For the Most in a Month Competition, Can You Make It To the End (OTP prompts why, anxious, and smile), and Magical World Tour Challenge (music box)
Hermione paces anxiously. It isn't like Ron to just disappear without a word, and none of the few surviving Order members seem to know where he's gone.
"It's going to be okay, love," Molly assures her, but Hermione can see the concern and uncertainty in her eyes. "He's a brave boy. So strong. He'll be okay."
And Hermione wonders if she's trying to convince her or herself.
Everything has been wrong since that final battle. Harry was supposed to win, and now he's dead. Now, the rest of them are hunted. Even hidden away, they're all just sitting targets.
"I want to go after him," she says.
Molly grabs her hand. "No, dear. I- I can't stand the thought of losing you, too," she says firmly.
Hermione wants to explode. It isn't fair that she has to wait around. Once, every now and then, Kingsley will send her and others on a mission, but those days are so few now.
"I'm going to take a walk."
Molly looks like maybe she wants to argue, but she just nods, lips thin. "Alright, dear. Be careful. The enchantments are up, but…"
She doesn't have to finish the sentence. Hermione already knows. They all know. There is no promise that the Death Eaters will not find them and break the barrier.
As she reaches the door, it opens from the other side. Quick as a flash, Hermione draws her wand.
"Easy, Hermione. Easy," Ron says with a sheepish smile.
Hermione takes a deep breath, her nostrils flaring. "Where were you?" she demands.
"Do you know how worried we were?" Molly adds, and Hermione is grateful to have her on her side.
Ron holds his hands up defensively. During the movement, Hermione hears something rustle in his bad. "If you can promise not to attack me, I can explain," he says. "Preferably alone, Hermione."
…
"Why?" Hermione asks. "Why would you just sneak out like that? This isn't Hogwarts! We're not a bunch of dumb kids who know that Harry can save us!"
Ron offers her a sheepish smile. "I went to your parents' house."
The answer catches Hermione off guard. She shakes her head, trying to understand why he would do that. It's such a ridiculous, unnecessary risk.
"I found this in your old room," he says, placing the music box on the table. "It had pictures and things in it, so I thought that would be the best thing. You've been… We've all been a mess since Harry… Since that day. But I figured I could at least do something to help you."
Hermione opens the box, watching the dancing figure spring up and twirl slowly. The chime of the music begins, and Hermione feels tears dot her lashes. She never knew what the song was supposed to be, but she would often find herself humming it during times of trouble.
She pulls out the first photograph. She was three. Her mum and dad stood on either side of her, the Grand Canyon behind them. Another photo. She was seven. Her grandmother stood beside her, and Hermione remembers that it was on her first real adventure to the library. Photos after photos, little trinkets after little trinkets.
"I didn't mean to make you cry," Ron whispers.
Hermione turns, throwing her arms around her boyfriend. "You idiot. It's perfect."