Something To Live For
by Seraphina

Rating: G
Ship: Harry & Hermione
Canon: Books 1 - 6
Genre: Angst, Romance
Status: Complete
Length: 580 words in 1 chapter
Published: 23 Jul 2007
Last updated: 23 Jul 2007

One-shot. Harry and Hermione's last conversation before Harry leaves for the Final Battle.

From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/7445/

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1. Something To Live For

Something to Live For

By: Seraphina

**

A/N: This story is a very short one-shot of one way I have pictured Harry's departure. It's also a tiny preview of a
Harry/Hermione fic I have in the works. Enjoy!

**

The dawn was breaking just outside of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place and inside, my heart felt as if it were being
ripped apart by the claws of some invisible beast. I sat silently at the kitchen table staring at nothing but the mug of
hot tea gripped between my hands. I forced myself to keep my mind clear of any thoughts. Thinking forced me to see
things I didn't want to see. Today would bearable, so much more bearable if only I could block out all thoughts.

I listened as footsteps moved quietly down the stairs, across the hallway, and finally, stopped in the kitchen doorway.
I could hear the soft, rhythmic sound of Harry's breathing as he stared at me. I made no movement, no sound. I didn't
want to face him, didn't want to speak. If I tried, I would lose whatever miniscule amount of emotional control I had
left.

Despite my efforts, a tear slipped from my eyes and rolled slowly down my cheek.

“Mione,”Harry's pained voice whispered and he was at my side instantly, pulling me tightly into his arms as I began to
sob.

“Mione, it's-“

He stopped.

I knew what he had wanted to say. He had wanted to comfort me, to tell me, “It's going to be alright.”

But we both knew it was a lie. He couldn't promise me that and he knew it. I wasn't going to be alright until he came
home safe and sound. Whether that would happen or not…

I buried my head in the crook of his neck, my cries becoming more anguished. I clung to him tightly, grabbing fistfuls
of his shirt.

“Don't,” I cried, “Don't go Harry. Not now, not today. Please, just wait a little longer.”

He pushed me away gently and took my red, tear-stained face in his hands. I whimpered, knowing he was not going to give
in to my pleading. I'd known he wouldn't, but I hadn't been able to stop myself. He pressed his lips ever so softly to
mine, letting them linger a moment before pulling away.

His eyes never leaving mine, he placed both of our hands on my slightly rounded stomach.

“I have to go Hermione,” he said, “I have to fight. I have to fight for all the lives Voldemort has destroyed. For my
parents, for Sirius. And most importantly, I have to fight to protect the ones I love. I have to fight for you,
Hermione, and for Ron and the Weasleys, our friends.” He paused, looking down at where our hands rested before looking
back at my face. “And for her. I have to fight for our little girl.”

I sniffed and nodded, smiling through tears. Harry leaned up to kiss me once more.

I sighed. “You just remember,” I whispered, “whenever things seem hopeless, you just remember that you have something
Voldemort doesn't. Something to fight for.”

Harry smiled and shook his head. “No, I have something much more important than that.”

I smiled and waited.

He pulled into a last tight hug. “I have something to live for.”
