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CH. 7 - Homecoming
On an early morning twelve days later, Hermione walked slowly up the Weasley sidewalk. Mr. Weasley was getting ready for work when the clock chimed and when he saw who was now home, he called out to the household. Hermione didn't even make it to the door before Harry had yanked it open. She smiled when she saw him and they both ran in to each others arms as they had both done so many times before. Ron stood back not sure of Hermione's reaction. Before Harry knew it Ginny had thrown herself into them both almost knocking them to the ground. Harry pulled back to look at Hermione. She was thinner than he saw her last and she looked really tired but she had all her limbs so everything was good. Mrs. Weasley gathered Hermione in a death grip hug and then walked her to the house.
"Lets get Hermione something to eat before we start grilling her with questions," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Actually, Mrs. Weasley, if you don't mind, I'd rather get some sleep first. I don't think I could stay awake to eat," Hermione said.
"Sure sweetie, I'll make sure you're not awakened," Mrs. Weasley said while giving the rest an evil eye.
"I'll let Dumbledore know she's back. He may want me to wait a while before I inform the ministry. Perhaps he can have Tonks and Moody talk to her. We want to make sure the ministry has nothing to go after her with. We need to hear her story first," Mr. Weasley said.
Hermione went to her room she shared with Ginny without even looking at Ron. Harry was hoping that Hermione would have reconciled her feelings about the arguement by now but perhaps she hadn't had the time to do so. Harry hoped he would be able to talk to her later after things settled down. Ron on the other hand looked absolutely miserable.
"I don't know why I said those things to her Harry. I didn't mean it I just ... I was just being spiteful to be truthful. But Hermione always forgave me before, she'll do it again right?" Ron asked hopefully. "It wasn't worth throwing away a friendship over, I realize that. I don't want to lose her Harry."
"Just give her some space to heal Ron. I think she'll come around but it may take time. Remember it took us a while to get over our fall out a couple of years back. I doubt it will take Hermione that long to get over it," Harry said. "Let's go outside and see if we can work out some of our worries or better yet play some quidditch!" Harry smiled reassuringly at Ron but it didn't seem to him feel better.
Before noon, Moody and Tonks apparated to the Weasley home. Tonks was now sporting bright yellow hair which was almost blinding in the sunlight. Amazingly her hair seemed to drown out the bright pink shirt she was wearing. Fashion wasn't one of Tonk's strengths, right along with agility. They all seemed to be in a good mood, well, Moody wasn't scowling as much as usual. They wanted Mrs. Weasley to wake up Hermione and as usual, Mrs. Weasley fought them tooth and nail. Moody even tried to use his creepy all seeing eye to intimidate Molly, but she wouldn't back down. The escalating arguement must have woken Hermione up. The front door opened with a bang and knocked out a passing gnome. Hermione didn't even pass a glance at the comatose gnome as she walked forcefully toward Tonks and Moody. Harry could tell Hermione was ready for a fight.
"What do you two want?" Hermione said pointedly. Moody and Tonks stood there with shock written all over their faces. Hermione just glared at them. "Well," she asked again.
"You know why we are here Hermione, don't play stupid," Moody responded. His magical eye was focused on Hermione as if daring her to challenge him. "We don't have time to play games."
"Hermione, where is Grawp and where were you for the last twelve days?" Tonks asked in a casual tone. She seemed to be trying to calm both Moody and Hermione down.
"Grawp is in the forbidden forest as I'm sure Harry has told you." Hermione said. Moody was livid.
"You know darn well he isn't in the forest, where is he?" Moody was close to choking Hermione.
"I have no idea, I've been lost in the forest for days. I haven't seen him. Does Hagrid know he's missing? How about Dumbledore?" Hermione responded. Hermione was lying, Harry knew her well enough to know that much. She wouldn't look at him. He didn't believe she could look at him and lie. They were just that close.
Tonks eyed Hermione suspiciously. "You are telling us, members of the Order, high ranking aurors, that you weren't with Grawp."
"That's what I'm saying," Hermione responded evenly. "I came across Grawp's forest home but he had already left. I tried to track him but honestly, I suck at it and all I managed to do is get myself lost."
Moody quickly advanced on Hermione, only Tonks hand on his arm stopped him from throttling Hermione. "There were reports of a giant outside of London, heading for the mountains. Where did you two go? Tonks and I searched as far as we could and there was no sign of either of you. Now you tell us what we need to know or trust me little girl, the ministry will make you talk. There are ways."
Harry was scared, not becasue of Moody's threats, but because he knew Hermione had made up her mind not to tell. The ministry could us a truth potion on her and make her talk. Then she would be busted, Hermione had to know that. Hermione's voice broke his train of thought.
"So there are witnesses saying that they saw me an Grawp together." Hermione asked.
"No, we have no witnesses. In fact, nobody mentioned you, only Grawp was seen." Tonks replied.
It was Hermione who advanced on the aurors this time. "So you have no evidence that I was with Grawp do you Mr. Moody?" Hermione said evenly. "I doubt the ministry can even lay a finger on me without some sort of evidence. Plus being a minor makes it illegal to use any magic or potions on me to make me talk. I read that once in the library when I was worried about Umbridge. So if that is all you have to say. I'm going to be leaving now. I got plans to see a friend in Bulgaria." And with a glance at Ron, Hermione started walking back to the house. Tonks called out to Hermione. "I know you're protecting him but you're going about this the wrong way. We're your friends. We don't want you hurt."
Hermione turned around a stared at Tonks thoughtfully. "Thank you Tonks and to you to Moody, but I've learned the hard way that friendship only goes so far." She then smiled at Tonks and wagged her finger at Tonks hair and shirt. "From friend to friend Tonks, that just ain't working." With that Hermione disappeared into the Weasley home.
Moody and Tonks stood speechless for a moment. This was unexpected. Moody looked at Harry and said," You keep an eye on her Harry. The ministry will be doing everything it can to trip her up. She doesn't understand what even good people will do to her if they think she is helping the giants. There are reasons giants are feared. They were allies with you know who, they're bad. Hermione doesn't realize that yet... but she will if she keeps messing with them. " With that, Tonks and Moody aparated from the burrow.
Harry left a sullen Ron outside. He needed to talk to Hermione, to see if she would open up to him. She had always done so before. When he entered the house he found Hermione packing her belongings.
"When did you talk to Krum or are you just trying to hurt Ron," Harry asked.
Hermione swung around but seemed to bite off her response. I talked to Viktor when you were all outside. He had asked me to visit him and I decided the time was right. I'll be flooing to his home in a minute. I need to finish packing and then say good-bye to you and the Weasley's. I'll be gone till school starts." Harry didn't like this news and ut must have shown on his face. Hermione walked up to Harry and put her hand on his cheek. "I'm not mad at you Harry. I hope your not mad at me. I need you to trust me. I need that more than ever."
"You know I could never be mad at you," he said quietly. Harry grabbed her hand that was on his cheek and craddled it near his heart. He then gentle placed his forehead against hers. "Please don't go."
Hermione was in tears. She couldn't even find her voice anymore. Her throat was too tight. Finally, she managed to whisper, "I have to go Harry. I need to settle somethings inside." With her free hand she pointed to her heart. "I'm not leaving forever. I could never do that to you I promise. It's just when I see Ron or even think about him, it hurts so much. Like part of me is being torn apart. I still care about Ron but I need to heal right now. Okay?"
Harry nodded lightly against her forehead. They stayed that way for a while then Harry pulled away. He cradled her face in his hands and looked deeply in her eyes. Neither one could breath while he searched her soul. Then he smiled weakly, let go and said "okay." Hermione went back to packing while Harry watched. Harry nor Hermione noticed that Ron had been watching through the window. Wordlessly he walked away.
CH. 7 - Homecoming
On an early morning twelve days later, Hermione walked slowly up the Weasley sidewalk. Mr. Weasley was getting ready for work when the clock chimed and when he saw who was now home, he called out to the household. Hermione didn't even make it to the door before Harry had yanked it open. She smiled when she saw him and they both ran in to each others arms as they had both done so many times before. Ron stood back not sure of Hermione's reaction. Before Harry knew it Ginny had thrown herself into them both almost knocking them to the ground. Harry pulled back to look at Hermione. She was thinner than he saw her last and she looked really tired but she had all her limbs so everything was good. Mrs. Weasley gathered Hermione in a death grip hug and then walked her to the house.
"Lets get Hermione something to eat before we start grilling her with questions," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Actually, Mrs. Weasley, if you don't mind, I'd rather get some sleep first. I don't think I could stay awake to eat," Hermione said.
"Sure sweetie, I'll make sure you're not awakened," Mrs. Weasley said while giving the rest an evil eye.
"I'll let Dumbledore know she's back. He may want me to wait a while before I inform the ministry. Perhaps he can have Tonks and Moody talk to her. We want to make sure the ministry has nothing to go after her with. We need to hear her story first," Mr. Weasley said.
Hermione went to her room she shared with Ginny without even looking at Ron. Harry was hoping that Hermione would have reconciled her feelings about the arguement by now but perhaps she hadn't had the time to do so. Harry hoped he would be able to talk to her later after things settled down. Ron on the other hand looked absolutely miserable.
"I don't know why I said those things to her Harry. I didn't mean it I just ... I was just being spiteful to be truthful. But Hermione always forgave me before, she'll do it again right?" Ron asked hopefully. "It wasn't worth throwing away a friendship over, I realize that. I don't want to lose her Harry."
"Just give her some space to heal Ron. I think she'll come around but it may take time. Remember it took us a while to get over our fall out a couple of years back. I doubt it will take Hermione that long to get over it," Harry said. "Let's go outside and see if we can work out some of our worries or better yet play some quidditch!" Harry smiled reassuringly at Ron but it didn't seem to him feel better.
Before noon, Moody and Tonks apparated to the Weasley home. Tonks was now sporting bright yellow hair which was almost blinding in the sunlight. Amazingly her hair seemed to drown out the bright pink shirt she was wearing. Fashion wasn't one of Tonk's strengths, right along with agility. They all seemed to be in a good mood, well, Moody wasn't scowling as much as usual. They wanted Mrs. Weasley to wake up Hermione and as usual, Mrs. Weasley fought them tooth and nail. Moody even tried to use his creepy all seeing eye to intimidate Molly, but she wouldn't back down. The escalating arguement must have woken Hermione up. The front door opened with a bang and knocked out a passing gnome. Hermione didn't even pass a glance at the comatose gnome as she walked forcefully toward Tonks and Moody. Harry could tell Hermione was ready for a fight.
"What do you two want?" Hermione said pointedly. Moody and Tonks stood there with shock written all over their faces. Hermione just glared at them. "Well," she asked again.
"You know why we are here Hermione, don't play stupid," Moody responded. His magical eye was focused on Hermione as if daring her to challenge him. "We don't have time to play games."
"Hermione, where is Grawp and where were you for the last twelve days?" Tonks asked in a casual tone. She seemed to be trying to calm both Moody and Hermione down.
"Grawp is in the forbidden forest as I'm sure Harry has told you." Hermione said. Moody was livid.
"You know darn well he isn't in the forest, where is he?" Moody was close to choking Hermione.
"I have no idea, I've been lost in the forest for days. I haven't seen him. Does Hagrid know he's missing? How about Dumbledore?" Hermione responded. Hermione was lying, Harry knew her well enough to know that much. She wouldn't look at him. He didn't believe she could look at him and lie. They were just that close.
Tonks eyed Hermione suspiciously. "You are telling us, members of the Order, high ranking aurors, that you weren't with Grawp."
"That's what I'm saying," Hermione responded evenly. "I came across Grawp's forest home but he had already left. I tried to track him but honestly, I suck at it and all I managed to do is get myself lost."
Moody quickly advanced on Hermione, only Tonks hand on his arm stopped him from throttling Hermione. "There were reports of a giant outside of London, heading for the mountains. Where did you two go? Tonks and I searched as far as we could and there was no sign of either of you. Now you tell us what we need to know or trust me little girl, the ministry will make you talk. There are ways."
Harry was scared, not becasue of Moody's threats, but because he knew Hermione had made up her mind not to tell. The ministry could us a truth potion on her and make her talk. Then she would be busted, Hermione had to know that. Hermione's voice broke his train of thought.
"So there are witnesses saying that they saw me an Grawp together." Hermione asked.
"No, we have no witnesses. In fact, nobody mentioned you, only Grawp was seen." Tonks replied.
It was Hermione who advanced on the aurors this time. "So you have no evidence that I was with Grawp do you Mr. Moody?" Hermione said evenly. "I doubt the ministry can even lay a finger on me without some sort of evidence. Plus being a minor makes it illegal to use any magic or potions on me to make me talk. I read that once in the library when I was worried about Umbridge. So if that is all you have to say. I'm going to be leaving now. I got plans to see a friend in Bulgaria." And with a glance at Ron, Hermione started walking back to the house. Tonks called out to Hermione. "I know you're protecting him but you're going about this the wrong way. We're your friends. We don't want you hurt."
Hermione turned around a stared at Tonks thoughtfully. "Thank you Tonks and to you to Moody, but I've learned the hard way that friendship only goes so far." She then smiled at Tonks and wagged her finger at Tonks hair and shirt. "From friend to friend Tonks, that just ain't working." With that Hermione disappeared into the Weasley home.
Moody and Tonks stood speechless for a moment. This was unexpected. Moody looked at Harry and said," You keep an eye on her Harry. The ministry will be doing everything it can to trip her up. She doesn't understand what even good people will do to her if they think she is helping the giants. There are reasons giants are feared. They were allies with you know who, they're bad. Hermione doesn't realize that yet... but she will if she keeps messing with them. " With that, Tonks and Moody aparated from the burrow.
Harry left a sullen Ron outside. He needed to talk to Hermione, to see if she would open up to him. She had always done so before. When he entered the house he found Hermione packing her belongings.
"When did you talk to Krum or are you just trying to hurt Ron," Harry asked.
Hermione swung around but seemed to bite off her response. I talked to Viktor when you were all outside. He had asked me to visit him and I decided the time was right. I'll be flooing to his home in a minute. I need to finish packing and then say good-bye to you and the Weasley's. I'll be gone till school starts." Harry didn't like this news and ut must have shown on his face. Hermione walked up to Harry and put her hand on his cheek. "I'm not mad at you Harry. I hope your not mad at me. I need you to trust me. I need that more than ever."
"You know I could never be mad at you," he said quietly. Harry grabbed her hand that was on his cheek and craddled it near his heart. He then gentle placed his forehead against hers. "Please don't go."
Hermione was in tears. She couldn't even find her voice anymore. Her throat was too tight. Finally, she managed to whisper, "I have to go Harry. I need to settle somethings inside." With her free hand she pointed to her heart. "I'm not leaving forever. I could never do that to you I promise. It's just when I see Ron or even think about him, it hurts so much. Like part of me is being torn apart. I still care about Ron but I need to heal right now. Okay?"
Harry nodded lightly against her forehead. They stayed that way for a while then Harry pulled away. He cradled her face in his hands and looked deeply in her eyes. Neither one could breath while he searched her soul. Then he smiled weakly, let go and said "okay." Hermione went back to packing while Harry watched. Harry nor Hermione noticed that Ron had been watching through the window. Wordlessly he walked away.