Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 34

Hermione stared sullingly out the window from the Hogwarts train, watching the rain bounce off against the glass.

The others were discussing their summer holiday, but she was still stuck on the events from a week ago when a frazzled Charlie and Bill stopped by the Burrow to see her.

They found a horcrux.

Well, stole one.

Teddy had told them to break into a Gringotts vault. And not just any vault, but the bloody Lestrange Vault.

She hugged the beaded bag Charlie gifted her last Christmas closer to her chest. To avoid suspicion from Hogwarts staff, Harry and her would destroy the cup during the Sorting.

Gods, no wonder Charlie was distant this past May. Their task was impossible... and yet, they did it.

Not without its consequences, of course. Bill would permanently have faded marks from Griphook across his face and Charlie was paranoid and rather off. He refused to have his back to windows or doors - even the twins could sense not to play their usual pranks during their visit.

Though difficult at the Burrow, especially with an overbearing Ron, she managed to find a few minutes alone with Charlie. He didn't discuss them but rather a certain blonde's involvement. Something he didn't tell anyone, not even Bill.

Draco Malfoy.

They made eye contact while Charlie was numbing the dragon guarding the vaults.

And Malfoy let him go.

He wasn't sure what to think but did fear being blackmailed or the trio facing consequences at Hogwarts.

Though worrisome, yes, she put it aside to comfort Charlie in having to leave the dragon in the depths of Gringotts. Hermione could only imagine how difficult it'd been for him.

She embraced him without thought, raising herself on her toes to wrap her arms around his neck.

Charlie hugged her back just as hard, his arms tightly wrapped around her waist until she was barely touching the floor.

For a second, everything felt... normal.

Safe.

Until Ron stomped around the corner and Charlie let her go as if scalded,  practically running from the room.

She was still confused on how their relationship abruptly ended. One minute she's in a hospital bed and the next, they're done. She really didn't remember much due to the head trauma.

Hermione was still cross about the whole ordeal but tried to think logically; perhaps it was for the best. They logistically couldn't have worked, right? He loved his dragons and she would never force him to choose.

But her entire summer felt... empty. She still went on holiday with her parents and stayed frequently at the Burrow with Harry and Ron... but found she still missed Charlie.

His boisterous laugh and boy-ish charm, his never-ending curiosity about the world, his compassion... how he hugged her tightly to his chest and rested his chin on her head, how he could snog her senseless...

"Hermione?"

Ron frowned at his distant witch. He'd been on his best behavior all summer: pulling out her chair at dinner, opening doors, attempting not to zone out when she prattled on about some unimportant research.

Bloody hell, he even cut down on speaking with food in his mouth!

He had hoped his midnight conversation with Hermione while she was in the Hospital Wing unconscious would help instill doubt in the pair's relationship. And it seemed to have worked!