71. Untie

“Goodbye Came Far Too Soon”

The funeral was harder than expected. Of course George took it harder, but like the other Weasleys, Ron is consumed by shaking sobs. Her arms are secure around him, tight, but he still feels hollow. Fireworks in the sky, a tribute to Fred’s “departure” are reminiscent of fifth year; they don’t cheer him up.

He feels strangled. Shaking hands fumble with his tie, jerking it savagely. “This… stupid… tie!”

Gently, Hermione removes his hands and undoes the tie for him, before tightening her arms around him once more. Neither says anything; neither needs to say a thing.

It’ll be okay.