Harry had stopped speaking. Since Gwen's disappearance the entire school had grown quiet. Even Malfoy refused to comment on the situation. No one had seen where the girl had disappeared to in the midst of the death eaters. Some of them had escaped and it was believed that they had taken Gwen with them.
Weeks passed and it was nearing time for Christmas break. People were packing to head home, but Ron had promised to stay with Harry. He didn't think it safe to leave his best-friend alone in such a state. The last day before the holidays had arrived and while people felt excited they were saddened by the loss of a fellow student.
Harry was the last to stagger out of the great hall. He dragged his feet across the main hall and was about to start on the stairs when something inside told him to turn around. When he did his heart nearly leapt into his throat.
"Hi Harry." Gwen said shyly.
He looked at her and all the high strung emotions he had been holding inside snapped. His eyes washed with the tears he had held back every night lying in his bed. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his chest. If he had his way he never would have let her go.
She held him tightly to her. She had no concept of the time she had spent in the mound with the Stag King, but as soon as she saw Harry she knew it had been too long.