Summer of Redemption

- Chapter 6 -

Remus knocked on Hermione's door twice before opening it and entering. He found the brunette witch curled up on her bed, knees drawn up to her chest, arms curled around them, holding them close. He stood there saying nothing for a few seconds. He really had no idea what to say. There just were no words that could be said when someone lost someone they loved, especially a parent. And in Hermione's case, she had lost both.

Taking a deep breath, Remus slowly approached the young woman lying, so much like a child, on the bed. When he reached the foot and she still hadn't so much as flinched, he took it for a good sign and came around until he was at the side. Laying a hand gingerly on her shoulder, he felt her convulse a little under the sobs that she was supressing. He sat down beside her and the bed dipped a little with his weight, causing her body to roll toward him slightly and still, she did not protest. He remained silent, simply applying a small amount of pressure to her shoulder to ease her completely over so that she now faced him instead of the wall.

When she fully faced him, he noticed that she had tears streaming down her cheeks. That was when his resolve broke. He couldn't take it anymore. Even if she did not want the comfort from him, she sure as hell needed it and he wasn't going to let her push him away. Not when he was right there, with two strong shoulders that she could cry her heart out on. Placing a hand on each of her shoulders, he hauled her up to him, and found that she came willingly this time. No fight or protest, instead clinging to him as if for dear life, wrapping her arms around his neck tightly, so tight it almost cut off his oxygen supply. Then in the silence of the bedroom, her sobs became audible. They were ragged and heartwrenching as he held her close, allowing her to expell all of the pent up sorrow and misery she had held in since that horrible night.

He began to stroke her hair lightly and murmuring nonsensical words of comfort. For the longest time, Remus Lupin held Hermione Granger in his arms and allowed her to use him for her personal security blanket, and then, finally; when it seemed her sobs would never end, they began to ebb until only the slightest sniffle could be heard.

And then...

"I never told them I loved them."

The whispery voice took Remus by surprise. It was slightly rough sounding, due to not being used for three days. The words themselves surprised him even more. He pulled away just enough so that he could see her tearstained face. With a questioning look, he simply waited for her to continue when she was ready.

She didn't say anything else for a few minutes. Just stared at him with out really seeing him. Then she exhaled a shaky breath and spoke again.

"The night of the attack, my parents and I had been arguing."

Remus' brows rose at this statement.

"It was stupid, really. I wanted to go out, and they wanted me to stay and spend a little time with them for a change. I told them I couldn't because I had already made plans and didn't want to break them. Oh, how could I have been so stupid! I was so mad at them when I left, I didn't tell them I loved them. I always tell them I love when I leave the house."

As the last word left her lips, Hermione's sobs once again overtook her, and she collapsed completely against Remus' chest. Remus simply held her while she cried.

After Remus had entered into Hermione's room, Giles had come back into the living room, having finished with the dishes.

"Where's Remus?" he asked, looking at Willow, who sat on the couch with a funny looking grin on her face.

Willow looked at Giles for a moment, then nodded her head toward the bedroom door. She then gave him a look that strickly said, 'leave them alone'. Giles seemed to understand because he simply nodded and went to sit down in the armchair Remus had vacated earlier.

Willow looked at Giles for a second, then rose from the couch to go stand by his chair. She laid a hand on his shoulder and gave it a small squeeze. He brought his hand up to cover her's and gave a small squeeze in return. He looked up into her eyes and smiled faintly. Willow smiled back, then leaned down and gave him a peck on the cheek before going to sit in her rocker by the windows.

Giles stared at her for a moment before shaking his head, she was definitely getting better. Sighing, Giles picked up the newspaper to read.

Remus Lupin held Hermione Granger tightly in his arms until her tears had ceased once more. Then he took hold of her shoulder firmly and urged her back so she could see his face as he spoke.

"Mione, listen to me honey. This is in no way your fault. Your parents loved you very much, and they knew that you loved them. Oh sweetheart, I wish there was something I could do. Anything to reassure you that you're parents understood-"

"You can." her whispered words brought his words of comfort up short.

"W-wh-what?" he stammered a bit, trying to figure out just what she had meant. He had no idea what more he could possibly do for her.

Hermione glanced up at him hesitantly. "There is something you can do to reassure me." there was a hint of pleading in her voice.

Remus smiled at her gently. "Anything 'Mione, just tell me."

"I want you and Willow to help me perform the Spectral Unity spell."

"What? No, Hermione, that spell is too dangerous. And plus, I don't think you or Willow are up to doing any magic right now. You can't possibly think that-"

"We'll do it."

The new voice that interrupted his protests startled Remus. He looked around to find Willow Rosenberg standing in the doorway, a slight smile on her face. He was shocked at hearing the redhead speak for the first time since he had came here. Hermione was staring at Willow as well, a hint of a smile on her face as well. Giles had come up behind Willow in time to hear her speak, and was now standing with his mouth agape, but was secretly pleased that she had finally found a reason to speak. In a way, he thought, this might be the only way to heal both girls. By allowing them to help one another. Remus sighed in resignation at the determined look on Willow's face, and had a feeling it wouldn't do any good to object now. Turning to the girl sitting beside him on the bed, he nodded his ascent.

"Alright 'Mione, alright."

tbc...

A/N: Yeah, I know, way too short. I just can't help it, I'm getting bogged down with all of my stories it seems. I'll try my best not to mess them up. Thanks everyone who reviewed, glad you are liking it so far.

The ever faithful Witchy-grrl: Thanks so much, you're the best. Can't wait for your next chapter! :)

Freedom Rhodes, Spuffy the Witch, tals, Gara Jessica, Riverchic1998, alienbeing, nicola, Joe B, Kazza, eena-angel2201, Zoan, WhiteWolf3, LAURA, Sammy, Jinni, Seoid and all anonamous reviewers: Thank you, thank you, thank you!