AN: Hello readers! I've decided to start a new fic, which will be centred around Ron and Hermione. It's not going to be a continuous fic, but rather a series of one-shots which will be set during the Nineteen Years Later and after. Yes, yes, I know this has been done millions of times before but I've decided to give it a whirl myself and it is something I can occupy my time with while I think of ideas for my Pirates of the Caribbean fic - Figure of the Past. The one-shots will not be posted in any particular order, just as the ideas come to me, but now and again they might well be connected. Also, even though the majority of this fic will be showing the relationship between Ron and Hermione, some of the one-shots might be based on other issues which will be shown from one or the other's point of view. This first one-shot is based the day after the battle & focuses on the grief that all the Weasleys, along with Hermione and Harry, are facing after the death of Fred. I have no idea how many one-shots I intend to write, will just see how many ideas come to me. The rating for this fic is T because it might include bad language, violence or perhaps a little lemony content; I have no idea what I will come up with so I'm just giving this warning just in case, but if I do happen to include a bit more "suggestive" content, I'll rate that particular chapter M to be on the safe side, although I very much doubt the content would be that descriptive. Anyway, enough chatter and let us get started, enjoy!
Disclaimers: Unfortunately my name is not J.K Rowling, therefore I own nothing of the Wizarding World *goes into a corner and sobs*.
Perfecting The Golden Years
Grief at The Burrow
Pop. The sun beat down onto the funny looking house on the outskirts of Ottery St. Catchpole as figures appeared out of thin air in front of it. The sun seemed to reflect the happiness the people of the Wizarding World were feeling now that the battle was over and the Dark Lord was defeated. The grimness slowly started to fade now that they could rest easy and not fear for their lives or their families, allowing themselves to return to normality and rejoice their freedom. However not all had this opportunity, for the darkness still clouded over some and was going to take time for it to disappear completely.
The Weasleys stood motionless for a moment, merely staring at their home but without really seeing it. The Burrow looked dark and miserable, even from the outside, clearly showing signs of neglect. The door was hanging off its hinges, indicating that the Death Eaters had broken the barriers that were securing their home shortly after they had left for their Aunt Muriel's home. Dirt smudged the windows and a layer of dust could be seen on the window sills on the inside of the house. Molly Weasley's knees buckled from underneath her and she sunk to the partially muddy grass, overcome with grief – it was too much for her heart to take, seeing her home that she raised her family in, in tatters immediately after she had lost one of her boys forever.
"Charlie, can you help me get your mother into the house?" Arthur asked his second oldest son.
"Of course dad. Come on mum, lets get you inside." Charlie replied as he took her one arm and his father took the other. They heaved her to her feet and led her through the doorway; her sobs could be heard from outside as the three made their way up the first flight of stairs, not even stopping to survey the damage of the ground floor for fear of Molly breaking down even more than she already had.
Hermione and Harry stood at the sidelines as they watched the family that had more-or-less taken them in fall apart. It was unfair that a family who were so loving had to go through so much hurt and heartache. The two of them felt distant from the rest, as if they were intruding on a very personal time.
"Maybe we should go back to Hogwarts and see if the teachers need any more help, Harry?" Hermione whispered. "Leave them to grieve as a family and come back later." Harry nodded in agreement and as they readied their wands to apparate back to the gates of what was now the remains of their childhood 'home', a voice stopped them.
"Nonsense," Bill interrupted. "We will all go back when the time seems fit enough to help with what we can, but for now we will stay as a family, all of us."
"But Bill, we know how hard this must be for all of you, we wouldn't want to intrude..."
"Why would you intrude Hermione? You have been a part of this family for a very long time and I know you will be so, officially, in the near future." He gave her a knowing smile, which made her cheeks redden and wonder if it was obvious to everyone that her and Ron had become extremely close as of late? Were they even together now, after their passionate moment outside the Room of Requirement? "The same goes for you, Harry."
"Are you sure, Bill..."
"Positive Miss Granger." Bill answered, pulling her into his arms, squeezing her warmly to reassure her that she needn't be anywhere else. "Besides," he carried on as he let her go and turned towards Harry. "We owe a lot of gratitude to both you and the Chosen One here, saving our world and all." Harry shifted uncomfortably, not wanting any more added attention.
"Not necessary Bill, everyone did their fair share, including your brother." Harry stated..
"I'm sure he did," Bill's smile grew a little, proud of his youngest brother. "Who knew our little Ronnie would become friends with the Boy Who Lived and the brightest witch of her age all those years ago and end up becoming a war hero?" A distant slam of a door, on what sounded like one of the higher levels of the Burrow, could be heard from where they stood outside and broke them out of their moment of peacefulness. They turned to notice that both George and Ron had now dispersed from the group. Bill looked towards his wife and saw that she was comforting his sister – it seemed that since the wedding, they had acted a little more friendly towards one another and now with the sudden tragedy that had struck all their lives, they were pulled closer to lean on each other for comfort; it was not the best of situations to form a friendship but in the hardest of times, family stuck together and are those you look towards to pull you up again.
"George?" he enquired and his wife nodded in response, all the while stroking Ginny's hair. Bill sighed, lowering his head, unsure of what to do.
All the Weasleys, Hermione and Harry included, had all lost someone dear the moment Fred was taken away from them and all were hurting painfully, but none as painfully as George. Being twins, Fred and George had a connection that the rest couldn't compete with and now that connection was broken, like half of George was missing and could never be replaced. Since the battle had ended, George hadn't spoken a word; when they first found Fred's body, before Voldemort had been defeated, he had accepted comfort from his family because of being too shocked to do much else but since then, he stayed silent and away, preferring to mourn alone. Bill had convinced him to go home with them but the only response he gave was to silently follow the rest of his family to the apparation point and to get away from them as quickly as possible, to the seclusion of his & his twin's childhood bedroom. Bill knew he was a ticking time bomb, the question was when he was going to explode?
"Perhaps you should leave him alone for the time being, Bill? Let him try and sort out how he's feeling." Hermione suggested.
"But he shouldn't have to be alone, Hermione," Bill replied. "We're his family, we're in this together."
"I know, but he's feeling something that the rest of us will never understand." Bill was about to respond but she quickly carried on before he could interrupt her. "I know Fred was family to you too Bill, but he was George's twin. They spent every minute of their time together, knew exactly what the other was feeling and thinking at all times; it's hard to get in between a bond that close." Bill nodded in silent agreement, knowing that what she said was true. "Just give him some time and if he doesn't come around, then someone can help him."
"Has anyone ever told you how smart you are, Hermione?" Hermione gave a small laugh, glad for something to break the tension. "Ron better have the sense to not let you go." For the second time a blush tinged her cheeks. It was then that something clicked in her mind: Ron too was missing. She twisted her head around a couple of times frantically, trying to see where he had gone
"But where is R..." She stopped mid-sentence when she spotted him walking down the field the family had played countless games of Quidditch in. She made to follow him when Bill's voice stopped her once again.
"I think Ron may need a little time too, Hermione." She was about to protest, but like herself, he carried on before she could – he almost laughed aloud at how the tables had turned around. "He's not good at expressing his emotions, you of all people should know that." Hermione looked to her feet, a little embarrassed. "He won't need as long as George, guaranteed, but give him at least a couple of hours to himself.
"He won't heal in that short space of time but let him have this time to gather his thoughts, then go to him – he's going to need you, Hermione, even if he doesn't say it aloud." Hermione nodded as here eyes once again found Ron, shoulders hunched and head down as he walked.
"Bill?" Fleur called. "I am going to take Ginny in zee 'ouse, but what about..." her voice trailed off as she looked towards Percy.
"I'll take care of it Fleur, you both go ahead." And so the French beauty and the fiery red-head made their way inside.
Percy. Bill had almost forgot about him. It was hard not to considering the third eldest had not been part of their family for the past couple of years. He still held a slight hatred against Percy for breaking his parents' hearts and turning his back on his own flesh and blood, but looking at him now, it was hard to stay angry at him completely. Percy looked deflated, lonely and pathetic – he obviously held a lot of guilt over his head. He had finally come to his senses about where his loyalties lay and at last minute decided to leave his Ministry position and join the side that mattered, but he deeply regretted for walking out on his family and would do so for the rest of his life. Then there was Fred. Exhilaration and pride surged through his body while he was fighting alongside his brother, but then he had made that silly joke - if he hadn't then neither of them would have got distracted and Fred wouldn't have got killed. That's how he saw it. He had only just reunited with his family and one of them was then cruelly taken away, all because of him.
Bill made his way over to his long-lost brother, who stood stock still, staring into space and seemed unaware of Bill's presence.
"Perce?" Bill began, gaining his brother's attention, although he still looked as though he was unsure of where he was or why. "You okay?"
"I..." In truth, he wasn't okay, but how was he supposed to express that to someone he had previously betrayed? Bill wouldn't forgive him, none of them would and they shouldn't have to; what he did was despicable and he should pay for it by wallowing in his own pain, alone. But he wanted nothing more than Bill to take him in his arms and hold him like he did when Charlie or the twins would make fun of him in their younger days. As if reading his thoughts, Bill stepped forward and hugged his brother tightly. Percy wrapped his arms around Bill in return and began to fall apart.
"It's my fault Bill," he cried. "He died because of me!"
"It's no-one's fault but the bastards who did this Perce, especially not yours."
"But I distracted him Bill, if I hadn't then he would be here right now!"
"You can't know that Perce."
"Bill's right, Percy," Harry added. "And it wasn't your fault. You making that joke made Fred's night and he died with a smile on his face, he wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
"But he shouldn't have died at all!"
"Harry knows that, Perce," Bill intervened, before an argument broke out. "That wasn't what he meant. He just meant that if he were to...go, Fred would have wanted to by doing what he did best: joking and laughing. And I know...I know it made him happy that he got to make-up with his big brother first...even if he did think you were a pompous arse." Percy gave a watery chuckle before it turned back agonizing sobs.
"I'm sorry, Bill," he sobbed. "You too, Harry...I'm so sorry...for everything."
"Shh Perce, it's okay, it's going to be okay." Bill whispered, letting a few of his own tears trickle down his cheeks as he tried to comfort his brother, not quite sure if he believed his own words. "Lets get you settled back into your old room, huh?" Percy looked up from where he had been weeping into Bill's shoulder and nodded his head in agreement, greatly resembling his seven year old self. "Okay. Come along you two," he called behind him as he led Percy inside. The two looked at one another, Hermione wiping her tears away with her sleeve and Harry shrugged, indicating that they should follow.
As they both entered the house that they had spent a good many of their school holidays in, Hermione gasped as she took in their surroundings: coats of dust covered every item her eyes came across, curtains ripped, chairs knocked over and broken, stuffing ripped out of pillows and seat cushions. Dishes, lamps and other household objects had been shattered all over the floor, shelves had been tipped over and the beautiful Weasley clock had been smashed to smithereens. It looked the total opposite of how she remembered, which upset her even more. Harry looked just as devastated.
"I guess this confirms the Death Eaters did manage to break in here." Harry said quietly. Hermione couldn't stand the house being in this sort of state, especially after everything, the Weasleys didn't deserve it.
"Perhaps we should clean up for them?" Hermione suggested. "I think it's the least we can do." Harry agreed. All the Weasleys, minus Ron, were upstairs, so they knew they had time to make the downstairs look presentable and not bother them in their time of grief. They took out their wands, Hermione looking at the one she still owned of Bellatrix's with disgust – she would have to get a new one – and began to tidy, starting with the living room. It was a sort of comfort to the both of them by keeping their minds occupied with something other than loss: Harry blamed himself for the entire ordeal – not just the loss of Fred, but the war as a whole – and Hermione was overcome with grief for everyone that was lost, heartache that her parents were still clueless to their daughter's situation (or that they had a daughter at all) in Australia and worry over Ron coping, that taking their time to clean the Burrow was a relief. It took up more time than they thought considering the mess but eventually everything was in its proper place, as it should be. They looked at their work with pride.
"There," Hermione announced. "I think that should about do it."
"Do you reckon we should tidy upstairs as well?" Harry asked.
"I don't see why not, come on." They made their way upstairs floor at a time, agreeing to stay away from Ginny's, Percy's, George's and Molly and Arthur's rooms for the time being, and cleaned the house as best as possible. They finally made their way to Ron's room and found that it wasn't damaged in any sort of way, probably due to the fact that the ghoul was still residing there and none of the Death Eaters dared get close to it. Harry returned it back to the attic, it groaning as it went, while Hermione busied herself with getting rid of the dust. After making sure everything was spick-and-span, they made their way back downstairs, calling it a job well done. They were going to try their hand at preparing some food for everyone, remembering they hadn't eaten since god knows what time, when they remembered there was no food in the house. This is when Fleur decided to make an appearance.
"Goodness, look at thees place!" exclaimed Fleur. "You 'ave done a magnificent job, everyone will be so grateful, to zee both of you."
"How's Ginny?" Harry asked innocently.
"She ees...coping 'Arry," she replied grimly. "I'm sure she would like eet if you went up an' seen 'er." He muttered his thanks and made his way to her room. Fleur turned to Hermione, who was staring out the window.
"I am sure Ron would like eet if you went to see 'im as well, 'Ermione." Hermione turned her head back quickly to look at Fleur.
"But Bill said..."
"You 'ave given 'im 'is time, I am sure eet wouldn't 'urt now to go see where 'ee ees. As Bill said, Ron is going to need you."
"But I was going to..." Hermione looked towards the kitchen but Fleur took her hint and cut her off.
"I will go out and buy some groceries. You, go!" she demanded, pointing towards the front door and so Hermione quickly left, not wanting to get on Fleur's bad side.
Ron was sitting with his back against an old tree, much like the one situated by the Black Lake at Hogwarts, where Hermione had spent many a sunny day in the holidays reading by while the others played a game of Quidditch. Those days were long gone however, replaced by nothing but haunted memories of the last year. Hermione watched him, knees pulled up to his chest, as he stared out at the many surrounding fields and the tiny village of Ottery St Catchpole in the distance. He didn't seem to be crying but she knew on the inside he was broken. She came up behind him and placed her hand on his shoulder. His body tensed but he didn't turn to look at her.
"Ron?" He didn't answer her. "I...I won't bother asking if you're all right, I know that you wouldn't be...not yet." Nothing. "Do...do you want to talk about it?" She sighed, unsure of what to do next, so she settled for sitting next to him, waiting until he was ready – she wouldn't give up on him, she never would. "You should let it out, Ron: shout, scream, cry, anything, just please don't say silent." Silence.
They sat for the longest time, saying not a word to one another. Perhaps she hadn't given him enough time? Perhaps this was a bad idea? She had made up her mind to go back to the house, to try again later in the evening, and was just about to get up when she looked down. Something was clutched tightly in his hand, a stone of some kind? She came to the conclusion that whatever it was, the edges were jagged for she could make out droplets of blood trickling down his hand as it cut into his skin.
"No Ron," she gasped, reaching towards his hand. "Don't do that." He swiped his arm away before she had a chance to take the stone away and got to his feet. He threw the stone across the field forcefully, his face full of anger and pain. He turned his attention towards the tree and punched it full force – he continued to do this over and over, not even flinching.
"Ron! Please stop it!" She jumped to her feet and grabbed his arm, halting his actions. "Stop!"
"Why Hermione?" he yelled, finally showing emotion. "All I feel is pain anyway, so what's a little more? Anyway, didn't you tell me to let it out?"
"Not by injuring yourself, Ron."
"I've had a lot worse in the last few months, Hermione, you of all people should understand that!" Hermione couldn't help but think back to Malfoy Manor but quickly sent it to the back of her mind. "Anyway, what does it matter? It can be healed by magic..." He trailed off and the anger was wiped away, pain the only emotion left visible on his face. "Not everything can be healed by magic." Suddenly, all energy seemed to slip away from his body and he flopped back to the ground. He looked up at her and just like Percy had, he looked about six years old and when he spoke, his voice was only above a whisper. "Why Hermione? Why him?" Hermione bent back down to kneel at his side, quickly wrapping her arms around him. She hated seeing him like this, knowing that it was foreign for Ron to show this side of him when in company, but she knew it was for the best. He couldn't keep it bottled inside, it was unhealthy for anyone to do so; it may not have been what he wanted, for someone (especially Hermione) to see him so vulnerable, but he had so many people around him who cared and could help him heal – they would help each other.
"I don't know Ron," Hermione answered truthfully, tears streaming down her cheeks also. "It's not fair that he was taken away, but war never is. All the innocent lives lost were undeserving but their families need to stick together, to help each other and to remember the good times of their loved ones." They fell into silence once more, only the sound of their quiet sobbing could be heard. Hermione continued to hold Ron, stroking his hair with one hand as she did so, in an almost soothing manner. He raised his head slightly from where he had been resting it on her shoulder and looked into her eyes.
"Will you stay?" She knew he was asking more than just for this moment.
"For as long as you want me," she replied quietly. He took the hand that was stroking his hair and thread his fingers between hers, bring them down to place over his heart.
"I'll always want you, Hermione. I'll always need you. Always."
AN: So, what did you think? Alright? I love to hear people's thoughts & opinions, whether it's general comments or a bit of constructive criticism, so please press the little button below and leave a little review, just so I know people have actually been reading it. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend Rachel, who took a look at this before I decided to post, just to see if it was worth posting :). I'll also be taking ideas of moments people would like to read, so if anyone has any, please let me know. So that's it for now, I'm not overly sure how often I will update but I will try to as soon as certain ideas come to mind. Thanks for stopping by and much love. :)