You've Got A Friend in Me

Ron's POV

'Ron,

Kingsley and I tracked down my parents and restored their memories. It was difficult, but successful. I explained everything to them and, thankfully, they're not mad. They're just happy we're together again. I arrived home about an hour ago. I gave Kingsley a present to give to you, I hope you like it. I honestly cannot wait to see you tomorrow. I've missed you stupid amounts.

Thinking of you,

Hermione.'

Ron carefully read through the letter he had just received. He could feel his heart fluttering in his chest at the thought of seeing his bushy-haired, know-it-all of a girlfriend. 'Just one more night', he thought to himself. The past couple of days had been rather lonely for Ron. He felt awkward around his parents, for reasons he was unsure of. Harry had spent most of his time with Ginny, also, for reasons he was unsure of. He felt like he had been shut off from everyone around him, and it had gotten to him, even though the only person he truly wanted with him was Hermione. He had grown to like Hermione more than a friend a long time ago, but this whole new feeling of being able to call her 'his' took over every thought and feeling he thought he knew well. The tingly feeling she left in the pit of his stomach when she spoke his name. The hairs that stood up on the back of his neck whenever she was close. It was all new and exciting and somehow made him feel slightly sick.

"Morning, Ron", his father smiled at him as he walked in through the front door. "Letter from Hermione?", he asked. Ron nodded as he sat down at the kitchen table with a cold bacon sandwich. "Kingsley flooed your mother and I earlier this morning to say they'd just gotten back".

"Yeah. Is it alright if she stays here tomorrow night? I want her to be here for-", Ron stopped, trying to finish the sentence, "for Saturday". Arthur smiled sympathetically at him, nodding as he did so.

"You know Hermione's welcome here any time, Ron. Just no sleeping in the same room. Your mother would blow a fuse", he chuckled. Ron chuckled with him before sighing sadly. Arthur suddenly sat beside him, patting him on the shoulder before sighing himself. "Its going to be a hard day for us all, son. But we'll get through it. As long as we've got each other. And I'm sure Hermione will help ease the pain", he told him. Ron widened his eyes at his last sentence. "Oh. No. I didn't mean-", Arthur blushed before they both broke out into fits of laughter.

"I know what you meant. Thanks, dad", Ron smiled, taking a large bite from his sandwich. Later that afternoon, Ron sat in the Orchard on his own, running his fingers through the soft spring grass before he heard footsteps growing closer from behind him.

"Hey", Harry spoke. Ron furrowed his brow at him, looking deep in thought. "You alright, Ron?".

"See; I recognize you, but, have we met before?", Ron asked. Harry chuckled softly before sighing as he sat beside his friend on the grass.

"I've been a crap mate", Harry told him. Ron stayed silent for a moment before looking at him.

"What? Are you waiting for me to tell you that's not true?", he sighed heavily, laying down on the grass and looking up at the cotton white clouds above. Harry laid down beside him.

"I've- I didn't really want to be around you, if I'm honest. I thought you might feel the same way as George. I didn't really want to be around Ginny either but she kind of forced her support on me", Harry told him honestly. Ron suddenly sat up once more, hugging his knees to his chest.

"But, I'm not George. You're my best mate, Harry. Its bloody fantastic having Hermione's support, don't get me wrong. But, I just didn't expect her to be the only one giving it", Ron was honest back. "I want to support you as well, you know? Fred was as good as your brother too. Not to mention Tonks, Lupin and Dobby". Harry sat up to Ron's level, his lips in a slanting frown as he looked at him. "Everyone keeps saying it and it gets annoying to hear so often but; we're not alone. None of us are", Ron continued.

"I know", Harry sighed. "I know and I'm sorry". The pair stayed silent as they both stared out into the Orchard. Ron couldn't help but think about how Harry must be feeling. He was angry at him for not being there, but when he thought about it; how must it feel getting mixed reactions from everyone around you? Feeling guilty for people who have died even though it wasn't your fault?

"Me too", he exhaled dramatically after what felt like an eternity of silence.

"Hermione's back isn't she?", Harry changed the subject. Ron nodded as a small smile suddenly began to grow on his face. "Its about time, you know? You two. I was tempted to get in on Fred and George's bet at one point. Wish I had now", he laughed.

"Yeah", Ron laughed along with him. "Its not weird for you, is it?", he asked.

"What? As weird as me going out with your sister? No. Not at all", Harry grinned. Ron faked a shudder as he elbowed Harry playfully in the ribs.

"Ron! Kingsley's here!", Molly called from the back garden. Ron shot up and ran back to the house as quick as his legs could take him. He ran through the back door, his face as red as his hair as small beads of sweat began to leave his forehead.

"Hello, Ron", Kingsley smiled.

"Hey", Ron smiled back.

"I think you know why I'm here", Kingsley smirked. Ron nodded excitedly before Kingsley handed him a small package from his robes. Ron ripped it open as quick as he could to find a small cardboard box. Inside was a stuffed Kangaroo toy and an oddly shaped wooden object. Ron was relieved to find a note at the bottom.

'This is called a returning Boomerang. They used to be used for hunting in Australia (which is totally barbaric!) but, these days they're used for sport and entertainment. You can throw it outside and it'll come back to you. Don't hurt yourself with it though and be careful! I just wanted to get you some little things from Australia.

Hope you like them,

Hermione.'

"What did you get, sweetheart?", his mother asked as he lifted the boomerang up to his eye level for closer inspection.

"Its a boomerang. By the sounds of it; its like one of those Muggle flying disc things that dad's got in the garage but when you throw it, it comes back to you", he grinned, excited by his gift.

"Aw, well isn't that lovely", Molly smiled sweetly as she watched Ron, in awe of his present.

"I'm gonna go try it out", he said, before slowly wandering back outside. "Thanks, Kingsley!", he called back as he continued onwards. Ron threw the boomerang into the sky with all the strength he could muster and as he watched it take off into the sky, he couldn't help but smile to himself, wondering how many minutes remained until he would see Hermione again.