word count: 614
"Thank you so much for doing this," Molly says, offering Hermione a weak smile. "He hasn't come out of his room since the funeral."
Hermione frowns. She had suspected as much, but she hadn't realized Ron's isolation was this bad. She had at least hoped he would have spent some time with his family. Maybe she shouldn't be surprised. As much as he's grown over the years, Ron still has trouble regulating emotions. "It's the least I could do," she says, taking the plate and making her way to Ron's bedroom.
"Ron?" she calls. "I'm coming up, okay?"
No answer. Hermione takes that as a good sign. If Ron just outright didn't want her to visit, he would have told her so; it's all the permission she needs, and she comes inside, lifting the plate slightly. "Your mum wanted me to bring you this. She says you haven't eaten, so she didn't want to make you anything too heavy."
Ron doesn't look up. He just sits at his desk, contemplating his chess set. He's got the board set up like he's been playing against himself. She wonders if this is his way of trying to escape. It breaks her heart in a way nothing else really has.
"I know you miss Fred."
"I'm fine."
Hermione rolls her eyes. "You're a terrible liar, Ronald."
That seems to get his attention. He looks up, frowning. "Why do you care?"
The question probably isn't meant to be offensive, but it really does hurt. Hermione huffs and sets the plate down beside him. "Why do I care?" she echoes. "Excuse me if the boy I love suffering makes me want to make things better for him."
"Love? You… love me?"
It's only then that she realizes what she's said. Too late to take it back now. Then again, she doesn't want to take it back. "Of course I do. That kiss really meant something to me."
"Me too… I just…" Ron sighs and reaches out, plucking a cube of cheese and popping it into his mouth. "What am I supposed to do? I've never really lost anyone, and I…" He lets out a choked sob. "I can't…"
Hermione is by his side in a second, holding him close. "You can. I know it isn't easy, but you don't have to do it alone," she assures him. "You have so many people who love you and want to help you through this, okay?"
"I've been pushing them away…"
"And they're still here, still waiting for you to come around, you ridiculous boy."
She's missed him more than she can ever say. Maybe he isn't back quite yet, not in the way he was before the battle shattered him, but it's progress, however slow.
"I love you," he tells her. "I'm sorry I'm so useless right now."
"Hush. You're grieving. Only an idiot would expect you to be at the top of your game right now," she says. Her lips quirk. "And I love you too."
It feels nice to say it, like maybe it's the smallest silver lining when everything around them feels like storm clouds. It's such a tiny sliver of hope, but she will hold onto it.
"Will you stay with me?" he asks. "I don't know if I'm ready to see my family yet. I've been…" He doesn't finish the sentence, but he doesn't have to; Hermione understands the things he leaves unspoken.
"Of course. I'll sit here and watch the day go by with you for however long you need."
"What if I need you forever?"
She reaches out and takes his hand, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. "Then you can have me forever."
