A/N: You aren't allowed to have a purely A/N chapter anymore, I think. So there will be at least part of the next chapter to follow this note. Yes, a next chapter. Despite my definate The End at the end of chapter eleven.

I have been tossing around an idea for an alternate ending, because I have had so many requests for an update, I have decided to write it. The good thing about this ending is I will not be changing a thing in previous chapters. The bad thing about it (to me) is I don't yet see an ending, which could mean many more chapters. The bad thing about that (to you, my lovely readers) is that I'm starting back at uni, and if it is anything like last semester, I won't have much time free to write. I will do my best however, between classes, assignments and beta-ing my wonderful betaees.

Chapter 12: No Happy Ending

Ron opened his eyes a slight smile on his face and feeling confused. His eyes reflexively snapped shut when his bed's hangings were pulled back to reveal just how late it was.

"Ron, what are you doing? We need to get going."

A feeling of dread crept into his stomach and made it's home. "What's going on?"

Harry stopped getting ready and slowly turned around. "You better not be joking." But with one look at Ron's face he sighed, "Honestly Ron! ... the funeral?"

The dread suddenly reared up and was clawing at his heart. The funeral. So the nightmare was real. "Right." He wished he could just close his eyes and return to the world where everything was good but it wasn't. There was no happy ending.

He couldn't do it. He couldn't face them. "I don't feel well," Ron moaned. "I don't think I should go, I might be contagious."

Harry frowned. "Really?" he asked with narrowed eyes.

"It wouldn't matter if I'm there anyway," Ron started then remembered he was sick and continued with a croak, "we didn't even know her."

Harry advanced on Ron and threw his covers back, ignoring Ron's shriek of, 'I could've been naked!' he said, "We are going for Ginny. You know your sister? She loves so easily," Harry's tone took on a wistful slant as he continued, "it doesn't matter that she didn't know Sarah long. Her death still hit her hard. We are going to support Ginny."

Harry suddenly turned on Ron as a thought struck him. "Besides, you seemed to have been getting pretty close to her before... Voldemort. Why-" Harry shook his head and didn't continue but Ron recognised that look.

Harry was blaming himself, another life caught in the crossfire of his battle. Ron opened his mouth ready to tell him it wasn't his fault but the words stuck fast in his throat. He couldn't reassure Harry when he couldn't bring himself to face what he had done. It would be like admitting it was his fault. Yet another steaming pile of guilt settled on his shoulders. Sarah was dead and he'd killed her. And he couldn't tell anyone.