The day was sunny and warm, but Hermione didn't feel it or see it. She was in her room laying on her bed with photos beside her, and Crookshanks in her arms, licking her face and purring, his adorable squashed face wet from her tears. Although Hermione wasn't aware of it, another five days had passed while she lay in bed and cried over photos and the memories they contained. It felt the pain was never-ending, and that it was swallowing her up.
Hermione didn't want to sleep or eat, she just ached for her parents back. If she just waited, maybe it would be revealed they were alive. Maybe they would suddenly arrive downstairs and be there for her. Maybe it was a dream. Distantly, she heard the front door slam shut. Hermione sat up, heart leaping, and ran down the stairs, stumbling and very nearly sending herself to her own premature death in her haste.
"Mom! Dad! You're back, it's ri-" Hermione's voice broke painfully as she hit the wall and stopped, staring at her guest.
"Hermione! What happened? Are you alright?"
Hermione stared harder at Harry, as if by force she could make him be her parents instead. And then with a flash of guilt, she slipped to the ground. Harry reached down for her, face wide with shock. As he helped her up, Hermione hugged him, and they stood there for a moment, Harry mumbling that it was okay.
"Hey, what happened?"
Hermione wiped her cheek. "N - Nothing. I'm fine."
Harry led her over to the table and grabbed a tissue from the box, handing it to his friend and helping her take a seat.
"It's okay now. It's going to be alright. I'm here. Crookshanks is here. C'mere you. C'mon you stupid head, Hermione's upset. That's it. When you are ready to talk, I'll listen." He picked up a struggling Crookshanks and plopped the large cat down into Hermione's arms. Crookshanks meowed pathetically. Harry patted her back and stood, grabbing some mugs.
"You're so strong, you'll get through this. I'll stay as long as you want."
Harry began to make hot chocolate, keeping an eye on Hermione, who was calmly hugging Crookshanks.
"I'm selling the house, Harry." Harry's eyebrows shot up.
"What? No! It's a great house. You love it, and Crookshanks does too. Just look at his ugly - I mean gorgeous face. Why would you sell it?"
Hermione sniffled. "A house costs lots of money Harry, especially if it's only one person paying."
"But what about your parents?" Harry asked, confused as he stirred the hot chocolate.
Hermione looked at him. "My parents died."
Harry nearly spilled the hot chocolate, and turned to her, surprised.
"Oh Hermione, I'm so, so sorry."
Hermione shrugged numbly. "It's fine. They might come back. I just need to worry about selling the house."
Harry watched her, concern etched into his face, but knowing she wasn't ready yet.
"No. You know what? I'm moving in." Now it was Hermione's turn to be surprised. She stared at the mug of hot chocolate Harry set before her.
"You're moving in?" Hermione echoed.
"Yes. It will be fine. I'm getting a job anyways. I'm not ready to become an Auror. I need experience. I can tell Ginny when I go back to get my stuff." Hermione smiled gratefully.
"Thank you, Harry. I'm feeling better."
Within two days, Harry was moved in. Hermione moved around the house slowly, having to be given instructions and monitored so she wouldn't get distracted. Harry made sure Crookshanks stayed close to her, and tried to ensure she always had a warm drink. Ginny wasn't speaking to him, but he knew she'd come around. It was for a good cause.
Hermione came a bit back to life when they began to decorate his room, and smiled at his jokes. Slowly, she got back to normal.
"Honestly, Harry. It's already messy! This will not work!"
Harry laughed loudly. "You're just jealous."
He was sitting on his bed and her at his desk, observing the clatter that already formed a layer on his desk and was just starting to take over the floor.
"What would I have to be jealous of? Dirty socks. Oh, yeah, I am. Totally love the smell coming from over there." Hermione gestured in a corner where a pile of dirty clothes lay.
"Then show me what I should be jealous of, if your room's so nice."
"Alright. Maybe then you'll learn." Hermione led the way into her room, which was admittedly way cleaner. Harry glared playfully at her. Her room was a light blue, with the sky enchanted to show the sky, just like the Great Hall at Hogwarts. She had a queen size bed with red covers and a cat bed in the corner, which was shaped like a lion head.
Hermione stuck her tongue out at Harry, who was staring at her with a smile.
"What?" She asked. Harry shook his head.
"What?" Hermione repeated.
"Nothing. What do you want for lunch?"
Hermione thought for a second. "Do you want carrots?"
Harry followed her down into the living room. "Why, for my eyesight?"
She giggled and he punched her gently, almost laughing with relief.
"Come on. I'm going to go get sushi. If you want carrots, you can have carrots." Harry grabbed a coat and opened the door.
"No, wait, I'm coming with you! I don't want carrots!"
Hermione grabbed a coat and ran after him, nearly forgetting to close the door and having to run back to shut it. Harry rubbed his eyes, trying to block out the tears threatening to flow from them. Hermione just seemed so normal. Alive, happy. He was sure she wasn't feeling perfect, but for now, it made him smile. Maybe his friend was coming back.