(A/N: I think there must be something messed up with my brain lately. My sense of time is all screwed up. This is a very long chapter, 14 pages actually (aren't you proud of me!) and I've been working on it little by little all week long, so when I looked at my calendar and realized that it had been almost a full week since I'd updated…well you could say I was surprised. I fully intended on updating sooner than that, but I guess that would have been impossible since I stayed up late last night finishing it. Anyways, it'd done! It was rather easy to write which was nice, and made for a lengthy chapter! Yay! I feel kind of like I'm repeating some of the same stuff again, and in a way I kind of am, but I figured that if it really didn't make sense than I'd take it out later. No use in shortening up a chapter if it might work anyways. I was extremely tempted to leave you all with a monster cliffie, but I was nice instead. Lol…anyways, I hope you all enjoy! The responses were simply mind-blowing as always! You all never cease to amaze me! Much love, Haystack)
To my lovely reviewers…
Princess Storm: 3 reviews! blows many kisses THANK YOU! I know they were for 3 different chapters but still, I was so impressed! If there's more than one chapter to review, I'll find myself taking the easy way out a lot and just review the last chapter. I appreciate all three of them VERY much! I'm glad your not too disturbed by Harry's death, though it is very sad. As for dragging it out, I feel it too, I know you said it doesn't bother you but the next major plot point is here so this marks the end of that! Yay!
suckr4romance81789: Hey there! Thanks so much for reviewing! Always great to meet a new reviewer! I'm glad you're enjoying the story; it's pretty emotional isn't it? I'm honored that you cried when Harry died! That means a lot to me as a writer! As for Ron and Hermione having premarital sex, it's completely against my morals as well. I'm a Christian and believe very firmly in that. But as an author, I don't know…it just felt right in this fic. Hopefully it didn't bother you too much! Again, thanks so much for reviewing! Hopefully I'll hear from you again!
Bhekie: lol your review made me laugh. Afraid not, Harry's a goner for good. But the connection between Harry being blue and his being petrified was brilliant! I didn't think about that. Though I'm afraid it's not in the cards to bring him back anytime in the near future. Thanks so much for reviewing as always!
cumbacksirius: Tears! Woo hoo! Your review definitely brightened my day! Lol…yes I think that's Ron and Hermione's way of fighting, my big clue to JKR's true intentions for the characters! (let's keep our fingers crossed for book six!) Glad you like it though! As always, thanks for reviewing!
RainDateChick: Well…I suppose it is one day sooner than last time! I'm sorry! Hopefully the rest should be easier to write as things heat up here! Thanks for reviewing so faithfully!
Ron'n'Hermione: The biggest smile crossed over my face when I got your review! I'm even smiling thinking about it lol! YES! I am very very happy to hear that you cried! As for the other two books that made you cry…I sobbed my way through both of those so I know what you mean! You'll be happy to hear that I re-did my plot diagram chart things (they're so messy! Lol) and re-figured my numbers and stuff. I'm very excited about this twist of things and hopefully it should make the story more interesting! Thanks so much for reviewing so consistently!
Alicia-B: This may sound stupid but I honestly had not thought of making a sequel! So thanks so much for the suggestion, though I'll admit I'll have to sit on it for a few weeks before I can make a decision about it. Starting a new fic always takes a lot of time and thinking and stuff. Thanks so much for your constant reviews! Glad your enjoying it!
RedRose013: Yes I'll admit that Hermione's insanity breakdown wasn't in the plan originally, it just kind of came out, and that it was rather creepy; but I think it's fair to give that bit of breakdown to her. She's suffered so much poor girl! Lol yes, but there is hope! There always is hope! Thank you very much for reviewing!
Legofiance: Aw, your so sweet! Thanks for such an enthusiastic review! That meant a lot to me! As for Harry…well I'm afraid life isn't in the cards for him. My deepest sympathy goes to you. But the nice thing about fanfiction is that we know that it's not the real books. Now you see if JKR kills off Harry in book seven…I'll be beside myself with grief. I love his character! So let's hope and pray that that doesn't happen in real life. Lol Thank you sooo much for such a wonderful review!
AmyChris: Glad you liked last chapter so much! As for my updating…I'm terribly sorry to leave you all hanging so often. I hate it as well. But it seems like my updates are going to be about once a week for a while until life clears up a bit, as much as I don't want to admit that. I'll try my best to get next chapter out especially earlier but we'll simply have to see. Thanks so much for your understanding though! It really means a lot to me! And your encouraging reviews always keep me in line! Thank you sooo much!
doublelily: Hey! Thanks so much for reviewing! It's always great to meet another new reviewer! No worries about sounding corny, it made perfect sense and wasn't corny in the least! Lol Hopefully I'll hear from you again!
Celestial Fox: Well I don't want to say too much or give anything away but I can tell you that I'm afraid Harry isn't coming back. As for the other two questions, I'm sorry but I can't respond now. You'll just have to see! Lol Thanks so much for reviewing! Hopefully I'll hear from you again in the future!
ShimmeringEvil: haha gotta love that drama! Thanks so much for responding so consistently! Glad your liking it! Hopefully I'll have an update out sooner than 6 days! Thanks so much!
EvelyneJ: Thanks so much for your review! Lol yes, I thought it was appropriate for Ron to be right about something! Poor guy never gets that break very often! Hehee…I'm trying to switch point of views every chapter. They both see life so differently, it's important to get the two different takes of things. Anyways, thank you so much for reviewing!
dancerrdw: Oh you don't have to worry about me stopping any time soon! Lol I've got new and improved plans for these two! Glad you loved the chapter! ;) Thanks for reviewing as always!
wick3d77: aw…your review made me smile! Lol I'm glad you liked last chapter so much! It was pretty intense wasn't it? Hehee…Thanks so much for reviewing! It means a lot to me! Here's chapter 23!
nattieb: Very happy you liked last chapter! But I'm even more happy that you feel better about the depressing-ness! As for this chapter…It goes back to the same sadness but the ending shouldn't be as bad! Stay with me! I promise its coming! Lol Thanks so much for reviewing!
And now, without further ado…..
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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: FIRST LIGHT'S RAINDROPS
As Ron watched Hermione place the last stone on top, his heart leapt up in his throat. He still held onto the belief that Harry would come rescue them, but after working with his body for so long, he couldn't help it….he had to accept it for now, and the bitter truth left him feeling more alone than ever. Hermione paused, and brushed her hand along the rocks for a moment, thinking deeply, before turning around and gladly accepting the hug Ron had offered.
She didn't cry. For that Ron was grateful, she'd shed far too many tears in the past 24 hours than he liked. But she did sigh into his arms, holding onto him tightly. Ron ran his hand along her spine, making her shiver, loving the feel of her in his arms.
Stepping out of the embrace, Hermione looked up at him. "T-Thanks" She said softly
"Your welcome" He replied, tucking a curl behind her ear
Hermione smiled faintly at the gesture. "They won't keep this will they?" She asked solemnly, waving her hand towards the mountains of rocks they had piled on top of Harry's body.
Ron shook his head. "I doubt it"
Sadly, Hermione nodded her understanding. "At least I got to see it before-" She trailed off
"T-Tomorrow" Ron finished weakly
Hermione swallowed back tears and nodded her head tearfully, grabbing Ron's hand and directing him towards the corner he had previously sat in. Sitting down, she patted the space next to her. Ron took it gladly, leaning against the wall for support as Hermione eagerly laid her head on his chest, one hand around his torso, and the other intertwined with his hand. He wanted to say something but couldn't find the words to express himself so instead, took her hint of silence, and remained quiet; content enough with Hermione's small hand in his.
Rubbing circles in the back of her hand with his thumb, Ron dared enough to let his mind wander.
He was struck with pessimistic thoughts of what dawn would bring. Though they had talked about Harry and other topics, both purposely avoided the subject of tomorrow, each desperately wanting to believe that they'd simply misunderstood Voldemort earlier. But Ron knew it wasn't just a trick of his hearing. The thought made his stomach boil with jealousy and anger. They were doing this to her because of him, and though it was working bloody well, it wasn't fair to put her through all this! Sure, he'd wished numerous times that he hadn't dragged Hermione here but at the same time, he couldn't help but be selfish about it. He knew for a fact that he wouldn't have lasted so long without her here. He tried not to let his mind imagine what it would have been like not knowing if she was okay all this time, but he couldn't help it.
Shuddering at the images Ron's mind gave him, he wrapped his arms tighter around the bushy haired girl. Tomorrow she would be gone from him and it would be official. He would be utterly alone. Despair overriding him, he closed his eyes for a moment, desperately trying to compose himself.
"Sh…it's okay. I know" A gentle voice whispered
As Ron opened his blurry eyes to find Hermione's beautiful brown ones in front of him, he felt his heart ache. "I know," She repeated, placing a hand lovingly on his face "I feel it too. I-I don't want you to be alone either, I'd rather be here with you"
Ron felt another tear add to the pile consuming in his eyes "I'd rather have you here too" He whispered, his voice strained
"I'm sorry I messed everything up," She continued, leaning back into him
"Don't talk like that. You didn't mess anything up. I-I guess it was just…meant to be" He said weakly, not really believing what he was saying.
"Meant to be?" Hermione played back his words
Ron could feel her tensing up; she was already ready for another fight. Sighing, He shook his head. "I really don't want to fight anymore. I can't give you any answers alright? I never have and I never will be able to, so let's just forget about it and…try to enjoy our time together okay?"
Hermione opened her mouth as if she was going to protest but obviously decided against it. Leaning inwards, she brushed her lips across Ron's just enough to make him want more before she pulled away to look him in the eye. "You shouldn't say that you haven't given me any answers before."
"Why not? It's true"
Hermione shook her head, looking deeply into his eyes "No it's not. You've given me the answer to my life Ron. What better question is there to answer than that?"
A soft smile attempting to break out across his face, tugged at the corners of his mouth. "And what exactly is the answer I gave you?"
Hermione laughed softly "You gave me you" She smiled, kissing him again. "I now know how I was supposed to live the rest of my life. I was supposed to spend it with you. And I'm glad I could figure that out now, at least before-"
"Hermione, don't start talking about your life in the past tense" Ron said quickly
Hermione looked at him, surprised. "Why not?"
"B-Because" Ron said more to himself than anything
Running her hand across his neck, making him shiver, she leaned her forehead against his. "Why Ron?"
Fighting back tears Ron looked at her for a moment. Her curly brown hair swept around, her chocolate eyes, her porcelain skin, her petite size, her tiny fingers…he loved everything about her. She was perfect in his eyes. And knowing that he was going to loose the best thing that ever happened to him, made Ron want to start crying.
"Hermione" He said through his throat that was clogged with emotion "I don't want you to die"
Tears filled Hermione's eyes. She stared at him, biting her lip. "I don't want to die" She whispered "But.—it's not that much of surprise. You have to admit, we've seen this coming"
Her honest answer was like a punch in the gut. He didn't want to reply, and spent a moment or two purposely avoiding her gaze. He didn't want to admit that she was right on this one; the truth hurt too much. Searching for his voice, he finally was able to whisper "I predicted death Hermione. I predicted a green curse flying towards me. I didn't expect torture…at least not like this. We were Harry's best friends…we were supposed to die heroes deaths."
Turning to face him, Hermione asked softly "W-Would you give all this up? If you had the chance to go back and die the way you wanted?"
At first, Ron couldn't believe Hermione would ask such an obvious question like that. Of course he would rather die his ideal death without all the physical pain and heartache he'd endured in the past 24 hours! Just think….he wouldn't have the guilt of not reaching Harry, the anguish of watching Harry die, the burning physical torture of his body, the horror of watching Hermione suffer, the false hope of freedom, and then the sickening slap of reality that he'd only recently recovered from. He would be free of those memories that Ron was sure that he would never rid. Opening his mouth to declare his answer, he immediately shut it with a glance at Hermione's face.
She was serious. She wasn't kidding or wishing hopefully when she asked the answer, she was honestly asking him for an answer; an answer that she would interpret and search for hidden meanings in. Though Ron would never just switch sides because Hermione disapproved of it, her frown was always enough to make him re-think his answer.
There had to be something he was missing…one single act of goodness in all this despair. Working his mind backwards, he vainly racked his brain of memories for this event he seemed to have forgotten. His mind getting sidetracked as it remembered with a satisfied grin on his face all of the events of that night spent with Hermione, he tried to peel it off this memory; he had to look for whatever occasion he'd overlooked! But then suddenly it hit him. This was it! This was the true question Hermione wanted to know the answer to. If he would give that night up for his storybook heroic death?
Ron sighed. That had not been the question he preferred out of the two. Running a hand through his hair, he thought deeply. There was no way in hell he regretted anything they did that night. But would he sacrifice that one night…something he'd always wanted with Hermione for all of his horrific memories vanished? Did this one act of good outweigh all the countless bad? Was all this torture appropriate for their secretly stolen moments together? Was a dream worth giving up for love?
Hermione still sat in front of him, idling twisting her hands together, waiting for his answer. Her gorgeous brown eyes were wide with anticipation and fear, though otherwise she showed no signs that this innocent question could have meant anything more. Running her hands through her hair in an attempt to smooth it over, she tried to act as though Ron's silence didn't bother her. He knew it did, he could sense it in her.
Overcome with love, Ron bent down quickly, while she wasn't looking, and planted a kiss on her lips.
Smiling, and bringing a finger to where he had kissed her, she looked up at him surprised. "What was that for?"
"I love you," He said quickly
"I love you too Ron but…" She tried to ask, confused.
"You're everything to me" He interrupted "And you're worth everything. So no. My answer is no. I wouldn't give up that night we had together for some heroic death. That night was worth every bit of torture we've endured. I don't regret anything about it."
A smile spread over Hermione's lips, a smile that reached her eyes for the first time since the war and she kissed his nose playfully. "Me neither. I don't regret anything" She whispered
Ron smiled back, bringing her into his arms once again. "'Mione?" He whispered softly
"Yes?" She breathed, her eyes closed
"I-I've been thinking. And I want you to know now…I want you to understand that if you die, I do as well right?"
Hermione's eyes snapped open "No!" She cried out suddenly as she ripped herself away from Ron and whipped her head around to face him. "No Ron you can't!"
"Yes" He said firmly "We went through it before the war. Remember how you felt when you thought I was going to throw myself in front of that curse that was meant for Harry? I feel like that now, except worse. I don't care what you say or think. If you die…I'll just hand myself over to them."
"Ron you can't…" She said horrified
"You won't be able to stop me," Ron said bluntly
"You can't throw life away like that"
"And you think life as a tortured prisoner under Voldemort, without you or Harry in it is going to be worth living!"
"Ron…"
"I'm just telling you now, so you won't be surprised or caught off guard later alright?"
Tears now fell down Hermione's cheeks. "YOU CAN'T! IF I'M GOING TO DIE, THEN I'LL DIE TO SAVE YOU! I REFUSE TO DIE FOR NO REASON RONALD WEASLEY! I WANT MY DEATH TO GIVE YOU A CHANCE AT LIFE! AND YOU'RE TAKING THAT AWAY FROM ME!"
"Sh…" He soothed, wiping her tears away with his thumbs "I'm not trying to take anything away from you"
"Then w-why-"
"Because I love you" Ron interrupted
"That doesn't-"
"Yes it does" Ron said, reading her thoughts
"Ron…" She moaned, putting her face in her hands
"Listen to me" He said, taking her hands away from her face "It's okay. Nothing may happen. But if something does then…well then I'll make sure it happens to both of us"
"Please don't do this"
"This is old stuff 'Mione. We don't need to go back into it. I'm just telling you."
Hermione sighed and shook her head. "I can't deal with this right now Ron. I-I'm going to go to bed."
"Bed?"
"Yes, I just…I don't want to think about it. I don't want to think about tomorrow. I just don't want to think about anything at all."
"Never thought I'd hear that out of your mouth" Ron teased
Hermione tried to smile, he could tell that she was; but she was failing miserably at it. The corners of her mouth lifted upwards, as if pasted there, she nodded her head at him as she stood up. "Yes well…war changes people. And as much as neither of us would like to accept it, I'll never be the same again. You can count on that. Good night Ron. I love you"
Ron sat for a moment, contemplating what she had just said. Suddenly, he jumped up and grabbed Hermione's wrist.
"What did you say?"
"Let me go to bed Ron"
"No Hermione. What did you say?"
"I said I'll never be the same again"
"That's not true"
"Must you argue with everything I say?" She said, exasperated
Ron sighed. "I'm not trying to get under your nerves like I used to Hermione." He inwardly gave himself points for the eye roll and small smile Hermione gave him "But I'm serious though, 'Mione. Don't change on me. I fell in love with the bossy know-it-all"
"So you're saying you still won't love me if I'm a different person?' She huffed
"No! You're twisting my words around!" He protested
"Well then what are you trying to say?" She crossed her arms and gave him a pointed look.
Ron took a moment to think before he answered her. Memories bubbled to the surface of his brain demanding attention, and he had no choice but to succumb to their wishes.
The compartment door slid open and a girl emerged from it. She asked them in a bossy voice that made Ron's skin crawl if they'd seen a toad. Harry Potter spoke up and told her they hadn't. Inwardly, he sighed a sigh of relief. He didn't want to have anything to do with that girl…he hated people who thought they were better than him just because he was poor. Praying the same prayer inside his head for her to go away, she turned to him, with curious brown eyes and Ron's stomach flipped. She'd seen him!
Trying desperately to find a way out, he realized he was trapped. Her chocolate eyes were cornering him, and he didn't like it. He watched those eyes travel down to his hand, where he fingered a piece of wood. Her eyes shot up to his, making contact in a way that made Ron's stomach tighten, trying to calm it. Her eyes held excitement; it was dancing around in the pools of brown. Trying to appear disinterested, she asked him if he would perform the spell he'd been using to impress the famous Harry Potter. He looked at her…her eyes were gleaming. It was a challenge! He'd never backed away from a challenge from his brothers, why start now?
Nodding, he took out his new wand; possibly one of the only new things he had ever received in his life, and rolled up his sleeves. Shooting a grin at the black haired boy sitting opposite him, he took a deep breath before muttering the spell Fred and George had taught him not only two days earlier. He stared with nervous anticipation at Scabbers; waiting impatiently for his rat to turn yellow. When nothing happened, his stomach dropped. Blasted Fred and George! Panicking, he desperately looked at Harry. That was it! He'd blown his chances with the him! He'd never want anything to do with him again…he'd go off and find other friends to poke fun at him. How could he have messed everything up already! They hadn't even reached the school!
But Ron was shocked when Harry's eyes showed only comfort and he told him it was okay, that he'd never even heard a spell before. Ron was beaming he knew, but he couldn't help it! Maybe he wasn't such a screw-up after all… He then looked up at that bushy haired girl. Her eyes held disappointment, but she was desperately trying to cover it up with a sneer. Huffing, she got up and walked out of the compartment. Intense dislike seared throughout Ron. He could see right through her, and it bothered him that she tried to cover up herself with such a cocky personality.
Remembering her eyes, Ron thought for a moment, that maybe if he got to know this girl, that maybe she would stop being such a know-it-all. Because her eyes didn't match up with the rest of her. She looked slightly insecure and scared and suddenly Ron felt compelled to go after her and ask if she wanted to join them.
But before he could get up, she reappeared back in the doorway with her head held high and her chin pointed out defiantly, announcing that he had a spot of dirt on his nose. And in that instant, Ron Weasley knew that if he wanted to befriend this girl, he'd have to use every power in his being. This one wouldn't go down without a fight and Ron never backed away from a challenge. Though in his innocent eleven-year-old mind he didn't know exactly why he was drawn to her and wanted her company so badly, it was a challenge that would change his life forever.
As Ron broke out of his reverie he stared at Hermione who waiting impatiently. Calmly taking a deep breath, he approached her slowly. "What I'm saying is…I've always loved you. I loved you even when you were strutting about the school, flaunting your brilliant mind in first year. I loved you even when you criticized my schoolwork and magical abilities. I loved you even when you told me I had dirt on my nose and embarrassed me in front of Harry on the train. I especially loved you whenever we were in danger. I-I don't want to loose you. In any way. You were always the one who held everything together, please don't break down on me"
"Ron" She said softly, walking towards him, "I may have been the glue that held the three of us together, but if there is nothing to hold together anymore, glue has no purpose"
"There's still two parts left, desperately in need of glue" He said sadly as Hermione wrapped her arms around him in a hug
"You haven't really dealt with glue before Ron" She whispered, "It's a Muggle thing. We use it all the time in the Muggle world. Over time…it sort of decays. Gets yellow and starts to crack. Especially if people have been prying at it over time"
"But it still stays together doesn't it?"
She sighed, breaking apart from their hug. "Not always." Looking away from him she whispered quietly, "Voldemort was right. I-I am weary. I'm tired Ron. We've been going full speed it seems like for 2 years. Technically 7 if you look at it closely. I'm spent. I've tried…I really have."
Heart beating fast Ron approached her quickly. "No…but… you're not just giving up are you?" He squeaked
Hermione sat down and looked at her hands. "I can't pretend like I'm not looking forwards to dying in peace."
"Y-You can't be…s-serious!" He sputtered, his hands shaking
"Oh Ron don't look at me like I'm mental!" She cried tearfully, getting up and walking towards the window, crossing her arms over her chest.
Ron simply stood there, his mind racing. "Hermione what about you not wanting me to give up my life?"
Without turning around, she answered, "I don't want you to Ron. You can still make it. You've got enough energy…you've got enough hope"
Suddenly, Ron felt very old. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. This was too complicated. Everything seemed to be happening too fast. How could she act like this!. Horrified at his decision, and then making a similar one only minutes later? It didn't make sense and he didn't have the emotional capacity to handle it anymore.
But her words echoed inside his head. Voldemort was right. The scene played in his mind over and over again. What else had Voldemort said? That it was Ron's fault that Hermione was like this…he had killed her by dragging her along! Guilt plagued his stomach and he felt sick.
"Please" He croaked desperately "You can't…Don't go willingly!"
She examined her hands closer. "Everything will be over quicker. I don't want a big fuss. I'm too tired for another emotional drama"
Ron shook his head to block out her words. He didn't want to hear it. "So you're just going to lie there while that monster rapes you!"
Wiping a tear from her face, Hermione turned around finally to face him. "You make it sound like I want all this"
"Don't you?"
"How dare you!" She hissed
"I mean, didn't you just say that you want it all to be over with!"
"I said that I couldn't deny it!"
"That's the same thing!"
"No it's not!"
"You never would have let anyone touch and abuse you like that in the old days!"
"Well that was then Ron…Things are different now?"
"How so!" He challenged
"You have to ask!"
"I know what's different, Hermione. I want to know how you're suddenly different"
"I TOLD YOU! I'M TIRED OF FIGHTING FOR A LOST CAUSE! I'M TIRED OF MY HOPES GETTING UP AND THEN SUDDENLY CRASHING AND BURNING AT MY FEET! I'M TIRED OF SEEING PEOPLE I LVOE SUFFER AND DIE! I'M TIRED OF WATCHING LIFE AS I KNOW IT, SLOWLY SLIP AWAY FROM ME! LOOK AT ME RON! I'VE SEEN MY REFLECTION! I KNOW WHAT I LOOK LIKE! I DON'T LOOK ANYTHING LIKE MY OLD SELF! THE OLD HERMIONE STUDIES AND READS BOOKS, THIS NEW HERMIONE CRIES AND SUCCUMBS TO TORTURE! I CAN'T HELP BUT CHANGE! YOU'VE CHANGED TOO! YOU JUST DON'T WANT TO ADMIT IT!"
Overcome with emotion and shock at her outburst, Ron simply stood there. Tears were flying down Hermione's face but she seemed not to care. She began to pace back and forth heatedly, then realizing that she wasn't accomplishing anything, she sat down on the ground.
"I'm sorry Ron. I really am. T-This wasn't how I pictured our last night together. Let's just try to get some sleep." She said so quietly he almost didn't hear her.
Ron said nothing. Yet he obliged, and as if his body was moving without his knowledge, he sat on the ground next to her. Darkness surrounded them, wrapping the couple up in its warm blanket and Ron sighed into the night air. His heart was pounding with pain and his mind felt like it had been fried. Fatigue like he had never known over overwhelmed him and he sat there silently, his back to Hermione.
He thought about everything. About Harry, about the war, about their plan which at the time, sounded so brilliant. He thought about Hermione telling him for the first time that she loved him, their first kiss, Hogwarts falling to the ground, torture, and the prospect of what tomorrow would surely bring.
He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. Settling as comfortably as he could on the ground, he began drifting into slumber. Just as he'd reached the point of no return, as he easily slipped into a dreamless sleep, something called him back. It was a sweet soft voice that Ron knew only too well. Subconsciously, he smiled. She was calling him.
"Ron?" She whispered again
"Yea?"
"C-Can you hold me?" She asked meekly. He nodded in response, but was unaware that she had not seen his agreement. When Hermione didn't receive an answer she began babbling, "I mean I know I've been really hard on you tonight and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. You know I'd never want any of this under other circumstances right? I'm sorry Ron. I love you so much. I don't want to die tomorrow. I'm scared. I need you with me. Just please forgive me. I-"
Ron grinned into her ear, as he cut her off by slowly wrapping his arms around her body. "I didn't think you'd want anything to do with me," She whispered
Gently kissing her cheek Ron shook his head. "Never. If you need me, I'm here. You know that right?"
"Yea" She breathed, "You've always been there for me Ron."
"I always wanted to protect you. I-I'm sorry I couldn't"
"You're protecting me right now."
"Yea…but I won't be able to tomorrow," He whispered to himself, his heart breaking as he uttered the words
"Sh…don't talk about it"
Ron gladly obliged. Playing with a strand of her hair, he breathed in her scent; knowing that he never would again.
Snuggling closer to him, Hermione kissed him lightly on the lips, "Goodnight Ron" She whispered into his ear
"Night 'Mione." He managed to get out, as he tried to remember exactly how it felt to have her in his arms.
And as they slept on, the clouds rolled in and a soft rain began to fall. Some might have seen it as a sign of trouble, but Ron viewed it differently as he listened to the gentle thunder in the distance, his eyes securely shut. That night in the common room, when he'd seen that beautiful girl dancing in the rain…he'd seen a different side of Hermione. A side he'd never been privileged to see before. It was as though the rain had given birth to a new girl. Yet as Ron remained in a half asleep state, he let the tears fall onto Hermione's curly hair as he realized with bitter irony that the same rain that had 'borne' Hermione, would also be the same rain that took her away from him.
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It was still dark when Ron awoke. He wasn't sure what had woken him or why his senses were alert but when he opened his eyes, he immediately knew that something was wrong.
A soft tapping, like that of rocks against brick were pounding away above his head. A soft murmuring of voices swam inside his head. Looking down at Hermione, who lay peacefully asleep, still in his arms, he felt better. But this sound…it bothered him.
Moving slowly, so as not to disturb Hermione, he managed to separate himself from her and walk the few precious feet to the wall. It was the wall with the hole in it. Squatting down on his knees, he peered through it to try to catch a glimpse of whatever was making this noise.
Ron couldn't help but scream when a soaked, dirty, man with messy brown hair stared back at him.
Falling on his back, his face consorted into a face of utmost fear, he crawled backwards away from the face, never breaking eye contact with the man's eyes.
The man appeared frightened as well. But instead of backing away like Ron was doing, he quickly put a finger to his lips, desperately trying to get Ron to calm down.
Immediately silenced, Ron lay on the ground, his heart pounding uncontrollably in his chest, and his breaths coming in labored gasps. He cast a glance at Hermione. She still slept.
The hand motioned for him to come closer. Unsure what to do, but curious nonetheless, Ron cautiously and slowly approached the hole. It wasn't like the man could grab him or harm him through that small of a gap anyways.
When Ron was close enough to smell the man's breath (which was horrendous), only then did the man lower his finger from his lips.
The two studied each other for a moment. Ron was struck by his familiarity and the man…well he began to cry silently, wiping at his tears ashamed. Unsure how to handle this, Ron continued to stare, trying to place in his mind where he knew him. The man's face broke into a smile through his tears and he croaked out in a hoarse whisper "Ron!"
Stupidly, Ron looked around, just to make sure this man was addressing him. The man laughed. "Yes you, you idiot! Bloody Hell, war hasn't made you any smarter!"
The voice! Ron knew it! He'd heard it a million times! How could anyone mistake the accent! And yet…it didn't look like him. But it had to be! Only one person would address him like that!
"Seamus!"
The man smirked and nodded his head. Ron couldn't breathe! Seamus…here…alive! It wasn't possible! Everyone had died. Everyone Ron knew had died! How could Seamus be alive? Wait a second…Seamus was alive! Tears of happiness stung Ron's eyes and slowly overflowed, streaming down his face. He'd never been happier to anyone in his life.
A million questions buzzed around his head, he didn't know which one to ask first.
Who else was alive? Where have you been all this time? What's happened? Was Ginny alive? What about the Ministry and the Order? What else were the Death Eaters doing?
Was he alone? But the one that made it's way past Ron's brain and out his lips was,
"What are you doing here!"
Seamus laughed softly. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm rescuing you and Hermione dammit!"
If Seamus's re-appearance hadn't been a shocker to Ron…this did it. Rescue…he couldn't wrap his mind around the word. Did he mean rescue as in break Hermione and himself free? As in save them? As in free them? He blinked several times in a row trying to comprehend what this meant.
"W-Who else?" He asked, ignoring the fact that his mind wasn't ready for another answer.
"Lavender's here with me"
"Lavender?"
"Yea" Seamus breathed.
"And…the others? Ginny?"
"Lavender saw her before Hogwarts collapsed. We think she's okay, but we're not sure."
Ron could only nod.
"Look," Seamus said, lowering his voice. "We don't have much time. This is real dangerous of me to do. I need you to get Hermione."
"How are you getting us out of here?" Ron asked blankly
"I've got my wand with me still. Go on hurry!"
"Where are we going?"
"We're leaving!"
That was all the answer Ron needed. Quickly striding over to Hermione, he shook her gently.
"Mm…" She said in her sleep
"Hermione!" He whispered
"What?" She asked sleepily, rubbing her eyes. As she became more awake she looked at Ron's face fearfully "What's wrong? What happened?"
Ron had to pause for a moment to collect himself. Too much had happened! His brain wanted to focus on being reunited with Seamus and the bliss he felt that someone else had made it out alive, but for some reason, it was stuck on the last thing. They were going to escape!
Ron beamed down at Hermione who still gazed up at him with fear written across her face. "Come with me" He said grabbing her hand. "We're leaving!"
"Leaving?" She asked confused "Where are we going?"
"Just come on" Ron grinned, pulling her along, "I have something to show you!"
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