(A/N: Hey guys here is another chapter. Hope you like it. Please review. Love, Ellivia22)
Disclaimer: I do not own Neville Longbottom, which is a shame. I really like Neville :)
Forever Yours
Chapter 7 Don't Give Up
Ron
The affects of the refreshing potion Madam Pomfrey gave me continues to wash over me. Though it is helping to dull the pain, at the same time it's keeping me awake. And to be honest, I'm afraid to go to sleep anyway. I'm afraid that I won't wake up again. My time is drawing closer and closer.
Two months have passed since I told Harry and Hermione about my illness. They've been great. They have been sticking by my side for every chemotherapy session, and keep a close eye on me. They notice when I start to feel sick; help me when I need it the most. I couldn't ask for better friends. If only I didn't have to leave them in a few short months. When Harry and Hermione aren't looking after me or we're in class, they spend their time in the library for some reason. I've asked them what they've been doing, but they don't tell me.
Unable to stand being in bed any longer, I push off my blankets and walk out of the Boys' Dormitory. I don't stop there. I keep going, walking around the castle. I don't care if get caught. The worst they could do to me is throw me in detention for the rest of my days.
I continue down the corridors, thinking about Death. My heart clenches. What will it be like to die? Will it be quick? Will it hurt? Where will I go after I die? I shudder at the thought.
I stop dead in my tracks at the sight in front of me. In my wanderings, I find myself in an empty classroom; in front of a very familiar mirror. The mirror of Erised. I remember back in first year when Harry showed me this mirror. That was back then when my desire was to be Quidditch Captain and Head Boy. How my desires have changed since then. I force myself to look in the mirror. My eyes struggle to remain dry.
Staring back at me is a grey haired man with bright blue eyes. The old man is in front of a nice house with a white fence. Next to him is an older woman with long grey hair; an older version of Hermione. She is standing next to what I realize is an older version of me. Redhaired grandchildren surround us.
This time I can't hold back the sob. I slide down, my back against the mirror, then bury my head in my arms. Since I've been diagnosed, I've accepted the fact that I don't have much time left. This is the first time that it's really hit me. I don't know what scares me more: death, or the fact that I will never have the deepest desire in my heart.
"Don't be afraid of Death, Ronald. It's just another adventure. One we all must take."
My head snaps up. Standing across from me is none other than Professor Dumbledore. At first I think he's going to punish me for being out of bed after hours. But then I realize that he just wants to talk. "Couldn't sleep, sir," I confess. "I couldn't get my mind off the fact that I'm going to…" I swallow hard, unable to say the word.
"Die?" Dumbledore finishes. I nod, a tear spilling down my cheek. I want to tell him how I'm not ready to die; how there are so many things in life I haven't experienced yet. Most of all, I want to tell him how scared I really am. However, by the way Dumbledore is looking at me behind his half moon spectacles, he seems to understand.
He pulls up a chair next to me. "Ronald, I have been very impressed with the way you've handled this situation. You've been fighting hard against this disease and it hasn't let down your spirit. But I think right now you're focusing too much on what is going to happen. You need to focus on what is happening now. Spend as much time with your family and friends as you can. Live your life to the fullest. And when the time comes for you to go to the next life, you will feel more prepared and fulfilled."
I stare at the older man, feeling much better. He's absolutely right. The truth is, even though I know I'm going to die, I still need to spend what time I have left with the people I love the most. I could spend more time with Ginny and Harry. I could even go home for a weekend to see Mum and Dad. Not to mention Valentine's day is next week. I could plan something really special for Hermione. Something she will never forget. Then when my time comes, my life will feel fulfilled.
I smile the first real smile for the first time in months, slowly rising to my feet. "I think I'll be able to sleep now."
"Goodnight Ron."
"Goodnight sir."
A few minutes later I snuggle under the covers, prepared to live my life to the fullest.
Hermione
"Ron, where are you taking me?" I ask with a giggle.
"That's for me to know and you to find out," he says, his hands firmly over my eyes.
Today is Valentine's Day, and I have to say it's been the best day ever. I've spend every moment I can with Ron. Despite his illness, our relationship is everything I've ever dreamed of. He's been so sweet and caring. The way he treats me, I sometimes forget that he's sick. I'm so lucky to have him as a boyfriend. I plan to keep him for as long as I possibly can. Now it's dinnertime and Ron says he has something special planned. But of course, the silly git won't tell me what it is. On the other hand, that adds to the excitement.
I feel Ron let go of my eyes for a second as he opens a door. I don't get a chance to see anything for he covers my eyes again. "Almost there," he whispers gently in my ear. His breath sends shivers down my body. I shudder in delight. Then he leads me into the room and lets go of me.
I gasp. Ron has led me to a small corridor. A table is in the middle over what looks like a trap door, containing lit candles, and food. Rose petals cover the table as well. In the background is our song "Everytime We Touch" playing. I couldn't ask for a better Valentine's date. It is truly romantic.
"Where are we?" I ask in curiosity.
"The corridor on the third floor." Ron touches my cheek gently. "The place where I first realized that I was falling in love with you."
"Oh Ron," I whisper. He pulls me close and we begin to dance to our song playing in the background. I kiss his lips passionately, giving everything I have into it. Ron responds with just as much enthusiasm. My hands get tangled in his hair as his arms tighten around my waist. I never want it to end.
"I love you too." I whisper.
Ron and I stay in an embrace for what seems like hours. I have no desire to leave it. The love passing between us is more powerful than any spell I've ever learned. I am determined to keep my best friend and true love by my side for as long as I possibly can.
Then he leads me to the table and asks me to sit down. I do so, noticing that he has something in his pocket. He pulls out a box from his pocket and hands it to me. "Hermione, I want you to have this."
With trembling fingers, I open the box. Lying inside the box is a beautiful silver bracelet. Hanging from the bracelet is a knight on a horse. It immediately reminds me of the chess game back in first year. The bracelet shimmers in the light as I lift it out of the box. I feel tears fill my eyes. "Ron, it's beautiful. Thank you."
I clasp it around my wrist. It's absolutely perfect. "I had this made for you in Hogsmeade. So you have something to remember me by," he says.
I turn to look at him, a tear falling down my face. I stare at him. There is a smile on his face, but his blue eyes are sad. He's given up. "You're not going to fight it? You're just giving up?"
"There's nothing I can do, Hermione. The cancer is too advanced. You need to accept it, as I have. Let's just spend what time we have together and not think about it until the time comes."
I glare at him furiously through my tears. Who is he and what has he done with the Ron I know? This so not like him at all. Has he truly given up? "The Ron I know is a fighter and not a quitter. The Ron I know would never give up. The Ron I know would fight until the very end."
He stays quiet. I continue, my voice softer. "I will do whatever I possibly can to help you fight this. Please, my love. Don't give up."
Ron cups my face with his hands. By the look on his face, I can tell my words are getting through to him. He looks at me seriously. "I promise you, Hermione. I will fight until the very end."
As we close the gap between us, I become even more determined to remain in the library until I find the cure for Ron.
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