Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or the story line. They belong to JKR and Nicolas Sparks.
A/N: Thanks for supporting this story. It's taken me a while to update but at least here is the next installment.
A Year to Remember
Chapter 8
As the weather became stronger and warmer, Harry's dear Hermione became weaker and colder. They tried to overcome their troubles together by doing their normal activities. But time in the Tower or walks around the lake ended short when Hermione grew cold or fell asleep. Harry tried to act casual and happy around her, but it wasn't that easy. Watching her tremble at the slightest touch or quiver at the lightest breeze made his heart break more and more.
Dumbledore had finally made a small announcement to the school that a beloved student of theirs was dying. Harry remembered sitting at dinner, minding his own business, and hearing those dreadful words. At first, no one knew who it was, but by Hermione's absence and the look on Harry's face, many understood and gave him small, sympathetic smiles. Some began to cry tears of compassion for the poor girl. Most, though, were in a state of shock.
Later that night, Harry knocked quietly on Hermione's door. He didn't hear an answer. He knocked again and heard a faint whisper. He waited a moment and the door opened.
"Dumbledore told everyone," Harry said with a small, fake smile.
"Oh," Hermione whispered, leaning hard against the door.
"I brought you some food," Harry stated, holding up a plate in his hand, "can I come in?"
"Sure, sure," Hermione said faintly, opening the door wider.
"So, um, what did you do today?" Harry asked, walking towards her desk and putting the plate down. He turned back to her and looked at her questioningly. "Hermione, are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Hermione mumbled, closing the door and taking a feeble step towards him.
"Hermione, what's going--"
But Harry had no time to finish his question. Hermione's already white face suddenly turned pale and her eyes turned upwards. Harry walked quickly to her side and she collapsed into his arms.
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"Is she gonna be alright?"
"For now."
Harry sighed as Madam Pomfrey, the infirmary nurse, left him alone at Hermione's bedside. She was lying on the bed with needles in her arms and other disturbing hospital tools all around her. It reminded Harry of some muggle soap opera that his Aunt Petunia used to watch when he was a child. But he wasn't a child anymore, and these, things, were real. Hermione lay helplessly on the bed, looking almost lifeless. Harry couldn't stand to watch her anymore so he closed his eyes, and unbeknownst to him, two people were watching him in his agony.
"Hey Harry."
Harry looked up suddenly and saw Ron and Draco standing before the bed.
"What are you guys doing here?" Harry asked a bit defensively.
"I didn't understand," Ron muttered, staring at Hermione's frail figure, "now I do." He looked sadly up at Harry. Their eyes met and at that moment the two of them silently forgave each other for everything that had happened. Ron then looked back at Hermione and a few moments later he sniffed. "I think I better get out of here." He whipped his eyes and patted Harry on the back. He then left, leaving Draco to talk.
The two didn't make eye contact and were silent for over ten minutes or so. Fed up, Harry finally looked up at Draco and sighed.
"So how's the finale prank going?" he asked quietly.
"There's not going to be one," Draco answered, looking up at Harry.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean what I mean," Draco said stubbornly, "we decided tonight." He then looked down at the sleeping girl and shook his head slightly. "If there's anything you need," he said after a moment, looking back at Harry, "you know I'm here."
Harry nodded and gave Draco a small, grateful smile. Draco nodded back to him and left quietly. Harry looked back at Hermione's peaceful face and smiled at her. If it had been a year ago, he would have never given thought to forgive his friends. But since he met Hermione, forgiving slowly became part of his nature. She had blessed him with so many things. He could never be more grateful for anything in his life.
He took her hand and kissed it gently. It was almost midnight. He had been there for almost six hours. He yawned and held her hand tightly. His eyes slowly began to close. He snapped them open instantly. But soon, they closed again.
"Go to bed Harry."
"Wha-what?" Harry asked, blinking his eyes open. He saw a blurry man standing in front of him with long, white hair swirling down his robes. "I'm not tired Dumbledore, not tired at all."
"Tomorrow is a Saturday, you can come back bright and early," Dumbledore said gently, patting Harry on the shoulder. "You need your rest."
Harry gave in and reluctantly stood up. He walked groggily towards the door but looked back for a moment. Dumbledore was sitting next to Hermione, just as he had, and he was crying.
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Harry ran down to the infirmary the next morning. He woke up at nine, three hours later than he had planned. He slowed down and tried to catch his breath when he got closer. As he walked in, he heard some people speaking. One voice he knew well, but the other he did not.
"You're so much like your mother. She'd be so proud if she could see you now."
"She can see me Daddy, and I know she is."
Harry didn't want to eavesdrop, but he had to listen.
"Hermione, if I ever kept you too sheltered, I'm sorry. I just wanted you to be safe. But now, it's getting harder and harder to let go of you. I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry," Hermione's weak voice whispered, "you've been everything to me. But look at my condition like I do. Mom and me, we'll both be up there, waiting for you. So some day, and not too soon Daddy, we can all be a family again."
"Oh, Hermione," Harry could here her father's voice crack, "you're too good to me."
Harry paused. He didn't hear them anymore so he slowly walked in. He saw the two of them hugging and it made his heart break.
"You must be Harry?" the old man said after he parted from his daughter. "I've heard nothing but great things about you."
"Thanks," Harry blushed, looking and Hermione. She gave him a small smile and he returned it.
"I think I'll leave you two alone for a while," Hermione's father said, standing up. "I could use a walk anyway. I'll be back in an hour or so, alright Hermione?"
Hermione nodded. He smiled at her, then at Harry, and left. Harry watched him go for a moment, and then looked back at Hermione. She was smiling warmly at him. He walked over to her bed and kissed her cheek.
"How are you?" he asked sweetly, sitting down in the chair beside her.
"Good, how are you?"
"Good," Harry lied, forcing a fake smile. They watched each other for a few moments, until, Hermione turned to her bedside table.
"I have something for you," she said.
"You really shouldn't have 'Mione."
"Don't worry Harry," Hermione smiled as she turned back towards him, "I'd give it to you anyway. I want you to have it."
Harry watched as she handed him a small yet thick red book. He lightly touched the cover. It was a soft velvet that had been a little worn out from use.
"Go ahead, open it."
Harry did so and began to flip through the pages.
"It's my diary," Hermione went on, "from when I first started Hogwarts, all the way to about, last week I think."
"Hermione, I," Harry was in total shock, "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," she smiled gently, "just, keep it."
Harry promised he would and kissed her lightly on the lips. She kissed him harder than he expected for a girl in her state but he didn't argue. He missed the feeling of having her lips beneath his. The kiss lasted no longer than three seconds, but it was three seconds in heaven to Harry. Three seconds where he could forget about all of the problems in the world and just be in a blissful moment with his Hermione. His. . . dying. . . Hermione. . .
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Later that night, Harry lain on his bed, alone in his room. He hadn't touched the diary since he left the infirmary. He was afraid, cautious, but most of all, intrigued by why she would give him such a gift. Finally, curiosity got the better of him, and he opened it. He started at the beginning, memories of childhood flowing back into his mind.
September 1
For the last week or so, I had been reading up on a little magic history, just so, you know, I wouldn't be behind everyone. And you won't believe it. I actually met Harry Potter on the train today. He's in my year and as fate would have it, my house as well. I read so much about him, and now he probably thinks I'm a freak. I must know more about him than he does! I guess we have something in common then, being in a strange and delightful new environment, not knowing a soul or a lick of real magic. I felt so awkward today. What if wizards don't believe in God? What if they think a great and powerful wizard created the universe? What will I do? Where will I stand? I know this is more than a ten year old ((going on eleven in eighteen days)) would normally worry about. I guess I haven't lived the normal life before. Now's my chance to start anew, fit in, and maybe even be popular. There's no doubt in my mind that Harry will be, so maybe if I just talked to him at breakfast tomorrow, or in class, than maybe we'd. . . wishful thinking Hermione. ~Hermione E. Granger
Harry smiled sympathetically at the passage, understanding where she was coming from. He flipped a few pages ahead and read again.
October 31
I've just made a total idiot of myself! No matter how cruel or ignorant that Ron Weasley is, he's right. I don't have any friends. I've been in school almost two months, to think I would know a few people. Sure, they talk to me once in a while, but usually, I'm always by myself with my nose in a book. I wish I could just stop reading! But then I know I'd be miserable. Today, when I heard Ron say those piercing words, I stopped dead in my tracks. I couldn't believe someone would ever say such a thing. Maybe Daddy has sheltered me too much. I ran to the girls' toilet and wept. The truth hurts. But to make my life even more dreadful, a giant mountain troll found his way into the exact bathroom and almost finished me off! At first, I wanted him too. With no friends and way too overprotective parents, who wouldn't just want to get away? But then he came. Harry Potter saved my life, with very little help from that Weasley. I lied to the teachers and got them out of trouble. Me? Lie to a teacher?! You bet I did. When I tried to thank Harry, I got nervous and began to babble on and on. And then, all he did was glare and me and, I won't ever forget this either, he said to me, "You need to get a life Granger." The sad part of all this business is I think he may be right. ~Hermione E. Granger
Harry stared down at the page. He had told Hermione that, but it was so long ago. Hermione did have a life though. A great one in fact. Except back then, he never took the time to notice. Harry sighed. He must have caused her so much pain. He flipped farther through the book to a page from fifth year.
December 31
Could my life possibly get any worse? First, I end up doing awful on my O.W.L.'s. Then, my mother dies. And now I'm dying as well! I haven't written in so long but obviously a lot has been on my mind since Mom left. I've been feeling ill ever since I went back to Hogwarts so Daddy finally took me to the doctor last week. Well they called this morning. I have leukemia. They don't think I'll die from it, not yet anyway. What the hell do they know anyway? I need to get away from everything! I know once I go back to school, Harry and his gang will continue to make my life a living hell.
I know he treats me terribly, but deep down, I truly think that there may be some good left in him somewhere. I know I could easily be just as rude back, but I also know that God would never approve of that kind of behavior, especially since I know it's wrong. I just wish that I could have one true friend in this world, or at least someone who treated me with respect and didn't ignore me. I wish I had more time. There's so much in my life I want to fix. Oh gosh, Daddy wants me to come celebrate the New Year with him. I better be off. ~Hermione E. Granger
Tears were beginning to well up in Harry's eyes. He had treated her so. . . so badly. He couldn't believe it. Most of the passages in there were about him and the way he treated her. It made him feel so angry with himself. He flipped through the book again and found a page from this past Christmas.
December 23
Yesterday night was the performance of "Everyman." It went magnificently well. Harry was amazing. I admit I was still a little ticked for what he said to me back at The Three Broomsticks a couple months ago but I know where he's coming from and I could understand, even though it did hurt a bit. He blew me away last night. He came such a long way. But he did however change his death scene drastically. He kissed me. Don't ask me why because I don't know at all, but he kissed me. It was light and simple, quite lovely and rather shocking too. It's odd though. It was the second time he kissed me. This I do not understand at all. And now, I'm sitting on the Hogwarts Express, going home for the holiday and I just opened the most wonderful gift. Harry stopped me before I got onto the train and gave it to me. It's a beautiful golden locket with a gorgeous lion engraved on it. But that's not the only thing he gave me. Well, he didn't necessarily give me anything; he more so said something to me. I think he's admitted that he likes me, maybe even more than that. He thinks I feel the same way. Of course I denied it! But now that I'm all alone here on the train, I really do think that I may be in love with Harry Potter. ~Hermione E. Granger
Harry stopped reading there. He smiled warmly to himself. Hermione had loved him as long as he loved her, maybe even longer. That sentence was the greatest gift he could have asked for.