a . g l a s s . o f . w a t e r

A Glass of Water
[by victoria p.]

Rating: G

Summary: Hermione hates Grimmauld Place.

Notes: Thanks as always to Jen, Pete/Melissa, Dot, and Meg. Written for lattara, who requested "Hermione, a glass, hurt."

Date: July 24, 2004

She sat at the table alone, trying not to cry. She knew Harry didn't do it on purpose, and that Ron would always side with Harry, but she hadn't realized how cruel Harry could be. Since Sirius's death, he'd somehow become harder, colder, and he kept pushing her away. It was this house. She was sure of it. She'd be glad to leave it when school started. She could only imagine how bad it was for Harry, how much worse it had been for Sirius.

She hadn't been close to him, hadn't really understood why Harry was so attached to him, but she couldn't help thinking of the wasted potential of his life. She took a deep, shaky breath and told herself she wasn't going to cry.

Soft wandlight flared in the darkness and she blinked and squinted, adjusting to it.

Ron stood there, lanky and awkward, his pajamas once again too short at the cuffs and ankles.

"You okay?"

"Yeah." Her voice cracked on the lie, sounding young and thick and hoarse.

He moved to the sink, and she could hear the tap running.

"Here," he said gruffly, putting a glass of water down in front of her. He was trying so hard to be mature; it made her heart hurt.

"Oh, Ron."

She collapsed against his chest, sobbing.

"S'okay, Hermione. I swear, it'll be okay," he whispered, and he put his arms around her, hands tentatively stroking her hair.

She knew he couldn't keep that promise, didn't even expect him to try. But for the moment, she let herself believe he could, and was comforted.

end

~*~

Back to Phase Two Index

Back to Harry Potter Stories Index

Back to Main Stories Index

~*~

Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters belong to JK Rowling., Scholastic, etc. This piece of fan-written fiction intends no infringement on any copyrights.