Author note: An Alternative 4th year where Ron died in the graveyard instead of cedric.

Harry and hermione stood in the covered arcade by the courtyard. Hermione was pacing as she tried to process her emotions.

"I can't believe it. I just can't believe it." she was repeating. With a pained grimace.

"Hermione we have to believe it. You saw the same thing I did." Harry said softly.

"Hey guys. What's up?" Ron said as he jumped into the window.

"I know. i saw hat. I just can't. I don't want. I just don't want to believe it Harry." She said stopping her pacing and holding one of the pillars like she was afraid it would fall down without her help.

"What are you guys talking about?" Ron demanded as Harry stepped closer to Hermione, his hand taking hers briefly.

"I know Hermione. I was there. He was with me at the end." Harry quietly said.

She wrenched her hand from his and strode to the other side of the arcade. She spun and angrily exclaimed, "I know. It could have been you. That's what scares me. I don't know what I would do if it was you. If it had been you."

"Blimey Hermione! What're you getting so worked up over?" Ron huffed. Turning to Harry he snorted, "Girls eh?"

Harry walked to Hermione who had fallen to her knees crying. Kneeling beside her, he began to stroke her hair.

"I know. I'm scared too. I'm scared of losing you too." Harry said uncertainly at first but his voice firming up as he went. "I want you to be with me. I need someone i can trust and believe in. I know that's you."

Hermione grabbed Harry in a tight hug as she repeated "yes. yes. Oh yes."

Harry rubbed her back as she cried on his shoulder.

Ron shook his head, "Guys. Why are you just ignoring me? Guys?"

Ron went to poke Harry and his hand went through him. Leaping backwards Ron looked at his hand then turned quickly to his left as he heard his name called. "Who? What?"

A small blonde girl Ron had never seen before was walking towards him. there was a swirling, glowing, fog behind her. She tilted her head sort of like Luna he thought as she said, "Ron. Its time."

Ron shook his head, "Time? Time for what?"

"Its time to go." She said gently, "You did well Ron. Others are waiting for you."

Ron looked back at Harry and Hermione who had stood up and started walking, his arm around her waist as she leaned against him. Their voices softly murmuring to each other. Fading as they went. The colors around him seeming to wash out Ron sighed. "Will they be okay?"

The girl smiled reassuringly, "They will be fine. You will see them again, but not too soon."

Ron nodded as he took the girl's cool hand. "Okay. Let's go.

(Review Responses)

Sparky40sw: Yes indeed. As life lessons go Vernon is about to get a rather large one...lol.

OfficerDonNZ: yes indeed on all of those. I am considering how to expand a fw of these ideas.

Katmom: Thank you glad you enjoyed.

Dennisud: Thank you. They may make an appearance later. No idea ever fully disappears into the Aether of time.