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

The Silver Doe

More and more weeks had passed since Ron had left the tent. Hermione's sobbing during the nights had stopped. Harry was slowly realizing that he had also gotten used to Ron not being around. He was still disappointed in him, but they had to move on. He had a mission, and Hermione was the only one helping him.

They were still trying to figure out a way to find Gryffindor's sword but still had no clue. Bathilda Bagshot had done more harm than good as his wand was now broken. Hermione was letting him use hers in needful situations but it was nothing like his old wand. He had also started to feel more hopeless. He had trusted the twin core of Voldemort and his wand more than he thought. But he had lost the protection when his wand was broken into two.

Too much had happened in between that he hardly even remembered how emotional it had felt visiting his mother and father's grave. He was grateful that at least Hermione had not left him alone there.

Harry checked outside to see whether they were safe in the forest they had apparated in. Then he got back into the tent and sat on the chair. He saw that Hermione had crouched on the ground at the other side of the tent, looking at a picture. Harry noticed that it was the photo of his mother and father dancing. He smiled a little and then looked back at Hermione. He remembered the night they danced at Slughorn's party.

A song started playing on the radio. He knew that neither Hermione nor he felt their best, but they could have danced to their problems just like they did at the party. And now, they needed it even more.

He went near her and reached out. Hermione shrugged, but Harry kept his hand. After a few seconds, Hermione turned to him and took his hand unwillingly. He didn't want her to wear the locket at that moment, so he attempted to take it off. He shivered when he touched her neck. He realized that he had not touched her for a long time. They had not been that close physically ever since Ron had left.

He put the locket on the table beside. He had no idea what to do. He was not good at dancing and neither was Hermione, but it didn't matter. They started fooling around and dancing like children. And then the song became louder:

"We're happy, Ma, we're having fun

And the train ain't left the station

Hey, little train, wait for me!

I once was blind, but now I see..."

It was as if they were dancing inside the song, as if nothing bad could happen anymore and they were the happiest people in the whole world at that moment. Harry could finally see a smile on Hermione's face. He really was blind before not to see how much this smile meant to him.

"Hey little train, wait for me!

I was held in chains, but now I'm free

I'm hanging in there, don't you see?.."

The song started to fade away and the news was back on the radio. They didn't realize how close they had gotten until the end of the song. His nose was on her shoulder and hers was on his. He had never felt warmer with Hermione beside him.

He sensed her head slowly leaving his shoulder. They stared at each other for a long time. The moment felt similar to his dream. He had not believed in the possibility of something happening between them. The photo of his mother and father dancing flashed in his mind. What if we are like them? What if we have that kind of a connection? he wondered for a moment.

Harry saw a spark in her eyes. But not long after, it left its place to tears. She was crying.

"I'm sorry H-Hermione, I didn't w-want to make you u-uncomfortable," Harry stuttered. He felt like he had done something wrong even though it had felt just right.