(Untitled)

[hiddenpages]

Who: Hermione and Terry
Where: Canterbury house
When: Immediately after this, 24 February 2002
Status: Complete

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[flywithoutwings]

Making his way up the same long corridor, though his was a more purposeful stride, Terry first spotted Hermione heading in his direction. "Ah, Hermione. Just the person I wanted to see..."

All previous thought and forward momentum came to a dead stop when he got close enough to better see the expression on her face. So haunted. So much pain tattooed across her normally studious features. She looked as if she was completely lost inside her own mind; her physical self going through the motions while the rest of her...

Well, let's just say he recognised it very well and was in no way offended when she didn't immediately answer his greeting. He had worn a very similar look during Susan's absence.

"May I have a moment?" Terry asked softly. "I need to speak with you about a few things."

[hiddenpages]

"I'm sorry what?" Hermione had almost not even seen Terry even though he'd come to a stop almost right in front of her.

The very last thing she wanted to do was talk about anything with anyone. She needed to escape away somewhere far. And it wasn't that she wanted to flee and disappear for an indeterminate amount of time or vanish with the intention of never returning, but she just needed to go away.

She gave Terry a pleading look; hopefully he would be something that didn't need her immediate focus.

"Now isn't really a good time," she said, her voice was completely changed and shaky and barely under her own control. "Can it wait?"

[flywithoutwings]

Terry pursed his lips slightly, the only noticeable sign that he wasn't entirely pleased. "No, not really. I'd rather not put off the inevitable

[hiddenpages]

Stepping into Terry and Susan's room was like stepping into another world. If Hermione hadn't known better, she would have sworn that the walls themselves exuded the love that the other two shared with each other. With the antique wooden cradle in the corner and the baskets of small clothing all in preparation of the arrival of their baby, it felt like home.

While Terry was busying himself with the tea, Hermione wandered over to where the baby things were and dragged her fingertip over the soft, almost buttery, finish of the cradle. Deep down she really didn't think that Terry and Susan were being very smart. Bringing a baby into this world and staying with the Order

[flywithoutwings]

Coming out from behind the screen that served as a sort of divider from the main area of the room, Terry carried a small tray laden with everything they'd need to take tea. "I gave Susan a mild sleeping potion a bit ago so we shouldn't be interru--"

Seeing Hermione slumped on the floor startled him enough that he misstepped, nearly sending steaming cups and all onto the rug. He quickly recovered and set the tray down with a clatter of glazed earthenware, spilling only a little in the process.

"Hermione?" Kneeling by her side, Terry reached out to tentatively touch her shoulder, unsure whether or not she'd want him around during such an obviously private moment. "Hermione, what's the matter?" he asked, befuddled as to what might have prompted the sudden waterworks in the first place.

This was so unlike the Hermione he knew; she was normally so unflappable. The very epitome of British stiff upper lip sensibilities.