Confession

Description: Ron explains to Harry what happened between him and Hermione at Dumbledore's funeral.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

A/N: This one shot is in Ron's POV (differing from the other two in the series).

I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked when tears ran down her face that melancholy day. Of course, I would never admit it to Harry that I could hardly take my eyes off her, especially at Dumbledore's funeral for Christ's sake. So, I just proceeded to tell him what happened (he looked as though he were about to throw a fit) and leave out some details that were still fresh in my memory.

All four of us were sitting there throughout the ceremony. My sister, Ginny, was sobbing loads and Harry looked shaded and sullen, but perhaps he just didn't want to show emotion. Dammit, why couldn't I be like him? Why couldn't I sit there, and not cry? It took every ounce of my effort to keep those tears from falling.

It had ended and it finally hit me. That Dumbledore, really was gone. He wasn't able to help any of us now. The wizarding world was certainly at a great loss.

We were all standing up now. I caught a glance at the other students; most of their faces were red and others had their heads bent in sorrow.

I saw Harry pull Ginny to the side and wondered what they were talking about. On the other hand, maybe it wasn't something I wanted to hear.

And then there was Hermione. She still managed a smile at me through her tears.

"Please stop. I can't stand you crying," I said quietly.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because…I can't help but think that I caused you to cry last year. I know I acted like a prat, but I never meant to hurt you."

"I know."

"God, Hermione. I'm sorry. I really screwed everything up between us didn't I? I'm so sorry."

"Oh Ron…"

At this she started to cry harder and I embraced her. No more words were exchanged between us. None had to be. This just made sense. It was right.

That's when I messed things up again. She looked up at me and I just had to. So I did. I kissed her.

But she didn't want me to. She put her hand on my chest and pushed me away. Not hard, though.

"Ron…we can't. Not here, not now…"

I felt myself nodding dumbly.

"You understand, don't you?"

"Of course," I said and she pulled me into a hug.

I placed my hand in her hair and started crying.