Leaving Her Behind

MisCard

Rating: NC17
Genres: Angst, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 01/09/2004
Last Updated: 02/09/2004
Status: completed

My take on what the day (and night) before Harry left for the final showdown with Voldemort would be like. **Second and final chapter posted! contains OOC Hermione

Chapters

1. Speaking of Feelings Untold

2. Waiting For His Return

1. Speaking of Feelings Untold

~*I have no idea where this story came from, it just seemed to pour forth from my imagination. It's full of angst and smut, and it was a plot bunny I just couldn't ignore. Welcome to my dark side, I hope you enjoy the ride!!!*~

Harry Potter walked down the corridor of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, making his way to the library. Harry was in his seventh year of schooling and had grown into a very powerful young wizard. After the debacle in the Ministry of Magic at the end of his fifth year, Harry came back for his sixth year ready to prepare for the final battle. His spirit had been broken after Sirius died, but he swore to himself that no more of the people he cared for would fall at the hands of Voldemort. Dumbledore had started him on a grueling training regimen and had helped Harry unlock his magical talent by teaching him how to draw off of the love he felt for his friends. So every time Harry performed a hex, he thought of Arthur and Molly Weasley, his surrogate parents. He thought of Ron and Ginny, who he thought of as a brother and sister. He thought of Hermione, his...best friend.

Harry stopped his train of thought as he realized he was at the door to the library. He walked inside and nodded in greeting at Madam Pince, who just watched him as he walked by. Making his way to the back of the room, Harry spotted the person he was looking for. He walked up to the table and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Harry!" she exclaimed, putting her hand on her chest in surprise "what are you doing here?"

"I didn't mean to startle you" he said apologetically. Turning serious, he looked her in the eyes and said "Hermione, would you come and take a walk with me?"

"Sure Harry" she replied, looking at him curiously "is something wrong?"

"No, I just wanted to talk to you" he answered evasively. Hermione stared at him for a second and then gathered her things into her book bag. Harry motioned for her to lead the way to the door and followed her out of the library. "Where do you want to go?" she asked.

"How about around the lake?" he replied. When she nodded her head in agreement he reached over and took the book bag that was hanging from her shoulder, putting it on his shoulder instead. He then reached down and took Hermione's hand in his and they made their way outside. Harry's heart had gone into overdrive the minute he had taken Hermione's hand and he was struggling to remember what he had wanted to say. They walked quietly for a while until they were walking alongside the water. Harry gathered his courage and nervously said "I love you Hermione."

Hermione stopped dead in her tracks, causing Harry to be yanked back since he was still holding her hand. "What did you say?" she asked, staring at him wide-eyed.

"I said I-I love you" he mumbled, starting to feel his courage slipping away. She stood there silently, looking everywhere but where he stood. "What do you mean you love me? I-I don't understand?"

"What is there to understand?" he asked, angry at her lack of response. "I-LOVE-YOU, I didn't think I'd have to explain what those words meant" he said, closing his eyes and letting go of Hermione's hand. Pinching the bridge of his nose between two fingers, he asked "I take it you don't return my feelings?"

A tense silence surrounded the two teens as Harry waited dreadfully for her to answer. She looked at him and said "N-No Harry, I don't."

He opened his eyes and looked at her, seeing tears streaming down her face. Feeling his heart shatter, he quietly said "oh, ok. Well, I'm sorry if I ruined our friendship." Hanging his head, Harry turned away from her and started to make his way back to the castle.

"Harry!" he heard Hermione cry. He could hear the plea in her voice for him to come back, but he chose to ignore her and continued to walk away from the love of his life.

Harry had made his way up to the Astronomy Tower and walked to the furthest corner from the door. Thankfully it was a Hogsmead weekend so most of the students were gone and the tower was empty. Harry had been forbidden to go with his friends since the second War was looming ever closer and Hermione had stayed because she had work that needed to be done. Reaching the corner, he turned his back to the wall, sliding down until he sat on the cold, hard floor. Drawing his knees up to his chest, Harry crossed his arms on his knees and lay his head on his arms. He sat like that for hours, Hermione's rejection echoing in his thoughts the entire time. No tears escaped his eyes, but his chest was tight with the hurt and despair he felt. As he sat mourning for his lost love, he heard footsteps coming up the stairs and hoped whoever it was would see him and go away. He heard the footsteps stop and the door open, but he didn't bother to look up to see who it was.

"Harry?" came a hushed voice; a voice that had been playing through his head all night. He felt his heart break a little more and with his head still buried in his arms, he yelled "go away! I don't have anything to say to you!"

Instead of leaving, the footsteps drew closer and stopped right in front of him. "Harry" Hermione whispered "please hear me out."

"You've said enough" came his muffled reply.

"No, you don't understand" she said tearfully "out by the lake today, I-I lied to you."

Harry's head jerked up and Hermione cringed at the angry hollow eyes that were staring back at her. "What do you mean, you lied to me?" he asked, his voice betraying the look in his eyes.

"I mean" she said, tentatively reaching out to touch his hands "that I lied when I said I didn't return your feelings."

He looked at her with a confused and hurt look on his face and asked "why would you do that?"

"Because I know how hard you've been training for the upcoming War and I didn't want to become a distraction" she explained, begging him with her eyes to understand.

"A distraction? You didn't want to be a distraction, so you figured you'd shatter my heart into tiny little pieces instead?!" he asked, frustrated with her answer.

Getting frustrated herself with his lack of understanding, she asked "why did you pick today of all days to tell me?"

Harry looked at her for a second then stood up, causing Hermione's hand to drop off of his own. He walked over to the window and stood looking at the now moonlit grounds of his beloved school and home. "Because I'm leaving in the morning" he replied, his voice hoarse with unspoken fear.

"What?!" Hermione whispered in disbelief. "You can't mean..."

"Snape finally worked his way into Voldemort's inner circle and found out where he's been hiding all this time. He's taking me there tomorrow morning" Harry choked out.

"But you're not ready!" she exclaimed, grasping at any excuse for him not to go.

"Yes I am" he said with a quiet determination. "I just wanted you to know how I felt before I left; I wanted you to know in case I didn't come back."

"Oh Harry!" she cried and ran up behind him. "Please forgive me for lying to you. I-I was scared; I didn't want to be the reason you weren't ready to face Voldemort when the time came. I'm so sorry I hurt you." When he didn't answer, she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Laying her head on his back, she could hear his heart beating loudly in his chest. She closed her eyes and listened to it's steady beat, memorizing it's rhythm and filing it away in her memory. Harry brought his hands up slowly and wrapped them around hers.

Feeling emboldened by his gesture, she quietly said "I've loved you since our third year when we went back in time together; when we rode Buckbeak together. I remember when we were in the forest and I watched as the hurt crossed your face as you realized it wasn't your Father that had produced the patronus. I realized at that moment that I would do anything to take that hurt away."

Harry turned around in her arms so that he was facing her and brought his hands up to her face to cup her cheeks. With his green eyes boring into hers, he said "I've known since I saw you in hospital petrified in our second year. I remember thinking that I didn't know what I would do if they couldn't return you back to normal; I didn't think I'd be able to survive without you."

Hermione's eyes welled up with tears and she whispered "please don't leave tomorrow."

With a look of apology in his eyes, Harry said "I have to go Hermione, you know that."

Hermione closed her eyes, causing her unshed tears to fall slowly down her cheeks as she nodded her head. She remembered when Harry had told her and Ron about the prophecy when they were at the Burrow the summer after their sixth year. She hated that he had to carry the burden of saving the world all alone. Making a split second decision in her mind, Hermione looked Harry in the eye and said "make love to me Harry."

Harry stared at her for a moment, rubbing his thumbs across the petal soft skin on her face. "Are you sure that's what you want?" he asked hesitantly. Hermione turned her head and kissed the palm of his hand that was resting on her cheek. "I'm sure" she said quietly, a soft smile playing on her lips.

In a show of his newly attained powers, Harry waved his hand toward the Astronomy Tower door and they heard the click of the lock as it engaged. With another wave of his hand he conjured a small mattress on the floor. Hermione looked at him surprised and clearly impressed. Harry grabbed her hand and led her over to the mattress, sitting down and pulling her down with him. She had landed so that she was straddling his legs and Harry sat up and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I've dreamed of this moment for a long time; I always hoped it would be with you" said Harry huskily. Sliding his hands under her shirt, he ran them up her back to her shoulders and then back down, stopping at her bra clasp. Harry's hands stilled and he looked at her uncertainly, waiting for her approval to continue. Hermione reached behind her back and put her hands on his, urging him to continue. When she did this, her breasts pressed into his chest more and his body suddenly felt like it was on fire. He undid the clasp and slid his hands over the skin of her back around to her front, sliding them under her now loose bra. Cupping her breasts with his hands, he marveled at how perfectly they fit there. Harry moved his thumbs and brushed them lightly over Hermione's nipples, hearing her sharp intake of breath at his touch. He continued to tease the tight nubs until she was squirming in his lap and moaning quietly. Harry captured her moans as his mouth covered hers, moaning himself at the feel of her soft lips pressing against his. Harry ran his tongue along the part of her lips, seeking entrance into her mouth which she readily gave. Slowly sliding his tongue into her mouth, he explored every inch thoroughly and lazily, savoring every moment. His desire for her increased and he started thrusting his tongue in and out of her mouth, mimicking the way his body wanted to move with her.

They pulled apart, breathing heavily and staring at each other with desire glazing their eyes. Harry reached down and pulled the hem of her shirt up over her head, discarding it on the floor along with her bra. His eyes raked over her exposed breasts and he tried to commit the sight to memory. He wanted to remember her like this, with love shining in her eyes and vulnerability written on her face. Hermione reached over and took the bottom of the t-shirt he was wearing and pulled it over his head, exposing his well toned chest. She took in his washboard abs and was thankful for all of the training he had been going through. Hermione slid her hands that had been wrapped around Harry's neck down his well-toned chest. When she lightly grazed his nipples, he sucked in a sharp breath at the desire that shot through him.

Moving with a growing impatience, Harry turned and lay her down so that she was lying flat on her back at his side. Harry reached down and undid her jeans, moving down so he was in a position to slid them off of her. When her jeans fell onto the growing pile of clothes, Harry's eyes traveled her body, from her feet all the way to her eyes, taking in her beauty one inch at a time. He marveled at how beautiful she looked, lying there bathed in moonlight. He moved back up so that they were face to face and kissed her passionately once again. Breaking away from her mouth, he started trailing kisses down her throat, over her breasts and down her stomach. Stopping at the waistband of her panties, Harry grabbed the elastic there and slowly pulled them down, trailing kisses after it's path. Once they joined the pile, he kissed his way back up her legs, savoring the taste of her skin. When he reached the valley between her legs, he slowly parted them a little further so that she was fully exposed to his eyes. He slowly bent down and ran his tongue along her womanly folds, exploring every inch which caused Hermione to moan his name in ecstasy. He continued his exploration for a while until Hermione's back arched off of the mattress and she cried his name, reaching down and tangling her hands in his hair. He kissed his way up her body and kissed her again, letting her taste herself on his lips.

Hermione sat up and pushed Harry so that now he was the one lying down. Copying Harry's actions, she kissed her way down his chest until she reached the button of his jeans, which she quickly undid. Pulling them down his legs, she looked up and noticed his erection, now free from it's prison. She felt a little nervous as she noticed the size of it, but steeled her resolve and reached up to remove his underwear also. After tossing them to the side, she made her way up to his erect member, gently wrapping her hand around it. She heard Harry's sharp intake of breath and started to slowly move her hand up and down the shaft. She heard Harry's guttural moan and began to realize the power she held over him at that moment. Feeling brazen, she bent down and licked the head of his erection, then slowly made her way down the shaft. Taking him into her mouth a little at a time, she made her way back up and repeated her movements several times. Feeling like he was going to explode, Harry reached down to still her movements. Hermione looked up at his face, questioning his actions, and then understanding dawned on her face as she realized he was close to release. She made her way back to his lips, savoring the way her skin slid over his, causing every nerve in her body to come alive. Harry once more moved her so that she was laying underneath him, and used his knee to part her legs. She could feel him pressing against her entrance, and steeled herself for what was to come. It may be her first time, but she had read enough books to understand that what was coming was going to hurt.

Harry stared into her eyes as he slowly pushed into her, stopping when he felt her barrier. With an apology in his eyes, he pushed through the barrier and heard her cry out in pain. Stilling his movements, he lay there and kissed away the tears that were at the corners of her eyes. He ran his hands through her silky hair, enjoying the feel of the strands as they slipped through his fingers. When she finally moved her hips a little to let him know she was ready to continue, he slowly pulled out and just as slowly pushed in again, trying hard not to lose control and start slamming into her. When she started to match his movements, he started to move faster, pulling out of her and pushing back in with a building need. When he couldn't hold back anymore, he let himself go and felt his release. He continued his movements until he felt himself go slack, then pulled out of her and rolled onto his side next to her. Reaching an arm around her waist, he pulled her to him, still trying to catch his breath. He leaned over and kissed her again; this time the kiss was slow and full of his love for her. They broke apart and he heard her soft sigh as she nuzzled into the curve of his neck.

"Are you ok?" he asked, his voice sounding hoarse.

"I'm fine; a little sore but I'll be ok" she replied, running her hand up and down his chest. They lay cuddled together like that throughout the night, dozing for short periods of time and then waking up, telling each other everything they'd kept hidden for so long.

Hermione woke up when a beam of sunlight hit her face and rolled over to escape the bright light. When she remembered where she was and why she was there, she sat bolt upright and looked behind her, praying she'd see Harry there. When she didn't see him she panicked and looked around the room frantically, spotting him looking out the window at the grounds. Sighing in relief that he hadn't just left her there without saying goodbye, she got up and slipped her undergarments on. Gingerly walking over to him, the throbbing ache between her legs a reminder of the night they had shared, she wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"Hey you" she said, trying to suppress the fear she felt growing inside her.

"Morning Love" he said, and turned in her arms like he had the night before so that they were face to face. Looking into his eyes, she saw an emotion there that she thought she would never see; fear. She could also see love and reluctance swirling in their emerald depths. She put her hands around his neck and hugged him to her so hard that he couldn't breath very well. He held her flush against him and buried his nose in her hair, loving the way it smelled of vanilla and strawberries.

"I don't want you to go" she said, her voice choked with tears. Harry closed his eyes, trying to fight off the tears that were welling there at the sound of her sadness.

"You know I have to go" he said, reluctantly pulling away from her and looking her in the eye. "I'm doing this for us Hermione. I'm going to go rid this world of Voldemort's evil once and for all. I will return to you and then we can live our lives in peace, together."

Unable to speak, Hermione nodded her head in understanding and wrapped her arms around him again. She buried her face in his neck and cried, releasing all the fear and the regret she felt for not telling him of her feelings sooner. He stood there holding her, letting her cry on his shoulder and release the feelings that were the same as his. He pulled back from her, his throat constricting from his desire to cry along with her. He tried to put on a brave face, but failed miserably as he looked at her tear stained face.

"Please don't ever forget that I love you with all of my heart. You are the only person I've ever wanted to spend the rest of my life with, and I will fight my hardest to come back to you." Losing his fight, tears started falling from his eyes and he bent down to shakily claim her lips. Savoring the taste and feel of her mouth, he committed everything to memory so he could draw on it when he was out there alone hunting Voldemort.

After pulling apart from their kiss, Hermione looked into his eyes and said "I love you too Harry, with all of my heart. I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes; I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want more nights like last night, being held in your arms and feeling loved unconditionally." Hermione's lower lip started to quiver again as she said "please be safe love."

"I will, I promise" he whispered, not trusting his voice at that moment. Taking a step back from her, Harry held onto her hand, taking her in as she stood there in only her bra and panties, putting the image away with the others in his memories. "I have to go" he said, and slowly let her hand slip from his. She brought her hand up to her mouth, trying to contain the sobs that were trying to escape. With one last smile and a whispered "I love you", Harry turned and started walking towards the door.

"HARRY!" Hermione cried, running and flinging herself into his arms, crushing her body to his. Harry closed his eyes as he felt her body shake while she cried, sobbing loudly now. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner" she wailed and he pulled back, reaching up to cup her face in his hands. "Me too" he said, letting the tears run freely now "but I will be back Hermione. I don't think there's anything on Earth that could stop me from returning to you, especially Voldemort." Kissing her lightly on the lips one more time, Harry quickly turned and waved his hand, disengaging the lock in the door. He opened it and looked back at her, a small smile on his face. Turning quickly, he closed the door and walked away, taking a quick pace so he wouldn't hear her cries and be tempted to go back to comfort her.

Hermione ran up to the closed door and placed her palms against it, almost willing Harry to come back to her. Finally giving up, Hermione turned and slid down the door onto the hard ground, crying harder than she had ever cried before. She sat there for what seemed like hours, crying until her tears ran dry. Shakily pulling herself up off of the floor, she walked over and gathered her clothes together. After dressing, she looked around the room one last time to memorize every crack and crevice. Standing in the middle of the room, she gathered all of her courage and made her way to the door. Opening it, she walked across the threshold and stepped out onto the top stair. Turning slightly, she slowly closed the door behind her, vowing not to return until Harry was back in her arms again.

A/N: Well, how did I do for my first angst/smut fic? I've written some smut into my story before, but it wasn't anything like this. There will be a second chapter, I'm just not sure when it'll be done. Thanks for reading the spawn of my dirty mind!!! :)

2. Waiting For His Return

Hermione sat on her bed in the Head Girl dormitory and listened to her favorite song over and over again on the portable cd player she had gotten for Christmas. It was called "Come Home Soon" and she could relate to almost every single lyric in the song. It had been two months since Harry had walked out of the Astronomy Tower and had left Hogwarts to go and fight Voldemort. Hermione felt fear course through her every morning as Dumbledore stood at the Head Table to make the daily announcements. She was so afraid that he would tell them all that Harry was never coming back and she held her breath until he sat back down to eat. She always thanked Merlin that Harry had lived to fight another day and prayed for him to make it through the final battle.

She hadn't told anyone what had happened between her and Harry, not even Ron knew and she planned to keep it that way. That night with him was sacred to her; she would lay in bed every night and relive every touch and taste she experienced with him. Sometimes she swore she still felt his arms around her, and then she would wake up and realize it was a dream. She would lay there and cry, hoping against hope that Harry would keep his promise and return to her. One night she had had a horrible nightmare in which she saw Voldemort cast the Avada Kedavra curse on Harry and kill him. She had woke up drenched in sweat and had blindly ran to Dumbledore's office in the middle of the night. After saying the name of every sweet she could think of, the gargoyle had finally moved aside as she said "fizzing whizzbees". She had ran as fast as she could up the stairs and had pounded on his office door, hoping against hope that he would let her in. The door had finally opened and Dumbledore had looked at her with concern.

"Ms. Granger, what are you doing here so late at night? Is there a problem with a student?" he had asked her.

"No, Sir, I'm sorry to bother you so late at night, but..." she couldn't keep her emotions in check anymore and broken down crying in front of a shocked Dumbledore. He had reached an arm out and wrapped it around her shoulder in comfort, leading her into his office. She had told the Headmaster everything that had happened between them before Harry had left (well, almost everything) and Dumbledore had sat there nodding his head with a small smile gracing his face. Then when she had told him about her dream, Dumbledore had walked around his desk and sat in the chair next to her.

Grabbing her hand in his, Dumbledore said "I promised Harry after he left that I would keep an eye on you, Ms. Granger. He told me about the two of you and I can truly say I wasn't surprised. When Harry left, Professor Snape went with him to keep an eye on him. If anything happens to Harry, we will know immediately."

Hermione thought back to the day after Harry left, walking into the dungeons and seeing someone other than Snape there. She had wondered where he was, and a part of her was glad he was there to watch out for Harry. Hermione snapped back to the present when she heard Dumbledore start to speak again. "I don't think we have to worry about Harry not coming back. He assured me he would be back for you after he finally got rid of Voldemort. You filled his heart with love, which is what he will need most in this fight, and we both know how stubborn Harry can be when he puts his mind to something."

A small smile came upon her face as she thought back to all the adventures they had had over the last seven years. "Yes Sir, we do" she said, feeling a little more reassured. Dumbledore smiled back at her and patted her hand reassuringly. "Off you go, Ms. Granger, you still have classes tomorrow."

"Yes Sir" she said and stood up from the chair. "Thank you for putting my mind at ease, at least for a little while."

"You're welcome. Now, go get some rest" he said, making a shooing motion towards the door. She had made her way out of his office and back to her room, where she lay for about an hour before finally drifting back to sleep.

It had now been 70 days since Harry had left, and she sat in the Great Hall eating breakfast and pretending to be interested in what Ron was saying. She couldn't concentrate on anything anymore and even her class work was suffering because of it. She was glad that they would be graduating in ten days. She only prayed that Harry would be back to graduate with them.

"Hermione!" Ron had all but shouted, breaking her out of her thoughts about Harry. Glaring at him, she asked "what Ron?"

"Have you heard one word I've said to you?" he asked, glaring back at her.

"Yeah, sure I have. You were saying something about quidditch" she guessed, picking the obvious answer.

"No, I wasn't, I was talking to you about the transfiguration final we have in a week." He looked at her concerned and said "Look Hermione, I'm just as concerned about him as you are, but you've got to snap out of it. You've been like a zombie ever since the day he left to fight you-know-who."

"Jeez Ron, it's Voldemort, don't you have the balls to say his name yet?!" she practically yelled, then noticed that everyone's attention was now focused on her. Glaring around at everyone, she looked at Ron and said "there is no way that you are as concerned about him as I am."

"Oh and why is that Hermione? You know, I've felt like you've been keeping something from me ever since he left. Is there anything you want to share?" Ron asked, noticing the shocked look on her face.

"Nothing I want to share with you Ronald; you wouldn't be able to understand anyway" she said, then gathered her things together and stormed out of the Hall.

Harry stood in some godforsaken field, trying desperately to locate Voldemort. 'And where the hell is Snape?' he thought, scanning the area for him too. He tried to take a step and fell to the ground, weak from all of the magic he had been performing plus lack of food and sleep. Everything had been going good in the beginning; he had surprised Voldemort with his attack and had the upper hand for a while. Then Voldemort had cast some kind of curse on him that acted like a tracking spell, but in reverse and much worse. Every time Voldemort apparated somewhere, Harry was also apparated to the same place, and it was draining Harry of his magical energy quickly. He had lost count a long time ago of how many places they had been. He knew what was going on, Voldemort was trying to drain him of his energy and then he would deal the fatal blow. That would let him win the fight, finally killing Harry Potter, his mortal enemy. Harry was not about to let that happen.

As Harry lay in the field, surrounded by grass tall enough to shield him from view, he closed his eyes to rest for a moment. His thoughts instantly turned to Hermione, his love, and he swore to himself again that he would be the one to win this battle. He was going to return to her no matter what he had to do to accomplish it; he would even commit murder. Looking up, he noticed the stars starting to sprinkle the dusky sky, and then his eyes fell on the barely visible moon. He immediately thought of Hermione, in the Astronomy Tower that night with only her panties on, bathed in the moonlight. He felt himself grow hard and groaned quietly, wishing he could see and touch her at that moment. She was like a drug; he had a taste of her and now he wanted more, as much as he could get.

Trying to calm his desire filled mind, he thought back to all the things they had discussed that night. He remembered clearly when she had told him that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him too. A goofy grin spread across his face as he thought about going to Gringott's and taking his mother's wedding ring out of his vault. As soon as this was over, he was going to do exactly that and ask Hermione to marry him once school was over with. He realized with a start that he didn't even know what day it was anymore; for all he knew she could have already graduated. That thought seemed to trigger something in Harry and he felt pure hatred toward Voldemort. He probably had already missed his own graduation!

Harry had finally had enough; he got up from his hiding place and looked all over his current surroundings for Voldemort. When he thought he had spotted him Harry started marching over to where he was, determined to finish this fight himself, once and for all. 'I'll be home soon' he thought, and then ducked as a red flash of light sailed by his head.

The day after her fight with Ron, Hermione walked into the Great Hall for lunch and sat at the end of the table away from everyone else. Everyone had been watching her since the day before like she was nutters or something and it was getting on her nerves. That mixed with the fact that she had had another nightmare about Harry last night did not help to calm her. She wished Harry was able to send her a letter or just a short note saying he was ok; he'd been gone 71 days today and she was starting to doubt that she would ever see him again. Sighing in resignation, she took out her transfiguration book and started to study for the big exam they were having next week. The food appeared on the table and she started to grab for a ham sandwich on the plate in front of her when the doors of the Great Hall burst open suddenly. She looked up at the entryway, but she didn't see anyone there. Then as if out of thin air, Harry stepped into view, trying to carry what looked to be an unconscious Professor Snape. A huge smile appeared on her face as she stood up and yelled "Harry!"

Her exclamation had gotten the attention of everyone who had went back to eating after noticing there wasn't anybody there when the doors blew open. A cacophony of voices rose in the Hall and Dumbledore came rushing down from the Head Table. Hermione came to her senses and ran to where Harry was, helping him lay Snape on the floor before flying into his arms. Holding him as tightly as she could, she said "I missed you so much Harry."

Harry held onto her tightly, afraid this was just some evil trick of Voldemort's and he would wake up to find himself in some bloody field again. She pulled back a little and looked up at his face noticing the cuts and bruises that adorned it. Before she could say anything, Harry captured her mouth in the most passionate kiss the two had ever shared. Hermione's legs buckled from the wave of emotions that hit her as he kissed her with every emotion he felt for her behind it. Harry broke the kiss and looked at her, exhaustion plainly showing on his face. He reached one hand up to cup her cheek and said "I love..." and proceeded to pass out before he could finish his sentence.

"HARRY!" Hermione yelled, falling to the floor with Harry's dead weight in her arms. Ron, who had been watching their display a little ways away, came rushing over to them and asked "what's wrong with him?"

"I'm not sure, but we need to get him to the Hospital Ward" said Dumbledore, who turned to Ron and asked "do you think you could levitate him there? I can not take both him and Professor Snape at the same time." When he saw Hermione about to object, he looked at her and said "you are in no condition to take him there Ms. Granger." Nodding in defeat, Hermione watched as Dumbledore walked out of the Hall with Snape and Ron said "mobilicorpus!" and Harry levitated off of the floor where he lay. Following after Ron, Hermione heard all of the mumbling coming from the students, especially one as she said "Is he actually attracted to that? She's horrid!" Something in Hermione snapped as she heard the haughty tone of the girl's voice and she whipped around, stalking over to the bitch that had made the remark. The girl was a Slytherin, sitting next to the great and mighty Draco Malfoy. Hermione stood there glaring at her and when the girl noticed her there, said "what do you want mudblood?"

Thwack! Hermione's fist flew out of no where and connected with the girl's nose, causing her to fall off of the bench she was sitting on. "Butt out bitch!" yelled Hermione at the girl who was now cowering on the floor, afraid she'd be hit again. Shaking her hand as pain coursed through every bone, Hermione turned and stalked back out of the Hall, then broke into a run to catch up with Dumbledore and Ron.

Harry lay in his hospital bed, feeling as though he'd been hit by a semi-truck. Something had woke him up and as he tried to pry his heavy eyelids open, he heard two very loud voices.

"Bloody hell Hermione, were you going to tell me about you two or were you just going to keep it secret?" yelled Ron, his face about two inches from hers.

"Back off Ron!" she yelled back, smiling with satisfaction at the surprised look on his face. "I don't have to tell you anything. This is between Harry and I; if you don't like it then you can leave!"

"What!? What the bloody hell do you mean I can leave? Harry's my best mate, just because he decided to shag you once doesn't mean you can push me away from him!" Ron was really yelling now, and as he said the last part of his sentence, Hermione had drawn back her hand and slapped him across the face as hard as she could. Ron cradled his stinging cheek in his hand while Hermione shook the hand she had just hit him with.

"Ah, that's both my hands now!" she said through gritted teeth.

"Maybe if you stopped hitting people your hands wouldn't hurt!" said Ron, mad as hell at her for hitting him. "What's come over you? You've never acted like this before?"

"Nothing Ron; just leave me alone, ok? If you want to sit with Harry, that's fine. Just don't talk to me right now" said Hermione, walking over to sit next to Harry's bed. When she sat down, she noticed his eyelids were partially open and said "Harry, are you awake?"

" 'Mione?" he slurred out, his body too tired to form the word.

"Yes, it's me. Try to go back to sleep; Madam Pomfrey said your body was almost drained of all it's magical energy and you could've died. You need to rest to restore it." Hermione ran her hands through his unruly black hair, staring at his face and marveling at how old he looked laying there.

Turning his face towards her voice, Harry mumbled a quiet "luv you" before succumbing to sleep once again. Tears came to her eyes after he said this, and she bent down to plant a soft kiss on his forehead. "I love you too Harry."

"What did you just say?" asked Ron, afraid he had heard her right.

Looking at him with fire in her eyes, she said "none of your bloody business Ron." Getting up from the bed she looked at him and said "Pomfrey said he'll probably sleep on and off all afternoon. If you want to stay here that's fine, but I have to go to class." Not waiting for his response, Hermione walked out of the Hospital Ward without once glancing behind her.

Hermione walked into her head girl dorm and put her books down on her desk, then walked over and fell backwards onto her bed. Harry had been in hospital now for five days and she had been splitting her time between him and her classes. She had just taken her transfiguration final and she was exhausted, so she figured she would just take a quick kip and then go to see Harry. When Hermione opened her eyes again, her room was cast in shadows from the setting sun and she'd slept longer than she wanted to. Sitting up on her bed, Hermione rubbed her eyes, trying to bring them into focus.

"Hi love" said a quiet male voice behind her. Startled, she turned around quickly to see Harry sitting on the bed next to her.

"Harry!" she said, excited to see him there. "What are you doing here? I thought Madam Pomfrey wasn't going to release you for a few more days?"

"She wasn't going to let me go, but all of my tests were normal and my magic levels are fully restored. When you didn't show up in the hospital ward I figured I'd come looking for you." As Hermione sat on the edge of her bed, Harry scooted up behind her and put his legs on either side of hers. Pulling her back towards him so that her back rested on his chest, Harry pushed aside the hair on her shoulder, exposing her neck which he started kissing.

"Mmm, that feels good" she purred, reaching back to tangle her hand in his hair.

"I missed you" said Harry, his hot breath on her neck as he spoke. Closing her eyes at the wave of desire that washed through her, she said "I missed you too."

Harry wrapped both arms around her stomach and moved his hands up so that each one was cupping her cloth covered breasts. Kneading them gently, Harry took her earlobe between his teeth, biting just enough to cause pleasure and pain at the same time. "I want you Hermione" he whispered in her ear, causing a shiver to run through her body. "You are all I could think about while I was gone; I kept seeing your beautiful naked body and I kept recalling the salty taste of your skin. All I wanted to do was come back here and make love to you." Leaning her head back against his shoulder, her eyes closed from the glorious feeling of him kneading her breasts, she said "Then take me Harry; I'm all yours."

Sliding his arm up from her breast to her throat, he gently pulled her head back. Harry bent down and kissed her lips, his tongue roughly invading her mouth. Thoroughly kissing her until they were both breathless, Harry sat her up and moved the hair off of the back of her neck, gently sucking and kissing the delicate skin there and eliciting a moan from Hermione. "You like that?" he asked, enjoying her reaction to his touch.

"Mmhm" she hummed, and then stood up in front of him. Looking him directly in the eye, Hermione reached up and started to unbutton her shirt slowly. Harry unknowingly licked his lips as he watched her, intrigued by the sudden temptress standing in front of him. Reaching out to help her and hurry along the process, Harry almost growled in frustration as she stepped back from him. Just out of his reach, Hermione undid the last button and slid her shirt down her arms. Reaching behind her, she unbuttoned her skirt and slid it slowly down her legs, noticing as Harry's eyes followed it down. Reaching behind her to undo her bra, Harry shot up off of the bed and reached around her, stilling her hands.

"I want to do that" he said roughly, moving her hands out of the way and undoing the clasp. Peeling it off of her, Harry marveled again at how beautiful she was. Looking at the soft white mounds with rosy nipples, Harry wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. Walking backwards, Harry sat on the bed as he felt it hit the back of his knees. Pulling her close, he reached up and took her breasts into his hands, kneading and teasing her nipples with his thumbs. Watching as Hermione threw her head back, Harry leaned in and took one of her nipples into his mouth, suckling gently. Hermione gasped at the new sensation and grabbed onto Harry's shoulders to keep herself standing. She now understood what the phrase 'weak in the knees' meant. Harry moved onto the other nipple, lavishing it with the same attention he gave the first one. Hermione stepped back from him a little, stopping his ministrations and kneeled down in front of him on the floor. Grabbing the bottom of his shirt, Hermione peeled it up over his head saying "you have to much clothing on."

Harry watched as she proceeded to unbutton his jeans and he lifted his butt up off of her bed just enough so she could slide them down his legs. Doing the same with his boxers, Harry sat there completely devoid of clothing while she still wore a pair of white lace panties. Harry reached out to take them off, but she stopped him by grabbing his hand. Putting her other hand on his shoulder, she pushed him back onto the bed and started sucking lightly on his neck. She made her way down his chest, taking each of his nipples between her front teeth and biting just enough to add pain to the pleasure he felt. Reaching his erection, Hermione wrapped her hand around him and started an up and down motion, closely followed by her mouth. Harry's eyes rolled into the back of his head at the sensation and he prayed he could hold onto his control a little longer. Hermione felt him twitch in her mouth and decided it would be a good time to stop. When she did, Harry sat up on the bed and with urgency he didn't have their first time, he reached out and ripped her panties off of her.

Shocked and a little turned on by the display, Hermione yelped as he stood up and picked her up, laying her gently on the bed. Harry lay over her, his erection pressing against her stomach as he kissed her lips with more urgency now. Moving down her body, Harry took each of her nipples in her mouth just long enough to make her squirm and made his way down to that wonderful valley between her legs. Harry explored her thoroughly with his tongue, making sure that he lingered on every spot that seemed to drive her wild. He brought his index finger up and slowly pushed it into her, causing her to arch off of the bed and moan his name. He loved hearing her breathily whisper his name when she was in the throes of passion; all he had to do was think of her saying it and it made him rock hard. Working his finger in and out of her, he continued on until he felt her tightening and then withdrew it from her, wanting her to come when he did. Moving back up to her lips, Harry kissed her hard as he entered her, definitely much harder than the first time. Hermione winced a little at the extra force and when he saw this said "I'm sorry Hermione, I didn't think..."

"It's ok" she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. "We've only done this once before and it's just been a while." Harry lay still, feeling her stretch to accommodate him and then started pushing in and pulling out of her, her legs squeezing tighter around him. "Faster Harry" she breathed, and he gladly complied. "Harder" she grunted and they had reached a frenzied pace. When Harry felt her walls contract around him and heard her breathily say "Harrrry" he let himself go, pumping in and out of her a few more times. After they were both spent, Harry collapsed onto her, laying his head up by hers. As their breathing returned to normal, Harry pulled out of her and laid next to her, immediately wrapping his arm around her possessively. "Merlin, I love you" he breathed, taking in the smell of her hair. He remembered all the times he recalled the scent when he was laying outside in some forest somewhere. "I thought about you the whole time I was gone" he said.

"Me too; it drove me crazy not knowing if you were ok or not" she said, her voice hitching a little with emotion. He hugged her closer to him and said "you don't have to worry anymore. I'm back now and I'm not going anywhere."

Turning to face him, Hermione laid her hand on his face, taking in his beautiful green eyes that were shining with happiness. "You had better not; I don't know if I could handle you leaving again. Just ask Ron how awful I was while you were gone."

"Yeah, about Ron, he said you punched a slytherin girl and then slapped him shortly after?" he asked, trying to suppress the smile that was threatening to break out on his face.

"Um, yeah but they both deserved it! Ron's a prat and as for the Slytherin twit, well, you didn't hear what she said" explained Hermione.

"Well, what's in the past stays in the past. I want us to start fresh; now that there's no one hunting me down day and night I can give all of my attention to you" said Harry, kissing the tip of her nose lightly. "By the way, Dumbledore is putting together a celebration dance and it will be the night before graduation. Will you be my date?"

"Of course, but that's awfully short notice. That gives me four days to find a dress" she said, going through the dresses she owned in her mind, trying to figure out if one of them would be suitable to wear.

"If it was up to me, I personally prefer how you are right now, but the other girls may get jealous with their boyfriends staring at you all night." Hermione smacked him playfully on the arm, blushing at his compliment. They both continued to lay cuddled up together the rest of the night; Harry didn't even attempt to go back to his dorm. He was quite happy to stay exactly where he was, rules be damned!

Dumbledore announced the dance at breakfast the next morning, causing all the girls to start talking about what dresses they would wear and the guys to roll their eyes at the thought of having to ask out a girl. Ron watched as Harry and Hermione sat across from him, Hermione practically sitting in his lap while they talked with their heads close together. He and Hermione had talked and made up after their spat in the Hospital Ward, but he still wasn't comfortable with them as a couple yet. "I guess I don't have to ask who you'll be taking" he said, looking at Harry with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Something wrong Ron?" asked Harry, concerned by his friend's behavior.

"No, nothing's wrong. I'm just hoping I can find a date to go with me. Preferably someone who I can have fun with this time" he said, not quite meeting Harry's eyes.

"Why don't you ask Lavender?" said Hermione "She's fancied you for a while now."

"Really?" Ron asked, perking up a little. When Hermione smiled at him and nodded her head, he looked down the table to where Lavender was sitting and stood up. "Mine as well do it now" he said, and walked over to sit by her.

After breakfast that day, the next three days flew by for Harry and Hermione. Harry had been excused from most of his exams, but he still needed to turn in a couple of homework assignments to be able to graduate. He finally got all caught up the day before the dance and was even able to go into Hogsmeade with everyone else to buy new dress robes.

Finally the day of the dance arrived and the school was alive with the excitement felt by the students. Hermione disappeared about three that afternoon, telling Harry to come pick her up at her room at seven-thirty. "Why does she need four and a half hours to get ready?" Ron asked, puzzled by her actions.

"I have no idea Ron, but if she looks anything like she did during the dance our fourth year, I'll be a happy man." Harry concentrated on the chess board in front of him, moving his pawn and smiling, thinking he had Ron cornered. Ron moved his queen and said "Check." Noticing his mistake, Harry gave up and moved the same pawn, allowing Ron to declare checkmate. They continued to play until six and then they both went up to take showers and get ready.

When Harry knocked on Hermione's door it was seven twenty-five exactly. He couldn't believe he was actually early. He looked up as the door started to open and was stunned at how beautiful she looked. She had on a strapless white dress with a puffy skirt and the material seemed to sparkle as the light hit it. Her curly chestnut hair was loose and flowing down her back. "Wow, you look beautiful" he said, placing a quick kiss on her lips, afraid they might never make it to the dance if he lingered there.

"You look handsome Harry" she said, noticing the new emerald green robes he had on that matched his eyes perfectly.

"Thank you" he said, then held his arm out to her, asking "shall we go?" She wrapped her arm around his and they made their way down to the Great Hall.

When they reached the doors, they noticed how beautifully decorated the Hall was. There were candles floating above the dance floor and the ceiling reflected the stars outside. It wasn't extravagant, but it was simple and still looked gorgeous. When they had taken two steps into the Hall, the entire room burst into applause. A little embarrassed by all of the attention, Harry just smiled at everyone and led Hermione over to one of the tables along the wall. A slow song came on a few minutes later and Harry asked Hermione "would you like to dance?" Smiling at him, Hermione said "I would love to" and took the hand he offered her. When they were on the dance floor, Harry wrapped his arms around her waist while she lay her hands on his shoulders. They began to sway side to side in time to the music, and Harry couldn't remember the last time he had felt so relaxed and happy. They continued to dance to two more songs, and when the third one started to play, Harry pulled back and looked at Hermione. "Are you having a good time?" he asked.

"Yes, I don't think this night could get any better" she said, smiling happily.

"I think it could" he said, reaching into his pocket and taking out a ring box. He bent down on one knee in the middle of all the dancing students and took her hand in his. Hermione's hand flew to her mouth in surprise as he looked at her and asked "Will you marry me?"

Hermione stood staring at him for a moment in shock, then snapping out of it said "Yes!" Not noticing the crowd had stopped dancing and was watching their every move, Harry took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her finger. He stood up and took her in his arms, holding her against him as the entire Hall started cheering, and then the students started coming up to them one by one to congratulate them. When they were finally left alone, Harry and Hermione went to sit back down at their table.

When Harry saw her looking at the ring, he said "that was my Mother's wedding ring."

"It's beautiful, thank you Harry." After leaning over to kiss him, she looked at him and asked "what made you ask me here, in front of everyone?"

"Well, I figured it would get out one way or another, so why not let everyone know now that you are mine?" She leaned over and kissed him again and then stood up. She held her hand out to Harry and he looked at her questioningly as he took it. She started to lead him out of the Hall and when they got to the stairs he asked "where are we going?" Hermione stopped and looked at him, loving the way his eyes shone with his love for her. Smiling, she said "the Astronomy Tower" and continued to lead him up the staircase.

~*Well, that's it for "Leaving Her Behind". I'm off to work on "The Fear Within" now and should have a new chapter up in a couple days. I had fun with this story and I needed the break from my other one. I hope you enjoyed reading it!!!*~

"Come Home Soon"~SheDaisy (Sorry about the spacing, I couldn't fix it!)

I put away the groceries
And I take my daily bread
I dream of your arms around me
As I tuck the kids in bed

I don't know what you're doin'
And I don't know where you are
But I look up at that great big sky
And I hope you're wishin' on that same
bright star

I wonder, I pray

And I sleep alone
I cry alone
And it's so hard livin' here on my own
So please, come home soon
(Come home soon)

I know that we're together
Even though we're far apart
And I'll wear our lucky penny 'round my neck Pressed to my heart

I wonder, I pray

I still imagine your touch
It's beautiful missing something that much But sometimes love needs a fighting chance So I'll wait my turn until it's our turn to dance

I wonder, I pray

I sleep alone
I cry alone
Without you this house is not a home
So please, come home soon

I walk alone
I try alone
I'll wait for you, don't want to die alone So please, come home soon

Come home soon
Come home soon