This story will take place during their sixth year after Ron kissed Lavender

Prologue:

When Hermione Granger had first noticed Ronald Weasley, it wasn’t the flaming red hair or the tall-built frame that she’d found intriguing. It was his blazing blue eyes that had set her heart on fire. She knew it was love when she found herself looking at him for no good reason; those eyes just seemed to pierce her every time she met their gaze. Every time he smiled at her (if only to laugh at a joke Harry had just made), she forgot the world around her.

But he was her friend; she didn’t want to ruin the great bond that existed between her, Harry, and Ron, especially if she wasn’t sure whether or not he felt the same way. It was because of this that she had decided that it would be easier for her to maintain her place as his friend if she met other people.

This decision had led her to accept the date with Viktor Krum their fourth year. The relationship with Krum hadn’t worked for her because every time she was with him, she wasn’t seeing Viktor, but Ron. He must’ve noticed this at one point because he had made the suggestion that they remain simply friends.

She had agreed to write to him whenever she could, and when she did, it was mostly about Ron that she wrote. His replies were not very lengthy when they came, but even so he was a very comforting and understanding person. For a time, these exchanges contained mainly Krum’s advice on how she could best find out how Ron felt without compromising her feelings.

But her careful prising had seemingly not worked, for a few weeks later; she had found him kissing Lavender Brown (in the Gryffindor common room, while everyone watched). After getting as even as she possibly could by flinging a flock of angry little birds at him with her wand, she had returned to her dormitory to cry a while. Later in the week she busied herself writing a tear-stained letter to Viktor.

Oh, Viktor, it was awful:

I was on my way to tell Ron how I really feel about him and I found him kissing another girl. I did everything you said, but it didn’t work; Harry tried to calm me down, but I didn’t listen (he always takes Ron’s side); I wouldn’t have believed him anyhow. Viktor, it hurts so much to see them together; they’re hardly ever apart, so I can’t talk to him. I can’t stand it, but—what can I do?

Hermione

Chapter 1

Hermione,
I am sorry that things did not go well for you with Ron. However, I do not find his reaction very surprising. Although your intentions were good, your timing was, most unfortunately not. Perhaps there is a reason behind what he did; maybe this was his way of showing you how he feels. There is only one sure way to find out how he really feels; do not allow yourself to show him how you feel; you must act as though nothing is wrong.
Hoping you’re well,
Viktor Krum

As Hermione read through the letter, she realized nothing could be closer to the truth. She could not show any emotion whatsoever, so the following day at breakfast when Harry asked how she was doing she replied “Never better---how are you Lavender,” she added interrupting the morning kissing ritual.

“I’m just fine, Hermione.” said Ron’s girlfriend with an unhidden curiosity.

“Hello, Hermi…” Ron began, but she continued talking to Lavender as if he’d not spoken.

“I can’t wait until our next Hogsmeade visit I’m…meeting someone there.”

“Really?” asked Lavender, now genuinely interested.

The two girls were now having an intense conversation. Ron could not help but notice the sudden change in Hermione’s behavior. “What’s got her?” he inquired of Harry “I’ve no idea mate,” replied Harry all to truthfully “I haven’t got the slightest clue.”
***
Hermione was doing rather well at hiding her feelings from Ron; it really helped that she was almost completely ignoring him. Whenever she chanced upon him and Lavender in the corridors, she would do nothing except greet him politely, and often not even wait for the reply.

She had also taken it into her hands to become friends with Lavender and Parvati. When Lavender wasn’t locking lips with Ron, she was talking animatedly to Hermione and Parvati.

“You are so lucky to have Ron as your friend, Hermione; we don’t really talk much.”
“Damn right you don’t,” she thought to herself. What she said was “Yes, he never was much of a talker.” she said this with a drippy tone of voice. “So are you going to Hogsmeade with Ron?” she managed to ask casually.

“No, actually I’m going with Parvati, he said he’d walk with Harry; but I suppose we’ll meet there why?”

“Oh…um…no reason, just wondering; bit chilly out isn’t it?” and she went on her way.

“Well, see you there, I guess” they called out after her.
***
When the day of the Hogsmeade visit came, Hermione busied herself getting dressed for the ‘chilly’ weather; the result looked something like this: blue jeans, trainers, and a knit sweater that she had received as a Christmas present from Mrs. Weasley the year before.

She had agreed to meet Ginny and Dean at Madame Rosmerta’s for butterbeer. When she entered the pub, a familiar sight met her eyes: Ron and Lavender shared breaths while Harry and Parvati tried to make polite small talk, it was actually quite humorous to watch. She noticed Ginny calling her and went over.

“Hey Ginny…Dean, alright?”

“We’re fine; well?”

“Well, what…oh that… I’m meeting him at the Shrieking Shack.” she said audibly.

“How is he, have you kissed him yet?”

“Actually, I have, you wouldn’t believe it, Cormac is quite the kisser.” (This was a lie of course she found his kisses sloppy and inappropriate, but it was all part of her and Ginny’s master plan.)

When Dean got up and asked Ginny if he could go talk with Harry as he didn’t want to hear their girl-business, she shooed him away without a second thought. And the friends continued the conversation until Lavender, practically dragging Ron, came over to their table.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear, are you talking about Cormac McLaggen?”

“If you mean the one that almost became the Gryffindor keeper, then yes.” said Hermione while Ron wore a sour expression of distaste and whispered “let’s go” urgently to Lavender.

“What’s the rush, please sit down.” Ron noticed that Hermione was wearing a Weasley sweater and commented on it. “Nice sweater Hermione.”

“Thanks Ron, but don’t you remember, I got it from your mum.” She said causing him to blush and Ginny to burst out in a fit of giggles. “Yes, well, I’m going to Zonko’s with Harry, are you coming Lavender?”

“No thanks, Won-won; I think I’ll stay behind to talk with your sister and Hermione.”

Ron blushed again and this time Ginny wasn’t the only one laughing.

Chapter 2

"Hey, won-won, get up!" Harry teased.

"Shut up, Harry!" said Ron, throwing a pillow at his friend.

They arrived at the Great Hall and found Hermione, not in her usual seat, but sitting very close to Cormac McLaggen. The pair were so deep in conversation that neither noticed their Ron and Harry.

"So, I'll see you at the Quidditch Pitch then?"

"Can't wait," Hermione said in a sickly sweet voice, then noticing Ron watching added a quick kiss. As soon as Cormac left, looking smug, she turned away and wiped her mouth on her robe sleeve and walked out.

During the afternoon potions class, she didn't speak to either of them, nor did she volunteer answers; this was very unusual for Hermione. Ron asked Harry to find out what was wrong. But as soon as he opened his mouth to speak...

"Detention Potter!"

Hermione tried hard not to smile.

"Thanks a lot, Ron. You know next time why don't you ask her yourself and leave me out of it?"

"I would, but...."

but his mouth is always otherwise occupied Hermione finished in her head.
********
She met him at the Quidditch Pitch. They always met here, all he ever talked about was quidditch. She had to be completly honest with herself, she had always supported Harry as Gryffindor seeker, but all this talk of quidditch was justtoo much.

They were watching the team practice, while Cormac shouted suggestions at the players, he moved closer and uneasily closer. His excitement made her nervous because he usually did things in a rough and rather unexpected way.
At the end of practice he was holding her so tightly, she could hardly breathe, much less move.

"Don't you just love quidditch Hermione?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, sure, it's okay I guess. Why don't we go to the common room it's late and I'm a bit tired."

"Late? Well what do you know, time flies when you're having fun doesn't it?"

At the foot of the girl's dormitory stairs, he leaned in for a kiss, but she evaded him. "Well, okay then, good night, Hermione"he said somewhat offended.

"Cormac....wait," she stopped him. "listen, I know that I haven't really been very nice to you lately. But you--we...haven't been getting along too well, so do you think we could just..."

"Are you saying---are you breaking up with me?" he said a slight edge in his voice.

"Well...yes, but don't take it the wrong way, we can still be friends, can't we? I mean, I like you, just not as much as, well, as I thought I did. Can't we work something out?" there was a long silence, then he went and sat on one of the two-seaters;she followed and went to sit next to him.

He sighed, "You're probably right, I guess I am a bit..." he struggled to find the right word "overwhelming...for a girl like yourself. I mean, you're--attractive, but you just don't deserve me." his arrogance was a bit disturbing, but she decided to ignore it.

"So then, it's over." he gave her one last hug which she graciously returned; but before he went to the boys dormitories, she gave him the kiss he had anticpated. Then they both went their separate ways.

After the break-up, Hermione was more herself and consented to speak to her friends again...well, at least to Harry. She was glad that he no longer made any attempts to give her messages from Ron.

She and Ginny were walking through the grounds on Saturday when Ginny asked:

"Hey, you know you really should talk to him; he's taking it awfully badly, he actually pushed her away yesterday."

"Yes, I suppose you're right, but how can I?"

"Oh, you'll find a way, just avoid the subject of Lavender." she walked away, leaving Hermione alone with her thoughts.
********
Viktor,

I'm sorry to bother you, but I need your help with something. I had a plan to date someone else for a time, but it sort of backfired and everything went horribly wrong. He was just not my type. I wanted to make Ron feel the way I felt, but I don't think it worked, he and that girl are closer now than ever. Ginny says I should stop giving him the cold shoulder; but how can I? I'm confused.

Hermione

Chapter 3

She was inching closer to him, she made him feel awkward; at least he could talk to Hermione--it hurt to remember her, and he didn't exactly know why. Ron had always felt very 'protective' toward his second best friend; when she had agreed to go to the Yule Ball with Krum, he felt an envy so great and powerful, he thought he would burst.

It was even worse now; since he had started 'seeing' Lavender Brown, she had been rather hostile and evasive toward him, then she had stopped acknowledging his existence altogether. Although Ginny had told him that she had broken up with McLaggen , he still noticed that Hermione was everything but friendly toward him.

Initially, he had thought that Lavender would be the solution; but there was only one thing: he didn't love her (and he did not want to admit to himself what his heart and mind were practically screaming "It's Hermione you love, so then why insist on this?) Lavender Brown grew more annoying by the day, she had developed a stupid pet name for him--Won-won. Their relationship was based on nothing but snogging. He didn't even like her.

He knew that it would be of no use to keep going with this silly bout of jealous rage....it would only hurt him more, so he made an instant decision--goodbye Lavender.
*****
Hermione,
I do not understand where your confusion is coming from; your friend is right, if you really feel more than friendship for Ronald, then you should stop doing what your jealosy tells you to do, and just talk to him. I know that it does not seem fair of me to "take sides" but don't you think that you're going a little too far?
From what you have told me before, I have come to the conclusion that he feels exactly the same way about you;why else would he kiss another girl except to make you feel the way you made him feel with your "someone else".
He either does not wish to (for fear of rejection) or cannot admit it because of how you make him feel, why not try asking him what he really wants, you and only you will be able to help him settle his problem.
Viktor

Hermione beamed when she read the second paragraph: was there really a possibility that Ron could feel the same way? But what Viktor sugested was simply an outrage, she couldn't just walk up to him and say "Oh, hey Ron, by the way...I love you." It was out of the question, but she could try another approach--simply talk to him.

Her mind made up, she headed down to the common room; what she witnessed was shocking

"Oh, Won-Won....."

she froze, but only momentarily, before storming towards the girls dormitories:

"Hermione, wait--get away from me Lavender."

"But..won-won..."

"Oh, shut up Lavender, it's over! Hermione, wait, I have to..." he couldn't finish because as soon as Hermione heard the words 'its over' she had rushed down and pulled Ron into the longest hug in history "...talk to you."

"What the hell!?!?" yelled Lavender "What is the meaning of this, Ronald?"

"Oh, shut up Lavender!" they both said at once.

Lavender began to swear audibly, but they couldn't hear her, they were both laughing too hard.

Chapter 4

Being back on Hermione's good side had made Ron feel a lot better, but he was still unable to admit that what he felt for her was much more than a simple friendship. He wanted to be with her...always...but his pigheadedness did not let him.

She didn't mind that Ron couldn't return her feelings, all she cared about was that he was not stuck to Lavender Brown any longer. The only one who seemed to be everything but happy, was Lavender herself. After the break-up she had tried everything in her power to get back with Ron.

When she saw that nothing she could do would ever work, she contented herself with glaring at Hermione and Ron whenever and wherever she saw them. Her dirty looks, however, were lost on them.

Hary was one of the first to notice the sudden change in Hermione's attitude; but he did not point it out. Instead he said:

"I think Malfoy might be up to something fishy."

His two best friends tried not to look too annoyed; they had heard this story so many times before. They were at the Gryffindor common room, Harry and Ron finishing up their homework while Hermione sat at a table writing fervently on a scrap of parchment.

"Whoa. Slow down Hermione, you might hurt yourself, who are you writng to anyhow?" inquired Ron.

"Well, if you must know I'm writing to Viktor."

Immeditely Ron's expression changed "What you writng to that thug for?"

Hermione thought she'd better not answer that.

"I'm going to bed," she annoced "good night Harry, Ron."

With that said, she gathered all her things into a heap and went upstairs to the girls dormitories and after dumping her books unceremoniusly in a pile on the floor, settled on the bed to finish her letter:

Viktor,
I know this will sound a bit strange and selfish, but I can't help but being happy. Ron finally broke it off with Lavender, I guess that he's finally realized that he's much too good for her. Anyway, I'm still not sure about how he feels and I don't intend to ask him anytime soon. Lately Ron has been very moody and awkward around me, especially when I talk to or about other boys. I swear, I haven't got a clue what's going on.
Hermione

The next morning she woke up sweating profusely; she'd had a nightmare about Ron getting back together with Lavender. Not able to go back to sleep, she dressed and made her way to the owelry to send her letter.

After she had sent it off on one of the school owls, she headed to the Great Hall, had breakfast and then went out to the castle grounds for a walk. On her walk she saw the Whomping Willow and smiled as she rememebered the adventure that she, Harry, and Ron had in there only a few years back.

Chapter 5

When Ron and Harry arrived from the Great Hall, they found her asleep on one of the various chintz armchairs contained in the Gryffindor common room.

They tried not to wake her but the sound of their voices was enough, she was soon awake and asking questions like how long was she asleep; when did they get here; and what was all the commotion about?

Harry answered all of her questions with patience only someone who knew Hermione could have: He didn’t know how long; they had just got here; and (Harry at least) was concerned about Draco’s mischievous plans.
But before he could even begin to discuss his suspicions, Hermione cut him off.

“Harry, we’ve been through this a dozen times. What could Voldemort possibly want done here at Hogwarts; and why on earth would he choose a student…Malfoy…to do it?”

“I don’t know do I, all I know is that Malfoy is a death eater and that he’s been assigned some sort of task……”

While Harry went on about Malfoy and the things that he’d overheard, Hermione just sat and watched Ron. His expression, like hers, was one of complete boredom.

His beautiful blue eyes, so perfect, were shining with the anticipation that she knew they both had. She and Ron were both hoping that Harry would stop talking soon so that they could all go about carrying their Sunday plans.

Hermione wanted to go to the Hogwarts library so that she could have some time to think about things while absorbed in one of the many books that were contained in this chamber of the school.

At the library, she sat reading about the school—something she never tired of doing—while she thought about how best to let Ron know how she felt without really telling him directly.

When she got back to her dormitory she found a letter from Viktor on the bed.

Hermione,
Now more than ever I can assure you that Ronald feels the same way. It is completely obvious from what you have told me. These constant mood swings that you mentioned, do they happen only around you? He is jealous that you can speak so freely about other boys, when he so ‘gallantly’ let go of his old girlfriend so that you could be happy and so that he might find out if you felt the same way about him as he does about you. Maybe you should stop being so stubborn and simply take a chance and do what your heart tells you.
Good Luck,
Viktor

This letter helped her to make her decision once and for all. She would at last stop holding back her feelings and just talk to Ron. She went down to the common room to find him. He was sitting quietly, reading of all things.

“Hey Ron, do you mind if I join you?”

“Go ahead” he said, pointing to the chair in front of where he was sitting. But to his surprise she took the seat directly next to him on the two-seater.

“What are you reading?” she asked, moving closer to him.

“It’s a book about the Chudley Cannons.”

“Really, can I see?” He offered her the book, but she didn’t take it, she just leaned over and looked at it without really seeing it.

By this point Ron was very nervous and he was getting a bit curious too.

“Hermione what are you doing?” he inquired, clearing his throat.

“Sitting with you, what does it look like I’m doing?” she said innocently.

Their eyes met and their lips followed...

He hadn't been expecting this. Kissing Hermione felt so much better than anything he had ever experienced with Lavender. He felt that she, Hermione really felt something for him. That she really wanted to be with him, here. Both were lost in this moment...neither wanted the other to let go...neither wanted it to end.

Chapter 6

I kissed him!
I can't believe it, I did what you said and I think you were right; he loves me. I could feel the connection. It was just so perfect, I never wanted it to end. It's over now, but the magic will never end. It was thanks to you that this happened Viktor, and I can never express enough gratitude, I swear if you were here, I would hug you and not let go.Thanks a million for everything!
Your forever grateful friend,
Hermione Weasley (I love the sound of that).

Hermione was beside herself with joy, and she couldn't help but be a little more cheerful than usual. Now, even Harry's endless talk about Malfoy's plans didn't prick her. After the kiss, she had immediately written and mailed an enthusiastic letter to Viktor.

*****

When Hermione finally let go, he had just sat there for a long time, his eyes glazed over with surprise and happiness. As soon as he came to he asked Hermione:

"What took you so long?"

"I didn't know if you felt the same way I did...and I was a bit scared of how you might re-act, I didn't want our friendship ruined over this."

"Well, I would've thought it the most obvious thing in the world, but I guess it doesn't matter now. Because we're finally together."

Harry came in at the precise moment when they were pulling away from each other....

"Uhhh. Is this a bad time; did I miss something?"

"Unless you want to see a re-play of what just happened, mate--and believe me nothing would make us happier--then no, I wouldn't say you missed much." said Ron, chuckling.

"Okay, I don't even want to know;" began Harry "so, I was wondering if you were planning on coming to Quidditch practice, Mr. Keeper." he said, suddenly stern.

"Oh yea, I almost forgot. See ya later Hermione."

"Bye Ron."

******
Days Later

Everything was different for the Trio after that, Ron and Hermione were now practically inseparable and Harry, was beginning to feel a little left out, but then.....

"We won! We won!, Harry I'm so happy!" he hadn't been expecting this from Ginny but he welcomed the kiss anyway.

Ron was so happy that Gryffindor had won that he nodded when Harry looked his way, embarrassed.

Now that both of the guys in the Trio had someone by their side, they became a group of four. And the four friends had a lot left to go through, for another not-so-happy event would soon come to Hogwarts.

*****

In the Gryffindor Common Room, Ginny and Hermione talked while Ron and Harry argued about something that Harry was going to do with Dumbledore:

"But you must have some idea of where you will be going?"

"I've told you, all I know is that it has something to do with Voldemort..."

"And I've told you, to stop saying the bloody name."

"OH....." Harry was frustrated. "I just know it has got to have something to do with what Malfoy is planning....but I still am no closer to figuring it out than before...."

"What are you mumbling about now," said Ron.

"It's nothing, I'm going to bed now. Good Night."

"Umm. I better follow him," said Ginny.

But Ron and Hermione didn't hear her, now they were alone in the common room; now they could talk.

Chapter 7

When she got back to her dormitory, she read the letter that she had received at breakfast that morning. She had decided that there was no reason why Ron should see that it was from Viktor.

Hermione,
Well if Ron loves you as much as your letter tells me, then I don't think he would take too well to your hugging me....besides that, I am happy for you. You are lucky to have someone that you can really appreciate that can appreciate you back. I'd like to tell you that I too have found someone with whom to be happy, her name is Annette. And, although I know that you will not believe this, it was all thanks to you that I found her. As for the advice, think nothing of it.
I was happy to be able to help you,
Viktor Krum

It was a relatively short letter, but it made her extremely happy. She was glad that Viktor had found somebody that would make him as joyous as Ron made her.

That night, Harry came to the common room in a rush:

"Can't talk now, I just came to get something."

He ran upstairs to the the boy's dormitories.

His friends could only assume that tonight was the night that Dumbledore had spent so much time preparing Harry for. The night that he would go to the mysterious location that had so often been the start of various arguments between himself and Ron.

"Where do you suppose he's off to in such a rush?" she asked of Ron.

"He never told me."

*************

As soon as Harry had left, they began discussing probable locations where he could be heading to. They based there assumptions on the bits and pieces of information from his classes with Dumbledore that he had provided them with.

"Do you suppose he....."

"No, I don't think so."

It went on like this until both grew tired of discussing Harry and decided that it was about time that they made there way to bed. Little did they know of the terrifying event that would come the following night upon the return of their friend.
~~~~~~~
I know that this was short and I hate to keep you in suspense like this but I have to save some for the rest of the fic. Which, did I tell you, will soon come to a close. In any case I hope that you liked reading this chapter and that you will stop by and leave some valuable feedback.

Chapter 8

When they arrived at their destination, Dumbledore noticed almost instantly that this was not at all what Harry had been expecting.

"Does seem a bit of an odd place to keep a part of one's soul, doesn't it?" he asked.

"So how do we get to it?"

"Ahh. That's the interesting part; come with me. But before we go, Harry, I must ask you to do something for me, no matter how odd the request, you must promise me that you will do exactly as I tell you."

Harry thought this a rather unnerving request but, knowing Dumbledore, he promised.

"Very well."

Dumbledore spoke an odd tongue and a slimy, old-looking boat rose out of the dark water.

"There's just enough room for two." said the Headmaster. There was something rather odd about the way that he spoke these words.

"Now Harry, you must not go back on your promise."

They had arrived at a peaked island; it's sole contents were a stone basin containing an eerily colored potion. Harry saw the silhoutte of what he assumed they had come here for, could it be that this was the piece of Voldemort's soul, the Horcrux?

"Accio Horcrux!"

Dumbledore chuckled slightly, "Sadly, it is not quite that simple," he said.

"Harry, I must drink that potion, you must make me drink every last drop, understand. After I have drank it, grab the horcrux and we may be off. Remember you must do as I ask, no matter what happens."

Almost as soon as the greenish liquid touched his lips, the Dumbledore that Harry knew was replaced with....this:

"Stop! No don't hurt them! Please no, take me!" he screamed and writhed with the agony. Harry panicked slightly but kept pouring the contents into his mouth none the less.

***

As Dumbledore's slow suffering continued, an unwarned Hogwarts was under siege. It turned out that Draco Malfoy had more up his sleeve than he had been letting on all year. Now the school was being overrun by Death Eaters. Ron and Hermione took one on side by side as the rest of the school was slowly consumed in the chaos of the invasion.

***

When the torture of watching his mentor slowly consumed by this poison, was finally over; it seemed as though Albus Dumbledore's vocabulary had been reduced to a single word: "Water"

Harry tried 'Aguamenti' but was not shocked when he found out that the only source of fluid seemed to be the dark, phantasmic, lake. He dipped the goblet into the water, but when he drew it out.....an eery and dead hand grabbed his arm. He struggled against it, he had to get the water to Dumbledore.

To his horror he found that Dumbledore was being dragged into the water as well. He grabbed the professor and pulled him into the boat.

***

The battle was consuming them but it seemed as if the Death Eaters were waiting for something....or someone.

***

When they arrived, panting, at Hogsmeade, Harry thought he saw....no time to worry about that now, he must get Dumbledore to Hogwarts, little did either of them know what awaited them there.
------------
I hope that you found this chapter satisfying. As I said before, the suspense, is something that kills me too, but I guess any devoted HP fan knows what comes next. Feedback is much appreciated.

Chapter 9

The flash of light was so sudden and so unexpected that everything seemed to momentarily freeze. The Dark Mark had been cast, like a permanent stain, an irremovable tattoo on the night sky. No one knew quite what to make of it; all anyone knew was that the time had come, what the Death Eaters had been awaiting, it seemed, had finally been sighted.

The battle continued, though only half-heartedly, for it was as if all the attention seemed to be focused on preventing entry to the Astonomy Tower.

They landed with a soft thud, but found no trace of the evident death that the Mark represented. But then....

"Harry, hide." stated Dumbledore, before he could even get a sound out "He's coming." not 'somebody's coming' Dumbledore's calm statement suggested that he was expecting the young wizard who approached him wearily, with a touch of fear in his eyes.

"Ahh. Draco, so good of you to come."

"I've come to k-k-kill you." he said hesistantly.

"Have you now?" inquired Dumbledore, slightly amused. "Go on then. But wait, just one thing; what did he promise you?"

"I don't---I--he---they--my...." it seemed that he was unable to complete a thought, let alone a sentence.

Harry could not believe what he was seeing, what happened next seemed to be even more shocking. The bonds holding him, loosened their hold on him as he heard the unpleasant sound of his Headmaster's death.

***

"Oh, Ron...." Hermione buried her face in his robes, as they all realized the serousness of what had just happened.

"It's fine, calm down, there's nothing we can do." Ron comforted.

"Oh, no!" Ginny was terrified. "Where's Harry, someone's got to...tell him."

Harry was busy ruuning after and arguing with Proffesor Severus Snape, Half-Blood Prince, as he, Draco, and the other Death Eaters ran, making quick their escape, before anyone could notice them. Harry tried to stop them, but it was too late, they were gone, and so was Dumbledore.

***

The Funeral

The service for Dumbledore was held before the students would be sent home. As the memorable things and ceremonial words of peace were said, Ron and Hermione spoke.

"Everything will be different now, won't it?" she asked.

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder he answered as honestly as he could muster: "Yeah. But think of the good that came out this," he began "think of the fact that now we are together, and nothing could ever change that."

"But what happens now?"

"It's not up to us to decide that." he stated freely.

"What about Harry? Do you think he'll ever...recover?"

"Harry can take care of his own business," he pointed out their friend's discussion with Ginny, two chairs away. "I have a feeling that things will never again be what they once were. But now that I have you, I think I can survive anything."

"We can survive anything." she corrected, and they closed off their discussion, with a kiss.

Both were wrapped in the moment: Hermione felt that Ron had been that missing piece, that part of her that she had never really found: with him she was whole. She never wanted to let go, it was too sweet, he was to precious, no force could ever pull the two apart again, they were like a completed work: whole and wholesome together, completely useless apart.

"In your eyes I am complete." ~ Peter Gabriel

Disclaimer: The events, characters, places, etc. copyrighted by JKR are strictly her property, any changes that may or may not have been made were done either unintentionaly or with the intention to make this fic more 'realistic'. I do not intend to in any way profit from this fic.

Thank you,
Veritaserum14

Whether or not you enjoyed this, rather short, work of fiction, I would still appreciate 'hearing' what you have to say: make sure to leave some feedback. Everyone's thoughts count.