Ron entered his house once he had regained his composure. He fought to keep the pain he carried with him from showing. Every line in his face contorted into a forced smile as he saw Harry, Fred, George, and Ginny gathered at the table. “Took a walk…” he muttered. He sat by George and stared out the window. The sun rose as it always had. The sun didn’t know anything was different. It still rose and set just like it did when Hermione was there. He wished his feelings were as careless as the sun. Somehow it seemed like it would be the hardest job in the world. He couldn’t bear it if he were the sun; rising and setting everyday no matter what went on in the world…
His soul warmed as his sister touched his arm. She smiled at him and he tried to return it. His smile faltered however and he returned his gaze to the window. He closed his eyes tight and he could see Hermione. He wished that he could hold her tight and never let go. Why had he let her go? Harry started talking but Ron couldn’t hear him. There was a buzzing in his ears so loud that he felt as though ‘Muffiliato’ had been placed on him. Hermione’s head once again swirled before his eyes. She told him not to give up and to hold on tight. She started to say his name, “Ron. Ron. Ron. Ron.” Suddenly her voice became deeper and harsher but oddly familiar. “Ron. Ron! Ron!” Harry’s voice pulled him out of his trance. “Yeah…” he answered Harry faintly, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I invited Eva over today and I hope you don’t mind.” Ron sat bolt upright and snapped his gaze to Harry.
“You did what?” he demanded. The last thing he needed was the very girl who had ruined his life of undoubting sorrow and replaced it with one of burning confusion, to show up on his doorstep.
“You need to talk to someone, Ron. You’re a mess,” Harry looked to Ron with concern etched in his face.
“Fine, but don’t expect me to poor my bloody heart out to her,” Ron slumped into the living room and stretched out on the couch. Why did Harry have to care so much? Couldn’t he just let things be? Eva had ruined everything he had thought before. He had been positive that Hermione was the only woman he could ever love, but now… Blood pounded in his head as he cradled it in his hands. He tried to remember the smile that had made him melt completely, but Eva’s was replacing it. Every memory of Hermione he could muster was becoming fuzzy under the pressure.
His heart dropped to the floor as he heard a knock on the back door signaling the arrival of a dreaded visitor. He could still make a run for it. If he made it to the front door in time he might be able to make to the barn or the broom shed before anyone noticed he’d gone. Too late. Eva’s blonde head appeared in the doorway. She smiled that smile that had taken the place of Hermione’s. Ron sat up and made a spot for her on the couch. She sat and stared into the fire.
“I know that you don’t want me here, Ron,” she was oddly accurate and Ron couldn’t help but agreeing with her out loud. He stopped himself, however, and looked at his feet.
“What makes you think that?”
“You love Hermione and you think that I want to take her place.” She didn’t hesitate and she was, again, oddly accurate.
“A bit,” admitted Ron.
“I don’t want to, nor could I ever, take her place, Ron. That is in your heart and it always will be. I want to be your friend and nothing more. We could both use someone to talk to.” She settled back in her seat and waited for his response.
“All right,” he muttered. “Hermione would want me to make new friends I suppose.” Hermione’s face suddenly reappeared in the back of his mind. It was no longer fuzzy but complete and clear. He smiled to himself. Eva didn’t want to be more than friends. He could go back to loving only Hermione. His confusion lingered, however, and he didn’t know why.
They sat in silence for some time. Neither dared to break the heavy quiet that had settled in the room. The fire crackled merrily and mocked their pain. The clock in the corner ticked loudly as time passed by. Minute after minute. Second after Second. Ron hardly dared breathe. Eva shifted uncomfortably beside him.
After what seemed like hours she stood up. “Maybe it would be better if we started this…” she drifted off, “…this friendship, tomorrow.” Ron nodded. She returned his nod and stepped into the kitchen. Ron followed at her heels. Harry and Ginny were sitting at the table. Their heads were together as they whispered about something. Harry had his hands resting over top of hers. Ron cleared his throat. Ginny sat straight up as though she had been electrocuted. Harry looked from Ron who was growing red around the ears to Eva who was tucking her blonde hair behind hers and raised his eyebrows.
“Done so soon?” Eva nodded as she stepped to the doorway.
“I’ll be back tomorrow, Ron. Is that ok?”
“Yeah,” Ron looked at Harry who now was looking puzzled, “That sounds great.”
Eva went out the door. Ginny started to laugh. “How was it with Miss Evangeline?” She giggled into her arms.
“Shut it,” snarled Ron.
“If she’s coming back tomorrow, then why is she leaving so soon today? Didn’t you have a nice time?” Harry looked confused.
“She told me she just wanted to be friends and she didn’t want to take Hermione’s place. That made me happy but things felt odd so we figured we would give it a break and try again.” He shrugged his shoulders and took an apple from a basket on the counter.
“I see,” said Harry as he raised his eyebrows once more.
“And what were you two doing in here?” Ron smirked.
“Nothing!” said Harry and Ginny at once, much too quickly to be believable. Both of their faces turned red and they tried to avoid Ron’s eyes.
“Right,” said Ron as his smile broadened. It was the first time he had laughed since Hermione’s death.
Ron's New Life by rupertgrintlover13
Chapter Notes: This chapter is all about Ron and Eva starting a friendship. Things are getting a bit rocky and there are a few tense moments. I'm looking forward to coming chapters so keep reading and reviewing!