Disclaimer: They're not mine, they never were mine, but how they act at age 22 is completely working on ideas that I have imagined DUE TO the books, but not completely BECAUSE OF what's written in the books. So, the actions of the characters is mine (for this story, at least)
She apparated right outside of her old flat. It would have been too weird for her to assume the right to apparate into the flat – after all; she didn't live there anymore.
However, it felt weird to stand in front of her own door and think of the flat as anything but hers. She stared at the door for a second, confused. Then she sighed and raised her hand to knock on the door.
There was a muffled curse from inside, then the sound of shuffling towards the doorway.
Down the street, a door opened. Thank heavens it didn't open sooner. She turned to look and see which of her neighbors it was. It was Laynei Ellis, another witch. She had transferred to Hogwarts as a fourth year during Hermione's seventh year. She was placed in Hermione's care (seeing as she was Head Girl), and they became very close. Hermione was used to taking tea with her once a week. Oh my. I wonder what she thinks of me.
But Hermione had nothing to worry about. Laynei simply smiled and said, "It's good to see you back, Hermione. I have missed our teas together."
Hermione smiled back at her. "I missed them too, Laynei. Shall we continue next week? I think this week will be a little hectic for me."
Laynei threw her head back and laughed. "Well, I'd assume so too, Hermione. Next week will be soon enough for me. I can tell you all about my troubles with those silly Quidditch players then." With that, she turned and went back into her flat.
"Actually, we do try to listen to her…" said Ron's voice in her ear. She jumped, and he laughed. "Snuck up on you, did I?" He said.
She shivered a little, his familiar voice bringing back so many memories. She turned around slowly. Right in front of her stood Ron, lounging against the doorframe with an amused look on his face. His eyes trailed over her slowly. "Forgot your keys, eh?"
"Actually, I melted them." She said, absentmindedly. She blushed. Now why did I tell him that? We were doing fine. Now it's going to be all awkward…
Hermione was right, as usual. It was awkward for a second, with the sudden silence between them. It was the type of silence that really isn't silent, that is instead filled with the words and emotions felt by the people standing there. All the memories, and all the conversations that they have had flood the silence, making it uncomfortably noisy. Then the spell was broken.
Ron cleared his throat. "Would you like to come in?"
She nodded. "Yes please."
He moved away from the door, toward the kitchen. "Do you want something to drink?"
She smiled wistfully. "You don't, perchance, have any Irish Breakfast Tea, do you?"
He grinned back at her over his shoulder. "Actually, I do. I always have it, just in case…" He paused for a moment; then snapped out of it. "Do you want to change out of your dress robes? I think there are still some of your clothes in your bureau, if you do. Otherwise, make yourself at home." With that, he strolled off to the kitchen.
Hermione turned and headed toward her room. A shower would be nice… That was as far as her thoughts got before she reached her room.
She stopped in shock. Everything in her room was exactly the way she had left it almost a year ago. Right down to… Her eyes fell to the piece of parchment lying on her bed.
Walking slowly over to her bed, she picked up the piece of paper as she sat down on the bed. "If I should meet thee after long years, how should I greet thee? With silence and tears." The words bounced off the walls of her bare room, mocking her silently.
"Lord Bryon, When We Two Parted lines 29 through 32." She turned to see Ron standing in the doorway, tears in his eyes.
"Yes." She agreed. What else can I say? "I didn't realize you liked Byron."
"I don't." That awkward silence again filled the air, teasing the occupants who were trying to rebuild a friendship. Then Ron blurted out, "Figures you'd quote poetry in your note."
She smiled softly. "You know me. Besides, the poem was very appropriate, Ron."
He looked to the ground. "Do you know how your leaving messed with my mind? I was terrified when I came home that night and you didn't answer my calls. I ran frantically through the house, looking for you. It was only after I searched everywhere that I found that note." His voice started out sad, then changed to something else that Hermione couldn't quite place at the moment.
She looked down at her hands, suddenly ashamed. Why didn't I think of how Ron would react when I left? How stupid was I? Then, suddenly, the entire conversation flew through her mind again.
*****
He looked up at her, but this time his eyes held none of the teasing glint that had been in them earlier. No, this glare held only hatred and fury. "Didn't I tell you to stay away from him, 'Mione?!?!"
With those ten words, Ron broke the uneasy truce that had settled into the flat over the last few weeks. She stood up, enraged. "Really, Ron? Did you tell me to stay away from Draco? Did I miss some imperial command while I was away at work? If so, please enlighten me. As I understand it, this is the 21st century, and I have no keeper but myself. I haven't had one since I came of age in the wizarding world, and probably for some time before that. When did I sign a paper saying Ronald Weasley was now and forever my keeper?"
"Hermione! I never said you should be watched twenty-four hours a day. Just that you should KNOW better than to trust Malfoy!"
Hermione leapt to her feet, slamming her hand on the table for extra emphasis. "Grow up Ron! When are you going to get it through your head that I can talk to whomever I want, and there's nothing you can do to stop me?"
"I can't do ANYTHING to stop you, huh?" By this time, Ron was on his feet as well, glaring at her.
Suddenly, he raised his wand and said, "Compescor Hermione, Ianitor Ronald!" Hermione's eyes widened, and Ron turned to smirk at her. "Try to leave now, 'Mione." With that, he walked out of the room.
*****
Those last few words echoed through her head. Try to leave now, 'Mione. All of her reasoning, and all of her hurt came back to her once again.
She drew herself up, proud and tall. "Might I inquire when exactly you were going to take the Ianitor Compescor spell off of me?" She looked directly into Ron's eyes, fury burning in her own eyes. Her voice had been cold, she knew, but that was what she intended it to be. It needs to be cold and uncaring – if only to hide the hurt that I still hold deep inside.
"Merlin, 'Mione! I said I was sorry for that, didn't I?" He demanded, irritated. So I am to have rolled over, given in and forgiven him by now – if not profusely apologized for leaving. Not bloody likely.
"That's not going to work this time, Ronald Weasley. You may have cowed me into submission before, but I've seen how far you trust me. And 'Sorry, Hermione' just doesn't cut it this time." Gathering her courage, she swept past him, and out into the hallway. She had made it to the living room when a hand – his hand – grabbed her arm and spun her around.
"What do you want from me, then, 'Mione? I can't go back and change the past! If I could, do you really think Harry would be dead?" He demanded.
She gasped. That was a sore spot. At the time of Harry's death, Ron had wanted to go back in time and save him. Hermione had been the one to hold him back. She sighed, not wanting to remember that night again. But in the remembering, she calmed down some.
So, instead of shouting right back at Ron, she said, "It was the right thing to do, Ron."
"Says who? Harry isn't better for it, I'm not better for it, and heaven knows you're not better for it."
That got her mad again. "For your information, Ronald, I am better for it in one aspect. Instead of relying on you and Harry to always be there for me, I have learned to stand on my own. That's what this year has done to – and for – me. How is that not important?"
Silence met her answer. Ron's mouth hung open. He was obviously in shock. However, she wasn't finished yet.
"I had hoped to stay here in the flat again, Ron. However, it appears that I will need to take up residence somewhere else for a little while longer. If you need me, you can contact me through Draco or Ginny. Your choice." She turned to leave, then turned back once again. "Since you've learned those four lines, I'm sure you'll recognize these lines as well;
They name thee before me
A knell to mine ear;
A shudder comes o'er me –
Why were thou so dear?
They knew not I knew thee;
Who knew thee too well : –
Long, long shall I rue thee,
Too deeply to tell.
In secret we met –
In silence I grieve
That thy heart could forget,
Thy spirit deceive."
With those words still reverberating around the room, she left her – his – their flat for the second time in her life full of heartache and betrayal echoing in her soul.
After the door closed behind her, she sank onto the stoop, tears in her eyes. She shut them and leaned her head back against the door.
However, luck was not on her side tonight. The door had not closed completely behind her, and it opened a little more with her weight leaning on it. So she could hear – crystal clearly, in fact – Ron's response to her outburst.
"Lines 17 through 28. Followed by:
If I should meet thee
After long years,
How shall I greet thee?
With silence and tears."
Then he sighed and said, "I only did it because I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."
After hearing that, Hermione was more than ready to flee. She grabbed her wand and apparated away – to the one place she could think of where she could be in peace.
A/N: Can you guess where she's going? raised eyebrow
Shout outs:
MidnightSun: well, after you read through Chapter 20, are you still enjoying the story so far? hopeful look Your compliments made me blush SO much. Thank you. It's people like you that make it enjoyable to write.
Give Me Stitchez: Well, no Draco/Hermione action in this chapter. Never fear, he's not dead. After all, he's still in shock at the Ball – or is he? raised eyebrow Tell me what you think of this argument. Realistic? I tried. After all, Hermione can't be a push-over all her life, right? grin
Laura-Grace: My faithful second beta, thanks for the encouragement. And never fear, you're in more chapters to come. smile I TOLD you I'd get you in here. wink
Mistri: Hope this satisfies you for a little while. Glad you enjoy it.
And my other beta reader, enoimreH. Thank you, as always, for your constructive criticism. It's always valued.
REVEIWS ARE THE NECTOR OF THE WRITER!!!!