(A/N: I'm incredibly sorry to all! I've had graduation and then many
parties afterwards so I haven't had much time to update! My apologies! For
such a dramatic chapter I'll be honest, I was a little disappointed by the
number of reviews but I appreciate the people who did!!!!!!!! On a general
note, there were a few remarks about the water Draco mentioned at the end
of the last chapter. The water was supposed to be his tears, sorry if I
didn't portray that fact as well! This chapter was another tough one to
write. Emotions are high, very high, so just so you're all aware!!! And I
know I'm probably repeating myself but just as another note, PoA is even
better the third time!!!!!! Thanks again! Hugs, Haystack)
pyroprincess4rmeverwood: Don't worry about repeating yourself! I do it all the time! Lol... Sorry bout the update, I'll try to be better!
Orchid6297: I really liked your review, thanks! I agree; Ron is the kind of person who stuffs in all of their feelings and I think a lot of times this comes across as being un-human. Even the strongest of people need to cry, and those (like Ron) who stuff it all in, have emotional breakdowns. You'll definitely see some of that this next chapter! But I know, poor Hermione and Draco! Poor everyone! Waa...
regina-terrae: I understand your so-well-put "OH NO" But it'll be a chapter or two before it's all settled. Hope I explained the water in a way that answered your question. Thanks for reviewing!
dracoisahottie13: You are probably the one I feel most guilty to about not updating fast enough!!!! I'm very sorry! Very glad you liked the chapter, I dedicate this one to you!
Disclaimer: I really wanted to do something creative but since it's 1:21 a.m. I don't think we'll get to that tonight! So here it goes: I don't own Harry Potter.
...and so the story continues...
CHAPTER NINE: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS
A soft thud. Hermione quickly opened her eyes, lips still held captive by Ron, and wildly looked around for a sign of a savior. There! A ways off there was a foot. The person was on the floor and wasn't moving but to her despair, Hermione couldn't see who it was, their face still hidden behind the corner.
Filled with a renewed hope, Hermione gathered all her remaining strength and kicked Ron in the spot that most hurts males. He violently let go of her at the impact of her knee, and sank to his own knees, moaning in pain.
Hermione started to run... she was free! But Ron's moans stopped her. Ron was her best friend and it was obvious he needed help. What to do?
Sighing and silently cursing herself, Hermione turned around to the crippled looking form of her best friend. She kneeled beside him and gently rubbed his back.
"I'm sorry Ron. You wouldn't let go"
To Hermione's complete shock, he began to cry. Not just a few tears, but sobs that broke Hermione's heart. Up until last year Hermione had never seen him cry, but all of that changed when Luna and Harry died. But even after that, it was only a few times when things got too overwhelming.
"Ron?" She asked softly. No response came out of the seventeen year old except another set of sobs.
Worry now began to eat at Hermione. First he got drunk, and then he hit her, kissed her, and finally started crying. All the typical signs of an emotional breakdown but even for Ron this was rather much.
"Ron?" She tried again.
"I'm so sorry Hermione" Came his weak reply. He sounded so tired...so old.
She wouldn't pretend that she wasn't hurt. His words and his slap would probably never leave her memory. His abusive like behavior was something she surely wanted to forget but deep inside knew she would never be able to.
"You slapped me," Hermione whispered still in disbelief at the memory, tears springing to her eyes
"I know" Ron said looking at her with more sadness and regret in his eyes than Hermione had ever seen.
"You called me a...mudblood" She said voice cracking.
"I'm sorry"
"You said that you hated me, that you wished you'd never made friends with me!" Hermione said softly tears tumbling from her sad chocolate eyes "Do you mean that Ron? Is that how you really feel?"
"No Hermione! No!" Ron said, tears of his own definitely flowing down his face "You have to believe me! I didn't mean a word I said!"
"How can I be sure Ron? How can I know that you're not just saying that?" She said miserably.
"It's me Hermione! It's me, Ron!" He cried desperately
"Yes I know. But it was also Ron who called me a mudblood."
At this, Ron nodded his head as if in defeat and lay back onto the stone floor, sobs not ceasing.
If she was just anyone else, she would have kept running. If she was anyone else she would never have spoken to Ron again, would of told the world of his problem, and dissolved their friendship. Only Hermione, knowing Ron like she did, would ever take him back. Reminding herself that he had meant none of this, and that it was done under influence, she gave him a reassuring smile. "But it's alright Ron, I know you didn't mean any of it"
Ron sniffed and looked up at her "Really 'Mione, I can't believe I did all that. I just—I don't know what happened."
"You messed up Ron. You messed up going to fire whisky for your problems." She said sternly
"I know," He said miserably looking at the ground
"But you know as well as I do that I'm going to forgive you" Hermione said with a smile as Ron jerked his head up and looked up at her, eyes alight, face glowing.
"Really?"
"Of course. Just promise me that from now on you'll come to me, no matter what. And never EVER turn to that bloody liquor."
"I promise."
Hermione graced him with another of her bright smiles and the two hugged. "Thanks 'Mione"
Several hours and a few good logs burnt later, Hermione and Ron still sat, this time in front of the Gryffindor common room's fireplace, talking.
"But Ron, how were you able to sneak out of Hogwarts to get the whisky?"
Suddenly, Ron's relaxed posture became rigid, and he fidgeted with his hands, not meeting her eyes.
"I...um...I used Harry's invisibility cloak"
At first Hermione was angry. How could he just take something of Harry's like that? Why didn't he tell her? But watching Ron, desperate to look anywhere but at herself, she was filled with pity and understanding. "Oh" was all she said.
"That's it? You're not going to get all shirty with me? Not going to say how bloody terrible I am for using it?"
"No"
"Why not?"
"First off, you beat yourself up enough Ronald Weasley without me doing it, Second because I can understand how awkward that must have been for you and Third, it's you Ron. You're like a brother to me. I love you."
At this Ron's eyes grew wide and Hermione realized her mistake and what it was probably doing to him. "About that Ron..."
"No stop. I did like you up until last year 'Mione, I wasn't just drunk when I said that."
"Ron...you know I love Draco now"
"And I'm not going to pretend anymore. It hurt me something terrible when you suddenly fell in love with that prat." Ron continued as if he hadn't heard what she'd said
"I can't change that I feel that way, and I wouldn't want to. I love him Ron."
"But I saw how happy you were with him and I loved you that much, that I was willing to let you go." Ron said, still ignoring Hermione's comments
"Thank you"
"But Harry and Ginny got together, and everyone else started pairing off. And I was just left there, heartbroken and miserable."
"I'm sorry" Hermione said, water swelling in her eyes once again.
"Then we lost Luna and Harry, my best mate. I figured things couldn't get any lower than that. But then Neville and Ginny have been off together and you're with Draco, and even though I'm happy for you both, and have accepted it, it didn't make it much easier. And now ...that leaves me out there again, except this time alone."
"I'm so sorry Ron. Really I am" With this; Hermione scooted closer to Ron and placed her arms tentatively around him. He returned the hug. "Is there no girl you could like as more than a friend? You seemed real comfortable with Lavender"
"Lavender?" Ron asked surprised. Hermione nodded. "Well, she is beautiful...and nice enough" He said thinking "She witty, and funny, real social, a little too giddy sometimes but..."
"I'll bet it'd be easy to talk to her. You should give it a shot."
"Nah, she'd never like me"
"And why ever not Ronald Weasley?"
"Think about it, I'm a horrible student, a barely passable Quidditch player, and in case you haven't noticed, I'm not the richest."
"Ron don't you dare talk about yourself that way! You are a sweet, sensitive, loyal friend. I don't think Lavender's the type that cares about money, and you are just fine at Quidditch! But there, that's settled. Tomorrow you'll talk to her. Good Night." Hermione got up to leave
"Hermione!" Ron called after her
"What?" Hermione asked curiously
"Thanks"
"For what?" She asked, smile playing on her lips
"For everything. For still being my friend even when I act like a bloody arse!"
"Well if you'd think I go past a three headed dog, be petrified by a enormous serpent, rescue a convicted murderer, go to the department of mysteries, and fight in the greatest battle this world has ever seen, with just anyone, then you are highly mistaken." She teased, smiling. "G'night Ron."
"Goodnight Hermione."
(A/N: An emotional chapter huh? Sorry it doesn't seem very long! Now pretty please REVIEW!!!! Luv ya'll, Haystack)
pyroprincess4rmeverwood: Don't worry about repeating yourself! I do it all the time! Lol... Sorry bout the update, I'll try to be better!
Orchid6297: I really liked your review, thanks! I agree; Ron is the kind of person who stuffs in all of their feelings and I think a lot of times this comes across as being un-human. Even the strongest of people need to cry, and those (like Ron) who stuff it all in, have emotional breakdowns. You'll definitely see some of that this next chapter! But I know, poor Hermione and Draco! Poor everyone! Waa...
regina-terrae: I understand your so-well-put "OH NO" But it'll be a chapter or two before it's all settled. Hope I explained the water in a way that answered your question. Thanks for reviewing!
dracoisahottie13: You are probably the one I feel most guilty to about not updating fast enough!!!! I'm very sorry! Very glad you liked the chapter, I dedicate this one to you!
Disclaimer: I really wanted to do something creative but since it's 1:21 a.m. I don't think we'll get to that tonight! So here it goes: I don't own Harry Potter.
...and so the story continues...
CHAPTER NINE: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS
A soft thud. Hermione quickly opened her eyes, lips still held captive by Ron, and wildly looked around for a sign of a savior. There! A ways off there was a foot. The person was on the floor and wasn't moving but to her despair, Hermione couldn't see who it was, their face still hidden behind the corner.
Filled with a renewed hope, Hermione gathered all her remaining strength and kicked Ron in the spot that most hurts males. He violently let go of her at the impact of her knee, and sank to his own knees, moaning in pain.
Hermione started to run... she was free! But Ron's moans stopped her. Ron was her best friend and it was obvious he needed help. What to do?
Sighing and silently cursing herself, Hermione turned around to the crippled looking form of her best friend. She kneeled beside him and gently rubbed his back.
"I'm sorry Ron. You wouldn't let go"
To Hermione's complete shock, he began to cry. Not just a few tears, but sobs that broke Hermione's heart. Up until last year Hermione had never seen him cry, but all of that changed when Luna and Harry died. But even after that, it was only a few times when things got too overwhelming.
"Ron?" She asked softly. No response came out of the seventeen year old except another set of sobs.
Worry now began to eat at Hermione. First he got drunk, and then he hit her, kissed her, and finally started crying. All the typical signs of an emotional breakdown but even for Ron this was rather much.
"Ron?" She tried again.
"I'm so sorry Hermione" Came his weak reply. He sounded so tired...so old.
She wouldn't pretend that she wasn't hurt. His words and his slap would probably never leave her memory. His abusive like behavior was something she surely wanted to forget but deep inside knew she would never be able to.
"You slapped me," Hermione whispered still in disbelief at the memory, tears springing to her eyes
"I know" Ron said looking at her with more sadness and regret in his eyes than Hermione had ever seen.
"You called me a...mudblood" She said voice cracking.
"I'm sorry"
"You said that you hated me, that you wished you'd never made friends with me!" Hermione said softly tears tumbling from her sad chocolate eyes "Do you mean that Ron? Is that how you really feel?"
"No Hermione! No!" Ron said, tears of his own definitely flowing down his face "You have to believe me! I didn't mean a word I said!"
"How can I be sure Ron? How can I know that you're not just saying that?" She said miserably.
"It's me Hermione! It's me, Ron!" He cried desperately
"Yes I know. But it was also Ron who called me a mudblood."
At this, Ron nodded his head as if in defeat and lay back onto the stone floor, sobs not ceasing.
If she was just anyone else, she would have kept running. If she was anyone else she would never have spoken to Ron again, would of told the world of his problem, and dissolved their friendship. Only Hermione, knowing Ron like she did, would ever take him back. Reminding herself that he had meant none of this, and that it was done under influence, she gave him a reassuring smile. "But it's alright Ron, I know you didn't mean any of it"
Ron sniffed and looked up at her "Really 'Mione, I can't believe I did all that. I just—I don't know what happened."
"You messed up Ron. You messed up going to fire whisky for your problems." She said sternly
"I know," He said miserably looking at the ground
"But you know as well as I do that I'm going to forgive you" Hermione said with a smile as Ron jerked his head up and looked up at her, eyes alight, face glowing.
"Really?"
"Of course. Just promise me that from now on you'll come to me, no matter what. And never EVER turn to that bloody liquor."
"I promise."
Hermione graced him with another of her bright smiles and the two hugged. "Thanks 'Mione"
Several hours and a few good logs burnt later, Hermione and Ron still sat, this time in front of the Gryffindor common room's fireplace, talking.
"But Ron, how were you able to sneak out of Hogwarts to get the whisky?"
Suddenly, Ron's relaxed posture became rigid, and he fidgeted with his hands, not meeting her eyes.
"I...um...I used Harry's invisibility cloak"
At first Hermione was angry. How could he just take something of Harry's like that? Why didn't he tell her? But watching Ron, desperate to look anywhere but at herself, she was filled with pity and understanding. "Oh" was all she said.
"That's it? You're not going to get all shirty with me? Not going to say how bloody terrible I am for using it?"
"No"
"Why not?"
"First off, you beat yourself up enough Ronald Weasley without me doing it, Second because I can understand how awkward that must have been for you and Third, it's you Ron. You're like a brother to me. I love you."
At this Ron's eyes grew wide and Hermione realized her mistake and what it was probably doing to him. "About that Ron..."
"No stop. I did like you up until last year 'Mione, I wasn't just drunk when I said that."
"Ron...you know I love Draco now"
"And I'm not going to pretend anymore. It hurt me something terrible when you suddenly fell in love with that prat." Ron continued as if he hadn't heard what she'd said
"I can't change that I feel that way, and I wouldn't want to. I love him Ron."
"But I saw how happy you were with him and I loved you that much, that I was willing to let you go." Ron said, still ignoring Hermione's comments
"Thank you"
"But Harry and Ginny got together, and everyone else started pairing off. And I was just left there, heartbroken and miserable."
"I'm sorry" Hermione said, water swelling in her eyes once again.
"Then we lost Luna and Harry, my best mate. I figured things couldn't get any lower than that. But then Neville and Ginny have been off together and you're with Draco, and even though I'm happy for you both, and have accepted it, it didn't make it much easier. And now ...that leaves me out there again, except this time alone."
"I'm so sorry Ron. Really I am" With this; Hermione scooted closer to Ron and placed her arms tentatively around him. He returned the hug. "Is there no girl you could like as more than a friend? You seemed real comfortable with Lavender"
"Lavender?" Ron asked surprised. Hermione nodded. "Well, she is beautiful...and nice enough" He said thinking "She witty, and funny, real social, a little too giddy sometimes but..."
"I'll bet it'd be easy to talk to her. You should give it a shot."
"Nah, she'd never like me"
"And why ever not Ronald Weasley?"
"Think about it, I'm a horrible student, a barely passable Quidditch player, and in case you haven't noticed, I'm not the richest."
"Ron don't you dare talk about yourself that way! You are a sweet, sensitive, loyal friend. I don't think Lavender's the type that cares about money, and you are just fine at Quidditch! But there, that's settled. Tomorrow you'll talk to her. Good Night." Hermione got up to leave
"Hermione!" Ron called after her
"What?" Hermione asked curiously
"Thanks"
"For what?" She asked, smile playing on her lips
"For everything. For still being my friend even when I act like a bloody arse!"
"Well if you'd think I go past a three headed dog, be petrified by a enormous serpent, rescue a convicted murderer, go to the department of mysteries, and fight in the greatest battle this world has ever seen, with just anyone, then you are highly mistaken." She teased, smiling. "G'night Ron."
"Goodnight Hermione."
(A/N: An emotional chapter huh? Sorry it doesn't seem very long! Now pretty please REVIEW!!!! Luv ya'll, Haystack)