Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, any HP characters, canon plot lines and pairings; only the story line of this fic, dialogue, and other characters I may add. J.K. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter Series, and owns the rights to this amazing world she has thought up!
I will be updating as quickly as I can; I will try to do so about once or twice a week. I hope you like my story!
I walked into the Great Hall after Harry and Ron. My head hung low as I braced myself for the scene that awaited us. Dead friends, family members, and classmates lined the hall in rows. Among countless others, I spotted Remus and Tonks, Collin Creevey, Lavender Brown - not even she deserved such a fate - and finally… Fred. I held myself back as Ron approached his dead brother and began weeping. I wanted to run and comfort him, but I let him mourn alone.
Taking advantage of the hour long, "break" Voldemort had allotted to us, Harry ran up to Dumbledore's office to view the memory that Snape had given him. What he saw in that memory solidified his decision to go it alone to the forbidden forest. Snape did everything to protect him. He wasn't bad after all. Harry also discovered that he was a Horcrux, and needed to die in order to save those he loved. I was distraught as I had known this for a while, but hadn't thought about when it would become reality. We even tried convincing him in vain, to let us join him to the Forbidden Forest; but once Harry is decided on something, it's final.
Time seemed to slow as I gazed upon Harry lying limply in Hagrid's arms; my best friend, who was like a brother to me. I couldn't fathom what it would be like; not having Harry in my life was worse than anything. The time had finally come, and it was finally real. I then stole a glance over to Ginny. She was distraught and screaming, pulling at her father to let her go to him; to somehow save or avenge him. I was too shocked to move as Voldemort was summoning us to join him. My heart nearly stopped when Neville hobbled forward after Malfoy had joined his parents. What he did next was one of the bravest things I'd ever seen.
Neville's speech about Harry, and his legacy living on in our hearts; had resonated over Voldemort's laughter. I then saw Harry's body thump to the ground. I was appalled. "Hagrid wouldn't simply let him fall", I thought. I then saw Harry get up and cast Incendio towards Nagini. Talk about mixed emotions, I could hardly believe how quickly I went from despair to joy and pride.
Merely hours later, I was in the Great Hall flittering about helping Madam Pomfrey treat people's ailments. We had been mourning our dead and mending our wounded the entire time since the war's closure. I was trying my best to stay strong. I couldn't break at such a moment when Ron and the Weasley's needed support. I didn't allow myself to steal any glances toward the Weasley's or the dead. I knew that if I saw Ron's broken expression, my resolve would disintegrate.
There had been an announcement made by Proffesor McGonagall a little while after the battle; that the reconstruction of Hogwarts would ensue as soon as the dead and wounded were taken care of. All of the remaining staff volunteered to join in as well. Of course we were welcome back to the castle at any time, but our new headmistress suggested that we all meet up in two weeks to really begin the process. That way, we could send out notices to come and help as well as bury our dead.
Harry was comforting Ginny as she wept over her dead brother. George, after hours of crying, was nowhere to be seen; most likely roaming the castle. I felt a tinge of guilt as I saw Ginny lean into Harry and cry. I wished so badly that I could comfort Ron like that. I just didn't know how Ron would react to me watching him cry; especially after kissing in the heat of battle. I didn't know where we stood anymore. I suppose I didn't walk to him for mainly selfish reasons. I feared rejection, and knew I would break down if I received it. So, I continued on helping Madam Pomfrey.
About fifteen minutes later, Harry walked over to me and said, "You know, Ron really needs you right now. If you'd like, I could take over for you and help Madam Pomfrey. I'm sure Ginny should be fine for now." At my look of worry and protest, he said, "Please Hermione, he's in bloody pain and in love with you. It's been obvious since fourth year. If you can't see that now, I don't know if you ever will. You're supposed to comfort people you love, right?" I couldn't refute that argument. I was flustered at the fact that Harry had said it was obvious Ron was in love with me. I guess I had been in denial all these years, not thinking myself to be good enough. After me and Harry's chat, my resolve to stay away was officially broken.
I felt ashamed as I plodded across the Great Hall to where Ron was. I was mentally kicking myself for not going over sooner. The look in his eyes as he turned his head to meet me sent a chill down my spine. In a moment of desperation to make that look go away; I lunged forward, practically toppling him over. I embraced and soothed Ronald Weasley that day, like I had never soothed anyone before. Ron accepted my presence and crushed me in a vice-like hug. It was the most pleasant feeling ever - after his kiss of course. We didn't speak, as we didn't have to. Our embrace was enough to convey all the words in the world. I still had many doubts and insecurities, but for now; this was enough. I wanted so badly to reach up and kiss his cheeks or lips, but I didn't want to push the boundaries; when all he needed was consolation.
I was in love with Ronald Weasley – I just hoped that he could see it in my eyes, and that he returned my feelings with the same fervor.
Now, all I had to do was wait.
I'm sorry that was kinda short, I just really wanted to get through the scene that we all know the plot of. Please continue reading! I will be updating the next chapter ASAP! Within a week! Enjoy!
~HermioneGinnyKatnissPrim