Author's Note: This story is the first part of the "Loving Again" series that I will post. There are three stories, each of which is meant to stand alone.
Hermione stood close to the Weasleys, tears streaming down her face as they watched Ron’s casket being lowered into the ground. Why him? Why did this have to happen just when we were finally together? Looking up to the dark, cloudy sky, she thought of his last moments…
She was fighting alongside all the members of the Order trying to create a gap so Harry could reach Voldemort. Ron was just behind her. Suddenly, she heard Bellatrix cackle with laughter and turned just as Ron went down…
Sobbing now, she didn’t resist when strong arms pulled her into a warm embrace. She looked up into the tearstained face of George Weasley.
“It’s not fair.” she sobbed against his chest
“I know. I know.” he soothed.
Still sobbing, her mind returned to the moments before the final battle…
“’Mione, can I talk to you?”
“Of course Ron. What about?” she asked as he led her into the deserted parlor of Grimmauld Place.
“Well, uh…you see,” sighing he sat down on the couch.
“What is it Ron?” she urged, sitting beside him.
Taking her hand, he looked into her eyes. Startled, she couldn’t tear her gaze from his.
“’Mione, I love you. I just didn’t want us to go into battle without telling you that.”
“Oh, Ron! I love you too.” she said placing her free hand in his hair
“’Mione…” He captured her lips for a deep, passionate kiss…
Wiping her eyes, though the tears would not stop, Hermione followed the others back to the Burrow. Upon arriving, everyone sat around the table, talking of Ron’s life, his accomplishments. Finally, she could take it no longer. Standing so quickly that she knocked over her chair, she ran outside. The rain was coming down hard now. Stopping under a tree, she fell to her knees, sobbing.
Remember I will always love you…
Ron’s last words came back to her suddenly, as if he was there, telling her not to be sad, to take some time, and then move on…
