So this is it! This is the end of the 'Seven Ways...' series, there won't be any further sequels, I think I've brought it to a good conclusion and hopefully you'll be happy! If there are any doubts in my readers' minds about my status as 'a complete sap' then this should remove all doubt!

Thanks for the reviews with this one and 'Cry' they really do encourage me to keep writing:D Cheers peeps!

Step ;)

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Chapter 7 – Without definition

It was official. Our son had grown up. Today I watched him wait nervously whilst her father walked down Caitlin towards him and then saw the look of awe on his face when she came into view.

To say the wedding was a big one was an understatement. It was huge, but then again marrying the Minister for Magic's only daughter was quite a big deal. The former Minister had retired due to health issues and Caitlin's father had been given the top job. Even before his promotion, this wasn't going to be a small wedding. I just don't think Josh was quite prepared for how huge it was going to end up being.

Their first dance together was beautiful and I cried my way through the whole thing, but with a smile on my face. And so now I sit at one of the large round tables, and watch my family, extended family and friends dance, sing and have fun.

I catch sight of Josh and Caitlin on the dancefloor. Josh handed over his very tired two-year-old son, Oliver Ronald Weasley to his wife and gave them both a kiss before Caitlin left, I presume, to put him to bed.

Josh slowly turned around, looking around the room. When he looked at me I smiled and waved and he walked over to me. He sat down on the chair next to mine and poured himself a glass of wine from the bottle on the table.

'Caitlin's putting Oliver to bed, I'm surprised he managed to stay awake this long.'

'I'm not! You never used to want to go to bed! You had to be falling asleep where you were sat or stood before I could get you into bed sometimes!'

He laughed into his drink and I smiled at him.

'Is Caitlin happy with how today went?' I asked.

'Yeah she is. Everything went smoothly, it was perfect. Well…I mean…'

His smile faltered and I took his hand in mine. 'I know what you mean. But he's here Josh, he wouldn't miss this for the world.'

He smiled a half smile. 'I know.'

He sipped at his wine and grimaced slightly. I laughed.

'For expensive stuff this tastes like crap!'

I snorted into my wine and managed to rid my lungs of that I had inhaled quickly, without making a scene.

'Yes…it's not the best, is it?' I said through a last small cough.

His smile slipped again, and he looked thoughtful, but not in a happy way.

'Josh, what's wrong.'

'Nothing!' He replied a little too quickly. I think he recognised the disbelieving look I gave him and he smiled again. 'Really, nothing's wrong, the opposite in fact, it's just…mum, do you trust me?'

I was taken aback by his question.

'Of course I trust you Josh.'

'Good, I…I have something to tell you.'

'Is Caitlin pregnant again?' I asked, only half joking.

He chuckled. 'No…well, if she is she hasn't told me about it!'

I tutted.

'It's nothing like that,' he continued. 'Well, recently I've been having these dreams, well I call them dreams but they felt a bit different. For one I remember every detail of them, no gaps or anything. And for another, you know how dreams make sense when you're having them, but when you wake up, parts of them seem ridiculous?'

I nodded.

'Well after I've woken up and thought about them, nothing's out of place. Everything is normal and…right.'

'Okay,' I replied quietly. 'What were the dreams about Josh?'

'Er…they were about…Dad.'

Of course they were. Josh always went quiet when talking about his dad.

'You believed me when I told you about that time he brought me back, and you still do, don't you?'

'You know I do.'

'Well, it's like that more than dreams.'

My eyes widen, I did not like how that sounded.

'No no! I'm not saying I was leaving this existence or anything! Nothing like that. I was definitely only sleeping, we checked. After it happened the first time I kind of knew that it was going to happen again, and Caitlin and I thought it was best to cast visual diagnosis spells on me. Caitlin stayed awake and nothing changed, I really was just sleeping. All I'm saying is, it felt more like, that, than it did dreams.'

I breathed, apparently I'd been holding my breath whilst he was explaining.

'So…er…' I started, not really knowing what to say.

'I need you to trust me mum, I need to do something but you need to trust me, nothing bad will happen to you and you'll be perfectly safe. I promise.'

'Josh, I don't-'

'Can we just go outside for a bit?'

'Er…yeah, if you want to.'

'I do, if you don't mind, I asked Harry to come to.'

'Well I hope he has more of an idea of what's gong on than I do!' I mumbled.

I was unsettled. My son needed me to trust him and I didn't know why. I do trust him, but when he started the conversation talking about Ron…I don't know. Something was going on.

I stood up and followed Josh towards the French windows that were open at the end of the room. He was a few steps in front of me and he put a hand on Harry's shoulder as he passed him. He gave Harry the smallest nod and Harry nodded in return. He gave his pint glass to Charlie and followed Josh out of the hall.

Harry waited for me at the doors and put his arm round me as we walked onto the grass, away from the happy sounds of the reception.

'Harry, what's going on?'

'Josh just needs to do something, don't worry Hermione. He's spoken to me about it and it's okay, I promise.'

I stopped and looked at Harry.

'The last time my son spoke to you about something it was about his entire career! Generally my son doesn't go to you before he goes to me unless he thinks I might have a problem with it! Telling me this isn't helping Harry!'

Harry smiled a relaxed smile.

'Hermione, you trust me and you trust your son. Now come on.'

He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards Josh, who was stood under a large Oak tree and looking at me nervously.

We stopped when we met him and he looked at us both before nervously clearing his throat.

'Mum, you're here because Dad wants to talk to you.'

I felt like I'd been hit around the head. My brain refused to accept what Josh had just said.

'You could have been a little less direct Josh!' Harry mumbled.

I opened my mouth to say something but no sound came out.

'I know this is strange to hear mum, but I know it's true. Dad needs to tell you something and he wants to do it tonight. You said you believed me about him bringing me back; well I'm asking you to believe me about this too.'

I had finally managed to form a sentence in my brain, but when I opened my mouth to say it, a warm breeze took my breath away.

Josh and Harry looked around them and Josh smiled.

'Yeah, I think he's ready.'

'I- what?'

Josh smiled. 'I said, he's ready. Have you never noticed little things like that? The lights flickering, an unexplained draft or breeze, the TV jumping?'

I thought about it. Yes, I had noticed the lights flickering occasionally, and at one point I did let myself believe that it was Ron. But when I thought about it logically it just didn't fit, and I didn't think it was healthy to cling onto a few sporadic light flickerings as my last encounter with my dead husband.

'So it was him?' I asked Josh, the beginnings of tears starting to form in my eyes.

'Well, apart from when the telly blew up, he swears that wasn't him!'

Despite everything I smiled, Harry laughed out loud.

'So, are you ready mum?'

What a question. Was I ready for what? I had no idea what was about to happen and I hadn't as yet got used to the idea that Ron had been communicating with Josh and apparently wanted to talk to me.

'No!' I replied honestly. 'I don't-'

'Mum, just relax. Just hold my hands and close your eyes.'

I did as I was told.

'Try to clear your mind, like Uncle Harry can't.'

I smiled when I heard Harry's hand meet the back of Josh's head.

'Ah!' he exclaimed.

'Just because it's your wedding day doesn't mean you can take the piss out of your Godfather!'

'Anyway, as I was saying. Just relax and think of nothing. Dad'll do the rest.'

I felt more tears form in my eyes and took a shaky breath.

I tried to imagine that I was stood in a white room with nothing around me. I took a few deep breaths and managed to calm down.

The warm breeze started up again, but just flowing around Josh and me. The white behind my eyes intensified and then there was the odd colour. A red shadow moved from right to left, blue from left to right and then orange, green, yellow, back to blue and then they faded, to be replaced by a grey shadow. It got taller and moved towards me. I knew what it was by the way it moved.

It was Ron.

'Ron!' I gasped.

It's me Hermione.

Was he talking or just-

It's hard to explain, Hermione. You just have to think and I'll hear you.

I knew I was crying, I was hearing Ron's voice as clear as I had the night he died.

I just can't believe this. I-…there's so much I've wanted to say to you, but I can't think of anything now.

I know, this must be very strange for you but believe in it. It is real. Before I say what I want to say to you, I'd like to tell you how beautiful you look, how beautiful you always look, and well, I don't think I ever told you enough, how much I loved you, and still love you.

You said it often enough. I never stopped loving you Ron, never.

I know you didn't. This place, it lets you feel things that you can't where you are. I understand things I never thought I'd be able to understand.

Why you Ron?

The question entered my mind before I could stop it.

Because that's the way it had to be, Hermione. I can't say too much about it, I had to accept it and you do too. It's just the way it had to be.

But it wasn't fair! None of this is fair! You should be here with Josh, Caitlin and me, dancing with me at our son's wedding! That's the way it should be!

Shh Hermione, please calm down.

A warmth surrounded me and it felt like he was hugging me. In whatever form we were in, he was holding me.

It's just so unfair Ron.

I know, I know. But I didn't bring you here to talk about that. There's something that I need to say to you, and there's something I need you to do for me.

I'll do it, whatever it is, I'll do it.

Good, I'm glad. I need you to move on, Hermione. I want you to let yourself love again. You deserve to have someone who loves you and who will look after you and take care of you. Not that you need it, you can do that well enough, you proved that in the way you raised our son. He's amazing, I'm so proud of the both of you, but this is your time now. In an ideal world, it would have been our time, but it can't be. I'm asking you to move on from me.

But I can't

Yes you can Hermione, I can't bear the thought of you not letting someone love you because of me. I know you will always love me, but you have a big enough heart to let someone else in there too.

Ron I-

Please Hermione, you said you'd do anything for me, I'm asking you to do this for me and for you. You deserve it.

But what if I-?

You won't forget me Hermione, how can you when our son's a double of me?

I smiled.

Look, I'm not supposed to tell you much more, it's breaking the rules somewhat.

Since when has rule breaking ever bothered you?

Laughter filled my head and I managed a weak chuckle.

Yeah, okay, you have a point, but I have a feeling I'll get a bit more than a detention off Dumbledore for breaking these ones.

Dumbledore? Again, thoughts were going through my mind before I could stop them.

It's not the time for that Hermione, one day you'll know. Just know that everything will be okay. For you in your world, and for you afterwards. I'll be waiting for you, but only when it's your time. I told Josh that and he understands. When it's time I'll see you again.

Wait, you mean you can't do this again?

No Hermione, this is it. That's why I want you to promise me that you'll do what I asked. Please promise me you'll love again.

I-

Please Hermione.

Ron I love you, and I always will. If you want me to love again, then I'll…I'll try.

Thank you my darling. I love you and I will for eternity.

I love you too Ron. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to say it once more.

You're welcome, Tell my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandson that I love them.

I will.

It's time to go Hermione.

No, please, just a bit longer!

You know I can't Hermione. Now I need you to take a deep breath and relax again.

I love you Ron, always.

Forever and eternity Hermione. Forever and eternity.

I gasped for breath as I opened my eyes. My legs went from underneath me and Harry caught me, apparently he'd been stood behind me. My head fell back on his shoulder and I closed my eye. I felt Josh's grip on my hands tighten and I heard his voice from what sounded like a long way away.

'Mum! Mum! Are you alright?'

I nodded as best I could whilst my head was tilted back.

'Just breathe Hermione, okay? Breathe for me,' Harry said quietly into my ear.

I did as he said and opened my eyes. I focused on the branches and leaves above me and I found the strength to lift my head and take some of my weight back on to my feet.

'Slowly Hermione, slowly,' Harry said and I nodded in agreement.

I looked at Josh and smiled what I hoped was a reassuring smile, he looked scared stiff.

'Are you okay?' he asked.

'Yes, I think so.'

'Good.'

'You know what he asked me to do, don't you Joshua.'

He looked at me and nodded, never breaking eye contact with me.

'Yes I do, and he's right. You deserve it mum, you deserve it again.'

'He said…'

Tears streamed down my face again.

'He said, it was my…my time.'

'And it is mum. Please do what he says, for him and for you.'

He chanced a smile and I returned it.

'As I told him; I'll try.'

Josh pulled me forwards out of Harry's hold and hugged me.

I wasn't sure how I was feeling. There was so many things running through my mind, but I couldn't help but feel a little optimistic. Ron had promised me everything was going to be okay, that was all that mattered. As for what he wanted me to do, well, as I said, I'd try.

Josh pulled back and looked at me.

'There was a reason why he chose today mum, he saw it as a happy point you could remember and take strength from. After everything that happened last month, it's a kind of…closure…isn't it?'

Sometimes I hated how articulate and, well, right my son could be.

Last month Draco Malfoy had been convicted of various murders, including Ron's, and had been given the Dementor's kiss. Once he had been found and caught, he admitted to every single one, not wanting to give his captors the satisfaction of knowing they had forced him to tell them anything.

Josh, as well as most of the Weasley brothers had gone to the trial, but I hadn't. I didn't need to. I'd known since the night Ron died who had killed him and me setting off on a manhunt would not have helped me recover, nor would it have helped in Josh's upbringing.

But I won't say it wasn't a relief, justice had finally been served. Where Ron would be in peace for eternity, Malfoy had no eternity to escape to.

'When did you get so smart?' I mumbled.

Josh laughed.

'Oh, I dunno, must be something to do with my genes. Dad said I got it off him.'

Harry snorted behind me; I'd forgotten he was there. Josh laughed out loud and I joined him.

'He's happy mum, and you deserve to be too. That's all he wants.'

'I know.'

'Er…shall we go inside? You're shivering Hermione.' Harry said quietly.

I hadn't even realised.

'Come on mum, let's go and dance!'

I smiled and let Josh pull me towards the hall. The three of us walked in a calm silence. When we walked through the doors, Harry gave me a quick hug and walked off to find Ginny. Josh held out his arm to me.

'May I have this dance?' he asked with a grin.

'You may,' I replied, mirroring his grin.

We walked forwards, and then I felt a tap on my shoulder. I stopped and turned around.

One of my work colleagues was smiling at me.

'Hermione, may I have this dance?' he asked.

'I'm sorry Peter, my son has just asked me the same question.'

'Mum, it's fine! Really!'

I ignored Josh's comments, but then the faintest of swirls of warm breeze pushed me half an inch forward. I smiled.

'But after I have danced with my son I would be delighted to.'

Peter smiled and I turned back to Josh who walked me towards the dance floor with a smile on his face.

As I danced with my son I smiled. But to define that smile wouldn't do it justice. It held every emotion possible, including the slight pangs of fear I felt, but still I smiled. There was nothing else to do. Everything was going to be all right.

That was the seventh way I smiled – Without definition