Hey there! I'm really sorry for not updating in forever…my life is completely hectic. I was just listening to a song and I thought it was perfect for the chapter, so…the italics in this chapter are lyrics!
Disclaimer: Would you look at that! I still don't own anything!
My love she throws me like a rubber ball
Oh, the sweetest thing
Ron stared at his ceiling, head swirling in thought. Suddenly a gentle tap on the door startled him and he jumped. "Who is it?" he asked.
"Um…it's Hermione…can I come in?" The voice that had haunted his dreams and befuddled him so many times floated through the door.
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this I'm a raincloud
"Sure," Ron said, trying to look casual and cool. Hermione entered and stopped.
"Your mum wants help in setting up the party," she said quietly. He nodded and she made to leave, but he did not want her to.
"Wait, Hermione…" he said, causing her to turn to him expectantly. "Um…never mind. I'll tell you later."
I'm losing you
Ain't love the sweetest thing?
She looked confused, but all the same shut the door behind her, leaving an aura in the room that Ron wanted to bask in forever…
Ron shook himself and jumped up to follow her.
It did not take much time to set up for the party. Everybody worked in silence, magicking things this way and that. Mrs. Weasley refused Fred and George's help point-blank, leaving them to wander the house aimlessly, levitating objects at random.
Ron and Hermione were conjuring sufficient chairs for everybody in a grave silence. When Harry suddenly appeared in the doorway and sneezed, Ron gave a start and dropped his wand, causing the chair he'd been levitating to crash onto the floor with a crunching sound.
"Oh, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed, exasperated. She quickly and soundlessly repaired the chair and placed it in the appropriate spot.
"Look what I found, guys!" Harry said, holding up a large, blue-and-silver electronic device by its handle.
"My boom box!" Hermione screamed indignantly. "Harry, give it back!"
Ron looked between his friends. "What's a boom box?"
"You'll see." Harry smirked, then pressed the "play" button. "I found some good songs on here…"
Music suddenly blared out of the speakers and Ron jumped in alarm for the second time in two minutes.
I wanted to run but she made me crawl
Oh, the sweetest thing
Eternal fire, she turned me to straw
Oh, the sweetest thing
I know I got black eyes but they burn
So brightly for her
I guess it's a blind kind of love
Oh, the sweetest thing
"Harry!" Hermione shrieked. She lunged, snatched the boom box and pressed the "stop" button. Music kept emitting from the object.
I'm losing you
I'm losing you
Ain't love the sweetest thing?
Ron was speechless. Whatever music this was, it sounded exactly like what he felt about Hermione…
"YOU STUCK THE BUTTON!" Hermione wailed, hysterical. The music kept playing happily.
Blue eyed boy meets a brown eyed girl
Oh, the sweetest thing
Hermione froze. Her chocolate eyes avoided Ron's, which were a clear blue, a fact that she wanted to avoid. She instead busied herself in thinking of the counter-curse to whatever Harry had put on the boom box.
You can sew it up, but you still see the tear
Oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this I'm a raincloud
Ours is a stormy kind of love
Hermione flicked her wand desperately and jabbed the stop button. This time, the music stopped abruptly.
"Harry." Hermione gritted her teeth. "I. Am. Going. To. Kill. You."
"Hold up here," Ron said quickly. "Now, let me ask some questions. Harry, why did you take Hermione's…erm…Muggle thing…and Hermione, why did you bring that thing in the first place? What is it exactly?"
"Actually, I didn't take it," Harry began. "I merely borrowed it. You see, somebody left it carelessly out in the hall, and I thought…"
"Ginny." It wasn't a question.
"Don't finger Ginny in this," Ron said hastily.
"Who's fingering me?"
Ginny was leaning casually against the doorframe of the kitchen, observing the spectacle.
"Fingering is rude," she continued calmly.
Ron sighed. "It's metaphorical, dear sister."
"Me-tah-phor-ic-al," Ginny repeated, smirking. "Big word for you."
Ron chose to ignore this comment, and instead continued to question. "Hermione, what is that thing?"
"That is my portable boom box," Hermione explained, obviously trying to keep cool. "It's a Muggle device that plays CD's, which are disks that have music on them. When you put a CD into that thing, it plays the music on that CD. I'd explain how it does that, but it's very complicated…"
"Sounds like it," Ron said frankly. "Why did you bring it here?"
"I like having my music, and Mum and Dad wouldn't get me an Ipod…don't ask what that is," she added, seeing Ron's curious expression.
"Harry, why did you play that song for us?" Ron continued. Upon being drawn back to the subject at hand, Hermione fired up again and started clenching her fists.
"G—er—somebody let me listen to that song, and I thought you might enjoy it," Harry said brightly. Ron remembered what the song had been about, and realized Harry's purpose in playing it, all at once.
"You know…" Hermione said, sobering. "Normally I'd be cursing you into oblivion, Harry, but…given the circumstances I think that I can let it go."
Everybody was silent. Harry seemed sad at having his moment of fun quashed at the memory of their quest. Harry turned to Ginny—only to find himself staring at an empty spot where she had stood moments before.
By the time the sun was staining the sky with fire and long shadows trailed after evening joggers down in Ottery St. Catchpole, most of the party guests had arrived. Harry watched them trail in, one after one: Remus Lupin and Tonks, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Mad-Eye Moody…all the people who had stood by him.
The living room was not very crowded, and Harry knew that only the most important people were coming. He suddenly noticed Charlie, pacing in front of the window, apparently waiting for something. Another crack ripped the air outside and he straightened. Harry got a glimpse of a tall girl with blonde hair and blue-grey eyes that he didn't know standing in the door uncertainly before Charlie grabbed her in his arms and twirled her around.
"Why, Charlie! A friend of yours?" Molly Weasley exclaimed, bustling over.
"Uh, Mum…" Charlie began, and put an arm around the girl. "This is Helaena McKinnet, she's my…my girlfriend."
"Oh." Mrs. Weasley looked happy. "Welcome, Helaena."
The girl smiled. "Thank you. Charlie has told me a lot about all of you. I'm happy to be here."
Harry left and weaved through the chairs that were crammed around the magically lengthened table. He approached Ron and Hermione, who were chatting with Luna and Neville.
"Harry!" Neville said happily. They shook hands.
"Hello, Harry," Luna said dreamily. She was staring around her, misty eyes taking in everything.
"Hey, Luna," Harry replied. "How are you both?"
"We're fine," Neville answered, nudging Luna so she could concentrate on the conversation.
"I was just asking Neville and Luna when the marriage is," Hermione said coyly. Luna and Neville both flushed at this.
"Marriage?" Harry asked confusedly. "You two are getting married? Don't you think you're a little young—"
"You sound like my grandmother," Neville sighed. "We're not getting married anytime soon! We only got together about a week ago—" he stopped and reddened even more.
"Oh, well, that's all right then!" Harry said happily. Neville sighed again.
"I'm glad he finally told me," Luna said, displaying her knack of speaking her mind blatantly. "What with the war and all…" She stopped and her eyes filled with tears. Hermione pulled her friend into a hug. The three boys waited, feeling uncomfortable, until they broke apart. Luna wiped her eyes.
"It's going to be okay," Hermione said softly. "Don't worry."
"I'm sorry," Luna whispered. They had never seen her like this before.
"Don't be." Neville put an arm around her. She smiled at them, a watery yet genuine smile, then Neville led her away towards the fire. Hermione looked sad as she watched them go.
"They don't want us to be alone in this." Hermione hugged herself. "I don't blame them."
"Harry, Ron, Hermione," Remus said from behind them. All three teenagers faced him.
"Hullo, Remus," Harry said dully. For some reason he felt completely emotionless now.
"Hello, yourself." Remus smiled at him. "Don't sound so excited to see me."
"He's having a bit of a rough time," Hermione said in a stage whisper.
"I'll talk to him," Remus responded in the same tone. "Come on, Harry," he added, louder.
"Alright," Harry agreed in a monotonous voice. Remus led Harry away, leaving Ron and Hermione to stand there uncomfortably. They finally were brought into conversation with Charlie and Helaena, his girlfriend. When the two had left, Ron made up his mind.
"Um, Hermione?" Ron asked nervously. "Can I talk to you? Alone?"
Hermione looked slightly surprised. "Sure,"
Ron was leading her on a beeline towards the back porch when Charlie approached them, laughing heartily with a blonde girl that neither Ron nor Hermione knew.
"Ron, I want you to meet Helaena, she's my girlfriend," Charlie said happily. The girl called Helaena smiled at them.
"Errr, hello," Ron said, wiggling a few fingers in greeting.
"Hi, Helaena," Hermione said cheerfully. Ron, however, having known her for seven years, could see through the mask of happiness on her face. The problem was that he couldn't read what was underneath. Girls were so hard to understand sometimes.
"Hi! You must be Hermione! Charlie tells me all about you," Helaena said. "You and Ron."
Hermione turned a deep shade of red. Her cheeks seemed to be on fire. Looking over, she found Ron wearing a very similar expression.
Helaena grinned. "Charlie's told me about you two. Don't worry, I won't let it get out."
"Charlie," Ron said dangerously. Charlie paled.
"Ummm, Helaena, honey…I don't think Hermione and Ron want to discuss that any further, okay?" he said hastily. Helaena frowned at him.
"I hope you haven't been lying to me, Charlie-kins," she simpered. Even though Ron and Hermione barely knew her, they could tell that she was faking it, and laughed at the look on Charlie's face.
"Please don't call me that," he said, annoyed. She snickered.
"Sorry, sorry…"
Ron and Hermione snuck away. Helaena seemed to have a good sense of humor. They could see why Charlie liked her.
"I wonder if they met because of Charlie's dragon-keeping?" Hermione mused out loud.
Ron was about to respond when Mrs. Weasley emerged from the kitchen and called, "Dinner's ready!"
Ron sighed. For the second time that day he'd missed an opportunity to tell Hermione everything…
Meanwhile, Remus and Harry were seated, facing each other, in armchairs by the blazing fire. Remus sighed wearily, rubbing his forehead.
"I can't believe you're going to do this," Remus said finally. Harry tensed; he hadn't expected Remus to react this way.
"Look, Remus, I'm going, Ron and Hermione are coming with me, and there's nothing you can do about it. I need to do this on my own."
Remus nodded. "I know. It's just like something your father would do. You have no idea how much you're like him."
"Where have I heard that before," Harry said dully. Remus chuckled.
"Not just in looks. Your father would be rushing off into battle, too. And you both seem to have a weak spot for—" Remus winked and tilted his head over to where Ginny was standing, talking with Tonks, "—fiery redheads."
Harry reddened but did not look away. Remus' expression turned serious again.
"James would have died for Lily," he said sadly. "He almost did, once."
Harry straightened. "He did? When?"
"She was trying to learn to fly…lost control of the broom. She would have fallen from seventy feet up if James hadn't caught her, five feet before she hit the ground. He nearly fell off his own broom diving to get her, and he also had a broken arm from the previous Quidditch game…it was still tender, and it broke again when he did that. You can understand how much of an impact this had on Lily, of course. This was in seventh year, so in a way it helped them get together in the first place…"
"I would do that for Ginny," Harry said unconsciously. When Remus raised a knowing eyebrow, Harry flushed and cleared his throat.
"Why did you want to talk to me?" he asked. Remus' face darkened.
"Harry, I want to say something important…so I don't want you to interrupt."
Harry nodded slowly. Remus continued. "I know that Molly feels so protective of you. You're like a son to her. Understandably she doesn't want you doing this…nor Ron and Hermione. I've spoken with her and Arthur…they both feel that you are too young. Harry, if anything happened to either of you…
"But she's letting you go. I don't think you know how hard it's going to be for her to let you do this. It's hard for me, too…for all of us. But I want you to know that we're always here for you."
Harry blinked. He was looking at the last precious reminder of his parents…and he was leaving him behind.
"I have no idea, either," Remus continued quietly. "When I spoke to Ginny she didn't seem like she was there. She seemed to be off in another world…her eyes have a lost look in them. She's going with you in spirit, Harry, as are we all. Remember that. Even if we can't protect you physically, we can remind you that we're always there for you."
Harry blinked again, ignoring the prickling tears that were flirting with the corners of his eyes, trying to leak out. He bit his lower lip to keep it from trembling. Just then he heard Mrs. Weasley's voice, as if from far away, calling them for dinner. Harry got up abruptly, thanked Remus hastily, and departed.
Ron looked about him at the people crammed around the dinner table; he saw nothing but familiar faces (save for Helaena). Luna, Neville, Remus, Tonks, Alastor Moody, and of course the Weasley clan. He felt a tremendous weight as he thought about leaving them.
Then he saw Harry. His best mate. The Boy Who Lived. Ron had had a few brief moments over the course of their friendship in which he had longed to be in Harry's place. He'd wanted to be the hero, to be the stuff of legend. Now he knew that being Harry Potter would definitely not be a perfect life. In fact, Ron had never felt sorrier for Harry. He was sitting next to Ginny. They seemed to be avoiding one another, but Ron could see that, under the table, their hands were clasped tightly. Neither was eating anything. Ron suddenly wished that he'd spent more time with his sister, and he knew it was too late.
Lastly, his eyes found Hermione, sitting across from him, twirling her food with her fork sadly, slightly bushy hair falling over her face. His Hermione. What it was about her that made him so befuddled, he didn't know. All he knew was that he was now most definitely head over heels in love.
She looked up suddenly and her eyes met his in a piercing gaze. Ron realized that he had been staring at her and tried to look away, but the sadness in her glistening eyes melted his heart. He attempted a smile, but couldn't manage it, so he ended up looking more depressed. She blinked and turned her head away, bending back down over her untouched food. Ron's shoulders sagged. How pathetic was he?
Hermione kept her head bent over her plate, playing with the roast chicken and stuffing aimlessly. She had a sudden feeling that she was being watched. She looked up—right at Ron's clear eyes, staring back at her. He literally looked as if he could crumple to the floor in a puddle of sadness. Her heart went out to him, begging him, somehow willing him to talk with her, to make it all right. She sighed; she knew it wouldn't be all right. Even when it was all over, things would never be all right.
She was aware that the room was silent, save for the occasional clanking of cutlery on plate. Everybody had full plates; even Charlie wasn't eating. Mrs. Weasley sighed, and set down her knife and fork.
"I don't think any of us feels like eating tonight," she said quietly. Hermione sighed, and turned to her.
"I'm sorry, Molly," she said slowly; recently Mrs. Weasley had asked Harry and Hermione to call her by her first name. "It is delicious, but…I'm not really that hungry, somehow…"
Everybody nodded. Mrs. Weasley managed a weak smile.
"If you can't eat, don't," she said encouragingly. "I don't mind…"
The stubbornly polite group relented at this, and stood up to help clear the table. When Ron and Hermione had cleared away their places, Ron went around the table and cautiously looked her in the eye.
"Hermione…can we talk now?"
She smiled, and nodded. Ron was going to take her hand to lead her away, but thought better of it and instead took her by the elbow gently. They were walking through the living room towards the porch when they heard the front door open slowly. Ron froze and felt his whole body shake with repressed anger as he heard a voice from the door that he'd never wanted to hear again.
"Herm-own-ninny?"
Don't kill me! It will help the plotline along in the next chapter, I promise…and the song in this chapter was The Sweetest Thing by U2.
This chapter was really hard to write, I redid it about 5 times so I hope you are happy with it! I also hope it didn't sound too cheesy or cliché—if you thought that it did, let me know in a gentle manner!
Kamiangel-Wow…thank you for your very insightful review! Your kind comments sound even better when they're written like that.
Featherfinger-What has? I hope this chapter satisfied your need for RHr, and thanks for reviewing!