Chapter Three
The Power of Love
Ron stared at her, his skin turning a deadly pale color. He couldn't move, he couldn't speak, he couldn't even breathe. He and Hermione were having a baby. She was having his child. Both Hermione and their baby were in danger. She was having their baby. Mixed emotions of worry and elation ran though Ron. It was too much. Part of him was tearing at himself for letting something like this happen and part of him was so happy that the girl of his dreams since he was 15 was pregnant for him.
Hermione was pregnant and it was all because of him.
This was the worst thing that could happen and yet, in a way, also the best.
This was all happening because he couldn't keep himself under control. It was all because he had decided to take advantage of Hermione. He had never meant for it to be like this. He had always pictured the day the finally admitted their feelings for each other to be heartfelt and carefree, but instead it ha been so bitter and yet, at the same time, sweet. It would be a lie to say that Ron regretted that night. For nothing else he had ever done had ever meant so much than that short time that he had been bound to Hermione in that way which transcended both space and time. For a brief moment he had been able to recall nothing besides the fact that he loved Hermione.
"Oh god, Hermione. We're having a .baby," Ron said looking at her.
Hermione then lost control and sobbed into Ron. He wasn't quite sure if her tears were joyful or sorrowfully shed. All Ron could do was hold her tight not trusting himself to speak. He wanted to be happy, but he couldn't. This was war and Hermione was in the middle of it. She and his unborn child were in the middle of a war zone, and it was all because of him.
He had caused this. If he had never ...if he hadn't, ...but the fact was that he did and nothing could change that. Never in his life had Ron felt more confused. Never had he held such animosity for anyone as he held for himself at the moment, but then, at the same time, he held happiness. Ron closed his eyes and thought back to that fateful day that they had changed their destinies forever. Only now was he looking back to see just how much that decision had changed everything.
It seemed ironic that the day everything fell apart, was the day that they admitted to loving each other. They had wasted so many precious years dancing around the truth that they cared more for each other than anything else that they had ever owned or ever knew. Then, they had to leave each other.
Hermione had followed though. Ron didn't know what to do. Hermione had followed him out to War Camp. She had followed him onto the battlefield. All the time she had been carrying their child with her. Ron wanted to be this close to her all the time, but he also wanted Hermione to be safe, but now he not only had Hermione to worry about, but their child. He wanted to be with her every waking minute, but he wanted her to be away from this mess.
He wanted to walk home from work and see her waiting for him in the kitchen helping him with his coat and asking him how his day had gone. That had always been his dream. The white picket fence, children playing in the yard. The biggest problems being when to schedule their family holiday. However, fate had other plans. Fate had torn them apart and Hermione had challenged fate only to find that fate always had the upper hand. Something was always going against them. Nothing could ever be perfect. Why?
Ron hugged Hermione closer but careful not to hold her too tightly and said, "I'm sorry."
Hermione looked up at him with red rimmed eyes and said, "For what?"
Ron wiped her face and kissed her tears then said, "I did this to you. I never meant to. I just wasn't thinking. I took advantage of you. You weren't thinking clearly. I should have stopped. I should have been smarter."
There was a moment of silence and then Ron hugged her again and said feverishly, "God I'm sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to ...I didn't think this would happen."
Hermione looked up into his face and said, "I am as much to blame as you are. I was thinking clearly. I did want it as much, if not more, than you did. You did nothing wrong. You even tried to stop me. And if I remember correctly, and I know I do, it takes two."
Ron smiled and said, "Yeah, I remember."
Hermione looked up at him and couldn't help, but let out a small laugh. It seemed that Ron could always make her feel better in times like these. In times like these, Hermione never though that she would do things as reckless as getting pregnant and joining the army under a disguise. Even if it was all for the man she loved, she never thought it would be her, and here she was. It was her.
Hermione leaned her head against Ron's shoulder and sighed, "What have we gotten ourselves into?" she said sadly.
Ron looked out over the starry sky and sighed. The stars had always reminded him of is Bright Eyes. The stars had gleamed so brightly only those lonely nights and helped him think of her. He had sat outside and though that just maybe his Bright Eyes had been looking at the stars too. The stars had been his Bright Eyes for a while, but now looking at his one, true Bright Eyes, the stars did not compare.
Ron took his thumb and wiped away a tear on her cheek trailing it to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Hermione savored the feel of his skin on hers. His hands had once felt soft and smooth but were now rough and callused.
It had only been four months since he had left. Four months ago they had been just friends and look at them now. Holding each other, trying to savor what they had today and only pray that tomorrow it wasn't gone. Praying that this would be over, but they both knew there was no hope for it to be over.
Why couldn't fate leave well enough alone? Why did fate have to play this horrid card on Hermione and Ron? Why did fate want to tear them apart when it should be together? Why was fate so cruel and so uncaring?
Ron kissed Hermione's forehead and quietly answered, "I don't know my Bright Eyes, but whatever it is we'll face it together. Midnight cravings and all."
Hermione nestled her head into the crook of Ron's neck. He was all the love she need right now, but the darkness was closing in around them their world was falling apart just as everything seemed to be falling into place for the two star-crossed lovers. Would love be enough? Love was really all they had and nothing could take that away from them. Hermione now carried a sign of it. Their love would never die, even if one of them did.
They sat in silence under the stars outside the bunks. Words could not express what they were feeling right now. Sadness, happiness, anger, remorse, denial, acceptance all coursed through them at once. Words were not enough, but were words ever really enough. Whenever they were enough, they were not right now. The lovers and their unborn child sat under the stars too fearful to move from each other's arms, but too brave to leave the other alone.
They hardly noticed a fourth part hiding in the bushes nearby. For neither a friend nor a foe had he ever been so transfixed on the events that took place before him. He crept through the bushes and back into the bunks and let the lovers alone. He had put them through enough in the time he knew them, but maybe this time he could help. Maybe there was a way to make-up for all he had done. Maybe, just maybe, he could help.
Neither Ron or Hermione knew how long they stayed out there that night, nor did they care. Tomorrow Hermione would make her escape and there was a good chance that tomorrow one or both of them could die.
Hermione changed back into Herman Grunting, but not with much ease. She winced at the pain. Hermione had never noticed that it hurt this much before, but then again before she had not been receptive to anything but the hope that her and Ron would meet soon. After the transfiguration was complete Ron ran to her.
Hermione, now in the form of Herman Grunting, put her hand up and said, "No Ron. We can't it wouldn't look right."
Ron helped her up anyway and said, "Hermione this transfiguration is hurting both you and the baby. Can't you just apperate away from here now, or we could go tell the general that you stumbled onto our camp and they could send you home."
Hermione pushed on back and said, "Ron I have to go with the plan. I can't just waltz up to the general and say that I 'accidentally' wandered into a high security War Camp put in the middle of nowhere for the very purpose that it would be very hard to find. Plus, then the disappearance of Herman Grunting would make people suspicious. They're not stupid Ron. They will put two and two together."
Ron looked down at her and said, "I just don't want you taking any chances, both of you."
Hermione smiled back at him and said, "Ron our relationship is just one big chance. We've faced worse odds before. I'm not a little girl anymore. I can handle myself. I'll get out of this just fine, all three of us will."
Ron gave her a worried look and said, "But ...well it's just risky and if you get hurt the baby will be hurt and it'll be all my fault and..."
"And if I stay here I'm in more danger," Hermione finished for him.
Ron wanted to argue with her. He yearned to argue with Hermione like he used to. Then, maybe it would be like the old days. However, Hermione was right. The longer she was in the line of fire, the longer she was in danger, but still it would be hard and dangerous for her to escape if they stayed with the plan. However, it was the only way that Herman Grunting could disappear without anybody knowing who Private Grunting really had been.
Ron bowed his head and said, "Just ...just be careful. You're my Bright Eyes I don't want anything to happen to you."
Hermione smiled and replied, "Nothing will happen to me as long as you are in my heart."
Hermione then turned around and walked back to the bunks. All was quiet and no one was awake. A few moments later she heard Ron's footsteps enter the room. Hermione heard him settle into his bed and longed to be with him but knew that it would give her away if she went over there for a moment.
Hermione rolled over and felt the first pang of nervousness about tomorrow come. Ron was right this was dangerous and they both could very well die but Hermione knew if she didn't go she would be in more danger. Hermione really didn't have a choice, it was now or never.
A sudden sensation came over her. She felt as if she was no longer in control of her own destiny like it had been already written and she was just acting it out. Hermione shifted, but she couldn't get comfortable. Ron was two bunks over, only two bunks. But two bunks were a barrier that she couldn't break.
All that night Hermione didn't sleep. She didn't know if it was the transfiguration bothering her or the fact that she was about to do something highly dangerous or just maybe it was like this when you were pregnant, but she just didn't sleep that night. Suddenly the wake up call sounded and they all woke up and got dressed in their uniforms.
Today was the day of their first mission. They were going to a place rumored to be inhabited by Death Eaters. There were plenty caves in that area, and it wasn't too far from the nearest wizarding village. Hermione could fake Herman Grunting's death and escape to the village.
After that Hermione didn't know what to do. She couldn't very well go to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's house. What would they say? But what choice did she have? Ron had insisted on her going even though Hermione knew that they would be disappointed in her, she had no other family and she was pregnant with their first grandchild. They couldn't forsake her.
Ron promised her that he would marry her when he got home. He hated the idea that their child would be born and they wouldn't be married, but what choice did they have. They had already decided that Ginny would be the godmother and Harry would be the godfather. They could help them.
However, these good thoughts Hermione was having were destroyed when the general gave his pre-fight speech to them. In Hermione's opinion it was quite depressing, but then again so were the chances of survival.
"Soldiers," the general said in his best brave voice, "today you go into war. There are chances that in an hour the person standing next to you will be dead."
Hermione glanced at the person next to her who happened to be Ron. She fought back tears. Ron will not die, Ron will not die, she told herself as a moral booster. Ron looked at her and gave her hand a squeeze while no one was looking. Hermione smiled and returned it.
"So," the general continued, "you must fight your best and try to survive the best you know how."
The general paused at this and continued, "He-who ...Voldemort had taken the lives of many soldiers. But even more repulsive, he has taken the lives innocent woman and children. Voldemort may be strong, but if we all try hard enough we can win the fight. You are fighting for all that lost the battle. You are fighting for your loved ones. You are fighting for everyone."
The general paused again and bowed his head, "I never though I'd see the day when Voldemort would return but I have. I though we got him the first time but he made a come back. Prevent him from making another one. Remember we may not win this battle but we will win this war. I have watched you all train for this and you are ready. Fight for all those young women and children whose lives were taken. Fight for their dreams that were never accomplished. Fight for the young soldiers' lives that died in the hope that one day, someone would conquer this. If you don't fight for yourself, fight for them."
With this the general stepped down off of the small podium in front the four groups. The general went to the other officer and saluted each of the, then he turned to the soldiers before him.
"I salute you," he said.
After that they were rallied into the groups. Draco and Ron's teams were joined together. The officers put them in these turntable machines and as a soldier walked through he was equipped with camouflage clothing, helmets and even some muggle weapons for emergencies.
Hermione, however, banished all of Herman Grunting's things and took care of his bed leaving no trace of who he was. As Hermione left she saw something on Ron's bed that caught her eye. It was her prefect badge. He had forgot to pin it on this morning. Hermione took it and put it in her pocket, taking one last look at the bunks before she knew she would never see them again.
Hermione softly chuckled to herself and placed a hand on her stomach saying, "I'll have some really good stories to tell you one day."
With that Herman Grunting left the bunks of War Camp 8732910 never to return. Herman's footsteps echoed down the empty hall as he opened the door and went out, not even looking back.
It only took a matter of time before they were at the site. All was clear for a while, but then Death Eaters came out from every direction. Hermione was terrified. She pulled herself and Ron into a nearby cave.
Hermione took out her wand and transformed back into herself. It hurt for a moment but Ron helped her up. Then something fell out of her pocket. It was the Head Girl Badge. Hermione bent picked it up and Ron stared at her.
Hermione kissed the badge and then said, "While I'm gone and we're apart my love for you will be right here."
Hermione pinned the badge on the inside of his jacket over his heart. Ron smiled back at her and pulled her chain off taking the ring off of it. He kissed the ring and put it on her finger.
"And my love will be right here and here" her said placing a hand on her stomach. Ron gave her a gentle kiss. Then from the corner came a coughing sound. Hermione looked over and saw Draco standing in the corner.
"Are you ready to go Hermione?" he asked.
Hermione stood rooted to the spot and Ron said, "What are you doing here?"
Draco smiled and said, "I think you need a tour guide to the next village. I can get you there. Consider it pay back for me being such an asshole to you."
Hermione stood and said, "How long have you known?"
Draco casually answered, "I've had my suspicions since I met you but yesterday you were in the garden I was in the bushes when you changed. Scared the crap out of me." Ron turned to Draco and said, "If you so dare lay a finger on her I swear I will..."
Draco sighed and said, "I know, I know but I just want to get out of here too. Have some scores to settle with old 'friends'."
Hermione nodded at Ron who said, "All right."
There was a scram outside. Hermione gave Ron one last final kiss and he ran back out. Draco took Hermione by the wrists and said, "we don't have much time this tunnel will lead strait into town."
Hermione followed him and said, "Thank you."
Draco smiled and said, "Yeah, well don't get use to it."
Later that day they arrived in the local Wizarding village. There Hermione and Draco said their good byes. Draco walked off. It was raining outside. It was only a light rain, but the rain had already soaked Draco's army uniform. Somehow he looked older and lost.
"Draco," Hermione called out, "where are you going?"
Draco slowly turned around and said, "I don't know. But one thing I do know is that my mother won't have died in vain. I will avenge her death or die trying."
Hermione nodded and said, "Then I suggest that you go to Dumbledore. I know that the order must be busy at this time. They could always use people."
Draco vaguely smiled and replied, "I'll keep that in mind."
Draco turned around and contiuned to walk into the depths of the rain. Hermione stood and watched until she could no longer see Draco or hear his footsteps against the wet ground. She wondered where he was going, but did not ask. Hermione had her own demons to face. Slowly she stuck out her wand and the night bus came to a stop in front of her.
After a few more hours on the bus, Hermione arrived to the doorsteps of the Burrow. It was harder raining and she was soaked from just being in the rain for the few seconds that it took to reached the homey door of the Burrow. To Hermione, it felt like a death walk, but she knew this is what she had to do. Hermione rang the doorbell and Ginny answered.
Ginny looked at her and said, "Hermione!"
Hermione walked in just as Mr. and Ms. Weasley came from the kitchen.
"There is something I need to tell you."
*****Two months later*****
The doorbell rang. Hermione got up to answer it trying not to hurt her back too much. She had been living at the Wesley's for over two months now, it had been hard but Mr. and Ms. Weasley had taken her in. She now stayed with them and was taken care of by Ginny. Mrs. Weasley was actually thankful that Hermione was pregnant sometimes.
She knitted baby clothes for the baby and discussed baby names with Hermione and Ginny in her free time. They even went shopping for maternity clothes once. It kept her mind off her boys so Hermione didn't mind in the least.
Mr. Weasley was just as bad. He had already set up a baby room. Hermione would spend hours in that room rocking back and forth in her rocking chair humming a lullaby and thinking about Ron.
She hadn't seen him since the day she escaped. Herman Grunting as well as Draco Malfoy had been reported 'dead' soon after the fight was over. Besides that no one else had died. And although Ron had a good team, Hermione was worried all the time.
She would listen to the Wizarding Wireless day and night for the latest announcements. Ginny was hurting just as bad as Hermione was. Harry wasn't going anywhere, but Ginny still worried. After all, was he not the cause of Voldemort last defeat? The good news as that Bill had been transferred to the ministry. Hermione was glad because it was one less son for the Weasley's to worry about.
Of course, Hermione was now a Weasley too. Even though she and Ron were technically not married. If anyone asked she was Hermione Weasley. She liked the name. She wore her ring all the time now and never took it off. It helped her get through the day.
Hermione sighed and straightened her blue checkered maternity top. She got up with a little help from Ginny and opened the door. A man dressed in black stood at it. His red hair sticking out from under his black hat.
"Bill," Hermione said giving him an one-armed hug.
"Hello Hermione," Bill said in a melancholy voice.
Hermione let Bill in and he solemnly waked into the living room.
Ginny jumped up and yelled, "Bill's here mum, dad."
Ginny smiled and jumped up also giving Bill a hug. When Ginny backed away Hermione saw his eyes were red rimmed. Hermione went over to Bill and looked at him intently.
"What's wrong?" she sad quietly as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came into the living room.
Bill backed away and said, "Please sit down Mum, Dad, Gin, ...Hermione."
All of them did and Bill began, "I was at the Ministry this morning and I got this letter. They told me to bring it to my family."
He handed the letter to Ms and Mr. Weasley as they read Ms. Weasley covered her mouth and began to cry. She hid her face on Mr. Weasley. Heput his head down and took his wifes hand, griping it hard. Ginny was next, she did the same as her mother. Hermione was afraid of what it would say. She picked it up and read:
Dear Mr. and Ms. Weasley and family
It is our sad duty to inform you that Private Ronald Weasley died yesterday in a battle. An Avada Kedavara hit him in the heart. He suffered no pain and was killed instantly. You will receive his belongings the day after tomorrow.
Our condolences to you and your family,
Sergeant Jack Mabry
Head of the Department of War Britain Ministry of Magic
Hermione's hand covered her mouth. She sat in shock for a moment trying to soak in what she had just read. Her body started to tremble and her eyes started to cry. All the moments she shared with Ron came into her head. His face, his eyes were vivid. Him laughing, him consoling her, even him making love to her. Hermione began to cry. She felt the baby kick in her stomach and she screamed.
He was gone.
Ron was dead.
Hermione spent the next day in Ron's room. She lay on his old bed and cried. It was all she could do. Hermione wanted to die but something inside her kept her alive. Maybe it was Ron's baby in her stomach. Hermione didn't know but she cursed what ever it was for no letting her be with Ron.
She heard the doorbell ring. That must be Ron's stuff coming. Hermione made no move to go down stairs. Instead she lay lifeless on the bed. She had no more tears. She curled up and hugged Ron's pillow tightly.
It smelled like him.
Why did it have to smell like him?
Hermione heard a cry from downstairs. She closed her eyes tightly and tried to block it out. Mrs. Weasley or Ginny must have gotten Ron's stuff. There were footsteps coming up the stairs. The door opened and creaked, sending light into the dark room. The footsteps of a stranger entered into Hermione's fortress. Hermione bit her lip. There was no point in trying to make her come out.
To what?
To see the last possessions of the late Ron Weasley? The one and only person meant for Hermione. The one who's remains lie on some deserted battlefield unmarked, unclaimed, un-mourned over. Was Hermione to go to see the last possessions of her soul mate, the father of her unborn child, the one and only person who could make her feel happiness ever again?
The one person that was denied from Hermione and the only person she would ever want.
Her soul mate.
"Go away!" Hermione said bitterly at the unknown intruder.
There was a pause and then someone said, "Well if that's the way you feel."
Hermione sat blot upright and looked around for owner of the voice. Dear god it can't be, Hermione thought as her eyes fell on a familiar figure. It was. it was. dear god it couldn't be. However, it was. It was...
...Ron.
"Hi'ya Bright Eyes," he said.
Hermione ran to him and threw her arms around him. Suddenly a fresh wave of tears made it's way onto Hermione face. Ron held her tightly around the waist and rocked her gently back and forth. Hermione never knew how long she stayed there and she found that she didn't care.
"But how?" Hermione finally managed to get out through her uncontrollable sobs.
Ron wiped her tears with his thumb and slowly brought it to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear. She held his hand to her face and savored the touch. If this was a dream, it sure felt real and she never wanted it to end.
Ron searched for something in his pocket and pulled out what looked to be like a Head Girl Badge. Hermione could see that it was scratched and very worn. It looked as if it had seen many battles. In the middle of the badge was another mark and this one more pronounced and strange than the rest. It cut through the words "Head Girl". It was the same scar that Hermione had seen many times on the forehead of one of her best friends.
It was in the shape a lightning bolt.
"Remember, you told me to keep it over my heart. Well, I did. The curse bounced off of it and only knocked me out."
Ron cupped Hermione's face and continued saying, "By all means it should have gone through this and killed me, but it didn't. Doctor's are still baffled. I think they finally came up with some crazy reflection theory to cover up the fact that it seems impossible, but I know why it didn't kill me."
"Why is that?" Hermione asked in a voice no louder than a whisper.
Ron smiled and said quietly to her, "Because right above the badge itself is a spell you cast over me. It's kind of magic that isn't cast by a wand. That magic is your love for me and mine for you."
Ron stopped and kissed away a tear that ran down Hermione's cheek. However, this tear was different than the tears shed only a minute ago. This was a tear of happiness. "The power of your love saved me, Hermione, and it's always been there. When we fought the troll, it was there. When you were petrified, it was there. When Draco insulted you, it was there. When we fought over stupid things, it was there. When I let you win at chess, it was there. When Krum made me so jealous that I broke my Krum figurine into pieces, it was there. When anyone broke your heart, it was there. When anyone broke my heart, it was there. When either of us denied it, it was there. When your parents were attacked and I hurt as much as you did, it was there. When I was away to War Camp, it was there. When I got attacked, it was in my heart, and it will always be there."
Hermione dissolved in tears. Ron held her close and let her cry. As she cried she felt something between them. He was right, it had always been there, and from the first day she met him on the train. All the fights they had covered it up, but it would always be, forevermore.
In the end she had always loved Ron and Ron had always loved her. Maybe at the time they hadn't shown it, but it was there waiting for the right time to come out and in the last moment where Ron would have died it came through to save him. The power of love saved Ron. The power of love for him and his unborn child had helped him make it through.
Hermione looked up into Ron's blue eyes and said, "I love you."
Ron looked back at her and said, "I love you too, my Bright Eyes."
To be continued.
(A/N Well, I know that nothing is suppose to be able to block he Avada Kedavra curse but if you read it, the badge didn't stop the curse, it just deflected it. So, I guess that's just bending the rules, not breaking them. That just bothered me so I had to tell you so you don't think that I just totally demolished one of the major rules of the books. And remember, review, review, review! Flames excepted!)
The Power of Love
Ron stared at her, his skin turning a deadly pale color. He couldn't move, he couldn't speak, he couldn't even breathe. He and Hermione were having a baby. She was having his child. Both Hermione and their baby were in danger. She was having their baby. Mixed emotions of worry and elation ran though Ron. It was too much. Part of him was tearing at himself for letting something like this happen and part of him was so happy that the girl of his dreams since he was 15 was pregnant for him.
Hermione was pregnant and it was all because of him.
This was the worst thing that could happen and yet, in a way, also the best.
This was all happening because he couldn't keep himself under control. It was all because he had decided to take advantage of Hermione. He had never meant for it to be like this. He had always pictured the day the finally admitted their feelings for each other to be heartfelt and carefree, but instead it ha been so bitter and yet, at the same time, sweet. It would be a lie to say that Ron regretted that night. For nothing else he had ever done had ever meant so much than that short time that he had been bound to Hermione in that way which transcended both space and time. For a brief moment he had been able to recall nothing besides the fact that he loved Hermione.
"Oh god, Hermione. We're having a .baby," Ron said looking at her.
Hermione then lost control and sobbed into Ron. He wasn't quite sure if her tears were joyful or sorrowfully shed. All Ron could do was hold her tight not trusting himself to speak. He wanted to be happy, but he couldn't. This was war and Hermione was in the middle of it. She and his unborn child were in the middle of a war zone, and it was all because of him.
He had caused this. If he had never ...if he hadn't, ...but the fact was that he did and nothing could change that. Never in his life had Ron felt more confused. Never had he held such animosity for anyone as he held for himself at the moment, but then, at the same time, he held happiness. Ron closed his eyes and thought back to that fateful day that they had changed their destinies forever. Only now was he looking back to see just how much that decision had changed everything.
It seemed ironic that the day everything fell apart, was the day that they admitted to loving each other. They had wasted so many precious years dancing around the truth that they cared more for each other than anything else that they had ever owned or ever knew. Then, they had to leave each other.
Hermione had followed though. Ron didn't know what to do. Hermione had followed him out to War Camp. She had followed him onto the battlefield. All the time she had been carrying their child with her. Ron wanted to be this close to her all the time, but he also wanted Hermione to be safe, but now he not only had Hermione to worry about, but their child. He wanted to be with her every waking minute, but he wanted her to be away from this mess.
He wanted to walk home from work and see her waiting for him in the kitchen helping him with his coat and asking him how his day had gone. That had always been his dream. The white picket fence, children playing in the yard. The biggest problems being when to schedule their family holiday. However, fate had other plans. Fate had torn them apart and Hermione had challenged fate only to find that fate always had the upper hand. Something was always going against them. Nothing could ever be perfect. Why?
Ron hugged Hermione closer but careful not to hold her too tightly and said, "I'm sorry."
Hermione looked up at him with red rimmed eyes and said, "For what?"
Ron wiped her face and kissed her tears then said, "I did this to you. I never meant to. I just wasn't thinking. I took advantage of you. You weren't thinking clearly. I should have stopped. I should have been smarter."
There was a moment of silence and then Ron hugged her again and said feverishly, "God I'm sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to ...I didn't think this would happen."
Hermione looked up into his face and said, "I am as much to blame as you are. I was thinking clearly. I did want it as much, if not more, than you did. You did nothing wrong. You even tried to stop me. And if I remember correctly, and I know I do, it takes two."
Ron smiled and said, "Yeah, I remember."
Hermione looked up at him and couldn't help, but let out a small laugh. It seemed that Ron could always make her feel better in times like these. In times like these, Hermione never though that she would do things as reckless as getting pregnant and joining the army under a disguise. Even if it was all for the man she loved, she never thought it would be her, and here she was. It was her.
Hermione leaned her head against Ron's shoulder and sighed, "What have we gotten ourselves into?" she said sadly.
Ron looked out over the starry sky and sighed. The stars had always reminded him of is Bright Eyes. The stars had gleamed so brightly only those lonely nights and helped him think of her. He had sat outside and though that just maybe his Bright Eyes had been looking at the stars too. The stars had been his Bright Eyes for a while, but now looking at his one, true Bright Eyes, the stars did not compare.
Ron took his thumb and wiped away a tear on her cheek trailing it to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Hermione savored the feel of his skin on hers. His hands had once felt soft and smooth but were now rough and callused.
It had only been four months since he had left. Four months ago they had been just friends and look at them now. Holding each other, trying to savor what they had today and only pray that tomorrow it wasn't gone. Praying that this would be over, but they both knew there was no hope for it to be over.
Why couldn't fate leave well enough alone? Why did fate have to play this horrid card on Hermione and Ron? Why did fate want to tear them apart when it should be together? Why was fate so cruel and so uncaring?
Ron kissed Hermione's forehead and quietly answered, "I don't know my Bright Eyes, but whatever it is we'll face it together. Midnight cravings and all."
Hermione nestled her head into the crook of Ron's neck. He was all the love she need right now, but the darkness was closing in around them their world was falling apart just as everything seemed to be falling into place for the two star-crossed lovers. Would love be enough? Love was really all they had and nothing could take that away from them. Hermione now carried a sign of it. Their love would never die, even if one of them did.
They sat in silence under the stars outside the bunks. Words could not express what they were feeling right now. Sadness, happiness, anger, remorse, denial, acceptance all coursed through them at once. Words were not enough, but were words ever really enough. Whenever they were enough, they were not right now. The lovers and their unborn child sat under the stars too fearful to move from each other's arms, but too brave to leave the other alone.
They hardly noticed a fourth part hiding in the bushes nearby. For neither a friend nor a foe had he ever been so transfixed on the events that took place before him. He crept through the bushes and back into the bunks and let the lovers alone. He had put them through enough in the time he knew them, but maybe this time he could help. Maybe there was a way to make-up for all he had done. Maybe, just maybe, he could help.
Neither Ron or Hermione knew how long they stayed out there that night, nor did they care. Tomorrow Hermione would make her escape and there was a good chance that tomorrow one or both of them could die.
Hermione changed back into Herman Grunting, but not with much ease. She winced at the pain. Hermione had never noticed that it hurt this much before, but then again before she had not been receptive to anything but the hope that her and Ron would meet soon. After the transfiguration was complete Ron ran to her.
Hermione, now in the form of Herman Grunting, put her hand up and said, "No Ron. We can't it wouldn't look right."
Ron helped her up anyway and said, "Hermione this transfiguration is hurting both you and the baby. Can't you just apperate away from here now, or we could go tell the general that you stumbled onto our camp and they could send you home."
Hermione pushed on back and said, "Ron I have to go with the plan. I can't just waltz up to the general and say that I 'accidentally' wandered into a high security War Camp put in the middle of nowhere for the very purpose that it would be very hard to find. Plus, then the disappearance of Herman Grunting would make people suspicious. They're not stupid Ron. They will put two and two together."
Ron looked down at her and said, "I just don't want you taking any chances, both of you."
Hermione smiled back at him and said, "Ron our relationship is just one big chance. We've faced worse odds before. I'm not a little girl anymore. I can handle myself. I'll get out of this just fine, all three of us will."
Ron gave her a worried look and said, "But ...well it's just risky and if you get hurt the baby will be hurt and it'll be all my fault and..."
"And if I stay here I'm in more danger," Hermione finished for him.
Ron wanted to argue with her. He yearned to argue with Hermione like he used to. Then, maybe it would be like the old days. However, Hermione was right. The longer she was in the line of fire, the longer she was in danger, but still it would be hard and dangerous for her to escape if they stayed with the plan. However, it was the only way that Herman Grunting could disappear without anybody knowing who Private Grunting really had been.
Ron bowed his head and said, "Just ...just be careful. You're my Bright Eyes I don't want anything to happen to you."
Hermione smiled and replied, "Nothing will happen to me as long as you are in my heart."
Hermione then turned around and walked back to the bunks. All was quiet and no one was awake. A few moments later she heard Ron's footsteps enter the room. Hermione heard him settle into his bed and longed to be with him but knew that it would give her away if she went over there for a moment.
Hermione rolled over and felt the first pang of nervousness about tomorrow come. Ron was right this was dangerous and they both could very well die but Hermione knew if she didn't go she would be in more danger. Hermione really didn't have a choice, it was now or never.
A sudden sensation came over her. She felt as if she was no longer in control of her own destiny like it had been already written and she was just acting it out. Hermione shifted, but she couldn't get comfortable. Ron was two bunks over, only two bunks. But two bunks were a barrier that she couldn't break.
All that night Hermione didn't sleep. She didn't know if it was the transfiguration bothering her or the fact that she was about to do something highly dangerous or just maybe it was like this when you were pregnant, but she just didn't sleep that night. Suddenly the wake up call sounded and they all woke up and got dressed in their uniforms.
Today was the day of their first mission. They were going to a place rumored to be inhabited by Death Eaters. There were plenty caves in that area, and it wasn't too far from the nearest wizarding village. Hermione could fake Herman Grunting's death and escape to the village.
After that Hermione didn't know what to do. She couldn't very well go to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's house. What would they say? But what choice did she have? Ron had insisted on her going even though Hermione knew that they would be disappointed in her, she had no other family and she was pregnant with their first grandchild. They couldn't forsake her.
Ron promised her that he would marry her when he got home. He hated the idea that their child would be born and they wouldn't be married, but what choice did they have. They had already decided that Ginny would be the godmother and Harry would be the godfather. They could help them.
However, these good thoughts Hermione was having were destroyed when the general gave his pre-fight speech to them. In Hermione's opinion it was quite depressing, but then again so were the chances of survival.
"Soldiers," the general said in his best brave voice, "today you go into war. There are chances that in an hour the person standing next to you will be dead."
Hermione glanced at the person next to her who happened to be Ron. She fought back tears. Ron will not die, Ron will not die, she told herself as a moral booster. Ron looked at her and gave her hand a squeeze while no one was looking. Hermione smiled and returned it.
"So," the general continued, "you must fight your best and try to survive the best you know how."
The general paused at this and continued, "He-who ...Voldemort had taken the lives of many soldiers. But even more repulsive, he has taken the lives innocent woman and children. Voldemort may be strong, but if we all try hard enough we can win the fight. You are fighting for all that lost the battle. You are fighting for your loved ones. You are fighting for everyone."
The general paused again and bowed his head, "I never though I'd see the day when Voldemort would return but I have. I though we got him the first time but he made a come back. Prevent him from making another one. Remember we may not win this battle but we will win this war. I have watched you all train for this and you are ready. Fight for all those young women and children whose lives were taken. Fight for their dreams that were never accomplished. Fight for the young soldiers' lives that died in the hope that one day, someone would conquer this. If you don't fight for yourself, fight for them."
With this the general stepped down off of the small podium in front the four groups. The general went to the other officer and saluted each of the, then he turned to the soldiers before him.
"I salute you," he said.
After that they were rallied into the groups. Draco and Ron's teams were joined together. The officers put them in these turntable machines and as a soldier walked through he was equipped with camouflage clothing, helmets and even some muggle weapons for emergencies.
Hermione, however, banished all of Herman Grunting's things and took care of his bed leaving no trace of who he was. As Hermione left she saw something on Ron's bed that caught her eye. It was her prefect badge. He had forgot to pin it on this morning. Hermione took it and put it in her pocket, taking one last look at the bunks before she knew she would never see them again.
Hermione softly chuckled to herself and placed a hand on her stomach saying, "I'll have some really good stories to tell you one day."
With that Herman Grunting left the bunks of War Camp 8732910 never to return. Herman's footsteps echoed down the empty hall as he opened the door and went out, not even looking back.
It only took a matter of time before they were at the site. All was clear for a while, but then Death Eaters came out from every direction. Hermione was terrified. She pulled herself and Ron into a nearby cave.
Hermione took out her wand and transformed back into herself. It hurt for a moment but Ron helped her up. Then something fell out of her pocket. It was the Head Girl Badge. Hermione bent picked it up and Ron stared at her.
Hermione kissed the badge and then said, "While I'm gone and we're apart my love for you will be right here."
Hermione pinned the badge on the inside of his jacket over his heart. Ron smiled back at her and pulled her chain off taking the ring off of it. He kissed the ring and put it on her finger.
"And my love will be right here and here" her said placing a hand on her stomach. Ron gave her a gentle kiss. Then from the corner came a coughing sound. Hermione looked over and saw Draco standing in the corner.
"Are you ready to go Hermione?" he asked.
Hermione stood rooted to the spot and Ron said, "What are you doing here?"
Draco smiled and said, "I think you need a tour guide to the next village. I can get you there. Consider it pay back for me being such an asshole to you."
Hermione stood and said, "How long have you known?"
Draco casually answered, "I've had my suspicions since I met you but yesterday you were in the garden I was in the bushes when you changed. Scared the crap out of me." Ron turned to Draco and said, "If you so dare lay a finger on her I swear I will..."
Draco sighed and said, "I know, I know but I just want to get out of here too. Have some scores to settle with old 'friends'."
Hermione nodded at Ron who said, "All right."
There was a scram outside. Hermione gave Ron one last final kiss and he ran back out. Draco took Hermione by the wrists and said, "we don't have much time this tunnel will lead strait into town."
Hermione followed him and said, "Thank you."
Draco smiled and said, "Yeah, well don't get use to it."
Later that day they arrived in the local Wizarding village. There Hermione and Draco said their good byes. Draco walked off. It was raining outside. It was only a light rain, but the rain had already soaked Draco's army uniform. Somehow he looked older and lost.
"Draco," Hermione called out, "where are you going?"
Draco slowly turned around and said, "I don't know. But one thing I do know is that my mother won't have died in vain. I will avenge her death or die trying."
Hermione nodded and said, "Then I suggest that you go to Dumbledore. I know that the order must be busy at this time. They could always use people."
Draco vaguely smiled and replied, "I'll keep that in mind."
Draco turned around and contiuned to walk into the depths of the rain. Hermione stood and watched until she could no longer see Draco or hear his footsteps against the wet ground. She wondered where he was going, but did not ask. Hermione had her own demons to face. Slowly she stuck out her wand and the night bus came to a stop in front of her.
After a few more hours on the bus, Hermione arrived to the doorsteps of the Burrow. It was harder raining and she was soaked from just being in the rain for the few seconds that it took to reached the homey door of the Burrow. To Hermione, it felt like a death walk, but she knew this is what she had to do. Hermione rang the doorbell and Ginny answered.
Ginny looked at her and said, "Hermione!"
Hermione walked in just as Mr. and Ms. Weasley came from the kitchen.
"There is something I need to tell you."
*****Two months later*****
The doorbell rang. Hermione got up to answer it trying not to hurt her back too much. She had been living at the Wesley's for over two months now, it had been hard but Mr. and Ms. Weasley had taken her in. She now stayed with them and was taken care of by Ginny. Mrs. Weasley was actually thankful that Hermione was pregnant sometimes.
She knitted baby clothes for the baby and discussed baby names with Hermione and Ginny in her free time. They even went shopping for maternity clothes once. It kept her mind off her boys so Hermione didn't mind in the least.
Mr. Weasley was just as bad. He had already set up a baby room. Hermione would spend hours in that room rocking back and forth in her rocking chair humming a lullaby and thinking about Ron.
She hadn't seen him since the day she escaped. Herman Grunting as well as Draco Malfoy had been reported 'dead' soon after the fight was over. Besides that no one else had died. And although Ron had a good team, Hermione was worried all the time.
She would listen to the Wizarding Wireless day and night for the latest announcements. Ginny was hurting just as bad as Hermione was. Harry wasn't going anywhere, but Ginny still worried. After all, was he not the cause of Voldemort last defeat? The good news as that Bill had been transferred to the ministry. Hermione was glad because it was one less son for the Weasley's to worry about.
Of course, Hermione was now a Weasley too. Even though she and Ron were technically not married. If anyone asked she was Hermione Weasley. She liked the name. She wore her ring all the time now and never took it off. It helped her get through the day.
Hermione sighed and straightened her blue checkered maternity top. She got up with a little help from Ginny and opened the door. A man dressed in black stood at it. His red hair sticking out from under his black hat.
"Bill," Hermione said giving him an one-armed hug.
"Hello Hermione," Bill said in a melancholy voice.
Hermione let Bill in and he solemnly waked into the living room.
Ginny jumped up and yelled, "Bill's here mum, dad."
Ginny smiled and jumped up also giving Bill a hug. When Ginny backed away Hermione saw his eyes were red rimmed. Hermione went over to Bill and looked at him intently.
"What's wrong?" she sad quietly as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came into the living room.
Bill backed away and said, "Please sit down Mum, Dad, Gin, ...Hermione."
All of them did and Bill began, "I was at the Ministry this morning and I got this letter. They told me to bring it to my family."
He handed the letter to Ms and Mr. Weasley as they read Ms. Weasley covered her mouth and began to cry. She hid her face on Mr. Weasley. Heput his head down and took his wifes hand, griping it hard. Ginny was next, she did the same as her mother. Hermione was afraid of what it would say. She picked it up and read:
Dear Mr. and Ms. Weasley and family
It is our sad duty to inform you that Private Ronald Weasley died yesterday in a battle. An Avada Kedavara hit him in the heart. He suffered no pain and was killed instantly. You will receive his belongings the day after tomorrow.
Our condolences to you and your family,
Sergeant Jack Mabry
Head of the Department of War Britain Ministry of Magic
Hermione's hand covered her mouth. She sat in shock for a moment trying to soak in what she had just read. Her body started to tremble and her eyes started to cry. All the moments she shared with Ron came into her head. His face, his eyes were vivid. Him laughing, him consoling her, even him making love to her. Hermione began to cry. She felt the baby kick in her stomach and she screamed.
He was gone.
Ron was dead.
Hermione spent the next day in Ron's room. She lay on his old bed and cried. It was all she could do. Hermione wanted to die but something inside her kept her alive. Maybe it was Ron's baby in her stomach. Hermione didn't know but she cursed what ever it was for no letting her be with Ron.
She heard the doorbell ring. That must be Ron's stuff coming. Hermione made no move to go down stairs. Instead she lay lifeless on the bed. She had no more tears. She curled up and hugged Ron's pillow tightly.
It smelled like him.
Why did it have to smell like him?
Hermione heard a cry from downstairs. She closed her eyes tightly and tried to block it out. Mrs. Weasley or Ginny must have gotten Ron's stuff. There were footsteps coming up the stairs. The door opened and creaked, sending light into the dark room. The footsteps of a stranger entered into Hermione's fortress. Hermione bit her lip. There was no point in trying to make her come out.
To what?
To see the last possessions of the late Ron Weasley? The one and only person meant for Hermione. The one who's remains lie on some deserted battlefield unmarked, unclaimed, un-mourned over. Was Hermione to go to see the last possessions of her soul mate, the father of her unborn child, the one and only person who could make her feel happiness ever again?
The one person that was denied from Hermione and the only person she would ever want.
Her soul mate.
"Go away!" Hermione said bitterly at the unknown intruder.
There was a pause and then someone said, "Well if that's the way you feel."
Hermione sat blot upright and looked around for owner of the voice. Dear god it can't be, Hermione thought as her eyes fell on a familiar figure. It was. it was. dear god it couldn't be. However, it was. It was...
...Ron.
"Hi'ya Bright Eyes," he said.
Hermione ran to him and threw her arms around him. Suddenly a fresh wave of tears made it's way onto Hermione face. Ron held her tightly around the waist and rocked her gently back and forth. Hermione never knew how long she stayed there and she found that she didn't care.
"But how?" Hermione finally managed to get out through her uncontrollable sobs.
Ron wiped her tears with his thumb and slowly brought it to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear. She held his hand to her face and savored the touch. If this was a dream, it sure felt real and she never wanted it to end.
Ron searched for something in his pocket and pulled out what looked to be like a Head Girl Badge. Hermione could see that it was scratched and very worn. It looked as if it had seen many battles. In the middle of the badge was another mark and this one more pronounced and strange than the rest. It cut through the words "Head Girl". It was the same scar that Hermione had seen many times on the forehead of one of her best friends.
It was in the shape a lightning bolt.
"Remember, you told me to keep it over my heart. Well, I did. The curse bounced off of it and only knocked me out."
Ron cupped Hermione's face and continued saying, "By all means it should have gone through this and killed me, but it didn't. Doctor's are still baffled. I think they finally came up with some crazy reflection theory to cover up the fact that it seems impossible, but I know why it didn't kill me."
"Why is that?" Hermione asked in a voice no louder than a whisper.
Ron smiled and said quietly to her, "Because right above the badge itself is a spell you cast over me. It's kind of magic that isn't cast by a wand. That magic is your love for me and mine for you."
Ron stopped and kissed away a tear that ran down Hermione's cheek. However, this tear was different than the tears shed only a minute ago. This was a tear of happiness. "The power of your love saved me, Hermione, and it's always been there. When we fought the troll, it was there. When you were petrified, it was there. When Draco insulted you, it was there. When we fought over stupid things, it was there. When I let you win at chess, it was there. When Krum made me so jealous that I broke my Krum figurine into pieces, it was there. When anyone broke your heart, it was there. When anyone broke my heart, it was there. When either of us denied it, it was there. When your parents were attacked and I hurt as much as you did, it was there. When I was away to War Camp, it was there. When I got attacked, it was in my heart, and it will always be there."
Hermione dissolved in tears. Ron held her close and let her cry. As she cried she felt something between them. He was right, it had always been there, and from the first day she met him on the train. All the fights they had covered it up, but it would always be, forevermore.
In the end she had always loved Ron and Ron had always loved her. Maybe at the time they hadn't shown it, but it was there waiting for the right time to come out and in the last moment where Ron would have died it came through to save him. The power of love saved Ron. The power of love for him and his unborn child had helped him make it through.
Hermione looked up into Ron's blue eyes and said, "I love you."
Ron looked back at her and said, "I love you too, my Bright Eyes."
To be continued.
(A/N Well, I know that nothing is suppose to be able to block he Avada Kedavra curse but if you read it, the badge didn't stop the curse, it just deflected it. So, I guess that's just bending the rules, not breaking them. That just bothered me so I had to tell you so you don't think that I just totally demolished one of the major rules of the books. And remember, review, review, review! Flames excepted!)
