The Celebration

The big day had arrived. Ron looked at himself in the mirror and sighed. His stomach was in knots. Today was the day everyone would find out about the changes he had made in his life.

Percy walked into Ron's room. "It's going to be strange not having you here." Ron smiled at him. "Are you ready for today Ron? You know Hermione will be there, right?"

"Yeah, Kingsley told me. I can't really say a whole lot about it. She deserves to be honored for what she did. You know, the funny thing is, I've been so excited about my new job that I really haven't thought about her a lot. I think I'll be okay. Besides, I've got you gits to keep me occupied."

"Well, let's get going. We're supposed to meet everyone at 11:00."

Ron and Percy apparated to the Ministry atrium and headed to the ballroom. The family was already there along with Harry.

Molly saw Ron come in and cautiously approached him. "Ron, dear, I've missed you."

Ron looked at his mum. She had doubt in her eyes. Ron took her in his arms and hugged her. "I've missed you too mum."

"I am so sorry about the party. I didn't consider your feelings at all. Can you forgive me"

"It's already forgotten mum."

Harry came around the table a gave Ron a manly hug. "It's been a while mate."

" Yea I know. I'm sorry about that. I've been busy. Look-let's clear the air now. I know you want to continue to keep in touch with Hermione. I'm not going to get mad about that. You have to do what feels right. The only thing I ask is that you put Ginny first. You two belong together. Just don't let Hermione come between you."

"Don't worry. Ginny is the most important thing in the world to me. I won't lose her." The lights flickered. "I think that's our cue to sit."

Ron sat at the table between Arthur and Percy. As he looked around the room he saw a lot of his old classmates. At the table with Neville and Luna he spotted her. Hermione was there with her parents. Ron's heart skipped a beat. He wasn't sure exactly why. It wasn't the same as before. It wasn't the love skip like he use to feel. Percy saw where he was looking and patted him on his back. Kingsley stepped up on the platform at the front of the room.

"Welcome to you all. We are here today to honor some of the heroes from the last war. There are too many to honor here today, but we will do our best." Everyone clapped.

Kingsley began the ceremony by honoring the memories of those who were killed during the war. He then gave accommodations to the members of the DA and the Order. He followed this with the Aurors.

"Our first honoree to be awarded the Order of Merlin Second Class is Miss Hermione Granger." Hermione joined Kingsley on the platform. "Miss Granger is known as the brightest witch of her age for very good reasons. She not only participated in the final battle, but played a huge role in the events leading up to it. Miss Granger is going to be joining our legal department here at the Ministry and will be training to work with our International Law Division." Kingsley placed the medal around Hermione's neck and everyone began to clap. Hermione was scanning the room and spotted Ron. Their eyes met for a split second, then Ron looked away. Hermione joined her parents at the table.

"Our second honoree tonight needs no introduction. He has for years been our greatest hope. Mr. Harry Potter will be receiving the Order of Merlin First Class." Harry joined Kingsley on the platform. "Mr. Potter has spent a lifetime preparing for the final battle. We all owe our thanks and gratitude to him. I am pleased to announce that he will be joining the Ministry by attending auror training. It looks as though Mr. Potter will be seeing us through hard times for years to come."

Harry left the stage and headed toward the table. As he and Ron met in the walkway, they gave each other a hug. When Ron joined Kingsley on the platform the Minister turned a gave him a discreet wink. "Our last honoree for the Order of Merlin First Class is Ron Weasley." At this the Weasley table all stood and clapped. Kingsley smiled. "As we have all learned, Mr. Weasley was instrumental in the defeat of Voldemort. Not all of you may know, though, that Mr. Weasley was pivotal in the organization and planning of the defense of Hogwarts. It is this talent that is taking Mr. Weasley on to his next step in life." Kingsley looked at Ron. Ron nodded at Kingsley. "Mr. Weasley has accepted a job as the Tactical Liaison Supervisor with Auror Headquarters in the United States." There were gasps and cheers throughout the hall. Ron looked at his families table. It was as he expected-half shock and half smiles. He glanced in Hermiones' direction. She was looking down at the table. Tears were falling down her face. Kingsley put the medal around Rons neck and he went back to the table.

The table was quiet. Ginny looked around the table at her brothers. "You all knew didn't you?" They all shook their heads yes.

Molly looked at Ron. "How long have you known about his Ron?"

"For about a month now."

"When do you leave?"

"4:00 tomorrow afternoon."

Molly looked down at the table. She sighed and looked back at Ron. "I can't say I'm happy about this Ron. I know it's partially my fault, but I want you to be happy. If this is what you want, then I can't say anything."

"Mum, I'm sure this is the right thing. I need to get my life under control and I can't do it here. This is a great job. I am the youngest Tactical Supervisor in the history of the US. It's great money. They provide a place to live, clothes, and everything else you can imagine. Ginny, I've already got time off to come to your graduation next year."

"But that's almost a year away. I'm going to miss you." Harry put his arm around her. "We're both going to miss you mate."

"Well, maybe some of you can come over for the holidays. Or hey, maybe I'll be training you." Everyone was quiet. "Look, we've got all day today and tomorrow morning. I say we all go back to the burrow and stay the night there. It will be like old times."

Arthur looked around at his family. "I think that's a top notch idea Ron. So everyone tuck in so we can get back to the burrow." Everyone began to eat. Neville joined them at the table.

"Good show Ron. I'm impressed." Neville shook his hand.

"Thanks Neville. And congratulations to you too. I hear you're going to be taking over herbology at Hogwarts."

"Yeah. I'm pretty excited. Well, when do you leave?"

"Tomorrow afternoon."

"Wow. That soon? Well, come by and see me next time you're home." Neville shook his hand and went back to his table. He said something when he got back and Hermione whipped her head around to look at Ron. Their eyes met once again. Ron nodded his head in her direction and then started talking to Percy.

After about two hours they all got up to leave. After several minutes they headed toward the door.

"Ron." He stopped in his tracks and turned around to see Hermione standing there. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to say congratulations and to wish you good luck. I still hope you can forgive me someday. I still love you. I know you don't feel the same anymore, but I had to tell you before you left. I am sorry." Ron nodded and walked out of the door.