Facing The Future
Disclaimer: JKR is the genius. I just play with the characters.
Chapter 1As Harry walked away following the Dursleys, it was Hermione and Ron's time to say goodbye. After everything that had happened this year, this goodbye seemed to be different. More poignant somehow. The incident in the Department of Mysteries had understandably brought them closer together. To go through something so horrific and survive was bound to create some kind of bond, but really, the whole year and been the dawning of a new era for the pair. They hadn't argued half as much and they found themselves increasingly relying on each other to get through Harry's mood swings.
The last few years had been adventurous but this year, everything had changed. They had all been in mortal peril. Any one of them could have died. They had been lucky this time yet they didn't feel lucky. They had lost a friend and the thought that Sirius was the first of many to fall was sickeningly real. Now Voldemort had shown himself to the wizarding world, they were at war. A place where nowhere was completely safe. All these concerns were at the forefront of their minds. They were so young to be confronting these fears yet they had to cope. They had to be strong for Harry. Harry had been through more than they could ever understand and was becoming increasingly reclusive. Ron and Hermione knew that all they could do was be there for him when he wanted to talk or take his mind off his troubles. They knew that the future was so uncertain for all of them. They must help each other out and be there for each other, no matter what happened.
As Hermione turned around to face Ron, her parents shouted to her, "Hermione, we'll just take your things to the car". "Ok Mum, I'll be there in a minute" Hermione replied. Mrs Weasley bustled over to them and gave Hermione a warm hug, "Make sure you let us know you're ok and remember, your welcome at the Burrow whenever you like. You're part of the family, you know" she looked knowingly at Ron at this point, making him blush, "Ron, we had better be going too". Ron nodded at his mother as she walked towards the rest of the Weasleys, making sure they all had their belongings and ushering them off the platform.
Awkwardly, Ron and Hermione looked at each other, not quite knowing how to say goodbye. Ron scratched the back of his head and stared at the floor, prolonging the moment. Hermione made the first move and wrapped her arms around Ron. Surprisingly for her, Ron returned her hug and they stood there on the platform. It seemed like forever that they held each other yet it was only a matter of seconds.
Ron choked, "I'll miss you". "Miss you too, Ron" she replied and with this, she turned to follow her parents, a single tear trickling down her cheek. Nearly out of earshot she heard a familiar shout, "I'll write". "Make sure you do Ronald Weasley. Make sure you do", she whispered to herself.