Keeping balance
Ron/Hermione/Harry
You walk outside the castle doors and head towards the lake. He carries a pile of books for her, red hair flaming brightly in the sun, and she smiles at him brightly even as she hits him on the shoulder for something he's just said. A quick mischievous glance towards you reveals that it was as you suspected - all on purpose, to get that very reaction from her. He earns himself a second sound thump for that, and she smiles at you as well, knowing what he'd been doing all along. You laugh at them both, heart fit to burst with an emotion you still can't quite dare to name, as they join you, the three of you alternately leaning on each other for support in your merriment. Just as you've leaned on each other for countless other reasons, before.
You know there have been hidden looks of late, aimed towards the three of you. His parents showing gentle worry. Your teachers shaking their heads as though waiting for the time when everything will come apart. Hers, seen far more rarely, exchanging sad looks with each other, but still not knowing what to do or say.
But you know better. Even though not one of you has said anything out loud yet, you all know. A knowing that comes from having been through darkness and despair, and never having been torn apart, despite everything and anything that was thrown your way. Bone deep, anchored in your hearts and souls, flesh and blood. The others just don't understand yet. But that's all right. All that matters is that you do. All three of you. And you smile serenely at each other, knowing what the answer has been all along, in spite of the whispers and the worries of others.
Because obviously, there was never a choice to make at all.
You'll always stay together.
