Through The Years

by Bowls of Soup

Ron and Hermione have always had their ups and downs ever since they met on the train that day. This is a story of them, told through the perspective of other people in their lives. (Rated M for language)

AN: Hello everyone! Welcome to my first story. Full author's note will be at the end. Forgive me for any mistakes. Enjoy!

Ron and Hermione had always had their ups and downs ever since they met on the train that day. This is a story of them, told through the perspective of other people in their lives. (Rated M for language)

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Dumbledore folded his hands and closed his tired eyes.

It wasn't the first time that Dumbledore had to listen to protests and arguments from his students and staff members. In all his years as a professor and headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he has learned to tune everything out and offer a smile and put on a face that looks - at least, he hopes - like he's listening intently. Short of running his hand through his long white beard, he would have looked like a picture-perfect copy of previous Hogwarts headmasters, many of which have their portraits on the walls in his office.

The old powerful wizard looked up from his desk. Arthur and Molly's son was standing a few feet away, swinging his arms around wildly and looking positively enraged. His ear tips were a shot of angry red. Any more and Dumbledore was certain steam would come out.

Ronald Weasley pointed a finger to a shorter figure in the room.

Bushy curls jerked back. Hermione looked shocked, suddenly being the center of attention in the room.

Dumbledore swept his eyes across the room and noted the look on everyone's faces. Cho Chang's eyes met his and she quickly gave him an awkward nod and a grimace. Fleur Delacour's little sister was staring at her feet. Moody was seated at a corner with his flask in hand while Minerva…

He arched an eyebrow. Well, I didn't know Minerva was one for a lover's quarrel…

Dumbledore looked towards the center of the room where a screaming match had already begun. For the first time since everyone entered, Dumbledore decided to listen in.

"Why are you his bloody hostage? You've been talking to Vikky again, haven't you?!" Ron yelled. His ears have reached the shade of his hair. His face twisted in an odd mix of anger and hints of jealousy.

Hermione was taken aback but she quickly righted herself. She snapped, "So what if I have? It's none of your business."

Ron tried to counter."It's - it's…-"

"None. Of. Your. Business!" Hermione lifted a finger and with each word, she stabbed Ron's chest. "So what if I talk to Viktor? So what if Viktor thought I am valuable to him? What does it matter to you?!" She stood on her toes and glared at Ron.

Ron and Hermione's faces were inches apart.

Living a life as long as Dumbledore's, one would try and cure the occasional boredom. The wizard might not look like it, but he does have a collection of novels sitting somewhere in the corner of his office. Dumbledore was not ashamed to admit that he was drawn to the drama right in front of him.

Ah...Love and all its ugly emotions.

Before Ron could say anything (much to Dumbledore's well-hidden disappointment), Moody stood up and interrupted. "Alright Weasley, stop being a prat! We don't have all day. You too, Granger. Don't need lovers to quarrel up here."

The two huffed and looked away from each other, hints of anger and embarrassment lingering on their faces.

Dumbledore tuned out his surroundings as Moody went on to explain the second task. Thankfully, the tension from earlier had simmered down from scorching to boiling. Though, Dumbledore knew that it wouldn't take much for the pair to start a row again. Ron had his arms crossed, pretending to listen. His look of anger slowly turned to one of regret and guilt. Ron's eyes darted sideways every few seconds as if trying to get the brown-haired girl's attention. One time he did, he immediately turned away when Hermione sent him a look, promising pain.

Dumbledore chuckled inwardly. He found it oddly endearing for reasons he can't explain. Perhaps it reminded him of days gone by.

The wizard turned his eyes to look at Hermione. The girl was listening attentively to Moody while pointedly ignoring the poor boy's efforts to telepathically send an apology. At the sight, a small smile formed on his face.

A bittersweet feeling formed in his chest. Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and allowed himself to close his eyes. He reached deep into his mind and delved into long, forgotten memories. A familiar face came into view. His heart ached faintly. Dumbledore took a long breath and slowly exhaled. It would do him no good to look vulnerable in front of his staff and students.

From the coiling smoke in his mind, a handsome face with great white mane came forth. His face split into a cruel smile. "Albus," the man took a step towards another shorter man with red hair. "Finally came to pay me a visit?"

Dumbledore looked at his younger self and his former friend and lover. A bitter feeling began to pool in his stomach, twisting it into knots. He never would have known what Grindelwald would have become. Was he blinded by ambition and love? Did he choose to ignore the signs?

Two brilliant wizards befriending each other to reach similar goals. It sounded like a fairy tale. Dumbledore thought that he was set for life and that they would be together till Death does them apart. He was young, naive and was willing to put all his trust into the man. The man that turned the wizarding world upside down.

Grindelwald, a genius and a prodigy, eventually succumbed to the dark side of magic. Dumbledore would never forget the pain and ache in his heart as he battled Grindelwald. In the flurry of hexes and curses, Dumbledore could only think of one thing.

He had to kill Grindelwald for the sake of everyone.

Fortunately and unfortunately for him, Grindelwald was defeated without being killed.

Dumbledore had saved him. But at what cost?

Fate was cruel.

The sound of the room came back to him. Dumbledore opened his eyes just as Moody finished.

Dumbledore could weep and think of the past at a later time. The Triwizard Tournament is still ongoing and a lot of things remain to be done.

His hand reached out to the drawer under his desk. He pulled the drawer to reveal the Deluminator. The corner of his lips lifted into a small smile as he picked the device up and held it in his hand. Memories of him and Grindelwald messing around with the Deluminator, turning lights in muggle homes to flicker on and off, came back to him. He held his smile, albeit a bitter one.

He looked up from his desk. Cho Chang and Fleur's little sister had already left to prepare for the second task. Moody limped out of the office and down onto the spiral stairs. Minerva stood at the door, looked at Dumbledore and gave a small nod.

Dumbledore's eyes landed on the red and brown haired pair. The two were now standing closer to each other. Ron had a hand rubbing against the back of his neck while his other was held out. Hermione raised a brow as she eyed his hand.

In a low whisper, Ron said. "I'm sorry…" It looked like it took him a lot to say that. "For yelling at you and being a prat. I shouldn't have done that" Ron looked up with a hopeful look. "Forgive me?"

A few seconds passed. Hermione's frown dissolved. A smile grew on her lips. She shook his hand. "Apology accepted. I know you'll always come back, somehow." She gave him a knowing look.

Ron's face threatened to split in half upon hearing her words. "Thanks, Mione."

"Mione? Where did that come from?" Hermione gave a small laugh.

The boy's cheeks flushed. "I just thought it sounded nice…" He whispered.

"While it is certainly entertaining, might I remind the both of you that you need to be prepared for tomorrow?" Minerva reminded them from the door.

The both of them yelped, realising that they weren't alone and the professors clearly heard their - what was supposed to be - private exchange.

With an embarrassed look, Hermione ducked out of the office, unconsciously grabbing hold of Ron's wrist and walking him out with her. Minerva gave a sigh and shook her head. "It's always these two." She chuckled and turned to the headmaster. With a small nod, she exited the office.

Dumbledore sat in his chair and looked at the Deluminator in his hands.

He looked towards the door where Ron and Hermione, the hopes of wizarding kind, left.

He continued playing with the Deluminator.

Fate was cruel but, She can be kind too.

Somewhere deep in his heart, Dumbledore knew that whatever would happen to them, they would manage it. While he is by no means omniscience or all-knowing, being the greatest wizard of all time does have its benefits. From spells to curses, runes to rituals. Dumbledore has an affinity for all.

It is not a stretch to say that he can even sense magic that is not quite there. Especially within the two best friends of the-boy-who-lived.

But that has to be some really strong magic, no?

At the thought, he chuckled. It isn't as complicated as others might make it out to be.

After all, Love was the magic that gave the wizarding world hope.

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Poppy Pomfrey, or better known as Madam Pomfrey by the students in Hogwarts, was a wonderful woman. She was kind as she was strict. And she would always give her best to heal and cure anyone who has the misfortune to ever grace the Hogwarts hospital wing.

She sat at her desk and began going through various clipboards and checklists. During her time as the matron in Hogwarts, she would often play a little game in her mind. She would memorise the names of students who visited her and attempt to recall the number of times they were injured or sick. She would chalk it up as a win if a student's visit totals less than ten and a loss if it was more than that. Poppy understood that it was - admittedly - quite a boring game, but as a woman in her mid 50s, any game is a fun game.

Poppy heard the whispers of a conversation. She turned to look at a bed by the far left corner, with its curtains drawn. The evening sunlight filtered through the colour-stained glass windows and seemed to settle on the bed. Through the curtains, she could see the silhouettes of a boy, on the bed, and a girl, seated on a chair. The girl was leaning forward, her arms tucked close to her sides and fisted hands over her chest. A choked sob sounded from within the curtains.

The boy lifted an arm - engraved with strange markings, Poppy recalled with a shudder - and held the girl. Her sobs quietened as the boy's mouth opened. He spoke something and it seemed to have calmed the girl.

In all her years working as Hogwarts' Matron, she hasn't had a student who had to visit her more than a few times until Ronald Weasley came. With the recklessness that Gryffindors are known to possess, he had broken the record for hospital visits by a single student, only beating Neville Longbottom by ten! Now, whenever she saw Ron enter the hospital with a sheepish look on his face, she would put on an annoyed mask then immediately put him into his own bed. Ron dubbed it the Weasley corner.

The first few times Ron was admitted to the hospital, he came in with bent elbows, broken bones and one time, missing teeth. All of these were superficial injuries in the wizarding world, of course. And Poppy prided on the fact that she was one of the best healers to come out of 's Academy. While she can heal him, she had to admit it was getting tedious and annoying having to tend to the same reckless and foolish boy all the time. Honestly! And his two friends would always stay beyond visiting hours just to make sure Ron would be okay.

It was a sweet gesture but does no one understand that Poppy needs her patients to rest? It was a frustrating ordeal, having to deal with the Boy-Who-Lives-And-His-Friends-Who-Somehow-Always-Get-Into-Trouble.

But as the years went by, Poppy noticed that Ron's injuries were getting too serious and life-threatening for a student in Hogwarts. For anyone at all! She told Dumbledore of her concerns and was pleasantly surprised to find that the headmaster feels the same.

"Ron is reckless and he will get himself killed if he continues jumping into the frey just for his friends." Dumbledore had told her a few days ago just after the battle at the Department of Mysteries happened. The headmaster was kind enough to fill her in on what happened to the red haired boy and his group of friends.

Being attacked by brains, Poppy shuddered at the thought. Physical injuries are painful but they can certainly be healed. But an attack to the mind, it's treatable but impossible to cure. After the battle, Poppy had a newfound respect for the boy laying in the hospital bed. Ron was willing to throw himself into the line of fire just to protect his friends, and from what Poppy had heard, he was even willing to sacrifice himself. Especially for the girl seated right in front of him.

She can't help but admire the courage that the boy has. "A true Gryffindor indeed." Poppy whispered to herself as she cast her eyes to the bed again.

Poppy suspected that there was something between Ron and the brown haired girl. Hermione was her name. Poppy would know, since they were practically glued to each other whenever they were in her sights. When one of them were injured, the other would visit. More often than necessary.

Poppy would always have to remind them to leave after visiting hours ended. She would see the reluctant look in their eyes before they part. One time when Ron got into an injury during Quidditch, she caught a glimpse of Hermione rubbing the back of a sleeping Ron's hand with her thumb, her lips curled into a satisfied smile. Poppy also could not forget the way Ron's face twisted in worry and anxiety when he saw Hermione lying on the hospital bed after an incident in Herbology (Sprout had assured her everything was under control).

While not one to involve herself in the messy entanglement of being a teenager, it would be a lie to say she wasn't rooting for the both of them. Poppy chuckled softly to herself.

The sun was already dipping beneath Scotland's rolling mountains and the sunlight in the wing began to retreat. Poppy realised that the sobbing had stopped. Poppy squinted her eyes at the curtain. The silhouettes of the pair were barely visible now. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. In the darkening hospital wing, she swore she could see the two of them, only inches apart, with their arms around each other in a tight embrace.

I guess experiencing near certain death would do wonders to make you appreciate the things in life.

It was unprofessional and certainly mad and Poppy will never admit this to anyone, but she doesn't mind losing at her own game. Of course, she will give ten times the effort when treating either one of them.

Who says that healers can't have favourites?

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The first time she kissed him, she couldn't put it into words. Her entire lexicon would probably not be sufficient to describe the feeling of his soft, chapped lips that was smashed against her own the night Gryffindor won the house cup. It had taken her a lot of courage and a whole lot more than just butterbeer to work up the guts to kiss Ronald Weasley.

Her Won-Won.

The first few weeks of their relationship, they would spend half the time snogging in the corridors when they moved between lessons. Staying way behind their Gryffindor peers, Lavender would drag Ron by the hands and lead him somewhere. Lavender would turn her head back to catch a glimpse of Ron's face.

Ron would smile at her and mutter something that would make her heart race faster than the latest broom model. All that and yet, Lavender couldn't shake the feeling that his smile wasn't quite there.

She thought nothing of it and shook the silly notion from her head.

Her Won-Won would tell her if something was wrong. Right?

From there, it went downhill.

It wasn't obvious at first, but Lavender could feel a slight shift in the way Ron would look at her. Whenever Lavender touched his arm to get his attention, he would turn around with a look of hope that would immediately disappear as soon as he noticed who touched him. Of course, Ron would give her a small smile and say a greeting. "You need something?" Ron would say each time she did so.

When their faces were connected to each other by the lips, Lavender sometimes opened her eyes and noticed his were not closed. In fact, they weren't even looking at her! Anger bubbled in her chest when saw that. She deepened the kiss and even bit his lower lip to bring his attention back onto her. When we snog, his eyes should be only on me!

Besides, there's no one else he should be looking at.

Satisfied that she got him focused on her again, Lavender's eyelids fluttered and she closed her eyes. In the distance, she could hear the sound of someone stopping in the tracks. Something slammed on a table. "I have to go and vomit," the voice sounded.

When the term was almost at an end, Lavender noticed that Ron would begin to spend more time with Harry and less with her. Ron had explained that he just wanted time for himself and that she didn't do anything when Lavender had confronted him about it, with tears falling down her cheeks like a waterfall.

Lavender made him promise to write to her before they all left Hogwarts for the holidays. She stood on her tippy toes and kissed him on both cheeks then on the lips. The flushed cheeks that were present on his cheeks during their first kisses were gone. Now, she was only given an awkward smile and sad blue eyes that held a faraway look, gazing at something past her shoulders.

But she wasn't ready to give up! No! Lavender Brown may be dumb, she may not the best in academics or sports but she knew where her heart laid. It was with Ron.

One day in Diagon Alley, she walked past a shop and one of the many trinkets that sat temptingly on the display cases managed to catch her eye. A necklace with a coat of gold shining like the morning sunrise. It was shaped like a heart with an arrow lodged right through it. She stared at it for what seemed to be an eternity until she felt someone shake her gently.

"Lav? Are you alright?" Parvati's face came into view, worried etched onto her face.

Lavender nodded her head. She gave the girl a bright smile before exclaiming, "THIS! This is it" while she pointed to the necklace.

Parvati arched her brow and she turned to look at what Lavender was pointing at. Her eyes widened in shock. "I've never seen that one before. It looks really pretty." Parvati had her hand to her face, covering her opened mouth.

Lavender nodded in agreement. She took a step closer to the display window and squinted her eyes at the necklace, its price tag directly below it.

Lavender's heart dropped.

It was too expensive. Opening her purse, she counted her coins and found that she just had enough for the necklace. She groaned.

She needed this necklace badly. She had to show Ron how much he meant to her. With a heart full of conviction, she inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly, before walking into the store. Laying all her galleons on the counter, Lavender pointed towards the necklace on the display. "Can I have that?" She said to the witch behind the counter, who simply nodded and smiled.

A few minutes passed. She walked out of the store, a sunny smile on her face. With careful hands, she carried the bright red box, a simple yellow ribbon on it. She thought to herself, this would surely push things into the right direction!

"IT DID NOT!" Lavender had written those three words in her letter to her best friend and cried the same when they were finally back in Hogwarts.

Lavender was in her dorm room. She had her knees up to her chest, her hair was undone and fat tears streamed down her face. Parvati was silent as she rubbed a soothing hand on the crying girl's back. "He didn't even wear it…" Lavender managed to say through choked sobs, which caused her wracking body to shake harder.

Why was everything falling apart? Lavender tried everything she could to make Ron see how much he meant to her but all she saw was him pushing her further away. Had she not properly explained to him? Or was she just that undesirable?

She shook her head. No, that wasn't true. While Lavender was not academically gifted, and without trying to sound arrogant or snobbish, she knew she was a very pretty and attractive witch. So what was the problem?

At that moment, the door opened. Curls of brown bushy hair peeked into the room. Hermione saw Lavender on the bed. She offered the crying girl a sad smile as she walked towards her.

"Hey, what happened?" Hermione said softly and sat on the Lavender's bed, just right next to her.

Lavender snapped, "Wouldn't you know? Your red-haired, prat of a friend did this!"

Hermione winced. She averted her gaze and bit her bottom lip.

Lavender immediately felt guilt pool in her stomach. "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have said that. I'm just…" She gave a mirthless laugh and gestured to herself. "A mess right now."

Hermione looked at her and nodded slightly. "It's alright, I know you didn't mean it." A heavy sigh escaped her lips. "I-I...don't talk to Ron nowadays." She looked to be in pain. "He's always been a prat but he'll come around eventually." Hermione smiled at Lavender.

Lavender replied with a small nod and a smile. It was comforting to hear that from Ron's friend.

But she can't shake the feeling that Hermione was saying it to herself.

A few weeks passed and things turned for the worse."Her...mio...nee" Ron had whispered in his sleep, when he was in the hospital wing, recovering from being poisoned. Madam Pomfrey looked absolutely delighted to hear the words come out from his mouth.

Lavender didn't share the sentiment.

She shot a murderous glare at Hermione.

"You stole him from me!" Lavender all but shouted at Hermione. Her hands balled into a fist. Oh what she wouldn't give to just smack the girl in front of her.

Hermione frowned. She crossed her arms and held her head high. She scoffed, "I did not steal anything from you. You were doing well throwing that relationship away."

Lavender's heart panged and twisted. How dare she? "You're one to say! You didn't even talk to Ron. For weeks! And suddenly he gets poisoned and you come running to him! I WAS HIS GIRLFRIEND!" She stomped her foot on the ground as she raised her voice, ignoring the many eyes watching them. Perhaps it wasn't the best to have a shouting match in the nearly empty common room. But Lavender couldn't care less.

"And I was - AM - his friend!" Hermione said. "Is it wrong for me to worry about him, when he was clearly going to die?"

Lavender couldn't take it anymore. "You only show you care when he's injured or going to die! I may be daft but I notice and hear things. You had a fight with him, probably about something stupid, and then chose not to speak to him! Suddenly, when you think you are going to lose him, you show up!" She paused and took a breath then continued before Hermione could say anything. "You and Ron FIGHT every damned year. For six years, might I add! You would think that anyone would find it frustrating to just have a row everyday for six years but YOU TWO deserve a special award on its own."

Hermione cut in. "SO WHAT? I FIGHT WITH HIM BECAUSE HE INFURIATES ME IN THE WAY ONLY I KNOW." She stepped up to the fuming Lavender, "Have you seen the way he eats? And the amount! Honestly! I would have to remind him every time we have a meal in the Great Hall!"

Hermione turned to the side. Her arms wide open, she continued, "And don't get me started when he actually shows some emotions! He would shout at you and he knows just the right words to make it hurt." Hermione's face twisted in anger and sadness.

"The one thing I hate the most is that he never thinks of himself." Hermione banged a hand against a table, shocking a first year who was using it. "Who does he think he is? Stepping up and trying to save everyone?! WHO TOLD HIM THAT HE'S EXPENDABLE?! THAT HIS OWN LIFE DOESN'T MATTER?"

She said through gritted teeth, "If I have to see him jump in front of me one more time to save me from a curse and he dies,I'll personally resurrect him and kill him again! "

Hermione continued as she paced around the carpeted floor. She stopped right in front of Lavender. Her eyes were red and tears were rolling down her reddened cheeks. "And worst of all, he's blind! Blind to everything and as dense as a rock!" She threw her hands in the air in defeat. Her knees gave out and she collapsed unceremoniously onto the floor.

Lavender stood, rooted to her spot. Her mouth was agape and her fisted hands loosened. Her brain couldn't process what just happened. How did a shouting match between them turn into Hermione listing off her arguments of six years with Ron?

Hermione regained her composure and stood up. She looked to the sides. The Gryffindors who were listening in quickly averted their gazes and pretended to continue their work. A few coughed and one even dared to whistle. Hermione sent a glare to the fellow sixth year.

The portrait hole to the common room opened. A group of boys walked in, talking loudly amongst themselves. A shock of red hair attached to a freckled face on the neck of a gangly body, walked at the front of the group. He had a smile on his face. It disappeared as soon he saw Hermione and Lavender.

The common room was dead silent. No one dared to whistle this time.

"Hey - " Ron attempted to greet both girls, a hand in the air.

"I'm going to go to my dorm. Goodnight." Lavender said. She slowly walked towards the stairs leading to their dorm room.

"I'll be - " Hermione looked at the stairs then back to the portrait hole. " I'll be in the library doing work"

Hermione gathered her things and shoved it into her bag. She walked past Lavender and towards the portrait hole. She hid the act of wiping her tears with her sleeves with a fake yawn. Just as she was nearing Ron, she paused. Hermione looked at him and bit her bottom lip. "Goodnight, Ron. I'll see you." She said before she exited the common room.

Ron looked utterly confused.

Lavender stared at the doorway then looked towards Ron. His eyes were still at the doorway. A second later, he pushed past the group of boys and climbed through the portrait hole. "Hermione! Wait up!"

At the sound of Ron's voice calling another girl's name, her heart shattered into a million pieces. She bit back a sob and banged a hand against the stone wall of the spiral staircase. The pain in her heart was enough to dull the shock in her hand. She ran up the stairs with blurry eyes and nearly tripped. Lavender entered her dorm room and slammed the door shut.

Not bothering to take her shoes off, she fell on her bed face first into her pillow and cried. How could have she been so blind? So naive? She had a feeling that there was something between the both of them but it never became anything serious. So, she took the chance. She was happy to have done so. Was happy to have done so.

Ron and Hermione had something special that Lavender could never hope to compete with, And it killed her to have the truth slammed in her face when she saw Ron run after Hermione instead of her.

Now, all she could do was cry.

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Hermione's scream tore through the dark like a flash of lightning. Luna winced at the sound. She glanced at the red-haired boy who stood up and rushed to the grilled door. "HERMIONE! HERMIONE!" Ron shouted. He rammed a shoulder against the door.

"Let go of her! Take me instead or I'll fucking kill ALL OF YOU!" Ron roared through the gaps between the grills. His grip on the rusted metal tightened and he kicked a foot against it but to no avail. Ron did not care as he continued rattling the grilled door with all his might.

Dean was sat at the corner of the dungeon. His hands covered his tired features. Harry was looking around frantically when the screams grew louder and longer. Ron pounded his fists against the walls repeatedly, not noticing the blood dripping down from it.

"Fuck!," Ron cursed. He turned around to look at the group. With blood-red eyes fresh with tears and a snarl, he walked up to Harry. "We need to do something! Hermione's going to fucking die if we don't - "

"I know! Please, just..let me think!" Harry's eyes darted around the room and finally landed on the pouch hanging around his neck. Luna saw him dropping something broken out of it onto the floor - accidentally, it seemed. A broken glass from a mirror! She noticed something blue out of it as it hit the ground.

"Help! Help!" Harry screamed into the glass.

Ron flicked his head around. "What are you doing?"

Before Ron could say anything, a pop and a crack sounded behind Luna. A house elf stood there, his eyes wide in alarm.

"Dobby!" Harry cried, visible relief marking his face.

"Mister Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby replied as he ran towards the boy.

"I'm not sure how you know we're here and how you could have apparated. But, I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth." Harry nodded and sent Dobby a grateful smile. "Could you take Dean, Luna and Mr. Ollivander here to the Shell Cottage? Ron's eldest brother, Bill and his wife, Fleur, live there."

Dobby frowned for a moment before he nodded.

Harry smiled, "Great! Thank you so much, Dobby!"

Without a word, Luna, Dean and Mr. Ollivander gathered around Dobby and held his hand.

With a pop and a crack, Luna felt her body twist and shrink, straighten and expand. In an instant, she landed on sand. She looked around her and saw that she was on a beach. A simple two storey wooden building with a blue roof stood near the shore. The door opened up to reveal a tall, red-headed man.

His wand pointed at them. "Who are you?" He shouted from afar.

Luna noticed that Dobby was gone. To save the others, she thought. At that, her heart felt heavy. Harry and the others were still there…

Dean walked towards the man, his wand still pointed at them. "We're Ron's friends, sir. The house-elf, " Dean looked back and just noticed Dobby was missing, "took us here. Harry told him to."

"What?!" The man looked shocked. The grip on his wand tightened. He shook his head, "My brother and his friends are missing!"

Luna and Dean looked at each other. Mr Ollivander remained quiet.

She better do something quick. "No, they're not." Luna 's soft voice cut in. "The house-elf that brought us here is with them right now to rescue them. Besides, we've met before, Bill Weasley."

Bill lowered his wand and looked at her with squinted eyes. "I know you! Luna Lovegood! During the fight at the astronomy tower!"

Luna nodded. "Yes, sir. If you could, please let us in. Mr Ollvander is hurt and he needs medical care."

"I will."

Luna and Dean released a sigh.

"But only if you can tell me one thing that only Ron's friends know."

In an instant, Luna replied. "He's afraid of spiders!"

Bill was quiet for a while, contemplating. He seemed to have accepted her answer and immediately rushed over to Mr Ollivander and helped the injured wand-maker in with Dean's help. "Quick, get inside." He raised his voice and called someone. The sounds of feet rushing down the stairs sounded and a beautiful woman poked her head out of the stairway.

"Oh my…" The woman, which Luna guessed was Fluer, rushed to Mr Ollivander's side and sat him down. She dashed up the stairs again and a few moments later, brought a box down. She opened it and immediately tended to Mr Ollivander's injuries.

Dean's shoulders sagged in relief. Without a word, he collapsed on the couch with his eyes closed.

Luna was about to join him but Bill's hand rested on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, I know you're tired. But, what was it about them being rescued?"

It was a few minutes after Luna had explained everything that they heard a crack outside of the house. Bill walked to the door and peeked through the glass. His eyes widened for a moment. Bill swung the door open. Ron stood there, clutching Hermione in his arms.

"What is something only my brother knows? " Bill raised his wand at Ron.

"I don't have time for this, Bill. Let me through! Hermione needs help!" Ron seethed through gritted teeth and attempted to push past Bill who blocked him.

"I'm sorry but I need to make sure -"

"GET OUT OF MY FUCKING WAY!" Ron roared, tears in his eyes. "She is dying and she needs help! I'M NOT GOING TO LOSE HER AGAIN!"

At Ron's words, Bill's grip on his wand faltered. Ron took the chance and rushed into the house. He laid Hermione out on the couch, his injured shaking hands wrapping around hers. Bill snapped out of his daze and immediately called for Fleur, who rushed to Hermione.

Fleur knelt down beside Ron. She flourished her wand and murmured a spell. Hermione's body glowed with a light sheen of green. The pain that etched itself across Hermione's face visibly softened and she let out a sound between a whimper and a sigh.

Ron clasped his hands tighter around Hermione's.

Luna quietly observed Fleur applying Dittany onto Hermione's injuries whilst continuously casting healing charms. While not as skilled as Madam Pomfrey or the healers she saw in 's, Fleur was certainly amazing at healing. She was, afterall, the Beaubaxton's champion for the Triwizard Tournament.

Her eyes landed on Ron. His face and hair were marred with blood and sand and his eyes were red but dry. She glanced at Hermione and saw an angry gash at her jugular. Luna winced at the sight and felt shivers run up her spine. Her mother had died the same way.

At the thought of her mother, she felt sad. Then guilt. Frustration. Anger. All of it at herself.

She could have stayed behind to help the others in the manor! She could have done something! Luna's eyes were downcast and she eyed the necklace around her neck.

Luna wasn't one to always show emotions. But seeing how broken Ron looked as he watched Hermione at that moment was heartbreaking. Luna could sense that something had happened between the two of them recently and with what Ron said about losing her...She could easily guess what Ron felt.

There was a commotion outside. Dean and Bill went out of the door to join Harry who was raising his voice. It sounded like he was crying as well…

A tear slid down Luna's cheek. She turned to the side and hastily wiped it away. She hasn't cried ever since her mother died. She shook her head.

"That can come later," she muttered.

She looked back on the couch to see Fleur standing up and packing away her supply of ointments and potions.

"That is all I can do for now." Fleur spoke softly, barely above a whisper. Fleur's eyes were tired but she had a soft smile plastered on her lips. "She'll be fine." A hand went to rub Ron's shoulder.

Ron asked, hopeful, "Will she...be okay?"

Fleur's brows furrowed and she pursed her lips. "That is hard to say. We will have to go to 's for a complete analysis and treatment." She saw the broken look in Ron. Her face softened. "I have done my best. For now, she will be fine."

Ron nodded listlessly and stood up with a shaky breath. Fleur gasped as Ron enveloped her in an embrace. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." Ron choked out. After a moment's shock, Fleur's shoulder relaxed and she returned the hug, rubbing soothing circles on Ron's back.

"Tout ira bien...Ca va aller." She whispered softly.

It'll be okay...Everything will be okay. Luna recalled it were the exact words her mother had told her before she passed.

The two separated and Ron said his thanks again. Fleur simply smiled and walked up the stairs, saying she had to check up on .

Ron sat down on the floor and leaned against the arms of the couch Hermione was lying on. He closed his eyes, listening to Hermione's soft snores. In the rush of things, he seemed to have forgotten that Luna was in the room with them.

They looked almost peaceful there, if you ignore the wounds on Hermione and Ron's bloodied and dirtied face. It reminded her of the two of them in Hogwarts. She saw that they would steal glances at each other when the other wasn't looking. And when their eyes met, they would avert their gazes . And sometimes, they would smile and just stare at each other, passing on some hidden message only the two of them can decipher. Luna spent a lot of time observing the two, as she would with other people. But somehow, Ron and Hermione always gained her interests. The way they row and bicker like there was no tomorrow to the way they would make up and overcome challenges that sometimes mean life or death.

It was truly amazing.

The shame and guilt from earlier tugged at her chest. Hermione wouldn't be in this horrid state if she stayed behind. But Luna understood that it was no use to dwell on the past. She's had to come to terms with that since her mother's death. And now with her father missing, she might just need to be more prepared for what's to come.

With a small nod, she vowed to herself to try her best to help her friends who have been by her side ever since they fought the enemies together. Luna looked over to Ron and Hermione. She decided it was best to leave the couple to rest. Somehow in their sleepy state, they managed to intertwine their hands together.

Quietly, she slipped out of the house. The sight was enough to make Luna smile.

Nightfall came. The smile that was on Luna when she had left the house didn't stay for very long. In the few agonizingly long short hours, Luna experienced what her muggle classmates called a "rollercoaster" of emotions.

She was happy seeing everyone - almost everyone, she corrected herself - safe. She peaked through the glass windows and spied a mound of sand on the beach. On it were a strange assortment of clothes. There was Harry's torned jacket, Dean's own scarf, Ron's left sock and Hermione's hat. Luna even managed to place her necklace on the pile, whispering a 'thank you' as she wiped a stray tear.

Harry had said that it would be the way Dobby wanted to be sent off.

It was a really touching scene, Luna thought. House-elves are treated like slaves yet they remain ever so loyal to their cruel masters. And it's only when Dobby died, she had fully recognised the truth. She has always known that house-elves were treated unjustly. Whenever an article about house-elves mistreatment pops up in the Prophet, she would feel sad and angry.

But as she stared at the grave, she finally realised how cruel and heavy the truth was.

Luna placed a hand against the wall to prevent herself from falling. A sudden ache threatened to split her head. She shook her head slightly. She looked at the dining table where Fleur had prepared an amazing meal for all of them. Her eyes landed on Harry then to Ron and Hermione.

The truth was cruel and heavy. But like everything else in this world, there is always a light that brings hope into this dim abyss that is life.

The quiet chatter at the dinner table eventually stopped. Everyone was feeling tired. Luna and Dean went to help Fleur with the dishes. In the corner of her eye, she saw Ron helping Hermione up the stairs, Harry trailing behind them.

Between the three of them, Fleur, Dean and Luna quickly got the dishes done. Dean said goodnight and went up to the guest room which he would share with Harry. Fleur excused herself and thanked the both of them before she retired as well.

Luna was left standing in the living room.

She wasn't feeling tired despite the day's events. She didn't know what she could do as well at this time of the night. So, she decided to take a stroll outside, within the wards which Bill had set up earlier.

The night air bit into her as she took a step outside. Luna hugged her thin worned jacket closer around her body. The breeze was steady and cool and the sound of the waves gently lapping on the shore were pleasant to her ears

It was moments like these where she wished she could just stop time and bask in this perfection forever.

She stopped when she saw a lone figure sitting on a large rock. Under the pale moonlight, she could see hints of red hair and freckled cheeks. Slowly, she made her way to Ron. Her footsteps grew audible as she neared him, signalling her presence.

Ron turned around, surprised. "Oh, Luna. I didn't expect you to still be up."

Luna said, "I don't feel tired. Besides, the view looks amazing." She looked up to the moon.

"Yea, it is." Ron scooted to the side and patted the spot next to him. "Here, take a seat."

Luna smiled and sat next to him. "Thank you, Ronald."

The both of them sat in silence, breathing in the air and the beautiful scenery. A stark contrast to what was happening around them.

"You love Hermione, don't you?" Luna suddenly said, catching Ron off guard.

Ron flushed. Even in the dark, Luna could clearly see the red tips of his ears. "Where did that come from?"

"Just curious." Luna's lips turned upwards into a reassuring smile.

Ron stayed quiet for a while. He looked towards the ocean and gave a heavy sigh. "I'm mental about her. She means more to me than she would ever know. I...when I heard the bastards torturing her, all I could think of was rescuing her. Or die trying."

"I've been an arse to her for a good," he counted on his fingers, " six years. Coming to seven, now. I never realised my feelings for her till it was too late." Ron picked a stone and threw it. The stone skipped across the water surface before it sank with a quiet 'plop'. "Dumbledore died, a war was brewing and now this mission, where every choice would mean life or death." Ron's voice hardened, "Even if she doesn't know how I feel, if I can and I bloody know I will, I would give my life to save Hermione if it means that she would see through this. Any time. No matter what."

Luna was silent for a while, pondering over Ron's words.

"I'm sure Hermione would do the same too, Ronald," Luna said. Ron was about to say something but Luna continued, "I've been watching you two ever since we met."

Ron blinked and shook his head in disbelief. "What? You were watching us?"

"Yes. I have always done this with others, mind you, you both aren't special cases." Luna replied, as if it was obvious. "But you guys are the most interesting out of everyone. There's something about the two of you that I can't quite put my finger on."

"And I love watching you both. It does get confusing when I see you and Hermione arguing one moment and thick as thieves the next. It's very odd!" Luna explained to a dazed Ron. "And it is very admirable, even if no one realises it. The both of you have been friends for almost seven years, yet you still find things that surprise the both of you"

"What do you mean?" Ron asked.

"Simple!" Luna clasped her hands together. "You said you just realised your feelings for her. And like I said, I've been watching you two. I'm sure Hermione feels the same way, too." She looked closer at him. "You've noticed it too, haven't you?"

Ron inhaled and paused briefly. Finally, he breathed out, "Yes...I have. At least, I think I do. It's hard to think straight when there's a bloody war going on. We have these.., "Ron's face scrunched up in concentration, "moments where we would slip a word or two. I try brushing my fingers against hers whenever we pass each other."

Ron's lips turned into a smile. "I swear she sometimes does the same, too."

He continued, "When I came back after I, uh, left, we weren't on good terms with each other. But she would sleep in her bunk with my blanket. I'm not sure if she noticed. But at the time, I would take anything as a sign that I'm not a complete lost cause in her eyes."

"And yet in the end, you both came back to each other," Luna added with a soft smile. "That's something very difficult to do, when you have hurt each other."

Ron frowned and nodded slowly. "I guess so, in a way."

Luna said, "I saw the way you were looking after her. You're treating her like glass. Scared that she might shatter anytime."

Ron's hands balled into tight fists. "After hearing her horrible screams, I'm willing to do anything to keep her safe. I can't bear the thought of her -" Ron went silent. The word hung in the air and seeped into Ron and Luna's skin like ice.

Luna remembered Hermione screaming as Bellatrix tortured her. Ron's shouts and curses were enough to drown out the evil laughter of Voldemort's right hand woman. Luna wrapped her jacket around her, suddenly feeling way too cold. No one should have gone through that...Hermione was truly amazing for being able to withstand the curses. Luna knew she would cave in if she was the one in Hermione's position.

"Hermione is strong." Luna said quietly, glancing towards Ron.

Ron nodded minutely. A few moments later, he choked out a tiny sob. "I know...I just couldn't bear the thought of losing her. After all I've done to her, she deserves to live and see things through." Ron held a watery smile as he looked at the moon. "She's strong. Stronger than me. The brightest witch of her age and that's no stretch, as well. I'm nothing compared to her. But if I am good at one thing, it's taking curses for others."

Luna frowned slightly. A bitter taste formed in her mouth hearing Ron talking himself into sacrificing for others. It was as she feared, after the incident at the department of mysteries.

"That's not true, Ronald." Luna placed a hand on Ron's shoulder. "Hermione is a brilliant witch, no doubt. But you are capable and amazing in your own way."

"You're the truest Gryffindor I have ever met." Luna firmly exclaimed. "Reckless with a devil may care attitude? Definitely." Ron raised a brow. "But at the same time, brave, courageous and fiercely loyal, like your patronus."

Ron looked puzzled. "My patronus?"

Luna nodded. "Yes! It is a Jack Rusell Terrier. Mommy told me all about it once. They're very loyal and brave and they have this odd habit of chasing otters." Luna sent a knowing smile at Ron.

"Otters?" Ron scrunched his face in concentration. A look of realisation dawned on his face. "Hermione's patronus…"

"Indeed." Luna nodded. "Patronus' are the reflections and manifestation of our innermost personalities and feelings. They can change depending on where we are in our various stages of life. Nonetheless, you can more or less guess someone's entire personality based on their patronus." Luna added in a low voice, "It was fun doing that during DA meetings."

Ron gave Luna an odd smile. "You're very interesting, you know that? Not in a bad way, of course!" Ron added after a while, feeling that he might have said something wrong.

Luna giggled and shook her head. "Thank you, Ronald. Really." She stopped and looked at him, a genuine smile plastered on her face. "Others would prefer to call me odd things like looney and other sorts of names. But you guys don't. Harry, Hermione, Neville, Dean, Seamus and so many more make me feel that I am beyond those names."

She looked over the ocean, deep blue, glowing royal silver with the reflection of the moon. "I'm sorry."

Ron looked over. "What for?"

Luna paused. The events of the day burst to the forefront of her mind. Her shoulders sagged and she looked downwards at the sand.

"For being Luna. For suddenly talking about myself. For being weird. For talking to you when you clearly want to be left alone. For not being there when you guys needed help. For being a coward. For not staying behind in the manor. For Dumbledore. Harry. Hermione. You. Dobby. Daddy...For Mommy." Luna shoved her face into her hands. She burst into a fit of tears. Her body shook violently with every sob.

If Luna could think straight, she would be embarrassed, crying like a child in front of a friend. But she couldn't care less right now. She's had too much and nothing was going their way. She lost her mother. She doesn't even know if her father was alive. She had to bury the house-elf who willingly saved them. She couldn't do anything right.

Luna felt a hand reach over her shoulder. Ron wrapped a hand around Luna and patted her back. "It's alright, Luna. None of that was your fault."

Luna looked up from her hands, stained with tears. "But - But, I could have done something," she cried.

"I feel the same way, too." Ron sighed. "If it's any consolation, we're in this together. I know it's scary and frankly, I would want nothing but to go home and forget everything. But," Ron turned his head to look at the house. "I want to be there for them. For Harry. For my friends. For Hermione."

"I can't imagine my future without Hermione in it." Ron whispered softly. "I'm sorry. I'm not good with these kinds of things. I was told I have an emotional range of a teaspoon." He said with a wry smile.

Luna choked and giggled a bit. Her breath slowly evening out.

Luna's shaking subsided and she could finally breathe normally. The last time she cried was during her mother's funeral. She would cry to sleep for days without end and when she was awake, she would just lie on her bed and weep.

She nodded slowly. Ron released his arm gently, not before patting her on the back, a few times, probably just for good measure. Luna smiled. It was a very Ronald thing, Luna thought.

"You're a good man, Ronald. Your friends are lucky to have you by their side. Especially Hermione." Luna glanced at the second floor window of the house, just in time to see a silhouette with rather bushy hair looking outside.

"It seems that Hermione is awake," Luna nodded to the house.

Ron turned his head and saw Hermione waving at him rather shyly. He raised his arm and waved back.

He turned to Luna, "Thanks for the, uh,talk. Will you be fine?" Ron looked guilty.

Luna shook her head. "I'll be fine. I have already cried enough for today and for the next ten years or so. Besides, I don't think you should keep your lady waiting." Luna said with a teasing look, despite the drying tears on her cheeks.

Ron's ear grew a shade of red. "I'll...just go now. I'll see you in the morning. Take care."

He turned around and walked a few steps before he stopped. He turned around. "Thank you, Luna. For talking to me. I didn't know I needed it. It definitely cleared my head,a lot. And just in case I wasn't clear," Ron smiled, "you're a friend, Luna. I appreciate you trying to help us. Just know that, we'll do the same too." With that, Ron made his way to the house, a barely noticeable bounce in his step.

Luna watched Ron until he entered the house.

"Friend…" Luna tested the word in her mouth. She said it once again. Satisfied, she nodded to herself.

Her gaze turned upwards. The night sky was clear and the moon, so bright and pale, was decorated with the soft twinkling of faraway stars. It was like something was telling her...that no matter how dark the world is, there will always be a ray of hope.

She smiled.

She didn't need to see the moon and the night sky to remember that.

Just behind her was a houseful of hopes.

And the brightest among them all were a red and brown haired pair.

0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0

Neville laid the sword of Godric Gryffindor on a broken wooden table in the Great Hall. With a great sigh, he collapsed onto the floor and leaned his head against the cold wall.

It's over. It's finally over.

But at what cost?

Neville swept his eyes across the Great Hall. Its former resplendent self reduced to nothing more than broken glass and rubble. The enchanted ceiling that often showed amazing views was now gone, replaced with the unfeeling cobble that just stared back at Neville. He tried to ignore the sounds around him. Everyone wasn't sure if they should be celebrating or mourning. It felt so, so wrong to celebrate when he saw how many people they lost.

Tonks, Professor Lupin, Fred Weasley, Lavender...Even Colin Creevey. And those were the ones he knew of. How many more people had to die for such a bloody war?

It was so hard to feel victorious when guilt just continued to course through him. It should have been him who had gone...He was after all the one who decided to foolishly step up against Voldemort when Harry was thought to be dead. At the thought, he was reminded of his parents.

He used his sleeve and wiped his eyes. Not trusting himself to not break down, he squirmed in place and breathed in and out as slowly as he could.

Neville decided that it was better to observe his surroundings to distract himself from the turmoil erupting inside of him.

He felt worse.

But at least he didn't cry.

Students, professors, aurors and others were shuffling into the great hall. They were separated into small pockets of odd groups with the way they were interacting with each other. The mood was heavy but that didn't stop some of them from cheering, albeit softly. His gaze went further into the hall where there were lines of bodies, laid on the floor. More were being added. Neville heard a cry and a wail, then someone banging the furniture. His heart crawled its way up his throat.

Neville huddled himself further into the corner. He didn't think he should be there. He wanted to be anywhere but here. He wasn't supposed to be as lucky...He was Neville Longbottom after all. He should have been the only one to die.

"A galleon for your thoughts?" A tired voice sounded from beside him.

Hermione sat beside him and leaned against the wall. She sent him a small smile.

"My thoughts aren't worth a galleon. More like a knut. Or nothing at all." Neville replied with a mirthless laugh.

Hermione shook her head. "That's not true. You helped us a lot. If it weren't for you, that snake would still be alive and we would have lost"

"We've already lost. Too much." Neville's eyes landed on a group of red hairs. One of their own laid on the stone floor, unmoving. His face was in a permanent smile, as if in peaceful bliss.

Hermione followed his gaze. Her shoulders sagged and her face soured. "Fred…" She whispered softly, clutching the hem of her jacket tightly.

In the dim light, Neville saw Ron kneeling on the ground. He was banging his fists on the stone floor and crying. Mrs Weasley embraced her son and joined him. George stood at the side, staring at the lifeless body of his twin. His body shook and his breathing look laboured. The other Weasley men stood around in a small circle, all silent and weeping.

Neville looked away. He felt the familiar sensation of guilt threatening to spill forth.

He decided to ask Hermione why she wasn't with the family.

"Oh. Well, while I am close with them...It just doesn't feel right. I am not a Weasley, after all." Hermione looked surprised when he asked. "But I fully intend to be with them after they…" she looked over to the group, "have their time. I can wait."

Neville noticed that her eyes landed on Ron, a sad look on her face.

"We lost one too many," Neville said.

Hermione drew her legs up to her chest. "Too many…"

They both sat in silence while people entered and exited the Great Hall. They basked in the lull after the battle. Neville found it difficult to describe what he was exactly feeling. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. A mind numbing ache bloomed behind his eyes and tears threatened to sting at the corners of his eyes.

"I should have been the one to go…" Neville muttered.

Neville felt Hermione shift and her eyes boring into his skull. "No, Neville! Don't you ever dare say that again!" He opened his eyes and saw Hermione looking at him, an incredulous look etched across her face.

Neville gave a mirthless laugh. "I'm not the best at things, Hermione. By sheer dumb luck, I managed to survive while…" His gaze landed on the rows of bodies at the end of the hall. "The others should have lived. I'll gladly trade my life for theirs. But then again, I'm not worth anything at all." His hands fingered the hilt of Godric Gryffindor's sword. "I don't even know how I pulled this bloody thing out. It's about the only thing I could have done for everyone, I guess."

"You know that's not true, Neville. You did the best you could. And you did great." Hermione said. "No one but a true Gryffindor could pull the sword out. But you did. You're a true Gryffindor." She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks, Hermione. It means a lot, hearing that from you." The corner of his lips tugged into a small smile before it disappeared. "Do you think...do you think my parents would be proud?"

"They are, Neville. They are proud that their son stood his ground and fought so well." Hermione said without skipping a beat. "E - even if...they can't tell you. But, I'm sure they are. 'Brightest Witch of her age', remember?" Hermione quipped.

Neville chuckled. "Thank you, Hermione. Really. You did well, too. I - I mean, without you, we would all be dead."

Hermione shook her head gently. "I wasn't alone. Harry was with me. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have won at all." Hermione held a smile. "Of course, there's Ron as well…" At the thought of him, Hermione immediately raised her head to look at Ron and his family. Her smile turned sad.

Neville had noticed that the both of them had feelings for each other way before either of them had realised it themselves. 'It's bloody obvious!', he recalled Ginny telling him when they were in DA meetings. He was never known for being perceptive, but he could see the way they tiptoed around each other and the way they interacted with each other when they reunited with the others in the Room of Requirements just a few hours prior.

"You guys seem to understand each other...better now." Neville pointed out.

"The long months of hunting Horcruxes had put us into " Hermione shuddered, " these situations that could mean life or death. And then there was that day…" Hermione held a faraway look in her eyes. "He left, one day."

Neville decided to not question it. He gestured to her to continue. "Take your time," he added.

Hermione swallowed. "I now know it was the Horcrux. But, the things he said...It was like something evil, wearing Ron's mask, talking and spouting terrible lies. I hated it. So much." She clenched her fists. "But I hated that he left us even more."

"Then he came back. I was happy. I was angry. I wanted to scream and bite his head off. I wanted to run up to him, wrap my arms around his , big, stupid, tall figure and kiss him on the lips." Her eyes went downcast. "But I didn't. Instead I gave him the silent treatment. It was back to walking on eggshells for the both of us."

"I wonder how Harry managed to stay sane." Neville attempted at a joke. The Great Hall's atmosphere was heavy enough. Hermione shouldn't feel worse.

Hermione chuckled and nodded. "Yea, I thought the same too."

Her hand went to trace the thin red line on her neck that Neville just noticed. He winced.

Hermione noticed. "This was by Bellatrix." Her voice sounded hoarse and dry. Her shoulders squared and tensed as she recalled the horrifying experience. "I...couldn't recall what happened exactly. But the green lights, it hurt so much. If it weren't for Ron's voice anchoring me to my consciousness, I would have…"

Neville frowned and spat, "I'm glad she died. She caused nothing but pain." His mind went to his parents, in St Mungo's, never able to recognize their son ever again. "I hate what she did to you. I hate what she did to my parents. What she did to everyone." Neville gritted his teeth so hard, he thought he could hear it break.

Hermione placed a calming hand on his shoulder. Neville didn't realise his body was shaking."I agree. Bellatrix Lestrange was a terrible woman. She played around with the curses as she pleased. But, her victims are stronger than her. It takes time, but...they will heal." Hermione reached across and hugged Neville.

Neville was surprised. He didn't expect a hug and certainly did not know what to do. A few moments later, he hugged Hermione back, albeit at an awkward angle. They seperated after a moment.

"Thank you, again." Neville realised he was starting to sound like a broken record. "I appreciate everything you did to help everyone, Hermione."

"Thank you too, Neville. You did more than you know." Hermione said.

Neville let his eyes roam the hall once more. He didn't feel as bad this time. Now what?

He paused. "You know, I never thought about my future. I mean, I always had a feeling that a war would break out. But I could never see myself making it through. Now, I'm just lost." Neville never bothered to think about the future, if there was ever one, after the war. With his mind clear now, he was glad he made it through. But that didn't stop the guilt from gnawing at his heart. He turned to Hermione instead and asked, "How about you?"

"I feel lost too. I do have my dreams and ambitions. But during the war, they seemed so far away." She tucked her arms closer to her side.

"A galleon for your thoughts?" Neville repeated her words earlier, earning a soft chuckle from the girl.

She shrugged and shifted on the floor. "Well...I thought of working in something relating to magical law and rights in the Ministry. Seeing the way non-humans are treated just makes my blood boil." Neville could personally attest to that. He's seen how animated and passionate (more than usual) she would be when she talked about S.P.E.W.

Hermione continued, "But that's still a long way. I'm thinking of finishing my seventh year in Hogwarts. And then…"

"Family?"

Hermione sputtered. "What?"

Neville grinned. "You never thought of starting a family?"

Light crimson coloured Hermione's dirt stained cheeks. "Become a part of the Weasleys?"

"I never mentioned anything about the Weasleys." Neville's grin grew larger.

"Oh, sod off." She slapped Neville's arm playfully.

"Cursing now? Ron really grew on you."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She smiled, "He really has. I hate that I love it." She drew her legs up to her chest. "But yes, I've thought of...starting a family with Ron. It only happened in the last few hours after we kissed! But the thought was what made me more determined to live." Hermione explained in a rush of words. True to Hermione's style.

"You both kissed? Before the battle?"

Hermione ducked her head. "Long story. But it was the best thing I've felt in a long time."

Neville smiled and chuckled. It was a nice feeling to have in the midst of everything they were in right now. Knowing that his two very good friends managed to survive and are going to be together. Neville couldn't imagine Ron and Hermione being with anyone else.

"I'm happy for you two. I really am." Neville said. He looked ahead and saw Ron walking towards them, a small tired smile on his face. He raised a hand and waved at the red haired, who returned the gesture.

Hermione lifted her face and saw him. "Ron." She called out and began to stand up. She jogged to him and wrapped her arms around him.

Neville couldn't hear what they were saying. But from the way they held each other, the soft kisses Ron planted on her head and Hermione's shaking figure, Neville didn't need to know. They're going to be okay, he thought to himself.

They are, after all, Ron and Hermione. If six years of bickering and rowing (Ginny told him) could not split them apart, then Neville doesn't know what will.

Neville looked at the sword in his hand. He saw his face in the reflection of the mighty blade. Gone was the small, frightened, careless boy who stood up to his friends in the first year. Green eyes, matted hair and bloodied lips now stared back. His appearance didn't change much. But he could feel something stirring deep within him. He spotted a gleam of red and gold in his reflection's eye.

'A true Gryffindor.'

Neville smiled. He nodded to himself. He gave a satisfied sigh and leaned his head against the wall. He watched as Hermione and Ron walked away to join the Weasleys.

Suddenly feeling tired, he closed his eyes. Sleep soon came to him. He dreamt of spending time with his parents, recognizing him and talking to him, for the first time in his life.

0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0

Smoke billowed out of the Hogwarts Express. Excited children ran between carriages, eliciting worried looks from onlooking parents. The muggle ones, that is.

Rose had seen this particular scene many times already. She could feel the familiar headache coming. "In charge of taking care of first years." She muttered under her breath, just out of anyone's reach. It wasn't that she hated interacting with the first years. It was the fact that she had to take a ride with them on the boat to Hogwarts. Why can't they all just use the bloody carriages?

She shook her head. Her mother would chide her if she heard Rose using that sort of language. As if she's never done it herself with all the noise from the bedroom… Rose shuddered at the thought. She quickly dispelled the mental image threatening to form itself in her mind. But back to the point, it wouldn't do anyone good for a Head Girl to act this way.

Amongst the crowd, she spotted her parents and her little brother, Hugo. He donned the Weasley hair but was blessed with their mother's features. She instead had her father's blue eyes (that her mother seemed to adore) and his looks. Somewhere along the way, she discovered that she had her mother's knack of absorbing information like a sponge. Her mother was really proud of her and said she would go on to do great things when Rose told her mother.

Those words struck a chord within her and had been her driving force ever since.

Rose looked at the badge pinned onto the front of her robes. It glowed and sheened with a hint of red and gold. The colours of the house of Gryffindor. It was just the first few of many great things she wished to accomplish one day. Just like her parents.

She heard her name being called. She looked and saw Hugo running towards her. Her not so little brother crashed into her, almost knocking her over.

"What are you doing, you bloody idiot?" Rose punched his shoulders and smiled.

Hugo grinned. She had to look up at him, her being shorter. Damn the short first born child curse.

"I'm just happy to see you, Rose. It's been -"

"Only a few weeks." Rose rolled her eyes. "I was only out with uncle Harry and the others interning for the ministry."

"And you didn't even catch a break. Going straight to Hogwarts after all that." Hugo pouted. His pout turned into a teasing smile. "Heard from a little bird that Scorpio was there too."

Rose's cheeks reddened deeply, aptly fitting her moniker. "Yea, he was."

Hugo simply chuckled. "I'm really happy for the both of you."

Rose's lips tugged into a small smile. She was fortunate enough to be really close with her brother that they could openly talk about their feelings with one another. Rose was shocked to discover from her group of friends that that, while sweet, was very rare.

"Thanks, Hugo." She hugged him briefly.

Their parents finally reached them. She looked towards her mother. Hermione wore a coat, her bushy hair let loose. "Going to the office later, mum?" Rose asked.

Hermione shook her head and smiled. "Not today, love. I've not seen you in some time. I want to spend time off with my children before they go."

Being the Minister of Magic surely did have its perks. Tedious and tiring work, of course. But her mother was the brightest witch of her age, after all. Rose was young and didn't know much about the ministry but as she grew up, she came to realise how much positive change her mother had brought upon the wizarding community of Europe. Hermione was so famous that the people at Hogwarts today recognised her and talked about her. It was good to see that a lot of people looked up to Hermione as some sort of role model. Her mother would of course deny it and politely say that she didn't do much at all and that she just chose to do the right things.

Of course, Hermione had to face all sorts of challenges and oppositions along the way. When Rose asked her mother how she did it, her mother said, "Ron; Your father has always been by my side ever since the day he rescued me from the troll." Rose noticed that her mother would have a soft and dreamy look in her eyes whenever she talked about her father.

At the thought of the father, she looked at him. He had a full grown beard on his face, hair slightly unkempt, his blue eyes filled with life and love as he looked over his family. Unlike her mother, her father decided not to finish his seventh year in Hogwarts. Instead, he opted to join the Auror corps and is now the department's top agent, only next to uncle Harry. Any claims of nepotism and doubts thrown at him were quickly banished when her father showed his talent and strength in the field. People would think twice to say that he was just a mere side-kick to the boy-who-lived.

"You okay there, Rose?" Her father called, his face radiating warmth.

Rose nodded. "I'm fine, dad. I just miss you all, that's all."

Ron walked over to her, gently pulling her mother by the wrist. His long arms enveloped his wife, Rose and Hugo. He pulled them all into a hug. Her father quietly whispered, "I miss you too, Rose. I love you all."

Rose thought she could spend an eternity there, within her family's embrace. She was rudely taken out of her thoughts at the sound of a whistle from the Hogwarts Express. The family separated from each other.

"That's you guys' cue." Ron placed a hand on Rose and another on Hugo. "I know I've said it every year. But, you guys make me proud. Just knowing you're my children. It makes me happy and proud."

Rose wet her lips and swallowed. Her father is not making her cry in front of everyone.

Hermione hugged Rose and then Hugo. "Your father stole the words right out of my mouth." She smiled, "But we are extremely proud of you both. You both will go on to do great things one day."

"Like playing for England, am I right?" Ron nudged Hermione. Her mother slapped his arm away and rolled her eyes. Ron sent a knowing look towards Hugo.

Hugo's smile split into a huge grin. "You got that right, dad!"

The train whistled again, signalling that it was time to go. As Rose followed Hugo into the carriage, she turned back to give one last look at her parents.

Ron had an arm, wrapped around Hermione, whose head rested on his shoulder. Her mother raised an arm and waved, mouthing the words 'goodbye' and 'love you'.

For a split second, she saw her parents turn into their younger selves, just like in the photos she had seen at uncle Harry's house. Uncle Harry had told her and Hugo about their time in Hogwarts and what they had to face. It really managed to put a perspective on things and her respect and love for her parents (if not already so full) grew immensely, ever since.

Rose looked back onto the platform. She raised a hand and waved at the fleeting figures of her parents.

And just like that, the train left the station, bringing another small group of bright rays of hopes, into Hogwarts.

Just like they once did when Harry, Ron and Hermione met on the train on that fateful day.

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A/N: Thank you for sticking to the end! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed attempting to write a decent story. I appreciate any feedback you all have as it is my first time uploading a completed story to Fanfiction. I'm still getting used to the site's weird editor. Frankly, it's quite difficult to use. So, if you noticed any weird spacings, that is most likely the editor's doing.

I apologise for any mistakes that I might have done and glanced over. I'll do better in eliminating them in my future stories.

Speaking of future stories, I'm planning to write more Romione/Ron centered stories in the future and upload them onto the site. Expect more from me...soon-ish. I don't have a proper upload schedule but once I do start a story, I'm damned sure to make the story actually come out complete. If I don't upload anymore, that means I'm busy with real life stuff.

Anyways, once again, thank you so much to everyone who read my first story. If you liked it or disliked it, I'm still happy you took your time to read. Either way, if you do have any feedback/criticism to share, I'm all ears.

Have a good day and take care

-Soup