"Ron? Wake up. It's morning" Ron's brother Bill said.
Ron was still holding Hermione's hand tightly, and had no intention to let go.
"Would you like something to eat?" Bill said.
"No, I'm going to stay here just in case Hermione wakes up." Ron said. Bill sighed and grabbed a chair and sat next to his brother.
"You really care for her don't you Ron?" Bill asked.
"I do. I love her. She just…" Ron was a little disappointed of what he was going to say next.
Bill continued for him "She just doesn't know yet? Ron you need to tell her sometime."
"I know I definitely will. I just don't know when to. I also don't know how she'll react. What if she doesn't feel the same way?" Ron said.
"I've watched you both flirt with each other for the past 7 years. I know she feels the same way about you. Just tell her." Bill said.
"I will. Yea, I was pretty stupid for not telling her sooner." Ron said.
"You're not stupid Ron and don't doubt yourself. You two are great together. I know when I told you guys that Fleur and I were getting married, you weren't so ok with it and I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. But Ron, if you really love someone, go for it. You never know, she might feel the same way. It'll be the best decision you'll ever make. I did, and I'm one of the happiest men in the world, well not really right now, but you know what I mean. I want the best for you Ron. I want you to have what I have, a wonderful happy marriage."
Ron finally let go of Hermione's hand and hugged his brother. He always looked up to his brothers. The words Bill gave him really helped a lot.
"Thanks Bill." Ron said.
"You're welcome. Breakfast is ready. Come down and get something to eat, you haven't eaten in a while I suppose." Bill said.
"Alright, I will" Ron said. He sunk back into the chair and looked at Hermione. She was still beautiful, even unconscious. Once she wakes up and gets better, he'll tell her how he feels. They've waited long enough. Ron wanted to tell her that he loves her and he wants to know how she feels about him. They've been quite stupid for waiting this long.
Ron sat there and stared at Hermione for a few minutes until Hermione started to stir in her sleep. Then she started to scream. Ron immediately got up and went to comfort Hermione.
"SHHH Hermione it's alright, we're safe now. You're ok." Ron said calmly while trying to stop her screams. Immediately Hermione's eye flew open and she looked around the room.
"Where am I? Where is she?" Hermione said. Hermione used the word she to refer to Bellatrix.
"Don't worry she isn't here. We're at Bill and Fleur's place. We escaped with the help of Dobby." Ron said. He looked into her beautiful brown eyes and couldn't stop himself. Hermione stared back too.
She tried to get up but one little movement she groaned with pain. "No don't get up. You're still in pain and will be for a couple more days. Lie back down." Ron said. He helped her settle back on the bed. Hermione was wondering why he was being so gentle and caring. She didn't mind it though, after all she loved him. Hermione touched her sides and every move brought pain. But no pain could beat the Cruciatus Curse.
"I was so scared." Hermione said. Ron was shocked and a little happy that she wanted to talk about it. It was awful for her because she was the one that went through it, but it was great for Ron because he could help out a little.
"I was too. Extremely. I was scared that she would have just…ended you." Ron said.
"I thought so as well. Honestly, I would have rather she killed me." Hermione said.
Ron snapped and said "Hey don't say that. You should be thankful you're alive. I, I mean, everyone is glad you're alive."
Hermione then started to cry "I don't know. What I was put through will forever live in my memory forever. I don't know if I could handle that." Hermione tried her best not to cry in front of Ron. She wiped away her tears but before she could, Ron stopped her, and did it himself. Ron wiped Hermione's tears with his thumb and said "You can. You are the smartest girl I've ever known and will always know. If you can memorize five whole school books in two weeks, you can overcome this. I'll be here for you."
Ron moved closer to Hermione and they stared right into each other's eyes. "I have wanted to say this for so long Hermione, you have no idea." Ron took a moment to think before he said what he was going to say. "I love you Hermione. I've been in love with you for so long. I don't know why it took me so long to finally come to terms with it but, I think that once I realized that you could have been taken away from me forever, it made me love you even more."
Hermione didn't know whether to smile or be shocked. She has wanted to say that to Ron as well. But she was furious that he got to it first, but she was also happy because now she didn't have to hide her feelings anymore.
"Hearing your screams Hermione, it killed me. I wish I was the one to be tortured, not you. If only I could have gotten my hands on her, you wouldn't have been in this position." Ron continued. She never knew Ron cared so much. Hermione grabbed Ron's hand and said "You should NEVER blame yourself Ronald. What happened to me, happened to many other people." Hermione said.
"Yes but it happened to you Hermione. You didn't deserve it. I'll kill that evil little witch if it's the last thing I do." Ron said while gritting his teeth. Hermione pulled his hand which brought him closer to her.
"I don't want you to. If you do, she'll hurt you. Please, promise me that you won't go and do that?" Hermione asked.
"Ok. I promise, or at least I'll try. Anyways, since you know how I feel about you, do you….love me back? I'll understand if you don't and—" Before Ron could finish, Hermione slowly pulled him closer and they were soon inches away from each other. This was the moment. Their lips could easily embrace and they could finally finish off what's been building up for years. Hermione could hear Ron's heavy silent breathing and she swore she could hear her own heart beating. Was she nervous or was she just shocked that they were both actually in that moment?
Ron grabbed her chin and pulled her soft luscious lips towards his. The kiss was filled with such passion and affection. Ron slowly and deeply continued to kiss Hermione and hen he slowly grabbed her back which pulled her right against his chest. They had both waited and wanted this moment to come for so long and now it was happening. He pulled away and they both caught their breathe.
Hermione and Ron stared at each other deeply and Ron said "So is that a yes?" Hermione laughed and put her hand behind Ron's neck and pulled him in for another kiss.
This moment had been building up for so long and now, it was the perfect ending. Their lips fit each other's perfectly. Their love was perfect and they were perfect for each other. And no one could ever take that away from them.