Chapter 4
After the burial, everyone's exhaustion had caught up with them, especially Hermione. Ron basically had to full-on carry her up the stairs to the spare room, where he once again laid her gently on the bed. Hermione, of course being stubbornly tough, had absolutely refused to rest while everyone else went down to Dobby's grave to say a few words.
"Ron, he was always there for me too. It wouldn't be right if I didn't say goodbye." Hermione had told Ron when he had tried to convince her to get some rest after he came back to see her, having just finished digging the grave with Harry.
Ron just looked at her fragile face, which was trying to contort itself into what should have been a stern look. His heart ached to see her in so much pain. Eventually, he gave in.
"Alright then, let's go. But you need to get some rest after, ok?"
She nodded as he helped her get off the bed and, together, they walked down toward the part of the beach where Dobby had been buried. Well, walking was probably more of an understatement, seeing as Hermione was putting almost all of her weight against Ron's strong frame and clutching his torso with all of her strength.
Needless to say, by the time everyone returned to Shell Cottage, they all decided to turn in for the night. After Ron had carried Hermione upstairs and laid her gently on the bed, he wasn't surprised to see that see was already half asleep. Without even thinking about it, he brushed back the hair from her forehead, and lightly kissed her forehead. He saw Hermione half-smile as she finally gave into her exhaustion and fell asleep.
Ron straightened up and started heading out of the room to go to the bedroom he would be sharing with Harry. But right before he reached the door, he turned around to get one last look at Hermione. He had to know that she was safe, or he would never be able to leave her side. His eyes looked at her skinny frame, now dressed in one of Fleur's clean night gowns. And even though her cheeks were hallow and he could see the bags under her eyes, she looked the most at peace than he had seen her in months.
Ron smiled at the sight of Hermione before him. He turned back around and reached the bedroom door.
" 'Night 'Mione." he whispered as he pulled the door closed with a faint 'click'.