Disclaimer, see Chapter 1. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who reviews and has added the story to their alerts, as well as me. I'm flattered. I wouldn't be anywhere without all the support I get from you guys, so thanks! I hope you all enjoy!


Chapter 9

The next morning, Ron and Harry were sitting on the bed upstairs, talking quietly. Bill and Fleur were still asleep in their room, and Charlie was snoring on the couch. The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

"Ron, maybe you should stay here." Harry suggested. He didn't want his best friend to keep risking his life for him. If Ron died, he would be at a lost for what to do. Ron was his best friend, his brother. Without him, he'd be nothing.

He needed Ron safe. He needed him alive.

Ron shook his head. "Harry, don't be daft. I'm coming with you. We already talked about this."

Harry frowned. "I know Ron, but if something were to happen, I'd never forgive myself."

Ron clapped Harry on the back. "Mate, we're fighting in a war. People die in wars all over the world, everyday. It doesn't mean anything. If I die, you'll keep on fighting, just like you're meant too. And if you were to ever die Harry, I would keep on fighting too."

"I suppose you're right. I just, I don't know. I don't want anything to ever happen to you."

Ron grinned. "Harry, not to get all mushy, but I love you."

Harry laughed. "I love you too Ron. You're like my brother."

Ron chuckled too. "I'm so glad we sat in the same compartment that day, way back when."

"I agree." Harry said.

The two walked outside, getting ready to leave.

"Harry?" Ron sounded unsure.

"Yeah?" He asked, curious as to what Ron was thinking about.

"Do you think that maybe Charlie was right? That maybe Hermione is doing something important to the war?" These thoughts had been plaguing him all through the night. He had been so angry at her, thinking she had just abandoned them, but maybe she was doing something that was critical. Maybe she was on her own mission?

Harry pondered that too. "I don't know Ron. I mean, Hermione is our best friend, regardless of any other types of feelings involved, no offense. Even if she doesn't love you, she wouldn't leave because of it. I'm hoping that she did have something really important that she needed to do."

Ron nodded. "I've been so angry with her. I mean, I told her that I loved her, and I still love her, but she just pushed me away. But I suppose I'm just angry with myself, thinking that I'm just not good enough for her, I dunno."

"Ron, don't ever think that again! You're plenty good for her. You're a great bloke, and a good friend. You care about her a lot, I know. But I don't know, maybe she just doesn't see you like that. Maybe she cares for someone else? It isn't like we've ever asked her."

Ron looked abashed. "I never thought of that. I always thought she loved me... she got so jealous when I dated Lavender! I mean, do you think it's possible she likes someone else?"

Harry shrugged, "I don't know Ron. But I do know that we shouldn't still be angry with her. Even if she did leave us, just to leave this world and this war, I still wish her all the best."

Ron nodded. "You're right. I love her, and I should want her to be happy."

Harry agreed. He looked to the sky and saw that the sun was beginning to rise, causing the sky to shine with an orange hue. It was breathtaking.

"Let's go Ron. It's time."

The two of them disappeared with a small pop.


Charlie was tossing and turning on the couch. He didn't get much sleep the last night, because a certain brown haired witch was haunting his mind.

He was an idiot. He had the world at his hands, what could have been his world, and he just threw it to the ground and left. He probably broke her heart.

The thought that she was somewhere now, crying her eyes out because of him caused his heart to squeeze. He vowed that if he ever found her, he would make things right again. He vowed to make her never cry again.

Rolling over, he tried to close his eyes. Maybe he could get a few more minutes of sleep in before the rest of the house got up.

He's eyes snapped open. It sounded like it was thundering out. He bolted upright, listening closely. Maybe it's...

He heard it again, booming so loud it shook the small cottage. "That's not thunder..."

Grinning, he stood up. He didn't even bother to put a shirt on. He ran outdoors, vaguely hearing Bill running from upstairs.

He flung himself out the door, and smiled, feeling like his heart would burst.

There was Hermione, riding on Hemera's back, flying towards them.

"What the bloody hell is that!" He heard Bill shout from behind him.

Turning, Charlie grinned. "It's Hermione." She found me. She found me. SHE FOUND ME! He felt like he could jump for joy.


Hermione grinned as she saw Charlie and Bill waving to her. She furiously wiped away her tears, not wanting Charlie to see how distraught she really was without him.

"Let's land Hemera!" She shouted over the winds.

Hemera roared in response and they swiftly landed.

Hermione jumped off Hemera and ran towards Charlie. Charlie grinned as he caught the small witch in his arms. She looked up at him, and saw that he was crying.

"Charlie," she whispered. He looked down at her, and saw that she was starting to cry too. They stared at each other for moments, just getting lost in each other.

Next thing they both knew, they were kissing, roughly, fiercely, and passionately. Hermione moans into his mouth. Their tongues tangle in a duel, one where she easily claims victory. He pulls her closer to him, disregarding the fact that Hemera and Bill are both watching.

He kissed her like it was the last moment on this earth that he would ever have. He cared for her, and he put all of his feelings and emotions into this kiss, their first kiss.

After Hemera's growling became too loud to ignore, he pulls away.

Hermione blushes, her knees weak. "Charlie..."

"I'm so sorry Mione. I'm so sooo sorry. I was such a fool, jumping to conclusions without even stopping to listen to your thoughts or opinions. I'm so sorry for leaving you. The second I left I regret it. Please," he dropped to his knees, "please Hermione, please forgive me. I was such a fool."

"Charlie," Hermione said, her eyes welling up with tears. "Charlie, of course I forgive you. That's why I came to find you. I care about you, a lot." She blushed.

Charlie grinned, wiping away his tears. "I really care about you too Hermione." He quickly pulled her in for a tight hug. "I thought I had lost you."

"You didn't, don't worry." She reassured him.

Bill coughed nervously from behind them. "Well, this was unexpected."

Hermione blushed even more. "Hi Bill."

Bill just chuckled. "Well, I hope you know you and your dragon are going to cause quite a stir."

Hermione nodded. "I know. Hemera has been explaining things to me."

"As soon as He knows, he'll come after you." Bill stated.

"Let him come." Hemera roared loudly, puffing her chest up.

Hermione chuckled. "Hemera thinks she's ready. Come on, let's go inside. I'll fill you in Bill."

Hermione laced her fingers with Charlie's causing him to smile. The two of them followed Bill inside.