014. Strangers

                                    

                                          
Hermione woke early in the morning, much earlier than usual, and heard the distant sounds of Ron fiddling with the locket as he sat outside. She soundlessly got out from her bunk, pulled on a sweater, and crossed the tent. Ron glanced at her as her head peeked through the tent flap.

                          
"I couldn't get back to sleep," she explained. "D'you mind?"
                          
She gestured to the empty space next to Ron. He grunted, which Hermione interpreted as a mark of approval. She sat next to him, pulling her knees into her chest. Ever since they'd found the locket, he'd been increasingly on edge, and he often found ways to take his frustration out by criticizing Hermione. All of the fleeting touches and lingering glances they'd shared at the Burrow seemed to be the stuff of the past, and Ron was colder to her now than ever before.
                          
A chilling breeze floated through them, and Hermione took the opportunity to burrow closer to Ron. When he didn't pull away, her heart lifted, just slightly. Maybe he was warming up to her. Maybe he was learning to ignore the effects of the locket. Maybe things would go back to normal soon. Maybe she'd have the Ron she knew and loved back.
                          
But then, as the sun came up through the trees, they heard a crash from inside the tent and Hermione whipped her head around.
                          
"Sorry, just bumped into the table," grumbled Harry, rubbing his hip.
                          
Hermione turned back to Ron to find an icy expression on his face.
                          
"Shouldn't you go kiss him better."
                          
As Ron glowered at her, seemingly daring her to run to Harry, Hermione felt a single tear fall down her face. She got up quickly, brushed the tear away, and made for the forest, making an excuse about finding breakfast.
                          
Hermione was used to Ron's remarks about her and Harry, so his words didn't cut her so much as the expression still etched across his face. One that was so unfamiliar to Hermione that, at that moment, Ron looked like a stranger.