Top of the Mountain

Top of the Mountain

Chapter 3- Falling

The following month passed in a blur for Ron. All through that time, Hermione gradually grew bigger and the awkwardness melted a little more with each day. It began to get easier for the both of them- Hermione had made sure of that. She showed him photographs of their time at Hogwarts and slowly little pieces of his memory grew less fuzzy.

One evening, Hermione was showing Ron their wedding photos. Ron was actually quite enjoying himself.

"You looked stunning," he whispered softly.

A single tear slid down Hermione's cheek. Ron leant over and gently brushed it away with the tip of his finger. The touch of skin-on-skin sent an electric shock of passion down each of their spine's.

"Thank you," she whispered back, closing her eyes at his touch. Ron smiled.

Hermione yawned, which Ron took as an indicator that it was time for bed. He held out his hand, which she took, gratefully. He carefully helped her up into a standing position.

They shuffled slowly up the stairs, hand in hand, until the reached the door to the ain bedroom. Ron dropped his hold on Hermione's hand, opened the door, and ushered her inside. Her mouth tugged up in a small smile.

Hermione crawled beneath the covers and Ron tucked them securely round her. He perched on the edge of the bed and smiled. He took her hand, impulsively, and kissed it. Hermione blushed.

Ron grinned and put her hand gently on the top of the bed sheets. He waved his wand in the general direction of Hermione's CD player, which started playing straight away.

"In the heat of the fight, I walked away

Ignoring words that you were saying, trying to make me stay

I said this time I've had enough

And you've called a hundred times, but I'm not picking up"

"I love this song," Hermione murmured.

"I had a feeling," Ron explained.

Hermione gasped. "You chose this song on purpose?"

Ron nodded, enjoying her surprised happiness.

"Who sings it?" he asked.

Hermione grinned and patted the space in the bed beside her. Ron swallowed, nervously, but pulled back the covers and got in. She beamed and took his hand. It felt good, knowing that he was making her happy.

She placed his hand on her stomach and squeezed his fingers. Ron glanced up at her and smiled.

"Taylor Swift," Hermione said, randomly.

"Huh?"

Hermione giggled. "Taylor Swift sings the song."

Ron snorted, which made Hermione laugh harder. "Come on, Ron. Let's listen to the song."

Ron did as he was told and listened intently to the end of the song.

"With your face and the beautiful eyes

And the conversation with the white lies

And the faded picture of a beautiful night

You carried me from your car up the stars

And I broke down crying, was she worth the mess

After everything and that little black dress

After everything, I must confess

I need you"

"You know," said Hermione. "That song just about sums up our relationship."

Ron wriggled uncomfortably and withdrew his hand from under Hermione's.

"You don't remember, do you?"

"I'm sorry," Ron mumbled.

"Not your fault," she muttered, sleepily. A second later and she was snoring softly.

He watched her sleep for a long time before her finally closed his own eyes. She looked so peaceful. So beautiful...

*

Ron woke up early the nest morning. He rolled over to face Hermione, but was instead met with a folded piece of parchment. He scanned it quickly, and the smile was wiped off his face. "No," he moaned. "She wouldn't..."

He paled and fled the room. Hermione's note fluttered softly to the floor in the light breeze.

Dear Ron,

I'm sorry, but I cannot wait forever. It kills me everyday knowing that you will never remember, that you will never truly love me. Don't forget, I beg you, I could never blame you. It is not your fault. I cannot, I will not, make you stay with me for the sake of the baby. Live your life, Ron. I'm setting you free. No responsibility. Do not feel obliged to follow me.

I love you, forever and always,

Hermione

Xxx

*

His feet pounded along with the beating of his breaking heart. He had no idea where he was going, not really, but he had an idea. He had a fragment of a memory. He could only hope it was real.

His heart was in his mouth when he spotted her. She was balancing on the edge, on the top of the mountain. She had thrown her head back and the wind blew through her brunette curls.

"Hermione! Please, 'Mione! Get back!"

Hermione wobbled dangerously as she turned to look back over her shoulder at him. Something flashed in her eyes. Ron reached out for her, stretching his fingertips, willing for her touch. "Please," he sobbed.

She shook her head, though she now looked unsure.

"I LOVE YOU!" he screamed, desperately. Hermione inched closer to him. He could almost reach her. "Come on, 'Mione. It's gonna be okay..."

Hermione starting to sob, loudly, as she launched herself into his outstretched arms. He felt her knees give way as she held her, both sobbing.

"Do you really mean it? Do you love me?"

Ron pulled his head back so he could look her in the eyes. "Forever and always," he promised, solemnly. He wrapped his arm around Hermione's waist and supported her back to the house. As the mountain grew smaller and smaller in the distance, Ron vowed never to return to that place, ever again. He would protect his wife and unborn child, from here on.