Chapter 10:
"Oh my god, Ginny, what's wrong?" asked Hermione, running towards her hurting friend. She took one look at Ginny and knew something was very wrong. Ginny was not the kind of girl that would just sit there and cry. Something or someone must have hurt her very badly; the only question was, who?
Ginny looked up from her knees and saw Hermione coming in her direction. Her pretty face was tear-strained. She looked so fragile, so wounded, so unlike the Ginny Hermione knew. Her hair was a messy bundle of red flames, and her nose was red from tears. She looked at Hermione, and started sobbing all over again.
Hermione conjured a box of tissues and handed them to her. Ginny took a tissue and wiped the tears from her face; she then blew her nose into the tissue and looked blankly into space. Hermione placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and asked her what was wrong once again.
"He left Hermione, he really left," said Ginny as fresh tears streamed down her cheeks.
Hearing those words and the way they came out of Ginny's mouth was heartbreaking. Hermione felt like a knife went into her heart and stabbed her. She couldn't believe Harry took that step; she couldn't believe he actually left, leaving everyone behind, especially Ginny. She now realized the reason behind Ginny's tears. She now understood her friend's misery and sorrow.
"I'm so sorry hon," Hermione whispered, leaning over and comforting Ginny with a warm embrace.
Her heart aching, Ginny cried into Hermione's shoulders. The pain she felt consumed her greatly. It consumed her heart as well as her complete self. Ginny was hurting like she'd never hurt before. She felt as if the pain was implanted into every nerve in her body. Capturing her, wounding her. Killing her.
"And the worst thing is," Ginny said, sniffing. "Is that he never said goodbye." With those words newfound tears rolled down her face. Harder tears, bitter tears. Tears she feared she would shed for a long while.
She hoped the tears she cried will wash away the pain she felt. She hoped that all the thoughts of Harry, as well as the feelings she had for him, will flea her body. She prayed to god that her moist tears will put out the fire that burned inside her. The fire Harry ignited and left to die out.
Hermione knew there was nothing she could say or do to help her friend heal. Nothing could help her right now. She conjured a cup of water and handed it to Ginny. At first Ginny refused to take it, but once she saw the deadly glare in Hermione's face, she gave up and took the cup, sipping the contents slowly.
She then sat back down on the cold common room floor, in the initial position she was when Hermione walked in. She placed her head in between her knees and sobbed as she allowed herself to drown in sorrow and self pity.
Hermione felt heartbroken by the sight her eyes witnessed. She couldn't go upstairs and ignore her friend's tears. Yet no words of comfort could come out of her mouth. What was she to do in a time like this? How was she to help if she couldn't find a way?
She decided there was nothing she could do, but be there for her heartbroken friend. Hermione sat by Ginny, not daring to leave her side for a mere second. She comforted her silently, ignoring the tiredness that threatened to take over her body. The only sounds that broke the silence were Ginny's alternate sobs.
Hermione placed her arms around Ginny, and stayed up with her the whole entire night. They just sat there, transfixed in the same position, as they welcomed the first rays of sunshine.
Although Ginny never spoke to Hermione, let alone raised her head from her knees throughout the night, she appreciated having her there. After all, Hermione helped her realize that she wasn't completely alone; and that with enough will and support, she could get over Harry, and feel complete once again.
Hermione looked down at Ginny as she slowly raised her head. She looked at Hermione and gave her a weak smile. Hermione smiled back and asked if she was ok. Ginny just shrugged her shoulders, and got up.
Hermione allowed Ginny to walk away without saying a word, she knew that right now Ginny needed comfort and peace, and she was willing to provide her with both. She helped Ginny up the stairs to her dorm to get ready for school, and headed to the bathroom herself to wash her face with cold water.
A few minutes later, Hermione found herself walking along side Ginny down to the Great Hall for Breakfast. Hermione was about to push the great doors open when she heard Ginny say her name.
"Yes?" she answered.
"I can't go in there," said Ginny, looking at her friend apologetically.
"Are you sure?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah, it'll be loud and crowded, and I'm just not in the mood for that. Besides people will ask questions, and I don't want to deal with anybody right now," explained Ginny.
"I understand," said Hermione. "Do you want me to get you something to eat?" she asked.
"No. I'm fine," Ginny replied as she turned around and walked away.
Hermione walked into breakfast and sat by Ron. It felt weird not having Harry sitting there next to them. Ron gave her a weak smile, and continued playing around with his food.
"How is she?" he asked, after ten minutes of silence.
"Not well," Hermione answered sincerely.
"Did Harry say anything to you?" Ron asked, looking up at her.
"No," answered Hermione, "How about to you?" she asked.
"Nothing," answered Ron, sighing deeply.
The bell distracted both Ron and Hermione from their thoughts. Together they got up and walked towards class, their spirits low. Hermione didn't know how she made it through the day, but before she could realize, it was seven fifty, and she was due in detention in ten minutes.