A tribute to the reviewers:

99 Red Balloons : Thank you but I hope you won't be disappointed in this chapter as this is the last.

Neespence: How can I breathe until I haven't finished it? Thanks for reviewing.

Sugarquill824: well, I thought so too Ron was becoming more famous with ladies and in HBP I think he has grown up after seeing too much of Bill and fleur around.

Morning Rose,Hakkais-gurl3000: Thankyou for reviewing.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR REVIEWS! THIS IS THE LAST CAPTER. HOPE YOU ARE NOT TOO DISAPPOINTED AND JUST DON'T HATE ME AFTER THIS. I'll TRY WRITING MORE BUT AS YOU ALL KNOW IT REQUIRES TIME.

THANKS AGAIN FOR REVIEWING, IT'S VERY NOBLE.

Our Secret

Hermione entered the tent and had to suppress a squeal as she found her self standing in a huge hall, with chairs lined in front of her, leaving a flower decorated aisle in between. The hall was lit by floating candles and it was full of witches and wizards of all shapes and sizes.

Up above, at the end of the aisle, she saw a raised podium around which were standing the Weasleys. She noticed Fred and George had appeared in handsome Brown leather jackets, surrendering to both their opinions. In between Mr.Weasley and Charlie Hermione spotted the groom, who had his hair left open neatly around his shoulders and his earring was missing. Bill was looking pale as Charlie, his best man, patted him, reassuringly. She saw Ginny and Tonks with Mrs. Weasley who was looking at his son teary eyed. Hermione then saw Ron, tall and mature, standing with the twins and Lupin. But the man who caught her eyes was not a Weasley. Standing behind the podium was…

"Yes, that's Mad-eye," Harry came up behind her and nodded his head towards the ex auror seeming very weird with a black tux robe.

"Don't tell me he is the minister for the wedding," Hermione said outraged.

"Ok I won't tell you but you got it right?" Harry smiled. "The first option was…him."

Hermione didn't required another hint than the one Harry had already given, his eyes turning glassy eyed. Dumbledore.

"Hey you two, come here at the front," Fred yelled across the hall, motioning them to join him and the others.

Harry and Hermione both hesitated as they knew they shouldn't be invading something which the Weasley's deserved to celebrate as a family. But due to the entire Weasley clan's egging on, they gave in and walked towards them.

The wedding proceeded with Fleur walking down the aisle, glowing radiant as ever, draped in a startling white gown. Bill was flexing his nerves but once he took in her, he eased and the ceremony went forward without any incidence.

The banquet was in the other tent which was decorated the same way but had tables lined around a small dance floor which was graced first with the presence of the bride and the groom. Soon or later people joined in them and a beautiful glittering scenario it soon became. The three friends however remained in the shadows of this glamour.

"I'm leaving tomorrow," Harry broke the silent, looking somber.

"To Godric's Hollow?" Ron inquired.

"Yes, that's where I need to pick the pieces of my life," Harry confirmed, gazing around sadly at the happy crowd before him digesting it all as if he was unsure when would he see happiness again.

"Then, we're coming with you," Ron said defiantly.

"Look, you're being irrational. I can take you both along," Harry replied, as though expecting this.

"Why not Harry?" Hermione spoke for the first time with a little desperation in her voice.

"Because Hermione, it doesn't concern you or Ron. You both weren't mentioned in the prophecy," Harry said facing her but almost regretted seeing her face contort with anger, with Ron turning behind her supporting the same countenance.

"Well, Harry it does concern us if our best friend tries to embark on a deathly journey without us inviting all sorts of danger to himself," Hermione said quietly but with force. "You just don't see Harry but if you leave us here waiting for you to come back, you'll be putting us in more trial." Ron nodded after her.

"I just can't take you. It's too dangerous," Harry argued stubbornly.

"Well that's what we compromised with when I came to your compartment and when Hermione chose to nose in on our charms," Ron said smiling a bit causing Hermione to look offended.

"But…." Harry tried to argue but was interrupted by a skeptical Hermione.

'So what you're trying to say is we are not capable enough."

"No! How can you say…? I never," Harry gaped at her not believing her.

"Then Harry I'm sorry but just as we stuck through it all before, we're going to stick through it all again." Hermione interrupted him.

"But it's not that simple anymore. Now the task is more complicated and demanding. Didn't you see how Dumble…" Harry fell silent after the outburst and his eyes became watery. "There are sacrifices along the way and I'm sick, utterly sick of losing people close to me this way," Harry said in a defeated tone which made Ron and Hermione's anger evaporate. Harry's shoulders slumped and his head hung down. Hermione struggled with the tear in her eye not to let it fall but failed. Hermione wrapped her arms around him, and could hear Harry's sob in her hair. After some while, Harry pulled away and composed himself.

"Thanks, I need that," Harry said through his muffled voice. Hermione was too touched to reply.

"That's why want to come with you Harry to give you all hope and support we can," Ron said calmly patted his back. At last Harry gave in.

"But what about your mom?" Harry asked Ron, motioning towards Mrs.Weasley who was waltzing with her husband.

"Well, I am of age now so basically she should accept it if I choose this," Ron replied, looking at his parents now changing partners with Bill and Fleur. Harry didn't know what to say anymore. He had always admired the fact that Ron and Hermione always stood by him but now he couldn't estimate their extent of loyalty. He just couldn't imagine a life without the either of them. He was just as glad that life shined on him when Ron and Hermione chose to become his friends.

"Thanks guys," he choked as he looked at them, they giving him genuine smiles. As his eyes darted around, they rested upon…

"Harry…um…I think Ginny is waiting for someone," Hermione said as though she read his mind. She was pointing towards Ginny who was strolling alone at the other end of the dance floor.

"Hermione, how can you say that…we're finished," Harry said turning his back on the beautiful girl.

"From what you've told us Harry, you've not finished anything," Hermione protested.

"Yeah, I'm sure you still lov…I mean you still have feelings for her," Ron felt uncomfortable talking about his sister but was glad as Hermione gave him an appreciative glance.

"But above all Harry, you don't know when you'll see her again," Hermione said quietly bringing the dawn of realization on Harry's face. He turned around and rested his eyes upon the young girl. Yes, Hermione was right for the millionth time. He didn't know after tomorrow where life would take him. Maybe to his last days. But he didn't want to die with the heaviest burdens of all: regret. Then after pondering for a while, he started moving towards Ginny.

Harry, upon reaching her, tapped her shoulders.

"Umm…Ginny," he said softly and extended his hand. Ginny looked taken back but soon placed her hand in his, not averting her eyes from his. Harry led her to the dance floor and wrapped his arms around her. He did still have feelings for her.

"I don't think any one will be comfortable if they are gaped upon," Hermione said turning around and resting her eyes upon the flowers. Ron turned around as well gawking at Hermione.

"Well if it wasn't my sister…"

"Oh give it a rest Ron. You are such a hypocrite yourself. I don't understand why can't you stand Ginny with someone where you your self can't stop eating your girlfriend's face," Hermione snorted as she made her way towards the tent's exit.

"Would you give it a rest with Lavender?" Ron followed her out, angry at himself how could he have almost kissed her.

Hermione stared fiercely back.

"I'm not fussing over that…scarlet woman," Hermione grunted, walking towards the Burrow under the black sky.

Ron however burst out laughing.

"Scarlet woman…yeah right…for a scarlet woman she sure knew how to kiss."

Hermione couldn't believe her ears. She wheeled around and stared fiercely at him, who stopped laughing after her glare. She just didn't know why she was angry at him in the first place but whatever the reason was she was irritated by him the most.

"You're disgusting," Hermione threw her arms in the air in exasperation and walked away. Ron started after her.

"Hermione, wait up,"

"Go away Ron," Hermione yelled as she heard his footsteps following her and made her strides longer. But Ron, due to his longer legs, reached her and grasped her by her elbow pulling her around.

"Let go Ron," Hermione struggled to set her free but Ron's grip was rigid or maybe Hermione just wasn't trying hard enough. Ron was looking at her oddly, dreamy expression on his face as though contemplating something. Whatever it was Hermione just had enough of his playing games with her. "Ron?" But Hermione never did get her answer, not verbally though as Ron leaned down and placed his lips down to hers sending a violent wave of tremor along her spine, making her voice erupt into a moan of surprise. But as Ron was taking no heed of anything in particular she, too gave in and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Ron had his arms protectively around her making circles on her back. Hermione and Ron both were drowned in the well of passion. Hermione had never felt such a sensation before partly because it was more anticipated. Nevertheless a decision was made in the back of her mind: Viktor and Cormac were in no league with him. He was … Ron.

Finally after a few decades so it seemed to them, they broke apart, still in the close proximity. Hermione's eyes fluttered open and met Ron's, eager and breathtaking. But realization dawned on her and she suppressed a gasp. They couldn't start anything. Not now. As Ron made a motion towards her she pressed her hand to his lips.

"No…Ron. We can't," Hermione said in panic bringing Ron's world crashing down. The defeat and hurt was so clear in his eyes that Hermione's breath got stuck in her throat. Ron let her go immediately leaving her in the cold and without a second glance walked towards the burrow.

"Ron wait," Hermione ran after him, tears coming down.

"Please Hermione you don't have to take pity on me. If you didn't want this, I understand fully. I am sorry," Ron said not even turning around to face her, his voice was cracked.

"Don't be sorry Ron. I have always wanted this," Hermione finally caught up to him and pulled him around who stood there looking at her in disbelief.

"What?"

"Yes, Ron it's true." Hermione said shyly but stood her eyes in his.

"Then why did you…" Ron asked in confusion.

"Because Ron, we can't start anything now," Hermione said quietly, tears hanging on her eyelashes.

"Why not?" Ron came down before her, and held her hands.

"If we start something and things don't turn the way they're supposed to, we might go up different paths, leaving Harry all alone," Hermione just couldn't stand looking up to his face and had her eyes cast downwards.

"But I promise Hermione, it won't be that way," Ron said sincerely.

"Ron no one can assure that. Cho and Harry didn't even say a word to each other this year. I don't want to be like that Ron."

Ron looked at her, seeing her in a new light altogether. He wondered silently on how much this woman could be so selfless and concerned. Part of him knew she was right. Things would be more awkward and uncomfortable after the math. Ron was sure he could never let her go, ever but sometimes situations could get the better of people. Moreover starting a relationship could bring ups and downs in the magic they already had. Starting a relationship will never bring back the old times. The trio would be lost forever. They would have to wait. For their friend, for Harry.

"I understand and agree with you completely but it would be difficult." Ron sighed audibly.

"I know," Hermione looked at him glassy eyed. "I'm just sorry, Ron."

"Don't be Hermione…we'll keep this our little secret," Ron said as Hermione's tears glistening across her face. Yes, this will be their little secret. Secret till when they all would be ready for this especially their friend who needed them more now. Ron wrapped his arms around her and held her for long. Hermione's sobs were all he couldn't bear and lifted her chin, wiping her tears.

"Friends?" Ron asked her giving her a lopsided grin he was famous for.

"Hermione smiled and nodded. And they walked towards the tent with a secret they never would let out until to world was ready, their friend was ready.

THE END