Ron awoke to the sound of rustling by his bed. He could tell with his eyes closed that the sun was slowly disappearing from the horizon. He figured he would continue to sleep but there was some muffled sound coming from the opposite side of the room. Someone was grunting, throwing, items into a hollow space. Ron willed his eyes open and watched Harry toss his things into his trunk. Ron sat up and, Harry continued what he was doing paying Ron no mind.
"Harry, what are you doing?" Harry turned his back to Ron and continued packing. "Harry-"
"I'm leaving." Harry answered; his voice was low and raspy.
"Why?" Ron stood up so that his was behind Harry. Harry stood straight and looked out the window. "You don't have to leave."
Ron had witnessed the changes in Harry and accepted them. He understood that Harry didn't have the greatest life and Ron gave him space, however, Ron knew that too much space wouldn't be a good thing. Harry needed support. He would never ask for it or hint for it but, whether or not he did Ron was there. He was confused now, he didn't know if he should step in or step out.
"Yeah, I do." Harry said. "Overstayed my welcome, haven't I." He turned and faced Ron, the anger in his voice caused Ron to step back and look away.
"Look, I'm… I was wrong. Ok? I know I-I am sorry, really mate, sorry. And- And embarrassed."
"No, you're not."
"Do have a reason not to be?"
"Yes, you do!"
"And that would be?"
"Ginny, Hermione and your parents! Everyone who matters Ron, all the reasons in the world for you."
Ron stood there thunderstruck, he was absolutely right. Everyone was against him in this. Everyone…. Everyone. But, Ron knew this equation wasn't correct. His gut was telling him what was really happening as much as his heart told him not to, Ron shook his head.
"There is something I don't trust."
Harry closed his trunk and sat on it facing Ron. "Are you serious?"
Ron nodded. "Yeah. Something's not right."
"Or someone." Harry whispered. Then it hit Ron.
"Would she lie to me?"
Harry shrugged. "Would she?"
Hermione opened her eyes slowly, made sure Ginny was sound asleep and sat up quickly. She shuffled into her slippers and quickly walked out the room closing the door behind her. As she did, the window slid ajar, admitting a ghastly stranger.
