One Night Stand
One night of pleasure can lead to a lifetime of pain.
One night of lust can lead to a lifetime of love.
Disclaimer I'm 15. I don't have a job. I don't do my chores on a regular basis, meaning I don't even get an allowance. If I owned Harry Potter, I could get a better computer. And, travel to Britain to stalk Rupert.
Author's Note It's been forever, hasn't it? My muse came back, and not only did I get one story idea, I got several. And, those were more detailed in my brain, so I wrote those. The fanfic bug bit me at dinner and I finally finalized all the details for this chapter. I am thinking there will be only about four more chapters. I have an idea for a sequel in mind, I am just still debating whether to do it or not.
Chapter 7: Sadness Comes with Happiness
"Ow."
I was awoken to a loud thump that signaled Ron had once again fallen to the floor. Inwardly, I laughed. He'll never learn, I thought. I leaned up slightly and looked at Ron. He stood, pajama bottoms an inch too short, his t-shirt, I now noticed, inside out, and the bed sheet wrapped around his knees. He mumbled something and I rolled my eyes. Pulling the sheet off and throwing it on my bed, he growled. This time I laughed aloud and he glared at me.
"Don't say it," he threatened, but I could see the amusement in his eyes.
I couldn't help it. "I told you so," I mocked.
For the past two weeks, Ron had been sleeping in my room with me. Every night, without fail, the baby would kick him square in the back. Eight times already, he had fallen off. The first night Ron had stayed with me, the baby kicked him off three times within an hour. I had told him I would be fine and he could go back to his room, but he insisted he stay. He always climbed back into the bed and endured it. I tried to sleep with my back to him, but the baby was restless and I was forced to turn.
Once again, Ron got back into the bed and pulled me close. He kissed the top of my nose and then placed a hand on my stomach. My hand went on top of his and he smiled. I could feel the baby still playing the 'Hokey Pokey' and sure enough, Ron began a circular motion to calm it. My hand moving along with his, I began to drift back into a peaceful sleep. Until --
"Dammit!" I cursed.
Ron jumped in alarm. "What in the bloody hell is wrong with you, Hermione?"
"I just remembered! That page of notes McGonagall gave us! She said there is a chance it will be on the N.E.W.T.s and we have Transfiguration first thing! I didn't study it, Ron."
Ron scoffed and laid back down, only to get up when the baby kicked again. Rubbing his side, he looked at me and shook his head. "Mione, you have been studying non stop for months now! You are bound to get 'O's' in everything, whereas I was probably get all 'P's', or possibly 'D's'. So, you see? You need some rest. Besides," he added, more to himself than me, "if anyone needs some last minute preparations, it's me."
"Aha!" I shouted. "See? I should be helping you."
Ron groaned. "But, Hermione, be logical. The baby makes you tired. You need to sleep so you can be wide awake and ready for the exams in the morning."
"I'll be fine."
Ron looked desperate.
"But, the baby --"
"Oh, the baby will be fine. He or she can get some early schooling. You know, they say that babies can hear what is going on in the outside world." I paused. "If we study aloud, the baby will hear, and have the chance to be smarter. Just like it's mum." I smiled at the disgusted look on Ron's face.
"Hermione," he pleaded, "can't we just sleep?"
"No." Haha. Reluctantly, Ron followed me to the desk, where we both eventually fell asleep, our books as our pillows.
---
Morning came and I was quite refreshed. I shook Ron awake, maybe a bit too roughly, and winced when a book hit the floor. "Come on," I whispered. "We have testing in an hour."
Like always, Ron didn't get up right away. He was still wiping the sleep from his eyes when I emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered and dressed. My eyes followed him into the bathroom and once the door was shut I sat on my bed, one thought going through my head. Oh, Ron, what would I ever do without you? I had never realized it before, but I couldn't live without him. He had been my best friend since first year, and now we were having a baby. Again, I asked myself if I could get my time turner back, would I go and change it all? When I first discovered I was pregnant, in a heartbeat. Now, I wasn't so sure. I didn't particularly care for the idea of raising a child at eighteen. I doubted Ron liked the idea very much. But here we were, in our last month at Hogwarts, about to become parents. It was all so new, but yet so exciting I was ready to adjust to my new life.
When Ron had finally came out of the bathroom, we made our way, along with Harry, to the Great Hall. The younger students all looked joyful and carefree. Here and there I spotted some sixth years goofing off. The older students -- especially those about to take exams -- had their noses in a book, or they were shifting through notes. We took our seats, and while Ron poured us some juice, I pulled three schedules out of my bag. One for each of us, displaying what exams we had at what time. We all had Transfiguration together, but afterwards, I would head off for Arthimancy, and Ron and Harry would go for their Advanced Defense exams. Lunch was next, and Charms followed. We had a twenty minute break, and then the dreaded Potions N.E.W.T.
"Here," I said, giving Harry both his and Ron's parchment. Lucky them, they would be taking their exams together, when I had three I would take alone. Ron groaned when Harry showed him the schedule, but he didn't say anything. "Okay," I replied, handing Harry a stack of notes, "quiz me."
Harry shook his head violently. "No. Not after you hit me with that book in fifth year. Make Ron do it." As I turned toward Ron, I saw him quickly stop moving. I knew he had been telling Harry to leave him out of it. I raised my eyebrows evilly, and looked at Harry. My attention back on Ron, I handed him my notes and pouted. He had an advantage over me with his Weasley smirk, but I was never denied when I gave him the Granger pout. He sighed and took one last bite of toast. I smiled with satisfaction and listened intently as he read off the questions.
"Take this," Harry said, handing me his Transfiguration book. Once I had answered a question, I couldn't trust Ron to know if it was really right. So, like I did with Harry, I checked the resources.
I had successfully completed three questions when Harry told us that we needed to go. Today was going to be a good day, I told myself over and over again. We would take our exams and all do well on them. Nothing bad could happen on a beautiful day like this. Just focus on you exams, Hermione, I reminded myself, when my mind wandered to the bad thoughts. Just focus on your exams.
I was halfway though my Arthimancy exam when I heard an explosion. I looked at Professor Vector and nodded. Around me, my classmates looked scared and confused. My face mirrored theirs'. Another explosion made me stand. I headed to the door. I needed to find Harry. It was Ginny I found first, eyes wide with terror. We took off down the stairs, Ginny three or four steps ahead. We met Ron in the Entrance Hall, where he told us Harry had already gone. A third explosion, louder, closer, sent me, and apparently the rest of the school into a panic. Ginny pushed passed Ron, barely escaping his grasp.
"We have to go, Ron. We have to help."
"No," he shouted. "I have to go help. You need to stay here. You need to stay safe."
"Ginny needs to stay safe," I started. "Harry needs to stay safe. Oh, God, Ron, you need to stay safe!" I shouted that last statement, my voice filled with anger, worry, and love. Ron took me in his arms and tried to calm me, but it wasn't working. He soon gave up, and held me at arms' length, being sure I was looking into his eyes.
"Listen to me, Mione, and listen good. We all knew this day was coming. We have known since we were eleven. It's finally come and it's time to fight. Harry understands that you can't help. We all understand. But, I couldn't live with myself if I let you go out there. If Harry knew I let you go, he'd kill me. But, Hermione, I need to go out their and fight for my world, your world, our world. Just remember, I love you, Mione. I love you with all my heart. I love you more than anything in this world. You remember that! I love our baby, too. But, if anything happens to me, Mione, promise me you will keep on living. If not for yourself, for me and our child."
I couldn't speak. The tears were flowing freely now. I simply nodded and Ron cupped my chin. He kissed me softly at first, savoring the moment. It turned more passionate, until he finally pulled away.
"I have to go, Mione." I nodded again, wiping my eyes. "Go help McGonagall notify the Order and round up the younger students." His hands found my stomach. "I love you," he said. I watched him swallow, and then turn to leave.
"I love you, too, Ron," I whispered, my hands replacing his. The baby, who minutes before had been active, was still. It knew something was wrong, and he or she would not be content again until it's daddy returned.
Ron had told me to go and help, but I just couldn't do it. I didn't know if I was just being selfish, but I hurried back up to my room, straight to the big window that overlooked the grounds. What I saw made me sick. All around I saw people running this way and that, Death Eaters attacking, random explosions here and there. As hard as I tried, I couldn't spot a patch of red hair. For over an hour I stood watching, mesmerized. In some sick, twisted way, watching the battle unfold before my very eyes comforted me. At one point I began to cry, but I did not acknowledge the tears. Over and over I prayed for Ron's safety. A few times, out of pity I think, I mumbled Harry's name, Ginny's name, and names of the people I thought were out there fighting. I watched as the morning sunshine turned into an afternoon haze. I finally had to pull away to go to the bathroom, but as soon as I was done, back to the window I went. When the sun finally set, the moon did not rise. The tears came again, and I forced myself to stop. If there was one thing that I needed to do, it was to stay strong.
The tears stopped for a total of fifteen minutes and then I broke down. Turning my back to the window, I sunk to the floor and I full out bawled. I screamed, cursing Voldemort for the pain he was causing. And, then, I cursed hatred alone. Hatred was what was causing this war. In my mind, we all fed off a source, either hatred or love. Voldemort had tasted hatred and went back for seconds. When my crying calmed, I felt the baby kick, as if reassuring me. I gave a half smile, and wiped the tears from my eyes. I had to look at this in a different light. Instead of seeing the worst outcome, I needed to look the opposite way and see the good. There is good in all things, and I had been ignoring it. Ron will live, I told myself. I turned again to the window, and realized for the first time that day the time. Darkness had completely fallen. The night sky wasn't lit by the stars, but the sparks of spells. This war was lasting too long. I wondered where Harry was. I wondered if Ron was with him. Had they defeated Voldemort?
A knock at my door interrupted my thoughts. "Miss Granger?"
It was McGonagall, but she didn't sound like her normal, strict self. I looked up and looked in the Professor's face. Her cheeks were tear-streaked and her eyes were bloodshot. I sighed and looked into her eyes, holding back my tears. Her eyes told me the war was over, but at a terrible price. She came over to me and shakily helped me up.
"I'm sorry, Hermione, but as Head Girl, we are going to need you come and help identify the bodies." She choked back a sob.
"Professor, Ron's not one of them, is he?" I closed my eyes, waiting for the answer, but none came.
The dead bodies had been set out in beds in the farthest end of the hospital wing. Before entering the ward, I swallowed all of my feelings. If I was going to do this, I needed to do it without any emotional attachment. The first couple of bodies we came to, I did not recognize them. Two were older, they appeared to be Aurors. A little girl came next, about eleven or twelve. I did not know her name, but suddenly I remembered her as the Hufflepuff girl who had asked me and Ron where the Charms classroom was. I swallowed again and moved on.
Michael Corner, the sixth year Ravenclaw Ginny had dated. Emily Smith, the third year Slytherin that had mouthed off to Ron. Dennis Creevey, the complete opposite of his brother. Devon Deeds, a fifth year Hufflepuff prefect. Some more Aurors came and then a man.. with red hair. I paused and took a step back. McGonagall saw where my eyes had went, and helping me along said, "David Long, Auror." On and on it went. I recited the names of those I knew and passed by the ones I didn't, saying a silent prayer. After I had identified thirty-six people, I came to a face that was so familiar the barrier I had created almost crumbled.
Laying so still I thought he was made of wax was Neville. I went right up to his bed and looked into his pale face. His eyes were open, his mouth slightly ajar. I looked at McGonagall and the Ministry official that was recording the names. I looked back at Neville, who over the years had become one of my best friends. And here he was, dead, for doing absolutely nothing.
"Neville Longbottom, seventh year Gryffindor," I choked out, and before I could cry, I moved along, wanting to end the madness.
Finally, we reached the last bed, and I saw McGonagall hesitate. I gave her a questioning look, but I moved forward and instantly wished I hadn't. There lay Professor Dumbledore. The man who had been like a grandfather to me. Someone who I had considered my savior, the whole wizarding world's savior. The man who had always looked so strong, who always had everything under control. He was gone. Gone forever. And I couldn't do anything to bring him back. I looked into his blank blue eyes and tried to imagine them when they held their sparkle. It was impossible. Everything was slowly slipping away. I reached out and took his cold hand into my warm one and squeezed. There was so much left unsaid. I had to say it now, or I never would.
"I love you, Professor. We all loved you so dearly. I'll never forget everything you did for me." I looked at my stomach. "And what I know you would have done for my baby. Thank you."
McGonagall was tearing up and I looked at the official. "Professor Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts Headmaster," I said.
McGonagall had been escorted to her living quarters before I could ask any questions. Not that she was in any state to answer them. I needed to find a Professor that could give me some kind of information. Professor Flitwick had been killed, along with Professor Sprout. That didn't leave me many choices. I made my way through the silence of the castle, down the freezing corridors of the dungeons and without even knocking, went into Professor Snape's office.
"What are you doing in here, girl?" He snapped. Like McGonagall, his eyes were bloodshot. He had been crying, too. Mourning Dumbledore's passing.
"Please, Professor, I'm sorry I bothered you, but I really need some answers." He didn't answer. "Is Voldemort dead, sir? Where is Harry? Is he safe? Is he alive? And, Ron, please tell me that Ron is okay."
"Why should I tell you anything? It is really none of your business."
"Professor they are my friends. I care."
"That means nothing."
He had to tell me what was going on. "Professor, please. Tell me what is happening. If not for me, for my child." With that I removed my heavy cloak so he could see my pregnant stomach. The way he looked at me told me he had forgotten I was pregnant. He stared at my stomach a moment and then looked at me, his black eyes bearing into mine. "Where's Ron, Professor?"
"The truth will only hurt," he mumbled.
"The truth is always best," I retorted.
"I don't know where he is. No one does. Along with Potter and the Weasley girl. They are missing, among countless others."
Missing. Missing. They were all missing. "Don't you have any other information?" I asked, helplessness apparent in my voice.
"I'm sorry, Miss Granger. I don't. It is believed after Potter defeated the Dark Lord, him and Weasley went looking for Miss Weasley. They could be anywhere. They could be --"
" -- dead," I finished. Snape nodded.
"I understand. Thank you, Professor, for being honest."
I wandered aimlessly for the rest of the night. I couldn't sleep. My feet were had swelled so much that each step I took caused pain to shoot through my body. I considered what I was doing as my patrol duties, but there was no one to reprimand. There was no goofing off, no laughter, just silence and stillness. At day break I went to the doors in the Entrance Hall and opened them both. I wanted to see the damage. I shivered as the morning breeze passed by me. I had left my cloak in Snape's office. At this point, I didn't care. I stood on the top step watching as the wind rustled the grass, most of which bloodstained. So many trees in the forest had fallen, and one had landed on Hagrid's hut, exposing the inside. It was terrible. I couldn't stand there and look out at it all. It only made me blame myself for something I didn't do.
As I turned to leave, I heard a voice off in the distance. Coming from the depths of the forest was the tall, lanky, redheaded eleven year old I had meet on the Hogwarts Express. As he drew closer I watched him transform. It was my Ron. The love of my life. I made my way down the stairs and into his strong embrace. He held me close. I smelled blood and dirt on his shirt, but I didn't care. We were both crying.
"He's gone," I whispered into his shirt.
"Thank God. We are finally safe," he answered, running his fingers through my tangled hair.
"No, Ron," I sobbed. "Dumbledore's gone."
He pulled back and looked at me. He bit his lip and then looked away. About ten feet away I saw Harry, an unconscious Ginny in his arms. Harry would not take the death of Dumbledore well. I buried my face into Ron's chest as Harry came closer, hoping to wake up from this hell that was our reality.
End Author's Note First off, I would like to thank my best friend, Justine, bunches for making me sit down last night and write. Now, what I had written last night was crap. Utter crap. It's because I was whiney and I didn't want to write. But, today, after we dropped her off, I came home and her voice was in my head saying, "Write, Sara, write now!" So, I did. Also, a thanks to Becca and Erin for pushing me along also. And as always, I want to give a big thanks to all you wonderful reviewers. Not only do I write for myself, I write for you. Please keep reviewing. Without those things, I don't feel as if I should write. Anyways, I will say it again, this isn't my best chapter. But, I think I did it a bit of justice. I am posting now rather than tomorrow when I could decide it is a bunch of crap and have to rewrite it. Please review and tell me how I did! Thank you!!!