A/N A short chapter inspired by the song below - enjoy! S Club 7 - Say Goodbye In the years to come,
will you think about these moments that we shared?
In the years to come,
are you gonna think it over?
how we lived each day with no regrets.
Nothing lasts forever though we want it to,
the road ahead holds different dreams for me and you,
Sometimes "goodbye" though it hurts in your heart is the only way for destiny
Sometimes "goodbye" though it hurts is the only way now for you and me
Though it's the hardest thing to say, I miss your love in every way
So say goodbye, but don't you cry, because true love never dies.
In a year from now, maybe there'll be things we wish we'd never said,
In a year from now, maybe we'll see each other, standing on the same street corner with no regrets.
Each and every love is always written in the stars, if only I could stop the world, I'd make this last,
Sometimes "goodbye" though it hurts in your heart is the only way for destiny
Sometimes "goodbye" though it hurts is the only way now for you and me
Though it's the hardest thing to say, I miss your love in every way
So say goodbye, but don't you cry, true love never dies
And when you need my arms to run into, I'll comfort you, nothing will ever change the way I feel.
Sometimes "goodbye" though it hurts in your heart is the only way for destiny
Sometimes "goodbye" though it hurts is the only way now for you and me
Though it's the hardest thing to say, I miss your love in every way
So say goodbye, but don't you cry,
Because a true love never dies.
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Hermione held on tight as she hugged Harry goodbye. It was time for him to leave, they'd put it off as long as possible, and they were now the last three students standing on Platform 9 ¾. It seemed hard to believe that their Hogwarts days were over. They were adults now, with more responsibility on their shoulders than others, war was expected to break out any day now and Harry had to go immediately into hiding to finish his preparations. Ron and Hermione had fought against this decision - they wanted to be with him - but Dumbledore had sat the two of them down and reminded them of the prophecy - this was Harry's destiny, only he had the power to vanquish the Dark Lord.
Hermione realised she should probably let Harry go, but his arms were wrapped around her tightly also, so she buried her head into his shoulder and tried to make him understand through her hug, everything she felt. There were unshed tears in her eyes as they pulled apart, and Ron placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. The three best friends exchanged long glances, not needing to speak. It was the end of an era - the famous Hogwarts trio was leaving Hogwarts and Harry had to go alone.
"We'll be at Headquarters Harry - you know how to contact us. Keep in touch." Ron said quietly, reaching to pull Harry into a hug. As she watched them the tears finally fell from Hermione's eyes, dripping down her cheeks. Harry pulled her into the hug, and the three of them stood wordlessly on the platform beside the empty train.
"I should go…" Harry said sadly, taking a step back from his friends.
"Harry…promise you'll remember everything - everything…" Hermione trailed off.
Harry nodded silently.
"I have to go - it's my destiny…" He said resolutely.
Ron looped an arm around Hermione's shaking shoulders as Harry picked up Hedwig's cage, preparing to leave. He wiped a hand across his eyes before meeting his friends eyes for one last time.
"Goodbye." He said softly.
"Goodbye." Ron and Hermione echoed.
Harry turned and began to walk slowly along the long platform towards the Muggle world. Hermione and Ron watched his progress.
"Say it now 'Mione - you…you might not get another chance…" Ron said, his voice cracking. Hermione looked up at him, knowing exactly what he meant.
She was suddenly running down the platform at full speed to catch up with him, her hair trailing behind her, as he prepared to cross through the magical barrier she called out to stop him.
"Harry!"
He turned in surprise to see Hermione hurtling towards him; he caught her in a fierce hug as she reached him, crying into his shoulder.
"I'm going to miss you so much Harry - everything about you…I'd decided not to say anything, but - I love you - and I'll be here whenever you need me, whatever you need from me, even if you don't feel the same way - I just needed you to know that. If this ruins everything between us then I'm so sorry Harry, maybe one day you'll understand and things will be like they used to be…but I'm here Harry - always…" The words rushed from her as she gazed up into those emerald green eyes she loved so much. Harry looked down at her and gently he brushed the tears away from her cheek with his thumb, one arm still encircling her waist.
"'Mione - you don't know how I've wanted to hear you say those words…but you know we have to say goodbye now. We have very different destinies, and I don't have any time left…if I could stop everything I would - I would love so much to just leave everything as it is but I don't have that choice…" Hermione interrupted him.
"I know you don't Harry - and I'm not asking for anything from you, I wouldn't do that, I just wanted you to know how I felt before we said goodbye properly. Whatever happens, you have to remember what we've all shared over the last seven years, we've been happy, people love you - I love you, more than anything." She clarified, unable to move her eyes from his.
They were silent for a moment, simply looking at one another.
Harry stared at his best friend, and tried his best to commit every tiny piece of her to memory as she looked right then, standing on the train platform in his arms, her hair all windswept, her warm chocolate brown eyes crying, her tear stained face, because he'd never seen her look more beautiful.
"I promise I'll remember 'Mione." He said softly. "I'll always remember."
He kissed her tenderly on the forehead and turned again to leave.
Hermione watched him turn to leave once more, trying to remember everything about how he looked in case this was the last time she saw him, and as she watched he paused and whirled around, walking the three steps back towards her with a determined look in his green eyes. He didn't stop when he reached her though, his arm wrapped around her waist, and his other hand cupped the back of her neck as he drew her towards him and kissed her.
Watching from along the platform Ronald Weasley punched the air and let out a whoop of celebration which caused Harry and Hermione to break apart from their passionate kiss and turn to grin at their best friend.
Harry kissed her once more.
"I love you too 'Mione, and I'll see you when it's all over - I promise."
And with a last kiss to the end of her nose Harry was gone from the platform.
"Goodbye." She whispered softly before being wrapped up in a bear hug from Ron.
They linked arms to cross through the barrier and begin their adult lives.
"Told you so." Ron declared as they emerged in the Muggle station.
Well, perhaps not too adult…