Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any related characters.

A/N: Happy Friday, all! I don't have much to say other than THANK YOU for the amazing reviews!

As always, thank you to accio-broom for beta-ing. Her stories are brilliant, so make sure to check out her page!

Ten Years

Chapter Six

I've been on my own

'Cause I thought I needed space

But everywhere I go

I imagine you and me

And I've been trying not to lose my mind

But I can't stop thinking 'bout you all the time

If I called you back

Would you put me first?

If I told you that

I'm already hurt

I don't ask for much

No I, I deserve

But If I called you back

Could we make it work?

Call You Back - LODIS

Ron

Shagging Hermione Granger was fucking brilliant.

It was honestly hard to wrap his mind around what just occurred during Hermione's most recent visit home. After years, nearly three sodding years, they were finally on a path to redeeming what they had lost.

To say Ron had been miserable without her around would've been an understatement. They had gone back and forth so many times — he would fuck it all up, she would fuck it all up, in a repeated cycle that had him nearly spent by the end of it all.

He wasn't exactly jumping for joy knowing they would now be separated, again, for another year while Hermione finished up her dues with MACUSA. However, he would wait.

Bloody hell, he'd wait forever if she asked him to.

After all, they were skirting around each other long before the Battle. At this point, it felt unnatural for them to be on the same page for once.

An owl came flying towards the window — Hermione's owl —perching itself on the landing with a rolled-up piece of parchment attached to its leg.

"Well, let's see what we have here…" Ron hummed, exchanging the letter for a treat, which the owl happily consumed.

Ron tugged on the string to roll open the letter eagerly.

Ron,

I wasn't really sure how to start this letter, but I suppose I can start by expressing how much I enjoyed the time we were able to spend together last week. I've really, really missed you.

Therefore, I have a question to ask you. Do you happen to have any paid leave saved up that you could use to take a week off soon? And, if so, how do you feel about coming to visit New York? We still need to make up for your missed trip from a few years back. Oh, Ron, there is just so much I would love to show you here. If it helps sweeten the deal, the food is spectacular!

Please don't be a stranger, and please keep writing to me even though I know it's not your favorite way to spend your time.

Love,

Hermione

Hermione,

You had me at food. Although, the deal was already sweet enough just knowing that you are going to be there.

Looking forward to it.

Ron

Bloody hell, this was about to be a good year.

The intense spinning sensation subsided, leaving Ron a dizzy, breathless mess as he worked to regain control over his surroundings. After his fourth portkey, he was finally in New York City.

When his blurry vision cleared, he found himself face to face with the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. She made all of his nausea fade away instantly, and he'd go through it all again if it meant he still got to see her face at the end of it all.

"Bloody hell, you go through that every time you come home?" Ron shook his head in amazement.

Hermione only beamed in response, throwing her arms around his neck instantly. Ron nestled his nose into her curls, inhaling her familiar scent of fresh strawberries and vanilla shampoo.

"You're here," she breathed into his hair.

Ron lifted his head to share his wide toothy grin with Hermione. "I'm in the Big Orange!"

"Apple, Ron. Big Apple."

"Well, it's utterly ridiculous to give your city a fruit nickname, if you ask me," Ron mumbled back.

Hermione rolled her eyes exasperatedly, looping an arm through his to start guiding him forward. Only then did Ron realize they were in a less than desirable location — quite smelly, too.

"Er...Hermione? I'm happy to see you and all, but with the way you were playing up New York City, I figured it would be a bit more…" He trailed off, not really sure how to complete his statement.

"Honestly, Ron, it's just the underground subway rail system. All portkey arrivals and departures are located here. It's less conspicuous to muggles."

Hermione led him up a large set of concrete stairs, the hustle and bustle of people around him slightly overwhelming. The noise level gradually increased the closer they got to the top. The stairs disappeared, providing Ron with a view that rendered him completely speechless.

His entire world exploded into color. He found himself surrounded by bright neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and even more people. The traffic flow was non-stop, with a wide variety of muggle vehicles zipping by them past the overcrowded streets. Sirens blared around them. He could even feel the trains rumbling beneath the ground.

His eyes were a reflecting pool of flashing lights, and he completely lost himself in exploration, his mouth gaping open in awe.

A small tug on his hand gently brought him back, and he found Hermione staring up at him with a knowing grin on her face.

"I take it you like it, then?" She giggled.

"Like it? Bloody hell, Hermione, it's amazing! I love it!" Ron practically bounced on his toes in anticipation, wanting to drag her through the plethora of people without a care as to where they were going. He just wanted to do more, to see more.

And he wanted to do it all with her, hand in hand.

"Yeah? Well, you're in for a real treat then because right over there..." she paused to point to a small shop just around the corner, "...will be some of the best pizza you've ever had in your life."

Ron's eyes widened with peak curiosity, already dragging her in the direction she had pointed towards. His stomach grumbled hungrily, making him even more excited.

He wasn't left disappointed.

Blimey, a single piece of pizza was so large he had to fold it in half just to be able to eat it properly!

The crust itself was thick and crisp but the base was thin and pliable, full of mouth-watering flavor from the mixture of tomato sauce and stringy cheese that covered the dough.

Ron brushed the final remaining crumbs from his fingertips, savoring the last few bites of the delicious pie.

"So, Mr. Weasley, are you up for another adventure?" She sent him a sly wink, which made his stomach do somersaults — and it wasn't out of digestion.

He wasn't quite sure how she could top what he had already seen, but sweet Merlin, she did. Ron's jaw nearly dropped to the ground as he found himself standing on an open-air observation deck, eighty-six stories up the Empire State Building.

It was the most magnificent view of the New York City skyline. The sun was starting to set, which added unexpected beauty to the vast land around them.

"Wow!" Ron shouted, proceeding to lower his voice so that only she could hear, "Can you imagine what it would be like to take off on your broom from this height?"

Hermione made a disgruntled face. "Yes, and I absolutely would never do that. And you won't either!" She sternly jabbed a finger in his face.

Ron snickered, getting a thrill from riling her up.

"Hermione…" Ron felt his chest caving in, winded and breathless, "This is just…"

"Amazing, right?" Hermione finished his thought, her eyes twinkling back at him.

Ron released Hermione's hand briefly to wrap an arm around her shoulders and bring her close. He had caught her shivering from the wind blowing around them, and she folded naturally into the warmth of his coat.

"Amazing, you are," Ron spoke softly, leaning his cheek against the top of her full head of hair.

Hermione snuggled closer to him, and he could hear her sniffling into his jumper. "This moment makes up for every bad thing that's happened to us over the last few years."

The lump in Ron's throat grew in size. "I don't think I can apologize enough for how much of a git I was last year."

Hermione lifted her head, curiosity mixed with apprehension filling her eyes. "You know, you never did tell me. Why did you? Break up with her, I mean."

Ron held her gaze steady, brushing a few curls out of her eyes that kept blowing into her face. "It didn't feel right. Nothing felt right without you."

He watched carefully as her eyes welled up with tears and good Godric, he hoped with everything he had that he was on the right track with this conversation.

"Honestly, I felt like a right arse for staying with Julia for so long. I think part of me believed…" He hesitated. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin this perfect moment between them.

"Believed what?" Hermione urged further, and he knew she wasn't going to let it go until she suckered it out of him.

Ron stared deeply into her eyes, wanting her to see the sincerity behind his own. "That it was over. You and me."

He waited for her sharp intake of breath before continuing, "That's why I went with her in the first place. And the longer you and I talked through letters last year, the more it became clear to me that...we weren't over."

Ron shook his head, almost chuckling to himself for ever believing his own lies. "Not even close."

Ron exhaled loudly, suddenly grateful that they were able to find a relatively secluded corner of the observation deck that didn't have too many people lingering about, for this wasn't a conversation that he fancied having others overhear. "For so long, I feel like I haven't known how to be your friend. In all honesty, I don't think you could call what we've had the past few years friendship at all."

Hermione visibly frowned but nodded. "I don't disagree with you there."

"But then again, it's not like I know anything more now. How are we supposed to move on from all of this shit? How are we supposed to be more than friends?"

Hermione gazed out into the open distance for several moments, eyebrows scrunched together like she was thinking hard. It was an expression that was characteristically common for Hermione. Eventually, she responded, "I think it's okay if we don't have all of the answers right away. We can figure it out along the way. Take it step by step."

Ron raised his eyebrows, and a slow grin spread across his face as he reached over to place the back of his hand against her forehead. "Hermione Granger is okay with not having all of the answers? Are you sure you're feeling alright? You haven't taken one too many bludgers to the head, have ya?"

Hermione playfully swatted his hand away. "No, no, nothing like that. It's just...fighting this. Fighting us, trying to figure out all the answers hasn't really gotten us anywhere, has it? It might be best to try a different approach now."

Ron nodded in agreement. "So now you're starting to see things my way, huh? I've been telling you to relax for years."

Hermione lightly smacked him on the arm. "Oh, shut it you, or I'll send you straight back on a portkey home tomorrow!"

"You wouldn't."

Hermione lifted her chin just slightly in an adorable way that made his heart flutter. "Well...just know that I could."

They both laughed together, content with where the conversation had ended. They were together now, and that's all that really mattered.

Ron turned his head and almost lost his marbles as he laid eyes on Hermione. The fading sun provided the perfect light behind her head, illuminating her face with rosy color. She was positively the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Gently, he brushed her soft cheek with his fingertips, signaling her attention as she gazed up at him curiously.

"I know we talked about, you know, putting a pause on things for a year. But, I'm here with you now, and fuck it, I don't know if I can…"

Ron bit his lip, his gaze traveling lustfully down to her mouth.

"Me either," Hermione breathlessly whispered.

That was all he needed to hear before his lips came crashing down onto hers. The blood rushed to his head while sparks of electricity jolted down to his toes. Fucking hell, this woman had him. She had all of him, and he never wanted her to let him go.

Neither cared who may have been watching. Their lips moved together in perfect sync, and Ron sighed deeply into her mouth, his arms wrapped tight around her body as he gently swayed them back and forth along with the wind.

When they finally parted for air, Hermione's eyes were glistening with what Ron could only decipher as happiness.

"I've never seen the same view twice up here. And the best view was here, right now, with you."

Ron decided he wholeheartedly agreed with Hermione. New York City turned out to be pretty great, but it wasn't only the view he was infatuated with.

If Ron had known everything would go to shit once returning back home, he would've insisted that he stay in New York with Hermione.

Once her trials picked up in late autumn, she became virtually non-existent again, with letters being few and far between.

On top of all of that, his work as an Auror was more grueling than ever. His missions grew lengthy, often lasting two to three weeks at a time. By the time he returned home, he'd have multiple letters from Hermione waiting for him. Then, he'd write back and not receive a response from her for over a week due to her own busy work schedule.

It was an endless cycle that became tiring, souring Ron's daily mood to the point that he hardly ever felt motivated to write her back.

There was a day in early April of 2004 that shifted his mindset entirely, one that he never expected.

Two letters arrived for him that morning; one from Hermione and one from his brother, Charlie. It had been a couple of weeks since Hermione had written, so he was a little wary about opening her letter just yet. He picked out Charlie's letter first and rolled it open. Instead of being filled with mere pleasantries, it held a very different proposition.

Ron,

I hope you are doing well. I'm writing to ask you about a potential job opportunity.

The Romanian Dragon Sanctuary is looking to hire a law enforcement official for added security. I don't know if you've heard, but the Sanctuary has been dealing with a series of break-ins and attempts to infiltrate the grounds. It is not clear what this suspect is searching for, nor can I reveal much as I am under strict orders to keep this information classified, but there is no Auror I trust more than you, Ron.

I know you've settled into a nice life in England, and I don't want to do anything to disrupt that. However, your latest letters have indicated you might be looking for a change in your work endeavors. If so, please let me know if you'd be interested.

I'd love to have you over in Romania, brother.

Love,

Charlie

Ron was left reeling from Charlie's job offer. Could he really just abandon his work with the Ministry to take off to Romania for who knew how long? Charlie didn't mention any specifics about the length of his stay, but he assumed that all depended on how long it took to catch the bastard. On the positive side, it would be wicked to get to see Charlie more often, and explore another part of the world. After all, Hermione went off on her own. Why couldn't he do the same?

Sighing deeply, he moved on to Hermione's letter.

Ron,

It's official! I've put in for my transfer to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic. Kingsley approved it today. Once I come home for James' first birthday party next month, I will be home for good.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing you more often, Ron, and finding out where life takes us.

Love,

Hermione

His fingers were trembling as he laid the letter back down on the table. So, Hermione made plans to come home just as soon as he was considering leaving.

Fuck it, he needed a drink.

May 2004

Hermione

Hermione arrived at the Burrow with bright eyes and eager excitement. She practically raced to the front door, hoping to find one face in particular.

She was greeted by Harry, Ginny, and a quickly-growing James as she stepped into the sitting area, and spent several minutes exchanging hugs and catching up with a few of the people she missed dearly.

Just as she was left still wondering where Ron could've been, Molly tapped Hermione on the shoulder.

"Ron's upstairs, still asleep, that lazy son of mine. Hermione, would you be a dear and go fetch him for me? Breakfast shall be ready in about thirty minutes."

Harry caught Hermione just before she stepped onto the landing. "He's been bouncing around the past couple of days, very excited to see you. I'll make sure no one bothers you until breakfast."

Hermione blushed at the implication but simply nodded before bounding up the stairs.

She pushed open the door to Ron's childhood bedroom on the top floor. Ron was sleeping on his side, facing away from her, gentle snores coming through his nose.

Hermione laid down on the bed, curling up into his backside. She hesitantly wrapped an arm around his waist and snuggled against him, inhaling his scent, allowing her muscles to relax.

Ron moaned and rubbed his hand over her arm instinctively. Hermione smiled and pushed her face more firmly into his hair. "Hi, sleepyhead."

"Hermione?!" His head shot up groggily. The excitement and surprise in his voice was evident.

She chuckled and kissed his cheek. "Did you think I was someone else?"

Ron gave her hand a tight squeeze. "Nah, I knew it was you."

He reached over for his wand from his nightstand and muttered a quick breath-freshening charm. Hermione grinned at his thoughtfulness but also wanted to laugh at the expectation.

Ron turned over on his side, positively beaming once he took in the sight of her, making Hermione's body rack with nerves. "Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes?"

"Hi, Ron."

Ron brushed his hand down her cheek before tapping her nose lightly. "Hi, beautiful."

"Flattery will get you anywhere, Mr. Weasley."

"C'mere," Ron held out his arms, and Hermione obliged, settling her head on top of his chest and snaking her arms back around his body. "Mmmm...I missed you."

"I missed you, too."

Ron's voice vibrated against her hair. "Whose idea was it to stay away from each other for almost an entire year?"

"Mmm...not sure, but I'm thinking it was a pretty rotten plan."

"You're telling me," he agreed.

Suddenly anxious, Hermione wanted to sort out their feelings right then and there. She took Ron's words positively, fully believing that they were on the same page. She knew that she was ready to give the relationship a go, and there was a particular question left hanging on the tip of her tongue.

What were they? Their relationship status was quite confusing. Although they exchanged many letters over the last year, it was an unspoken rule between them that it would be easier to remain as friends during their time apart, despite the amazing week they spent together in New York. But was it really easier? It certainly seemed like they were together, as neither one had dated anyone else over the past year. At least, she knew she didn't.

Hermione shook that nagging thought out of her mind, lifting her head up to see Ron already watching her. He was stroking her hair lightly in such a tender way that filled her with desire.

"Kiss me," she demanded.

Ron's lip curled up, and he leaned down to press his lips gently to hers. The kiss grew heated quickly, and Hermione found herself lying flat on her back, pushed into the covers with Ron rolling on top of her.

Ron groaned, pulling back slightly. "Wait — we are in a house full of people…"

"I've locked and silenced the door. We still have at least ten minutes until someone comes looking for us for breakfast. Harry said he would stand guard."

"Bloody hell…" That appeared to be all the reassurance Ron needed before flattening his body against hers, and claiming her lips once more.

Ron and Hermione emerged from his bedroom precisely ten minutes later, trying their best to ignore the smirks and stares from the other Weasley family members as they found the last two remaining seats at the breakfast table.

Hermione caught Ginny's eyes from across the table. The redhead was grinning from ear to ear.

"Care to share what's got you so perky, dear sis?" Ron must've noticed, too, for he took the words right out of her mouth.

Ginny only shook her head, the grin never fading from her face.

"Nothing in particular. I'm just happy, is all." James cooed in her lap. His tiny fist made contact with Ginny's bowl of cereal, effectively splashing it across the table, making everyone burst out into laughter.

"James!" Ginny squealed, looking down at her now soaked shirt.

"Okay, okay. It's Auntie Hermione's turn!" Hermione insisted, standing up to take James from Ginny as the young mother politely excused herself to get changed.

Hermione brought a wiggly James back to her side of the table, bouncing him joyously on her lap. He reached his hand out to grasp onto Hermione's curls, pulling hard.

She let out a strong yelp, and Ron chuckled, leaning over to help untangle James' fist from around her hair.

"Your kid's got a strong grip, mate," Ron threw over his shoulder to Harry, who just grinned proudly. "He'll be holding a wand in no time!"

Ron finally managed to work Hermione's curls free and ruffled James' small head of jet-black hair. Ron's hand curved around the back of Hermione's chair, sending a course of heat through her body from the overt display of affection.

"Oh, how adorable! Arthur, get a picture!" Molly clasped her hands together as Arthur fumbled for the camera.

Hermione looked over at Ron, both blushing profusely.

"Now smile, you two!" Arthur instructed as he squinted into the lens to center the camera.

Ron leaned in closer to Hermione, holding onto James' little fingers as the baby bopped up and down in Hermione's lap. Just as the flash went off, James reached up to bonk Ron on the nose, dissolving all three into a fit of giggles.

Arthur pulled his face away from the camera, eyes shining with love. "Just perfect."

After breakfast, Hermione offered to help Molly with the dishes, wanting the opportunity to catch up. Molly graciously accepted, and they worked side by side for several minutes, discussing various topics from Ron's trip to New York to her final cases from working with MACUSA.

"You look happy, Hermione," Molly commented about halfway through the washing.

Hermione's heart swelled up as she heard Ron's boisterous laugh booming from the sitting area. "I am."

"I don't suppose my son has anything to do with that, hm?" Molly questioned coyly, sending the young woman a wink. "No need to blush, my dear."

Hermione bit her lip, twisting the tea towel nervously in her hands. "I hope you know I care for him. Very much."

"Oh, of course you do, dear. I've never been concerned about that. I've always wanted the best for my children and, well, I know how much of an impact you've had on my Ronald."

Hermione swallowed a lump of emotion in her throat. "I've always hoped…"

Molly flickered her wand to levitate the china plates into the cupboards. "You two will be just fine. And I'm sure, with Ronnie's extraordinary offer to join Charlie in Romania…"

That was all Hermione heard before all sensation left her body. Ron. Romania. A series of rapid thoughts flashed through her mind, overwhelming her to the point that she almost missed Molly's next question.

"You've been apart for a bit already, right? I'm sure you two will find your way through this, as well."

Hermione did her best to plaster a smile on her face, despite feeling hollow inside. "Right, right, yes, of course. He shouldn't have to give up that opportunity."

Ron

By the time lunch rolled around, Ron had noticed an obvious shift in Hermione's mood. She was quieter, distant, and he had a sinking feeling in his stomach that her behavior had something to do with him.

He tried to pull her to the side just before she sat down at the table. "Everything alright?"

Instead, Hermione shrugged him off, sending him a smile that failed to reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine."

He agonized over what could've possibly happened in between breakfast and lunch for her to start pulling away from him again. It was the absolute last thing in the world he wanted. Especially after having such a fucking fantastic morning with her.

"Nice of you to show up, George!" He vaguely heard his dad call out, and Ron finally sighed and took his seat next to Hermione, who was still avoiding looking at him properly. Ron reached under the table and placed a gentle hand on her knee, to which she visibly flinched, but he made no move to remove his hand. He needed her to know that he was there.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Granger?" George smirked as he gave Hermione a hearty wave. Fortunately, he didn't badger either of them about their relationship status, instead choosing to move on to James.

George withdrew a small pink elephant toy from his coat and handed it to James, who proceeded to slobber all over it. "Only the best for baby Potter!"

"You really shouldn't have," Harry expressed dully, making an attempt to wrestle the toy out of James' firm grasp.

"And just where have you been?" Molly threw George a scolding glare, "I expected you to join us for breakfast this morning."

George merely shrugged, grinning brightly. He was ridiculously chipper, which only irritated Ron even more, still affected by Hermione's cold shoulder.

"Sorry, mum," George responded. "Went to the Leaky last night with a few mates, may have stayed out a bit later than anticipated." He then waggled his eyebrows directly at Ron. "It was like that wild night we had a month ago. Remember, Ronnie? Who knew our little brother here would be such a lady killer!"

Ron shut his eyes tightly, silently cursing George to the ends of the Earth. Fucking hell. The table had grown silent, prompting Ron to physically force his eyelids open again and sneak a glance over at Hermione.

She had gone extremely pale, staring blankly at the empty plate in front of her. Before Ron had a chance to say anything, to do anything, Hermione made her escape. "Excuse me, I think...I think I just need some air."

She was out the door in a flash, leaving Ron to glare murderously over at George, who now donned a regretful expression.

"What'd you have to go and say that for?" Ron grumbled furiously, standing up so quickly that his chair scraped loudly on the wooden floor beneath it. He didn't give his brother a chance to say anything before he darted out the front door.

He didn't want to let Hermione out of his sight, fearing that she would disapparate without leaving him an opportunity to explain himself. When he saw her make a mad dash towards the familiar wooded clearing, he knew exactly where she was headed and silently prepared himself for an overdue row.

It didn't take long for him to catch up with Hermione once she finally stopped moving. She was waiting, watching him closely as he approached, almost as if she had already expected that he would follow her.

"I can't believe you…" Her small voice cracked softly, a pang in his chest quickly forming as he saw the distress on her face.

"Please, Hermione…"

Hermione didn't allow him to finish, eyes glossy from the tears that threatened to shed. "What was all this in your letters about how you wanted to be with me and only me?"

Ron hesitantly reached out his arms to grab a hold of her, but she staggered back quickly, pressing her body against the tree. He froze in his spot, instead choosing to raise his hands defensively.

"It's true. I promise you. I was just really lonely...and-and drunk…"

Hermione scoffed.

Anger boiled up, and he couldn't reel in his frustration any longer. "For fuck's sake, Hermione, we weren't together! You…"

Hermione's eyes blazed with fury, and she began jabbing a finger in his direction. "You told me last year that you didn't want to be in a committed relationship because it would be too hard. That is why we weren't together!"

Ron rubbed his eyes tiredly, kicking lightly at the grass beneath his shoe. It hurt him to hear her imply that she would've said yes. That they would've been together if it weren't for his apprehension. "I know. I know I said that."

After a moment of silence, Ron glanced back up to find Hermione staring expressionless at him with her hands on her hips.

"What did you do? At the pub, I mean. What did you do?"

Fuck, he didn't want to get into this. "Hermione…"

He only hoped the torture was evident in his tone, for Hermione's stiff composure noticeably softened. "Please. I need to know. If-if we're going to get past this…"

"I kissed a random bird. That was it. I didn't know who she was — she was there, and I was conflicted," Ron mumbled reluctantly. "It was a shit day. I had just come home from a mission, and I was missing you terribly, and I lost control of all sense."

Ron watched Hermione's chest rise and fall slowly, wanting so desperately just to be able to read her mind in that moment. Fortunately, she was rather forthcoming with the words she admitted next.

"Ron...I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that it doesn't hurt that you kissed another girl. But what hurts more is that you didn't tell me about it."

Ron groaned and let his head fall back in frustration. "What was I supposed to say, Hermione? Was I supposed to send it to you in a letter? Oh, by the way, I got pissed the other night and snogged another girl? Not sure that would've translated well over writing, mind you!"

"You're breaking my heart, Ron. This constant back and forth...I just don't know what to expect from you," Hermione whispered, her entire demeanor deflated.

It was terrifying how quickly their relationship could shift. "I'm breaking your heart? How about the time when you left for a year without a bloody word and came back with a bloke on your arm acting like the shag we had meant nothing?"

It was a low blow, he knew it, and he should've anticipated the repercussions that would follow.

"What about the time when you flaunted Julia around the Burrow? I suppose your intentions were honest then, weren't they?" Hermione threw back angrily.

Ron's face grew red, not yet ready to back down even though he knew he should. "Because you were with someone else! I thought our chance was over — I thought we were done. And yet, here I am, letting you pull me back in over and over again."

Hermione's eyes darkened. "Well, then, maybe you shouldn't."

Ron felt like he had been punched straight through the gut. "What are you saying?"

Hermione crossed her arms, chin tilted up slightly. "Maybe you should take that job in Romania."

He exhaled loudly and pinched the bridge of his nose. Of course. Of fucking course. That must've been why she was acting so skittish earlier. "How did you...how did you hear about that?"

"Your mum told me. It's a great opportunity for you, and I think you should take it." Although he interpreted Hermione's words to be sincere, there was a rigidness behind them that he couldn't quite shake.

Ron sighed loudly. "Hermione, don't…"

"Don't what, Ron? You said it yourself. All I do is drag you along and make you unhappy."

"You don't make me unhappy," Ron whispered quietly. "Frustrated as hell, yes, but...I'm not unhappy."

"But you could be happier," Hermione reasoned.

Ron couldn't argue with that statement. "I'd be happier if we didn't argue all the time. If we could finally work our shit out."

Hermione chewed on her bottom lip, deep concentration etched between her brows. "Well...I don't think we are going to work it out by you not accepting an amazing job opportunity just because of me. That will only end in resentment, and I don't want that for us."

"Me neither." His stomach twisted as he came to the conclusion that there was only one choice to make at this point. "So, I guess I'm taking the job, then?"

"I guess so…" Hermione visibly struggled to keep her composure, instead smashing Ron's heart into a million pieces as he watched the tears that began flowing down her cheeks.

He couldn't bear it, so he took a few strides forward and swiftly enclosed her in his arms, needing to reassure her that everything would be alright, even if he didn't know that to be true.

They embraced quietly, mourning the relationship they were left wondering if they'd ever get to have.