Going Home...

Chapter 4

They made it to Hermione's flat, and Ginny was finely calming down.

"Do you want something to drink? I can make coffee, tea, or would you like something a little stronger?" She said with a small smile.

"Tea is fine for me thanks." Harry said.

"Something stronger for me please. Thanks Hermione." Harry started to protest but Ginny gave him the Weasley look. Hermione thought she saw him flinch slightly and smiled to herself. She went to the kitchen to put the tea on. She made Harry and herself some tea and gave Ginny some brandy, made her way back to the living room and sat in the chair. Ginny and Harry sat on the sofa.

"Okay Ginny will you tell us what happened?" Harry asked handing her her drink... Ginny took the glass and downed it in one gulp.

"Ok. Well we were sitting there talking. You remember me asking about our waiter?" Harry nodded. "Well, I was looking around the room for him. I noticed someone at the window looking in. At first, I thought it was just a hungry beggar. Well, I saw he was looking right at our table. He looked very familiar but I could not quite place him at first. Then it hit me. It was Ron. It had to be. He knew I saw him and he took off. I chased him to the alley. I called out to him. There was no answer."

"Then how do you know it was Ron?" Harry said.

"Because just as I turned to leave I heard his voice." Ginny replied.

"Are you sure it was his voice though?" Hermione asked.

Ginny nodded, "Yes, it was him. I told him it was ok that we still love him. He said he loved me too and apologized. Then he apparated."

"But that still could have been any wizard. I mean you did not see him." Harry stated.

"NO! He said my name Harry. He called me Ginny."

Harry looked over at Hermione. They did not know what to say to comfort her. They all jumped slightly when the doorbell rang. Hermione got up to get it. She opened the door but there was no one there. She stepped out onto the stoop and looked up and down the street. She turned to go back inside and saw a note pinned to her door. She opened it and read it. Tears started to fill her eyes as she read. She looked up and scanned the street carefully. Not seeing anything, she turned and went back inside.

Harry and Ginny looked at her in confusion when she came back inside. She had tears streaking her face but she also had a smile on her face.

"What is it?" Harry asked.

"It's a letter. It's from him. It's from Ron."

Harry and Ginny jumped up from the sofa and ran to Hermione's side. They all stood there reading. The paper was smudged and some of the words were smeared. And it looked like there were water droplets on the paper.

Dear Family, (I hope I can still call you that)

I what to begin by saying how sorry I am. I have no excuse for leaving as I did and for that, I am truly sorry. You all had each other and I thought that would be enough. I thought you would not need me. However, I was so terribly wrong. I have missed you all terribly. I was hurting in the worst way. I was full of rage and anger and did not want to take it out on any of you so, I left. I know now that was the worst thing I could have done. And I also know that is not a good enough reason. I live with that mistake everyday. However, I am here to apologize to you and beg you for forgiveness.

To Ginny: My baby sister. I cry as I write this to you now. You were a pain as we grew up but I have NEVER stopped loving you. You must be in so much pain, losing everybody and then me leaving like that. I think I have hurt you most of all. Ginny I am so sorry for all your pain. I wish I could make it all disappear. However, I cannot and for that, I am sorry. I have hurt you tremendously and if you never forgive me, I will understand. However, I will ALWAYS love you, just remember that.

To Harry: My only true friend. We stood beside each other thru everything. I am so sorry I pushed you away when you truly needed me. I was in a great deal of pain I did not think I would be able to cope with it. I tried drowning my pain with a drink more times than I can count. But still it lingers. I have even tried several unsuccessful attempts to rid myself of it and join my family. I should have stayed and helped you cope with all your pain. However, I was a coward. I thought I could run from it, but it was always there, waiting just around the corner to jump out at me. Harry, my friend, my best mate, I am truly sorry for all the pain I have caused you. Maybe some day you will be able to forgive me. And as I told Ginny I will understand if you can't or won't. However, just remember I still love you like a brother and always will.

To Hermione: You are the hardest to apologize to. I have caused you so much pain. It is ripping my heart in two right now knowing the pain you are in. I have loved you more than life itself for years. I knew when we first met that you were for me. Still I hid my feelings from you. For years, I was a prat on the outside, but inside I was yearning just to be near you. I melted every time you looked at me. You were my one and only true love. Even now, I yearn to be with no other but you. I love you Hermione, and I am truly sorry for the pain I put you thru. You were my delicate porcelain doll and I shattered you. I only hope one day you will let me help put you back together. If not I will understand. Just remember I will be here waiting and loving only you.

I would like to say that I have always and will forever love each one of you. And end in saying that I am coming out of hiding. If you wish to find me, all you have to do is look. I will not intrude in your lives (considering you may not want me there) but if and when you are ready I will be waiting patiently.

Love always,

Ron