The Promise
Author's Note: Originally published on November 19, 2008
I felt frozen inside, even though warm sunlight poured in through the windows of the Burrow. I shivered as I sat on Ron's bed and tightly clutched a picture frame.
My eyes clouded as I stared at the family photo. Hot tears blazed trails down my cheeks and my body convulsed with sobs. It had been two miserable days since I tore my family apart. My parents were gone, blissfully unaware of the daughter they once loved.
I could hear Ron's loud footsteps coming up the stairs as I hastily tried to wipe away the streaks which coated my face. He stopped in the open doorway. "Are you alright?"
I shook my head as a fresh batch of tears began pooling in my eyes.
He quickly strode in and sat down, awkwardly laying his arm around my shoulders and giving me a gentle squeeze. I could feel his radiating warmth as I leaned into him. His clumsy but sincere attempts to comfort me since I arrived had not gone unnoticed.
"I know you miss them, but we'll find them once this is all over."
"Oh Ron, even if we do get through this, what if I can't find them again? What if I did the memory charms wrong and they never remember me?" I whispered brokenly.
"No one could forget you, Hermione."
I glanced up and saw his cheeks flush crimson.
"Look," he said earnestly, "I promise I'll come with you to find them. Think of it as our own little adventure...just the two of us. Ok?"
I nodded in agreement and gave him a shy smile, knowing there was something to look forward to.