A/N Okay this is the final revised version. I feel better about it, but I'm sure its not perfect. If its not too much trouble please let me know what you think. Reviews fuel the writing process for sure. Thanks for reading!

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Chapter five____A Safe Place, a Forgotten Room, And a Beautiful View

"For a minute there, I thought that was going to be it," Hermione suddenly spoke in a raspy voice, causing Ron to jerk his head up.

"Hermione, you're awake! Maybe you shouldn't try talking just yet. Save your energy," he told her anxiously, as he saw her try to sit up.

"How long have I been asleep?" she asked, ignoring his request.

"Not too long," he said, not resisting a wild strand of hair falling over her eye, "Fleur is just checking on the others. Do you want me to get her?" he asked, tucking the hair securely behind her ear. Hermione grabbed a hold of his hand.

"No— I just need you." Then after a moment of watching him nervously look her over she added, "You have to stop looking at me like that, as though I'm about to shatter into a million pieces. We made it, Ron. We're going to be okay—I'm going to be okay." He smiled at her reassurance, but it only lasted a moment, before his eyes darted down and he hid his face from her, as though ashamed. Then she saw his body convulse and a strangled sound rip out of him.

"Hermione, I was so…afraid," he choked out in a muffled sob, unable to hold it back any longer, everything he had been holding back and holding inside no longer able to be contained. "I thought I was going to lose you. I don't know what I would have done—" He said more than once, and then as quickly as his sob started, it ceased. Ron once again had control over himself. He tried to smile again, but it wasn't very convincing. Hermione sat up, ignoring the pain, and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, rubbing his back. He wiped his eyes clean before returning the hug, but he was careful not to hold her too tightly. She began to kiss him: on the forehead, the cheek, the corner of his eye, his nose, his lips, as though kissing away the awful memory. She was still wrapped around him, her mouth close to his ear so that he could, both, hear and feel her take in a deep breath, so overwrought with emotion, that it caused him to hold his own breath in anticipation.

"I love you," she breathed out, soft but impassioned, the words she feared she would never get a chance to tell him, finally freed from her lips. "I love you— I love you—I love you—"she whispered quickly an urgently, making Ron's heart stutter as he listened, disbelievingly, to the sweetest words he ever heard. He took her face carefully in his hands, examining the depth of her eyes. "I love you, Hermione—"

"I know," she told him instantly, "I heard you at Malfoy's, when I was being tortured—"

"But I didn't say it, then," he replied confused, trying to think back.

"Not in those words, but I heard you, Ron, when you called out my name. I heard it in your voice. I knew—"

"I've loved you for so long, Hermione. I should have told you ages ago. I should have been telling you so every day. Tonight opened my eyes— in so many ways. I never want to feel that helpless again. You can't do that to me again," he warned her, letting out a weak chuckle.

"It's not a situation I would ever like to repeat, trust me," she replied, somehow still able to smile.

"But you were brilliant, 'Mione. You really never do cease to amaze me. The way you came up with that story like that, while they were…" He couldn't finish his thought. "Do you know how brave you are?" he asked astounded. She just gave a shy smile before burying her face in his chest.

"It may sound childish, or inconsequential after the fact, knowing how things turned out, but I knew somehow you would find a way to get to me. I knew if I could just hold on, I would see you again."

"But I didn't," he admitted miserably, "We would have never gotten out of that cellar if Dobby didn't show up when he did. How he knew… I can't even think what would have happened..."

"No, no, don't you see? Dobby showing up gave you guys a way out, but you didn't hesitate for a minute once you were. I don't think you realize how brave you are yourself, Ron. You ran head on into danger without giving it a second thought, didn't you?"

"My only thoughts were of finding you and getting you the hell out of there, so I guess fear didn't have a chance to sneak in there just yet." His tone was a little lighter now as he sat on the edge of the bed, stroking her hair. He did his best to fill her in on exactly what went down at Malfoy's. He told her about Dobby and she took it about as well as he expected her to. Fleur came back and tended to her wounds again. Hermione drifted in and out of sleep and Ron stayed by her until she asked him to go check on Harry to make sure he was okay. He left hesitantly, but Fleur promised to take good care of her, and assured him Hermione was doing very well.

*** **** ***

Hogwarts-

After Harry took off with Luna to look for the lost diadem, everyone else was left to try and find something useful to do, which left most people talking loudly, speculating, planning, and running around like mad. Ron pulled Hermione away from the chaotic cluster of people. An idea coming to mind that he wanted to share with her. He realized they had the cup and would soon hopefully have the Diadem, but it wasn't enough to simply possess them, they had to be destroyed, but with what? And that's when the idea struck him; the Chamber of Secret. Hermione looked at him curiously as he pulled her away; for a second she thought he was going to try and kiss her.

"I think we should go back to the Chamber of Secrets. There are Basilisk fangs still up there, eh? We need to destroy these Horcruxes, not present them to You-Know-Who when he gets here." Hermione took his extended hand and they were off. When Ginny asked them where they were sneaking off to, she heard Ron muttered something about a bathroom.

Ron made a quick detour, grabbing a broom, realizing they needed to save as much time as possible and flying would be faster than running. Hermione eyed him wearily, but climbed on behind him without an argument. She clung to him for dear life as they zoomed through the winding corridors and passages to their destination.

*

"I'll hold it and you stab it," Ron instructed, handing her a fang and then gripping the cup tightly with both his hands. "And you want to do it quickly, trust me," he added, lowering the cup for a moment, making sure she was paying attention. Then he stepped toward her, holding the cup out like he was a matador provoking a bull with the muleta, giving her a good target. Hermione's arm went back, ready to plunge the fang with all her might. As her hand started to snap forward she suddenly stopped, dropping her hand in confusion. Ron's face was reddening and he looked like he was struggling; the cup was slipping lower in his hands as his arms sank downward, as though something was pushing down on them.

"Ssstaaabbbiiitttt, nnnoowww," he struggled to say. He was now holding the cup at his knees. Hermione peered over the cup and saw that it was now full of a gold color liquid, the weight of which, Ron could not hold easily. Hermione's arm flew back once more in alarm, ready to strike, but before she had the chance Ron gave a violent jerk and was suddenly hovering above her, the cup was still clutched in his hands. Ron appeared to be drowning in water, as he floated suspended in midair. Hermione realized in horror that the liquid filling the cup was jinxed. The effect of which made the person who held the cup drown, as though by the liquid inside. She assumed it was all happening now as a response to the Horcrux sensing danger, like the diary and she suspected the locket as well.

"Drop it!" she yelled up at him, but he shook his head vigorously; whether he couldn't let go or was afraid of losing it if he did, Hermione couldn't be sure. She had to find a way to destroy it before Ron was a goner. "Hold on!" she instructed up to him. She acted quickly, not hesitating a second, as she grabbed the discarded broom and flew toward Ron, who hung effortlessly above her, still gasping for air. Her one hand gripped the broom for dear life, while her other hand was stretched out, holding the fang tightly, as she aimed directly for the cup that swung limply in Ron's right hand. The fang ripped into the golden cup, causing Hermione to nearly fall off the broom as she jerked backwards. The second the fang pierced Hufflepuff's cup Ron was released from the spell. He only fell a fraction of a second, his quick keeper reflexes kicking in, as he reached out for the broom handle and latched on to it. The broom veered for the ground and Ron used his feet to stop it from crashing. Hermione slid off the broom and into his arm in one swift fluid motion, breathing heavily and her adrenaline pumping steadily. Ron smiled at her encouragingly, and realizing what she just did, she smiled back in amazement.

"That was wicked, Hermione," Ron told her approvingly.

"You could have told me it was going to attack us," she breathed out, exasperated, still hugging him tightly.

"Believe me—if I had known it was going to do that, I would have better prepared you. Way to handle a broom," he added reverently, picking up the cup with his free hand and examining it to make sure it was finished.

"We should get back to the others," she said quickly, understanding that they couldn't afford to waste time. They collected up as many fangs as they could carry and got back on the broom. Ron wrapped one hand around Hermione, who sat in front of him this time, carefully cradling the fangs she collected.

"Ready?" he asked. She turned back for a second, finding comfort in his adoring smile and twinkling blue eyes. She tilted her head up quickly, placing a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Ready!" she exclaimed, turning forward again, and then they were off.

*** **** ***

After the smokes clears (the war is over)

It was over, but they still had such a long way to go. No one was ever more exhausted, but none could sleep, as the tragedy of the night refused to fade in the break of daylight. The dead had all now been recovered and families and friends tended over them still, grieving for their losses. In all corners of the Great Hall people huddled together, talking and holding onto one another. The Weasley family gathered together, taking over the end of one of the dining tables, still standing in the wreckage. Ginny sat with her head resting on her Mother's shoulder, Bill consoled his wife, rubbing her back soothingly, Percy and George huddled together, looking the most shook up over their loss, and Mr. Weasley, having a hard time keeping still, paced back and forth as though still guarding his family from any possible danger.

Ron made his way through the crowded room, back to his family, his fingers intertwined with Hermione's, who he had to tow along with him now, an expounding yawn escaping her lips. No one said anything or asked any questions as he sat down, hooking one leg over the bench, and then pulling Hermione to him so that she sat between his legs. She leaned back into his chest and closed her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her and rocked her slowly. George gave him a proud smile when he caught Ron planting a tender kiss into Hermione's hair. Ron returned the smile, trying to convey so many things in the gesture. So many conflicting feelings filled him; they had suffered so much—so many losses—but they still had so much to be grateful for. He felt guilty for being happy; happy that he had made it when his brother did not—Happy that he still had Hermione, and a future, when Tonks and Lupin did not.

*~

"Will you come with me?" He had asked her, squeezing her hand. Around them, in the late hours of the night, there were still people who continued to search for friends and loved ones, others were carrying in the last lingering lost souls, and many just grouped together for comfort and support; all dealing with the aftermath of the war. Ron and Hermione did their part to help, needing to feel useful and to occupy their minds. Ron watched Hermione and sensed that she needed to get away from the mournful sight for a bit, though she would never have admitted it. There was also something else on his mind that he felt could not wait. Hermione simply nodded her head to his question before he led her away. He took her a ways away, towards a part of the castle that was left unharmed by the battle destruction. He wanted her to see something beautiful, so he took her to one of the high towers that faced away from the battle scene, where the sun was rising gloriously over the new day. The sight seemed to have the right affect on her, calming her and raising her spirits. She smiled warmly at him, bathing in the sunlight that shone across her face.

"We made it—it's tomorrow," said Hermione, looking up at the sky. "Thank you for bringing me up here. It's beautiful."

"It kinda gives you hope," he agreed, "But I do have an arterial motive for bringing you here, 'Mione— What?" he asked incredulously, watching her try to conceal her conspicuous smile.

"Nothing—I just always loved how you call me that. It always made me feel special, even if it only came about out of laziness to say all four syllables of my name," she teased.

"That may be how it came about, but that's not why I say it," he informed her. She looked at him curiously, waiting for him to explain. "It was kind of my little way of claiming you to me. When it comes down to it, I was just being possessive. My-o-knee; it was like I was saying you were mine every time I said it." Hermione beamed at him, the words overcoming her, as she leaped into Ron's arms. "That's what I heard," she whispered, kissing him. When Ron lowered Hermione back to the floor, he knew it was time.

"Here," he said leading her to a bench that had a better view of the lake. He thought it would be better if she was sitting down. After they sat down he took her hands in his.

"Hermione, there is so much I want to say to you. I wish I could better explain how it is you make me feel. I just know I can't image a life, any life, without you in it. For one, it would just be ungodly dull. Who else would keep me on my toes and put me in my place...show me the error of my ways…whenever I have the occasion of making them?"

Hermione listened enraptured by the moment, her eyes glistening as she softly laughed at his charming speech.

"I know you'll want to finish school first and I know we don't really have any clue what to expect in the future, and everything around us is bound to change after last night, but I know wherever the future leads me or however it happens from here on out, the only thing I really need for certain is you. So, there's something I want to give you—a token if you will—to show you exactly what you mean to me…" He told her and then pulled out his wand shouting, "Orchideous." Suddenly thousands of dazzling flower petals softly floated down on them. Hermione was so distracted by the sight she didn't notice right away that Ron had slid off the bench, pulling a small sack out of his pocket, as he raised himself up on his knees. She looked down at him, trying to make sense of them moment and what he was holding out to her. She took the small bag and opened it like he instructed. Before she could peek inside, Ron's hands closed over hers, as though he changed his mind.

"Close your eyes," he said taking the bag out of her hand. She felt his hand lightly holding her fingers out and then something slipped onto her finger and Hermione couldn't breathe.

"Open your eyes, 'Mione," he whispered adoringly. She stared at the stunning ring on her finger for a long moment before her watery eyes reached his.

"Will you marry me?" he asked boldly.

"Yes!" she shrieked—starling them both—and threw her arms around him. He couldn't stop kissing her in sheer bliss….

"It's beautiful, Ron. But how on earth did you just happen to have it. Where did you—?" she asked curiously, admiring the elegant ring. Ron played with her hand, examining the way it looked so lovely on her.

"It's been in my family for a very long time. Aunt Muriel had been keeping it safe, hoarding it with a bunch of other pricey family heirlooms, that haven't seen the light of day since the turn of the century," he mused sarcastically. Hermione bite her lip so as not interrupt Ron as he explained. "For some reason she decided to give it to Bill to give to Fleur. I think Bill's secretly her favorite and what happened to him with Greyback—well even Muriel has a heart. But Bill knew the ring he gave Fleur was the right one and that this one, as sentimental and beautiful as it is, wasn't meant for them. He held on to it though, the man isn't an idiot, and Muriel never noticed Fleur's ring wasn't the same. When we were at Shell Cottage Bill took me a side one day and handed it to me. He said he saw the way I looked at you and the way we were with eachother, and he realized then who that ring was really intended for. As though the ring sought us out, even. He said I should hold on to it; that it would help me remember what I was fighting for. I've had it with me ever since." He paused and for a long moment they just sat there letting the moment rush over them. Then Ron said, "I know we're young and it might seem to others like we're just letting ourselves get swept up in the momentum of these times, and maybe there is truth in that, but honestly I just don't care. I want to be with you…I want everyone to know I'm yours."

"And I'm yours." She repeated back, "But you are right about finishing up school; it has to come first and I think you should consider coming back as well, if we can get this place in order by then that is."

"We'll get this old place running again and you'll be top of your class, don't even worry," he told her, kissing her forehead. She noticed he didn't mention anything about his return, but thought she would breach that subject at a later time. They watched the sun rise, the deep pink slowly fading away, revealing the blue sky that stretched on for forever, before they headed back down to the Great Hall.

*

Ron stared around the Great Hall, flashes from last night vivid in his memory as his thumb rubbed over the rock on Hermione's left hand, reminding him of their future. He wondered where Harry had wandered off to and if he was doing alright. He still couldn't fully grasp the events that took place only hours before, or how his friend was still with them. Then as though answering his question Ron heard Harry's voice asking him and Hermione to follow. They immediately responded to their cloaked friend; so many questions they had that needed answers, gaps to be filled, but also a best friend they had to simple be there for; relieved they still had the chance. In the end, it was the three of them, the unstoppable trio, who overcame the pure essence of evil, together.

--the end