13Hermione was, perhaps for the first time in her life, completely and utterly speechless. She reached across the table to where Ron had placed an open jewellery case containing a diamond solitaire. She grasped her fingers around it, slowly and lifted it closer to her, brushing her fingers over its surface and admiring it whole-heartedly.
"Oh Ron" was all she was able to mutter as she watched the precious stone catch in the subtle lighting of the quiet and sparsely occupied restaurant.
"It's gorgeous Ron. My grandmother…" Ron waited on tenterhooks as she sought the words to finish her sentence, not catching up quickly enough to see where she was going nor watching closely enough to see her examine the ring in minute detail; quite a feat given the current 'mood lighting'.
Hermione somehow found her voice, and a reproachful glare, which Ron did see, just in time for what was next.
"My grandmother had a ring just like this… This is my Grandma Rose's ring isn't it? How did you get my Grandma Rose's ring?"
Ron could only sputter and mumble as Hermione continued, not seeming to care that her voice was growing in volume and starting to draw attention of the few other diners and the waiting staff.
"This is my grandmother's ring Ronald. How did you get this? Is this what mum and dad were up to this afternoon?" Her mind was whirring faster than she had ever imagined and she suddenly turned on Ron accusingly, "You asked my father's permission didn't you?" Her voice reaching its crescendo, she stopped as suddenly as she had started. The other guests and staff were now staring as Ron found his own voice.
"No. Not technically speaking. No." His attempts at hushed tones turned into hesitations as he spoke; his voice lost underneath hers as she processed what he had confessed.
"Not technically speaking? And what on earth is THAT supposed to mean?"
"I… He…" Ron sighed and spoke softly to start, honesty being the best policy "Your dad guessed I was going to ask. He told me what I already knew – that it was a stupid idea; but then he disappears and comes back with your mum in tow who whisks you off back to the kitchen and…" He stopped abruptly, suddenly aware of the huge detour their conversation had taken. He was vaguely aware that he too was now standing, voice much louder than the hushed tones he'd started in, but it was too late to do anything about it as his mouth carried on, now sounding quite as irate as Hermione.
"Are you going to marry me or what?" Both slightly taken aback at the shouting match his proposal had become; Hermione stuttered, but didn't hesitate.
Their acquired audience watched intently for her reaction and applauded as she whispered her reply and flung herself, quite out of character, into his arms for a hug and romantic kiss, all words forgotten.