"The Dance" is copyright Tony Arata and is performed by Garth Brooks and can be found on his self titled debut album. This is the last chapter in "If Truly His Heart Was Made of Icing…" and I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for all of you. As usual, all characters and settings, save those you don't recognize are copyright J.K. Rowling. Once again, I thank you for all of the FANTASTIC review you have given this story as I really wrote it for all of you more than I did myself. I really hoped you enjoy this chapter,
Epilogue:
The Dance
( One Year Later )
Ron stood on the platform of the train station, staring off at the setting sun on this beautiful May day. The new transfer student would be arriving on the 5:30 train, and the Dean of his University had specifically asked Ron to meet him. He idly glanced down at his watch, 4:45. He had about forty five minutes to wait. As he stood there, his mind began to wander back on the past, of his last days at Hogwarts, and more specifically, upon the Farewell Ball that was held for the seventh years in the rose garden, beneath twinkling stars and a beautiful full moon.
Looking back,
On the memory of,
The dance we shared,
Beneath the stars above.
The music played as the light of the moon shone down on all of them. All of the Seventh years dancing and laughing and having fun. Harry and Ron were seated beneath the same tree where Harry first confessed his love to Ron. They were just enjoying each other's company as the music began to slow. Harry stood up, extending a hand to Ron. "May I have this dance, good sir?"
Ron looked up at Harry as if he were utterly mad. "Harry, what are you doing?? You're asking me to dance with all of these people watching? Are you insane??"
"I don't care, Ron. Let them think what they want. I think I have the right to dance with the man I love, no matter what others may think." His face was determined. It was quite obvious that he wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"A…alright," and Ron slowly took Harry's hand and was led to the dance floor. As they drew close to each other, the dance floor cleared as all of the other students watched in shock. Rumors of their relationships had been whispered around the school, but nobody actually thought they were true. Only now, as their arms wrapped around each other, were the suspicions of the others confirmed.
For a moment,
All the world was right.
How could I have known,
That we'd ever say goodbye..
As they began to slowly sway to the music, all of Ron's fears slowly melted away. There was no longer a need to hide, no longer a need for them to lie and say they were just friends. As he lay his head upon Harry's shoulder, there was no doubt in his mind that this was right where he belonged, no matter what anyone else might think.
And now,
I'm glad I didn't know,
The way it all would end,
The way it all would go.
Our lives,
Are better left to chance.
I could have missed the pain,
But I'd have had to miss,
The Dance.
Both Ron and Harry were vaguely aware that the other students had now moved around them in a circle. They weren't being scorned for their love, but encouraged. Even the teachers had gathered around and were watching them share this closeness.
Holding you,
I held everything.
For a moment,
Wasn't I the king?
Ron slowly opened his eyes to look around at all of the smiling faces surrounding them. He smiled softly to himself before closing his eyes. He didn't need to see the others. All that mattered was that he was holding the one he loved close. All thoughts of their impending goodbye melted away, as did the rest of the world. All that was left now was Harry, Ron, The stars above and the music that guided them in this lovers waltz.
If I'd only known,
How the king would fall,
Well who's to say?
You know I might have changed it all…
The music slowly came to an end and they were both brought crashing back to reality. The students and teachers around them cheered them and clapped and smiled. Even Severus Snape, the grumpy Potions teacher was smiling and applauding. Ron and Harry just looked into each other's eyes, and kissed gently.
And now,
I'm glad I didn't know,
The way it all would end,
The way it all would go.
Our lives,
Are better left to chance.
I could have missed the pain,
But I'd have had to miss,
The Dance.
The sound of the trains whistle brought Ron back from his reverie, so hard in fact that he jumped, falling backwards. He slowly stood up and smoothed his black suit, adjusting the emerald green tie he was wearing.
Yes, my life,
Is better left to chance.
I could have missed the pain,
But I'd have had to miss…
A flood of people poured off of the train. He looked around, wondering which of them exactly was the new student. He held a sign in front of his chest bearing the schools name. It would have been so much easier if they had just given him the new students name, but he figured it was probably to hard to pronounce. He watched as the stream of passengers ebbed…
The Dance.
The final passenger stepped off the train and Ron nearly fell over. His eyes filled up with tears as he was greeted with a familiar smile and the most beautiful pair of loving, emerald eyes he had ever seen.
The End.