roborovski/hp_fanfiction_dataset · Datasets at Hugging Face

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They had reached Ginny's door and Hermione released her supportive grip on her shoulders. Hermione looked into the younger girl's eyes and saw the same sense of pain she saw in Ron's, a pain from loosing her brother.
'No one else is staying here. Would you mind staying with me? I don't really want to be alone.'
There was such sincerity behind her voice that Hermione couldn't say 'no'.
'Of course, Ginny. Just let me go change.'
Hermione dashed up to the bathroom and when she came back she found Ginny had levitated two of the beds closer together so they were one big bed. Ginny was already curled up and asleep on the far side so Hermione gently got into bed and pulled the covers up. As she readjusted the blankets, Ginny's hand automatically reached out to her and Hermione placed hers gently into it with a reassuring squeeze. Ginny sighed somewhat contentedly and Hermione drifted off to sleep with her hand still clasped in her friend's.
Hermione woke when a sunbeam fell across her face. As she tried to roll over, she realized there was someone lying on her shoulder and she couldn't move. Looking down she saw long red hair and remembered she had slept beside Ginny in order to comfort her. She didn't remember when Ginny had gotten so close and completely off her own bed, but found she didn't mind that the younger girl was snuggled up to her side.
Not wanting to wake her, she tried to roll her over and slip out from under her. Instead of rolling over willingly, Ginny unconsciously wrapped her arm around Hermione's waist and hugged her closer. Hermione tried tugging a little harder but ended up waking Ginny instead. When Ginny realized she was hugging Hermione so closely, she shyly let her go and sat up on her own bed with the Weasley blush slowly creeping its way up her face.
'Sorry about that, Hermione. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.'
Hermione shrugged and sat up.
'Don't worry about it Ginny, I really didn't mind.'
Ginny looked more relieved and a small smile crossed her face before a giant yawn overtook it.
'I could probably sleep for another ten years.'
Hermione nodded fervently.
'I know, me too.'
Ginny smiled.
'I must say I did sleep better last night than I have been. Thanks for staying with me.'
'Really Ginny, it was nothing. I'm happy to help and I'm here for you, you know.'
Ginny's smile grew bigger as she looked at the older witch and her eye gave a mischievous twinkle
'I can't wait until you're my sister. Phlegm doesn't really count.'
Hermione started laughing and then Ginny joined in. After a minute or so, Hermione could finally control her breathing.
'Thanks Ginny, that means a lot to me.'
2. Chapter Two
Chapter Two
There was a knock on the window and Hermione looked up to see Pig bobbing up and down, waiting to be let in. She quickly went to un-hatch the window and let the fuzzy little owl in. He flew over to Ginny but stuck his leg out to Hermione to take the letter that was attached. Hermione quickly disengaged the owl, who then flew up onto Ginny's shoulder and nipped her ear affectionately.
'I think he thinks he's your owl.'
Ginny pet the little owl and frowned.
'Well what do you expect after the three of you ran off.'
Hermione frowned at this, knowing it was still a sore spot for Ginny. Upon seeing her frown, Ginny tried to reassure Hermione with a small smile and a wave of her hand
'I know you three had to save the world and all that, I'm nearly over it, I promise.'
Hermione looked imploringly into the other witch's face.
'You know we had to do it Ginny, we couldn't risk Voldemort finding out.'
Ginny nodded half-heartedly.
'I know, really I do.'
Still not completely convinced, Hermione dropped it and turned to the letter. It was from Ron. Hoping that he had good news from his talk with Harry, Hermione quickly opened it and started reading.
_Hermione,_
_After you and Ginny went to sleep, I tried talking to Harry. At first I tried just helping write his speech, thinking he just needed some help to bounce ideas off, but he didn't seem to want to write anything at all. He wouldn't really talk to me about anything, saying he was just fine. I told him that I didn't believe him. He stormed up to his bed and set an imperturbable charm on his hangings so I haven't been able to talk to him anymore._
_He's really taking this hard. I'm sorry I couldn't do more, luv, but I will try to help you today in talking with him. We've already been through so much with him, I know we can help him get through whatever this is now._
_Despite all this, I can't wait to see your beautiful face this morning._
_Love,_
_Ron_
Hermione continued to frown but upon reading the last line, a small smile crept onto her lips. Ron was just so sweet. And he thought she was beautiful…
'What's that?'
Having forgotten Ginny was there, Hermione jumped slightly and started to blush about the thoughts that were running through her head about Ron.
'Oh, um…I had Ron try to talk with Harry about the funerals and stuff.'
Ginny sighed. Hermione was slightly scared that she was about to face the famous Weasley temper. She knew how protective Ginny was of Harry.
'Yeah, he's been taking this all so personally. I've been trying to help him open up about it but the more I push, the more he closes up.'
After Hermione realized Ginny wasn't upset about what she was trying to do, she wanted to include her in her efforts of getting through to Harry.
'That's why I had Ron try to talk to him, but it looks like he didn't have any luck either.'
Hermione showed Ginny the letter Ron had sent. As she read it, Ginny's frown grew more and more pronounced until she got to the last line, then she smiled at her brother's sweet words, but then remembered how Harry used to send her little notes stuck in her books and she frowned once more.
'What are we going to do with him?'
Hermione seemed to think this wasn't asked directly to her, but she had been thinking about it and really there was only one way to get through to Harry and that was to confront him straight on.
'It won't be easy, but I think our best chance is to confront him before the speech.'
Ginny looked up surprised but then nodded her head knowingly.
'Yeah, that's about the only thing that will get through that thick head of his.'
Tears now forming in her eyes, Ginny turned to Hermione.
'I don't know what I would do without him. I've needed him for so long and now that he's so close to being free, I can't loose him again.'
Before she could break down completely, Hermione was once again by her side trying to comfort her.
'Don't worry Gin, I'll do my best to keep him with us. With you. I promise'
* * *
As the time for the ceremony grew closer, Hermione entered the anti chamber that had previously held the body of Tom Riddle (the body had already been taken care of by the elves) to find Harry sitting alone in the dark, sitting with his wand and a small knapsack. He was supposed to be getting ready to give the opening speech of the ceremony but had yet to change into his dress robes. Hermione had been busy all day with the preparations but had tried to keep an eye on Harry and find a time when she, Ron and Ginny could come talk to him. Unfortunately, this was the only time she had to slip away and even more unfortunate was that Ron and Ginny were stuck with their family and she was alone.
'Harry, aren't you ready yet?'
Harry lifted his head, a depressed and resigned look on his face.
'I'll never be ready.'
Being slightly annoyed and hoping to talk some sense into him at that moment, Hermione turned on her best prefect voice.
'Don't be absurd, everyone is waiting for you. I know this is terrible but its best to honor the fallen, we couldn't have gotten this far without them.'
Harry looked dejectedly at the floor.
'That's just it, it's my fault they're here. It's my fault they're all dead.'
Hermione had been waiting for this. He wouldn't be Harry if he didn't blame every bad thing that happened on himself.
'Harry it's not your fault. It was all Voldemort's fault and now he's gone! We should move on with our lives!'
Harry stood suddenly, startling Hermione.
'I CAN'T, OKAY?!?!?'
At this point, Ginny entered the room looking ready for a fight. Hermione wasn't sure how much she had actually heard, but felt better knowing she didn't have to do this alone.
'DON'T YOU DARE LET HIM DO THIS TO YOU, HARRY! DON'T YOU DARE LET HIM DO THIS TO US!'
Harry looked stricken at seeing Ginny. But he squared his shoulders, determination was plainly written on his face.
'Ginny, you just don't understand, I can't face those people out there, thinking I'm some kind of hero when I'm the reason their loved ones are dead…'
Ginny squared her shoulders and stepped toward Harry, anger burning in her eyes.
'THAT'S CODSWALLOP HARRY AND YOU KNOW IT! You can't blame yourself for every bad thing that happens in the world, Harry. You are not responsible.'
Harry stood there stunned for a moment, breathing heavily. Then his whole façade seemed to crack, revealing nothing but sadness.
'But look at what I've done…'
Ginny calmed herself down and took a step forward.
'Hermione's right, Harry, it's not your fault, it's Tom's. He killed them, not you.'
Hermione stepped forward.
'No one blames you Harry. We're all mourning those we have lost and that's okay. We know who was responsible and we just want to remember them for who they were.'
Thinking they were getting through to him, Hermione and Ginny had gradually been edging closer to Harry. He had been moving back and now stood with his back against the wall. Hermione thought that if she could actually touch him that he would see they were with him. She also wished Ron was there. He always seemed able to get through to Harry when she couldn't.
Glancing at Ginny, Hermione saw she had tears in her eyes but she gave her a slight nod and they both tried to get to Harry at the same time. Before either girl could grab him, he had put up a shield charm. Shocked they stood there as Harry once again put on a determined yet sad face not actually looking at either witch but through them.
'Tell your mum, I'm sorry about Fred, Ginny. I've already arranged for Kreacher to help Andromeda with Teddy.'
Realizing what he was saying, Hermione felt as though she was drowning. She couldn't loose one of her best friends, not after all they had been through. Tears sprang to her eyes and she reached out to Harry, begging.
'No Harry, please, please don't do this.'
Harry looked into her eyes with such love and remorse.
'I…I'm so sorry, Hermione. Tell Ron I'm sorry, too. Tell him…Tell him I…I love him, I love you too…'
Hermione had to look away, she couldn't watch him leave. Her tears ran down her cheeks as a piece of her heart broke. Ginny stood beside her with a lost look on her face, starring unbelievingly at Harry. Harry turned his gaze to her.
'Ginny, I will always love you. Always.'
Anger flashed across Ginny's face but was quickly replaced with fear as she realized he was really going to leave.
'Harry, you can't leave me! Please…'
'I…I'm….so…so sorry.'
And with a small 'pop' Harry Potter left Hogwarts behind, broken enchantments and all.
'HARRY!!'
Hermione stood there for what seemed an eternity, tears streaming down her face, not wanting to turn back around and confirm what that small 'pop' had meant. She then realized Ginny had collapsed, sobbing on the floor, quietly mumbling to herself.
'He left me…I can't believe he left me!'
Doing the only thing she knew to do, Hermione went and held her while she sobbed into her lap. Ginny didn't seem to mind that Hermione's tears ran down into her hair. A piece of Hermione's heart had been ripped out of her chest and she felt like it would never be whole again. One of her best friends had just left her life for what she feared would be forever. Despair filled her as she thought about how if Harry, one of the most loyal people in the world, could leave them, could leave Ginny like that, then there couldn't be anyone else she could trust not to leave. But a smiling face with red hair and freckles entered her mind and a spark of hope remained. She knew Ron wouldn't leave her or at least she prayed he wouldn't.

They had reached Ginny's door and Hermione released her supportive grip on her shoulders. Hermione looked into the younger girl's eyes and saw the same sense of pain she saw in Ron's, a pain from loosing her brother.

'No one else is staying here. Would you mind staying with me? I don't really want to be alone.'

There was such sincerity behind her voice that Hermione couldn't say 'no'.

'Of course, Ginny. Just let me go change.'

Hermione dashed up to the bathroom and when she came back she found Ginny had levitated two of the beds closer together so they were one big bed. Ginny was already curled up and asleep on the far side so Hermione gently got into bed and pulled the covers up. As she readjusted the blankets, Ginny's hand automatically reached out to her and Hermione placed hers gently into it with a reassuring squeeze. Ginny sighed somewhat contentedly and Hermione drifted off to sleep with her hand still clasped in her friend's.

Hermione woke when a sunbeam fell across her face. As she tried to roll over, she realized there was someone lying on her shoulder and she couldn't move. Looking down she saw long red hair and remembered she had slept beside Ginny in order to comfort her. She didn't remember when Ginny had gotten so close and completely off her own bed, but found she didn't mind that the younger girl was snuggled up to her side.

Not wanting to wake her, she tried to roll her over and slip out from under her. Instead of rolling over willingly, Ginny unconsciously wrapped her arm around Hermione's waist and hugged her closer. Hermione tried tugging a little harder but ended up waking Ginny instead. When Ginny realized she was hugging Hermione so closely, she shyly let her go and sat up on her own bed with the Weasley blush slowly creeping its way up her face.

'Sorry about that, Hermione. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.'

Hermione shrugged and sat up.

'Don't worry about it Ginny, I really didn't mind.'

Ginny looked more relieved and a small smile crossed her face before a giant yawn overtook it.

'I could probably sleep for another ten years.'

Hermione nodded fervently.

'I know, me too.'

Ginny smiled.

'I must say I did sleep better last night than I have been. Thanks for staying with me.'

'Really Ginny, it was nothing. I'm happy to help and I'm here for you, you know.'

Ginny's smile grew bigger as she looked at the older witch and her eye gave a mischievous twinkle

'I can't wait until you're my sister. Phlegm doesn't really count.'

Hermione started laughing and then Ginny joined in. After a minute or so, Hermione could finally control her breathing.

'Thanks Ginny, that means a lot to me.'

2. Chapter Two

Chapter Two

There was a knock on the window and Hermione looked up to see Pig bobbing up and down, waiting to be let in. She quickly went to un-hatch the window and let the fuzzy little owl in. He flew over to Ginny but stuck his leg out to Hermione to take the letter that was attached. Hermione quickly disengaged the owl, who then flew up onto Ginny's shoulder and nipped her ear affectionately.

'I think he thinks he's your owl.'

Ginny pet the little owl and frowned.

'Well what do you expect after the three of you ran off.'

Hermione frowned at this, knowing it was still a sore spot for Ginny. Upon seeing her frown, Ginny tried to reassure Hermione with a small smile and a wave of her hand

'I know you three had to save the world and all that, I'm nearly over it, I promise.'

Hermione looked imploringly into the other witch's face.

'You know we had to do it Ginny, we couldn't risk Voldemort finding out.'

Ginny nodded half-heartedly.

'I know, really I do.'

Still not completely convinced, Hermione dropped it and turned to the letter. It was from Ron. Hoping that he had good news from his talk with Harry, Hermione quickly opened it and started reading.

_Hermione,_

_After you and Ginny went to sleep, I tried talking to Harry. At first I tried just helping write his speech, thinking he just needed some help to bounce ideas off, but he didn't seem to want to write anything at all. He wouldn't really talk to me about anything, saying he was just fine. I told him that I didn't believe him. He stormed up to his bed and set an imperturbable charm on his hangings so I haven't been able to talk to him anymore._

_He's really taking this hard. I'm sorry I couldn't do more, luv, but I will try to help you today in talking with him. We've already been through so much with him, I know we can help him get through whatever this is now._

_Despite all this, I can't wait to see your beautiful face this morning._

_Love,_

_Ron_

Hermione continued to frown but upon reading the last line, a small smile crept onto her lips. Ron was just so sweet. And he thought she was beautiful…

'What's that?'

Having forgotten Ginny was there, Hermione jumped slightly and started to blush about the thoughts that were running through her head about Ron.

'Oh, um…I had Ron try to talk with Harry about the funerals and stuff.'

Ginny sighed. Hermione was slightly scared that she was about to face the famous Weasley temper. She knew how protective Ginny was of Harry.

'Yeah, he's been taking this all so personally. I've been trying to help him open up about it but the more I push, the more he closes up.'

After Hermione realized Ginny wasn't upset about what she was trying to do, she wanted to include her in her efforts of getting through to Harry.

'That's why I had Ron try to talk to him, but it looks like he didn't have any luck either.'

Hermione showed Ginny the letter Ron had sent. As she read it, Ginny's frown grew more and more pronounced until she got to the last line, then she smiled at her brother's sweet words, but then remembered how Harry used to send her little notes stuck in her books and she frowned once more.

'What are we going to do with him?'

Hermione seemed to think this wasn't asked directly to her, but she had been thinking about it and really there was only one way to get through to Harry and that was to confront him straight on.

'It won't be easy, but I think our best chance is to confront him before the speech.'

Ginny looked up surprised but then nodded her head knowingly.

'Yeah, that's about the only thing that will get through that thick head of his.'

Tears now forming in her eyes, Ginny turned to Hermione.

'I don't know what I would do without him. I've needed him for so long and now that he's so close to being free, I can't loose him again.'

Before she could break down completely, Hermione was once again by her side trying to comfort her.

'Don't worry Gin, I'll do my best to keep him with us. With you. I promise'

* * *

As the time for the ceremony grew closer, Hermione entered the anti chamber that had previously held the body of Tom Riddle (the body had already been taken care of by the elves) to find Harry sitting alone in the dark, sitting with his wand and a small knapsack. He was supposed to be getting ready to give the opening speech of the ceremony but had yet to change into his dress robes. Hermione had been busy all day with the preparations but had tried to keep an eye on Harry and find a time when she, Ron and Ginny could come talk to him. Unfortunately, this was the only time she had to slip away and even more unfortunate was that Ron and Ginny were stuck with their family and she was alone.

'Harry, aren't you ready yet?'

Harry lifted his head, a depressed and resigned look on his face.

'I'll never be ready.'

Being slightly annoyed and hoping to talk some sense into him at that moment, Hermione turned on her best prefect voice.

'Don't be absurd, everyone is waiting for you. I know this is terrible but its best to honor the fallen, we couldn't have gotten this far without them.'

Harry looked dejectedly at the floor.

'That's just it, it's my fault they're here. It's my fault they're all dead.'

Hermione had been waiting for this. He wouldn't be Harry if he didn't blame every bad thing that happened on himself.

'Harry it's not your fault. It was all Voldemort's fault and now he's gone! We should move on with our lives!'

Harry stood suddenly, startling Hermione.

'I CAN'T, OKAY?!?!?'

At this point, Ginny entered the room looking ready for a fight. Hermione wasn't sure how much she had actually heard, but felt better knowing she didn't have to do this alone.

'DON'T YOU DARE LET HIM DO THIS TO YOU, HARRY! DON'T YOU DARE LET HIM DO THIS TO US!'

Harry looked stricken at seeing Ginny. But he squared his shoulders, determination was plainly written on his face.

'Ginny, you just don't understand, I can't face those people out there, thinking I'm some kind of hero when I'm the reason their loved ones are dead…'

Ginny squared her shoulders and stepped toward Harry, anger burning in her eyes.

'THAT'S CODSWALLOP HARRY AND YOU KNOW IT! You can't blame yourself for every bad thing that happens in the world, Harry. You are not responsible.'

Harry stood there stunned for a moment, breathing heavily. Then his whole façade seemed to crack, revealing nothing but sadness.

'But look at what I've done…'

Ginny calmed herself down and took a step forward.

'Hermione's right, Harry, it's not your fault, it's Tom's. He killed them, not you.'

Hermione stepped forward.

'No one blames you Harry. We're all mourning those we have lost and that's okay. We know who was responsible and we just want to remember them for who they were.'

Thinking they were getting through to him, Hermione and Ginny had gradually been edging closer to Harry. He had been moving back and now stood with his back against the wall. Hermione thought that if she could actually touch him that he would see they were with him. She also wished Ron was there. He always seemed able to get through to Harry when she couldn't.

Glancing at Ginny, Hermione saw she had tears in her eyes but she gave her a slight nod and they both tried to get to Harry at the same time. Before either girl could grab him, he had put up a shield charm. Shocked they stood there as Harry once again put on a determined yet sad face not actually looking at either witch but through them.

'Tell your mum, I'm sorry about Fred, Ginny. I've already arranged for Kreacher to help Andromeda with Teddy.'

Realizing what he was saying, Hermione felt as though she was drowning. She couldn't loose one of her best friends, not after all they had been through. Tears sprang to her eyes and she reached out to Harry, begging.

'No Harry, please, please don't do this.'

Harry looked into her eyes with such love and remorse.

'I…I'm so sorry, Hermione. Tell Ron I'm sorry, too. Tell him…Tell him I…I love him, I love you too…'

Hermione had to look away, she couldn't watch him leave. Her tears ran down her cheeks as a piece of her heart broke. Ginny stood beside her with a lost look on her face, starring unbelievingly at Harry. Harry turned his gaze to her.

'Ginny, I will always love you. Always.'

Anger flashed across Ginny's face but was quickly replaced with fear as she realized he was really going to leave.

'Harry, you can't leave me! Please…'

'I…I'm….so…so sorry.'

And with a small 'pop' Harry Potter left Hogwarts behind, broken enchantments and all.

'HARRY!!'

Hermione stood there for what seemed an eternity, tears streaming down her face, not wanting to turn back around and confirm what that small 'pop' had meant. She then realized Ginny had collapsed, sobbing on the floor, quietly mumbling to herself.

'He left me…I can't believe he left me!'

Doing the only thing she knew to do, Hermione went and held her while she sobbed into her lap. Ginny didn't seem to mind that Hermione's tears ran down into her hair. A piece of Hermione's heart had been ripped out of her chest and she felt like it would never be whole again. One of her best friends had just left her life for what she feared would be forever. Despair filled her as she thought about how if Harry, one of the most loyal people in the world, could leave them, could leave Ginny like that, then there couldn't be anyone else she could trust not to leave. But a smiling face with red hair and freckles entered her mind and a spark of hope remained. She knew Ron wouldn't leave her or at least she prayed he wouldn't.