The first time you spare her more than a passing glance it's a few days after the battle and the whole family, what's left of them at least, are holed up in the Burrow, no one daring to leave lest the grief tear them apart and fracture the memories holding the home together. She's become Ron's shadow, following him from room to room in a way you think Ron would find irritating if not for the brief flashes of smiles you notice when he realizes she's there. She's struggling, limping up and down the stairs, wincing every time she turns too quickly, rubbing her forearm constantly in a way you don't think she used to but none of it seems to matter as she's everywhere you look, trying to help your family from falling apart.

She spends time with Harry so that Ginny can have a break, trying to convince him that he's not to blame for the pain that permeates every room, sits with Percy as he tries to find a way to feel like he's part of the family again, swallows her dislike of Fleur and spends time with her so that Bill and Ron can have some time together to grieve their fallen brother and you're filled with such a strong sense of longing that you almost choke on the sobs that well up in your throat. In this room full of family you feel more alone than you have in years and your heart hurts with the desire to be part of her sphere of care, for someone to notice the pain you are also in. You're pretty sure you should feel shame for coveting your brother's source of comfort but all you can feel is another clench as you look at her and well, you've always been an incredibly selfish man.