Ron Weasley looked at the destruction in front of him; the Hogwarts castle no longer looked the majestic building it had once been or at least, what has been of it prior to the battle. Ron amended silently. It was over. It was over. He repeated the mantra in his head. Voldemort was dead. Gone for good this time. But, at what cost?

He knew there were sacrifices to be made; that people lost their lives. He'd first hand experience with that when Madeye died and then again with Remus, Tonks and plenty others. But, it didn't take away the pain of losing a loved one even a bit.

Fred. His brother. His family. Ron suddenly realized his family would never be complete again and that he could never fully be teased by his twin brothers. Ever. He felt wetness on his cheek and wasn't surprised to find himself crying. He'd been holding it the entire time during the battle and almost lost it when he believed his best friend had died too; Harry whom he considered no less than a brother.

'This isn't the time' Ron told himself firmly. He needed to be strong for his family. Now more than ever, they need him. He'd been gone for a year with his best friends. They hunted the horcruxes together, Voldemort was dead. Mission accomplished. Now, he should be there for his family.

Ron wiped the tears of his face with the sleeve of his shirt. He once again looked in the direction of the castle. Harry went inside a few minutes before for some well deserved rest and as for Hermione...

Hermione...the only silver lining in the thick hazy fog that surrounded him, whom he loved and trusted with his life. Ron was surprised he admitted it; the one thing that he'd been denying, even to himself from his fourth year? Fifth? Ron wasn't sure. He also knew he'd realized his love for her only when he'd almost lost her in Malfoy Manor. Until then, he'd been under the impression he fancied her. He was a prat. He knew that too.

She kissed him in the Room of Requirement. Hermione initiated the kiss and later again on the cheek before she went inside the castle. It must mean something. He smiled slightly thinking about her. God help him, he loved her insanely and vowed to never let anything happen to her again. She will never be so helpless again; like during the time he left her during the horcrux hunt or when he was locked up in the cellar at the Malfoy Manor while she was being tortured.

Ron closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. After Harry left, Hermione had stayed behind with him. She'd gently taken his hand and rubbed the back of it with her thumb, drawing soothing patterns. He'd smiled at her weakly. Neither said a single word as they fell into a companionable silence; each of them engrossed in their own thoughts. A few moments lapsed like this until Ron asked her to get inside the castle and get some rest too.

"Aren't you coming Ron?" Hermione asked him after realizing he hadn't moved with her.

"No, I'm not tired." He stated simply. She looked at him questioningly, clearly not satisfied by his answer.

Ron sighed heavily and stared at the castle, struggling for right words to explain.
"It's just-y'know?-I need to-think alone-for some time." Ron finished lamely.

Hermione watched him with concern and something else that he couldn't place.

"Ron..." Hermione started, reaching towards him but he held up a hand and smiled reassuringly at her.

"I'm fine Hermione. Am I not always? It's just that the castle's a bit stuffy and all this-" Ron said gesturing to the dirt and destruction all around filled with blood and gore, "-is a bit overwhelming. The grief for the loved ones who will never return back mixed with the euphoria of defeating the darkest wizard of all time; between these two emotions, the castle's a bloody mess Hermione, along with the people inside it, half of whom are not sure whether to celebrate or not!" he finished off defiantly.

He looked at her stunned expression and tried for a joke. "It's only so much a guy with an emotional range of a teaspoon can handle."

Hermione was not impressed. If anything, her eyes were glistening with tears and before Ron knew, a pair of arms wrapped around him and hugged him tightly.

Ron congratulated himself for making her cry. Again. What was wrong with him? He held Hermione close in his arms and gently stroked her bushy brown hair. He didn't say anything; everytime he tried to, it just came out wrong. Mentally, he berated himself to work on that.

"I'm s-sorry Ron. I r-really didn't mean it in our fifth ye-" Ron didn't let her finish it. He put a finger to her lips. God, have her lips always been that soft?

"I know you didn't, Hermione." Ron said softly. He knew it wasn't the reason she was crying. Still stroking her hair, he gently rested his chin on top of her head. They just stood like that, each wishing the time would freeze then and there.

They didn't break apart until they heard loud, thumping footsteps behind them. They turned to see Hagrid walking towards the castle carrying a heavy looking wooden box. He didn't seem to notice them.

Ron felt so relieved to see his half giant friend looked fine; Hagrid didn't seem to have sustain any serious injuries. He called out loudly to Hagrid who turned back and beamed at them.

Hermione rushed forwards and hugged him affectionately. Of course Hagrid being the size he was, the sight appeared funny to Ron who chuckled lightly. Hagrid patted Hermione's back gently, "I'm very glad yer two are safe!" He remarked gruffly, looking at them.

"We are happy that you're fine too Hagrid and Grawp too! You both fought very bravely." Hermione said releasing him. Ron took it as his cue to hug Hagrid. He was surprised that Hermione mentioned Grawp and felt glad she remembered, for Hagrid looked pleased and also a bit proud. Normally, Ron would have given any other guy a one armed, manly hug but with Hagrid, he knew it was fruitless. So, he walked in and hugged Hagrid tightly. It felt better actually knowing at least one of his friends was going to be alright.

Hagrid too seemed to hold Ron tightly. Probably due to Fred. Ron frowned. He released Hagrid, trying to avoid looking at him in the eyes. He looked at the heavy box Hagrid was carrying and asked what was in it; more so for change of topic than actually wanting to know what it contained.

"Oh these are medicinal potions. The hospital wing is running short on these potions especially the Essence of Dittany which will take quite a few days ter brew. So, Madam Pomfrey requested some supplies from St. Mungos. The problem being St. Mungos itself is running short on staff. They couldn't afford to lose their limited number to deliver these potions ter Hogwarts. I volunteered to get them myself. So, I apparated from Hogsmead and back. Which reminds me I will have ter deliver them quickly. See yer Ron, Hermione!" he said smiling and left for the hospital wing.

"See you Hagrid" they both called back. Hermione turned back to Ron. They looked at each other and then Hermione spoke, "You sure you will be alright here, alone? I can stay with you if you like."

Ron smiled at her concern. "You should get some rest, Hermione. I will be fine. I won't be long, I promise."

She let out a soft sigh and moved close to him, standing on tiptoe, she kissed him on his cheek before turning to leave quickly. Ron just stood staring at Hermione's retreating figure, heat rising to his cheeks and the tips of his ears turned pink. Then suddenly, he smiled to himself.

Almost an hour later, Ron started back towards the castle with two things in mind.
First - He was very tired and needed a good dreamless rest.
Second - He was probably stinking and needed a warm shower but that would have to wait.