Title: Lemonade
Author: Mari Riddle-Potter
Rated: R
Summary: Ron has the life he always dreamed of and in a flash it all gets taken away. Ron/Lavender, Ron/Hermione, Harry/Hermione. Rated R for language and some "stuff" later on…
Disclaimer: I don't own them I'm just playing with them for a little while. They all belong to J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers so don't sue me.
Dedications: This story is dedicated to Sammie, who suggested the pairing.
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Ron thought there was nothing missing in his life as he sat by the lake with his girlfriend, Lavender, in his arms. He had never felt so complete in all his 16 years of life. There was not a single worry in Ron's mind because as far as he knew, the world had stopped revolving and now focused on the two most passionate lovers at Hogwarts. Lavender inclined her head up slightly to look into Ron's eyes and he smiled at her. He loved looking at those deep blue eyes of hers. He ran his hands through her silky brownish-blond hair and she giggled. Ron was happy he had gotten away from Harry and Hermione to have this private moment with the love of his life. Harry was probably with his girlfriend, Ginny, up in the Astronomy Tower or maybe in the Room of Requirement "talking". Hermione, sadly, was not with anyone because she was deeply immersed in studying and pushing herself along. Ron had given up on her around the middle of their fifth year, sick of throwing out clues as to his feelings for her. All had turned out well later on when he got with Lavender and discovered that she was his true love. They shared so much in common it was scary. It all started out when Ron couldn't sleep one night and decided to read one of his comic favorite books, "The Adventures of Martin Miggs, the Mad Muggle" downstairs in the common room. Lavender, coincidently, was also down there finishing an assignment she had postponed till last minute. When she saw him with her favorite comic book, she went to talk to him about it and it was instant love.
"Isn't the sunset beautiful?" asked Lavender, snuggling up closer to Ron.
"Almost as beautiful as you are," said Ron, planting a kiss on the top of her head.
"I love you, Ron."
"I love you too."
"I want to be with you forever," said Lavender, sitting up and putting her arms around his neck.
"How cheesy," said Ron, laughing at her.
"I know, huh?" she agreed, throwing a playful punch at him. She grew a little bit serious and somber. Ron noticed this right away and became worried.
"What's wrong?" he asked, rubbing her arm gently. Lavender stood up and walked toward the edge of the lake, arms crossed as if she were really cold. Ron followed suite and stood a couple of feet away from her, not knowing whether to approach her or not.
"Ron, come here," she said, not turning to face him. He walked towards the edge of the lake and stood next to her. Ron noticed tears streaming down her cheeks and she made no effort to wipe them away. She bowed her head and closed her eyes, and for a moment Ron thought she was meditating but then she raised her head and looked at him.
"I don't know how to say this…" she began, and took a deep breath.
"You're not breaking up with me, are you? What did I do? A minute ago we were-"
"I'm not breaking up with you, but I will be going away…far away," Lavender said, and a sob escaped her throat. She put a hand over her mouth and stared intently at the ground.
"Where are you going? Are you moving to a different school? Because if it's that, I'll do anything possible to be with you. I'll go visit you on the weekends," ranted Ron. At this Lavender cried harder and shook her head.
"You can't visit me Ron. Not unless you're dead," she said, still avoiding his gaze.
"What are you talking about?" asked Ron.
"I have a brain tumor. I'm going to die. I only have two more months to live," Lavender said, crying harder. Ron's eyes widened and he felt his very life leave his body. Feeling weak, he took a seat on the grass and put his head in his hands.
"No, you're lying… you're not going to die…you can't just leave me here!" yelled Ron at Lavender, inducing more sobs from her.
"There's no cure for it. Believe me, I've tried every option to try to get better. I don't want to die. I want to grow old and have children with you," she said, pacing the grass. "Dammit Ron, I don't want to die!"
"Have you tried that muggle thing, Chemo-something. It's helped people survive cancer for a long time, maybe you could-"
"I've tried it already. They have a wizarding method that's better than the muggle one because you don't show physical symptoms," said Lavender, taking a seat next to Ron.
"No, you can't go, you just can't," said Ron, taking her in his arms. Lavender noticed that he had started to cry, and that made her cry even more.
"Please Ron, don't make this hard on me. I need your support," she pleaded, hugging him with all her might.
"I'm going to be with you until the very end, I promise," Ron said, and they both sat crying in each others arms, watching the rest of the sun set, but suddenly it wasn't as beautiful as it had been.
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A month and a half had gone by, and Ron couldn't stand to see Lavender suffer so much. At first she had been okay, almost normal. Ron had forgotten about her illness until one day during a Potions lesson she fainted and had to be rushed to the hospital wing. She wasn't recovering from the fall very well, so she had to be escorted to St. Mungo's, where they were right now. Ron knew she was close to her death, but not for a single moment did he give up hope. He stayed by her, day and night. Harry and Hermione were given special permission to visit the hospital in order to give Ron his homework. Lavender was asleep for the majority of the day, so half the time they came to visit she wasn't aware of it. At the times when she was awake, she would flash Ron a smile as if nothing were wrong. She spoke very little but he spoke to her all the time, giving her the support she had asked for and that he was more than willing to give her.
Approximately two months plus a couple of days had gone by, and Lavenders health deteriorated even more. He was sitting next to the hospital bed she lay in, looking at her. She looked skinnier than he had ever seen her. The most she weighed was probably 90 pounds. Her cheeks had lost the healthy glow and her lips were chapped and pale. The hair that loved to play in the wind was draped limply on the pillow. Ron still loved her no matter what. As he stared on, he saw that her pulse was getting weaker and weaker and her breathing more far apart. Alarmed, he ran out of the hospital room, looking around madly for a doctor or nurse.
"Somebody, please…she's dying," Ron yelled, and a nurse at a nearby station heard him.
"What room?" a nurse asked, and Ron grabbed her by the wrist and lead her to Lavender. He saw a couple of nurses come to check Lavender and finally a doctor came. They made no attempt to try to stabilize her.
"Hello son, my name is Dr. Monroe," said the doctor, introducing himself. He checked Lavenders records, and then looked up at Ron, sadness in his eyes.
"You knew this moment would come…and actually I did too. I am her doctor."
"Why aren't you trying to save her? She's dying!" said Ron frantically.
"I can't. I would if I could, but Lavender and her parents signed a form before she ever came into my care that stated that if she were about to die and there was no cure for her, not to attempt to stabilize her, but better yet let her rest in peace. There is nothing I can do for her," said the Dr. Monroe. Ron sank into the chair next to Lavender's bed and waited for the final moment to come. The doctor stood at the foot of the bed, silent. The magic heart monitor connected to Lavender beat slow and then finally stopped. Ron had never seen anyone die before and it was the most shocking moment of his life. The love of his life lay lifeless on the bed and there was nothing he could do. He slowly stood up and planted a kiss on her lips. The last kiss he would ever give her.
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Harry and Hermione sat in the common room, facing the fireplace. They were studying for their History exam but none could seem to concentrate. Hermione was worried about Ron because, truth was, she loved him. It wasn't the type of platonic love she had for Harry, oh no. She loved him like he loved Lavender, with an undying passion. She knew she had been stupid not to become his girlfriend. Hermione was fully aware that studying is not everything in life. She regretted not having him to herself, but all the while supported his love for Lavender, mourning in the silence of her heart. Whatever made Ron happy made her happy too. When she heard that Lavender was on the verge of death, she felt sadness for both of them because she knew the love they had was true and pure. She tried to support and help Lavender because she was also one of her best friends. She knew there was nothing she could do for Lavender but be there for her and Ron. This had to be one of the most difficult times in their lives and even though she couldn't completely share the feeling she understood it.
On the other hand, Harry wasn't very close to Lavender but he was there for Ron. In order to help Ron relax and forget his problems, Harry would practice Quidditch with him in the afternoons or whenever he suspected Ron was in need of a break from all the drama. Harry also needed a break from the drama after breaking up with Ginny, who was not taking it very lightly. He would bring Ron his homework and sometimes even do it for him if he saw he was way too exhausted, even if it meant staying up until really late. Hermione would help Harry do Ron's homework, even though it went strictly against her beliefs that each person should do their own work. She couldn't see what else either of them could do for him and yet it wasn't enough- well at least for her it wasn't. Harry seemed to think it was enough and was a peace with his own conscience. Hermione was blaming herself for not dating Ron, because if she would have dated him he wouldn't have turned to Lavender and therefore her death wouldn't be such a horrible thing in his life. She hated how her brain worked overtime to blame her for things she couldn't have possibly known would occur.
The magic clock above the fireplace hit 11 at night. Hermione was about to fall asleep when she heard the portrait hole open and saw Ron walk in, a tremendously exhausted and lonely look on his face. Hermione feared the worst but kept silent as did Harry, who ceased writing and dropped his quill. She saw that Harry had not, as she suspected, been doing his homework but instead had been drawing tiny snitches around the border of his parchment. Ron sat down in an armchair next to the couch she and Harry were sitting on. He put his face in his hands and stayed like that for a while. After a couple of minutes Hermione glanced at Harry, silently agreeing on who would talk to him first. Harry cleared his throat and pushed his books aside. Ron didn't move or make a sound.
"What happened?" asked Harry finally, although he had suspected what had occurred. Ron straightened up, his expression neutral. Hermione could see it in his eyes that he was trying his best to remain strong and not cry. She thought it was unfair men weren't allowed to cry because it was seen as unmanly. Everybody should have the right to express their pain.
"She's gone," Ron said, his voice quaking with emotion. He was gripping the arms of the chair so tightly that his knuckles had turned white.
"Oh Ron, I'm so sorry," whispered Hermione, tears welling up in her eyes. She got up and went to hug Ron and he accepted it and she could tell that he was grateful for it. She sat next to Ron for a long time just holding him there while Harry awkwardly looked elsewhere.
"When's the funeral?" asked Harry.
"Harry," hissed Hermione, shutting him up.
"No, its ok, really… today is Tuesday right?" asked Ron tiredly, as though talking were difficult for him. Hermione nodded her head. "The funeral is on Thursday…"
"We'll be there with you, Ron. I'm so sorry," said Hermione, a tear rolling down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly before Ron could see it.
"Thanks…I appreciate it," he said, standing up. Hermione noted how empty he looked, as if there was a part of him missing. He stood there cold and all alone, jokes and laughter missing which was quite an unusual sight. Not that she expected him to be happy at the moment, but she did hope he would recover from this soon.
"Where are you going?" Hermione asked, rubbing her eyes in order to make the tears go away.
"I'm going up to bed. I'll see you guys in the morning," he said wearily, and he climbed up the stairs to the 6th year boy's dormitory. Hermione followed him with her eyes until he was out of sight, then she turned to Harry.
"Well weren't you quite the chatterbox," she commented sarcastically, reaching for her books.
"What could I say to him? I rather you do the talking," said Harry, going back to drawing the snitches.
"Harry, he's your best friend and he's going through a difficult time. He needs you more than me."
"Don't act like he's not your best friend too."
"He is, but he's a guy and you're a guy too. So you can have that little guy to guy chat. He would feel more comfortable talking with you than with me," pointed out Hermione.
"Well when I tried to talk to him you shut me up as though what I asked was inconsiderate," said Harry, not looking up at her.
"How the hell are you going to ask him at a time like this "When's the funeral"? You used a tone of voice that was inconsiderate, although I know you didn't mean to be."
"See, I can't be considerate. So you talk to him."
"Oh no Harry Potter, you're not weaseling your way out of this one. All you need to do is think before you speak," said Hermione, glaring at him. "Why don't you want to talk to him anyways?"
"You think I haven't tried to talk to him before? He never opens up and talks to me, he just tells he he's okay," said Harry, and Hermione felt he was starting to get pist off.
"Just try one more time, will you? Do it for me, please," she said, giving him a sad puppy dog face.
"Oh no not the sad face," said Harry, putting his face in his hands. "Alright, I'll do it."
"You're the best," said Hermione, jumping up and hugging him.
"Yeah, I know," said Harry, and Hermione punched him in the arm. He looked into her big brown eyes that shone with appreciation. He loved the way she looked at him, her expressions, the way she curled up on the couch…just everything. He didn't know why he found it so hard to tell Hermione he loved her. Maybe it was the fear of rejection. One of these days he would tell her, and hopefully very soon.
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Harry went up do his dormitory at around 1 in the morning, because he was "studying". More like studying Hermione, but nobody needed to know that. He found that everyone in the dormitory was asleep, except for Ron, who sat on his bed in pajamas staring at the wall. He had hoped that Ron would be asleep so he would have time to think about what to say to him but no such luck. Harry approached his own bed and sat on it, not looking at Ron. He rehearsed in his mind his first sentence, decided Hermione's "think before you speak" strategy was bullshit, and decided to dive right in.
"Ron, do you want to talk?" asked Harry slowly and quietly, careful not to wake anybody who was sleeping.
"That's ok Harry, I'm fine," said Ron in a barely audible voice.
"Because if you need to talk to me I'm here," continued Harry, trying his best to coax something out of Ron in order not to let Hermione down.
"I know you are, but I'm fine. Really, I am," Ron tried to convince Harry.
"You know, every time I try to talk to you, you never seem to want to talk about how you feel even though I know you're feeling rotten," said Harry, pulling his shirt up over his head and putting on his pajama top. "It's like you don't feel like sharing details about the world you and Lavender shared because you feel it'll spoil it. The only way you'll feel better about everything is saying it."
"It's not that. You don't understand," said Ron, still not moving a muscle or looking at Harry.
"That's because you don't want me to understand. If you want to sit there and drown in a big round pool of shit, then by all means go right ahead. Just don't splash or wake me up," said Harry, putting on his pajama pants and crawling into bed. He turned his back on Ron and closed his eyes.
"I loved her Harry," said Ron slowly. Harry opened his eyes and turned around slowly. Ron was looking at him and Harry tried not to notice he was on the verge of tears.
"I know you did. And I'm sure she loved you too," said Harry, not quite knowing what else to say.
"I had hoped we could graduate from school together and then after I was planning to propose to her. I wanted to be with her forever and have a nice little house and a couple of kids. Now you're going to think I sound gay, right?" said Ron, with a little chuckle.
"No, I think that sounds nice," said Harry.
"I feel sad about her death but I'm really disappointed that I won't get that life I wanted, because I had been looking forward to it. It's like being dropped from heaven to hell in a split second," said Ron, taking a deep breath.
"Who says you won't be able to get that life? You're 16 years old. You can get over this and start a life with another girl you'll eventually fall in love with," pointed out Harry.
"It won't be the same. Lavender and I were so alike it was scary. We liked the same things, thought the same way, and joked about the whole world. I don't think I can get that with another girl. That kind of thing happens once in your life if you're lucky and twice if you are really lucky."
"You can't just give up hope."
"What if I don't want to find someone else? What if I never want to forget Lavender? Because I don't Harry. I never want to forget her. I want to hold on to her for the rest of my life because she was my second half and without her I feel lost and empty and I see no point in trying to replace her," said Ron exasperatedly.
"Do you think Lavender would like to see you mourning over her for the rest of your life? The world keeps revolving, Ron. If life gives you lemons you have to learn to make lemonade. You have to get over this, and if not for you then do it for Lavender, so she can rest in peace," said Harry.
"You think I can't sit here happy and jump for joy?" retorted Ron.
"You have the right to be sad about her death right now and mourn her, but you have to get over it eventually. You can't hold on to this for the rest of your life. I'm just trying to make sure you'll be okay," said Harry, trying to get through to Ron. They sat in silence for a couple of minutes and Harry wasn't sure whether to say anything.
"So you think there's another person out there for me?" said Ron after a while.
"I KNOW there is," Harry said convincingly.
"I hope you're right, Harry."
"I'm always right," said Harry, smiling. Ron continued to sit there in his bed, staring at the wall while Harry lay on his back in his bed. They sat in silence once more, and Harry appreciated it since he couldn't think of anything else to say. He sighed and was bout to fall asleep when Ron spoke.
"Harry, do you love anyone?" asked Ron for no particular reason. Harry's eyes shot open and his body tensed up.
"Do you mean to say if I care for anyone?" said Harry, trying hard to rephrase the question and confuse Ron.
"No, I mean do you love anyone. As in romantically," said Ron.
"No," replied Harry.
"Liar, I know you love somebody."
"No, seriously, I don't."
"I won't tell anyone, only Hermione."
"That's the problem, she can't know about it," said Harry and quickly clamped a hand over his mouth and rolled his eyes. What a big mouth he had.
"You're in love with Hermione," said Ron, turning to look at Harry. Harry shook his head but Ron nodded his and there was no way to retreat from what he had said.
"Ok fine I do. But don't tell her," said Harry.
"I won't tell her. That's your business, not mine," Ron said, finally laying down.
"Thanks," said Harry, and he turned away from Ron and tried to fall asleep. He couldn't help wondering whether Ron still loved Hermione or not. But that wasn't fair, because Ron wasn't with Hermione because he didn't try hard enough to get to her. He wouldn't give up that easy. He would do whatever possible to get Hermione to fall in love with him if she wasn't already. Harry doubted Ron would give Hermione another go, but the thought still lingered in his mind. He thought it would be rude for Ron to go after Hermione so soon after Lavender's death, which he knew he wouldn't. What he was worried about was later on, when the hurt wears off and he would want to give love another go. Only the future will tell what will happen.
To Be Continued….
(A/N: Tell me if you think I should continue this story. It will have lots of chapters and it will get very interesting. After I get 15 reviews I will continue the story because I want to see first if ya'll like it ;) )