You and Me, Forever - Romione

001. Beginnings

Ron was completely alone. He could feel every bone in his body aching as he lay there on the hard floor. As he drifted in and out of awareness, flames crackled around him, and the few chess pieces still intact towered above him, mocking him. He felt his eyes droop, watering from the strain of staying open, and then he couldn't feel anything at all.

He woke later, unsure of how much time had passed, to a worried face surrounded by a mane of bushy hair inches from his face. Hermione's hands were gripping his shoulders, and judging by her tight hold, she had been attempting to wake him for quite some time. When she noticed his eyes were open, she flung her arms around Ron's neck as he struggled to sit up.

"Geroff, Hermione, I'm fine," he grumbled under her tight embrace.

She apologized sheepishly and pulled him to his feet. They hurried back the way they'd come, Hermione explaining Harry's instructions for them to fetch Dumbledore along the way, although Ron wasn't fully paying attention.

He was more focused on Hermione's hand holding his, dragging him through the castle.