Runaway Fox
Chapter Twenty-One: Anniversary
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. The wonderful J.K. Rowling does. I'm just doing this for entertainment purpose and for no money. I'm getting paid in reviews. ^_^
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The Weasleys spent the night at Scotts, but Ron apparated back to his house to sleep there. No one forced him to take any guests with him. His parents didn't want to push him too hard. Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Weasley were getting along great. Molly was grateful to have someone as wonderful as Jordan taking care of her son. At this point, Molly wouldn't trust anyone else to a job almost as well as her.
Ron called later on that day and said that he come back and meet them after he was done with some business. Simon knew better. He knew what that day was, so he went out to go look for Harry, his new ally. They weren't exactly friends yet, but they were willing to try.
"Harry, I know where Ron went," said Simon.
"Where?" asked Harry.
"The parking lot. Today's the day of the anniversary. I don't think he should be alone," said Simon.
"Right. We'll go. Should we bring anyone else?" asked Harry, not sure what to do.
Simon shook his head, "I think we should just be with him. Come on." They apparated over there after breakfast. Ginny and Hermione spent their time talking about what happened the night before. Mr. Weasley was happily looking around the house with Becky showing him some of the Muggle devices that the Scotts had.
"Ron's house is much bigger than ours," said Becky.
"Really?" asked Fred.
"Yes, it's got about twenty rooms. A Muggle built it, but he bought it. I wouldn't be surprise if he was the only wizard living in that neighborhood," said Becky.
"Harry was there. He said that Ron has a workshop and several other things there," said Ginny.
"Where'd Harry go?" asked George.
"He said that he and Simon are doing something," said Hermione. She wasn't sure, but she thought it might have something to do with Ron.
"Of course," said Mrs. Scott as she looked at the calendar.
"What?' asked Mrs. Weasley with concern.
"Today's the day it happened," said Jenny softly. As she looked at picture of the Hoshis that was on the mantle. She really liked Marcus. He was one of her closer friends. She never imagined him losing his mind like that and accidentally killing his sister.
Hermione stood there looking at the girl in the picture. She was beautiful. "Did Ron love her?" she asked out loud.
"I don't know. I think he loved her a certain way, but they never really dated. He was too focus on school. Mari always said that he had a lot of things on his mind," said Jenny.
"I don't think he loved her as much as she loved him," said Becky. It was clear to everyone that Becky Scott had the ability to see through people quite easily and whenever she spoke, it was the truth. "And that's why he felt guilty about what happened to her."
"They were friends. That was it. Ron never left room for much else. He was pretty closed and private. We didn't even know how big his family really was until after the shooting. He didn't even say that he was a pureblood. Although, considering all the Muggle studies he had to go through, it was pretty obvious. He hated it whenever anyone said 'Mudblood', so it was hard to tell whether he was or wasn't one. He'd get really offended," said Jenny.
"I'm Muggle born," said Hermione softly. Jenny looked at her and smiled softly. "So that' s why, he didn't like it especially. The Scotts don't like it, but you'd think people were personally insulting him when they said 'Mudblood'. He wouldn't stand for it. People who are outside Ellsinore tend to you it. No pureblood who dislikes any Muggles or Muggle born would be caught dead at Ellsinore. It's a hybrid school, after all," she said.
"'We are all human. Muggle or wizard. We are humanity itself,'" said Becky, quoting Ron's speech from the graduation.
Mr. Weasley smiled because it was something that he had told his son long ago. It was nice to know that Ron was actually listening.
"Actually, speaking of which, I did video tape the graduation ceremony," said Mrs. Scott.
"Video?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"It's a Muggle device that can capture moments on film. It's better than just the moving wizards' photographs, and not as intrusive as a Pensieve. I can play for everyone," said Mrs. Scott as she went to a closet filled with black boxes with labels on him or her. She pulled the one labeled "Simon and Ron's graduation." Mr. Weasley watched with interest as she loaded it into another black box that had a television hooked up to it and played the video.
~*~
Ron stood on the parking lot. It was still early, so there weren't any cars except his own. He walked alone to the spots where it happened. He felt cold. He didn't like coming to the beach after the shooting. The wind whipped through his hair as he looked around him. He didn't turn around when he heard two sets of footsteps coming towards him.
"I thought we'd find you here," said Simon. Ron didn't turn around.
Harry didn't know what to think of when he saw the place himself. He could easily picture the blood as well as either Ron and Simon on the pavement. Ron wore his sunglasses as he looked around. "You shouldn't be alone," said Harry finally.
"Are you afraid I'll hurt myself?" asked Ron.
"No, I just think you need someone with you. You aren't alone," said Simon. He turned around and looked at his friends. He sighed as he took of his sunglasses.
"It feels like a dull ache. Something that's so constant. It's part of who I am. I've waited for it go away, but it won't," he said in a whisper.
"Of course, it's part of you. What happened to my parents is part of me," said Harry. "You can't forever live like this, Ron. Mari gave her life for you. How old was she when she died?"
"Twenty," answered Simon because Ron wasn't answering.
"You have your whole to live, Ron. Don't waste what Mari gave you. You have to really live for her. I'm not saying forget about her, but you've got to go forward before you can really heal. Hermione loves you very much. And I know that you love her," said Harry.
"How am I supposed to really explain that?" asked Ron.
"We can't tell you, man. Because we don't know how. It's up to you to decide. You were given a chance to live, and you can't throw it away. We're not going to force you to do anything. We both know that's not a good idea," said Simon with a rueful smile.
"Tell me about it," said Harry.
"Besides, Hermione's not completely sure that you love her. You're pretty confusing," said Simon.
"I'm confusing myself," admitted Ron.
"Do you love her or don't you?" asked Harry.
"Yes," answered Ron with a nod.
"Well, then take your chance. Surely, Ron Weasley isn't afraid to take a chance. You took the chance of coming here and making it. You can take a chance with your heart. I don't think you're going to lose. You've got everything to gain," said Harry.
The three of them remained in silence as Ron looked forward at the sea. They stayed like that for almost an hour before deciding it was time to go back to the Scotts.
~*~
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were so happy to see the graduation video. It still wasn't like being there, but it was wonderful to see. Simon had given up giving his speech and let Ron do it. Ron made up one on the spot which was wonderful. The video was done, but they talked about what happened after graduation. Ron started working on broomsticks to keep his mind occupied and came up with the idea of making different kinds of broomsticks for different players on a Quidditch team.
Mrs. Scott explained that Ron's fear wasn't that he couldn't play Quidditch again, rather his fear was that he wouldn't be able to stand up again. The three men apparated back at the back porch and let themselves in.
"Good morning everyone," said Ron as he entered the room. He seemed a little happier than they expected. Harry and Simon were actually getting along, except for some glaring contests behind Ron's back.
"Good morning, are you hungry?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"No, I ate at home," answered Ron. "On today's agenda, I have to go to the Napa testing field. The new broomstick has to be raced. I've decided to let Harry be the test pilot."
"What?" asked Harry with a startled look.
"The new broomstick is named 'The Marauder.' And I'll be taking the rest of day off while Simon will handle things. You all will join them at the track," said Ron.
Knowing that it was the anniversary of the shooting, the Weasleys agreed to go to the testing field, but on the way out. Harry intercepted Hermione, "You don't have to go to the track with us. Go with Ron. He shouldn't be alone," he said quietly. There was concern in his eyes.
"He'll just push me away," said Hermione sadly.
"No, he shouldn't. He needs someone. He needs you," said Harry as he went back to join the others.
Hermione bit her lip and walked to where Ron was. He was looking out at the field. "Harry's worried about you," she whispered. "He thinks you shouldn't be alone."
"Would you come with me, then? Please," he said softly.
Hermione looked back at him in surprise and nodded. He offered her his hand and she took it. "Where are we going?" asked Hermione.
"I have someone you should meet," said Ron simply.
They apparated back to his house where his car was. Ron and Hermione drove a far distance away. She admired the scenery and noticed that they were getting out of the city and into more countryside until they stopped at a cemetery. She could feel the cold air against her cheeks. She didn't work on her hair that morning. She usually did because it was a habit to make herself look professional. So, her hair was bushy. She wondered what Ron thought about it.
"This way," said Ron as she guided her down a path to the graves. It was the Hoshis' graves. He was quiet and solemn. It was hard to believe that he had been there recently.
Hermione felt uncomfortable because she didn't know what to think. "You loved her, didn't you?" she asked.
"Yes, I did, but not the same way she loved me," admitted Ron as he looked at Hermione.
Hermione was starting to think that Ron was incapable of feeling the she felt about him. She looked away from him because it was too painful. "I don't know if I could be as brave as Mari," she said.
"You don't have to be. I feel guilty about her dying the way she did. She threw her life away," said Ron.
"No…I mean, I don't think I could have taken the risk she did. I don't think I could have loved someone so much and not have them love me back as much. I suppose we're the same that way," said Hermione.
"Did I ever say I didn't love you?" asked Ron.
Hermione looked surprised. Did he ever say that he didn't love her? She thought about it for a moment. All his actions and his words. She shook her head. Her vision blurred as a tear came down her cheek. "I wished I had her courage. I should have told you ages ago. I remembered when we were eleven. Remember, Professor Flitwick's class?" she asked.
Ron thought it was strange for her to bring it up, but he nodded. "You and I were partners for using the levitating spell. That was the first time we ever worked together. I was so excited. I was so excited to be with you. I wanted to impress you. I supposed showing off wasn't the best way. When I realized how bossy I sounded…and you said I was a nightmare, I cried," said Hermione.
"I probably shouldn't have said that. You did get cornered in the girls' bathroom by that troll," said Ron. "I never did apologize for that. I have a problem back then with saying I'm sorry."
"You never saw me as anything else as a friend. I thought it was awful when you didn't notice I was a girl until fourth year. I have loved you since I was eleven. I was happy to be your friend. I was also happy to be in love with you," said Hermione.
"I am happy to be in love with you, Ron," whispered Mari's voice in Ron's head. "You didn't answer my question, Hermione. Did I ever say I didn't love you?" repeated Ron.
"Um…" started Hermione she shook her head.
"What are you afraid of? Why aren't you looking at me?" he asked.
She lifted her head at him and he moved her hair away from her face. "You loved her. I supposed I had this fantasy that nothing could change everything," she whispered as she leaned her head against him. To her surprise, he held her closely.
Ron stayed just holding her closely. She felt his heartbeat and it steadied her for that moment. "If I tell you what I really thought, you have to promise me that you'll hear me out," he said softly.
"I promise," said Hermione with a nodded as her arms went around him. She wasn't going to let go again.
"I did love Mari very much, but I was never IN love with her. It was like loving a sister. She understood me better than anyone around me at the time. She took the time to get to know me, even though I tried to push her away. I couldn't love her as much as she loved me. I could never love her because I was already in love with someone else. Someone I was afraid of telling because I didn't think I was good enough for her. When I came to America, I had plans to make it. I worked hard so that after school I would come back with something more to offer than just myself. All the time I was alone, I thought of her," he said softly.
Hermione continued to hold him. She could hear every word he was saying. Everything was so real. "I remembered being trapped in that darkness right after the shooting. I was so scared and alone. I thought that I couldn't wake up. I saw her in the darkness. She was the only thing I could see. She offered me her hand and pulled me out of it. She saved me from it. I never got a chance to thank her. After that, I thought that I'd have to work even harder to win her over. I didn't think I had a chance. There were so many other people more worthy of her. I went to school and study hard because I knew that she'd be impressed with me if I could show that I had a brain. I also thought about Mari. She got killed because of me. I couldn't bear to think what would happen to her if she got too close to me. I wanted her to be happy. Mari wanted that for me, too. And if she were happy and safe without me that would be enough for me. I never said I didn't love you, Hermione," finished Ron.
Hermione looked up at him her eyes weren't teary. They looked up at his with amazement. "You were everything. And you still are," said Ron softly.
"I have a lot to live up to," said Hermione quietly.
"You already have. You've always been like that. You made me want to be better. I did everything I could to just do that. You were the only person who really believed in me. You were the one thing that kept me going. Mari taught me how to love someone. What it means to love someone. I was afraid of everything. I didn't think I deserved you," Ron confessed.
Hermione said softly, "I think Mari was an amazing person. I think she did the one thing I couldn't do. She said how she felt right away. I would have loved to meet Mari. I would have loved to have gotten to know her. She sounds like an angel."
"She was. I never thought that she was really meant for this world. I think she is my guardian now. She told me. She made me promise her as she died that I would always love you. And that I would love you as much as she loved me. I haven't been very good at keeping that promise," admitted Ron.
"Then, I should thank her for everything. I should thank her for you," said Hermione with a soft smile.
"Somehow, I think she knows. She always knew how to tell," said Ron. Nearby the graves stood an old cherry blossom tree. The wind gently blew against it and light pink petals fell on them. Ron smiled and pressed his forehead against Hermione's.
"I love you, Ronald Weasley," she whispered softly as she pressed herself closer to him and looked up at him. Ron gave her a gentle, tentative kiss on her soft lips at that moment. She stepped in closer, locking their lips together.
"Would you have me the way I am now?" asked Ron softly.
"I would have you anyway I can. I wouldn't change any part of you. You are perfect the way you are," said Hermione.
"You were always perfect the way you were. Or I suppose we're just perfect for each other and no one else," said Ron with a laugh.
"Love is blind and requires no answers, Ron. As cliché as that sounds, it's true. You have always been a part of me. I couldn't dislike nor hate you without hating myself. I happen to be a very patient person," said Hermione.
"I know. I know. What happens now?" asked Ron with some uncertainty.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
"Well…you live in England and I live in here," said Ron.
"I could learn to love it here. As long as I have you. You've been the one whose made the sacrifices before. It's my turn now," said Hermione.
"Somehow, I don't think you can be an Auror all the way from here," said Ron. He didn't want her to give up her job for him. And he knew that she was one of the best.
"Hmm…I've been thinking…Ellsinore is a lovely school. And I hear it's really challenging and some of the top wizards have attended there," said Hermione softly.
"Who have you heard of?" asked Ron.
"Well…one of the top businessmen in the wizarding world went there with a really good corporate lawyer. And a girl who's going to graduate and become a really good vet for magical creatures. And another woman who has a heart of gold. Just a few people," said Hermione with a smile.
"So, you'd like to go to Ellsinore?" asked Ron with a smile.
"I've always liked to broaden my horizons. And this is the perfect chance. Of course, I don't have a place to stay in San Francisco," said Hermione.
"Well…maybe someone would be kind enough to offer his home to you," said Ron.
"If you're talking about Simon, you're dead wrong, Ronald Weasley," joked Hermione. Now that the air had been cleared, it was easier for them to talk.
"No, I don't mean Simon," said Ron with a mocking sigh.
"Then, Mrs. Scott?" she suggested.
"No, I don't mean, Mrs. Scott," he said as he shook his head.
"Then, who are you suggesting?" she asked as her brown eyes began to sparkle.
"How about your husband's home?" he asked.
Hermione stumbled back in surprise when she saw that he wasn't kidding. He never looked so serious. "And before you ask who your husband is…I'll ask you right now. Will you marry sometime in the near future?"
"Um…don't you think this is a little sudden?" asked Hermione with a smile.
"Herm…this is the longest courtship in existence. We've been dancing around it for a while," said Ron.
"How about a longer engagement?" asked Hermione. Ron wasn't completely healed yet, so she didn't want to push him too hard, even if he was the one suggesting it.
"You have a deal. And you've just learned one very important thing," said Ron with a laugh as he placed a playful kiss on her nose.
"And what's that?" asked Hermione.
"I always win all business negotiations," said Ron with a smile. She kissed on him the lips at that moment once again. It was a deep, passionate kiss.
On one of the branches of the cherry blossom tree, sat a young woman with her waist length hair whipping in the wind. She smiled down from where she was. She was both dressed in white. She had never given up hope that Ron would keep his promise to her. And for that she was now truly at peace.
AN: A little short, but most of this was dialogue between Hermione and Ron. And I'm also not to make them marry straight off. It's not a good time yet. I also thought the end of this chapter is special. ~ rin-chan.
