Title: Shame
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Harry/Hermione
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 496
Summary: Hermione's shame helps her resolve.
Notes:

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Hopscotch - Prompt Used - Tears

Ultimate OTP Competition II: Prompt Used - Emotion: Shame

Ultimate Battle Competition: Single Accessory

365 Days of Drabbles Challenge: Prompt Used - Wand

Hermione clutched her wand as tears fell from her eyes. She felt such shame at her actions, and it was a feeling that she hated. She had thrown herself at a boy who only hurt her through harsh words and sometimes even harsher actions.

She totally ignored the boy who had always stood by her side, one that gave her all of the support that she needed, who didn't look down at her and never called her a know-it-all. She had yelled at him, accused him of cheating, and stuck her superior nose up in the air at him instead of helping him. She ignored his suspicions of Malfoy, too caught up in her own problems, ones that were really insignificant compared to his. She turned away from him, caught in her feelings of anger and despair as Ron continued to snog Lavender, ignoring the hurt that practically radiated off of Hermione.

And now she might be too late. She had ignored her growing feelings for Harry, and now he was gone, somewhere with Dumbledore doing something dangerous. In all of his adventures, she had always been right there at his side, and now she wasn't, and it might all be because of her near-sightedness. Maybe if she had given her support throughout the year, she would have been invited to aid them.

All she could do was hope that they made it back safely.

Of course, nothing could ever be that simple.

They did make it back, but not before Death Eaters invaded the castle with the help of Draco Malfoy, and more shame and guilt hit her as Harry was proved right in his suspicions. Dumbledore didn't survive, and he was forced to witness the horrible death. First Cedric's death, then Sirius', and now Dumbledore's would forever be with Harry.

During the funeral, she clasped his hand and breathed a sigh of relief when he did jerk away from her touch.

She knew she had let him down all through the year, but no more. Harry had always been steadfast in his loyalty, and Hermione owed him the same.

On the train ride home, Hermione pulled Harry into a compartment, closing the door in Ron's face and ignoring the redhead's indignant questions.

Harry looked at her warily, as if afraid of a tongue lashing, and the thought caused her heart to hurt.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, and she hoped he saw how sincere she was in her apology in her eyes.

Harry nodded and before he could turn away, she leaned forward and kissed him. She prayed she wasn't too late.

Her heart soared when he gently, and a bit uncertainly, returned the kiss.

She wasn't sure where this would go, especially with what was sure to be Ron's angry reaction, but as Harry's lips moved over hers, she knew that if Harry was at her side, they'd be okay.

And she held him close, vowing to never let him go, no matter what.