A/N: As always, thank you so much for the reviews. I've enjoyed reading your thoughts on the last few chapters. Some of you seem to like the direction of the story and some don't. If you're in the category of not liking what you've read so far, I suggest you stop reading. I know what I want to write and I know what is going to happen. If you're unhappy, no one is forcing you to read :P. That's the joy of fan fiction; it's free and you can stop reading whenever you want without feeling like you've wasted money!

I loved writing this chapter, but it feels like a risky one. I always planned for what happens in this chapter to happen. I just hope I've pulled it off!

Chapter Eleven: Essential

On the fourth anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, Ron woke up insanely early. He stared at the ceiling for ten minutes contemplating how awful the day was going to be. The past three anniversaries had taught him to expect lots of speeches, lots of crying and a whole lot of alcohol to get through it. The entire day revolved around a strange mixture of celebrations for Voldemort's defeat and the mourning of all those that had lost their lives.

For Ron the day meant one thing; the death of Fred.

With a heavy sigh, Ron stood up and got ready for the day. He showered and dressed slowly; feeling like every movement was an effort. He then made his way to the kitchen. Unconsciously, he started to make two cups of tea and began to plan his day.

Each year, Ron always began with a visit to the Burrow. All of the Weasleys would meet there and travel to Hogwarts together. A large ceremony would then take place, with speeches from a range of people, and would end with the Minister of Magic reading the names of all who lost their lives. This was followed by two minutes silence and wands being raised in respect. The Weasleys then went back to the Burrow to comfort each other. This always resulted in heavy drinking and a lot of tears.

The day was hell from start to finish, and never actually felt like a celebration. How could it? So many people had lost their lives. So many friends and family had died. The day was full of sadness at the loss of so many wonderful witches and wizards. Ron knew that families all over the country would be waking up; with the heartbreaking knowledge that it had been four years since they had seen or spoken to a loved one.

It had been four years since he had joked with his brother. Four years since Ron had laughed, spoken, looked at and been mocked by Fred. Four years, and it still hurt every single fucking day.

Ron stared at the two cups of tea and wiped his eyes. No one would thank him for falling to pieces so early. George would need him more than anyone today and Ron wasn't about to let him down. With trembling hands, he picked up one of the cups and felt his resolve strengthen. Ron could get through the day; just as he had the last three years.

Making his way back down the hallway, Ron paused outside Hermione's room. He hadn't been particularly chatty with her the last few days; not since the headache incident. Ron had decided to take a few steps back from her and had resorted to spending less time with his enticing flatmate. It was completely unprofessional and stupid to be getting so close to someone in his protection.

As Ron stood outside her room, however, he couldn't help but want to see her before he left for the Burrow. Hermione had asked to stay in the apartment instead of going to Hogwarts, and Ron hadn't questioned it. Ron knew it was for the best and had offered to lay flowers for her. That had been the last conversation they had had.

Hesitantly Ron knocked on the door and waited. Nothing happened so he knocked again. Still Hermione didn't answer, so Ron braced himself and quietly opened the door. He hadn't actually been in the spare room since Hermione had moved in. As he walked through the door, Ron noticed that nothing had changed except for a small photo on the bedside table. Hermione still seemed to keep everything in her small, expanded bag; which currently sat on a chair in the corner of the room.

Ron edged towards the bed and placed the cup of tea on the same table as the picture. He glanced down at his sleeping flatmate and timidly sat on the edge of the bed. She was curled up in a ball and had pulled the duvet so far up that Ron could only see a small amount of her face. Ron pondered what to do next as he took in her sleeping form. She would probably be pissed off with him for waking her and even more pissed off that he had entered her room without permission. Despite this, Ron knew he didn't want to leave without speaking to her.

'Hermione?' He whispered, giving her a gentle nudge.

Before Ron had chance to react, Hermione had jumped up and knocked him off the bed. He felt a stinging on his left cheek; as something cold and sharp connected with his skin. Hermione landed on top of him and something dropped to the floor with a heavy thud. As quick as a flash, Hermione wrapped her hands around his throat. Ron grunted and fought to push her off. She fell backwards and stared at him in shock.

'What are you doing?' Hermione squealed as she realised that it was him. She crawled backwards on the carpet until her back hit the bed panel.

Ron sat up and placed a hand to his face in confusion. When he brought it away, his fingers were covered in blood. He glanced back at Hermione to see that a small, bloodied knife lay beside her.

'Why are you in my room?' Hermione asked, breathing heavily. 'And more to the point, why are you leering over me whilst I sleep?'

'I wasn't leering,' Ron said, as his face and ears flooded with colour. 'I just came to say goodbye. I'm going to the Burrow now.'

'But it's five in the morning,' she said, staring at her watch and back at him in shock. 'Why do you need to get there for five?'

'I don't,' Ron admitted, 'but I couldn't sleep.'

'So, you came in here to scare the life out of me?' Hermione snapped.

'I didn't mean to scare you,' he said, as his heart rate returned to normal.

'Don't ever come into my room without my permission again,' she fumed, 'I could have killed you.'

'You sleep with a knife?' Ron said, eyeing the blade with trepidation.

'Old habit that I can't shake,' Hermione admitted, picking the knife up and cleaning it.

'You're fast,' Ron said, replaying what had just happened. 'I didn't have time to react, and I'm usually pretty quick. Although, I wasn't expecting you to be armed when I brought you a cup of tea this morning.'

'I wasn't expecting to have you leering over my bed,' Hermione sniffed.

'I wasn't leering!'

'Well, it certainly looked like you were,' Hermione said, as she glanced as his cheek. 'Come here.'

Ron complied and moved to sit next to her. She summoned a bottle of Dittany and slowly began to apply it to his face.

'I'm sorry,' Hermione muttered, wiping away the blood.

Ron shrugged, 'it's my fault; I shouldn't have come in and woken you up.'

'There you go,' she said quietly, putting the remaining potion on her bedside table.

Ron nodded and went to stand up.

'Don't go!' Hermione cried, grabbing his hand and pulling him back to the ground. 'Not yet.'

'I just came to say bye,' he said, looking around the room and feeling uncomfortable.

'You haven't spoken to me in days,' Hermione replied, sounding slightly hurt.

'I have,' Ron lied, feeling even more uncomfortable.

Hermione folded her arms and sighed, 'fine, you've been talking to me. Although, we both know you haven't. And now you're in my bedroom at five in the morning. Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?'

'I just wanted to say goodbye before I left,' Ron muttered, picking at his navy blue dress robes.

'Goodbye.'

Ron glanced at her and swallowed. It wasn't enough. He wanted something else. He needed something else from her. He just didn't know what it was.

Hermione watched him, biting her lip and looking unsure as to what to do next. When Ron didn't move or say anything further, she inched closer to him and nervously placed her hand on his arm.

'I hope it goes okay,' she whispered.

Ron nodded and stared at the ground, as he felt a lump rise to his throat.

'I hope you'll be okay,' she said, just as softly.

Ron nodded again and tried to clear his throat.

'I hate the anniversary of my parent's death,' Hermione said slowly. 'I generally stay in bed and try to sleep the day away. I can't imagine how awful it must be to go and celebrate the end of the war, when it's also the day that your brother died.'

'I have to go,' Ron muttered, 'I have to pay my respects.'

'Of course,' Hermione agreed, 'but that doesn't stop it from being incredibly hard.'

Ron continued to stare at the ground, 'I wish I could see him just once more.'

Hermione gently rested her head against Ron's shoulder and placed her hand on top of his. Ron gripped it, feeling his eyes sting as grieve filled him. Silently, Hermione rubbed her cheek against him and Ron gave a shuddering sigh. Without considering what he was doing, Ron lifted their joined hands to his face and gently placed a kiss on her fingers. Hermione gasped but didn't pull away, as Ron continued to place kiss after kiss across her fingers and hand. A tear slide down his cheek as Ron gave way.

They sat in silence, huddled together as Ron allowed himself to cry. Hermione let him lavish her hand with soft, insistent kisses; as she whispered soothing words. They stayed that way for nearly an hour. With each minute that passed, Ron felt himself grow stronger as he drew comfort from Hermione.

'I should go,' Ron mumbled when the clock struck six. He let her hand go and wiped his face with the arm of his dress robe. 'I said I'd meet George and help him get ready.'

'Take care,' Hermione whispered, lightly and shyly placing a kiss on his tearstained face.

Ron gave her a watery smile and hoisted himself up off the floor. He held his hand out and helped Hermione stand up as well. Gazing down at her, Ron couldn't help but feel extremely relieved by her presence in his life.

'I – I'm, you,' Ron began; trying and failing to put into words how thankful he was for the pretty brunette.

Hermione shook her head and smiled up at him. 'Don't. You don't need to say anything.'

Ron nodded and stood up straight; squaring his shoulders and preparing himself for the next few hours. He gave Hermione one final glance before quickly sweeping her fringe out of her eyes and kissing her forehead.

'See you tonight,' he said, heading towards the door and pausing when he reached it. 'I may not be in a good state when I get back. We usually have a drink.'

'Understandable,' Hermione said, as she watched him hesitate to leave her bedroom.

'I'm sorry I scared you earlier.'

'It's fine,' Hermione smiled, 'just don't come into my room unannounced next time.'

'I won't,' Ron promised, giving Hermione a final nod and leaving her in peace.

Without realising it, Hermione had made him feel inexplicably better about the day ahead. If Hermione could make him feel better by just sitting and listening, Ron knew he could do the same for his family. Fred deserved to be remembered, and Ron was adamant that he would be. Today was hard, but it was also an essential part of the wizarding community. The dead deserved to be remembered and Ron was going to make sure they were.

o0o

'Harry, grab the door for us,' Bill said, as he gripped his youngest brother and tried to haul him to his bedroom.

Ron laughed as Harry and Bill manoeuvred him unsteadily down the hallway. 'I'm fine, you fucking idiots. You don't need to tuck me into bed.'

'Alright then,' Bill smirked, letting go of Ron and watching as he wobbled unsteadily. 'Let's see you walk by yourself.'

Ron gave him a smug grin and took a step forwards; only to crash into the wall and fall backwards.

Both Bill and Harry sniggered as Ron swore under his breath.

'Face it,' Bill chuckled, 'you need our help.'

'Fucking don't,' Ron muttered, grabbing hold of Harry and allowing the two men to lead him towards his bedroom door. 'You made the wall hit me.'

His best friend and brother continued to laugh as they got him into his room.

'You're such a tit,' Harry chuckled, pushing Ron onto the bed haphazardly. 'I'll be over in the morning to make sure you're alright.'

'Course I'll be alright,' Ron said, shutting his eyes as his head hit the pillow and the room swam. 'I've got it all sorted.'

'Yeah, you look all sorted,' Bill muttered, ruffling Ron's hair affectionately. 'All sorted to throw up that drink in the morning.'

Ron shook his head and frowned, keeping his eyes closed. 'No, I'm sorted. Me and Herm are gonna be alright, and George will be once he makes it official with the girl he's shagging.'

'What girl?' Bill asked, sounding surprised. 'He's shagging someone?'

'Who's Herm?' Harry said, ignoring Bill entirely.

'Dunno who she is,' Ron mumbled, as his head started to pound.

Silence filled the room as Bill and Harry looked between each other and Ron; trying to figure out what he had just said.

'Herm or the girl George is shagging?' Harry asked, giving Ron a nudge to keep him awake.

'Fuck off 'Arry,' Ron moaned, slapping his hands away and allowing himself to sink further into the pillow.

'Come on,' Bill sighed, 'let's leave him to sleep off the Firewhisky. He'll make more sense once he's sobered up.'

Ron felt someone squeeze his shoulder.

'Night Bro, love ya.'

'See you tomorrow.'

Ron mumbled goodbye under his breath but didn't bother to move or open his eyes. Everything felt too heavy.

'He's gonna having a horrible morning,' Bill muttered as he left the room. 'I dunno why he drinks so much. Every year is the same and it takes him days to clear it.'

'Coping mechanism,' Harry said sadly. 'He spends all day being strong for everyone else and then drinks his own sadness away.'

'Stupid idiot,' Bill said lovingly.

The voices trailed off as Bill and Harry left the apartment. Silence filled the apartment and made Ron even more aware of the throbbing in his head. He groaned and tried to lift his hand up, but everything felt groggy.

Just as Ron was about to give up, he felt a very light pressure on his leg and paused. He opened his eyes trying to make out the dark shape of someone small perched on the end of his bed.

'Herm?' He slurred, trying and failing to sit up.

'Don't ever call me Herm!' The dark figure snapped, undoing his shoe laces. 'I can't believe you said it in front of Harry and your brother. Harry won't forget that and he'll be round tomorrow to quiz you.'

'Nah, he won't,' Ron muttered, as Hermione pulled his shoes off. 'He's drunk as much as me.'

'I highly doubt that,' Hermione said, wrinkling her nose and dropping his shoes to the floor. 'You smell like a brewery.'

'You smell like a rose,' Ron sniggered, 'Hermione-Rose.'

Hermione rolled her eyes and moved to pull his cloak off. 'You know, I have a good mind to leave you here to fend for yourself whilst you're like this.'

'Ron shrugged as the cloak came free and also fell to the floor. 'I'm sure I'll be fine Hermione-Rose.'

Hermione snorted and placed his wand on the bedside table. 'Yeah, you look like you could handle anything right now.'

'I can,' Ron muttered, closing his eyes again.

Hermione chuckled and summoned a glass of water. 'I think you should drink this before you go to sleep. It'll make you feel a bit better.'

Ron groaned as she gave him a gentle tug and forced him to sit up. He accepted the water and downed it in one, handing the glass back to Hermione and burping.

'Charming,' she muttered, refilling the glass and placing it next to Ron's wand. 'Night Ron, give me a shout if you need me.'

'Night Hermione-Rose,' Ron hiccupped, watching her stand and quietly leave his room with a small smile on her face.

Ron fell back onto the pillow and closed his eyes with a sigh. Within minutes, Ron realised that he needed a piss. Standing clumsily, Ron made his way to the bathroom. He bumped into several things on his way and made enough noise to wake the entire apartment block. As he shut the bathroom door, Ron heard Hermione enter his room again.

'What are you doing now?' She called.

'Having a piss,' Ron replied, doing his business and leaning forward to rest his tired body against the wall. He finished quickly, sighing in relief.

'Are you alright?' Hermione asked, when Ron didn't return after flushing the toilet.

'Yeah,' he mumbled, continuing to lean against the wall.

'Then why are you staying in there?' Hermione said, closer to the door.

'Comfy.'

'The bathroom is comfy?'

Ron nodded, although Hermione couldn't see him.

'Ron, I think you should come back to bed,' Hermione said gently. 'You can't sleep next to the toilet.'

'Come to bed with you?' Ron asked with a frown. He definitely wouldn't say no to that.

'No,' Hermione said bracingly, 'come to your own bed, by yourself.'

'I'd rather come to bed with you,' Ron admitted, pushing himself off the wall and slowly making his way out of the bathroom.

'Did you wash your hands?' Hermione asked when the door opened and she came face to face with him.

Ron rolled his eyes and bumbled his way back to the sinks. He used liberal amounts of liquid soap and spent the next five minutes spraying water everywhere.

'I think you're done,' Hermione said, pulling him away from the taps and handing him a towel.

'Just making sure their clean enough for you,' Ron smirked, shoving his hands in her face. 'I wouldn't want you to get my dick germs.'

Hermione blushed furiously and pushed his hands away. 'Do you have to be so disgusting?'

Ron chuckled and she pulled him back into his bedroom and towards his bed. Ron stumbled as he reached it, causing Hermione to grip him harder.

'Just go to sleep,' she sighed, as she helped him to sit on the bed. 'You're going to end up hurting yourself if you keep getting up.'

'You worry too much,' Ron grinned, pulling at a curl as she leaned over to get him on the bed. 'I've been like this a million times before and always survived into the next morning.'

'I just don't want you doing anything stupid,' Hermione frowned, slapping his hand away as he went for another curl. 'Get off my hair.'

'Love your hair,' Ron mumbled, fighting her hands and reaching to run his fingers through her wild mane. 'All soft and crazy, like you.'

'I'm not soft and crazy,' Hermione blushed, grabbing his wrists and giving him a warning look.

'Yeah you are,' Ron yawned, as she stood up and dropped his hands. 'All soft, and crazy, and beautiful.'

'You really are drunk,' Hermione noted dryly, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.

Ron laughed and grabbed her waist as she tried to take a step back. Hermione froze in shock, as Ron leaned his head against her stomach.

'I don't need drink to know that you're beautiful,' he said, pulling her even closer.

Hermione gripped his shoulders and tried to take a step back. 'I really don't think you should be doing that.'

Ron shrugged but let her go. He gazed up at her flushed face and bright eyes, leaning back on his arms. 'You have no idea what I think we should be doing.'

Hermione folded her arms again and stared down at him with a slight frown. Ron watched her with a grin plastered on his face. Standing there with a stern look, in her plain navy pyjamas and wild curls, Ron couldn't think of a more appealing site.

'You can get whatever ideas you have,' Hermione said firmly, 'out of your head right now.'

'You haven't heard what they are,' he said, continuing to smile and nudging her leg with his. 'You might think they're really good and be completely on board with them.'

'I highly doubt that,' she said, rolling her eyes and walking around the bed and away from him. 'Just go to bed before you say something stupid.'

Ron ignored her and stood up gracelessly. 'I'm not gonna say anything stupid.'

'Ron,' Hermione groaned, moving to grab him, as he walked towards her. 'Just go to bed.'

'I'm gonna,' he promised, facing her. 'I just need to do one thing.'

Hermione shook her head, 'surely it can wait till morning?'

'Well, the thing is,' Ron breathed, moving closer to the wary witch with a smile, 'I doubt I'll get the chance to do it tomorrow.'

'Do what?' Hermione asked, staring up at Ron sceptically.

Ron leaned forward and placed his hand on her cheek. Hermione's eyes widened as he pressed his lips to hers in a very brief kiss.

'That,' Ron whispered, giving Hermione's nose a little nudge. 'I needed to do that.'

Hermione swallowed as he began to pull away. She quickly placed her own hand on his cheek and mirrored him with a quick kiss on the lips. Ron chuckled and kissed her again; applying more pressure and staying longer. Hermione let her eyes flutter shut and Ron took this as invitation to do it again. This time, Ron ran his tongue along her mouth and Hermione tentatively allowed him entry. Ron moaned as their tongues met for the first time and pulled Hermione even closer.

Nothing had prepared him for this. She tasted like the sweetest dessert he had ever had. Every single part of him felt like it was on fire, and Ron couldn't help but think that he wanted to do this again and again and again. Hermione's inexperience made Ron feel even more affection for her, as they duelled in a most intimate way.

Hermione began to pull back, causing Ron to moan again.

'Don't go,' he muttered, opening his eyes and staring at her in awe. 'That was amazing.'

Hermione blushed at his honesty. 'I think you should go to bed.'

Ron frowned, but dropped his arms so that Hermione could take a step back. 'You didn't like it?'

'I did,' Hermione said truthfully, 'but you've had a lot to drink and I'd rather stop before you do something else you wouldn't normally do.'

Ron nodded as the pounding in his head reappeared with full force. 'Fine, but I did need to do that.'

'Really?' Hermione asked dubiously.

'You've been the only thing keeping me going today,' he admitted as he sat back down on the bed and rubbed his face. 'I knew I was coming home to you and that made it easier to cope with.'

'You still managed to drink your own body weight,' Hermione muttered, as her cheeks glowed pink again.

'Kept it together during the ceremonies though,' Ron said, getting under the covers and leaning back with a soft sigh. 'Besides, Fred deserved a good party.'

'So, it went okay?'

'Same as every year,' Ron mumbled, as his body began to shut down, 'fucking horrible but an essential day.'

Hermione nodded and stood watching him in silence for a few minutes.

'I'm glad you're okay,' she whispered.

'Got you,' Ron muttered softly.

With that, everything went dark and Ron felt the comforting arms of sleep enclose him.

o0o

A/N 2: I had to have them kiss on the same day as the book. However, this kiss was nowhere near as romantic and took place a whole four years after it should have!

This doesn't mean I'm rushing the relationship on. It just means there's going to be some awkward moments coming up for poor Hermione and Ron. Drinking does not solve problems, merely creates them. Haha!