AN: I'm finally back, and starting to feel a little better. Thanks for the reviews, for reading, and for the support in general! Hope you enjoy!
Despite my best efforts and fondest wishes, I still don't own.
Hermione groaned as she crashed onto the bed in her hotel room. Ever since she'd arrived at the Lupin Center all she'd done was answer questions and give interviews, mostly with the Daily Prophet. Tomorrow she was slated to give a presentation on her potion as well as witness the initial testing. The head of the center had explained the process to her, but by that time her brain was so fried from the day's activities she had simply nodded and gone along with it. She hoped that they would explain again what she was to do. Maybe she would write Snape and ask him if there were any procedures that she should know about.
Before she could put her thoughts on paper, she heard the hoot of an owl. She looked out the window and smiled. Then she dragged herself off the bed, retrieved the letter from the owl, fed it a treat, and began to read.
Dearest Hermione,
Why is the room so frigid when you leave? You may not notice any change when you leave my presence, but when you leave I feel as though it is the night after New Years Day. All the Christmas decorations are gone, and all that's left is the blackest night with a few stars who dare to breech the darkness, and perhaps the dull moon. I've often looked out on such a night and wondered if anyone else felt as alone as I did. Maybe others felt the darkness bearing down on their very existence, or maybe I have simply become so embittered that I look for the cold instead of the warmth. Even on the brightest summer day, I await the night, knowing that even the most oppressive warmth can't last forever. Night no longer offers me comfort though.
I watched you slumber the other night. Your hair covered your eyes. I tried several times to coax it to a better position, but the offending lock continued to slide back. I finally convinced it to stay behind your ear. You stirred, but then you settled yourself, as though it had never happened. I couldn't believe that anyone could trust me so much as to allow me to touch them. That's when I realized that for the first time I had touched skin as warm as the summer's sun, and I hadn't been burned. Neither of us had become engulfed by fear or pain. Maybe you felt the magnitude of the moment in your dreams, or perhaps you were somewhere away from me. Either way, I felt it. Of all the memories dear to me, that will forever be enshrined as one of the happiest moments of my life.
Do me a favor, my beloved Persephone: meet me in your dreams. Even if we cannot be together in reality, in our fantasies we can be united, even if only for one night. I can already promise you that I will see you. I am always with you in my mind. Though I tell the world that my mind is somewhere else, my mind has always followed my heart, and my heart has always been with you. Sweet dreams my beloved Hermione. I promise to see you there.
Love,
Your Hades
Hermione gasped as tears came to her eyes. In just a few sentences, Ron had managed to take her from feeling overwhelmed to feeling loved and rejuvenated. She let the tears fall as she held the letter close. Before she could respond, she saw another owl swoop to the window sill. She smiled and gave it a treat. Then, she took the letter from its leg and began to read.
Dearest Hermione,
I hope this letter finds you sound and refreshed wherever you are. I tried to wait to write you again, but my emotions concerning your departure were simply too much to endure. I swear that my room is becoming so cold that my ink is turning to ice, and my heart is beating slower until I can no longer feel it in my chest. I tell myself that it is only for a while; that you will return soon. I tell myself that I am stronger than this, but my heart is in complete rebellion against my mind. Food doesn't taste the same without your making some sort of comment on it, flowers don't smell the same without your expressing how they make you feel, and my smile is gone. Yes, I, the man who swore that he'd never smile again am now smiling because of you. What's even more fearful is that I've come to treasure my smile. Whatever shall become of me I don't know. What I do know is that you have ruined me, witch, and that I do not wish to be restored, at least not if being restored means that I will no longer love you. As tiresome as missing you has become, the joy I shall feel at your return will be nothing like I have ever experienced. In that spirit, I leave you for now to ponder my emotions. Still, do not fret over them. I am not completely helpless. No, I am simply a man in love who misses his adored lover and wishes to express those emotions on paper.
Love,
Your Hades
"They're beautiful," Hermione whispered to herself.
She got out a quill, and began to write:
Dearest Ron,
Your letters have restored me. I was lethargic and frustrated, but now I am revitalized. Hearing from you is like awakening to a shimmering rainbow after a week of rain. Words fail to express the depth of gratitude that I feel towards you for these letters.
While I am refreshed, it seems that you are disheartened. Know that I promise to see you in my dreams. A night does not go by where I do not wish to feel your arms around me, caressing my hair from my face. I wish that I could remember that moment, for I'm sure that it would have been as divine for me as it was for you. In my heart though, I'm sure that I knew that you were near. Just knowing that you are close is enough to placate my anxiety. I cannot wait to return to you. Missing you has also taken a toll on me. If it becomes too much, simply remember that your beloved Persephone loves you. Yes love! Ron, after reading these letters, you have faults, but I believe that we can work through them! I believe that you can be the man I've been longing for! Until I return my darling, take heart and see me in your dreams!
Love,
Hermione, your Persephone
She tied the letter to one of the owls, but made the other stay. Then, she got out a parchment and wrote:
Dear Severus,
I simply wanted you to know that I am safely here and that I am to present at 10:00 AM tomorrow. I know that you cannot make it, but if you would think of me it would be greatly appreciated. I am rather nervous, and I wish that you were here encouraging me. Well, maybe your idea of encouragement is simply not calling me a dunderhead, but there's a look that you give me that tells me that you have faith in me. You will probably gouge your eyes out now that I have told you that, but know that I appreciate it. Maybe that means nothing to you, but it means the world to me.
I am rambling. You are probably laughing at me now, which makes me smile because most people don't know that you can laugh. Anyway, are there any special procedures that I should know about? I don't want to mess anything up, and I'm nervous enough as it is. Thanks!
Your friend always,
Hermione