Here Without You

Hermione had run out of the bathroom, leaving Harry in a state of shock and confusion. She was just so high strung. She was in bed crying, when she heard Ron knocking on her door. "Mione, let me in please, we can help you, please, just, let us in. I'm worried about you…" Hermione didn't answer. She didn't want to face her friends. All she wanted to do at that moment was wallow in her self-pity. She had lost Sirius, and it was all her fault. She heard another knock on the door, "Hermione, its Ginny. Let me in please." Hermione slowly got to her feet. She knew she'd have to face the music sooner or later.

She opened the door as Ginny walked inside, shutting the door behind her. Ginny looked at Hermione. "You look like crap." Hermione rolled her eyes, "Thanks Gin, you always make me feel better!" They started laughing. But as soon as they had started laughing, they stopped and let the silence envelope the room. "How mad are they?" Ginny shook her head. "They aren't mad Hermione. They are confused, but not mad." Ginny made her way towards the bed and sat down. "Harry apologized to me and Ron earlier today. He really wants to apologize to you too." She paused before continuing, "I think you should tell them Mione. They won't judge you. I know they won't. It'll be fine, I promise." Hermione nodded, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes. "I know Gin. I'm just so scared. What if Harry hates me? I mean, I've been sleeping with his godfather… I'm such an awful person." She started crying. "Hermione shush." Ginny put her arm around her. "Harry won't hate you. I know he won't. You're one of his best friends. He would never hate you. No matter what you do."

Hermione wiped her eyes. "I suppose your right. It's time to tell them. They have to find out sooner or later I suppose." Ginny nodded, and then took her hand. "That's right." They made their way downstairs. Harry and Ron jumped up from their seats on the couch, rushing over to Hermione. Ron hugged her, "Thank god you came out." Hermione smiled, before turning to face Harry. He looked at her, "Hermione, please tell me what's going on." Hermione took a deep breath, and asked them to take a seat.

Hermione sat on the couch opposite them, holding Ginny's hand. She was scared. But she had to tell them. She owed it to them. They were her friends.

She told them everything. By the time she had finished, she had tears pouring down her cheeks. Harry was crying too. He moved closer to her, and took her other hand in his. "Hermione, I had no idea... All those things I said... I... I'm so sorry." Hermione nodded, "I know Harry. I just didn't want to tell you two; I figured you'd both be upset." Harry shook his head, "I'm not upset. I just wish you had told me earlier, I would have supported you."

Hermione hugged him, "I'm so glad you don't hate me." "I would never hate you, you're my best friend." Hermione turned to Ron, "Ron, are you mad?" He shook his head, "Never. Sirius was a great guy. You two were nothing alike, but you were happy together. And that is all that could possibly matter." The four of them sat there for what seemed like an age just hugging each other.

It feels good that everything is normal again... well, not really normal. Things will never be the same again, but at least I have my friends.

They made their way to the Great Hall. It was time for dinner, and Hermione hadn't eaten in days. She had just been so stressed with everything that had happened. Before entering, Harry turned to Hermione, "Can I have a word with you alone?" She nodded and the two said they'd catch up with Ron and Ginny who nodded and entered the Hall.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Harry looked at her. "Did you love him Mione? Like really love him?"

Hermione was surprised. She didn't expect him to ask that kind of a question. "Yes, Harry, I did. And I still do."

Harry put his arms around her, "We'll get through this, no matter what. Okay?" She nodded.

They made their way to the Gryffindor table, seeing Ron stuffing his face with food. While Harry and Ginny were making lovey-dovey eyes at each other. Things were almost back to normal again... almost.