Chapter 454: Engagement
Chapter 454: Engagement
Seeing Liam run down to the stage and call them over, the Weasley Twins found it a bit strange. Previously, Liam had always ended class on time and never lingered.
"Guys, I need to waste a bit of your time for something important", Liam said with a smile, looking at Fred and George standing in the classroom. "You two are my closest friends at school, so I need you to witness something important today."
"Something important?" The Weasley Twins exchanged a glance and put on serious expressions. They then straightened their robes. "If it's that formal, we are honored to be your witnesses."
Though the Weasley Twins were usually quite lively, even a bit goofy, if you were their friend, you’d know that they were absolutely reliable when you truly needed their help.
"Thanks!" Liam waited a few minutes until the Reading Club members left. Then, he led Hermione, who had been waiting outside, up to the stage.
"What are you doing?" Hermione stood on the stage, a bit puzzled. Then she saw Liam turn to face her, step forward, and kneel down on one knee. In his left hand, he held a silver box, and with his right hand, he opened it and held the lid. Inside the box, a glittering ring was revealed.
"Hermione Jane Granger", Liam looked into Hermione's eyes with a gaze full of love. "I love you. Will you marry me?"
As a complete novice in matters of the heart, Liam didn’t know many flowery words. After racking his brain, he decided to keep it simple with a straightforward "marry me." Though the words were simple, the genuine and intense emotion behind them made Hermione's heart skip a beat.
Having followed Liam through many challenging adventures, and even recently returning from the World of the Dead, Hermione had experienced more than most adults. Most things no longer stirred her deeply, but Liam’s words made her feel she was encountering the most special moment of her life.
Even when she first discovered she was a witch, or when she first defeated a villain, or even when she was recently brought back to life, nothing compared to the feeling she had right now.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Hermione took a small step forward, took the ring, and gently held Liam's hand.
"Yes! I would be honored. I will be your wife and stay by your side forever", her voice filled with joy and excitement. "I thought, I thought you wouldn’t—"
Liam stood up and embraced Hermione. "I may be a bit slow at times and not as romantic as some, but I’m not stupid. I know what’s in my heart. Even if it might seem a bit chauvinistic, I still believe I should take the initiative at a moment like this."
They looked into each other's eyes, both smiling. At that moment, applause broke out from the side.
"Congratulations, congratulations!" "Yes, we wish you all the best!" The Weasley Twins, who had been shocked by Liam’s proposal, started clapping enthusiastically. Their exaggerated smiles made it seem as if they were celebrating their own good fortune with Liam.
The Weasley Twins never expected Liam to choose them as witnesses for his proposal. They thought that, given their age, they were still far from such formal occasions, and Liam had plenty of friends. But Liam had chosen them.
As the Weasley Twins clapped, Liam kissed Hermione, who was in his arms. He then took her left hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. Fred and George watched this moment with bated breath, not wanting to disturb this important moment.
This ring is an exquisitely crafted silver ring, adorned with a stunning transparent diamond. Hermione swore she had never seen such beautiful jewelry, and she could feel an overwhelmingly sacred power emanating from it.
Even as a girl who usually focuses on her studies and doesn't care much for dressing up, Hermione couldn't help but be drawn to the sparkle of such a beautiful piece.
Liam smiled happily at Hermione's obvious delight with the ring. He knew how important this was, so he naturally chose the best. Thorin Oakenshield had crafted the ring's band from Mithril, and then Liam had it set with an Elven White Gem he had purchased in Mirkwood.
During his trip to Mirkwood, Liam happened to meet Galadriel, who was visiting at the time. Upon learning that Liam needed a ring for a proposal, Galadriel, grateful for Liam's efforts in driving out the darkness of Zhongtu, infused the gem with the light of Eärendil's Star. Thus, this gem was not just a beautiful engagement ring but also a powerful magic item.
"Hermione, let's get engaged this summer vacation. Then, after we finish our Seventh Year and graduate, we'll leave the school and get married. From now on, I will always be by your side", Liam said solemnly, pausing between each word.
Hermione looked at Liam's face, listening to his solemn promise, her cheeks flushing so red it seemed the blood might drip out. She embraced Liam again, tilting her head up slightly and closing her eyes.
Liam, of course, knew what to do. He took a deep breath and, amid the applause and cheers of the Weasley Twins, leaned in and kissed her.
Naturally, this couldn't be kept a secret, especially not from witnesses like George and Fred, who were anything but reserved. Soon, all of Liam's acquaintances knew about it.
In the magical world, many pureblood families arranged marriages for their children at a very young age. So, Liam and Hermione's engagement didn't attract much attention, and their friends all offered their congratulations.
Some Muggle-born wizards, like Hermione's roommate Angela Marcus, thought their engagement was a bit early. However, after learning about their battle at the Ministry of Magic, she understood their decision.
"If I had a partner who shared life and death with me, I would want to marry them right away too", Angela commented after hearing part of the story from the Ministry.
Ginny, with a touch of envy, blessed Hermione. As a member of a pureblood family, she didn't think Hermione and Liam were too young to be engaged. However, she was well aware of Harry's heavy burden and never brought up the topic in front of him.
Additionally, Harry, Ron, and Neville all sent their congratulations. Even Professor Mcgonagall, when she encountered the two in the corridor the next afternoon, offered her blessings—not as a professor or head of Gryffindor, but as a comrade-in-arms from the battle at the Ministry of Magic.
On the day of the proposal, Liam and Hermione wrote to their parents immediately. This also explained the letter from Dumbledore. After sending the letters, Liam could only hope everything would go smoothly, as his past life as a bachelor left him with no experience in dealing with future in-laws.
(End of Chapter)
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