Hermione woke suddenly from a very fitful sleep. She'd had a feeling all the previous day that something bad was going to happen and she had gone to bed with a very terrible and inexplicable feeling of dread. For a moment, she wondered if maybe this fear had accumulated during her sleep until her unconscious mind could take no more and she had awoken.

However, a rapid tapping on her window knocked this thought from her mind as it had her from her bed. Landing with a thud as her back hit the ground, she let out a terrified gasp. Deciding to stay where she was in case the tapper hadn't seen her, she tried to gather her thoughts. Someone was knocking on her window. That, in itself, was a touch out of the ordinary, as her bedroom was on the second floor. It was just a bird, trying to get the bugs off the glass or something, she tried to reasssure herself. But what kind of birds would be about at this time of night? The only ones she could think of that would be active were owls, but they didn't eat bugs off windows. Maybe it's Hedwig or Pig delivering a letter from Harry or Ron. She stayed crouched by her bed, still too afraid to move, or even breathe. Just as she thought that maybe the sounds had stopped for good, the tapping came again, this time accompanied with a hushed whisper.

"Hermione? Hermione, open up!" She gasped and tried to drop lower to the ground. "Ok, I'm fairly certain that owls can't talk!" she whispered to herself. Suddenly, it struck her how ridiculous this situation was. She was only being this overreactive because of her bad feeling. The knocking came again, followed by another whisper. "Hermione! I'm sorry I made you fall off your bed but this is important!" Her fear was fading, allowing her to recognise the voice that, at first, was unfamiliar. She sat up quickly, staring at the silhouette at her window. Her heart was still thudding, this time with a different kind of fear. Climbing over her bed as fast as she could, turning on her bedside lamp as she went, she threw her window open. "Ron?" she asked, perfectly aware that it was him but wanting to make sure, all the same. Ron's face emerged from the darkness, his expression almost stopping Hermione's heart. "Ron, what's wrong?" she asked slowly, dreading his answer. "Hermione," groaned Ron, his face sweating with anxiety. "Hermione, he's gone."

Ron carefully climbed through the window, making as little noise as possible. Hermione watched him without really seeing. Ron stood in front of her, his hand held out, clutching a letter. Without a word, she took it. Unfolding it, she tried to brace herself. Taking a deep breath, she looked down at the piece of parchment before her and began to read.

Dear Ron,

I didn't want to it this way but I didn't see any other option. I"m basically writing this letter to tell you that you don't need to worry about helping me find the Horcruxes. I've thought about it, long and hard, and I've decided that I don't want you and Hermione to risk your lives for me.

I know you guys said that you were with me no matter what. It means more to me than you could ever know, but I don't want anyone else dying for me. I've already lost Sirius and Dumbledore. If I lose you guys, I'll have no one.

I know you guys too well and so I have to ask you not to try and follow me. I asked Hedwig to wait a few days before she delivered this so that by the time you read it, I'd be well on my way. In fact, by the time you read this I could be dead. That was a joke so don't panic. I'll be fine. I just don't want to have you both put at risk. Tell Ginny that this way, we'll be ok. She'll know what you're talking about.

Love to Hermione and your family,

Harry.

As Hermione read the last paragraph, she laughed briefly at Harry's joke but her smile soon faded and tears began to sting her eyes as she continued. She finished reading and carefully folded the letter, holding it out to Ron. "What now, then?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, ignoring the way her breath was hitching in her throat. Ron was still watching her, almost cautiously. She met his eyes with a determined look. Cocking an eyebrow slightly, he shook his head. "I don't know what we should do. I know what I want to do, but I don't know how we'll find him." he finished, sighing. Hermione nodded, letting her gaze fall to the floor and immediately regretting it as her tears spilled down her cheeks.

Hastily, she wiped her eyes, hoping Ron hadn't seen but knowing he had. He hated it when she cried. Usually, Harry was there and he always did the comforting thing. The thing that made him more uncomfortable was that it was usually him that made her cry. Awkwardly, he reached out and placed his hand on her arm. She sniffed and looked up at him. He sighed and pulled her closer, putting his other arm around her back. Hermione had been struggling to keep her tears in check and had been prevailing. But when Ron, of all people, pulled her into a hug, her resolve crumbled. It drove home just how serious the situation was. The only time she could remember him hugging her was at Dumbledore's funeral. He usually just got awkward and let Harry deal with it. She always thought it was kind of funny. Now, though, here she was, bundled up against his chest, sobbing her little heart out.

He rubbed her back gently as he rocked slightly from side to side. "Sh. We'll find him. Even if we don't, he'll be fine." Ron murmured softly. Hermione sniffed and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to rid herself of her tears. "But what if we never see him again? What if Voldemort-" but she couldn't say anymore. Instead, a fresh wave of tears rolled over her and she pressed herself as close as she could to Ron. He heaved a sigh and pulled away, grasping her arms. "Hermione. Harry will be fine. He's escaped from Voldemort six times and each time, he was younger than he is now. Yes, I know he can only do so much without my incredible strength and intelligence," he paused, waiting for a faint smile, but more than happy with the half-laugh, half-sob that he got, "but he can defend himself. He will be fine." he stated firmly. Hermione nodded and smiled. "So how did you get here, anyway?" she asked.