Summary: Takes place after Sirius' death, near the beginning of sixth year. Harry has introverted himself and Hermione is trying to pull him out.
A/ N: I used the song The Saddest Word by Celine Dion as inspiration. I know, complete departure from Closer; but it's such a sad song.
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize doesn't belong to me.
Sound of Silence
"Emptiness; that's all I saw. Merely blankness where those gorgeous, green eyes once were. Now, nothing but pain. Nothing for him to hold on to."
He's motionless. No words, only silence. He's breaking; but there aren't any pieces to pick up. Drowning in his own torment.
Just vacancy in his soul, which was always so warm before. A cold aura always surrounds him. Almost dead, but still here.
He sat in the overstuffed, scarlet armchair, staring ahead.
Hermione kneeled at his feet, tears streaming down her soft cheeks. It pained her to see him like this.
"Harry," she pleaded, "I know you hurt; but please don't go on like this. Please."
Flecks of tears dropped on her knees. But he remained silent.
"Please," she went on, her voice breaking, "please."
Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear.
Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near.
Some day you'll say that word; and I will cry.
It'll break my heart, the day you say goodbye.
She hesitantly placed her hand on his knee. Her moist, red eyes cast despairingly up at him.
"You only have one life to live, " he muttered suddenly, " and one death to die."
She gazed up at him, hoping he would say more.
"That's all," he said turning to her, "that's all you get."
His glassy-eyed stare almost brought her to the point of more tears, as he placed his hand over hers.
She wanted to remind him that he wasn't alone. That was what everyone got. That he wasn't different from everyone else. That this one was the only one. That this was his only one.
"But it's not time to say goodbye to it, Harry. Please don't say goodbye."
But only silence. Only miserable silence.
And it hurts to know that something so strong,
will someday be gone; must say goodbye.
Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear.
Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near.
Some day you'll say that word; and I will cry.
We'll meet again; until then, goodbye.