The Knife That Cuts

Harry pulled himself off of the floor and wiped the tears away from his eyes. He walked towards the double doors of the birthing room, but stopped just before entering. He braced himself, took in a sharp breath, and walked through the doors. As he entered, Harry saw the sorrowful looks on the healers' faces. Their eyes, however, did not meet his. Harry looked at Hermione who was just sitting up in the hospital bed. Her face was damp with sweat and her hair was wild, but her eyes were hopeful. But when she saw Harry's face, her eyes became clouded.

"Harry! Where did they take our baby? Is everything okay?", Hermione asked frantically. Harry didn't say anything, but instead walked to Hermione's bedside.

"Harry, please, tell me where our baby is", Hermione pleaded. Harry sat on the bed and pulled Hermione into his arms. She began to cry.

"No, no! Where is our baby? Please, Harry...", Hermione trailed off. Harry only hugged her tighter.

"Hermione, I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry", he whispered. Hermione began to take in short breaths. Harry knew that she was crying.

"Oh, God, no, please God, no. Take me instead, please God, take me instead!", Hermione cried. Harry felt tears spill down his cheeks. Hermione continued to scream and cry.

"Hermione, love, there's nothing we can do", Harry whispered. Hermione continued to cry, but softened her screams. They sat there, hugging each other and crying quietly. Finally, Hermione looked up at Harry, tears still fresh in her eyes.

"Tell me...tell me what happened", she asked. Harry sighed.

"She was stillborn", he replied. Hermione looked down, tears running down her face.

"So...it was a girl?", Hermione asked. Harry nodded solemnly. Hermione let out a sigh.

"Her name would have been Sophie", Hermione mumbled. Harry wrapped her up in a hug once again.

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The healers wanted Hermione to stay a day for tests, but she refused. After a short examination, the healer deemed that if she felt the need, she could go home. As Harry was packing up their things, Hermione waited in a chair by the window. She stared out at the sky. Her face carried a vacant expression. Harry gathered up everything that they had brought, including a blanket, white baby socks, and a yellow baby bonnet. He felt more tears well up in his eyes as he packed away each item. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Harry looked up. It was Ron and Luna. They were carrying baby gifts and enchanted balloons.

"Hello, hello!", Ron said cheerily,"We came as soon as we got the owl."

"Ron-", Luna interrupted, noticing the looks on Harry and Hermione's faces. Ron continued anyway.

"Look, we brought gifts, too!", Ron chirped. He pointed to the enchanted balloons and a basket full of toys. Harry turned to look at Hermione, who was staring at the gifts with a bleakness that Harry had never seen in her eyes before.

"Ron, stop", Harry commanded. Ron looked taken aback. Luna tried to whisper something to him, but he wouldn't listen.

"What? I just wanted to bring gifts for the baby and-"

"RON!", Harry shouted. Ron looked up, slight fear in his eyes.

"There isn't any baby", Harry muttered.

"I tried to tell you, Ronald. Something must have happened...", Luna trailed off. Ron looked from Luna to Harry, and finally to Hermione. His face fell.

"Oh", he whispered. There was a brief silence where no one quite knew what to say. Finally, Hermione lifted her head. It was apparent that she was holding back tears.

"I'm ready to go", she said to Harry. He nodded his head and finished packing their things. Luna walked over to the chair where Hermione was sitting and helped her up. She gave her a quick hug and walked her over to Harry. Harry held Hermione to his side and helped her walk out of the double doors. Ron looked shamefully at Luna. She gave him a comforting smile, took his hand, and led him out of the room.