Harry and Hermione sat in Ginny's room in silence for a while. Neither knew what to say next.

"I'm sorry about your shirt," mumbled Hermione breaking the silence.

"What?" asked Harry snapping out of his thought and looking down at his shoulder.

"I'm sorry that I soaked your shirt with my tears, I think it is the third one I've ruined for you."

"It is nothing," shrugged Harry, It was one of Dudley's so there is no special meaning in it to me."

Hermione let out a half laugh; it was the first smile that spread across her lips since her life came crashing down. It felt good to actually smile again, it was something that Hermione had nearly forgotten, and she had Harry to thank for the smile.

Ron watched from the doorway, he hadn't made his presence known yet, for he did not want to come waltzing in at the wrong time. When he saw Hermione smile his heart skipped a beat. For a brief glimmering moment he saw the old Hermione, her beauty magnified by her smile. Ron cleared his thought and stepped into the room.

"How are you doing Hermione?" he asked hesitantly.

"I've been better," honestly answered Hermione, preventing tears from brimming up in her eyes.

Ron nodded and then added, "I thought I'd come and se how you were doing, that and - Mom sent me to let you know that dinner is ready if you want." Ron turned slightly pin in the ears when he said that last part, he did not really want to relay that part of the message but he did anyway.

"You feeling up to going down there?" asked Harry sympathetically, as he stared straight into those golden brown eyes of Hermione's

Hermione bit her lower lip and nodded. Harry stood up and took Hermione's hand to give her his support. Hermione took his hand and followed Harry and Ron out.

"I'm so glad you decided to join us for dinner," pleasantly smiled Mrs. Weasley as she loaded everyone's plate.

Hermione sat at the table and knew that this was normal, what she had been searching for, but now that she found it, Hermione wasn't so sure she liked it. Hermione had no clue how much normal would hurt.

Ron who ended up having to sit across from Hermione could see the pain etched on her face. Ron wanted more than anything to reach out and give Hermione a reassuring hand of comfort.

Hermione forced a few bites of food down before things began to spin. The stress and pain was getting the best of her.

"Excuse me," whispered Hermione as she laid her napkin on her plate and left the table.

The pleasant conversation that was going on between Arthur and Molly ended abruptly.

Harry instinctively followed Hermione in suit, excusing himself from the table. When the two had let there was an awkward silence at the table.

"Hermione? You all right?" asked Harry knocking on the bathroom door.

"I'll be all right," breathed Hermione stepping out of the bathroom, "I just need to lie down."

"Here, I'll help you up to Ginny's room," offered Harry placing his arm around Hermione.

"Thank you," weakly answered Hermione accepting Harry's help.

Harry helped Hermione up to Ginny's room and got her onto her bed. He then turned to leave, until a gentle sweet voice call, "Wait!"

Hermione's hand reached out and grabbed Harry's arm. He looked down at Hermione's pleading golden eyes. It was almost as if she was afraid of something. She was afraid, afraid of what she might dream, but as long as Harry was near her dreams didn't seem as terrifying. Harry complied to Hermione's request, there was no way he could say no to her especially when she looked at him with those eyes.

Hermione let out a sigh of relief as Harry sat next to her. She allowed herself to close her eyes and relax.

Harry quietly brushed Hermione's soft brown hair away from her face and continued to brush it until he heard the unmistakable sound of shallow breathing that signified sleep. Harry then bent down and touched his lips to Hermione's forehead. Hen then slowly got up off the bed letting go of Hermione's hand that he hadn't even realized he had taken.

Ron watched from the doorway as Harry looked after Hermione. Jealously crept up into his throat. Why had he sent Harry to help Hermione? It should be him sitting there holding Hermione's hand and brushing her hair. He should be the one kissing her forehead.

"Ron what are you doing up here?" asked Harry as he approached the door.

"I thought I would see how Hermione is doing," answered Ron.

"She's sleeping."

"Oh, and mom said that she is keeping a plate warm for you," added Ron delivering yet another one of his mother's messages.

"Thanks," replied Harry closing the door behind him.