THE LEAVES – CHAPTER EIGHT
As soon as Voldemort gave the message that all families could retreat for an hour, Hermione ran to the Great Hall. She had only the faintest hope that Rookwood had not managed to kill Fred. She could only pray that Madam Pomfrey would be able to heal him. After everything that they had gone through this year, she was not quite sure that she would be able to cope without Fred and she was absolutely certain that Ron wouldn't be able to hold up if Fred did go. Everyone needed him and it was hope alone that was keeping them together at this very moment.
Ron was right on her heels as she rounded the corner into the Great Hall and he held her hand as they both ran towards the Weasley family. The first thing she spotted made her stomach drop: Mrs Weasley was crying. She hoped that it was out of joy but she had no idea whether that was actually true. George was there as well, sitting next to the bed that Fred was on.
As they approached, Ginny and Bill parted to let them through before resuming their catch-up. George stood to face them and grinned the wide smile that was not dissimilar to Fred's. Presuming this meant good news, Hermione broke out into a smile as well. She sat at the edge of Fred's bed and held his hand looking up at George expectantly.
"Deep stunning, nothing more. Will be okay by the morning. No worries," George rambled through not exactly making correct sentences but the bookworm was too ecstatic to correct him right at that moment. She jumped up and threw her arms around George, Ron joined them and the three of them celebrated together.
"What's all this?" A voice asked.
Hermione pulled herself from the hug and turned to stare into a pair of deep green eyes.
"Harry! Fred's okay!" She pulled him into a hug and soon all the Weasley family joined her. Despite the current situation of being caked in blood of their own and others as well as a lot of sweat and dirt, the Weasleys were happier than ever because not only have they managed to fight a war that is almost won, but they have not lost the member of the family that they thought they had. Things could not be going better.
Harry pulled away from Hermione's arms and walked backwards a few steps.
"Where are you going?"
"I need to go and meet Voldemort in the Forest," Harry replied looking sick to his stomach.
"Mate, you can't. We've just got everyone back together again." Ron shook his head violently.
"No, Ron, he's right. If he doesn't go to see Voldemort then the Death Eaters will storm the castle again and we'll have even more deaths, which is something we can't afford." Hermione replied smiling at Harry and he nodded his thanks. "Do what you have to do, Harry,"
"Thank you," He replied hugging her and Ron simultaneously and they both stood there with their arms around each other watching him walk away.