Safe
The scenery rushed passed in blurs as Ron and Hermione sat in their compartment on the Hogwarts Express. Neither said anything, their minds on Harry and the grief that had taken over him over the past couple of weeks. They'd all walked onto the train together, as they always do, but Harry had separated himself from them, closed the carriage door before they could even put one foot in. Hermione had looked towards Ron for guidance, but he shrugged and suggested they find a compartment further up the train, giving Harry some time on his own.
"You can stop worrying now" Ron said, noticing Hermione's frown, his legs stretched across onto the other seat.
"I can't help it. Harry's just lost a father figure, and now he's got to spend the next God knows how many weeks with people he hates. How is that even fair?"
"I know...but give it a month and you can both come and stay if you want"
Hermione looked up surprised "Oh, will your mum still be okay with that?"
Ron look confused "Why wouldn't she be?"
"I just mean- I thought everyone would be at a loss with Sirius, perhaps everyone needs some time to -"
"We all need to stick together now" Ron breathed in and out "Being apart wont help"
Hermione gave him a weak smile and he smiled back, making Hermione's heart flutter as usual.
"It's going to be strange without you this summer"
"Oh? How so?"
He deliberated for a moment before asking, "Are you still going to France?"
"Yes- only for two weeks though, and then another two weeks at my aunt's"
"Still- you're usually at my house most of the summer"
"Aww Ron.. are you going to miss me?" she teased grinning. He swallowed, his eyes flickering down and he shook his head. More than you will ever know...
"Not bloody likely. Hopefully get me a month of peace more like it!"
She laughed "Don't fib"
"Of course I'll miss you – nutter" he tutted, She stopped laughing and their eyes connected for a split second. "Who's going to scold me for my constant rule breaking – or remind me to do my homework"
"Oh lovely. Only of instrumental use I see" she said, raising and eye-brow.
Ron shook his head again. He took in a deep breath, bringing his legs down off the opposing side and tucking one under himself. He frowned.
"I didn't mean it like that"
"I know. It is going to be strange. I'm so close to having you both by my side"
Ron watched as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and tapped her legs with her hands, and the words came tumbling out of his mouth before he could stop them.
"I suppose – I'm not going to feel- safe...without you there" he nearly whispered, his eyelashes flickering as he studied her face for a reaction. Had he said too much? Would she think him an idiot? On the contrary, her facial expression softened and she placed her puzzle book down on the seat next to her.
"Ron- you have you're whole family – of wizards no less, at arms reach. What difference am I going to make? And you yourself are a very capable wizard- I've seen you're spell work, don't deny it you've greatly improved this year"
"What difference are you going to make?" Ron repeated incredulously "Hermione you make all the difference in the world, when we were in the ministry, Dolohov threw one hell of a nasty curse at me and there you were saving my arse once again!"
"Oh Ron, don't be so absurd. The amount of times you threw yourself in front of me in the Ministry- you saved me more than once"
"Yeah, well" he blushed slightly. "All I mean is- when you're not around- I can't put my finger on it- it's like I feel my barriers are down. I'm completely exposed everything around me because you aren't there pre-warning me of an oncoming danger. I just don't feel...safe"
Hermione crossed her legs under her and held the eye contact with Ron.
"I -"
The compartment door slid open and in walked Harry, looking as miserable as Ron felt. Ron moved over so Harry could sit down, bumping legs with Hermione in process. Hermione started to ask Harry if he wanted any of the snacks they had gotten from the trolley, but he declined.
She looked back up but Ron was looking out of the window, his face flushed incredibly bright, his hands clenched together tightly. The sky grew dimmer and the lights to carriage flickered on. Maybe there was hope yet...
