Epilogue
The next hour or so was a little blurred. Harry and Ron were enthusiastically reunited after two years of time and a century's worth of worry. The Weasleys arrived en masse, by Floo Powder and Apparation, and there were hugs and kisses all around. But all the time, Ron never once let go of Hermione. No matter who he was hugging, he always had one hand clasped in hers, one arm around her shoulders… they moved as one, always maintaining the contact.
The celebrations lasted late into the night, and at last the non-Hogwarts-attending Weasleys were hustled off to the guest wing, for some much-needed rest. Harry and Ginny retreated to their respective dorms, leaving Hermione and Ron alone in the common room.
Hermione smiled, snuggling against Ron's shoulder as they lay back on the couch beside a dying fire. It had only been ten days, really, since he had left, but the pain and shock had stretched the days into an eternity. It was so good to be close to him again.
Finally, the question that had been put aside all evening bubbled up, and Hermione asked, "How on Earth did you get out of dying?"
She could hear Ron's grin as he replied. "I have no idea. The Ministry officials all had their theories, which I vaguely remember and do not in the least bit understand." He paused and gave her a squeeze before continuing. "The main fuel for the curse was my not knowing if you loved me or not," he said. "When you told me you did, told me in a way that made me know, I think that pretty much cancelled out the evil that was killing me. Dark magic is no match for love."
He paused again, and Hermione took the opportunity to stretch up and kiss him lightly before lying back down. "Finding out about Harry and Ginny helped, too," he continued. "It's hard to be eaten alive by evil and hatred when you're ecstatic that your best friend and sister are alive and well, and the person you love most in the world loves you right back."
She inched up his chest until her head was tucked under his chin. "I can't believe you didn't know I loved you," she chided him. "How thick are you?"
"Pretty thick," was his cheerful response. "You're the brain around here, not me."
Hermione smiled into Ron's shoulder, and wrapped one of her arms around his neck. "I love you, Ron," she said with conviction. "I'm glad you're back."
"I'm glad I'm back, too," he grinned. "Merry Christmas, Pixie."
That was the last thing she heard before she fell asleep…
…THE END…
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