-1Ron's POV

It's funny how people get over these things so quickly; a few moments ago, I was petrified with fright and although it seems pathetic admitting it, I was … a little in awe of Harry. Of course, I haven't told him the good news. Well, I don't know if he'll take it as 'good'; he'll probably be pretty reluctant at first, but…

Pick a place, any place.

Well, Hermione and I are prepared for that one.

"Let's go that town near our house…" I say. "I know it's a bit near the Order, but they don't know. We could go to that place that's a bit like the Three Broomsticks…"

Harry's a little hesitant. Ah well. I'll drag him if I have to…

"Look, we're going, Harry. So… let's go."

I apparate without a second glance at the eerie beach. I can't help feeling slightly scared of that place. I mean, Dumbledore nearly died there…

XXXX

I walk through the door of the Inn, and Ginny bursts out.

"Hey, Ron, I got your message before the whole You-Know-Who business," says Ginny. "So, where's Harry."

How can she have that calm and collected attitude? You-Know-Who just attacked the school. I wouldn't be surprised if there were casualties or maybe even deaths…

"He's apparating, hopefully. Otherwise, Hermione will drag him."

"Well, he'd better come here. I've got out of my first NEWT year for him -"

Harry apparates, and Ginny flings herself bodily onto him.

"Whoa!" He cries. "Ginny?" He sounds a bit disbelieving. Poor guy. I have to say, sometimes I wish he could lighten up…

"You bet, Harry Potter. We may have split up because of this whole Dumbledore thing last year, but that doesn't mean I don't want to be a part of sending him down. He nearly killed dad."

The expression on Harry's face is almost comical. He looks to me accusingly. "Did you start this, Ron?"

"What me? No! Sweet, innocent me? Now why would I do a thing like that? Sweet, angelic little me?"

Okay, so it doesn't sound particularly convincing. I usher them both into the Inn; Hermione appears beside us with a pop, and we enter the bar.

I don't think the barman will recognise us; dad, maybe, but not us. And besides, so many pupils have been dropping out of school because of the tragedy with Dumbledore, he looks at us with a welcoming eye. So, maybe he thinks we should be at school; but I reckon he's also noticed just how full my pockets are with the extra gold I accumulated from helping Fred and George over the holidays.

"Four butterbeers, please…"

XXX

The time passes easily in the town. I don't know where the heck it is, but Harry and Ginny still seem to be just as in to each other as when they were an item. It's strange for me, but I don't think I really mind. She may be my sister, but he is my best mate. And besides, that leaves me to walk with Hermione.

Now why would I be happy about that?

"So," I say awkwardly.

"Yes, Ronald?" Says Hermione, seemingly taking pleasure in intimidating me.

"That was some showdown, huh? You reckon it's like that every time? 'Cause if it is, I'm not really sure I'm…"

"What?"

"Y'know…"

"No, I don't know, so tell me."

"…Well, I'm not sure if I'm brave enough."

Hermione sighs incredulously. "Ron, of course you are. Remember in our first year? You got your self knocked out so Harry could go ahead…"

"But I liked Wizard's Chess…"

"…And personally, I think that shows huge quantities of courage. You just need to believe in yourself. Loads of other people believe in you."

"Er, name one, and I'll be happy."

"Er, well," Hermione hooks one of her curls around her ears and avoids my gaze. Finally; I've got one up on her.

"Well, there's, um, there's… there's me…"

Wow.

"Thanks," I say. It sounds strange even in my ears. What's wrong with me? I look in front of me to Harry and Ginny who are talking animatedly. "You know, I wouldn't have done it if you'd had been anyone else."

Oh, come on, Ron. That might have been true, but you're using it to your advantage.

Well, who wouldn't?

Shut up, thoughts. I don't need you right now.

"My turn to say thanks, then," says Hermione unblushingly. "Hey, Ron -"

Too late, I tell my thoughts as I lean forward to kiss her.

A/N: hee! Sorry it took so long for me to update, but there you have it. And I will be updating VERY soon.