A Passing Memory

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters or story.

Warning: Better keep your tissues handy

A/N: By the way this story doesn't really follow the plot line from book 5-6

Tea For Two

Harry smiled as Hermione walked out of the Hospital Wing. “How are you feeling today?”

Hermione shrugged, “Ok I guess.”

Harry nodded, “I'm sorry I got angry at you yesterday. I should have been more aware of how you were feeling.”

Hermione shook her head, “I'm glad you acted that way.”

“Glad?” Harry said surprised. How could Hermione be glad he yelled at her and made her feel terrible?

Hermione smiled, “It showed you cared.”

Harry looked at her thoughtfully, “Dobby helped prepare a small picnic lunch for us. I just have to go grab it ok.”

Hermione nodded and followed Harry as they walked towards the kitchens. “I hope you aren't angry at me for not telling Ron and you about my condition.”

Harry stopped and looked at her seriously. “I understand why you didn't Hermione. I understand completely.” Harry stared into her honey brown eyes and smiled sadly, “You didn't tell me because saying it would make it seem more real. You thought that if you just ignored it, that it would go away…that you would be able to forget about the pain you were going through, and not have everyone worrying over you. Right?”

Hermione nodded, “How did you know?”

Harry looked at her seriously, “You've been my friend for seven years now. I think I know you well enough to see what you are thinking.”

The portrait of the fruit opened and Dobby came out with a large basket, “Here is your lunch Harry Potter and Miss Granger.”

Harry took the basket from the small elf. “Thanks Dobby.”

“Anything for you Sir.” Dobby said bowing ridiculously low to the ground.

Hermione smiled slightly as they walked towards the trees by the lake, “It seems so strange to think that I put so much effort in S.P.E.W. Ron was right. I realise how silly it was now. They really do love looking after wizards and witches and don't see it as slavery.”

Harry looked at her, “Don't say that.”

Hermione looked at him surprised, “What?”

“You were standing up for something you believed was right. You helped so many elves to see what they could be. So don't say it wasn't worth it.” Harry said firmly.

Hermione smiled, “Thanks Harry.”

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

“Ron what are you doing?” Luna demanded, as she stared at Ron's face desperately trying to peer around the tree they were sitting behind.

Ron jumped and looked at Luna's frowning face. Never had he seen her look so shrewish. “I'm, ummm.” Ron blushed, “I'm trying to see if Harry and Hermione have come out yet.” He said apologetically.

Ron grimaced as Luna's face contorted with fury. “Ronald Weasley, you are not going to spy on your friends while you are on a date with me!!!” she shouted.

Ron always wondered why Luna could act all dreamy and nice around everyone else, but when she was faced with him, she acted like some raging shrew.

“I'm sorry Luna, I promise I won't do it anymore.”

Ginny walked over, her flaming hair dancing in the wind; behind her was Draco Malfoy looking superior and bored as usual. “What have I missed?” Ginny asked as she plonked herself on the ground next to Ron who was looking sheepishly at Luna.

Luna raised an eyebrow and Ron gave her an apologetic glance. “Have they kissed yet?” Ginny asked peeping round the tree.

Luna stared at Ron angrily, “What are they doing here?”

Ginny and Draco looked at Ron surprised. “You mean he didn't tell you?” Draco asked shaking his head. “Figures.” He muttered under his breath.

Ginny gave Draco a nudge and looked at Luna, “Me and Ron wanted to set up Harry and Hermione on a date. This seemed the perfect opportunity. Draco is here because I made him come.” Ginny said at Luna's confused expression.

Luna looked at Ron, who grinned, “Oh come on Luna. You know you're just as interested as us in trying to get Harry and Hermione together.”

Luna smiled reluctantly. “Ok. But you still owe me a date Ronald.”

Ron nodded and looked at Ginny, “Ok, I can see them coming over now. Got the omniculars?”

“Check.” Ginny said in an army voice.

“Food?” Ron asked.

“Check.” Ginny said, picking up a basket of sandwiches.

“Ok now all we have to do is wait.” Ron said grinning.

“You know Ginny, if you wanted Harry and Hermione to get together, why didn't you just lock them up naked in a cupboard? They wouldn't be able to resist.” Draco said blankly.

Ron, Luna and Ginny turned to look at him, all with disgusted faces.

“What?” Draco said innocently, “You can't deny it wouldn't work.”

“That's not the point.” Ginny huffed, “It has to be romantic.”

“Alright fine. But all this watching Potter make sheep eyes at Granger is going to make me lose my lunch.” Draco complained.

“Shutup.” They hissed and turned to watch as Harry and Hermione walked towards the lake.

OOOOOOOOOO

Harry smiled at Hermione as they came to their favourite tree by the lake. Even though she still looked ill, her light brown hair seemed to shine with a golden glow in the bright sunlight. Her eyes, which were of a deep honey brown, seemed to be woven with gold as they smiled at him. He had always loved how her eyes smiled. They were like the windows to her heart; revealing all her secrets. She was wearing a plain pale yellow dress, but Harry thought he had never seen her look more beautiful.

“What are you staring at Harry?” Hermione asked with her gentle smile.

“I was just thinking how beautiful you look.” Harry said sincerely, as he helped her sit down on the soft, silk grass.

Hermione blushed slightly and looked at Harry with a shy smile, “You don't have to flatter me Harry to make me feel better.”

“It's wasn't flattery Hermione, I meant what I said.” Harry said, as he gazed at her with admiration.

Hermione laughed softly and looked out towards the lake. Harry followed her gaze and saw the serene crystal lake reflecting the azure skies above.

“Today really is a beautiful day. It brings back so many memories.” Hermione said fondly.

Harry grinned, “The one's that come into my head aren't very good.”

Hermione looked at him frowning, “Oh?” she said questioningly.

“Yeah,” Harry said slyly, “Because they're all of you nagging us about homework and exams.”

Hermione hit him lightly and laughed. Harry soon joined in, until both of them were practically rolling on the ground with laughter.

Hermione looked at him smiling, her eyes still brewing with amusement, “It feels good to laugh again.”

Harry nodded and smiled at her, “Someone did say laughter was the best medicine.”

Hermione nodded and leaned against him. “I also remember one other memory.”

“Oh yeah, what?” Harry asked as he looked down at her face. Hermione looked up at him and smiled, “It was in our fifth year. I was feeling really down; I had just received the letter that my Grandad was sick. I was sitting here by myself just thinking, and then you came. You didn't say anything you just sat down beside me and kept me company. We sat there for hours, not even talking.”

Hermione looked out towards the lake again, “I never got to thank you for that…so thankyou.”

Harry smiled and put an arm around her, “Your welcome.”

OOOOOOOOOO

Ron squinted his eyes as he looked at Harry and Hermione. “I can't make out what they're saying. Can you?” he asked Ginny.

Ginny nodded, “He just told her that he loved her.”

“Really?” Ron asked excitedly.

Ginny nodded, “Uh-huh.”

Draco rolled his eyes, “Oh great now I really am going to be sick.”

“Quiet you!” Ginny snapped.

Luna bit a sandwich and smiled, “Tell me if anything exciting happens.”

Ginny and Ron nodded and pulled out their omniculars, to continue spying on Harry and Hermione.

OOOOOOOOOO

“Harry?” Hermione said quietly.

Harry snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Hermione, “Yeah?”

“Do you think there is anyway to stop this curse?” she asked softly, turning to look at him with large pleading eyes.

Harry nodded, “Everyone is trying to find a way to help you. I just know we'll find the cure.” Harry looked at Hermione seriously, “Don't think you have to deal with this alone anymore Hermione. We're all here to work through this together and I…I promise I'll always be here for you.”

Hermione looked at him with tears shining in her eyes, “You promise?”

Harry nodded and pulled her close to him. “I promise.” He whispered.

He frowned to himself as he held Hermione in his arms. It was all very well to promise to help her but what could they do? Every known Death Eater had been killed and Voldemort was gone. There was no way to find out how the curse was created, or its cure. Harry felt helpless and lost, like a child in a city too big for him. He didn't know how to help Hermione and now that she was so vulnerable and weak, he wasn't sure she could last much longer. Her will was strong, but the curse was stronger. Harry didn't blame her. She didn't have much to hold on to anymore. Her family was dead, her life torn. All she had left to cling to were the memories of the past, and her friends who had their own battles to fight.

Harry looked down at Hermione's closed eyes and sighed. This was not going to be easy.

OOOOOOOOO

Ginny stood up gripping the omniculars in her hand. “Oh, just kiss her already!” She said loudly. “Just grab her and plant a big kiss on her lips, like that.” Ginny mimed kissing the air.

Draco laughed, “You are ridiculous. Someone remind me why I go out with this freak of nature?”

Luna giggled and looked at Ginny's furious face. Ron however ignored them all and was staring intently through the omniculars. “I think they're leaving.”

Ginny sighed and sat on the ground. “Oh, they were so close.”

“Give it up Ginny. Just let Potter and Granger figure things out for themselves. You can't force them to like each other.”

Luna nodded, “He's right you know. I'm sure they will realise their feelings when they are ready.”

Ginny sighed defeated.

“Hey who ate all the sandwiches?” Ron asked angrily.

Draco had the grace to blush and stood up, “Well I think I'll be going now. Goodbye…”

Ron stood up wildly, “Oh no you don't. Come back you sandwich thief!!”

A/N: I know this was supposed to be dramatic, but I figured it can't hurt to put some light heartedness in it.