Hermione's idea of a calm, level-headed response to a trying situation was not always calm or level-headed.
And this was definitely a trying situation.
Hermione would not speak to Ron, which scared him. He didn't know at what point he'd end up being trapped in a jar or with "SNEAK" all over his face or being chased by birds.
"You know you can't apologize," Hermione said after a deep breath.
"What can I do?"
Hermione lifted her head so her eyes met his.
"Don't bother trying to apologize," Hermione said. "That's what you can do."
"You want me to apologize," Ron said, suddenly understanding.
"I just told you I -"
"You're not ready to forgive me."
"Well, what do you expect? You left Harry."
"And I regret it more than you could ever imagine. And I'm here now, aren't I?"
"It was almost too late."
"You think I don't know that?" Ron exclaimed. "Do you honestly think I haven't been imagining all sorts of horrible scenarios, longing to find you too, terrified that something's happened? When I saw Harry drowning, every single moment I ever spent with him flashed before my eyes. He might as well be my brother, Hermione."
Ron was not used to sharing his feelings like that, but somehow instead of feeling embarrassed, he felt relieved.
Hermione suddenly held his hand, and offered him a gentle smile.
"Let's talk about happier things," she said quietly. "Tell me all about Bill and Fleur."
Ron smiled back and began to relay information that was not of vital importance but nonetheless much happier than war.
Hermione did not let go of his hand even after she fell asleep at the table; Ron did not pry it away when she did.
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timeasmymeasure
Forgiveness
Date: 2010-11-17 01:07 am (UTC)And this was definitely a trying situation.
Hermione would not speak to Ron, which scared him. He didn't know at what point he'd end up being trapped in a jar or with "SNEAK" all over his face or being chased by birds.
"You know you can't apologize," Hermione said after a deep breath.
"What can I do?"
Hermione lifted her head so her eyes met his.
"Don't bother trying to apologize," Hermione said. "That's what you can do."
"You want me to apologize," Ron said, suddenly understanding.
"I just told you I -"
"You're not ready to forgive me."
"Well, what do you expect? You left Harry."
"And I regret it more than you could ever imagine. And I'm here now, aren't I?"
"It was almost too late."
"You think I don't know that?" Ron exclaimed. "Do you honestly think I haven't been imagining all sorts of horrible scenarios, longing to find you too, terrified that something's happened? When I saw Harry drowning, every single moment I ever spent with him flashed before my eyes. He might as well be my brother, Hermione."
Ron was not used to sharing his feelings like that, but somehow instead of feeling embarrassed, he felt relieved.
Hermione suddenly held his hand, and offered him a gentle smile.
"Let's talk about happier things," she said quietly. "Tell me all about Bill and Fleur."
Ron smiled back and began to relay information that was not of vital importance but nonetheless much happier than war.
Hermione did not let go of his hand even after she fell asleep at the table; Ron did not pry it away when she did.