Journey to You

Chapter 3: Ron Says Relax

Hermione sat up against the big oak tree, flipping through a book. This was a common sight to see other than avoiding Ron. Her answer was still no; she wasn't going to allow him to leave his family. She knew what to do when she got there. She didn't need help.

Mesmerized by her book, she didn't mind when a figure sat down next to her.

She heard Ron sigh. "Beautiful day," he said lamely. When he didn't get a reply, he asked, "What are you reading?"

"I'm not reading," she said simply.

Ron glanced over her shoulder at a collage of unmoving photographs. They were all of Hermione and her mother and father. He looked up at her concentrated face, and pushed some hair away to see her profile better. "You'll find them, Hermione," he whispered.

"I know," her voice shook, nodding quickly. She breathed in and closed her eyes. "I don't want you to leave your family-"

"Do me a favor," he interrupted her, putting a hand on hers. "Let's not fight about this. Not today."

Hermione blinked, scrutinizing his dark circles under his eyes. "You haven't been sleeping?"

Ron shook his head. "If you won't let me go with you, at least let me help you plan your trip. I know how it feels to- to lose someone. And, family is important."

His sentiment warmed her heart. She leaned against him as he put an arm around her shoulder. It was a simple gesture, but it meant so much to her. "Thank you, Ron."

"I have my moments," he joked.

The tension around them slightly dulled, they sat there for the rest of the afternoon. Hermione showed Ron pictures of her family, sharing some of her old childhood memories. He was genuinely interested in what she had to say. He even gave her some suggestions on where to go during her travels to Australia, of which she shrugged off.

"Oh, I don't think I'd have time to do anything fun," she scoffed. "This is a mission."

"It is a mission, but I don't want you to be completely stressed and knackered."

She broke out of their comfortable position and glared at Ron. "I won't be completely-!" But she stopped when she saw Ron's eyebrow raise. "I know what I'm doing," she said stubbornly.

"I never said you didn't know what you were doing," Ron said, furrowing his brow in concern.

"Why do you look at me like that?"

"Ginny told me you haven't been sleeping."

"You haven't either," she shot back.

He ignored her. "You expect anyone here to be alright with you leaving, knowing that you aren't sleeping? Hermione, that's crazy."

"I thought you said you were fine with not going with me."

"I'm not fine with it, but I won't go if you promise to relax. Maybe see a Quidditch game? I heard Germany is really heating up this season…"

Hermione blushed, looking down at her books. "Why do you care so much?"

Her words struck a chord with Ron as his ears turned red. "Because, I do, I don't know."

The tension was back and with full force. It was almost too much for them to bare, but they smiled shyly and didn't dare look at each other. Ron looked up at the sky while Hermione picked at the binding of one of her books.

After some time of anticipation, Ron sighed and said, "I'm hungry. You hungry? I think Fleur's made some sort of stew for dinner tonight. Maybe she needs some help." And with that, Ron darted towards the house, leaving Hermione alone.

That was one thing about Ron that confused Hermione the most. She knew what she did during the heat of battle, and she also did not imagine Ron reciprocating her affection. It frustrated her with how much she fancied him, and found it rather confusing when he'd push and pull his emotions. Granted, she had not been in the right state of mind to talk about their feelings, but there was a part of her that knew there would never be a perfect time.

But his concern for her well-being has been so touching… and a bit unexpected. Not even Harry had been this persistent. But maybe that's because Harry knew that Hermione had to do this alone. Or without him.

In all honesty, Hermione would love to have Ron come along. But she could not take him away from his family in good conscience. She is able to take care of herself, but there was something about Ron's company that made her feel confident and grounded. Safe, even.

Maybe a familiar face would be what she needed after all.