Chapter 16 - Together Again
Even after he knew they were back and safe at Order headquarters, Ron couldn't release Hermione. It was almost as if he was afraid to let her go.
"Harry," she whispered over and over again.
"Shh, Hermione. You're safe now," reassured Ron.
Hermione looked up at Ron with wide frightened eyes. "Harry?"
"It's ok, he's safe. I promise."
Hermione scanned the room for any sign of him, but the advancing forms of Arthur and Molly Weasley, and several other Order members obscured her view.
"Oh thank God, Hermione," breathed Mrs. Weasley reaching down and scooping her into her arms.
"Are you ok, son?" Asked Mr. Weasley, helping his son up.
"Yeah," said Ron quietly. "Dad, Lupin's still back there."
"I know, it'll be ok. Dumbledore, Moody and the others are on their way," said Mr. Weasley.
"No, we have to go back," cried Hermione.
Ron and Mr. Weasley turned to see Mrs. Weasley struggling with Hermione. "Please calm down, dear," she begged.
"Oh God, I think I'm going to be sick," groaned Hermione. Instantly Mrs. Weasley conjured a bag and Hermione bent over and was sick in it.
Mrs. Weasley rubbed Hermione's back and looked at her husband with worry etched across her face. "Maybe we should get a healer?"
"No, she'll be fine, Mom," said Ron coming over and holding Hermione's hair back. "Listen to me, Hermione. Harry's upstairs. He's safe. I'll take you to see him."
Hermione wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and looked up at Ron in confusion. "I don't understand."
"It was Professor Lupin, back at Godric's Hollow. We used Polyjuice Potion. He took Harry's place."
"Oh thank God," breathed Hermione, covering her mouth with her hands. "I want to see him."
"Come on," said Ron putting one hand on her back and guiding her out of the room.
The Weasley's went to follow them, but Ron stopped and said. "I'll take her up. Mom, Dad, can you just wait down here."
They stopped and nodded and Ron left the room with Hermione.
Hermione took the stairs two at a time and Ron did his best to keep up with her, though he was still in considerable pain. Every bone seemed to creak with each painful step.
By the time Ron caught up with her, Hermione was already in the room and standing by Harry's bedside.
"Why won't he wake up," she asked without turning from him.
"It's just a spell. Don't worry."
"Can I wake him?"
"Not just yet. I want to talk to you first."
Hermione turned. "I'm sorry, Ron. I didn't even ask if you were ok." She crossed the room and put her arms around his neck.
He hugged her back, awkwardly. "I'm fine."
"Thank you for coming for me," she whispered without releasing him.
Ron held her tighter. "There's nothing I wouldn't have done to get you back."
"I know."
They held each other for a few more seconds before pulling away. "Let's sit," said Ron.
Hermione nodded and pulled a chair up next to Harry's bed and Ron joined her. She gazed down at Harry and took one of his hands in her own, caressing it.
"How are you really, Hermione. Did they do anything to you?"
"No," said Hermione simply. "Nothing, not really. I think I was just the bait."
Ron nodded. "Lupin said as much."
"Ron, why did only the two of you come. Why not send the entire Order?"
"We were afraid that if Voldemort detected any other wizards that they would kill you."
"But what about the Professor. He's there now, all alone. They could be killing him, right now."
"I know," said Ron. Hermione could see that he was shaking. "We knew it was a risk, but we had to take it. Dumbledore, Moody and some of the others are apparating near Godric's Hollow. Hopefully, they'll get there in enough time."
"Why couldn't Lupin just disapparate?"
"Dumbledore said that there were still anti-apparating wards around Godric's Hollow."
Hermione nodded, out of questions.
"We just didn't have enough time," said Ron, more to himself than to her. "I just hope he'll forgive me eventually."
"What?"
Ron nodded at Harry's sleeping form. "Harry, I hope he'll forgive me."
"Why would he need to forgive you. Ron, you risked your life to save me. What's there to forgive?"
"It's just that we had to make sure Harry wouldn't follow us. We knew he wouldn't stay voluntarily, not while you were out there and in danger."
They sat in silence for several minutes before Ron continued. "Hermione," he began slowly. "Were you ever going to tell me about you and Harry?"
"Of course," said Hermione quickly. "We weren't trying to keep a secret from you, not really."
"Then why didn't you tell me? Why couldn't you just send me an owl? I had to find out that my two best friends were in love from Lupin."
"I'm sorry," said Hermione. "I just wasn't sure how you would react." She paused. "I didn't know if you'd be happy for us or be..." She paused again.
"Jealous," finished Ron.
Hermione nodded.
"Well I'm not," said Ron firmly. "I mean, there may have been a time when I would have been, but..."
"There was a time when I was," admitted Hermione softly.
They looked at each other and smiled. "I think I did love you once," admitted Ron. "I mean, I do love you, but... well..." Ron stuttered.
Hermione laughed softly. "Fourth year."
"Yeah."
"I guess without Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour around to remind us everyday of how jealous we were, it just kind of died."
"I guess so," agreed Ron. "Do you really love him?"
Hermione nodded. "So much that it scares me to death."
"Wow," said Ron under his breath. "I did not see this coming."
"Ron, why can't we wake him up?"
"Let's just wait until Lupin and the others get back. At least then we'll be sure he won't do anything stupid."
"Lupin may never come back, Ron," said Hermione tearing.
"Don't say that. He'll be fine."
"But, Ron..."
"No, Hermione. He'll be fine. He has to be."
Downstairs there was a loud crash and then several loud voices talking over each other. Hermione turned wide eyes to Ron.
"Stay here," he said jumping up. He went to the door and listened. Hermione jumped up and stood right behind him.
"What is it?"
"I don't know. I'll go find out," said Ron.
"I'll come with you," said Hermione.
"No, I said stay here," said Ron pushing Hermione back.
"Ron," protested Hermione.
"Stay," shouted Ron running out of the room. Hermione waited by the door for several seconds before returning to Harry's bedside. Waiting for Ron to return seemed to take an eternity. Several times, she got up and went to the door to listen, but she couldn't hear anything intelligible.
After about ten minutes, it was too much for Hermione to take and she decided to go downstairs. For some reason, it was the first time she realized she no longer had her wand. The thought registered in her brain and she felt a sudden grief. She had had her wand since she was ten and it had saved her life and the lives of Harry and Ron more than once.
Quickly, she pushed the thought from her mind and made her way downstairs. There were more people in the house than Hermione could ever remember.
"Ron," she called out.
"Hermione?"
Hermione turned to see Mrs. Weasley. She was sitting on a chair, crying and rocking. Hermione went to her and kneeled. "What?" She asked in a frightened voice.
"Oh," Mrs. Weasley sobbed, pulling Hermione into a tight embrace.
Hermione started to cry too. "What happened?"
Mrs. Weasley continued crying, unable to speak.
"I told you to wait upstairs."
Hermione pulled out of Mrs. Weasley's embrace and stood facing Ron. He was pale and visibly shaking.
"No," whispered Hermione shaking her head.
"They were... too late," said Ron barely able to get his words out. He closed his eyes trying to force back the tears. "He's gone."
"No," shouted Hermione. "That's a lie."
"Hermione," began Ron.
"This can't be happening," she said to herself. "Why is this happening?"
"I don't know."
Ron and Hermione stood feet apart lost in their grief. Hermione was the first to voice what they were both thinking. "We have to tell Harry."
Ron shook his head. "I can't."
Hermione nodded, understanding. "I'll do it. It should be me."
Ron looked at the floor, feeling ashamed that he was putting the awful business solely onto Hermione's shoulders.
"Ron, Hermione."
Ron and Hermione turned to see Professor Dumbledore. He looked grave.
"Are you both ok?"
"Yes sir," they both replied.
Dumbledore approached them and placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder. "Are you sure?"
Hermione nodded tiredly. "I need to go up and see Harry."
"Hermione, that may not be the best idea," said Dumbledore.
"Why?" She asked.
"You've just been through a very trying ordeal. You need to rest."
"I won't be able to rest knowing I have to do this," she returned.
"You don't have to be the one," said Dumbledore.
"Yes, I do. I owe it to him, considering."
"Hermione, this is not your fault. Nor is it Ron's," he said setting his eyes on Ron.
"Right," said Hermione softly. "And it's not my fault Professor Snape is dead either."
"It's not," said Dumbledore softly.
"Right, I get it," said Hermione walking past Dumbledore and out of the room. "Excuse me."
Hermione went straight to Harry. She sat by his bedside gazing at him and wondering how she could shatter his peace once again. She wasn't sure if she was strong enough to.
Taking a deep breath, she looked around the room and quickly located Harry's wand. She took it and muttered the reviving spell. Then she sat again and waited while Harry slowly opened his eyes.
He was groggy and it took a while to get her into focus. When his eyes finally cleared and he took in the tired face of the person he loved more than anyone in the world, he gave a strangled kind of cry and sat quickly, pulling her into his arms.
"Hermione," he breathed. "Oh thank God."
Hermione held him back tightly, forgetting all she knew and just concentrating on the feel of his arms around her.
He pulled back and took her face in his hands. She smiled as he searched every inch of her face as if trying to memorize every feature.H
"Did they hurt you?" He asked softly, while stroking her cheek.
Hermione leaned into his touch. "No. I'm fine."
"I've never been so frightened in my life. When I knew they had you..." He broke off, unable to continue. Hermione got up and joined him on the bed, pulling him even closer to her. "You look so tired," said Harry. He reached out and stroked her hair. "How long has it been since you slept?"
"I don't remember," she laughed softly, thinking how strange that was.
"You need to rest," he said softly.
"I love you so much," said Hermione, kissing him softly. "So much has happened and all you're concerned about is that I might be tired."
Harry traced her lips slowly with one finger. "You're my girl. I have to take care of you." He paused and when he continued his voice was croaky. "I am so sorry I let this happen."
Hermione shook her head quickly, but Harry put a finger over her mouth silencing her. "I should have listened to you and trusted your instincts. You didn't want to leave. I think now maybe you were afraid." He cleared his throat. "If anything had happened to you..."
"But it didn't," interrupted Hermione. "I'm ok. And I only wanted to stay to be with you, so you wouldn't be alone. I was always more worried about you than I was about me."
"I love you," whispered Harry fiercely, pulling her so tightly to him that she felt as if he was trying to absorb her into his skin. They clung to each other for a long time, touching, hugging, kissing, just trying to memorize every inch of each other.
"Promise me something," whispered Harry into her ear.
"Anything," she said, shivering slightly at the feel of his breath.
"Don't ever leave me again," he said.
Hermione looked at him uncertainly. "Harry," she began.
"Promise me," he insisted.
"I... I promise," said Hermione shakily.
Harry smiled at her and brushed her hair off her face. "You need to get some rest now."
She shook her head, knowing she had to tell him the truth. "I have to tell you something, first."
"What?"
Immediately her eyes filled with tears and she took a deep breath. Harry waited apprehensively for her to begin.
"It's about Professor Lupin," she said slowly.
"Yes."
"He and Ron were the ones who came to get me. But it was a trap." She paused wanting him to say something, but he remained quiet.
"Lupin used Polyjuice Potion to transform himself into you. Ron went with him. He had a port key." Hermione paused. She was rambling and she knew it, but she didn't want Harry to know how close she had come to dying. "Ron managed to get a hold of me just as his port key went off. But the Professor..."
"He stayed behind," said Harry quietly.
Hermione nodded.
"Do they have him now?"
Hermione shook her head and tears fell down her face.
"He's dead then," said Harry simply.
Hermione barely nodded before burying her face in her hands and sobbing. Harry pulled her close. "Shh, it's ok," he reassured her.
"I'm so sorry, Harry," choked out Hermione.
"Shh, don't cry," said Harry soothingly. He rocked Hermione in his arms whispering gentle reassurances to her. Inside he was fighting an internal war. He felt like his insides were exploding. Every nerve ending was alive and it was taking all the control he possessed not to scream. The only thing keeping him together was the feel of Hermione sobbing in his arms. For her, he would stay in control.
After a long while, he felt Hermione relax in his arms and he knew she was asleep. He leaned back in bed, pulling her with him. She snuggled into him and put an arm over his chest. He stroked her arm gently watching her sleep.
There was a small knock on the door. "Harry," said Ron poking his head into the room.
"Come in," said Harry quietly. "But be quiet, Hermione's sleeping."
Ron approached slowly. "She ok?"
Harry nodded.
"Are you ok," Ron asked hesitatingly.
Harry nodded again. "She told me," he said quietly.
"I'm really sorry," mumbled Ron.
Harry glanced down at Hermione. "I just want you to know," he began not taking his eyes off her. "That I'll never forget what you did. You risked your life to save her. I'll never forget it."
"I thought you might be angry with me," said Ron.
"Angry? Why?"
"Never mind," said Ron. "It doesn't matter. Look, I'll tell you the same thing I told her," began Ron. "There's nothing I wouldn't have done to get her back."
Harry glanced at Ron uncomfortably. "So I guess they told you about Hermione and I."
Ron nodded.
They stared at each other uncertainly.
"Ron, I..."
"Congratulations Harry," interrupted Ron. "She says she loves you very much."
"Ron..."
"Forget it, Harry. Let's not talk about this." Ron stood. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry about Lupin."
"Thanks," said Harry quietly.
Ron walked to the door. "Everyone downstairs is really worried about the two of you. They all want to see you."
"No," said Harry.
Ron nodded. "I'll tell them you're both asleep."
"Thanks, Ron."
"Yeah," said Ron closing the door behind him.
"Shit," hissed Harry.
"Harry," whimpered Hermione squirming in his arms.
"Shh, go back to sleep," whispered Harry rubbing her back. Almost immediately, she relaxed in his arms and fell into a deep sleep. Harry followed soon after.
Even after he knew they were back and safe at Order headquarters, Ron couldn't release Hermione. It was almost as if he was afraid to let her go.
"Harry," she whispered over and over again.
"Shh, Hermione. You're safe now," reassured Ron.
Hermione looked up at Ron with wide frightened eyes. "Harry?"
"It's ok, he's safe. I promise."
Hermione scanned the room for any sign of him, but the advancing forms of Arthur and Molly Weasley, and several other Order members obscured her view.
"Oh thank God, Hermione," breathed Mrs. Weasley reaching down and scooping her into her arms.
"Are you ok, son?" Asked Mr. Weasley, helping his son up.
"Yeah," said Ron quietly. "Dad, Lupin's still back there."
"I know, it'll be ok. Dumbledore, Moody and the others are on their way," said Mr. Weasley.
"No, we have to go back," cried Hermione.
Ron and Mr. Weasley turned to see Mrs. Weasley struggling with Hermione. "Please calm down, dear," she begged.
"Oh God, I think I'm going to be sick," groaned Hermione. Instantly Mrs. Weasley conjured a bag and Hermione bent over and was sick in it.
Mrs. Weasley rubbed Hermione's back and looked at her husband with worry etched across her face. "Maybe we should get a healer?"
"No, she'll be fine, Mom," said Ron coming over and holding Hermione's hair back. "Listen to me, Hermione. Harry's upstairs. He's safe. I'll take you to see him."
Hermione wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and looked up at Ron in confusion. "I don't understand."
"It was Professor Lupin, back at Godric's Hollow. We used Polyjuice Potion. He took Harry's place."
"Oh thank God," breathed Hermione, covering her mouth with her hands. "I want to see him."
"Come on," said Ron putting one hand on her back and guiding her out of the room.
The Weasley's went to follow them, but Ron stopped and said. "I'll take her up. Mom, Dad, can you just wait down here."
They stopped and nodded and Ron left the room with Hermione.
Hermione took the stairs two at a time and Ron did his best to keep up with her, though he was still in considerable pain. Every bone seemed to creak with each painful step.
By the time Ron caught up with her, Hermione was already in the room and standing by Harry's bedside.
"Why won't he wake up," she asked without turning from him.
"It's just a spell. Don't worry."
"Can I wake him?"
"Not just yet. I want to talk to you first."
Hermione turned. "I'm sorry, Ron. I didn't even ask if you were ok." She crossed the room and put her arms around his neck.
He hugged her back, awkwardly. "I'm fine."
"Thank you for coming for me," she whispered without releasing him.
Ron held her tighter. "There's nothing I wouldn't have done to get you back."
"I know."
They held each other for a few more seconds before pulling away. "Let's sit," said Ron.
Hermione nodded and pulled a chair up next to Harry's bed and Ron joined her. She gazed down at Harry and took one of his hands in her own, caressing it.
"How are you really, Hermione. Did they do anything to you?"
"No," said Hermione simply. "Nothing, not really. I think I was just the bait."
Ron nodded. "Lupin said as much."
"Ron, why did only the two of you come. Why not send the entire Order?"
"We were afraid that if Voldemort detected any other wizards that they would kill you."
"But what about the Professor. He's there now, all alone. They could be killing him, right now."
"I know," said Ron. Hermione could see that he was shaking. "We knew it was a risk, but we had to take it. Dumbledore, Moody and some of the others are apparating near Godric's Hollow. Hopefully, they'll get there in enough time."
"Why couldn't Lupin just disapparate?"
"Dumbledore said that there were still anti-apparating wards around Godric's Hollow."
Hermione nodded, out of questions.
"We just didn't have enough time," said Ron, more to himself than to her. "I just hope he'll forgive me eventually."
"What?"
Ron nodded at Harry's sleeping form. "Harry, I hope he'll forgive me."
"Why would he need to forgive you. Ron, you risked your life to save me. What's there to forgive?"
"It's just that we had to make sure Harry wouldn't follow us. We knew he wouldn't stay voluntarily, not while you were out there and in danger."
They sat in silence for several minutes before Ron continued. "Hermione," he began slowly. "Were you ever going to tell me about you and Harry?"
"Of course," said Hermione quickly. "We weren't trying to keep a secret from you, not really."
"Then why didn't you tell me? Why couldn't you just send me an owl? I had to find out that my two best friends were in love from Lupin."
"I'm sorry," said Hermione. "I just wasn't sure how you would react." She paused. "I didn't know if you'd be happy for us or be..." She paused again.
"Jealous," finished Ron.
Hermione nodded.
"Well I'm not," said Ron firmly. "I mean, there may have been a time when I would have been, but..."
"There was a time when I was," admitted Hermione softly.
They looked at each other and smiled. "I think I did love you once," admitted Ron. "I mean, I do love you, but... well..." Ron stuttered.
Hermione laughed softly. "Fourth year."
"Yeah."
"I guess without Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour around to remind us everyday of how jealous we were, it just kind of died."
"I guess so," agreed Ron. "Do you really love him?"
Hermione nodded. "So much that it scares me to death."
"Wow," said Ron under his breath. "I did not see this coming."
"Ron, why can't we wake him up?"
"Let's just wait until Lupin and the others get back. At least then we'll be sure he won't do anything stupid."
"Lupin may never come back, Ron," said Hermione tearing.
"Don't say that. He'll be fine."
"But, Ron..."
"No, Hermione. He'll be fine. He has to be."
Downstairs there was a loud crash and then several loud voices talking over each other. Hermione turned wide eyes to Ron.
"Stay here," he said jumping up. He went to the door and listened. Hermione jumped up and stood right behind him.
"What is it?"
"I don't know. I'll go find out," said Ron.
"I'll come with you," said Hermione.
"No, I said stay here," said Ron pushing Hermione back.
"Ron," protested Hermione.
"Stay," shouted Ron running out of the room. Hermione waited by the door for several seconds before returning to Harry's bedside. Waiting for Ron to return seemed to take an eternity. Several times, she got up and went to the door to listen, but she couldn't hear anything intelligible.
After about ten minutes, it was too much for Hermione to take and she decided to go downstairs. For some reason, it was the first time she realized she no longer had her wand. The thought registered in her brain and she felt a sudden grief. She had had her wand since she was ten and it had saved her life and the lives of Harry and Ron more than once.
Quickly, she pushed the thought from her mind and made her way downstairs. There were more people in the house than Hermione could ever remember.
"Ron," she called out.
"Hermione?"
Hermione turned to see Mrs. Weasley. She was sitting on a chair, crying and rocking. Hermione went to her and kneeled. "What?" She asked in a frightened voice.
"Oh," Mrs. Weasley sobbed, pulling Hermione into a tight embrace.
Hermione started to cry too. "What happened?"
Mrs. Weasley continued crying, unable to speak.
"I told you to wait upstairs."
Hermione pulled out of Mrs. Weasley's embrace and stood facing Ron. He was pale and visibly shaking.
"No," whispered Hermione shaking her head.
"They were... too late," said Ron barely able to get his words out. He closed his eyes trying to force back the tears. "He's gone."
"No," shouted Hermione. "That's a lie."
"Hermione," began Ron.
"This can't be happening," she said to herself. "Why is this happening?"
"I don't know."
Ron and Hermione stood feet apart lost in their grief. Hermione was the first to voice what they were both thinking. "We have to tell Harry."
Ron shook his head. "I can't."
Hermione nodded, understanding. "I'll do it. It should be me."
Ron looked at the floor, feeling ashamed that he was putting the awful business solely onto Hermione's shoulders.
"Ron, Hermione."
Ron and Hermione turned to see Professor Dumbledore. He looked grave.
"Are you both ok?"
"Yes sir," they both replied.
Dumbledore approached them and placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder. "Are you sure?"
Hermione nodded tiredly. "I need to go up and see Harry."
"Hermione, that may not be the best idea," said Dumbledore.
"Why?" She asked.
"You've just been through a very trying ordeal. You need to rest."
"I won't be able to rest knowing I have to do this," she returned.
"You don't have to be the one," said Dumbledore.
"Yes, I do. I owe it to him, considering."
"Hermione, this is not your fault. Nor is it Ron's," he said setting his eyes on Ron.
"Right," said Hermione softly. "And it's not my fault Professor Snape is dead either."
"It's not," said Dumbledore softly.
"Right, I get it," said Hermione walking past Dumbledore and out of the room. "Excuse me."
Hermione went straight to Harry. She sat by his bedside gazing at him and wondering how she could shatter his peace once again. She wasn't sure if she was strong enough to.
Taking a deep breath, she looked around the room and quickly located Harry's wand. She took it and muttered the reviving spell. Then she sat again and waited while Harry slowly opened his eyes.
He was groggy and it took a while to get her into focus. When his eyes finally cleared and he took in the tired face of the person he loved more than anyone in the world, he gave a strangled kind of cry and sat quickly, pulling her into his arms.
"Hermione," he breathed. "Oh thank God."
Hermione held him back tightly, forgetting all she knew and just concentrating on the feel of his arms around her.
He pulled back and took her face in his hands. She smiled as he searched every inch of her face as if trying to memorize every feature.H
"Did they hurt you?" He asked softly, while stroking her cheek.
Hermione leaned into his touch. "No. I'm fine."
"I've never been so frightened in my life. When I knew they had you..." He broke off, unable to continue. Hermione got up and joined him on the bed, pulling him even closer to her. "You look so tired," said Harry. He reached out and stroked her hair. "How long has it been since you slept?"
"I don't remember," she laughed softly, thinking how strange that was.
"You need to rest," he said softly.
"I love you so much," said Hermione, kissing him softly. "So much has happened and all you're concerned about is that I might be tired."
Harry traced her lips slowly with one finger. "You're my girl. I have to take care of you." He paused and when he continued his voice was croaky. "I am so sorry I let this happen."
Hermione shook her head quickly, but Harry put a finger over her mouth silencing her. "I should have listened to you and trusted your instincts. You didn't want to leave. I think now maybe you were afraid." He cleared his throat. "If anything had happened to you..."
"But it didn't," interrupted Hermione. "I'm ok. And I only wanted to stay to be with you, so you wouldn't be alone. I was always more worried about you than I was about me."
"I love you," whispered Harry fiercely, pulling her so tightly to him that she felt as if he was trying to absorb her into his skin. They clung to each other for a long time, touching, hugging, kissing, just trying to memorize every inch of each other.
"Promise me something," whispered Harry into her ear.
"Anything," she said, shivering slightly at the feel of his breath.
"Don't ever leave me again," he said.
Hermione looked at him uncertainly. "Harry," she began.
"Promise me," he insisted.
"I... I promise," said Hermione shakily.
Harry smiled at her and brushed her hair off her face. "You need to get some rest now."
She shook her head, knowing she had to tell him the truth. "I have to tell you something, first."
"What?"
Immediately her eyes filled with tears and she took a deep breath. Harry waited apprehensively for her to begin.
"It's about Professor Lupin," she said slowly.
"Yes."
"He and Ron were the ones who came to get me. But it was a trap." She paused wanting him to say something, but he remained quiet.
"Lupin used Polyjuice Potion to transform himself into you. Ron went with him. He had a port key." Hermione paused. She was rambling and she knew it, but she didn't want Harry to know how close she had come to dying. "Ron managed to get a hold of me just as his port key went off. But the Professor..."
"He stayed behind," said Harry quietly.
Hermione nodded.
"Do they have him now?"
Hermione shook her head and tears fell down her face.
"He's dead then," said Harry simply.
Hermione barely nodded before burying her face in her hands and sobbing. Harry pulled her close. "Shh, it's ok," he reassured her.
"I'm so sorry, Harry," choked out Hermione.
"Shh, don't cry," said Harry soothingly. He rocked Hermione in his arms whispering gentle reassurances to her. Inside he was fighting an internal war. He felt like his insides were exploding. Every nerve ending was alive and it was taking all the control he possessed not to scream. The only thing keeping him together was the feel of Hermione sobbing in his arms. For her, he would stay in control.
After a long while, he felt Hermione relax in his arms and he knew she was asleep. He leaned back in bed, pulling her with him. She snuggled into him and put an arm over his chest. He stroked her arm gently watching her sleep.
There was a small knock on the door. "Harry," said Ron poking his head into the room.
"Come in," said Harry quietly. "But be quiet, Hermione's sleeping."
Ron approached slowly. "She ok?"
Harry nodded.
"Are you ok," Ron asked hesitatingly.
Harry nodded again. "She told me," he said quietly.
"I'm really sorry," mumbled Ron.
Harry glanced down at Hermione. "I just want you to know," he began not taking his eyes off her. "That I'll never forget what you did. You risked your life to save her. I'll never forget it."
"I thought you might be angry with me," said Ron.
"Angry? Why?"
"Never mind," said Ron. "It doesn't matter. Look, I'll tell you the same thing I told her," began Ron. "There's nothing I wouldn't have done to get her back."
Harry glanced at Ron uncomfortably. "So I guess they told you about Hermione and I."
Ron nodded.
They stared at each other uncertainly.
"Ron, I..."
"Congratulations Harry," interrupted Ron. "She says she loves you very much."
"Ron..."
"Forget it, Harry. Let's not talk about this." Ron stood. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry about Lupin."
"Thanks," said Harry quietly.
Ron walked to the door. "Everyone downstairs is really worried about the two of you. They all want to see you."
"No," said Harry.
Ron nodded. "I'll tell them you're both asleep."
"Thanks, Ron."
"Yeah," said Ron closing the door behind him.
"Shit," hissed Harry.
"Harry," whimpered Hermione squirming in his arms.
"Shh, go back to sleep," whispered Harry rubbing her back. Almost immediately, she relaxed in his arms and fell into a deep sleep. Harry followed soon after.
