A New Beginning (Harry & Hermione from "Harry Potter")

The Big Fight

They had managed to escape from the Ministry but didn't know where they were. Harry turned around and saw Hermione crying on the floor, next to Ron.

"What happened?" asked Harry. Hermione pointed at Ron. His arm was covered with blood. It seemed like he was in a lot of pain as he was screaming.

"Harry, give me my bag, please!"

Harry gave the bag to Hermione. "Accio Dittany!" she called out and poured the essence that flew into her hand onto Ron's arm.

"How are you feeling, Ron?" asked Harry. He felt angry towards himself. Ron would not be in this situation if it wasn't for him.

"I think better," said Ron, in a low voice.

"You need to rest for your arm to heal faster," said Hermione, in a really serious tone.

"But-"

"She is right. We can keep looking for them, but for you to help us, you need to heal first," said Harry. Two people working hard would be harder than three, but Harry was so determined not to quit what he had started.

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Harry was wearing the locket to make sure it was safe, but he had no clue about how he was going to destroy it. He, Hermione and Ron had tried every spell they could think of. He was so irritable as he didn't know what to do.

"Isn't it weird? Dumbledore managed to destroy the ring, but he did not give you any clue about how he did so," Ron said. "Doesn't it bother you?"

It really bothered Harry not being given enough information from Dumbledore. But it disturbed him that Ron was right. He got into the tent to take a deep breath. Hermione followed him.

"What he said was right, Harry. I'm also kind of shocked that Dumbledore did not give-"

"I know, alright? I know and I'm angry, but you are not doing enough either! Aren't you the smart one? Aren't you supposed to find necessary information?"

Hermione seemed offended. But Harry couldn't care less.

"Take it off, Harry," Hermione demanded calmly. "Take it off now."

She was talking about the locket. He took it out in a rush. Suddenly, his anger faded out, and he felt as if a really heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulder.

"Better?" asked Hermione. Harry nodded.

"I'm sorry Hermione-"

"It's okay. I knew it was the Horcrux. We will wear it in turns, okay?"

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Ron was listening to the radio. Thank God, no one is dead, he thought. Then, he looked at the locket hanging around his neck. He didn't feel so well, but wearing the locket to keep it safe was the least he could do while Harry and Hermione were working. Actually, they had started spending time together alone more than ever. Why don't they share anything with me? he thought. Are they trying to get rid of me so that they can be alone?

"The sword takes in what makes it stronger," Hermione offered excitedly. "That's why it took in..."

"The basilisk venom!" exclaimed Harry. "You are brilliant, Hermione, truly! What could we do without you?"

When Ron stood up to see what was going on, he saw Harry holding Hermione's hand.

"But the only problem is-"

"The Gryffindor's sword is stolen," snapped Ron. "Yeah, I'm here too, if you noticed. But I guess you were better off without me!"

Harry's smile faded away. Hermione also seemed confused.

"What are you saying Ron? We just wanted you to rest-"

"So that you could solve the case, huh? Because I was the one who slowed down everything, because I was the one who was the stupidest, right?" yelled Ron. He was furious.

"Ron, please take the locket off, it's not-"

"No!" Ron shouted and shoved Hermione off of him.

"What is it that you can't tell me, Ron? Spit it out!" shouted Harry.

"We thought you knew what you were doing when you said you were going on the Horcrux hunt. But the weeks had passed and we found nothing!"

"I told you all I knew! What were you expecting, that we would find a new Horcrux everyday? That we would be staying at five star hotels?" Harry's nerves were rising.

"No but at least we thought you had a plan and we would at least have gotten rid of one Horcrux! We are still at where we have started!"

"What can we do, Ron? We found out we can destroy them with the Gryffindor's sword, you see, but even though Dumbledore left me, we have no idea where it is! Is it my fault that everything is so hard?" 

Harry also felt so vulnerable expressing his worries. He had already started having doubts about himself being able to find and destroy the Horcruxes and now, seeing disappointment in his best friend made him feel even more insecure.

"Do you want to know why I listen to that stupid radio? To make sure I don't hear Ginny's name, or mom's, or dad's-"

"You think I don't understand? You think I don't know how it feels-"

"No, you don't know how it feels! Your parents are dead, you have no family!" shouted Ron. Harry felt more furious than ever and was now running towards him. They were fighting, and this one was a big one.

Hermione was forcing her way between them."Stop it guys, just stop it! Protego!" 

A silver shield appeared between Harry and Ron and Ron fell down. He stood up, pissed off, took out the locket and threw it away. His anger faded a little but was still there. He couldn't stand the idea of being there anymore.

"Well," he said, "let me make this all easier for you guys," and he left the tent.

Harry looked out of the tent to see where he was going and watched him walk away until he disappeared from his sight.

"I'll keep the guard tonight," Harry said. "You can wear the Horcrux." He didn't want to wear the Horcrux after this.

Hermione nodded. Neither of them wanted to talk more at that instant.