Liberty

Liberty

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"Small crowd tonight, Ron, everybody must still be at the wedding," Madam Rosemerta says as she greets the man in front of her.

"That's just as well. It's easier to please a small group of people. Story of my life, that is." Ron gave her a wink and sat down on the bar stool. She was right; there couldn't have been more than ten people in the whole place. He remembered back when he was still in school, on Hogsmeade weekends the place was always packed. Rosemerta was right, though; the wedding of the century was probably just hitting high gear. It was really amazing that there was anybody here at all.

"What are you drinking, Ginny?" At least my sister is here, that's something. The rest of my family is all at the wedding. We both got invitations, but neither of us could go through with it. I'm just glad I've got a gig tonight; I can't imagine being home alone. Ginny doesn't look like she's handling things any better; we're in the same boat, we are Whoever said it is better to have loved and lost than never to have to have loved at all is a complete idiot.

I can still remember the first second I knew I was in love with her. It was fourth year, and I had been shot down by Fleur when I had asked her to go to the Yule Ball with me. Harry and I were sitting there, crying in our laps, when she came in. It was like my eyes were opened for the first time. It was at that moment that she went from being a friend, to being a girl. Then she said she was going with someone else, but I thought she was just having us on. Then she really did end up going with Krum, that foreign bastard from Durmstrang. I remember being so angry at the both of them that I couldn't see straight. At least that's who I thought I was angry with at the time. I was only fourteen then. I realize now that the person I was most angry with was I.

I made up for it, though. I can still remember everything about that summer after our fifth year. She and Harry had come to the Burrow to spend the remaining few weeks until term started. Everything went exactly like I'd always dreamed it would. Harry and Ginny were always off snogging somewhere, and that left just her and me together. I remember talking all night with her about what the future might hold for us, and what we wanted to do with our lives after Hogwarts. I agreed to keep our relationship to ourselves, thinking that it might complicate our friendship with Harry. She said she didn't want him feeling like a third wheel after all he had been through. Little did I know then just who the third wheel really would be.

I had decided to make our relationship known. I wanted Harry and Ginny to be happy for us. They had both encouraged me to talk to her on the way back to Hogwarts. They were both really impressed by my sudden resolve to tell her about my feelings. They didn't realize that I had already told her everything over the summer, and that I was viewing saying something in front of them as little more than a formality. I guess I just thought that she would be relieved by not having to keep the two of us a secret. I never imagined that I would be putting an end to it instead.

By the end of that year, she and Harry were almost entirely out of my life. If I would have been a better brother, I would have realized how much Ginny was hurting as well. I was only sixteen then, and all I cared about was my own heart getting broken. I was mad at her for what happened on the train, but I still believed that Harry would be my friend. Ginny tried to tell me once about what was really going on, but I chalked it up to her just being angry at him for breaking up with her. She told me that neither of us ever had a chance, but I didn't want to believe her. Then, when the two of you started dating towards the end of term, I realized just how right Ginny had been.

So, here I am now, sitting in the Three Broomsticks. She and Harry are probably dancing together right now, looking into each other's eyes as everyone else looks at the two of them. In my heart, I really am happy for them. Harry certainly has earned some happiness over the years, but I can't help the way I feel either. I wish I could go back in time and tell her how I felt that night in fourth year, but I know I shouldn't think like that anymore. I've thrown back four large fire whiskeys now, so I'd better get on stage while I still can. I've been unconsciously tracing the area of the bar in front of me. I really do wish I could go back to the way things were when I carved the words there. "RW+HG 4 EVER." It seems like a lifetime ago now. I've written a song about her. I changed the name, though. I don't want it to be too obvious who it's about. Ginny will know, of course, but there's no point in trying to act strong around her anymore. So, I've got my guitar tuned, and my pick in my hand. The show must go on.

We met as two total strangers

As many lovers often do

But who could have ever seen the danger

I didn't know I'd fall in love with you

You are this lonely picker's day dream

Like a wish that's wishing to come true

So Liberty just know I'm waiting

To share this love song with you

But do you think about me when you're lying in his bed?

Won't you take the time to explain?

Do you ever think you'd rather be with me instead?

Or do you only think about me when it rains?

We shared some special nights together

We said we'd watch the morning rise

But when the sun was all around us

Wasn't nothing I hadn't seen in your eyes

I try so hard to keep it hidden

But I am hurting deep inside

For every time I've seen you smile

There are two times that I have cried

But do you think about me when you're lying in his bed?

Won't you take the time to explain?

Do you ever think you'd rather be with me instead?

Or do you only think about me when it rains?

Or do you only think about me when it rains?

Now and forever my love will be the same

I will be waiting underneath the pouring rain.