Summer of Change (GxG) - A Hermione Fanfic

Chapter 3

Molly and I stayed like that for a while until she heard my stomach grumbling. It grumbled so loud that it startled us from our reverie. I was more than a little embarrassed that my body decided - in that moment - to do that.

"When was the last time you had a bite to eat, dear?" Molly asked.

When indeed?

"I... honestly have no idea, Molly," I whispered.

"That won't do," Molly said while she shook her head. "That won't do at all."

How the hell did she hear that?

In the face of everything, Molly was still Molly. That thought actually got me to chuckle a bit, which the older witch in question noticed. She beamed at me and I couldn't help but reciprocate. Now that I think about it... I don't think I remember the last time I genuinely laughed... I hadn't had anything to laugh about recently. I was too stuck in my own depression to let any emotion than a deep-seated sadness fill my heart and body.

"Oh! Would you like tea to drink?" Molly asked, a mischievous smirk on her face.

"You know I'm not too keen on tea, Molly." I said, rolling my eyes. "Can you just put on a pot of coffee if you wouldn't mind? I would love a cuppa right now."

"Of course. But you'll need to drink some water, too, you know?" Molly said before trudging off to the kitchen.

The woman was already bossing me around. It took a second for me to realize that I had... missed it. I missed this more than I had thought; missed the closeness, missed the familiarity. I had missed the connection.

But most of all?

I had missed the life that was taken from me.

The life that was ripped from me.

But here Molly was.

Strong as ever.

Helping me.

Taking care of me while I wallowed in self-pity. I didn't understand how she could do it. How could she look at me and still help me? I wasn't worthy of her kindness. The woman had lost children- lost a husband, but still moved forward and survived. She hadn't abandoned the people she cared about, unlike me. I was undeserving of this woman's kindness.

How could I be like her?

How could I find the strength to move forward?

I had already vowed to try, but putting that into practice was another thing entirely. I was always a person who planned something in full. I had plans, backup plans, and backup plans for the backup plans. This was the first time I didn't have a plan. I couldn't even begin to think of one.

Molly returned with some food and water, which brought me out of my spiraling thoughts.

"You didn't have much, so I just whipped something up with what you did have," Molly said kindly as she set the tray down on my coffee table.

Inhaling, I smelled what Molly had cooked.

Grilled cheese. A classic.

"Mmmm... Grilled cheese... Simple enough to where it wouldn't upset my stomach, but something I enjoy." I said as I smiled at Molly.

"Along with the water, I also brought you a glass of pumpkin juice. You had some in your refrigerator, so I thought you might like some," Molly replied.

This woman before me was a goddess.

"I appreciate it, Molly."

I tried to sit up, but I was a little too weak to get myself fully up. Molly rounded the table and helped me the rest of the way. She made sure I was stable and then sat beside me on the couch.