"Love Almost Lost"
Chapter 4 Ron Grows Up
A/N: First, I don't own anything connected with Harry Potter, that's J K Rowling. Here's the next chapter like I said. Hopefully it won't be too long before I update, we'll just see how work and the holidays go. I hope you enjoy the story. Have a safe and happy holiday. And as always thank you to all who read and read and review.
Professor Dumbledore returned to Miss Granger's room. He lightly knocked on the door and entered. He found both Harry and Ron fast asleep, as they were both in there respective chairs, leaning over on to Hermione's bed. The headmaster thought to himself how fortunate Hermione was to have such caring friends.
He gently woke the two boys and told them what Professor Snape had said. They both seemed relieved that the potions master was confident he could make a potion that would help Hermione. However, they did seem a bit concerned with the time situation.
Professor Dumbledore noticed it was getting rather late and suggested they return to Hogwarts to get some sleep, that they could return to St. Mungos in the morning. Ron agreed that was a good idea as he let out a large yawn. He stood up and walked over to join the headmaster. Harry, however, didn't want to leave Hermione. He had almost lost her too many times already and he had this very disturbing feeling that if he left her, she wouldn't be there when he came back tomorrow.
Knowing the suffering and personal loss Harry had experienced in his short life, Dumbledore didn't have the heart to make him leave.
"Very well, Harry. Let me talk to the night shift Healer," said the Professor.
Dumbledore excused himself and went out the door. Harry sat there holding Hermione's hand in his right while caressing it with his left.
He spoke softly to her, "Hermione, I know you can't hear me, but that's okay. I miss you so much. If I could just hear your voice, even if it was to scold me for doing something wrong, I wouldn't care. I can't bear the thought I might have to go through life without you. I would rather die. Professor Snape is working on a potion to help you. I hope he can finish it in time. I love you, Hermione, please get better, don't leave me alone. I've been alone almost all of my life, until I met the two best people in the world that first day on the train. You and Ron have been the best friends I've ever had. Both of you have helped me through so much. I truly believe, if it weren't for both of you, I'd already be dead."
Harry knew he was rambling, but he felt he had to talk to her. Maybe talking to her would help her hang on until Professor Snape finished the potion. He was so exhausted he could hardly keep his eyes open. He had to do something to stay awake.
Harry stood up and stretched, trying anything to stay conscious. He then realized Ron was still in the room. He thought Ron had stepped out with the headmaster to talk to the Healer in charge. He had heard everything Harry had said while he was rambling on to Hermione. He knew Ron hadn't taken their new relationship very well. He hoped he hadn't angered his friend.
"I'm sorry Ron, I was just rambling. I was half sleep," said Harry.
He was still looking at Ron. In the dim light of the room he thought he saw a smile on Ron's face. Could his eyes be playing tricks on him? Then Ron broke the silence.
"Harry, it's I who should be apologizing to you and Hermione for acting like a stupid, bloody prat."
Harry was confused. Ron continued sharing his feelings.
"Mate, I've finally realized that you and Hermione are meant to be together. You know I'm not good at expressing myself, this is hard for me. Seeing how you reacted when they told us what had happened to Hermione, when Snape came into her room, and when you thought Professor Dumbledore was going to make you leave her just now, shows me you two have a special bond. I can't deny I love Hermione, and I always will, but not to the level you two feel for each other. I understand that now, and if you want, I would still like to be your friend."
Ron offered his hand to Harry. He shook Ron's hand without hesitation, a big grin on his face.
"We wouldn't have it any other way, mate," said Harry.
Ron looked very relieved. Harry had never heard his best mate express his feelings like that. He was genuinely touched.
Professor Dumbledore finally returned and told him there was no problem with him staying. The night shift Healer said it was fine. The headmaster pulled out his wand and conjured up a very comfortable looking bed on the other side of the room. It amazingly resembled the one in his dorm at Hogwarts.
"Just in case you want to catch a little nap later. Mr. Weasley, I believe we need to be on our way. Harry, if you need me for anything, just contact Healer Pruitt, she's the Healer on duty tonight. She can get word to me where ever I am at any time. And Harry, don't worry. I trust Severus will not let us down. Good night," said the headmaster.
"Good night, sir, and thank you," said Harry.
Back at Hogwarts, deep in the dungeons, Severus Snape was working like a man possessed. He was working on the most complicated potion he had ever attempted and he worked as if his own life depended own it. In some ways it just might. He just hoped there was enough time.