Parachute

Chapter 1

A year ago, a year ago where Ginny's presence could still be felt and it wasn't a lonely memory. Her photos kept him company and were the only evidence she was ever there. Work as an auror kept him busy after Ginny died, he tried to busy himself even more so as not to come home to an empty house.

"Ron come on" Hermione turned around to find Ron in the exact same spot "Ron!" There was a look of annoyance on his face "Why?" Hermione was flabbergasted she knew Ron was thick, thicker than Harry certainly, but..."To see Harry" He crossed his arms "He wasn't there last time"

"He was working overtime"

"He's always working overtime" At this point Ron sounded just like a whinny child talking back to his mother. "What makes you say he'll be there this time?" Ron added. "The ministry will find a way to send him home he can't sleep over there" Hermione sighed her patience was wearing thin and patience was something she learned to have after knowing Ron for more than 26 years. Ron cleared his throat he seemed intent on not leaving the house. "Ron he feels alone, he hasn't taken time off since the funeral" Ron did not budge, Hermione couldn't believe Ron was so insensitive. "Why are you so worried about Harry?" His voice was robotic void of all emotion and that meant that he was at his limit ready to burst. Hermione already aware of Ron's change in tone replied cooly "In case it slipped your mind Harry watched her die!"

"He LET her die!"

"He tried to save her and you know it!"

"He's seen others die before"

"Ginny was his wife!"

"Ginny was my sister!"

She glared at him but attempted one last plea even though she knew very well there was no persuading Ron when he was like this "When we thought Voldermor killed Harry 20 years ago, Harry wanted to die...several times" Seeing Ron completely unfazed angered her further so she turned on her heel and disapperated.

Harry upon returning home found Hermione in his kitchen. "Hey Hermione?" it sounded more like a question than a greeting. "I thought you might like some company" she smiled handing him a cup of tea. All the traces of her fight with Ron prior to coming to Grimwald place were gone. All those feelings he tried to suppress so hard were reawaking. The feelings he didn't acknowledge before because he wasn't sure what they were. Feelings he thought weren't corresponded. All he managed to say as a whirlwind of thoughts ran through his head was "Thank you Hermione" He then sat down hands caressing the mug "And Ron?"

"Didn't come" she answered in a curt manner as her eyes were fixed on her tea. There was a hint of annoyance or anger in her eyes not at Harry but at Ron. Harry knew better that when it dealt with Ron to let Hermione talk it out if she wanted. There was a silence and then Hermione spoke "I swear he has the emotional range of a teaspoon" Harry took a sip and grinned a little "I do believe we've already established that" She let out a giggle and her eyes sparkled from the laughter "I suppose we have" For the first time in a year someone other than Harry's children made him smile.

This became quite the routine Hermione would come over and make tea, hot chocolate or Harry who was the better cook would teach her. But Harry knew better that each time Hermione came was probably after a fight with Ron. Slowly Harry tried putting distance between them setting boundaries as friends. His emotions were like a turmiol of his love and confusion for Hermione, worry about Ron, grief for Ginny, and fears of his feelings toward Hermione. Yes Harry was afraid and hurt to be so close to her but not close enough, to feel lonely beside her because he couldn't hold her close and whisper sweet nothings to her. Her company couldn't help his depression but it helped cope with the loss of Ginny.

Harry decided to go ahead and visit Hermione's house. Upon arriving he could hear shouting "Ronald when I married you I promised to respect you so I ask the same from you!" Ron then growled "I can't respect someone sleeping with their spouse's best friend" Next thing Harry heard was a bone crushing sound of Hermione's fist connecting with Ron's face. She stormed out of the room almost running into Harry. "Harry I was just about to go see you" Hermione said as she furiously wipied away her tears. "It's okay you sort things out with Ron" he felt guilty because he knew he was the source of their argument. He could hear Hermione protest and Harry knew he was the last person that should be alone but he didn't want Hermione to be miserable because of him.

Hermione decided that at work she would have lunch with Harry. "Potter's not here today said he wasn't feeling well" Hermione began to feel worried what if it was something serious because Harry almost never takes a day off. During lunch she went straight to Harry's because she couldn't wait until after work. She found him asleep on his living room couch curled up in a blanket. He stirred slightly and his eyes flew open as he sat up abruptly. It was a similar nightmare he kept having since the night Ginny died. His children would meet the same fate but this time instead of Ginny it was Hermione. Harry still not realizing Hermione was there his shoulder's shook with a cough that rattled the house. She stood there in silence and thought she heard sobs. She walked towards him "Harry? How are you feeling?" Hermione didn't dare ask if he was alright because obviously he wasn't. "I'm fine it's just a headache" he told which was partially a lie, it was headache from lack of sleep and then came the cough and fever. She rubbed his back in smooth circles for a little bit until she went into the kitchen and came back with a tray of tea soup and crackers. Harry scooted over so Hermione could sit with him. The last thing he wanted was her worrying but he knew there was no arguing this with her and Harry was undeniably ill. Hermione wasn't so worried about Harry's cold as she was about his will, he was still grieving and the guilt was eating away at him. "You have nothing to feel sorry about Harry it's not your fault" Hermione whispered as she continued to rub circles. A tear dropped in the soup "It wasn't about Ginny this time" he shut his eyes and paused "It was you"