Love Lost in the Terminal

Hermione stepped out of the terminal, her bag at her side. She did not know why she was here. She had been on her way to a business meeting, but now the only meeting was with her and an old friend.

Hermione walked down through the crowd to the nearest bathroom. Entering it, she set her bag down and turned on the faucet. The cool water felt good against her face, and once she was done, she reapplied her makeup. She realized now how nervous she was, partly because her hand was shaking so much.. She had not seen Ronald Weasley for five years.

She fixed her hair as best as she could, which wasn't very well because she was so nervous. Hermione left the bathroom and walked to the nearest coffee shop. He was already sitting there. Her stomach flopped. She took a deep breath, put a smile on her face, and walked over to where Ron was sitting.

"Hermione," he said getting up, "it's been so long."

"Ron," she said, embracing him, "it's so good to see you."

"How long has it been, three--four years?"

"Five years. Oh, it's been way to long."

They sat down, never taking their eyes off each other. Hermione noticed that Ron was no longer the clumsy, awkward boy that he was at Hogwarts, but now he had transformed into a handsome man. Ron gave her an encouraging smile. The waitress came over and took their orders.

"So, Hermione," Ron started after the waitress had left, "what have you been up to lately?"

"Well, I'm on my way to a business meeting in New York. I'm a business consultant now. I get paid now to boss people around," she said with a laugh..

"It must be hard to live without magic," Ron replied.

"It is not too hard. It would have been harder if I had always been around magic. Enough about me though, what are you up to?"

The waitress brought their drinks.

"Well," Ron started while taking a sip of his coffee, "I'm working at the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts department now. Dad's still there, and so is Percy, the little git. Once the war ended though, Percy was finally able to think for himself and know what was right. I still can't believe what he did to mum and dad though. Do you remember when we stayed at Sirius' house that one summer between fourth and fifth year?"

"How could I forget? Life was so much better then, even though we were on the verge of battle. We were just kids, and enjoying life. Fred and George certainly made things interesting when we were there. How are they and the rest of your family?"

"Well, their joke shop is flourishing, and their very well off. Ginny is engaged to Neville Longbottom. They are supposed to be married next summer, and Mum, well she's doing fine."

"That's wonderful, Ron. So what about you? Are you seeing anyone right now?"

"Nope," he replied while grabbing a biscuit. "How about you?"

"No, but I guess I'm okay with it."

"No Muggles out there good enough?" he said with a laugh.

She chuckled. Then a silence pursued.

"Hermione," Ron began, "can I ask you a question?"

"Sure Ron. Go ahead."

"I haven't talked to you in five years, and when school ended you just got up and left. None of us knew what had happened to you. You were just gone. Why did you leave?"

"Voldemort had killed my parents, Ron. After that happened, I had to think of my reasons for being a witch. They weren't practical, and if I had not been in the wizarding world, they probably would have never died. So, when I found out about their deaths, I decided to leave, and I did."

"Oh Hermione, I'm so sorry. We've missed you so much, but if you're happy being a Muggle then..."

"I never said that I was happy being a Muggle. It was just more practical."

"Why do you do it then if you don't enjoy it? You had such potential for being a great witch, and you still do. Why don't you come back with me? Dumbledore will surely find you a position that you are capable of."

"It's out of the question, Ron. There is no reason for me to come back," she stated, and then looked at the clock. "Oh, Ron, I have to go. My flight leaves in five minutes. It's been nice seeing you. I'll contact you some time."

She got up and started walking out the door.

"Wait Hermione," Ron cried as she left, "when will I see you again?"

"I don't know," she answered. "Goodbye, Ron."

Then she was out of his sight. Ron had let her go again. He wasn't going to let this happen. He loved Hermione no matter what she did, and he had to bring her back to the magic world. He quickly made his way through the airport, checking the flight list. Terminal two twenty-five, he could make it if he ran. With only moments to spare he spotted Hermione and ran up to her.

"Hermione," he said out of breath, "you can't go. You have to come back with me."

"Give me one good reason, Ron, one," she said while handing her ticket to the flight attendant.

"Because... because I think I love you."

Hermione looked at him, and thought about what he was asking of her. She couldn't just pick up and leave to go back to magic.

"I'm sorry, Ron," she said almost in tears. "I can't."

With that she boarded the plane.