It Falls Back On Me by kaoticcutie

Rating: R
Genres: Angst, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 17/11/2004
Last Updated: 07/06/2005
Status: In Progress

Something horrible happens to Hermione and she closes up and becomes a recluse. Can Harry open
her back up again? Bad summary but I swear the story will be better!!!




1. The Beginning
----------------

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?



2. The Burrow
-------------

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.



3. When I Breathe
-----------------

**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.



4. The Attack
-------------

**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.



5. Emotions
-----------

**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.



6. The Truth
------------

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.



7. The Funeral
--------------



**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.

-->



8. Tell Her
-----------



**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.

-->



9. The Investigation
--------------------



**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.

-->



10. It is Time
--------------



**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.”

-->



11. Deception and Training
--------------------------



**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.

-->



12. Face Off
------------



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.”

-->



13. A Prophecy Fulfilled
------------------------



**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.

-->