Chapter 1: Leaving Home

The wedding was beautiful, Ron would never have admitted that to anyone, but it had actually touched him. As the days grew darker and the faces grew gloomy, it was nice to see two people so in love.

"Ron" Harry whispered, "We have to leave soon. At least I am leaving soon-if you want to go, you have to make the decision now."

Ron sighed and looked over at his family. His mother was still crying and his father was beaming at Bill, his own eyes filled with emotion. Ron didn't really want to go but he knew he should. The trio had traveled this far together in life, now wasn't the time to buck tradition.

"Were going" Hermione hissed. Ron jumped; he hadn't even realized she was there. She was standing behind Harry with her hands on her hips. "We already discussed this Harry" She continued. "We are going"

"Ok" Harry mumbled, "Just giving trying to give you an out" He turned to me, "have you told them yet?"

"No" Ron admitted. He cut Hermione off before she could say anything, "I didn't want to ruin the wedding, but I am going to tell them now" Ron ran his fingers through his hair and prepared to talk to his family. Just as he was heading in their direction Hermione grabbed his hand, he looked down at her tiny hand and felt the familiar stirrings in his stomach. Hermione blushed and quickly pulled away.

"Would you like me to go with you?" Hermione asked. Ron was still fascinated by her hands and little disappointed she pulled away. 'Ron" Hermione said again, "Would you like me to go with you to talk to you're parents?"

Ron snapped out of his trance and pulled his eyes from her petite fingers, "No" Ron replied, "No, I can do this" he looked over at Harry, I will be back soon, I hope". Ron gave Hermione a lopsided grin which she returned blushing again. He walked over to Molly and Arthur who were talking with Bill and Fleur. Ron decided there was no reason to tell his brothers and Ginny about his little trip. The only people who really needed to know were his parents; they would pass along the message later.

"Mum, dad" Ron started. His parents pulled their attention away from the bride and Groom smiling at their youngest son.

"Ronald" Molly said, "I meant to tell you earlier, you looked very handsome today son." She beamed at him and took his hand in hers. Ron gave her hand a squeeze.

"Thanks mum" Ron replied, "Can I talk to you and dad for a second?"

"Of course" Arthur answered looking concerned, "Is everything alright?"

"Yes dad" Ron told him, "but I need to speak with you, right now. Let's go in the house"

His mother and father followed him back towards the burrow. The three Weasley's walked in silence. Harry smiled at his friend and mouthed, "Good luck". Ron nodded in response.

"Ok, Ron" Mrs.Weasley said once they were in the kitchen. "What is this about?"

"Ok, I need you to listen to me" Ron started again. "I need you to really listen. with an open mind, ok?"

"Ok" Mr.Weasley answered, "Go on"

"Dumbledore and Harry were on a mission the night Dumbledore died. They had been working together the whole school year preparing for this. Harry plans to keep going on that mission" Ron explained, "Harry is leaving town tonight. Hermione and I are going with him. We can't tell you what we are doing or where we are going but I can promise to keep in touch as much as possible."

Mrs.Weasley's eyes filled with tears, "Ron" she started but he cut her off.

"Mum please don't make this hard" Ron said, "I am of age and I am going with or without you're blessing. But it would be easier with you're blessing"

Arthur and Molly were both silent for a moment. They alternated between looking at Ron and at each other. Finally Arthur cleared his throat, "Ron you are of age and we can't stop you from going. Son, you have to understand how hard it is for us. Our children are all growing up so fats and not only are they growing up but they are doing so in a time of war. You are a man son, and I am proud of the man you are becoming."

Ron felt his face going red, he never heard his father talk about him like that. It made for once Ron felt important, and in his family that was quite the accomplishment but still his father's words didn't answer his question. "What does that mean?" Ron asked.

"That means that we will miss you" Mrs.Weasley said obviously trying to control her sobs, "That means we expect you to find a way to let us know you are safe and that we wish you the best on you're journey."

Ron felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "Thanks" Ron sighed. He put his arms around Molly's neck and hugged her close. When he released his mother Arthur shook his hand.

"When will you be leaving?" he asked.

"Tonight" Ron advised them. "We are all packed. We wanted to duck out quietly before the reception was over."

A look of panic washed over Arthur's face but he quickly recovered, "Very well son. We should say our goodbyes now." He hugged Ron.

Arthur and Molly left a moment later; Ron expected Molly waited until the door shut before she released the flood gates. Ron sat down at the scrubbed kitchen table. He took a moment to get prospective. The war was here and he could feel it in his bones. The world around him was changing. He thought about Hogwarts, about his friendship with Harry and Hermione. The three of them had faced dangers together and always come out on top. The time had come for them to face the greatest danger yet and Ron felt a stab of fear. What if he couldn't protect Harry…or Hermione?

Hermione. She had become the enigma that haunted his every dream. His friendship with Hermione had changed and he could tell without either saying a word. There was something between them. He couldn't quite place the source but something in him said he was in love. But how can you be in love with you're best friend. How do you go from being mates to lovers?

"Ron" Hermione called from the doorway. He looked at her and smiled. The world might be confusing for him right now but no matter what he knew that Hermione would always be apart of his life. "How did it go?" Hermione asked concern written all over her beautiful face.

"Better than I imagined" Ron confided, "they wished us luck. I have their blessing to go."

Hermione looked relieved and came into the room. She put her arms around his neck, "Oh Ron, I m so glad" she whispered into his neck. He felt her little shoulders heaving and knew her crying. He wound his arms around her waist.

"What is wrong?" Ron asked.

"Everything" Hermione wailed. "I am scared. Ron, I am really scared. I have no idea what is going to happen"

"None of us do" Ron reminded her.

"Yeah but there is more" Hermione admitted, "I haven't told my-I haven't –I-"

"You what Hermione?" Ron prompted.

"I haven't told my parents we are going" Hermione sobbed, "I am afraid of what they will say"

Ron was shocked. Hermione was the most honest and upfront person he knew, he couldn't imagine her keeping this from her parents. He knew she must really be afraid to keep something like this from her family. "I was afraid" Ron told her, "but it went well"

Hermione shuddered, "My parents will be different, I assure you" she whispered. Ron wiped the tears from her eyes. "Harry and I will go with you to tell them" Ron said, Hermioen started to argue but Ron cut her off, "No, you need us and we will be there for you."

Hermione smiled, her brown eyes still glistening with tears, 'Thanks" Hermione replied.

"What are friends for?" Ron asked. His eyes caught hers and for a moment they were froze in an intense gaze. Ron didn't know what to do, he was barely breathing. He moved close, moving in to kiss her.

"Guys" Harry called coming through the door. Ron and Hermione quickly pulled away staring at the floor nervously. Harry either didn't notice or chose to ignore his friend's discomfort. "It's time"

"Ok" Hermione said straightening her shoulders. "We just need to get our bags and then we will be off"

"Harry and I will get the bags" Ron told her. "You stay here"

"Ok" Hermione relented after a staring contest with Ron. "But hurry"

Harry and Ron climbed the stairs. Hermione's bags were sitting right in the doorway of the room she shared with Ginny. Ron grabbed them and shrunk them with a quick swish of his and, then stored the luggage in his pocket.

"Harry" Ron said as they grabbed and pocketed their own bags. "We need to talk"

"Change you're mind about going?' Harry asked.

'No" Ron snapped, 'it's about Mione"

"What about her?" Harry asked.

"We have to stop by her house on the way to Godric's hollow" Ron said. Harry looked confused. "Her parents don't know we are leaving and she is scared to tell them."

Harry seemed a little hesitant but the look on Ron's face must have convinced. 'Ok, we have a couple of days I guess."

"I didn't ask you" Ron informed him. 'I was telling you"

Harry grinned at Ron's tone and look. "Sure mate. I understand. You run this show. I am just boy who lived, right?"

Ron laughed as they went back down the stairs, "Arrogant prat" Ron mumbled. He had no idea what the waiting for him but he had Hermione and Harry and that was all he needed …for now at least.