Chapter 4
When they got to the Burrow, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny went outside and walked around the yard. They tried not to mention Hermione's parents' deaths because it was painful for her, so they recounted all of their good times at Hogwarts in the past years, and thought about the good times they would have during their last year there. Harry had been debating whether he would attend school this year because of Dumbledore's death, but was now glad that he chose to go. Eventually, Mrs. Weasley called the group in for dinner.
After dinner, which was rather quiet, Harry and Hermione went up to Ron's room to unpack their stuff (they were staying in Ron's room and Ron was taking Percy's old room since Percy refused to speak to his family anymore). There were two beds set up in Ron's room, but Hermione, who was still troubled by the deaths of her parents, didn't want to sleep alone. Instead, she laid with Harry as he held her close. As she was lying there, she once again felt safe, but didn't know how to tell Harry how she felt. She wanted to open up and tell him everything, but didn't think he felt the same way, so she opted not to say anything at all. Little did she know, Harry was fighting the same battle.
Just tell her how you feel. Even if she doesn't feel the same way, at least you came out with it. You love her, just tell her, the voice in his head told him. He really wanted to tell her, and was pretty sure she felt the same way, but he also didn't want to look like a fool. Another thing that added to the pressure of all of this was Ginny's presence. Harry had just gone out with her last year. He had loved her, but not in the way that he loved Hermione. If Ginny found out that he broke up with her just to have a chance with Hermione, she would never speak to him again. He had said they couldn't see each other anymore because it was too dangerous, but he knew that wasn't true. He didn't really love her, so he didn't want to lead her on. He felt he made the right decision, but also felt that now he needed to make the right move. He was startled out of his thoughts by a scream and a desperate cry for help.
"NOOOO…why did He kill them?!? Help, he'll get me too! Help…Mum…Dad…NOOOO!"
"Hermione, Hermione! Wake up, you were having a bad dream." Harry shook her to wake her up from her haunting nightmare. She opened her eyes, clearly frightened about having to relive that entire night.
"H…Harry. I watched Him kill my parents. He was after me too, he wanted me to lead him to you," Hermione said, out of breath and beginning to cry again.
"Shhh…Hermione it's okay. I'm here. There's nothing to worry about. I'll stay awake. You sleep, and if it looks like you're having another nightmare, I'll wake you. You don't have to be afraid anymore. I'll protect you."
"Thank you Harry. It means a lot to me that you understand this. I almost didn't know where to turn. Thank you for being there, Harry."
She settled back under the covers and Harry held her closely and protected her. When Harry thought Hermione was asleep, he leaned over and kissed her softly on the forehead. He whispered softly in her ear, "I love you and I always will." Little did he know she was still awake and had heard every word.