Chapter 10
After he freshened himself up Harry made his way to his room. He stood in the doorway for a second just watching his two best friends. Hermione was still sleeping. She hadn't woken up since she had that out burst. Ron had him arm on Harry's desk, propping his head up on his hand. His eyes were closed but Harry knew he wasn't asleep.
Harry stole a glance at George's bed. He lay there, almost lifeless. Harry sighed.
"Ron," he whispered. Ron eyes snapped open and he turned his head to the direction of Harry's voice. "Ron, my aunt made some soup for you. It's downstairs. You really must go eat you know."
"I'm not hungry," he mumbled, looking down at Hermione.
"Well, at least go have a shower then. It's not healthy for any of us to sit in here with them in this state," Harry remembered the same conversation he had downstairs with Ginny. That one had been almost happy, funny. This one was like a punishment.
"I'm not leaving her," Ron glared at Harry. His eyes filled with anger.
"Ron, Hermione wouldn't want you here wasting away at her bedside. You need to take care of yourself otherwise when she gets better you won't be sitting here. You're going to get sick too," Harry pulled a chair up beside his friend and sat down.
"I made a promise to her. Besides, you don't know how this feels. You aren't in love with her. You haven't just lost your parents," Ron stood angrily and his voice rose.
Harry too got angry and stood up facing his friend.
"I don't know what it's like, losing my parents? Watching someone I love die? Feeling alone and helpless? I DON'T KNOW?!"
Ron looked horror stricken for a moment. "Harry, I didn't mean...I'm sorry. I just can't stand this. I love her Harry."
"I know mate, I know. She's like my sister. It's hard for us too you know Ron. You're not the only one suffering. Fred is devastated. Ginny only wants to talk to you but you won't listen. She needs to feel safe. She needs her big brother to be there for her. We all are going through a bad time now Ron. It's not fair for you to pretend you're the only one who cares about Hermione because we all love her," Harry said as they sat back down.
Ron was silent for a moment. When he finally looked at Harry he spoke.
"Harry, I'm so sorry. Where's Fred and Ginny?" his eyes didn't look angry or tired anymore. They looked sorry and guilty.
"They've both just gone to take a nap. They're in the living room. There is no space up here for everyone to fit."
"I think I'll go freshen up then. Maybe I'll grab something to eat and then I'll go see them," he shot Harry a lopsided grin.
"Good idea," Harry smiled.
Ron cast Hermione a nervous look. "Will you stay with her Harry?" Ron asked, pushing his chair back under the desk. "And call me if she gets up?"
"No problem. I promise."
Ron cast a look at Hermione one more time before he exited the room. Harry smiled to himself. He had accomplished the impossible.
Harry pulled his chair where Ron's had been and sat down. He looked at Hermione. She was his sister. Always there for him when he needed help. She was his best friend. His confidant. She knew about Ginny. She knew his fears and his weaknesses, but she always focused on his strengths, helping him. He remembered when they first met.
She had come in when Ron was showing him some prank spell Fred and George had taught him to turn his rat yellow. She had introduced herself and tried to show off by fixing Harry's glasses with magic. She had this know it all attitude which she still carried to this day. It was something that was special about her though, although it could get quite annoying. At least she hadn't picked him out for having dirt on his nose.
Harry laughed to himself as he propped his head in his hand and closed his eyes. Everything had to be all right.
