[OS] Finding the One

She sat on the bay window of her room. Looking down at the street in front of her house, she waited patiently, watching for what she wanted to see. The street was abandoned, as usual at the hours after nine o'clock in the evening. The lamp posts provided some soft light to provide some sight to those wishing to venture in the dark nights. The sky above, which was usually studded with stars, was covered in thick, grey clouds this evening. Pulling her knees to her chest, she leaned back against the one side of the bay window as she watched the street for any signs of vehicles. Headlights appeared at the furthest point of the street she was able to see, but it drove by.

Sighing softly, she ran a careless hand through damp, thick, wavy locks of hair. The other hand, clasping tightly around a mug of hot chocolate, brought the mug to her lips and she took a small sip. Absent-mindedly playing with a lock of her short, dark-caramel tresses, her eyes went back to the end of the street. She finished her drink and set the mug carefully on the ground by her window. How long was it she had been waiting here? It was around ten, her internal clock informed her, and he had left at approximately seven o'clock in the evening. She certainly had not been sitting at her window awaiting his return since he left; had she?

"Susan? Really?"

The voice pulled her violently out of her reverie and she pressed her back against the window in slight shock. The voice didn't shock her, more of the sudden presence of it did. Regaining composure, she relaxed as she faced the man standing at the door of her bedroom.

"I didn't see you pull into the driveway," she explained her reaction as the concern on his face ceased.

"You probably had your eye on the street then," he said as he loosened his tie and walked over to her. He sat on the edge of her bed closest to her, which was about a meter away.

"Maybe- but I didn't even see you drive down the street," she pointed out as she looked down the street again and back at him,

"Well, you were looking down the street towards Lancaster Avenue. The place I went to was on the opposite down by Derby." He explained as he took off his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt, "If I ever have to go to another formal dinner like that, I'll hex someone!"

She rolled his eyes at him, "How was your date with Susan anyways?"

"Well, I predicted it wouldn't turn out good before the date anyway," He said as he leaned back on his elbows,

"And why is that? I believe I have good match making skills," she inquired,

"Well obviously you're not that good if you set me up on a date with someone who likes formalities and fancy restaurants like that. You know I hate dressing up," He reminded bitterly,

"Well besides the restaurant, was it really that horrible?" she asked,

"Yes. Susan Bones is as boring as she was back in Hogwarts four years ago! All she does is talk about the Ministry, Politics and some other boring stuff. I can't exactly how our conversation went down, I sort of phased out after she began talking about new Ministry policies she's trying to get approved with Madame Minister of Magic," he answered in dull tones,

"You mean she could have proposed and you agreed and you wouldn't know?" she let out a melodic laugh and he couldn't help but grin.

"I wasn't that unaware of what was going on," he defended, "But if we were engaged, I wouldn't be surprised. I mean, she was really boring! I could've joined a new generation of Death Eaters and I wouldn't know," he laughed. "Seriously," he gave her a serious look with narrowed eyebrows, "if you ever set me up with her again, I will hex you."

"Oh please Ronald Weasley, you haven't been able to hex me since we were in our First Year of Hogwarts," she said exasperatedly while rolling her eyes at him,

"It isn't that I haven't been able to, it's just that I haven't attempted," Ron replied coolly, "I wouldn't underestimate me, Miss Granger."

"Okay fine, but I'll find someone else for you to date," Hermione offered as she swung her legs onto the edge, knocking the mug over. She retracted her legs onto the bench again as the mug shattered into shards, "That always happens. Ron, can you just grab the broom from the closet?"

Rolling to the other side of the bed as to avoid stepping on the broken pieces of mug, he padded over to her closet and withdrew the broom. He walked over and began sweeping the broken porcelain. When he gathered a small pile of the pieces, he looked around to see if he missed anything. Sweeping his eyes quickly on the floor, he took out his wand and pointed to the shards. He levitated them and guided them into the trash can.

"Thanks," Hermione said as she smiled at him, "I may be one of the most learned witches in all of England, but I still haven't mastered the simple home spells as Ginny has."

"Well, she did have my mother as a mom, so no doubt she would have mastered them at a young age," Ron reminded as he abandoned the broom against the wall and reclined back on the bed, "Speaking of my dear sister, has she returned from Paris?"

Hermione shrugged, "She hasn't sent an owl since last week. Are you really okay with her being with him?"

"I'm not against it and if I were, I can't really do anything about it," Ron explained simply, "So, who do you have in mind this time, Mione?"

"Why not try Lavender again?" Hermione suggested, "I mean, you guys were together at one point in Hogwarts, couldn't you try dating her again?"

Ron shrugged, "Depends if she's changed since then."

"She has," Hermione insisted, "She works with me at the Ministry. She's more nicer than back then, we're together every day. Besides, she wasn't that bad in Hogwarts." Ron gave her a scrutinizing looking, "Why did you even break up with her? You never said it. To me or Harry."

Ron answered without hesitation quickly, "I told you, I have my reasons. I'm surprised you're even bringing her into this after what happened."

Hermione looked away, "Fine, I won't pry into your reasons. But trust me, you guys will hit it off without a hitch."

Ron ran a hand through his hair wearily, "I hope. Who knew searching for the one' would be so difficult?"

"You'll find her," Hermione insisted, "For all we know, she's Lavender."

Ron shrugged carelessly as he laid his head back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He really did want to stop this search for the one', but something in his gut didn't really think Lavender would turn out to be the girl he had been searching for.

***

Ron lay awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He had always felt awkward sleeping in guest rooms of other people's houses, but he didn't feel that way here in Hermione's house. Then again, he was a frequent visitor to her home and he usually did sleep there anyway. It had become such a routine she just gave up and gave him a copy of her house key. Fingers folded behind his head, he tried to think clearly.

He had been searching for the one' since the end of the Great Magical War just two years prior. Perhaps the thing that propelled him to being searching for the love of his life in a serious manner was the words Harry had spoken to him just hours before the end of the War-

---

"Ron, do me a favor," Harry huffed as he leaned back against a broken, dungeon wall of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ron nodded, "Get yourself and Hermione out of here."

"Harry, I –"

"No, let me speak, I just got the signal from Kingsley, Dumbledore wants to head in now," Harry said, "Ron, get out of here. Hermione's still out in the stair well fighting the resistance of Death Eaters, finish them off and get out."

"Harry, I'm not going to let you go in there alone! We should be fighting there side by side, as best friends should," Ron argued,

"That's noble Ron and I appreciate what you want to do, but you and I both know I'm the only one who can defeat Voldemort. I don't want anymore deaths on my conscience," Harry explained, "Please Ron, just do this last thing for me."

"It won't be the last –"

"Ron. You and I both know the chances of me surviving a duel with Voldemort is slim to none, so please- this is already hard enough parting ways with you like this," Harry said as he forced back the tears,

Ron hugged Harry tightly, "Harry you're my best friend, there are so many things I want to say –"

Harry released Ron out of their embrace and held up a hand to silence him, "There's nothing you need to say. Our friendship has been much more than enough. But listen, if I don't get out of this alive," he shook his head when Ron attempted to talk, "if I don't, just promise me that you and Hermione stick together okay? The same we've been since nine years ago."

Ron nodded, "Of course."

"Now get out of here!" Harry pointed towards a dungeon door leading back the way they came.
Ron hesitated then turned to run. "Wait." Ron stopped and turned to face Harry, "Ron- listen, I never exactly got to be with the person I love before this point. So do me another favor and don't wait until the last minute to be with that one person you're meant to be with."

Ron shot him a quizzical expression, "That's a bit easier said than done!"

"I know. I know. I'm just saying I'm regretting not spending more time with her now. So, when this war's done, just think about it. I don't want you to have the same regrets I do."

Ron nodded, "I promise then Harry." With that, he turned back on his heel and ran out of the dungeons.

---

-Ron lay there and contemplated. He did stay true to his promise. When the war ended and the rebuilding of a broken world began, he had started his search for the one'.

Rolling onto his stomach, he faced the window on the wall which the bed was pushed against. He remained silent and tried to listen for any sounds in the house. Nothing. Absolute silence besides his own breathing. This disturbed him, so he threw off the covers of the bed, swung his legs over and left the room, wand already taken from his bedside table.

***

Ron went to the room across from his own and gently opened the door. He peeked in and there was still silence. He whispered lumos' and entered the room. Besides the furniture within, no one was there. Alarmed, he left the room and proceeded to Hermione's bed room. He knocked with anxiety, awaiting for some sounds telling him she had been awaken.

The door opened on its own and he entered. Hermione looked up from her bed as she replaced her wand on the bedside table. Her short locks were tied back away from her face, as she preferred at night, and he could clearly see her face as the moonlight poured through her bay window. She glared at him in annoyance and concern,

"Ron- it's," she paused to look at the muggle clock on her table which emitted the time in a red glow, "it's three in the morning. How can you even be up? After a second dinner you're usually knocked out!"

"I know, I know, but I couldn't sleep and I realized it was too quiet and- where's Neville?" Ron finally questioned,

Hermione rolled her eyes as she let her head fall back onto her pillow. "He's at the Burrow."

Ron let out a sigh of relief, "Why didn't you tell me? When I went to go see him, he wasn't there and I freaked out."

"You've been paranoid since the end of the war Ron," Hermione muttered loud enough for him to hear, "I know Auror training was good for you and all, but it made you a tad paranoid."

"Auror training was a year ago and I'm not even in that business anymore. And I am NOT paranoid!" Ron exclaimed, "So, why didn't you tell me why Neville wasn't here?"

"You never asked?" She offered as she buried her head back in her pillow, "Go back to sleep Ron."

"You mean I have to walk back down the hall?" Ron whined.

Hermione looked up at him, "You prat." She threw a pillow at him as she edged to one side of her bed, "Well, are you going to sleep by the door or sleep beside me?"

"The door's more tempting right now," He muttered as he padded towards her bed and laid down on the other side of the bed, tucking the pillow under his head. "Thanks Mione."

"Yeah, yeah," she muttered as she turned on her side so she was facing him, "You know, this could be a reason why some of the women you date only date you once."

"Why?" Ron inquired,

"Because you sleep in my bed often," Hermione pointed out,

"What should that matter? We're just friends. We're just sleeping together. It's not like we're sleeping together'," Ron defended, "You girls always have a dirty mind in these things."

"And you guys don't?" Hermione gasped,

"We do not," Ron answered as he closed his eyes, "Now will you stop talking? I need my beauty sleep."

Hermione smirked as she pushed him off the edge of the bed. "Good night Ron," she said innocently as he hit the floor with a thud and stood up to glare down at her.

He huffed, "Good night indeed."

***

Ron felt himself slipping out of his deep slumber the next morning. He felt the slightly warm rays of sun on his face and felt another warmth right beside him. Lazily, he opened his eyes and looked down to see his arms wrapped around Hermione as she snuggled to his side, head laying on the crook of his shoulder. The sun glittered on the natural gold strands in her hair and she looked, he had to admit, ethereal.

What if he tried dating Hermione again? It worked once before and, besides a little mishap and their fighting - their relationship was perfect. Maybe it could work again? Here he was, after all, in her bed, with her in his arms. It wasn't the first time, as Hermione mentioned the night before. Maybe she invited him to sleep in her room because she wants to start things up again? The thought lingered in his mind. However, as he relished in the idea of perhaps being with Hermione again, another thought came into his head. Less a thought and more so a memory of their conversation the night before-

---

"Why not try Lavender again?" Hermione suggested, "I mean, you guys were together at one point in Hogwarts, couldn't you try dating her again?"

-

Hermione looked away, "Fine, I won't pry into your reasons. But trust me, you guys will hit it off without a hitch."

Ron ran a hand through his hair wearily, "I hope. Who knew searching for the one' would be so difficult?"

"You'll find her," Hermione insisted, "For all we know, she's Lavender."

---

What if he was getting her signal crossed and what he mistook for affection was really just a deep friendship? After all, if she wanted to be with him again, wouldn't she have mentioned it by now? The one fact that convinced him he was being silly to even think of being with Hermione again was that she was always trying to help him find dates.

Sighing slightly, he closed his head as he let his chin rest on the top of her head. He breathed in the scent of her which was vanilla and strawberries. Why hadn't he been able to have success with any of the girls Hermione set him up with? They were all terrific people, great personalities and, although appearances weren't a big department for him, they were each beautiful in their own way. He opened his eyes again as he stared out the window, maybe the problem was found in himself. What was wrong with him that he had no success at all in any relationship? Not even his previous relationship with Hermione was perfect considering they fought often. What was it that drove him to cause his relationships to go ruin?

"You're upset about something."

Pulled out of his reverie, he looked down at Hermione who looked up at him, "Why do you say that?"

"Well, you've got this horrible look on your face," Hermione explained as she pulled out of his embrace and got out of bed, "And it's six in the morning and you're up. Do you have practice with the team today?"

"Later around noon," Ron explained before adding, "But I know the rest of the Chudley Cannons will be there way after noon."

"You're all amazing players in the games. Until it's practice, then you're lazy prats, the whole lot of you." Hermione chuckled as she opened the door to her room, heading to the bathroom.

She came out seconds later, "I just remembered, so I'll set things up with Lavender today if that's alright?" Ron shrugged submissively, "Well, when is it good to go out?"

"When would it be okay with her?" Ron asked,

"Ron, she's just a secretary at the Ministry, not a department head like myself. Besides, you're the one with the big job," Hermione reminded,

"Then tomorrow after the match is good for me," Ron said simply.

"Great," Hermione exclaimed as she headed back to the bathroom, "You two will hit it off. I'm sure of it!"

Ron sighed as he headed back to his room as he passed the closed door of the bathroom, "I wish I were as sure as you."

***

Hermione finished reading and signing a stack of contracts just as Lavender popped her head through the door.

"Did you call me?" Lavender grinned,

"Yes, yes. Come in," Hermione beckoned as she magicked the papers into a filing cabinet behind her desk.

Lavender sat down at a chair in front of Hermione's desk. A muggle cell phone on her desk rang and Hermione gave an apologetic look as she answered the call. As Hermione conversed as quickly as possible to the person on the other end of the phone, she stole glances at Lavender, looking her up and down.

Today, Lavender wore robes of deep purple which complemented nicely with her blonde hair and blue eyes. Hermione took a second to assess Lavender again, perhaps she was being too hard in judging? Her hair had a golden sheen to it and her eyes were a deeper blue than most others; certainly could not hold a feather to the blue in Ron's eyes, however.

Hermione looked down at her desk as she ended the conversation and put the phone away in her desk, "Sorry."

"It's okay," Lavender insisted, "So, why'd you call?"

"I know this is odd and out of the blue, but would you like to go on a date with Ron Weasley?" Hermione asked as if she had memorized and said this line over and over before. In truth, she had. She said that exact question to every girl she had set up for Ron and, she had learned after the first few girls, no one could resist. Lavender, if Hermione knew her as well as she thought, would also accept the date.

"He's in the market?" Lavender questioned as she examined Hermione's expression. Hermione nodded solemnly, "And he wants to go out with me?" Although Hermione knew Ron was hesitant, she did not hesitate to nod a positive answer to Lavender. "When would he want to go out?"

"Tomorrow after the match?" Hermione suggested,

Lavender chewed on her lip as she contemplated her answer. She looked at Hermione, but she had plastered on a blank expression she had learned to force on herself. Lavender, Hermione knew, would accept.

She's just putting a show,' Hermione thought as she stared at Lavender who continued on with her contemplation facade.

Lavender let out a sigh as if she was submitting to the date, "Very well. Is this all?"

Hermione nodded so Lavender stood up and left the office. Hermione smirked as she heard a little squeal of joy after Lavender had left the room. Although she appeared annoyed with the thought of dating Ron, Hermione knew quite well that Lavender was ecstatic.

***


Signing the last of the papers due for the next morning, Hermione placed a stack of papers in a filing cabinet. Closing it and placing a locking charm on it, she returned to the pile of books laying haphazardly around her desk. Shaking her head at the disorganization, she pulled back her leather chair to sit in it. Practically collapsing into the chair, she closed her eyes as she tried to regain some energy the day took away from her. After Lavender had left her office, she began to become swamped with piles of work from Madame Minister along with other cases around London dealing with her department in the Ministry.

"You look tired."

Her eyes shot open in alarm and after seeing who it was, relaxed and closed her eyes once more, "What are you doing here Ron? I thought you had practice."

"I did. From noon until seven. It's seven-thirty," Ron explained as he sat down in a chair before her desk, "Busy day?" Hermione could do nothing more than nod in confirmation, "I passed Lavender on my way into the Ministry, she seemed awfully friendly. I'm assuming you set things up?" Hermione nodded again, "Mione, you better be right in saying she changed. She seemed like the same, flirtatious Lavender back there."

"Don't worry Ron, she's changed," Hermione insisted, "She's not a ditsy, annoying air head like she was back in Hogwarts. She's got a good head on her shoulders."

"I'm just saying, appearances can be deceiving," Ron said casually as he picked up one of the books laying on her desk closest to him,

"Is that referring to the reason you broke up with her in Seventh Year?" Hermione inquired and Ron nodded as he began to read the page the book was opened to, "Are you going to tell me why, now?"

Ron abruptly closed the book and placed it back on the desk as a dismissive sign. "So," he continued as if the question had never been asked, "are you ready to leave? I'm starving."

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed exasperatedly,

"What?" He whined,

"If you wanted to go out for dinner, why didn't you ask Lavender?" Hermione demanded, "You know you're going to go out with her anyway and here you came looking for company to dinner!"

"Because I'm going to dinner with her tomorrow anyway," Ron said simply, "I came here to escort one of my best friends to dinner."

"Oh please, every time we go out for dinner it's always the Leaky Cauldron," Hermione rolled her eyes as she stood up to collect her books and place them on a shelf on the other side of her office.

"Is there a problem with the Leaky Cauldron?" Ron asked with an edge to his voice,

"No, I'm just saying that it'd be nice to eat dinner elsewhere," Hermione answered as she sent the books flying to the bookcase.

"Well good, because I wasn't going to take you to the Leaky Cauldron anyway," Ron revealed.

Hermione raised her head from her briefcase to give him a quizzical expression, "And where did you plan to take me?"

"The Burrow," Ron grinned from ear to ear, "Charlie's cooking."

"Charlie's the only one around to cook," Hermione reminded him.

Ron shrugged, "It's not my fault he took it upon himself to take on mum's burdens."

A silence fell on them as the awkward subject of Ron's parents entered their conversation. Hoping for another topic out of it, Hermione asked the only question seeming reasonable enough to ask,

"What's he cooking?" Hermione asked,

Ron shrugged, "It's always a surprise with Charlie. Now grab your stuff and lets go."

"So bossy," Hermione scoffed, "If you want to go there so badly, you can go there and I'll meet you there."

"How do I know you'll come?" Ron inquired as he scrutinized her,

"Neville's there," Hermione answered simply, "I was going to go to the Burrow after work anyway. So, it's only convenience that you're there as well. He's anxious to see you."

"How do you know?" Ron asked,

It was Hermione's turn to shrug, "He's been asking for you all week."

Ron's expression softened, "Really? I miss Neville. I'll have to apologize for not coming by and visiting then."

Hermione nodded, "Since you haven't seen him, I won't barge in on you guys. You should go ahead, I'll be there in ten minutes."

Ron nodded in agreement and left her to her thoughts.

***

"Good evening Hermione!" Charlie greeted happily as he turned away to his finished creation on the stove top.

"To you too, Charlie," Hermione smiled as she hugged him, "That smells good!"

"Why thank you," Charlie said as he picked up his wand and got three bowls out of a cupboard,

"Three? I guess Ginny's still in Paris then?" Charlie nodded, "Do you have any idea when she'll be back?"

"Well, the last owl I got was two days ago. She mentioned something about running away to the Americas to elope. Oh yes, she did mention she'll be returning shortly after the birth of her second child," Charlie smirked as Hermione rolled her eyes,

"You Weasley boys never grow up," Hermione stated as she took a seat at the kitchen table,

"We would if we wanted to," Charlie chuckled as he began to pour some stew into each bowl, "So, what brings you to our humble abode? Fetching Neville I'm assuming?"

Hermione nodded, "If you don't mind me stealing him back. What did he do yesterday after I left in the morning?"

Charlie shrugged as he tried to remember, "He stayed mostly with Fred and George at the shop in Diagon Alley."

Hermione shook her head in dismay, "Those two will have a bad influence on him if they're around him this much."

Charlie laughed, "Don't worry Herms. Fred and George have good heads on their shoulders. They won't let anything bad happen to Neville while he's with them."

Hermione smiled as she nodded. Charlie may have been laughing, but Hermione sense the seriousness behind his smiles. "Yes well, I couldn't do much if I wanted to get him to spend less time with them if I wanted. He has too much fun with them and I'd hate to take away the one thing that makes him laugh until he goes blue in the face." She thanked him when he handed her a bowl of stew and a spoon. She was about to taste it when she stopped and placed the spoon back down.

"It can't be so horrible that you already hate it?" Charlie raised an eyebrow,

"I just remembered we're eating without Ron. You know he hates it," Hermione smirked, "Where is he anyway?"

"Last time I checked, he was up in his bedroom talking to Neville," Charlie explained. Hermione sat silently as she avoided looking at Charlie, "Herms, if you want to go up there, you don't need to be shy about it. You've lived here since your Second Year. I'm not necessarily going to demand you ask when you can roam around the house!"

"Thanks Charlie," Hermione said sheepishly. She got up and kissed him with sisterly affection on the cheek, "I forget sometimes."
With that, she trotted out of the kitchen and headed to the familiar, squeaky stairs.

***

Hermione stopped outside the old door leading to Ron's bedroom. She pressed her ear against the door in hopes to catch what Ron was saying to Neville.

"I know you've been her tons, but I had to bring you to see my room. I've lived in this room for ages," she heard Ron say, "Harry's lived in this room almost as long as I have. But, as you know, he's gone."
There was a silence before she heard Ron's voice again, "Hermione, I know you're out there. You might as well come in already."

Grinning sheepishly, she entered and closed the door behind her. "How'd you know?"

"How else? I heard you come up the stairs," Ron smirked.

Hermione shook her head as she went to Ron's bed and sat next to Neville. She gently patted his head as she looked down at her son with affection, "He's getting so big now, don't you think?"

"He is. He's almost two right?" Ron inquired and Hermione nodded as she lifted little Neville under the arms and onto her lap. "He's very energetic," he commented as Neville attempted to squirm out of his mother's grasp,

"He is. Just like his father," Hermione smiled with a hint of something Ron was unsure of, "it's obvious he loves his father."

Ron smiled, "It is." For a few silent moments, he watched Hermione talk with her child. He smiled with affection as he watched the maternal instinct in Hermione came out while she was with her son. He was there the first moments of Neville's life and felt himself lucky to see her when she first held Neville in her arms. Now, as they sat on his bed, he felt himself lucky again. Here, with Hermione, it felt right. He wasn't sure why, but it did. He felt a pang of guilt reside in his heart and so, he stood up and walked to his window. He hoped if he didn't watch Hermione with Neville, the feeling would go away; the feeling and the guilt that came with it every time he was around the two of them.

***

Ron sat in the dim restaurant with Lavender sitting across from him in a skin-tight, maroon dress. As she pondered over the menu of what to order, Ron examined her in a fashion he did with the other girls Hermione had set him up with. Her hair fell to her mid back and was a dull blonde. Nothing spectacular there. Her eyes, the last time he looked at them a few moments prior, were a plain blue. He had seen that same shade of blue everywhere. She wasn't the most beautiful person he had ever seen. Frankly, she was plain. However, appearances weren't big to him, and he prided himself of that. It was her personality that worried him the most. Plain looking or not, Lavender's personality was the one thing that either drew people to her, or cast them away from her sight.

She looked up slightly and looked at him through slightly-lowered lashes, "Like what you see Ronald?"

"I was just waiting to see if you were done and ready to order," Ron replied casually as he placed his menu aside.

When she nodded and also set aside her menu, a waiter was there in record time, taking their orders. When the waiter had left, Ron was grasping at threads for conversation,

"So, what have you been up to since Hogwarts?" Ron inquired,

"I'm a secretary to Madame Minister herself," Lavender boasted, "Quite the position, I know? I get to be with the Minister every day. Not many people are so fortunate as I."

Ron rolled his eyes discreetly as he looked away, "Why are you bragging about this to me? She's my sister-in-law, Penelope did – after all – marry Percy. I see her every Sunday for lunch." He returned his gaze at her.

Lavender blushed a shade of red before calming down and continued as if she had not been embarrassed, "What about you Ron? What have you been doing since we left Hogwarts? Riding a broom stick professionally I assume?" She mocked,

Ron locked eyes with her. If she wanted to throw low blows at him, he'd take them and counter them back, "Actually, it's only the beginning of this year that I've begun playing for the Chudley Cannons." Lavender's jaw dropped slightly, "I'm sure you've heard of us? So far our season is 6-0. In first place actually."

"I guess I've been too busy to stop and watch such juvenile a sport," Lavender regained her composer, "And what about before that? It took you four years to get on the team? Not something one would brag about Ron."

"Actually, I would've gone there right after Hogwarts. But I decided to go for Auror trainings right after school. It takes a good three years to be finally qualified. Of course, it was difficult with the war during that time," Ron replied casually, "but besides being a fully qualified Auror and professional Quidditch player, my life's been pretty mundane."

Lavender was fuming underneath her make up and Ron could tell. He relished in the thought of it before scolding himself internally. He knew Lavender and himself could not be together again, and this conversation proved it. He shouldn't be enjoying the feeling of embarrassing Lavender.

"Ron, I've come to this conclusion that we have a lot of skeletons in our closets," Lavender said coolly, "but, I think we can still make it."

"Oh really?" Ron asked as he raised a curious eyebrow, intrigued to see where she was going with this. If she's really changed,' he thought, she'll prove it now.'

"Yes. There's just one thing I want," Lavender explained. Ron inclined his head, signaling her to continue, "Don't ever see Hermione Granger again."

Ron sat back in his chair, crossing his arms across his chest, "Really? And why would you want that?"

"It's simple Ron, we went through this when we first dated in Seventh Year," Lavender reminded, "I know how it is between the two of you. Ron, if she wanted to be with you, don't you think she'd already gotten together with you by now? Besides, you and I both know she's the mother to Neville Longbottom's child." She leaned back in her chair with a twisted smile and smug expression in her eyes.

Ron's jaw dropped as he stared at her in dead shock. "I thought you were delusional when you mentioned me never seeing one of my best friends ever again, but it shocks me to hear you say she's the mother of Neville Longbottom's child. That just confirms you belong in a mental institution," Ron laughed as he stood up from the table,

"Don't deny it Ron! Why else would she name her son Neville?" Lavender demanded,

"Because Hermione and the father of her son wanted to name their son after a person who, not only meant a great deal to the both of them, but saved both their lives during the war," Ron informed,

"How do I know you're not lying?" Lavender inquired,

"Well, first off, Hermione's never thought of Neville as more than a brotherly figure and, if you've forgotten, Neville died in the first year of the war after Seventh Year. Meaning he wasn't around to get Hermione pregnant. He took down six Death Eaters right before he was killed," Ron said in a dark tone, "It wouldn't be wise to forget the dead and their sacrifices Lavender." He turned to leave,

"Wait." Sighing, he turned back to face her, "That still doesn't deny the fact she has a child Ron. And the father of her son, what about him? Even if they're not together, if you two got together, you'd always be third in her heart! Her son and the father would always be placed before you."

Ron nodded as he said calmly, "I know Lavender. As they should be placed in her heart. I can't believe you act like a friend to Hermione and the second her back's turned you're already insulting her and bringing up accusations attempting to make me end my friendship with her. Don't you ever do that again Lavender," he looked darkly at her; threateningly even. "If you cause Hermione or her son any problems, I will make your life a living hell. Do I make myself clear?"

Lavender nodded as she swallowed the lump which had formed in her throat, "Very clear."

He turned to leave but paused before taking a step away from the table. He smirked as he looked at her over his shoulder, "It wasn't wise to say those things so freely in a public restaurant Lavender. The father of Hermione's child is in this restaurant."

Lavender grew a shade of brightest cherry, "Where!?"

Ron scoffed, "Why should I tell you? So you can go and slander his good name behind his back? Goodbye Lavender." Not allowing her another word, he strode out of the restaurant – leaving Lavender with her thoughts and her embarrassment.

***

Hermione looked up from her seat by her bay window when she heard a noise coming from down the hall. Uncertainly, she put down her mug of hot chocolate and grasped her wand in the other hand. Swiftly, she crossed the floor to the door and opened it with the most subtlety she could muster. She saw the door to Neville's room open. Taking a deep breath, she jumped in the doorway, wand pointed.

"Ron, if you keep entering the house without telling me, I'll kill you one of these days!" Hermione scolded as she dropped her arm to her side,

"Well why should I announce my arrival? I do have a key," Ron reminded as he walked away from Neville's gated bed. "Sorry I scared you, I just wanted to make sure Neville was here before I came to see you."

"It was one night I didn't tell you where he was," Hermione rolled her eyes as she retreated back to her room, Ron in toe.

He closed the door behind him and walked over to her bed, laying down as she sat back by the bay window.

"Why are you here so early?" Hermione inquired as she finished the last of her hot chocolate and placed it on the ground,

"We had a rough game today. I'm tired," Ron explained, "and since your house is closest, I thought I might as well sleep here."

"That's not what I meant," Hermione said, "what happened with Lavender?"

"Mione, I told you that appearances are deceiving," Ron said,

"What are you playing at?" Hermione asked hesitantly,

"Let's just say she hasn't changed a single bit since Hogwarts Mione," Ron answered simply as he closed his eyes,

"How do you know? Did she do anything?" Hermione inquired,

"Oh yeah," Ron answered, "She did a lot."

"Like-?" Hermione egged on,

"Hermione, just let it rest," Ron said,

"Ron!" She flung her feet over the edge, knocking the mug over and it broke to shard. She cursed and stepped down to get the broom close by. She jumped back onto the window seat with a loud yell.

Ron sat up straight and stared at her, "What happened?" Hermione was too busy with the pain in her feet to answer, but Ron soon realized what happened when he saw the broken pieces of porcelain on the ground. "Bloody hell, Mione."
Taking out his wand, he pointed to the shards. Summoning them to all float, he sent them flying into the bin. He knelt down before her. Cringing at the sight of several shards impaled into her feet, he went to grab one.

She grabbed his wrist, stopping him, "Ron, don't." He looked up at her in confusion and saw the tears pouring down her face. He nodded, realizing it would hurt even more if he took them out by hand. He stood up, put an arm behind her back and behind her knees and picked her up, "What are you-?"

He walked her over to the bathroom and sat her down on the closed toilet seat and elevated her feet on the rim of the tub. Kneeling down before her again, Ron took out his wand, "Mione, will you be okay?"

She nodded violently as she closed her eyes tightly. One by one, he summoned the shards out of her feet. A cry escaped each time a shard was set free from her skin. By the time all the shards – seven rather large shards and ten smaller pieces – were out of her feet, blood was dripping down the edges of the tub, both in and out, onto the small rug before the tub.

"It'll take forever to get those stains out of the rug," Hermione sighed as she wiped away her tears. She had watched Ron the entire time. She examined him as he worked on the shards and she realized there was something different about Ron. Something was there that she hadn't realized before.

Ron, who had been silent the entire time, took off his dress shirt and magicked it to rip apart.

Hermione gasped, "Ron! That's your dress shirt!"

"I know Mione," Ron said as he took one half and wrapped it around her left foot, tying it securely, "but you need something to cover these wounds so they can begin healing overnight. I'm not Madame Pomfrey, but I sure as heck know what to do in these situations."

"But- that's your good shirt," Hermione reminded him,

"Mione," he looked up at her as he finished securing the last of his shirt around her right foot, "I know already. Besides, they have Lavender stench on them."

He stood up and dusted off his dark pants. He reached down to help her up. She swung her legs off of the tub's edge and, grabbing his hands, she stood up. Pain immediately stung her feet and she clung onto his arms for support, "Ron, could you please?"

He picked her up once again like before and carried her back to her room.

***

Placing Hermione down gently on her bed, Ron sat down beside her, "They'll probably still hurt tomorrow."

"Thanks for the warning," she smirked up at him, her face visible as moonlight flooded into the secluded room. "So, what happened with Lavender?"

"Mione- this conversation is what caused you to your feet slashed like that," Ron said with a warning tone, hinting her to stop asking,

"No Ron, your stubbornness to answer me did," she defended, "You might as well tell me! I'll find out one way or another. Lavender will tell me."

"Lavender will tell you a whole bunch of lies," He corrected quickly. She shot him a quizzical expression, Mione, one of the reasons I broke it off with Lavender back in Seventh Year was because she talked about you behind your back."

Her jaw dropped slightly, "One of the reasons? What else is there besides one of my so-called friends from Hogwarts talking behind my back?" Ron shook his head, "Ron, tell me."

"No, this subject is obviously upsetting you. I won't say another word," Ron said sternly,

"Ronald Weasley. You will tell me. I deserve to kn-"

"She wanted me to stop being friends with you," he interrupted as he looked out the window, avoiding eye contact.

Hermione sat in shocked silence. "And she asked you that tonight, right? She asked if you two were going to be together you'd have to stop being friends with me?" He nodded, still not looking at her, "And you said yes. You came by tonight to say goodbye to Neville and me because you've decided to stop being friends with me."

He jerked his head at her, eyebrows narrowed, "Hermione you know me better than that! You think I'd give up our friendship over some other girl?"

"But you should if she's the one!" Hermione exclaimed,

"She's not!" Ron insisted aggressively, "Mione, she even brought Neville into the conversation trying to sway me towards her and away from you. You think I'd want to be with someone who would try to use my son as a way to separate me from the mother of my child - my best friend since First Year?"

"So you told her you're Neville's father?" Hermione inquired,

"She didn't deserve to know," Ron spat, "trust me, she is NOT the one."

"You've found the one though, haven't you? That's why you look so serene and- different? As if you've had an immense epiphany of some sort." Ron nodded, "So who is it?"

"It's someone who you spend every day with, so you know she's perfect in every way. The girl you've been trying to help me find, and all of this time she's been right here," Ron explained,

"Ron you've just described Lavender," Hermione said reluctantly, a certain tone to her voice.

"Do you want to see her?" Ron asked and, hesitantly, Hermione nodded. He left the room and soon returned with something in his hand. He sat back down and handed it to her.

"I'm curious to see who it is, after all, I was the one always helping you to find her. Is it Susan? Or Hannah? How about Ca-" Hermione's words caught in her throat when she turned it over to find herself looking in a mirror. She looked up at Ron who was looking out the window once more, "Ron this is-"

"Mione, I know what it is." Ron said sternly as he continued to avoid looking at her, "I realized how I felt yesterday morning and it was only confirmed tonight when I spent dinner defending you in front of Lavender. Hermione- I never stopped loving you."

"I know," she muttered as she looked down at the small mirror in her lap, catching rays of moon.

He jerked his head to look at her, "You know? How?"

"Because I never stopped loving you," she admitted, keeping her gaze down.

"You never- but then why have you been trying to get me to date other women this entire time if you knew we still loved each other?" Ron demanded,

"I was scared," She answered in a strong tone.

"Scared of what? Of me?" He asked,

"Yes!"

"Why? Why me?" He demanded,

"Because I don't want to get hurt again Ron!" Hermione exclaimed as tears brimmed her eyelids and lined her eyelashes, "I don't want to be with you if you're just going to cheat on me again. If I'm pregnant again, I don't want you leaving me again!"

He turned to face her, "I won't hurt you like I did. I didn't even know why I did what I did."

"With Lavender to boot!" Hermione reminded bitterly, "Ron, I don't want to be walking down Diagon Alley and then suddenly see you snogging in an back alley with Lavender!"

"It won't happen!" Ron insisted,

"How do I know Ron? You did it once and you could very well do it again."

"Because Neville's in our life now," Ron said softly,

"So you want to be with me so Neville doesn't have to grow up with separated parents?" Hermione spat as she threw her arms in the air exasperatedly,

"No!" Ron exclaimed as he collected her hands in his, "No, that's not it," he sat closer to her and forced her to look at him, "I want to be with you because I love you. I'll never hurt you again because I love you. I was an idiot and I didn't realize back then that the most wonderful love I had in my life was you."

"I want to believe you Ron, I do believe you. But a part of me still doesn't know if I can trust you again like that," Hermione cried as she looked into his blue eyes which screamed sincerity.

"I was there when you found out you were pregnant at the Healer's office. I was there when you told your parents and then when you told my parents at their graves. I was there when you gave birth to Neville. I've been here every day of your life," Ron reminded gently, "I'm not going to leave you now or ever. Mione, I want Neville to be a part of my life as he should be. I want to be a part of his life. I want to be a part of your life."

"You are a part of my life, Ron," Hermione insisted in a whisper,

"You know what I mean. Mione, I want to be with you again," Ron admitted,

"I don't kn-"

"When I woke up yesterday morning with you beside me and in my arms, it felt right! When we were in the Burrow and we were there together, you, me and Neville – it felt right.

"Hermione," he took her face in his hands, "I want to wake up everyday with you in my arms. I want to live each day by your side. I want to be with you while we watch Neville grow up. I want to be the one to give you a second child and be the one at your side when you give birth to that child. I want to be the one you come home to every night. I want you to be the one who kisses me before and after my matches. I want to not only be your best friend but your boyfriend; lover; husband; confidante; partner in crime; father of your child- I want to be everything you look for in a man."

She tried to look away in order to conceal the tears, but he moved her head so she was looking at him again and he held a stern yet gentle grip on her face. Tears trickled down her cheeks as he gazed into her chocolate eyes. He moved so he was now kneeling beside her, "Look at me. I am not lying to you. I am a man, on my knees and begging for forgiveness. Begging my sins be forgiven and forgotten. Begging that the one woman – the one I have only ever loved and do love and will ever love – will give me another chance."

Tenderly, she pushed back a lock of hair which had fell out of place across his forehead, "I'll give you another chance if you give me one."

"For what?" Ron inquired curiously,

"Pushing you away the past two years since after the war. For pushing you into the arms of other women," Hermione said softly, "For being a horrible friend in the fact I could not trust you fully even though you're right. You've been there for me every step of the way, even after we broke up."

He kissed her then and there, too deliriously happy to allow another word stall this moment he had been hoping for. It was in that brief moment that Ron found out that he knew she was the one for him all along just that it had taken a few years and some trivialities for him to come to that realization. It was passionate and sweet at the same time. It was infused with both lust, love and a tenderness she felt spread throughout her body. The sensation was both familiar, yet new as if they had never been together. It was like their first kiss, as if they had come full circle.

"Are we interrupting something?"

They pulled away quickly: Ron stumbling to his feet and Hermione pushing away the furious blush creeping on her cheeks.
Looking at the door they saw two people, one of them holding their son.

"When did you get back, Gin?" Ron inquired as he approached his sister who had interrupted their explosive kiss. He kissed her on the forehead, "And why in Merlin's name did you wake up Neville?"

"Oh please, he was practically calling out for his Auntie," Ginny said dramatically as she walked over to the bed, sat and greeted with Hermione.

"Is Ginny really telling the truth?" Ron turned to Ginny's fiancé of two years,

"You know you're sister mate, she loves her nephew," He grinned as he embraced Ron, "It's good to see you Ron."

"You too Harry. It seems like ages since you left," Ron offered a lop-sided grin,

"It was only three weeks," Ginny reminded as she handed a fidgeting little Neville to his mother, "It didn't even seem that long, right Harry?"

"Right m'dear, it seemed longer," Harry smirked as she gave him a scowl, "Just joking my love," he insisted as he walked over, giving Hermione a kiss on the cheek and ruffled the little crown of hair on Neville's head. "How is my other best friend?" Harry inquired as he sat at the bay window, "and her handsome son?"

"She is quite well and he is growing too fast for his mother's liking," Hermione beamed at him.

"I still think it was nice of you guys to name your son after Neville," Ginny admitted,

"Neville Longbottom was and still is a dear friend to both of us," Hermione explained as she let Neville crawl around the bed, "not to mention he saved both of our lives in the war before he died."

"We thought if we were going to name our son after someone, it should be someone of honor, loyalty and true bravery," Ron added, "I will personally tell him the history of his name."

Harry and Ginny nodded in agreement.

"You know," Hermione began as Ron walked over and stood against the wall beside Harry. "you shouldn't leave for too long Harry. Ron mopes around too much."

"He wasn't moping when we entered," Harry smirked,

"Cheeky prat," Ron muttered as he playfully punched Harry then headed over to the bed, "Don't listen to Mione either. I don't mope."

"No, you whine, cry, rant, have tantrums-" Ginny listed as she switched places with her brother and stood next to Harry. "Only joking," she added after he shot her a dark look, "So, what was going on when we entered?"

"Nothing," Ron said simply as Neville began to crawl towards his lap. He absent-mindedly faced his palm up on his knee so his son could playfully punch at it. "Nothing at all."

"I just helped Ron finally find the one," Hermione explained casually as she tore her eyes away from the heartbreakingly sweet scene of Ron and their son,

"Yeah, I kept my promise Harry," Ron glanced at them, "I was just thanking Hermione as you guys walked in."

"So you guys are getting back together?" Ginny squealed and they both nodded in a calm demeanor, but happiness and joy shone through. She gave them both a hug just before snatching Neville from Ron, "Congratulations you two!"

"You only congratulated us so you could take Neville," Ron accused as he rolled his eyes at his sister.

Harry glared at Ginny when she returned to his side, "How come you never thank me like that?"

Ron let out a hearty laugh, "Maybe she's not the one for you. Actually she is the one for you, mate and it hasn't hit her yet. She'll thank you when it hits. But I'm telling you mate, I've found the one and only for me."

With that, Ron pulled Hermione to him by the collar and pressed his lips against hers in a swift and passion-filled kiss. Pulling back, he looked at her deep brown eyes with his cerulean baby blues,

"I love you."

[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.

[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.