Purpose
The darkness was beginning to consume her.
She could feel it racing down her throat into her veins and clouding her brain. She tried lifting her arms but found them to be as heavy as lead, her legs weighed the same.
Pictures flashed through the endless night like lightening in a storm.
Her parents holding her when she was born. Laughing with Ron and Ginny by the old practice ring. Graduating college, getting her diploma, and saying good-bye to her friends. Lucius Malfoy slamming a sword above her head, pained screams echoing in her ears.
And Harry…
Harry holding her at the ball, nuzzling her cheek. Kissing her in her room, setting her body on fire behind the waterfall. Fighting with her over some battle plan, debating on where to place troops. The vision of her taking an arrow so he would be safe.
Safe. He's safe she thought.
Suddenly, a vision appeared of a dark man raising a wand above Harry, who had no weapon.
"No!" she cried out, "Harry, look out!" But he couldn't seem to hear her.
"Harry!"
Reaching out, she flew at Harry, trying to pull him out of the way only to find he was no where to be found.
And she was not on the battlefield.
Hermione sprang up and looked around, noticing two things: she was in her room, in the palace, which was bathed in sunlight, and her head ached terribly.
Suddenly, her door opened and entered a servant carrying sheets that, upon seeing Hermione awake, promptly dropped the linens and ran off. Hermione fell back on her pillows, closing her eyes, trying to soothe her aching head.
Flashes of the battlefield came back to her from behind her eyelids. Millions of questions ran through her mind as she remembered some of the gory details. Were her friends ok? Was Harry ok? Who had they lost?
Her head felt like it was about to split in two. The pounding behind her eyes increased, echoing in her ears, but she began to realize that the pounding wasn't entirely coming from her head and found she was right.
Ginny came rushing into the room, took one look at Hermione and jumped to her friend's side. She took hold of her hand, "Oh, Hermione! I'm so glad you're awake. You had us all so worried." She said in a relieved voice.
Hermione gave her a faint smile and rasped, "Glad to see you're well too, Ginny." She coughed a bit and Ginny went to the other side of the bed and handed her, what Hermione could only guess was, a potion and within minutes of drinking it, her headache dispersed and aches dulled.
"Thank you" Hermione said softly.
"We've had the strongest wizards watching over you, at least the ones that have been able to be spared." Ginny told her while replacing the cup on the table. In answer to Hermione's curious face, "Harry defeated Voldemort, but His followers are still on the loose. We've been hunting them down, either letting them face justice or be killed on the spot." Hermione nodded, taking in the information. Rounding up the closest to Voldemort would stop anyone from rising to take his place, at least for some time.
We're finally free of Voldemort, finally safe… Safe…. Harry!
"Harry! Ginny, is Harry ok?!" She asked worriedly.
Offering a calming smile she informed, "He's fine. A few bruises but my brother has had worse tussles than that." Her face darkened for a moment. "There was a frightening moment when he was stunned at Voldemort's feet, but then he rose and fought with some new found strength."
Hermione remembered seeing Harry fall, and one of those visions pictured a green light. He was stunned? Is that what happened?
"Harry's actually out right now helping with the rebuilding of certain villages."
Hermione smiled, Just like Harry.
"He's been so worried about you. He didn't leave your side for three days, not to eat, sleep, or anything. Mother finally made him leave." Ginny chuckled at the memory of her mother reprimanding her love-struck brother.
Something sparked in Hermione's mind, "Ginny, how long have I been unconscious?"
Tentatively, Ginny informed her, "Almost two weeks."
"T - two weeks" Hermione stuttered in disbelief.
Ginny nodded, "We were really worried when you didn't wake after the first week. Dumbledore gave you a few potions everyday and you still didn't show any signs of waking."
Hermione started to move off of the bed but Ginny stopped her and demanded, "What do you think you're doing?"
"I should be out helping, should be doing something useful. I've already lost three weeks" Hermione told her, still trying to get up, but her strength began to leave her again and she fell back onto her bed.
"No" Ginny told her, "You should be resting, you have no idea how lucky you are."
Hermione looked at her confused, "What do you mean?"
Ginny gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "You almost died, Hermione."
"I what?!"
Ginny nodded, "You had lost so much blood and… well I don't know the details but by the time some of the wizards and Harry found you, you were almost gone."
Hermione closed her eyes, and a flash of light crossed her memory. A feeling of warmth and love flowed through her. A memory?
"So you are not to get out of this bed until you are perceived well by Dumbledore, himself. The kingdom can last a few days without you, you deserve a bit of a rest."
Hermione smiled and snuggled under her covers, "I don't think I'll fight you this time."
*****
For the next month the kingdom put itself back together, finally free of a threat that had terrorized their lives for too long. Ron sent the troops to what villages needed help and took over the search for the last remaining followers of Voldemort. Ginny helped her mother with the negotiations for new trade routes and distributed supplies to all who needed them. Harry traveled back in forth between the palace and Voldemort's castle, destroying the last remnants of Voldemort's spells and workings.
Hermione herself enjoyed more bed rest, more potions and more boredom. Ginny, Ron, and Queen Lily visited when they could. Always saying how glad they were that she was better and how grateful for all the work she had done for them and the kingdom.
Though Hermione could hardly complain that much, as she was still regaining her strength, she did have one objection. She wanted to see Harry.
He had tried to visit her a few times but she was either asleep or he was called away on certain matters. She missed him and wanted to speak with him desperately.
She wanted to know if he was really alright. Wanted to know what really happened during the battle. Despite what everyone told her, she felt as if something was missing. All those pictures in her mind were still jumbled together and she was unsure what was real.
A few weeks later, Hermione found herself chatting with Queen Lily about the battle, the recovery, and plans for the future.
"If we continue to rebuild at this rate, we could be back to our former glory in a few weeks." Queen Lily hopped.
"Especially if the threat of Voldemort is gone. The people can live without fear." Hermione added.
Queen Lily nodded in agreement. She took Hermione's hand in her own and gave it a small squeeze which Hermione returned along with a smile.
"Hermione, thank you, for everything."
Hermione shook her head, "I didn't really do anything, Your Majesty. Really, it was Harry, he was the one to defeat Voldemort."
"This is true, but you gave Harry the strength to fight." Queen Lily told her.
Seeing doubt on her face, Queen Lily explained, "When Harry's father died, Harry changed. He became distant, diving into his royal responsibilities. He studied his lessons intently and became a great warrior. He also gained the intellectual knowledge needed to run the kingdom. He remained just as kind and just as always but in private he was quiet. He stopped spending time with Ginny and me, stopped hunting with his friends, and just stopped everything connected to his personal life. When he heard our allies were in trouble he jumped at the chance to go and help them, anything to get away from the memories of his father. I was afraid he would never break out of the prison he had built for himself. And then he met you. He began to smile more, act more alive.
Hermione, you brought light back into his life, a reason to live. If you hadn't come, I'm not sure if Harry would have had the strength to win, your love drove him. That's why I'm thanking you, not just for helping me and my kingdom in our time of need, but for saving Harry, for giving my son a new life."
Hermione's eyes became misty from the passion and the caring that came from Queen Lily's words.
Queen Lily pulled Hermione into a hug which Hermione returned. The two held onto each other for a few moments more before Queen Lily pulled back. Removing a strand of loose hair away from Hermione's face, Queen Lily told her, "Hermione, I understand what you sacrificed to come back here. The life you could have had back in your world, the family you left behind, and I'm sorry you had to make that choice. I know this place can never replace your home but I hope you know how much you are wanted here. And I hope that one day you might consider me as a mother, as I already love you like a daughter."
Tear finally fell from Hermione's eyes, her heart truly touched by the love she felt form Queen Lily and by the kindness of her words. She hugged her again and tightly.
"Thank you, I'd be honored to be seen as a daughter in your eyes. And you're wrong. I didn't leave my home. I was simply saying goodbye to my past, to return to my future. I am home."
"Oh Hermione, I'm so glad to hear you say that. This will always be your home wherever you go" She smiled at Hermione and added as an afterthought, "And please call me Lily, you are family now after all."
"Lily" Hermione replied, it had a very loving, homely feel to it.
Lily wiped away the tears that had appeared on her own cheeks and gave Hermione a kiss on the forehead. "Dumbledore says you should be well enough in a few days, but I'd understand if you wanted a longer rest."
Lily smiled as Hermione shook her head vigorously.
"No, I've had all the rest I can take and I feel guilty sitting her when there is so much more I could be doing." Hermione replied.
"I thought you might feel that way", Lily chuckled, "which is why I came up with a few ideas on what could need your help."
Hermione listened eagerly to a list of chores that could be done; helping the market place regain some order, straightening up the armory, sharpening swords…"
"Oh and by the way, there will be a ball in a couple of days that I intend on leaving security measures entirely in your hands." Lily added as she headed towards the door but Hermione stopped her.
"Wait, what? A ball? Now? I don't wish to question your decision but are you sure that now is such a good time for a ball?"
"It's actually a perfect time." Lily replied matter-of-factly, "The people's spirits are up, the rebuilding is coming along quite nicely, and we all deserve a little fun after everything we've been through."
"Oh." Hermione simply said, "Well, I guess that makes sense."
"It does indeed. And to add to the festivities it'll be a masquerade ball and all are invited. And I expect you to be there as well and not just as our head of security." Lily told her.
Hermione smiled, knowing it would do her no good to fight her on this point, "As you wish, Your Majesty."
"Lily" she corrected before finally walking out the door.
"Lily" Hermione murmured to the empty room, her mind elsewhere, wondering what on earth she would wear.
****
Hermione stood in front of the mirror pleased with the sight. Floor length and strapless, her white gown drew close to her curves accentuating her shape. It shimmered with a starlight effect thanks to a bit of magic, her mask had a similar spell placed on it. A delicate piece of cream colored cloth it covered most of her upper face with only her eyes to be seen. Her hair tumbled down her back in a waterfall of shinning chestnut curls that were sure to be a bother through the night but looked lovely. In all honesty she thought she looked…
"Beautiful."
Turning, she found Ginny leaning against her doorway. "Absolutely gorgeous," she complimented.
Hermione blushed, "Thanks, Ginny. You look stunning as well."
Ginny smiled as the compliment and brushed away some nonexistent lint off her elegant dark green dress. A scarlet mask lay over her eyes, straps tied behind her neck, her shoulder lay bare except for a few ringlets of hair that escaped the elegant bun that most of her crimson curls was pulled back into.
"Well I have certain days when I do like to put away the battle armor. But I don't go unprepared." She pointed to a jeweled encrusted long dagger sheathed that was belted around her waist. "Voldemort or no Voldemort, I don't see any reason to become too lazy. And speaking of…" Ginny revealed what she had been carrying behind her back. It was a replica of the same dagger that she wore. "We are sisters now, aren't we." Ginny smiled handing her the sheathed dagger. Hermione smiled in return, she had told Ginny what Lily had said and was glad when Ginny took the news happily.
"Yes we are." Taking the belt in one hand she and Ginny shared a hug. She put on the belt to match Ginny and thought how much better she felt with a weapon close at hand.
"In my opinion, daggers go with any gown." Hermione told her with a smile, causing Ginny to chuckle.
"Come on." Ginny said, grabbing Hermione's hand, "We don't want to be late."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Heaven, forbid." Ginny chuckled again.
Walking down a flight of stairs, Hermione tentatively asked the question that had been on her mind for most of the day. "Ginny, will Harry be there?"
She nodded, "He might be a bit late, but mother has threatened him with the entire royal army if he does not appear. Trust me, he will be attending."
Hermione laughed. She wanted to know what he would be dressed as but decided to be surprised. Maybe she could figure out which costume would be his. With a deep breathe, Hermione entered the decorated hall.
They entered the Great Ball Room and Hermione had to stop and stare for a moment. It seemed to be bathed in a gold light with bright colors popping up everywhere. Tables lining one wall almost groaned with the amount of food placed on top of them. Many of the guests were situated around the tables talking, laughing, and being cheerful. In the center of the room, a large dance floor was reserved with an orchestra off to the side preparing for the joyous night.
"Pretty, isn't it?" Ginny asked with a grin.
"Amazing." Was all Hermione could answer.
Ginny nodded with a large smile, "It always looked like this before the war, but I think it looks even grander tonight."
"It is definitely a sight." Agreed Hermione, who started walking into the hall.
A few of the lords and ladies present bowed their heads in greeting to Ginny, who was identifiable by the small tiara she had placed atop her curls before entering the hall. Hermione received fond hellos. Reputation preceding her, her escapades known throughout the kingdom, and further information has been supplied about the beauty that she was.
Before the actual feast began Queen Lily stood on the dais at the front of the hall with Ginny to her left and an empty space for Harry situated on her right. Hermione herself stood off to the side watching both her family and the guests, looking for any signs of danger.
"Welcome to all guests; noble and common alike," Lily began, "welcome to the joyous celebration. We've had a hard journey through these past years, lost many loved ones, gone through many hardships. But it has all led to this point. To our regained freedom, our stronger unity. Tonight we celebrate; tomorrow we start our new future."
Cheers broke out from the masked faces and applause echoed in the hall. Hermione herself shouted her approval, with Ginny beaming at her mother and applauding politely. Lily raised her arms and proclaimed, "Let the celebration begin!"
Music began to hum, laughter stirred, and wine was swallowed.
It wasn't long before the ball was under way, with guests of all ranks dancing, laughing and just enjoying themselves. Even Hermione took some time away from checking the guards and security measures to share a dance or two with Ron and some of her other friends.
Later, she found herself walking to a nearby balcony to get some air. Never really one for parties, she was slightly overwhelmed. Taking in a deep breath of crisp air, she remembered her first ball here.
That was a grand affair too. She thought, and Harry had been so handsome.
Harry.
She had wanted him so much then. And she still did. Leaning against the stone railing she closed her eyes. The memory of his hands wrapping around her waist from behind. Of his kisses along her neck leaving a trail of fire in their wake.
Opening her eyes, her heart fell at finding that the dream did not become a reality. Releasing a sigh, she turned her back on the scene of a quiet courtyard and returned to the party.
Harry, her heart called out. She missed him so much; she felt her heart break a little more.
Standing in the doorway she surveyed the room, nodding politely and checking the guards were on their toes.
Her eyes stopped at the entrance doorway. A man draped in nobles' clothing, an emerald green mask shrouding his face with a matching cape resting on his shoulders, stood there seemingly searching for something….. or someone.
His eyes found hers and instantly she knew who it was.
"Harry." She whispered to herself.
As if in a trance, they both started walking towards each other, gazes never wavering. Finally they met in the middle of the dance floor. Without a word uttered, Harry's lips crashed down onto hers and Hermione let out a soft sigh.
His arms wrapped around her, pulling her as tight against him as possible, while her arms curled around his neck, holding his head in place. His tongue traced her lips and she granted him access immediately. She, in turn, nipped and sucked at his bottom lip causing him to moan slightly. Passion and desire rose with every heated kiss they shared. Their hands roamed over each other's bodies, checking for bruises, broken bones, but most of all for the simple need of touching. The room broke out into a thunderous applause from the guests who smiled at witnessing the two lovers reunited.
The two broke apart for air and looked into each other's eyes. As far as they were concerned there was no one else in the room.
Many people wanted to talk with the two youths but found that they could not gain their attentions as Harry led Hermione to a nearby balcony, no one disturbed them.
"Thank god you are all right, Hermione." Harry said once they reached the stone railing. Pulling her in close he whispered, "I was so worried, I didn't want to leave you, but the kingdom needed help and it seemed I was the only one they would listen to." He nuzzled her cheek, caressing her with soft touches that made her slightly whimper.
Hermione held him close, whispering in his ear, "I was worried about you too; I had such terrible nightmares about you." Pulling back slightly to look into his eyes, she continued "But I'm glad you were helping the villages, I would have done the same thing." This made them both smile.
After a few moments of silent rapture Harry finally spoke, "Hermione, during the battle, you should not have cast that spell." His hands capturing her cheeks, the need to touch her skin overwhelming him, he kissed her again. "You were so weak, you almost died."
Hermione smiled, "I couldn't do nothing, Harry. I was brought here to protect this kingdom. And there is no better way to protect the kingdom than by making sure you live." She wrapped her arms around his neck, and touching his forehead with hers she added in a soft voice, "I also couldn't let the one I love die. I'd give my life for you Harry, I'd give my last breathe just to know that you were safe and happy."
Harry's heart overfilled with the love he had for this woman, the woman from his dreams who had given him hope to live on, "Hermione, the only way I'll ever be happy is if you're with me. I almost lost you in my arms, you know. Somehow I managed to bring you back, I don't know how, nor do I care. I'm just grateful that it worked and you're here with me."
"Oh Harry" Hermione's lips first kissed his cheek, then Harry's lips who had a fire all their own. "You shouldn't have wasted your energy, but I'm grateful for my life."
Not one for crying when she was happy, Hermione merely smiled and leaned up and whispered into his ear, "I love you Harry James Potter" before promptly giving him a passionate, soul-healing kiss which he returned eagerly.
Breaking apart, Harry studied her face, his own becoming serious.
"Harry, love, what's wrong?" Hermione raised a hand to his cheek.
"I have a question, but I am not sure how to ask it." He said, his eyes softening slightly at her touch.
Hermione felt her throat close up a bit and butterflies appear in her stomach. A question?
She gave him a reassuring and loving smile, "Ask me anything and I'll tell you, my prince."
Harry smiled, "How can you do that? Give me courage with just a few words and a smile?"
Hermione laughed at this, "It's a talent, I suppose."
Harry leaned down to give her a lingering kiss. Pulling back, he looked deep into her eyes, trying to find the answer to his unasked question. Her hands in his, he took a deep breath and asked, "Hermione, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, and my queen?"
Though not completely unexpected, Hermione gave a soft gasp. "Harry I….I love you with all my heart, but are you sure? I'm not exactly the perfect person to be a queen, and I'm not even from this realm. I'm not sure if-"
He cut her off with his finger pressed to her lips, "I don't want the perfect queen, I want you. Whatever your doubts are we can work through them, but please believe I have never been surer of anything in my entire life. I love you Hermione Granger, no matter where you're from, you've stolen my heart."
Hermione could not contain herself this time and let a few misty tear escape as she closed what little space was left between them. "Yes" she whispered against his lips before pressing her own to his.
Harry lifted her off the ground and spun her around while still locked in the most breathtaking kiss of his life. Breaking apart he brought a laughing Hermione back to the ground.
"This is not a very courtly way to behave, your highness" Hermione laughed.
"I could not care less, my lady" Harry chuckled in return. "And before I forget…."
He pulled from his pocket a gold ring and slipped it onto her finger. A diamond with two sapphires gracing its sides shone brightly in the moonlight, causing Hermione to release another gasp.
"Harry, it's beautiful." She exclaimed.
"It is pretty, yes. But you are beautiful, Hermione. This ring can dazzle the eye but you can capture hearts."
Once again Hermione felt her heart overfill with love for the man standing beside her and pulled him down for another kiss. This one, passionate and sweet at once.
As they walked back in to the hall Hermione turned to him, "Just question, your highness. How could you tell, in that hall of masks, which one I was?"
A mixture of surprise and disbelief crossed his face, quickly it turned into humor and he smile grew wider. "There were many things that I picked up on. The way your hair caught the light, the way the dress demonstrated your form." He buried his face in her hair and whispered into her ear, "But what made it so absolute was your smell. Vanilla is officially my favorite scent."
Hermione laughed and gave him a chaste kiss for his seeking skills.
Together, they walked back into the decorated hall and enjoyed the rest of the evening. They answered questions of the guests about the progress of the kingdom and what actually happened during the final battle. Through these stories, their love became even more of a legend.
***********
Through the next few months the kingdom of Gryffindor returned to its former glory. Trade was reopened with the other kingdoms and the villages and towns flourished with renewed riches. The most spectacular sight of all was Gryffindor Castle. After some dusting and defense spells renewed it was a splendid place to live, let alone look upon and everyone inside its walls felt the peace of summer's day.
The halls of Gryffindor Castle were currently being decorated for a midsummer wedding that would be taking place in only a few short weeks, a well deserved joyful celebration that all kingdoms were invited to. Once the word had been sent that the Prince of Gryffindor and the Champion were to be married villages began to collect food for a majestic feast and celebrate the love of their two leaders. Everyone seemed to be in an ecstatic mood, all except one.
Hermione Granger sat at her window looking down into the market that was held in one of the castle's many courtyards. People traded their goods, vendors called and flaunted their wares for sale, and mothers scolded their children for not staying closer to them.
Yes, just another average day in Gryffindor Castle thought Hermione with a sigh. What am I to do with my life now? There is nothing to fight for, no evil lords to defeat. What will happen to the powerful Champion now?
Hermione chuckled at these thoughts; it seemed a lifetime ago that she had wondered what she would do with the rest of her life after graduating from college. I wonder where life will take me next. I wouldn't mind not fighting in any wars; it was never really my plan to be a hero. And I'm not a scholar who will wile away the hours in a library, my grades showed enough proof of that.
Looking up into the sky, Hermione spotted a few hawks circling above in the drafts. As they began to glide into the distance an idea began to form in her mind. Perhaps…
A knock on her door frame jarred her from her thoughts. Turning, she found Albus Dumbledore standing in her room with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.
"Hello Hermione, how are you on this fine day?" He asked coming to stand beside her window.
Returning her gaze to the scenery beyond the glass she replied, "Pensive. I was thinking about what I am to do with my life now."
Dumbledore nodded his understanding, "You have completed the task that my colleagues and I wished, and did so quite well I might add." Hermione and he shared a smile. "You could always return back home, to where you were born and your parents reside and take up the life you could have there." He suggested.
Hermione shook her head, "No, I don't really belong there anymore. I've made this place my home and I have family here."
"Perhaps you are restless and seek adventure?" Dumbledore questioned with a hint of knowing.
This made Hermione look at him, "Adventure? The entire time I've been here has been an adventure. I fought in battles, helped win back a kingdom, fell in love with a prince. It seems I've fallen into a fairy tale."
Dumbledore smiled at her, "And yet, you still seek something beyond what you have been given." Hermione frowned and returned her gaze to the window, searching the sky for answers.
"Hermione, you said it yourself. Gryffindor Castle will always be your home, it will always be here, as will your family." Dumbledore told her, taking a seat next to the window which had enraptured her attention.
"So?"
"So instead of searching through this window, why don't you search outside this castle for what you really want." Dumbledore suggested.
Hermione's eyes snapped to his.
Leave here? Travel?
"I've never been much of an explorer. And I do have a wedding coming up quite soon." Hermione added matter-of-factly.
Dumbledore smiled, "I'm sure his highness would wait for the ceremony if he knew it was what you wanted. And as for exploring….you seem to be searching for a new role in this world. You will not find it sitting here in this room day after day."
Hermione didn't know what to think. Where would she go? Was it worth it?
"Professor…." She tried, but couldn't figure out what to say. Perhaps he had a point.
He did bring me here. He hasn't led me wrong before. And I think I do need a change of scenery.
Taking a deep breath, "Where would I go?"
Professor Dumbledore stood up, and pushed open the window "Anywhere the wind takes you. It is your life, Hermione, it is your path."
With those words and a smile he left the room, leaving a slightly confused but peaceful Hermione to contemplate her next move.
***
"What are you doing in here?" Harry asked her, causing Hermione to look up from the maps she was studying.
"Hi" she said with a kiss followed close behind. "I was just looking over some of the maps of the kingdom and surrounding lands, are they accurate?"
Looking over her shoulder, Harry replied, "Well I believe they are only a few years old. I'd say they would be accurate down to a couple of miles. Why, planning a trip?" A touch of humor was added in these last words.
When Hermione didn't answer right away he became a little worried. "Hermione?"
"I was going to tell you."
Harry's expression fell from its jovial state into astonishment. "Where? Why?"
She turned to meet his eyes with her own. Taking his hand in her own she began to explain, "I was planning on traveling the land and perhaps go into some of the surrounding kingdoms. Not too far away from Gryffindor though, just far enough where the lands are their own and have no real Gryffindor provinces."
His hand began to tighten on her own. His other arm snaked around her waist and held her close.
If I hold her close enough, tight enough, she won't leave. Harry told himself.
Hermione sighed and looked down. This was going to be harder than she thought. Raising her arms to wrap themselves around his neck she hugged him fiercely. Pulling back a bit, she brought his lips to hers in a reassuring kiss.
"Harry, love, this is not about you. You make me so happy, happier than I ever thought I could be. And I do love it here, this is my home and Lily and Ginny are my family. Ron and the generals are my friends. But I need to find my place in this world."
Harry started to say something but Hermione cut him off, "Not just as a queen, I need to see if I can be more. Love, I want to be your queen, but I also want to see if I can have more of a purpose. I need to see what is out there."
Harry nodded his understanding. "You want to see if you can be more." She smiled at him and kissed him again. This time a kiss of reassurance. Reassurance that she would come back to him, and that he would be here waiting. "I love you" he said with is forehead pressed again hers.
"I love you too" she replied, breathless at how he made her feel.
He held her close for a moment longer before letting her go. "Well, let's get you the best maps we can. Don't want you getting lost on your way home."
Hermione told Ginny, Lily, and Ron that night at dinner. And though some gave protests, in the end they realized that no one deserved some peace more than Hermione, and if this made her happy, so be it.
The wedding was postponed and arrangements made for Hermione's journey. A week later she stood at the gates of Gryffindor Castle with her horse on her left, a pack filled with necessities on her back, and her friends behind her wishing her luck.
After a few short goodbyes and well wishes Hermione saddled up and began to ride hard out of the gates. She reined in her horse when she reached a hill that overlooked the castle.
Turning around she gave one last look to her home and whispered into the wind "I'll return soon, my love." And she rode off into the unknown that lay ahead. Perhaps if the wind was stronger, or is she listened closer she would have heard a male voice reply faintly,
"Be safe, my beloved."
***Author's Note****
Hi guys, I know I haven't updated in forever and I'm not happy with what I've written here but I figured you guys deserved something. I don't know when I'll get the last chapter out but hopefully it will be before the end of the year. If you hate it or like it please tell me.
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