"A Moment of Vulnerability"

Hermione's smile faltered for a moment, and Harry could see the cracks in her facade. "I'm fine, just a bit tired," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Harry's eyes locked onto hers, and he could see the pain and fear lurking beneath the surface. He noticed the slight shake in her hand, and her eyes darted towards the door, as if she was waiting for someone to burst in and interrupt them. He knew that look, that tone – it was a mask, a weak attempt to hide the truth. Harry's instincts took over, and he reached out, his voice firm but gentle. "No, you're not fine," he said, his eyes searching hers. "You're hurt. Now, what did Ron do?" The dam burst, and Hermione's body convulsed with sobs. Harry pulled her into a tight hug, holding her as she cried. Pansy, who had been quietly observing from the bedroom doorway, took a step forward, her eyes filled with concern. As Hermione wept, Harry could feel her body shaking with each ragged breath. He stroked her hair, whispering words of comfort, trying to hold back his own anger and frustration. He had never seen Hermione like this before – so vulnerable, so broken. Through her tears, Hermione managed to choke out the words. "He...he tried to...force me. He said I was his woman, and it was the most natural thing in the world." Harry's grip on her tightened, and he felt a surge of protectiveness. He knew that he had to keep her safe, to make sure that Ron never hurt her again. As he looked up, he caught Pansy's eye, and she nodded slightly, as if understanding the situation. Her gaze flicked to Hermione, and then back to Harry, a small smile on her lips. Without thinking, Harry leaned in, his lips brushing against Hermione's forehead, and then, in a gentle, soothing motion, he kissed her. It was a kiss of comfort, of reassurance, and it seemed to calm Hermione's frazzled nerves. Pansy's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't intervene. Instead, she stepped back into the bedroom, leaving the three of them to navigate this new, complicated dynamic. As Harry held Hermione close, he knew that this was just the beginning. He would do everything in his power to protect her, to make sure that she was safe, and that Ron never laid a hand on her again. The question was, what would happen next? And how would their relationships change forever?