Ron took his seat beside Hermione as the rest of the crowd of many aged wizards came to the chairs. He faced forward for what felt like hours, maybe days.
Dumbledore's death had taken a hold on Hogwarts since the night Snape had disappeared. Harry had taken the toll worse of all, and even Ginny was unable to comfort him. He was distant from anyone who touched him. It was like a ghost of Harry had taken his best mate's place.
For the days that Harry was gone, Ron tried his best to help Hermione. She cried every other day. The glow in her hair, the spark of intelligence in her face, it had dulled away. Only her spirit to remain strong for those around her stayed.
One day when Ron entered the library to find a lonely Hermione staring at a closed book, he had a vision of the Hermione he saw in his last dream. But he knew what he had to do. Coming slowly down the row of bookcases, Ron came to a halt beside the still Hermione. Ever so slightly he took the chair next to her and grabbed her soft hand. Within the minute she was tearing on his shoulder as his arms wrapped around her.
Now the music began to play as the final guests took their seats. From the corner of Ron's eye, he spotted Hermione gazing into the sky, coming close to tears. Instinctively, he would have hugged her tight, but the people that surrounded them didn't move a inch and so he decided against it. However, he did reach his hand out to firmly hold Hermione's. She didn't look his way, but she did grip only a bit harder to let Ron know it was ok.
The funeral was ending when Hermione suddenly took hold around Ron with her face buried into his robes. He waited a while before putting his arms around her, tears now also running down his freckled face.
As the people stood to leave, Ron noticed Harry walk off with Ginny close behind. This was when Hermione spoke out for the first time that day.
"He's going to break up with her," she stated as if a fact from under his neck. She lifted her head to watch also as Harry and Ginny grew distant around the lake.
"Why the bloody hell would he do that?" asked a angry Ron a little to loud. Hermione shushed him while glancing around. She then rose with her hand in his, leading them away to a tree that branches hid them from view.
"He wants to protect her," she whispered loudly, looking down at Ron's hand around hers. Ron pulled back, releasing his hand.
"How exactly is that protecting her?" Demanded Ron. He knew it was wrong to yell at Hermione, but the rage had to go somewhere.
" He Who Must Not Be Named could hurt the ones he loves. It's saver that way." Said Hermione who continued to stare down.
Ron was still for a moment, taking in the information by every word. Suddenly a thought popped in his head.
"Does that mean he's going to leave? Leave school…leave us?"
"I believe so." Whispered Hermione. She sighed deeply as she started to bite her lower lip, a habit she does when she was seriously thinking.
No Harry, thought Ron. It wouldn't be the same. No. He wouldn't do that. Never.
"Ron?" asked a stronger Hermione. Ron glanced up to see she had stepped closer to him. Her eyes now glowed with a new spark. A more mature yet promising spark.
"If he was to leave…you would go with him? And me?" she asked with such innocents that Ron's anger dissolved. He sighed without breaking Hermione's gaze.
"I would go, only if you were with us." He stated as he pulled Hermione into a hug. She held him tighter than usual, making Ron think if this were the time to bring up what he was wondering all month. But apparently, she beat him to it.
"Ron, not so long ago, we talked about taking our friendship—"
"To a whole more complicated yet tempting level?" Hermione giggled at that as Ron smiled to himself. He always loved to make Hermione happy.
"You think it's tempting?" she asked, a little unsure of saying it.
"Well, I've known you since I was eleven and, how long did I have to wait? Six years before I was positive it was ok to do this." He lifted Hermione's head and brushed her cheek with his fingers. At this she blushed deeply, Ron seeing in her eyes she was fighting it. "I can tell you are tempted too." He said with a goofy grin.
Oh no, Hermione thought in panic, don't let him take you in so quick. You're much stronger than that!
"Not really, a little." She responded.
Stupid, like that wasn't obvious! Now he is going to know! Don't show him your face. He'll only see you blush harder.
She stepped away from him to walk over to the tree, placing her hand against the bark. But he stepped over to her.
"Isn't?" he asked softly, sliding his arms around her waist to lock his hands. By this new touch, Hermione had to lean into the trunk to keep from melting down. She could feel his breathe through her wavy hair, just reaching her neck.
After a pause of the two standing still, Ron asked an unbelievable question.
"Can we see something?" Hermione knew what he was asking, but she felt it was her turn to play the game. She walked out of his hold to turn around and face him.
"Like what?" she asked with the biggest smile she had all year. Ron was now the one whose face was red.
"Try…to see if we can, date?" it was foreign words in his mouth to use date and we in the same sentence when he was talking to Hermione. Not the as bad as in his dreams, though.
"You mean, kiss?" suggested Hermione, now feeling nervous yet excited at the same time.
Ron only nodded, unable to speak with the idea of him and Hermione locking lips. Hermione nodded in response with a frightful expression. Ron stretched his arms and shook his hands, then rolled his head back. Hermione couldn't help but laugh as he did this; also knowing he was trying to make it easier.
Finally, they both gazed into each other's eyes, the blue ocean and the warm brown earth. Both stepped to each other carefully, as to not make the moment move fast. Once they were only a foot apart, Ron closed the distance with one long step. Hermione held her breath as he raised his hands to her face and rested them on her burning cheeks. In response, Hermione lifted her arms up to his shoulders, placing her fingers on the nape of his thick neck.
"Ready?" Ron asked, just loud enough to hear. Hermione was more then ready, she was overexcited, nearly loosing her control to finally kiss the boy she liked since she met him. Well, not technically, but within the first year.
But then people spoke from the funeral, saying farewells and wishing goodbye.
"Wait," ordered Hermione when Ron leaned closer. He came to a halt, surprised and confused at once.
"What's wrong?" he asked. He hoped he didn't do something wrong for her to refuse. Was holding her face to trap for her? Don't girls like a man in control? Then again, this was Hermione.
"It's not right. As in, this isn't the time. Dumbledore's death and Harry…"
"I get it." Said Ron has he released her face.
"Your mad." She said as she slid her hands from his shoulders and crossed them over her chest.
"No," he moaned, grabbing her in a hug, "I just thought it was a good idea. But you know what? It isn't right. We shouldn't have our first kiss to see if there's anything between us. Cause I know there is."
"We'll continue as before. Until we're ready." Said Hermione in his chest.
"Until Harry is ok." Corrected Ron. He could feel her agree, even if she didn't say anything. Because of that he knew they were meant to be together.
Only wait a little longer, Ron, wait till we are both ready….
Next will be moments in the DEATHLY HALLOWS book, then =( the final chapter of Ron Dreams of Hermione.
Next: 'The Ups And Downs'
