After enjoying a fantastic evening meal with the Weasleys (the first one she had managed to sit through since the war) Hermione declined pudding and headed for the back porch overlooking the back garden cradling a warm mug of tea in her hands and waited for Ron watching the summer twilight approach and the bats catching the insects. Fred and Ginny had squeezed her arm and shoulder before she left the table giving her the strength she needed for the conversation to come Hermione knew it was going to be tough but like Fred had said she needed to get it over with or it would be more painful on them both the longer the boundaries were unclear.
Hermione took a deep breath and steeled herself as she heard the back door open and bang shut and the unmistakeable gate of Ron headed towards her, he leaned his hands on the railing and Hermione took one more calming breath before turning to face Ron.
"Hey, you. How is training going?" she said with a small smile.
"Good thanks Mione but we both know that's not why you wanted to talk," Ron said defensively unable to stop the tears building up in his eyes
Hermione's tears began to appear, but she swallowed the lump in her throat and pushed her emotions aside determined to tell Ron what she was feeling. "Ron, you know I love you"
Ron interrupted "But there is a but isn't there" his tears were falling now
"Yes, Ron there is. I am so sorry, but I love you as a friend. I think I have mistaken it as romantic love for a long time. The kiss during the battle was because we were both scared of losing each other. And you have got to agree that this is what everyone expects not what we both want. The war has changed us and maybe if we hadn't just had to fight in a war then maybe we would have been able to love each other the way we both deserve. I know how much we have both changed what we have both been through and I don't think we will ever feel the same way we did before we went on the hunt for Horcruxes but I know I will always love you as a best friend and you're going to find the most amazing witch who will love you the way you deserve." Hermione gasped out and finally surrendered to the onslaught of tears she had been fighting.
Ron had a blotchy face and tears streaming dripping from the end of his nose "Mione a little bit of me will always love you, I think. I always thought we would end up together. But like you've just said I think that's because everyone always thought we would. I had a feeling this was coming and I think I'm more upset that the idea of us is gone because there has never really been an us in the relationship sense. And once again you have shown me why you ended up in Gryffindor, I should have plucked up the courage to have this conversation sooner even but I've been putting it off even though I knew it needed to happen. I've missed my best friend these last few weeks and I need her back. Auror training is kicking my ass and I'm going to need the brightest witch of her age to make sure I study for my exams."
Hermione let out a watery chuckle "Thanks for being so understanding Ron. I've missed my best friend as well."
Ron and Hermione smiled at each other before Ron stepped forward and embraced Hermione in a tight hug. The hug reminded her of every hug he had given her before she left platform 9 and ¾ to return to the muggle world. However, she pulled away as being held this close to still freaked her out. Her brain then chose to remind her that it was everyone except Fred. Ron turned and gestured to the door. "come on Mione let's go and get warm".
Hermione and Ron made their way into the burrow and through to the living room, Fred raised an eyebrow at her when she sat next to him on the sofa and she nodded her head and smiled at him.
"oh Fred," Mrs. Weasley said bustling into the living room levitating a tray of steaming mugs of hot chocolate which she always insisted on giving to everyone no matter what time of year it was – it was currently June- "me and dad are busy at appointments tomorrow so Hermione has agreed to go to your physio appointment with you. Me or dad will be there for at least your third one on Monday okay"
Fred looked at Hermione "Mione you really don't need to come with me you know"
"I'm coming with you silly, a healer who assists your physio is coming over to help apparate you over about ten o'clock"
Fred just nodded his acceptance but was cross with his mother and father, he did not want the girl he fancied seeing how unable and feeble he was compared to the athletic man he once was. George always aware of his twin's feelings decided he would talk to Fred before he left for the flat that he was now sharing with Angelina and hopefully Fred when he was able to move back.
After everyone had finished their hot chocolate and retired to bed George helped Bill to get Fred and his wheelchair back upstairs thank god they were wizards George thought. When Bill had left after assisting George in getting Fred settled in bed bill left and George decided it was the right time to discuss how Fred was feeling about his appointment tomorrow.
"Freddie, I know your cross about mum not telling you before about Hermione coming to the appointment with you but I do think that it will be okay"
"I know Georgie I'm sure it will I'm just feeling a little insecure I mean you wouldn't want the witch you fancied seeing you struggle and being weak and nothing like the man you used to be"
"I know Freddie but just think about it. She trusts you when she is most vulnerable and now she is going to be doing the same for you. It's not a bad thing. Now get some rest. Remember they said the first few sessions of physio were going to be hard work and could be quite painful"
Fred nodded said a quick goodnight to George before falling asleep thinking about Hermione's unburdened laughter earlier in the day when they read together.