A/N - More tissue warnings ahead. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 8

Funeral

5 May 1998

Hermione walked into the living room with a deep sigh. She glanced at the photographs on the mantle and picked up one of the entire Weasley family that must have been taken when Ron was only three or four. Fred and George stood behind him and every few seconds, one of them would poke him in the shoulder. When Ron turned around with a scowl, they looked innocently at the camera, smiling widely and completely ignoring their younger brother. This happened three times in quick succession before Ron began to pout. Hermione smiled sadly before setting the photograph back on the mantle.

Attending Colin Creevey's funeral that morning had been difficult. While she had wondered just how the two Muggle-borns had ended up at Hogwarts for the Final Battle, Hermione had been a bit shocked to learn that Colin and Dennis had gone on the run from King's Cross on the first of September. After learning about the Muggle-born Registration Commission from the Daily Prophet, the two boys hadn't told their parents, but instead convinced the couple that they were old enough to simply be dropped off at the station. Once their parents were out of sight, Colin and Dennis had hidden in Muggle London for quite some time before slowly making their way to Scotland. When they had finally reached the outskirts of Hogsmeade, Hagrid had found them half-starved and nearly frozen. He had taken the boys to the cave he had been living in since he had escaped from Hogwarts after his 'Support Harry Potter' party. They boys had stayed there until Colin had gotten the message on his D.A. coin before the Final Battle. Hermione was actually grateful that Colin had thought to put his brother in a full-body bind before Colin headed to Hogwarts. If he hadn't, the Creeveys would have likely buried both their sons.

"All right, Hermione?" Harry asked as he walked into the room. He was still in his Muggle clothes from Colin's funeral.

"Not really," she said. Harry came up beside her.

"Yeah," he agreed.

"Where is everyone?"

"They're having a family moment," Harry said. "Something about the funeral." Hermione nodded and looked back at the pictures on the mantle.

"I saw you talking to Mr. and Mrs. Creevey just before we left," she said. Harry ran a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, that was," he shook his head. "They don't even really understand what was going on. Dennis said that he isn't sure they're going to let him come back to Hogwarts this fall." Hermione wondered just how many other parents of Muggle-borns would feel the same way, especially if their children had been in Azkaban. Her thoughts drifted to Claire, David and Annie.

"What did you tell them?" Hermione asked.

"Just that the war was over and the people that had caused it were either dead, in prison, or soon would be." Hermione nodded.

"I don't know if I convinced them of anything though. Told Dennis I'd come talk to them again if he needed me to." Hermione smiled at her friend.

"That was kind of you," she said. Harry shrugged.

"Colin was a good kid." They both stood in silence and Hermione could feel the tears pricking her eyes again. Harry sighed.

"I guess I better go get changed." Hermione nodded absently as he left the room, thinking about the two enthusiastic brothers. She was so lost in her thoughts that she jumped and shrieked a little when the Floo flared green. Not even aware of what she was doing, she drew her wand and as the flames died down, pointed it straight at Remus' chest.

Remus held Teddy tightly as they spun through the Floo network. As they reached the Weasley's grate, he glanced down at his son to be sure the blanket Remus had put over Teddy's face was still in place. He looked up as he made to step out of the fireplace and came face to face with Hermione's wand. Instinctively, Remus turned and sheltered Teddy with his body, even as a low growl escaped his throat. He heard a gasp and the clatter of something hitting the floor.

"Oh Merlin, Remus, I am so sorry!" Hermione cried. Remus, still on alert from a perceived attack, didn't relax his posture. It wasn't until Teddy began to cry that he stepped quickly from the fireplace as he knew Andromeda would be right behind him.

"Is Teddy all right?" Hermione asked, wringing her hands in front of her. "God, Remus, I'm sorry!"

Remus shifted Teddy to check on him while Hermione reached down and grabbed her wand from the floor where she had obviously dropped it. She began siphoning the ash from both Remus and Teddy as the Floo flared again and Andromeda stepped through. Hermione's face was bright red and Remus could see tears gathering. Andromeda looked between the two of them in confusion.

"So stupid," Hermione muttered, as she waved her wand over Remus again. Andromeda gave Remus a quizzical look, but he simply handed Teddy to her.

"Hermione," he said, but Hermione continued to mutter to herself. "Hermione, it's all right." He put his hands on her shoulders to stop her movements. She looked up at him, eyes awash with tears.

"I could have hexed you!" she said. "Teddy too!"

"But you didn't," Remus said soothingly. "Look, Teddy's fine." Andromeda turned her grandson towards Hermione. Hermione looked at him and then back up at Remus. She was biting her bottom lip, which Remus noticed had begun to tremble. Instead of saying anything else, he gathered Hermione into his arms. She broke down into sobs.

"It's all right, Hermione," Remus said, trying to calm her. "It's a natural reaction when you're startled, especially now after…everything."

"I'm s-so s-sorry," she said pulling away from him, looking embarrassed. Andromeda handed her a handkerchief with a small smile. Remus led Hermione to the couch and sat down beside her.

"You don't have to keep apologizing," he said. He cocked his head as he looked at her. "Is this about something else besides almost hexing me?" She looked up at him and he gave her a small smile which she tried and failed to return.

"We went to Colin Creevey's funeral this morning."

"Ah, yes," Remus said. "I had heard that was today."

"Harry and I had just been talking about it and I was thinking about the rest of the Muggle-borns and the Floo just startled me. I'd forgotten that Teddy was too young for Apparition. I'm sorry." Hermione looked up at him with tear-stained cheeks.

"It's all right, Hermione, really." Remus patted her hand which was currently twisting the handkerchief into knots. She smiled gratefully and jumped up from the couch.

"I'm sure I look a fright," she said. "I'll see you in a bit." With that, she rushed from the room. Remus sighed and rubbed his forehead with his fingertips. He turned to Andromeda. "Is Teddy all right?"

"He's just fine," she assured him. "Asleep again already." Remus nodded.

"Are you all right?" Andromeda asked.

"Yes. She was just startled, but I," he shook his head. He had growled at her for Merlin's sake.

"You what?" Andromeda asked.

"I might have growled at her."

"Oh," Andromeda said with a pause. "Well, that is just instinct, isn't it? Teddy was threatened and you wanted to protect him."

"Yes," Remus said somewhat petulantly. Andromeda's lips twitched and he scowled at her.

"It isn't funny."

"Not that you were protecting Teddy, no," she agreed. "But your reaction to it is rather amusing." Remus scowled again and she laughed. "I doubt the girl even noticed in all that was happening."

"I certainly hope not."

Hermione hurried up the stairs to Ginny's room and closed the door behind her. She leaned back against it and closed her eyes, tears returning. She was completely mortified. Not only had she almost hexed Remus while he was holding little Teddy, she had then cried all over him. His wife had just died and he was comforting her. She sunk down to the floor and buried her face in her knees.

The door bumped against her back a few minutes later. Hermione swiped violently at her tears and stood up, moving away from the door.

"Sorry, Ginny," she managed as the younger girl opened the door. Hermione kept her back to her, still wiping at her cheeks.

"Hermione?" Ginny questioned, moving towards her.

"I'm fine," Hermione said, turning so Ginny couldn't see her face.

"No, you're not," Ginny said, taking hold of Hermione's arm so she would stop moving. When she finally managed to get in front of Hermione, Ginny's brow furrowed. "What's going on?"

"Nothing, it's stupid," Hermione said. The last thing she wanted to do was burden Ginny with her ridiculousness when they were burying Fred in a half hour. Ginny crossed her arms over her chest.

"Spill," she demanded. Hermione sighed.

"Remus and Mrs. Tonks just came through the Floo. I was in the living room and I got startled. I-" she trailed off as the tears returned.

"You what?" Ginny asked in concern.

"I nearly hexed Remus," Hermione whispered.

"You didn't, did you?" Ginny questioned.

"No, but," Hermione bit her lip. "He was holding Teddy."

"Oh," Ginny replied in understanding. "Was Remus upset?"

"No," Hermione said quickly. Hermione had heard him growl, but she knew why he'd done it and she didn't blame him. Ginny looked at her in confusion.

"Then why are you in here crying?"

"Ginny, I nearly hexed a baby!" Hermione exclaimed. Ginny took Hermione's arm again and led her to the bed. She pulled Hermione down beside her.

"I understand why you're upset," she said. "But, Hermione, you didn't hex anyone."

"But I could have," Hermione said quietly. Ginny studied her for a few minutes.

"Yesterday, Mum sent me outside with a sandwich for George. When I got near Dad's shed, there was a noise. Without even thinking about it, I pulled my wand and sent a stunner towards the shed. When I calmed down enough to look, it was only a rabbit." She shook her head.

"Poor thing, took a good five minutes for it to recover once I reenervated it. George's sandwich didn't survive." Hermione snorted. Ginny smirked.

"The worst part was coming back inside and explaining to Mum what happened to his lunch," Ginny said.

"What did she say?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing," Ginny replied. "She just patted my cheek and made another sandwich." Ginny paused for a moment. "All I'm saying is that you're not the only one that's jumpy these days."

"I suppose not," Hermione agreed. "I still feel horrible though."

"I understand," Ginny said. "But I'm sure that Remus forgives you." Hermione took a breath and nodded.

"Thanks, Gin." Ginny smiled.

"I came up here to tell you that we're leaving in just a few minutes." There was a small wizarding cemetery just past the orchard outside the Weasley's property. There had always been a small magical population around Ottery St. Catchpole. Bill had told Hermione that Luna's mother was buried there, as was Cedric Diggory.

"All right," Hermione said. "I'll be down in just a minute." Ginny gave her one last smile before she left the room. Hermione slipped out behind her and into the loo to wash her face before joining the others downstairs.

Ron held tightly to Hermione's hand. She stood close to him, trying to offer him as much support as possible. George was in front of them, sitting between Mrs. Weasley and Bill. He stared blankly at the casket while Kingsley spoke. Hermione knew that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were grateful that Kingsley had been able to perform the ceremony, as busy as he was.

Hermione let her eyes wander over the crowd and her gaze settled on Remus. Mrs. Tonks was holding Teddy and Remus' hand rested on her shoulder. Hermione couldn't help but imagine how hard it was going to be for him the following day when they buried Tonks. Hermione turned her attention back to Kingsley, just as he finished the service. He walked towards Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, shaking Mr. Weasley's hand and kissing Mrs. Weasley on the cheek. He spoke softly to George and clapped him on the shoulder, before shaking hands with Bill.

Bill stood and motioned to his brothers and Harry. The six men drew their wands and pointed them at the casket. It rose from the ground and they directed it into the grave that had already been dug. Hermione moved closer to Ginny and grasped her friend's hand as Fred was lowered in. Hermione could see that George's hand was shaking and was glad that it was Bill and Charlie who were controlling the movements, that the rest of them were mostly there for ceremony. When the casket had settled, Mr. Weasley rose from his seat and held out a hand to his wife. Hermione, Ginny and Fleur stepped forward next to Mrs. Weasley, each holding a flower that they dropped down on top of the casket.

Bill pointed his wand toward the pile of dirt and began to direct it into the grave. The rest of his brothers followed suit, save George who sank to his knees, tears running down his face. Mr. Weasley hurried towards him even as Mrs. Weasley's knees buckled. Ginny and Fleur grasped her arms and Hermione quickly grabbed the chair the older woman had been sitting in earlier. After Ginny and Fleur had lowered her into it, Ginny knelt beside her mother and wrapped her arms around her.

The guests had begun walking away as George fell to the ground, and Hermione was grateful that they had given the family some privacy. Even she, as close to the Weasleys as she was, felt a bit like an outsider during their show of grief. As soon as Bill had finished filling the grave, he wavered and Fleur was instantly at his side. She hugged him and Hermione could see that she was supporting most of his weight. Charlie and Percy were clinging to one another and Mr. Weasley was now sitting on the ground next to George, his arms around his son's shoulders. Hermione made her way towards Ron and Harry. When she reached them, she pulled them into her arms and the three of them cried together.

Remus and Andromeda had left with the rest of the guests just after Kingsley finished the ceremony. When they reached the Burrow, Andromeda handed Teddy to Remus. Without even being asked, Minerva, Pomona and Poppy followed Andromeda into the Burrow's kitchen and began bringing out the food that Molly had prepared.

"Hagrid, set up those tables, would you?" Minerva directed as the groundskeeper blew his nose noisily into the giant handkerchief he held.

"O' course, Perfesser," he said, wiping at his eyes before shoving the handkerchief in his pocket. He picked up the tables Minerva had indicated and began to place them around the garden. Remus drew his wand to help, but Hagrid shook his head.

"Don' yeh worry abou' it, Remus," Hagrid said. "Yeh jus' tend to the wee one there." Teddy chose that moment to begin to fuss and Remus just shook his head in amusement. He pulled a bottle from the bag in his pocket, warmed it and sat down to feed his son.

As the food was brought out, the guests began to mill about, filling plates and chatting quietly. Remus looked around for Kingsley, hoping to speak with him before he returned to the Ministry. He finally spotted the Minister talking with Xenophilius Lovegood. Shifting Teddy slightly, Remus rose to join the two men.

"Xeno," he greeted. "You're looking well." Truthfully, the man still looked gaunt, but much less haggard than he had when he was first released from Azkaban.

"Thank you," the man replied. He smiled at Teddy, then glanced around nervously. Once he saw Luna, he said his good-byes and hurried towards her.

"Is he all right?" Remus asked with a frown.

"Now that he's got his daughter back, I'm sure he will be," Kingsley replied. "How are you doing?" Remus hated this question. He wasn't doing well, of course, but no one really wanted to hear that, not even Kingsley.

"As well as I can be," he said instead. "I do appreciate that you agreed to perform Dora's service." Kingsley put a hand on Remus' shoulder.

"You don't need to thank me, Remus. I wouldn't have allowed anyone else to do it." Remus swallowed and took a breath. Teddy chose that moment to spit the bottle from his mouth and burp loudly. Kingsley laughed.

"Takes after his mother, I see." Remus chuckled and shifted his son to his shoulder.

"There was something I wanted to ask you," Remus said once Teddy had settled. Kingsley looked at him curiously. "What happened to Greyback?" A look of understanding crossed Kingsley's face.

"He was arrested and taken to Azkaban to await trial," Kingsley said. "There's little doubt he'll be convicted."

"What about-" Remus began but Kingsley held up a hand to stop him.

"He's in a reinforced cell and the guards are aware that he's a werewolf," Kingsley said. "They'll cast extra protective wards on the full moon."

"He's always dangerous, Kingsley, not just during the moon," Remus said in disgust. "Just ask Bill Weasley."

"I'm aware," Kingsley replied. "Which is why he's been put in a reinforced cell, as I said." Remus sighed.

"I'm sorry," he said. Kingsley shook his head.

"Do not apologize," he said. "I completely understand your concern." Remus shifted Teddy again and Kingsley gave the baby a smile. Teddy blinked at him, his hair choosing that moment to shift. Remus could see the slight crack in Kingsley's façade. He and Dora had been partners for a time, just after Dora passed her Auror's exam. Remus sometimes forgot that.

"I should probably get back to the Ministry," Kingsley said. "Will you give Molly and Arthur my condolences once again?"

"Of course," Remus said. Before the Minister had taken more than three steps, Remus stopped him. "Kingsley, wait." The other man turned around and looked at Remus quizzically.

"What about the Malfoys?" Kingsley glanced around at the crowd before walking back towards Remus.

"What about them?" he asked.

"I know that Lucius is in Azkaban," Remus said. "But what of Narcissa and Draco?" Kingsley sighed.

"They're in holding cells at the Ministry."

"What?" Remus exclaimed.

"They had Voldemort living in their bloody house, Remus," Kingsley said tersely.

"Not by choice, I'm sure," Remus insisted. "You don't think Narcissa actually wanted him there, do you?"

"It doesn't matter what I think," Kingsley began, but Remus interrupted him.

"For Merlin's sake, Kingsley, she doesn't even have the Mark."

"Neither did Umbridge," he retorted. "Do you want me to let her go free?"

"I hardly think Dolores Umbridge would need the Dark Mark on her arm to be convicted," Remus snapped.

"Neither do a dozen other collaborators we've arrested so far," Kingsley said. "Greyback included. The absence of the Mark doesn't prove innocence."

"But, Draco," Remus began but Kingsley interrupted him again.

"Does have the Mark. I can't just release him, Remus."

"He's a boy," Remus said quietly.

"He's a man by every law that counts," Kingsley countered. He sighed and rubbed a hand over his bald head. "I have to do my job, Remus. I kept them out of Azkaban, but that was the best I could do. The conditions in the holding cells aren't anything like Azkaban. They're more than decent, I promise you. And I've fast-tracked their trials to the beginning of next week." Remus sighed.

"I understand." There was a small bit of commotion and Remus looked up to see that the Weasleys had returned from the cemetery.

"I'll just say good-bye to Arthur and Molly," Kingsley said.

"Please let me know when the trials are," Remus said. Kingsley studied him for a moment before nodding.

"I'll have my secretary send you an owl." With that the Minster turned and made his way toward the Weasley family. Remus shifted a now squirming Teddy. He wasn't sure why he was so concerned about the fate of the Malfoys, but something told him that Andromeda would want to know.

"Remember the time Fred convinced you that there was a mermaid that lived in our pond?" Charlie asked with a laugh.

"Yeah, yeah, hilarious," Ron said with a scowl.

"I've got to hear this one," Harry said.

"Traitor," Ron muttered to his best friend. He crossed his arms tightly over his chest, but Hermione didn't think he was actually angry. They had all been sitting around reminiscing for the past hour and the stories had turned quite funny. Not that that was a surprise, given the twins were involved. George had been smiling for almost a half hour now and no one wanted to change that.

"That's right, I'd forgotten," George said with a laugh. "Fred told him that if he got up at dawn and sang to her she would appear." Hermione began to snicker. When Ron glared at her, she pressed her lips tightly together and patted his hand consolingly.

"He did it for an entire week before Mum finally caught him at it," Percy said with a grin. "He cried when she told him that there was no mermaid." Hermione lost her composure and laughed out loud.

"Some girlfriend you are," Ron pouted. Hermione leaned in and kissed his cheek, still grinning widely.

"What about the time that they put the hiccoughing sweets in Ron's Easter candy?" Ginny asked. She turned to her brother. "You never did figure out that's where they were did you?" The rest of the Weasley brothers began to laugh.

"All right, all right, can we discuss pranks they pulled on someone other than me?" Ron said petulantly.

"But, Ronniekins, there were so many," George quipped. The rest of them laughed again and Hermione was pleased to see a small smile cross Ron's lips.

"I still think the swamp was the best thing the two of you ever did," Angelina said. There were murmurs of agreement amongst the group that had gathered around the Weasley siblings. Most of the older adults had gone home, although Hermione knew that Remus, Mrs. Tonks, Professor McGonagall and Hagrid still sat with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley on the other side of the garden. But their friends and classmates had stayed.

"I don't know, the fireworks were pretty amazing," Neville said. "I heard there was one flying around Umbridge's office for at least a week afterward." There was more laughter and Hermione looked around at everyone with a smile. This was how Fred would have wanted to be remembered, for his pranks and all the fun he had. The thought brought tears to her eyes once again. Ron gave her a concerned look, but she just shook her head and leaned against his shoulder, enjoying the laughter around her.

Remus smiled as another wave of laughter came from the group of young adults. Molly had been glancing their way every few minutes and now he heard her huff.

"They're getting awfully loud over there," she said.

"Let them be, Molly," Arthur said gently.

"I just don't think this is appropriate," she said quietly. "It's supposed to be a somber occasion."

"I never knew Fred to be somber," Remus said with a smile.

"There's certainly no arguing that point," Minerva agreed. Teddy lay asleep in her arms. Arthur chuckled and even Molly smiled slightly.

"Let them laugh, sweetheart," Arthur said. "It's what Fred would have wanted."

"Oh, you're right, of course, Arthur," she said. Arthur patted her hand and kissed her temple. Molly looked at the group again. "It is nice to see Georgie smiling."

"I'm sure you have a few stories of your own, Molly," Andromeda said. Molly laughed.

"I likely have more stories about those two than the rest of the children combined." She looked over at George wistfully. "Merlin, what those two got up to."

"If it's anything like what they got up to at school, I can only imagine," Minerva said dryly and Remus and Hagrid laughed.

"Did you ever hear about the time they nearly got Ronald to make an Unbreakable Vow?" Molly began.

Remus tucked Teddy into his cot, looking down at the sleeping boy with a smile. The baby had been passed around amongst all his admirers for nearly the entire afternoon they had been at the Burrow. Remus was surprised that he hadn't been quite cranky by the end of it all, but Teddy seemed to enjoy the attention.

"We shouldn't be surprised," Andromeda had said once they returned home. "Given the spectacle his mother liked to make of herself at times." Remus chuckled remembering all the times Dora had entertained the younger set with her morphing after Order meetings.

Once Teddy was settled, Remus went down to the kitchen. Andromeda was setting down some of the leftovers that Molly had pressed on them before they left.

"I was not sure if you were hungry," she said as she cast a few quick warming charms on the food.

"I am a bit, thank you," Remus replied as he sat down and began to fill a plate. They ate in silence for a few minutes before Remus noticed the tears in Andromeda's eyes.

"Andromeda?" he said in concern.

"Oh, don't mind me," she said, dabbing at her eyes with a napkin. "I was just thinking of all the stories Molly and Arthur were telling us." She gave Remus a watery smile. "It is just difficult to realize that I do not have anyone left to share stories with." The food Remus had eaten now felt like a rock in his stomach. He had felt the same way after James and Lily died, as well as after Sirius. After James and Lily, Remus had been truly alone and after Sirius, he had been fighting his feelings for Dora so much, he'd refused any offer of comfort she might have been able to give him. He didn't want Andromeda to go through the same thing.

"I'd like to hear them," he said.

"That is kind of you to say," she said, patting his hand.

"I'm not just saying it. I think," he paused and took a breath. "I think it might help."

"All right," she agreed. "Just a moment." She rose from the table and came back a few minutes later with a photo album. Andromeda flipped through a few pages before she stopped and smiled, turning the album towards Remus. There was a picture of Dora covered in mud from head to toe. She held something in her hand, but Remus couldn't make out what it was. She had a huge grin on her face and her teeth looked startlingly white amidst all the mud.

"This was when she was three," Andromeda began with a fond smile.

Hermione sat up with a jolt. She quickly glanced at Ginny to see if she had awakened the redhead. Ginny still slept soundly and Hermione sighed in relief. She must not have cried out during her nightmare for once. Knowing she wouldn't get back to sleep right away, Hermione rose from her bed and walked carefully out into the corridor.

She made her way as quietly as possible to the kitchen. When she walked in, she was surprised to see another figure sitting at the table.

"Hermione?" a voice said and Hermione realized it was Charlie. There was a bottle of Firewhiskey in front of him. "Everything all right?"

"Yes, I was just coming down for a glass of water," she said walking closer to him. He studied her for a second.

"Nightmare again, huh?"

"Wh-what?" Charlie smirked.

"You're very easy to read, you know." Hermione huffed. She'd been told that more than once. Charlie picked up his wand from the table and summoned another glass. He poured Hermione a bit of Firewhiskey and she sat down next to him.

She coughed after her first sip. She hadn't had Firewhiskey more than a couple of times and wasn't overly fond of the taste. Charlie chuckled.

"Want to tell me about it?" he asked. Hermione sighed.

"Not really," she said. He nodded and sipped at his glass. "What are you doing up?" Charlie shrugged.

"Too much on my mind, I suppose."

"Like what?" Hermione took another sip of her whiskey and managed not to cough this time. Charlie didn't say anything for a few moments.

"Wondering if things would have been different if I'd been here." Hermione cocked her head to the side in question. Charlie blew out a breath.

"Maybe I should have come home right after Voldemort came back," he said. "Helped more with the Order or something."

"Not to insult you, Charlie, but what could you have done that would have changed the outcome?"

"I don't know," he admitted.

"I thought you were recruiting foreign witches and wizards?"

"Well, yeah."

"That's something then, isn't it?"

"It is, Hermione, it's just," he shook his head and blew out a breath.

"Is this some kind of guilt thing?" she asked.

"Bill came back," he retorted. Hermione laughed.

"I think Bill coming back had more to do with a certain blonde than the Order." Charlie chuckled. "Honestly, Charlie, you arriving to the Battle when you did, we definitely wouldn't have won without you."

"That's just it, Hermione," he said with a sigh. "Maybe if I'd been there sooner, maybe then." He had trailed off again and Hermione realized what this was really about. She reached over and took his hand in hers.

"Charlie, even if you had been here, that doesn't mean you could have saved Fred."

"You don't know that," he said sullenly, snatching his hand back.

"No, I don't," she said. "But you don't know that you would have, either. It doesn't do anyone any good to wonder about 'what if'." Charlie picked up his glass and drained it in one go. He poured himself another healthy measure of Firewhiskey and drank that down too. When he reached for the bottle again, Hermione stopped him with a hand to his arm. He glared at her but let go of the bottle.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, Hermione taking another small sip of her whiskey. She wasn't sure what made her say it. Maybe it was the fact that she knew Charlie the least of all the Weasley siblings. Maybe it was because she thought he likely already knew, given how close he and Bill were. Or maybe it was because she was just tired of keeping it inside.

"Bellatrix Lestrange tortured me when Harry, Ron and I were captured and taken to Malfoy Manor." She saw Charlie's eyes widen and knew that Bill hadn't told him or at least hadn't told him everything.

"The Cruciatus," Hermione continued. "Trying to get me to admit to something we didn't do."

"Gods, Hermione," Charlie whispered, taking hold of her hand.

"It's what the nightmares are about," she continued softly. She resisted the urge to pull her hand away from him and cover her left forearm. Only the fact that he would immediately question her about it kept her from doing it. She wasn't prepared to share everything.

"I know Mum has some Dreamless Sleep," Charlie said. "Do you want me to fetch it for you?" She shook her head.

"No. I've already taken it twice." She shrugged a shoulder. "You know you can't take it for more than a few nights in a row." Charlie stared at her for a moment and Hermione squirmed under his scrutiny.

"Have you talked to anyone else about this?"

"Just a little bit with Ron," she said. Charlie frowned. "Please, don't say anything to anyone else."

"Hermione, I-" but Hermione shook her head violently.

"I don't want anyone else to know."

"Why not?"

"I just," she sighed. "They all have plenty of other things to worry about than my nightmares." Charlie looked at her skeptically. "Please, Charlie." Charlie sighed and squeezed her hand.

"All right," he finally agreed.

"I should probably get back to bed," Hermione said pulling her hand from Charlie's and rising from her chair. She walked towards the stairs, turning back just before she reached them.

"Thank you," she said in a small voice.

"You're welcome, Hermione," Charlie replied.