Four Words (Ron)
Author's Note: Originally published on October 5, 2008
I needed to tell her, but the right moment never arose in the days and weeks following the final battle. We both knew it and felt it, but the words had never been spoken aloud.
We hardly left one another's side throughout the summer. We held and comforted each other while mourning the fallen. It was her strength and love that got me through the bleak day we said goodbye to Fred. Without her I would have been lost.
We travelled to Australia, and together we were able to find her parents and bring them home. Throughout that arduous journey, I had to be the strong and comforting one. I made a promise to myself that I would always be there for her.
We helped to rebuild the place that had brought us together. The place where we fought for our lives and freedoms. The place where we shared our first kiss.
I knew that tomorrow everything would change. She would be leaving to finish her final year, while I would be working alongside my brother. We will only be apart for a year, but I will miss seeing her beautiful smile every morning.
The moment was finally right. We were snuggled together in a cozy embrace in front of the fireplace at the Burrow. I held her in my arms and she rested her head on my chest. We fit together perfectly. As I looked down at her, I was entranced by the flickering firelight which bathed her lovely face in an ethereal glow. I gently kissed her and whispered the four words I had wanted to tell her forever.
"I love you, Hermione."