Note: NO, I'M NOT DEAD!

Soooooooooooo sorry this took soooooooooooooo long to put up. Schoolwork and other things had made me soooooooooooooooooo late in putting this up. My sincerest apologies to all the readers. I'll have to admit this is pretty short, but I'm working on it. Hoping for you kind consideration and your comforting reviews, lys-chan

Part 2.b— Harry's POV

It was foggy outside today…so cold & quiet.

Just like what I am feeling inside my heart.

Ron's dead. I've accepted that fact, but it's so hard to recover from the pain that had hit me not so long ago. Damn it, he's my best friend! My very important and ever first best friend—ever! And he was only seventeen!

I walked down the hallway to Charms class alone, which was unusual. I would usually be found with Hermione or Dean or other friends. But I think that, much like me, they want to be alone. To recover from the pain because of Ron's death—that was the reason, especially for Hermione, who can't seem to recover from her heartache.

Hermione…

How are you feeling now?

I couldn't bring out courage to ask. Maybe it's because if I do, she'll break down again. All that anguish, suffering…it was too much for me to see what she had been keeping inside, for it reminds me of my own.

I remember the times when I always noted how perfect the Ron-Hermione pairing is. I remember the time when I urged Ron to ask Hermione out when I found out of his feelings for her. I remember the time when Hermione told me her big fifth year secret—her new found love for Ron. I remember the time when the first thought about them being a couple crossed my mind. Flashbacks, painful memories…I don't know how I can still bear with this.

Flashback…

I stuffed back all my fifth year books inside the cabinet.

We're back again in the dormitory, thank goodness. I can't think of spending my whole year with the Dursleys, not when I have Hogwarts to turn to for the happiness and companionship that I dearly miss throughout summer.

Then I saw Ron come up to me.

He still looked the same as the Ron I have been with for the first four happy years of my life—tall, gangling, freckled and red haired. Only this time he looked a lot more masculine and grown up compared to his preteen look. Also, he's not as clueless as before, in fact he's nearly catching up with Hermione in their studies.

I hope he can make it through the O.W.L s. I heard they were tough…then again, Fred and George are not exactly reliable sources when it comes to these things. They make it look like it was your Apocalypse in the making. Well, they made the Sorting look like that, but in the end all you have to do is put on the Sorting hat and wait patiently for an answer…

I push those thoughts at the back of my mind as spoke up. "Hey, Ron!"
Ron smiled at me before dropping his voice. "Hey, uh, Harry…can I ask for advice?"

"Advice?" I echoed. "About what?"

"Well…you see…" Ron fidgeted a bit, trying to find words. "I want to…uh…ask this girl out but…I don't know how to ask…uh…nicely…and…"
"Finally you asked that!" I said. "Do you know how long I've been expecting you to say those very words at me?"

"You're exaggerating! Don't make it sound like a miracle!"
"It's true, and Heaven has heard me at last—you've gained courage to ask Hermione out!"

Ron blushed deeply. "You're not answering my question, Harry! AND IT'S NOT HERMIONE!"

I roll my eyes. Whatever. It's as if it's not obvious that Ron has feelings for Hermione and vice-versa. In fact, probably the only people in school who doesn't know about their mutual understanding are Ron and Hermione themselves.

"Yeah, sure. Whatever you say. But here's to answer your question—just tell her what you feel and ask her straight forward. Don't sound so forceful as if you're pressuring her for a 'yes'." I said carefully. "Try to be as soft and sincere, not to mention sweet and handsome, as possible. If all works well, you and Mione will be an item by next year."

Ron seemed to consider this. "Then that must mean dowries and stuff aren't needed."
"Come on, those were ages ago! The only thing you'll ever need besides a girl's consent to take her out on a date is her parent's permission!"

"Then, wish me luck."
"I wish you luck, then." I said. "But when are you going to ask her?"
"On Christmas. And IT'S NOT HERMIONE."

"Yeah, right." I said smugly. "That's why you've been muttering her name in your sleep."

Ron turned frantically at me, red as a tomato. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN—"

"Oh dear, I think we're late for DADA class. BYE, RON!" I managed to hold my snickers as I ran ahead, with my red haired best friend behind me.

Sixth Year Christmas—

I gave Ron a beautiful rich red robe with golden star trimmings and silver comets I got for him at Diagon Alley.

Ron was especially ecstatic with the robe. He tried it on several times, looking at the mirror with great awe and admiration.

What Ron gave me for Christmas a sapphire pin in the shape of a dog, which reminded me strongly of Sirius in his dog form.

I really liked that gift. I even mentioned to Ron that I'll wear it everyday.

Ron smiled at me. "You know, when I first saw that pin, it reminded me a whole lot about Snuffles. So I thought, maybe if I thought about that pin as Snuffles, maybe you would too."
I smiled my thanks. "Gee, thanks, Ron. I didn't know you could be THAT sensible."
"Whatever you say."

Ah, it also reminded me…

Hermione and Ron are going out for a year now. In fact, today's their anniversary.

"Sooo, Ron," I began, trying to stifle a laugh, "Now that you've been together for a year, where will you spend your anniversary?"

Ron looked up at me. "Uh…I really have no idea. Any suggestions?"
"How about a romantic evening by Flourish and Blotts."
"HARRY! I'M SERIOUS!"

"Ok, ok…so maybe that was a little drab." I poked my head and started thinking again. "How about…that place…oh yeah, Hog's Head."
"No way, it's too packed there. And most of their stuff's not so decent!"

"Fine, what about…" A smile appeared on my face. "OLIVIA'S ORANGE GARDENS!"

Olivia's Orange Gardens Restaurant and Hotel…ah, it opened just this year.

Ron and I had been there once. It's a place draped in pink and orange. All over the garden are orange trees and flowers.

The food they serve there are great—especially that Orange and Mango Float. Ron enjoyed it so much he bought second servings. As for me, I had an Apple Shake and Mango & Choco-crème Sundae (wonder how much calories I took that day? I could've sworn I've gotten a little fatter…).

Ron jumped up his seat. "Yeah, she hasn't been there yet! Wow, I bet Mione'll love it there. Thanks, Harry, you're the best!"

I pointed the stairs leading to the girl's dormitory. "Well, you'd better ask her now. She's coming down already."

As soon as I've said that, Ron was already by Hermione's side.

I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the smiled in Hermione's face. Obviously, she too loved the idea. After I managed to somehow put up a calm face, I joined my friends to the Great Hall, laughing and having fun. Not even Voldemort can ruin this moment…

Ah yes, those were the days…and they would've lasted…

But Ron, why did you have to go?

End of Flashback…

::TO BE CONTINUED::

Like what I've said, it IS pretty short. Anyway, that's all for now, hopefully you've enjoyed it. I'll try to struggle through my school work to put up the next chapter.

But for now, I'lll put this poll up:

What would you like for this story to end:

A— RON/HERMIONE

Or

B— DRACO/HERMIONE

But either way, this will still end as a tragedy.

Other couple suggestions are welcome, but I might not accept them all. I'm thinking of adding a Cho/Harry/Ginny love triangle to spice things up (of course, I'd still like it to end as a H/G), but what do you think?

Till then, take care!

Your opinions, your reviews, dear readers, make this story live. With all my thanks, Lys