Flower Petals

-14-

Hermione, Harry, Alstroemeria, and Lavender were waiting by Ron's bedside. The day had passed quickly, and the sun was sitting on the hill outside the infirmary windows. A sheet of light spread across the empty beds and landed across Ron's face. If Alstroemeria hadn't hated Ron so much for falling, probably while doing something stupid, she would have thought he looked like an angel. The bruises and scratches were the only thing left over, his bones long healed. Lavender was holding his hand, cooing over him, crying like he was on his death bed. Hermione and Harry were at the foot of the bed. They were sitting together and laughing about something, Hermione was smiling, it spread across her face and brought warmth to her eyes and her cheeks. Harry was slicking his hair back, looking down. His face was light, happy. It reminded her of the picture Harry adored of their mother and father, dancing. He looked so much like James now, when he was with Hermione.

Alstroemeria looked at Lavender, she was dramatic yes, but she was worried. She was stroking his forehead and whispering to him. Maybe, Alstroemeria thought, this was how it was meant to be. She was devoted, loving, and determined to be with him. That's what Ron deserved, unconditional, unwavering love.

Ron twitched under his blankets, muttering. Lavender popped up and slapped her hand to his cheek.

"Sweetheart? Oh.. Sugar Booger?"

Harry audibly gagged and Hermione laughed, covering herself with Harry's shoulder.

He shifted muttering again.

"what?" Lavender said. "he'e asking for me!" she smiled.

"F-F-flower" he said "Flower." Lavender's face dropped, you could see the moment her heart landed in her stomach acid, burning to a crisp. She wasn't angry either, when her eyes shot up to meet Alli's, it was like she always knew.

Lavender Brown had been through this many times. At first it was with Blaise, who had a particular way of finding other women to sleep with when Lavender felt uncomfortable with how fast they took things. Then it was a boy named Marcus, and he was full of rage. She gave him love and he gave her back disloyalty, and many boys after that. Lavender Brown had not, even once in her life, felt safe in a relationship. Internally she suspected that this was inevitable.

She dropped his hand hard on his chest, running out of the room.

Alstroemeria slid into her place. A very large part of her felt awful for Lavender, but a larger one needed to be close to Ron.

Ron's hand came up to hers, he still wasn't conscious, but his body became relaxed when he held her hand. The ray of light on his face was almost gone, the sun behind Hogwarts fading behind the green hills. The infirmary was lit by hanging candles, like in the great hall. Little reflections of the fires were thrown against the walls like Ron and Alli were in there own kaleidoscope. Alstroemeria felt like they were in there own bubble, Ron's hand held hers intently and the warmth in him was flowing through her. She took her hand away, just for a moment to fix her braid, pulling the ribbon off the end, but Ron was restless, so she returned her hand before he woke.

Hermione and Harry were exhausted, Harry wanted to stay, but Alli assured them she would stay until he woke up. Harry kissed her head and ruffled Ron's hair. Alli didn't look back to watch them walk away, but if she did she would've seen the two leaning on each other, laughing smiling, and eventually Hermione intertwining her fingers with Harry's. Harry squeezed her hand. They were survivors, perhaps it would be easier to survive together.

Ron turned and twitched all night, and every time he did Alstroemeria woke up. She lay her head on his stomach, looking up at him. She held his hand all night, humming to him and stroking his hand with her thumb. She'd pass out, and she'd wake, over and over until it seemed so late that it should've been morning by now.