A/N: Okay… so once again no one's read the last chapter with the exception of Heather… I'm okay with it... I am... *Takes deep breath* It's okay… I guess I'll put this up anyways… *sigh* but what I said for Chapter 2 still applies.

Disclaimer: Harry ain't mine… Ron ain't mine… Mione ain't mine… but I love 'em anyways.

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Chapter 4

"Lifeless"

Ginny scanned the surroundings for any trace of Ron. Where did he go? She ushered Hermione to the common room where the fat lady had started a barrage of questions. Irritated, Ginny told the fat lady to "shut it" and they entered. She placed Hermione on a red armchair as the girl dried her tears with her sleeve. Ginny pulled up a chair near her and sat, leaning toward the tear stricken Hermione as the fire by their side burned ardently.

"So what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"I… I don't know…" said Hermione sobbing.

"Come on now, you must know," said Ginny sweetly.

"I… I didn't know what to do Ginny… I just froze,"

"So, you're sad cause you didn't say anything to my brother? That you couldn't tell him what you felt?"

"Yes… that's mostly it…" she sniffled.

"Hermione, I just don't understand you sometimes. I wish I did,"

"Oh Ginny… You don't owe me any sympathy… not after what I did to you,"

Ginny didn't like to be reminded of it. Why did anything they did have to be tied in with her or more precisely, with her and Harry?

"Well, that couldn't be helped Hermy. You both were… in love… so…"

"No. It wasn't love Ginny. Why do you Weasleys forgive so easily?"

"Well… people make mistakes. There's no reason to be bitter about it,"

"You matured so lovely Ginny. I guess Harry was the only one to realize it,"

"Thanks but I wasn't the only one," she said with a smile and looked carefully at Hermione. "Ron forgave Harry AND you too. Harry knew about how he felt… I'm sure of it… and you knew about him liking you too didn't you? But Ron loves you both and -"

"I was just… I thought that it was something silly. It felt like he stopped liking me in that way after 5th year. Things were back to normal… but I was wrong…"

 "How did it happen? How did you and Harry get together in the first place?" she found herself saying even thought part of her didn't want to know.

"We just protected each other, we had each other's back… and in moments of desperation, we were just drawn to each other… One day he was leaving to go and hide… I couldn't stand the risk of never seeing him again… so I kissed him. I wanted him to be all right. I wanted him to be safe and he wanted the same for me… When I thought I loved Harry, it was in a way that could give me comfort… I was selfish and didn't think of you. I worried so much about him… I thought it was more then brotherly love… but it wasn't,"

"What made you realized that?" said Ginny intrigued.

Hermione gave a little laugh and smiled her face now covered in dried tears.

"Ron…" she said feeling a tingle over her skin.

Ginny smiled.

"And it was the same for Harry," said Hermione.

"Don't tell me he's in love with Ron too?" she said laughing.

Hermione laughed too. She was feeling much better. And talking about her past made her realize what she had to do. What she should have done after Ron had kissed her on the cheek when the Death Eaters where chasing them: she had to tell Ron how HE made her feel. Hermione got up with a new found certainty and courage. This was it! She'd look everywhere for Ron until she'd found him and told him that, she wanted what he wanted! That she wanted him… She turned to Ginny and hugged her tightly.

"And I meant that Harry realized what he felt about me because of you!" she said with a grin.

"Hermy… it's too late for us…"

"Is it really Ginny? You forgave me… don't you think it's time you forgave Harry too? I can see me in you Ginny… don't be afraid to love… you taught me that," she said.

"At least he cheated on me with you Hermy… otherwise…WHACK!" she said laughing.

"Oh Ginny! I love you so much… I'm still so sorry I ever made you cry. Friends forever?" she said holding her pinkie out.

"Forever! Hey… maybe you'll be my sister someday! I have to be nice to you or mum might get upset!" she said winking and laughing.

Hermione felt strong! Very strong! Nothing or no one would stand in her way again! Not what people were saying or what they thought, not her own fears, not even the pain or risk of ever loosing Ron. She discovered that anything worth wild is worth the risk of loosing it.

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She made her way into the corridors of the castle and almost stepped on a rat. "Filthy things!" she thought. She began her search outside; she knew how Ron liked to be there when he had things to think about. She ran around into the Quidditch pitch.  "How romantic would it be if he were there?" she thought. All their close brushes seemed to be drawn to that spot. But neigh; there was not a trace of him. Where could he have gotten? Meanwhile, the feast was over and Harry was still trying to gather his senses all the while trying to explain to the others what happened, even thought he had no idea himself.

After that long night, he returned to the common just as Hermione was entering. It seemed that she didn't find Ron and was sorely depressed. As they both entered Harry had no idea whether he should talk to her or not. "Girls can be pretty hard to read," he thought as saw Hermione sit on a chair. "Well… better to be burned than you be yelled at for being insensitive," he thought as he went to talk to he girl.

"Hermione… what happened and what's going on?" he asked softly.

"Harry…" was all she could breathe.

"Come on now, did you talk to Ron?" he asked.

"I… couldn't find him,"

"What? Did you search everywhere?" said Harry quite shocked.

"Yes… everywhere but the boy's dorm. Could you go up and see if he's there Harry? I really need to talk to him,"

Harry began to move up the stairs to the boys' dormitories until he stopped. He turned around and looked at Hermione who stared back.

"You - you need to talk to him because you want to be with him right?" asked Harry, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Hermione just smiled sweetly. It was enough for Harry. He knew what that smile meant. He continued up the stairs with the hope of finding his best friend and leading him towards one of the happiest moments of his life. Excitedly he ran, he never realized how high up the stairs his dorm really was or maybe it was the anticipation? He finally reached the door and opened it to find… nothing.

Harry was indeed surprised. Where did Ron go??

The next day, as Harry got up, the first thing he did was look at Ron's bed. It seemed he didn't come back last night. He found it as empty and tidy as when he went to sleep. This was starting to worry him. "We have one more practice before our first game… he should be there at least," thought Harry as he got dressed and ready his things for the day. He went down to the common room to find Hermione looking out the window. He walked up to her and gave her a warm smile. She tried hard to smile back but it was no use.

"He really was saying his goodbyes wasn't he?" she said sadly.

"Well… he couldn't have left the school. I'm sure he just wanted to find somewhere where he could be alone. He'll be back for classes Hermione," said Harry encouragingly.

Ginny walked up to the two and patted Hermione on the back. They smiled at each other, both a bit uneasy.  "Ron gone? This was doubtful," Harry thought; he was right. At the their first class of the day, Ron did appear but something was off. He just stared into space and took notes during all the classes. He didn't talk to Hermione, Harry or even Ginny. He didn't even respond when other students talk to him. It was like he had become a zombie. And once classes ended he disappeared. He never showed up during their meals and appeared only for classes. This was too unusual, even for Ron.

What was even more curious was Draco Malfoy. He looked a total wreck and was constantly waiting for something to jump out of the walls. Harry looked at Hermione who just nodded in confusion. Apparently, the little secret she's been keeping had nothing to do with his sudden paranoia. Hermione tried to approach both Ron and Draco but Ron just looked at her, emotionless and walked away while Draco looked terrified at the sight of her.

"Back off Granger! I have nothing to do with you anymore!"

"Draco you're acting crazy. What's going on?"

"Nothing! Now leave me alone mudblood!"

Hermione got very upset at this and pounded her foot on his toes.

"Owwwwwwww!"

"I'm just trying to help for heavens sakes!" she said angrily as she walked out of Care of Magical Creatures class.

The following week resumed in the same speed. Ron was still acting totally empty and blank while Draco was making sure to stay out of Harry and Hermione's sight. Ron didn't even show up for their last practice and today was the first match of the season.

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Harry got suited up for the match and looked at Ron who wasn't moving at all. He urged him to change to which he complied only a minute later. When he returned however, it was like life had just come to his best friend. Ron's expression was different. He was looking around like he had never been in the changing room but at least it was better then the drab, lifeless look he had been putting on all week. Ron raced to Harry.

"Is everyone ready?" he said.

"Oh… Yes… Ron! What happened to you? You've been acting weird all -"

"Ok then. I guess we better go. I think I can hear the loudspeaker already! Let's go Harry!"

"But Ron -"

"Harry, I'm sorry I didn't talk to you but you'll know what's going on soon enough!"

Harry didn't know what to do. It was a good feeling having his best friend back but his behavior still puzzled him. They left the room and floated up into view and got into position. Harry faced off with Malfoy as he looked at him with his "Quidditch face" but then turned and looked at Ron. Ron gave him a frown and Draco tensed up instantly. Harry noticed this and saw Ron get into position as well while patting their newest Chaser on the back. The Quaffle was released - and off they went!

The match must have been the best Gryffindor had ever played! The points were coming in constantly. "And that's another ten points for Gryffindor! They're on fire! Without the capture of the snitch they're at 110 to zero. All the players are great and Ron Weasley seems to be in the best shape of all today everyone! His gaze is unwavering! It looks like nothing will get past him today! He's blocked over 10 shots today!" Indeed, Ron was spectacular. He must have used every Keeper trick in the book as he dove, batted and caught every throw. Harry was greatly impressed but had to keep searching. They still weren't comfortable enough in their score too allow Slytherin a capture. Harry raced along the pitch searching, until he spotted a glimmer and raced right for it! Malfoy flew after him and was moving in faster for he was at a closer range… Harry then saw his chance at the snitch fading until he had an idea. It was sort of dirty but he needed that Snitch.

"Oh look Malfoy! Ron's coming towards us!"

"WHAT?" Malfoy shouted as he looked behind him.

This was just what he needed. He pushed his broom to the limit and stretched his arm! That was it! Closer! Closer! He then felt the buzzing ball in his hand! Harry did it! The game was over! "Oh MY GOSH!! 260 to Zero!! The biggest spread this school had ever SEEN!! I can't believe it! I just can't!! Slytherin has no chance of coming out of this one! It looks like we might not see them in the finals for the first time in at least 10 years! Unbelievable!!!" shouted the announcer.

The eruption of cheers was impressive! Not a soul wasn't either screaming or shouting! Even the teachers were on the edge of their seats! This had been the best match anyone had ever seen!

As the players landed Hermione had to be the first one on the pitch. She came running as fast as she could. She hugged Harry first and then was about to pounce on Ron when she stopped. Ron just looked at her like someone had just cut the air out of the whole pitch, his breathing loud and his heart pounding. His eyes were wide and aware. Harry looked in between them and was about to talk until Ron doubled back and ran to the players changing room. After a few moments, Harry chased after him, as did Hermione. When they got there, Ron was standing motionless in the middle of the room; his school robes already back on. Harry looked at Hermione confused but she didn't really seem to notice the change in wardrobe. She just ran over to Ron and grabbed him tightly from behind. She placed her head on his back waiting for a reaction but none came. She walked over to face him and he just looked at her plainly. He turned around to leave the room when Hermione grabbed him again.

"What's going on? Don't start with this again please!" she pleaded.

But no reaction came. She began to tear as she placed her head on his chest and she hugged him… but she couldn't hear a heart beat.

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A/N: Will you review now??? Anyone?