I can't do this on my own

..

His tears haven't dried yet. She watches him in silence, feeling very awkward; she's cried enough on her own that she knows shallow comfort won't work. It never ends, for Harry. She doubts it ever will.

Harry's staring at her, now, and Hermione stares back bravely. As beautiful as his eyes are, they carry too much pain; she can't look at them for an extended period of time. If she does, she starts crying too. That wouldn't do, now; now, she has to be the strong one.

He's planning to leave tomorrow. Nothing she and Ron said could convince him to let them come on the journey also; he's just so damn stubborn. She loves and hates that about him.

More than anything, Hermione's scared for him. Harry is by far the strongest person she knows; he's been through things you can only dream of, and he's braver and more powerful than anyone realizes. She knows this, because she's his best friend. But Hermione also knows that one day, he's going to break. And she knows that she and Ron need to be there when he does.

His eyes have closed for a minute, and when they open again, there's fresh tears leaking out once more. He looks so weak; and Hermione knows Harry isn't weak in the slightest. But everyone falls sometime, don't they?

"Oh, Harry," Hermione whispers, reaching out hesitantly and grasping his hand in hers. "Please talk to me." Her plea is quiet and kind, and her eyes are hopeful as she stares back at him.

There is a long, pregnant pause before he answers, and when he does she can't hold back her tears any longer.

"P-Please-" Harry whispers brokenly, so quietly his words are almost inaudible. "I- I c-can't do t-this on my o-own."

She barely hears him the first time he says it, and feels foolish when she has to ask him to repeat it. When he does, his voice is stronger; but the pain in the words is still just as evident.

His green eyes stare her brown ones down as he speaks again. "I can't do this on my own, Hermione." His tears still haven't gone away.

She stares at him for a long moment, before giving up all signs of self-composure and moving over to gather him in her arms. "Oh, Harry," Hermione whispers. "Haven't you been listening? You don't have to."

She comforts him until he's ready to walk away dry-eyed. It's only then that Hermione rises, and goes to tell Ron that they're leaving tomorrow.