Casablanca: Diagon Alley-
2: Unbreakable Heart
Author's Note: Finally, it gets interesting! Why Ron is so. soul-less, who the "lying trash" is, what she did, etc. and how Neville is involved. All below! Geez, I sound like a damn car salesman! I rated this story Pg-13 not because it's a Pg-13 story, but so I could cuss in my author's notes. LOL, just kidding. But it's a perk.
Disclaimer: I own nothing once again. Except my keyboard- yes, that's right, I own a keyboard. Not the computer. The keyboard.
~*~*~*
It was about 10 o'clock, when the partiers partied harder, when Ron sighed and closed his eyes, allowing himself for once to go back and remember Diagon Alley. And the events that came to place there. He remembered every detail as if it was yesterday, but really it had been years. Well. not really years, but it seemed like it. Things were different then; Harry was in Azkaban. For being an agitator. For a while the rumors swarmed that he was dead, but no. Weeks later word spread that he had escaped. Ron had met a girl in London. An old friend, really, one with romantic prospects. It was in a club very much like his own Ron's; crowded with loud, happy music. The song playing then- As Time Goes By. The man singing it was amazing; made Ron feel like falling in love on the spot. And really, he did. She was sitting at the bar, looking down and ordering another drink. "Hit me again, Sam," she told the bartender as Ron moved towards her. He glanced at her. "'Sure that's a good idea, miss? You've had quite a few already." He said, all the while mixing another drink for Ron's lovely, drunken lady. She glared up at him with bloodshot eyes from both crying and over- drinking. "Hit me, Sam." She said firmly. (A.N.-Yes, Sam is Sam from the movie. Only he's not, at the same time. Don't think about it, it'll confuse you. He's just a bartender named Sam to you, ok?) He shrugged and handed her the brandy glass. Ron slid onto the stool next to hers and pulled the brandy out of her hands. "I think you've had enough," He said. She sputtered drunkenly and made a weak attempt to take her glass back. "Come on," she said weakly. "Give it here," she made another futile attempt and fell off her stool gracefully. To save her from hitting her head on his stool, Ron dropped the brandy and caught her arms. "Calm down," he said soothingly as he pulled her up to look in her eyes. It was that moment that they both realized whom the other was. His jaw dropped slightly and she gasped. "Ron?" she asked, confused. He nodded, shocked. "Hermione?" he whispered in surprise. She goggled at him. "What're you doin' here?" her speech slurred. "Came to dance with a pretty lady. Would you like to oblige?" he asked. Hermione nodded, smiling with slightly crossed eyes. "Sure," she said as he half walked, half carried Hermione to the dance floor. And it was then, Hermione half-drunk and that amazing song playing, that they fell in love. Later that night, after many more dances, Ron took Hermione to his place. He tucked her into his bed and grabbed a spare blanket for himself on the couch. Over the next few weeks, Hermione and Ron fell more in love with each passing minute. They were forever together, often going back to that nightclub to listen to that amazing blues singer sing as Time Goes By. Ron was curious to know what had happened to Hermione since he had last seen her, but she always answered the same way: "Oh, Ron, no questions, alright? I'd just rather not talk about it." And they lived by that pact. When Ron wasn't busy with his fight against the anti-muggle borns, he was with Hermione. On one night, they decided to go back to the nightclub and ask for the singer's name. "Oh, Ron, I'm so excited! Maybe we can get him to sing As Time Goes By again. I fell in love with you to that tune, you know." Hermione said, jumping like a child on Ron's arm as they walked into the club. Lately she had been glowing with happiness, thanks mostly to Ron. He grinned. "So did I." He said softly, kissing her ear sweetly. She smiled warmly and caught his lips in a kiss. They quickly found the club manager. "Hello," Hermione said. The manager nodded. "Hello." He said. Hermione glanced at Ron, slightly discouraged by the manager's stiff behavior. "We were wondering who plays the music here at your club," she said with a smile. The manager pointed over to the man at the piano, thanked them for visiting his club, and went back into his office. "Wonder what's wrong with him," Ron said, taking Hermione's hand and leading her to the piano. The piano player, whose face was shaded by his dare devil 40's style hat, seemed to be taking a break and working on writing music. Ron leaned against the piano. "Good evening. We were wondering-" but he stopped with a surprised look on his face, leaning closer to the man as if to get a better look at his face. "Neville?!" he asked in shock. Hermione gasped and stepped around Ron to get a better look. Neville grinned and stood up, embracing Ron. When he saw Hermione, a strange look came over his face that Ron couldn't identify. Hermione looked slightly guilty but wiped the look off her face quickly. "Neville! It's been so long!" with Ron behind her; she gave Neville a pleading look. He nodded just so she could tell. "It has," he replied with a warm smile. "What's been up with you two?" "Oh, not much. How did you get into music, Neville?" Hermione asked incredulously. He shrugged. "Just started playing an old piano I found. This guy, a black man, Mosley, he heard me and started training me. He said I had talent." For another very rare moment, Neville looked proud. "I caught on really quickly, so he taught me sax and voice too. I'm good at it and I love it, so here I am." He beamed at them. Hermione looked awestruck. "Neville, I just can't believe it! Could you play that song for us? As Time Goes By, I think it was called. It's very special to us." Another strange look crossed his face, but it passed and he turned to the piano. He stretched his fingers and set them on the keys. They began to dance, and the mesmerizing melody played. Hermione and Ron stood and watched, amazed, until he began to sing. Then the irresistibility of his voice overcame them, and they began to dance. Neville glanced back and broke into a grin as he saw them. "You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss; a sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply, as time goes by." Neville sang. Hermione leaned her head against Ron's shoulder as they swayed to the music. Other couples from all over the club joined them quickly. When the song was over, Hermione wiped an unnoticed tear from her cheek. "Oh, Neville, that was wonderful," she whispered. He ducked his head. "Thank you," he mumbled softly. I took a minute for Ron to realize that Neville was blushing. They spent the rest of the night talking with Neville or dancing to his music. Near 2 am, everyone had gone home and Neville was closing down the club. "Ron, I was wanting to ask you a favor," he said, stacking a chair on top of a table. Ron, who had been pulling on his overcoat, motioned for Neville to continue. "Well, I'm wanting a new place to stay. The manager and I don't get on very well, so I'm trying to find somewhere else. I know it's a lot to ask, you with your agitator business and Hermione." he smiled faintly, but Ron was already agreeing. "I'd be honored, Neville. Hermione and I have a flat just on the other side of the bridge. It's big enough, and you won't get in the way. I promise. I did live with you for 7 years," he reminded Neville with a grin. Neville grinned back. "Thank you very much. I promise, you won't even know I'm there," he said, grabbing his hat and jacket and the music he had been working on earlier that night. "Nonsense," Hermione said, and the three left the club.
~*~*~*
Over the next few months, Ron, Hermione, and Neville lived happily together. Ron was slowly being considered an agitator in Diagon Alley, and was starting to be more careful about where he went and the number of ministry wizards swarming the place. He was also no closer to solving Hermione's mystery, but was perfectly happy with her. Finally, he was almost bursting with curiosity. "Oh, come on, Hermione. A gorgeous girl like you? Some man somewhere must've loved you like I do." He wheedled. Hermione smiled sadly. "Someone did." She said softly. Neville, who was in the room at the time, looked at her sharply. "Would you like some wine, Ron?" he interrupted, glad for any excuse to leave the room. Distracted, Ron nodded. "And what happened with him?" he asked Hermione. She turned away. "He's dead," she said dully. Ron sat down on the couch and pulled her towards him. "I'm sorry," he whispered comfortingly. "I didn't mean to pry." "I was so sad and so confused and so lonely, so so lonely. Then I met you and. well. you know the rest." Hermione smiled up at him, cheering slightly. Ron grinned and missed the tip of her nose. "He must have been a fine man, for you to love him so much." "You have no idea," Hermione muttered under her breath so Ron couldn't hear her. She nodded for him. Just then, Neville came in with the wine glasses. He handed them to Ron and Hermione, going back to the kitchen with his own to listen to the radio. Ron held up his glass in a toast. "Here's looking at you, kid," he said. She giggled and clinked his glass. "You goofball," she said, kissing the tip of his nose. Minutes later, Neville rushed in, looking scared. "Ron! You've got to get out of London! The Ministry- they know who you are-what you've been doing! You need to get out of here, and as soon as possible!" his eyes bulged and Ron nodded. "First flight out to Ireland. Damn the Ministry for restricting apparation- it would be so handy." "And Ron! Harry! He's alive! He escaped Azkaban, somehow! Can you believe it?" Neville looked torn between being worried about Ron and excited about Harry. Ron grinned. "Nasty sneak always did know how to escape trouble. I suppose you two are coming with me?" Ron asked, looking at his two companions. Neville nodded vigorously. "Of course! Where you go, I go. " He insisted. Ron grinned and turned to Hermione. "And you?" "Yes, I'll go. I wouldn't let you leave me here in London all alone, now would I?"
~*~*~*
Ron stood impatiently by the train, checking his watch. It was almost 5 AM, where was she? He had on a long overcoat and large hat to hide his identity, but they also helped keep out the chill of the rain. He searched the crowd until he recognized Neville. "Neville! Have you seen her? It's nearly 5! The train will be leaving shortly!" Neville shook his head but handed Ron an envelope. "I found it in one of my bags," he said. 'Dearest Ron' was written on the outside. Raindrops smeared the writing. Ron tore it open to read the note:
Darling, I can't tell you why but I can't come with you to Ireland. We will never see each other again, although it pains me to say so. I love you dearly, so go to Ireland without me. You'll find another love, as I did in you. Hermione
Ron stared, angry and disbelieving, at the letter for several minutes. After what seemed like ages, Neville's voice drilled its way into his mind. "Come on, Ron. We're bound to miss the train," he said kindly, pulling his friend by the arm onto the train. Ron stepped on, still searching the crowd for Hermione to no avail. Angry, he crumpled the letter and let it drop to the ground as the train took off.
~*~*~*
I suppose I should know Sometimes love just comes and goes But I believed, foolish me
We'd go on and on
Please remember this, when you drop your guard Nobody has an unbreakable heart
.nobody has an unbreakable heart
~*~*~*
Author's Note: Ok! Flashback over, let's move on now, Ron! Unbreakable Heart is by Jessica Andrews. Thanks to Leanna and Julia for being the first to review my story!
2: Unbreakable Heart
Author's Note: Finally, it gets interesting! Why Ron is so. soul-less, who the "lying trash" is, what she did, etc. and how Neville is involved. All below! Geez, I sound like a damn car salesman! I rated this story Pg-13 not because it's a Pg-13 story, but so I could cuss in my author's notes. LOL, just kidding. But it's a perk.
Disclaimer: I own nothing once again. Except my keyboard- yes, that's right, I own a keyboard. Not the computer. The keyboard.
~*~*~*
It was about 10 o'clock, when the partiers partied harder, when Ron sighed and closed his eyes, allowing himself for once to go back and remember Diagon Alley. And the events that came to place there. He remembered every detail as if it was yesterday, but really it had been years. Well. not really years, but it seemed like it. Things were different then; Harry was in Azkaban. For being an agitator. For a while the rumors swarmed that he was dead, but no. Weeks later word spread that he had escaped. Ron had met a girl in London. An old friend, really, one with romantic prospects. It was in a club very much like his own Ron's; crowded with loud, happy music. The song playing then- As Time Goes By. The man singing it was amazing; made Ron feel like falling in love on the spot. And really, he did. She was sitting at the bar, looking down and ordering another drink. "Hit me again, Sam," she told the bartender as Ron moved towards her. He glanced at her. "'Sure that's a good idea, miss? You've had quite a few already." He said, all the while mixing another drink for Ron's lovely, drunken lady. She glared up at him with bloodshot eyes from both crying and over- drinking. "Hit me, Sam." She said firmly. (A.N.-Yes, Sam is Sam from the movie. Only he's not, at the same time. Don't think about it, it'll confuse you. He's just a bartender named Sam to you, ok?) He shrugged and handed her the brandy glass. Ron slid onto the stool next to hers and pulled the brandy out of her hands. "I think you've had enough," He said. She sputtered drunkenly and made a weak attempt to take her glass back. "Come on," she said weakly. "Give it here," she made another futile attempt and fell off her stool gracefully. To save her from hitting her head on his stool, Ron dropped the brandy and caught her arms. "Calm down," he said soothingly as he pulled her up to look in her eyes. It was that moment that they both realized whom the other was. His jaw dropped slightly and she gasped. "Ron?" she asked, confused. He nodded, shocked. "Hermione?" he whispered in surprise. She goggled at him. "What're you doin' here?" her speech slurred. "Came to dance with a pretty lady. Would you like to oblige?" he asked. Hermione nodded, smiling with slightly crossed eyes. "Sure," she said as he half walked, half carried Hermione to the dance floor. And it was then, Hermione half-drunk and that amazing song playing, that they fell in love. Later that night, after many more dances, Ron took Hermione to his place. He tucked her into his bed and grabbed a spare blanket for himself on the couch. Over the next few weeks, Hermione and Ron fell more in love with each passing minute. They were forever together, often going back to that nightclub to listen to that amazing blues singer sing as Time Goes By. Ron was curious to know what had happened to Hermione since he had last seen her, but she always answered the same way: "Oh, Ron, no questions, alright? I'd just rather not talk about it." And they lived by that pact. When Ron wasn't busy with his fight against the anti-muggle borns, he was with Hermione. On one night, they decided to go back to the nightclub and ask for the singer's name. "Oh, Ron, I'm so excited! Maybe we can get him to sing As Time Goes By again. I fell in love with you to that tune, you know." Hermione said, jumping like a child on Ron's arm as they walked into the club. Lately she had been glowing with happiness, thanks mostly to Ron. He grinned. "So did I." He said softly, kissing her ear sweetly. She smiled warmly and caught his lips in a kiss. They quickly found the club manager. "Hello," Hermione said. The manager nodded. "Hello." He said. Hermione glanced at Ron, slightly discouraged by the manager's stiff behavior. "We were wondering who plays the music here at your club," she said with a smile. The manager pointed over to the man at the piano, thanked them for visiting his club, and went back into his office. "Wonder what's wrong with him," Ron said, taking Hermione's hand and leading her to the piano. The piano player, whose face was shaded by his dare devil 40's style hat, seemed to be taking a break and working on writing music. Ron leaned against the piano. "Good evening. We were wondering-" but he stopped with a surprised look on his face, leaning closer to the man as if to get a better look at his face. "Neville?!" he asked in shock. Hermione gasped and stepped around Ron to get a better look. Neville grinned and stood up, embracing Ron. When he saw Hermione, a strange look came over his face that Ron couldn't identify. Hermione looked slightly guilty but wiped the look off her face quickly. "Neville! It's been so long!" with Ron behind her; she gave Neville a pleading look. He nodded just so she could tell. "It has," he replied with a warm smile. "What's been up with you two?" "Oh, not much. How did you get into music, Neville?" Hermione asked incredulously. He shrugged. "Just started playing an old piano I found. This guy, a black man, Mosley, he heard me and started training me. He said I had talent." For another very rare moment, Neville looked proud. "I caught on really quickly, so he taught me sax and voice too. I'm good at it and I love it, so here I am." He beamed at them. Hermione looked awestruck. "Neville, I just can't believe it! Could you play that song for us? As Time Goes By, I think it was called. It's very special to us." Another strange look crossed his face, but it passed and he turned to the piano. He stretched his fingers and set them on the keys. They began to dance, and the mesmerizing melody played. Hermione and Ron stood and watched, amazed, until he began to sing. Then the irresistibility of his voice overcame them, and they began to dance. Neville glanced back and broke into a grin as he saw them. "You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss; a sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply, as time goes by." Neville sang. Hermione leaned her head against Ron's shoulder as they swayed to the music. Other couples from all over the club joined them quickly. When the song was over, Hermione wiped an unnoticed tear from her cheek. "Oh, Neville, that was wonderful," she whispered. He ducked his head. "Thank you," he mumbled softly. I took a minute for Ron to realize that Neville was blushing. They spent the rest of the night talking with Neville or dancing to his music. Near 2 am, everyone had gone home and Neville was closing down the club. "Ron, I was wanting to ask you a favor," he said, stacking a chair on top of a table. Ron, who had been pulling on his overcoat, motioned for Neville to continue. "Well, I'm wanting a new place to stay. The manager and I don't get on very well, so I'm trying to find somewhere else. I know it's a lot to ask, you with your agitator business and Hermione." he smiled faintly, but Ron was already agreeing. "I'd be honored, Neville. Hermione and I have a flat just on the other side of the bridge. It's big enough, and you won't get in the way. I promise. I did live with you for 7 years," he reminded Neville with a grin. Neville grinned back. "Thank you very much. I promise, you won't even know I'm there," he said, grabbing his hat and jacket and the music he had been working on earlier that night. "Nonsense," Hermione said, and the three left the club.
~*~*~*
Over the next few months, Ron, Hermione, and Neville lived happily together. Ron was slowly being considered an agitator in Diagon Alley, and was starting to be more careful about where he went and the number of ministry wizards swarming the place. He was also no closer to solving Hermione's mystery, but was perfectly happy with her. Finally, he was almost bursting with curiosity. "Oh, come on, Hermione. A gorgeous girl like you? Some man somewhere must've loved you like I do." He wheedled. Hermione smiled sadly. "Someone did." She said softly. Neville, who was in the room at the time, looked at her sharply. "Would you like some wine, Ron?" he interrupted, glad for any excuse to leave the room. Distracted, Ron nodded. "And what happened with him?" he asked Hermione. She turned away. "He's dead," she said dully. Ron sat down on the couch and pulled her towards him. "I'm sorry," he whispered comfortingly. "I didn't mean to pry." "I was so sad and so confused and so lonely, so so lonely. Then I met you and. well. you know the rest." Hermione smiled up at him, cheering slightly. Ron grinned and missed the tip of her nose. "He must have been a fine man, for you to love him so much." "You have no idea," Hermione muttered under her breath so Ron couldn't hear her. She nodded for him. Just then, Neville came in with the wine glasses. He handed them to Ron and Hermione, going back to the kitchen with his own to listen to the radio. Ron held up his glass in a toast. "Here's looking at you, kid," he said. She giggled and clinked his glass. "You goofball," she said, kissing the tip of his nose. Minutes later, Neville rushed in, looking scared. "Ron! You've got to get out of London! The Ministry- they know who you are-what you've been doing! You need to get out of here, and as soon as possible!" his eyes bulged and Ron nodded. "First flight out to Ireland. Damn the Ministry for restricting apparation- it would be so handy." "And Ron! Harry! He's alive! He escaped Azkaban, somehow! Can you believe it?" Neville looked torn between being worried about Ron and excited about Harry. Ron grinned. "Nasty sneak always did know how to escape trouble. I suppose you two are coming with me?" Ron asked, looking at his two companions. Neville nodded vigorously. "Of course! Where you go, I go. " He insisted. Ron grinned and turned to Hermione. "And you?" "Yes, I'll go. I wouldn't let you leave me here in London all alone, now would I?"
~*~*~*
Ron stood impatiently by the train, checking his watch. It was almost 5 AM, where was she? He had on a long overcoat and large hat to hide his identity, but they also helped keep out the chill of the rain. He searched the crowd until he recognized Neville. "Neville! Have you seen her? It's nearly 5! The train will be leaving shortly!" Neville shook his head but handed Ron an envelope. "I found it in one of my bags," he said. 'Dearest Ron' was written on the outside. Raindrops smeared the writing. Ron tore it open to read the note:
Darling, I can't tell you why but I can't come with you to Ireland. We will never see each other again, although it pains me to say so. I love you dearly, so go to Ireland without me. You'll find another love, as I did in you. Hermione
Ron stared, angry and disbelieving, at the letter for several minutes. After what seemed like ages, Neville's voice drilled its way into his mind. "Come on, Ron. We're bound to miss the train," he said kindly, pulling his friend by the arm onto the train. Ron stepped on, still searching the crowd for Hermione to no avail. Angry, he crumpled the letter and let it drop to the ground as the train took off.
~*~*~*
I suppose I should know Sometimes love just comes and goes But I believed, foolish me
We'd go on and on
Please remember this, when you drop your guard Nobody has an unbreakable heart
.nobody has an unbreakable heart
~*~*~*
Author's Note: Ok! Flashback over, let's move on now, Ron! Unbreakable Heart is by Jessica Andrews. Thanks to Leanna and Julia for being the first to review my story!