The sun began sinking low, casting golden rays across the still surface of the lake. Calm. Peaceful. Anything but how Ron felt inside.
So many things had gone wrong lately. But at least the world knew He was back. At what cost though?
He wiped a stray tear as the darkness around him began to deepen. He had come onto the grounds to get a moment to himself. Away from Harry's grieving and Hermione's worrying. Just a moment away.
The lake was so calm from above, but much like himself, he knew there was so much going on below the surface. Grindylows. Merpeople. The giant squid.
His stomach heaved as he thought of the giant tentacles. His arms were scarred. Forever. By those tentacles in the Department of Mysteries. There was no forgetting about what had happened. What they all had lost.
Sirius was dead. Harry was broken. The Death Eaters had hurt Hermione. Ron hated them.
Hated every last one of those filthy Pureblood maniacs. Hated Malfoy and the whole damn lot of em. Hated Kreacher for lying. Hated Umbridge for stalling them. Hated Snape for not saving them.
Hated Dumbledore for not getting there sooner. Hated Sirius for dying. Hated Harry for being so reckless. Hated himself for not doing more.
Ron balled his fists at his sides and shook with anger. Consumed by fire and hatred. Had the losses really been worth the gain? Had they really had to lose the last of his best mate's family just for the world to know You-Know-Who was back?
"Ron?"
Hermione's voice came gently from behind him. Fists uncurled, posture straightened, soft smile lifting his lips as he turned.
"Just coming."
Not a ripple on the lake's surface.