The change in him is so dramatic, so sharply done because of how far apart they've been, that Hermione finds herself on the edge, feeling like if she makes a wrong move she's going to trip and stumble somehow, like she might end up doing something that suffocates her. She hasn't been this afraid around Harry before, not since their time as teenagers when she was scared for him, of his own foolhardy bravery, and she isn't sure what to do.

"That's not fair, Harry. I've been tortured before. I didn't tell the truth then, did I?" The mark on her arm where the mudblood scar once was might be gone, thanks to Ben Hawkins, but the horror of it still remained. What echoes in her words is the hurt, the lack of trust she thinks Harry has in her, no matter what his assurances are. It feels like they're on polar opposite sides of things and there's no way to get back on his side.

"I know that. I'm doing what I can, Harry, but it's not like I'm completely neutral anymore. How can I be, being who I am? The Marchioness of the White Citadel can't just shrug her shoulders and say 'oh, no, maybe we shouldn't'. We all have to agree but - I want to help my people, the Seelie, just as much as you want to help yours."