After the Battle One Shots (Harry Potter)

Ron

"Mr. Weasley! Mr. Potter!"

Ron stopped walking, turned around, and watched Professor McGonagall scurry up to them. "Yeah, Professor?" Ron asked.

"Do you two plan on staying for the rest of term?" Professor McGonagall questioned. Ron and Harry exchanged a quick look.

"No, I don't think we are, Professor." Harry answered for the both of them.

Professor McGonagall sighed. "I feared you were going to say that." She said, sounding slightly disappointed. "I suppose the need for an education disappeared when you found that the way for your career as an Auror was clear."

Harry shrugged and Ron said; "Yeah, I suppose."

Professor McGonagall smiled sadly. "Good luck boys. I'll be missing you."

Harry and Ron stood there for a moment, stunned, as she walked away. Minerva McGonagall must have watched a thousand students move in and out of this school, and yet, there she was, wishing them good luck and saying she would miss them.

"Professor!" They both called at the same time before she could disappear into the crowd. Professor McGonagall turned around. "Yes boys?"

"Well, er...uh-" Ron stammered.

"Thanks for everything, Professor." Harry said quickly, saving Ron from speaking. "Yeah, thanks." Ron agreed.

Professor McGonagall's mouth twitched slightly. "You're welcome, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley. Thank you as well."

And with that, she turned and walked away.

The boys stared after her for a moment before Ron spoke up. "I think I'll be going to say goodbye to Hermione now...obviously she's staying..."

"Yeah," Harry muttered, following Ron through the crowded corridors.

***

They found Hermione a few moments later, talking to Luna, who had decided to finish the year at Hogwarts as well. "Oh, hello, Ron." Luna said, spotting his red hair bobbing its way between people in the corridor. "I suppose you'll be wanting to say goodbye to Hermione? I'll be going now." And she drifted off into the crowd.

"So you are leaving, then?" Hermione asked quietly. Ron smiled sadly. "Yeah. I'll see you again when term ends, Hermione." He said, sweeping her off f her feet and kissing her.

Harry cleared his throat loudly. Ron ignored him and continued to kiss Hermione, who kissed him right back.

"I think I'll be going to say goodbye to Ginny, now." Harry said loudly.

Ron pulled away from Hermione with a sound rather like a plunger. "I'll come with yo-"

"No, you won't" Hermione interrupted, grabbing Ron's arm and pulling him back.

Harry smiled a little. "See you around, Hermione." He said, giving her a hug. Hermione hugged him back, one hand still gripping Ron's arm rather tightly.

Harry pulled away and smiled one last time at Hermione, then he set off down the corridor in search of Ginny.

Ron watched him go. "You really need to stop being so protective." Hermione said quietly, only relinquishing her grip after Harry had been lost in the crowd.

Ron sighed and rubbed his arm. "You can't blame me, really." He said defensively. "She's my little sister."

"And Harry's your best friend." Hermione said pointedly. Ron shrugged. "I suppose."

"Take me for one last walk around the school?" Hermione asked, offering her hand. Ron took it gladly and grinned. "Sure,"

And he started off down the corridor, the opposite way Harry had gone, worried only about the remaining time he had with Hermione.