Grace

By Fidelius Charm

Summary: The wizarding world abandoned religion, but I knew in that moment Hermione wasn't about to do the same. Even if she's considered a walking sin.

Note: This is the last part of Grace. I hope everyone enjoyed it and considered it somewhat thought provoking. I really enjoyed writing this, I was able to really think and express my feelings about religion through Fred's character. Thanks for sticking around for the last part, especially since it took so long to get out.

Part III:

Naivety

People can be very naïve: Naïve in regards to their studies, naïve in regards to their friends, naïve to their causes and beliefs, constantly naïve. That naivety requires a certain level of unconscious devotion, in order to remain blissfully ignorant of one's own daily situation. And when I saw Hermione I couldn't help but be naïve to her feelings. It made me uncomfortable, seeing the girl—no, woman, who I thought was solid as rock, melt slowly into a puddle of salty tears and undeniable emotion.

"Hermione?" I called out to her, my new voice uncertain. The sun was shining through into the church, casting a beautiful light on the stained glass windows. The church was warm, and the once serene atmosphere was now one of desperation.

She slowly turned in my direction, her hazel eyes red with tears. She was a broken woman, what was left of her on display for all to see. It was simply heart wrenching. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing escaped her lips. I attempted to close the gap of silence without success, I had so many questions but the words to phrase them allude me. And the way it seemed, Hermione needed words.

I'm not the kind of guy who strings words together successfully, I never was. I have always been a man of action. Bursting through doors, yelling, dancing, loving, never talking.

I sat down next to her and clasped her praying hands in mine. I barely comprehended what she might have been going through, the depth of it was beyond my grasp, but the severity of her spiritual wound was obvious. This was eating her alive, and she hid the fact from everyone with a mask of ivory and gold. I wanted to tell her something eloquent and beautiful and true. But I couldn't; because I have never been all of those things at once. All I had to offer was what she had freely given to me. Love.

"Let me help you." I whispered as I pressed my lips on to her knuckles.

"You can't." Was her reply.

"Let me try."

"You can't." She repeats.

"He can." A calm, serene voice interjected.

We both look up and are greeted by the warm smile of a nun, her white hair is colored blonde with the light of the sun seeping through the window. She sits down in the pew in front of us and stares at Hermione intently.

"I have watched you walk in an out of this church every Sunday for almost six months, child. But I also notice you never partake in the Eucharist, you deny yourself the chance to be one with God and his son. There is no reason you shouldn't—"

"I am a sin! My existence is sinful! I don't deserve to be so close to God!" Hermione screams. The nun looks at Hermione in a sympathetic way, as if she has dealt with Hermione's struggle.

Unshaken, the nun continues, "God makes all of us in his image, all of us. Even you. God would not have made you the way you are if he didn't wish it so. He loves you because you are who he wanted you to be. Being yourself, no matter who that is, is never ever a sin." She placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder, "Never doubt the power of God. Who has given you the gift of life," She turns to me, "And of love."

"Hermione, don't let this kill you." I whisper slowly, my throat still very dry, "Let me help you."

She embraces me fiercely, her nails digging into my skin. She continues to cry, and I wrap my arms around her. The last time we were that close was when Hermione found me on the brink of destruction on that cold October night. I suppose now we've both attempted to save each other from the edge of existence. I never should have devoted myself to being naïve to Hermione's life, her feelings, her wants and needs; Hermione shouldn't have devoted herself to being naïve about her God's love and power.

I'm glad she saved me. I'm glad to be alive so that I can play a role in saving her.

The last words from the nun are simply put, "May you walk in the Light and Grace of God."

May you walk in the Light and Grace of Life.

(Naivety propelled by Devotion)

So this is the end. Hopefully you enjoyed it! Sorry for the short ending but I felt it was fitting.