It hurts when you're gone (Ron Weasley Fanfic)

Chapter 19- Don't leave me Alone

I slumped back wearily against the pillow, wiping the sweat from my brow. Revising late into the night was something that came to me very easily, but coupled with the fact that Ron wanted to get his doubts clarified, Hermione was getting increasingly angry and snappy at whoever dared talk in the Common Room and the constant pressure of the OWLs' lying above the neck like a sword waiting to cut someone's neck made revising a very tedious job indeed. I groaned at the memory of a particular incident that had happened in the evening. Ron had wanted to clarify the date of some Convention or the other, and I was immersed in a complex answer that had about 11 sub-points. Without meaning to, I snapped at him. 'Oh go away Ron. Just please leave me alone.' He looked hurt as he stumbled back to his table and the second he turned his heel on me, I wished I hadn't said it. I was so used to revising alone all these years that group studying just didn't make sense. I hadn't gotten a single chance to make amends, but I hoped to do so the next morning- our last exam, History of Magic, would be over then.

I sat 2 rows ahead of Ron, all the while wondering what he thought of me now. In the final few minutes of the exam though, Harry collapsed from his desk, writhing on the floor, at which my heart started hammering loudly. What had happened to him? He was rushed out by an examiner; he never came back. When the exam finally got over, I saw Ron and Hermione rushing past the aisles, towards the classrooms. I yelled their names many times, but I suppose I couldn't be heard over the ruckus. I poked my head around every classroom door, but to no avail. Those three had gone off somewhere. I sighed and walked off towards the Common Room, where I hoped they'd be there. They weren't there either. Nor was Ginny.

I took the butterbeer Dean was offering with a 'Thanks' and sat back in an armchair, wondering where on earth they could've gone. I swilled the drink slowly, staring into its murkiness, hoping it would give me some answers. I didn't understand why they hadn't come back here and I found no point in going to the Great Hall for dinner without my friends, so I stayed back in the Common Room.

I spent the whole night in bed restlessly. Hermione didn't come in the night either and Lavender and Parvati weren't being worried at all. I decided I'd ask McGonagall in the morning.

I woke up with a definite feeling of dread. Perhaps they were in the Hospital Wing? Just on a hunch, I decided to go there before meeting McGonagall. I hoped they wouldn't be there. But they were.

Hermione waved to me feebly and Ginny sat on the edge of her bed. I ran towards them and gave them a bone- crushing hug, muttering all the while- 'Thank goodness I found you.' Hermione clutched her chest as I let go, making me feel alarmed. Ginny handed her a cupful of blue- coloured potion. 'Drink up Hermione, Madam Pomfrey told you to.' She took the cup in a resigned manner, and downed the contents in one go, finally turning to face me. I hadn't looked around, my line of sight had been restricted to her all this while. But when I turned, I saw Harry and Neville. And Ron.

Before he could barely register my presence, I put my arms around his neck, almost crying into his shoulder. He seemed shocked by the fact that I was crying, but put his hands around my shoulders. I sobbed as I said, 'I thought..I thought that Umbridge woman got you for something! And the last time I saw you..I ended up saying..leave me alone!! I don't want to be left alone..I don't..'

His arms, around my bare neck, felt different; somewhat callous- almost scarred. I pulled back immediately and took his arms in my hand. I pushed back the sleeves of his shirt and found to my great horror, great big scars. I ran my fingers lightly above them, trying to gauge his pain. He winced slightly.My eyes filled up with tears again, but I willed myself not to cry.

'Ron..' I said in a broken voice, 'what happened?'

He took my hands off his arms and held them.

'Shush Y/N. I'm absolutely fine. First of all, I'm never going to leave you alone, of all people. Secondly, you sound like my mum. And thirdly, it's a long story. We went to the Ministry. And don't cry- you're making me touchy.' He smiled slightly and stroked the hair off my face. I never thought I could care so much for someone other than mum or dad. Seeing Hermione and Ron injured made my eyes well up again. But Harry looked worser, like something had been destroyed inside of him. I knew that look very well.

When I approached him, he shook off my hand (not rudely) and said he was going down to Hagrid's cabin. 'What happened?' I asked, looking sadly at the closed door. 'He lost his godfather last night. He died' Neville said. 'Oh my goodness' I said, my hands flying to my face. I noticed Hermione and Ron were shaking a little. I wanted to lighten the mood.

'Oh well..' I said, sitting on the edge of Ron's bed, and facing the others. 'How did the last exam go?'

Ron groaned and put his face in his hands. 'No..not again. I don't want you two discussing any questions from the paper. Blimey I know I sucked, thank you.' Neville chuckled.

We discussed the questions nevertheless.

On the day we came back to platform nine and three quarters, Ron grinned and took my face in his hands. He kissed me on the nose. 'I love you Y/N.' My heart warmed up instantly.

'Love you too.'

'See you love.'

'See you soon Ron.'

As I waved goodbye, I spotted dad and rushed over to him. Dad seemed kind of dazed as he asked, 'Who was that boy?'

'Long story, dad' I said, smiling to myself.

'I have a long story to tell you too, honey' Dad said, pushing my trolley.