A/N I forgot I had this typed up already, so I decided to post it. As always, follow, favorite, and especially review! :)

"Can we please just stay here?" Dennis groaned, falling against a tree trunk. "I'm certain we haven't been here yet."

Hermione ignored him and continued to scope out the land. It was the sixth place they had apperated to (she had been skeptical of the first five) and finally, it was somewhere new. They tried to never stay in a place more than once.

"This will work." She sighed, turning to her companions. "Who's willing to set up camp?"

"Luna and I can." Ginny nodded to her blond friend who smiled back.

"Excellent. Thank you, Ginny. Dennis, will you start on the protective charms?"

The 15 year old nodded his head enthusiastically, sending his light brown curls bouncing. Instantly, he ran to the edge of the clearing they were in and began muttering charms.

"Ron, can you help me look for dry firewood?" She asked. Nodding, he took her hand and together the two of them made their way into the forest. After they had walked in silence for a while, Ron spoke.

"How are you, Hermione?"

"Wh-what kind of question is that?" She asked, startled.

"Just a question, I guess."

"Well, I'm fine."

For a few moments there was an awkward silence and Hermione released Ron's hand.

"Hermione, have I done something that offended you?" He asked worriedly.

"No. You haven't."

"Er, that's good."

She stopped and picked up a piece of wood. Finding it damp, she continued walking, avoiding Ron's gaze.

"Bloody Hell, Hemione! What is it?"

"Nothing!" She snapped.

Stopping in his tracks, Ron turned and put his hands in her shoulders. As he stared into her eyes, she observed how tired he looked. He was only 17, and yet his eyes held the appearance of someone twice his age. His forehead was etched with wrinkles of concern.

"I miss you, Hermione." He whispered, gently rubbing her cheek with his hand. "We never talk any more."

"Well, I'm sorry! There is a war going on, if you hadn't noticed, Ron Weasley." She pulled away and took several strides forward.

"Hermione!" He called, running after. In a second, he had wrapped his arms tightly around her. "I'm sorry, okay? I know it's not your fault. That's not even what I was trying to say. All I was saying is that I miss you."

He felt her relax slightly in his embrace.

"Also, I want you to know that I still love you." He whispered softly.

Pressing her lips tightly together, Hermione felt her heart jump. Slowly, she let her head rest on his shoulder, taking in the security she felt in his arms.

"Hermione?" He asked after a moment.

"Hmm?" She replied. She felt his hand stop rubbing her back to reach into his pocket.

"I...I have something I want you to have."

Reluctantly, she pulled away from him. Then, she gasped. In his hand was a tarnished, metal ring. It was very simply but shone brightly, as if someone had been polishing it daily.

"Hermione, I know with everything that's happening you may not want to talk about the future, but I feel like I need something- I mean, I want to know that if we survive- What I'm saying is that-"

Hermione didn't look at him. She only stared at the ring, in some sort of shocked trance.

"Please." Ron pleaded. "I need a reason to survive this war."

"Where did you get that?" She finally looked up, her eyes shining.

"I found it...in the dirt at the first forest we stayed at." He blushed.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Look, I know it's old and busted up, but after the war I'll buy-"

"Oh Ron!" She sobbed, throwing her arms around his neck.

"Is-is that a yes, then?"

Ripping the ring from his hand, she slipped it onto her finger. It was a little too big and had several dents in it, but to Hermione, it was perfect.

"Really? Oh Hermione!" Ron held her tightly, unable to control the smile on his face. "Bloody brilliant!"

He felt her shaking with laughter in his arms and he too found himself laughing.

"I love you, Hermione." He whispered into her hair.

"And I love you." She laughed, kissing his cheek. Then, she took his hand. "Come on. Let's keep looking for wood."

"I'm done with the protective charms!" Dennis shouted to Ginny, who smiled at him.

"Good. Now, do you want to go look for food?" She asked.

"Sure." He replied, fetching a fishing net from his bag.

"I think I heard a creek in that direction." Ginny pointed off into the woods. "But if you hear anyone-"

"I know. Come back right away." He shouted as he sprinted off. Holding the net under his broken arm, he drew his wand with the other. The woods were quiet and peaceful. Gentle light streamed through the trees and painted the floor a soft golden. The sun would soon set. Listening carefully, Dennis heard the trickling of water and took off in it's direction. Soon, it grew louder and he whistled along with it. In a few minutes he had reached the bank of a thin, clear stream. Falling to his knees, he held his wand firmly above the water.

"Accio fish!" He shouted. Quickly, he dropped his wand and lifted the net. Within a second, a small trout flew towards him and landed in it. Grinning, he sat the net down and repeated what he had done. One after another, the pile of flopping creatures grew. Slowly, the sun began to fall and darkness pressed in around him. The only light came from the yellow full moon, giving the trees an eerie look. Feeling the cold air bite at his arms, Dennis decided to return to camp. He had more than enough food for all of them. Pocketing his wand, he heaved the net onto his shoulder and entered the dark forest again. It wasn't so bad. The occasional creature would scurry by every now and then, but he wasn't scared easily. At least, not until he saw a strange shape jetting out from under a bush. It looked like a hand, a very gruesome, burned hand, but it wasn't moving. Feeling his heartbeat quicken, Dennis tiptoed closer and transferred the handle of the net to his armpit. He drew his wand.

"Lumos."

Cleanly, a stream of light appeared.

And his stomach dropped.

In the light, it became obvious that the shape was, in fact, a hand. Whether it was connected to a living creature or a corpse, was less certain. The dirt surrounding it was maroon with blood and the hand itself was an awful sight to see. It was covered in black burns and glistening wounds. Without another look, Dennis turned and ran.

"Hermione! Ron!" He shouted, dropping the net and spilling fish everywhere. "Luna! Someone!"

Reaching the camp sight, he sprinted to Hermione and grabbed her arm.

"Goodness, Dennis!" She cried. "Where were y-"

"There's a body in the forest!"

Her mouth fell open.

"Wait just a second. A body?" Ron asked uncertainly.

"Well, I only saw the hand. It was sticking out of a bush-"

"Was the person alive?" Hermione interrupted.

"I-I don't know! Please, just come with me?"

"Fine, mate. I'll go with you." Ron placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll join you as soon as a pick up all these fish." She gave a pointed look at Dennis.

"I can do that, Hermione. You go ahead." Luna nodded.

Giving her a grateful look, Hermione turned to Dennis. "Alright. You lead the way.

Heart pounding in his chest, Dennis ran quickly on shaking legs. The moon had fallen behind a cloud making it difficult to find the place. Behind him, he heard Hermione say, "Lumos!" and light flooded around them. After a few minutes, they reached the spot.

"Th...there it is." Dennis stuttered, pointing to the hand. It hadn't moved. Patting him on the shoulder, the youngest Weasley boy approached the gruesome figure.

"Ron...please be careful." Hermione whispered. He smiled kindly at her before squatting down beside it.

Drawing his own wand, he muttered, "Lumos."

Then he gasped.

"What? What is it?" Dennis asked nervously.

"Oh...my...Go-"

"Ronald! Who is it? Are they dead?" Hermione snapped

Standing, he turned to look at them. His face was white and strained. "Good news is, they're breathing."

"Bad news?" Dennis bit his lip.

"Bad news is," He took a deep breath, "It's Draco Malfoy."

A/N Thanks for reading! Y'all are the best. :)