Chapter 17: The News

Bill-

I still don't understand why you couldn't have owled me with this information yourself! Anyway, mum just mentioned briefly how she thought you and Hermione fancied each other but you two never seemed to do anything that proved it. No looks, no light touching, nothing. It confused her a lot actually. By different, do you mean she has her nose out of a book for more than just meals now, or is there something else?

Hope to see you soon.

Bill chuckled, Hermione had been quite the bookworm growing up but he hadn't seen her read a book in a long time. He thought her intelligence was very attractive, and loved to have discussions with her, but sometimes it was nice to just sit and relax and not have to worry about books.

It had been a few weeks since everyone returned from Christmas break and people were starting to get very suspicious about Hermione's love life. She wore the locket almost every day, and when she didn't it was put away securely in her dresser. Everyone had come up with at least one crazy idea of who's picture was inside the locket, although Hermione would never tell them. Fred and George made frequent visits to Hogwarts now simply to help throw everyone off, many thought that both their pictures were inside the necklace and none of the Weasley's made any attempted to stop them from thinking so. The twins sometimes went a little overboard, just to see Bill's jealous reaction and would send Hermione flowers or singing cards.

Valentine's Day was approaching quickly, and all of Hogwarts was on edge to see who if the mystery man would step forward as Hermione's valentine. Naturally, Hermione and Bill had made their valentine plans for later in the week so no one would suspect them. But that didn't stop several nosey girls from asking boldly whether or not Bill was the man in Hermione's life.

For now Hermione was trying her best to focus on her studies and homework, she always slept in her own bed but sometimes unintentionally stayed out past curfew. Bill was trying to keep focus on his classes as well, the girls still stared at him with awe and sometimes hope that he would look at them. The pair were really quite the match and did well to keep it quiet.

"Really mum, it's not a big deal." Molly Weasley had flooed Bill after classes had ended one night to check up on everyone, of course she had managed to bring up Bill and Hermione. "We've been hanging out and going on a few dates but Dumbledore said it was alright as long as no one else knew."

"I'm just not sure about this Bill, she is still your student."

Bill sighed, he knew his mother would say that. "Only for a few more months, and like I said before: Dumbledore is ok with this happening. There's nothing scandalous going on, just a few dates and hanging out when we can. I'm not even treating her differently in class."

Molly Weasley was silent for a moment. "I'm happy you two are together," She said finally a smile on her face. "I always thought you would be good together, I just didn't want to push it because she was younger than you."

Smiling, Bill let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Thanks mum. I have to go finish grading these papers though, I'll write soon." And with goodbyes the pair pulled their heads out of the fireplace and went on with their day.

Hermione was sitting in her dorm, trembling hands holding a letter she had just received. It was a good thing she pulled the curtains to her bed before opening it, there was nothing that could have prepared her for what it said.

Your mother is dead.

That simple sentence was something that hit her harder than a bludger could have. When she visited for Christmas there was nothing wrong with her mum, and now she was gone.

The doctor said it was cancer.

Cancer. Something that had never even been present in their family, until now.

We had no idea.

That's the part that hit Hermione the hardest. They didn't know. This was a shock to her and her father both. Jane Granger was fine one day and gone the next.

"Hermione, are you in here?" Ginny's voice was curious. Pulling one of the curtains back Ginny saw her best friends pale face. "What happened?" The red-head crawled into the bed and took the letter out of Hermione's hands. "Hermione, you need to get home."

"No." The brunette shook her head. "I have to stay, I have classes and homework to do."

"Forget the damned homework Hermione! You have to go and be with your dad right now."

Without thinking Ginny grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her down through the common room past the rest of the Gryffindors who hadn't even noticed someone left. Harry and Ron were the only ones and managed to catch up down near the Entrance Hall.

"What's going on?" Harry asked suddenly worried after seeing the colorless and blank face Hermione had.

"Her mum died." That was all it took for Hermione to break, someone had to say the words out loud for the tears to start flowing. "We need to get her up to Dumbledore, she needs to go home."

The trio somehow managed to get Hermione up to the Headmasters office and sat her in a chair across from the man.

"Miss Granger, are you alright?" The man asked the question so calmly the three other students wondered if he was losing his eyesight.

"Professor, she got a letter from back home with some very devastating news." Ginny started out.

"I know what the letter said Miss Weasley," The calmness in the Headmasters voice was still very unnerving. "Mr. Granger has also sent me a letter with his wishes that Hermione stay here at Hogwarts until the funeral arrangements have been made. Of course she is not required to go to classes or do the assigned homework for the time being." Hermione shook her head about to protest when Dumbledore cut her off. "Miss Granger these were your father's wishes, he knew how much you love it here and that at home you will simply lie in bed and feel helpless. Here you have friends who are willing to support you and help you grieve. "

A note flew off of the large wooden desk into the fireplace and was flooed somewhere. Everyone was silent for a few moments before Bill came bursting through the door, a worried look on his face.

"Hermione, what do you need right now?" Kneeling next to the girl Bill took one of her hands noticing it was ice cold. "I'm taking you to my room, you need to lie down and get warm."

With a nod towards Dumbledore the group set out towards Bill's common room, Hermione was being carried by the oldest Weasley and when they reached the room Hermione was set on the couch with her feet up on the arm and a blanket was draped over her.

"Everything will be ok love, I promise." Was the last think Hermione heard before falling asleep.

Hours later, Hermione opened her eyes. It was dark out still and she was warm, very warm. Looking down at her midsection she noticed there was a muscular arm wrapped tightly around her.

I guess Bill brought me to bed after I fell asleep on the couch.

Gently wriggling her body out from under the grasp of Bill's arm, Hermione made her way to the common room. She was wearing the same tee shirt she had worn the day before but was adorned with boxers instead of her jeans. Figuring that Ginny had probably changed her jeans before leaving, Hermione thought nothing of it and located her pants. She was hungry and needed at least some type of food.

Finding her jeans in the corner of Bill's room folded nicely on the chair. Hermione pulled them on and made her way to the bathroom; she saw her eyes had gotten rather bloodshot and puffy from crying, it was probably a good thing no one was awake right now.

"I was wondering where you had gone off to." Bill appeared in the doorway shirtless and still half asleep. "Where are you off to?"

"I was going to get some food from the kitchens." The sheepish reply came as a surprise to Hermione.

"I'll go with you, let me throw on some real clothes."

A moment later Bill was waiting by the portrait fully dressed and decidedly more awake looking. The pair walked through the silent corridors without speaking. Not because of awkwardness, but because there was nothing Hermione wanted or needed to say and Bill understood that. They only spoke when the elves in the kitchen asked what they would like.

Moments later Hermione finally broke the silence. "My mother used to sit and watch this show in the television when I was younger, and if she knew I was bored and had nothing to do she would let me play with her hair." The memory came flooding back to her. "I used to braid it, pile it up on top of her head with pins, and sometimes I would even try to curl it. She would sit there and let me just play with her hair while she watched that show."

More silence. Bill had decided that he would just let her talk when she was ready, and that he would be there when he needed her.

They ate in silence and then walked back up to Bill's room in silence. Hermione changed back into the boxers and crawled into bed flat up against Bill's muscular body.

"I'm always going to be here if you need me." The sentiment made Hermione smile as she pulled his arm across her middle again and fell asleep.

Hours later Hermione opened her eyes again. This time the sun was out and Bill was not there to keep her warm, in his place there was a note.

You looked so peaceful sleeping I didn't want to wake you up. I had to go teach but you should probably just stay in bed all day. Don't worry, Dumbledore told all the professors what happened and they have excused you from class and work. I'll check in on you when I can.

-Bill

The simple gesture of kindness made Hermione smile again and the small whines from Fritz who was dreaming at the end of the bed only made it seem like a better day. The crup seemed to sense that Hermione was staring at him and moved to lay with his head on her chest.

"He's the smartest animal I've ever met."

Hermione jumped out of surprise. "You sure like to sneak up on me." She joked getting back into the comfortable spot and letting Fritz crawl on top of her.

"It's a certain trait all of us Weasley's are masters of." Bill shrugged as he sat on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling today?"

The worried look on Bill's face sent Hermione into a small state of panic. Fritz lifted his head and nudged the brunette's chin with his nose. "I don't think it's completely set in yet. I haven't processed what happened yet and I'm not sure what's going to happen when I do." The crup was now licking her face and whining, he could tell something was seriously wrong.

Bill caressed her other cheek with his soft knuckles. "I know love, and everything will work out. It just needs time."

"There's something you're not telling me." It wasn't meant to sound demanding, but Hermione knew.

"Your father sent another letter this morning. He worked out the date for your mother's funeral. Dumbledore gave it to me to deliver to you."

Hermione sat up and took the letter. With trembling hands, she opened the letter and read over the information quickly. "Saturday."

"Dumbledore wants someone to go with you, so that traveling won't be a problem with your emotions." The soft words were met with a numb response, Hermione had shut off again. She didn't want to deal with what was happening anymore. All she did was nod. She didn't care who came with her, as long as it was someone who could comfort her.

A/N: So this twist is obviously not something that JK would have written, but it adds a little flare. Also, I'm on winter break right now so I'm going to try and update my stories while I can! Enjoy!