The battle scene loomed before them. Harry was already in there, and had been there for awhile. Hermione and Ron were left behind to be the guards. But not was the time to fight.
Out of instinct, Hermione grabbed Ron's hand. "I'm afraid," she whispered.
"I know. Me too," he said back, rubbing a thumb across her hand. She felt comforted by his touch. His presence alone gave her the strength she needed. And she needed to have the strength because Harry needed them. The fight needed them.
"I just want you to know…" she started.
"I know, me too," he said again. They looked at each other and smiled slightly. There were some things that didn't need to be said.
"It's going to be okay, right?" She asked. They took their wands out, ready for anything.
"Of course it will," Ron said, giving her a quick kiss on the lips.
As they parted, Hermione thought that it would be the only time she would be thankful that he lied to her.