Chapter Text
Chapter 1
1st of July 1994 (noon)
„RONALD!" — his mother's shout from the kitchen pierced the house.
The redhead rolled his eyes. What did she want now?! "I'm coming!" shouted Ronald Weasley from his orange-painted room.
Two days ago, Ron, the twins, Ginny, and Percy had returned to the Burrow after a year full of excitement at Hogwarts.
Especially for Ron and his best friends.
Harry had been hunted by the notorious murderer Sirius Black, who in the end turned out to be innocent — the real culprit was Peter Pettigrew, who had been disguising himself as Ron's pet rat.
They had managed to free Harry's godfather, who escaped on a hippogriff into the unknown.
Ron had also finally learned the reason behind Hermione's constant exhaustion throughout the year. She had been using a Time-Turner, which allowed her to attend extra classes and study even more.
Ron noticed right away that something was off about her, but she insisted she couldn't tell him why. That didn't stop Ron from looking after his best friend.
He would bring her little snacks while she studied, or try to pull her away from her endless books for a quick game of wizard's chess.
Ron slowly made his way downstairs, greeted by the delicious smell of dinner cooking.
He walked into the kitchen to find his mother bustling around by the counter, chopping vegetables.
"What is it, Mum?" Ron asked.
"Ron, your silly owl's done it again — she brought a letter and mixed up the rooms. It's in Ginny's."
Maybe it was from Hermione? Ron couldn't help but hope so. Why did he always get more excited about Hermione's letters than Harry's?
It had only been a few days since he'd seen them, but he already missed his best friends — especially the bushy-haired witch.
"Alright, I'll go get it. When's dinner?"
"In about two hours — and you've just eaten!"
Ron rolled his eyes but turned on his heel and headed upstairs toward his younger sister's room.
He knocked once and, without waiting for an answer, stepped into Ginny's room. His eyes immediately went to the windowsill, where a tiny owl was perched.
"Pig!"
He rushed over, and the little bird, upon seeing him, began hooting excitedly and fluttering around his head.
"Got used to that name already, have you?" Ginny asked with a smirk.
"Shut up," Ron snapped. He was still annoyed that his sister had named his owl for him — though, if he was honest, the name was starting to grow on him.
At last, he managed to catch Pig in midair and untied the letter fastened to her leg.
He instantly recognised Hermione's neat, elegant handwriting, and his heart gave a sudden thump. What on earth was going on with him?
He gave the owl a small treat, opened the envelope, and began to read.
Dear Ron,
I hope everything's well with you and your family!
It's only been a short while, but I already miss you. And, of course, Harry too.
I'm doing fine, though I must admit — life feels a bit dull without magic here. I'm eagerly waiting for our Hogwarts letters to arrive so I can get my new books!
I'm writing because I have an important question — would you like to come and stay with me for a few days? For a week? You can get here tommorow, I know that you can use Fiuu with your dad. My mum actually suggested it today; I think she's noticed how bored I've been.
We could explore London a bit, and the area around my house. Of course, I'd understand if you didn't feel like it — I realise Muggles can be a bit boring.
Write back soon.
Love,
Hermione
Ron couldn't stop smiling at the sight of the word "Love."
What was wrong with him? It was just a word — something his friend had written. And yet, the warmth spreading through his chest felt… nice.
So she did miss him!
But wait. Summer at Hermione's? At her house? With her parents?
He started to feel nervous — or maybe it was excitement.
Surely Harry would be there too, right? Although… she hadn't mentioned him in the letter. Ron decided he'd ask about it when he wrote back.
"So?" came Ginny's voice, sharp and curious.
Damn. She must've seen that stupid grin on his face.
"So what?" Ron said quickly, turning away and shoving the letter into his pocket.
"You're grinning like an idiot. It's from Hermione, isn't it?"
"Yes, it's from her. So what?" he shot back.
"Nothing, nothing," Ginny said with a smirk. "So, what did she write?"
"She… uh… invited me to spend the holidays at her place," Ron muttered, his ears turning bright red.
Ginny's eyes went wide. "WHAT?! Do you even realise what that means? Is Harry going too?"
"I don't know. She didn't mention him."
Ginny laughed. "Well then — good luck!"
"Good luck with what?"
"With Hermione, you idiot!"
Ron rolled his eyes and walked out of the room without another word. What on earth was she on about?
He went back to the kitchen — and this time, his dad was there too.
"Hey, Dad," he greeted.
"Hello, son! How are you?" his father asked.
"I'm good… actually, I've got a question," Ron said nervously.
Both of his parents looked at him curiously.
"Can I go to Hermione's for a few days? She invited me in a letter today," Ron asked.
"Sure," his dad replied.
"Thanks, Dad! We can use Floo powder to travel tomorrow, right?" Ron asked.
"Of course, I'll just check where the nearest magical fireplace is from their house," he said with a smile.
"Brilliant!" Ron shouted excitedly. "I'm going to write back to her!"
As he was about to leave the kitchen and rush upstairs, his mum called out, "Wait a moment! Will you be in separate rooms?"
"MUM!"
He quickly ran up the stairs to his room, slammed the door shut, grabbed some parchment, and began to write.
Dear Hermione,
Yes, everything is fine here. Actually, I'm a bit bored here without you and Harry as well.
The answer to your question is: YES!
I'd really love to spend this week with you and your parents, and Harry too if you've invited him.
And I don't think all Muggle things are boring! I can't wait!
Tomorrow, my dad and I will arrive at your place using Floo powder, around one o'clock.
I miss you too.
Love,
Ron
He placed the letter in an envelope and tied it to his owl.
"Take this to Hermione Granger, understand?"
Pigwidgeon hooted once in agreement and flew out of the open window. Ron watched the little owl as she flew away until she disappeared from sight.
He couldn't contain his excitement at the thought of tomorrow—seeing Hermione, her brown eyes, and her wild hair, which he so badly wanted to run his large hand through.