A/N: Well, here we go.. The confession..
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, none of the characters in this story belong to me. I am making no profit from this story. All Harry Potter characters belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers, and Scholastic.
~*~
The next morning dawned clear and bright, much too beautiful to only be a Friday. Hermione stretched and turned over - and fell to the floor. She gasped in shock as she lay on her stomach on the Common Room floor. She assumed she had fallen asleep on the couch and had just stayed there all night. Her cheeks glowed red suddenly at the thought of anyone seeing her there - it was still early -maybe not -
"Oh, well -finally awake are we?" Ron laughed.
Hermione raised her head a bit to look at him, then she straightened herself to a sitting position, saying calmly, "Yes -I'm awake - why are you up so early?" While thinking to herself, why did it have to be him here -why?
Ron looked at her with a bit of concern on his face, "Early? Umm Hermione, breakfast is just about over. We've got class in five minutes-"
"WHAT! Why - why didn't anyone think to wake me!"
Ron shrugged, "I don't know."
Hermione scrambled to her feet and dashed towards the girls' dormitories - she would never be ready in five minutes. She had to change; she couldn't go in yesterday's robes.
"Where are you going?" she heard Ron yell.
"I've got to change, " She yelled back as she turned the corner to the sixth year's dorm, " but you go on - you don't want to be late too!"
"I've already waited this long!" He said, from somewhere near the bottom of the stairs.
Hermione came flying down a second later, almost crashing into him, but he jumped out of the way and narrowly avoided getting smacked by her large and heavy bookbag as well.
"Sorry!" she said, as he jogged to catch up to her, leaping through the portrait hole behind her, "Why did you wait anyway? You made yourself miss breakfast." She said calmly, as they were walking together now, side by side.
"Well, number one, I didn't miss breakfast, I just didn't hang around. I came back up to see if you were awake -which you weren't. I also grabbed you some toast and the Daily Prophet, don't worry I paid the ruddy owl," he said when she opened her mouth, "and besides," he continued, " I wanted to make sure you woke up. Nobody else was paying a bit of attention to you, and," he smiled, "you were so sound asleep I was a bit afraid you wouldn't wake up at all today." He took a breath, "That was a lot to say at once."
She laughed and took the paper and toast from him, "Thank you so much Ron. You didn't have to do this."
"I know -it wasn't a big deal. Ah," he said as they stopped in front of the Charms classroom, "ready for another day of knowledge and torture."
Hermione let him lead the way in as she swallowed the last of her toast. Just as she sat down the bell rang; Ron then leaned over and whispered, "You're safe and all thanks to me. You owe me one."
Hermione said nothing, but opened up her notebook and started coping down what was on the board. The truth was she didn't know what to say. What he had done this morning had been wonderful and thoughtful - and so unorthodox for him. She was confused as to why he had done it, but she was thrilled all the same. It showed promise, and somehow she felt as if it would make her confession later today a bit easier. At the thought of the said confession Hermione began to feel nervous. She tried to fight back the butterflies in her stomach so she could concentrate, but to no avail.
And that's how it went for the rest of the day. Hermione had trouble concentrating in every class, not just Charms. She was quiet all through lunch, and she didn't even go to dinner. She sought refuge in the library, so she could organize what she would say to Ron. It had to be simple, though that he would understand exactly what she meant, and not too sentimental either - she didn't want to scare him off.
Damn heart, she thought, why did you go and get yourself stuck on someone!
She checked the library clock, 6:30 that meant they had three hours before curfew - it was still light outside and the weather was nice for a walk. She stood up and thought, " Well, it's now or never."
She re-entered the Common Room to find only Ron, Harry and Ginny there, and let out a sigh of relief. Ginny knew what she was up to, and she would help find a way to keep Harry occupied.
"Hi guys." She said as she made her way over to their table, and set down the books she had with her.
"Why weren't you at dinner?" Ron asked in a rough tone, as Harry rolled his eyes. He really didn't want to see another row.
"Oh- I had some homework I needed to get done and the library seemed like a better choice to do it tonight. Besides - I had a big lunch, and a late breakfast." She said smiling at him.
Ron couldn't help smiling back, "Oh, all right then."
Harry's mouth dropped open in shock, "That was - oh my God -Ginny, Ginny - did you see that?"
"I did," she said giggling a bit.
"So," Hermione ventured, " Anybody want to go for a walk? It's such a nice evening - I can't bear being inside - please?" She looked quickly and pointedly at Ginny, who thankfully caught on by saying, "Oh, I'd love to - but I can't. I've got an Astronomy test tomorrow -Harry, will you help me study?"
"But I'm horrible at Astronomy!"
"You got an exceeds expectations on your O.W.L. didn't you?"
"Well yeah."
"Then help me. Please, please - I might have to jinx you if you don't and may I remind you that I cast some of the best jinxes in the entire D.A."
"She's right Harry." Ron said, "you'd better help her."
"Fine .sorry Hermione guess I'm out too." Harry said a bit apologetically.
"Well Ron that leaves you." Hermione said.
He didn't look up; "I really don't -"
"Oh Ron just go for heaven sakes! What kind of friend are you if you let her walk alone! Really!" Ginny cried.
Ron looked up shocked, "All right Gin, if it's such a big deal, I'll go. Though I don't know why Hermione would fancy having me along."
"Nonsense Ron." Hermione said, as Ginny burst out laughing.
"What?" Ron roared at her.
"Oh nothing.go on."
As she and Ron crossed the portrait hole, Hermione distinctly heard Harry say, "You know something don't you?" But then it swung shut and she could hear no more.
It really was a lovely evening. She and Ron took the path that wove down towards the lake, then out to the Qudditch grounds. They were silent for some minutes, mutely walking side by side, their stride about the same.
"Nice night." Ron commented.
"It is," Hermione said, " I love April - it's never that hot, but you know that summer's on the way."
"Yeah -it is almost summer -thank god! No more lessons!" Ron said enthusiastically, but then he lapsed into silence again. The silence continued for some minutes. Then suddenly, they both turned to each other and said simultaneously, "There's something I need to tell you."
They both laughed and then Ron said, "You first."
"No you."
"Hermione -you."
"Ron, you go .I insist."
"Fine," he took a deep breath, "Ok, what I'm about to tell you has been bothering me for a while now - and I just have to say it. You and I -we're good friends right?"
"Right." Hermione said, hope filling her heart.
"And we -we look out for each other right?"
"Right."
"And we -well, we -we care about each other right?"
"Right." Hermione said. She couldn't believe it, was this actually happening? Was he going to confess what she was going to confess? She felt a bit dizzy all of a sudden.
"Ok then," He took another breath, "then you agree with me. So, since I'm your friend, and since I care about you, and I look out for you - I -well Hermione if anything happens then - then - yoshoungoanfig."
"I'm sorry what?"
"I said, if anything happens -I don't want you fighting at all."
Hermione felt as if the sky was crumbling around her. This was not what she had been expecting at all. Where had this come from? And where did he get off thinking he could tell her not to fight, "WHAT?" was all she said however.
Ron recoiled a bit, "Well -it's just - I don't want to see you get hurt."
Hermione was mad -how could he say that to her. She had just as much right to fight as he did. More so she thought, because of her background. The D.A. had been her idea for crying out loud! He had told her it was great! He had never said anything like this before - why now?
"How can you say that? I can't believe you would say that! That - that hurts. What - you think I'm incapable of handling myself in battle? Let me remind that the D.A. was my idea -MINE."
Ron let out a loud sigh, almost like a roar, of frustration, "I KNOW! I know it was your idea! And - you're right. I'm sorry I shouldn't said it. I had no right to. It'd just ---I promised your father and -"
"My father?" Hermione asked, all traces of anger gone from her voice, "What - what does he have to do with this?"
"Ah - well, he made me promise -"
Hermione cut him off again, "Promise what? WHEN?"
"Right before I got on the Hogwarts Express."
Hermione was quiet for moment, "Wait, so that's why you were so late getting on? You said the latch on your suitcase broke."
"I lied." He said simply.
Hermione looked up at him, her eyes begging him for an explanation. Ron was mildly surprised at how different she looked when she was confused. The look she had on her face right now wasn't a look she often wore; thus he decided right then that he liked it. Still, he knew he owed her an explanation so he walked over to the nearest tree and flung himself up on the grass underneath it. She came and sat down beside him, calmly waiting for him to continue.
"Well," he ran a hand through his hair, " you had all ready gotten on the train, and I was right behind you, but then your father held me back. He put a hand on my arm - that was enough to stop me - and looked me dead in the eyes. He said, very seriously too, and I quote, 'Ron, take care of her for me.' Now - I had to promise him, I mean, come on Hermione! And I don't break my promises, no matter what they are- and this one is no exception. So what I asked you earlier - I just figured it was what your father had meant for me to do all along. Don't you think?"
Hermione sat for a long time, contemplating Ron's question. She stared out at the lake, seeming to be deep in thought, to the point where Ron thought she wasn't going to answer him. Then, slowly she began to speak, "No Ron. I don't think that was what my father had in mind - my not fighting I mean. I want to fight, as I know you do, and we will. We have to, for our sake and the world's. However," she turned to look at him, "I think what you've done all ready was what my father had in mind all along."
"What do you mean?" Now it was Ron's turn to look confused.
"Ron, look at all you did for me this morning! If that wasn't taking care of me I don't know what is!"
Ron looked genuinely shocked, "I didn't even think about that! I just figured that was the kind of thing a friend should do. It's all Mum's fault. she insisted that we were raised with manners, integrity, kindness, you know all that stuff." "Well aren't you lucky .those are some of the best qualities a person can have. You should thank Molly."
"Yeah.maybe I should. So umm, are you made at me?"
She laughed, "No, I know you were only trying to do the right thing. But Ron, I will fight I want you to know that."
He sighed, " I know, if it comes down to that I know you will. I will to -one thing you can be sure of though, you won't go out there without me."
"Wouldn't dream of it." Hermione said settling against the tree.
"So," Ron ventured, "wasn't there something you wanted to tell me?"
"Oh -that." Hermione faltered. It just didn't seem right any more -telling him what was in her heart. This wasn't the right moment. Perhaps this had never been it, yet she knew that she couldn't tell him now, she just knew it wouldn't be a good idea, " it wasn't that important -really."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, it was no big deal, another time maybe?" she said trying to keep her voice aloof.
"Ok then." Ron wasn't going to push it tonight. He felt that they had just had some sort of breakthrough or had reached a new level or something. It was a nice feeling and frankly he didn't want it spoiled by words even if they were hers. So, they watched the sun set in silence and as it sunk below the horizon Hermione shivered slightly next to him. Ron glanced over and realized she hadn't brought a cloak with her and unfortunately, neither had he. He couldn't let her sit there and freeze though - there had to be something he could do. He thought quickly and decided that maybe sitting closer to her would help. But first -
"Cold?" he asked her, as she shivered again.
"Yes, why don't we just go inside?"
Ron didn't want to do that, not yet so he said, "No - come on! Here." He slid closer to her, "Better?"
"N-not really." She said, trying to be nice about it.
Ron suddenly remembered something. When he was younger he had always watched his parents from the kitchen as they sat outside talking and he had always noticed that his father kept his arm around his mother's shoulders, and she never ever seemed to be the least bit cold. Maybe that would work. Silently he slipped his arm around her and placed his hand gently on her shoulder, like he had seen his father do countless times, he waited for her to shrug him off or pull away and when she didn't he asked, "How's that?"
She smiled, "Better." And surprisingly she moved even closer to him, shifting slightly into a more comfortable position. Ron was shocked - this was new to him. He was fairly certain he had never sat this close to her before, and now he couldn't think of a reason as to why he hadn't. It was nice actually . he felt . happy being with her like this.
Hermione smiled to herself, this was certainly new. Ron hadn't ever tried this before, but she wouldn't have minded if he had that much was certain. She really was much warmer now .and she felt - well happy wasn't the word - safe - sitting here like this with him. She would have loved to put her head down onto his shoulder - it was right there just inches from her cheek - finally Hermione decided to just do it - and if he shrugged her off then that would be the end of it. No words would have even needed to be said.
As her cheek dropped softly on to his shoulder, Ron looked quickly at her in shock but said nothing. What was there to say anyway?
"You don't mind do you?" she asked, "It's more comfortable this way." Her tone was a bit sheepish and apologetic all at once and Ron couldn't say no to it. The minutes passed quickly in a comfortable silence that neither had the heart to break. Hermione had been thinking over everything Ron had told her and suddenly a question rose in her mind, "Ron? Why did you say earlier that you didn't want me to fight, when you were actually acting on my dad's behalf? How come you didn't just say 'Your dad' or something."
"That would've sounded weird first of all, and second I made it come from me because if you got mad I would rather you be mad at me than your father. I know what being mad at a family member is like -" Ron's voice took on a bitter tone, "and it's something I wanted you to be able to avoid."
Hermione raised her head up and bit her lip. How stupid could she have been! His action had been so obvious! Percy leaving the family was tearing him and the other Weasley's apart, Molly most of all. It was a horrible thing and her heart went out to Ron for his wanting to spare her that particular pain. She felt as if she had to say something, " I'm so sorry about Percy, Ron."
That was all she could manage; yet it didn't seem to be enough - suddenly acting purely with her heart she took his hand and squeezed it gently as if to reassure him that she wasn't going anywhere. He glanced down at their hands for a brief second then he looked up into her face, and holding her gaze he laced his fingers through hers and squeezed gently back, "I know you're sorry.. I am too." He said quietly, "It's just - he had so much potential! Percy was so smart and such a hard worker he could have been great you know?"
Hermione nodded.
"Then -oh then he - he got blinded by his own ambition! He was so intent on bettering himself that he took the words of his employers by heart and believed them. If it hadn't been for Fudge he would still be here Hermione.I would still have my brother, not this mean, rude person who hates the people I love most."
"I know." She said as soothingly as she could, "I know."
"It just.. Hermione I really hate him. I'm serious -do you see what he's doing to my Mum? It's not right I swear that if he wasn't my brother, I'd probably kill him."
Hermione didn't say anything, in actuality she wasn't all that surprised. It did sound like a thing Ron would say, say mind you, not do. She sighed a bit; everything was getting so heavy these days. They were so involved with the doings of this world that at times, she felt like the weight would crush her. It was nights like this, talks like this that eased the burden. She began to stand up, and Ron followed suit still holding tightly to her hand.
"It's getting late, we don't want to miss curfew," she said.
"Wait, Hermione." Ron said suddenly. He pulled on her hand and swung her towards him, catching the other hand in the process. They were so close that Hermione could see the sparse flecks of gray in Ron's eyes, "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for everything that happened tonight. Everything I said - everything we said - the depressing things and all that. But I also wanted to say that I'm not sorry that it happened, I think it was good to talk all this out - thanks is what I mean really. Thanks."
She smiled up at him, "No, thank you - you got me to talk and you made me angry too-"
"As if that's new." He said laughing.
"AND," she continued, "you made me think and you showed me that you'll be there if the fighting comes. You know I've been so scared Ron, about all this. I felt - alone, that's why I kept isolating myself in the first place. I thought then maybe I would really be alone and I wouldn't have to worry about anyone else. But see, you showed me tonight that I can't do that any longer. So I should thank you for everything. For looking out for me and taking care of me and just - well, just being you. Thanks."
"Wow." Ron said, "I think that was the most praise I've ever gotten from one person, especially you. Why didn't you tell me you were going to say something like that? I would've recorded it! That was a historic moment right there! But seriously," he added when her laughing had subsided, "Thanks."
And with that the two walked back into the castle still hand in hand. They were so caught up in the present night and all that had happened that they failed to notice the fact that danger was looming perilously near - nearer than anyone could have ever imagined.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, none of the characters in this story belong to me. I am making no profit from this story. All Harry Potter characters belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers, and Scholastic.
~*~
The next morning dawned clear and bright, much too beautiful to only be a Friday. Hermione stretched and turned over - and fell to the floor. She gasped in shock as she lay on her stomach on the Common Room floor. She assumed she had fallen asleep on the couch and had just stayed there all night. Her cheeks glowed red suddenly at the thought of anyone seeing her there - it was still early -maybe not -
"Oh, well -finally awake are we?" Ron laughed.
Hermione raised her head a bit to look at him, then she straightened herself to a sitting position, saying calmly, "Yes -I'm awake - why are you up so early?" While thinking to herself, why did it have to be him here -why?
Ron looked at her with a bit of concern on his face, "Early? Umm Hermione, breakfast is just about over. We've got class in five minutes-"
"WHAT! Why - why didn't anyone think to wake me!"
Ron shrugged, "I don't know."
Hermione scrambled to her feet and dashed towards the girls' dormitories - she would never be ready in five minutes. She had to change; she couldn't go in yesterday's robes.
"Where are you going?" she heard Ron yell.
"I've got to change, " She yelled back as she turned the corner to the sixth year's dorm, " but you go on - you don't want to be late too!"
"I've already waited this long!" He said, from somewhere near the bottom of the stairs.
Hermione came flying down a second later, almost crashing into him, but he jumped out of the way and narrowly avoided getting smacked by her large and heavy bookbag as well.
"Sorry!" she said, as he jogged to catch up to her, leaping through the portrait hole behind her, "Why did you wait anyway? You made yourself miss breakfast." She said calmly, as they were walking together now, side by side.
"Well, number one, I didn't miss breakfast, I just didn't hang around. I came back up to see if you were awake -which you weren't. I also grabbed you some toast and the Daily Prophet, don't worry I paid the ruddy owl," he said when she opened her mouth, "and besides," he continued, " I wanted to make sure you woke up. Nobody else was paying a bit of attention to you, and," he smiled, "you were so sound asleep I was a bit afraid you wouldn't wake up at all today." He took a breath, "That was a lot to say at once."
She laughed and took the paper and toast from him, "Thank you so much Ron. You didn't have to do this."
"I know -it wasn't a big deal. Ah," he said as they stopped in front of the Charms classroom, "ready for another day of knowledge and torture."
Hermione let him lead the way in as she swallowed the last of her toast. Just as she sat down the bell rang; Ron then leaned over and whispered, "You're safe and all thanks to me. You owe me one."
Hermione said nothing, but opened up her notebook and started coping down what was on the board. The truth was she didn't know what to say. What he had done this morning had been wonderful and thoughtful - and so unorthodox for him. She was confused as to why he had done it, but she was thrilled all the same. It showed promise, and somehow she felt as if it would make her confession later today a bit easier. At the thought of the said confession Hermione began to feel nervous. She tried to fight back the butterflies in her stomach so she could concentrate, but to no avail.
And that's how it went for the rest of the day. Hermione had trouble concentrating in every class, not just Charms. She was quiet all through lunch, and she didn't even go to dinner. She sought refuge in the library, so she could organize what she would say to Ron. It had to be simple, though that he would understand exactly what she meant, and not too sentimental either - she didn't want to scare him off.
Damn heart, she thought, why did you go and get yourself stuck on someone!
She checked the library clock, 6:30 that meant they had three hours before curfew - it was still light outside and the weather was nice for a walk. She stood up and thought, " Well, it's now or never."
She re-entered the Common Room to find only Ron, Harry and Ginny there, and let out a sigh of relief. Ginny knew what she was up to, and she would help find a way to keep Harry occupied.
"Hi guys." She said as she made her way over to their table, and set down the books she had with her.
"Why weren't you at dinner?" Ron asked in a rough tone, as Harry rolled his eyes. He really didn't want to see another row.
"Oh- I had some homework I needed to get done and the library seemed like a better choice to do it tonight. Besides - I had a big lunch, and a late breakfast." She said smiling at him.
Ron couldn't help smiling back, "Oh, all right then."
Harry's mouth dropped open in shock, "That was - oh my God -Ginny, Ginny - did you see that?"
"I did," she said giggling a bit.
"So," Hermione ventured, " Anybody want to go for a walk? It's such a nice evening - I can't bear being inside - please?" She looked quickly and pointedly at Ginny, who thankfully caught on by saying, "Oh, I'd love to - but I can't. I've got an Astronomy test tomorrow -Harry, will you help me study?"
"But I'm horrible at Astronomy!"
"You got an exceeds expectations on your O.W.L. didn't you?"
"Well yeah."
"Then help me. Please, please - I might have to jinx you if you don't and may I remind you that I cast some of the best jinxes in the entire D.A."
"She's right Harry." Ron said, "you'd better help her."
"Fine .sorry Hermione guess I'm out too." Harry said a bit apologetically.
"Well Ron that leaves you." Hermione said.
He didn't look up; "I really don't -"
"Oh Ron just go for heaven sakes! What kind of friend are you if you let her walk alone! Really!" Ginny cried.
Ron looked up shocked, "All right Gin, if it's such a big deal, I'll go. Though I don't know why Hermione would fancy having me along."
"Nonsense Ron." Hermione said, as Ginny burst out laughing.
"What?" Ron roared at her.
"Oh nothing.go on."
As she and Ron crossed the portrait hole, Hermione distinctly heard Harry say, "You know something don't you?" But then it swung shut and she could hear no more.
It really was a lovely evening. She and Ron took the path that wove down towards the lake, then out to the Qudditch grounds. They were silent for some minutes, mutely walking side by side, their stride about the same.
"Nice night." Ron commented.
"It is," Hermione said, " I love April - it's never that hot, but you know that summer's on the way."
"Yeah -it is almost summer -thank god! No more lessons!" Ron said enthusiastically, but then he lapsed into silence again. The silence continued for some minutes. Then suddenly, they both turned to each other and said simultaneously, "There's something I need to tell you."
They both laughed and then Ron said, "You first."
"No you."
"Hermione -you."
"Ron, you go .I insist."
"Fine," he took a deep breath, "Ok, what I'm about to tell you has been bothering me for a while now - and I just have to say it. You and I -we're good friends right?"
"Right." Hermione said, hope filling her heart.
"And we -we look out for each other right?"
"Right."
"And we -well, we -we care about each other right?"
"Right." Hermione said. She couldn't believe it, was this actually happening? Was he going to confess what she was going to confess? She felt a bit dizzy all of a sudden.
"Ok then," He took another breath, "then you agree with me. So, since I'm your friend, and since I care about you, and I look out for you - I -well Hermione if anything happens then - then - yoshoungoanfig."
"I'm sorry what?"
"I said, if anything happens -I don't want you fighting at all."
Hermione felt as if the sky was crumbling around her. This was not what she had been expecting at all. Where had this come from? And where did he get off thinking he could tell her not to fight, "WHAT?" was all she said however.
Ron recoiled a bit, "Well -it's just - I don't want to see you get hurt."
Hermione was mad -how could he say that to her. She had just as much right to fight as he did. More so she thought, because of her background. The D.A. had been her idea for crying out loud! He had told her it was great! He had never said anything like this before - why now?
"How can you say that? I can't believe you would say that! That - that hurts. What - you think I'm incapable of handling myself in battle? Let me remind that the D.A. was my idea -MINE."
Ron let out a loud sigh, almost like a roar, of frustration, "I KNOW! I know it was your idea! And - you're right. I'm sorry I shouldn't said it. I had no right to. It'd just ---I promised your father and -"
"My father?" Hermione asked, all traces of anger gone from her voice, "What - what does he have to do with this?"
"Ah - well, he made me promise -"
Hermione cut him off again, "Promise what? WHEN?"
"Right before I got on the Hogwarts Express."
Hermione was quiet for moment, "Wait, so that's why you were so late getting on? You said the latch on your suitcase broke."
"I lied." He said simply.
Hermione looked up at him, her eyes begging him for an explanation. Ron was mildly surprised at how different she looked when she was confused. The look she had on her face right now wasn't a look she often wore; thus he decided right then that he liked it. Still, he knew he owed her an explanation so he walked over to the nearest tree and flung himself up on the grass underneath it. She came and sat down beside him, calmly waiting for him to continue.
"Well," he ran a hand through his hair, " you had all ready gotten on the train, and I was right behind you, but then your father held me back. He put a hand on my arm - that was enough to stop me - and looked me dead in the eyes. He said, very seriously too, and I quote, 'Ron, take care of her for me.' Now - I had to promise him, I mean, come on Hermione! And I don't break my promises, no matter what they are- and this one is no exception. So what I asked you earlier - I just figured it was what your father had meant for me to do all along. Don't you think?"
Hermione sat for a long time, contemplating Ron's question. She stared out at the lake, seeming to be deep in thought, to the point where Ron thought she wasn't going to answer him. Then, slowly she began to speak, "No Ron. I don't think that was what my father had in mind - my not fighting I mean. I want to fight, as I know you do, and we will. We have to, for our sake and the world's. However," she turned to look at him, "I think what you've done all ready was what my father had in mind all along."
"What do you mean?" Now it was Ron's turn to look confused.
"Ron, look at all you did for me this morning! If that wasn't taking care of me I don't know what is!"
Ron looked genuinely shocked, "I didn't even think about that! I just figured that was the kind of thing a friend should do. It's all Mum's fault. she insisted that we were raised with manners, integrity, kindness, you know all that stuff." "Well aren't you lucky .those are some of the best qualities a person can have. You should thank Molly."
"Yeah.maybe I should. So umm, are you made at me?"
She laughed, "No, I know you were only trying to do the right thing. But Ron, I will fight I want you to know that."
He sighed, " I know, if it comes down to that I know you will. I will to -one thing you can be sure of though, you won't go out there without me."
"Wouldn't dream of it." Hermione said settling against the tree.
"So," Ron ventured, "wasn't there something you wanted to tell me?"
"Oh -that." Hermione faltered. It just didn't seem right any more -telling him what was in her heart. This wasn't the right moment. Perhaps this had never been it, yet she knew that she couldn't tell him now, she just knew it wouldn't be a good idea, " it wasn't that important -really."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, it was no big deal, another time maybe?" she said trying to keep her voice aloof.
"Ok then." Ron wasn't going to push it tonight. He felt that they had just had some sort of breakthrough or had reached a new level or something. It was a nice feeling and frankly he didn't want it spoiled by words even if they were hers. So, they watched the sun set in silence and as it sunk below the horizon Hermione shivered slightly next to him. Ron glanced over and realized she hadn't brought a cloak with her and unfortunately, neither had he. He couldn't let her sit there and freeze though - there had to be something he could do. He thought quickly and decided that maybe sitting closer to her would help. But first -
"Cold?" he asked her, as she shivered again.
"Yes, why don't we just go inside?"
Ron didn't want to do that, not yet so he said, "No - come on! Here." He slid closer to her, "Better?"
"N-not really." She said, trying to be nice about it.
Ron suddenly remembered something. When he was younger he had always watched his parents from the kitchen as they sat outside talking and he had always noticed that his father kept his arm around his mother's shoulders, and she never ever seemed to be the least bit cold. Maybe that would work. Silently he slipped his arm around her and placed his hand gently on her shoulder, like he had seen his father do countless times, he waited for her to shrug him off or pull away and when she didn't he asked, "How's that?"
She smiled, "Better." And surprisingly she moved even closer to him, shifting slightly into a more comfortable position. Ron was shocked - this was new to him. He was fairly certain he had never sat this close to her before, and now he couldn't think of a reason as to why he hadn't. It was nice actually . he felt . happy being with her like this.
Hermione smiled to herself, this was certainly new. Ron hadn't ever tried this before, but she wouldn't have minded if he had that much was certain. She really was much warmer now .and she felt - well happy wasn't the word - safe - sitting here like this with him. She would have loved to put her head down onto his shoulder - it was right there just inches from her cheek - finally Hermione decided to just do it - and if he shrugged her off then that would be the end of it. No words would have even needed to be said.
As her cheek dropped softly on to his shoulder, Ron looked quickly at her in shock but said nothing. What was there to say anyway?
"You don't mind do you?" she asked, "It's more comfortable this way." Her tone was a bit sheepish and apologetic all at once and Ron couldn't say no to it. The minutes passed quickly in a comfortable silence that neither had the heart to break. Hermione had been thinking over everything Ron had told her and suddenly a question rose in her mind, "Ron? Why did you say earlier that you didn't want me to fight, when you were actually acting on my dad's behalf? How come you didn't just say 'Your dad' or something."
"That would've sounded weird first of all, and second I made it come from me because if you got mad I would rather you be mad at me than your father. I know what being mad at a family member is like -" Ron's voice took on a bitter tone, "and it's something I wanted you to be able to avoid."
Hermione raised her head up and bit her lip. How stupid could she have been! His action had been so obvious! Percy leaving the family was tearing him and the other Weasley's apart, Molly most of all. It was a horrible thing and her heart went out to Ron for his wanting to spare her that particular pain. She felt as if she had to say something, " I'm so sorry about Percy, Ron."
That was all she could manage; yet it didn't seem to be enough - suddenly acting purely with her heart she took his hand and squeezed it gently as if to reassure him that she wasn't going anywhere. He glanced down at their hands for a brief second then he looked up into her face, and holding her gaze he laced his fingers through hers and squeezed gently back, "I know you're sorry.. I am too." He said quietly, "It's just - he had so much potential! Percy was so smart and such a hard worker he could have been great you know?"
Hermione nodded.
"Then -oh then he - he got blinded by his own ambition! He was so intent on bettering himself that he took the words of his employers by heart and believed them. If it hadn't been for Fudge he would still be here Hermione.I would still have my brother, not this mean, rude person who hates the people I love most."
"I know." She said as soothingly as she could, "I know."
"It just.. Hermione I really hate him. I'm serious -do you see what he's doing to my Mum? It's not right I swear that if he wasn't my brother, I'd probably kill him."
Hermione didn't say anything, in actuality she wasn't all that surprised. It did sound like a thing Ron would say, say mind you, not do. She sighed a bit; everything was getting so heavy these days. They were so involved with the doings of this world that at times, she felt like the weight would crush her. It was nights like this, talks like this that eased the burden. She began to stand up, and Ron followed suit still holding tightly to her hand.
"It's getting late, we don't want to miss curfew," she said.
"Wait, Hermione." Ron said suddenly. He pulled on her hand and swung her towards him, catching the other hand in the process. They were so close that Hermione could see the sparse flecks of gray in Ron's eyes, "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for everything that happened tonight. Everything I said - everything we said - the depressing things and all that. But I also wanted to say that I'm not sorry that it happened, I think it was good to talk all this out - thanks is what I mean really. Thanks."
She smiled up at him, "No, thank you - you got me to talk and you made me angry too-"
"As if that's new." He said laughing.
"AND," she continued, "you made me think and you showed me that you'll be there if the fighting comes. You know I've been so scared Ron, about all this. I felt - alone, that's why I kept isolating myself in the first place. I thought then maybe I would really be alone and I wouldn't have to worry about anyone else. But see, you showed me tonight that I can't do that any longer. So I should thank you for everything. For looking out for me and taking care of me and just - well, just being you. Thanks."
"Wow." Ron said, "I think that was the most praise I've ever gotten from one person, especially you. Why didn't you tell me you were going to say something like that? I would've recorded it! That was a historic moment right there! But seriously," he added when her laughing had subsided, "Thanks."
And with that the two walked back into the castle still hand in hand. They were so caught up in the present night and all that had happened that they failed to notice the fact that danger was looming perilously near - nearer than anyone could have ever imagined.