Calypso- You didn't have an account for me to PM, so I'll reply to your review here. The boy in the previous chapter was Snape, and yes, I do read every single review.
December 19: 1997
6 days until Christmas…
"I get it. You choose him."
Jealousy. Contempt. Anger. Hatred?
"Ron, come back!"
Pushing through the shield charm. Tripping through the forest.
Encountering silence.
"He's gone. Disapparated."
Hermione woke, the tip of her nose freezing in the chilly air.
It was all a nightmare. Ron was still here.
She opened one eye a crack and turned towards his bunk.
Empty.
She pulled the blanket over her head and fell asleep to another round of nightmares.
"You two carry on. Don't mind me."
"Why don't you get back to Vicky?"
"Hermione."
Lavender kissing Ron. Ron kissing her back.
"Hermione!"
She wakes again, the rough cover pulling away and leaving creases in her cheek.
"Hermione," Harry says, "we'd better get going."
She dawdles. They both do, looking into the forest, expecting Ron. They tie and retie bundles. Brush away specks of dust.
Several times she bursts into silent tears, hiding them from Harry.
He has enough on his mind. He doesn't know what the last Horcrux is.
Soon, it becomes clear that to stay in one place any longer is dangerous.
They have to move on.
She moves on. Her fingers stuff the supplies into her purse. Her feet take her to a new deserted area. Her mouth casts the enchantments that will keep them safe.
Her body moves on.
But not her soul.