It's clear to Hermione that Sam is referencing the fact that all rifters are stuck in transit, not knowing if they'll ever get back home. But when she looks up at him, she notices there's something else in his gaze, something that hurts on a level that it really shouldn't. Sam is sweet and kind and has a sort of child-like innocence about him; he shouldn't be able to exhibit empathy when someone is talking about a war-torn existence.

Nor should he bear that expression of resignation. Hermione hesitates for only a moment before scooting towards him, ending up at his side and uncertainly reaching out, arm not quite draped over his shoulders. "We can choose whether or not we want to do the job," she points out softly. "That's always up to us. We get to decide whether or not that job is worth doing, and whether it's worth the sacrifices we have to make along the way."