DISCLAIMER: No.

Hugs.

Blurb …

It's like what Hermione always said-sometimes; the simplest and not-so-simplest feelings could all be expressed with a hug. Series of Hug-related oneshots RonHermione HarryGinny and others. DH spoilers.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX: The Careful Hug.

She really was doing this against her better judgment. Hermione walked down the St. Mungo's corridor, looking for her of all people. And she still couldn't quite believe she was trying.

Yes, she was looking for Miss Lavender Brown. After being attacked by Fenrir Greyback, she had been submitted to St Mungo's ever since the day after the war. That was 2 weeks ago.

Only now had Hermione had time to visit her. She had been in Australia with Harry and Ron for the past week, finding her parents. She had only gotten back yesterday, but Hermione knew she had to visit Lavender before she did anything else.

Why on earth was she doing this? She honestly had no idea. Only the fact that she saved the girl, when she didn't even like her much, posed as a sufficient excuse. That and the fact that she wanted to know whether she was doing ok.

She reached Lavender's ward on the first floor. Hermione stuck her head round the door and saw four beds with various patients and visitors. Lavender was sitting up right in her bed by the window, reading a copy of Witch Weekly. Hermione made her way slowly to her, trying to be inconspicuous. Lavender didn't know she was coming.

"Hey Parvati, I was just reading this article about-oh. Hermione?" Lavender looked up from her magazine, looking rather shocked.

"Hi." Hermione said, sitting down in a chair beside Lavender's bed. Lavender put her magazine down.

"Hi-what are you doing here?" Lavender asked looking rather suspicious.

"I just-erm, wanted to see how you were doing." Hermione muttered. This was highly embarrassing for her. "And … well …"

Lavender's expression softened slightly. "You actually wanted to see if I were ok?"

"Well-yeah." Hermione said. "We may not have always gotten along, but I would never want to see you get killed or something." Lavender smiled, a scar on her cheek curling like another smile as she did so.

"I wouldn't want to see you hurt either." Lavender said. "No matter how much we might've-er … not seen eye-to-eye."

Hermione smiled but didn't say anything. They were silent before Lavender spoke.

"I'm glad you're here actually." Lavender said. "I was going to find you once I get out of here anyway. I … kind of need to thank you."

"Why?" Hermione asked, confused.

"You were the one who saved me." Lavender told her. "Parvati saw it. You blasted Fenrir Greyback off me. I'd be dead if it weren't for you."

"It was nothing, really." Hermione said. "I wouldn't have been able to handle it, knowing that I let one of my class mate's die."

"I never would've expected it of you." Lavender said, shaking her head slightly. "Not after 6th year."

They both fell silent again. Obviously, the idea of 6th year was a bit painful for both of them. It certainly was for Hermione.

"There's rumors about you." Lavender said, showing Hermione the article she had been reading in the Witch Weekly. There was a large picture of herself standing with Harry and Ron. "Rita Skeeter's been at it again-she keeps on going on about how you're in love with both of them."

"She's got to be kidding." Hermione said, scanning the article. The picture was obviously the one that Rita Skeeter's photographer had taken of them, just before they left for Australia. They stood, mouth's open and angry, just before the portkey left. How the photographer had snuck into the Ministry was beyond them.

"Nope." Lavender said. "But don't worry-everyone knows it's not true. No one remembers her running to help us during the battle." Lavender grinned. "But I'm guessing it's partly true?"

Hermione felt her face grow hot. "Well … maybe the Ron-bit is true."

"Thought so." Lavender said, folding up the magazine. She was smiling, but Hermione thought she could sense a little disappointment in her eyes.

"I'm sorry." Hermione said. "For 6th year, I suppose." She added in explanation. "I know I was jealous … I'm sorry you got dragged into it."

"No problem really." Lavender said. "I may have liked him, but I knew Ron liked you-heck, everyone could tell, It's not as if you two were very subtle. I happen to recall a row between you two after the Yule Ball?"

Hermione could recall that too. "Yes, I wasn't very subtle at all, was I?"

"But that's all right." Lavender said. "You're with Ron now-am I correct?"

"Yes." Hermione said. "We-erm, kissed in the middle of the battle." Lavender whistled impressively.

"I wish I was there to have seen that." She said.

"Only Harry was." Hermione admitted. "I think he was a bit shocked actually."

"Naturally." Lavender said.

"So you're ok with it?" Hermione asked, immediately wishing she hadn't. Surely she didn't need to bring up the past again …? But Lavender smiled.

"I'm sure my broken heart will get over it." She said. "In the mean time, I can just spend a nice recovery in St Mungo's, the most boring place in existence. Parvati said she'd visit me today, but I think she got sidetracked by this healer she's had her eye on."

"Sounds about right." Hermione said. "I sort of came here for closure if you get what I mean-make sure we're ok. I did save you, after all."

"Yeah, we're cool." Lavender said.

"I don't even know why I saved you." Hermione admitted to an amused Lavender. "It sort of just came over me. But I'm glad I did. And I promise that if Ron and I get married, I'll invite you to the wedding."

"Deal." Lavender said. They shook hands. As they did so, Hermione noticed several scratches on her arm, and that Lavender winced.

"How bad is the damage?" Hermione asked.

"I have a few scratches practically everywhere." Lavender said, lifting her shirt and showing a bandage over a deep gash on her stomach. "But I should live. And some potions may be able to take away some scars from where I hit the ground-but these are werewolf bites. I'm sort of like Ron's brother-the one who was attacked-?"

"Bill-yeah." Hermione said. "Do you like steak too?" Lavender nodded.

"All the time." She said. "It's like a craving."

Hermione laughed and was immediately shocked-this was Lavender Brown she was laughing with-and not at. If someone had told her she'd be in this position back in 6th year, she would've said they were crazy.

Hermione glanced at her watch-it was way past lunchtime. "I have to be going now-I hope you make a speedy recovery. I promise to visit you some other time." She said, standing up and picking up her bag. Pulling out her wand, she conjured a bunch of flowers and placed them in a vase on Lavender's desk. "From me, Harry and Ron." She said.

"Thanks a lot. It was nice of you to come see me." Lavender said. She held out her arms. Hermione considered, then hugged her.

"Ouch!" Lavender said as soon as they made contact. She recoiled, and Hermione realized she had bumped a scratch on her shoulder.

"Oh sorry!" Hermione said.

"Never mind-we can hug, though carefully please." Lavender said, grinning.

So they hugged-carefully, mind.

A/N: After Hermione saved Lav-Lav, i just knew that they became some-what-kind-of-friends again. What person goes about hating someone for a year, then saves them from being killed (And screaming "No!" while they're at it)?

So this is closure i suppose. And i hope you like it.

If you want to see a hug between people, or have an idea, please just tell me.

Reviews appriciated, until next time-

-Moon. : D