Chapter 17
Author Notes: Wowwie. I'd almost forgotten how good it feels to get reviews.I'm on 739 at the moment!! When I started writing this story I NEVER thought it'd get this far. Not in my wildest dreams did I think so many people would read my story. You guys are awesome! *hands out cookies and milk* So settle back, get comfortable. Ready? Okay hold on I need to reply to some reviewers first okay? Alrighty then. GET ME TO 1000 reviews!!!! COME ON YOU KNOW YOU CAN DO IT! :D
anonymous (there was more then 1 so...try and piece ur answer together)- ^_^; / thanks / and maybe.... you never know.
2gasShablur/Anna - Thanks for all your reviews. ^^ it's nice to know what people think reading it the whole way through
kluty - thanks
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rodrigo - Thanks ^_^'>
DelayedReaction - aww thanks. you're making me blush!
SadisticShadow - i loved all of your comments. you made me laugh so many times. ^_^
Mr/Dylan/Potter - My aim is to keep it suspenseful lol. And apparently I've achieved it at least with you. cheers for the review.
klearbluocean - okay okay. calm. breathe. breathing?? now you know I cant tell you that. *ducks the tomatoes* breathe?
SaraMalfoy - ^_^ oh really?
gerdieSI - thanks ^_^;; good to know you wont kill me until its over.
Harryluvr - you'll just have to wait and see won't you?
Harry85 - ...hehe ^_^'> maybe just a little while
Tova - Cheers!
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KypDurron - ai your name is hard to spell! thanks for the review and the motivation to get off my arse and get typing. You always were the sensitive type. EVEN THOUGH U BLOODY BLOCKED ME. and then unblocked me again ^^. AWESOME PERSON!
Ana - calm calm! please calm now. ^_^;; thanks for your...er...motivating reviews ^_^;; very...er...motivating. And heaps of em too! :D
Anonymous - not dead! but your review made me finish this chapter! ^^
pyrochick420 - the spirit one is going to be revamped. thanks for the review.
HPFAN1 - thanks ^^ that makes me feel really good.
shannylee1228 - thanks!!!
DreamAngel - I like your name! I'm glad you enjoyed my other stories too
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my neverhappy ending - what a long review! thanks for it! it was great!and you never know about the sequel!
ChiefScoomchuck - and here it is!
Spellblade5777 - lol not what you wanted i know but there's always the sequel! (which wont b up for a while..._
sexybabehp17 - spiderman? ^_^;; i can sort of see where you're coming from.
sera bera - yes. no sex...so sue me ^^;; sa sa sa.
harry&hermione4life - ITS UPDATED ITS UPDATED. BREATHE!
GiantSquid - i like the name! Thanks!!!!
susan - no this is the end. :D
susan k - cheers lol!
carmen11290 - cheers!
davaca - um..no..lol ^^ it was just one of those things that works out and the author forgets about because it served its purpose...but if it helps..er...Hermiones room wasn't working because...Peeves decided to revamp it and no1 knew so they decided to er..clean it and then when it was done Hermione moved into it!
Story_Girl - Thanks!!
Harry and Orlando - 2 of my favourite guys! er.cheers.
ears91 - lol ^^ yeah it does.
raeclair - lol :D heheheh yeah..
Harmony - I'd be pissed too. I'm sorry. ^^;;
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ginnymalfoy21 - aww thanks ^^ im glad you think no1s going to kill me..i however...slightly disagree. you didn't see some of the emails!!
Coolone007 - :D im not telling *sticks out tongue* :Dcheers for the review
kluty - thanks ^^
Potter_Anel - cheers ^^;
Sorry if I missed anyone out. You're all great. Now on with the show!!
NOTE: ' ~~' is Harrys thoughts.
dedicated to KypDurron for all your 'encouragements' and putting up with me even when I'm in the craziest moods. Your the best!
~0~
Harry opened his eyes to complete darkness. Rays of moonlight streamed in through the window next to his bed and delicately framed the naked women in his arms. Even though it was a chilly night, with his arms wrapped around her he felt warm; he felt complete. But the more he fully became awake, the more he felt drained. He wanted to just hold her tighter and fall asleep again but his mind was racing and with a sigh of defeat he let go of her and swung his legs over the side of the bed. His feet touched the heated floors and Harry absently thought that the house elves were doing a good job, afterall it was - Harry checked the clock - 2.47am. He groaned quietly and shuffled over to his dressing gown which was strung hazardly over a chair. He slipped it on and did it up tight; the elves may have done their jobs well but it didn't take the chill out of the morning air. Harry turned and watched Hermione sleep for a few minutes; his eyes taking in her sleeping beauty. He ran his fingers through his hair and sat down in an armchair positioned in front of the fireplace. He curled his legs up under him and sat there; just staring hypnotically at the dancing flames.
'21 more hours. How can I just tie up everything in 21 hours?'
He sighed; he hadn't expected it to be so soon. He'd only told Ron and Hermione two days ago; barely enough time for them to say goodbye - Hermione had only stopped crying and latching onto him like there was no tomorrow.
'And there might not be...' he thought glumly, 'I could be dead by this time tomorrow.'
He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting there for but when he saw the sun start to rise in the distance he knew it was time for him to move. As quietly as he could, so as not to wake Hermione, he got dressed, wrote a note telling her he'd see her at breakfast, before slipping out the door.
~0~
Harry stretched his legs out in front of him and took in the glorious sight before his eyes. He'd seen it a million times before but on this particular day everything seemed much more magnificant. Shades of yellow, orange and pink streaked across the sky and it was all Harry could do to watch the everrising sun. He was so deep in thought in fact that he didn't hear footsteps coming up behind him; he didn't even notice there was someone there until he was nudged with someones foot.
He turned his head and to his great suprise Ronald Weasley was standing there.
"Ron?" Harry asked, his mouth wide open, "You do realise breakfast isn't for another few hours."
Ron gave him a sheepish grin and pulled from nowhere a bacon and egg sandwhich. Harry rolled his eyes and laughed.
"So what are you doing down here anyway?" Ron asked, taking a big bite of his sandwhich and talking at the same time; narrowly missing spraying Harry.
"Just thinking..."Harry said, trailing off with a sigh, "Not long now you know."
Ron swallowed, his brow furrowing, "Yeah, I know." His voice was serious now, food forgotten.
"I...er...that is to say...I wanted to...you know..." Harry fumbled around for the right words.
"You don't have to." Ron said kindly, but Harry shook his head.
"No. No, I do. Ron...I really...appreciate how you've been a good friend and all and er...I guess...I'm trying to say..."
"I love you too." Ron said dramatically and pulled Harry in for a big bear hug.
Harry, laughing as they pulled away from each other, shook his head, " I was going to say that as your best friend I feel it is my duty to tell you, before I leave, that you're getting fat from all that candy you eat."
Ron looked mock offended before tackling Harry and they went rolling through piles of mud together, laughing harder then they ever had before.
~0~
It was a muddy Harry that sat down to breakfast, Ron trailing after him. He kissed Hermione on the cheek and chuckled and the disdainful look she gave them.
"You look like you've been rolling around in the mud." She said rolling her eyes; oblivious to the grin Ron and Harry shared.
"Of course not dear, we're not that immature." Harry said, patting her hand reassuringly and leaving caked mud on her hand.
She raised and eyebrow and Harry brushed off the mud sheepishly.
"Yes...well what are we going to do today?" Hermiones voice softened ever so slightly.
Harry wrapped one arm around her waist as he helped himself to a large steaming cup of coffee, "Well, I thought the three of us could spend some time together. You know just have a bit of a catch up-I want to spend some quality time with you guys before I go."
"That'd be nice." Hermione said, smiling at him and giving him a brief kiss on the lips.
Ron didn't respond, thankfully in Harrys opinon, as his mouth was so full he was having trouble chewing. Hermione opened her mouth to reprimand him and Harry just settled back to watch their typical arguement - he could practically say their dialogue for them!
"Ronald Weasley!"
"Mmpf!"
"What have I told you about speaking with your mouth full?"
"Bmpf -"
"No don't you dare!"
And Ron rolled his eyes.
Harry smothered his laugh; they were so predictable sometimes. But he knew that he would miss their arguements. He loved the way Hermiones eyes blinked rapidly as she argued furiously and the I'm-so-innocent look Ron tried everytime, although it never worked.
Harry let the arguement continue for a few minutes before cutting in casually, "I was thinking of heading out to visit Hagrid."
"Oh yes good idea! That's a good idea, isn't it Ron?" Hermione said quickly.
"Yes! Wonderful idea!" Ron agreed.
Harry raised an eyebrow, they certainly were acting strange now.
"Potter!" A familiar voice snapped from behind him and Harry turned to see -
"What the hell?"
Ginny.
Oh yes, Ginny.
She flashed him a grin, "Scared you!"
Harry put a hand on his heart and fluttered his eyelashes dramatically, "Oh alas, I thought it was my lover - the one who I have been having a passionate love affair with behind Hermiones back. Oh my precious, Snape."
Hermione rolled her eyes at his dramatics and answered scathingly, "And he can keep you. I'm sick of seeing you."
Ginny took a seat next to Harry, "Now that's not very nice Hermione. Harry leaves soon." She said teasingly
Teasingly though it was, Ginny, Ron and Hermione fell silent.
"Great mood killer Gin. I should remember that." Harry said rolling his eyes, "Are we going to see Hagrid or not? Because I'm leaving now and you can either wait here or come with me."
He stood up and within seconds Hermione and Ron were at his sides.
He grinned, "I thought so. Come on then. See you later Gin." He called back and received a wave over her shoulder as she emmersed herself in a heated conversation with a younger Gryffindor.
~0~
Whatever Harry had expected, it most definetly wasn't this. Hagrids bone crushing hug just got worse and Harry was sure he looked like a broken rag doll.
"Er..Hagrid." Harry tried tentevily for what must have been the fifth time.
"Sorry 'Arry, it's just..." Hagrid started wailing again.
Harry sighed and patted Hagrid on the back.
"Do you want some tea Hagrid?" Hermione asked calmly, ignoring Hagrids wails as best she could.
He straightened up, "Ay. That'd be nice. Sorry 'arry it's just.." he trailed off and Harry was terrified he would start crying again, "You're so young and..."
"Yeah, I know." Harry said quietly, looking down at his feet.
The conversation turned slightly more cheerful as Hagrid tried to make up for his little break-down but Harry was rather downcast. His mind was racing and his stomach was churning.
"Hagrid..I think it'd be best if we head off. I've got a good deal to do before I leave." Harry said getting to his feet, his voice forcibly calm.
Everyone jumped to their feet after him, all talking rather quickly, agreeing with him frantically. Harry stared at them for a moment before rolling his eyes and saying, "Why can't you be this agreeable every other day of the year?"
Hermione and Ron started babbling at the same time about goodness only knows what and Harry just stared at them blankly for a few moments.
Harry looked at Hermione.
"Oh but we never really mean it. Well we do at the time. Well even then maybe not. You know how Ron is. So stuborn. And I'm stubborn too which just makes things worse. But we really love each other and we really love you. And we don't want anything to happen to you. Shut up Ron. So you should not go. Because then you'll be safe. And you won't die. Which is a good thing because we don't want you to die. I don't want you to die. Please don't die. At least you're not a virgin. Well..I mean...unless I missed something. But I don't think I did because I usually pick things up rather quickly. Except in Charms the other day. I think I was having an off day because I just found it really hard. And another thing-"
Blinking furiously, he turned to Ron.
"Bloody hell Harry! She just never understands. I mean, I know I'm pretty hard to understand but really. I don't think she even tries. And of course we really er...love..each other. State the obvious Hermione. Gee thanks. Yeah, for once I agree. Don't go. If you go then Slytherin will win Quidditch because you're what wins us the match! And we have to win this year because Malfoy is really getting up himself. Dating my sister too! Can you believe it! I never thought that'd happen. Course I never thought that she'd fall for that evil, snakeish-dragon, ferret-faced, loser, dumb-ass of a dickweed. I mean what are the chances? It's just -"
It amazed him how they still managed to argue even when they were rambling. Harry finally turned to face Hagrid who was looking just as confused as Harry.
"Er..." Hagrid said, scatching his head in a puzzled way.
Harry chuckled, "Okay okay! Hold on." He held up his hands to slow the rapid stream of words flowing from them, "Take a deep breath...and shut up."
"Hagrid...cheers." It was simple, but Hagrid knew the underlying words in Harrys message.
"Arigh' 'Arry. You'd best be of then." Hagrid gave Harry a short bone crushing hug.
~0~
"Look Potter...I..." He trailed off not quite knowing what to say.
Harry smirked, he'd picked it up after spending so much time with him, "Yes?"
He glared, "You're not making this easy."
"Of course not. I've waited for years for this day."
"Argh. Fine! Dickhead!"
A grin.
Through clenched teeth he said, " I think you're a nice person."
"Anything else?"
"If you die, people will be upset."
"Will you be upset?"
"Fuck off."
"I take it that's a no."
Another glare, "Maybe a little upset."
"Not frightfully, extremelly, disastrously upset that leads to a terrible stage of depression within which you declare your undying love for me and mourn the fact you never told me?"
"How did you know?"
"You're just so obvious Dray."
"Dray?" An arched eyebrow.
"...yes well.."
"Dray?"
"oh shut up. It's better then Drakkie-poo."
Draco shuddered at the thought.
Harry grinned, "I thought you'd agree. And I know what you were saying...and well...thanks."
Draco rolled his eyes, "I only said it because Ginny made me."
"She made you?"
"..just...shut up Potter."
"I love you too."
"...."
~0~
Harry turned and faced the small group of people standin behind him. Hermione, Ron, Draco and Ginny. He'd said his goodbyes to his other friends earlier on in the day but he knew that what he would say to these four people -especially Hermione and Ron - wasn't the sort of thing that required a big group moment. This was special; he would make it special.
"I'd like to talk to you...one by one." Harry said slowly.
The four nodded in compliance.
"Ginny?" Harry questioned and she nodded and walked a few metres away with him.
Harry took a deep breath before beginning to talk, "Ginny...I know we haven't always been the best of friends. I admit that when we were younger I saw you as 'Rons sister'..even after the whole Chamber of Secrets debacle you still weren't your own person really. But over these past few years, I think we've become friends."
She nodded, her face was emotionless.
"I know we've become friends. And I see you as one of my closest friends. You've reallly been there for me when I needed you. You're a one of a kind person, Ginny. Never let anyone tell you you're not beautiful because you are. You really are. And you're sweet, and caring, and the gentlest person I know. I feel so lucky to have had you as a friend."
Even though she tried to keep the tears from surfacing, they blurred her vision and rolled down her cheeks.
"Oh Harry. I feel so lucky to have had you as a friend." She wrapped her arms around him and blinked back her tears; although her eyes were now red and a little puffy she gained control of herself, "We'll see each other as soon as you come back."
Harry paused before replying, "Yes. Yes, of course."
He and Ginny walked over towards the group of three who were standing around idly but in complete silence.
"Draco?" Harry questioned like he did the time before.
Draco Malfoy, as always his face was plastered on.
When they were a fair distance away from the three Harry started talking, "I know we've been..well...enemies until this year...and now we're friends. Draco...take care of Ginny."
"Of course." His voice wasn't it's usual sarcastic self, it was softer and it made Harry smile, albeit weakly, at him.
"Take care of yourself. And stay away from those Death Eaters. You deserve much better than to be killed by a stray curse." Harry said firmly.
Harry put out his hand and Draco clasped it firmly before, suprising both himself and Harry, pulling Harry into a short hug. If Harry was asked , he would probably say it was the first real moment that he really experienced 'Draco' and not 'Draco Malfoy'.
"Take care of yourself too." Draco muttered before quickly walking back to the group.
"Ron?" Harry called and Ron slowly came over to meet him.
"Hi." Ron said nervously.
Harry chuckled, "Hi. You know..we've been best friends since the first day of school. Do you remember that?"
Ron smiled, "Yeah. I remember you shared your pumpkin pastrys with me on the train."
Harrys eyes crinkled up at the memory, "We've been best friends from the beginning and we'll be best friends until the end. And this? This isn't the end. Not by far. Don't you worry. I'll be back. You can't get rid of me that easily."
"I wouldn't want to."
"But seriously..Ron...you've been a great mate. And..well..I love you. And no matter what we'll always be best friends. You were my first friend and you'll be my last friend because we'll always be together. We've stuck together through thick and thin. I know I can trust you to take care of Hermione while I'm away."
Ron nodded, he didn't seem to be able to say anything. His adams-apple bobbed up and down furiously.
"I guess this is goodbye." Harry said, he could feel his eyes starting to fill even though before he'd started saying his last messages to his friends he'd sternly told himself not to cry.
"No." Rons voice was raspy, "Goodbye means we won't see you anymore. I'm not going anywhere and you bloody well better not. Not goodbye. Just...see you later."
Harry bit his lip; trust Ron to make him cry, "See you later then." He said, his voice cracking as he talked, tears starting to roll down his cheeks.
They looked at each other for a minute, both with tear-tracks down their cheeks, before frantically throwing their arms around each other in a spine-breaking hug. It lasted for a few minutes, neither wanting to let go, but eventually Harry pulled back; hastily wiping his eyes.
"I'll get Hermione." Ron said after a minute and walked over to get her.
This was going to be the hardest for Harry.
"Harry." Hermione said, and before he could say anything she hugged him.
He hugged her back, smelling her hair in case it was the last time he'd ever be able to do so.
When the separated Harry started talking but found his throat had closed over, "Hermione."
She picked up his hands and held them in hers in between them. Harry looked down at their interlocked hands and closed his eyes for a few seconds before starting, "I love you."
"I love you too."
"I always have. I don't know when I figured it out; I may have always known you'd be the one for me. We're best friends and lovers. Nothing will ever pull us apart. There's so much I want to say to you. But I whenever I look at you my mind goes blank. You're so beautiful and intelligent and kind. You're like an angel. I don't know what my life would be like without you. I don't want to know! I love you so much that it hurts sometimes. And even though I'm going away...I want you to remember that I'll always be with you. No matter what. Nothing Voldemort can say or do will stop me from returning to you. Never forget much I love you Hermione because my love for you is endless. Never forget me. I'll never forget you."
Harry pulled Hermione into a kiss; it wasn't passionate but it conveyed all the feelings that he couldn't put into words. He felt slightly warm water trickle onto his cheeks and something told him it wasn't his own tear which were also flowing freely. It was a rather...wet...kiss in some ways like the kiss he had with Cho in his fifth year but this kiss? This kiss was completely different to that first kiss of his. This kiss symbolised the complete love they shared.
"Harry I hate to break this up but..." An intruding voice broke their kiss.
Harry turned his head and saw Dumbledore standing a metre or two away.
"I understand."
Harry turned to Hermione one last time and kissed her on the forehead, "Never forget."
"I could never forget."
Harry walked to Dumbledores side as Ron, Draco and Ginny joined Hermione. Harry turned to face them and with a deep breath placed his hand on the item in Dumbledores outstretched hand. He felt the familiar feeling of a hook behind his navel and as the group started to disappear from his view he saw Hermione crumple in Rons arms in floods of tears.
And he was gone.
~fin~
AN: Over...it's over. Oh I can't believe it's over. *wails* I found that so hard to write..I know it took ages to get out but you have to understand how hard that chapter was for me!!!
I know I left myself wide open for a sequel!
And there probably will be one. After I deal with some major plot bunnies I should've dealt with a long time ago but were put on hiatus for this. If you have a question please EMAIL me or at least leave me your email address because otherwise? I can't answer you question! PLEASE review! It's over...can't believe it...well...yes...finally I know. get me to 1000 reviews! im on 739 atm. not too hard right? ....well...yah..okay. BYE! or should i say see you later!!!
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