The Many Woes of Ronald Weasley series
Part 1 | Harry Potter - the Hero in Training
I entered my seventh year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry with my best friends, Harry Potter with high hopes that this would be a great year. With the downfall and death of Voldemort behind us in our sixth year, I knew I would be right- at least I thought so.
I'd known Harry since our first year at Hogwarts and we've been best friends since then. He was a hero in most people's eyes and I don't blame them. But for once I'd love to live in the spot light for some time. Harry had been famous since before he even turned one - HOW THE BLOODY HELL DOES THAT HAPPEN?
I was blessed with some fame in our first year when I helped Harry get to the Philosopher's Stone (although Americans want to call it the Sorcerer's stone. Odd ones they are. Canadians are on our side-) Of course, all I did was play chess - nothing fancy.
Second year I got some recognition. I mean, I was with Harry every step of the way even into the Chamber of Secrets. Well, then there was that cave in and then I was stuck with the babbling buffoon we lovingly called Professor Lockhart (did you note my sarcasm in the last few words?)
Third year I got nothing. Why? Because I had to get bitten and stuck in the bloody Hospital Wing. I forgot to yell at Sirius for doing that. But, it's too late now.. Merlin bless him. Bless Lupin too, with his help I got to see a spider on roller skates.
Fourth year- well then- Harry just HAD to steal the spotlight there huh? Getting into the Triwizard Tournament and all.
Fifth year I got him. Oh yeah. I got Prefect. Of course, Harry got the spotlight back when he made the Wizarding community realize he wasn't lying. Of course there's the fact that while Harry was going around running away from Death Eaters I was getting attacked by brains. Merlin knows how the blood that happened.
Now you may be wondering why I went on this rampage on comparing Harry's attention and my own. You see, Harry was born a hero. He was a hero before he was even born. So ever since he arrived in Hogwarts, he's been in hero-training. He didn't realize it, but I did. It'd take a pretty stupid person to not realize all the special training he's gotten from teachers was hero-training. He even got training from Hermione in our Fourth Year-
Anyway, back to the point- I figured out why I never got an equal amount of spotlight as Harry: he's been stealing it from me!
He realized in our Fifth Year that I could rival him for his fame, so what does he do? Well.. I'll tell you. It all started one September day in our Seventh Year-
Hermione, Harry and myself (Ronald Weasley - if you hadn't realized that now.. you ignorant prat..) were enjoying our free Saturday by walking the grounds. The trees in the Forbidden Forest didn't look so forbidden as their leaves slowly turned to golden and fire shades. (Although I think some were on fire because I recall Hagrid throwing buckets of water on the Whomping Willow.)
There was a cool breeze whipping itself around us as we slowly circled the grounds. We finally finished our course as we came to the lake. We sat down by the edge and just peered at the pinking late - afternoon sky. The water reflected the clear blue sky about perfectly as a few leaves slowly fell to its surface and causing small ripples.
I noticed Hermione shiver slightly, so I took off my cloak and draped it over her shoulders. (And Hermione thinks I'm not sensitive. If that action doesn't scream sensitivity' then I don't know what does-)
"Thanks Ron," She smiled as she clutched it tighter around her.
"So Harry, when's our Quidditch season starting?" I turned to face Harry who had begun throwing random pebbles into the lake.
His once calm expression was broken by a grin, "As soon as possible mate! You'll be there right? We can't win without you!"
"Of course!" I replied as if I was stating the obvious.
"Brilliant!" He exclaimed and patted me in the back. Hard. Real hard. So hard it wasn't a pat anymore - it was a push.
Before I realized it, I was wrapped in a feeling of ice cubes. I felt the wind sting my face and I sucked in air as I opened my eyes. I was in the lake. Dam.n the lake for being so cold in Autumn.
"Ron! I'm so sorry!" Harry apologized through laughs as he tried to help me out.
"I'm not sure you are," I scowled as he and Hermione finally pulled me out of the lake. I was greeted with a strong gust of wind and I felt more cold - if possible - than I did when I was in the lake.
Don't you see what he did? He pushed me into the lake! Now, on any other day that would've been normal, but it wasn't any other day. It was THAT day! Right after I said I'd be on the team to help them win, he pushes me in. Why? Because he can't stand the thought that I could help him win a match. That's why! Now, you're probably thinking Now Ron, you're being paranoid' , but I'll ask you this - Does a paranoid person sit up in bed all night watching their best friend sleep just to make sure that best friend won't kill him in his sleep?
Okay, so maybe a paranoid person does that, but you never know what Harry's capable of! I mean, the prat killed the most evilest person in the world - Voldemort! (mind you, I never did flinch when his name was mentioned. Everyone just says that. Really they do.) Harry's gotten hero-training, dark arts training - he can kill off anyone he wants! Bloody hell, Harry even beat Hermione in Defense Against the Dark Arts in our third year! If he can beat Hermione, there's no hope for me!
So, now do you see? Do you see how Harry is out to get me? All this time I thought he was my friend, but, no. He's not my friend. He just acts like it just so he can get close enough to slit my throat when I'm sleeping. Or maybe he is my friend. I mean, he could've killed me anytime before I came to this conclusion, but he didn't. Yes, Harry is my friend.. he's just blinded by jealousy. Or am I blinded by paranoia? I get it mixed up sometimes.
Next time you think about Harry, say anything about Harry, read anything about Harry keep this in mind - he's not just the hero in training. No, he has more dark thoughts than just becoming a hero. I mean, the prat eats chocolate pudding! HOW EVIL IS THAT! Anyone who eats chocolate pudding MUST be evil! Look at Draco Malfoy - he loves chocolate pudding! So you see, he is evil. I can prove it just by the proof that he eats chocolate pudding.
(Part 1: Hermione Granger - the Bookworm)
Showing posts with label CHAR: Harry Potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CHAR: Harry Potter. Show all posts
Thursday, July 21, 2011
[SF] Moving On
Disclaimer: The song and it's lyrics are ©Toya.
Ginny woke up a bright early morning. The sun casted its sheets of light across her room through the window. Sitting up she turned to her side and her smile faded as she found no on next to her.
Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she stood up and headed to the kitchen in her apartment. Leaning against the counter she flipped through the mail which had come from different owls. Finally she fell upon a letter from Dean Thomas. Opening it, rose petals fell out and a small letter,
"Please Ginny, will you go out with me?"
Just getting used to waking up everyday
Not seeing your face
I just began to stop setting your place
And I stop longing for your warm embrace
And it was Go.d that made me able
To finally sleep at night
Though you're not by my side
Finally I don't hardly cry
See right when I start letting go
Somebody wants to let me know
Can they take your place
No they can't fill your space. No.
Ginny threw the letter and rose petals into the garbage. Her eyes fell upon a picture of Harry. Instantly tears began to fill her eyes and stream down her eyes. Wiping them away as she placed his picture face down on the table and walked back to her room to get ready.
I tried to move on but you're not gone
Cause in my heart you still live on
See now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
And why
Now that you're gone I'm holdin' on
And deep in my heart
I wanna move on
And now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
Later that afternoon, Ginny sat in the living room with an empty trunk before her and piles of clothes before her. She began folding them and placing them neatly in the trunk. Picking up a green sweater she lifted it to her nose and inhaled the sweet scent of his cologne. As she folded it on her lap she saw a red stain on the chest. Running her fingertips over the rough material she remembered when he died.
The death eater said a spell and a bright green beam shot out of its wand and hit Harry directly at his heart. Harry fell backwards onto his back. Ginny ran to his side, tears streaming down her face.
"Harry!" she cried.
Harry pointed his wand at the death eater, "I killed everyone else and now you're the last! Averda Kedarva!"
Instantly the death eater crumbled to the ground, lifeless.
Ginny held Harry in her arms, "Please Harry, hang on!" she cried as she saw the blood appearing on his dark green sweater.
"I'm sorry Ginny. The spell was too powerful and it was to accurate. Not even Madame Pomphrey can help me," he said in a low voice. He held her face with his hand, "Don't cry for me Ginny, just always know I love you."
"I love you too Harry." she cried as she wiped away her tears.
He pulled her face to him as he kissed her softly and passionately; he closed his eyes. After a few seconds he fell limp in her arms. She wrapped her arms around him and cried into his shoulder, "I love you Harry, and I'll never love anyone for the rest of my life."
Placing the sweater on the top in the trunk she looked at it; it was a bittersweet memory. Looking at her left hand she looked at the ring he gave her when he purposed. Sliding it off her finger she kissed it and placed it on top of the sweater.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the man on the radio stop talking and mu.sic being to play softly. She knew that song too well. After his death it was all she ever listened to. It was their song. She still remembered when they danced to this picture, in the corner by the radio she imagined them dancing to the song. Shaking the thought, she stood up and turned off the radio.
I finally put your clothes away
You know the ones you wore the day
That you were taken away from me
I just began to stop wearing my ring
And I finally stop playin' our song
When I realized I was dancin' alone and
Finally God gave me strength
To go on and breath again
See right when I start letting go
Somebody wants to let me know
Can they take your place
No they can't fill your space. No
Heading over to the wall she saw several pictures of Harry. With hesitation she took them off the wall and placed them in the trunk. Returning to the wall she saw the picture of her and Harry on their wedding day. They had only been married a few months until he killed the remaining Death Eaters and got killed himself.
I tried to move on but you're not gone
Cause in my heart you still live on
See now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
And why
Now that you're gone I'm holdin' on
And deep in my heart
I wanna move on
And now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life.
A few hours later she got out of her car and locked it. Walking up the cement stairs leading up to the chapel. Entering, it was dim and the only thing lighting the place were a few candles here and there. Sliding into a pew near the back she pulled down the kneeler and knelt upon it. Proping her elbows onto the railing, she leaned her forehead on her folded hands. She closed her eyes as she began a silent prayer.
God knows it's time for me to move on
I want to feel alive again
I want to be in love again
Getting up, she headed over to a corner of the chapel where several green candles were placed in minature, metal holders. Some were lit others were not. She looked at a metal plate which was nailed to the wall above the fixture.
"For Loved Ones who Passed Away."
She looked around for a stick when her eyes fell upon a basket beside the metal holders. The basket had a small sign saying 'donations'. Rummaging through her pockets she found twenty pounds and dropped it all into the basket. Finally finding the long wooden stick which was used to light the candles she used the flame of a lit candle to lit one of the unlit candles. Finally when the candle she chose was lit she blew out the flame of the stick and replaced it. Watching the flame dance above the small green candle, 'Ironic' she thought as she turned around and left the chapel.
And no matter how hard I try
I can't erase you from my mind
And I gotta find somebody new
But I just can't give over you
She got home later that night and locked the door behind her. Taking off her coat she hung it on a hook by the door and went over to the counter where more mail had appeared while she was gone. Flipping through the mail she found another one from Dean. Immediately she threw it into the waste basket with it's twin letter from the morning. Walking over to the wall in her living room her eyes fell upon the picture of her and Harry on their wedding day when a small smile appeared on her face.
I tried to move on but you're not gone
Cause in my heart you still live on
See now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
And why
Now that you're gone I'm holdin' on
And deep in my heart
I wanna move on
And now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life.
That night she fell asleep on her bed, still wearing the clothes she wore earlier, not wanting to change into proper sleeping attire. She fell asleep ontop of her blanket and other sheets; just curled up with one thing in her embrace and a smile on her sweet, innocent face = the picture of her and Harry on their wedding day.
Ginny woke up a bright early morning. The sun casted its sheets of light across her room through the window. Sitting up she turned to her side and her smile faded as she found no on next to her.
Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she stood up and headed to the kitchen in her apartment. Leaning against the counter she flipped through the mail which had come from different owls. Finally she fell upon a letter from Dean Thomas. Opening it, rose petals fell out and a small letter,
"Please Ginny, will you go out with me?"
Just getting used to waking up everyday
Not seeing your face
I just began to stop setting your place
And I stop longing for your warm embrace
And it was Go.d that made me able
To finally sleep at night
Though you're not by my side
Finally I don't hardly cry
See right when I start letting go
Somebody wants to let me know
Can they take your place
No they can't fill your space. No.
Ginny threw the letter and rose petals into the garbage. Her eyes fell upon a picture of Harry. Instantly tears began to fill her eyes and stream down her eyes. Wiping them away as she placed his picture face down on the table and walked back to her room to get ready.
I tried to move on but you're not gone
Cause in my heart you still live on
See now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
And why
Now that you're gone I'm holdin' on
And deep in my heart
I wanna move on
And now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
Later that afternoon, Ginny sat in the living room with an empty trunk before her and piles of clothes before her. She began folding them and placing them neatly in the trunk. Picking up a green sweater she lifted it to her nose and inhaled the sweet scent of his cologne. As she folded it on her lap she saw a red stain on the chest. Running her fingertips over the rough material she remembered when he died.
The death eater said a spell and a bright green beam shot out of its wand and hit Harry directly at his heart. Harry fell backwards onto his back. Ginny ran to his side, tears streaming down her face.
"Harry!" she cried.
Harry pointed his wand at the death eater, "I killed everyone else and now you're the last! Averda Kedarva!"
Instantly the death eater crumbled to the ground, lifeless.
Ginny held Harry in her arms, "Please Harry, hang on!" she cried as she saw the blood appearing on his dark green sweater.
"I'm sorry Ginny. The spell was too powerful and it was to accurate. Not even Madame Pomphrey can help me," he said in a low voice. He held her face with his hand, "Don't cry for me Ginny, just always know I love you."
"I love you too Harry." she cried as she wiped away her tears.
He pulled her face to him as he kissed her softly and passionately; he closed his eyes. After a few seconds he fell limp in her arms. She wrapped her arms around him and cried into his shoulder, "I love you Harry, and I'll never love anyone for the rest of my life."
Placing the sweater on the top in the trunk she looked at it; it was a bittersweet memory. Looking at her left hand she looked at the ring he gave her when he purposed. Sliding it off her finger she kissed it and placed it on top of the sweater.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the man on the radio stop talking and mu.sic being to play softly. She knew that song too well. After his death it was all she ever listened to. It was their song. She still remembered when they danced to this picture, in the corner by the radio she imagined them dancing to the song. Shaking the thought, she stood up and turned off the radio.
I finally put your clothes away
You know the ones you wore the day
That you were taken away from me
I just began to stop wearing my ring
And I finally stop playin' our song
When I realized I was dancin' alone and
Finally God gave me strength
To go on and breath again
See right when I start letting go
Somebody wants to let me know
Can they take your place
No they can't fill your space. No
Heading over to the wall she saw several pictures of Harry. With hesitation she took them off the wall and placed them in the trunk. Returning to the wall she saw the picture of her and Harry on their wedding day. They had only been married a few months until he killed the remaining Death Eaters and got killed himself.
I tried to move on but you're not gone
Cause in my heart you still live on
See now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
And why
Now that you're gone I'm holdin' on
And deep in my heart
I wanna move on
And now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life.
A few hours later she got out of her car and locked it. Walking up the cement stairs leading up to the chapel. Entering, it was dim and the only thing lighting the place were a few candles here and there. Sliding into a pew near the back she pulled down the kneeler and knelt upon it. Proping her elbows onto the railing, she leaned her forehead on her folded hands. She closed her eyes as she began a silent prayer.
God knows it's time for me to move on
I want to feel alive again
I want to be in love again
Getting up, she headed over to a corner of the chapel where several green candles were placed in minature, metal holders. Some were lit others were not. She looked at a metal plate which was nailed to the wall above the fixture.
"For Loved Ones who Passed Away."
She looked around for a stick when her eyes fell upon a basket beside the metal holders. The basket had a small sign saying 'donations'. Rummaging through her pockets she found twenty pounds and dropped it all into the basket. Finally finding the long wooden stick which was used to light the candles she used the flame of a lit candle to lit one of the unlit candles. Finally when the candle she chose was lit she blew out the flame of the stick and replaced it. Watching the flame dance above the small green candle, 'Ironic' she thought as she turned around and left the chapel.
And no matter how hard I try
I can't erase you from my mind
And I gotta find somebody new
But I just can't give over you
She got home later that night and locked the door behind her. Taking off her coat she hung it on a hook by the door and went over to the counter where more mail had appeared while she was gone. Flipping through the mail she found another one from Dean. Immediately she threw it into the waste basket with it's twin letter from the morning. Walking over to the wall in her living room her eyes fell upon the picture of her and Harry on their wedding day when a small smile appeared on her face.
I tried to move on but you're not gone
Cause in my heart you still live on
See now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
And why
Now that you're gone I'm holdin' on
And deep in my heart
I wanna move on
And now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life.
That night she fell asleep on her bed, still wearing the clothes she wore earlier, not wanting to change into proper sleeping attire. She fell asleep ontop of her blanket and other sheets; just curled up with one thing in her embrace and a smile on her sweet, innocent face = the picture of her and Harry on their wedding day.
[SF] Separated
DISCLAIMER: The song, lyrics, rythym and beat belong to Usher Raymond. I merely put the story to the song.
If love was a bird
Then we wouldn't have wings
If love was a sky
We'd be blue
If love was a choir
You and I could never sing
Cause love isn't for me and you
Harry stood on the platform in Hogsmeade; it was hard to believe that it had been one year since he had left Hogwarts. He ran his hand through his hair, making it more untidy than before. He sighed heavily as he shoved both his hands into his pockets. The autumn air was strong and cold. Sighing heavily as he looked at his watch. 5 minutes to boards.'
If love was an Oscar
You and I could never win
Cause we can never act out our parts
If love is the Bible
Then we are lost in sin
Because its not in our hearts
Suddenly he heard someone call his name. He spun around to find Hermione. She wrapped her arms around him and pressing her lips to his but he pulled away. She raised her eyebrow,
"Okay. So Harry, why'd you want to meet me here today? Our date isn't until Saturday!"
Harry took in a deep breath before beginning.
So why don't you go your way
And I'll go mine
Live your life, and I'll live mine
Baby you'll do well, and I'll be fine
Cause we're better off, separated
"Hermione, there is no date on Saturday," Harry replied and she looked up at him in confusion. Harry hadn't called her Hermione since before they began dating in their 6th Year. "I'm sorry Hermione, but it's just not working." He could see the pain in her eyes and he himself had a pain in his heart, but he had to do this.
"But Harry, I thought you loved me?" Hermione looked up at him with pleading eyes, tears forming in them.
He looked away reluctantly, "Not anymore."
If love was a fire
Then we have lost the spark
Love never felt so cold
If love was a light
Then we're lost in the dark
Left with no one to hold
"What!?" Hermione gasped as she stepped back, "But you told me you'd always love me! You said that to me 2 years ago! How could you all of a sudden say you don't?"
"Things change Hermione, people change. It's just different now," Harry replied,
"How is it different Harry? How? Tell me!" Hermione pleaded with him.
If love was a sport
We're not on the same team
You and I are destined to lose
If love was an ocean
Then we are just a stream
Cause love isn't for me and you
"I'm not sure," Harry admitted, "But things between us have changed. Whenever we're together we don't have the same fun we had years ago. Just admit it Hermione, the spark between us is gone. The magic isn't there anymore."
Hermione didn't reply, but then asked, "So what now?"
So why don't you go your way
And I'll go mine
Live your life, and I'll live mine
Baby you'll do well, and I'll be fine
Cause we're better off, separated
"It's for the best. It would be better if we just ended it now before we got into a marriage where the chemistry's gone." Harry replied.
The tears in Hermione's eyes started to trickle softly down her face, "So one month after purposing to me you're going to break up with me? When did your feelings change if you purposed to me last month?"
"I don't know." Harry replied.
Girl I know we had some good times
It's sad but now we gotta say goodbye
Girl you know I love you, I can't deny
I can't say we didn't try to make it work for you and I
I know it hurts so much but it's best for us
"Hermione, I still love you, you know. I still love you," Harry pushed strands of hair behind her ear, "But it's just not the same anymore. Sometimes when we're together I wonder if you even still love me and it pains me to wonder it, but I do."
"Harry I still love you!" Hermione took his hand, "Listen to me, I still love you as much as I did 2 years ago!"
Somewhere along this windy road we lost the trust
So I'll walk away so you don't have to see me cry
It's killing me so, why don't you go
"I know you do Hermione and I love you, but it's just not the same anymore. Going on dates with you seems more like a chore now and I can tell you feel the same way. It isn't the same and it doesn't feel right," Harry replied, "We may love each other, but it's not meant to be."
"How do you know it isn't?" She stepped closer and held his face with bother her hands,
"Because if it was meant to be, I wouldn't be feeling this," Harry said as he placed his hands on top of hers. Gently he pushed them off his face, pulling off her ring at the same time. He held her hands for a moment before leaning into her and pressed his lips onto hers. He hesitantly pulled away and looked at her. "Good bye."
As he turned to leave Hermione could see tears falling down his face. He opened a door to the Hogwarts Express, entered and shut it behind him.
So why don't you go your way
And I'll go mine
Live your life, and I'll live mine
Baby you'll do well, and I'll be fine
Cause we're better off, separated
Leaning against the shut door he lowered his head, hair falling over his forehead and eyes as he cried, clutching her ring in his hand, "I'm sorry Hermione."
Hermione gazed at the door which had been closed and watched as the train slowly pulled away from the station. Tears streaming down her face when she noticed something in her hand. Opening up her hand she found Harry's ring there and realized that Harry had pressed it into her hand while they shared their last kiss. She held the ring between her thumb and index finger and brought it up to her face and kissed it. "I'm sorry Harry," she whispered because deep in her heart, she felt the same way as Harry.
If love was a bird
Then we wouldn't have wings
If love was a sky
We'd be blue
If love was a choir
You and I could never sing
Cause love isn't for me and you
Harry stood on the platform in Hogsmeade; it was hard to believe that it had been one year since he had left Hogwarts. He ran his hand through his hair, making it more untidy than before. He sighed heavily as he shoved both his hands into his pockets. The autumn air was strong and cold. Sighing heavily as he looked at his watch. 5 minutes to boards.'
If love was an Oscar
You and I could never win
Cause we can never act out our parts
If love is the Bible
Then we are lost in sin
Because its not in our hearts
Suddenly he heard someone call his name. He spun around to find Hermione. She wrapped her arms around him and pressing her lips to his but he pulled away. She raised her eyebrow,
"Okay. So Harry, why'd you want to meet me here today? Our date isn't until Saturday!"
Harry took in a deep breath before beginning.
So why don't you go your way
And I'll go mine
Live your life, and I'll live mine
Baby you'll do well, and I'll be fine
Cause we're better off, separated
"Hermione, there is no date on Saturday," Harry replied and she looked up at him in confusion. Harry hadn't called her Hermione since before they began dating in their 6th Year. "I'm sorry Hermione, but it's just not working." He could see the pain in her eyes and he himself had a pain in his heart, but he had to do this.
"But Harry, I thought you loved me?" Hermione looked up at him with pleading eyes, tears forming in them.
He looked away reluctantly, "Not anymore."
If love was a fire
Then we have lost the spark
Love never felt so cold
If love was a light
Then we're lost in the dark
Left with no one to hold
"What!?" Hermione gasped as she stepped back, "But you told me you'd always love me! You said that to me 2 years ago! How could you all of a sudden say you don't?"
"Things change Hermione, people change. It's just different now," Harry replied,
"How is it different Harry? How? Tell me!" Hermione pleaded with him.
If love was a sport
We're not on the same team
You and I are destined to lose
If love was an ocean
Then we are just a stream
Cause love isn't for me and you
"I'm not sure," Harry admitted, "But things between us have changed. Whenever we're together we don't have the same fun we had years ago. Just admit it Hermione, the spark between us is gone. The magic isn't there anymore."
Hermione didn't reply, but then asked, "So what now?"
So why don't you go your way
And I'll go mine
Live your life, and I'll live mine
Baby you'll do well, and I'll be fine
Cause we're better off, separated
"It's for the best. It would be better if we just ended it now before we got into a marriage where the chemistry's gone." Harry replied.
The tears in Hermione's eyes started to trickle softly down her face, "So one month after purposing to me you're going to break up with me? When did your feelings change if you purposed to me last month?"
"I don't know." Harry replied.
Girl I know we had some good times
It's sad but now we gotta say goodbye
Girl you know I love you, I can't deny
I can't say we didn't try to make it work for you and I
I know it hurts so much but it's best for us
"Hermione, I still love you, you know. I still love you," Harry pushed strands of hair behind her ear, "But it's just not the same anymore. Sometimes when we're together I wonder if you even still love me and it pains me to wonder it, but I do."
"Harry I still love you!" Hermione took his hand, "Listen to me, I still love you as much as I did 2 years ago!"
Somewhere along this windy road we lost the trust
So I'll walk away so you don't have to see me cry
It's killing me so, why don't you go
"I know you do Hermione and I love you, but it's just not the same anymore. Going on dates with you seems more like a chore now and I can tell you feel the same way. It isn't the same and it doesn't feel right," Harry replied, "We may love each other, but it's not meant to be."
"How do you know it isn't?" She stepped closer and held his face with bother her hands,
"Because if it was meant to be, I wouldn't be feeling this," Harry said as he placed his hands on top of hers. Gently he pushed them off his face, pulling off her ring at the same time. He held her hands for a moment before leaning into her and pressed his lips onto hers. He hesitantly pulled away and looked at her. "Good bye."
As he turned to leave Hermione could see tears falling down his face. He opened a door to the Hogwarts Express, entered and shut it behind him.
So why don't you go your way
And I'll go mine
Live your life, and I'll live mine
Baby you'll do well, and I'll be fine
Cause we're better off, separated
Leaning against the shut door he lowered his head, hair falling over his forehead and eyes as he cried, clutching her ring in his hand, "I'm sorry Hermione."
Hermione gazed at the door which had been closed and watched as the train slowly pulled away from the station. Tears streaming down her face when she noticed something in her hand. Opening up her hand she found Harry's ring there and realized that Harry had pressed it into her hand while they shared their last kiss. She held the ring between her thumb and index finger and brought it up to her face and kissed it. "I'm sorry Harry," she whispered because deep in her heart, she felt the same way as Harry.
[OS] Beautiful
I woke up that morning with my limbs feeling as sore as ever. Rolling out of bed, I slowly padded towards my apartment's bathroom. Bypassing the mirror, I shut the door with a back kick of my foot. Undressing as quickly as my aching muscles allowed, I hopped into the shower and allowed the hot water to ease my pain.
After showering, I wrapped a towel around my body and stood before the bathroom sink and mirror. With a few quick swipes with my hand, the mirror was divested of most of its steam. I calculated the damage. Slowly, I ran my fingers over each bicep and winced as I felt pain. More sensitive than usual. Sighing heavily, I left the bathroom to dress for the day.
As I stood within my walk-in closet, I forlornly looked at the tops I could not wear on this summer day, but it had to be so. I could not let the others see. Without dwelling on it for too long, I picked out a knee-length jean skirt, white cami and a zip-up, pink long-sleeved shirt. As I stood before the full-length mirror, I was satisfied with the covering. Yes, it was perfect for me to go out to lunch with my two best friends on one of their birthdays.
However, while I stood in the bathroom, brushing my hair, I realized something I had not earlier. Quickly clipping back my thick curls, I grabbed for the small make-up bag I kept in the medicine cabinet. Taking out the compact, I nearly dropped it into the sink as I heard the familiar sound of people apparating into the appartment. Quickly with shaking hands, I applied the powder around my left eye.
"Hermione?" Unison voices called.
Quicker. More. I looked at the result. Perfect.
"I'm here!" I call back and in mere seconds, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley are standing in the doorway of my bathroom.
"Ready to go? I'm starving," Ron inquired with his infamous lop-sided grin.
"You know I'm never late," I reminded with a small smile as I slipped the compact back into the bag and replaced it in the cabinet.
"Make-up? 'Mione, you never wear make-up," Harry pointed out,
"Once in awhile I get a blemish. So hex me for not wanting the entire world to see it," I replied as I pushed past them into the hallway, "So, are we going out or not?"
Harry nodded, "I was thinking of a nice Muggle café I pass by everyday to work."
"Sounds good to me," I agree cheerfully, a smile I only half-fake plastered on my face.
---
"And one BTL.. I mean, BLT sandwich. Oh, and one of these cheeseburgers - they look tasty - and a glass of water," Ron finished this order with a smile.
"Is that all?" The muggle waitress inquired hesitantly,
"For now," Ron said.
"Okay... Your orders will be here in about fifteen minutes," she insisted then hurried off.
"Ron, you ordered out the entire café!" I gently laugh at him,
"Yes well, an Auror's got to eat," he defended when suddenly a fuzzball flew into the café and smashed into Ron's chest. Harry and I stiffled laughs as Ron held up his beloved owl and quickly admonished it for flying into a place full of Muggles. After it nipped his hand and appeared to be threatening to fly around him, Ron held it firmly and took the message from Pig.
"What does it say?" Harry asked as Ron absent-mindedly dropped Pig onto the table and it began to hop around.
"I'll be back in an hour, I swear!" Ron said as he stuffed the paper in his mouth and began to chew savagely,
"What on earth are you doing!? You won't miss lunch, we'll wait," I whispered at him,
"It's procedure that any message we get, we destroy. Usually I burn them but since we're here, well, this is the best way to do it," Ron explained after swallowing hard. "There's been a problem at the Ministry and Neville says he needs my help on a case. One hour, promise Harry!"
"It's fine, go," Harry insisted, "we'll keep your food hot for you."
He smiled with gratitude before speeding out of the café, Pig flying loyally behind him.
Harry turned to face me, "So, 'Mione, how've you been lately? Haven't seen you in over a week!"
"Seven days isn't that long Harry," I laughed lightly,
"I know, but I'm still not used to not seeing you and Ron every day," he admitted sheepishly, "even if it has been four years since Hogwarts."
I smile and cross my arms before dropping my arms immediately and hoped that I contained the flinch that wanted to escape. With the look on Harry's face, I didn't.
"Are you okay?" He inquired and I mumble an affirmative.
"Well, things at the store are running smoothly. It's the best job - surrounded by -" I involuntarily cringe after crossing my right leg over the left. I checked my legs, hadn't I? Grimly, I realize I had not because I had forgotten the misfortune of falling back against the bottom of the stairs at his house.
" 'Mione, what's wrong?" Harry asked,
"Nothing -"
"But you just -"
"I said nothing Harry. Please, just drop it!" I pleaded
He nodded reluctantly, "So how is Krum?"
I stared at him as I suddenly fell into a reverie...
"Where have you been?" He asks gruffly as I close the door behind me.
"At work. Where I always am on a weekday," I reply tartly. We had just lost a new shipment of books because they were sent to the wrong store; naturally, I was more than miffed.
"It's past six o'clock!" He argues as I push past him, dropping my bag on the hallway table.
"I had some extra paperwork to do," I said defensively, "I'm here now right? So let's go to dinner already."
"You were with them again, weren't you?" He demanded,
"I told you! I was at work! Merlin, you're always so paranoid," I mutter angrily as I start heading towards his kitchen, in need of a glass of cold water to ease my pounding head.
A flash of pain stops me in my tracks as I look back and see that he has a hand wrapped around my left arm.
"Maybe I wouldn't be so paranoid if you didn't spend every waking moment with them!" He defended, his grip gradually getting tighter.
"How can I spend every waking moment with them if after work I go out to dinner with you!?" I argue as I struggle to release my arm.
He pulls at me, getting hold of my other upper arm, glaring down at me, "Don't lie to me Hermione."
"When have I ever lied to you, Viktor? When?" I question, praying my voice doesn't crack.
Suddenly I feel my body flying and I smash into the foot of the stairs. Ignoring the sting, I sit up straight and look up at him,
"Damn it, don't you see what they're trying to do Hermione? They're trying to take you from me now that they realize how beautiful you are!" He exclaims as he towers over me,
"They're not trying to do that! They're just my friends!" I insisted defensively.
Pain.
"Stop protecting them!" He screamed, withdrawing his balled hand to his side, "I'm your boyfriend! I should have priority over them!"
Gingerly I touched my face with shaking fingers and felt the pain throbbing. Hot tears stung my eyes and I whip my head back to look at him, "Damn it Viktor! I love you, not them!"
As if realizing for the first time what he had done, he dropped to his knees before me and took my face in his hands, "I... I'm sorry, Hermione. I just love you so much." He kissed my forehead, "I'll help you apparate back to your apartment. We'll go out another night." He stood up straight and extended a hand to help me up.
I looked up at him and took it.
... " 'Mione?"
I shook my head to clear it, "Sorry, what did you say?"
"I asked you how Krum was, y'know. You're boyfriend," he reminded,
"I know who he is!" I snapped before sighing heavily, "Sorry. I'm just a bit on edge."
"You weren't on edge until I said Krum's name," Harry pointed out, "Is everything okay with him? Did you two have a fight?"
"Yes. No. I have to go," I said suddenly and I made to leave, but he grabed my wrist,
"Hermione, what's wrong?" He inquired, pleadingly.
My lips were trembling as I looked at his expression of pure concern. I attempted to yank my wrist free, only to have my arm slip out of my zip-up long-sleeves. Almost instantly, Harry dropped my wrist. I was frozen in place, my feet refused to move. He stood up and slowly, he gently ran his fingers over the purpled skin. He withdrew his fingers the instant a cringe crossed my face. Anxiously, I slipped my arm back into the sleeve and satt down, knowing that if I left, Harry would find me anyways.
Falling back into his seat, Harry just stared at me in silent awe, "You two did have a fight. Didn't you?"
Bitting down on my bottom lip, I nodded slightly, eyes fixated to the table,
" 'Mione, why'd you let him do this to you? You can easily fight off that jerk!" He asked after quickly placing a silence barrier around us.
"I love him Harry." I simply said.
"How? Why!? Hermione! Look what he did to you!" He exclaimed,
"It'll go away in a few days! He's just stressed from work and gets upset easily, that's all!" I defended as I looked up at his quizzical expression.
"He's done this before..." Harry realized and I nodded in silent response, eyes dropped back to the table. We remained in silence as the waitress returned with the food and left soon after.
I panicked when I heard Harry stand up, "Harry, no!"
"I'm not going to let him get away with this Hermione!" He argued. He turned to leave, but I grabbed his hand with both of mine, pulling him to stand beside me,
"Harry, please don't!" I begged,
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't!" He demanded, "Tell me why you stayed with him after the first time he hurt you!?"
"He called me beautiful," I replied quietly,
"What?"
"Hadn't you or Ron ever wondered why I agreed to be his date to the Yule Ball back in our fourth year?" I asked as he sat back down and I released his hand.
"Yes."
"Well, it was that. When he first approached me and asked, I asked him why he was bothering with me when there were plenty others. He said I was beautiful and I accepted," I explained,
Harry looked at me with bewilderment, "Hermione, you don't need that jerk to tell you you're -"
"He was the first person to ever say it Harry!" I interrupted, my voice gaining its strength once more, "He saw me beautiful, above all others and before I was all done up at the Yule Ball. He was the first to do that. The first."
"Hermione, Ron and I always thought you were beautiful," He insisted calmly,
"Did you? It took Ron to realize I was a girl four bloody years! And it's not like you ever said anything before then!" I stood up immediately, "I have to go. Happy birthday Harry." I threw a wrapped box on the table and it landed in one of the dishes Ron had ordered.
Before I left, Harry said in a low voice, "How long until he goes too far, Hermione?"
---
Later, I lay on the floor of my apartment, sore from head to toe. The door had slammed behind Viktor at least an hour ago. Struggling, I pushed myself from the ground and supported myself against the coffee table as I rested. A small pool of blood had formed where my face once lay on the wooden floor. As quick as I could - which wasn't quick at all - I wiped the blood from my jaw and the once pink sleeve was then stained with red.
I grasped for my wand, still laying where it had rolled to during the arguement. My fingers barely grasped it as I pulled it towards me and dropped it on the table. I breathed shallowly, my chest felt as if it collapsed every time I would breath normally. Arm on the table, my head slumped onto it as my other hand grabed the wand once more. It took me longer than normal to recall the appropriate incantation, and I apparated.
---
I knocked on the door before me, weakly at first. Then, as I supported myself against the door frame, I knocked as hard as possible. Light seeped into the darkness of the city street as the door slowly opened.
"Hermione!" Harry gasped as he held the door open for me.
I stumbled into 12 Grimmauld and turned back to look at Harry as he closed the door. I felt my legs finally lose all their strength. He moved to catch me and I lay in his arms as he fell to his knees.
"Ron! It's Hermione!" Harry yelled.
Ron came from the direction of the kitchen, a nearly empty bottle of firewhiskey in his hand, "Bloody hell..." He knelt down as well, "Harry said... and I would have... but you would've been mad..." He stopped trying to form sentences. Finally he asked, "What happened this time? A fight? Was he drunk?"
I shook my head negatively, "He just went too far."
---
Today, I sit in the kitchen of 12 Grimmauld, drinking a cup of tea. Ron sits beside me, one hand flipping the page of the Daily Prophet, the other placed comfortingly on my upper arm.
"Are you ready?" Ron inquires,
"Of course. Besides, you and Harry will be there with me," I say with a strength and confidence I don't quite feel.
"He'll be punished, 'Mione. Susan Bones took the place of her aunt, and I know she'll convict him," Ron says as he looks up from the Prophet and gives me the first lop-sided grin since Harry's birthday, almost two weeks ago.
I place a hand over his and smile back, "Thank you."
Suddenly, he retracts his hand, "Did I hurt you? The bruising there.. I forget sometimes and -"
"It's fine," I insist, "My arms, for the most part, have healed. I'm just worried about the bruises and cuts on my face."
"You look fine, so there's no need to worry," Ron replies, "Besides, another few days and those bruises will be gone. And your cuts are healing nicely."
I roll my eyes at him as I take another sip from my tea. Harry enters and says a good morning as he immediately heads for the coffee pot laying on the table beside the tea pot.
"Harry, will you please tell Hermione she looks fine despite her injuries? She refuses to believe anything either of us says unless the other confirms it," Ron says exasperatedly, but smiles all the same.
Harry looks up from his cup of coffee and stares at me. He smiles warmly and I immediately remind myself how lucky I am to have both him and Ron in my life.
"You look beautiful."
After showering, I wrapped a towel around my body and stood before the bathroom sink and mirror. With a few quick swipes with my hand, the mirror was divested of most of its steam. I calculated the damage. Slowly, I ran my fingers over each bicep and winced as I felt pain. More sensitive than usual. Sighing heavily, I left the bathroom to dress for the day.
As I stood within my walk-in closet, I forlornly looked at the tops I could not wear on this summer day, but it had to be so. I could not let the others see. Without dwelling on it for too long, I picked out a knee-length jean skirt, white cami and a zip-up, pink long-sleeved shirt. As I stood before the full-length mirror, I was satisfied with the covering. Yes, it was perfect for me to go out to lunch with my two best friends on one of their birthdays.
However, while I stood in the bathroom, brushing my hair, I realized something I had not earlier. Quickly clipping back my thick curls, I grabbed for the small make-up bag I kept in the medicine cabinet. Taking out the compact, I nearly dropped it into the sink as I heard the familiar sound of people apparating into the appartment. Quickly with shaking hands, I applied the powder around my left eye.
"Hermione?" Unison voices called.
Quicker. More. I looked at the result. Perfect.
"I'm here!" I call back and in mere seconds, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley are standing in the doorway of my bathroom.
"Ready to go? I'm starving," Ron inquired with his infamous lop-sided grin.
"You know I'm never late," I reminded with a small smile as I slipped the compact back into the bag and replaced it in the cabinet.
"Make-up? 'Mione, you never wear make-up," Harry pointed out,
"Once in awhile I get a blemish. So hex me for not wanting the entire world to see it," I replied as I pushed past them into the hallway, "So, are we going out or not?"
Harry nodded, "I was thinking of a nice Muggle café I pass by everyday to work."
"Sounds good to me," I agree cheerfully, a smile I only half-fake plastered on my face.
---
"And one BTL.. I mean, BLT sandwich. Oh, and one of these cheeseburgers - they look tasty - and a glass of water," Ron finished this order with a smile.
"Is that all?" The muggle waitress inquired hesitantly,
"For now," Ron said.
"Okay... Your orders will be here in about fifteen minutes," she insisted then hurried off.
"Ron, you ordered out the entire café!" I gently laugh at him,
"Yes well, an Auror's got to eat," he defended when suddenly a fuzzball flew into the café and smashed into Ron's chest. Harry and I stiffled laughs as Ron held up his beloved owl and quickly admonished it for flying into a place full of Muggles. After it nipped his hand and appeared to be threatening to fly around him, Ron held it firmly and took the message from Pig.
"What does it say?" Harry asked as Ron absent-mindedly dropped Pig onto the table and it began to hop around.
"I'll be back in an hour, I swear!" Ron said as he stuffed the paper in his mouth and began to chew savagely,
"What on earth are you doing!? You won't miss lunch, we'll wait," I whispered at him,
"It's procedure that any message we get, we destroy. Usually I burn them but since we're here, well, this is the best way to do it," Ron explained after swallowing hard. "There's been a problem at the Ministry and Neville says he needs my help on a case. One hour, promise Harry!"
"It's fine, go," Harry insisted, "we'll keep your food hot for you."
He smiled with gratitude before speeding out of the café, Pig flying loyally behind him.
Harry turned to face me, "So, 'Mione, how've you been lately? Haven't seen you in over a week!"
"Seven days isn't that long Harry," I laughed lightly,
"I know, but I'm still not used to not seeing you and Ron every day," he admitted sheepishly, "even if it has been four years since Hogwarts."
I smile and cross my arms before dropping my arms immediately and hoped that I contained the flinch that wanted to escape. With the look on Harry's face, I didn't.
"Are you okay?" He inquired and I mumble an affirmative.
"Well, things at the store are running smoothly. It's the best job - surrounded by -" I involuntarily cringe after crossing my right leg over the left. I checked my legs, hadn't I? Grimly, I realize I had not because I had forgotten the misfortune of falling back against the bottom of the stairs at his house.
" 'Mione, what's wrong?" Harry asked,
"Nothing -"
"But you just -"
"I said nothing Harry. Please, just drop it!" I pleaded
He nodded reluctantly, "So how is Krum?"
I stared at him as I suddenly fell into a reverie...
"Where have you been?" He asks gruffly as I close the door behind me.
"At work. Where I always am on a weekday," I reply tartly. We had just lost a new shipment of books because they were sent to the wrong store; naturally, I was more than miffed.
"It's past six o'clock!" He argues as I push past him, dropping my bag on the hallway table.
"I had some extra paperwork to do," I said defensively, "I'm here now right? So let's go to dinner already."
"You were with them again, weren't you?" He demanded,
"I told you! I was at work! Merlin, you're always so paranoid," I mutter angrily as I start heading towards his kitchen, in need of a glass of cold water to ease my pounding head.
A flash of pain stops me in my tracks as I look back and see that he has a hand wrapped around my left arm.
"Maybe I wouldn't be so paranoid if you didn't spend every waking moment with them!" He defended, his grip gradually getting tighter.
"How can I spend every waking moment with them if after work I go out to dinner with you!?" I argue as I struggle to release my arm.
He pulls at me, getting hold of my other upper arm, glaring down at me, "Don't lie to me Hermione."
"When have I ever lied to you, Viktor? When?" I question, praying my voice doesn't crack.
Suddenly I feel my body flying and I smash into the foot of the stairs. Ignoring the sting, I sit up straight and look up at him,
"Damn it, don't you see what they're trying to do Hermione? They're trying to take you from me now that they realize how beautiful you are!" He exclaims as he towers over me,
"They're not trying to do that! They're just my friends!" I insisted defensively.
Pain.
"Stop protecting them!" He screamed, withdrawing his balled hand to his side, "I'm your boyfriend! I should have priority over them!"
Gingerly I touched my face with shaking fingers and felt the pain throbbing. Hot tears stung my eyes and I whip my head back to look at him, "Damn it Viktor! I love you, not them!"
As if realizing for the first time what he had done, he dropped to his knees before me and took my face in his hands, "I... I'm sorry, Hermione. I just love you so much." He kissed my forehead, "I'll help you apparate back to your apartment. We'll go out another night." He stood up straight and extended a hand to help me up.
I looked up at him and took it.
... " 'Mione?"
I shook my head to clear it, "Sorry, what did you say?"
"I asked you how Krum was, y'know. You're boyfriend," he reminded,
"I know who he is!" I snapped before sighing heavily, "Sorry. I'm just a bit on edge."
"You weren't on edge until I said Krum's name," Harry pointed out, "Is everything okay with him? Did you two have a fight?"
"Yes. No. I have to go," I said suddenly and I made to leave, but he grabed my wrist,
"Hermione, what's wrong?" He inquired, pleadingly.
My lips were trembling as I looked at his expression of pure concern. I attempted to yank my wrist free, only to have my arm slip out of my zip-up long-sleeves. Almost instantly, Harry dropped my wrist. I was frozen in place, my feet refused to move. He stood up and slowly, he gently ran his fingers over the purpled skin. He withdrew his fingers the instant a cringe crossed my face. Anxiously, I slipped my arm back into the sleeve and satt down, knowing that if I left, Harry would find me anyways.
Falling back into his seat, Harry just stared at me in silent awe, "You two did have a fight. Didn't you?"
Bitting down on my bottom lip, I nodded slightly, eyes fixated to the table,
" 'Mione, why'd you let him do this to you? You can easily fight off that jerk!" He asked after quickly placing a silence barrier around us.
"I love him Harry." I simply said.
"How? Why!? Hermione! Look what he did to you!" He exclaimed,
"It'll go away in a few days! He's just stressed from work and gets upset easily, that's all!" I defended as I looked up at his quizzical expression.
"He's done this before..." Harry realized and I nodded in silent response, eyes dropped back to the table. We remained in silence as the waitress returned with the food and left soon after.
I panicked when I heard Harry stand up, "Harry, no!"
"I'm not going to let him get away with this Hermione!" He argued. He turned to leave, but I grabbed his hand with both of mine, pulling him to stand beside me,
"Harry, please don't!" I begged,
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't!" He demanded, "Tell me why you stayed with him after the first time he hurt you!?"
"He called me beautiful," I replied quietly,
"What?"
"Hadn't you or Ron ever wondered why I agreed to be his date to the Yule Ball back in our fourth year?" I asked as he sat back down and I released his hand.
"Yes."
"Well, it was that. When he first approached me and asked, I asked him why he was bothering with me when there were plenty others. He said I was beautiful and I accepted," I explained,
Harry looked at me with bewilderment, "Hermione, you don't need that jerk to tell you you're -"
"He was the first person to ever say it Harry!" I interrupted, my voice gaining its strength once more, "He saw me beautiful, above all others and before I was all done up at the Yule Ball. He was the first to do that. The first."
"Hermione, Ron and I always thought you were beautiful," He insisted calmly,
"Did you? It took Ron to realize I was a girl four bloody years! And it's not like you ever said anything before then!" I stood up immediately, "I have to go. Happy birthday Harry." I threw a wrapped box on the table and it landed in one of the dishes Ron had ordered.
Before I left, Harry said in a low voice, "How long until he goes too far, Hermione?"
---
Later, I lay on the floor of my apartment, sore from head to toe. The door had slammed behind Viktor at least an hour ago. Struggling, I pushed myself from the ground and supported myself against the coffee table as I rested. A small pool of blood had formed where my face once lay on the wooden floor. As quick as I could - which wasn't quick at all - I wiped the blood from my jaw and the once pink sleeve was then stained with red.
I grasped for my wand, still laying where it had rolled to during the arguement. My fingers barely grasped it as I pulled it towards me and dropped it on the table. I breathed shallowly, my chest felt as if it collapsed every time I would breath normally. Arm on the table, my head slumped onto it as my other hand grabed the wand once more. It took me longer than normal to recall the appropriate incantation, and I apparated.
---
I knocked on the door before me, weakly at first. Then, as I supported myself against the door frame, I knocked as hard as possible. Light seeped into the darkness of the city street as the door slowly opened.
"Hermione!" Harry gasped as he held the door open for me.
I stumbled into 12 Grimmauld and turned back to look at Harry as he closed the door. I felt my legs finally lose all their strength. He moved to catch me and I lay in his arms as he fell to his knees.
"Ron! It's Hermione!" Harry yelled.
Ron came from the direction of the kitchen, a nearly empty bottle of firewhiskey in his hand, "Bloody hell..." He knelt down as well, "Harry said... and I would have... but you would've been mad..." He stopped trying to form sentences. Finally he asked, "What happened this time? A fight? Was he drunk?"
I shook my head negatively, "He just went too far."
---
Today, I sit in the kitchen of 12 Grimmauld, drinking a cup of tea. Ron sits beside me, one hand flipping the page of the Daily Prophet, the other placed comfortingly on my upper arm.
"Are you ready?" Ron inquires,
"Of course. Besides, you and Harry will be there with me," I say with a strength and confidence I don't quite feel.
"He'll be punished, 'Mione. Susan Bones took the place of her aunt, and I know she'll convict him," Ron says as he looks up from the Prophet and gives me the first lop-sided grin since Harry's birthday, almost two weeks ago.
I place a hand over his and smile back, "Thank you."
Suddenly, he retracts his hand, "Did I hurt you? The bruising there.. I forget sometimes and -"
"It's fine," I insist, "My arms, for the most part, have healed. I'm just worried about the bruises and cuts on my face."
"You look fine, so there's no need to worry," Ron replies, "Besides, another few days and those bruises will be gone. And your cuts are healing nicely."
I roll my eyes at him as I take another sip from my tea. Harry enters and says a good morning as he immediately heads for the coffee pot laying on the table beside the tea pot.
"Harry, will you please tell Hermione she looks fine despite her injuries? She refuses to believe anything either of us says unless the other confirms it," Ron says exasperatedly, but smiles all the same.
Harry looks up from his cup of coffee and stares at me. He smiles warmly and I immediately remind myself how lucky I am to have both him and Ron in my life.
"You look beautiful."
[OS] Before the I-Do's
I couldn't believe this day had come. As I stood there beneath the winter sky, I thought of why I was standing there. There, in a field covered by a thin layer of snow. There, where the indigo sky above was brilliantly lit up by twinkling lights of the heavens. There, where chairs were set up in rows, divided in the middle by a white velvet carpet trimmed with gold thread. There, where torches floated around the area while floating candles danced up and down both sides of the aisle. There, waiting for this moment that I knew would come, yet never would have pictured it as I saw it before my eyes now.
There was a quiet murmur amongst those who preoccupied the rows of chairs, all slightly shivering beneath their winter robes and cloaks, despite the heating charms they may have placed. I myself was feeling the chill on my skin, despite my expensive, fur-lined cloak and supposedly-efficient heating charm. But the fact that the cold was slowly reaching my nether regions didn't bother me like I presumed it would. No. Nothing mattered besides the fact that I was there, at that moment, waiting for her.
I still remembered the day when we first made contact with each other. We said words to each other in passing before, but the first time we actually talked more than a few words- that was the moment I knew I had met my match-
I was on my way, heading back to the Head Student dormitories on the eighth floor, when I caught a glimpse of something running past the corridor. It was well past midnight. Merlin's socks, it was nearly dawn and I began to wonder who was mad enough to be up at this hour. After reminding myself that I was up myself going for a midnight-early morning stroll, I sprinted down the corridor towards whatever it was I saw.
Turning the corner into the corridor it was in, I immediately found myself tumbling in the air and landing – quite uncomfortably – on my tailbone with my head against the floor. Getting my senses back, I sat up and absentmindedly rubbed the sore spot at the back of my head as I scowled at the pain I felt at the base of my spine. Whipping out my wand, I pointed it in the direction of what I had tripped over,
"Lumos! Let's see what this bloody- Weasley?"
"I'm sorry I didn't- oh. It's you." Was her reply.
Standing up and brushing off my robes, I glowered down at her, "What in Merlin's name are you doing there, sitting in the dark- near a turn no less!?"
"I'm sorry Malfoy, I wasn't aware there were rules to where one could sit!" she spat back as she glared up at me.
"Well there are when people can't see a bloody thing and you sit in a highly traffic area!" I accused, "Besides, it's way past curfew! I think I'll dock a few hundred points for THIS stunt –"
"I'd like to see you try," she cut me off in a tartly tone.
"You think I bluff?"
"I'm a prefect you bloody Slytherin. I'm allowed to be out past curfew." She reminded in an exasperated tone.
"Well then, I guess I'll just have to let you off the hook."
"I was never ON the hook to begin with!" She stood up finally and glared at me in what looked like defiance. "You think you're so superior, strutting around the school as if the rest of us are dirt. But what you don't see is that everyone looks down on you. Even if every girl in this school swoons at your presence, deep inside they just pity you!" she accentuated each word with a rough poke in my chest.
Irritated with being poked, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to me until I was looking directly down into her eyes, "Does that mean deep inside you pity me too?"
"What are you on about now?" She questioned as she struggled to release her hand from my grasp,
"Well, you said even if every girl in this school swoons at my presence, deep inside they just pity me, right? Well, I've seen you glancing at my way every time we're in the same room," I drawled,
"In your dreams, Malfoy!" she spat,
"On the contrary Weasley. Whenever I have to deal with the pathetic squabbles your brother and the other two of the Golden Trio start up, I see you around and watching," I taunted,
"Oh, get over yourself!" Her free hand came up and hit me square in the cheek.
Instinctively, I grabbed that hand and held it tightly, "Oh, it's physically impossible for me to get over myself. However, it is quite physically possible for you to get under me. I know you want to."
"Oh, Malfoy, you're so right!" She said in a voice too sweet for sugar candy. Then a glint of mischievousness crossed her eyes, "But there's one problem." She glanced down me and then back up to my eyes.
"I assure you, there is no problem with that," I said, smirking at her,
"But there is.. you're just not aware of it yet," she said as she voluntarily leaned closer to me,
"Oh? And what would that be?" I inquired,
"This-" she said in a hushed voice milliseconds before a jolt of pain ran up and down my body. She retracted her knee from a certain nether region and as the pain only strengthened with time, she was able to pull herself away from me. I collapsed against the wall, trying to remember any pain-subsiding spells.
"You smarmy little-" I forced the words to form and create sound,
"Now you'll think twice before you try to seduce Ginevra Weasley!" She said in smug tones as she crossed her arms across her chest.
"So I did seduce you?" I managed a smirk at her as I saw her get flustered in the light from my wand.
"I- That's not what I- No, you did NOT seduce me!" She finally stated,
"Abbassisi-" I hissed and I felt the pain immediately disappear. Finally gaining my strength, I stood up my full height just moments before she realized that I had healed myself. I stalked her until she pulled out her wand and pointed it straight back at me,
"Don't you dare try anything, Malfoy! I've hexed you once, I'll do it again!" She threatened,
"Don't lie to yourself Weasley,"
"I'm not! I swear on Merlin's socks I'll hex you –"
"I meant don't lie that I didn't seduce you," I interrupted and approached her once more as she became flustered again.
"You- I- You did NOT seduce me!" She repeated, her wand hand beginning to slightly tremble.
She was a vixen, a spiteful little creature that knew how to respond to my remarks. She was everything I could ever want in another person. She was intelligent yet knew how to live life. She was well-mannered but was able to lash out when the time called for it. She was everything I was not and because of that, she made me complete. It was hard to believe this day had come.
---
I couldn't believe this day had come. As I stood within the white tent, I nervously twisted a handkerchief in my hands, wondering what lead me to be standing there. There, standing amongst my closets of girl friends. There, waiting for my father to come and fetch me. There, in a white silk dress, sprinkled in real diamonds. There, knowing that I was about to make the biggest step in my life. There, knowing that a person who loved me for such a long time, awaited for me at the end of an aisle. There, waiting for this moment that I knew would come, yet never would have pictured it as I saw it before my eyes now.
I heard the hushing of voices as all those present outside of the tent begin to find comfortable positions in their seats within the cold and readying themselves for a wedding no one saw coming. I felt a hand on shoulder and looked up to find my mother staring at me.
"It's almost time sweetheart," she smiled encouragingly, "I'll be by your side." With a quick peck on my cheek and one more sunshine-filled smile, my mother exited the tent.
I walked to the back of the tent as my bridesmaids began to arrange themselves, preparing to lead me towards the alter. A hand covered my clenched ones and I found myself staring into the eyes of my brother.
"Ron, you're supposed to be out there!" I whispered frantically, not wanting anything to go wrong this night.
He released the handkerchief I nearly tore to shreds as he gave me a lop-sided grin, "I know, but I just want to make sure you're okay."
"Yes, yes, now go! The bridesmaids have already left!" I hissed as I saw the last of the pale yellow dresses slip out of the tent.
He nodded and gave me a quick kiss and turned on his heel. Before leaving the tent, he paused at the opening,
"Gin, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you."
Before I could get a word out, he left. My father poked his head in the next second, "Sweetie, it's time."
I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I had held and joined him. Locking my arm with his, he began to lead me towards the aisle.
When I finally got the nerve to look up, my eyes fell upon him. He seemed to stand so far away, but I knew he was closer than how it seemed. When he looked up into my eyes, I saw a reflection of my own feelings and immediately felt a tugging at my heart. Those eyes seemed to be so different, from the eyes I was drawn to so long ago -
I threw my books down on the ground and did a 180 degree turn.
"THIS IS CALLED STALKING MALFOY!" I growled as he casually approached me.
"I thought it was called a corridor. Forgive my misunderstanding," he drawled, "But since we're on the topic of corridors and misunderstandings, I'd love an explanation for that display you presented with Finnigan this morning. You know, on how a movie can get a rating of R."
"Snogging is hardly that terrible." I scoffed, "Especially with Seamus." Glancing at him as I picked up my books, I saw a flash of something in his eyes, "Why Mr. Malfoy, if I didn't know any better, I would think you were jealous!"
"Why would I be jealous of that pathetic excuse for a man?" He questioned nonchalantly,
"Because he's with me? Because he can fly circles around you? Because he knows how to satisfy his women?" I caught a glimpse of his eyebrows slightly furrowing. I had found his bane. "I've heard a word or two here and there about your own performances actually, Malfoy. Let me say that they are completely dissatisfying and are completely shadowed by Seamus'. I mean, this morning alone probably outshines all of –"
Before I could tell what was happening, his lips were on mine. When he finally pulled back, he glared down at me, catching his breath,
"Was that also dissatisfying?" He questioned as he held my head in his hands.
"No," I replied indifferently. I reached out and tucked a lock of hair, misplaced from our lust-driven activities, behind his hear, "But who's seducing who, now?"
After that, we had a pathetic excuse of a relationship based solely on lust. Unbelievable as it may seemed, the time we spent after the passion of the night, we would talk. Through talking we built understanding and trust. From those pillars, we built our relationship. Yet, it was surprising that we never once confessed that to either of us loved the other. It was hard to believe this day had come.
I pulled my gaze away from his as I felt the tears begin to form and I refused to cry on this day of all days, even if it was because of him. When I finally looked up again, my father and I had reached the alter and he was already giving my hand away.
As my soon-to-be-husband held my hand in his, he smiled. I thanked the veil designer for making it so my face would be covered so efficiently because I knew his smile would turn to a frown of worry if he saw my eyes red and holding back tears I wanted to cry.
As the priest began the ceremony, my eyes wandered anywhere but to in front of me. Finally, they made rest on Ron's face which was looking back at me. After he looked at me in a stern expression, he turned his attention to the priest.
By the time it came for vows and saying I do's', I knew the tears had dried themselves out and I looked perfectly normal again. Turning towards the priest, he began,
"The groom and bride have both decided to say their own vows in order to make it more personal and straight from their hearts. The groom will begin." The priest took a step back.
He held my hand firmly as he looked down at me. I concentrated on him as I heard a rustle behind the crowd and brushed the thought from mind. "Ginevra, Ginny, Gin- from the moment I first met you, I knew there was something different. You have supported me through the ups and downs of my life and it's hard for me to believe that after everything we've been through in Hogwarts and after, that you chose me to be your husband. I consider myself lucky to have found you and to have you love me back as I love you. I cannot promise now that I'll be faithful, that I will love you forever or that I'll always be honest and trusting of you."
A collective gasp, along with my own, went into the air,
"I cannot, because I made that promise the first time I realized I was in love with you so many years ago."
I don't know whether it were the sighs in the crowd or that of my own that was louder when he continued with that.
"My hope is that no matter what, we will always be there for each other."
Unceremoniously, I pushed the veil back to uncover my face as I looked into his eyes and I saw that he meant more than what was said in his final sentence of his vows to me. Absent-mindedly, I threw him a quizzical expression as the priest grunted to notify that it was my turn to say my vows. However, when he nodded as an answer to the question roaming within my head, I knew that I would not get my turn to say the vows I had prepared and perfected before this moment.
"I love you wholeheartedly, more than anyone can know. However," I heard the crowd hold its breath, "I'm sorry that it is not in the way which it should be. Yes, I love you so much, but not in a way more so than I love my own brothers. I have dreamt about this moment from the first time I saw you and would have gladly given you my heart, but now that this moment has finally arrived, I apologize for not being able to." I reached out and held the side of his face with my hand, "You already know I gave my heart away to another person a long time ago before we were even first got together after my graduation."
The breath everyone was holding was let out in gasps as a murmur fell upon our guests,
"I'm sorry, I cannot marry you." I finally whispered.
He shook his head as he took my hands in his and kissed them, "I know sweetheart. It wasn't right that I propose in the first place when I knew you loved me but wasn't in love with me."
I wrapped my arms around his neck and he embraced me. "Thank you. I'm sorry I couldn't love you back."
"It's okay. You loved me the best you could," he said into my ear, "Go to him, Gin."
I pulled back and looked up at him and he was beaming down at me. I kissed him on the cheek as I ran towards Ron, "Thank you."
Smiling his trade-mark smile and nodding, I turned back to the guests as my now-ex-fiancé acknowledged them, "I completely apologize for having you all waste your time in coming here. However, there is still food at the reception area and it would be a shame it all go to spoil! You may all begin making your way to the ballroom in my home."
As the guests began standing and collecting their items, all became quiet as I ran down the aisle and stood amongst a shadow of trees by myself. I swirled around, my train becoming somewhat twisted amongst the snow as I knew tears and confusion contorted the expression of happiness which graced my face just seconds ago.
Ron spotted me when he realized the crowd had silenced itself and must have felt I was in confusion. He tapped on the ex-groom's shoulder and gestured towards me. He looked down at the ground then back at me. When I mirrored him, I glanced back up at him, smiling in thanksgiving. Quickly, I followed the footprints I found all thanks to my ex-fiancé; Harry James Potter.
---
I continued on my way past Potter's home as quickly as I could. I wanted to apparate the moment the priest mentioned the beginning of vows being exchanged, but damn that Potter and the wards surrounding his property. He may be one of the best Aurors in the business, but it didn't mean he couldn't be paranoid about his home.
I cursed the wizard who invented heating charms and demanded in my mind why they had not created it so that it lasted longer than a couple of minutes. When I finally reached the edge of Potter's property, I happily crossed over and prepared myself for apparation when I heard a voice calling my name. Her voice.
Turning around, I saw her running towards me through the snow, grasping clumps of her dress in her hands as means of making it easier on herself to walk. However, even that did not stop her from stumbling. When she was feet away from me, she tripped over her dress and fell hand first in the snow.
I was at her side in seconds, bending over to help her up. The moment she was on her feet again, I let go and began on my way,
"Draco, wait."
I turned back to face her, "Why are you here?"
"I lost you once, I'm not going to lose you again." She explained sternly as she approached me, slowly this time to insure she wouldn't fall again.
"What about Potter? You're just going to leave him at the alter to come after me?" I questioned,
"Don't you get it? I don't love Harry! I never did in that way!" She replied.
I turned around and continued, "Then it's a good think you realized that right before the I do's'."
"Draco, you stupid ferret, get it through that thick oiled-covered head of yours: I love you!"
That definitely stopped me in my tracks. I turned around, "What makes you think I love you?"
"You wouldn't be here if you didn't," she offered as she stood just a foot away from me,
I took a step forward, holding her face in my hands as I brushed a loose lock of hair from her face, "Maybe I'm just here to seduce you away from Potter and you've fallen into my trap of seduction."
Before acting, she stood on her tip toes and kissed me in a way I haven't been kissed for so long. She pulled away and I dropped my hands as she reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear,
"You may have been the first to seduce me, but you have also been the first to love me and the first to steal my heart."
I lowered my lips to hers and when I pulled away, I gazed into the depths of her eyes, "I love you."
She raised a curious eyebrow at me and smirked, "Who's seducing who now?"
There was a quiet murmur amongst those who preoccupied the rows of chairs, all slightly shivering beneath their winter robes and cloaks, despite the heating charms they may have placed. I myself was feeling the chill on my skin, despite my expensive, fur-lined cloak and supposedly-efficient heating charm. But the fact that the cold was slowly reaching my nether regions didn't bother me like I presumed it would. No. Nothing mattered besides the fact that I was there, at that moment, waiting for her.
I still remembered the day when we first made contact with each other. We said words to each other in passing before, but the first time we actually talked more than a few words- that was the moment I knew I had met my match-
I was on my way, heading back to the Head Student dormitories on the eighth floor, when I caught a glimpse of something running past the corridor. It was well past midnight. Merlin's socks, it was nearly dawn and I began to wonder who was mad enough to be up at this hour. After reminding myself that I was up myself going for a midnight-early morning stroll, I sprinted down the corridor towards whatever it was I saw.
Turning the corner into the corridor it was in, I immediately found myself tumbling in the air and landing – quite uncomfortably – on my tailbone with my head against the floor. Getting my senses back, I sat up and absentmindedly rubbed the sore spot at the back of my head as I scowled at the pain I felt at the base of my spine. Whipping out my wand, I pointed it in the direction of what I had tripped over,
"Lumos! Let's see what this bloody- Weasley?"
"I'm sorry I didn't- oh. It's you." Was her reply.
Standing up and brushing off my robes, I glowered down at her, "What in Merlin's name are you doing there, sitting in the dark- near a turn no less!?"
"I'm sorry Malfoy, I wasn't aware there were rules to where one could sit!" she spat back as she glared up at me.
"Well there are when people can't see a bloody thing and you sit in a highly traffic area!" I accused, "Besides, it's way past curfew! I think I'll dock a few hundred points for THIS stunt –"
"I'd like to see you try," she cut me off in a tartly tone.
"You think I bluff?"
"I'm a prefect you bloody Slytherin. I'm allowed to be out past curfew." She reminded in an exasperated tone.
"Well then, I guess I'll just have to let you off the hook."
"I was never ON the hook to begin with!" She stood up finally and glared at me in what looked like defiance. "You think you're so superior, strutting around the school as if the rest of us are dirt. But what you don't see is that everyone looks down on you. Even if every girl in this school swoons at your presence, deep inside they just pity you!" she accentuated each word with a rough poke in my chest.
Irritated with being poked, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to me until I was looking directly down into her eyes, "Does that mean deep inside you pity me too?"
"What are you on about now?" She questioned as she struggled to release her hand from my grasp,
"Well, you said even if every girl in this school swoons at my presence, deep inside they just pity me, right? Well, I've seen you glancing at my way every time we're in the same room," I drawled,
"In your dreams, Malfoy!" she spat,
"On the contrary Weasley. Whenever I have to deal with the pathetic squabbles your brother and the other two of the Golden Trio start up, I see you around and watching," I taunted,
"Oh, get over yourself!" Her free hand came up and hit me square in the cheek.
Instinctively, I grabbed that hand and held it tightly, "Oh, it's physically impossible for me to get over myself. However, it is quite physically possible for you to get under me. I know you want to."
"Oh, Malfoy, you're so right!" She said in a voice too sweet for sugar candy. Then a glint of mischievousness crossed her eyes, "But there's one problem." She glanced down me and then back up to my eyes.
"I assure you, there is no problem with that," I said, smirking at her,
"But there is.. you're just not aware of it yet," she said as she voluntarily leaned closer to me,
"Oh? And what would that be?" I inquired,
"This-" she said in a hushed voice milliseconds before a jolt of pain ran up and down my body. She retracted her knee from a certain nether region and as the pain only strengthened with time, she was able to pull herself away from me. I collapsed against the wall, trying to remember any pain-subsiding spells.
"You smarmy little-" I forced the words to form and create sound,
"Now you'll think twice before you try to seduce Ginevra Weasley!" She said in smug tones as she crossed her arms across her chest.
"So I did seduce you?" I managed a smirk at her as I saw her get flustered in the light from my wand.
"I- That's not what I- No, you did NOT seduce me!" She finally stated,
"Abbassisi-" I hissed and I felt the pain immediately disappear. Finally gaining my strength, I stood up my full height just moments before she realized that I had healed myself. I stalked her until she pulled out her wand and pointed it straight back at me,
"Don't you dare try anything, Malfoy! I've hexed you once, I'll do it again!" She threatened,
"Don't lie to yourself Weasley,"
"I'm not! I swear on Merlin's socks I'll hex you –"
"I meant don't lie that I didn't seduce you," I interrupted and approached her once more as she became flustered again.
"You- I- You did NOT seduce me!" She repeated, her wand hand beginning to slightly tremble.
She was a vixen, a spiteful little creature that knew how to respond to my remarks. She was everything I could ever want in another person. She was intelligent yet knew how to live life. She was well-mannered but was able to lash out when the time called for it. She was everything I was not and because of that, she made me complete. It was hard to believe this day had come.
---
I couldn't believe this day had come. As I stood within the white tent, I nervously twisted a handkerchief in my hands, wondering what lead me to be standing there. There, standing amongst my closets of girl friends. There, waiting for my father to come and fetch me. There, in a white silk dress, sprinkled in real diamonds. There, knowing that I was about to make the biggest step in my life. There, knowing that a person who loved me for such a long time, awaited for me at the end of an aisle. There, waiting for this moment that I knew would come, yet never would have pictured it as I saw it before my eyes now.
I heard the hushing of voices as all those present outside of the tent begin to find comfortable positions in their seats within the cold and readying themselves for a wedding no one saw coming. I felt a hand on shoulder and looked up to find my mother staring at me.
"It's almost time sweetheart," she smiled encouragingly, "I'll be by your side." With a quick peck on my cheek and one more sunshine-filled smile, my mother exited the tent.
I walked to the back of the tent as my bridesmaids began to arrange themselves, preparing to lead me towards the alter. A hand covered my clenched ones and I found myself staring into the eyes of my brother.
"Ron, you're supposed to be out there!" I whispered frantically, not wanting anything to go wrong this night.
He released the handkerchief I nearly tore to shreds as he gave me a lop-sided grin, "I know, but I just want to make sure you're okay."
"Yes, yes, now go! The bridesmaids have already left!" I hissed as I saw the last of the pale yellow dresses slip out of the tent.
He nodded and gave me a quick kiss and turned on his heel. Before leaving the tent, he paused at the opening,
"Gin, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you."
Before I could get a word out, he left. My father poked his head in the next second, "Sweetie, it's time."
I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I had held and joined him. Locking my arm with his, he began to lead me towards the aisle.
When I finally got the nerve to look up, my eyes fell upon him. He seemed to stand so far away, but I knew he was closer than how it seemed. When he looked up into my eyes, I saw a reflection of my own feelings and immediately felt a tugging at my heart. Those eyes seemed to be so different, from the eyes I was drawn to so long ago -
I threw my books down on the ground and did a 180 degree turn.
"THIS IS CALLED STALKING MALFOY!" I growled as he casually approached me.
"I thought it was called a corridor. Forgive my misunderstanding," he drawled, "But since we're on the topic of corridors and misunderstandings, I'd love an explanation for that display you presented with Finnigan this morning. You know, on how a movie can get a rating of R."
"Snogging is hardly that terrible." I scoffed, "Especially with Seamus." Glancing at him as I picked up my books, I saw a flash of something in his eyes, "Why Mr. Malfoy, if I didn't know any better, I would think you were jealous!"
"Why would I be jealous of that pathetic excuse for a man?" He questioned nonchalantly,
"Because he's with me? Because he can fly circles around you? Because he knows how to satisfy his women?" I caught a glimpse of his eyebrows slightly furrowing. I had found his bane. "I've heard a word or two here and there about your own performances actually, Malfoy. Let me say that they are completely dissatisfying and are completely shadowed by Seamus'. I mean, this morning alone probably outshines all of –"
Before I could tell what was happening, his lips were on mine. When he finally pulled back, he glared down at me, catching his breath,
"Was that also dissatisfying?" He questioned as he held my head in his hands.
"No," I replied indifferently. I reached out and tucked a lock of hair, misplaced from our lust-driven activities, behind his hear, "But who's seducing who, now?"
After that, we had a pathetic excuse of a relationship based solely on lust. Unbelievable as it may seemed, the time we spent after the passion of the night, we would talk. Through talking we built understanding and trust. From those pillars, we built our relationship. Yet, it was surprising that we never once confessed that to either of us loved the other. It was hard to believe this day had come.
I pulled my gaze away from his as I felt the tears begin to form and I refused to cry on this day of all days, even if it was because of him. When I finally looked up again, my father and I had reached the alter and he was already giving my hand away.
As my soon-to-be-husband held my hand in his, he smiled. I thanked the veil designer for making it so my face would be covered so efficiently because I knew his smile would turn to a frown of worry if he saw my eyes red and holding back tears I wanted to cry.
As the priest began the ceremony, my eyes wandered anywhere but to in front of me. Finally, they made rest on Ron's face which was looking back at me. After he looked at me in a stern expression, he turned his attention to the priest.
By the time it came for vows and saying I do's', I knew the tears had dried themselves out and I looked perfectly normal again. Turning towards the priest, he began,
"The groom and bride have both decided to say their own vows in order to make it more personal and straight from their hearts. The groom will begin." The priest took a step back.
He held my hand firmly as he looked down at me. I concentrated on him as I heard a rustle behind the crowd and brushed the thought from mind. "Ginevra, Ginny, Gin- from the moment I first met you, I knew there was something different. You have supported me through the ups and downs of my life and it's hard for me to believe that after everything we've been through in Hogwarts and after, that you chose me to be your husband. I consider myself lucky to have found you and to have you love me back as I love you. I cannot promise now that I'll be faithful, that I will love you forever or that I'll always be honest and trusting of you."
A collective gasp, along with my own, went into the air,
"I cannot, because I made that promise the first time I realized I was in love with you so many years ago."
I don't know whether it were the sighs in the crowd or that of my own that was louder when he continued with that.
"My hope is that no matter what, we will always be there for each other."
Unceremoniously, I pushed the veil back to uncover my face as I looked into his eyes and I saw that he meant more than what was said in his final sentence of his vows to me. Absent-mindedly, I threw him a quizzical expression as the priest grunted to notify that it was my turn to say my vows. However, when he nodded as an answer to the question roaming within my head, I knew that I would not get my turn to say the vows I had prepared and perfected before this moment.
"I love you wholeheartedly, more than anyone can know. However," I heard the crowd hold its breath, "I'm sorry that it is not in the way which it should be. Yes, I love you so much, but not in a way more so than I love my own brothers. I have dreamt about this moment from the first time I saw you and would have gladly given you my heart, but now that this moment has finally arrived, I apologize for not being able to." I reached out and held the side of his face with my hand, "You already know I gave my heart away to another person a long time ago before we were even first got together after my graduation."
The breath everyone was holding was let out in gasps as a murmur fell upon our guests,
"I'm sorry, I cannot marry you." I finally whispered.
He shook his head as he took my hands in his and kissed them, "I know sweetheart. It wasn't right that I propose in the first place when I knew you loved me but wasn't in love with me."
I wrapped my arms around his neck and he embraced me. "Thank you. I'm sorry I couldn't love you back."
"It's okay. You loved me the best you could," he said into my ear, "Go to him, Gin."
I pulled back and looked up at him and he was beaming down at me. I kissed him on the cheek as I ran towards Ron, "Thank you."
Smiling his trade-mark smile and nodding, I turned back to the guests as my now-ex-fiancé acknowledged them, "I completely apologize for having you all waste your time in coming here. However, there is still food at the reception area and it would be a shame it all go to spoil! You may all begin making your way to the ballroom in my home."
As the guests began standing and collecting their items, all became quiet as I ran down the aisle and stood amongst a shadow of trees by myself. I swirled around, my train becoming somewhat twisted amongst the snow as I knew tears and confusion contorted the expression of happiness which graced my face just seconds ago.
Ron spotted me when he realized the crowd had silenced itself and must have felt I was in confusion. He tapped on the ex-groom's shoulder and gestured towards me. He looked down at the ground then back at me. When I mirrored him, I glanced back up at him, smiling in thanksgiving. Quickly, I followed the footprints I found all thanks to my ex-fiancé; Harry James Potter.
---
I continued on my way past Potter's home as quickly as I could. I wanted to apparate the moment the priest mentioned the beginning of vows being exchanged, but damn that Potter and the wards surrounding his property. He may be one of the best Aurors in the business, but it didn't mean he couldn't be paranoid about his home.
I cursed the wizard who invented heating charms and demanded in my mind why they had not created it so that it lasted longer than a couple of minutes. When I finally reached the edge of Potter's property, I happily crossed over and prepared myself for apparation when I heard a voice calling my name. Her voice.
Turning around, I saw her running towards me through the snow, grasping clumps of her dress in her hands as means of making it easier on herself to walk. However, even that did not stop her from stumbling. When she was feet away from me, she tripped over her dress and fell hand first in the snow.
I was at her side in seconds, bending over to help her up. The moment she was on her feet again, I let go and began on my way,
"Draco, wait."
I turned back to face her, "Why are you here?"
"I lost you once, I'm not going to lose you again." She explained sternly as she approached me, slowly this time to insure she wouldn't fall again.
"What about Potter? You're just going to leave him at the alter to come after me?" I questioned,
"Don't you get it? I don't love Harry! I never did in that way!" She replied.
I turned around and continued, "Then it's a good think you realized that right before the I do's'."
"Draco, you stupid ferret, get it through that thick oiled-covered head of yours: I love you!"
That definitely stopped me in my tracks. I turned around, "What makes you think I love you?"
"You wouldn't be here if you didn't," she offered as she stood just a foot away from me,
I took a step forward, holding her face in my hands as I brushed a loose lock of hair from her face, "Maybe I'm just here to seduce you away from Potter and you've fallen into my trap of seduction."
Before acting, she stood on her tip toes and kissed me in a way I haven't been kissed for so long. She pulled away and I dropped my hands as she reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear,
"You may have been the first to seduce me, but you have also been the first to love me and the first to steal my heart."
I lowered my lips to hers and when I pulled away, I gazed into the depths of her eyes, "I love you."
She raised a curious eyebrow at me and smirked, "Who's seducing who now?"
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
[OS] This Crazy Thing Called Love
A bright streak of blue light pierced through the pitch black sky. Thunder clapped just seconds afterwards. Sheets of rain shot through the cool spring air and stop its course when it made contact with the lush green grass on the grounds of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. No one in their right mind would be out in a lightning and thunder storm as sever as this.
A lone figure sat in the Quidditch stands within the Quidditch Pitch, however, he wasn't exactly in his right mind. Running his hand through his coarse hair, he felt it dripping with cold water. He would've gone in moments ago when all the other students did when the storm began, however, he needed solitude. The only place where he could achieve this, was out in that storm.
Within the loud noise of thunder or the constant beats of rain on hard surfaces, he was able to block out his surroundings. One thing troubled him the most. That one thing, was his best friends. They had been friends for seven years now and as those seven years at Hogwarts passed, the more he cared for them and his want for them to be happy. He saw it every time they were all together. The love they shared for one another, but didn't dare to speak a word of.
He himself had found love in Hogwarts and wanted them to also feel love as he did. His frustration bore down at him throughout that year. He knew he had to do something, something to get them to realized the truth in front of them. To realize their love for one another. Feeling his solitude was not helping the process of his thoughts, he gingerly stood up and made his way out of the Quidditch Pitch and back up to the castle.
---
Upon entering walking through the Portrait hole, he saw the two people who flooded his thoughts sitting by the fire. They sat on a single couch, one at each end. Silently creeping through the shadows, he paced himself, hoping to catch a word of their conversation and was glad to see that no one else was in the common room of Gryffindor.
"I'm worried about him," he heard her say, "He never came back with the rest of us. I doubt he'd be wandering the castle on his own."
"I know, and I doubt he'd be outside in that storm," he heard his other best friend reply, "it's brutal out there."
They grew silent as their spoken thoughts engulfed them.
"It'd take a crazy person to be out there." His friend broke the silence and she nodded in silent agreement.
"I guess I'm crazy then," he stepped out of the shadows,
"Mate, there you are!" His friend greeted as he conjured a towel to help him dry off, "We were worried bout you!"
"You're soaked to the bone," she gasped, "You could've gotten sick!"
"Small price to pay for some time with ones thoughts," he offered a lop-sided grin,
"So what were you thinking about?" His friend inquired as he walked over to them, taking the towel his friend offered.
"The two of you, actually," he admitted as he wrapped the towel around his shoulders and sat down.
"The two of us? Why would you be thinking about us?" She asked, "I mean, why were you thinking about us?"
"I hate to be blunt," he said, "But I've been seeing you two play this stupid game for the past few years and frankly, I'm sick of it."
"What game?" his friend questioned,
"This game on acting that you don't like- no, [i]love[/i] each other!" he blurted out as he leaned his head back against the back of the couch and stared at the ceiling. The silence deepened as he observed the unidentified shadows being made by the dancing fire in the fireplace.
After a few more seconds of silence, he looked up at the both of them. She was gazing into the fire, the light illuminating her face. He saw the anxiousness in her expression and saw the pink hue on her cheeks. Smirking slightly, he faced his other friend. He was gazing straight at him with confusion written all over his face.
"Don't even try to deny what I'm saying!" He said suddenly as his eyes darted back and forth between his two friends, "I've seen it coming for ages and when it finally came I saw you two try to hide it!" He crossed his arms,
"Why are you doing this?" She questioned, keeping her gaze towards the fire,
"What do you mean why'?" he asked,
"Why are you even bringing this up?" She clarified herself as she finally turned to look at him, a pleading expression etched on her visage. It was obvious, she was avoiding eye contact with her other best friend.
"I've found someone here at Hogwarts who I love and loves me back," he began slowly, "after realizing how lucky I was to be with her, I began to realize what you two have been doing. I began to realize that you two love each other, yet you're both too stubborn - or perhaps even scared - to admit it to one another. It was time I made you two realize the truth."
"And when exactly did you have this great epiphany?" His friend asked him,
"Years ago," he said simply, "It just took me awhile to act on my realization. It seems it's taken the two of you quite some time to act on your own realizations." He stood up abruptly and stared at both of them. He then headed towards the stairs leading to the Boys' dormitories.
"Where are you going?" She questioned.
He turned back to see that both of them were facing him,
"I'm going to wash up and head to bed," he explained,
"Oh, so you're just going to bring up this subject and leave? Not knowing what happens afterwards!?" She shot,
"I'm not exactly in the mood to argue with you on this Hermione," he said, "But yes, that's exactly what I'm doing. If you want to continue this argument in the morning, after the both of you have talked, then we will. Until then, goodnight." Turning on his heal, he sprinted up the stairs and disappeared from view.
---
Hermione turned around quietly. She glanced at her friend who sat at the other end of the couch from her. She was a bit surprised to see he was already staring at her. Quickly, she gazed into the fire again.
It seemed the silence lasted for eternity before either one spoke. However it was the boy, no- the man who broke the silence.
Gingerly, Hermione turned to steal a glance at him, only to find he was still staring at her. Perhaps on chance they both turned to look at each other? Or perhaps he had never stopped looking at her? Whether it was one or the other, she did not know the answer.
"Hermione-" He trailed, not clearly sure of what to say next. All he knew was that he wanted to break the silence. Inside his head he cursed his best friend for starting this awkwardness. He was definitely going to get him back when he returned to his dorm later that night.
She remained silent. Why won't she respond? Oh Merlin, why won't she respond?
Finally she turned in her seat to look him directly. Her expression told him to continue,
"What he said-" He began awkwardly, "I have no clue how the subject came about but- well, is it true?"
"Is what true? That I like- I'm in l- love with you?" She replied hesitantly. Her heart was pounding against her ribcage, begging to escape.
"Y-" His mouth was failing him, so he nodded instead. He felt his mouth go dry, yet his pulse quicken. He was at a loss for words and felt this way constantly around her, however, he never would admit that to her.
"Honestly? The truth?" She asked,
He nodded slowly. He was scared of her answer, scared of rejection. When she asked him if he wanted the truth, he got ready for her to tell him his worst fears. He knew it was the inevitable.
"Yes. I'm in love with you," She never broke their gaze, but she was tempted to as she felt the heat creep onto her cheeks.
He felt like free falling now. Felt as if nothing could go wrong, as if everything was perfect. He felt his voice return and his pulse, somewhat slow down. He gazed into her eyes and realized how long he had been silent. She was now biting her lip nervously as she began to turn a few shades pink darker than before. He stood up and walked towards her, sitting down just a few inches away from her,
"If you're wondering how I feel Hermione," he said finally, "I don't even know why you're asking. I love you too."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and dug her face into his shoulder as relief washed over her. Hesitantly, he pulled away from her so he could look into her eyes,
"So what are we going to do from this point?" He asked, "Are we going to continue as we are, or are we going to try this thing called love?"
"Well, what do you want to do?" She inquired, "Because I mean, I want to be with you, but if you don't want to be with me, I'll completely understand." She looked down at the ground.
He held her chin up so she was facing him again, "Of course I want to be with you. I wouldn't love you if I didn't also want to be with you."
She gazed at him, mesmerized by his eyes. She was inches away from his face, anxious yet scared of what was going to happen next. Before she even realized it, his lips were on hers in a soft yet passionate kiss.
A few minutes after wards she pulled away hesitantly. She smiled up at him, "So what are we going to do from this point?" She repeated his question.
"I think from this point," He said in a sultry voice as he leaned into her, their forehead practically grazing one another, "We try this thing called love and thank Ron in the morning, Miss Granger."
"That's an excellent idea, Mr. Potter," She said in barely a whisper as they leaned into each other for another kiss.
End.
A lone figure sat in the Quidditch stands within the Quidditch Pitch, however, he wasn't exactly in his right mind. Running his hand through his coarse hair, he felt it dripping with cold water. He would've gone in moments ago when all the other students did when the storm began, however, he needed solitude. The only place where he could achieve this, was out in that storm.
Within the loud noise of thunder or the constant beats of rain on hard surfaces, he was able to block out his surroundings. One thing troubled him the most. That one thing, was his best friends. They had been friends for seven years now and as those seven years at Hogwarts passed, the more he cared for them and his want for them to be happy. He saw it every time they were all together. The love they shared for one another, but didn't dare to speak a word of.
He himself had found love in Hogwarts and wanted them to also feel love as he did. His frustration bore down at him throughout that year. He knew he had to do something, something to get them to realized the truth in front of them. To realize their love for one another. Feeling his solitude was not helping the process of his thoughts, he gingerly stood up and made his way out of the Quidditch Pitch and back up to the castle.
---
Upon entering walking through the Portrait hole, he saw the two people who flooded his thoughts sitting by the fire. They sat on a single couch, one at each end. Silently creeping through the shadows, he paced himself, hoping to catch a word of their conversation and was glad to see that no one else was in the common room of Gryffindor.
"I'm worried about him," he heard her say, "He never came back with the rest of us. I doubt he'd be wandering the castle on his own."
"I know, and I doubt he'd be outside in that storm," he heard his other best friend reply, "it's brutal out there."
They grew silent as their spoken thoughts engulfed them.
"It'd take a crazy person to be out there." His friend broke the silence and she nodded in silent agreement.
"I guess I'm crazy then," he stepped out of the shadows,
"Mate, there you are!" His friend greeted as he conjured a towel to help him dry off, "We were worried bout you!"
"You're soaked to the bone," she gasped, "You could've gotten sick!"
"Small price to pay for some time with ones thoughts," he offered a lop-sided grin,
"So what were you thinking about?" His friend inquired as he walked over to them, taking the towel his friend offered.
"The two of you, actually," he admitted as he wrapped the towel around his shoulders and sat down.
"The two of us? Why would you be thinking about us?" She asked, "I mean, why were you thinking about us?"
"I hate to be blunt," he said, "But I've been seeing you two play this stupid game for the past few years and frankly, I'm sick of it."
"What game?" his friend questioned,
"This game on acting that you don't like- no, [i]love[/i] each other!" he blurted out as he leaned his head back against the back of the couch and stared at the ceiling. The silence deepened as he observed the unidentified shadows being made by the dancing fire in the fireplace.
After a few more seconds of silence, he looked up at the both of them. She was gazing into the fire, the light illuminating her face. He saw the anxiousness in her expression and saw the pink hue on her cheeks. Smirking slightly, he faced his other friend. He was gazing straight at him with confusion written all over his face.
"Don't even try to deny what I'm saying!" He said suddenly as his eyes darted back and forth between his two friends, "I've seen it coming for ages and when it finally came I saw you two try to hide it!" He crossed his arms,
"Why are you doing this?" She questioned, keeping her gaze towards the fire,
"What do you mean why'?" he asked,
"Why are you even bringing this up?" She clarified herself as she finally turned to look at him, a pleading expression etched on her visage. It was obvious, she was avoiding eye contact with her other best friend.
"I've found someone here at Hogwarts who I love and loves me back," he began slowly, "after realizing how lucky I was to be with her, I began to realize what you two have been doing. I began to realize that you two love each other, yet you're both too stubborn - or perhaps even scared - to admit it to one another. It was time I made you two realize the truth."
"And when exactly did you have this great epiphany?" His friend asked him,
"Years ago," he said simply, "It just took me awhile to act on my realization. It seems it's taken the two of you quite some time to act on your own realizations." He stood up abruptly and stared at both of them. He then headed towards the stairs leading to the Boys' dormitories.
"Where are you going?" She questioned.
He turned back to see that both of them were facing him,
"I'm going to wash up and head to bed," he explained,
"Oh, so you're just going to bring up this subject and leave? Not knowing what happens afterwards!?" She shot,
"I'm not exactly in the mood to argue with you on this Hermione," he said, "But yes, that's exactly what I'm doing. If you want to continue this argument in the morning, after the both of you have talked, then we will. Until then, goodnight." Turning on his heal, he sprinted up the stairs and disappeared from view.
---
Hermione turned around quietly. She glanced at her friend who sat at the other end of the couch from her. She was a bit surprised to see he was already staring at her. Quickly, she gazed into the fire again.
It seemed the silence lasted for eternity before either one spoke. However it was the boy, no- the man who broke the silence.
Gingerly, Hermione turned to steal a glance at him, only to find he was still staring at her. Perhaps on chance they both turned to look at each other? Or perhaps he had never stopped looking at her? Whether it was one or the other, she did not know the answer.
"Hermione-" He trailed, not clearly sure of what to say next. All he knew was that he wanted to break the silence. Inside his head he cursed his best friend for starting this awkwardness. He was definitely going to get him back when he returned to his dorm later that night.
She remained silent. Why won't she respond? Oh Merlin, why won't she respond?
Finally she turned in her seat to look him directly. Her expression told him to continue,
"What he said-" He began awkwardly, "I have no clue how the subject came about but- well, is it true?"
"Is what true? That I like- I'm in l- love with you?" She replied hesitantly. Her heart was pounding against her ribcage, begging to escape.
"Y-" His mouth was failing him, so he nodded instead. He felt his mouth go dry, yet his pulse quicken. He was at a loss for words and felt this way constantly around her, however, he never would admit that to her.
"Honestly? The truth?" She asked,
He nodded slowly. He was scared of her answer, scared of rejection. When she asked him if he wanted the truth, he got ready for her to tell him his worst fears. He knew it was the inevitable.
"Yes. I'm in love with you," She never broke their gaze, but she was tempted to as she felt the heat creep onto her cheeks.
He felt like free falling now. Felt as if nothing could go wrong, as if everything was perfect. He felt his voice return and his pulse, somewhat slow down. He gazed into her eyes and realized how long he had been silent. She was now biting her lip nervously as she began to turn a few shades pink darker than before. He stood up and walked towards her, sitting down just a few inches away from her,
"If you're wondering how I feel Hermione," he said finally, "I don't even know why you're asking. I love you too."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and dug her face into his shoulder as relief washed over her. Hesitantly, he pulled away from her so he could look into her eyes,
"So what are we going to do from this point?" He asked, "Are we going to continue as we are, or are we going to try this thing called love?"
"Well, what do you want to do?" She inquired, "Because I mean, I want to be with you, but if you don't want to be with me, I'll completely understand." She looked down at the ground.
He held her chin up so she was facing him again, "Of course I want to be with you. I wouldn't love you if I didn't also want to be with you."
She gazed at him, mesmerized by his eyes. She was inches away from his face, anxious yet scared of what was going to happen next. Before she even realized it, his lips were on hers in a soft yet passionate kiss.
A few minutes after wards she pulled away hesitantly. She smiled up at him, "So what are we going to do from this point?" She repeated his question.
"I think from this point," He said in a sultry voice as he leaned into her, their forehead practically grazing one another, "We try this thing called love and thank Ron in the morning, Miss Granger."
"That's an excellent idea, Mr. Potter," She said in barely a whisper as they leaned into each other for another kiss.
End.
[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.
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.
[OS] Hidden Within One's Heart
Moonlight...looking up and seeing the moon always reminds me of Lupin.
There was a warm summer breeze which passed through the open window of the flat. The wind felt oldly cool against her skin which was saturated in sweat due to the humidity of the night. The velvety, dark sky was sprinkled with little lights forming patterns and swirls, all dimly shining upon the earth. The full moon, in all its beauty sent both a wave of tranquility and horror through her body.
I wonder where he is right now. Is he locked up in his home again? Aware from all those vulnerable to him? The answer is no... He's not far away, he's close to all those he held dear and who hold him dear in return.
She sighed heavily as the thought of the previous Hogwarts Professor, friend, advisor, confidante and ally brought tears to her eyes. Suddenly she heard a pop come from behind her and so she turned around instinctively to see one of her best friends.
"I knew you'd take long." She said softly as he approached her.
"Hermione, of course you know. Sorry it took awhile, needed to find this morning's newspaper." He offered a smile as he pulled lightly on the collar of his t-shirt as he tried to allow some ventilation to his torso. "Do you think he's there again?"
"Ron, when is he not there? He probably left a half hour ago." She explained as she began to pull her hair up and clip it back. Hermione hated her hair during these humid, summer nights and thanked Merlin she was wise enough to just wear a simple tank top and pair of shorts. She didn't dare wonder how Ron could stand being in a t-shirt and jeans on such a night.
"Shall we go then?" Ron suggested, although the answer always came the same.
"Of course."
***
They apparated to the gates outside of Hogwarts' grounds and as they opened the gates, slipped in. The grass was slightly yellow and dry considering they'd been having a slight drought for some time now. The castle, however, looked like it did their First Year. Its regal towers casting long shadows across the grounds. It looked the same, except for the unsettling fact that no lights were present in the windows, not even a flicker of a candle. That's how the castle was lately.
Days. That's how short a time ago it had been since the war had ended. It seemed to have ended immediately after Voldemort crumbled to the ground in debris and the debris had turned to dust. The casualties of creature, adult and student alike were in the ten thousands and the memories of the war itself would be forever etched in those who were present to watch it all take place.
One thing slightly off about the grounds, was that near the castle, where Hagrid's hut stood was a plot of land where a few white crosses stood. Professor Flitwick stood strong behind his promise to build a cemetary as a memorial to all those who had perished in the war. He also made it very clear that the late Gamekeeper's hut was to be sealed in perfect condition, never to be altered again in honour of Rubeus Hagrid's bravery within the war.
They headed straight towards the beginnings of the cemetary, as they always did, and knelt down before the five crosses already planted. Bowing their heads in respect, they remembered the names written across the crosses: Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Argus Filch and Celestia Sinistra.
After a moment, they continued this nightly ritual. Ron got to his feet and soon after, helped Hermione to her own. In silence, they made their way towards the stone steps leading to the main enterance of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. As expected, they found two figures by the steps. The smaller of the two sitting on the steps, while the other stood beside as they conversed.
"It isn't fair they died and I got to live," the smaller one said quietly as they approached.
The other one looked down at his companion and couldn't help but feel a silent understanding between them. This conversation happened every night since the war ended.
"It isn't fair that anyone had to die," He replied, hoping his tone didn't represent pity because he knew the last thing the boy needed, was pity from a man he had loathed for years.
"If anyone should have died, it should have been me," the boy sighed.
The older looked up as usually and saw Hermione and Ron standing there, waiting for the conversation to end; it always ended and it was always the same.
"It isn't healthy for you to come here night after night, Potter." He said finally, "They wouldn't want you to hate yourself for what happened. All they want is to be remembered and that's all we can give them."
"How is remembering them even compare to the amount of debt owed to their sacrifices?" Harry questioned,
"Remembering them keeps them alive in us all. It is in that, that we make peace with them. Your friends are here," and then, out of the ordinary, he ended the conversation in a slightly different fashion from before. "Goodbye, Harry."
He had always said goodbye, always. Why was it now different? The mere fact that this man had called him by his first name, made all the difference. His action suggested respect for the boy and an understanding between them that no one would ever understand. However, it also suggested finality in which this man didn't expect the boy to return the next night and continue this ritual. No, he felt the boy knew it was time to move on from the war, learn from the mistakes made in the past and help to build a, hopefully, stronger Magical Community.
"Goodbye, Professor Snape." Harry replied as usually although he registered the strange act Snape had preformed.
Snape raised an eyebrow at the sudden revelation that Harry had altered his farewell as well, instead of calling him 'Mr. Snape' as usual, he had called him 'Professor'. What had led the boy to say such a thing when he had graduated Hogwarts two weeks prior to the war? They locked gazes as a silent bond formed between them, sealing their common feelings and thoughts forever. He thought it better to not correct his former pupil in his mistake. Bringing his attention to the two other people present, he greeted them as always before walking up the steps and slipping into the dark castle.
Quiet still, Hermione and Ron sat on either side of Harry as he not dare look at them. This was the part which did not always stay the same every night. The conversation between the infamous trio always changed night after night.
"Did you see what they said in the Daily Prophet?" Harry broke the awkward silence between him and his two best friends.
Ron took out the folded newspaper from his jeans pocket and unfolded it for all to read, he knew they'd be talking about it. "The headline says it all, huh?"
Hermione cleared her throat as she began to read it, however, Harry read over her, without looking up at the paper.
"Another account on how Harry Potter bravely saves the day," Harry droned on as if he were stating the weather. He accentuated 'bravely' as he finally looked up at the newspaper. "How would they know what it's like to save the day? How would they know how it feels to save the day?"
"That's the thing," Hermione replied, "they don't."
Harry turned to her and offered a smile, "Seems you three are the only ones who seem to understand."
Ron shook his head, "Everyone who fought understands."
"I mean, understands me," Harry corrected himself,
"Snape seems to understand you pretty well," Ron concluded as he looked back at the closed doors of the castle, "How is he?"
"Well, when I mentioned the nightmares, he says he gets them too. If he didn't, he wouldn't say it, right?" Harry said, "So he must be getting nightmares still."
"It's been six days, all of us are still having nightmares," Hermione suggested, "I know I am." She shuddered as memories of fighting on the grounds by the gates lay fresh in her memory.
"I certainly do," Ron nodded in agreement as he remembered clearly the duels he fought on the boarder line of the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts grounds.
"Every night I remember that oddly calm expression on Dumbledore's face when Voldemort killed him. It's like, he was ready to die. Ready for Voldemort to attack him with the killing curse and actually make contact," Harry explained as he looked up at the sky. He felt tears stinging his eyes and before he realized it, memories of the battle which he kept at bay, came flooding to his mind and he began to cry uncontrollably.
Hermione pulled him to her and hugged him as his head lay in the crook of her neck. Ron moved closer as he placed his hand on Harry's shoulder. Although the gesture itself seemed insignificant to the obvious comfort Hermione gave him, Ron knew that his hand on Harry's shoulder was a great deal of comfort. In times during Hogwarts when Harry was strong for Ron, this was Ron's chance to return the favour - with this gesture - and be strong for Harry.
"Every morning the papers say the same Harry our Hero' or Strong of Heart, Strong Hero' or another idiotic headline." Harry continued as he finally began to settle down and Hermione released him from her embrace. "They send all praises to me, yet barely mention those who fought as well. You two were there fighting as well and by my side when I fought Voldemort."
Hermione and Ron nodded as they remembered-
---
-Both Hermione and Ron didn't know how they knew, but in their hearts they knew they had to go to Harry. He had been facing off with Voldemort at the base of what was left of the Astronomy tower. They tried desperately to finish their battles in order to go to Harry.
Ron sent one final spell to Theodore Nott and he dropped unconscious to the ground. Without hesitation, Ron jumped over Nott and struggled to run to Harry with his presently injured knee.
Hermione caught sight of Ron running across the grounds in a distance and was nearly nicked by a hex because of it. She tumbled out of the way and sent a curse in the Death Eater's direction when she was upright again. The Death Eater stumbled backwards, giving Hermione enough time to get to her feet. The Death Eater sent another curse at Hermione, only to feel herself be plummeted to the ground. She looked up at her savior who was standing already and sending hexes and curses at the Death Eater.
"Draco?" Hermione began,
"Granger- Hermione, we don't have time for greetings. I saw Weasley running across the grounds too," Draco said as he ducked and sent rocks towards the Death Eater. One of the bigger rocks hit him in the head and the Death Eater collapsed to the ground. "If Potter needs you, go! I'll cover this area."
"Thanks," Hermione said slowly,
"Yes, yes, we can go through this after the war. Now go!" Draco demanded as he sprinted off to fight a suddenly recovering Vincent Crabbe.
Immediately, Hermione began to run towards the base of the Astronomy tower and when she got there, Ron was helping Harry and Dumbledore fight off Voldemort. She was about to help when Voldemort sent a wave of magic toppling over Ron, Harry and Hermione. Dumbledore was easily able to keep balance, however, Voldemort sent the curse at Dumbledore who had been standing in front of the fallen trio to ensure their safety. To all of their horror, Dumbledore fell backwards onto the ground as lifeless as he was lively just moments ago. Suddenly, a possessed expression overcame Harry and he began an incantation he knew he'd have to perform in order to defeat Voldemort.
Point his wand at Voldemort, Harry said the incantation in a confident and clear voice. Voldemort tried to counter, shield himself, anything to stop Harry, however, he was frozen in place because of the first few words of the incantation Harry had already said. Harry felt his wand tremble as he felt the Phoenix tail within being drawn to its brother in Voldemort's wand. As he continued the spell, he saw Voldemort's powers and strength being drained and felt his own slowly leaving his body. Seeing that he was beginning to stumble, Ron and Hermione supported him. Suddenly, Voldemort screamed as a green light slashed its way through his body. His scream echoed as his limbs and torso fell to the ground in pieces and eventually disintegrate to dust-
---
"They do mention us, Harry," Hermione insisted, "So don't feel bad that the spotlight's on you. You were the only one able to defeat him after all."
"They don't have a right to write me in such a light that makes it seem like I was fearless, as if I fought courageously," Harry argued.
"You did fight courageously Harry, I'd probably be dying of anxiety if I had to do what you did- six times," Ron admitted,
"But that's the thing Ron," Harry began, "I was –"
"Dying inside," Hermione and Ron finished in unison,
"Harry, we know," Hermione said,
"But they don't know that," Ron explained.
"Will they ever?" Harry questioned although all three knew the negative answer to that question.
---
-Harry felt his head spinning as the last few events of Voldemort's demise replayed in his head millions of times per second. He felt his knees cave and after falling an inch, Hermione and Ron pulled him up strongly. He leaned on their support for a few seconds before standing on his feet and crumbling once again.
"Harry, let us help you," Ron said as he hauled Harry to his feet, "You can't walk in your condition."
"I can walk fine Ron," Harry insisted stubbornly as he attempted walking, only to falter.
Hermione caught his arm quickly and struggled to pull him up straight, "Obviously you can't. So stop being stubborn and let us help you. You've let us helped you in the past, Harry."
"Yes, so don't deny us the chance to help you now," Ron added.
"You did it," Hermione offered a smile, "You were so brave."
"No, I was trembling the entire time," Harry argued, "I don't think you could tell, but inside- I was dying. When this war started four weeks ago, I was dying inside just knowing what I had to do in order to end this stupid war."
"Well mate, no matter what you were feeling, you did it." Ron also offered his infamous grin.
"Help me to Dumbledore," Harry said and without question, they slowly moved towards Dumbledore.
As they stopped before the late, great Headmaster, Harry let go of Hermione's arm and began to kneel down with the assistance of Ron. They stood on either side of him as they bowed their heads in respect. All was quiet around them until Ron and Hermione felt violent shaking between them. They both looked down and found it was Harry-
---
"You know, ever since I entered Hogwarts, all I ever heard was the Boy who lived' or the story of how Sirius supposedly betrayed my parents to Voldemort and Voldemort killing them. Everyone's always said their condolences about my parents, even now I get owls saying their condolences that my parents are dead and couldn't be here to witness it all," Harry paused and saw both his friends listening intently. He smiled inwardly knowing his friends would always understand. "None of them realize what it's like to grow up in that situation. Then it seems like all my life they've been preparing us for battle, me especially. Lupin, Moody, the Order- they were there to train us- me. They were molding me into a soldier for the light. A soldier against Voldemort."
"They were only helping you to help yourself in protection. They and everyone knew how Voldemort was after you and you fresh from the muggle world was simply vulnerable to Voldemort," Hermione explained.
"You don't get it," Harry sighed as he thought of a way to explain himself more clearly.
"He means that even though they were helping him in a physical sense, they weren't really doing anything for his emotional self," Ron said matter-of-factly.
Hermione nodded in understanding as Harry explained further, "Sure they pounded hexes, curses and jinxes into me until I excelled in Dark Arts. They prepared me for battle, but what they failed to do was prepare my mind for what was to come. They forgot to prepare me for death and killing and what effect it'd have on me. You both remember what happened-"
---
-Both Ron and Hermione knelt down beside Harry as he continued to shake violently as streams of tears poured from his eyes. Immediately, as if by instinct, Hermione pulled him to her and he laid his head in the nook of her neck. Ron put an arm around his shoulders as Harry allowed himself to cry so violently and so freely in years.
Tonks and Kingsley found them a few minutes later and suggested they go to their common room. When Harry began to shake his head negatively in an attempt to argue with the two Aurors, Tonks assured him that everything would be taken care of and he should go into the castle.
What he wasn't aware of was that Tonks and Kingsley empathized with Harry. They knew seeing Dumbledore's death was enough to thoroughly shake him, but with Voldemort's demise atop of that was too much. Both wouldn't dare even imagining Harry's reaction in seeing the bloodshed and dead bodies throughout Hogwarts and Hogsmeade as well, where the battles first began before reaching the castle grounds.
Too upset to argue further, Harry allowed Ron and Hermione to help him into the castle. Once in their common room, Harry collapsed onto the couch, still violently shaking with tears pouring from his eyes, but his sobs were silent now. Harry was only able to mutter another sentence before breaking down again.
"I-I murdered-"
---
Harry lowered his head into his hands as he felt familiar tears sting his eyes. Ron swung his arm across his shoulders,
"C'mon mate, I think it's time we bring you home." Ron suggested as he lifted Harry to his feet.
Harry merely nodded in silent agreement. They began to walk away from the castle before Harry stopped. He looked back at the castle and Ron and Hermione followed his gaze. There atop the turret of the western tower was a figure who's features were hidden with the moon at its back. But Harry knew who it was, they all did. Harry waved farewell and the figure nodded in acknowledgement. As they turned their backs and continued for the gates, they missed the small wave their previous teacher of Potions at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Professor Severus Snape, sent their way.
***
Hermione closed the bedroom door behind them as they heard the soft snores coming from Harry's finally dormant body. After another hour of talking, he had finally fallen asleep. Together, she and Ron walked to Harry's flat's living room. Hermione walked over to the open window she had opened when she first arrived there hours ago, and closed it. She turned to face Ron who was already sitting on the couch. She walked over and sat beside him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she clung to his side.
"Do you think we should go across the hall to our flat?" Hermione asked,
"I think it'd be best we stay here just in case," Ron answered.
"Harry's right about the soldier remark you know," Hermione said suddenly as she replayed their conversation in her mind,
"Do tell," Ron offered as he leaned his head against hers,
"Well, they equipped Harry with all the spells he could possibly need in duel against anyone, yet they forgot the fact that inside all of that armor of spells is still a child. He didn't deserve to have all of that pressure placed on him since his parents' death," Hermione explained quietly.
"I know. The media and paparazzi have no idea what Harry's been through," Ron sighed heavily, "and that's the problem. They send their condolences and thank-you wishes without truly knowing. They don't understand Harry the way we do. All the pain he's been through, all the stress and turmoil- it's all hidden-within ones heart."
End.
There was a warm summer breeze which passed through the open window of the flat. The wind felt oldly cool against her skin which was saturated in sweat due to the humidity of the night. The velvety, dark sky was sprinkled with little lights forming patterns and swirls, all dimly shining upon the earth. The full moon, in all its beauty sent both a wave of tranquility and horror through her body.
I wonder where he is right now. Is he locked up in his home again? Aware from all those vulnerable to him? The answer is no... He's not far away, he's close to all those he held dear and who hold him dear in return.
She sighed heavily as the thought of the previous Hogwarts Professor, friend, advisor, confidante and ally brought tears to her eyes. Suddenly she heard a pop come from behind her and so she turned around instinctively to see one of her best friends.
"I knew you'd take long." She said softly as he approached her.
"Hermione, of course you know. Sorry it took awhile, needed to find this morning's newspaper." He offered a smile as he pulled lightly on the collar of his t-shirt as he tried to allow some ventilation to his torso. "Do you think he's there again?"
"Ron, when is he not there? He probably left a half hour ago." She explained as she began to pull her hair up and clip it back. Hermione hated her hair during these humid, summer nights and thanked Merlin she was wise enough to just wear a simple tank top and pair of shorts. She didn't dare wonder how Ron could stand being in a t-shirt and jeans on such a night.
"Shall we go then?" Ron suggested, although the answer always came the same.
"Of course."
***
They apparated to the gates outside of Hogwarts' grounds and as they opened the gates, slipped in. The grass was slightly yellow and dry considering they'd been having a slight drought for some time now. The castle, however, looked like it did their First Year. Its regal towers casting long shadows across the grounds. It looked the same, except for the unsettling fact that no lights were present in the windows, not even a flicker of a candle. That's how the castle was lately.
Days. That's how short a time ago it had been since the war had ended. It seemed to have ended immediately after Voldemort crumbled to the ground in debris and the debris had turned to dust. The casualties of creature, adult and student alike were in the ten thousands and the memories of the war itself would be forever etched in those who were present to watch it all take place.
One thing slightly off about the grounds, was that near the castle, where Hagrid's hut stood was a plot of land where a few white crosses stood. Professor Flitwick stood strong behind his promise to build a cemetary as a memorial to all those who had perished in the war. He also made it very clear that the late Gamekeeper's hut was to be sealed in perfect condition, never to be altered again in honour of Rubeus Hagrid's bravery within the war.
They headed straight towards the beginnings of the cemetary, as they always did, and knelt down before the five crosses already planted. Bowing their heads in respect, they remembered the names written across the crosses: Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Argus Filch and Celestia Sinistra.
After a moment, they continued this nightly ritual. Ron got to his feet and soon after, helped Hermione to her own. In silence, they made their way towards the stone steps leading to the main enterance of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. As expected, they found two figures by the steps. The smaller of the two sitting on the steps, while the other stood beside as they conversed.
"It isn't fair they died and I got to live," the smaller one said quietly as they approached.
The other one looked down at his companion and couldn't help but feel a silent understanding between them. This conversation happened every night since the war ended.
"It isn't fair that anyone had to die," He replied, hoping his tone didn't represent pity because he knew the last thing the boy needed, was pity from a man he had loathed for years.
"If anyone should have died, it should have been me," the boy sighed.
The older looked up as usually and saw Hermione and Ron standing there, waiting for the conversation to end; it always ended and it was always the same.
"It isn't healthy for you to come here night after night, Potter." He said finally, "They wouldn't want you to hate yourself for what happened. All they want is to be remembered and that's all we can give them."
"How is remembering them even compare to the amount of debt owed to their sacrifices?" Harry questioned,
"Remembering them keeps them alive in us all. It is in that, that we make peace with them. Your friends are here," and then, out of the ordinary, he ended the conversation in a slightly different fashion from before. "Goodbye, Harry."
He had always said goodbye, always. Why was it now different? The mere fact that this man had called him by his first name, made all the difference. His action suggested respect for the boy and an understanding between them that no one would ever understand. However, it also suggested finality in which this man didn't expect the boy to return the next night and continue this ritual. No, he felt the boy knew it was time to move on from the war, learn from the mistakes made in the past and help to build a, hopefully, stronger Magical Community.
"Goodbye, Professor Snape." Harry replied as usually although he registered the strange act Snape had preformed.
Snape raised an eyebrow at the sudden revelation that Harry had altered his farewell as well, instead of calling him 'Mr. Snape' as usual, he had called him 'Professor'. What had led the boy to say such a thing when he had graduated Hogwarts two weeks prior to the war? They locked gazes as a silent bond formed between them, sealing their common feelings and thoughts forever. He thought it better to not correct his former pupil in his mistake. Bringing his attention to the two other people present, he greeted them as always before walking up the steps and slipping into the dark castle.
Quiet still, Hermione and Ron sat on either side of Harry as he not dare look at them. This was the part which did not always stay the same every night. The conversation between the infamous trio always changed night after night.
"Did you see what they said in the Daily Prophet?" Harry broke the awkward silence between him and his two best friends.
Ron took out the folded newspaper from his jeans pocket and unfolded it for all to read, he knew they'd be talking about it. "The headline says it all, huh?"
Hermione cleared her throat as she began to read it, however, Harry read over her, without looking up at the paper.
"Another account on how Harry Potter bravely saves the day," Harry droned on as if he were stating the weather. He accentuated 'bravely' as he finally looked up at the newspaper. "How would they know what it's like to save the day? How would they know how it feels to save the day?"
"That's the thing," Hermione replied, "they don't."
Harry turned to her and offered a smile, "Seems you three are the only ones who seem to understand."
Ron shook his head, "Everyone who fought understands."
"I mean, understands me," Harry corrected himself,
"Snape seems to understand you pretty well," Ron concluded as he looked back at the closed doors of the castle, "How is he?"
"Well, when I mentioned the nightmares, he says he gets them too. If he didn't, he wouldn't say it, right?" Harry said, "So he must be getting nightmares still."
"It's been six days, all of us are still having nightmares," Hermione suggested, "I know I am." She shuddered as memories of fighting on the grounds by the gates lay fresh in her memory.
"I certainly do," Ron nodded in agreement as he remembered clearly the duels he fought on the boarder line of the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts grounds.
"Every night I remember that oddly calm expression on Dumbledore's face when Voldemort killed him. It's like, he was ready to die. Ready for Voldemort to attack him with the killing curse and actually make contact," Harry explained as he looked up at the sky. He felt tears stinging his eyes and before he realized it, memories of the battle which he kept at bay, came flooding to his mind and he began to cry uncontrollably.
Hermione pulled him to her and hugged him as his head lay in the crook of her neck. Ron moved closer as he placed his hand on Harry's shoulder. Although the gesture itself seemed insignificant to the obvious comfort Hermione gave him, Ron knew that his hand on Harry's shoulder was a great deal of comfort. In times during Hogwarts when Harry was strong for Ron, this was Ron's chance to return the favour - with this gesture - and be strong for Harry.
"Every morning the papers say the same Harry our Hero' or Strong of Heart, Strong Hero' or another idiotic headline." Harry continued as he finally began to settle down and Hermione released him from her embrace. "They send all praises to me, yet barely mention those who fought as well. You two were there fighting as well and by my side when I fought Voldemort."
Hermione and Ron nodded as they remembered-
---
-Both Hermione and Ron didn't know how they knew, but in their hearts they knew they had to go to Harry. He had been facing off with Voldemort at the base of what was left of the Astronomy tower. They tried desperately to finish their battles in order to go to Harry.
Ron sent one final spell to Theodore Nott and he dropped unconscious to the ground. Without hesitation, Ron jumped over Nott and struggled to run to Harry with his presently injured knee.
Hermione caught sight of Ron running across the grounds in a distance and was nearly nicked by a hex because of it. She tumbled out of the way and sent a curse in the Death Eater's direction when she was upright again. The Death Eater stumbled backwards, giving Hermione enough time to get to her feet. The Death Eater sent another curse at Hermione, only to feel herself be plummeted to the ground. She looked up at her savior who was standing already and sending hexes and curses at the Death Eater.
"Draco?" Hermione began,
"Granger- Hermione, we don't have time for greetings. I saw Weasley running across the grounds too," Draco said as he ducked and sent rocks towards the Death Eater. One of the bigger rocks hit him in the head and the Death Eater collapsed to the ground. "If Potter needs you, go! I'll cover this area."
"Thanks," Hermione said slowly,
"Yes, yes, we can go through this after the war. Now go!" Draco demanded as he sprinted off to fight a suddenly recovering Vincent Crabbe.
Immediately, Hermione began to run towards the base of the Astronomy tower and when she got there, Ron was helping Harry and Dumbledore fight off Voldemort. She was about to help when Voldemort sent a wave of magic toppling over Ron, Harry and Hermione. Dumbledore was easily able to keep balance, however, Voldemort sent the curse at Dumbledore who had been standing in front of the fallen trio to ensure their safety. To all of their horror, Dumbledore fell backwards onto the ground as lifeless as he was lively just moments ago. Suddenly, a possessed expression overcame Harry and he began an incantation he knew he'd have to perform in order to defeat Voldemort.
Point his wand at Voldemort, Harry said the incantation in a confident and clear voice. Voldemort tried to counter, shield himself, anything to stop Harry, however, he was frozen in place because of the first few words of the incantation Harry had already said. Harry felt his wand tremble as he felt the Phoenix tail within being drawn to its brother in Voldemort's wand. As he continued the spell, he saw Voldemort's powers and strength being drained and felt his own slowly leaving his body. Seeing that he was beginning to stumble, Ron and Hermione supported him. Suddenly, Voldemort screamed as a green light slashed its way through his body. His scream echoed as his limbs and torso fell to the ground in pieces and eventually disintegrate to dust-
---
"They do mention us, Harry," Hermione insisted, "So don't feel bad that the spotlight's on you. You were the only one able to defeat him after all."
"They don't have a right to write me in such a light that makes it seem like I was fearless, as if I fought courageously," Harry argued.
"You did fight courageously Harry, I'd probably be dying of anxiety if I had to do what you did- six times," Ron admitted,
"But that's the thing Ron," Harry began, "I was –"
"Dying inside," Hermione and Ron finished in unison,
"Harry, we know," Hermione said,
"But they don't know that," Ron explained.
"Will they ever?" Harry questioned although all three knew the negative answer to that question.
---
-Harry felt his head spinning as the last few events of Voldemort's demise replayed in his head millions of times per second. He felt his knees cave and after falling an inch, Hermione and Ron pulled him up strongly. He leaned on their support for a few seconds before standing on his feet and crumbling once again.
"Harry, let us help you," Ron said as he hauled Harry to his feet, "You can't walk in your condition."
"I can walk fine Ron," Harry insisted stubbornly as he attempted walking, only to falter.
Hermione caught his arm quickly and struggled to pull him up straight, "Obviously you can't. So stop being stubborn and let us help you. You've let us helped you in the past, Harry."
"Yes, so don't deny us the chance to help you now," Ron added.
"You did it," Hermione offered a smile, "You were so brave."
"No, I was trembling the entire time," Harry argued, "I don't think you could tell, but inside- I was dying. When this war started four weeks ago, I was dying inside just knowing what I had to do in order to end this stupid war."
"Well mate, no matter what you were feeling, you did it." Ron also offered his infamous grin.
"Help me to Dumbledore," Harry said and without question, they slowly moved towards Dumbledore.
As they stopped before the late, great Headmaster, Harry let go of Hermione's arm and began to kneel down with the assistance of Ron. They stood on either side of him as they bowed their heads in respect. All was quiet around them until Ron and Hermione felt violent shaking between them. They both looked down and found it was Harry-
---
"You know, ever since I entered Hogwarts, all I ever heard was the Boy who lived' or the story of how Sirius supposedly betrayed my parents to Voldemort and Voldemort killing them. Everyone's always said their condolences about my parents, even now I get owls saying their condolences that my parents are dead and couldn't be here to witness it all," Harry paused and saw both his friends listening intently. He smiled inwardly knowing his friends would always understand. "None of them realize what it's like to grow up in that situation. Then it seems like all my life they've been preparing us for battle, me especially. Lupin, Moody, the Order- they were there to train us- me. They were molding me into a soldier for the light. A soldier against Voldemort."
"They were only helping you to help yourself in protection. They and everyone knew how Voldemort was after you and you fresh from the muggle world was simply vulnerable to Voldemort," Hermione explained.
"You don't get it," Harry sighed as he thought of a way to explain himself more clearly.
"He means that even though they were helping him in a physical sense, they weren't really doing anything for his emotional self," Ron said matter-of-factly.
Hermione nodded in understanding as Harry explained further, "Sure they pounded hexes, curses and jinxes into me until I excelled in Dark Arts. They prepared me for battle, but what they failed to do was prepare my mind for what was to come. They forgot to prepare me for death and killing and what effect it'd have on me. You both remember what happened-"
---
-Both Ron and Hermione knelt down beside Harry as he continued to shake violently as streams of tears poured from his eyes. Immediately, as if by instinct, Hermione pulled him to her and he laid his head in the nook of her neck. Ron put an arm around his shoulders as Harry allowed himself to cry so violently and so freely in years.
Tonks and Kingsley found them a few minutes later and suggested they go to their common room. When Harry began to shake his head negatively in an attempt to argue with the two Aurors, Tonks assured him that everything would be taken care of and he should go into the castle.
What he wasn't aware of was that Tonks and Kingsley empathized with Harry. They knew seeing Dumbledore's death was enough to thoroughly shake him, but with Voldemort's demise atop of that was too much. Both wouldn't dare even imagining Harry's reaction in seeing the bloodshed and dead bodies throughout Hogwarts and Hogsmeade as well, where the battles first began before reaching the castle grounds.
Too upset to argue further, Harry allowed Ron and Hermione to help him into the castle. Once in their common room, Harry collapsed onto the couch, still violently shaking with tears pouring from his eyes, but his sobs were silent now. Harry was only able to mutter another sentence before breaking down again.
"I-I murdered-"
---
Harry lowered his head into his hands as he felt familiar tears sting his eyes. Ron swung his arm across his shoulders,
"C'mon mate, I think it's time we bring you home." Ron suggested as he lifted Harry to his feet.
Harry merely nodded in silent agreement. They began to walk away from the castle before Harry stopped. He looked back at the castle and Ron and Hermione followed his gaze. There atop the turret of the western tower was a figure who's features were hidden with the moon at its back. But Harry knew who it was, they all did. Harry waved farewell and the figure nodded in acknowledgement. As they turned their backs and continued for the gates, they missed the small wave their previous teacher of Potions at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Professor Severus Snape, sent their way.
***
Hermione closed the bedroom door behind them as they heard the soft snores coming from Harry's finally dormant body. After another hour of talking, he had finally fallen asleep. Together, she and Ron walked to Harry's flat's living room. Hermione walked over to the open window she had opened when she first arrived there hours ago, and closed it. She turned to face Ron who was already sitting on the couch. She walked over and sat beside him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she clung to his side.
"Do you think we should go across the hall to our flat?" Hermione asked,
"I think it'd be best we stay here just in case," Ron answered.
"Harry's right about the soldier remark you know," Hermione said suddenly as she replayed their conversation in her mind,
"Do tell," Ron offered as he leaned his head against hers,
"Well, they equipped Harry with all the spells he could possibly need in duel against anyone, yet they forgot the fact that inside all of that armor of spells is still a child. He didn't deserve to have all of that pressure placed on him since his parents' death," Hermione explained quietly.
"I know. The media and paparazzi have no idea what Harry's been through," Ron sighed heavily, "and that's the problem. They send their condolences and thank-you wishes without truly knowing. They don't understand Harry the way we do. All the pain he's been through, all the stress and turmoil- it's all hidden-within ones heart."
End.
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