Harry made his way back to Gryffindor tower, feeling miserable. He didn't bother stopping for his cloak, it was too much of a risk. Lupin's words continued to ring in his head. He felt ashamed of himself.

Once he reached the nearly deserted common room Ron approached him and Harry told him the whole story about what had happened when he'd returned to the school.

"It's all my fault." Said Ron sadly "I was the one who convinced you to go. It was dumb, we shouldn't have done it."

"Yeah but I agreed...so we're both to blame." Harry told him.

Suddenly they heard footsteps approaching and looked around to find Hermione walking towards them. A look at her face made Harry feel like she had heard about their misadventures. But as he looked closer he could sense there was something else wrong.

Ron frowned at her "Coming to gloat?" He asked "Or have you been to tell on-" Ron broke off suddenly. Harry could tell why. The wave of sadness coming off of Hermione was so heavy that it was nearly drowning him

"Mione.." Ron whispered, using her nickname for the first time since Scabbers' death "What's going on?"

Hermione had a letter clutched in her hand and her eyes were full of tears and she was trembling slightly

Hagrid lost. She thought shakily He lost the case. Buckbeak is going to be executed.

Harry and Ron stared at her, wide eyed and horrified.

He sent me this. Hermione added, handing them the letter which they read together. It was hard as the ink had been smudged in places as if Hagrid had been crying when he wrote it

Dear Hermione,

We lost. I'm allowed to bring him back to Hogwarts.

Execution date to be fixed.

Beaky has enjoyed London and I'll never forget all the help you gave us.

Hagrid

They can't do that! Harry thought, completely and utterly horrified by the development They can't! Buckbeak isn't dangerous.

Malfoy's dad frightened them into it. I know he did. Hermione thought, dabbing at her wet eyes with her sleeve There's always the appeal but I can't see any hope. Nothing will have changed.

Yes it will have. Ron thought suddenly, his tone fierce and determined You won't be doing it all alone this time. We'll help you.

Hermione suddenly ran at Ron and threw her arms around him, nuzzling her face into his chest. Ron looked shocked for a moment but then a look of of absolute peace spread across his face and he rubbed his chin across the top of her head.

I'm..I'm really, really sorry about Scabbers, Ron. Hermione thought, still clinging to him.

You know, 'Mione...that's all I wanted to hear. Ron answered, tightening his arms around her. Harry smiled at them and then joined the hug. For the first time in ages he felt the full glow of the Thread fill him. They broke apart after a few minutes, smiling at each other.

That night, before they went to their dormitories, there was an unspoken agreement made. After the lamp went out and the other boys were fast asleep Harry slid out of his bed and padded over to Ron's and clambered in beside him. Ron pulled him close and together the two of them waited. Harry was full of anticipation.

A little while later the sound of soft footsteps reached their ears and their faces split into wide smiles. The hangings rustled and after a bit of wriggling around Hermione was comfortably snuggled between her boys. Harry nuzzled himself close to her, his nose buried in her hair. The vanilla scent of her shampoo reached him and only now did he realize how much he'd missed her and judging by the waves of happiness coming off of Ron, he felt the same way.

Guys. Harry thought suddenly

Yeah? Hermione and Ron replied together

I...I love you. Harry thought.

Me too. Hermione thought, sounding a bit flustered

Me three. Ron added.

Hermione started to hum their lullaby and Ron gave her a small kiss on top of the head. Harry closed his eyes and snuggled in closer to Hermione and threw his arm around them both. He was more contented than he had been since after Christmas. He felt that all was finally right in the world.

The trio was back together again at last.