aftermath.

i feel safe with you.

1074 words

•
•
•

"Ron, I'm ready to go to Australia"

Ron turned his head quickly, giving her an innocent stare, trying to read her expression. Trying to read where she got her confidence. The last few weeks she felt very timid and stand offish at the idea of traveling yet. She was terrified of being followed and found, terrified her parents would be angry with her and terrified of bringing them back into her world. Ron kept reminding her and reassuring her that every step they took was calculated and they were guarded.

Months after the war haven't been any easier. Mr. Weasley has come home everyday with some form of bad news on the rogue death eaters that fled when Voldemort was killed. Every time Hermione felt ready, each piece of news took her right back to her panic induced attacks. They haven't been as bad as the two times it occurred, but they were worrisome enough that Ron insisted Hermione keep up with the therapy and even try some mediation therapy as well. Hermione felt silly exploring that option, but after a week of consistently doing it, and Ron even participating with her, she did see serious results. She felt more at peace. When she'd find her self not being able to breathe or her thoughts were swirling down a dangerous path, she'd find a quiet spot, close her eyes and breathe in and out until she felt grounded again.

"Okay.. Hermione, are you sure?" Ron tried to sound supportive and on board, but he was worried. He was worried she'd take the leap and leave and then another panic would happen while they weren't home. Of course he'd be with her, but it's a lot easier here with the already established routines and having more people to help. Going by themselves worried Ron more than he would ever tell Hermione.

"Do you wanna run it by Healer Strikes one more time? Have one more session before you go?" Ron could tell Hermione sensed that he wasn't entirely on board and he stiffened. He was on board though. He had to tell her that before she got upset with him. He just wanted to be extra safe.

"I want to go.. okay? I want you to so much. I believe having your parents back and seeing that they will be understand will do wonders for you. Please believe me.. you just have to understand that with everything that's gone on, I want you to be safe and feel really ready before leaving the Burrow.. We haven't left since we've arrived, minus the sessions of course, but that's apparating directly into her office. We haven't fully left and I just want you to consider it all, okay?"

Hermione felt taken back. She was upset that she felt he was telling her no, but now she could tell that he was really just being cautious and actually really rather smart about the entire situation. Of course she has thought of everything. She's Hermione isn't she? She wouldn't be her without millions of lists, reasons why they should, reasons why they shouldn't. The one thing that trumped everything though was one reason why they should, she just wanted her mom and dad back.

Ever since they've arrived at the burrow, she has been confined to the warm, safe confines of the magic home, but she's also been confined in herself by her anxiety. She truly believed by taking this step it would help. Of course she expected some bumps along the way, but she just wanted her family. Today.

"I know. I have calculated everything and thought of every situation we could find ourselves in, but I need them back, Ron. Besides, you're going with me and that gives me confidence and trust in the whole situation. I feel safe with you, Ron."

Ron gave her a soft smile. He walked up to her from his place at the table where he was drinking a cup of tea and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Alright. Let's get cracking then, huh?"

Hermione roared with laughter, nudging him in his ribs.

—

Ron and Hermione spent the next two days packing and preparing for their trip to Australia with his dad and a very timid Mrs. Weasley. She supported it and knew that Ron going calmed her ease for Hermione, but Ron going also caused a ton of anxiety. Death eaters were still to be found. It took Arthur a lot of alone conversations with Molly to really get her to let up.

"Just be careful PLEASE!! And when you get to the Australian ministry, owl us immediately"

Molly had Ron in a rather death grip while he tried carrying their suitcase down the stairs. He really appreciated his mom, but he was feeling a bit suffocated at the moment. He was able to coax his mother down the stairs with Hermione, grinning and suppressing a laugh, following behind them.

"Mum, I promise we will! We have everything planned out accordingly. We're going to apparate to the ministry, apparate to our location in India and then we'll apparate to Australia. Each port key is immediate so we won't be lingering in any unknown spots for long at all. We'll also have the guard with us, okay?

His mom gave him a motherly smile, proud at how far he's come. Hermione leaned in behind him with a reassuring smile and grabbed Molly's hand.

"I'll take care of him, Mrs. Weasley"
"And he better take care of you!! Bring her home safely. And her parents."

There was a moment of silence and then Arthur came in to tell them they needed to get going. Access into the ministry was harder these days so they needed time to get through.

Hermione hesitated for a second for the first time that day. As soon as she walked out of the Burrow and off the protective grounds began a journey across the world to find her parents. She gulped rather loudly and felt Molly's hands on her shoulder as she watched Ron by the door.

"You'll be okay, dear... He's got you. Nothing will happen that he won't take care of, okay?"

Mrs. Weasley cupped Hermione's face and kissed her forehead. Hermione could cry right there, but she didn't have time. She hugged Molly back then walked to Ron, walked outside the barrier and they both apparated to right outside the ministry.