Hermione ended up moving in and sharing Ginny's room. She just couldn't bear to stay with her parents again, but she didn't want to be alone, either. The days went by and then a month had passed. Hermione still wasn't herself. Ginny decided that it was time to do something else, so she wrote to Harry. The letter was short. It read:
Dear Harry,
Please come by and visit Hermione. We can't do anything with her anymore, and I know she'd love to see you.
Love,
Ginny
Harry read the letter over a couple of times. What did she mean that they couldn't do anything with her anymore? He hadn't really had much contact with Hermione lately; he felt it was too soon, but perhaps it would be best to go in person and find out how she was. That Sunday when he knocked on the door, Ginny answered.
"Oh Harry, I'm glad you're here," she said and stepped aside to let him in. Then, in a slightly lower voice she continued, "Hermione's been really down ever since…well, you know. Anyway, you might want to try taking her out somewhere. She never goes anyplace except work and home anymore."
"Still that upset over him is she?" Harry asked disappointedly as he took a seat.
"Actually, I don't think it's Bret that's been getting to her. I believe it's someone else," Ginny said almost slyly.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Oh really? Who?" he asked.
"Oh, someone who she's known for a long time - someone she really trusts," Ginny answered.
Harry's expression brightened a bit. Just then, Hermione joined them.
"Harry!" she said with surprise. All of a sudden she realized that she didn't look very presentable - her hair wasn't properly brushed and she was in an old pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
Harry didn't seem to pay any attention to her appearance. He went over and hugged her very tightly. Hermione squeezed him back.
"Get some clothes together, Hermione. I want you to come and stay with me for a few days," he said.
"What?" Hermione thought that surely there was no way she could have heard him right.
"You heard me. I want you to stay at my place for a little while," Harry repeated. "I can take off some time from work and you can still get to your job from my place. No excuses."
She stared at him in disbelief. They'd always remained friends, but it had been so long since they'd really spent any time together.
"I'll look after Crookshanks for you," offered Ginny.
"Please?" Harry asked with a look that Hermione absolutely couldn't refuse.
"Oh alright, I will. Just give me some time to pack," she said.
He nodded. As soon as she was out of sight in the bedroom, Hermione did a little hop step and a genuine grin spread across her lips. In a matter of minutes, they were gone and Ginny stood beaming, sure that things were going to take a turn for the better. She was still in a very good mood when Ron got home from seeing one of his buddies from work. It didn't take him long to notice their roommate's absence.
"Where is Hermione, anyway? Don't tell me she's shut up in your bedroom again," he said worriedly.
"Nope," said Ginny in a very carefree way. "She's not here. I think she's gotten just what she needs, though. By the way, she'll be gone for a few days."
Ron looked baffled. "Did she decide to go and visit her family or something?"
"No. It's better than that. Harry came by and picked her up. About damn time too!" she said. The satisfaction on her face was obvious.
"No way! Really?" Ron exclaimed.
"Yes!"
Ron let out a whoop. "Ask Dean if he wants to go out with us tonight. This calls for some butterbeer!"
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