Hope
Hey, guys, this is my first story, so please tell me what you thought, if it's awful let me know why, don't just tell me it's bad! It's just a short one-shot on my idea of a missing moment between Ron and Hermione at Shell Cottage. Hope you like it!
Disclaimer- I own nothing, anything you recognise belongs to J.K Rowling (duh).
I couldn't sleep, it was all too much. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was her, the knife, the chandelier. I was just lying there, trying to breathe, to keep it all in, to not let her continue torturing me. There was a faint noise coming from the door, whispers just outside and although I knew I was safe, I gripped my wand tightly. As the door opened I breathed a sigh of relief; it was just Ron- well, not just Ron, he's the reason I'm still here, fighting. Though his face should have been familiar to me, it was so full of pain and it looked... wrong, somehow.
"What is it, Ron? What's wrong?" I asked.
"How are you, Hermione? Why aren't you sleeping- Fleur told you rest was the best way to heal."
"Don't avoid my question, Ronald." I glared at him, causing him to smile slightly.
"Sorry, I just keep thinking about it all… Your screams, I thought you were going to-" he broke off, shuddering.
"So did I," I whispered. "But you saved me."
"I didn't, Dobby did. I wish I could have, but I couldn't get to you." He hung his head, as if he were ashamed.
"Ronald, I heard you down in the dungeon, shouting for me. If I hadn't heard you, I would have given up long before Dobby came." I felt a tear fall down my cheek as Ron rushed to my side and grab my hand.
"Hermione, please, please don't cry. You know I can't deal with that!" his little attempt at humour was sweet, making me smile just a little.
We sat there for what seemed like hours in a content silence, side by side, which made my memories fall to the back of my mind- Ron often has that effect on me. I guess I was just glad he was back and after such a long time of him being gone, I felt as if I needed to be as close as possible to him right now. I might not have shown him, but I have never been as happy as the moment I saw Harry and him walk back to the tent after destroying the locket.
Ron shifted himself slightly, as if trying to leave. He couldn't leave me now, he had to stay!
"Ron, don't go. Please?" I felt pathetic, like I was begging, but I couldn't be without him, not just yet. He numbed the memories.
"Hermione, you need rest, please just try and sleep."
"But I can't, all I see is her when I close my eyes." I gripped his hand tighter, "but it hasn't been as bad since you got here." Ron moved again, this time letting go of my hand, but instead putting his arm around me, pulling me closer.
"I'll stay, don't worry. I won't leave you again." He kissed me lightly on my head, sending shivers down my spine. It felt like hope to me, and we both knew his promise was bigger than just this moment.