Unreasonable Boys

Hermione looked quickly from Harry to Ginny and back again. What did they have to tell her? Harry spoke to the floor.

"I've found another one. Another Horcrux."

Hermione gasped. "Where?"

"Far from here. I'm not sure which of them it is, but I know exactly where it is, and how to get to it. It's an extremely difficult and dangerous journey, and..."

"And he says I can't come!" interrupted Ginny angrily. She turned away from Harry and began to cry. Large tears slid down her cheeks and into her lap. Harry put his arms around her. She resisted for a moment, then turned back to him, her head on his shoulder. Hermione felt a rush of jealousy as Harry rubbed Ginny's back tenderly.

"I have to ask you something, Hermione."

"What?"

"I... well.." Harry seemed to be deciding how best to phrase his question. Then the words spilled from him in a rush. "I don't want you coming with me. Ron's not coming either, and, well... I need you here. I need you to look after Ginny for me, and yourself. Even though you lot aren't coming with me, Voldemort can still hurt you while you're here. Even though you won't be with me physically, you all will be in my thoughts and in my heart. Protect yourselves." He looked directly at Hermione. "You're one of the cleverest witches I know. You know me better than most people, you've been with me for forever, you know what He'll try. The Order can only do so much; they haven't known me as long as you have. You've helped me beat him every time. Please, help me again."

Ginny had stopped crying, though her eyes were still red. "I can look after myself!" Harry shook his head. Hermione was torn. Go with Harry? Stay here with Ginny? She desperately wanted to help Harry, but wasn't sure which was the best path to take. This was the first Horcrux Harry had found on his own since Dumbledore's death two years ago, and whatever Ginny said, she was not going to take the decision of not being able to come lying down. Harry obviously wanted to keep her safe, and trusted Hermione to do that. She felt a small wave of pride that he had so much confidence in her abilities, but it was immediately stifled by a mixture of longing and jealousy. What she wouldn't give to have someone care for her that much. Even though it tore her apart, she looked straight into Harry's brilliantly green eyes and made her decision:

"I'll protect us. Just..." her voice suddenly trembled, "Just be careful, Harry. It won't do any good if we're safe and you're not."

*******

The very next day, everyone was up early to say goodbye to Harry. Who knew when they would see him next? When he reached Hermione, she threw her arms around his neck and sobbed unrestrainedly into his shoulder. One of her best friends was leaving, and she might never see him again. She kissed him swiftly on the lips, then let go. She knew there was never going to be anything there, but she knew she'd regret it if she didn't. She had no guilty feeling whatsoever if Ron saw her. He was in the past. She knew she couldn't live in the past forever, the present and future were too important. Harry moved to Ginny and kissed her passionately. Hermione knew they had had a long and deep conversation the previous night, and they now exchanged no words, because there were none left to say. Ginny was crying in earnest. As Harry walked down the garden path, preparing to Disapparate, Hermione enfolded Ginny in her arms, their tears mingling, falling thick and fast. Harry turned back at the end of the path for one last look. Ginny broke free of Hermione and ran down the path back to Harry, leaving Ron and Hermione standing at the doorway. They looked at each other, silently agreeing to let the whole thing drop. Harry was too important, the war was too important. Ron hugged Hermione, united in their bond with Harry, their vows to help him succeed. A single tear slowly made its way down Ron's long, freckled nose. Ginny was hugging Harry fiercely; he hugged her back tightly, then dislodged her gently, seeming to be telling her that it was hopeless, she wasn't coming, but he would see her again, he would. Ginny backed away slowly, consumed in misery. Harry raised his hand in farewell.

And then he was gone.