The Seventh Year Soap Opera

RECAP OF CHAPTER TWENTY TWO- Graduation Party: Ron and Hermione come back to the Great Hall, take naps (not in the same room, you naughty people!!), Ron gives Hermione a book pendant, Malfoy threatens Harry, Hermione hexes Malfoy, goes into a frenzy about Ron leaving her and the baby, and stalks away.

Chapter Twenty-Three- Hogwarts Express

As soon as Hermione woke up the next morning, she began to cry. She was utterly miserable. "W-What's wrong Herm?" came a sleepy voice from the bed next to hers. Hermione wiped away her tears quickly and turned to Lavender, who was looking at her with a sleepy look on her face. Her face was red, and her eyes were unusually dull.

"I could ask you the same thing," Hermione shot back.

"Well, you see Hermione," said Parvati, from the third bed, rubbing her eyes, "Lavender looks like hell because she was up really late last night, weren't you, Lav? With Seamus." She and Hermione exchanged looks, and Lavender went red.

"I'm not going to deny that," said Lavender, kicking off her covers and walking into the bathroom.

Hermione did the same, and began to throw things carelessly into her trunk. She didn't care if it wasn't perfect and neat; she was too emotional to care. "I'm glad someone was happy last night," she thought aloud, putting a copy of Hogwarts a History into her trunk.

"Hermione, you really should have been there," said Parvati, still lying lazily in bed. "If I was Lav, I would have spent the whole night with him too."

Hermione stopped what she was doing and stared at her curiously. "Why? What happened? What did I miss?" She glanced at Lavender, who was brushing her teeth in the bathroom.

"He proposed to her!" said Parvati.

"What?" said Hermione, amazed at this shocking information.

"It's true," said Lavender happily from the bathroom. "He did it right in front of everyone."

"What?"

"About an hour after you left, everyone was playing Truth or Dare, and Dean dared Seamus to propose. Seamus gave Lavender this look and she burst into laughter as though the idea wasn't plausible at all. But then," and her voice dropped to an excited whisper, "he stood up, took her hand, and led her right into the middle of the circle. He summoned a chair, sat her down in it, bent down on one knee, and said, 'Lavender, you are the love of my life, and I want to take you to Ireland to meet my grandparents. So, will you be my wife?'"

Hermione was sure her mouth was open wide. She looked at Lavender again, who was smiling happily. "I told him that he was marbles, to propose for a dare. I told him he was being thick. But he gave me the most serious, most adorable look I've ever seen from anyone in my entire life, and he said, 'This isn't spur of the moment, Lav, this isn't a joke.'"

"And that's when he drew the ring from his pocket," squealed Parvati. Lavender giggled and showed off a simple ring.

"He said, 'It's not much, and you deserve a lot more, but that was all I could afford, and I took it, because I couldn't wait until I had enough money to buy you biggest, most beautiful ring, because that would take a lifetime.'"

Hermione gasped and Lavender continued. "He said, 'Even if you don't accept, I want you to keep this ring, because it's a mark of my devotion to you. It describes me. Simple, hardly anything, but enough to sweep you off your feet and keep you happy. I want to grow old with you, honey.'"

"Then there was this long pause and everyone was drooling like idiots..."

"And he said, 'So, are you going to marry me or am I going to have to be with a Leprechaun for the rest of my life?'"

"And she flew into his arms..." Parvati sighed dreamily.

"Needless to say, I accepted. I don't see anyone for me but Seamus." She sighed too, tears glowing in her eyes, "Well, I suppose I'd better pack. When is the train leaving?"

"Er, eleven o clock," Hermione croaked, tears in her own eyes. Lavender had it so easy; she didn't have two men jumping after her or a little boy to worry about. She would go to Ireland and have a dandy old time, while Hermione was stuck in crummy old Bulgaria, with a deaf baby.

Hermione immediately scolded herself for being so cruel to her son. Charlie was the sweetest, most precious thing in her life; it didn't matter if he couldn't hear a word she said. It was all in his eyes. Hermione sighed and threw some more things into her trunk.

She, Lavender, and Parvati packed in silence for about an hour. "Well, this is it," said Parvati, "I sure am going to miss this place."

Lavender sniffed. "There are so many memories here, don't you think so Herm?"

"What? Oh yes...many of them."

"Hermione, is this yours?" Parvati asked, taking something from the dresser. Hermione could see the book pendant Ron had given her in Parvati's hands and she dashed to her, and literally snatched the thing out of her hand. "From Viktor?" Parvati guessed.

"No," Hermione croaked, "It's from Ron."

"Ron? Wow--some friend. What did Harry get you?"

"A-A diary."

"Well, should we head down to breakfast now?" said Lavender, buttoning her robes.

"Yes," said Hermione quickly. The three of them walked slowly down the stairs, as if savoring the feel of the stairs, lugging their trunks, and entered the common room. A wave of nausea hit Hermione and she swayed slightly, feeling sick. She was leaving this all behind...forever.

Ignoring every feeling inside of her, Hermione walked to the portrait hole, and set down her trunk. "McGonagall said they would be taken care of," she explained to the other two.

"Should we wait for the boys?"

"I just want to eat," Hermione shrugged. So they headed to the Great Hall in silence. It was decorated as it always was, as though today was just another day. Hermione glanced at the Head Table, and was surprised to actually feel happy. Professor Dumbledore was chatting with Professor Flitwick. Dumbledore was her true role model, calm and sensible, and brave. He hadn't been afraid of Voldemort; he had helped destroy him and brought the wizarding world peace. Of course, Harry had actually destroyed Voldemort in the end, and Hermione and Ron had helped him reach that ending point, but she felt no pride. Harry had never told anyone what had happened between him and Voldemort in the end, and Hermione wasn't sure if she wanted to know anymore.

In fact, she wondered if he just might return, and drain the joy out of life as he had done before, and she pinched herself for being so silly. That would never happen, she was positive.

Sighing, she sat down and absorbed herself in her meal. She didn't even acknowledge Harry and Ron's appearance at the table, and they both glanced at her, as though worried, but she didn't speak a word.

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

Eloise Midgen was upset. Everything had been so perfect for her over the past few weeks; she had been adopted by the Gryffindors and had found true friends. Until last night, when Hermione had acted like she was Pansy Parkinson, and no one had even defended her. Obviously, all the Gryffindors were under her control. Anything Hermione Granger says or does, goes. Even Ginny had given her a cold look, when she had only tried to describe what goes on inside Ron's head.

It was hard to describe, but Eloise felt she had known Ron all her life, like he was a brother. A very close brother. She knew he felt the same way about her, and he trusted her implicitly. Eloise huffed as she stared at the Gryffindor table. At the people she had thought were her friends. Lavender and Parvati, laughing hysterically at something Seamus had said. Dean, looking glum and drawing pictures, not even staring at his breakfast. Neville, who threw a sympathetic glance her way. Harry, who had just received an owl and was now reading its contents aloud. Ginny, smiling at him, and looking lonely. Hermione, looking like she was in a trance and blowing off Ron's attempts to engage her in conversation.

Eloise saw him sigh and throw his hands in the air. He turned around and waved at her, but Eloise didn't wave back. He threw her a questioning look and then a look that said he wanted to talk. Eloise shook her head and smiled weakly, but he raised his eyebrows and nodded firmly, then turned around and tried talking to Neville, but looked as though his heart wasn't it.

Eloise stabbed her eggs with her fork. Soon, she'd be out of this place, and out in the real world, where she'd make true friends. She'd be beautiful. Lose some weight and even go through that hour of putting on makeup in the morning routine. She'd be famous and all those who hadn't noticed her before would be feel pretty stupid for not giving her a second glance.

Eloise smiled happily at the thought.

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

After breakfast, Ginny stood up and led Harry out of the Great Hall. "I'm going to miss you," she blurted out, pushing up his glasses.

"What do you mean, Ginny? I'm going to see you all this summer!"

"I'm talking about after the summer," she said, looking down at the floor.

"I'll miss you too," said Harry, and he lifted her chin and gave her a kiss.

Ginny smiled weakly. Harry was here, with her, finally. And he'd be leaving and she wouldn't see him for a whole year. "You have to write," she demanded with a laugh. "Or I'll send you a curse in the mail, along with a dozen howlers."

"Of course I'll write," Harry said. "I'll have plenty of time. It's not like I'll be doing anything, really."

Ginny shrugged. "You'll find something..."

There was a long, awkward silence. "Okay, let's not think about this anymore, Ginny," said Harry. "I want the train ride home to be good, not gloomy."

"That's fine," said Ginny, but it didn't erase her feelings. Almost all her friends would be leaving her behind, and she was feeling lonely and lost. She wanted to kick something, and scream. Definitely scream. "Harry," she said suddenly.

They stopped walking. "What is it?" he said.

Ginny smiled. "This is where that dwarf delivered you my valentine," she said, laughing. "That had to be the stupidest thing I've ever done in my whole life. Comparing your eyes to a toad..."

"And my hair to a blackboard," Harry recalled.

Ginny stared at him in amazement. "You remember?"

Harry snorted. "Parts," he said. "That's when I really noticed that Riddle's diary was strange."

Ginny frowned. She did not like to remember those events. "That basilisk was huge," she mused.

"Yes."

"And you defeated it."

"Yes." Harry shifted.

"And Voldemort. You defeated him."

"Yes."

"How?" Ginny asked, realizing she didn't know the exact events.

"Gin, I really don't want to talk about it," said Harry and there was a note of uneasiness and pain in his voice. Ginny frowned again. So this is how it's going to be, she thought.

"We should go back," she said. "The train should be going soon."

"Right," said Harry, and they both walked out of the castle.

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

Hermione piled into the compartment with Harry, Ron, and Ginny and sat by herself in the corner, oblivious to everyone but herself. "What the hell is wrong with you Hermione?" asked Ginny, rather bluntly. Hermione looked up from the book she was reading as the train pulled out of the station and stared blankly into Ginny's eyes.

Just mind your own business and continue snogging Harry, Hermione wanted to say, but she didn't. "This is a really sad book," she said lamely.

"Hermione, the book is upside down for starters," Harry pointed out. "Secondly, the book you're reading is Hogwarts A History. How that's sad, I don't know..."

"Harry, just shut it okay?" snapped Hermione, but she instantly regretted it. The truth was, she didn't know what was wrong with her. Her feelings were a mess. She was happy about marrying Viktor, yet hated him at the same time. She wanted to kiss Ron again, but she didn't love him. She wanted to hold Charlie in her arms and erase her worries, and at the same time wished he had never been born. She wanted to slap Eloise Midgen, and was jealous of her for some reason, but really wanted to apologize to her. She wanted to talk to Ron, but was afraid to. Afraid he'd walk out on her. She wanted Harry and Ginny to get a compartment to themselves, because she was sick of seeing them snog, but on the other hand wanted them here, so she wouldn't feel so lonely and awkward, and would have friends around.

Harry looked taken aback and she snapped her book shut, crossed her arms and stared out of the window, tears blurring her vision so that she couldn't see the hills of green. "Er, Ron do you want to play Exploding Snap or something?" Harry asked.

"Why not?" said Ron, and Hermione could hear him jump out of his seat and sit on the floor. How can he possibly be happy? Thought Hermione. Or is he covering up his sadness? Is he building it up inside of him to the point that if something goes wrong, he'll just leave me with Charlie?

"Did you hear about Seamus and Lavender?" Ginny said. "Seamus proposed to her at the graduation party!"

"Did he now?" said Ron happily, but Hermione knew he could really care less. "Seems like everybody everywhere is falling in love...getting married..." Hermione could feel his eyes boring into her and she shifted in her seat so that her nose was touching the glass of the window.

Harry, Ron, and Ginny began to talk about something pretty pointless when Eloise walked in about ten minutes later. Hermione turned her attention from the window to look at her. She was standing in the doorway, looking like she had been crying a bit. "What's wrong, El?" said Ron immediately.

Oh yes, ask her what's wrong, but allow me to just stare at this damn window as though I'm not even here, Hermione thought bitterly and tears formed in her eyes. Harry eyed her curiously, but she ignored him.

"Can I talk to you Ron? Alone?" Eloise said. Hermione stared at Ron; he looked truly concerned. Hermione knew Eloise had never been very emotional. Yes, Ron, go wipe her tears away. Let mine just flow. You don't care. You're going to walk out on us, I know it. I can feel it.

"Sure, El," and with that he walked out of the compartment. Hermione played with the golden book pendant on her collar and sighed. About twenty minutes later, Ron and Eloise returned, and Eloise seemed much happier. They sat down on the floor.

"Have a nice chat?" said Hermione coldly, before she could even catch herself.

"Excuse me?" said Eloise, looking startled. Ron looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Nothing," Hermione mumbled.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" Harry asked. "You're in such a foul mood."

"Just let her alone, Harry. It's obvious she doesn't want to talk," said Ron calmly. Like you really have any idea how I feel. I don't even know what the hell I'm feeling. "Did you know that mum started working at St. Mungo's? She really likes it there."

"I bet," said Harry. Goodness, they sound like they're old ladies having tea. "Remus said that he has Chudley Cannon tickets for later on in the summer. Do you reckon they have any chance of winning with that new team they've put together?"

"Of course!" said Ron, looking scandalized at the thought that the Cannons could ever lose.

"How? They haven't won in ages! I don't think a new team will help!" said Eloise.

"Took the words right out of my mouth," said Ginny.

"Oh for heaven's sakes! You're all adults now, and you're talking about dumb Quidditch?" Hermione snapped angrily without thinking. She wanted to smack every single one of them for thinking about such useless things. "There are many more important things to talk about, like how you plan on making a living! We're about thirty miles away from the real world and all you four can talk about is bloody Quidditch?" Hermione knew she was being harsh, but she didn't care.

"Well, you're an adult now too Hermione, and all you can do is bury yourself in a book and not do anything else! And you've been ignoring us for the whole morning, why stop now?" said Ron, his calm demeanor gone.

Hermione glared at him. "At least I have my life planned out. I don't come up with spur of the moment plans and not tell anyone," she shot back, knowing she was making no sense.

"Now that's--" Eloise started.

"Be quiet, this doesn't concern you," said Hermione cruelly. Eloise huffed and Ron stood up, rage sprinkled all over his face.

"Don't take your anger out on her," he demanded, "since it's so obvious you're mad at me. So tell me Hermione, what did I do this time?"

No, Hermione thought. It's that point where his emotions are boiling over. He's going to walk out. Why did I start this? "Nothing," she mumbled.

"Nothing?"

"Yes that's right, nothing!" she said loudly. "You only knocked me up, after all." Where the hell did that come from? Why did you say that? Ron looked as though someone had just punched him in the stomach, whacked him over the head with a particularly heavy book, and then had the Knight Bus run over him a couple of times.

"Oh, I did that? You weren't involved at all," he said sarcastically. "It was a one man show. Just like yesterday on the Quidditch Pitch, I suppose?"

"That didn't happen. That wasn't me. I'm with Viktor."

Ron snorted. "That wasn't you? Who was it? Eloise?"

"Leave me out of this mate," said Eloise, backing away.

"My, what's going on here?" came a drawling voice.

"Shut up!" everyone bellowed at Malfoy, who had just entered the room with Crabbe and Goyle.

"I still would like to talk with Potter," he said.

"Yeah, well, I don't want to talk with you. See you later," said Harry.

"Damn it Malfoy, Ron and I are fighting now! Go away!" yelled Hermione furiously.

"This should be good," said Malfoy, crossing his arms and nodding to Crabbe and Goyle.

"God, you are the most annoying--"

"Is he more annoying than me, Hermione?" asked Ron. "I'd like to get back on track and end this once and for all."

"No one makes me as mad as you do Ron!" she yelled, going red, forgetting that others were in the room. "I hate you!" No, that's not true, why did you say that?

Ron looked nonplussed. "Well, see I love you," he said in a low voice that was scary.

"And that's a problem! A big problem!"

"Yes it is." A look of comprehension crossed his face, and he looked sick, lonely, and as though he had just had the revelation of a lifetime. "But it doesn't have to be."

"It's never going to change. I don't know--"

Ron ran his hands through his hair. "It's the only way," he muttered to himself. He cleared his throat. "Where's Charlie?"

"What? Why? He's at the Burrow."

"When this train stops, you go there and you pick him up. You take him to your house and forget that there was a Ron Weasley in your life. You'll both be happier. Why didn't I see this before? I mean, he was going to live with you and Viktor anyway, right, so this is no change. I don't want to keep arguing with you Hermione. I'm tired of it. I-I'm tired of it. I'm sprouting grey hairs! Your feelings for me won't ever change, and whenever we see each other, all we're going to do is yell and fight...you don't want Charlie to be exposed to that do you?"

The whole compartment was silent. "R-Ron, you can't possibly mean...you're walking out?" Please say no, please say no. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Not walking out, that makes me sound horrid. And don't cry, you knew it was going to have to come to this...it's the only way, Hermione, don't you see? This way, you, Charlie, and even Viktor don't get hurt." Ron looked as though it pained him deeply to say this. "I-I have to go," he croaked. "I h-hope you and Charlie have a nice life. And do me a favor, will you?" He was crying now. "Don't mention me, I don't want him to think I'm a bad person, just--have a good life." He turned on his heel, didn't look at anyone, and walked mournfully out of the compartment.

"Someone needs a cheering charm," whistled Malfoy. Eloise hit him with Hermione's copy of Hogwarts a History, that lay sprawled on the floor, and he fell to the ground; she glared at Crabbe and Goyle, and then left as well.

"He has a point," Harry muttered to Ginny, and she performed the spell on Hermione, before she could protest.

It went overboard.

"I'm getting married!" she said, tears still streaming down her face. I have a rock--I mean ring, on my shoulder--I-I mean, my finger." Even with the charm, Hermione felt sad and lost. She burst into tears. Ron was leaving her, her worst fear had come true. She fainted into Harry's arms, just as Malfoy stood up, his hand over his eye.

"Potter, we're not through. We'll meet again," he said menacingly.

"Yeah, we'll have tea," said Harry as Malfoy left the compartment.

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

What has the world come to? Harry thought. He laid Hermione carefully down on the floor and felt awkward and angry. How can Ron be so stupid? Abandoning his child, and the woman he loves...yeah, that'll get him in her good books, for sure. "I'm going to go see if I can talk Ron into having some sense. You stay here with Hermione," he told Ginny.

"They are so messed up," said Ginny, shaking her head sadly.

"Yeah," said Harry grimly, and he left the compartment in search of Ron. The first compartment he came to was that of Seamus and Lavender's. I really did not need to see that, he thought as he closed the door before the two lovebirds noticed him.

The next compartment he came to was only filled with one person. "Hello Luna," Harry said politely. "Have you seen Ron?" She was sitting calmly with the Quibbler sprawled on the floor in front of her, her hands playing with a seashell necklace. Her earrings were so long,they fell to her shoulders. Her blonde hair was a little wavy, and Luna looked prettier than she had in fifth and sixth year.

"Hello Harry," she said in an airy voice. She sighed. "I haven't seen Ron at all today. Not that he actually speaks to me or anything..." She sighed again. "How are you Harry?"

Harry decided to put his voyage to kick the living daylights out of Ron on hold. "I'm okay," he said truthfully.

"Hogwarts won't be the same without you, Harry Potter," said Luna.

Harry was surprised. "Thank you?" he said.

"You were a good friend to me Harry," she continued. "Everyone else thinks I'm crazy, but you always defend me now. Thank you."

Harry smiled and felt truly touched. "You're welcome Luna. I have to go now, Ron's kind of vulnerable right now."

"I know the feeling. Good-bye Harry. Perhaps we'll see each other again."

"I hope so. Bye Luna." He closed the door, and he felt at peace, like he always did after talking with Luna.

After walking down the train, he spotted Ron in a compartment. He was sitting with Eloise, frowning and looking miserable. He looked like he was mumbling to Eloise. Eloise nodded and stood up to leave. She stepped out and glared at Harry. "He wants to be left alone."

"Fat chance," said Harry, and he walked in, feeling angry. Ron didn't even look up. "You prat, what are you thinking? You can't just leave Hermione alone with a baby!"

Ron looked up, his eyes empty. "It's the only way Harry. And Hermione knows it." He seemed as though he was talking to himself. "She'll get over it, Viktor will wipe away her tears, I'm sure."

"So that's it?" said Harry. "You're just going to leave--walk out on seven years of friendship? I don't believe you Ron...I mean to say, I know it'd be hard to see Hermione and Krum together every day, but..."

"I can't do it, Harry!" said Ron angrily, standing up. "And besides, you know how me and Hermione are! No wonder the boy's deaf, he could probably hear us fighting in the womb!"

Harry chose to ignore this comment. "So you're just going to give up? You're a Gryffindor! Brave! You've got to accept the fact that she doesn't love you, Ron. You need to hang in there, put on a poker face." Harry knew he was making absolutely no sense, but he needed Ron to see that Hermione couldn't raise Charlie on her own.

"Krum is probably better at being a father than I am anyway!" Ron yelled. "He beats me in all departments--he wants to marry Hermione, so it's obvious he cares for Charlie. Hey, maybe he likes the boy more than I do! Hermione has a way of making me feel like an unfit father, so it could be true..."

"Don't say shit like that!" Harry screamed. "You love Charlie and he needs you--and you need him!"

Ron sighed. "I've made my decision," he mumbled, sitting back down and playing with his fingers. He looked absolutely miserable, but Harry was too angry to care. How could Ron do something like this to Hermione?

Harry let out a roar of frustration and anger, and threw his hands into the air. "I'll owl you in a couple of days, but I'm still bloody angry," he told Ron, then walked out of the compartment, slamming the door.

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

Ron sighed when Harry left. He knew Harry was angry for him because of his choice, but he'd get over it. So would Hermione. He couldn't risk exposing his son to all of the bitterness and anger in his life. Charlie would live a happy life with Krum; he was rich, and he treated Hermione okay. And he was actually willing to take an active role in Charlie's life. There was no one better for the job.

Oh, you're such a Weasel, Ron thought to himself.

No, you aren't. Hermione and Charlie's best interests are at heart. When you love someone, you need to let them go.

Yeah, well that doesn't make me feel any better.

Wounds take time to heal.

Ron sighed again, and tried to sleep. He couldn't.

When the train pulled to a stop, Ron picked up his trunk and sauntered out of the barrier of Platform 9 ¾ and found himself at King's Cross Station. He waited patiently for Ginny as she said good bye to Harry, and tried not to look at Hermione, who was looking very red and was staring at him.

"Ginny, let's go," he said. She reluctantly turned to him and walked over.

"You can Apparate if you want. I want to see Harry for awhile longer, and then I'll floo home later. I'll be fine," she added roughly as she interpreted the look on her face.

"It's your funeral," he said, Apparating right out side his house. His walked in, feeling blank and emotionless.

"Ron dear!" said his mother, giving him a tight hug. "Charlie's asleep in the living room. He--"

"Hermione will be picking him up at any moment," Ron cut her off, and a look of confusion crossed his mother's face.

"What do you mean?" she said, looking impatient.

"Just what I said. Charlie's going to go live with the Grangers from now on."

"Why?" said Mrs. Weasley.

Ron shrugged. "It's the only way," he muttered, setting down his trunk down. "I want to see him before he goes."

"Ron, it's not good luck to wake a sleeping baby," his mother said.

"Well, this is the last time I'm going to see him, mum, and I don't want to see him asleep!"

"Last time...Ron, what are you on about?"

Ron ignored her and walked into the living room. Lying in a wooden cradle that Mr. Weasley had made, Charlie was sleeping soundly, looking lovely and innocent. Ron's hands trembled as he looked at him. "Sorry about this mate," he whispered, as he bent down to pick up his son.

Charlie stirred, but didn't cry. He opened his bright blue eyes and stared at Ron with a sad look on his face. Does he know I'm leaving him? Ron wondered. Of course he doesn't, he's only a baby.

"I'm going to miss you, you know that?" said Ron. Being a baby, Charlie didn't respond and Ron felt ready to cry. "But you're going to have a good life. You'll live with your mummy, and Krum--but I suppose you'll be calling him daddy--" Ron frowned at the thought. "And you'll be rich, so you'll have everything you've ever dreamed...and you'll probably have brothers and sisters, though not as much as me, I reckon...oh look, your mummy's here."

Ron turned. Hermione was standing in the doorway, looking very awkward and very emotional. Ron took Charlie's hand in his and waved it. "Hi mummy," said Ron in a baby's voice. Hermione gave what Ron thought was a very forced smile, but said nothing. "Well, Charlie, I guess this is good bye," he said, focusing his attention back on his son. "And if your looks say anything about you, you're going to be a fan of the Chudley Cannons, so we might see each other at a game or two." Ron winced inwardly. He was letting go if his son forever and all he could think about were the Chudley Cannons? Some father you are Weasley. He cleared his throat and looked at Hermione.

"My parents say it's okay," she said in a whisper.

"What on earth is going on?" said Mrs. Weasley, walking in. "Hermione, dear, would you like a spot of tea?"

"No thank you, Charlie and I are leaving now," said Hermione, her eyes not leaving Ron's. Ron felt his knees buckle with sadness and he couldn't bring himself to speak; there was a huge lump in his throat--not to mention his stomach. He forced himself to walk over to Hermione, though his legs were like lead. He reluctantly handed Charlie to Hermione, and his heart silently broke. It's for the best, he told himself. It's for the best. It's for his sake you're doing this. It's for the best.

Hermione walked to the fireplace, with Charlie in her hands, her face quite impassive. But her eyes held confusion, loneliness, regret, and sorrow. This is the last time you're going to see her too, Ron thought. After seven years... He wanted to look at the floor, but he couldn't bring himself to stop looking into Hermione's eyes. Time seemed to fly by, but then Hermione grabbed the Floo Powder.

"Wait!" said Ron suddenly, and Hermione jumped slightly, looking startled. Ron felt stupid. "I just--" The words didn't get past his throat. He swallowed horribly, and the taste in his mouth was bitter. With a shaky breath, he slowly bent down and kissed the top of Charlie's head. Soft, smooth, so innocent... "I love you kiddo," he said, a few tears escaping down his face.

Hermione seemed to notice his pain. "Ron--" she started in a croaky voice.

"Just go!" said Ron loudly, waving his hand and turning away.

A few seconds later, he heard Hermione say, "Granger residence!"

She was gone.

Charlie was gone.

And as Ron turned back to the empty fireplace and his mother's questioning glance, he realized a part of his heart was gone too.