Ron's joke had been rather half-hearted, as everything seemed to be these days. Nothing was right, and everything seemed to be falling out of place.

Not even books could make her smile, and when that happened something was seriously wrong.

But for some reason the lame little joke struck her funny, and for the first time in almost a year, Hermione gave in to the feeling.

She laughed harder than she nearly ever had, and although Ron didn't quite understand what was so funny, he laughed with her. He pulled her in for a tight hug, and all was well for a moment.

Hermione had laughed again. (Because sometimes, all you can do is let go.)