-1TO HONOR

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Jo; the story is mine!

Summary: "He sacrificed his life for you! And this is how you honor his memory?"

Harry made the ultimate sacrifice in the final battle and left his friends to deal with the consequences. Now, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville are just going through the motions, hiding form the pain and memories. Can they learn to honor Harry's sacrifice as it should be honored?

Chapter 4

The sound of a knock at the door tore Hermione from her fitful slumber. All night long, she'd been plagued with dreams of Harry and Ron, good memories forever entwined with the recollection of that awful night when it had all gone to hell. She'd seen the envelope lying on the pillow next to her, and let it lie there untouched as she was pulled numbly back to sleep. Why read it? She knew Viktor well enough to know what it said. He wanted her to move on and be happy…to lay the past to rest. If only she could, if only he could help her.

The knock came again, louder. "I'm coming, hold on!" She jumped from bed not bothering with her dressing gown. Who in the hell is that? She glanced at her clock on the nightstand. Oh, dammit! I've slept half the day! It's probably Gin! But Ginny was not the redhead at the door….

"R-Ron! What--why--are you here?"

Ron eyes traveled down her scantily clad form hungrily, resting on her thighs where the white cotton nightie stopped. She tired again. "Ron?"

He looked at her with earnest eyes. "Are you okay?"

"F-fine.," she answered hesitantly. "Aren't you mad at me?"

He walked past her into the comfortably decorated flat. "Why would I be mad at you?" He asked perplexed, taking a seat on the brown leather sofa.

"Last night, the Ball. I'm sure it's all over the papers--"

""Only the beginning, and the end," he smirked and she knew he was referring to her outburst at Neville's grandmother. "Gin had the presence of mind to cast Muffalto. She lifted it before you were done."

"I never thought I'd be thankful for that spell."

He leaned forward to take her hand. She looked momentarily surprised at the action, but then tightened her hold. "What happened Hermione?" he asked softly.

She shrugged, feeling the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. "For three years, I've been the strong one. I've been the perfect public hero. I've pushed aside my anger at the Ministry and supported Gin and Neville's joke of a relationship." She chuckled mirthlessly, and swatted at her fallen tears. Ron moved to sit next to her, and laid a comforting arm across her shoulders. She leaned against him gratefully as she continued.

"I'm so angry at him, Ron. For dying, for making you make that promise, for leaving us with all the pain. Sometimes I wish I would have died before either of you had to make that choice-

"NO! DON'T EVER SAY THAT MIONE!" He'd grasped her shoulders and shook her slightly. His voice softened as he spoke. "I loved Harry. He was my brother. I'd have changed places with him in a minute, but if it had been you." He took deep breath and closed his eyes as if to guard himself from the pain. "If that had been you, Hermione, I would have put a wand to my head."

"Ron," she said unsure of how to respond.

Ron stood suddenly and walked to the mantle. He picked up a picture, taken in sixth year, after they'd won the Quidditch Cup. Hermione was looking at Ron proudly, blushing when he caught her eye and winked. Harry was smirking at both of them affectionately. "God. Were we ever this young?"

Hermione laughed softly. "We thought we were invincible…we thought we had forever."

Ron looked at her and smiled sadly, reaching over to tuck a curl behind her ear.

"I'm sorry about Viktor."

"Are you now," Hermione teased. She sighed, "It's for the best. I used Viktor to try to get over you."

"Did it work?"

"Hardly…you know that." She sighed , as she leaned into his embrace. He tightened his arms around her, resting his head atop her curly hair. "What are we going to do Ron?"

"We're going to live our lives, for Harry. We are going to create a true memorial, a tribute, if you will."

"What are you on about?"

"Would you like to go out to dinner with me?"

"Like on a…date?"

"Yes." Ron replied nervously.

Hermione smiled widely. "I'd love to."

"Great. I'll see you around seven?"

"Sounds good."

He leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her surprised lips. Turning around at the door, he smiled sexily at Hermione. "Oh, and wear red, okay?"

"