The scream tore from her throat and reverberated through the room as she sat bolt upright in bed. The bedclothes tangled around her legs; her heart hammering wildly in her chest and her body covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

Reaching a hand up to brush the brown, bushy locks from her face, she saw that her hands were shaking violently.

Then slowly, her face crumpled and the tears cascaded down her face. The force of her sobs making her small frame shudder.

It had been the same night terror that had been haunting her dreams like a silent specter for months. However, there was never anything silent about the dream at all.

Another shudder went through her as she remembered the images that had played through her mind, remembering each one with clarity.

Each new image causing her to sob harder; a small whimper escaping her lips.

As she continued to sob, a pair of strong, warm arms slipped around her, embracing her tightly and pulling her close.

Placing her head against his shoulder, Harry held her as she continued to let her tears leak out, staining his t-shirt with them.

She could feel his warm, comforting touch on her back; rubbing slow circles in an effort to calm her.

Whispering words of comfort and understanding in her ear, he continued to hold her as she shook.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, her heavy sobs were reduced to small hiccups and occasional sniffs.

Pulling away from her slightly, he pressed a kiss to her forehead and wiped her remaining tears away. Once more whispering his words of comfort, driving away the last remnants of her fear.

“Are you okay? Was it the same dream again?” Harry asked her softly, his voice a comforting sound after the horrific images of her dreams.

She nodded mutely, still unwillingly to speak, seeking comfort in his strong arms and familiar scent.

His hold around her tightened at her nod. “I'm so sorry, Mione,” he whispered, sorrow creeping into his voice now. “I wish there was a way for me to take them away. If I could have them in your place, I would. After Voldemort and the twisted dreams he fed into my head, these would seem tame to me. Though I know they aren't to you,” he told her quietly, pain now lacing his words.

“N-no, I w-wouldn't w-want a-anyone t-to h-have t-these d-dreams. E-especially n-not y-you. After all y-you've been t-through, I-I c-could n-never d-do that t-to y-you,” she hiccupped.

He smiled at her softly despite the situation, warmth spreading through him at her willingness to go through the terror of her dreams just to protect him. “I know, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't go through this for you,” he told her, placing another soft kiss on her forehead.

“I know, and thank you for that. Just hearing you say that makes me feel better,” she said.

He smiled again, “You're welcome. You know I would do anything for you,” he told her quietly.

“I know you would. But you don't have to do anything for me. You've already done so much for me already…”

“No, I could never do enough for you. You mean so much to me. And I was so blind not to see it sooner. But now that I have, I want to be there whenever you need me to be, for whatever you need. Even if it means having your night terrors for you,” he said, snuggling close to her.

A warm smile spread across her face at his words. “I love you, Harry. And you weren't blind, just a bit slow is all. But don't worry about that now. We're together and that's what matters. As long as I have you, I know I'll be okay. Now let's try to get some sleep. I promise I won't wake you up again with one of my night terrors,” she told him, settling against her soft pillows and into his warmth.

After a brief kiss, Harry whispered, “I love you too Mione. And I'll be here if you need me.”

“I know. And thank you,” she whispered quietly, as sleep claimed her.

~~~~~

AN: I am SO sorry about not updating my other story. I really am. But stuff has been really crappy with me lately. This fic is based on things that have actually been happening to me lately. This is actually the first thing I've written since I last posted here. I will try my absolute HARDEST to get the next chapter of `My Best Friend' out as SOON as I can. Please be patient as things really aren't that great with me still. I'm getting there. But it's taking a lot of work. Thank you for your continued patience. And all of your kind words after my author's note was posted. As always, please read and review. Thanks