"Ron,

You are capable of all that I was. We've been best mates since day one, and I know you'll step up for me. I can count on you"

Ron sighed as he finished reading the parchment. The letter Harry had left Ron was dated very recently, as if Harry knew that this was coming… His hands shook as he read the last statement over and over again. Harry Potter, his best mate, had just been pronounced dead 3 short days ago. It couldn't seem possible. The one hope for the order, for the wizarding world had been demolished.

Harry stood in the cold graveyard. The coming of Voldemort, the killing of Cedric, and the sacrificing of Harry's blood; all these memories flooded back, overwhelming him. Now he was to end the battle that had restarted here just 3 short years ago. Harry traced the letters on the tombstone of Tom Riddle, shivering as he did. This had to be the last horicrux he thought. It was so obvious now that he looked back on it. The last place anyone would have ever looked for Voldemort's horicrux. All Harry needed to do was destroy the tombstone and the dark lord would be doomed. He decided on a spell, raised his arm, and- the cruel laughter he knew so well pierced the night.

Residing in the burrow Ron lie awake, staring at the ceiling in his room. His thoughts whirled through his head. Harry was dead. How would the order defeat Voldemort? What did Harry mean when he said that Ron was capable of what he was. Harry had been the boy who lived. Despite the fact that Ron had at times detested the fact that Harry took the spotlight, he never saw himself taking Harry's place. A soft knock on the door aroused him from his thoughts.

" Ron, its me. Can I come in?" asked Hermione. For the first time in days Ron's face lit up with a smile.

"Of course, just be quick about it. Mum would kill us if she knew you were anywhere near my room," he replied faintly. How did she walk in a room like that, glowing, and beautiful? How did she always manage to make his heart sink into his stomach? Her cheeks were stained with tears. Of all the people close to Harry, Hermione had taken the news hardest. And how couldn't she? He had given her friends for the very first time in her life. Harry gave life adventure.

" Hermione, don't cry…." Ron hesitated as she sat on his bed. He didn't handle emotion very well, and hated that he couldn't do anything to stop her crying. " Its going to be ok. He's with his family now. He wouldn't want you to cry either." She buried herself into his chest and sighed. He held her and kissed her softly on her head. After what seemed to be a perfect moment, she let go as if trying to pull herself together.

"Right then," said Ron. " What do you think Harry meant in his letter?"

" Harry knew something was going to happen. I wonder if he wants you to finish what he started…" Hermione's voice drifted off. " It did sound that way. It is the obvious choice. You were best mates with Harry. You knew him the best, therefore could probably fill his shoes better than anyone else. The order needs a hero, and I think Harry wanted you to be that hero…"

"I can't be Harry, Hermione. You of all people know that" Ron argued. He didn't want this pressure, finishing off you-know-who wasn't exactly on his to do list.

" I know you can't be Harry! But Ron, Harry said so in his letter. He knows you can finish this war. I know you have the strength to be a great wizard" she said calmly. Ron smiled at her and kissed her gently. The kiss took a passionate turn, as Hermione ran her fingers through his feathery hair. No matter how passionate she kissed though, a voice in her head told her that she couldn't afford to lose both of them. TBC