A/N: I want to apologize with all of my heart for the LONG delay in updating RWC and FOaB. More information can be found at the end! So much of my gratification goes out to all of you who have reviewed my story. I just want to say... HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY RONALD WEASLEY... and to my younger brother! I really hope you guys like this chapter because it's filled with Romione goodness! On with the chapter!

As always, leaving a review is always something that I look back at to cheer me up! :D

Warning: The usual

Disclaimer: The usual

Chapter 53 ~ In Need for the Sun to Shine

Ronald Weasley wasn't the best at coping with pain.

He never was.

He'd always viewed himself as a vulnerable animal, limping in a gloomy, dim litted forest, wandering around the area. Ron had never felt such intense pain in his whole life. Never had he felt like he wanted to die, just so that all of the pain would just go away. His heart was beating heavily, even pounding, though they were in an erratic pace. His eyes were bloodshot, as his four-days-old clothes were wrinkled and worn-out. It almost looked like he was a zombie.

Ron stood there at his diminished room, at his window in where he stared outside for hours upon hours. His room in Grimmauld was unrecognizable at this point. There were broken floorings and planks that laid around carelessly. Several punched walls were something to note as well. His study desk and chairs were torn, until they were nothing. So many scratch marks were left, especially on his curtains and bed sheets.

It looked like a tornado has just bombarded his room altogether.

His family had let him be, none of them bothering to make eye contact with him. However, they were still dropped by to deliver him food, not wanting him to die from starvation.

Though, the food they gave him didn't satisfying him anymore.

He craved for raw meat. Any meat to be exact.

The Weasley tried numerous of ways to regulate his cravings. He tried blocking out everyone's scent, not wanting any of them to be feasted on by him.

Lupin had tried helping him with little to no success.

Him not being with Hermione truly did affect him. So many dark thoughts filled his mind. Ranging from tearing the whole mansion down to killing. Of course, he digressed those thoughts and notions, but they never seemed to bugger off. They got progressively worse, making him sick to the stomach.

He felt so empty ever since he departed away from Hermione. Harry even moved away from his room, scared that he too was going to be ravaged by Ron's wrath.

Holy shit, even his best friends was scared of him. Actually, everyone was scared of him!

Ron swore to Merlin that he could instantly feel the drastic change of the atmosphere. He knew it was his fault of being such a pathetic, short-tempered, arrogant prat. Though, Ron knew for a fact that a person couldn't surpass Percy's level of douchebaggery. The thought of Percy made Ron scoff.

What a fucking coward, Ron sneered. And he's s'pose to be the smart one. What a cock-up.

Suddenly, he heard an owl hooting towards him. His ears were perked, knowing that the owl was Hermione's. Ron slowly opened his window, then shooeing it off, not in the mood for it chirping like mad. Good thing he kept Pigwidgeon with Ginny.

With shaky, attentive hands, he opened the letter.

Dear Ron,

I'm here to inform you that I'll be coming over to your house today. I miss you, Ron. Hopefully, when I get there, we'll be able to talk things out.

From yours truly,

Hermione

The sort letter was more than enough to lighten him up a bit. He couldn't believe his very eyes to what he had just read! Hermione was still willing enough to be there for him? That was then, a dark thought popped into his head.

I should stay away from her. I don't even know what I'm capable of anymore, Ron looked around his haunting room. That way, I'll know for sure that she'll be safe.

Taking silent steps towards the bathroom, he quickly went for the shower, wanting to look nice for Hermione. As he brushed his teeth, he heard and sense someone coming to the restroom. He swiftly looked up to meet Fred's shellshocked expression.

"Am I dreaming?" Fred wheezed.

"Hey, Fred," Ron grumbled, not really in the mood to talk to anyone.

"You got us worried sick, little bro!" Fred exclaimed with a smile on his face. "Say, don't tell me you're doing all of this, just for Miss Granger."

"H-How did yo-"

"Ginny told me," Fred grinned triumphantly. "She's always been the grapevine in the family."

"Oh, of course," Ron groaned out, as he looked down at his claws. "These stupid claws won't go away!"

"Have you ever heard of trying to relax?"

"I'M TRYING TO TO!" Ron accidently snapped at him. "Oh shit, I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap out like that. Shit."

"Hey, it's alright. I'm used to being yelled at," he gave his brother a reassuring smile. "Just ask mum, if you don't believe me!"

Ron rolled his eyes, chuckling for minutes. He had never felt such happiness in such a while. Even if Fred was a teasing buffoon, Ron would give everything he had just to keep him safe.

Ron sat at his room, still not willing enough to go downstairs to be confronted with his family yet. He was tapping his toes impatiently, just wanting to see and feel Hermione again. He ruffled his hair, feeling immensely bored out of his entire mind of waiting for someone he had longed. Ron tidied up his room a bit, although there were still bits of pieces of chipped wood and clothing to be found on the ground. Thanks to Fred, he had his study desk and chairs back to what they looked like before getting destroyed.

The youngest son of the Weasleys looked down at the necklace he got from Hermione to confirm their relationship. The other half of the heart was with her, and it contained a picture of him smiling, whereas he got the picture of her smiling. Ron smiled at it, keeping it close to him at all times. Just seeings her mane of bushy brown curls and sparkling chocolate eyes could make Ron the happiest person to ever exist.

"Hermione!" his eyes perked up at his sister exclaiming with radiating joy.

His smile grew even wider, she actually came!

He couldn't stop smiling, as he heard Hermione greeting his family, except for his father because he was still at St. Mungo's, the Order, and Harry himself. He was literally pouring and shining with happiness. His love had came! She was here! Here to help him!

"We got you some leftovers from dinner, dear," his mother told her. "Are you hungry?"

"Sorry, Mrs. Weasley, but I already ate, before I came here."

Her voice! He was hearing her voice! Ron's heart started to melt at the sound of her voice. It was like the angels were finally coming towards his way from the depth of darkness.

"That's quite alright. Ginny, take Hermione to her room!"

"I'm on it, mother," Ginny said.

"Wait," Ron's ears heard the familiar voice of Remus Lupin. "I'd like to talk to Hermione for a short while."

Footsteps. He could hear their footsteps. They seemed to be walking towards a corner of the vast living room.

"I know your intent is to help Ron out, is that true, Hermione?" Remus inquired

"Yes, I'm here to help him," said Hermione.

"That's very caring of you, although I want to give you a fair warning," Remus whispered to her. "Ronald is changing in drastic measures. You should see his room, because it represents his stress and self-anger that he has accumulated for the past days. To the best of your abilities, stay wary of his actions, but he thoughtful towards him.

"How could someone like Ron turn into what you've just describe him now," Hermione gasped.

Lupin looked at her with sorrowful eyes, "He feels heartbroken, and whenever a werewolf is heartbroken, it isn't very wise for someone to approach them out of nowhere."

"Well, that's exactly the reason why I came here," Hermione boldly declared. "I'm here for him, as long as he tolerates my presence."

Remus smiled at her strengthening confidence, "I guess we can't stop you then. I know for sure, that Ron will do this hardest to not harm you in anyway. You're free to go."

"Thank you for the information, Remus," Hermione gave her thanks to her ex-professor.

Ron could sense the fear and bravery that was burning in her soul. He frowned a bit, sensing her fear. He couldn't blame her, though. She was about to face someone who was nothing but a part of her bad memories. Ron could never forgive himself of himself ever doing that. As the footsteps got closer, Ron started to hide into the shadows, scared of the inevitable.

Knock…

Knock…

"R-Ron?" Hermione croaked. "It's… It's me, Hermione. I'm here to talk to you."

There was no reply from the other side.

"Ron?" she was starting to get a bit worried. "Are you there?"

Ron was about to answer, when suddenly he felt his claws growing back. Out of the whole night, why would they come out during this very moment! Of course, this wasn't part of the holy omen he was hoping for. Ron tried taking deep breaths, trying to moderate this erratic pace.

"I'm coming in," the door clicked and appeared the most wonderful person Ron had ever met.

Her bushy mane of brown curls were in a ponytail. Her eyes were glistening with worry, concern, fear, excitement, and many more emotions that might as could flood the whole house. She was wearing a striped sweater, along with pajama pants that were a plain navy blue. Her attentive eyes were looking feverishly around the room, in hopes of finding Ron there.

She then closed the door behind her, "Ron, where are you?"

She was frustrated by that fact that the only light source in the room was the crescent moon that poured through the lavish curtains that were no longer looking ravaged. Hermione sat on Ron's bed, shivering at how unwelcoming and unsettling the whole atmosphere was, along with the immense tension. Hermione knew for a fact that Ron was here.

"Please, come out," her hushed voice filled the room.

Yet again, there was no response from the flaming orange-haired Weasley, which made Hermione groan out with frustration.

"I'm not leaving, until I know you're alright, and we've talked!" she declared.

Hermione slowly sunk into Ron's mattress, letting her eyes become heavy from the crying and thoughts she had undergone ever since their recent incident. She pulled the covers over her, trying to fight the urge to fall asleep. After a few minutes, her slumber got the best of her, which allowed her to make soft snores and to have a steady breathing pattern.

Ron slowly came out from the shadows, knowing fully well that Hermione had fallen asleep. He limped towards her, as he felt his breathing become heavy. He tried wheezing out her name, the outcome was unsuccessful. Ron felt like he was losing conscious, and he didn't know why.

Was it because he truly did lose control? Was is Hermione's fault?

Suddenly, Ron yelled out in pain, crouching as he held onto his ribs. Hermione bolted awake from the suffering of Ron. She jumped out of his bed, kneeling to his eye level. She cupped his freckled face, allowing for her to see his bloodshot eyes, unshaven hair, and dreadful bags under his eyes. His face was sick shaded pale, making him glow. His once sparkling crystal orbs, were nothing but a shell of his former self.

"Her-Hermione?" Ron managed to grasp her arms gently.

"It's me, Ron. I'm here," she started to stroke his soft hair. "Remember, deep breaths."

"I - I thought you were terrified of me," Ron felt another jab of pain running up to his spine.

Hermione's eyes softened, "I'm still trying to forget."

"It's impossible," Ron gulped. "What I've done to you recently and during fourth year will always be a burden you have to face, and it's all my bloody fault. If I just controlled myself, none of this would've really happened."

"Please, that's enough. You don't need to blame yourself for everything, because I was a contributing factor to us suffering as well," she tried to rationalize with him. "I know that none of us will forget, but you need to realize that we can learn from our mistakes… together."

"You should listen to Lupin, I can't control myself, Hermione. During those days, when you weren't around, I kept on thinking about these cruel, abnormal thoughts, that I didn't even know I could ever think about."

"I still want to help you!" she said, letting her stubbornness and concern get the best of her. "I - I just want to make sure that you won't be causing chaos."

"Hermione, just… GO!" he growled out, as his eyes flashed red. "I'm - I'm losing conscious. I… I feel so dizzy, so exhausted."

Ron started to lose balance, making him fall over to his bed, letting his lanky legs dangle in an unforgettable position.

"Hermione, if you want to help me and risk your bloody life, help me remember," he whispered to her.

"Remember what?" she inquired.

"Help me remember you and myself," his eyes grew heavy.

"Uh, well…" the brunette shifted uncomfortably. "Your name is Ronald Weasley, preferably Ron, and you're the most bravest, sweetest, caring, and loveable git I've ever met in my whole life."

She could've sworn she saw him grin, "I'm Hermione Granger, your girlfriend, who would never stop thinking and worrying about you, even after a row. I'm described to be a bossy know-it-all bookworm with a mane of bushy curls that would always get in the way."

"M-My name is Ron… Your name is Her-Hermione.. I love Hermione Granger, and she loves me," he started to repeat that several times, until he felt darkness taking over him.

In his mind, he could feel someone trying to claw straight out from his chest. The unsettling silence crept upon him, like spiders dangling on a single thread of their webbing. The dark, gloomy atmosphere sent many his nervous system into overdrive. The longing to see Hermione's face was unbearing. He felt like he was back to those days in where he was separated from Hermione. The person who he had loved since forever.

Suddenly, he heard a strained voice calling out his name.

It was none other than Hermione, who was whimpering next to him.

He tried reaching to her glowing image, begging for her to save him from this hellhole.

"My name is Ron. Her name is Hermione… I love Hermione Granger, and she loves me," he repeated once more, finding that these words reassured him somehow.

"It's gonna be alright, Ron," Hermione mumbled, sniffing in the process. "I promise you"

"You're not a liar, Hermione," Ron whispered to her, knowing that she couldn't hear him at all.

Suddenly, he felt a stab at his chest. He silently screamed, enduring the effects of his transformation. It felt like he was being submerged into a boiling pit of magma, ready for him to be burned alive. While he squirmed, he saw Hermione's frightened face, as she watched her boyfriend treble violently. He still tried reaching out for her, with little to no success.

Hermione scooted closer to him, holding him into her arms. Just like the way how Ron would comfort her. She started cooing him reassurance, giving light kisses on his forehead. Exactly the way she envisioned Ron supporting and caring her with indescribable tenderness.

Ron finally opened his eyes, eyes that were glowing scarlet red. Upon seeing this, Hermione flinched a bit, before realizing that this was Ron. The person who she had loved for all these years. She started to run her fingers through his growing fur, inhaling his intoxicating scent at the same time.

"Hey," Hermione greeted him.

Ron looked at her, growling a bit in response.

"See, I'm still here for you," she softly said to him. "I could never leave you."

Ron was trying to remember her. She was showing such hospitality to him, even though he didn't even remember her. Hermione saw a spark of hope, when she saw a flash of blue in his eyes. She knew for a fact that he was trying to remember her, making her melt at how Ron was so willing enough to fight for her.

"My name's Hermione. Hermione Granger."

Ron stared at her with those unreadable scarlet red eyes that gleamed with anger and sorrow. Hermione stroked him tenderly, that it would've made Ron melt, if he had just remember who she was. His eyes softened at bit at how her soft palms soothed him, like he was listening to one of those lullabies his mother sang to him, when he was just a little toddler. He started to nuzzle to her palm, loving every second of it.

She chuckled softly, "I hope I'm not harming you in anyway. I find it a bit weird to groom your boyfriend."

His ears perked up at what she had just said. Boyfriend? Were they together somehow? He didn't believe it. How could someone like him deserve such grace and honor, such as her?

Ron sat up, staring at the mundane wall, trying to remember her.

"Hey, I'll get us a cup of tea," she suggested. "Stay here, I'll be back."

She stood up, walking towards his door, shutting it as she left. Ron whined at how frustrating it was to recall something, even a spark would be helpful as of now. He grumbled, feeling hopeless that he couldn't remember who this human, Hermione, was. All he knew that he was an important figure to her, and that's a fact.

As he looked around the room, he spotted a shine of a heart locket. Ron crawled his way through to capture it in his hands. He looked at what seemed to be the other half of the locket, seeing the same person who had whispered him and took care of him with undying kindness.

His eyes widened at the moving picture. Maybe the human would know of this!

Ron zoomed out into the halls, bolting left and right around the corners. He skipped two steps at a time, as he went downstairs. All the while, he tried to not make a sound, knowing that other humans inhabited the area.

He hid in the gloomy shadows, hiding behind furniture that would hopefully hide his towering figure from her. The luxurious scent of coconut and vanilla filled his mind and nose. It was like he was in heaven.

He observed her every move. As she started to stir the two tea cups in one go, Ron couldn't help but to move a little closer to her. It was like there was this force, this gravity that was trying to pull them, until they were together… again. He heard her sigh, seeing a little tear escape from her right eye. He didn't like how her chocolate brown eyes would look so defeated.

Those eyes and hair seemed so familiar to him. He just couldn't take it into account.

"Ron," she whispered out. "I know you're there."

He felt his eyes heat up.

"Don't be afraid. It's not going to bite," she grinned at his towering shadow.

Ron slowly emerged from the shadows, facing her brilliant eyes.

"Here you are," she passed over the tea cup over to him. "I hope you like it. I added a bit of lemon and honey into the mix."

Ron gave her a silent thank you, as he took attentive sips with shaky hands. He was worried that he would judge her on his appearance. For calling out loud, his worn-out shirt looked like it gave up already to make way for his still growing size. Ron didn't like how he looked like. He was begging to turn back into his human form, that would be better than forgetting all about her, Hermione Granger.

"So, you don't remember anything at all in this state?" she whispered quietly to him.

He nodded his head in response.

She looked a bit routed, "Oh…"

Ron showed her the locket, making her eyes widen at bit.

"That was a gift from me to you. To make our relationship official, if that's how you want to phrase it," she smiled, having a dreamy look in her eyes.

He smiled at this.

Suddenly, Hermione grabbed him by his forearms, looking deep into the sea of red, praying to Merlin that she could just see a short glance of his unreal sapphire eyes. Ron looked deep into her loving eyes, cherishing the moment, still a little frustrated that he couldn't remember anything about her.

"I… I still love you, Ron," the brunette breathed out. "I love you so much. I hope you haven't forgotten about that."

That was then, he saw an image flash in his eyes. It was him and Hermione, kissing on the couch that so happened to lay at the next room. Moments of them showing genuine love and passion were beautiful to his eyes. The sound of her anger, laughing, and more were harmonic to his ears.

He could he have failed to recall of his true love, Hermione Granger.

A sparked finally ignited.

He said with genuine solicitude, "My name is Ron. Her name is Hermione. I love Hermione Granger, and she loves me."

A/N: The end of my quarter is nearing, leaving only one more quarter to knock out. Yes, I am still in school. I was hoping in updating this story yesterday, not until I had this project, which took me almost 3 hours to complete. School and life has just added to so much stress, that I can't even count how many nights I've been awake until dawn. Add this story along with the other two, and disaster is sure to rise. I don't know how many times I've tried prioritzing that end up being a fail on my part. I hope you guys are able to forgive me.

On a brighter note, this story and FOaB got nominated in the Ron/Hermione 2016 Awards, while I was gone! Voting has just started, and highly I advise that if you have the time to vote for the fanfiction that you think will be eligible to win in that category. Also, you might even discover some Romione fanfictions and fanart that you haven't read/seen before!

Although, some of the my favorite stories and authors (looks at WeasleyIsMyKing540) weren't nominated, that's fine by me because there's always this year to look foward to! In the end, we celebrate and worship the greatest ship to ever exisit, Romione!

I'm sorry for the long A/N! Thanks for reading, and please be safe! :D