Beta credits, as always, go to CallieSkye. Now you can read this on AO3. Only the updated chapters are uploaded there. http:(/) (/)works(/)10969704. Just remove the brackets.

Edited

Chapter 4: A Threat and a Ring

Tuesday morning found Hermione flipping through the medical report that she had requested from St Mungo's. Her key witness in her present case, Patrick, was still under the effect of the Inscius curse and wasn't showing any sign of recovery. Her client, Henry Beckford, a ninety-year-old wizard, had been booked for assault and attempted murder of his neighbour, the very same man who lay unconscious in the hospital. With Patrick being both the victim and the only witness they had, she keenly awaited his recovery. She had managed to convince the Wizengamot to hold off on sentencing untill he was able to give testimony. However, the delay in his recovery also meant that her case now stood at a standstill.

A furious pecking on the desk drew her attention away from the pile of parchments. With an annoyed glance she found Ron's owl watching her keenly. The moment Pig realised he had captured her attention, he began fluttering excitedly.

Groaning audibly, she proceeded to untie the letter; the tiny owl stood uncharacteristically still as she unravelled the scroll. It seemed he had been specifically instructed to behave. She was relieved to find the letter was from Ginny and not Ron. Had it been from the latter, like its predecessors, it would have quickly found a place in the waste bin beneath her desk. The magical bin would chomp it down to bits, cutting off all possibilities of her picking it up at a later time, even if she so wished.

A smile slowly spread across her face as she began reading. Ginny's letters were always a delight; this one did not disappoint.

Hermione (it read),

I would rather get straight to the point than bore you with pleasantries (I am not feeling very warm towards you at the moment). WHY HAVEN'T YOU COME DOWN TO THE BURROW FOR THE PAST TEN DAYS?

You do realise, it's only four more days until the wedding don't you? Mum is seriously driving me insane and Harry is no better. If I knew he'd be so annoying I wouldn't have agreed to his proposal at all! (Just kidding, I love that dork!)

But you! How dare you skip our shopping date?! You haven't even tried on the dress I chose for you! (Yes, it's gold with shades of red as I always wanted it to be).

Kreacher has been popping in and out of Burrow to ask me EVERYTHING- from my favourite flowers to my favourite colour of toothbrush. If he visits once more just to inquire whether I have my toast with butter or jam or marmite or something equally stupid, I swear, I'm liable to do something horribly rash that will require you to get me out of Azkaban before I even get a chance to walk down the aisle.

I have specifically asked Pig to peck at your desk till you read and reply to this. (I would have asked him to peck at you but a puckered maid-of-honour wouldn't look good in the pictures so I decided the desk would have to do instead). I hope you appreciate my restraint AND WRITE ME BACK!

I expect to see you home tomorrow evening, or I promise I'll send Howlers to your workplace until your Department throws you out!

All my love

Ginny

PS: Will you please talk to Ron so that he stops moping around like Moaning Myrtle? I am pretty sure you are still annoyed with him, and trust me I am completely with you on this. However, I plan on getting married only once and would rather have a happy brother than a mop as my husband's best man. So please, just knock some sense into him, will you? We all know only you can do it.

See you soon.

PPS. I was not joking about those howlers.

Hermione couldn't stop smiling as she re-rolled the letter. It was true that by distancing herself from Ron she had also pushed Harry and Ginny away, it hurt her conscience. She loved Harry and Ginny. What had happened between her and Ron was not their fault. She shouldn't take it out on them.

Harry had been the first to let her know that Ron was back, though Ginny's letter arrived shortly after, followed by another from Molly. She could almost feel Harry's joy as she read the letter. She couldn't deny that a knot deep in her heart had loosened at the news before she reminded herself of what he'd done. Harry had also let her know that they'd finally set a date for their wedding; her onslaught of painful memories had almost overshadowed the good news.

Harry had postponed the wedding indefinitely despite having proposed to Ginny four years ago. He wanted Ron as his best man; it couldn't be any other way for him. So they waited even though they had no clue when he'd return. It was no secret that Harry craved a family of his own and that Ginny too was equally eager to settle down. They'd been waiting for years, it was only natural they'd want to get married immediately now that Ron was home..

Hermione had promised Molly she'd be there on Thursday in an earlier letter. But with her case now stuck in a deadlock, she realised she'd be able to drop in a day earlier. She had no plans to stay at the Weasley home in the lead up to the wedding, but now, after Ginny's letter, it seemed visiting for a day at a time would be slightly problematic. It would have suited her just fine- a break from the hectic work schedule, a welcome change if only a certain redhead wouldn't be there.

She grabbed her quill, penned a crisp reply and sent it off with Pig.

Howlers won't be necessary; I intend to keep my job. See you tomorrow!

Much love,

Hermione

PS: Don't hurt Kreacher.

She arranged her desk, made the parchments roll back and set themselves in proper slots in her cabinets and ensured all important items were locked away. It was past eight and she was exhausted. The Sunday afternoon spent with Draco had soothed her considerably and though reluctant, she was slightly more confident about being in the same room as Ron without losing her composure. Still, if possible she would rather avoid such a scenario altogether if possible.

Making sure she left a note for her secretary to notify all the key people about her unplanned leave, she packed her case and left the office quickly.

Once home, she penned a quick letter to Draco who was out of town for his case. She knew both the Burrow and Ron were sensitive issues with him, but she hoped her letter would assure him that she'd be okay. Promising that he could write to her and she would reply regularly, she sent Athena off.

After she'd had a shower and grabbed a quick sandwich, she packed her bag for the short stay away from home. Packing was something she always did the old Muggle way, it almost felt like therapy, and she needed it all the more now when her brain was already anxious about the impending meeting with a tall ginger bloke she'd rather not see.

Once her dresses, toiletries and other necessities were neatly stacked and arranged in the separate compartments of her travel bag, she picked up her wand to open the hidden safe inside her wardrobe. It was a wedding after all and she'd need a change of jewellery. She couldn't wear the same old studs she always wore. Going by Ginny's impeccable fashion sense, the bridesmaids' dresses were sure to be smashing. But it wasn't just that, Ginny had waited so long for this, it would break Hermione's heart to know she hadn't done everything in her power to make the day perfect. Hermione grudgingly realised that fancy earrings would hardly make up for her prolonged absence, but she had to start somewhere.

Pushing aside the sting of guilt, she searched for and eventually found the vintage jewellery case that had once belonged to her grandmother. She carefully opened the small case and smiled to herself on finding the favourite piece of gold she owned. A sleek pearl and ruby necklace done in gold, it looked like thin branches that came together to form a 'V' at the neck. The end of all the little branches held tiny pearls and at the centre of the 'V' there was a blood-red tear-shaped ruby. Little golden branched earrings with smaller rubies completed the set.

Hermione carefully put the piece back in the case and stored it in her bag. As she was about to close the locker, her eyes fell on an old wooden box; she had forgotten about it completely.

Keeping her wand aside, she picked up this other box gingerly and pretty much collapsed on her bed. Too many memories, she thought closing her eyes momentarily and bit back the tears that threatened to escape. Her finger found and traced the floral carvings as she remembered how intrigued she had been the first time she had seen it. It had no latch, and upon first sight provided no indications as to how it would open. But then she had found it: a thin marking on the side that hid a sliding panel- the key to unlock the box.

She pushed the panel in a painfully practiced motion, and the lid opened, spilling the assortment of random things that had been stuffed inside all over her bed. A small teddy bear, a Chudley Cannon's t-shirt, a model toy broom that had no magic left to fly around, some old handwritten notes passed during class, a stack of old letters that had her and Harry's familiar writing on them, a deck of chocolate frog cards, a stack of old pictures from which two boys and a girl smiled up, and finally a small velvet box just the right size to hold a ring.

She picked up the last item and with trembling hands opened it. Her brain protested vehemently, telling her she shouldn't be doing this, reminding her how terrible the pain would be- but she couldn't stop herself. The velvet box held a simple gold band, she turned it to see the message inside- 'Always yours'. The tears that she had forcefully kept in check finally broke through and she could do nothing about the images that materialised in front of her.

It was the day after Fred's burial. They had walked through the orchard holding hands: Hermione simply following his steps. Ron led them to a clearing that had an ancient oak tree and a pool. She stopped when he did, and when he stood with his back against the trunk she came forward to stand in front of him. He had been silent all day and all throughout the service. She had held onto him and cried on his shoulder but he had looked ahead with dry emotionless eyes. He had hugged his Mom as she wailed in his arms later that night, he had wiped away Ginny's tears. And yet, he had been frighteningly silent. Hermione knew he was hurting terribly, she wanted him to let out his grief, she had had no clue how to handle this grieving, silent Ron.

"I've been thinking." He said surprising her. His voice was raw and she had to bite her lip to hold back her own tears as she looked into his eyes.

"It's unpredictable. Life I mean…" he said struggling to find words,visibly choking on emotions that were trying to burst out of him.

"We have lost so many… Fred…," he paused the pain in his eyes almost overwhelming. "And I know, no matter what we do, we'll lose everyone someday," he added with much difficulty, choking back a sob this time. "I can't even think about how close I came to losing you, so many times this past year alone!"

His tears were falling freely now. She bridged the little gap between them to hug him tightly as he wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in the crook of her neck, shaking with the release of pent up emotions. They had slumped down at the foot of the tree holding on to each other.

It was after a long time when the tears dried up and their voices had become hoarse that he took her hand in his. Pulling a tiny box from his jeans pocket, he took out the ring surprising her.

"This was my Grandmum's. She loved me best you know?" he added as if it still surprised him. "She met Grandpa when they were only kids and spent their whole lives together. She left this for me... to give to the special girl, who she said, would spend her lifetime with me. I know it's too early, Hermione, I know we're too young... and yet, I want you to have it if you will... because for me, it will always be you. Only you."

She'd cried through her smile and held up her hand as he placed the ring on her finger before claiming her lips with his. They knew it would be a long journey before they settled down- they were barely eighteen after all. But this ring she knew was a testimony to the love they shared, a promise and a bond that would only grow stronger.

How wrong she had been she thought with a bitter chuckle to herself- how terribly and utterly wrong.

She looked down at the ring again, and the pain seared through her being remembering all that she had lost. Life could have been so different, if only the ring still meant what Ron had promised. If only the ring was still truly hers. Another memory flashed in front of her eyes and she resigned herself to the pain she knew was coming.

It was three weeks after Ron had mysteriously disappeared from his training camp. The search was on and yet, no one seemed to have any clues. Harry had almost driven himself sick as he worked long hours, only in the hope of finding some information about what had happened to Ron.

After three miserable weeks of no word from the Ministry and believing Ron was dead, Kingsley finally came to the Burrow. As the family and Hermione gathered around the Minister of Magic fearfully, he told them that they had tracked Ron's magic- he was alive!

After a brief moment of panic when Kingsley paused before announcing that Ron was indeed alive the family erupted in cheers of hope before Molly cried out clung tightly to her husband as tears streamed down her face. But Ron was still nowhere. Kingsley told them that he had himself Apparated to the location and still had not been able to find Ron.. Harry had spent most of that night staring blankly at the fire in the hearth, even Ginny had not been able to convince him to lie down. Ron was alive. They had hope now.

Later that night, Hermione had come down to the kitchen and seen Harry at the hearth but he had walked away, perhaps he didn't want company- or he couldn't face her? Hermione hadn't asked and Harry never told her.

She hadn't slept in days, it felt like she hadn't really slept since the day Ron disappeared. She'd stayed at the Burrow, waiting- just like everyone else. As she held onto the steaming mug in her hands she allowed the tears to fall. Ron had broken up with her just before he left for the training camp and even before she could have come to terms with the heartbreak, he had disappeared. She was angry with him and yet she feared dearly for his life. Setting the mug down, she folded her arms on the table to rest her head while silent sobs wracked her body.

The light pressure of a motherly hand on her shoulder caused her to look up to find a teary Molly standing next to her. As the older woman sat down and took her in her arms, Hermione had cried her heart out.

And that is how it went for many nights. Every time Hermione came down to stay, the two women would share their tears in the dead of the night while the rest of the family slept. It was the only form of release she had, the only one that allowed her to function normally during the agonisingly long days which she spent hoping reverently for some news about the man she still loved so dearly.

And then they found out.

It was a few months after Ron's disappearance. Harry, who Apparated to Ron's location each and every time his magic was traced, was frustrated. They found traces of his magic and yet, not once could he find Ron or anyone else at the location. However, every time Kingsley would assure him that Ron was 'fine'. Finally, unable to track any real leads, Harry had taken the matter in his own hands and confronted the Minister himself.

How was it possible that the information about Ron was with Kingsley and him alone?

And finally Kingsley relented, only partially though. The truth was scarier: Ron was on a mission, they were told, and it was something so confidential that even a slight breach could cost Ron his life. That was all they were told.. Kingsley simply refused to tell Harry anything else.

That night Hermione sat at the kitchen table rolling the ring in her hand when Molly came downstairs. She had intended to tell the Weasley matriarch the truth but she hadn't even been able to confide in Harry. The older woman's grief at having lost one son to the war, and quite possibly another now, kept her from it. What was there to tell if Ron never made it home? That particular night, she had been utterly conflicted. She found herself wondering whether Ron fully understood what he was doing when he gave her the ring. Maybe it was just the emotionally charged situation that had triggered his actions, and he had later regretted proposing her?

"The ring looks lovely on you, dear." Molly's words pulled Hermione from her reverie.

"I wonder if he knew what he was doing when he gave it to me," she said before she could stop herself.

"I am sure he did," said the motherly old witch before handing her an old wooden box. "Open this," she instructed kindly.

Hermione was intrigued and it didn't her long to notice the secret slide panel that opened it. As the articles spilled out on the table she looked up at Molly in confusion. "What's this?" she asked.

"Arthur bought him this when he was five. As you can see it has an extendable charm on it. It was to keep his favourite things safe from the twins and his younger sister. I found this in his room a few days ago," she mused fondly even as her voice choked. It took her a while before she spoke again. "He has always kept his most prized possessions in this box, Hermione. You'll find the case for your ring is in here as well. Ron knew what he was doing when he gave you the ring," she stated patting Hermione's hand, not realising how guilty the young witch was feeling. "I want you to keep this till he comes home."

Hermione had barely managed to hold her tears in check. She remembered moving her palm over the well-worn Chudley Cannons t-shirt, unable to gather the courage to tell the old witch that her son might not really want her to have something that was so dear to him. But she couldn't let go, she longed to keep these memories, to hold the traces of him- to own these things that were so quintessentially Ron.

"If you doubt his feelings, keep the ring in this box till he returns. I know he'll give it to you again, this time after putting all your insecurities to rest," said Molly with utmost conviction. Hermione placed the ring in its case not because she believed the older witch, but because she should have removed it long ago anyway.

It took her longer to pull herself out of the impact of the memories; she had really thought she's left those days behind- apparently not. Slowly, she returned Ron's treasures to the box and closed it. Then, moving to her study she penned another note- a very brief one this time.

"Meet me tomorrow, at the park close to my place, seven in the morning."

She tied the note to Athena and gave her an owl treat, apologising to the bird for sending her out so soon after her previous delivery.

"Give this to Ron, and stay at the Burrow," Hermione said as she caressed her feathers. The owl hooted softly and took flight.

Putting the box on her dresser she lay down on the bed and pulled out a book. Some issues needed to be resolved and the sooner she severed all ties the better.