Hermione turned over in her sleeping bag. She was unable to sleep, but at least it gave her time to think. Ron was back. He left, but he came back. Hermione was filled with mixed emotions. She loved the fact that her voice helped him find her. Yet, she was still angry about him leaving. She looked over to where he was sleeping. He looked so warm and comfortable. And here she was, freezing and uncomfortable in every way. Her thoughts drifted back to a time when she told Ron she was cold and he had wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Everything seemed so peaceful in that moment. Hermione sighed and got out of her sleeping bag. She walked over to Ron's bed. How she had missed that ginger hair when he was gone.
"Ron," whispered Hermione. He rolled over and smiled at her.
"Hermione, are you all right? What's wrong?" asked Ron sounding concerned.
"Nothing, Ron. Really, I'm fine. I'm just cold. That's all."
"Well, here, get under the covers with me. I'll warm you up." Ron budged over to make room for Hermione and lifted the covers for her to join him.
Hermione lay down next to Ron, but wouldn't look at him. She just lay staring at the ceiling. Ron was propped up on his elbows, though.
"Hermione," whispered Ron, "Please, talk to me. I want to explain some things to you."
"Like what, Ronald?" said Hermione in a heated voice. She still wouldn't look at him.
"Like how I never ever meant to hurt you. I am so, so, so, deeply, sorry, Hermione. I promise I will never leave your side again."
"How can I ever trust you after you left me like that? I don't think I can."
"Hermione, please, you can't mean that. You mean the world to me."
"If that's true, then why did you leave?" Hermione finally rolled over to look at him. He sighed.
"It was that stupid locket. It messed with my mind, whispered things in my ear. It convinced me that I was unloved in every way. 'Least loved from the mother who craved a daughter…' it said. 'You will always be least loved by the girl whom you love. She prefers him, your best friend…' it would say. It tortured me. Mentally, though, not physically. It felt the same way though." Hermione could see tears fill those big blue eyes. Tears filled her eyes, too.
"Ron, you are unloved at all. Your whole family loves you. I can promise you that. And, Ronald, never compare yourself to Harry." She caressed his cheek and wiped away the tear that had escaped his eyes. She allowed him to wrap his arms around her, pulling them closer together.
"Hermione, when I was gone, and you and Harry were alone, did, um, did u guys do anything?"
"Of course not, Ronald! He's like a brother to me. Besides, I was always hoping you would come back." Ron kissed her forehead. They both smiled. Hermione buried her face in his chest.
"I missed you so much."
"I missed you, too. I was always afraid the Death Eaters had got you or that something horrible had happened."
"You worry too much. Relax, Hermione. I'm here now."