Chapter Four: Seizing the day

SONG: "Seize the day" by Avenged Sevenfold: Live for today because those you love may not always be around. (Pretty obvious, huh?)

Ron's POV London Flat (in bed) 12:47 am

I don't know how it has happened (if I didn't know for sure she was a muggle, I'd say she's put me under a spell,) but I just feel so much lighter now. It's like I understand something I can't put into words.

It's been a very long time since I've felt...numb. But a good numb. It's hard to explain.

I had my childhood stolen from me. I befriended the famous Harry Potter at the age of 12. From then on I've had to deal with situations most adults would crumble under. I never really had money. Even now, most of the money is made by Tris. So as a child (and even now) all I ever really had were my friends and family. And as a result of that...dependence on all I had. my world stopped turning the night Harry defeated Voltamort. I don't know if I can't remember clearly what happened that night because of the trauma or the concussion I suffered, but all I remember was Hermione losing her wand, and a bright green flash. There was a lot of resulting smoke from the curse, so I couldn't see, but I heard Harry scream, and when the smoke cleared...Harry was holding Hermione's limp body.

And I blacked out.

I came to at St. Mungo's. Mum and Dad were there, as well as the twins, and Charlie and Ginny. Harry was sitting up in the bed next to mine, and across from him, Neville was bent over Luna's bed, her head in a bandage.

That's when I found out...Hermione didn't make it. I never got to tell her how I felt.

Bill and Percy were in critical condition. Bill died later that day, Percy later that week.

So now you see why it's hard for me to "Love freely" as that therapist Tris made me see said.

But now I'm learning to let go.

Because I can't lose the girl again.

Not this time.

Tristan's POV London Flat 9:14 am.

"So you made all the arrangements for today?" I yelled from the bedroom. I was running late and dashing like mad to get dressed.

"Everything's all set!" he called from the kitchen.

"So it'll all be ready when I get home?" I asked, speeding out of our bedroom.

"Yes." He said rolling his eyes.

"And who all's coming?"

"Seamus couldn't make it, but Harry, Neville, and Luna are coming. Any of your friends make it?"

"Just Lori. Jon and Dave have an art show, and Rikki's going with them."
"Rikki's not an artist. Didn't you get invited to go to that?"

"Yeah, Rikki's going on behalf of me to showcase my paintings and be there if I happen to win anything."
"Tris! You should go! You've waited for this ever since you were little! Don't worry about the party. I'll handle it."

"No, no, it's alright. I already have everything set up. Besides, Lori would feel really awkward if she didn't have anyone she knew here with her." I grabbed the back of his head and kissed him. "I've got to go. I'm running really late."

Later, 6:15 pm.

When I got home, Ron was waiting for me at the door with a mug of hot apple cider.

"You've done a really great job here, Ronnie!" And this year I meant it. It was really beautiful with lots of black and orange gossamer and tons of candles. A pyromaniac's wet dream just waiting to happen.

"I've got everything ready. Now all we're waiting on is--"

Just then the doorbell rang.

I opened it to an awkward man-child and a wide-eyed wonder. "Neville! Luna! Great to see you again! I've missed you!"

Kisskiss.Hughug.

The next guest to arrive was Harry, whom I've always been close, open, and honest with.

"How's he doin', babe?" He whispered in my ear as we embraced in greeting.

"Great, actually. The change is almost scary." When I pulled away, I could see the relief in his eyes for his friend.

"My interrupting something?"

I turned to face Lori, who'd apparently came in through the cracked door.

"Not at all." I wrapped her in a hug.

"Lori. How's it going?" Harry (always the gentleman) asked, embracing her.

"Great." She blushed. Ron and I have discussed this. We think they have a thing for each other. Although I don't think either one would admit it.

Lots of awkward silence. I was about to suggest a fun activity or something lame to take our minds off the fact that: 1) I'm caught between two kids falling in love (or like), 2) This is a really small party, and probably not considered a real party at all, but more of a small get-together, and 3) that this is the anniversary of not only the death of Harry's parents, but the death of Voltamort and Hermione, also, when Ron yelled "Games, anyone?"

That's why I love that man. He reads my mind in a non-magical way. ... ... I hope(!?)...