Through The Years (Ron and Hermione Short Stories)

See You Soon

Now I could be wrong, (it's very easy for me to be wrong) but I'm pretty sure Hermione went back to Hogwarts to finish up her 7th year and graduate. I can see her doing this, even if JK never clarified it. This a moment of her saying goodbye as she leaves for school for the last time. Cheers! 

Hermione walked into a bright King's Cross Station. The screeching of engines and shouts of people hurrying to catch their trains filled the air. It was strange being back here. Two years wasn't such a long time and, then again, it was. Two years ago she had been starting her 6th year, Dumbledore had been alive, and she had never heard the word Horcrux. Those were simpler times.

Now Voldemort was defeated and the world was working on rebuilding itself.

She had decided to return to Hogwarts for her 7th year to officially graduate as a N.E.W.T. student. It would gnaw on her conscious forever if she never completed school. It was like never finishing a book or an important homework assignment; downright frustrating. Harry had been recruited by the Ministry and was currently undergoing Auror training. From his frequent letters and visits, he was working hard but enjoying himself. Ron had taken up the position of co-manager at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and was working full time assisting George.

That's where he is now, Hermione thought absently.

It felt wrong to be headed to Hogwarts without the two of them. Hermione felt emotion swell inside her chest. No, you mustn't cry. She swiped at her eyes.

One bright spot was that Ginny would be coming with her. This would be her final year as well, meaning they would be sharing a dormitory and classes together. This was a huge comfort. Besides, she would write the boys every day and she'd see them over Christmas holiday. The year would fly by.

The station suddenly grew quiet as a train full of passengers departed. Hermione glanced around at the deserted platforms 9 and 10 before stepping forward through the stone barrier between them. The change was instant.

The scarlet red Hogwarts Express stood before her and the platform was flooded with wizarding kids and their parents. Tears once again threatened her eyes. It was painful to believe that there was a time when she never thought she'd see that train again. Pushing these thoughts away, Hermione hefted her truck and scanned the crowd for the familiar fire-red of Ginny's hair. She didn't see her.

A body slammed into her from behind. "Hermione!"

"Ginny!" Hermione dropped her truck and spun around to hug the beaming redhead. It had been a few weeks since she had last seen most of the Weasleys. She had been spending some much-needed quality time with her reunited parents. However, not a second went by without her missing the redhead family, or Harry, or Ron. Especially Ron. 

"How are you?"

"Can't complain. Although, I thought mum was going to invite the entire family down to see me off." Ginny shook her head. "Last child headed to school and all that. But I convinced her not to pull Charlie half-way across the country."

Just then, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Percy, and Ron came into view. Ron.

Hermione couldn't run fast enough. She flung herself on him in a tight hug. As she was consumed by the smell of Ron, she could feel him hugging her back. In fact, he did so with such excitement that she felt her feet leave the ground for a few seconds. She was reminded forcefully of the first time he had lifted her in the air, only a few months ago in the Room of Requirement.

"I didn't think you were coming!" Hermione stepped back beaming up at him.

A ridiculously happy smile was shining on his face. "I had to come see you off. George can handle the shop without me for one day."

"How have you been?" It had only been two weeks since she had last seen him, yet it felt much longer.

"Busy." Ron didn't take his eyes off her. "Business is insane, but I like it that way. As long as I'm doing something I don't have as much time to think about..." He halted and she saw the pain in his eyes.

"I know."

"So, going back to Hogwarts." Ron glanced at the scarlet steam engine behind her, hastily changing the subject. "Wish I was going with you, to be honest."

Hermione smiled. She knew Ron didn't want to go back to graduate, the job he had the joke shop was perfect for him, if there was any reason at all that he'd want to go back, it would be because of her. She said none of this out-loud of course.

"It'll certainly be different without you and Harry."

A loud whistle blast sounded. She glanced over her shoulder to where Ginny was loading both her and Hermione's trunks on board.

"You'll write?" Ron looked hopeful.

"Everyday. Twice if I can manage it." Hermione beamed at him.

"Hermione I...well, you...it's just that..." Ron struggled to speak. His ears were beginning to glow.

Even after their first kiss months ago and the few others they had shared since then, Ron never failed to become flustered around her. She absolutely adored it.

"Yes?"

"It's just...well...I-I love your hair." Ron gazed at her.

Hermione allowed an amused smile to cross her face. Inside, however, her heart was melting. She couldn't help but feel there was an underlying meaning to that statement. Ever since the end of the war, Ron had taken to complimenting her at random intervals. It only happened once in a while, but when it did Hermione could barely stop herself from full-out kissing him every time.

"It's just so bushy, and curly and so you..." He placed a hand on her thick locks. She leaned into his touch. He gently pulled her face closer until she could feel his warm breath mingling with hers.

Another whistle blast sounded.

"Ron." She whispered his name. "Ron, I have to go." She felt tears well in the corners of her vision. You'll see him in a few months. It won't be that long. But she knew the truth...it was going to feel like an eternity.

With a deep longing in his eyes, Ron stared at her intensely. And then, without warning, in front of his family and a packed Hogwarts Express; he kissed her.

Without taking a moment to think Hermione kissed him back. The station platform had disappeared leaving no one but her and Ron. It was such a beautiful soft kiss that sent sparks flying through her body.

After a few moments, Hermione pulled away gently.

"I wish you didn't have to leave." Ron murmured. Hermione felt the warm puffs of his breath caress her cheeks.

"I'll see you soon." Hermione stood on tip-toe, kissed his cheek, and with that, boarded the train. The platform was nearly void of students and now only parents remained; waiting to wish their children a final farewell.

Hermione found the compartment Ginny had claimed and hastily shoved down the window. Just then the train screeched and lurched forward. Her eyes flew over the crowd of onlookers. His red hair was easy to make out. Their eyes locked. Hermione raised a hand in parting before Ron was lost from sight.

She knew she would see him soon, and yet, it could never be soon enough.