It Falls Back On Me

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything related to Harry Potter, except for the lovely posters all over my wall!!!

AN: Here is another attempt I hope everyone likes it, feel free to comment, as they are always welcome.

Chapter One: The Beginning

The soft pitter-patter of rain hitting my window woke me up from a dreamless sleep. I rolled over in my worn down bed, clutching the covers to my body tightly. The light from outside my window at Number 4 Privet Drive, shown into the foggy window casting an iridescent glow all around my room. I wanted to go back to sleep, I was groggy and exhausted, sleepless nights plagued me often. Dreams of Voldemort and my parents were often visitors in my mind, Sirius also. My Godfather had been special to me, I had only spent the better part of two years getting to know him, but I loved him, now he was gone and my heart yearned for him. Something that disconcerted me was a recent dream I had been having.

I was at Hogwarts sitting in my plush chair in the Gryffindor common room with my two best friends Ron and Hermione, surrounding me. Suddenly they scoot closer to each other and start snogging each other right in front of me.

Now they had gotten together the previous year, our sixth year, and I had been absolutely fine with it. But the feelings that inhabited my body when I had this dream startled me. It was jealousy. But why would I be jealous? It’s not like I was attracted to Ron or anything. The thought of me being to attracted to Ron was enough to make me chuckle aloud. Now you are just being stupid Harry. I heard Rons voice say to me. Why is it when my subconscious always talks to me, its always him?

I rolled over and looked at the alarm clock on my desk. The time read nearly five thirty in the morning. I suppose it wasn’t too early to start the day. I threw the covers back and rolled out of bed. My feet hit the frigid floor and I thanked the Gods above for small favors. The heat in my room was becoming unbearable, the summer storms doing nothing to cease the torrid temperature in my bedroom. I walked quickly over to my armoire, the brisk walk across my small room causing sweat droplets to spring up on my forehead. I opened the door and caught sight of myself in the mirror.

I had definitely grown in the past few months. At the end of sixth year I was a gawky skinny kid, my hair didn’t stay where I wanted it to, and my glasses seemed to big for my face. Now living with the Dursleys’ I didn’t put on much weight, as they didn’t ever feed me as much as they fed their precious Duddikins, but I seemed to have grown into what I did have and I was becoming quite muscular. I quickly stripped out of my nightshirt and stood in front of the mirror now in my knickers. My arms had definitely bulked up as well as my legs, but what I was really proud of was the obvious structure of my abdomen now. Six years of Quidditch had clearly helped me out quite a bit.

I dressed swiftly throwing on a pair or jeans with holes in the knees and one of Duddly’s old shirts. I grabbed my glasses and in between searching for socks put them on my face, reveling in the sight I was automatically granted. After putting shoes and socks on, I hurried downstairs to make breakfast for the only people I loathed more than Voldemort.

“Boy, why haven’t you gotten me my paper?” Vernon Dursley roared as he sat down to a breakfast of fried eggs, some sausage’s and more than a few crumpets.

“I haven’t had the time, if you hadn’t noticed I was busy making you and your family breakfast.”

Uncle Vernons’ face purpled at the comment, but he kept his tiny little mouth shut. Just then Dudley came thundering into the kitchen, his voluminous body taking a seat at the kitchen table. Aunt Petunia came flitting in right after him, cooing something about how handsome her little Dudders looked.

Taking the time now that the entire family was in the kitchen I decided to go get the paper from the front lawn.

I could hear Uncle Vernons’ voice screaming something about ‘if his paper was wet from my negligence then I was going to get a thrashing so bad I wont be able to sit for a week’. I rolled my eyes, but somewhere deep inside me, I knew his threat was not empty. They all now knew that my godfather, whom they have feared, was now dead. They held it over my head and used it to their advantage if they ever wanted to black mail me into anything.

At first the feeling of losing Sirius had been quite unbearable indeed. The thought of finally being able to leave this horrid house where these people who were forced to be my relatives took care of me only because of a technicality was a dream come true, and then to have it all ripped away so suddenly was enough to kill. For more than a few weeks I was unreachable. I didn’t talk to anyone, not even Ron and Hermione. I suppose that was how they ended up together. While I was wallowing in my own self-pity, my two best friends were also in pain, and I wasn’t there to help, so they turned to one another. Of course I was happy for the two of them, they deserve to be happy.

I picked up the newspaper and whispered a prayer that it wasn’t wet at all. I then turned around and began walked up the walkway back to the house. All of a sudden I stopped, a feeling I hadn’t felt since Sirius was alive was suddenly overwhelming me. I felt loved. I didn’t know where it was coming from, but it was exactly what I needed. It gave me enough strength to walk back into that house and put a smile on my face, even when facing the cruel remarks from the only family I had ever known.

- - - -

Right at that moment Pigwidgeon, Rons’ hyperactive owl was flying through the air, from the burrow on his way to Hermione. He carried with him a letter that could possible change her life forever.

The tiny owl landed with quite a loud thud for such a bitty bird, right onto Hermiones’ desk. Hermione, who was still lazing about in bed lifted her head and smiled at the sight of her boyfriend’s pygmy owl.

“C’mere Pig.” She said adoringly, eyeing Crookshanks at the end of her bed making sure he wasn’t going to pounce the minute the little owl landed on her.

Pigwidgeon fluttered over to her side and stuck out his leg, which adorned a letter with Rons’ familiar scrawl on it. She unwrapped the piece of parchment and began reading the letter to herself. Upon finishing the letter her face broke out into an uncontrollable grin and she flew out of her bed. Gathering bits and pieces of clothing she managed to dress herself in under a minute and dashed out of her room still clutching the letter in her hand.

She entered the kitchen to find her mom sipping a piping hot cup of coffee and reading the morning newspaper.

“Mum!” Hermione said hardly able to contain her excitement.

Her mother glanced up and noticed the piece of wadded parchment in her daughters’ hand.

“Letter from Ron then?” she answered before Hermione could even get the words out.

“Yes…” Hermione began.

“And he wants you to come stay with them for the rest of the summer?” her mother guessed again.

Hermione slightly blushed at her mother knowing things so well, but nodded her head nonetheless.

“Well I suppose you’d better start packing, hadn’t you?” a grin broke out on her mothers face, and Hermione squealed.

She leaned down and planted a kiss on her mothers cheek before bolting out of the room and back up the stairs. Slamming her door she leaned back against it a large excited breath escaped her, but then also a feeling of unease came over her. She re-read the letter, this time she didn’t smile, but frowned. When did things become so difficult for her?

She cared for Ron, but she couldn’t get a certain emerald-eyed friend of hers out of her mind. Harry had been quite distant at the end of the previous year and she worried about him, but her relationship with Ron had just begun and it took her mind off of him for awhile. But over the summer her mind had been aloud to wander to Harry, and how he was being treated. Her heart always went out to him when she thought about how those horrible relatives treat him.

Deciding that there would be time for her to think about Harry another time she began packing up her trunk with clothes and her school supplies. Her mind no matter how hard she tried remained on Harry though. She felt as if she were betraying her boyfriend by thinking about him, but the truth was, her relationship with Ron felt a little weird to her.

Just then her mother knocked on the door announcing that Ron and his father had just flooed over and were waiting for her downstairs. She acknowledged her mother and continued packing quickly. A few minutes later she heard a knock at her door and Ron stepped in.

“Ron, what are you doing? I was just on my way down.” Hermione said as Ron walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist giving her a huge bone crushing hug.

“I just couldn’t stand to not see you any longer. And I wanted to get a glimpse of Hermione Grangers’ room.” He smiled, showing off his alabaster teeth. his goofy grin caused Hermione to break out into a giant smile as well.

Ron then planted a kiss on her lips, shocking Hermione. Her eyes opened wide and her mouth turned into a surprised “O”. It had been almost a month since Ron had kissed her and she still wasn’t used to the fact that he was going to do that now that he was her boyfriend. She smiled at him then planted a small kiss on his lips in return. She then pulled away and returned to packing.

“Have you sent an owl to Harry?” she asked nonchalantly.

She could sense the tenseness between them suddenly but continued putting her books away.

“Not yet I haven’t” Ron sounded almost defeated. “I’ll write him right now though, just send Pig out again.” He walked over to her desk and took out a quill and piece of parchment.

Hermione picked up on Rons’ immediate attitude change, but she couldn’t do anything about it. She knew he was constantly jealous of Harry, especially the relationship she had with him, but that was something she was going to have to talk with him about obviously.

She heard Ron scribbling a letter to Harry then he attached it to Pigs leg and shooed him out the window telling him to take it to Harry. Afterwards he grabbed Hermiones’ trunk and with her trailing behind holding tightly onto Crookshanks the descended the stairs together. Before the reached the sitting room, she grabbed Ron by the arm, he turned around with a scowl plastered on his face. Hermione smiled at him, her warm grin permeating his foul mood. He sheepishly broke into a smile, a slight blush flooding his cheeks.

“Ron, you’re my boyfriend. Not him.” Was all she said before kissing Ron on the lips lightly.

He pulled her into a hug at her statement and in the process crushing Crookshanks. He loved the way she felt in his arms, all warm and cozy. Her scent drifted up into his nostrils and he breathed it all in, loving every minute of it.

“I know ‘Mione, I know.”

Hermione smiled as Ron pulled her into another hug. She knew she was Rons’ girlfriend and she was happy about it. But if she was so ecstatic about her and Ron dating, why could she not get Harry Potter out of her mind?

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of the Harry Potter stuff except for the wonderful posters on my wall!!

AN: I actually really liked writing this chapter. I’m not sure why. Let me all know what you think of it. Comments are welcome, and thank you to the people who have left them, they truly do keep me writing!

Chapter Two: The Burrow

After finally finishing cleaning the kitchen after the breakfast I had made, I found myself lying on my bed staring up at the ceiling. The little cracks would not be re-forged until Uncle Vernon was sure to be rid of me, he didn’t want me to have any niceties. Thoughts of Sirius, Ron, and Hermione drifted into my head clouding any logical thoughts. The nightmares had begun again, the one where I’m in the Department of Mysteries and I can see all over again the look of horror cross Hermiones face when she’s hit with Dolohovs’ curse, the brains attacking Ron and the scars it left him with, and then the worst one of them all. Sirius’ look of joy totally shattered when the spell hit him in the chest knocking him backwards into the veil, never to return again, and Bellatrixs’ joyous smile as the look of realization hit both her and her cousin. Those nights I usually woke up sweating, tangled in my bed-sheets.

I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the horrible visions I was now having wide-awake. I rolled over onto my side and tried to envision what my last year at Hogwarts would be like. Of course I was still seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, and I had gotten my letter stating that I was indeed head boy this year. Things would be exceptionally normal for me, except for one tiny detail. Voldemort. He was still at large, and looking for me. I knew when it came down to it, I would face him this year, and it would be either him or me. This was what I had been training for, for the past seven years of my life, that moment.

What is wrong with you Potter? Going from thinking about the people you love dying to Voldemort? You have issues mate.

I sat up willing the voice of Ron, my conscience, from my head. At that moment Rons’ owl Pigwidgeon flew through my window and landed with a thud on my bed. I smiled at the tiny bird, taking pity on it. I scooped him up and removing the letter from his leg, put him on Hedwigs’ post where he drank her water welcomingly.

I looked at the letter; the stationary was Hermiones’ not Rons’. I tore open the letter, excitement evident in my face. I hadn’t received a letter from her all summer. Upon opening the letter my face dropped slightly. Rons messy inscribe was on the parchment, not Hermiones elegant scribble.

Harry,

Have your trunks packed and be ready by tonight, we will be by to pick you up. Better have your arse ready, we won’t wait long.

Ron

I smiled but was a bit confused by the harshness of Rons’ tone. Had I done something wrong? Most likely not, Ron was probably just in a bit of a bad mood. I dropped the letter, letting it float down to the floor, and then ran to my armoire to grab my clothes. I filled my trunk with clothes and all my magic books and studies. Finally after closing it, I sat on top of it, looking around at the even emptier room. This was going to be the last time I was ever going to have to stay in this room, ever again. A feeling of elation overwhelmed me, and I thought I was going to cry. This room, this house had been the cause of so many bad moods and fits of hysterical crying over the years. I couldn’t feel anything but contempt for the shoddy room.

I rose from my perch and grabbed the handle of the trunk. Holding Hedwigs’ cage under one arm and opening the door with the other, I dragged the trunk to the foot of the stairs. Taking a breath I began the descend into the family room. The Dursleys’ were sitting around the television watching in rapt attention some idiotic sitcom. Petunia caught sight of me first and her eyes widened when she spotted my trunk.

“Where do you think you’re going Harry?” She asked, her mousy voice barely able to be heard over the television.

I smiled at her, and began to walk to the door.

“I believe Petunia asked you a question boy!” Vernon spat, droplets of spittle hurtling themselves from his mouth and landing on his chin.

“I’m going to the Weasleys’, then I’m going to my school and I am never coming back here.” I proclaimed proudly, walking towards the door once again.

Uncle Vernon pulled himself up from the chair he was sitting in, Dudleys’ portly body taking shape right behind him.

“And that’s it? We don’t even get a thanks for taking care of you, and putting up with your hideous attitude and oddness?” Uncle Vernon shouted. I had had enough of him, enough of this house. I dropped my trunk and Hedwigs’ cage and strutted up to him, my temper flaring.

“Thanks? You want thanks? For what? For locking me in a cupboard for eleven years? For never letting me study? For making me your own personal slave? For never feeding me? Which is Uncle Vernon? Hmmm?” I shouted into his face.

Uncle Vernon stood stalk still staring into my eyes, his face very purple from exertion.

“ANSWER ME!!!” I shouted even louder into his face. The whole Dursley family stood erect, gawking at me. My outburst had obviously reached them.

“That’s what I thought.” I said quietly. “You have nothing to say to the truth, so I have nothing to say to you, except, Goodbye.”

I grabbed my belongings and headed towards the door. I had just about reached the exit to the world in which I longed to belong to when my Aunt Petunias voice rang through the air.

“Harry!” there was sense of urgency to her voice, something I had never heard from her when addressing me. Whatever it was, it made me turn around to face them once more.

Aunt Petunia was approaching me slowly. Her lanky body was slightly slouched as if she looked defeated.

“Harry, I want to tell you something.” She said without preamble.

I nodded my head, urging her to go on. She swallowed heavily.

“I loved your mother, my sister, very much. But I was also very envious of her, and her…abilities.” She stopped and took a breath, this was obvious very difficult for her to admit this to me. “ When Dumbledore appeared and told me of her murder, I was heartbroken. I would never admit that to anyone, only Dumbledore knows of it, but I agreed to take you in, because you were my sisters’ son. You were the only living thing I had left of her, and I needed it.” Tears were forming in her eyes now, and one silently crept down her cheek. “I’m sorry for the way we’ve treated you, I know nothing I do will ever make up for the hurt we have caused you, but I am apologizing here and now, and maybe it will give you some sense of completion to know…I did love her.”

I was totally in awe of everything my Aunt Petunia had just revealed to me. I had never thought her capable of those feelings for anyone other than her precious Duddikins. I didn’t know what to say to her, so I nodded my head. She seemed to get the idea of what I meant, so she too, nodded her head.

Once again, feeling slightly calmer, I grabbed my belonging and pulled open the door. Ron and Hermione were standing in the front lawn waiting for me, a scowl plastered to Rons face, and a smile on Hermiones. I knew good times were on there way.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The weeks I spent at the Burrow were amazing. Mrs. Weasley cooked miraculously for us every night, no meal was ever just satisfactory. I think she sensed the impending doom lurking in our futures.

One night after a particularly large dinner, I decided to take a stroll in the Weasley family gardens to give myself some time to think. It was only two weeks away until we were to leave for Hogwarts for the final time, and I had to ponder on what I was going to do about the threat of Voldemort.

I went deep into the garden which eventually led into a wonderful forest where I found a rather comfortable stump and decided to rest awhile. I had placed my head on my knuckles and was thinking deeply about Voldemort. How was I going to go about the final battle with him? He cannot be defeated by magic, or not my magic. Our wands are brothers, therefore we cannot kill one another, at least not with any ease. A headache was forming in my head and I wanted nothing more than to close my eyes and doze off, however I knew my problems would not be solved by sleeping them away.

A secret type of magic? Dumbledore had once told me that there is a secret magic out there, that I possess. That alone will kill Voldemort for good. The only problem was, I hadn’t the slightest clue what it was.

The pain in my head was becoming worse.

I brought my knees up and rested my elbows upon them. I was going to need many long nights of this type of thinking to even attempt to crack the code Dumbledore frequently speaks in.

“You know, you look like “The Thinker.” Someone said behind me. I whirled around at the beautiful voice. Hermione stood behind me smiling, her perfect teeth gleaming in the darkness.

“So I’ve been told.” I joked with her. “What are you doing out here?” I questioned. She shrugged innocently, and walked towards me. I scooted over on my stump so to make room for her. She sat next to me our thighs touching briefly as she got comfortable.

“I just wanted to see how you were. I’ve been worried about you. You seem to be shutting yourself off from Ron and I.” She spoke quietly but with force.

I sniggered slightly. “I didn’t think you had noticed. You and Ron seem to be all into each other, I didn’t think I fit in there anymore.”

Hermiones’ eyes opened wide in shock.

“Oh no Harry! Please don’t ever think that! I love you! We both love you dearly!” A rosy blush spreading up her face. “Things are just weird right now.”

I looked at her suddenly in a new light. All the feelings that had been coursing through me all summer were now coming to a head. I fancied Hermione. The feelings about Ron, were jealousy. It all made sense now, and the reason for Ron being such a prat to me were the same. He was jealous of me. What a sorry git he is. I thought to myself, he’s the one who got the girl.

“Harry?” Hermione said, her eyes boring into mine. “Are you alright?”

As I sat there staring into her wonderful eyes I had never noticed before the gold flecks that took up residence in her mocha eyes. The way they glinted even when there was no sunlight out. How her skin was flawless, and her mouth the perfect shape and size. And in the right position to kiss her. Wait. Stop right there mister, this is your best mates girl right in front of you. You wouldn’t want him thinking things like this if she was your girl, would you? Oh sod off Potter.

Realizing that Hermione was still sitting in front of me, I snapped out of my trance and looked down at her.

“ Are you quite alright Harry?” she asked concern flooding her eyes.

I nodded my head, not saying anything. I wanted her, right then. I wanted to kiss her, for being so concerned about me then, and always. For never letting me forget anything, and for always being by my side. I wanted to kiss her for being my best friend and for never doubting me. I wanted to kiss Hermione, just because she was sweet, wonderful, beautiful Hermione Granger.

“Hermione…” was all I managed to get out before I crashed my lips down onto hers. A small moan of surprise was emitted from her mouth before she began kissing me back. She tasted like strawberries and pumpkin pie, and I wanted to eat her all up. Her lips were silky smooth and I couldn’t get enough of them. My hands found their way to her hair, where they dived into her wonderful brown tresses. My tongue touched her lips begging for access into the beyond. I suppose that was going to far because she pulled away from me suddenly.

“Harry…” She blushed furiously and I knew our friendship would never be the same again.

Instantly I regretted doing what I just did.

“Oh Merlin, I’m so sorry Hermione, I don’t know what came over me. I don’t know…I’m sorry…” I finished lamely.

She smiled at me softly. “ It’s alright Harry.” Was all she could muster.

I shook my head. “No, I don’t want this to ruin our friendship, and goodness I don’t want Ron to find out about this, he would skin me alive.”

Hermione giggled nervously, and nodded her head. “That he would, my good thinker.” We laughed together at the inside joke. Then she took my hand in her own and began stroking it gently. “Harry, this wont ruin our friendship if we don’t let it.” She looked up at me, her magnificent mahogany eyes staring up into mine. “ And I wont tell Ron if you don’t.” She added with a conspiratorial wink.

I laughed and winked back at her. Standing up from stump, and still holding onto her hand protectively I yanked her up.

“Come on lets get back, its getting late, and I promised Ron a game of wizard chess before bed.”

She smiled at me, and hand in hand we made our way back to the Burrow.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything related to Harry Potter except for the lovely posters on my walls!!

AN: This is another chapter I enjoyed writing. I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.

Chapter Three: When I Breathe

You asked me for my heart

But you didn't have your own

I'm back to where I start

An empty page alone

And I don't want to be the first to call

To show that I still care

Cause every time we speak I fall apart

You know you've got me there

But time will make it all feel better

Like suave upon a wound you soon won't see

Time will erase the scars I've weathered

But as for now it only hurts when I breathe

The pictures once on top

Are deeper in the drawer

Like promises we swapped

Were swept up off the floor

And I don't want to be the one you love

Cause no one else is there

I was never good as runner-up 

In races that aren't fair

But time will make it all feel better

Like suave upon a wound you soon won't see

Time will erase the scars I've weathered

But as for now it only hurts 

Tarnished as this coin I found

Now how am I going to make it through

In the economy of pain

A flowing currency of grace anew

“Harry, could you please move your trunk so I can sit next to Hermione?” Ron asked pleadingly as we boarded the Hogwarts Express for the last time. I smiled at my best friend and obligingly lifted my trunk and hefted it into the overhead bin.

I sat down across from the two most important people in my life, smiling as I did so. Ron gave me a quick smirk and possessively draped his arm around Hermiones shoulders. Hermione on the other hand gave me a warm smile that swiftly turned into a knowing glance and then a bright red blush crept up her neck and threatened to take over her face. I winked secretly at her while Ron was flipping through the new Which Broomstick magazine, gazing longingly at the wonderfully expensive brooms.

I leaned my head against the backboard suddenly becoming quite tired. I closed my eyes and in an instant I dozed off. Images of the night in the burrow came flooding back to me. Hermiones tender lips, my hands in her hair, the scent that flooded my senses even days after the kiss. We had done what we said and kept the whole thing from Ron. At first it was hard, every time I noticed Hermione was alone, it took all the strength I had to keep from snogging her senseless. She of course did her best to stay way from me for the first few days; I did not make this easy on her. Now here we were mere inches from one another, but she was in the loving arms of her darling boyfriend and my best friend. Damn my luck.

Suddenly my bright dreams turned rather dark, and the warmth that was spreading through me at the thought of Hermione, froze and became ice cold. I could see Voldemort standing in front of me, and he was laughing. There was a lump at his feet, I could distinguish what exactly it was, but it stopped me dead in my tracks. A searing pain shot through my head as my scar caught ablaze. My hand went instinctively to it, trying in vain to relinquish the pain. Voldemorts’ laughter became maniacally louder as I unwillingly moved closer to him. The bundle at his feet suddenly came into focus and I gasped. Hermiones’ lifeless body lay at his feet, her eyes rolled back in her head, a terrified look frozen on her angelic face. Suddenly I was screaming…screaming as loud as I could muster…

“Harry! Harry! Wake up!” I awoke with a start to see Ron shaking me, and Hermione standing above me, a worried frown on her face.

I shot up from my seat, becoming dizzy and lightheaded at once.

“Er…I need to go to the privy.” I excused myself and made my way down the corridor of the train to one of the private stalls. Locking the door behind me, I splashed some water on my face, and took a deep breath. I then took this time to glimpse myself in the mirror. I looked a right mess. My hair which was normally uncontrollable seemed to want to rebel even more at this moment. I had dark circles accompanied by heavy bags under each eye, which not to mention were bloodshot at the moment.

I splashed more cool water on my face, and sat down on the toilet.

Why did I have to have such horrendous dreams? Was it going to be like this until Voldemort was defeated? Most likely I thought darkly to myself.

Just then there was a knock on the stall door, and the silhouette on the door told me who it was before I even opened.

Her brown bushy hair always seemed to give her away, but I loved it. I opened the door to see a rather distraught Hermione staring at me. She shoved her way into the stall with me and then closed the door.

“What happened back there Harry?” She asked immediately.

“Well get right to the point then, why don’t you?” I tried to joke with her. She glared menacingly at me. I backed off, putting my hands up in retreat.

“Ok, ok, I just had a dream, it’s no big deal.” Obviously by the death stare I was receiving this wasn’t going to be enough information for our Hermione. “It was about Voldemort, I dreamt about him, which made my scar hurt. It’s just like the other ones I’ve had before.” I ended in a huff.

Her stare seemed to soften, as she put her hand up to my face and gingerly touched the cause of all my troubles. Her caress seemed to soothe all my trivial problems away and in an instant there was only Hermione. Once again I was lost in her eyes, the same sweet cinnamon sugar goodness urging me to have one more taste.

Before I knew what had happened she had wrapped her arms around my neck and was plastering tiny kisses all over my face. I tried to capture her lips with mine, but her face was darting all over my neck and cheeks and nose. I could feel her eyelashes batting against my face when finally our lips met once again.

She still tasted like strawberries but the pumpkin pie was gone, replaced instead by peppermint. It was wonderful taste that had me ravishing her mouth; I never wanted this moment to end. Sadly though only a few minutes in, she pulled away once again.

“That, Harry, was a get well soon kiss. Don’t expect it to happen again.” She said with a snicker, then turned around and opened the door. Flinging her head back to look at me once again she added. “Do hurry back, we will be arriving soon, wouldn’t want to forget you.” With that she walked out, a slight spring to her step.

I put a finger to my lips to feel an icy sensation encasing them; she had done something to them. Bewitched them, bewitched me, somehow. This was something that wasn’t going to simply go away. Damn that woman.

I splashed more water on my face before I finally decided to head back to our compartment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Luna Lovegood was sitting alone in the next compartment over. She had been brooding since she boarded the Hogwarts Express. Seeing Ron with Hermione was never an easy thing, not since she had briefly dated Mr. Ronald Weasley a few months before Hermione had. The relationship had been a good one, but it had ended badly. Luna had seen it before it had happened, that was one of the downfalls to having the sight. Either she sit back and let it happen or do something about it, which would probably bring about the inevitable no matter what.

She knew Ron was in love with Hermione, anyone with eyes could see the way he looked at her with so much love, his heart was sure to burst. Alas anyone with eyes could also see that Hermiones’ eyes were not often on her boyfriend, but on a certain Harry Potter. Luna felt horrible being able to see that Hermione was in fact in love with her best friend, and he with her. She knew that before anyone else, so it hurt her even more when she and Ronald broke up so he could be with someone who didn’t love him.

So here she sat, alone in a train compartment, contemplating going against everything she had seen and to just waltz right up to Ron and tell him that she loved him, and plant a big wet kiss on him.

That was when she was struck with a sudden headache. Not a searing pain like that of Harrys’ but one that buzzed a little. Instantly she was transported to another place.

The light was very dim from what Luna could see; there were candles lit all around, but no human beings. The corridor was dark and looking slightly like Hogwarts, and as she gazed in front of her she saw the fat lady’s portrait. The door to the Gryffindor Tower. What was she doing here? The door suddenly flew open for her, and she went inside. What she saw there was enough to scare her right out of her vision.

Luna sat up gasping. Sucking in quick breaths, trying to keep her bearings straight. Her eyes came into focus and a sweat broke out on her forehead. She knew she had just had a vision, but it was one she would rather not think about, ever again. She could see everything in her mind right now, as if it were burned there, so as she would never have a reason to forget. Thinking about it caused hot tears to cascade out of her eyes and stream down her flawless face.

She was shaking now uncontrollably, her greatest fear, she realized, was going to come true this year. She had seen her first death…and there wasn’t anyone she could tell.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I placed Crookshanks on my bed in the dorm I shared with Lavender and Parvati. They hadn’t yet arrived and for that I was thankful. I had time to myself to think about what I had willingly done on the train today. I knew I was being a horrible person, by going behind Rons’ back with his best friend, but as I told Harry today in the bathroom, it was going to happen again.

But as I threw myself backwards onto my bed, I thought to myself, how could I not want it to happen again? When had Ron ever kissed me like Harry did? I can answer that…umm…never? Harrys’ lips seemed to be made for mine, as if they were molded out of the same material. I inhaled deeply, still able to smell Harry on me. Ron hadn’t questioned me when I returned, he merely assumed I comforted Harry in a way that he could not, and in a way…I did.

But I couldn’t do this to Ron, not only was he my boyfriend, but he was best friend before anything else. I love him dearly, as a friend. As a boyfriend…I just didn’t see it working, but how was I to tell him that? There was a time when I could tell both of my boys absolutely anything, now though, it seemed difficult to even be around them anymore without wanting to snog. Either it be with Ron, who wanted it because I was his girlfriend, or be it Harry, and who knows why he wants to snog me. But I desperately wanted to snog him, all the time it seems.

I began to get frustrated with myself; this wasn’t something I often did. There was never a time when I couldn’t figure something out that had been troubling me, this time should be no different.

I pulled myself up and decided it was time to go down to the common room and see what exactly my boys were up to. Both had been quite silent at the Welcoming Feast, so I figured it best to make my appearance as their best friend and see what was bothering them.

I walked out of the dorm and down the stairs into the common room. My eyes darted around the room looking for the red and black heads of hair that I was so familiar with. I spotted them in the corner near my favorite chair playing what seemed to be a very lively game of wizard chess. I walked slowly down the stairs and made my way over to them quietly. I walked up behind Ron, Harry seeing me of course, I motioned to him to keep quiet, as I placed my hand over Ron’s eyes and he proceeded to drag me over the couch and onto his lap.

I kissed him gently, all the while feeling Harrys’ eyes on me, the weight of them were distracting and I pulled myself up so I was sitting next to Ron instead of on him. I looked at the board to avert Harrys’ hurt look.

“So who’s winning?” I asked trying to make conversation. Ron seemed happy about my coming up to him first, and ecstatically shouted that he was winning as usual.

Just then Harry stood up and feigned a yawn.

“Well I’ve had a long day, I think I’ll head on up to bed.” He looked at me sharply, and instantly I knew what I was doing was wrong.

He began to walk towards the stairs when I got up and went after him.

“Oy, where ya going?” Ron called after me.

I turned around to him. “I’ll be right back, I need to speak with Harry quickly.”

With that I made my way back towards the stairs and managed to catch Harry before he entered the boys dormitory.

“Harry.”

He seemed to be ignoring me, so I called his name again. Finally he turned to face me, a look of utter pain etched all over his face.

“What Hermione?” he seemed almost angry.

“Harry, I just wanted to tell you that I’m sorry for what happened today, and that it cant happen again. I’m with Ron, our best friend.”

Harry nodded his head and then made to leave, but turned as if he realized something.

“Hermione, I just want to tell you that I do have feelings for you. Which is why I kissed you, and when you kissed me back, it led me to believe you too had feelings for me.” he took a deep breath. “ But when you blatantly rub it in my face that you are dating my best friend, after such an amazing kiss…it hurts.”

That was all he said before he turned and escaped to his room. I stood there shell shocked, not sure what to do. Deciding it would be better to be alone, I too retreated to the confines of my bedroom, where I put a silencing charm on my four poster bed, and cried myself to sleep.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything related to Harry Potter except for the lovely posters on my wall…damn it where is my new Sirius one? Grrr…

AN: AHHH I felt tears creeping into my eyes while writing this one!!! Comments always welcome, as you know!

Chapter Four: The Attack

I woke up the next morning feeling slightly apprehensive for the day to begin. Today was the first day of classes and I was slightly nervous, I was in seventh year, which meant lots of studying for N.E.W.Ts, a lot of studying with Hermione.

I wasn’t going to let this ruin our friendship; we had far too much history to discard it over a few shared kisses. I got up and ran a hand through my hair, glancing around the dorm I noticed Ron was already gone, most likely to find Hermione.

I half-heartedly put my robes on and grabbed my wand, shoving it in my pocket. I left the dorm and went down to the common room, to my surprise Ron was sitting alone by the fire. I immediately went to him; he looked as if he could use his best friend at that moment.

I sat down across from him silently, but letting him know I was there if he needed to talk to me. Ron and I used to talk about everything, Quidditch, school, what we were going to do when we graduated. The only thing we never discussed was girls, well er, I should say Hermione.

He lifted his head and looked at me, a slight shy smile playing across his lips. I sent him a smile back letting him know I wasn’t going anywhere.

“Harry…” he finally began. I looked at him with rapt attention. “…I think I did something horrible.”

“What did you do, Ron?” I asked cautiously. I was secretly hoping that Hermione hadn’t told Ron about the kisses and now he was thinking it was his fault they happened.

He swallowed, his adams’ apple bobbing up and down as he did so. “Well I spoke with Hermione this morning.”

Now it was my turn to swallow nervously. He continued.

“And well I had been wanting to speak with her about this for some time, but I just don’t think that it was the right time.”

Nervously I said. “What did you say to her Ron?”

He looked at me, his eyes becoming watery. “I told her I loved her.”

My heart dropped. That wasn’t what I had expected. I hoped my emotion didn’t show to well on my face because this was something he needed me to be here for him for. He loved Hermione. Wow, I suddenly felt as if I was hit with a ton of bricks, but I kept a grin on my face nonetheless and urged him to go on.

“Yeah I told her, and she became all flustered, and tongue tied. Hermione is never tongue tied, she always has something to say and you know it.” He put his head in his hands as if giving up.

“Ron, it was probably a good thing you did tell her. Did she say anything back to you?”

His head slowly lifted and our eyes met in battle, blue against green.

“Yeah, she did.” He plainly stated. “She broke up with me.”

I was totally dumbstruck. I didn’t know what to say, a part of me felt so badly for Ron, and I couldn’t help but feel that this was my fault somehow. Whereas the other part felt nothing other than immense elation at the prospect of Hermione now being single. I knew it was the best thing to be feeling right now, so I pushed down the happiness that was threatening to boil over, and kept my concentration on Ron, my best friend.

“I’m so sorry mate, did she give you a reason?” I asked honestly.

He nodded his head. “She said it had something to do with N.E.W.Ts, but I’m not sure I believe her.” he stood up and walked towards the fireplace. He put his arm against the mantle and leaned on it. Obviously this was where he wanted to end the conversation.

I stood up and went over to him.

“Well, what do you say to some breakfast before classes begin?” I asked prodding him in the side. He swatted my hand away.

“Nah, I’m not feeling like facing the whole school just yet. I’ll see you in Charms.” With that said he turned and fled up the stairs leading to the dorms.

I watched his retreating form until the door shut, and then at top speed, I ran out the portrait hole and down to the Great Hall for some last minute breakfast. Right before I reached the entrance, I ran head on into a one Hermione Granger.

We both toppled to the floor from the impact of my running into her. Her books and papers were strewn all over the floor, a look of horror on her face.

“Oh Harry, all my work!” She cried out reaching for every bit of parchment she could get her tiny little hands on. I couldn’t help but laugh, what with the mood I was in. I helped her gather all her precious assignments up into a great big bundle, then we stood together.

“Hermione, I want to talk to you.” I began; her eyes met mine in a questioning glance.

“What about?” she inquired. She was the brightest witch in our century; she couldn’t be that daft, of course she knew what I wanted to speak with her about.

I rolled my eyes at her and grabbed her arm gently. I led her away from the great hall, and into a deserted corridor. She looked up at me, her great brown eyes staring curiously into mine.

“Harry, what…” Was all she managed to get out before I softly pushed her into a wall and pressed my lips to hers. She didn’t push me away, which surprised me, but if anything she deepened the kiss. Our tongues had begun a battle that neither one wanted to win. She had dropped her papers once again and now her hands were at the back of my neck, her thumb making circles on my skin.

This time it was I who pulled away, taking time to catch my breath and to gage her reaction. Her lips seemed to be stuck in a permanent pout, begging for more. A deep blush had spread over her face, and her breathing was ragged and forced, as if trying to sound normal. I took her hands in mine.

“I had to do that, ‘Mione.” She nodded her head in response to my admission. “I’ve realized something, over the past few weeks…” But what I had said after that had been drowned out by a horrendous crash from somewhere above us.

Instantly we both reached for our wands, and began running towards the sounds of crashing rubble and screaming classmates, her papers carelessly left behind.

We darted up the stairs and were turning a corner when we ran into Ginny Weasley.

“The common room!” Confused, we both urged her to go on. “The Gryffindor common room, it was attacked, we don’t know how.”

My heart leapt into my throat, and my pulse quickened. I had thought of one thing when she said that. Ron. He had still been in there, oh please let him be alright. I grabbed Hermiones’ hand and pulled her forcefully towards the portrait hole.

The door had been blasted open and we could see into the common room. I turned to Hermione. “Stay here, please.” I begged her.

I left her there with a flabbergasted look on her face. With my wand drawn I entered the smoking common room.

“Lumos” I said, as there was almost no light in here. I walked around searching corners and overturned furniture. Whoever had done this had fled immediately, leaving behind no possible trace of identity.

Suddenly a noise to the left of me caught my attention. I turned and faced our three favorite chairs. The ones carefully placed by the fireplace so Hermione had light to do her homework by, and Ron and I could always see the others move in wizard chess. I walked carefully over to the semi circle the chairs created, noticing that there was a shadow coming from Hermiones’ chair. I held my breath the entire walk over there. I didn’t want to see what was on the other side of this chair, in fact I don’t think I had ever been so scared in all of my life, my heart was pounding in my throat. Deciding that my heart was better in my chest, I swallowed the lump, took a deep breath and walked over to the other side.

A loud gasp escaped from my mouth at the sight that met my eyes. Rons’ body sat upright in Hermiones’ chair, a look of terror plastered to his face. I knelt down, instantly putting my hand to his face, his flesh was still warm. I felt a sob try to pry itself from my mouth, but I swallowed it back down.

Suddenly I heard Hermione.

“Harry, I’m not waiting out here any longer.” She had come in and she was only ten feet away from where the corpse of our best friend sat.

“Hermione, stay there.” I said putting my hand up to attempt to stop her. “Please.”

“Harry, this is my common room too, I’m as worried as you are…” She had stepped up beside me, against my pleading with her not to. Her breathing seemed to have stopped for a minute before she squatted down to her knees. “No…”

She had grabbed his hands and was shaking them slightly. “Ron, wake up.” She was rubbing his hands now, pulling gently. “Wake up Ron, you’ve gone and missed breakfast.” Her hands now made their way up to his shoulders where she was shaking his entire body now. All I could do was sit and watch, tears streaming down my face. “Ron, you’re going to miss your first class!” Hermione was screaming. I saw Ginny come into the common room, instantly I darted for her.

She looked at me as if in sudden realization. A sob escaped her mouth, as she buried her head in my robes. Thankfully Dean and Seamus came over to us, and took Ginny into their helping arms, as I went back over to Hermione who was now sobbing uncontrollably.

I squatted down beside her and put my arms around her. Tears had stained her face and clothes, but I didn’t care. Her hands were still intertwined with Rons limp ones, she seemed to have a death grip on him.

I looked up, tears clouding my vision, and barely saw Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall step into the room, shock registered on both their faces.

“Minerva, why don’t you gather up Harry, and Ms. Granger and get them to the infirmary. Make sure Poppy gives them the dreamless sleep potion.”

Professor McGonagall helped both of us up off the floor, all three of us quietly crying as Professor Dumbledore, and now Professor Snape covered Rons’ lifeless body with a Gryffindor blanket.

I had not removed my arms from around Hermione, and we made our way silently down the corridors and into the hospital wing. I had stopped crying, but I hurt inside, I hurt all over. Hermione hadn’t stopped crying, but it wasn’t the horrible gasps for breath it had once been, instead now it was silent shudders of mourning that were wracking her body.

I walked Hermione over to one of the hospital beds and watched as Madame Pomfrey administered the dreamless sleep potion, I didn’t leave her side as she slid under the covers.

“I just can’t believe it Harry.” She said in between sobs. I shushed her lightly.

“Close your eyes, love. Just go to sleep. I’ll be here in the morning.” I said quietly as her eyelids became heavy and she drifted off.

Madame Pomfrey ushered me over to the bed next to the sleeping Hermione, and made me too get under the covers. She then stood there as I swallowed every last droplet of the potion.

Once the potion had begun to take affect, I felt my mind being freed of all horrible thoughts. Of Rons look of horror, Hermiones tear stained and blotchy face, of the destroyed common room. Everything seemed to leave me, and that is exactly how I wanted it.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything related to Harry Potter except for the wonderful posters on my wall.

AN: This was probably my favorite chapter to write so far, I think it holds so much emotion. Let me know what you think!

Chapter Five: Emotions

It was difficult to open my eyes when I attempted to. They were so badly swollen I could have used a crowbar to pry them open. Finally after my eyes came into focus, I recognized the stark white walls of the infirmary, and memories came flooding back to me. Harry running into me in the hall, my assignments flying all around us, the kiss in the secluded hallway, the deafening crash above us, the laborious sprint up the stairs, the smoking common room, and finally…Ron. It was still too fresh and raw; I didn’t want to believe it. I couldn’t believe it. Ron had done nothing to deserve the fate he was handed.

I felt fresh tears threatening to surface, and quickly I shut my eyes willing them to retreat back to the solace of being unknown. I turned my head to my left and slowly opened my eyes. Harry was asleep in the bed next to me, his glasses still on his face. He was breathing very comfortably, most likely still under the effects of the dreamless sleep potion. He looked so peaceful during this horrible time in our lives. Suddenly I remembered seeing his face, upon finding Ron. Ron had not only been my best friend but Harrys’ also. The loss he was suffering was just as great as mine, if not worse. Ron was Harrys’ confidant, his guy friend, his mate. And now he was gone, forever. A great wave of sympathy overwhelmed me at the thought that Harry had lost yet another loved one.

His parents, Sirius, and now Ron. I choked down a sob at the thought of never seeing my best friend again. The pain was so real, I didn’t know how to handle it.

Then suddenly a thought came to me. Ron shouldn’t have been in the common room. He should have been down in the Great Hall having breakfast with me. It was my fault, my fault he was dead. If I hadn’t been so cowardly, and broken up with him at his confession, then Ron would still be alive. A silent tear cascaded down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away. I thought I had been breaking up with him for the right reasons. Reasons I didn’t give to Ron, I was too scared, and now he was gone. He was never going to know the real reason why it was I left him.

A move to the left of me caught my eye, and I saw Harrys’ eyes flutter open, the bright green of them clouded by blood shot and black rimmed eyes. He must have stayed away long after me, letting his emotions show then. Our eyes met and a silent understanding went through us. His arm shot out over the side of his bed and stretched to meet mine. I grabbed his hand as best as I could, and that’s how we held each other, giving what strength we had to one another.

At the same time we heard voices out in the hall, then the door opened and Dumbledore walked leisurely in. There was no twinkle in his eye, no skip in his step. He walked in looking much older than usual, a decrepit old man in place of our fun loving young at heart headmaster.

His eyes flicked back and forth between Harry and I, not quite sure which to land on first. He chose Harry in the end.

“Mr. And Mrs. Weasley are out in the hall Harry.” He started folding his hands in front of him. “They would like to speak with both of you.” His eyes now landed on me, I nodded in return.

“Send them in, unless we can get up and speak with them out there.” Harry stated. He suddenly sounded so old. So broken. I felt my heart breaking.

“No, Madame Pomfrey would be quite upset with me if you were out of bed right now. I will bring them in.” he walked back out into the hallway where we heard Mrs. Weasley stifle a sob before walking in.

They both looked a right mess. Mrs. Weasleys’ face was tear stained and blotchy, whereas Mr. Weasley looked as if he hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep in days. Immediately Mrs. Weasley went straight to Harry, hugging him to her bosom, muttering thanks and apologies at the same time. Mr. Weasley crossed the room to me, and wrapped his warm arms around me as finally his tears came. I felt the hot dampness of his tears hit my shoulders. After both of the Weasleys had grown quiet, and their tears came only occasionally they pulled up chairs in between our beds, and we settled down to discuss what had happened.

Harry told them how he was on his way down to the Great Hall to find me (He left out the kiss, thankfully) when we heard the thundering crash above us. He told them he was the first one there, how he made me stay back, while he investigated. They wanted to know what he had looked like, what curse had been used. They wanted to make sure their youngest son had gone peacefully. Harry informed them, he was pretty sure it was the Killing Curse. Mrs. Weasley broke down once again, her husbands loving arms around her, cradling her broken down body.

They asked me how I was doing, all I could do was nod my head. All three of them looked concerned for me, but I would not let them think that. It was my fault Ron was dead, mine and mine alone.

Finally the Weasleys left, both had calmed down in the talk we had with them. They were returning to the Burrow to plan Rons funeral, they wanted to have his headstone on their property, they said they would owl us with the date for the event.

I wanted nothing more than to drift off into a peaceful sleep, but Harry wouldn’t allow it. He sat up and put his legs over the side. I looked at him curiously.

“What are you doing Harry?” I said weakly, as if I barely had a voice.

“I don’t want to spend another night in here.” He stood up and stretched, his joints cracking. “Come on.” He held out his hand to me. I shook my head.

“Madame Pomfrey, will be cross with us if we leave.”

Harry suddenly looked mad. “I don’t care, I’m not injured. I don’t need to stay here any longer.”

He grabbed his wand from the bedside table and stormed out of the hospital wing. A silent tear fell down my face as I tried to close my eyes again, but to no avail, I was wide awake. Feeling suddenly very restless, I too flung my legs over the side of the bed, grabbed my wand and walked out of the infirmary.

Things seemed to be normal around the castle, classes were going on, and students were laughing. How could people be laughing, when such an amazing person had just died? I began to become quite angry with my fellow students. I caught a glimpse of Seamus and Dean, they looked very somber indeed. They seem to catch sight of me, and gave me a very uncheerful wave. I smiled weakly back at them, and continued walking up towards the Gryffindor Tower. Hoping that it had been restored magically, I made my way through the corridors I had memorized years ago. I could do this walk in my sleep, I thought grimly to myself.

I turned a corner and nearly ran head on into the one person I didn’t want to see. Draco Malfoy. He looked surprised at seeing me, but the surprise on his face didn’t change to a scowl when he realized whom it was he had run in to. It changed to something I never thought I would see coming from a Malfoy. Sympathy.

Hesitantly one of his hands moved towards my shoulder, he placed it there gently. I shied away from his touch, but he held his hand there. He looked me in the eye then.

“I’m sorry.” Was all he said, and then he removed his hand and continued walking down the corridor. Tears were back in my eyes, and I ran the rest of the way to the portrait hole.

The fat lady had returned, and she let me know that the common room had indeed been restored. She let me in after informing me of what the new password was. Walking into the common room was a surreal feeling at best. It was only last night I had come barging in here to find the body of my best friend being cradled by my other best friend. My cheeks were wet with my own rain as I ignored the corner where I frequently studied, where he had been found. I walked right up the stairs and into the girl’s dormitory.

Ginny was in there, she was throwing her clothes and belongings into her trunk. She spun around when I closed the door. Her face too was blotchy, her make up runny. A fresh whimper escaped her lips as she launched herself at me. I caught her in my arms and we both fell to the ground, holding each other tightly, fearing that if we let go, the other would be lost. Ginny was my gateway to Ron, the last thing I had. I smoothed her fiery red hair away from her face, as we looked at each other.

“I miss him Hermione.” Was all she got out before she broke into another fit of sorrowful weeping. I held her until she had nothing left. An hour had gone by before we had both cried ourselves into nothing. We then stood up from the floor, and we packed her stuff together. She was going to stay at the Burrow for a while, she said she needed to heal, and home was the place to do it.

I agreed with her, secretly longing for my home, but there was no way I could leave Harry, and my studies. We gathered the last of her things and I helped her out the door. I didn’t dare go down into the common room, so I bade her good-bye at the stop of the stairs. We hugged clutching onto one another tightly.

“I’ll send an owl in a few days.” She said into my ear. I nodded my head. I still hadn’t said one word to her. We broke the hug, and she lugged her trunk down the stairs where Fred and George were waiting for her. They solemnly waved at me in unison, and I smiled bravely at them.

Feeling suddenly sick, I turned from them to come face to face with Harry. I gasped when I saw him, surprise evident on my face.

I realized I hadn’t hugged Harry yet, since this had happened, and my world suddenly felt very lonely. I smashed myself into his body and he welcomingly wrapped his toned arms around me. I didn’t cry, and neither did he. He just held me to him.

We stood at the top of the stairs for what seemed like forever before finally he tilted my head up, so he could look me in the eye.

“ ‘Mione, everything is going to be alright.” He said assuredly. He sounded so sure of himself. I almost believed him. For now I would let him think everything was going to be perfect again, but I knew better. Something this horrible doesn’t happen, and then everything goes back to normal instantly.

I rested my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. It was nice to hear his heartbeat, it let me know he was alive. Then a horrible thought abruptly crossed my mind. Voldemort. Harry would be facing Voldemort soon, and the thought of losing him also was heartbreaking.

Harry had told Ron and I about the prophecy during our sixth year. I had cried when I found out, Ron just slapped him on the back and let him know that we were by his side one hundred percent. I smiled at the memory of a carefree Ron. I missed the days when all we had to worry about was whether Professor Snape was going to pass us for the day or not.

Now as I stood at the top of the stairs being held in the arms of my best friend, I realized treacherous times were ahead of Harry and I. I shuddered at the thought, and Harry must’ve felt it. He glanced down at me.

“Are you cold?”

I shook my head and hugged him tighter. I could feel my eyelids becoming heavier by the minute, but I refused to succumb to sleep. But as usual sleep over came me, I could feel my legs wailing at the idea of supporting my weight, and then my knees buckled. Harry held onto me, as I woke slightly, muttering an apology.

He put his arm around my shoulder and moved me towards the girls dormitory. He put his hand on the doorknob and pulled it back automatically, burned by the charm the girls had put on it to stop boys from entering. I smiled at him and opened the door. He walked me over to my four poster bed, and pulled back the curtains. Crookshanks lay sleepily on the bed, he opened his eyes preparing to move, but then realizing it was only me, he closed them once again resuming his nap.

“ Thank you Harry, for being there.” He nodded his head, blushing slightly.

“You’re my best friend Hermione, I will always be there.”

I climbed into bed, clad in my robes. Harry thoughtfully pulled the covers up around my chin, making sure I was entirely tucked in, he even asked me if I was warm. I had to smile at the thought. He then leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead, and whispered good night into my ear.

I watched his retreating form, then the lights dimmed, and finally went out. Then the door shut. I was alone with my thoughts, and not at all happy about it. Deciding there was nothing I could do, I cast a silencing charm around my bed, and cried until I had fallen asleep.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Harry Potter except for the wonderful posters on my wall. My Sirius poster finally came!! WOOT WOOT!!!

AN: Sorry this took so long to write, Ive been having a horrible case of writers block, and then I went to California for Thanksgiving. I know this isn’t my best work, and if I can think of something better to put in this chapter I will, this was merely a filler chapter. I’m just waiting for what I have coming up. Also I have started writing a fan fic about Sirius but I can’t post it here because it is not a ship here. So if you would like to read it feel free to contact me, my AIM screen name is DangerousGame17 or email me at Kaoticcutie1@msn.com. Thanks!!!

Chapter Six: The Truth

I left her room knowing very well that she would be asleep within minutes, but thoughts of her still clouded my mind. The past two days had been so trying on both of us, yet she was amazing me with her strength.

I walked into the common room, not daring to sit in the chairs we used to call home, but bypassing them completely and leaving the tower all together.

It was getting pretty late, and I didn’t really care if I was caught wandering the corridors right now. I needed to think, and no one was going to stop me.

I must have been close the Slytherin tower because I could hear Malfoy talking with someone, someone with a female voice. I couldn’t make it out without being seen, so I stayed pressed against the wall, extremely silent trying to listen to every word that was said.

“I don’t want to go, but its something I need to do.” The female voice said.

“Its going to be so lonely without you here, who am I going to stare longingly at over dinner?” Malfoy sounded very odd, speaking in this manner to someone else. There as no trace of his normal self in his voice at all. I suddenly wanted very much to know whom he was talking to.

The female laughed in a low voice.

“I have to be there for my family. Please understand.” She said in a calm tone.

“I do, I do. Its just I’ll miss you Red.”

My eyes widened in shock. Red…Malfoy had just called this girl Red. She needed to be there for her family…

Knowing if I stayed longer, I would give myself away, so I retreated back towards the Gryffindor common room.

Ginny and Malfoy? But why would she be with him of all people? I thought she had gone with Fred and George? What was she still doing here?

All these questions raced through my mind, I was so confused. I heard a rustling of cloaks behind me and I realized that it was Ginny returning from her rendezvous with Malfoy. Half of Harry wanted to stop her and throttle her for consorting with the enemy, but then the other half heard the affection in his voice when he used his pet name for her. He quickly decided to duck behind a statue as she walked quickly and quietly passed him with the tiniest of smiles on her spread across her face.

After she passed, Harry suddenly didn’t want to go back to the common room, he wanted answers, and he knew exactly where to get them. He sprinted back the way he had come, hoping that Malfoy was still there. To his surprise he was, but he was leaning against the wall, a sullen look upon his face. He looked up at the noise, a look of sudden surprise, then was replaced with a look of resignation.

“Potter, why don’t you sit down?” Malfoy asked his familiar drawl coming out.

Harry was surprised to say the least. Was Draco Malfoy being decent to him? He shook his head opting to continue standing, he had his hand on his wand, which was hidden, inside his robes.

“Alright, your choice.” Malfoy shrugged his shoulders.

“What’s going on Malfoy?” I asked him trying to keep the anger from my voice.

His eyebrows rose in question. Then a look of realization crossed his face.

“Oh you mean with Ginny?” he had said it like it was nothing. He even used her real name. I had never in my life heard him use anyone’s real name, yet here he was saying Ginny’s first name.

I nodded my head, obviously wanting to know more. He went on without me even needing to say anything to him.

“I’m in love with her.”

Now when I say my jaw hit the floor, I mean it could have literally hit the floor. I was in complete and utter shock at the words that had flown so freely from his mouth.

I stammered trying to get what I was saying out.

“Wh-what? Are you serious?” My eyes must have been bulging out of my head by now.

Malfoy nodded his head, a grin spreading across his face.

“Yeah, surprised me when I realized it also. I didn’t expect it to go beyond anything other than a fling.”

I couldn’t even look at him anymore; I was just so shocked at what was happening. The whole time Ginny had been having a fling with Malfoy, while he had been continuously taunting Ron, Hermione, and myself. I was suddenly very angry with her, Malfoy must have sensed this because he stood up straight and looked me in the eye.

“She didn’t want anyone to know about us, didn’t want her prat of a brother to flip out and tell her entire family. They would have disowned her you know that.” Draco looked sympathetic. “So I acted as I always had towards you three. But when Weasley was…killed.” He swallowed the lump that had formed in this throat. “I didn’t want to pretend anymore. I honestly feel sorry for you.” He laughed aloud suddenly. “I even apologized to Granger last night, she looked a little shocked to say the least.”

Suddenly my legs didn’t seem as if they would hold me up any longer. I fell back against the wall, letting it support me. Malfoy seemed as if he had totally changed, and all because of Ginny. I looked at the boy who had been courting Ginny, she was like a sister to me, and suddenly I felt as if I had to perform all the brotherly duties, being as how I would be the only one who would know about this affair they had been having.

My strength returned in my legs and I stood up to my full height, never taking my eyes from Malfoys.

“Listen to me Malfoy. I don’t know what to say to you about this whole thing. I don’t know if I can trust you. I haven’t spent seven years of my life watching my back because of you…” I took a deep breath, then let it all out. “…but if Ginny approves of you, I will give you a shot.” A look of relief seemed to pass his face. So I took great pleasure in what I said to him next. “BUT if you hurt her Malfoy, I will not hesitate to transform you into a ferret myself.” I added, attempting to keep a straight face.

He merely nodded his head, a slight smirk lacing his face.

“I understand Potter. Now you need to understand something.” He spoke in undertones to me. “This may be the end of our rivalry, but everyone else knows of nothing.”

I nodded my head, understanding immediately.

“Are you planning on telling Granger?” he had read my mind.

“Yes, I tell her everything, and she will keep a secret.”

Malfoy seemed okay with this, because he then did something I never expected him to do. He stuck out his wand hand, only it was empty. He seemed to want a handshake. I grinned slightly at him, and put my hand in his.

By doing this, a huge weight felt as if it had been lifted off of my shoulders, I had never realized how much stress this feud with Malfoy had caused me. We pulled our hands apart at the same time, I then turned to go. I had gotten about three feet away from him when he called out my name. I turned to look at him.

“I really am sorry about Ron. I hope you know that I am sincere when I say that.” That was all he said, ending our conversation immediately. I walked back to the common room in a sort of trance, not quite sure what to make of what Draco had said to me. Had the death of my best friend bridged the gap in our terrible rivalry? Would Malfoy and I be able to become friends?

I came upon the fat lady quicker than I had liked but muttered the password nonetheless. The portrait swung open and I walked slowly into the common room with my eyes on my feet. I had walked past the previous battleground and began my ascent up the stairs, a familiar voice calling out to me held me in place.

“Harry…” I turned to see Hermione sitting in the very chair where Ron had died. A soft glow on her face from the lighted fire. I smiled at her though very brief and made my way to her. I sat down across from her, in her usual chair, a pained look crossing her face momentarily then was replaced by the somber look she had been wearing since she awoke.

“What are you doing up, “Mione?” I asked her gently. She shrugged her shoulders, her face taking on a sad expression.

“I was dreaming about him.” She took a breath. “I don’t want to dream about him.” A silent tear slipped down her face, I wondered if she even knew it had escaped.

I leaned forward and took her hand in mine.

“Hermione there isn’t anything we could have done.” Immediately I knew I had said the wrong thing. Her eyes went slanted and cat like as if she was trying to understand what I had just said.

“Harry, what we did was wrong.” She stated. “There should never have been any kisses between us. It was wrong and Ron died because of it.” She wrenched her hands from mine and fled out of the common room. I knew there wasn’t anything I could do for her, but let her be. She was convinced that Ron’s death was her fault, and for now there wasn’t anything I could do to convince her otherwise.

I sat in the chair by the fire until I was sure the sun was coming up. I didn’t feel much like sleeping even for a little bit, so I made my way to the showers.

Stripping down I could feel the steam surrounding me; thankful for the warmth it provided me. I stood under the scalding hot water, thinking about everything that had happened in my life to date. The death of my parents, going to live with the Dursleys, finding out I was a wizard, meeting Ron and Hermione, losing Sirius, falling for Hermione, and now…losing Ron.

Everyone I loved died, because of me. I couldn’t help that I loved people. I wasn’t going to stop; everyone would be much worse off if there wasn’t any love in the world. I just knew that I would have to feed off that love to defeat the one being in the world who didn’t know what love was. Voldemort. The reason all the bad things in my life happened.

Leaning against the wall of the shower I slid down and landed lightly on the floor, the steam and water enveloping me. Everything seemed so surreal. Any minute now I expected Ron to come barreling in whipping his towel at all our friends as he always did. But he would not come, there would be no laughter in the Gryffindor boys locker room for quite some time.

After a lengthy shower I made my way down the Great Hall where I indulged in a hearty breakfast. I kept looking towards the door for Hermione, but I knew she wouldn’t be coming down to breakfast this morning. I ached for Rons’ presence. I scanned the table, there was no tell tale head of red hair anywhere at the table, all the Weasleys were gone, Ginny having left last night after her rendezvous with Malfoy. I was suddenly so down, I wanted nothing more than to just fall of the face of the planet.

When the call came for classes to begin I gathered up my books and sauntered out of the Great Hall and to my first class of the day, Potions.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Harry Potter except the wonderful posters on my wall!!!

A/N: Wow, all I can say is wow. When I was writing this chapter I had tears in my eyes. It was so moving to me. Also a bit of advice, if you have the Prisoner of Azkaban soundtrack, listen to song number 7. It's the song I was listening to the entire time while writing this, it fits. Thanks for reading everyone!

Chapter Seven: The Funeral

Days went by uneventfully. I felt as alone as ever. Hermione stopped going to her classes, and I was worried about her. She wouldn't see me, she wouldn't talk to anyone. She received food from Lavender and Parvati so she wouldn't have to come downstairs. I missed seeing her beautiful face in the morning and in the evening. I missed seeing her slender arm fly up in the air as she begged to answer another question given by one of our professors. Deciding finally after nearly a week of her solitude, that both she and I had had enough of our alone time, I sought her out.

I awoke very early one morning and hid in the common room waiting for her to come downstairs. True to my wishes she came down the stairs walking briskly with a towel slung over her shoulders. She opened the portrait hole and I followed her quietly, she was going to the showers and I wanted to catch her before she reached the Head Girls bathroom otherwise I wouldn't be able to get in.

She was walking very quickly and I had to basically jog to keep up, but also stay quite a distance from her. Right before the statue that announced the bathroom I quickened my run and caught up to her immediately. Grabbing her by the shoulder I turned her to me. Instantly her wand was in my face, the words to a severe incantation on her lips.

“Whoa Hermione, calm down!” I said backing away from her quickly.

The look on her face faded when she realized it was only me. Then she sighed and turned back to the door.

“Harry I'm a little busy here.”

I stepped in front of her a concerned look upon my face. “Hermione, you haven't been to class all week. I think we need to talk.” I said pleadingly. I knew she was hurting, but so was I. I thought in this time of need we would be able to count on one another, truth was, I needed her so much in my life and the past week had been unbearable without her usually unfaltering smile there.

“Harry, I'm just not ready to face the school yet.” She looked close to tears, and that was the least thing I wanted right now.

“ `Mione, you are going to have to face them eventually.” I placed my hands on her shoulders in a comforting way. I just wanted to let her know that I was there for her and that I always would be, no matter what.

“After the funeral.”

I looked at her, a look of confusion evident on my face. “What?”

She sighed. “After the funeral, I will come back.” She looked down at her feet. “I have something to do, something to say. Then I will come back.”

Not knowing what else to say I let my hands fall from her shoulders to my sides, and she moved past me and into the bathroom. I stood outside the bathroom for a good ten minutes contemplating what she was going to be doing at the funeral. Ginny had sent us word that the funeral would be that weekend and that we would be excused from classes on that Friday to prepare for the occasion. I wasn't looking forward to it, but I needed to pay my respects to Ron and the whole Weasley family, who had lost one of their own in a vain attempt to protect himself.

Why did I have to be thinking about Ron? I had done such a good job at keeping my best friend far from my mind for the past week. But here I was standing outside of the girl's bathroom, a few feet from one best friend who wouldn't talk to me, and thinking about my other best friend who had died in a horrible fashion. Tears were threatening to fall from my eyes again, but I willed them away. Regretfully I began walking away from the bathroom, my thoughts still on my best friends. We had been torn apart, it finally happened. I never thought there would be a day when I wouldn't have both of them by my side. The trio was no longer and I couldn't take it.

Finding myself in a dark corner of the corridor I sat down on the ground. With thoughts of Ron on my mind, I curled myself into a ball and cried. Tears of sorrow stained my face, and my heart ached with pain. He was gone, my best friend was gone and I didn't know what to do. I had never done anything without Ron and Hermione, and now that he was dead. My mind reeled; it was finally hitting me that I was no longer going to see him. I grabbed my legs and pulled them closer to my body assuming the fetal position, right now I wanted to be as small as I possible could. I thought if I were smaller there wouldn't be enough room for the pain and agony that was filling my heart. Sobs escaped my lips continuously and if any students walked past me, I would get odd looks, but I didn't care. I would hear them whispering as they walked off, no doubt about how the boy-who-lived had lost yet another loved one, and how they knew it to be safer if they just steered clear of me all together.

I lay my head in my hands, feeling the pounding of an oncoming headache. Every time I closed my eyes I could see Rons handsome face polluting my vision. The sight made me cry even harder. Suddenly a pair of soft arms came around my shoulders. I didn't have to open my eyes to know that it was Hermione. She was here to comfort me, as she always does, as she always knows to. I quickly and quietly wrapped my arms around her petite frame and sobbed uncontrollably into her shoulder. I could smell her fruity shampoo in her hair, and it soothed me slightly.

She was shushing me quietly, urging me to calm down. I felt safe in her arms. I felt as if no matter who was after me, as long as I was in her strong arms I would be safe and untouchable.

I lifted my head up and looked into her eyes. They were glistening with tears that she refused to let fall. She was so strong, so much stronger than I will ever be. Merlin how I loved this girl. Suddenly the world around me seemed to freeze. There wasn't anyone else in the world but Hermione and I. Her lips were pursed together in shushing motion, uttering soothing remarks to me. Her hair, still damp from her shower hung in curly tendrils around her face, framing her deep brown eyes. She was all I had in the world now, the only thing that meant anything to me anymore.

Her hands were caressing the back of my head as she lightly pushed my head back down onto her shoulder, her arms tightening around me. I closed my eyes as I breathed in her scent, so entirely her own. The soothing noises were now replaced with the simple knowledge that we were cradled in one another's arms. I could have stayed with her like that for the rest of my life if the Fates would allow. Unfortunately the sound of doors closing told both of us that our time together had ended and it was now time to resume our lives of students at Hogwarts.

We broke apart; a feeling of loss immediately seeped into my body. I wanted nothing more than to hold her in my arms once again, but she began walking off. She stopped a few feet from me and turned uttering the only coherent words she had said to me since the conversation outside of the bathroom.

“After the funeral Harry, I promise.” She then turned on her heel and walked back towards the common room.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hermione and I had traveled to the Weasleys together; our fingers entwined the entire time. I was afraid if I wasn't holding onto her I would lose her also. She smiled softly at me as I squeezed her hand three times sending her a secret message that not even she knew. Every time I had held her hand since I had realized my feelings for her I would squeeze it three times meaning `I love you', but she never knew that, she would always smile and squeeze back.

Fred and George Weasley, both dressed in black and looking rather glum for their usually cheerful selves, met us at the Portkey point.

“ `Ello Harry, Hermione.” Fred said with a nod of his head. George followed suit.

We too in turn nodded our heads, but no words were spoken. Fred offered us the old muggle magazine and we all placed our hands on it. Immediately I was struck with the familiar tug behind my belly button and instantly I was standing outside the Weasleys home. I tightened my hold on Hermiones hand and we began walking towards the front yard. There were rows of brooms lined up on the front porch, a sign to let us know there were many witches and wizards here to honor Rons death. I heard Hermione utter a sob, but she surprised me and held it in.

The four of us walked up the steps to the front door, and before opening it, I took a deep breath. I stepped inside followed by Hermione and the twins. There were groups of people talking in low undertones. I could see to my right Mrs. Weasley holding a bunch of wadded up tissues and talking to Professor McGonagall. The professor was obviously offering her many condolences. To my left I could see Ginny sitting on the couch surrounded by Bill and Charlie Weasley. The three red heads looked very solemn, Ginny's was raw from crying, and the boys had obviously taken up residence beside her incase she needed any comfort.

There were many people I didn't know here, but Hermione and I made our rounds anyway. Our first stop was Mrs. Weasley. She hugged both of us warmly tears streaking down her face. We told her how much we both loved Ron, and how he will be missed more than anyone could ever know. She began to cry even more, but hugged us both nonetheless then excused herself. We made our way over to the couch where all the remaining Weasley children sat. I let Hermione take the only chair left and I stood behind her still clutching onto her hand.

“I still cant believe he's gone forever.” Ginny said as soon as we sat down, as if she had been waiting for us to join them to make this announcement.

I nodded my head, as did the other boys around the table. Bills arm went protectively around his little sister and she leaned in appreciatively.

“He wouldn't want us brooding forever though, you know that Gin.” Charlie muttered to his sister. With a slight grin he added. “Ron, the great git. He would be right cross with us if we poured our eyes out over him for too long.”

I couldn't help but smile at the perfect description of Ron, of my best friend.

Suddenly Hermione spoke up, so quietly though I had to strain my ears to hear her.

“Why don't we just remember the good times we had with him.” She glanced around at her friends looking at her. “It's what I do.”

A smile crossed my face at Hermiones' confession.

Just then the announcement was made that the service would be starting soon, and we were all asked to make our way out to the backyard. I helped Hermione to her feet and we walked slowly, as if it were a death march, among Rons' family and friends.

We stood next to Ginny as the crowd gathered around his headstone to say a few nice words about the young man buried at their feet. I listened to distant relatives who hardly knew him speak their mind. I rolled my eyes getting quite angry that these people who hardly knew him were even speaking. Then Dumbledore stood up, and my anger was immediately squashed as I listened intently to every word this older man was saying.

“Ronald Bilius Weasley was certainly a special young man, and anyone who knew him exceptionally well can attest to that. He had the ability to make anyone laugh at the drop of a knut, and the honor of a man three times his age. He was an accomplished wizard, a wonderful student, and an amazing friend. The world will not be the same without him in it. I feel though, as being only his headmaster, I am not doing this young man any justice, so I would like to call his best friend up here to finish my thoughts.” He waved over to me. “Come on up here Harry.”

I looked at Hermione and she had tear stains on her face, but she urged me to go. I let go of her hand and walked slowly up to where Dumbledore stood.

“Er…hello, I'm Harry. Ron was my best friend, and what Professor Dumbledore said about him being an amazing friend is absolutely true. Since the day I met him on the Hogwarts express he was by my side without question. He was ready to lay his life on the line for me at any given moment. Not only was he a great friend but he was also a wonderful son and brother. He cherished his family more so than anything else in this world. He loved them very much, he would do anything to see them safe. Ron was a very honorable and loving man, and he will be missed very much by friends and family alike.” Tears had started streaming down my face and I couldn't get them to stop. I finally had to excuse myself and I made my way back into the house, ignoring the glances from my friends.

I locked myself in the bathroom, not crying anymore but staring at myself in the mirror. My eyes were puffy from crying so much recently but I didn't care. I heard all the people coming back into the house resuming their previous conversations all in low voices. I finally decided to leave my retreat and find Hermione. She wasn't over at the couch or in the kitchen. I was beginning to go up the stairs when I chanced a glance outside towards the grave, and I saw her on her knees in front of it, the only one out there. I quietly made my way towards her, not wanting t disturb her, I took up residence a few feet from her behind a bush. Her back was to me, but I could tell she wasn't crying, she was speaking to him. I listened intently.

“Ron, my friend. My beloved friend. I miss you so much more than I ever thought I could miss anyone. You made such a huge impact on my life, first as my friend, then as my boyfriend. I know I wasn't the best girlfriend, but I was the best I knew how to be to you. There is something you need to know about me, well about us. The real reason I broke up with you. I'm in love with Harry. I'm sure you knew that to an extent, you were a smart man. I never expected it to happen, but it did. I fell in love with Harry. Completely and utterly in love with him, and I wanted you to know that. I didn't want you to think I had left you for any other reason than the truth. I know it is my fault you are dead, if my idiotic feelings for Harry hadn't surfaced, then you would have been with me at the Great Hall, but no. I'm so sorry Ron. I'm sorry for hurting you, and for killing you, but everything is out in the open now, and I hope that you will grant your consent for Harry and I. Your approval means the world to me now Ron. Please know, my friend, that I love you, and I will miss you until the end of my days.”

My heart was swelling from the declaration Hermione had just made to Rons' gravestone. She was in love with me, and she was asking Ron for his permission. Even dead she still adhered to his thoughts and feelings. I felt my heart go out to her. I continued to watch her still, she had bowed her head and was muttering something under her breath. I couldn't tell what she was saying at first, but then the wind caught her words and brought them to my ears. My eyes widened, she was saying thank you. She was thanking Ron.

The wind that had brought her words to me seemed to linger around me, and I heard a distinct and familiar voice.

“Your welcome, both of you.”

It was Rons' voice. He was watching us right now, giving us permission, his two best friends to continue their lives together. I had never felt so much love for him in all my life. I nodded my head afraid if I did any more or spoke to him at all that I would burst into tears once again.

I then decided it was time for me to make my entrance, and I walked behind Hermione silently. She must have known I was coming because she turned around a slight smile playing on her lips.

“Hello Harry.”

I smiled back at her. “Making your peace?”

She nodded her head. “Asking forgiveness and seeking allowance.”

I looked at her approvingly, she had grown up so quickly and I hadn't even seen it until now. She was wise beyond her years and I knew it now.

I held out my hand to her. “Come on `Mione, lets say good-bye to everyone. You have a lot of homework to catch up on.”

She grinned at me and suddenly everything seemed like it was going to be alright. She took my hand and I helped her to her feet. We stood close together our hand linked together for some time before I finally leaned my head down and captured her lips on mine briefly.

“As long as I'm alive Hermione, I will let nothing happen to you.”

She smiled at my declaration, then pulled me in the direction of the house.

-->

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Harry Potter except for the wonderful posters on my wall. SIGH!!!

A/N: I just want to thank everyone for the wonderful reviews on my last chapter. I was very proud of it. It even had me crying whilst writing it. I look forward to hearing what everyone thinks about this chapter, though it holds no real significance. I will start adding a little fluff to it soon, but as you see… I'm just not that great at writing it. Ta ta for now!!

Chapter Eight: Tell Her

The week after the funeral proved to be almost back to normal for Hermione and I, save for one thing. Our relationship had deepened. I guess her proclamation to Ron had gone over well in her mind as well and she was accepting that feelings that she harbored for me.

It happened gradually at school, an example being one day during breakfast she secretly slipped her hand into mine under the table, then caught my eye and grinned at me. I could do nothing but return her grin. Then it went a bit further to her kissing my cheek in front of our friends. I was really happy with the way things were going between us, so one day exactly a week after the funeral I caught sight of her sitting in her normal chair once again catching up on her overdue homework assignments.

I went to her immediately and sat beside her placing a kiss on her cheek. She glanced up from her book swiftly and smiled at me.

“I'm sorry Harry, I can't talk right now. McGonagall wants this essay tomorrow morning.” She said not taking her eyes from the book.

“Its alright Hermione, I just really wanted to ask you something, but it can wait.” I said a hint of mischief showing through in my voice. Her head immediately craned to look at me.

“What did you have in mind Harry?”

I grinned from ear to ear. “Well you will have to put your precious book down and come with me for a little bit. I want to show you something.”

She looked confused. “I thought you wanted to ask me something?”

I rolled my eyes at her and grabbed her hand. “Ok you have no choice, you're coming with me.”

She huffed a little bit but let me pull her up, she followed me out of the portrait, and down the silent corridors. I led her to the Astronomy Tower, a place that I had always wanted to share with her. The sky above us was absolutely breath taking; there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I noticed a shiver run through her body and I wrapped my arms around her tightly.

“Now what did you want to show me Harry?” I smiled as her curiosity got the best of her. I then pointed my hand to the sky, to a certain constellation.

“Do you see those group of stars `Mione?” I felt her nod her head against my chest. “That's the constellation called `Canis Major' or the Dog Star.” I could feel her waiting for me to go on. “Whenever I fee lonely I come up here, and talk to him…Sirius, that is. I feel close to him up here.”

Hermione turned to me then, a look of understanding on her face.

“Harry…I'm really happy you're sharing this with me. Sharing him.”

Not able to resist her full lips any longer, I leaned down and kissed her softly. Her lips were warm and inviting, exactly what I had been longing for. Knowing I had another reason for bringing her here, I stopped the kiss before I was tempted to heighten it. A look of pure bliss is written all over her face, and I wish that my lips were still on her wonderfully full lips.

“Hermione I wanted to ask you something.” I stated bluntly, her face transformed to one of caution. I smiled at her warmly, giving her the sign that she had nothing to be afraid of. I took her hand in mine giving her the familiar three squeezes, one day I would tell her what that meant, as for now, I had other things on my mind.

“Well, what I wanted to ask you was…well I've had strong feelings for you for quite some time.” Quite suddenly I was very nervous. Here I was standing in the Astronomy Tower with my best friend, whom I'm quite madly in love with, and I'm nervous about asking her to be my girlfriend. I felt her hand slide up to my face, caressing my cheek. I opened my eyes and she was smiling at me, the first genuine smile since Rons' death.

“Yes Harry.” Was all she said. My eyes widened a bit, but then I knew what she was talking about. Hermione and I had always had a deep connection with one another, on many occasions she could get what she wanted out of me, by merely looking into my soul, this was no different.

A smile broke out across my face as I wrapped my arms around her and picked her light body up in my arms twirling her around. After her squeals of delight and fright I put her down and smashed my lips onto hers. I never wanted to leave her side again, she was my perfect mate. My fingers were twirling a lock of her hair while my lips explored her earlobes and neck. Her hands were also in my hair, making it even messier than usual, if that is at all possible.

Our happiness and snogging was short lived though, as the Astronomy Tower opening slowly interrupted us. We both immediately realized how vulnerable we were out in the open, so we ran and hid behind a short wall, listening intently.

Ginny and Draco came bounding in, hand in hand, her high pitched giggle matching perfectly with his low drawl. He leaned in kissed her neck gently and led her to the edge where he lifted her up onto the side. Her head bent down to plant a kiss on his forehead. They stood like that, not saying a word to one another, but seemed to be content in the silence of themselves.

From the vantage point that I had I could see Draco was itching to say something to her. I smiled secretly urging him to do so; Ginny needed some good in her life right now. My eyes glanced over to Hermione standing beside me, I realized her eyes were wide with shock, and then it hit me. I hadn't told her about them yet. I leaned over and whispered into her ear that I would tell her later; she nodded her head, and waited with bated breath at what the two lovers were going to do next.

Draco suddenly grabbed Ginnys' petite hand, his fingers caressing the soft skin at the back. He brought her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the slightly freckled skin. His face was full of love and adoration.

“Ginny Weasley, I love you.” His voice was low and raspy, and full of emotion. His hand tightened on hers, as he awaited her response.

A single tear slid down her pale face, landing on her lap and fading into oblivion.

“Oh, Draco.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her bosom. “Oh, how I love you too.” His arms went around her slender body and he pulled her off the wall, so as to hold all of her to him.

I heard Hermione gasp behind me and I tightened my hold on her hand, we continued watching the forbidden lovers.

Draco pulled his face away and looked down at the woman he loved. How these feelings had plagued him for so long. He had wanted to tell her long ago, but with the death of her brother there was never a good time. Tonight during dinner he decided he couldn't wait any longer. He was going to tell her, and damn his father if he didn't approve. Never in his entire life had he felt this way about anyone, and no one was going to stop him from being with her.

“You are so beautiful Red.” His eyes steel gray eyes locking with her sky blue ones. She smiled bashfully at him, her cheeks turning a bright red. As if an after thought her eyes suddenly filled with so much more love than ever thought possible.

“Draco…I want you to make love to me.”

From my hiding spot I could see his eyes become wide with shock, then return to their normal size as he nodded his head. I couldn't hear the rest of the conversation, and wasn't sure I wanted to, it was meant only for the lovers. So with Hermione in tow we snuck out of the Astronomy Tower, casting a silencing spell on the door and locking it behind us.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The next few months went by without a hitch. Mine and Hermiones' relationship was progressing; as usual we were inseparable, joined at the hips our friends would say about us. We ate together, studied together, walked together, and if we had it our way, we would have slept in the same bed together. I was in love with her, but far too afraid to tell her that.

It had been three months since the death of Ron, and every month on the day of his death we embarked to the Weasleys to pay our respects, and let him know we were doing all right. Hermione seemed to think he still cared about his classes, as she would lecture him about what he would be doing, and telling him all the horrible things Snape was doing to us. I found it very comical, she was trying to hang on to the only thing her and Ron fought about, it was very endearing. After she was done saying her sentiments she would go inside for a cup of tea with Mrs. Weasley leaving me to do my man thing. She knew though that I needed my time with him, I had things to tell him that I didn't want anyone else to know.

“'Ello there mate, how are you doing this time `round?” I laughed at what I had said, but it had become a habit to ask him how he was doing, even though he was gone. “ Well as Hermione said, classes are going great. Psh what am I saying? She still has to get me to study, she bribes me now did you know that? Saying she wont kiss me until I finish a certain essay. Women…I tell you, they are nothing but trouble.” I smiled as I read Rons headstone over and over again. `Beloved son and friend to all'. That was the truth. “Well anyway, I really needed to talk to you mate, I know its kinda weird for me to be talking to you about Hermione, seeing as how she is your ex girl, but I really need to get it out.” I took a deep breath knowing that somewhere Ron was listening intently for the words he already knew were coming. “Ron, mate, I'm in love with her. I'm in love with her and I don't know what to about it. Do I tell her or will it ruin our relationship?”

The wind kicked up, whipping my hair around my eyes. I knew he was answering me, but I wasn't sure what he was saying. I perked my ears trying desperately to hear his voice in the wind like the day of his funeral but nothing came. I sighed melodramatically, knowing that my attempts to reach him were all in vain, but I felt so much better telling him how I felt about her.

I stood up and stretched my lanky body, reaching my arms towards the sky, and groaning loudly.

“Well mate, I'd better be off. We have a test in potions tomorrow, and Hermione has to study for at least twelve hours in advance, you remember.” I patted the headstone and turned to walk away. I felt the wind kick up a bit more, and then I heard it.

“Tell her you smarmy git.” I whipped around staring hard at the gravestone. He wasn't there but I heard his voice as if he were right behind me. For some odd reason I felt as if I really needed to see Ron right then, but knew it wouldn't be happening. I nodded my head and smiled, knowing that I should and most likely will follow Rons' advice. I gave the headstone a goofy thumbs up sign, then made my way into the house to say good-bye to the Weasleys and collect Hermione.

She never asked me what I said to Ron during our visits. She figured it wasn't her business, `Probably gross boy stuff anyway' she would mutter to herself, laughing the entire time. I would nod my head and try to get a kiss from her, she evasively dodged me.

We walked to dinner that night hand in hand still reveling in the good feelings we had from visiting our best friend. We sat down together, our hands entwined, waiting for the food to magically appear on our tables. I knew I should tell her now, it seemed the time. I couldn't love her more than I do right now, but for some reason, the words wouldn't form in my mouth. I couldn't get my damn tongue to cooperate with my brain.

So I did the only thing I knew how to do to communicate my feelings to her. I tightened my hold on her small hand and squeezed it three times. I-LOVE-YOU.

-->

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Harry Potter except for the wonderful posters on my walls!!!

AN: I'm here to let you all know that I took the love scene out of the end of this chapter. I think I should possibly wait until their relationship has progressed a little more. I decided to stick with just some cute little fluffy action. I also fixed up the Percy part a bit, though not much. I've finally decided after much thinking, that I don't really care for this chapter all that much, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. I still do appreciate the reviews I am getting, because if I wasn't getting them, then I would still be stuck with that icky thing I wrote before and this one is slightly better. Let me tell you though, the next chapter is going to be fabulous. More angst and sadness!!!

Chapter Nine: The Investigation

The investigation on Ron's death was still in full force, hardly a wizard slept while the search was on. Remus Lupin was brought in for his expertise in the dark arts and Nymphadora Tonks also returned with her brilliant disguises and auror training. They worked day and night trying to track the assailant down and also to figure out how the unknown person entered the Hogwarts ground undetected.

“Tonks, I need an update on that “mysterious man” you had Mad Eye following last week.” Lupin asked his partner. Tonks smiled at the man that she had been very highly involved with for the past year.

“Right away…boss.” She loved throwing that term around. Dumbledore had appointed Remus head of investigation at Hogwarts, and Tonks enjoyed rubbing it in his face occasionally.

Lupin grinned at Tonks making the scars that lined his face stretch with the wonderful smile he held.

“Don't call me that…you of all people know that.”

Tonks laughed aloud, and then took on a serious look. “Wait I thought you meant not to call you that when we were in…”

Lupin jumped towards her and covered her mouth with his large hand.

“Touché” He whispered into her ear, she giggled behind the cover.

Just then Mad Eye came hobbling in quite fast, his magical eye swiveling all around taking in the sights of the makeshift headquarters. His limp seemed to be bothering him a bit more than usual and there was blood caked to the side of his face.

“Lupin, we got him.”

~ ~

“Harry I'm studying!” Hermione exclaimed at the top of her lungs, earning appalled glances from the other students in the library who also had been studying. Embarrassed Hermione gathered up her belongings and hurried out the door. Harry followed her attempting to put his arm around her shoulder.

“Harry, I can't believe you made me scream at you in front of all those people! And in the library too! Madame Pince is going to be quite cross with me tomorrow if I show my face.”

Harry snickered. “And how.”

Hermione eyes turned into tiny slits as she glared at him. “ I don't understand why you aren't fretting over your N.E.W.Ts, they are in less than five months!”

He smiled at her as he successfully draped his arm around her. He loved listening to her rant and rave about her schooling. She was in love with her books, it was quite obvious, and Harry found it so enticing.

He stopped her for a moment and backed her into the wall. This happened on occasion. Whenever he touched her for too long, he had the biggest urge to kiss her; the only way to remedy this was to actually partake in the act. So every once in a while you would find Harry and Hermione quite involved in a dark corner of the school.

Before her back was entirely against the wall, Harry had his lips pressed to hers. She was wearing her mango lip-gloss again, thank Merlin for small favors. His hands were lying tactfully on her waist, ready to move if she gave the go ahead, so far in their relationship, she hadn't and Harry was just fine with that.

Finally backing away from her, he licked his lips then smiled at her. Her face was flushed, as it always was after one of their snogging sessions. She mirrored his smile and leaned in to place a kiss on his cheek. His hands went from her waist to her hands where he gracefully removed the books she had been carrying.

In one hand he carried her books pressed tightly to his body and with his other hand he held Hermiones hand, their fingers entwined. Lately his thoughts had been going back to the conversation he had with Ron, well not really had, but his confession to Ron, and his answer. Tell her you smarmy git! Harry had wanted to tell her since then, and that was almost a month ago. He would think about it, and think about it until his brain was physically exhausted and he couldn't think any more. Hermione had noticed it from time to time and of course she had asked what was wrong with him, he feigned a headache every time. She probably thought he had some rare form of a brain tumor because of all the headaches he has had recently.

He needed to express his true feelings, and also to let her know that if she too harbored the same feelings, then she would be in grave danger. With the threat of Voldemort still out there, Harry was surprised he was even thinking about confessing his love to Hermione. But if there was ever a right time to do it, now was it.

“Hermione, I have something to tell you.” Harry started, causing Hermione to stop abruptly. She turned her head and looked up at him with her mocha eyes asking to know what it was.

“Hermione, I…l..”

“HARRY!!!”

Ginny was sprinting down the corridor screaming his name loudly an ecstatic yet painful look engraved on her face.

“Harry! They…caught…him…” she was quite out of breath and it took her awhile to get those four words out of her mouth.

Harry and Hermione didn't need to ask whom, they automatically knew. Ron's murderer had been caught. They both broke out into wide grins and hugged Ginny in turns.

“Where is he Gin?” Harry asked happily. Ginny stopped smiling; perhaps she hadn't figured Harry would ask that.

“Ummm…he's…”

Harry was not smiling any longer; he was now staring at her. “Where Gin?”

“He's here at Hogwarts.” She said quietly.

Before anyone said anything Harry took off dropping Hermiones books and leaving both girls behind. Hermione looked at her discarded books on the floor then tore after Harry speedily.

“Where are you going Harry?” She asked after she had caught up with him.

“To Dumbledore, he obviously didn't tell me something.” Harry said, anger glinting in his eye.

The two of them marched through the corridors, not speaking a word to each other until they reached the Phoenix statue.

Harry began banging on it. “Dumbledore, open! I need to speak with you!” He continued to hit the stone statue. Suddenly it sprang open, revealing a beautiful winding staircase leading to the headmaster's office. Harry ran up taking the steps two at a time, Hermione ran behind much slower. When they both entered Dumbledore was standing at his desk waiting for them.

“Good to see you Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger.” Hermione smiled, but Harry remained stone faced.

“Headmaster you have been keeping something from me.” Harry began without exordium.

Dumbledore smiled, the usual twinkle in his eye was also in attendance. “Of course I did Harry, you are still a student.”

“But he was my friend!” he shouted. “I deserve to know certain things pertaining to him!” Harry was very upset indeed.

Dumbledore nodded his head. “I agree Harry, which is why I am glad you and Ms. Granger are here now. I would like to escort you to the chamber in which the investigation is being carried out.”

Harry nodded his head, and motioned for the Headmaster to show them the way. After Dumbledore walked through the door, Harry reached for Hermiones hand and took it in his own. They held hands tightly while following Dumbledore through the labyrinth of corridors in the castle. He led them down into the dungeons where they entered a door neither one of them has ever even seen before. Hermiones grip tightened on Harrys' hand as it became suddenly dark. They heard Dumbledore in front of them mutter an incantation and instantly the room came to life.

Witches and wizards were everywhere, sitting at desk, talking to floating heads in the fireplaces. Harry was in complete awe at what he was seeing. It was as if the entire auror unit was here at Hogwarts. To his right he saw two familiar faces.

“Lupin! Tonks!” Harry yelled happily.

They both shifted their gaze to him, and smiled. Harry led Hermione over to them where they both embraced him.

“Good to see you Harry!” Lupin said slapping him on the back fondly.

“Likewise, Remus.”

Dumbledore appeared beside them just then. “Pardon my intrusion but I would like to take Harry and Ms. Granger to see him now.”

Instantly Lupins' face became hard, he nodded. “Are you certain you want Harry in the same room as him?”

Dumbledore cracked a smile. “It has to be done.”

And with that said Dumbledore led the two teenagers over to the holding cell, which was through another unmarked door.

When they entered the room, it was completely dark. Harry could barely make out his hand in front of his face.

“Lumos Maxima” Dumbledore said and the entire room was now alight.

Harry could see a very familiar person sitting on the other side of the room. He started to walk towards him when Dumbledore stepped in front of him.

“I will need both of you to check your wands.”

With no questions asked Harry and Hermione handed over their precious wands and the spell on the containment cell was lifted and they were both granted access.

As they came closer to him, they at once recognized his slightly curly red hair, and the many freckles that dotted his face. His eyes were hung low, and he was very thin, his robes hung limply on him. Harry couldn't believe what he was seeing before his very eyes, he was absolutely speechless. Hermione uttered a small gasp at the sight of him curled up in the corner hugging his legs to his emaciated body, after a few attempts at speaking she finally managed to find her voice.

“Percy?” her eyes were open widely and her face held a questioning expression on it.

He looked up at her with sunken eyes. They had once been so full of life, so full of themselves, and now they looked as if he had spent his entire life imprisoned in Azkaban.

“Hello Hermione.” His voice held no emotion when he spoke to her. He had once regarded Hermione as someone like him, someone gifted in the art of knowledge, now he looked at her with contempt shining in his lifeless eyes. He then shifted his gaze to Harry, his face at once distorting into a look of pure hatred. “And I see you are still hanging around with Him.” Hermione did not appreciate the tone in which he used to address Harry.

“Of course I am, he's my friend Percy.” She tried to keep her voice calm and collected, she didn't want to coerce him into acting out at them.

Suddenly Percy began laughing, great spasms of laughter that wracked his entire body.

“ Friends?” he stopped laughing instantly. “Do you see what being friends with him got Ron? My poor dear little brother, you see what it got him?”

Harry heard Hermione gasp as the truth suddenly and violently hit her. She instantly burst into silent sobs as Harry stepped forward and squatted down in front of Percy.

“You killed your own brother because of me?” Harrys voice was dangerously low. “You murdered your own flesh and blood because he was my friend?”

Percys' sunken lifeless eyes bored into Harrys brilliant green ones. “The Dark Lord wished it, so it was.” Harry could feel the anger that was inside him bubbling up and threatening to come out. His best friend had been murdered by his own brother, and it was because of him. Because of his involvement with Voldemort, Ron had lost his life. Percy had managed to get out that one sentence before Harry swung his fist and it connected rather viciously. Spit flew from his mouth as he lost his balance and landed on his side on the floor. As far as Harry could tell, Percy was down for the count, drool dripping from his semi-opened mouth.

Harry stood and rubbed his knuckles a bit before turning to Hermione. She was in shock. Her face was as white as a sheet, her lips pale. She looked ready to fall over. Harry, forgetting about his throbbing fist, and Percy rushed to her side and put an arm around her waist.

“C'mon Hermione, we're leaving.” He aided her to the door, where they retrieved their wands. After bidding farewell to Tonks and Lupin, they followed Dumbledore back out into the dungeon.

“Professor, I would like permission to go speak with Mr. And Mrs. Weasley. As Rons best friends I think we should tell them about Percy.” Harry asked very politely and formally.

Dumbledore smiled. “I knew you would feel you had to, so I have spoken with both of your teachers.” He indicated to him and Hermione. “And you have permission to miss classes tomorrow.” Dumbledore took another look at Hermiones splotchy face and tired body, then turned back to Harry. “Perhaps you should take Ms. Granger back to the common room, and make sure she is quite well.” Dumbledore winked at Harry, then proceeded on his way back to his office.

Harry smiled as he held on tighter to Hermione. Tomorrow they would make the trip down to the portkey point where they would once again visit Rons grave and administer the bad news to his family. Tonight though, Harry had other things in mind.

~ ~

After conjuring Hermione a piping hot cup of hot cocoa he had her sit on the couch with a blanket tucked neatly around her. She sipped at the chocolaty warmth and enjoyed feeling it slide down her throat. Harry was sitting across from her watching her every move, he would occasionally check her forehead to see if she was running a temperature.

“Harry I'm not sick, you loony!” she would say as she swatted his hand away. He would flash her his wonderfully white teeth then sit back down.

Hermione sighed in exasperation. “ I cant believe it was Percy. I cant believe he would kill his own brother.” Tears began to form in her eyes as she uttered these words for the second time that night. Harry wanted to comfort her, but both of them were in the same state of distress and neither knew what to do for the other. Percy had grown up with them as well, and he seemed as if he always liked Harry. I suppose things like this happen when someone falls in with the Dark Lord he thought grimly to himself. He didn't want to voice his conversation with himself out loud, he didn't want to alarm Hermione anymore than she already was. Deciding it better to ignore what she had just said, he went on with her previous statement about him being off his rocker.

“I cant help it, I just want to be near you at all times `Mione.” Hermione blushed at his admission.

“You're mental Potter, you know that?” She spoke the words but there wasn't any feeling behind them. In all honesty she loved hearing him say sweet things such as those.

Harrys green eyes intensified, he knew this was the moment; she had left it wide open for him. If this was the moment then why weren't the words flowing eloquently from his mouth? Tell her you smarmy git. He knew if he didn't tell her now, then he would forever be plagued with the voice of his best friend telling him what a complete git he was. So he swallowed the lump in his throat and said what he believe to be the right thing to say.

“I love you, you know that?” he had said it with a smile, but there was seriousness behind it.

Hermione was absolutely astonished at his outburst. At those words she had felt her heart leap into her throat, and it wouldn't come back down. She found it difficult to speak in this condition, so she took a great gulp of her hot cocoa and tried speaking again.

“Harry, did you just…say…you love…me?” Hermione said, finding it hard to get what she wanted to say out.

Harry nodded his head. “I did, and I have wanted to say it for so long.” The smile at faded from his face, and now he waited with bated breath for her response, which seemed to be taking much longer than he had hoped.

She seemed to be thinking something over in her head. Almost like she was weighing the pros and cons of her answer. Just then she looked at him and their eyes locked in an impenetrable stare.

“I love you, Harry. I know I do, and I made sure Ron knew…before we…got together.”

Harry listened intently; his heart was soaring because she did love him. She seemed to need to say something else though, so he continued to give her his full attention.

“I was afraid that Ron would be angry with us at first. But now I know he isn't. He gave me his blessing. Gave US his blessing the day of the funeral. That was the day I told him I loved you.”

Harry nodded his head unable to contain his happiness anymore. He scooted over to Hermione on the couch and gently kissed her lips. Their kiss intensified beyond anything they had ever experienced before, tongues dancing in one another's mouths while hands were exploring places untouched. Harry abruptly stopped kissing her to stare at her.

“You are so beautiful Hermione. I hope you realize that.”

She blushed furiously, her cheeks turning a wonderful shade of red. The feelings he stirred in her were some of those she had never before experienced. She knew she was in love with him, but how to express it was another question. She thought over and over of giving herself to him right then and there. Deciding it better to against what her head was telling her, she went with her heart. She knew she wasn't nearly ready enough to begin this type of relationship, they had only been dating for a few months, there was no need to rush into anything.

“Thank you Harry.” Her blushing receded slightly, leaving a slightly hazy pink on her cheeks. Harry put his hand on her cheek brushing aside a stray piece of hair from her face. His fingers were so soft as they caressed her warm skin. She closed her eyes in ecstasy as the softness of his fingers gave way to the callous of his palm. Years of Quidditch had granted him those palms, she adored them, and every other part of him. Harry was now leaning on top of Hermione his weight a comfort to her. She could feel his entire body come alive when they touched, she knew it was doing this because hers also was doing it. The slightest touch from him caused those damn butterflies to begin fluttering in her stomach, the tiniest noise from his throat and her ears were standing at attention ready to offer her heart.

Harry leaned his head down so their foreheads were touching intimately.

“`Mione you are my everything. From the minute I first saw you I knew it. I was just too dense to realize it until it was too late.” He pressed his lips lightly to hers, and she once again responded with returning the kiss with one of her own. Now it was her turn to revel in the Adonis lying on top of her. Her eyes scanned his entire face, landing on his slightly pink lightening shaped scar first. Her fingers ached to touch it, she had done so before but never in such an intimate setting. Brushing her fingers along the sensitive skin, she heard Harry sigh and his facial expression changed to one of relaxation. His scar stuck out against his skin, and most would say it was hideous and took away from his darling features. Hermione would be disinclined to acquiesce that sentiment. She loved the scar almost as much as she loved the man, but in her own way she hated the scar just as much. This scar was the reason Harry would never live peacefully so long as Voldemort was alive, and she hated it for that. She just wanted Harry to live a long a peaceful life, possibly with her by his side.

Hermione nodded her head as Harry spoke these endearing words to her. “I know my love. I know what you mean.” She placed a kiss on Harrys' hand that was still lovingly caressing her face. As his touch soothed her soul, it also made her immensely sleepy and before she knew it she was finding it rather difficult to keep her eyes open.

“Love, do you want me to take you upstairs?” Harry spoke softly and tenderly into her ear. Hermione shook her head, disagreeing with his thoughts.

“I want to sleep right here Harry…” she opened her eyes to look directly into his. “… and I want you to be here with me.”

Harry beamed his wonderful smile at her. He removed his body from on top of hers, taking the blanket with him. Hermione shuddered at the sudden loss of warmth that had been surrounding her. Harry giggled at the pinched expression Hermione held on her face, he then scooted her over on the couch to make room for him. There wasn't that much room for the two of them on the sofa, but neither of them cared. They just reveled in the fact that when they woke up the next morning, they would be lying in one anothers arms for the first time ever.

Harry spread the blanket over them, muttering a charm to make the blanket larger, to cover both of them comfortable. He then wrapped his arms around her Hermiones' waist and they both promptly fell fast asleep.

-->

AN: Wow took me long enough right? Well Ive been busy moving and with college, so here it is! Hope you enjoy, next chapter will be out sooner than this one was. I promise!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Harry Potter except for the wonderful posters on my wall!!!

Chapter Ten: It is Time

I was wandering through the Forbidden Forest quite alone, it was dark and cold. The air was foggy and difficult to see in, nevertheless I pressed on. I felt as if there was something I was searching for, someone I needed to see. The trees reached out for me, their snarled branches reaching out to grab me like decrepit fingers. I quickened my pace slightly and continued walking. Fear was creeping up my spine, as if I didn't have any control over it whatsoever.

I continued walking, my trainers scuffing the ground occasionally. My breath had began to come out in ragged gasps, and I was frightened that I would not make it through the night. Then all of a sudden, directly in front of me, I saw a dim light. It was so beautiful, nothing special, just a light. But it was such a change from the darkness I had come accustomed to I was drawn towards the light.

The light wasn't alone. It was being held up by something, someone. A wand…this light was coming from a wand. My eyes made their way from the tip of the wand where the light emanated from, all the way down the wooden shaft of it, and onto the hand that held it. There was nothing special about this hand, it was just a normal hand covered slightly in a blonde hair that was visible from my vantage spot.

I felt something begin to tickle my nose, I wasn't sure what it was but I wiped it away. It stayed right where it was. I learned to ignore it after a while, my eyes becoming quite curious as to who was actually holding up the wand. They traveled up the arm, noticing the hair becoming a slight strawberry blonde now. My eyes were currently trained on this persons shoulder, I noticed the torn and tattered clothes they were wearing, realization hitting me immediately. I knew those clothes, I knew that sweater! As my eyes traveled up towards this persons I face, I held my breath. There was a tiny bit of red stubble at the end of his chin, and his lips were spread in an odd smile. His nose was the same as it had always been, slightly crooked and long. His eyes were the same deep shade of blue they had been when he was alive. And finally my eyes fell on his hair, such a deep color of ginger red that I had to smile in remembrance. It was Ron, my best friend.

I walked towards him preparing to give him a warm hug when he put his hand out stopping me.

“No Harry, I am merely here to warn you.” He said in such a professional voice, I almost thought it wasn't him. This wasn't the Ron I knew and loved so dearly. I cocked my head in a questioning look. “Harry, the time is almost here for you to fight.” He finished.

I nodded my head, I knew that I would be facing Voldemort soon, he didn't have to tell me that.

The tickling was back in my nose, it had become quite unbearable all of a sudden. I kept rubbing my nose, but was unsuccessful in ridding myself of this sensation. I looked to Ron again, the smile hadn't faded, but he was. He was becoming quite fuzzy, as were the surrounding. He was leaving, and I wasn't ready to let him go. I held out my hand to him hoping he would take mine in his.

“No! Ron!” But he was nearly faded completely. I could feel myself being tugged backwards, almost as if I were using a portkey. I was trying in vain to hold onto anything to stay in this place with Ron, but I was being pulled against my will away from him.

--

I awoke to an insane tickling sensation in my nose. When I finally decided to open my eyes I realized it was Hermiones' hair that was on my face. I smiled at her lying so innocently next to me, the dream fading from my mind for the time being. I had to wake her up before any of the other Gryffindors awoke and found us in the current position.

I leaned closer to her and placed a gentle kiss on her nose. Instantly she began stirring, then her eyelids fluttered open elegantly. A smile broke out across her face.

“Morning, Harry.” She whispered, a hand placed delicately over her mouth. She blushed slightly. “Morning breath…I'm sure you didn't want to suffer that.”

I laughed loudly then covered my own mouth. We both giggled before shrugging our shoulders and planting our lips on each other, not minding the morning breath very much. I pulled away after a few moments and looked at her.

“I could get used to this, you know?” I said after scrutinizing her face.

“What?” she questioned me.

I smiled and grabbed her hand, squeezing it three times. “Waking up next to you.”

Her face was overcome with reds and pinks as she blushed.

“As could I.” She smiled brightly at me. Just then we heard the doors to the dormitories begin to open., our expressions of happiness changed instantly to realization that we needed to get up and clean our mess up before anyone came down. Scrambling to our feet we pulled out our wands and began shooting cleaning spells all around the room to tidy up. Just as Seamus and Dean were coming down the stairs we plopped down onto the couch in a tired fashion.

“Oi, there ya are Harry. We didn't see you when we woke up.” Seamus proclaimed loudly with a grin spread across his face.

I blushed immensely and searched for an explanation, my mind was blank. Just then Hermione spoke up, her voice tense.

“Yes, that's my fault. I woke him up for a…for a…for a walk!” She added with a smile on her face. I grabbed her hand and squeezed it, then nodded to Dean and Seamus.

“We were out for a walk…”

They both looked skeptically at us, but accepted our lie nonetheless. They meandered around the common room for a few minutes before deciding to head down to breakfast. I breathed a sigh of relief as they left and slumped back against the couch. Hermione, I saw did the same thing. Suddenly we both burst out laughing, huge spasms of laughter wracked our bodies until tears sprang into our eyes.

Her head fell against my shoulder as our laughter died down and we settled into one another. Our hands found each other and were instantly intertwined. I squeezed her hand three times sending her my silent message knowing she still didn't get it. To my surprise though my hand received three squeezes in return. I shifted my gaze down to her, and our eyes locked.

“You think I didn't figure it out Harry?” she smiled. “I am the smartest witch of my age.” Her smiled beamed up at me.

I grinned at her. “I think the phrase were looking for here is insufferable know-it-all.” Instantly I was on my feet, dodging her fist as she tried to connect with my stomach. A glare was on her face, but behind it I could see a hint of playfulness.

“You are such a prat Harry.” She stood up and proceeded to walk towards the stairs, tossing glaring smiles over her shoulder towards me. “I need to shower…and so should you.” She waved her hand in front of her nose a couple times and smiled as she dashed up the stairs.

I stood in the common room alone before I lifted up my arms to smell them. “I do not smell!” I proclaimed before I too made a mad dash for the showers.

~~

Somewhere deep in a forest in a distant land, he sat in his chair contemplating his next move. His mole had been discovered, as if he hadn't expected that to happen. His blood red eyes burned with contempt for the seventeen year old boy who had once again thwarted his plans. This had been happening since this child was born…it needed to end. He stood from his throne, his back cracking with ease as he rose. He reached well over six feet tall and was built quite nicely for such a hideously disfigured creature.

He stalked over to his desk which had figures lying all over it. This was odd for him, he was not a man to rely on such trivial things as these. But he would need them for the defeat of the boy called Harry Potter.

Their last meeting had been a bad one for him. He could have killed Potter right there had Dumbledore not interfered. He slammed his fist down on the desk at the thought of the wrinkled old man with that stupid twinkle constantly in his eye. He hated that man more than anything, yet Harry along with everyone else loved him beyond belief. They would sacrifice their pathetic lives for his. Suddenly it hit him. To get to Harry, to finally ruin the boy that destroyed him, he would need to kill Dumbledore.

~~

“GO HARRY!!” Hermione screamed at the top of her lungs as Harry flew across the quidditch field after the golden snitch. She had seen it at about the same time he did, but then again so did the Ravenclaw seeker.

Harry was half way across the field when a stray bludger came flying towards his face. He grabbed hold of his broom and turned it furiously upwards to barely miss the flying death trap. After regaining his balance he spotted the other seeker a few feet in front of him, and just a yard or so in front of him flew the tiny little snitch.

He grabbed hold of his broom and flattened himself as flat as he could against the broom to allow for better speed. In nearly five seconds flat he was neck and neck with his opponent, the snitch right in front of them. Totally forgetting that they were classmates, they began ramming one another, attempting to knock the other off their broom.

The other seeker then did something that Harry did not expect. He reached out his gloved hand, and back handed Harry right across the face. He flew from his broom totally bewildered, landing on his back with a thud, his broom a few feet in front of him. He didn't even have time to reach his broom before the other team caught the snitch. He knew the game was over, nonetheless he jogged over to his broom ignoring the cheering from the Ravenclaw stands. While he was picking up his broom though, the cheers immediately changed to screams of horror. Harry looked to where the seeker lay on the ground.

Laying? Why is he on the ground? Harry thought furiously. He made his way over to the boy, unsure of what he was going to find. The screams were all around him, the fans, his team mates, the other team; everyone was screaming. He was the first one there, and suddenly he knew why everyone was screaming. This boys body lay in a grotesque form on the grass…his head a few feet away from his body. His hand flew to his mouth to suppress a scream as he saw the blood pooling around the severed neck. Staggering back he fell to his knees as he looked on helplessly. Crowds of students and teachers alike made their way over to the two young men.

Black spots were beginning to crowd Harrys' vision as more and more people came over to him. He heard Hermione frantic voice next to him, and knew he would be alright as long as she was there. Some teachers were ushering the students back to Hogwarts while others looked after Harry and the poor dead boy. He heard random sentences before he finally collapsed in an unconscious heap on the grass. The one that stuck with him, even through his comatose state, scared him quite a bit. It wasn't meant for him, it was meant for Harry.

~~

Harry awoke some time later in the hospital wing with a splitting headache, and feeling nauseous. He could see through his cracked eyelids that Hermione was sitting dutifully across from him in a chair reading a new addition of “Witch Weekly”. He smiled at the sight of her and felt himself grow warm all over.

“Hi” he managed to croak out.

Her face turned to him and a smile broke out across it. Instantly she was at his side.

“Harry, oh thank goodness. When I saw you go down…I thought the worst.” She grabbed his hand supportively and squeezed.

He shook his head. “Hermione, what exactly happened?”

He could see her visibly gulp as she began the story. “After he hit you in the face, the Gryffindors were pretty upset. We began booing for the poor conduct.” She paused and squeezed Harrys hand once more. “Well he was right behind the snitch, and as he reached out his hand to grab it, something…happened…it transformed into this giant…scythe. He didn't even have time to stop and attempt to turn around. The scythe moved as if someone were controlling it…it just…lopped off his head right then, then it disappeared.” She looked nonplussed about the whole incident, in fact she sat awaiting a reaction from Harry.

He glanced around the room looking for any professors, when decided that no one was within ear reach he looked back to Hermione.

“Mione, I heard…before I blacked out…that it wasn't meant for him…but it was…for me.” Hermione winced as he said this, but nodded nonetheless.

“They found a note, scrawled in blood, sardonically apologizing for the death of a one Harry Potter.” Goosebumps arose on her flesh as she spoke these words. “It was horrible Harry knowing that you could have been killed.”

Harry nodded. “Its even worse knowing that someone else was killed in your place. That never should have happened.”

Hermione nodded and squeezed his hand. “What do we do Harry?”

Harry seemed to contemplate for a minute what exactly he was going to do, then suddenly he let go of Hermione and wrenched the sheets off of him.

“What are you doing Harry?” Hermione demanded as he slid off the bed gingerly.

He turned to her, a determined expression etched into his face.

“It's time…and I have to prepare.”

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AN: I know it isn't as long as previous chapters but I have to get to class and I figured this was a good place to end it. I hope you enjoy, comments always welcome!!

Chapter Eleven:

Hermione made her way tentatively from the Gryffindor common room through the corridors to the stone phoenix of Dumbledore's office. Speaking the password he had given her more than once she waited for it to accept then she began climbing the spiraling stairs.

He was sitting behind his desk as she knew he would be, waiting for her. She took a few steps forward not saying anything to the man she considered a grandfather figure. He was eyeing her quite suspiciously which seemed odd to her yet she still went towards him.

She sat down in the chair across from the old man, neither of them had a smile on their faces. They both sat waiting for the other to begin speaking. Finally Dumbledore uttered the first word.

“What are you doing here?” he said with contempt clouding his voice.

A wicked smile spread across Hermione's lips. “You know what I am doing here professor.” Her hand slid down to her hip where it lay gently on her wand, her eyes never leaving his.

“You foul creature, leave this place now.” Dumbledore demanded his voice rising slightly.

Hermione's smile didn't falter once, but her hand tightened on her wand. “He said you would recognize me for who I really am. He is very smart you know?”

Dumbledore sat in silence his hands in front of him folded neatly. “I will ask you once more to leave Hogwarts before I take matters into my own hands.” His voice was calm, but a fire so strong burned within his eyes.

“Leave? Why would I do that when I have you right where I want you?” She began to cackle evilly as she drew out her wand and pointed it at him.

Just then Dumbledore stood up swiftly and instantly his wand was out pointed at the young girl.

“Last chance, I would hate to harm you.” A slight purple light was forming at the top of Dumbledore's wand now.

Hermione let a smile slip over her face, accepting the challenge. “Bring it on old man.” Her wand was now emanating a bright green light from the tip; she only had to say the words.

Faster than she ever though possible Dumbledore had jumped over the desk in front of them and was suddenly behind her. He muttered the binding spell aloud as ropes flew from the tip of his wand like plumes of smoke and wrapped themselves around the girl tightly. She attempted to squirm out of them but was too slow.

Dumbledore now turned her around to face him; his expression was one of rage. “Who are you?” he demanded.

Her smile widened at his question. “Wouldn't you like to know?” Just then she began chanting a foreign language that not even Dumbledore could decipher. Just as quickly as she began the chant, her eyes rolled back into her head and her breathing ceased.

Dumbledore made his way slowly to her side and knelt down. He checked her vitals to find that she wasn't breathing and a sigh escaped his body. The next few minutes were spent trying to figure out who this Hermione imposter was, and if they had been posing as her for long. He spoke the reverse spell on Polyjuice potion and right before his eyes, beautiful Hermione transformed into a tall gangly man with dark brown spiked hair. He looked to be no more than twenty five years of age, and also was quite familiar to Dumbledore. He knew this would have to be sorted out quickly, what with Harry leaving in a few days. So he levitated the body and apparated out of sight with it.

~~

“EXPELLIARMUS!” Harry bellowed at the top of his lungs and pointing his wand at the dummy Hermione had expertly crafted for him. The dummy went flying across the room and crashed into the opposite wall. With an expert wave of his wand the dummy was propped up once more and Harry backed away preparing to fire another spell.

His breathing almost ceased to exist as he concentrated on what he was about to do. He could feel the words forming on his tongue, could feel the hatred boiling up inside of him. This knowledge, this feeling would be what he needed to bring Voldemort down for good. He pointed his wand at the dummy and screamed the words, his wand emanating a bright green light as he spoke them.

“AVADA KEDAVRA!”

Instantly the dummy that once stood against the back wall was now lying on the floor in millions of tiny pieces.

With the dummy destroyed he finished his training. Gathering his wand he left the deserted room and made his way to the showers. Before reaching the door to the prefect's bathroom he ran into a certain bushy haired girl.

A smile broke out on his face as he saw her from afar; he quickened his pace in order to reach her faster, but then stopped short when he saw the scowl that lingered on her precious face. Once he stopped she spotted him, her glaring eyes turning on him.

“Harry James Potter!” she addressed him using his full name. That never happened unless he was in some sort of trouble; he wondered what he had done this time. Slowly he made his way over to her, a slight smile on his face.

“Hmmm?” he attempted to go in for a hug, but what shot down when she backed away from him.

She crossed her arms in front of herself. “Did I actually hear you using the killing curse?” her voice was now low and demanding.

“Hermione, you had to have known that I would have to use it against him.” He exclaimed.

She rolled her eyes at him. “You are such an insufferable idiot, you know that Potter?”

His eyes questioned her and she sighed with impatience. “Don't you think that other wizards have tried to use that against him before? It doesn't work! Something else has got to kill him!”

Harry let out a frustrated sigh. “I'm leaving tomorrow! I don't have the time to figure out something else!” His anger was getting the best of him, and right then he felt he didn't have the time to deal with her either. He shoved past her and spoke the password to the bathroom.

Hermione stood in her spot speechless. She had just watched her beloved best friend and boyfriend lose his temper at her. Then he had pushed her out of the way and left without a word to her. At first she could feel the tears welling up inside of her, but quickly those tears turned to strings of anger wrapping themselves around her heart. She didn't want to even hear his name right now. In a flurry of black and gold she turned around and made her way back to the common room.

~~

Harry sat crouched under the water, his arms wrapped around his legs. His mind was a jumbled mess of thoughts, he felt horrible for doing what he did to Hermione. She was his everything; he had no right to get upset with her. And the other thought that was plaguing him…how to defeat Voldemort, if not the killing curse? So many options were running through his head he didn't know which one to choose.

As the thoughts poisoned his mind, he could feel his chest tightening and his body trembling. Finally the pressure of having to deal with all of this since the age of eleven had caught up with him. Tomorrow he would face his arch nemesis, the creature that had killed his parents and had tried to kill him dozens of times. He didn't know what he was supposed to do; he had lost faith in himself. Tears were now streaming down his face as flashes of his loved ones faces flew through his mind. His mum and dad, the Weasleys, Ron, and Hermione. The people that meant the entire world to him were all there inside of him, and he knew he couldn't let him down.

Standing up he turned the water off and towel dried quickly. Throwing on his robes he ran out of the bathroom and made his way to the common room in search of the one person he needed to see…and apologize to.

~~

When Harry got to the common room, Hermione wasn't there. He found out she wasn't in her dormitory either. He sat in his chair by the fire and contemplated where she might have gone if she wanted to be alone. There was always the library, Merlin knows no one would bother her there, but this didn't seem like the right time for the library. Suddenly a thought struck him; a grin took over his face and made a mad dash for the portrait hole.

~~

Hermione stood leaning over the wall of the Astronomy Tower looking out over the Hogwarts grounds. The wind was in her hair and it was a welcome sensation. She had been hurt emotionally by what Harry had done, her heart was aching and once she had gotten over the anger, the tears had finally come. He was leaving her tomorrow, and who knows if it will be for good or not. Why did they have to fight on his last night here? It wasn't fair.

She closed her eyes and let the wind blow over her, healing her broken heart. She knew she would always be there for Harry no matter if they were fighting. The wind was all around her now, almost as if it were wrapping its strong arms around her and enveloping her in its loving embrace. Its fingers were running themselves through her hair now, and she opened her eyes. Green. Bright, shining, wonderfully blissful green eyes were right in front of her. It was her Harry; he was here with her, holding her to him. Her arms went automatically around him clutching herself close to his body. His hand was stroking her hair and he was muttering soothing noises to her.

“`Mione, I'm so sorry.” Was all he said before she shushed him. Her head tilted up and she looked into his eyes.

“Harry, I love you more than life itself.”

He then leaned down and placed his lips to hers, and suddenly the entire world was shut out. They were in a universe all their own and they were going to take advantage of it. Harry slowly brought them down to the ground, but never took his lips from hers. They were wrapped in each other, their souls locked in a graceful dance, that only they were aware of.

~~

When Harry awoke, it was just before sunrise. He looked at the sleeping beauty next to him and smiled. The morning light was shining off her bare shoulders and they glowed brilliantly. He let his fingers run over her skin and he felt her shudder beneath his touch. This would be the last time he would see her for quite some time, he wanted to make this morning, and last night last forever in his memory. He leaned down and stole a kiss while she was sleeping, the last kiss for a while. As he stood up he cast a cloaking charm on her so no one would see her if they came up here, he then turned towards the door. With one last glance at the woman he loved more than anything, he opened the door and walked away.

~~

By the time Hermione awoke the sun was already up. She looked to where Harry had been lying next to her all night, but he wasn't there. His clothes weren't there, and his wand wasn't there. He was gone…completely. He had left her nothing, just incase he shouldn't return. She could feel the sadness overwhelm her at being alone, but swallowed it down, and promised herself to keep her faith. They loved each other, and love always prevails. Then it hit her, love. That was what Harry needed to defeat Voldemort. He needed love. Something the dark lord didn't know a thing about! Hermione knew that Harry was already long gone on his way to find him, but she hoped he would figure it out. She hoped that the love that they shared would be enough to save the man she loved.

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AN: Here is chapter twelve. Comments are always welcome. Let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Harry Potter except for the beautiful posters on my wall.

Chapter Twelve: Face Off

The familiar tugging behind the naval told Hermione she was on her way to her destination. When she landed on the grassy knoll above the Weasley house she smiled grimly and made her way down to the snug little home. She let herself into the front door calling out to Mrs. Weasley as she placed her coat on the rack. She found Molly Weasley in the kitchen reading the paper and stirring a pot of something wonderful smelling on the stove; she looked up at the intrusion and smiled warmly.

“Hermione dear, how are you?” She got up to hug the young girl tenderly, her eyes searching the room for something. “Where's Harry?” she inquired.

Hermiones' head lowered and she let out a sigh. Realizing immediately why Harry wasn't there with her, Molly gasped and hugged Hermione even tighter.

“Oh dear, when did he leave?” Molly asked choking back tears at the thought of losing another so close to her.

“Early this morning, I didn't even get to see him before he left.” She let out a nervous laugh. “I guess I will just have to wait for him to return.” She shrugged letting out what faith she had left.

Molly smiled at the girl and steered her over to the kitchen table. After sitting her down she bustled around the kitchen for a minute then came back with a steaming cup of tea. Hermione thanked her graciously and began sipping at the tea gently.

“Have you come to talk to Ron?” Molly prodded with ease.

Hermione nodded her head. “I did have some things I needed to talk to him about. Some things I need to get off my chest.” She smiled half heartedly before setting the cup down and standing up. “I better go do it before I lose my nerve. Thank you for the tea.” She smiled and kisses Molly on the cheek gently.

Molly watched her walk out the door, her heart automatically going out to the young girl who would have her whole world destroyed if she lost yet another. A single tear slipped down her cheek as she tidied up the kitchen some.

Hermione made her way towards Rons' grave slowly, taking the time to look at the beauty of the Weasley estate. Memories came flooding back to her, memories of a time when everyone was happy and young. Instantly Ron was standing in front of her, he was young and handsome as ever. His smile was brilliant and his eyes sparkling, he was holding his new broom and gloating to his older brothers. Then Harry came running around the corner, also holding his broom. His black hair was bouncing as he ran and he struggled to hold his broom and push his glasses back up his nose at the same time.

She smiled as these images flashed out of her mind and she was brought back to the present. Hermione now stood at Ron's grave, staring down at the headstone that bore his name. She smiled as she saw freshly planted flowers on the ground near his burial site. Sitting down on the ground, she settled herself for a nice quite possibly long chat with her best friend.

“Hi Ron…how are you today?” she placed a finger on his headstone and smoothed away some grime. “Yeah that's what I thought.” She snickered to herself. “Anyway, I need to talk to you…about Harry.”

Just then the wind changed and it was almost as if it were Ron himself giving a great sigh and settling in for a long talk. Hermione smiled to him.

“He's gone Ron. Harry left this morning, he left to face his destiny.” She gave a great laugh. “Now how stupid does that sound? But it's true.” Her smile faded slightly. “Ron what if he doesn't come back? I can't bare the thought of losing my other boy.” She began to get choked up, her tears threatening to come. “I love him Ron, more than I can ever even express to you. He is everything to me.” A bright pink blush was spreading over her face now. “Last night, it was wonderful.” She looked at the grave. “We made love for the first time Ron. It was everything I had ever dreamed it would be. He was soft and gentle. I just can't believe that such a beautiful night was followed by such a heart wrenching morning.” The tears now spilled over and onto her face. “He didn't even say good bye. What if I never see him again and he didn't even say good bye?”

For a moment she sat there on the ground in silence, tears falling from her eyes. She was sure what to say next, there was only so much you could say to a headstone after all. When she was just about to stand up and leave, she heard a familiar voice call her name. She turned around and faced the house and gasped. Ron stood right there in front of her with a smile plastered on his face. He was quite obviously a ghostly visage, but she was happy to see him nonetheless.

“`Ello there `Mione.” Ron said in his usual cheerful voice. Hearing it after so long was blissful to Hermiones ears.

“Hello Ron.” She smiled at him. “Kinda awkward with you standing right in front of me.” They both let out nervous laughs.

“Well I figured if there was ever a time when you needed a friend, right now was it.” He stated matter of factly. Hermione nodded and sat down on the ground again.

“So Harry left eh?” Ron said as he took a seat in front of her. “What a git. You know he always thought he had to do everything on his own. He would never let his friends get in on any of the action.” Hermione smiled at Rons dead on description of Harry.

“I know, but he always thinks he is doing what is best for us.” Hermione stated.

Ron nodded his head. “Aye but did you ever notice that when the three of us were together, nothing went wrong?” Ron was now staring Hermione directly in the eyes.

“Ron…” Hermione started while still staring at him. “…I'm so sorry for what happened.” Ron held up his hand to stop her.

“Hermione, it's over and done with. I know you both love me, and I know that it will never change. I've accepted it, I died accepting it.”

She breathed a sigh of relief at his words and smiled at him.

“Now as for you missy, how was it?” Ron asked nonchalantly. It took Hermione a few moments before she realized what he was referring to. She gasped and turned an interesting shade of pink.

“Ronald Weasley! How dare you ask a woman her private affairs!” She said laughing the entire time.

Ron smiled and looked away. “Hermione, I'm glad you are happy. I only hope you stay that way.” Hermione nodded.

“As do I.”

They sat in silence for quite some time after that, just reveling in the fact that they were actually together, even if just for this moment. Finally Ron broke the silence.

“Do you want my advice `Mione?” He asked her quietly. To his surprise Hermione nodded and waited for him to offer his say.

“Hermione, I suggest going after him. You know what it is going to take to defeat Voldemort, unlike our poor friend. He never was much of a thinker. But without you Hermione, I'm afraid he won't make it.”

Hermione stared at Ron, unmoving for quite some time when she finally nodded. She had known from the very beginning what she would need to do but it took Rons words to cement it. She stood up and looked down at Ron.

“Thank you Ron; you truly are a wonderful friend.” She blew him a kiss and turned to walk away. Suddenly she stopped and turned to look back at him, but he was already gone. She smiled to herself and then to him. “I love you Ron.”

~~

The wind was in his hair as he flew across the country side looking for an adequate place to set his plan in motion. Flying over a quite empty grove he decided that would be perfect. His feet touched ground and he swung his leg over his broom and began walking around surveying the terrain.

He was here. This was it. In a few hours Voldemort would be here, and they would be fighting to the death. He tried not to think about that this could very possibly be his last day alive. Since Ron's death, dying had begun to scare him. The more he thought about it, he didn't want to leave this world, he had too much to keep him here.

Finding a nice grassy spot under a tree he sat down and waited. Random things would pop into his head, but mostly they were about Hermione, about last night. She was absolutely perfect and understanding as he came to her; it was obvious that was what she needed also. They both came together searching for something to keep the other with them forever. He believed they had found it. Making love with Hermione was the one thing that had kept him from running away. When they performed that act of such utter trust and love, he knew that she wouldn't run away, so why should he? He knew she was with him now and forever, no matter the outcome of this fight.

His eyes scanned the open grove, searching for any signs of movement. There was nothing but silence. He was a bit tired, but didn't dare close his eyes even for a minute. So he sat with his eyes open in complete silence, waiting…

After about thirty minutes Harry could feel his eyes becoming heavy and finally close. Ron was there, in his dream. He was there glaring at Harry and yelling at him to wake up. Harry was performing is usual act of ignoring Ron whenever he was telling him to wake up. Suddenly Harry felt a thump against the side of his head, and his eyes shot open.

“Oy, Harry it's about time you woke up.”

Ron was standing directly in front of Harry now and mischievous grin plastered to his face. Harry was flabbergasted to see his best friend standing in front of him.

“Ron…what are you doing here?” Harry managed to get out in his surprised state.

Ron grinned again and answered quite easily. “It's going to take more than you and Hermione to beat Voldemort.”

First Harry had been concentrating on the fact that Ron had actually said Voldemort, and then his thoughts switched to what he actually said.

“Hermione is back at Hogwarts. She isn't here.” Harry stated.

Ron grinned. “That's what you think mate. She's coming.”

Right at that moment Harry saw a broom zoom over the horizon and dive towards the ground. The landing wasn't graceful but it managed not to crash on the way down. He saw Hermione leap gratefully off the broom and begin walking towards the two boys. Harry at first felt extreme anger that she was there, this was his fight, she didn't have any need to be there; but then the anger turned to joy at the thought of her fighting along side him. He rushed towards her and enveloped her in a hug.

“What are you doing here? Are you insane?” he asked into her hair as he hugged her.

She squeezed him tightly. “You are going to need me for this fight pal.” He looked down at her.

“Oh am I?”

She smiled and nodded. “I know how to defeat Voldemort.”

~~

Dumbledore paced the floor of the secret headquarters in the dungeons of Hogwarts with Lupin and Tonks right behind him.

“Hermione left a few hours ago to assist him, Headmaster.” Lupin said soothingly.

Dumbledore nodded his head acknowledging that he heard what Remus had said, but continued pacing.

“Ms. Granger knows what she is doing; she knows what she has to do. And I believe Mr. Weasley is there also.” Dumbledore spoke to no one in particular.

Lupin and Tonks both looked at one another curiously. “Mr. Weasley? As in Arthur?”

The headmaster shook his head. “As in Ronald Weasley.”

Neither of the officers questioned the headmaster but they sent more curious looks to one another at the mention of the dead boy.

~~

The Trio sat around a fire warming themselves as they waited for the final hour. They were enjoying swapping old stories of their pasts and just reveling in the fact that they were once again whole.

Hermione smiled to Ron as she placed her tired head on Harrys' shoulders, his arm wrapped protectively around her.

“We've missed you Ron.” Hermione spoke huskily her voice full of emotion. Harry nodded in accordance.

Ron smiled at his two best friends and bowed his head. “I have missed you also, though I may see you whenever I wish.”

The three friends smiled at each other and soon silence overtook the entire area. The only sound to be heard was the steady beating of hearts as they all waited.

“You two will be great.” Ron spoke unexpectedly and the other two looked at him with awe. “In the future, you two will be respected among your peers.”

Harry had a smile on his face, as if he knew as long as Hermione was beside him he would always be great. But Hermione had a look of utter confusion on her face.

“Ron…have you seen us? In the future?” Hermione squeaked out. Ron beamed at her and was about to open his mouth to give her his answer when there was a slight rumbling of the ground. All three of the teenagers looked at one another and instantly jumped to their feet, wands in hand.

“Harry! What's happening?” Hermione spoke as Harry instinctively placed himself in front of her, and Ron took his place next to her.

“I'm not sure, but I think he might be here.” Harry said his voice confident as he spoke.

The trees and bushes in front of them begin to tremble almost with fear; the ground shook and the fire blew out. They stood in utter darkness waiting for what they knew would come.

Hermione grabbed Harry's free arm and held tightly. “Harry…” Was all she managed to get out before a bright jet of purple light flew past their heads and into a nearby tree causing it to explode instantly. Hermione screamed and dove for the ground, Harry threw himself on top of her, shielding her from falling debris. Ron stood his ground, knowing that nothing could hurt him. His eyes scanned the bushes and trees and found a few singed leaves where the spell had come from. Harry and Hermione were now on their feet following Ron.

“Come on out you bloody coward!” Harry screamed at the top of his lungs. They sat waiting for Voldemort to come out, but nothing happened for quite some time. Finally after a few moments of waiting, all three of them heard the low cackling of an insane man. His voice was hoarse and deep; and from the shadows they could see the red glow of his fierce eyes. Hermione gasped and backed away as the eyes got higher and higher, then began coming towards them slowly. Finally he emerged from the bush; his skinny frame clothed in black robes with hints of green all over them; his black hair hung tangled and limp around his face. A hint of a smile was showing as he looked at Harry.

“Finally, I have you here boy.” He looked to Hermione and Ron. “I see you brought your lackey's. Well that's fine, I will just dispose of them…” He looked to Ron and noticed his transparency, and smiled. “…dispose of her first then.” He pointed to Hermione, his finger long and snarled.

Harry glared at Voldemort. “You will have to go through me first Voldemort.” He took a step closer. “And I will not go down easily.”

Their eyes locked and for a split second they could see into each other. Harry pointed his wand and just in time to yell the disarm spell as Voldemort shot another jet of purple at him. Voldemort staggered back a bit but regained his balance quickly.

“Its going to take more than a disarm spell to ruin me boy!” Voldemort said to him.

Harry placed himself in front of Hermione once again and stood his ground. “Then I will just have to make the extra effort wont I? Because tonight is going to be the last night of your life. I guarantee it.” He threatened menacingly.

Hermione grabbed onto the back of his shirt and tightened her hold on him. The last thing she wanted right now was to lose another loved one. Ron was right next to her with his wand drawn and poised at Voldemort; though he knew he could do nothing to him, it made him feel better to know there was another bit of magic focused on him.

“Very well Potter. I have a proposition to make you.” Voldemort spoke very professionally. Harry arched an eyebrow at him suspiciously and nodded his head. Voldemort went on. “I let those two leave…alive…and you and I battle…to the death.”

Harry could feel Hermiones' grasp on his shirt tighten even more at the thought of leaving him. Ignoring it, he stepped forward and nodded his head.

Voldemort also nodded his head. “They have five minutes to get out of here before I kill all of you.”

Harry then turned to his two loyal friends with a solemn expression plastered on his face.

“Go.” He spoke mostly to Hermione. Tears were shining in her eyes as she heard that one word; she shook her head in defiance.

“No, Harry, you need me here. I need to be here with you.” Hermione pleaded. Ron nodded his head along with her.

“Hermione is right Harry, you need your friends for this battle otherwise we wouldn't be here.”

Harry shook his head. “I would love for you to stay here. But…he will kill you if you stay. Please just go. Go back to Hogwarts. You will be safe there.”

“Safe until Voldemort sends his goons to come and kill us all. Harry are you even thinking?” Hermiones' voice rose slightly.

“NO! Hermione, Ron, you both need to go now. The clock is ticking and I don't want to lose you completely. Please go.” Harry was now pleading with them.

Hermione sighed and hung her head. “Alright.” She then stood on her tip toes and kissed Harry on the lips briefly. “Just know…it will be love that defeats Voldemort. You have that power…use it against him.” And with that she walked away with Ron trailing behind her, neither of them looking back.

Harry turned back around to face Voldemort who wore a sneer on his face.

“Let's get this over with Voldemort.”

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Disclaimer: I do not own anything Harry Potter except for the wonderful posters on my wall!

A/N: Im SOOOOO sorry for how long it took me to write this chapter. But I hope everyone likes it!

Chapter Thirteen: A Prophecy Fulfilled

The sun was rising over the horizon and the mist on the ground was dissipating as Hermione made her way slowly on foot back to the castle. Her expression drawn into one of concern as her thoughts kept drifting back to Harry. She knew in her heart that he would be alright, but her head wouldn't let her think that. She dragged her feet continuing the long walk back; every once in a while she would crane her head and look at Rons ghost walking next to her, he never seemed to look at her. The silence between them was deafening; both terrified to say a word for fear that they would break down. Her heart was breaking, and there was nothing she could do about it. In an attempt to calm herself down, she stopped walking and stood stalk still with her head down.

“What are we doing Ron?” She whispered more to herself than to him. He heard her nonetheless. Approaching her slowly he wrapped himself around her as well as he could.

“What do you mean Hermione?” He crooned into her ear. He may have been dead but that didn't stop the feelings he harbored for his best friend.

“Why aren't we there with Harry? What if he dies?” Hermione turned around to face Ron who had removed his translucent arms from around her warm body.

“He doesn't want us there. He's doing this to save your life.”

Hermione wasn't paying attention to him anymore. She had already begun walking back towards the field of battle. Frantic Ron ran to catch up with her.

“Hermione!” he shouted her name over and over, but she wasn't listening to him. “Hermione! He loves you! Please! Don't make his sacrifice be in vain!”

At those words Hermione froze in her stride. Turning to face Ron she had tears in her eyes.

“How dare you Ronald Weasley! How bloody dare you!” She stalked up to him. “You think Im going to stand here while the only other person in my life gets obliterated?” Her face had become flush from the exertion of screaming, and the tears were a futile attempt to cool her down. “I saw your dead body. There was nothing I could do about it.” She inhaled a deep breath, and closed her eyes. “Im not going to not do anything to save Harrys' life.” And with that she turned on her heel and began walking briskly back to the battle.

Ron sighed to himself then set out after Hermione, prepared to do anything to save his two best friends lives.

~~

“Lets get this over with Voldemort” Harry's voice came out deep and full of hatred. This was the creature who had murdered his parents, and was the cause behind his godfathers death; he was not getting off easily.

“I will enjoy watching you squirm with pain Potter. This will not be quick for you.” Voldemort's sneer widened and he positioned his wand into place.

Harry joined in with a smirk of his own. A knowing smile, one that held the information he would need to defeat Voldemort.

Suddenly Voldemort's voice rang out in the early morning light; it was high and shrill. It was the sound of a rather vicious spell being shot directly at Harry. He barely had time to roll out of the way before it struck the very spot he was just standing minutes before.

Harry jumped to his feet and shot a spell at his nemesis before ducking quickly behind a tree to catch his breath. Just then right above his head the tree exploded into splinters and Voldemort was right above him. Jumping to his feet, he shot off another spell and watched as Voldemort expertly dodged it.

This wasn't going to last very long If you don't start acting a little smarter there Potter. He thought to himself as he walked slowly away, never turning his back on his enemy.

“The magnificent Potter running away? I never would have thought!” Voldemort jeered. “It will make a great story to tell to your filthy mudblood when it comes time for her to die. Her valiant prince to scared to face me, ran from his fate until he could run no longer.” A huge grin broke out across his disgusting face. “I cannot wait to see the look of disappointment on her face when I tell it to her.”

Harry stopped dead in his tracks. “If you touch her, I will kill you.”

Voldemort laughed aloud. “I thought that's what you were trying to accomplish right now.”

Enraged Harry began running directly towards Voldemort. He had his wand pointed at the creature in front of him; nothing was going to stop him from what he had to do.

“AVADA…” Before Harry could even get the last word out Voldemort had already shouted the disarming spell, causing Harrys wand to fly out of his hand and land on the grass a few feet away from him.

Voldemort was laughing hysterically now as he watched Harrys expression change from anger to one of stupidity.

“Face it boy, you cannot defeat me. The future of this world now lies with me. You had your run Potter.” He pointed his wand at Harry. “Its time for you to die.”

Harry closed his eyes, knowing what was to come next. He had failed everyone. Hermione, Dumbledore, Sirius, Ron, his parents, the Weasleys. They were all counting on him and now they would all perish. As he stood there in front of Voldemort, all his senses left him. He knew he couldn't let the people he cared about most down. With all the strength he had in him, he threw himself at the creature in front of him.

Voldemort hadn't been expecting this move, and thus was caught off guard. When Harrys hands seized his throat he knew the end was near. It was either him or Harry.

Harry dug his fingers deep into the flesh of Voldemorts throat, so deep in fact that he could feel the warmth of his blood as it seeped out around his hand. The hatred that Harry felt for this creature was so abysmal nothing could have pulled him out of this chasm. Suddenly a sound broke through his crimson rage. Laughter. Harry tore his focus from the gaping hole in Voldemorts neck to his entire face. Voldemort was laughing hysterically; tears were sliding down his dirt smeared cheeks. Before Harry new what was happening he released his death grip and took a step back.

Voldemort sucked in a deep breath, and a bewildered Harry stared unbelievingly as the wound sealed itself shut magically.

“Dumb boy. You are only succeeding in making me stronger.” Voldemort smiled manically. “You have nothing. You have no one. Succumb to me, and I will make it swift.” Voldemorts wand instantly pointing at Harrys' heart one final time. His head bowed, feeling defeat flow through him tears streamed down his face as he silently sobbed for his loved ones. He whispered quiet apologies and good byes, then turned his face towards his enemy and met his eyes.

“I am prepared.” Harry spoke very slowly; doing his best to keep his voice from wavering.

Voldemorts smiled widened, the realization of defeat apparent on his once handsome face.

“Avada…”

“STOP!” Hermiones voice echoed across the field interrupting Voldemorts final attempt at doing Harry in. She ran as fast as she could towards Harry; Rons ghostly visage following closely behind.

Voldemort knew this would be his last chance at an easy win, so he raised his wand even higher preparing to continue the spell.

“I LOVE YOU HARRY!” Hermione screamed at the top of her lungs as she ran towards him. Tears were falling down her face like an out of control leak, her breath was ragged from running the entire way back to him. “I LOVE YOU HARRY” she screamed once more. When she was nearly half way to him, her foot caught on a rock and she went tumbling to the ground.

Harry had turned at her arrival and watched in awe as the bravest woman in the world came running to his side. When she fell he had to do everything he could to keep from running to her and helping her back to her feet. He saw her head lift up and their eyes locked.

“I love you Harry Potter” He could feel her words penetrating deep into him, opening something inside of him he didn't even know existed. A smile spread across his face as he said the words back to her.

“I love you…Hermione.”

Suddenly a light as bright as the sun began to shine from Harry. He seemed to be glowing and when he turned to face Voldemort he saw the man shrink away from him. It was then Harry realized he knew how to beat his enemy, and it was all thanks to his best friend. Hermione had cracked the case one last time, and he did love her for it.

Harry began approaching Voldemort slowly but with determination. Voldemort tried to struggle away but without even thinking about it Harry managed to keep him in his place. He could see the fear in the creatures eyes as he moved closer to him, and a sort of sadness came over him. He felt pity for this monster, pity that he was going to die alone, and that he never knew love from another human being. He was now directly in front of Voldemort with his hand outstretched.

“Just succumb to me and I will make it swift.” Harry mimicked Voldemorts previous statement. Voldemort's face transformed then into a look of pure terror as Harry gently placed his hand onto the monsters shoulder. Instantly Harry felt his scar burning on his forehead, but he did not let go. Memories began to flood through him, but they weren't his own. It seemed all of Voldemorts memories were being channeled through Harry. But not just any memories…memories of all those he had murdered. Hundreds of human beings were floating through Harrys head; all of them were filled with joy at finally being free. When Harrys parents came floating through, a smile crossed the young mans face and he at long last felt at peace.

Very quickly Voldemort went quite rigid and then fell to the ground. Without even checking Harry knew at once that he was dead. A wave of relief swept over him, and he fell to his knees. It was over. Harry had fulfilled the prophecy. He had won.

He felt a movement at his side and glanced over to see Hermione kneeling down beside him, her arms instantly wrapping themselves around his shoulders. No words were shared between the two of them, they just sat there crouched on the ground in front of Voldemorts lifeless body, taking everything in.

Ron stood a few feet behind them watching the entire scene. Harry had done it. He knew he would. Pride overwhelmed Ron at this moment, he loved Harry and Hermione so much, and they had saved the world. He knew there was no chance for him, but atleast everyone else would live. Without saying a word to the pair on the ground, he turned away from them and walked back the way he came; he didn't even make it over the hill before his body disappeared and he was gone forever.

Harry stood, taking Hermione by the hand and helping her up. They turned both looking for their best friend but he was no where to be seen. The two friends smiled at one another, and hand in hand they made their way back to their brooms to begin the trek home. They still hadn't said a word to one another.

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