Into the West
Written by Natalie
Song "Into the West" from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Soundtrack
Performed by Annie Lennox
Author's Note: This is basically just a scene. No explanation as to how they got there. Harry's just killed Voldemort. That's all you need to know. The song was just really sad and inspired me to write this. Without the song, its just another version of what's been written a hundred times over. I'd highly suggest downloading the song, which should be easy to find because it just won numerous awards and such.
*~*~*~*
"Shhh," she said quietly as she gathered him in her arms. He settled into them immediately, leaning his head on her chest. She cradled him gently, holding him close to her while a horrible silence fell over them. "Just rest, Harry."
Lay down your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You have come to journey's end
"You did it, Harry," she whispered quietly in his ear. "You've saved us. You've saved the world. Now, we're free," she said, leaning her forehead against his. His breathing was shallow and quick, and as she listened to him struggle she could only grip him tighter as a horrible pain consumed her chest.
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across a distant shore
"Hermione?" he whispered.
"Yeah?" she replied, desperately trying to not cry. He smiled weakly up at her, and said quietly, "I get to see my parents."
She nodded her head slowly as sobs began to shake her body. "You will, Harry. You will," she whispered quietly as tears began to fall down her cheeks.
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
His own tears soon joined hers as he stared up at her.
"What is it Harry? Does it hurt?"
"No," he replied, shaking his head as more tears flooded down his face. He gazed up at her, and slowly lifted his hand up to touch her face.
"Out of everyone, I'll miss you the most."
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
"I'm scared, Hermione," he said. She pulled him even closer to her, clinging to him as if she could keep him there with her.
"I know," she replied, running her fingers through his hair, like she had dreamed of doing for years. "I know."
What can you see on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
"I love you," she whispered quietly. His body contracted in a choked sob at her words. She looked down at him, a pained smile on his face.
"Me too, Mione," he said quietly.
And all will turn to silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass
"I'm so sorry I never told you," he told her, beginning to sob. "I'm sorry for not telling you how much you mean to me. I'm sorry for everything."
"Don't say that," she said, the look in her eyes quieting him as she shook her head. "You are the best thing that ever happened to me. I will never regret a single second of the past seven years."
Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
His hand that was clutching her cheek suddenly began to tremble, and he seemed to be struggling to hold it up. She slipped her hand over his, pressing his palm into her cheek. Tears flooded from her eyes, spilling over their skin. His fingers tightened around the edge of her jaw, and he weakly pulled her toward him. She closed the distance quickly, her lips meeting his for the first time. They kissed desperately, making up for what years of fear had kept from them in the few moments they had left together.
Don't say we have come now, to the end
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
"I'll be waiting for you," he sighed against her lips. A choked sob racked her body as her leaned her forehead against his again, only able to slowly nod.
"I'll come with you," she whispered hastily.
"No!" he exclaimed, wincing in pain. "Don't Hermione, you're needed here. Just don't forget me." She began to weep uncontrollably at his words.
"I could never forget you, even if I tried…"
And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping
"Harry!" cried out to him as his eyes slipped closed. She gently shook him, panic welling up inside her.
"Hermione," he moaned quietly. "It's alright," he said, looking up at her with calm, loving eyes. "We will see each other again."
What can you see on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea, a pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
With those last words, Hermione felt him slip away from her. She pulled him to her, holding his head to her chest and laying her head on top of his. She began to rock back and forth, listening closely to every breath he took.
"I love you," he whispered against her skin.
"I love you too, Harry," she replied, and pulled him away from her to look down at him. His eyes were closed and his face relaxed, as if in a peaceful sleep. He was gone.
And all will turn to silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass into the west