A/N: Yes, this chappie is longer, at the requests of my lovely reviewers out there…. *sniffs* I LOVE YOU GUYS! Moreover, this will be the last chapter, as I think it has ended beautifully, and needs no further explanation.

Disclaimer: I still don't own Harry Potter.

            At this suggestion, Harry got up and walked closer to the fire, hoping Hermione wouldn't notice that she was right. The fire crackled and popped merrily, almost as if it was betraying Harry by acting happy. At least the rain that lashed at the windows from outside fit his mood wonderfully, and the darkness that clung to the corners and mysterious nooks and crannies appreciated that he wanted to be left alone, as they didn't come near him. Harry pulled his sweater down farther, for he was self-conscious of Hermione staring at his back.

            "Harry, can I see your back?" Hermione asked carefully. She stepped up next to him and looked up into his brilliant green eyes, which reflected the cheerfully glowing fire.

            "Why?" Harry said flatly, his eyes flashing dangerously. Hermione caught her lower lip between her teeth as if she was afraid that Harry might whip out his wand and try to do her in. Hermione gently took Harry's hand in hers and gave it a tight reassuring squeeze. Hermione had never done that before, and in his surprise almost dropped her hand. But he let it stay there. Her surprisingly sturdy hand felt so good in his, and for a few moments Harry's heart rushed, but then he stifled the feeling, reminding himself that he was angry at her. For some reason though, he couldn't bring himself to let go of her.

            "How was your summer?" Hermione said, almost casually, stealing looks at Harry. She didn't appear to have noticed that she had just asked a terrible question, she didn't even blink. Harry knew better though. Don't say anything. Harry told himself forcefully.  You'll just cry again… but before he knew it, Harry was telling her everything that had happened over the summer. Slowly, with a monotone voice at first, but then faster and more emotionally, as he allowed the whole terrible story spill out of his mouth, surprising himself with the fierce hatred that he said these words with. He watched Hermione' s expression grow dark and angry as he talked, reflecting the way Harry felt. Her hand left his and was rolled into a fist, that she kept clenched tightly at her side. 

            Finished, Harry took a deep shuddering breath and squeezed his eyes together. He was shaking, for a reason he was not quite sure of. Slowly, Hermione turned him around, and lifted up the back of his sweater. Harry heard her gasp as her eyes beheld the horrific gashes and cuts that Harry's Uncle Vernon had etched there. She traced them with her finger, until Harry flinched, and she pulled his sweater back down.

            "Oh, Harry…" she whispered, her voice wavering, "I'm so sorry…for this…and your Uncle, and everything." Harry turned quickly and wrapped his arms around her, his eyes burning fiercely. Harry held her closely, until Hermione pulled away and looked at him. Harry was surprised to see her face wet with tears, too.

            "We have to so something!" she cried angrily. Harry shook his head glumly.

            "We can't." he said simply, and he knew that was true. He retreated to the couch and sat down, placing his head in his hands miserably. Hermione sat next to him, and looped her arms around his waist. She went to high though, and Harry let out a gasp off pain. Hermione pulled out her arms, and instead tenderly cupped his face in her hands and smiled, then leaned up and laid the sweetest of kisses on Harry's cheek. Harry could feel his eyes overflow again, as the kiss of a girl was almost too overwhelming after the summer.

            "It…hurt." Harry tried in vain to find the words that described the physical, but even more, the emotional pain of the previous summer.

            "It hurt me too," Hermione whispered gently. Harry leaned his head on her shoulder and cried. He cried for himself, for his friend, for his cousin, Aunt, and Uncle, for his parents, for Sirius, for the world. Harry could feel Hermione crying too, stoking his hair delicately. Her body shook in grief against his, and Harry knew he was not alone.

Sorry if this took so long, for some reason my computer would not let me get onto Fanfiction.net. Anyways, I'm done! This was a fun story, and thanks to everyone who reviewed, as you gave me the strength to get on. You Rock!!!!

                                                                                                                        Rini Romanov