Hermione/Dennis
Written for The Ultimate Hermione Granger Pairings Challenge.
Entry for the Word Prompt Express.
Prompt: (743) – Saddened
Warning: Angst.
Hermione was saddened when she walked into the Gryffindor common room and saw Dennis Creevey crying softly to himself. It was the day after the Battle of Hogwarts, and for many it was a day to celebrate. However, for Dennis, it was the day he lost his older brother. Hermione hesitated before deciding to join him.
"Hello, Dennis." She said tentatively.
He turned and looked at her with bloodshot eyes, looking like he hadn't slept a wink all night.
"Hello, Hermione." He struggled to get the words out, and Hermione's heart broke for him.
"I'm so sorry about Colin, Dennis. If there's anything you want me to do to help, let me know, okay?"
He managed a watery smile and forced out a reply.
"Thank you, Hermione, but I'm fine. I know many of us are having to deal with the loss of loved ones, so it's not just me. It's just…I know I'm going to have to be the one to comfort my parents when I see them. They're going to be so heartbroken and I…. I…"
His resolve cracked and he finally broke down, grieving for his older brother; a true Gryffindor to the end. It was then that Hermione realised he was holding onto a red hat that had belonged to Colin. He gripped it tightly as if it was the most precious treasure he could ever own.
"I miss him so much already, so how am I supposed to get through my life without him when I can't even manage a few hours?"
Hermione couldn't take it anymore, so she threw her arms around him and whispered reassuring words in his ear, fighting back tears herself.