A/N: I know I haven't updated this thing in a while but I assure you, my loyal readers, I have a good reason. University has taken the liberty of making my life hard and unforgiving. On top of my insane, gargantuan workload, I also need some social time to myself and to my friends. All work and no play makes me a dull boy. Also, I now have a girlfriend, (YAY for me) who doesn't like sharing me with my computer. I'm sure you people know how demanding a girlfriend can be for attention. And for all my female readers out there, sorry ladies, I'm taken. That ship has sailed.
BUT don't fret, I'm not giving up on this story and will continue to make regular updates. Besides, I think compared to most writers, I have been EXTREMELY generous. I know some who go on for months without updating. This, so far has been the longest time it took me to put out a new chapter (which really hasn't been THAT long). Most of you know that I have been REALLY consistent and updates at a weekly basis. So hang in there.
To the reader named Julia Gulia, who had this message for me: "You are making my heart incredibly sad and angry. I dislike you with the fiery passion of a hundred-thousand burning pulsating STDs."
Well here you go Julia, a new chapter for you to feast on. Sorry to tell you that your hatred of me hasn't given me any STD's. But since meeting Beth, (my new girlfriend) your words have made me a little cautious.
Anyway, enough of this chatter. On to the story........
Disclaimer: I own Harry Potter. The Characters and situations of Harry Potter depicted on this website are the legal property of..... ME!!!! Muhahahhaha!!!!!!! I also own Bloomsbury, and AOL Time Warner so that means I'm up to my head in trillions of dollars.
Copyright infringement IS intended...........because IT'S ALL MINE.
Disclaimer 2: Oops, heh, that was the wrong message. What I meant to say was no, I don't own Harry Potter or the HP characters and no copyright infringement is intended...........or is it? Muhahahah!!
Chapter 21
"Hermione, I had a revelation," said Ron. He still sounded and looked depressed, but tone was not as dark as before. In Ron fashion, this was the happiest he looked in a while.
"Really? A revelation huh?" Hermione laughed, "well go ahead, enlighten me."
"I am the most powerful wizard of all time," said Ron modestly, "even more powerful than Merlin himself."
Hermione looked neither shocked nor taken aback. Her reaction was blank.
"And?" she asked.
"And what?" Ron replied.
"AND..... I'm waiting for the punch line to this joke....." said Hermione.
Ron sighed and began telling his story. (again)
21 minutes later......
"So let me get this straight," said a very skeptic looking (and sounding) Hermione, "you're repeating February 2 and everyday for you is just a repeat of today."
"Yes, that is correct," said Ron.
"And you seem to think you are the most powerful wizard of all time just because you survived a snow storm?" said Hermione, again looking extremely doubtful.
I didn't JUST survive a snow storm and I wasn't JUST blown up yesterday. To name a very insignificant number of times; I have been stabbed, trampled, poisoned, frozen, hung, eaten, drowned, jinxed, and burned. And everyday I wake up perfectly fine, not a scratch on me, not a single thing wrong. I am the most powerful wizard of all time."
"Oh come on Ron! Do you realize how stupid and not to mention demented you sound right now?!" said Hermione.
"I don't think I sound too crazy at all," said Ron acting very calm and composed.
"Of course you sound crazy, haven't you been listening to yourself speak?"
"Yes I have, but have you?" said Ron. Hermione looked annoyed.
"Look," she said impatiently, "you can't be the most powerful wizard of all time, it's just not possible."
"You sound so sure of yourself," said Ron.
"I am and trust me, you are not all powerful and you can take my word for it."
"Your word?"said Ron. "How do you know I'm not all powerful?"
"Oh please! For years I've seen you try and perform the simplest of spells. Believe me when I say you are NOT all powerful," said Hermione almost brazenly.
Ron's ears turned red as Hermione's words started to sink in.
"Besides, don't you have better things to do with your time than make up ridiculous stories about how you think you're the greatest wizard of all time?"
"As I have already told you, my time is not advancing as fast as you might think," said Ron.
Hermione gave Ron a hard look.
"You shouldn't be so quick to judge," said Ron, "I don't think you have any idea as to what being a great wizard is."
"Let me tell you something Ron, powerful wizards, like Dumbledore for example, have a wide variety of knowledge and they know everything," said Hermione getting hot.
"Is that so?" said Ron.
"Yes it is," said Hermione in a final sort of way, "I don't buy any of what you are saying. I don't think you are immortal, and I certainly don't think you are all knowing. If this is a joke Ron, I'm not laughing."
Ron got up from the table and dragged Hermione up from her seat.
"Come with me," said Ron.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked.
Ron took Hermione's hand and proceeded to guide her toward the Ravenclaw table where he stopped in front of some students who were eating.
"Hello Miles," said Ron.
"Um hi. Do I know you?" said Miles looking confused.
Ron turned his attention back to Hermione and said, "This is Miles Johnson; he's a 7th year from Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales, he lives with his parents Donald and Kimberly and he's cheating on his girlfriend with Kylie Harris from Hufflepuff.
"What?!" shrieked a girl (presumably Miles' girlfriend) sitting next to Miles.
"I-I-I, uh, I can explain..." said Miles in total surprise.
"Hermione stared open mouthed with a look of confusion and amazement on her face.
Ron never waited around to see the outcome of the row. Ron again dragged Hermione further down the Ravenclaw table where he stopped in front of another boy whom Hermione didn't know.
"Ron, how did you--" Hermione tried to say.
"This 6th year is Brian Sanders," said Ron cutting Hermione off, "he's from Burnley, Lancashire, England, he's loves Quidditch but is horrible on the field. He and Padma Patil are secretly dating and she refuses to tell everyone about it because she's afraid it'll ruin her image."
Hermione immediately turned to look at Padma and found that she was burying her head in her arms.
Ron once again grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her to the Hufflepuff table.
"This is Beverly Stewart, a first year Muggle born. She was born in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, she loves horses and she hates it here. She's incredibly homesick and misses her pet rabbit, Cuddles."
"How did you know that?" asked Beverly.
Ron didn't answer.
"This is Martin Holloway, a 2nd year. He was born in Dundee, Scotland, he loves Hogwarts and he hates his home. His father is an abusive drunk and Martin wishes him dead."
"How?--" asked Martin.
Ron ignored Martin and took Hermione to another person.
"This 7th year is Ben Holmes. He's from Perthshire, Scotland, he's lonely, has no friends, and considers Hogwarts absolute waste of time. His passion is fishing and would rather be doing that for a living."
"HA! You got that right," snarled Ben, "I hate it here, and will ravish the day when I graduate from this hole."
"Ron how are you doing this? How do you know all these people?" Hermione asked with a look of worry on her face.
Ron gave Hermione a faint smile and moved onto another table.
"This 4th year Slytherin bloke is Liam Duffy. He was born in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, but his father Edward recently purchased a nice home in York, North Yorkshire."
"That's right, how did you know that?" asked Liam.
"You told me," said Ron.
"I did?" Liam asked.
"Yeah and you also told me that your father's been getting his money through extortion."
All the colour faded away from Liam's face as he was rendered positively speechless. Hermione looked surprised as well.
"This is insane Ron!" said Hermione dragging him away from the Slytherin table.
"I'm not insane," said Ron.
"How are you doing all this? How come you know so much about these people?"
"I told you, I know everything. Believe me, I've had plenty of time on my hands," said Ron.
"This is NOT possible," said Hermione in a huff.
"I assure you, it is," said Ron nonchalantly.
"Well than, who's that?" said Hermione dragging Ron over to the Gryffindor table and pointing at a girl eating her stew.
"That's Emily. She's a Muggle born who enjoys extra curricular Charms and loves collecting different quills."
"Wow," said Emily.
"And who's this?" said Hermione, dragging Ron over to a Hufflepuff boy.
"That's Nicholas, another muggle born from London. He's severely allergic to chocolate and loves to build miniature ships."
"Hah, he's right," said Nicholas.
"And him?" said Hermione again dragging Ron to the Ravenclaw table.
"That's Connor O'Brien. His life long dream is to visit Rome with his sweetheart Jessica."
"Yeah but I'll need to get a good job in order to pursue it," said Connor hopelessly.
"Fine!" said Hermione, "tell me, what does, um, what does Lavender want to do after she leaves Hogwarts?"
Lavender looked up at Ron and Hermione is surprise.
"What's all this about anyway?" asked Lavender looking throughly bewildered.
"Hush Lavender!" said Hermione, "Well? Go on?" she said to Ron.
Ron looked at Hermione than looked at Lavender.
"Lavender, you pretend that you don't like school but the fact of the matter is, you actually push yourself harder then most people know about. You find international news fascinating and when you leave Hogwarts you are going to pursue a career in International Magical Co-operations."
"How-how did you know about that?" said Lavender who was turning red and started to act nervous.
"You told me," said Ron.
"No I didn't," said Lavender, "I NEVER told anybody about that, EVER."
"Well you told me," said Ron, "many times."
"But--"
"Ah? We'll talk about this later Lavender," said Hermione quickly dragging Ron away from Lavender.
"Ron, I am THIS close to slapping you. Now tell me how you know all of this. And don't say it's because you are reliving---"
"Listen," said Ron looking at his watch. "In about 10 seconds Crabbe is going to come into the Great Hall and head over to the Slytherin table. He's going to trip up on his shoelaces and fall face first into the pudding."
"This is crazy!" said Hermione.
"4, 3, 2, 1," said Ron counting down.
CRASH!
Crabbe had indeed tripped over his own shoelaces and fell right into the pudding.
Hermione had heard and seen enough, she dragged Ron back to their seats at the Gryffindor table where she wanted to question him further.
"How about me Ron? Do you know anything about me?" asked Hermione, looking desperate with a sound longing coming from her voice.
"I know all about you," said Ron sincerely but with a small hint of joy in his voice.
Hermione didn't look surprised or frightened.
"You love waterfalls but not the water. Your granddad's cottage is your most favourite place to visit in the summertime but you haven't been there in 3 years. There's a swimming place about 5 minutes away from your granddad's cottage where you like to go up and sit on the rocks to read. Sometimes you like go up and just sit and listen to the waterfall. You find them peaceful and enchanting."
Hermione looked taken aback and had placed her hand over her mouth.
"Despite your insistence on not eating sweets, you're a sucker for lickerish and cherry gum drops," said Ron cracking a smile.
Hermione let out a laugh too but as soon as she did, tears started to form in her eyes.
"Even though you are stubborn and hard headed, I also know that you are a great human being. You're kind to strangers, you're very generous, you're loyal to your friends and your work ethic is extraordinary."
Hermione looked overwhelmed but Ron looked (and felt) more peaceful now then he did in a long time. This seemed to be an emotional release for Ron.
"Oh and you're not a bad knitter either," said Ron. Hermione smiled.
"How are you doing all this?" Hermione said quietly.
"I told you," said Ron, in a very comforting way, "I wake up every morning and everyday is February 2. If you still don't believe me, in about 10 seconds Dean is going to come up to us and ask me if I'd like to go have a game of exploding snap."
"Hey mate," said Dean, (right on time) "Listen, since you're not practicing with the team tonight, I was wondering if you'd like to join us in a game of snap. Oh, you're welcome too, Hermione."
Hermione blinked several times and had a worried look in her eye, but somehow Ron knew she was a believer.
"Um, no thanks Dean, Ron and I have other plans right now. Some other time perhaps," said Hermione.
"Oh ok, see you two later," said Dean and he walked out of the Great Hall with Seamus and Neville.
"Why are you telling me all of this?" Hermione asked sadly.
"Because I want you to believe in me," said Ron. The two decided to leave the Great Hall and walk around the castle instead.
"Maybe it IS happening, I mean how else can you know all that stuff?" said Hermione.
"Well there IS no way. As you know, I'm not that smart," said Ron.
"How long have you've been going through this?" Hermione asked.
"I don't even remember, I stopped counting after about 1100 days," said Ron.
"And are you SURE there's nothing that can be done about this?" she asked.
"I'm pretty sure," said Ron sighing, "You and Harry did all you could before. We worked at it for a very long time; day after day and night after night and there was nothing that can be done. Trust me, if suicide doesn't do the trick, nothing will."
"I still can't believe you did all that, Ron. Weren't you afraid?" asked Hermione.
"No," said Ron, "It felt so bad after so long, I just didn't care anymore."
"Still, it's a horrible thing to even contemplate it," said Hermione.
"I must of hexed you and Harry so many times," said Ron reminiscing and laughing a little.
Hermione had a very displeased look on her face but kept quiet. Ron was a little surprised.
"Well," said Hermione with a sceptical look still on her face. "Maybe I should follow you around the castle for the rest of the night....... as an objective witness."
"This sounds like a project," said Ron. Hermione laughed harmlessly but for Ron, it was an enormous improvement on his behaviour and his mood. For the first time in a long while, he no longer felt hollow, hateful or depressed. He almost felt normal again.
"You know Ron, most people would call what you have a blessing instead of a curse," said Hermione now walking on the third floor with Ron.
"How so?" said Ron
"Well most people take for granted what time has to offer. Most people end up feeling they didn't have enough and needed more time to do other things in life. The things that would have made their lives better or things that would have made a difference."
"I'm not too sure most people would go on knowing that tomorrow will never come," said Ron.
"That's true," said Hermione, "your situation with time is unique."
"That's one way of calling it, I'd call it hell," said Ron.
"So what have you been doing with this situation?" she asked.
"The only thing I can do. I just listen. I listen to other peoples rambling's and I get to know the person."
"Have you gotten to know all the students Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.
"No, not everybody. But enough to last me for eternity. Some of them are a little difficult to get to know. Slytherin for example, I only know about a few hundred of them."
"A few hundred?" said Hermione looking shocked.
"Yeah, and it's takes awhile too. Some of them blokes can get hostile if I do something that annoys them. Surprisingly most of the fourth year Slytherin girls are quite nice and easy to talk to."
"Have you tried to get to know Malfoy or any member of his circle?"
"Forget it," said Ron, "I'm not even going to try. But I HAVE hexed them on occasion."
Hermione shook her head disapprovingly.
"I was wondering..." said Hermione.
"Wondering what?" he asked.
"How many times have you and I had this conversation?"
"Many times," said Ron smiling a little, "but not like this."
"Um...I...haven't...uh..."
"No, you've never told me anything TOO personal," said Ron knowing exactly what Hermione was going to ask. "And I've never tried to pry into any of your deepest secrets.......much,"
"RON!"
"Hey, hey, hey, don't worry, you're a very clever witch. I could never get anything good out of you."
"Well good," said Hermione blushing, which made Ron smile.
"So is this what you do with eternity? Just walk around the castle and get to know people?"
"Well, yeah that's about it," said Ron nodding his head.
"Didn't you ever try and sneak out to Hogsmeade? I mean it sounds like something YOU would do."
"Actually, I have snuck out to Hogsmeade on countless occasions. I've been there so many times during this day, its lost its novelty," said Ron.
"No new candy?"
"That's right," said Ron smiling, "it's always the same stuff."
"Figures," she said.
"I've even tried to go back to the Burrow," said Ron.
"But it's so far away. How did you manage to get to the Burrow?" Hermione asked.
"I said I've TRIED. Fact is, I have never been able to make it. It's too cold and it's like you said, it's to too far away to travel on a broom. I've never been able to survive the trip."
"Why didn't you ask Dumbledore for some floo powder, or to make a portkey?" she asked.
"I've never really asked. After awhile, I figured it would be best if I didn't go back home."
"Why not?" asked Hermione stunned.
"Because I don't want to corrupt my memory of them. I prefer to remember mum and dad the way they SHOULD be. I don't think I can take it seeing them day after day and knowing that they will never see me advance in my years. Not seeing them gives me hope that someday I'll be able to make it back to them and see them normally, the way they should be seen."
"You'll get to see them someday, Ron," said Hermione consolingly.
"I hope so," said Ron. "You know what the worst thing is? By the time tomorrow morning comes around, you would have forgotten everything."
"I guess there's something good about all of this," said Hermione.
"And that would be?"
"At least you have your health. That's something to be grateful for," said Hermione warily.
"Not really," said Ron.
"What do you mean?"
"I've killed myself so many times, I don't even exist anymore," said Ron depressingly.
Hermione placed a hand on his back and patted gently.
"You know on occasion, I've ventured out into the Forbidden Forest," said Ron changing the subject.
"Really? What did you do in there,"
"Well the first time I went into the forest, I was crushed by Grawp," said Ron.
Hermione looked horrified and put a hand over her mouth.
"Relax, my suicide attempt failed, I'm fine. I came back didn't I? I'm here talking to you aren't I?"
Hermione took her hand away from her mouth and took a deep breath.
"What happened the second time?" she asked.
"The second time through the forest, I ran into Bane and a few other centaurs. They trampled me to death."
Hermione closed her eyes for a few seconds, regained her composure and opened them again.
"The third time--"
"Let me guess, you ran into Aragog and he ate you," said Hermione sarcastically.
"No, no, no, nothing like that. I wouldn't dream of going near that creature again if I could help it. Not even a death wish could motivate me to go near him."
"Oh, well glad to hear you didn't get eaten or trampled on again," said Hermione, who was glad Ron didn't have another death story to talk about.
"Nah nothing like that, I just went too far into the forest and merely froze to death," said Ron shrugging.
Hermione closed her eyes again and took more deep breaths.
"I have to go," said Ron who was now standing right next to the castle entrance. "It's time."
"Time?" said Hermione.
"I have to go and help Harry," said Ron.
"Help Harry? What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
"He's going to need my help in about 10 minutes," said Ron in an eerily calm manner.
"Ron, I don't understand," said Hermione looking a bit rattled.
"In about 10 minutes, Harry's going to chase after a snitch but he'll get lost in that storm. If I don't help him, he'll die......again."
Hermione didn't say anything. Ron guessed that what he just told her was a bit too nerve racking for normal conversation.
"Accio Cleansweep!" said Ron pointing his wand upward and at the direction of Gryffindor tower.
A short while later there was a clang-like sound. It was like something had broken through a barrier. Ron's Cleansweep had zoom out of Gryffindor tower, down past the revolving staircases and right into his waiting hand.
Hermione was still speechless.
"I'll be back," said Ron reassuringly and he opened the entrance door and left; leaving a cold draft as he shut the door.
While outside, Ron knew exactly what the conditions were like. After living the same day over and over again, he pretty much knew the current environment like his own hand.
According to Ron's calculations, Ginny, Alicia, Jack and Andrew were suppose to arrive in front of the stone steps in exactly 15 seconds.
"RON, WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE?!" Ginny yelled over the wind.
"I HAVE TO GO GET HARRY!" Ron shouted in return.
"HOW DID YOU KNOW HARRY WAS--" Alicia tried to say but the fierce gust of wind forced her off her feet.
"WE TRIED TO LOOK FOR HIM BUT IT WAS TOO--"
"JUST GO INSIDE AND I'LL GET HARRY. DON'T WORRY I KNOW WHERE HE IS!" Ron shouted.
There was no chance for the others to argue with him. They were all extremely cold and were all forced into the castle by Ron.
"Lumos!" said Ron as he mounted his Cleansweep and took off into the air.
Ron immediately headed for the West end of Hogwarts. Harry would have landed there by now, freezing and disoriented.
Moments later, Ron had arrived at the location on the West end and to no surprise of his, Harry was covered in snow at the spot near the lake.
"HARRY, COME ON MATE, GET UP!" Ron shouted as he pulled Harry out of the snow.
"HOW DID YOU FIND ME?" a shivering Harry shouted.
"NEVER MIND THAT! WE'VE GOT TO GET YOU BACK TO THE CASTLE! JUST FOLLOW ME AND MY LIGHT!"
Harry shook his head violently in agreement and tried to mount his Firebolt. Ron knew Harry was weak and extremely tried which meant the wind had no trouble forcing him back down to the ground. It took a few try's but Ron finally managed to get Harry onto his Firebolt and the two took off back toward the castle
"Ron, Harry!" Hermione screamed as Ron and Harry entered through the entrance door of the castle.
Harry, who look extremely cold, could barely stand on his own. Ron had to help support him as he came through the entrance.
"Oh my, we have to get him to the hospital wing immediately!" said Ginny frantically.
Andrew and Jack helped support Harry up to the hospital wing while Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Alicia followed behind.
"What in Merlin's name have you gotten yourself into this time Potter?" asked Madam Pomfrey as Harry was carried into the hospital wing.
"Alicia.....will....explain," said Harry in a weak voice.
"Fine, fine, let's get you into bed quickly now, quickly!" said Madam Pomfrey.
"Now that I've got Mr Potter in bed and resting, will someone please explain to me how Mr Potter almost froze to death?"
"Well...." said Alicia.
"Yes?"
"It wasn't anyone's fault Madam Pomfrey. We were just finishing up quidditch practice when the snitch had gotten away from Harry. He went and chased after it but got blown away by the strong winds," said Andrew.
"Is that true?" Madam Pomfrey said as she looked at the Alicia.
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," said Alicia.
"And how did Mr Potter manage to find his way back?"
Nobody could answer her.
"Well...?" she asked again.
All heads turned to Ron.
"Um, well, it was nothing really I just got lucky and found Harry at the right time and place," said Ron.
"Very well Mr Weasley, I shall make a note of that to your head of house, Professor McGonagall," said Madam Pomfrey, "Now I want you all to leave and let Mr Potter rest for the remainder of the night."
Everyone nodded as they turned to leave the hospital wing.
"Ron that was incredible!" said Jack, "how in the world did you find him?"
"Yes how?" said Alicia suspiciously, "you weren't even at practice and yet you were outside waiting for us to return and had a broom in hand."
"Uh, well I was just wondering what took you guys so long. The weather was getting worst and you guys still hadn't come back so I decided to make sure you guys were ok," said Ron going a bit red in the ears.
"But how did you know Harry was in trouble?" asked Andrew.
"Um, well...I noticed Harry wasn't with you guys so I assumed that--"
"You said you knew where he was," said Ginny cutting him off.
"No I didn't," said Ron quickly as his ears started growing more crimson.
"Yes you did," said Ginny.
"Listen, the wind was blowing, you could have heard anything or misunderstood me."
"But you came back so quickly after you left," said Alicia suspiciously.
"Yeah you were wicked fast," said Jack excitedly.
"Look, I got lucky. What does it matter anyway? The main thing is that Harry's ok and we're all fine." Ron was getting slightly agitated from being interrogated.
"I-I guess so," said Alicia, "I guess we should all head up to our dormitories, get cleaned up and get some rest."
Before Ginny left with the others, she gave Ron a quick hug and said "thanks."
When the others were out of earshot Hermione turned gave Ron a piercing look.
"How could you let Harry go out and practice when you KNEW he was going to be in serious trouble," Hermione scowled.
"It was a backup plan," said Ron shrugging.
"Backup plan?"
"Well yeah. Just in case you needed MORE proof that I wasn't making this stuff up."
"So you risked Harry's life just for that!" she scowled.
"I thought you understood what I was going through," said Ron in a calm manner.
"I DO! It's just that--"
"Well than you should know that Harry was never in REAL danger. Even if he had died he'll be up and around tomorrow anyway," said Ron collectively.
Hermione looked down at her feet.
"I guess you're right, I'm sorry" she said very quietly.
"No apology is necessary. I guess it IS a little weird to accept," he said.
Ron and Hermione walked in silence all the way back to Gryffindor tower. This was by far the best Ron had felt in a long time. Yes it was a bit unusual of him to remain composed but 'unusual' was always something Ron had welcomed for a change.
Ron and Hermione entered the empty Gryffindor common room and took a seat on the couch.
"I just can't accept it!" Hermione said all of a sudden in an angry huff.
"Accept what?"
"After all you've shown and said, a part of me just can't accept that there's never going to be a tomorrow...or a future," said Hermione.
"Well I guess you've just found another positive out of this mess."
"Which is?" she asked yawning.
"You won't have to go through it KNOWING that there's no tomorrow, only I will."
"Ron, I'm so sorry you have to carry this huge burden and go through it alone," said Hermione consolingly. She looked extremely drowsy as it was getting late.
"It's all right Hermione. There's nothing for you to apologize for, it's not your fault," said Ron.
"I know, it's just that I wish you didn't have to go through whatever it is that's doing this," said Hermione who was starting to cry.
"Don't cry Hermione, it's ok," said Ron placing an arm over her.
"About what you said earlier, you DO exist Ron, you exist to everyone who cares and thinks about you."
Ron smiled and said, "thanks."
A couple of minutes later Hermione was fast asleep in Ron's arms, leaving him all alone again. The only difference was that this time, Ron didn't feel so lost and lonely. Today was one of the most uplifting days he had encountered in a long, long time. Surprisingly, he felt that today had left him emotionally secure and no longer feeling the pain and burden of time.
"Thank you," Ron whispered to a sleeping Hermione. He brushed a strand of hair out of her face and whispered, "I know you won't remember this but I want you to know that spending time with you on this particular day has made all the difference in my life."
As Ron too started getting heavily drowsy, his last thought for the night were that of Hermione. He wasn't sure if he was feeling totally content, but he sure did have a whole new outlook on life.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30"
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Writer's Commentary: Whoa that was another long chapter served up by me. I hope it was a sufficient payoff for the ridiculously long wait I put you loyal readers through. This chapter to me is yet another turning point in Ron's little adventure through time. This chapter was also sort of a challenge for me to write and to put down onto paper. I have so many ideas swimming around in my head it's rather difficult to get it all down on paper and written properly. I went through about 3 re-writes because each time I finished, I found that I wasn't particularly happy with the style of my writing. I guess you can chalk it up to my incredible university workload or my girlfriend, who just can't keep her hands off of me.
More then likely there are some heavy duty grammatical errors in this chapter, I know this already so I don't really need reviews telling me I'm illiterate. I sent this story to my cousin to proofread but I don't think she even looked at it. She sent it back and I didn't notice very many changes. (if any were made)
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I look forward to receiving some reviews from you guys. Let me know that you still care.
I really appreciate all the great reviews from the last chapter. It's a wonderful feeling and it's all because of you guys.
Oh and by the way, on another note about all the reviews telling me to hurry up and update, well I hope to hear from each and every one of you guys reviewing after reading this chapter.
This chapter is dedicated to ALL of you reviewers who sent me threatening reviews telling me to hurry the Fu*k up. Thank you, that's awesome motivation!!!! keep it up.
Hopefully the next chapter won't take as long. I'm already 25% done.
Take Care
BUT don't fret, I'm not giving up on this story and will continue to make regular updates. Besides, I think compared to most writers, I have been EXTREMELY generous. I know some who go on for months without updating. This, so far has been the longest time it took me to put out a new chapter (which really hasn't been THAT long). Most of you know that I have been REALLY consistent and updates at a weekly basis. So hang in there.
To the reader named Julia Gulia, who had this message for me: "You are making my heart incredibly sad and angry. I dislike you with the fiery passion of a hundred-thousand burning pulsating STDs."
Well here you go Julia, a new chapter for you to feast on. Sorry to tell you that your hatred of me hasn't given me any STD's. But since meeting Beth, (my new girlfriend) your words have made me a little cautious.
Anyway, enough of this chatter. On to the story........
Disclaimer: I own Harry Potter. The Characters and situations of Harry Potter depicted on this website are the legal property of..... ME!!!! Muhahahhaha!!!!!!! I also own Bloomsbury, and AOL Time Warner so that means I'm up to my head in trillions of dollars.
Copyright infringement IS intended...........because IT'S ALL MINE.
Disclaimer 2: Oops, heh, that was the wrong message. What I meant to say was no, I don't own Harry Potter or the HP characters and no copyright infringement is intended...........or is it? Muhahahah!!
Chapter 21
"Hermione, I had a revelation," said Ron. He still sounded and looked depressed, but tone was not as dark as before. In Ron fashion, this was the happiest he looked in a while.
"Really? A revelation huh?" Hermione laughed, "well go ahead, enlighten me."
"I am the most powerful wizard of all time," said Ron modestly, "even more powerful than Merlin himself."
Hermione looked neither shocked nor taken aback. Her reaction was blank.
"And?" she asked.
"And what?" Ron replied.
"AND..... I'm waiting for the punch line to this joke....." said Hermione.
Ron sighed and began telling his story. (again)
21 minutes later......
"So let me get this straight," said a very skeptic looking (and sounding) Hermione, "you're repeating February 2 and everyday for you is just a repeat of today."
"Yes, that is correct," said Ron.
"And you seem to think you are the most powerful wizard of all time just because you survived a snow storm?" said Hermione, again looking extremely doubtful.
I didn't JUST survive a snow storm and I wasn't JUST blown up yesterday. To name a very insignificant number of times; I have been stabbed, trampled, poisoned, frozen, hung, eaten, drowned, jinxed, and burned. And everyday I wake up perfectly fine, not a scratch on me, not a single thing wrong. I am the most powerful wizard of all time."
"Oh come on Ron! Do you realize how stupid and not to mention demented you sound right now?!" said Hermione.
"I don't think I sound too crazy at all," said Ron acting very calm and composed.
"Of course you sound crazy, haven't you been listening to yourself speak?"
"Yes I have, but have you?" said Ron. Hermione looked annoyed.
"Look," she said impatiently, "you can't be the most powerful wizard of all time, it's just not possible."
"You sound so sure of yourself," said Ron.
"I am and trust me, you are not all powerful and you can take my word for it."
"Your word?"said Ron. "How do you know I'm not all powerful?"
"Oh please! For years I've seen you try and perform the simplest of spells. Believe me when I say you are NOT all powerful," said Hermione almost brazenly.
Ron's ears turned red as Hermione's words started to sink in.
"Besides, don't you have better things to do with your time than make up ridiculous stories about how you think you're the greatest wizard of all time?"
"As I have already told you, my time is not advancing as fast as you might think," said Ron.
Hermione gave Ron a hard look.
"You shouldn't be so quick to judge," said Ron, "I don't think you have any idea as to what being a great wizard is."
"Let me tell you something Ron, powerful wizards, like Dumbledore for example, have a wide variety of knowledge and they know everything," said Hermione getting hot.
"Is that so?" said Ron.
"Yes it is," said Hermione in a final sort of way, "I don't buy any of what you are saying. I don't think you are immortal, and I certainly don't think you are all knowing. If this is a joke Ron, I'm not laughing."
Ron got up from the table and dragged Hermione up from her seat.
"Come with me," said Ron.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked.
Ron took Hermione's hand and proceeded to guide her toward the Ravenclaw table where he stopped in front of some students who were eating.
"Hello Miles," said Ron.
"Um hi. Do I know you?" said Miles looking confused.
Ron turned his attention back to Hermione and said, "This is Miles Johnson; he's a 7th year from Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales, he lives with his parents Donald and Kimberly and he's cheating on his girlfriend with Kylie Harris from Hufflepuff.
"What?!" shrieked a girl (presumably Miles' girlfriend) sitting next to Miles.
"I-I-I, uh, I can explain..." said Miles in total surprise.
"Hermione stared open mouthed with a look of confusion and amazement on her face.
Ron never waited around to see the outcome of the row. Ron again dragged Hermione further down the Ravenclaw table where he stopped in front of another boy whom Hermione didn't know.
"Ron, how did you--" Hermione tried to say.
"This 6th year is Brian Sanders," said Ron cutting Hermione off, "he's from Burnley, Lancashire, England, he's loves Quidditch but is horrible on the field. He and Padma Patil are secretly dating and she refuses to tell everyone about it because she's afraid it'll ruin her image."
Hermione immediately turned to look at Padma and found that she was burying her head in her arms.
Ron once again grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her to the Hufflepuff table.
"This is Beverly Stewart, a first year Muggle born. She was born in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, she loves horses and she hates it here. She's incredibly homesick and misses her pet rabbit, Cuddles."
"How did you know that?" asked Beverly.
Ron didn't answer.
"This is Martin Holloway, a 2nd year. He was born in Dundee, Scotland, he loves Hogwarts and he hates his home. His father is an abusive drunk and Martin wishes him dead."
"How?--" asked Martin.
Ron ignored Martin and took Hermione to another person.
"This 7th year is Ben Holmes. He's from Perthshire, Scotland, he's lonely, has no friends, and considers Hogwarts absolute waste of time. His passion is fishing and would rather be doing that for a living."
"HA! You got that right," snarled Ben, "I hate it here, and will ravish the day when I graduate from this hole."
"Ron how are you doing this? How do you know all these people?" Hermione asked with a look of worry on her face.
Ron gave Hermione a faint smile and moved onto another table.
"This 4th year Slytherin bloke is Liam Duffy. He was born in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, but his father Edward recently purchased a nice home in York, North Yorkshire."
"That's right, how did you know that?" asked Liam.
"You told me," said Ron.
"I did?" Liam asked.
"Yeah and you also told me that your father's been getting his money through extortion."
All the colour faded away from Liam's face as he was rendered positively speechless. Hermione looked surprised as well.
"This is insane Ron!" said Hermione dragging him away from the Slytherin table.
"I'm not insane," said Ron.
"How are you doing all this? How come you know so much about these people?"
"I told you, I know everything. Believe me, I've had plenty of time on my hands," said Ron.
"This is NOT possible," said Hermione in a huff.
"I assure you, it is," said Ron nonchalantly.
"Well than, who's that?" said Hermione dragging Ron over to the Gryffindor table and pointing at a girl eating her stew.
"That's Emily. She's a Muggle born who enjoys extra curricular Charms and loves collecting different quills."
"Wow," said Emily.
"And who's this?" said Hermione, dragging Ron over to a Hufflepuff boy.
"That's Nicholas, another muggle born from London. He's severely allergic to chocolate and loves to build miniature ships."
"Hah, he's right," said Nicholas.
"And him?" said Hermione again dragging Ron to the Ravenclaw table.
"That's Connor O'Brien. His life long dream is to visit Rome with his sweetheart Jessica."
"Yeah but I'll need to get a good job in order to pursue it," said Connor hopelessly.
"Fine!" said Hermione, "tell me, what does, um, what does Lavender want to do after she leaves Hogwarts?"
Lavender looked up at Ron and Hermione is surprise.
"What's all this about anyway?" asked Lavender looking throughly bewildered.
"Hush Lavender!" said Hermione, "Well? Go on?" she said to Ron.
Ron looked at Hermione than looked at Lavender.
"Lavender, you pretend that you don't like school but the fact of the matter is, you actually push yourself harder then most people know about. You find international news fascinating and when you leave Hogwarts you are going to pursue a career in International Magical Co-operations."
"How-how did you know about that?" said Lavender who was turning red and started to act nervous.
"You told me," said Ron.
"No I didn't," said Lavender, "I NEVER told anybody about that, EVER."
"Well you told me," said Ron, "many times."
"But--"
"Ah? We'll talk about this later Lavender," said Hermione quickly dragging Ron away from Lavender.
"Ron, I am THIS close to slapping you. Now tell me how you know all of this. And don't say it's because you are reliving---"
"Listen," said Ron looking at his watch. "In about 10 seconds Crabbe is going to come into the Great Hall and head over to the Slytherin table. He's going to trip up on his shoelaces and fall face first into the pudding."
"This is crazy!" said Hermione.
"4, 3, 2, 1," said Ron counting down.
CRASH!
Crabbe had indeed tripped over his own shoelaces and fell right into the pudding.
Hermione had heard and seen enough, she dragged Ron back to their seats at the Gryffindor table where she wanted to question him further.
"How about me Ron? Do you know anything about me?" asked Hermione, looking desperate with a sound longing coming from her voice.
"I know all about you," said Ron sincerely but with a small hint of joy in his voice.
Hermione didn't look surprised or frightened.
"You love waterfalls but not the water. Your granddad's cottage is your most favourite place to visit in the summertime but you haven't been there in 3 years. There's a swimming place about 5 minutes away from your granddad's cottage where you like to go up and sit on the rocks to read. Sometimes you like go up and just sit and listen to the waterfall. You find them peaceful and enchanting."
Hermione looked taken aback and had placed her hand over her mouth.
"Despite your insistence on not eating sweets, you're a sucker for lickerish and cherry gum drops," said Ron cracking a smile.
Hermione let out a laugh too but as soon as she did, tears started to form in her eyes.
"Even though you are stubborn and hard headed, I also know that you are a great human being. You're kind to strangers, you're very generous, you're loyal to your friends and your work ethic is extraordinary."
Hermione looked overwhelmed but Ron looked (and felt) more peaceful now then he did in a long time. This seemed to be an emotional release for Ron.
"Oh and you're not a bad knitter either," said Ron. Hermione smiled.
"How are you doing all this?" Hermione said quietly.
"I told you," said Ron, in a very comforting way, "I wake up every morning and everyday is February 2. If you still don't believe me, in about 10 seconds Dean is going to come up to us and ask me if I'd like to go have a game of exploding snap."
"Hey mate," said Dean, (right on time) "Listen, since you're not practicing with the team tonight, I was wondering if you'd like to join us in a game of snap. Oh, you're welcome too, Hermione."
Hermione blinked several times and had a worried look in her eye, but somehow Ron knew she was a believer.
"Um, no thanks Dean, Ron and I have other plans right now. Some other time perhaps," said Hermione.
"Oh ok, see you two later," said Dean and he walked out of the Great Hall with Seamus and Neville.
"Why are you telling me all of this?" Hermione asked sadly.
"Because I want you to believe in me," said Ron. The two decided to leave the Great Hall and walk around the castle instead.
"Maybe it IS happening, I mean how else can you know all that stuff?" said Hermione.
"Well there IS no way. As you know, I'm not that smart," said Ron.
"How long have you've been going through this?" Hermione asked.
"I don't even remember, I stopped counting after about 1100 days," said Ron.
"And are you SURE there's nothing that can be done about this?" she asked.
"I'm pretty sure," said Ron sighing, "You and Harry did all you could before. We worked at it for a very long time; day after day and night after night and there was nothing that can be done. Trust me, if suicide doesn't do the trick, nothing will."
"I still can't believe you did all that, Ron. Weren't you afraid?" asked Hermione.
"No," said Ron, "It felt so bad after so long, I just didn't care anymore."
"Still, it's a horrible thing to even contemplate it," said Hermione.
"I must of hexed you and Harry so many times," said Ron reminiscing and laughing a little.
Hermione had a very displeased look on her face but kept quiet. Ron was a little surprised.
"Well," said Hermione with a sceptical look still on her face. "Maybe I should follow you around the castle for the rest of the night....... as an objective witness."
"This sounds like a project," said Ron. Hermione laughed harmlessly but for Ron, it was an enormous improvement on his behaviour and his mood. For the first time in a long while, he no longer felt hollow, hateful or depressed. He almost felt normal again.
"You know Ron, most people would call what you have a blessing instead of a curse," said Hermione now walking on the third floor with Ron.
"How so?" said Ron
"Well most people take for granted what time has to offer. Most people end up feeling they didn't have enough and needed more time to do other things in life. The things that would have made their lives better or things that would have made a difference."
"I'm not too sure most people would go on knowing that tomorrow will never come," said Ron.
"That's true," said Hermione, "your situation with time is unique."
"That's one way of calling it, I'd call it hell," said Ron.
"So what have you been doing with this situation?" she asked.
"The only thing I can do. I just listen. I listen to other peoples rambling's and I get to know the person."
"Have you gotten to know all the students Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.
"No, not everybody. But enough to last me for eternity. Some of them are a little difficult to get to know. Slytherin for example, I only know about a few hundred of them."
"A few hundred?" said Hermione looking shocked.
"Yeah, and it's takes awhile too. Some of them blokes can get hostile if I do something that annoys them. Surprisingly most of the fourth year Slytherin girls are quite nice and easy to talk to."
"Have you tried to get to know Malfoy or any member of his circle?"
"Forget it," said Ron, "I'm not even going to try. But I HAVE hexed them on occasion."
Hermione shook her head disapprovingly.
"I was wondering..." said Hermione.
"Wondering what?" he asked.
"How many times have you and I had this conversation?"
"Many times," said Ron smiling a little, "but not like this."
"Um...I...haven't...uh..."
"No, you've never told me anything TOO personal," said Ron knowing exactly what Hermione was going to ask. "And I've never tried to pry into any of your deepest secrets.......much,"
"RON!"
"Hey, hey, hey, don't worry, you're a very clever witch. I could never get anything good out of you."
"Well good," said Hermione blushing, which made Ron smile.
"So is this what you do with eternity? Just walk around the castle and get to know people?"
"Well, yeah that's about it," said Ron nodding his head.
"Didn't you ever try and sneak out to Hogsmeade? I mean it sounds like something YOU would do."
"Actually, I have snuck out to Hogsmeade on countless occasions. I've been there so many times during this day, its lost its novelty," said Ron.
"No new candy?"
"That's right," said Ron smiling, "it's always the same stuff."
"Figures," she said.
"I've even tried to go back to the Burrow," said Ron.
"But it's so far away. How did you manage to get to the Burrow?" Hermione asked.
"I said I've TRIED. Fact is, I have never been able to make it. It's too cold and it's like you said, it's to too far away to travel on a broom. I've never been able to survive the trip."
"Why didn't you ask Dumbledore for some floo powder, or to make a portkey?" she asked.
"I've never really asked. After awhile, I figured it would be best if I didn't go back home."
"Why not?" asked Hermione stunned.
"Because I don't want to corrupt my memory of them. I prefer to remember mum and dad the way they SHOULD be. I don't think I can take it seeing them day after day and knowing that they will never see me advance in my years. Not seeing them gives me hope that someday I'll be able to make it back to them and see them normally, the way they should be seen."
"You'll get to see them someday, Ron," said Hermione consolingly.
"I hope so," said Ron. "You know what the worst thing is? By the time tomorrow morning comes around, you would have forgotten everything."
"I guess there's something good about all of this," said Hermione.
"And that would be?"
"At least you have your health. That's something to be grateful for," said Hermione warily.
"Not really," said Ron.
"What do you mean?"
"I've killed myself so many times, I don't even exist anymore," said Ron depressingly.
Hermione placed a hand on his back and patted gently.
"You know on occasion, I've ventured out into the Forbidden Forest," said Ron changing the subject.
"Really? What did you do in there,"
"Well the first time I went into the forest, I was crushed by Grawp," said Ron.
Hermione looked horrified and put a hand over her mouth.
"Relax, my suicide attempt failed, I'm fine. I came back didn't I? I'm here talking to you aren't I?"
Hermione took her hand away from her mouth and took a deep breath.
"What happened the second time?" she asked.
"The second time through the forest, I ran into Bane and a few other centaurs. They trampled me to death."
Hermione closed her eyes for a few seconds, regained her composure and opened them again.
"The third time--"
"Let me guess, you ran into Aragog and he ate you," said Hermione sarcastically.
"No, no, no, nothing like that. I wouldn't dream of going near that creature again if I could help it. Not even a death wish could motivate me to go near him."
"Oh, well glad to hear you didn't get eaten or trampled on again," said Hermione, who was glad Ron didn't have another death story to talk about.
"Nah nothing like that, I just went too far into the forest and merely froze to death," said Ron shrugging.
Hermione closed her eyes again and took more deep breaths.
"I have to go," said Ron who was now standing right next to the castle entrance. "It's time."
"Time?" said Hermione.
"I have to go and help Harry," said Ron.
"Help Harry? What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
"He's going to need my help in about 10 minutes," said Ron in an eerily calm manner.
"Ron, I don't understand," said Hermione looking a bit rattled.
"In about 10 minutes, Harry's going to chase after a snitch but he'll get lost in that storm. If I don't help him, he'll die......again."
Hermione didn't say anything. Ron guessed that what he just told her was a bit too nerve racking for normal conversation.
"Accio Cleansweep!" said Ron pointing his wand upward and at the direction of Gryffindor tower.
A short while later there was a clang-like sound. It was like something had broken through a barrier. Ron's Cleansweep had zoom out of Gryffindor tower, down past the revolving staircases and right into his waiting hand.
Hermione was still speechless.
"I'll be back," said Ron reassuringly and he opened the entrance door and left; leaving a cold draft as he shut the door.
While outside, Ron knew exactly what the conditions were like. After living the same day over and over again, he pretty much knew the current environment like his own hand.
According to Ron's calculations, Ginny, Alicia, Jack and Andrew were suppose to arrive in front of the stone steps in exactly 15 seconds.
"RON, WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE?!" Ginny yelled over the wind.
"I HAVE TO GO GET HARRY!" Ron shouted in return.
"HOW DID YOU KNOW HARRY WAS--" Alicia tried to say but the fierce gust of wind forced her off her feet.
"WE TRIED TO LOOK FOR HIM BUT IT WAS TOO--"
"JUST GO INSIDE AND I'LL GET HARRY. DON'T WORRY I KNOW WHERE HE IS!" Ron shouted.
There was no chance for the others to argue with him. They were all extremely cold and were all forced into the castle by Ron.
"Lumos!" said Ron as he mounted his Cleansweep and took off into the air.
Ron immediately headed for the West end of Hogwarts. Harry would have landed there by now, freezing and disoriented.
Moments later, Ron had arrived at the location on the West end and to no surprise of his, Harry was covered in snow at the spot near the lake.
"HARRY, COME ON MATE, GET UP!" Ron shouted as he pulled Harry out of the snow.
"HOW DID YOU FIND ME?" a shivering Harry shouted.
"NEVER MIND THAT! WE'VE GOT TO GET YOU BACK TO THE CASTLE! JUST FOLLOW ME AND MY LIGHT!"
Harry shook his head violently in agreement and tried to mount his Firebolt. Ron knew Harry was weak and extremely tried which meant the wind had no trouble forcing him back down to the ground. It took a few try's but Ron finally managed to get Harry onto his Firebolt and the two took off back toward the castle
"Ron, Harry!" Hermione screamed as Ron and Harry entered through the entrance door of the castle.
Harry, who look extremely cold, could barely stand on his own. Ron had to help support him as he came through the entrance.
"Oh my, we have to get him to the hospital wing immediately!" said Ginny frantically.
Andrew and Jack helped support Harry up to the hospital wing while Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Alicia followed behind.
"What in Merlin's name have you gotten yourself into this time Potter?" asked Madam Pomfrey as Harry was carried into the hospital wing.
"Alicia.....will....explain," said Harry in a weak voice.
"Fine, fine, let's get you into bed quickly now, quickly!" said Madam Pomfrey.
"Now that I've got Mr Potter in bed and resting, will someone please explain to me how Mr Potter almost froze to death?"
"Well...." said Alicia.
"Yes?"
"It wasn't anyone's fault Madam Pomfrey. We were just finishing up quidditch practice when the snitch had gotten away from Harry. He went and chased after it but got blown away by the strong winds," said Andrew.
"Is that true?" Madam Pomfrey said as she looked at the Alicia.
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," said Alicia.
"And how did Mr Potter manage to find his way back?"
Nobody could answer her.
"Well...?" she asked again.
All heads turned to Ron.
"Um, well, it was nothing really I just got lucky and found Harry at the right time and place," said Ron.
"Very well Mr Weasley, I shall make a note of that to your head of house, Professor McGonagall," said Madam Pomfrey, "Now I want you all to leave and let Mr Potter rest for the remainder of the night."
Everyone nodded as they turned to leave the hospital wing.
"Ron that was incredible!" said Jack, "how in the world did you find him?"
"Yes how?" said Alicia suspiciously, "you weren't even at practice and yet you were outside waiting for us to return and had a broom in hand."
"Uh, well I was just wondering what took you guys so long. The weather was getting worst and you guys still hadn't come back so I decided to make sure you guys were ok," said Ron going a bit red in the ears.
"But how did you know Harry was in trouble?" asked Andrew.
"Um, well...I noticed Harry wasn't with you guys so I assumed that--"
"You said you knew where he was," said Ginny cutting him off.
"No I didn't," said Ron quickly as his ears started growing more crimson.
"Yes you did," said Ginny.
"Listen, the wind was blowing, you could have heard anything or misunderstood me."
"But you came back so quickly after you left," said Alicia suspiciously.
"Yeah you were wicked fast," said Jack excitedly.
"Look, I got lucky. What does it matter anyway? The main thing is that Harry's ok and we're all fine." Ron was getting slightly agitated from being interrogated.
"I-I guess so," said Alicia, "I guess we should all head up to our dormitories, get cleaned up and get some rest."
Before Ginny left with the others, she gave Ron a quick hug and said "thanks."
When the others were out of earshot Hermione turned gave Ron a piercing look.
"How could you let Harry go out and practice when you KNEW he was going to be in serious trouble," Hermione scowled.
"It was a backup plan," said Ron shrugging.
"Backup plan?"
"Well yeah. Just in case you needed MORE proof that I wasn't making this stuff up."
"So you risked Harry's life just for that!" she scowled.
"I thought you understood what I was going through," said Ron in a calm manner.
"I DO! It's just that--"
"Well than you should know that Harry was never in REAL danger. Even if he had died he'll be up and around tomorrow anyway," said Ron collectively.
Hermione looked down at her feet.
"I guess you're right, I'm sorry" she said very quietly.
"No apology is necessary. I guess it IS a little weird to accept," he said.
Ron and Hermione walked in silence all the way back to Gryffindor tower. This was by far the best Ron had felt in a long time. Yes it was a bit unusual of him to remain composed but 'unusual' was always something Ron had welcomed for a change.
Ron and Hermione entered the empty Gryffindor common room and took a seat on the couch.
"I just can't accept it!" Hermione said all of a sudden in an angry huff.
"Accept what?"
"After all you've shown and said, a part of me just can't accept that there's never going to be a tomorrow...or a future," said Hermione.
"Well I guess you've just found another positive out of this mess."
"Which is?" she asked yawning.
"You won't have to go through it KNOWING that there's no tomorrow, only I will."
"Ron, I'm so sorry you have to carry this huge burden and go through it alone," said Hermione consolingly. She looked extremely drowsy as it was getting late.
"It's all right Hermione. There's nothing for you to apologize for, it's not your fault," said Ron.
"I know, it's just that I wish you didn't have to go through whatever it is that's doing this," said Hermione who was starting to cry.
"Don't cry Hermione, it's ok," said Ron placing an arm over her.
"About what you said earlier, you DO exist Ron, you exist to everyone who cares and thinks about you."
Ron smiled and said, "thanks."
A couple of minutes later Hermione was fast asleep in Ron's arms, leaving him all alone again. The only difference was that this time, Ron didn't feel so lost and lonely. Today was one of the most uplifting days he had encountered in a long, long time. Surprisingly, he felt that today had left him emotionally secure and no longer feeling the pain and burden of time.
"Thank you," Ron whispered to a sleeping Hermione. He brushed a strand of hair out of her face and whispered, "I know you won't remember this but I want you to know that spending time with you on this particular day has made all the difference in my life."
As Ron too started getting heavily drowsy, his last thought for the night were that of Hermione. He wasn't sure if he was feeling totally content, but he sure did have a whole new outlook on life.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30"
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Writer's Commentary: Whoa that was another long chapter served up by me. I hope it was a sufficient payoff for the ridiculously long wait I put you loyal readers through. This chapter to me is yet another turning point in Ron's little adventure through time. This chapter was also sort of a challenge for me to write and to put down onto paper. I have so many ideas swimming around in my head it's rather difficult to get it all down on paper and written properly. I went through about 3 re-writes because each time I finished, I found that I wasn't particularly happy with the style of my writing. I guess you can chalk it up to my incredible university workload or my girlfriend, who just can't keep her hands off of me.
More then likely there are some heavy duty grammatical errors in this chapter, I know this already so I don't really need reviews telling me I'm illiterate. I sent this story to my cousin to proofread but I don't think she even looked at it. She sent it back and I didn't notice very many changes. (if any were made)
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I look forward to receiving some reviews from you guys. Let me know that you still care.
I really appreciate all the great reviews from the last chapter. It's a wonderful feeling and it's all because of you guys.
Oh and by the way, on another note about all the reviews telling me to hurry up and update, well I hope to hear from each and every one of you guys reviewing after reading this chapter.
This chapter is dedicated to ALL of you reviewers who sent me threatening reviews telling me to hurry the Fu*k up. Thank you, that's awesome motivation!!!! keep it up.
Hopefully the next chapter won't take as long. I'm already 25% done.
Take Care