[OS] Revelation

He stood in the shadows of the Leaky Cauldron watching her sitting alone in the private room, the door wide open. He had just arrived moments ago and had spotted her sitting in the dim room. She sat there fidgeting anxiously as he knew she was awaiting him. He longed to go over to her and hold her. To calm her nerves; to kiss her. He would have done so- if it were just five months ago.

He remembered that day well, as if it happened just seconds ago. It had been the day directly after graduation from Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ironically enough, they had met outside the Leaky Cauldron and the weather was clear and sunny-



Ronald Weasley stood outside the Leaky Cauldron with the sun beaming down on his freckled face. He ran his hand through his fiery hair as he sighed heavily. He was waiting for his girlfriend of two years to arrive already. He was a mix of emotions; excited to see her, yet nervous to talk to her.
I hope she doesn't hate me for this but we need to break it off before we get too serious. We already are too serious,' he thought as he scanned Diagon Alley for her, I'm holding her back from what she really wants. I know she wants to go study in Paris, but she's staying behind for me- I always knew this relationship would end sooner than later.'

"Ron!" He heard his name and snapped his head in the direction. She ran up to him and kissed him. Seeing the worried look in his eyes, she questioned, "What's wrong?"



"Am I supposed to go in there, shake hands like nothing ever happened? Like we never happened?" Ron mused as he watched her intently. She was still fidgeting and was twisting a napkin in her hands. He leaned against the post next to him as he continued watching her and remembering the day that ended it all-



"Hermione, I wanted you to come meet with me for a reason-" He trailed off as he grabbed her hand, "Come with me." He led her into the Leaky Cauldron and into a private room near the back.

Closing the door behind herself, Hermione took a seat across from Ron in the booth found within the room. He still held onto her hand. He gazed at her until she squeezed his hand to break him from his daze,

"Ron, what's wrong?" Hermione repeated her question as she gazed into his eyes intently,

"It's time we end things," Ron said quietly, even though they were the only ones in the room.

She withdrew her hand as if he hand burnt her, "What?" Her bottom lip trembled as she forced the next words out of her mouth, "Why is it that time?"

"I'm holding you back Mione," Ron explained, "I know what you want. You want to go off to Paris and study there! You want to go off to America, Canada, Asia- You want to travel the world and study in different countries, but you can't. You can't because you're stuck with me."

"Ron! I can go to Paris and still be with you," She insisted as she got out of her seat and went to sit next to him, "Can't I?"

"No," Ron replied as he began to inspect the wood of the table before him. "I don't want you to be held back or down. I want you to be able to make decisions and have options and other men-"

"Other men?" She repeated the words like they were foreign to her, "Why? Is there another woman?"

"NO!" Ron exclaimed as he looked up at her, leveling their gazes, "Never Mione, I've never cheated on you. But if you go off to Paris, I want you to have freedom. I want you to be able to choose what you want."

"You're what I want Ron!" She insisted as she held the side of his face, grazing his cheek with her thumb, "You're all I've ever wanted for so long."

"And you're all I want," Ron said in barely a whisper as he placed his hand over hers, "But it's time we let go of this-"

She bit her lip as she tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill over her eyelids. She gazed into his pained eyes as she tried to answer him, "I don't want to let it go Ron- I don't want to let you go."

"It's- for the best," Ron insisted, trying to convince both her and himself, "for the best." He felt his eyes stinging and knew tears were brimming his eyelids.

"It's because of Tyler, isn't it?" She questioned suddenly. His silence was answer enough for her, "Ron, I can break the betrothal! I can break it. Please Ron-"

He shook his head negatively, "If you did- I know your parents wouldn't be happy. I don't want you to get in trouble with your family Mione- Please, don't argue with me."

Staring at him, she didn't know what to do. She tried to stifle the sob threatening to be released, but was not successful. She let the tears fall as she never broke their gaze. Seeing her tears, he pulled her into his arms and embraced her. He felt her tears soak the material on his shoulder. Finally, he let go of her and held her face in his hands. Leaning in, he pressed his lips against hers. After a few moments, she pulled back from him and stood up.

"Ron- please tell me we're still friends." She said as she gazed down at him, tears still spilling and whole body trembling.

Seeing her shaking, he took one of her trembling hands into his own and brushed his lips on the back of her hand. He looked up at her and squeezed her hand comfortingly, "Forever, Mione- Forever."

She continued to gaze into his eyes until she forced herself to leave. Releasing her hand from his grasp, she walked towards the door. He followed her and stood by the door as she opened it and left. He followed her with his eyes until her body disappeared through the door of the Leaky Cauldron leading into Diagon Alley.




Ron shook the memory from his mind as he already felt the tears forming in his eyes. It was time he told her- time he told her how he felt about her and about things between them. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he strode out of the shadows and knocked on the doorframe.

---

Hermione fidgeted in the booth within the room. She had left the door open so when he came, he would see her and come in. He had sent her an owl telling her to come meet him in the Leaky Cauldron. She couldn't help but be nervous. The last time he had done so, he had broken up with her, five months ago. Sighing heavily, she began twisting a napkin in her hands.

That day months ago, he had broken up with her so she could go off to Paris without strings. She didn't want that, but she couldn't change his mind and didn't want to keep him in a relationship he thought should end. The hardest thing in her life was walking away from him and their relationship.

Of course, they did agree to stay friends, but it still did make things awkward between them. She remembered the first time - and last time - they got together after the break up; one month afterwards. It was at Hermione's flat and had invited Harry and Ginny - who had gotten together in their last year at Hogwarts - and of course, Ron. She got lost in her thoughts as she returned to that day-



Hermione Granger walked into her living room with a tray of popcorn and drinks, "Sorry I don't have butter beer or anything, but I haven't gone to Hogsmeade since I left Hogwarts," She apologized as she laid the tray on the coffee table set before the couch.

"It's okay Mione," Harry grinned as he took a handful of popcorn, "Pop's just fine."

"Dad would've been so jealous if I had the chance to tell him I'm getting the chance to drink a Muggle drink," Ginny smiled weakly as she picked up a glass, "Well, I guess he sees me right? Cheers dad." She raised her glass to the air and took a sip. Ginny seemed to be handling herself quite well since her father had been killed the beginning of her Sixth Year.

"That's right Gin, he does see you," Harry said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and placed a kiss on her forehead.

Hermione felt her body begin to slightly tremble as she saw the scene before her. Ginny loved Harry and Harry loved Ginny. They had each other and never once considered ending it. She couldn't help but feel a slight jealousy towards Ginny. Ginny had all she wanted, so why couldn't it be the same for herself?

"Mione? Oh, Merlin- I'm sorry," Harry sighed as he stood up, "I should be more-"

"No- No, it's okay Harry, really," Hermione sported a fake smile as she sat down on the love seat adjacent to the couch where Ginny sat. "I'm over it-"

Reluctantly, Harry sat back down and ate his popcorn in silence.

"Are you sure it was wise to invite him tonight Herms?" Ginny asked cautiously.

Hermione looked up at Ginny and for a moment remained silent. Ginny was Ron's sister and held many resemblances to him. Sometimes it hurt her to see Ginny. She forced a small smile and answered, "I'm sure, Gin. Besides- I told you, I'm over it."

"Are you trying to convince me that? Or yourself?" Ginny inquired.

Hermione remained silent, she knew Ginny was right but wasn't going to admit to it anytime soon. Fortunately, she didn't have to answer her question for there was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?" Hermione asked, not wanting to rise from her seat.

"Um- Ron," his muffled voice said through the oak door.

Hermione's heart pounded against her chest as she heard his answer. She was starting to feel as if her invitation wasn't as wise as she had previously assumed. She felt a hand on her shoulder and broke out of her daze. She looked up to see Harry standing there,

"If you don't want to see him Mione-" He trailed off and she knew what he meant. Harry would convince Ron to leave with him elsewhere. That wasn't what she wanted, she wanted Ron there. They were friends after all. Most of all, she wanted to see him again.

She shook her head negatively and pointed towards the door with her wand, "Alohomora." Turning around quickly, she placed her wand on the coffee table, hoping she didn't have to make eye contact with him.

"Hey mate," Harry greeted as he sat back on the couch.

"Nice to see you Ron. Haven't seen you in ages," Ginny said sarcastically as she laid on the couch with her head on Harry's lap. She darted her eyes towards Hermione.

Hermione looked at Ginny and realized that Ginny and Harry were taking up the entire couch. She gave Ginny a pleading look and by the subtle nod Ginny returned, she knew Ginny understood what she wanted. Ginny stood up quickly and tugged on Harry's hand,

"Harry, let's check out the balcony. Herms told me she has a great view." Ginny insisted.

"But, I thought we were watching a movie?" Harry replied as he stood up. Ginny looked over her shoulder at Ron and Hermione. Harry followed her gazed and it dawned upon him. Hermione was observing the coffee table while Ron was observing her. "Yeah, okay," Harry finally agreed and lead Ginny out to the balcony, shutting the glass door behind them.

After a few moments of dead silence, Hermione broke it, "You can sit down, Ron."

"Oh, yeah.. Thanks." He said quickly and sat on the end of the couch closest to Hermione. He kept looking at her and she kept her gaze down.

She felt his gaze on her and bit her lip nervously, "It's been awhile."

"Yes-it has," He agreed in a sorrow tone, "How has Paris been?"

"I'm not sure-" Hermione answered truthfully,

"Don't lie to me Mione," Ron said lightly.

Her heart raced as she heard Harry and Ron's name for her on his lips. Taking a deep breath she looked into his eyes for the first time in a month, "I never went."



"I wish I were in Paris now-" Hermione said bitterly to herself. She knew this meeting between Ron and herself would probably be like all their other encounters with others around - silent and awkward. She wondered how this meeting would go. They had never gotten together alone since their break up. Her thoughts were broken by a light knocking on the doorframe. She raised her gaze and it fell upon him. She bit her lip, she needed to tell Ron something. She needed to let him know her feelings about him and about things between them. "Hi Ron-"

---

"Hi Mione," Ron said stiffly as he shut the door and sat across from her, "It's good to see you-"

"It's good to see you too," she replied quietly as she felt his hands reach for her and take hold of them. She gazed into his eyes and felt her heart beat rapidly against her chest, "Four months is too long-"

"You look beautiful-" Ron whispered as he kissed her hands and looked at her.

She tugged at his hands and he stood up and sat next to her. She pulled him towards her and wrapped her arms around his neck as her lips found his. He pulled her body against his as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Their kisses were deep and passionate.

Hermione linked her fingers behind he neck when she felt something against her fingers. She broke the kiss and looked at her left hand and saw the diamond ring residing on her left ring finger. She pulled away from Ron, "I can't-"

Ron sighed heavily, "I know. I'm sorry." Leaning his elbows on the table, he held his face in his hands, "Hermione- there's a reason why I asked you to meet me today. Sorry it has to be here of all places but with Death Eaters still on the loose, it's not really safe anywhere else-"

"I know," she said quietly, "I have to tell you something as well, but you go first."

Face in his hands, he continued, "We can't be friends."

She sighed heavily as she leaned against the cushioned booth and closed her eyes tightly. He had taken the words out of her mouth and said it himself. "We said we'd be friends forever-"

"I know and I'm sorry," Ron said in a hollow tone.

It dawned on her then that it pained him to say that. She also realized that he probably felt the same way as her.

"I didn't go to Paris for the same reasons you're telling me this Ron," she admitted finally. To herself and to Ron.

He looked at her, but she still had her eyes closed, face directed towards the ceiling. "So- you know we can't be friends."

"I knew that the moment we broke up. Things would be too complicated as would feelings be," she sighed heavily as she opened her eyes and turned to face him. She felt the tears and she let them fall freely.

She always hoped things would never come to this: to the point where she had to part ways with one of her best friends of just over eight years.
Of course, now it was the inevitable. She was to marry Tyler Benson, as it was planned before she was even born and Tyler was a mere two years old. She wanted to leave Tyler and be with Ron, but Ron wouldn't allow her to abandon her family.

Ron didn't know Mr. and Mrs. Granger too well, but knew enough that they were a traditional family and arranged marriages were tradition in the Granger family. He also knew that they would be devastated if Hermione had broken the betrothal; only Tyler had the power - by the contract made in the beginning - to break it, and he had decided not to. Hermione had admitted this to him a month into their relationship at the commence of their Sixth Year.

"Yes-" Ron said finally, "Feelings would be complicated. That's why we can't be friends, Mione." He paused as he felt the tears trickle down his face, "Because I'm -"

"I'm still in love with you-" She interrupted him.

He stared at her in silent shock, she had taken the words out of his mouth. She let out a soft sob she had been trying to hold back. She pulled him to her and held him. This was the first time she had been the one to embrace the other. She held him against her as she cried. He dug his face into her shoulder as he let it all out he held onto her for dear life; as if letting go, meant dying.

"I'm so sorry, Ron," She sobbed as she held onto him even tighter, "I wish things could be different-"

"I know Mione- I know," he raised his head to look at her and held her in his arms, "No matter what, I'll still love you Mione-forever."

"And I, you-" Hermione sighed as she felt him pull away.

"Be careful out there. They're still loose-" She nodded in a silent agreement. He leaned into her and kissed her, "Goodbye Mione-"

"Goodbye-" She said in a hollow tone as she held his gaze until he walked towards the door. She edged out of the booth and stood there, being supported by the wall as he opened the door. Without a glance back, he walked out of the door and out of her life- forever.

Sighing heavily, Hermione tied back her hair in a loose pony-tail. She wiped away the tears that finally stopped their course. After that, everything happened so quickly. She heard someone yelling Avada Kedavra' and her eyes darted towards the door. She saw Ron topple through the door way and collapse onto the floor. Screaming in pure agony, she ripped her wand out of her pocket and pointed it to the figure now towering over Ron's lifeless body.

"Avada Kedavra!" She yelled as she channeled all her anger, sorrow and pain into that one incantation.

Too slow to react, the hooded Death Eater backwards and landed in a heap near the bar of the Leaky Cauldron. Its hood fell off as it hit the cold floor, revealing empty grey eyes and slick, platinum-blonde locks.

Hermione ran to Ron's body and held his upper torso against her body. "Ron!" She cried as she held the limp body tightly, refusing to loosen her embrace. "Ron, please come back-PLEASE!" She held him even tighter, her tears streaming down her face and soaking the robes he wore. She refused to stop crying and refused to let go of Ron.

A small crowd had silently collected around the Death Eater's body and around the door with silent sympathy for Hermione. She didn't care for the audience however, she was violently mourning the death of the one person she couldn't be with: the one person she always has and always will love.

End.