Title: The Finer Things in Life pt. 2/4

Author: Deathangelgw

Challenge: Post Hogwarts- Ron and Harry try to prepare Hermione dinner with humorous results.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and co. belongs to J.K. Rowlings. Bless her heart! :P I waaaaaaaaant em!!

Warnings: AU, fluff, humor, sap.

Word Count: 1065 words

Rating: PG-13 at the worst!

Pairing: trio! Hr/HP/RW

Summary: Harry and Ron want to do something special for Hermione. But who knew Muggle cooking was so hard!

A/N: First, thanks to MA for the beta! I wuv yooooou! Secondly, this is for the triofqf on LJ. A special thanks to calliope_14 for 'leading' me here and to tarie for just being a great mod here! This is my first time writing Trio, so be brutal! Much thanks and feedback is very much appreciated! Enjoy!

'thoughts'

The scent of burning food drifted throughout the flat as Hermione came home from her day of work. She cocked an eyebrow and prayed silently that it wasn't what she was thinking it was as she went into the kitchen. She stopped in the doorway, staring as she took in the sight before her.

Clumps of dough were dripping slowly off of the counter as the juices from spilled cooking oil trickled to the floor. Peelings were scattered across the countertops, mingling with spilled spices, egg shells, and utensils. A figure was bent before the oven, coughing through the black billowing smoke that was coming from the open baking appliance.

She cleared her throat loudly and winced as the bent figure started, bumping his head on the oven top with a curse. "Ron? What are you doing?" she asked as she crossed her arms in front of her while leaning against the doorjamb.

Straightening in surprise, Ron looked over and flushed brightly, though it was barely seen through the soot and other various gobs of food on his face. "H-Hermione! You're home early!" he stuttered out nervously as he poked his fingers together in a gesture of uneasiness.

"No I'm not," Hermione said softly as she cocked her eyebrow, still waiting for an explanation.

Swallowing visibly, Ron looked around at the mess, then at the smoking oven. "I…er…um…"

"Hey Ron! I found the-Hermione! Y-You're home early!" Harry cried as he skidded to a halt at the other door, eyes wide and anxious as he held his wand and a large book.

Sighing in exasperation, Hermione rolled her eyes, flicked her wand out, and cleaned up the mess. She shook her head in disgust as she left the room, leaving them watching her in dismay and guilt. "Better get whatever you're baking out or it'll burn the house down." She called over her shoulder as she went to get ready for dinner…which was going to be out.

Ron and Harry looked at each other guiltily, then at the now clean countertops and the still smoking oven. "I…don't think she's happy, Ron." Harry mumbled as he opened the book, found the charm he needed, and put out the oven fire.

Sighing, Ron rubbed a hand on his face, smearing the soot and goop more. "We're never going to be able to do this by next week and she'll find out, Harry." he almost whined out, his voice cracking in his distress.

"Sure we will! We'll just…try something else!" Harry said in mock cheerfulness, though he was far from cheerful on the inside as he cleaned out the burned baking pan. "Maybe not soufflé next time…" he muttered as he wrinkled his nose, "I wonder what we messed up…"

"Maybe having it at 550 degrees wasn't such a smart idea. Though I still say the higher the temperature the faster it'll bake," Ron asserted stubbornly as he crossed his arms over his chest and glaring at the blackened food.

Harry snorted as he cleaned up the pots and put everything away. "Oh well…we'll try again tomorrow. Let's get cleaned up and take her out to dinner," he replied with a grin as Ron visibly brightened and ran out to get changed. Once alone, Harry crossed his fingers. 'Oh I hope we can learn this! It would be such a surprise for her…' he thought before leaving to get ready himself.

*~~**~~*

After dinner, the two Gryffindor males sat with their heads close together, as they perused the cookbooks in front of them. Hermione had gone to bed already, having made them promise not to cook anymore. Of course, not having seen the crossed fingers, she blissfully slept in the ‘sure knowledge’ that she was being obeyed.

“Hey look! Why don’t we try to make this chicken cord on blee uh?” Ron asked as he pointed to one of the recipes.

“Um…Ron? That’s Cordon Bleu,” Harry corrected his friend while a smirk, shaking his head as his friend cocked an eyebrow at him.

“The difference is…?” Ron asked in disbelief.

“The accent and tone. It’s French,” Harry replied with a shrug.

“French…they should be hung for such stupid words,” Ron muttered as he glared at the recipe for being so offensive. “So, whatcha think?” he asked impatiently as he waved his hand at the book.

“Hmmm…” Harry looked at the ingredients, not quite understanding what he was reading. “Well…I think so. We just need to get some of the ingredients for sure…” he murmured thoughtfully, then grinned at Ron. “Sure why not! Betcha we could talk to your mom if necessary,” he said as he stretched and yawned.

Ron watched him stretch, a soft blush covering his cheeks as he watched his best mate’s muscles ripple underneath the light t-shirt Harry was wearing for bed. He cleared his throat and looked away as Harry glanced at him in curiosity, then covered his slip by saying, “Well I don’t know on that. I mean…she talks a lot. You know women.”

“Eh, true…but she’d be a help,” Harry pointed out with a smile before standing and quietly closing the book. “All right…let’s head for bed. I’m beat,” he said as he stretched again and headed out. “Night Ron!”

“Yea…night…” Ron mumbled, his eyes trained on the piece of tight ass he was glimpsing as Harry’s boxer clad ass left the room. He sighed inwardly and scrubbed a hand over his face. ‘Mind off that, mate…he’d never go for it,’ he told himself firmly before getting up and shutting off the lights. Next day was gonna be busy!

TBC