“You don’t have to do this, Hermione.” He pleaded with her, taking yet another step toward her. But every step he took forward, she took a step back, until she was rammed up against the mantelpiece, the hot flames licking near her ankles. “I do –” she tried to keep a straight face as the tears finally broke away from the wrath of her eyes –“I do.” He was then right next to her face. “Please, Hermione . . .” “Stop . . . please stop,” she begged him, the feel of his face next to hers too much for her to handle. She didn’t trust herself having him so close.