Author's Note: I don't own any of these characters, please thank our queen JK Rowling for creating this world. I just want to thank you guys ahead of time for reviewing, because it really makes me excited to write and it lets me know if you guys like where I'm going with this. Here's Moment 2!
The wind blew gently as they walked through the front gates of Hogwarts. But, it was different being back this time. Something in the air had changed. Ron and Hermione each felt the difference. It was strange to be back and without any worries. So much had happened only a few days before, but Hermione knew that she needed to be strong for Ron today, the day of the memorial service.
Hermione felt the overcome with the Weasley's sadness. They had lost a son and a brother. She looked over at Harry who was consumed with comforting Ginny. And the rest of the Weasleys were stricken by grief too. She noticed that Ron had let go of her hand and pursed his lips. He was trying to avoid the inevitable; what everyone else in his family was doing- crying. She could see the tears in his eyes, but he did not shed a single one. Hermione grabbed hold of his hand and held it with both of hers.
Ron looked at her. He was surprised by her actions, but comforted. He knew he was trying to remain strong for his family, but he didn't know if he could keep it up because after all, Fred was his brother and he was gone. However, when Hermione grabbed his hand he lost control and he just let the tears fall. He felt so comfortable with Hermione that he did not care if he cried. Who was going to judge him?
Hermione watched as the tears fell from Ron's eyes. She pulled out her handkerchief and dabbed at his face. He turned a light shade of pink and his eyes were blotchy. But, she did not care. He could not have been more perfect in this moment. She watched his eyes fall on her acknowledging the small act. She smiled at him weakly as more tears streamed down his face.
Ron watched as Hermione nervously smiled and he could not help but let out a low laugh. He felt a little pitiful, but he knew he was in good hands. For the rest of the day he held her hand whenever he felt like he was going to cry. Whenever he felt like more tears were going to come, he grabbed Hermione's hand and held it tight.
Hermione couldn't feel her hand for hours after Fred was buried because Ron practically crushed it during the service. He kissed her hand seeing that he hurt her, but it did not matter to Hermione, because he was finally holding her hand.