I do not own Harry Potter.

Life After the Last Battle

Chapter 35, Space

Hermione walked down the street briskly, before arriving at a little pub called Muskins. Hermione took a deep breath and walked in. She looked around and spotted Ron fairly quickly. He was sitting at the bar, numerous glasses and bottles in front of him. She walked up to him from behind and placed a hand on his shoulder. He didn't respond or react.

"Ron?"

"Huh?" he slurred, turning a little.

"Hi, honey."

"Whuhh?"

"Ron, how much have you had to drink?" she said, realizing just how many bottles and glasses were his. He didn't answer, but slumped over a little.

"He's been here for a couple hours, just drinkin'," said the bartender. "He's had a lot of firewhiskey..."

"Ron, come on," Hermione said, putting one of his arms around her shoulder.

"How much is it?" she asked the bartender.

"Three galleons," he said. Hermione paid him and helped Ron up.

"Where're we goin'?" Ron asked groggily.

"Home," Hermione said, though truthfully she didn't know where to take him. She couldn't take him to her parents house, or to his, and Harry and Ginny were probably... doing things (Hermione shuddered). She could probably take him back to George's, but she didn't want to bother them. Hermione dragged Ron along until she came to the Leaky Cauldron. She took Ron inside. It was crowded and loud. Wizards and witches were still celebrating. Hermione smiled and sat Ron down at a vacant table. "Wait here," she said to him. Her hand was shaken by many happy and drunk wizards, and they all seemed to know who she was.

"Hermione Granger!"

"It's Hermione Granger!"

"'Oo the 'ell is that?" asked a particularly drunk witch.

"That's Harry Potter's friend, ain't it! Helped kill Voldemort!"

"Oh! Hermione Granger!"

"Yeah, and look, there's Ronald Weasley!" People were crowding them suddenly. Ron was wide awake now, though extremely confused. Hermione left the crowd with Ron and walked up to the bar.

"Hello," she said.

"How can I help you?" asked Tom.

"I need a room. Where shall I check in?"

"Right over there, miss," he said, pointing a gnarled finger to a small desk in a dark corner.

"Thank you." Hermione walked over and cleared her throat. A small, weary-looking witch looked up.

"You need somethin'?" she asked hoarsely.

"Yes, I'd like a room, please."

"Right. You're in luck. We've only got one room left."

"Great. How much will that be?"

"Five galleons for the night."

"Thank you," Hermione said, and passed her the coins.

"Here you are," the witch said, and gave her two room keys. "Room 13."

Hermione walked back over to Ron and took his hand. The crowd around him was asking him all sorts of questions about Voldemort now, and Ron was just sitting there. He was finally getting the attention he'd always wanted, and he wasn't even going to remember it. Served him right though, for leaving Harry and Ginny's without telling anyone and then getting wasted. Hermione helped Ron up the stairs and walked along until she reached room 13. She opened it with her key and brought Ron in, closing the door with her foot.

"Where are we?" Ron asked, half awake.

"The Leaky Cauldron."

"That's odd..."

"What is?"

"I don't remember living here... I thought we were going home..."

"It's alright. We're only staying here tonight."

"Oh..."

"Sit down on the bed, Ron. I'll take you shoes off for you," Hermione sighed. Ron laid down on the bed and Hermione took his shoes off his feet.

"It's hot," Ron said.

"I can't change that," Hermione answered. Ron sat up and started unbuttoning his shirt clumsily. He couldn't seem to figure out how to do it.

"Help," he said. Hermione blushed and walked closer. He sat on the bed while she stood and unbuttoned his shirt for him. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. After she unbuttoned his shirt, Ron took it off and threw it on the floor. He had less trouble with his pants, and got those off himself. Hermione blushed again and looked away. She looked back a minute later to see Ron, laying down again, his attire very similar to what George had been wearing. The only difference was that Ron had not taken off his socks.

"Stand up for a moment," Hermione said. Ron stood. Hermione pulled the sheet and blanket down, then gestured for Ron to get in. She took off her jacket, skirt, and shoes off and climbed in. She brought the covers up around them and curled up.

"I don't feel too good."

"I know."

"Can't you make me feel better?"

"I don't know how," Hermione said, a little angry.

"Please?"

"There's nothing I can do... why did you do this, Ron? This isn't like you."

"I'm sorry." There were tears in his eyes.

"It's ok, just tell me what's going on."

"I don't remember."

"We can talk in the morning." Hermione got her wand out and flicked the light switch. It was pitch black at first, and then her eyes adjusted to the lack of light.

"I love you," he garbled.

"I love you, too."

"Let's get married. Right now. And have children. Now."

"You're drunk, Ron. Just go to sleep."

"Can I sleep with you?"

"Yes."

"Ok." Ron was quiet. Hermione heard his breathing get deeper.

"Hermione? Where are we?" Ron's voice rang clear when Hermione woke up in the morning.

"The Leaky Cauldron," Hermione said, yawning.

"I know but... why?"

"Oh, so you don't remember your little adventure last night?" Hermione asked, getting up.

"I... no..."

"Yes, well, you left Harry and Ginny's after dinner. I found you at the bar downstairs. Why didn't you tell me where you were going? Or that you were leaving?" There was concern in Hermione's voice.

"Sorry..." he sounded indifferent.

"What's going on with you?"

"Nothing. 'M fine. Let's go," Ron sat up and looked down at his lack of clothing. He turned and looked at Hermione, who blushed.

"You were... hot..."

"Did we...?"

"No!" Hermione said, getting redder. Ron didn't seem embarrassed. He didn't seem to care. He shrugged and got up. Hermione stared at him while he dressed, and he hardly noticed her presence. Even when she got out of bed, her legs bare, he didn't seem... anything. Hermione frowned and pulled her skirt back on. She slipped back into her shoes and picked up her jacket and wand. She put her wand in a long pocket on the inside of her skirt.

"Are you ready?" she asked him.

"Yeah, let's go." And Ron walked out the door. Hermione picked up the room key and followed him. She walked downstairs and Ron was already at the bar again. Hermione gave the room key to the witch at the check-in desk and went to get Ron.

"Ron, let's go."

"Ok..." He got up and followed her outside. They walked along in silence, not touching.

"Ron, there's something going on with you."

"No there isn't."

"Please talk to me."

"Nothing to say."

"I love you."

"Love you too." He sounded... nothing.

"Do you know what tomorrow is?" Hermione asked, smiling.

"Nope."

"September 1st! We met seven years ago tomorrow!"

"Hm."

"Yeah..." Hermione looked down.

"I think... I think I'm gonna stay at my parents for a little while..." Ron said, looking away. His voice showed no emotion.

"Oh... ok... well, I'll have to ask my parents, I mean they can't really make me stay, but I haven't seen them in-"

"No... I mean... alone..." he said. Hermione was quiet for a long time.

"Oh. I... understand... are you... did I do something?" Hermione felt the tears already.

"No, you didn't do anything, Hermione. I just need some space."

"Please don't do this, Ron," she whispered.

"It's not like we won't ever see each other again."

"Are we... Are you... b-b... are you... I..." Hermione's tears spilled over a little. Ron just stood there.

"No, no, I'm not breaking up with you. I just need space. I still want to see you," he smiled for the first time in what felt like days.

"Ok... I... I just don't understand..."

"I know. I can't explain it."

"I... Ron... please..."

"Don't cry. Everything's fine."

"I... I should go, I guess..."

"See you."

"I love you, Ron." But he was already gone. Hermione bit her lip as the tears poured down her cheeks.

Sorry about that, guys. I need some character development... Don't worry, it won't last too long.

I want to thank all of you guys who review this, it means a lot. And even those who don't thanks for reading. I know there are times when I don't post anything, but you guys stick with me anyway. 3 Next chapter will be up either late, late, LATE tonight or tomorrow afternoon. More on Saturday or Sunday. Peace.