My Last Breath by seleene_paris Rating: PG Genres: Romance Relationships: Harry & Hermione Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6 Published: 09/08/2005 Last Updated: 09/08/2005 Status: Completed In response to the challenge on Portkey and inspired by the song "My Last Breath" by Evanescence, a near death experience Puts certain things into perspective. 1. All Parts ------------ "My Last Breath” by S'Eleene Paris rated: PG (but may go up to PG-13 later.) Pairing: Harry Potter/Hermione Granger spoilers: books 1-6 synopsis: In response to the challenge on Portkey and inspired by the song "My Last Breath" by Evanescence, a near death experience Puts certain things into perspective. This is A one shot fluff…I’m good at that…so why change Now??? Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns all lefts, rights, and eye lashes belonging to the Harry Potter series. I don't , but it is fun to mess around with the characters isn't it? I also don’t own the song “My Last Breath” or Evanescence. If I did, I hardly doubt I would be writing on the Net. Author’s Notes: For those of you still waiting for the sequel to Harry Potter and the Girl Who Lived (Harry Potter and the Onyx Spellbook.) I just wanted to Give you some FYI. I have recruited some help to Get the story flowing faster because I have So much going on right now with my computer being A pain and I am having to other peps to post even This tiny bit. He’s debuting, so be nice. He’s Also a very big fan of the story, so I am inclined To think it will be great. “I’m strange, maybe even crazy, but there is never a dull moment.”-(The t-shirt I bought at Target that I am wearing as I post this.) ***** “Hold on to me love You know I can’t stay long All I wanted to say was I love you and I’m not afraid Can you hear me? Can you feel me in your arms Holding my last breath? Safe inside myself Are all my thoughts of you Sweet rapture and life, It ends here tonight. I’ll miss the winter A world of fragile things Look for me in the white forest Hiding in a hollow tree I know you hear me, I can taste it in your tears. Holding my last breath Safe inside myself Are all my thoughts of you. Sweet rapture and life, It ends here tonight. Closing your eyes You pray your dreams will leave you here, But still you wake and know the truth - No one’s there. Say goodnight, don’t be afraid Calling me, holding me, as you fade to black. (say goodnight) holding my last breath (don’t be afraid) safe inside myself (holding me) are my thoughts of you Sweet rapture and life, It ends here tonight.” “My Last Breath” By Evanescence ***** Part One Thunder crashed and the lightning slashed the green tinted ebony sky in two. Rain pounded on the backs of four individuals as the wind whipped it across the country side. It was three against one and the three were having the same amount to trouble conquering as the one. A black haired boy, no man, with green almond shaped eyes dodged yet another curse gracefully as one could. Harry sent his own spell toward his enemy after he heard his friend moan as the spell meant for him grazed his abdomen, knocking the wind out of him. Harry's head whipped around to check on his best friend and immediately Hermione was at Ron's side checking on his wounds. Ronald Weasley waved his hand at his friend to tell him he was going to be okay. When Harry's attention went back to the task at hand, he barley had enough time to dodge the next spell heading toward them. "Stand still boy and accept your fate!" Voldermort declared as the spell missed him and he grew irritated. "I don't think so, Riddle. I think its your fate rather to die at my hands instead." Harry sent a non-verbal spell in the Dark Lord's direction. "There are some things after all that are much worse than death." "Such as finding out you was the cause of your friends' death." the evil wizard smiled and a shiver went down Harry's spine. As a flash of lighting struck near by, the wizard lifted his wand and flicked the Killing curse at the where Hermione was taking care of Ron’s wounds. From where Harry stood he was certain she took the brunt of the hit. “Hermione!” Harry’s color drained as he literally had to stop himself from running over there to check on her condition. *“Ron’s over there, he’ll take * care of her for now. Right now you have to get rid of this guy once and for all.” “Don’t worry, Harry. She’ll be with your mudblood mother soon.” Voldermort taunted. “No!” Harry raged as he pointed his want at the wizard. The laughter from Voldermort’s face drained. Determination filled Harry’s eyes as he quoted the Dark wizard, but instead of the green light emitting from his wand the light Whizzed from behind. Looking behind him at Ron and almost wanted to laugh, the spell the evil wizard had cast had ricocheted off something after killing Hermione. The dark Lord had been finally defeated by his own curse. The spell had hit the target and with out another word, the man who was once Tom Riddle fell limply on to the ground, dead. Since he only had 1/7 of his soul left after putting the rest of it in several miscellaneous items and hid them around the world. It was only after Harry, Ron, and Hermione had found them and destroyed them that they were able to take the man down. With out missing a beat, Harry raced over to were Hermione lay with her Hair in the mud due to the rain. “Hermione.” Harry breathed as tears Formed in the corner of his eye. Harry gathered the witch’s lifeless Body in his arms. “No! This can’t be! It’s not fair!” As Harry rocked back and forth with the body of his friend, the tears he Was trying to hold back fell down his cheeks and on to the lips of his Best female friend. “Harry. She’s gone.” Ron offered, trying to console Him. “Do you think she would want you to be like this?” “Go away and let me be!” Harry screamed hysterically as he continued to rock back and forth with her body. “Harry, we have to take her body back to the castle so they can inform her parents of what happened.” Ron tried to think logically, which would have normally fell into Hermione’s responsibility, but considering her recent death Ron felt to urge to try to fill the void she had left for the both of them. “You’re right.” Harry said, distantly as he stood up and carried her body back to the apperation point. The duo misted off and reappeared just outside the castle’s grounds. Harry said nothing as he carried Hermione’s body up the castle steps and through the heavy wooden Doors. “Here, Harry. Let me help you carry her.” Ron offered as he stepped up the staircase before of the Great hall. “No.” Harry stated plainly as they made their way down the corridors and arrived at the hospital wing. Ron opened the doors silently and allowed Harry and the body to make their way through first. At the sound of the doors swinging open, Madame Pomfrey looked up from where she was administering a calming draft to a fifth year. Obviously, the girl was stressing out from her O.W.L. examinations. The duo noticed the limp body in Harry’s arms and Madame Pomfrey rushed over to meet them by the bed where Harry had laid her. “What happened?” “She was killed by Voldermort.” Harry was blunt, but Madame Pomfrey had a different opinion. She waved her wand over the former Hogwarts student as various currently enrolled students gasped at the use of the dark lord’s name. As the head of the medical wing waved her wand, various physical statistics could be read in a blue mist. With out another word, the nurse ran to her office, grabbing various potions and administrating them. “What’s going on?” Harry asked the question that was plaguing both Harry and Ron. “What are you doing to her?” As the witch continued to administer the treatments for the young woman’s condition, she commented her personal thoughts as to why the girl was in her current state. “I don’t know why, but for some reason this girl survived. I take it that he-who-must-not- be-named used the killing curse on her. By this reason she should be very well dead, but I am registering brain activity, a very slow heartbeat, and some breathing. I am going to try to stabilize her then send her to Saint Mungo’s. The will have the better facilities to deal with her condition there. Hopefully with some time they will be able to revive her. “But Madame Pomfrey, why isn’t she dead?” Ron asked as he claimed the empty chair next to the bed. The witch looked up briefly and gave them her honest medical opinion. “I don’t know, but the only other person who was able to survive the Killing curse is sitting right there.” She pointed at Harry with a gesture Of her head. “Now, if you will excuse me there is a lot to be done Before I can send her to Saint Mungo’s. While I am doing this, why Don’t you go and inform Professor McGonagall of her condition.” With that, the duo were ushered out of the door by a very put out Medically trained witch. ***** Part Two In Hermione’s world, everything went completely dark then went white The only thing that wasn’t was a red headed form walking toward her. She wore a white wizard robes and she said nothing to her as Hermione Walked closer. Hermione felt like she knew her, or at least her almond Shaped green eyes. It was at that moment, Hermione realized who this Woman actually was. “Lily Potter?” Lily smiled at the girl and continued to say nothing to the young woman As she tucked a few strands of her long fire red hair behind her ear. At This, Hermione began to grow irritated at the lack of response. “Am I dead?” Hermione asked, hoping for some verbal communication with her best friend’s mother. The older woman only shook her head. Hermione was beginning to wonder If the spirit could talk at all. When the spirit finally did, Hermione was greeted By an almost musical tone. “You’re mind is between states and its not Allowing your spirit to leave until it gets the answers you still seek. I was sent To guide you to those answers your mind is trying to figure out.” “You were sent. So there is a God.” Hermione asked and Lily only nodded her response. “How did I get here?” “What’s the last thing you remember?” “Harry, Ron and I finding the last of the horcruxes. The rest of it is kind of jumbled up or blank.” Hermione nervously picked at the skin around her nails. Lily nodded and waved her hand to show her of what happened. The mists on the ground parted and the previous occurrences played before their eyes. “By all means you should be dead, but with the combination of your unfinished business and the protection I placed over my son allowed you to choose if you want to go back or not.” Hermione looked at Lily as if she were crazy and had grown a second head. “Of course I want to go back. Has being dead made you insane as well?” “If you do go back you are in for a really rough life.” Lily informed her. “After your body awakes from your coma you physically won’t be able to be the same as you were before let alone emotionally. Although I really can say from personal testimony of you’d be crazy and not to come with me to the afterlife.” “What kind of problems are we talking about?” “You’ll find out if you return, but for now, let me show you this.” Lily waved her hand again and the mist closed and parted once more to be able to see the scene below. “What’s going on?” Hermione asked as she took interest in the scene below. “When did this happen?” “Actually this is what is going on now.” Lily admitted pointing to the scene below. Hermione was horror stricken at the sight of her best male friend. It had looked the boy had not slept, eaten, or groomed in several days. “Harry.” Hermione breathed as she noted the dark circles under his eyes. “How long have I been out?” “About a couple of months.” Lily responded sadly. “Your body is in Saint Mungo’s currently. Madame Pomfrey knew she didn’t have the facilities To try to revive you at Hogwarts. If it hadn’t been for Molly and the rest of The Weasleys, he probably wouldn’t have done anything other than sit There and waste away.” Hermione sighed. “He would do that to himself wouldn’t he?” “Not just for anyone, though.” Lily offered. “You are really special to him.” “Of course I am special to him. I’m one of his best friends.” Lily almost wanted to laugh at the young woman’s ignorance. “I don’t Think he sees you just as a friend my dear. If he’s got anything of me Inside of him he wouldn’t, anyway.” “You mean he…” The older woman smiled and nodded. “Perhaps.” Hermione blushed. “Since when?” “Sometime around third year is when the signs started showing themselves. Sirius mentioned something about it when he came and James made a bet on it. Its nice to know that everything is the same old, same old with them.” Hermione giggled. “That sounds like something Sirius would do.” The young woman then turned silent for a moment as if she was Trying to decide something. Lily watched the girl and knew what she was thinking. “You want To go back?” Hermione only nodded. “Even if it means I won’t be the same.” Lily smiled. “That is what I thought you would say.” “So how do I get back?” “Leave all that to me.” Lily answered as she stuck out her hand. Gradually, the room grew darker and Hermione closed her eyes knowing the next thing she would see when she opened them would be Harry’s eyes. ***** Part Three The alarm clock buzzed and Harry James Potter unenthusiastically Slapped the clock to shut it off. He sat there on the edge of his Bed in the dark his hands folded and his eyes closed. Praying had Become a morning ritual as much had brushing his teeth. He had Only asked for one thing for the past two months and that was for Hermione to come back to him. The street light filtered through the window as Harry stood up and Went to his bathroom in his apartment to shower for his sift at Hermione’s bedside. He had been ordered away from her in The first place from Molly who had informed him under no uncertain Terms he needed to at least sleep. Once in the bathroom, Harry noticed the dark circles under his eyes And the bags that once hung there had begun to disappear, but even With the sleep he was finally had been getting had done nothing for His appetite. Hermione’s medi witch had ordered him to eat something And to leave Hermione’s bedside to do so. Harry’s gaze went to his shower and decided he needed to at least Shower. (Shaving at this point had become an option.) Once he had Stripped and turned on the shower, he stepped into his shower and Allowed the hot droplets of water to halfheartedly to sprinkle down Upon him. He leaned his head against the wall with the shower Spout and then he hit the wall with his fist. Harry ignored the pain In his wand hand as he washed then toweled off. As He stepped Out of the bathroom, Harry heard the door to his apartment he Shared with Ron and Hermione and knew someone had returned. Quickly Harry went to his bedroom and changed. He heard a knock On his door. “I’ll be out in a minute.” After he finished dressing, he went to his door and opened it. Ron’s Tall gangly form was behind the door. “Hey.” Ron greeted. “How Are you doing?” Harry just shrugged, “I’m alright I suppose.” “You going to the hospital tonight then?” Harry nodded. “Look mate, I know Hermione wouldn’t want you to stop living your life now that she’s gone…” Ron knew when he said this, he said the wrong thing. “SHE’S NOT DEAD, RON!” Harry shouted. “I know, I know, but still she wouldn’t want you to stop living your life because hers stopped for a moment.” Ron added quickly. “Would you want her to stop living if you were like this?” Harry was silent for a few moments before he responded. “Probably not.” “So why don’t you and me go out with Luna and Ginny. They were wanting to go and visit that new muggle club down the street.” Harry contemplated it for a moment. “Not to night. Maybe Tomorrow. There are a few things I want to talk to her Medi witch about first.” “Like pulling her feeding tube?” Ron sighed. The medi witch had suggested some muggle remedies for her lack of nutritional intake. Like most wizards, Ron thought the idea of force feeding someone through a tube was almost laughable. “No. I couldn’t do that.” Harry sighed. “There are some other things I read about that I thought we could try.” Ron sighed. “Harry, look. I’ve already discussed some of What you told me last night with her. Madame Farr said there Is nothing she really can do and we would have to wait. See If she comes around naturally.” Harry sighed. This news was definitely not something he Wanted to hear. “You guys go ahead and go without me. I need to be with her. I don’t want her to be alone one way Or another.” “Alright.” Ron agreed then he looked at his watch for the time. “I’d better go and get changed. You want me to pick something up for you to eat later?” “I’ll get something on the way.” “You sure?” “Positive.” Harry said as he watched his best friend walk out of the room. As soon as Ron left, Harry grabbed his coat and his wand. He went to the fireplace and took some floo powder and flooed to the hospital. When he made it safely to the hospital, he made his way Up to the spell damage floor where he checked in with the Witch on duty. “Back again, Mister Potter?” she asked. “Hello to you too, Becca. How is your family?” “Fine. My aunt Melissa and uncle Paul finally tied the knot. It was really a beautiful ceremony.” “I’m sure it was. How are your grandparents doing?” “Better.” Becca stood up and guided Harry down the hallway to Hermione’s room. “You know the routine.” Harry nodded and entered the room and noticed Tonks Reclined on the seat next to Hermione’s bed and Lupin In the chair across from her. He stood quietly and noticed The two of them didn’t notice his entrance let alone full Knowing their hands was interlocked. They said nothing To one another and they just stared into each other’s eyes. Harry cleared his throat and the two broke apart. “Hiya, Harry.” “Wotcher Harry.” Tonks smiled. “Sleep well?” Lupin asked. “Not really.” Harry ran a hand through his already messy black hair. “Why don’t you guys take a break. I wanted to talk to her.” “Okay Harry. “ Tonks stood up and Lupin joined her on the outside of the room. Harry claimed the chair Tonks now vacated and took her Hand in his. Hermione moaned and Harry sighed. She Moaned a couple of times before. Nothing exciting like It had been for the first few times. Harry smiled down at Her. “Hey. I’m back.” She said nothing, obviously, but moaned again. Harry Continued. “I do hope you wake up soon. I really need You around. The doctor says the more you stay under The more its more likely you’ll never wake up. So I need You to wake up, okay?” As Harry leaned down to kiss her, Hermione’s eyes opened Slightly. “Harry?” she called. “Hermione! You’re awake.” Harry pulled away. “Stay awake, okay?” Harry ran out the door to the nurse’s station and collected the Medi witch and doctor. The trio ran back to the room and Harry Was glad to find Hermione still awake. The doctor and the medi Witch shooed Harry outside the room while they ran several series Of test of the young witch. By the time the doctor and nurse Returned from the room, Harry had flooed the Weasleys, Lupin, Tonks, and the rest of the Order back to the hospital. “She’s going to be okay.” They announced to the group and everyone who had collected outside the room went inside to see her. Harry hung outside of the room to discuss her condition in full detail. “So she’s going to be fine?” “Well, not exactly. She’s going to have a few problems but it’s rather expected considering what spell she just survived.” The doctor explained. “What kind of problems?” Harry asked as the nurse walked away. “She isn’t going to die is she?” “Well, no, not for another 50 years unless she does something like what she did to put her in here the first place again. What ever spell had protecting her from that spell took a lot of magic out of her. She may or may not be able to perform magic ever again.” Harry stood there, head bowed. “Well, considering the options, I Think she would rather live. How long until we will know for sure?” “I’d say give it a few months, but for now just take things one day at a time.” The doctor patted Harry on the shoulder. “Good luck.” Harry turned around and went into Hermione’s hospital room. She Was now sitting up in her bed and talking to the group. Once Hermione caught sight of him she smiled at him. “Hi.” “Hi.” Harry answered back. Ron didn’t miss a beat and motioned for everyone to leave. “Hey, I have to get going. Work and all tomorrow. We’ll be playing against the Irish team. You coming Ginny? Luna?” “Yeah. Come on Ginny.” Luna grabbed her arm and the rest of the group soon followed. “Good night, Harry.” “Night.” Harry said over his shoulder. Once everyone in the room left, the two of them fell silent. Harry sat down on the chair next to her bed and retook one of her hands. “How are you feeling?” “Tired” Hermione almost laughed. “How are you?” “I’m pretty exhausted too.” Harry offered. “Why don’t I let you sleep and we can discuss things in the morning.” “Sounds good.” Hermione smiled as she closed her eyes, but while she snuggled with her pillow. Harry smiled at her, but before he could cut off the lights, Hermione said. “I love you, Harry.” Harry almost wanted to laugh. “I love you too, ‘Mione.” He whispered Back as he shut of the light as he exited the room. ***** End for now. I couldn’t decide where I wanted to end this, so I thought This would be a great place to.