Harry and I were in my room at the Borrow. Both of us were lying on our respective beds staring up at the ceiling. It had been almost a month since the defeat of Voldemort and the parade of funerals that followed. Hermione had just returned from lifting the spell on her parents and it was obvious from her face that things didn't go well.
When she arrived, she said that they had decided to stay in Australia for a while. That was it – all she said behind a fake smile. After a little more prodding by mum she finally revealed that they were upset that she used magic on them and that she missed her last year.
"I assured them that I was returning to complete my training but they were still disappointed. It didn't seem to matter that we defeated the darkest wizard of all time. They didn't like that I went around the countryside with two boys." We all had a feeling that more was said but we couldn't get it out of her.
After dinner, Ginny suggested that she and Hermione go to her room for some girl talk and a slumber party. It was really ridiculous and obviously Ginny's way of trying to get more information out of her. I was put out because I hadn't had any alone time with her and now they were closed up in Ginny's room doing Merlin knows what.
Suddenly there was a crack. I looked up to see George. He was hardly himself since Fred died but he was trying to get himself out of it. He had already gone back to work and to living in their flat above the store so I was really surprised to see him back tonight after dinner.
"George, don't do that! You know it freaks me out." I said.
"That's why I do it little bro." He turned to Harry, "He's worried I'll find him and Hermione up here for a snog."
"Shut up!" I barked as Harry gave a big laugh.
"Hey, I'm here to help." George pulled out of his pocket some extendable ears. "The latest version of a masterpiece – new and improved; guaranteed to break any feeble charm Hermione tried to put on Ginny's door."
"Even the Impenetrable charm?" Harry asked as he examined his.
"Well, not that one. But what would they need something that strong for." George looked satisfied with himself. "Well, I leave you boys to it. I'm back to the flat."
He disappeared as quickly as he came. Harry and I looked at each other, smirked then nodded. We then sent the other end of the ears under the door and down to Ginny's.
George was right – the reception on the ears was greatly improved. Something must have been funny since they were laughing hysterically.
"That color hair certainly doesn't work for you Gin; blue streaks aren't Harry's thing. You look like Tonks!"
The laughter abruptly stopped and there was silence. Finally Ginny spoke up, "It's not like we can't talk about her. Her hair was always fun."
"You're right, to Tonks!" Hermione said as though raising a glass.
Harry looked at me and asked "are they drinking?"
"Nah…" I replied but didn't know the answer.
We started listening again and picked up on Ginny. "It is sad about little Teddy though. He's just like Harry – you know, growing up without parents."
"I have a feeling he'll be well taken care of. Harry's his godfather and we both know he'll be good to him." Hermione replied. "Speaking of babies…the way you and Harry have been sneaking off – I hope I don't hear the pitter patter of Potter feet any time soon."
My head nearly spun off as I looked over to Harry you was frantically shaking his head no. I was preparing to kill when…
"Oh Merlin, could you imagine. Being the only girl, there wouldn't be much left after my brothers got him and then mum would castrate him. Besides, I'm not ready for that anyway and I know Harry would never pressure me." Ginny's words sent a wave of relief down my body and I gave Harry a look that promised death if he touched my sister. "Well, what about you and Ron?"
"What about us?"
"You know any progress?"
"No. Since we kissed in the battle there hasn't been much time for anything." Then she sounded exasperated, "Gin, I honestly don't know where we stand. It's like he's afraid to be alone with me."
"Truthfully, he hasn't had much of a chance to be alone with you and he really isn't the sneak off kind of guy."
"True." Hermione seemed to be reflecting on something.
"Hermione, I have a little confession to make and I just have to get it off my chest."
"What?" There was a long pause. "You can tell me anything Gin." I have to admit, I was a little concerned over what my sister was going to say.
"I'm the reason for the whole Ron-Lavender debacle. I made fun of Ron and threw it in his face about you and Krum kissing and I never thought he'd go straight to Lavender. I thought I was nudging him in your direction. I'm so sorry…you were miserable for so long because of that." This time a wave of guilt came over me.
"What's done it done." The sad tone in Hermione's voice made me feel even worse; I had treated her so terrible that year.
Harry took out the earpiece. "Ron, it's the past you two are together now and that's what matters. Don't mope over it and mess everything up."
"You're right." I stately simply and we tried to catch back up with their conversation.
"I couldn't believe that he showed up here for the wedding. He sure has nerve." Gin said. Harry and I looked at each other and shrugged, both wondering who she was referring to.
"You couldn't believe it – what about me!!" Exclaimed Hermione. "When I saw him I dropped that bag I had been working on and it made a terrible noise. Everyone looked at it and I was sure I had given that away. Then he says something about me looking wonderful and Ron was there. I was so afraid Viktor was going to say something to him." There was a short pause. "Then he came and sat down with us. Luckily Ron was angry so he dragged me to the dance floor."
My mind began to race and I looked to Harry, who again gave a shrug. What would Hermione not want Krum to tell me?
Then it sounded like one of them was starting to cry. "Oh Hermione, what happened wasn't your fault. You know that right?"
"I know but I still can't believe I went there. Ron can never find out."
I was beginning to have a panic feeling. What had happened and where did she go?
"Don't worry, I won't tell him. But he has no business saying anything about you going to spend Christmas with Viktor in Bulgaria – he was with Lavender after all. Besides, if I told him what happened he'd probably kill Viktor and that wouldn't be any good." She gave a little laugh.
Hermione had gone to Bulgaria to be with Krum! I could feel the anger welling up in me. Harry put his hand on my shoulder to calm me down and we continued to listen.
"I still worry about what would have happened if his dad hadn't walked in."
"It sounds to me like you were handling yourself. I was surprised that Krum's voice wasn't permanently falsetto much less the fact he was walking around." They both laughed. "Really Hermione, if Ron does find out, it will be okay. He was with Lavender at the time."
My anger was now directed only at Krum. "Harry, is it me or did it sound like Krum attacked her? I'll kill him."
"Ron, that's why they aren't telling you about it, sounds like Hermione was able to stop him and worked him over pretty good."
I felt a mixture of guilt and anger. If I hadn't been with Lavender, she would have been here at the Burrow and not with that creep. I jabbed the earpiece back in and continued my torture.
"Do you think that he and Lavender ever…you know?" Hermione asked in a rather nervous voice, as though not really wanting the answer.
It was my turn to shake my head vigorously in defense as Harry simply laughed at me.
"Merlin no!" Ginny yelled. "That's simply sick! Besides I know my brother and he wouldn't do that even if Lavender came up to him fully naked. He'd be too scared. Plus he's a Weasley and a Gryffindor." There was a brief silence then Ginny continued, "I'm serious Hermione, they didn't do anything more than kiss. Besides Lavender loved to talk about she dumped Ron and that he was a complete dud in the romance department."
Now I was embarrassed and Harry's laughter became uncontrollable.
Hermione also gave a chuckle, "Are you serious?"
"Oh yeah. Lavender was a piece of work last year. She spent most of it secretly meeting Ernie McMillan."
"Wait, what about Hannah?" Hermione asked with obvious shock in her voice.
"I know, poor Hannah. When a bunch of us confronted her – including Parvati, she asked me if I was upset that Ernie could get some and my brother couldn't. I was so repulsed and informed her I didn't need to know about my brother's love life. That's when she started yelling about Ron – but why would I care about that stuff? She is such a slag."
They began to talk about their hair again so Harry and I decided to put the extendable ears away before discovery.
"Okay Harry, what are our plans for Krum?"
"What plans? You aren't supposed to know about anything. Hermione will tell you whenever she's ready."
"Damn Lavender." I then looked to Harry. "Honestly, we never did anything and if I hear you do anything of the sort with Ginny, I'm fine with serving out a sentence in Azkaban – especially since the dementors are gone."
Harry looked slightly worried, "Ron, I would never pressure Ginny. But what about five years from now?" He asked with a little grin.
"My sister will always be celibate; I don't care if you're married." I gave him a serious look and the subject was permanently dropped.
"I wish we had found out more about her parents."
"Ron, she'll also tell you that when she's ready."
I gave him a little acknowledgement and lay back on my bed. I eventually drifted off into a restless sleep. I dreamed of horrible things happening to Hermione and then her and Krum running off together. Needless to say, the next morning I was not a happy camper.
--
I was very grumpy the next morning as I stomped downstairs and plopped down for breakfast.
"Did you not sleep well dear?" Asked my mum and I looked up to see everyone looking at me with a slightly puzzled look.
"No." I said and began to eat my eggs. I saw Hermione and Ginny glance at each other with a weary expression.
"Well, now that you're up, I thought we could take a trip to Diagon Alley today and get things for the school year. Hogwarts letters arrived early this morning with special ones for you three." Mum said indicating Harry, Hermione and me.
The others opened their letter and I tossed my back on the table. Something that did not go unnoticed by mum, "you certainly are going back for your final year Ronald. You have no qualifications. If you think the Order of Merlin First Class is going to let you fly through life you are sadly mistaken."
Everyone at the table gasped. Order of Merlin First Class? What was she talking about? Dad folded up the Prophet. "Molly, that hasn't been announced yet." He then looked at Harry, Hermione and I. "There is going to be a post-war celebration and you three will be receiving the Order of Merlin First Class. It hasn't, however, been officially announced or approved. But with Kingsley in charge and the feelings of the Wizengamot, it's safe to say it's in the bag." He had a huge grin on his face.
The three of us were speechless. "Congratulations!" Ginny squeaked giving Harry a big kiss, receiving chastising looks from mum.
"You aren't being ignored either Ginevra." Dad stated, "Everyone in the battle will be receiving the Order of Merlin. Most will get Third Class, but some, like Neville, are to receive Second Class."
I couldn't help but have a grin from ear to ear. Wow, the Order of Merlin. I was also happy for Neville and all the others.
"Ron," said Hermione with a gentle tone, "you have to come back for your final year. The letter says that they have created a special dormitory for those who missed the last year. There will be several of us since the Muggle-borns were forbidden to return. I've been made co-head girl." She smiled. "I wonder who the other one is."
"It's probably Polly Pringle. She's a Ravenclaw in my year and everyone knows it will go to her." Said Ginny.
I opened my letter to find that I was still a prefect and that we could be try out the quidditch teams if we wanted. It also said that each of us will have our own room and that the new dormitory is located in the old Room of Requirement. It didn't really sound so bad and it would be different to have a year without fighting for our lives.
"Well I think you should all have to repeat your last year. Ginny didn't learn anything under those idiots." Mum said as she began to busy herself with dishes.
"Well I'm looking forward to a Voldemort free year!" Exclaimed Harry and we couldn't agree more.