DISCLAIMER: Never...

A/N: So, this was inspired by what is in my opinion one of the most beautiful scenes in the Harry Potter movie series. The dance scene in The Deathly Hallows Part 1 really touched me, and I've wanted to do something with it for ages. :) The song is the same one as in the movie: O'Children by Nick Cave. (Which, by the way, I don't own. In case you were wondering. And if you have half a brain, you WEREN'T.)

I also want to make VERY CLEAR that this is NOT a Harry/Hermione SHIP. IT IS FRIENDSHIP! I've always loved Hermione for staying by Harry's side through everything, even when Ron didn't. I feel like they are the best example of what a brother/sister relationship should be. :) It is fantastic. So, that is what this is. :)

DEDICATION: To my amazing friend who may as well be my sister, Mahima. I love you, truly. I could not ask for a better friend. You are amazing. I hope you like it! Lots of love, laughs, and insanity to you! ;) (coughYou were GOING to say HORSE!cough)

~Ari

Hermione's withdrawal scared Harry even more than Ron's departure. She sat with her knees drawn to her chest, un-shed tears sparkling in her garnet eyes. The Wizarding Wireless was nestled in a corner, and sometimes bursts of music wailed from its speakers, static-y and inconsistent.

Harry wandered in and out of the tent during the day, restless and anxious, with no idea how to pull them out of the situation they were now stuck in. Hermione, on the other hand, seemed to revel in stillness.

Harry strode back into the tent one evening and settled himself into one of the old creaky chairs, watching Hermione. Each day, she seemed to curl into himself a little more, and he promised himself that if he ever saw Ron again, he'd pound him for doing this to her. If he wanted her, he'd have to prove himself.

A vaguely-familiar Muggle tune warbled from the radio, and Harry shivered, watching Hermione wipe tears from her eyes.

'Ooh, children! Lift up your voice, lift up your voice! Children, rejoice! Rejoice!'

Slowly, Harry pushed himself up and stepped forward to stand in front of Hermione.

He said nothing, instead holding out his hands.

Hermione looked up at him, and for once it wasn't a reprimand, or a knowing look, or even one of her smiles. For once it was just open. Open, and hurting and like a small lost child looking for direction.

She took his hands.

He locked eyes with his sister, and reached to unhook the chain of that blasted Horcrux, untangling it from the soft hair at the nape of her neck and tossing it on the bed next to them. Then he clasped her hands again and slowly, gently, he began dancing, pulling her with him. Her face remained sad, but her expression was tinged with hope, as though she were drowning and he was pulling her from the water.

Hermione's movements became more willing, more assured, and soon she was allowing him to twirl her, and laughing as he tried to duck under her arm and instead got tangled in her embrace. He chuckled and pulled her close, wrapping his big sister, who now needed him more than ever, in his arms.

Her chin rested on his shoulder, and his on hers as the music died away, leaving them only with the consoling memory of that moment, where they allowed their emotions to show, and their hearts to open.

A/N: It is short, and it's definitely not my best work. I figure I'll gather some constructive criticism and advice (hint, hint! ;) ) and maybe try to rework it. Hope you enjoyed!