Chapter 2: Plans for the Future

Ron looked at the plaque on the white tomb in front of him.

It said: Fred Weasley

Beloved Brother and Son

April 1st 1978-May 2nd 1998

Order of Merlin, Second Class

Tears fell down Ron's cheeks as he read the sign over and over again. Hermione held his hand as they stood by the tomb. Kingsley, the new Minister for Magic had given out a lot awards. Everyone who participated in the Battle of Hogwarts had been given Order of Merlin, Second Class. Ron and Hermione, along with Harry, Ginny, Neville and Lune had received Order of Merlin, First Class.

Ron looked away from the tomb and looked towards the Lake. Everyone that had died in the Battle had had funerals hours ago. They had been placed in white tombs like Dumbledore's, by the lake.

Hermione took out her wand and placed a few red roses on Fred's tomb as she wiped away her tears. Fred's tomb had been placed close to Lupin's and Tonks' tombs. Hermione walked over and placed roses on their tombs as well.

Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Percy and George had all left with tears staining their faces. It had been hard on everyone in the Weasley family. Harry and Ginny were crying next to Ron and Hermione. Harry took Ginny's hand and they left. They were all heading back to The Burrow.

Hermione walked back and wiped Ron's tears away.

"He won't be forgotten, Ron. We'll all remember his sacrifice." said Hermione gently.

"I know, I just miss him so much and I never got to say how much I actually cared about him." Ron finished speaking and started sobbing again.

"Ron, don't be silly of course he knew." Hermione hugged him and he hugged her back. They stood there for a few minutes before they broke apart. Hermione kissed him. "I'm always here for you." Ron smiled.

"Thanks Hermione. I'm here for you to. So…what do you have in mind for the future?"

Hermione laughed. "Well…I really want to finish school and…I'm going to Australia to find my parents and bring them back…"

Ron interrupted her. "I'm coming with you."

Tears formed in Hermione's eyes. "Oh Ron! That means so much but you really don't have to."

"I'm not leaving you again." Ron smiled and kissed her. "So when are you thinking of leaving?"

"Not for a few days. Your family needs you right now. I-I need you." Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and they walked back up to the castle together.

An hour later, the Weasleys plus Harry and Hermione walked into Hogsmeade. They all apperated to The Burrow. It was empty when they walked in. Mrs. Weasley sat down in an armchair and began to cry. George marched up to his room, out of sight. Ginny and Harry went into the kitchen to make some tea. Mr. Weasley, Charlie and Bill sat down on a couch. Ron and Hermione came in last closing the door behind them.

It was a terrible night none of them slept until early in the morning. They all got up at noon and when they came downstairs, there were letters waiting for them. Ginny read a letter from Kingsley saying that they could take off as much time as they could and that the rest of the school term had been cancelled. There were also letters from family and friends offering their sympathies.

Mrs. Weasley cried silently as she made everyone breakfast. George hadn't come downstairs and he didn't for the rest of the day. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny took a walk and talked. When they got back, Mrs. Weasley had dinner ready. She had been crying worse than ever. She had tried talking to George but he didn't answer her.

After dinner, Hermione and Ron were talking.

"Ron, you should go talk to him. Convince him to eat or…or just tell him to come downstairs so we know he's okay." Hermione had gotten very worried about George and so had Ron.

"I know I should but what if he doesn't listen or want to talk."

"Ron…just try to talk to him." Ron agreed and walked upstairs to George's room. He knocked on the door but George didn't answer.

"George, its Ron…I need to talk to you." When George didn't answer, Ron opened the door and walked in. George was sitting in an armchair wand was looking at, what looked like a photo album. He was crying heavily. He didn't notice Ron until he walked over.

Ron grabbed the photo album gently and put it on the floor. He looked into George's eyes. He helped George up and they walked over to the bed. They sat down and Ron spoke.

"George…we're all very worried about you…"

George interrupted. "And why the hell are you worried? I lost my best friend, and my brother. I'm up here mourning. Are you gonna continue to bother me or leave?"

The words really hurt Ron and he lost his temper. "What was he to me, nothing? He was my brother too! And sitting up here shut away from your family is not gonna make it any better! I care about you, we all do! Mum is worried sick and you really hurt her when you didn't answer her. She just wants to help! Just like everyone in this house!" George's eyes filled with more tears as Ron continued talking. "George please come down and be with us. We should mourn together. You're my brother; I don't want to lose you too…"

Before Ron could continue, George wrapped his arms around Ron and hugged him. "I'm so sorry Ron! I'm a complete arse for ignoring you. You're right we should be together. You're my little brother, I care about you." Ron smiled. They broke apart as they saw their Mum in the doorway. George got up and hugged her. She burst into tears and hugged him back.

Ron got up and smiled at them. He was happy for the first time in days. Ron, George and Mrs. Weasley walked downstairs. Ginny rushed over and hugged George.

"Son, are you alright?" asked Mr. Weasley, extremely worried.

George replied. "As long as we're together as a family, I'm definitely alright." He smiled at his father, who smiled back.

Ron walked over to Hermione who grinned at him. "I told you, you could do it."

"You were right, as usual." Hermione kissed him. And they enjoyed the rest of the evening as a family.

I'm so sorry I couldn't get a chapter up sooner! I'll try my best to have two chapters up every week. I hope everyone liked it. And to solve the confusion, this is a Ron and Hermione couple story. They're not with other people. And just to let all of you know I'll be skipping most of the part when Hermione goes to school because I'm more interested in writing what happens after her year at Hogwarts. My story will go all the way until Hermione goes to Hogwarts and a few chapters during the time she's there and of course after she comes back. If you have any more questions just ask me in the reviews and I'll try to answer them but I don't want to spoil anything for my story. Thx for reading! (:

-HarryPotterfan1234