"Don't leave, I told you I wouldn't. So why are you?" Hermione's voice croaked, a mixture of desperation and sorrow in her tone.
"I can't, you know I can't," Y/N murmured, her brows furrowing with a heavy burden of guilt. She felt the weight of her...
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Y/N sat in a tight ball on the floor of the tent, her gaze fixed on the ground before her. It had become a habit over the past few months since they embarked on their Horcrux hunting. Her jaw clenched involuntarily as the soft morning light filtered through the small openings in the tent fabric.
Outside, the voices of the others drifted in. They were most likely preparing breakfast, and Y/N could almost predict what it would be: mushrooms again. She didn't mind the empty feeling in her stomach. In fact, she had intentionally subjected herself to hunger during her early years to suppress painful memories she wished to keep buried.
Her gaze shifted to Ron's bunk, which remained untouched and empty. It seemed almost abandoned, gathering cobwebs as if it were under a dark curse. The absence of her friend, while shocking, carried a different weight than the losses she had experienced in the past.
With a heavy sigh, Y/N rose from the bed. Ron's departure had left her in a state of disbelief, sure, but the knowledge that he hadn't met a tragic end offered a small comfort. She had grown accustomed to loss through death, but Ron's leave still hurt her nonetheless.
Y/N pushed aside the tent flap and stepped outside, taking a deep breath of the fresh morning air. The scent of the forest mixed with the lingering smell of last night's campfire. Her red eyes scanned the campsite, taking in the familiar faces of her friends.
Hermione was hunched over the makeshift kitchen, carefully tending to the mushrooms they had for breakfast. Sophie and Seraphina sat together, their heads close as they whispered to each other, sharing an intimate moment. Harry was busy packing up some of their gear, his expression serious and determined.
Aurora noticed Y/N's presence and smiled warmly at her. "Morning," she greeted, patting the spot next to her on the log they used as a bench.
"Mhm. Good morning," Y/N returned the smile and joined Aurora, grateful for the sense of normalcy in their morning routine. She leaned in and reached for Aurora's hand, squeezing it as she looked around, her face still a bit puffy from waking up.
Y/N's gaze shifted to Hermione, who was busy plating the mushrooms and a few vegetables. However, Hermione didn't offer her usual morning peck on the cheek or a greeting, which left Y/N feeling slightly frustrated.
Approaching Hermione, Y/N softly commented, "Looks delicious," as she wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist from behind. Hermione initially tensed at the touch but then relaxed into it.
"Yeah," Hermione hummed, leaning back against Y/N, who planted a gentle kiss on the back of her shoulder. Hermione admitted, "I just— I just miss Ron," her voice carrying a note of sadness.
"We all do," Y/N replied softly, her eyelashes fluttering as she took a deep breath. "Are you okay? You've been acting weird."
"I've just been really stressed," Hermione reassured, turning to face Y/N. Their bodies pressed together as Hermione wrapped her arms around Y/N's shoulders, resting her head against Y/N's chest.
