CHAPTER 28
A couple days after the service, Harry was summoned by Dumbledore to return to Hogwarts at once. Ron jumped at the moment and was sure their adventure to find Voldermort had just begun. However, Dumbledore, along with Hermione and Harry, reassured him it wasn't something to be alarmed about. Dumbledore simply wanted to speak with Harry. So, Harry left for Hogwarts that Saturday morning.
These moments without Harry weren't wasted, however. Ron took the advantage to spend more 'alone time' with Hermione. Everyone went back to his or her own homes. The only people left in the Burrow is Ginny, Hermione, and his parents. Ron felt guilty looking forward to spending time with Hermione when he just buried his older brother not too long ago. He knew he should be in mourning like his mother and sister, but he felt he made his peace with Percy. He was going with Harry after all.
Being with Hermione helped Ron get through the horrible ordeal with the family. She was always there, by his side, never leaving him. He loved the fact that she understood because he didn't think he was capable of putting his feelings into words. He can't even put into words how he feels about her. All of these intimate times together and kisses in between; Ron still hasn't asked Hermione to be his girlfriend. It was kind of silly to go through the entire ritual of courtship. Didn't the past five years of friendship mean anything? But either way, Ron knew he had to do things the proper way.
Going back to Hogwarts was a bit pointless now. With only two weeks left until their winter break, what's the point of going back, only to come back again? Hermione was able to make arrangement to see her parents during the holiday. They have, however, been moved back to their old house in England. They were getting a bit suspicious of why they were in India for that long. A magic detector has been installed in each house for extra measure. His father came up with the idea after seeing muggles use this kind of alarm on people trying to break into their house.
So, now, Ron is sitting at the kitchen table with all of his books and parchment spread out. Hermione and Ginny joined him at the table with their own homework. Ron felt he should be excused from not doing any of his homework. After all, he did have a good reason. But, Hermione being Hermione refused to let him fall behind their schoolwork. She was able to owl Professor McGonagall for all of their missed assignments from their other professor. Even Snape sent them work to do.
"See, Snape couldn't have been with those Death Eater," Hermione said. "He's back at Hogwarts teaching again."
"Hermione," Ron said exasperated. He decided not to get into any arguments with Hermione and made no further comment.
They went back to work on the foot long essay they had to do for Professor Sprout on which plant would be useful on a werewolf bite.
The very next morning, Harry still hasn't come back. Hermione and Ginny started to worry.
"Why isn't he back yet," Ginny asked, staring into the fireplace as if Harry will show up any minute now.
"You would think Dumbledore would have sent him back by now," Hermione said.
"Maybe," Ron hesitated. He wasn't too worried. If something bad happen, they would surely know by now. "Maybe he stayed at Hogwarts. Because Dumbledore wasn't done speaking with him. There's no point in him going back and forth."
"But what could they be talking about," Hermione asked.
"Harry said he wants to go after Voldermort, remember," Ron pointed out to Hermione. "Maybe he's asking Dumbledore for help, and it's taking a bit more time for him to do so."
Hermione seem satisfied by that answer and went back to her essay. Ginny, however, looked furious.
"Harry's going after Voldermort," Ginny asked, eyeing Ron. "And you two are going? Why doesn't anyone ask me? I want to go! Why am I always the last one to know?"
"Ginny, you can't go," Ron said firmly. He sure wasn't going to let his only little sister running around trying to fight Voldermort alongside of them. It was bad enough that Ron has volunteered without telling his parents. He didn't need to bring his sister along and get in more trouble.
After an hour, Ginny gave up on her homework and was still upset with Ron. She picked up all of her homework and left the kitchen. Now, Ron found himself alone with Hermione again. This was it! This is the time to "talk." When are they every going to have moments like these again?
"Ron," Hermione said, looking up from her parchment.
"Yes, " Ron said nervously.
"I've been thinking-" Hermione started.
"About us," Ron asked. When Hermione nodded, Ron felt relieved. So, Hermione did want to talk about their relationship. He was glad he didn't have to initiate this conversation. It relives a lot of pressure of really getting things settled.
"So have I," Ron confessed. "A lot lately."
"What have you been thinking about," Hermione asked twirling her quill between her two fingers.
Crap, Ron thought. He just walked into a bad situation. What if Hermione wasn't thinking the same thing as he was? If he said the wrong thing, Hermione could get upset or embarrassed or something that would end up with Hermione never talking to Ron again. Well, he had to take a chance. He can't back out now.
"Well, I never properly asked you to be my girlfriend," Ron said.
"Oh," Hermione blushed. "You don't' have to. I mean, I assumed-"
"No," Ron said. "I want to ask you."
Ron looked away awkwardly, not sure how to really approach it. He did kind of ask Hermione to be his girlfriend just then. It would be a bit weird to say it again, but with different wording.
"Well, will you," Ron asked. "Be my girlfriend?"
Hermione smiled and gave a little laugh before jumping off her chair and into Ron's lap. She gave him a long, sensual kiss. New emotions were created in Ron's heart just then.
Just then, Ron heard someone in the fireplace.
"It's Harry," Hermione said excitedly. She gave a peck on Ron's nose and then jumped off his lap. She went to the other room and Ron followed.
What Ron saw was something he wasn't expecting. Harry and Ginny were in a passionate embrace and kissing as if there was no tomorrow. Hermione tried to pull Ron out of the room, but it was too late. Harry and Ginny broke apart, a little embarrassed to be caught by Ron. Ron could have sworn Ginny was still with Dean. What is she doing snogging Harry in the middle of the room?
"B-but," Ron sputtered.
Hermione tugged harder and finally was able to pull Ron out of the room.
"Ron," Hermione said holding her hands up. "You need to calm down."
"Calm down," Ron shouted. "Hermione, you can't honestly want me to calm down after what I just saw."
"I thought you wanted Ginny with Harry," Hermione tried to rationalize with Ron.
"I do," Ron lowered his voice. "But I didn't need to see that."
"Well, that's your fault," Ginny said coming through the door, followed by Harry.
"Ginny, do you mind leaving," Ron said. "Hermione and I need to talk to Harry."
"I'm staying," Ginny said, crossing her arms across her chess. She really does look like their mother when she's mad. "Whatever you have to say to Harry, you can say it in front of me. I think I know enough to finally be trusted into your little circle."
"If Ginny can't come with us," Hermione said. "At least let her stay and hear this."
"Fine," Ron said when he realized he wasn't going to win. "Harry, what did Dumbledore want?"
"The Ministry reported something missing," Harry said. He took a deep breath and continued, "The attack was only a distraction. Voldermort wanted something from the Ministry and he took it while everyone was fighting."
Everyone stared at Harry, waiting for him to continue. But he never did.
"Well, what is it," Ron asked impatiently. "It can't be another prophecy. They were all destroyed when we were there last time."
"It's a locket," Harry said.
Ron almost laughed. Harry was summoned because someone lost their locket. But Ron knew better than that.
"It was one of the few Salazar Slytherin heirloom left," Harry explained. "It belonged to Tom Riddle's mother. Actually, it belongs to Tom Riddle."
"You mean Voldermort," Hermione said.
"Yes," Harry said.
"What's the importance of the locket," Ginny asked.
Harry sighed before going into a long monologue. He explained that when Tom Riddle's mother died, Tom was taken in as an infant to the Ministry. He was wearing a locket that his mother has given to him before his death. Obviously, everyone knew this was the last surviving descendant of Slytherin. The Ministry removed the locket, not truly knowing it's significance in the future and placed the infant in a muggle orphanage where they kept a very close eye.
When everyone was still confused, Harry continued again. "The locket is a symbol of his mother's love. Dumbledore told me a long time ago that the thing that's protecting me from Voldermort is the one thing he doesn't have…love. I have my mother's love. I have the protection of it. That's what makes Voldermort and me different. That is also my only weapon against him."
"So, what does it mean now that Voldermort has the locket," Ron asked.
"Of course," Hermione said to herself. "The locket was given to Voldermort out of love. So, in a sense, Voldermort has 'love' with him. Which means now you two aren't as different. And-"
"And now, my advantage is gone," Harry finished. "We both have that same motherly protection on us. I have the reminder of my mother's love in my scar. And he has the reminder of his mother's love in that locket."
"And Dumbledore knew about this," Ron asked. Harry nodded. "If Dumbledore knew about this why didn't he destroy the locket when he found out?"
"He was trying to," Harry answered. "All summer, he was trying to convince the Ministry to destroy it. But you know how they are. It's a historic artifact. They refuse to destroy it."
"Even if they knew the power it would give to Voldermort if he ever gotten a hold of it," Ginny asked.
"The Ministry had it hidden away," Harry explained. "Besides, it's really old magic. They didn't believe it existed. It was hard for them to understand that love has such a strong trace of magic."
"But you're living proof," Ron said, pointing to his scar. "You're living proof that old magic still works."
"What I don't understand is why didn't he take it when he was in the Ministry before," Hermione asked.
"He didn't know about it then," Harry answered. "Dumbledore just found out himself in the beginning of the summer. It was him who eventually figured out that power behind that locket. Somehow, someone in the Ministry found out. No one else knew about this, not even the Order. Voldermort probably had a spy and he found out about the locket. But we didn't know he knew. Until now."
There was silence as everyone let the new information settle in. So, the one thing that set Harry apart from Voldermort doesn't really set them that far apart. The one thing Harry could use as a weapon against Voldermort is gone.
"So, what do we do now," Ron spoke up. "How do we stop him now?"
"Dumbledore reckons we stay at Hogwarts while he figures things out," Harry said. "Right now, the Order is trying to figure out what to do. But I think we should go and take the locket away from him."
"Oh yes," said Ron rolling his eyes. "That's an easy task. We'll just stroll into his house and be like, 'Excuse me, sir. Do you think we can borrow that locket of yours? You know, the one that protects you from Harry here.' Yes, that will go over well. Don't you think so, Hermione?"
Hermione slapped his arm then gave Ron a dirty look. Ron looked away, rubbing the spot where Hermione had just hit him. He looked over at Ginny, who was also giving him a dirty look, and stepped back behind Hermione. When Hermione hits him, she doesn't do any damage. But, if Ginny hits Ron, she won't be afraid to do some serious injuries to him.
"There has to be more to this locket," Hermione said. "I mean, the prophecy said only one of you can live. So, one of the charms isn't as strong as the other. Oh, I wish we were back at Hogwarts. Then, I can go to the library and look things up."
"Yes, well, the only thing we can do try and figure another way out," Harry said. "When we get back to Hogwarts, then maybe things would be a bit clear. We just need to let this information sit with us for a bit."
"Really," Ron said shocked. For all of these years that Ron has known Harry, he was surprised at Harry's response. "That's it.? Let's wait until we go back to Hogwarts? You don't want to go right now and stop Voldermort?"
"I promised Dumbledore I wait," Harry said. "And this time, I'm going to keep my promise."
Ron nodded his head, understanding. Harry didn't want what happened to Sirius happening again. Harry blamed himself for never really listening and for being too quick to act. Ron was surprised to see a calmer Harry. He wasn't sure if he liked the new Harry or not. Time will tell, he figures.
"Let's just try and enjoy the rest of the holidays," Harry said.
"While we can," Ginny said under her breath.
Harry must have heard Ginny because he said, "Ginny, I need to talk to you."
Hermione pulled Ron outside into the yard.
Ron wasn't wearing a jacket, so of course it was freezing. But, luckily, this time he had on a very thick jumper to keep him somewhat warm. Hermione, however, had other ideas of staying warm. She snuggled into Ron's chest with her arms tucked in front of her. Ron wrapped his arms around her and gave a kiss on top of her head.
"I hope you're nice and warm," Ron joked. Ron felt Hermione nod. They stood outside for a few minutes not saying or doing much. They were just standing and snuggling to stay warm. "Um, Hermione. Why are we out here, in the cold? We could do this inside, where it's nice and warm."
Hermione looked up and pointed to the sky. "It's suppose to snow," She said.
"So, we're just going to stand out here until it does?"
"No, it's coming soon. I want to be out here when it starts snowing."
Ron thought Hermione was completely mad, predicting the weather. But sure enough, it started to snow. Hermione was never wrong. He smiled and gave Hermione kiss.
Harry and Ginny came out not too soon later. It seems like whatever "talk" they had was a good one. Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny while she was looking at the snow falling into the yard. He rested his face next to the top of her head and looked at Ron. Ron smiled and gave a small approving nod to Harry, who seems delighted at the notion.
Ron always thought the only person for his little sister was Harry. Harry was the only person that Ron trusted protecting Ginny. He did, after all, save her in their second year.
Ron looked forward and was surprised to see how fast the snow was falling. There was good thick blanket on the floor. Soon, everything will be white. Soon, everything will look like it's pure and clean. However, Ron couldn't help but feel how untrue that was. The world is in danger and their future doesn't look so pure and clean. Ron's mind wandered onto Percy again. He looked at the sky and hoped Percy really knew how sorry he was for not forgiving him earlier.
Ron felt Hermione shift positions.
"What," Ron asked smiling. "Not comfortable?"
"No," Hermione said smiling back. "I just want to see the snow. Isn't this great? Whenever it snows, it seems like the world is at a standstill and nothing can disturb it. It just feels like it's the beginning of everything."
Hermione kissed Ron's chin. Ron couldn't help but think that maybe the end of Percy's life isn't the end of everything else. Sure, it might mean to him the end of youth, the end of innocence and peace. But there are so many new things that are happening as they stand outside to watch the snowfall. There's the new relationship with Hermione, Harry's new relationship with Ginny, and a new life in Percy's child. And it's just the beginning of bringing down Voldermort.
No, this isn't the end. Hermione was right, again. This is the beginning of everything.
A/N: Well, there you go. I hope that's a good enough ending. It took me forever to write this. I knew how I wanted to end it, but it took me a while to figure out how to get there. Thank you to everyone for reading and for giving me such lovely reviews. They were great inspiration. Class starts September first forme, so I might be a bit too busy to really devote intoanother fanfic. I might write a few oneshots, but that's all. I will definitely start thinking of a sequel and maybe write an ourline for that. Then, when I have some free time, I can start writing. I just don't want to start writing the story if I won't update for a month. It won't be fair to you guys.
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Thank you, again.