worry about that." He read on for a few more minutes before a light chime started to ring. He looked up at the mantle clock and groaned softly. "Classes will start in ten minutes. Have you any free time today?"
Hermione looked at her watch as well. "Poppy is going to have my head; I haven't gone to see her yet today." She thought for a moment. "I am on patrol tonight, so I will be remaining after dinner. Would between dinner and lights out tonight work for you?"
Severus nodded curtly at her. "Seven tonight. My office."
"Very well. Until tonight, then." She knew there wouldn't be much chance of them crossing paths between now and then, since she usually took her lunch in her office, marking papers and doing research. And on Wednesdays, she often took a brief nap after classes were over so she could stay awake during patrol. She hurried to the Hospital Wing to get her potions and then went off to her first class.
Later that evening, Severus and Hermione were ensconced in Severus' private laboratory with books and parchments scattered all about. They debated points, pored over books, scratched their quills over parchments, and debated some more. In between the intellectual discussions, other more personal topics popped up from time to time.
"You want to know what kind of books I like to read for fun?" Severus asked incredulously. "Why on earth would that interest you?"
Hermione shrugged. "It's a guilty pleasure of mine. You may think that I read all kinds of books for the knowledge I can garner from them, but truth be told, I am a fan of tales of fantasy. For example, the tales of Tolkien are some of my favourites, as are those of C. S. Lewis."
Severus frowned at her. "I haven't really read much outside of my school texts or academic journals," he said softly. "My mother loved Shakespeare and liked to read Jane Austen's books to me when my father wasn't listening."
"I am also a fan of Shakespeare. I did not mention it because most people find it much too academic. If you would ever like to take up reading, I can make some recommendations. I know of an excellent used bookstore in London I frequent quite often."
Severus inclined his head forward until his hair swung forward to cover his face. "I thank you," he said softly.
They continued working until Hermione had to take her rounds. They were starting to formulate a plan to proceed with their work. Hermione's discovery was exceedingly helpful, and they came up with several formulations they could try on the potion she had found in one of her books. The only potential problem was procuring ingredients, but Severus' extensive contacts amongst potioneers and herbologists made the process easier.
Severus and Hermione were supervising the brewing of various potions in five different cauldrons. She offered to take notes for him, but he glared at her and waved his wand toward his Quick-Quotes Quill as it started copying down whatever it was he was dictating at it.
Hermione rolled her eyes at him and turned back to one of the cauldrons.
They had spent much of their spare time brewing potential antidotes to Hermione's curse-induced illness that Minerva had to remind them both that the Halloween masquerade ball was only three days away.
"And why this should concern us, Minerva?" Severus asked.
Minerva huffed exasperatedly at Severus. "Honestly, Severus," she said, "we've only been planning this event for the past month or so. Of course, all staff must be present and dressed appropriately."
Severus' upper lip curled into a sneer. "And just what constitutes 'appropriate wear'?" he asked disdainfully.
Minerva shook her head at Severus. She should have known better than to try to engage him in conversation when he was busy brewing. "You are incorrigible," she said, throwing her hands up in exasperation. She turned to Hermione, who was wiping her brow as she stirred. She was about to say something to her when Hermione held up her hand, stirring and counting at the same time.
"Honestly, Hermione, there are times when it seems like you forget you are a witch," Minerva said, her eyes twinkling. "Surely, there are charms you can use to keep track of how many times you've stirred a potion."
Hermione came to a point when she could pause. "I want it to be exact, I guess. This potion may be my only hope to have a normal life. Although," she said with a small laugh, "I hardly know what that is." She looked at Minerva. "Are significant others allowed to attend?"
"In theory, yes," Minerva replied. "However, please keep in mind your duties. I highly doubt you will have a chance to enjoy much time with your, erm, significant other."
"Thank you. And I promise I will not neglect my duties. I think you know me better than that," Hermione said, giving the Headmistress a smile. "I'll have to think of something clever to wear for my costume."
"I am sure you will think of something appropriate," Minerva said. "Severus, Hermione, I will leave you to your brewing." She smiled at them with a sparkle in her eye and swept out of the dungeons.
"The Weasleys surprised me with a birthday party September 18th," Hermione said, tentatively broaching a subject that she had been curious about. The time that they had been working together on the potion had allowed the two of them to open up to one another.
Severus raised an eyebrow. "Yes, so?" he asked.
"It was the night of a full moon. Remus and Tonks were there." Smiling at him, she continued. "You don't have to answer this if you don't wish to, but were you the one who came up with that cure?"
Severus' eyes glittered strangely as he looked at Hermione. "And what do you stand to gain if you were to hear the answer?" he asked quietly.
"Nothing," Hermione answered honestly. "But thanks to studying with you and thanks to what I know from my sixth year, I know you would be more than able to come up with one."
Severus looked down at his cauldron as he muttered a charm over it whilst stirring the potion in figure eights. A slight flush crept up on his cheeks. He couldn't remember the last time anyone complimented him willingly and genuinely. Not looking up from his cauldron, he said quietly, "These three cauldrons should be left to mature over the next three days. Your two should be placed in stasis and allowed to sit over the week."
Hermione nodded, placing her potions in stasis. "There was something else that happened on the 18th. Harry and I had a talk. He told me that you had told him about my condition."
Again, his eyes glittered strangely as he looked up from his cauldron to Hermione. He had agreed to allow Potter to discuss things with Hermione, but he didn't expect him to have said anything so soon. Given the argument that led to the discovery of Dolohov's lingering curse, he wasn't sure how she would react to his consulting with Potter about the circumstances behind her receiving that hex in the first place. He schooled his features into cool indifference as he regarded his colleague.
"Yes," he said softly. "I would have expected him to do so."
"I wasn't thrilled at first. But considering what Ron's brothers did to me when I arrived at the Burrow and considering the fact that I don't want to worry any of my friends, I am glad I have someone my own age to talk to about it. I'm just glad he doesn't blame himself for it, which is one thing I was a bit concerned about."
Severus frowned and pursed his lips. "What did those miscreants do to you?" he asked in a soft, deadly voice.
"They picked me up in their arms and started bouncing me for my birthday. Fortunately, Harry saw it and stopped it before they got far. I never have been a fan of heights, and no one really thought anything of it, thank goodness." She shivered a bit at the memory.
Severus nodded curtly, still with a closed expression on his face. "I am sorry for your sake of the circumstances that led Potter to speak with you," he said, "but perhaps it is just as well. Potter can be quite useful in our endeavour."
She studied him closely, but he was not allowing anything through his mask. She wondered, not for the first time, what made him want to help her. She had done nothing for him, really, except for being the insufferable know-it-all in his classes and probably annoying him. She noticed a softness in his eyes that she'd never seen during the time she was a student, and she noticed how much younger he looked now, even though years had passed. She supposed it was his years of spying which had given him the aged, hardened look back then, as it would have done to anyone. She estimated his age to be mid-forties, since Harry had said he'd been a student at the same time as his parents.
"It's nice to be able to work alongside you," she said at last, not wanting him to know that she had been scrutinizing him.
He inclined his head slightly. "I was going to suggest we meet again on Monday, but with that infernal Halloween Ball, I'm afraid we will have to rethink our plans." He sighed. "Perhaps it's just as well. I am making arrangements with Master Gong to send some sheng di huang." He Levitated the cauldrons to a cupboard that had temperature-regulating and inert-atmosphere charms applied to it. Still facing the cupboard, he said softly, "It's getting late, Hermione. You should go home. I will tidy up here."
"Thank you," Hermione said, smiling. "Have a good weekend. As this is a Hogsmeade weekend, perhaps we will cross paths. Ron and I often go out shopping on the weekends, and I thought maybe, even though it's not my weekend to help with Hogsmeade, I might come out just the same."
Severus nodded. He was still contemplating the puzzle that was Hermione Granger. To him, it was a strange thought that she, or anyone else for that matter, would even have any sort of regard for him. As for his work with Hermione's cure, he tried to convince himself it was merely an academic exercise that might be developed as a potential cure for others who might have survived Dolohov's hexes and curses. Or perhaps it was a good way to research the different effects that casting a hex verbally and non-verbally would have on a target. Still facing the cupboard, he said quietly, "Good evening, Hermione."
"Good evening," Hermione said, fastening her cloak around her shoulders and leaving the dungeon. He was helping her so much, and she wished she could do the same for him.
A/N: Many thanks go to ladyinthecloak for the beta-reading. We would also like to thank SouthernWitch69 for all her hard work and effort to make this a Variety Challenge to remember. ♥
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Latest 25 Reviews for Unlikely Allies
84 Reviews | 7.24/10 Average
Are you going to finish this? I read the first chapter over at Potter Place today and remembered seeing it posted here during last year's Challenge. It's a wonderful story so far and you've done a brilliant job in fleshing out Ron as more than a Quidditch loving eating machine. I'd hate to see it abandoned as unfinished. ^_^
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Hello,
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
,Yes, the story will be eventually finished. We have over 30 chapters already written, with a couple of chapters at the most left to write. It's undergoing some editing at the moment, plus one of us (lyn_f) has had some RL issues that prevented us from getting together and finishing the story.But fear not! The story will be completed, eventually! Look for it both here and at Potter Place.
Oh, I really like Ron and it is good to see him acting like an adult. Even when he is complaining about Hermione's absence, he is not whining like he often does in fanfics. And it seems he treats her well. I wonder why she doesn't tell him more about what is going on? Looking forward to more.
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Hermione has her reasons for not telling Ron. You'll see why later on.Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)~ lyn_f
Good beginning chapter! I think Ron is still a bit too concerned with what will inconvenience him and less with Hermione getting to pursue the career she had always wanted.I'm wondering what that pain in her chest is. Is it really heartburn? Or is she feeling guilty about what she said to Ron when he very predictably told her that he was not looking forward to being away from her for even one night of the week... um um um um um. He is so self-centered. Perhaps she has realized that she is more interested in accepting the offer of a professorship at Hogwarts than in placating him. Would that be so bad?Now I'm off to the next chapter.Beth
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Hi, Beth, I (lyn_f) really love your reviews! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!You'll find out what the pain is eventually. (Seeing the prompt at the end of Chapter 1 might give you a clue...)And no, I don't think that's so bad, especially in this day and age. An understanding man would allow his SO to pursue her dreams. :)Keep on reading. We haven't abandoned this story, but we're sorry that updates are so slow in coming.~lyn_f
So Severus is finally able to admit there is more to Hermione than book smarts and know-it-all-ness. The Masquerade should be interesting. I'm sure Severus is just going to LOVE getting all dressed up!
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
LOL ... nah, Severus love getting all dressed up? You can only imagine! ;)Thanks for reading and reviewing!~lyn_f
Oh, a time delayed curse - no wonder you didn't want to tell me about the chest pains!I think it's wrong of her to keep this from Ron. He'd be worried, sure, but he loves her and he'd do what he could to help her.
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Yes, perhaps, but Hermione had her reasons for keeping it from Ron.Thanks for reading and reviewing!~lyn_f
and Ron slipps into his immature self - over her calling Severus by his name. Loved Sverus' reaction when the meeting was over.
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Hehehe ... well, Ron does have his moments. You'll see them. ;)Thanks for reading and reviewing.~lyn_f
Very cool. Loved the family banter and the kids are adorable. I held my breath as Ron kneeled, but it's what she's wanted. Whoot!
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Indeed. Thanks for reading and reviewing.~lyn_f
LOL At least Ron is being supportive!
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Indeed. I think he realised that he would be better off supporting Hermione in this endeavour.Thanks for reading and reviewing!~lyn_f
I like your Ron. I wonder if the Sorting Hat had been made from someone else's hat ,if it would have insulted Salazar Slytherin?
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Perhaps it mirrors real life--didn't Gryffindor and Slytherin not get along with each other anyway?That's the conjecture, anyway...Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)~lyn_f
Might be better to let Ron in on it so he won't fight with Hermione at all. But time will tell. It would appear that Harry wasn't exactly surprized by Snape's being alive. It's nice to see Snape jump in and do the right thing, no matter what he may think of Hermione personally.
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
That might be wishful thinking--when did Hermione and Ron *not* fight? ;)I'd like to think Snape's instincts to protect the students, past and present, would override any feelings he may have for the student in question.~lyn_f
Boy! Lot's o' folks alive that we thought were dead! No Dobby, though? I wonder why no one told Hermione & Ron that SS was alive? Did Harry know? Thanks for another interesting chapter. It's nice to see a reasonable and fairly mature Ron in a story. And between that faint and the illness, we all suspect Hermione is dying.
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Hmmmm. Well. All I can say is the lips are zipped.Poor Ron has received rather rough treatments at the hands of fanfic writers, hasn't he?
Oh, my, I was afraid when he proposed in front of everyone. But it worked out OK. A good beginning. I liked in chapter one when he decided her happiness over her job offer was more important than his own desires. He's a good man.
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Indeed. It seems almost appropriate for a large extended family such as the Weasleys.:)~lyn_f
Hermione forgot her birthday? At least Harry was there to stop the twins from doing anything stupid. Although, it seems like Hermione got more upset at the thought of Snape than she did with the twins teasing her.
She forgot her own birthday? Then this was a real surprise party for her :-)
Good that Harry knows of her condition and was able to stop the twins.
I love the interaction between the three older professors and Dumbledore's portrait. Queen of Hogwarts indeed. was it the bit 7 years ago that Snape refused to rest from? I am glad your Ron is so sweet and thoughtful. I'm still not sure Hermione keeping the secret from him is the wisest decision, but time will tell...
I think letting Hermione participate in the research is the better option - just sitting back and waiting for sure would be much more stressful for her, for she would be worrying endlessly.
Your Ron was very sweet.
I'm sure he is going to notice something - not right away, of course, but over time.
I guess I can see how Ron and Ginny might fuss over Hermione. but won't Ron pick up on that something is wrong? And how will she explain the time spent with Snape?
Well, Severus and Hermione are on the case. They're sure to find the answer eventually. Too bad she has to be so secretive. But Ron would worry endlessly and that would definitely cause more stress. He was quite sweet in the end there.
Severus Snape is such a mystery isn't he? I hope Hermione will heed their warnings to rest and avoid stress. Not sure keeping Ron in the dark is the best idea but I guess Hermione knows him better than I do. Nice chapter...will be anxiously awaiting more!
Wait, Ron is so sweet.
That's kinda not fair. Telling Harry about one of his best friends terrible condition, then making him promise not to tell. What will the fallout be if the other two find out he knew and did not tell them?
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Severus is doing what he thinks is best. Btw 6 is up in the queue and should be up soon. :)
Well, she sure managed to put him in his place. I just hope Severus can find a cure for her.
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Yes, well we know that Hermione doens't mince words. Severus is going to do hsi best to help her. :)
Yikes. I can understand Hermione's reaction to seeing someone you thought was dead walk into the room. I wonder why no one told Harry?
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Yeah I think I'd have that reaction too. As for Harry, I won't say anything but read on.
Yikes. That sounds like complete chaos! I don't know how they keep track of all the kids coming.
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Oh, Molly's in her glory. :) She's a very proud grandmum. :)
Uh oh. That pain does not sound good. The fact that Ron has taken so many years to propose should be a wake up call to both of them. Maybe they are just comfortable in their circumstances?
Response from Romione Ravendor (Author of Unlikely Allies)
Well, I think Ron being his father's son wanted to make sure that he could support her before he proposedd. He wanted to get established in his job first. Thanks for reviewing!