For a moment, Ginny stood there stiffly. Stupidly, probably with a stupid, stiff expression on her face. She didn't need to be hugged. She didn't need anyone's pity or sympathy or-
"He can't. He can't be dead." The tears welled up and poured over all at once, and she found she was clutching at Hermione suddenly. "He can't be dead, Hermione, it doesn't make sense. He can't."
Her knees buckled. If she hadn't been holding Hermione, she would have slumped down to the floor.
"It has to be a sick joke. It doesn't make sense. He can't." She was babbling, but she couldn't seem to stop. "I don't want to believe it."