2. Because of You

Because of You

The sunlight forced itself through the gap in the curtains, sending fingers of light reaching into the semi dark room, spreading its new day touch slowly over the bed that dominated the room. A low murmur and the rustle of material were the first signs that life was present beneath the mound of covers. Then a hand appeared, reaching outward, pulling downward the duvet to reveal the sleepy face of a young woman, her hair spread around her head like a halo on the pillow.

Turning her head, she caught the brightness fighting its way through the window and smiled, for today was going to be a very good day. Sitting up, letting the covers fall about her lap, Hermione Granger smiled to herself, feeling happier and more content than she had for a very long time.

Briefly, and almost casting a shadow over her day, like it always did, her mind returned to her life at Hogwarts, to her time with Harry and Ron as they pitted their wits against Voldemort. And they had won. It had been a long battle. It had been a tough struggle, but they had won, and finally the darkness had been lifted from their lives, and now all that was left to do was to live it to the fullest.

She turned in the bed until her feet touched the slightly chilled floor, sending a shiver racing over her body. Standing, she walked over to the window and pulled open the curtains, blinking rapidly as sunlight burst into the room, chasing away the last remnants of night. She looked out into the street below, watching as life began to emerge into the quiet street.

Moving back to the bed, she grabbed her robe and headed off towards the bathroom, a tune coming to mind, bringing another smile to her lips. She could not remember a time when she felt so alive and so safe. Downstairs she could hear the stirring of a cup, indicating that other members of her family were awake, probably her mother, as Hermione knew she would have the hardest time sleeping.

* * * * *

Harry looked into the mirror as he straightened his glasses and then ran his fingers through his hair, bringing it into a more organised mess. His eyes fixed to their reflection, unsure of what he was seeing. They were holding something, a feeling that it was so hard to put into words. Harry Potter was no longer the-boy-who-lived or the Chosen One. He was now Harry Potter, the man who had vanquished Voldemort from the world. The man who had saved the world from the tyranny that the Dark Lord had inflicted. He was a hero.

His hand moved to his scar, the one reminder of the Dark Lord that would not vanish with time. His trophy for being the one that had survived everything Voldemort had thrown at him, even as a baby still in his mother’s arms. The thought led to another, one that made him proud and miserable at the same time, as there reflected in the mirror, but nothing more than images in his mind’s eye, stood Lily and James Potter, smiling at their son with pride.

Shaking the thought away, he turned and strolled back into his bedroom, having completed his morning preparations. His towel was still wrapped around his waist following his shower. He looked around the room, almost as if memorising the view. He had moved into his flat following the end of the school year. He had cut his ties with Privet Drive, not wanting to be a burden or a slave to his Uncle and Aunt. He could still see their faces when he had turned up to their house to inform them that he was not coming back. Oddly they seemed rather sad to see him go, but he put that down to them having no one else to take their frustrations out on.

He wandered through into the living room, frowning at the mess that littered the floor and every surface that he had. He could not remember a time when he had been unsure whether there was actually any furniture in the room. He groaned loudly, knowing that he had at least one more chore that he could have done without. He moved over to the couch, where the steady breathing of a still sleeping Ron resounded around the room.

“C’mon, mate, it’s time to wake up.” Harry placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder and shook slightly. “You don’t want to be late.”

Ron’s eyes revealed themselves, then disappeared, then reappeared as he blinked himself awake. “What time it is?” He asked groggily.

“Seven thirty.” Harry informed him as he walked away from the couch and headed towards the kitchen.

“You’ve got to be kidding?” Ron mumbled, as his eyes finally focused and remained open. “I feel like I’ve just closed my eyes.”

Harry laughed from his place in the kitchen. “That’s because you have.” He opened the fridge and sighed as he looked at the contents inside. “I hope you aren’t hungry.”

Ron pulled himself up from the couch, scratching his head and yawning sleepily. Getting to his feet, he too looked around the room and groaned even louder than Harry. “It looks like a bomb hit us,” he exclaimed as he made his way cautiously over to the kitchen door and peered inside at his friend. “It was a good night though, wasn’t it?”

Turning, Harry faced Ron and grinned. “Yeah, from what I can remember.” He placed his hand on his forehead. “Which isn’t a lot.”

Ron laughed, then instantly regretted doing so. “Wow, that was some party.” His brow furrowed. “Shame Hermione could not have been here.”

Shaking his head, Harry grinned. “I don’t think she would have approved.” He closed the fridge door and turned towards Ron. “She never did like it when we enjoyed ourselves.”

* * * * *

“Hermione? Are you up?” Mrs Grangers’ voice floated up the stairs reaching her daughter’s ears as she stepped out of the bathroom.

Smiling, Hermione moved to the top of the stairs, gazing down into the face of her mother. “Yes, I’m up and getting ready.” She shook her head and laughed lightly at the expression on the older woman’s face.

“I wouldn’t want you to be late.”

“There is no chance of that.” Hermione smiled as she walked down the stairs, heading for the kitchen, where her mother had once more disappeared into. “Mmm, something smells nice.” She moved over to the oven and looked at what her mother was cooking. “Are we expecting guests?”

Mrs Granger frowned as she looked at her pans. “Do you think I’ve made too much?” Her eyes caught her daughter’s with a smile. “Well, it’s better to be over prepared.”

Hermione wrapped her arms around the older woman and hugged her tightly. “What would I do without you?”

Just then the sound of the doorbell rang, distracting the two, who turned towards the door leading into the hallway. For a moment they stood in silence, as if frozen to the spot, before Hermione released her hold on her mother, her brow furrowed.

Neither had too long to wait before the sound of the door being opened reached their ears, and the muffled voice of Mr Granger followed shortly after. Who the visitor was they did not know, as the reply was too low to make it from the door to the kitchen, where the two women waited.

“Look who’s here.” Mr Granger announced as he entered the kitchen, finally moving aside to let the new arrival be seen.

“Ginny?” Hermione was more than a little surprised to see the youngest Weasley standing in the doorway. “This is a surprise.”

The red haired girl stood smiling uncomfortably by the door. “Hello, Hermione. I hope I haven’t called at a bad time?”

Hermione looked first at her mother and then her father, before her eyes fell once more onto Ginny. “No, we were just about to have breakfast.” She indicated a chair. “Would you care to join us?” She asked, her eyes revealing that she had a million question to ask, but would ask none in front of her parents.

Moving over to the offered seat, Ginny sat down, her gaze flicking between the three people in the room. “Thank you.” She smiled, as Mrs Granger began to dish the food onto four plates, while Hermione and her father took their seats at the table.

* * * * *

“You know she only did it for our own good.” Ron grinned as he walked back into the lounge, careful not to trip over the bottles and other items that were scattered over the floor. “I’d hate to think of the mess we would have been in if it were not for her.”

Harry nodded as he followed his friend. “Yeah, she certainly is a very special friend.” His eyes found Ron’s with a questioning glint. “Do you ever think about what might have been?”

Ron paused for a moment and nodded his head. “Sometimes. I used to think that there might have been something, if perhaps we had tried harder. I still love her, I always will.” He smiled as a series of memories popped into his head, of his six and seventh year at Hogwarts, the times he had spent with Hermione. “But things happen for a reason. Do you have any regrets?”

Harry shook his head. “No. There was no other way for things to end than how they have. She wasn’t right for me, Ron, and you know that. We would have ended up hating each other and I respect her too much for that.” He paused for a moment in thought. “I used to think maybe we would have been good together, but…it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Brushing off some rubbish from one of the chairs, Ron lowered himself into the seat. “It’s funny how things work out.” He looked down at himself, frowning. “Is it alright if I grab a shower?”

Harry nodded and pointed towards the door of his bedroom. “Sure, go ahead.”

* * * * *

Breakfast had felt more than a little awkward to Hermione, and her parents struggled to make polite conversation with their unexpected visitor, who seemed to make conversation hard with her one word answers. It was with a look of relief that Mrs Granger rose from the table as the meal came to an end. Her father made a few pleasantries before excusing himself and disappearing into one of the other rooms, leaving just the two young witches sitting and staring at each other.

“Would you care to come upstairs and talk?” Hermione asked, wanting nothing more than to see the young Weasley refuse and leave the house, but she could not bring herself to tell Ginny that she was not wanted.

Ginny nodded. “Sure, if I won’t be any trouble.”

Hermione smiled and rose from her seat, wrapping her robe tightly around her as if she had suddenly become cold to the bone. She watched as her companion followed her example and got to her feet. With a brief smile to her mother, Hermione led Ginny into the hall and up the stairs to her room.

Once they were both inside, Hermione listened for a moment for sounds coming from downstairs, before she closed the door behind her, shutting the room into secrecy, before moving further into the bedroom. Her eyes lingered on Ginny, who had sat down on the edge of the bed.

“What can I do for you, Ginny?” Hermione asked, almost knowing the answer before she had finished.

“Harry.” The single word spoke a lot about what the young girl had on her mind.

Hermione looked at her, no surprise showing on her face, but her eyes held sadness deep inside them. “I don’t know what to say.” She paused for a moment, not wanting this conversation. She knew how Ginny felt, she had seen the girl’s suffering from the moment Harry had broken up their relationship.

“I want him back, Hermione.” Ginny spoke softly, barely above a whisper. “I can’t forget about him. I think about him all the time. He is there in my thoughts and in my dreams, haunting every moment.” Her eyes met Hermione’s, tears welling. “It hurts so much.”

Hermione stood looking at the young witch, searching for the right words. “I…”

“Oh, I know, there is nothing you can do.” Ginny got to her feet, her nervous energy making it difficult for her to remain still. “You’ve told me the same thing, over and over again. It’s Harry’s decision and no one can make it for him. No one can make him love them. Not me.”

“This really isn’t something I want to get into right now, Ginny.” Hermione looked towards the door, as if she was expecting someone to come in any minute.

Ginny moved over to the window, her eyes focused on the world outside, her back towards Hermione. “No, it never was, was it? You never wanted to help.” Her voice was low, but it shook slightly. “I just needed a friend, someone who would say the right thing, someone who could make everything better. But you couldn’t do that, could you?”

She turned suddenly, tears streaming down her face and looked straight at Hermione.

* * * * *

Harry finished clearing the last of the bottles, his wand still in his hand as Ron reappeared at the door, his hair still wet from his shower, but he was fully dressed. The dark haired wizard moved over to where he stood and pointed towards the kitchen. “See if you can fix us something to eat, it’s going to be a very long day if we have to go through it with an empty stomach.”

Moving swiftly to the kitchen, Ron began to rummage through the cupboards, frowning as his search revealed failure after failure to find something that could pass as food. “I was thinking in the shower.”

“You go careful, Ron.” Harry grinned as he poked his head around the door.

“Seriously, Harry. I was thinking about what might have been, if things had worked out as they could have.” Ron paused for a moment. “If I had married Hermione and you had married Ginny, we would all be family right now.”

Stepping in through the door, Harry nodded. “Yeah, we would.” He placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “But some things are not meant to happen, Ron. And dwelling on them is not going to help matters.” He frowned. “Are you beginning to regret what happened?”

Ron shook his head. “I miss her. She was fun to be with in a strange kind of way.” He once more fell into his thoughts. “And we did have some good times. And she was a pretty good kisser.”

Harry sighed. “There are more important things than kissing.”

Ron grinned. “Name one?”

Laughing at his friend’s joke, Harry stopped for a moment, and gave the question some thought. “Well, enjoying everything about the person you are with is very important. So is not only loving her good qualities but her faults too.” He looked at Ron, who was staring back at him in surprise.

“What happened to you?”

Harry laughed. “I’m guessing, I found some sense.” He pointed to the cooker. “You get working on breakfast, while I get dressed.”

Ron’s eyes remained on Harry until he disappeared out of the room. There had been much change in his friend over the last few months, almost like a new Harry had emerged. And in a way, a new one had. One that no longer had to look over his shoulder in case the Dark Lord was waiting for him. Ron liked this Harry.

* * * * *

“I couldn’t help you, Ginny.” Hermione stammered, feeling her stomach jump in circles. “Do you think things would have been different if I had begged him to take you back?”

Ginny’s voice began to rise. “Who knows? He could have loved me, but you turned your back on me. You were supposed to be my friend.”

Hermione frowned. “I am your friend.”

The younger witch scowled heavily. “No, you are not. You are not my friend. What you did is not something a friend would do.” She shook her head, as if trying to clear a thought from her mind. “You did everything in your power to stop us being together. You stopped him loving me.”

Inhaling sharply, Hermione took a step forward. “That isn’t true. I never did anything to keep you apart.” She paused for a moment, searching for the words she needed. “He stopped loving you, that’s what happened.”

“How could he love me with you always there, stopping us spending time together?” Ginny’s pitch was getting higher and higher. “You did everything in your power to destroy what we had because you were jealous. First you ruined Ron’s relationship with Lavender and then you ruined mine and Harry’s.”

Hermione’s own anger was building. “I did not. I did not do anything to break up Ron and Lavender, and I did not break up you and Harry. He did that. He chose to leave you. It had nothing to do with me.”

Ginny took a step towards Hermione, the tears running faster down her face. “You bitch.” Her hand caught Hermione around the cheek with a resounding slap.

* * * * *

“Mmm, that smells…interesting.” Harry sniffed heavily as he walked into the kitchen, wondering what concoction Ron had whipped together for them. If his cooking was anything like his potions, the two of them were in for serious indigestion.

“Just something I’ve seem me mum make on occasion.” Ron looked into the pan and then at Harry. “Well, it kind of looks like it should.”

Harry shook his head, pulled out his wand and made the pans disappear from the hob, much to the disgust of Ron, who was looking a little wounded at the lack of trust from his friend. Moments later, the expression was swept away, as Harry swished his wand over the table and two edible breakfasts of sausage, bacon and eggs appeared, filling the room with an inviting aroma.

Ron took a seat at the table, looking at the food hungrily. “So, how are you feeling?”

Harry’s stomach gave a low growl. “Hungry.” He grinned and began to tuck into his breakfast.

Taking a few mouthfuls of food to satisfy his own hunger, Ron nodded. “I would give anything to have my head stop spinning.” He frowned at Harry. “Tell me I don’t look bad.”

Laughing, Harry shook his head. “I’m not about to lie to you, Ron.”

Ron let out a low groan. “My life isn’t going to be worth living after to day.”

“Mrs Weasley will go easy on you, Ron. With any luck, she’ll see nothing by the back of your head until you feel better.” Harry chuckled to himself as he once more attacked his breakfast.

“Very funny, Harry.” Ron lowered his fork and ran his fingers though his hair. “I’d try a spell but I’d probably turn myself into something else.” He groaned. “Where is Hermione when you need her?”

Harry looked Ron in the face. “We’ve always relied on her, haven’t we? She’s never let us down.”

“Except that one time when she stopped speaking to us, when I was in that relationship Lavender,” Ron pointed out.

“Yeah, I remember.” Harry gave up eating his breakfast, and looked at Ron. “Have you really gotten over Hermione, Ron? Do you still love her like you used to?” His voice sounded grave and serious. “If she asked, would you take her back?”

Ron paused for a moment in thought. “Yes…No, and No.”

* * * * *

Hermione’s hand rested on her throbbing cheek, tears springing to her eyes due to the stinging. Her brow was furrowed with puzzlement, her eyes blazing with shock and anger.

“You think you are so perfect and wonderful. That Hermione Granger can do no wrong. You are mistaken. You are selfish and you think only of yourself.” Ginny stared at the other witch. “You ruined my life and you don’t care.”

“I didn’t ruin it, Ginny.” Hermione’s voice was oddly calm despite the burning desire to attack and hurt the young woman before her. “It wasn’t me that changed how Harry felt about you. You think I did, but I didn’t.” She felt a smile growing on her lips. “He made his own choice, without my help.”

Ginny shook her head. “No, you made him love you instead.” She looked as if she wanted to rip Hermione’s eyes out. “He loved me, but you did something. Ron wasn’t enough for you. You wanted what I had, so you took him from me. You made him love you! You are a selfish bitch, Hermione.”

“No!” Hermione raised her hand, grabbing at Ginny’s hand as she took another swing. “No, I didn’t make him love me, it just happened. These things happen, Ginny. You can blame me all you like, but it will not change the facts.” She loosened her grip and watched the younger woman’s hand fall loosely to her side, the tears beginning to fall more rapidly.

Hermione remained silent, watching Ginny, seeing her body convulse as she sobbed. Ginny’s hands moved up to her face, as she lowered herself to the bed. Hermione stood, not sure what to do or say. She felt sorry for Ginny, she really did, but even if she turned away from Harry, she knew he would never return to Ron’s sister. He had told her as much himself.

Crouching down, Hermione placed her hand lightly on Ginny’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Ginny. If I thought that not loving him would send him back to you, I would walk away. But it wouldn’t happen, and we would all be miserable. And Harry doesn’t deserve to be unhappy anymore.”

“But what about…me?” Ginny mumbled between sobs.

“You are a beautiful young woman.” Hermione smiled, as she lightly brushed Ginny’s hair from around her face, as the young witch lifted her head. “You will find someone, Ginny. Someone who will love you very much.”

Ginny’s eyes met Hermione’s. “Did he…did he ever love me?”

Hermione nodded. “Once, yes.” She pulled Ginny towards her, hugging her comfortingly. “But he needs me, Ginny, and I need him. We are like two parts of the same person. Apart we could never be happy.” She felt the young woman nod her head against her body. “Please don’t be angry with us. We cannot help loving each other.”

For a moment, Ginny remained wrapped in Hermione’s embrace, until she slowly pulled back, and looked into the older witch’s face. “I’m sorry, Hermione. I didn’t want to do this. I thought I could be strong, but as the day grew nearer and nearer, it became so hard to bear.” She smiled sadly, though it never quite managed to push away the sadness in the eyes. “I’ve been such a fool. I hope I haven’t ruined your wedding day.”

Hermione shook her head. “No, it can only get better from now.”

* * * * *

Ron looked at Harry and smiled. “You worry too much, mate. If I wasn’t happy for you both, do you think I would have agreed to be your Best Man?” He rose from his chair and indicated the door. “We’d better finish getting ready. Hermione will not be pleased if you are late.”

Harry merely smiled.

The End

3. The Only One

The Only One

The room was a mess; there was no other way to describe it. Clothes, books and an assortment of other items lay scattered around, covering the bed, chairs and even the floor. Drawers were pulled open and the wardrobe doors were wide open, both half filled with clothing, the rest laid in and around the trunk that rested on the ground. Looking around, Hermione glanced at her belongings as if seeing them for the first time. She had not realised how much she had gathered over the last few years.

She walked over to the chest of drawers and scooped an armful of clothing, cradling it against her body, as she walked back over to the trunk, and dumped her underwear haphazardly into it. Bending, she pushed down upon the items already inside, as she assessed how much more room she had left.

“Hermione?”

She looked up from her task, her eyes drawn towards the door of the room, finding the owner of the voice. A small smile spread over her lips, as she stood up, turning to face Harry.

“Are you almost finished?” Harry enquired, even though his eyes told him that she was still packing. He moved into the room, not waiting for her to invite him in. He stopped as he reached the bed, looking down upon the items she had scattered around her. “Do you need any help?”

Hermione shook her head. “No, I have everything under control.” She looked at her belongings, and sighed heavily, wondering whether she was trying to persuade him or her. “I’ve just got to get it in the trunk, and then I’m finished.”

Harry picked up one of the items from the bed, and looked at it sadly, his mind turning to when he had first seen her wearing it. “I remember when you bought this.” He looked at the white satin garment, a sad smile etching its way onto his lips. “It was Halloween. You had it on under…” He paused. “Something. I don’t remember much, other than taking it off of you, leaving you wearing just this.” He stroked his hand over the material.

Hermione reached out and grabbed it from him. “I remember.” She looked at it sadly then dropped it into the trunk on top of the other items already inside. “I was dressed as a white lady; my face was powdered pale to finish the look.” Her eyes found his.

He nodded. “You looked beautiful.”

A blush grew on Hermione’s cheeks. “You said so on the night.” She turned from Harry and picked up another item of clothing, placing it in the trunk. She repeated the process several times before her eyes once more found Harry’s. “I’m surprised you remembered.”

Brow furrowed, and shook his head. “How could I forget? It was our first...” He lowered himself down onto the bed, pushing some of her belongings out of the way so as not to sit on them. “You know.” He smiled, as he looked up at her. “Hermione…?”

“We’ve been through this already, Harry.” Hermione paused in her task, her hands frozen in the process of dropping a shirt into the trunk. “I can’t stay.”

Harry’s eyes glassed over, regret buried in them. “I’m sorry, Hermione. I know I’ve been busy lately.” He frowned, his eyes lowering to his lap. “I neglected you, and I know I shouldn’t have.”

Hermione shook her head and moved around the side of the bed, stopping in front of Harry, as she crouched down before him. She looked up into his eyes and held his hands. “It’s not your fault. You had a lot on your mind, we all did.”

“This isn’t how this should end, Hermione.” Harry’s gaze met hers. “We’ve been through so much. How can we give up now?” He brought her hand up to his lips, and pressed a kiss to her fingers. “I need you, Hermione.”

Hermione could feel the tears welling in her eyes, her heart aching seeing him like this. “Don’t make this any harder than it already is, Harry. We’d just end up hurting each other.” She tightened her hands around his. “Please, just let me go.”

“Where are you going?” Harry asked, his voice sounding bitter.

“I’m going home.” Hermione paused, swallowing back the emotion building inside her. She had hoped that she would have been able to leave without him being there, but he had come back early. “I need some time, Harry. Time on my own, to get my thoughts sorted out.”

Harry sighed, taking in a deep breath. “Is there any hope for me?”

Hermione smiled. “There’s always hope.” She let go of his hands, and pressed a tender kiss to his cheek as she got up from the floor. “I really need to finish packing.”

Nodding sadly, Harry got up off the bed and moved towards the door, stopping and turning back to look at her. “If you need anything, I’ll just be outside.”

A smile crossed over her lips. “I know.”

Hermione’s eyes followed Harry as he walked out of the door, and disappeared out of her view. She remained standing where she was, unable to move as her mind began to whirl. It had been a tough decision, deciding to leave Harry. She knew how he felt; everything they had been through had left them suffering. They three of them had been close, her, Ron and Harry. They had shared seven years together, and it had accumulated in the final defeat of Voldemort.

It had been a moment of elation and sadness. It had been a time to say goodbye to friends and finally being able to move on. But there had been a part of them that could not move on. Harry and Hermione had grown close over the time, they had needed each other. They had clung to each other in the darkness as they prepared for the final battle. They had shared each other’s tears and laughter, and they had ventured down that path, declaring but there had always been something in the way. Despite that, they had moved further into their relationship, had grown closer and closer.

How long it took Hermione to finish putting her belongings away, she did not know, but the sun had shifted across the sky, casting different shadows over the room. Fingers of sunlight attempted to cling to the bed, as if it was trying to hold on to the past, but time as always had different plans, and the light continued to move out of the room.

Some time later, Hermione emerged from her room; her eyes instantly fell upon Harry, who was sitting in one of the chairs, his head in his hands. As she approached, she expected him to look up at her but he remained exactly as he was. Her hand stretched out and lightly rested upon his.

“Harry?”

He looked up, finally pulled out of his thoughts. “Are you going?”

Hermione nodded. “Yeah, I’m ready to go.” She smiled sadly. “I just wanted to say goodbye.”

Getting up out of the chair, Harry looked down at the young witch, his green eyes gazing into her brown ones. “Hermione, please…”

Hermione shook her head, fighting back a flood of tears that threatened to fall. “Please, Harry. Just say goodbye.”

Both fell silent for a moment, just looking at each other. Hermione took a step forward, wrapping her hands around Harry, holding him tightly. “Thank you for being there, Harry.”

His arms moved around her body, holding her against him. “Thank you, Hermione. I would never have been able to do it without you and Ron.” He looked down into her face, pulling her close as he pressed his lips against hers.

Hermione’s arms moved about him, as his hand moved up to her neck, his fingers playing with her hair. She gave into his kiss, her lips moving against his, enjoying the sensations that spread over her body. She trembled slightly in his arms, before she pulled back, breaking their hold.

“Goodbye, Harry.” Hermione moved away, turning away from the dark haired wizard, heading back to her room to pick up her belongings.

It seemed strange leaving, she had spent the time together with Harry and Ron, since they had left Hogwarts. It had only been a few months, and they had managed to live in harmony together, not that they had seen a lot of Ron after he began a relationship with Luna, but this was still officially his home as much as theirs. He would be surprised when he returned and found her gone. She had left him a note, explaining her reasons, but not the real ones. How could she explain those to Ron when she could not even explain them to herself?

She looked around her room, feeling oddly saddened that she would not be seeing it again, not in the same way as she did now. She was not walking out on Harry and Ron’s friendship; she just could not stay under the same roof as Mr Potter without there being anything between them. They had had that spark once, but it had become duller and duller over time, until finally they had returned to being just friends, yet sometimes she was sure that there was something there, in a look, in his last kiss, but was it enough to build her future on?

Grabbing her trunk, she pulled it out of the room, dragging it over to the front door. Harry walked over to where she was and took hold of the handle, his fingers brushing against hers, sending shivers racing through her. She gave him a smile, and released her grip.

“Hermione, you really don’t have to do this.” Harry looked at her, his eyes searching hers. “I don’t see why suddenly you have to go. I thought you liked living here.”

“I do…I did.” Hermione let out a long sigh. “I just need to be on my own, to sort out my thoughts.” She smiled, though her eyes still held a kind of sadness. “I’ll visit all the time.”

Harry nodded, and turned, his whole body revealing his misery at seeing her go. “Hermione?”

“Yes, Harry?” Hermione looked at Harry, willing him to speak and say what she wanted to hear.

Harry stared at her for a moment. “I…” He paused. “I’ll help you get this downstairs.”

Hermione felt her whole body sag with disappointment. She had been waiting for him to utter just three tiny words, to let her know that she had a hope, but they never came, and it was with a heavy heart that she followed Harry down to the taxi that was waiting outside.

“I thought you would have apparated.” Harry handed the trunk to the driver, who loaded into the back of the taxi.

Hermione smiled. “My parents get a little uneasy when I just appear.” She looked at Harry for a moment, her eyes sparkling with growing tears. Leaning forward, she pressed a kiss to his cheek, and climbed into the car. In minutes it was heading off down the street. She turned and watched as Harry disappeared into the distance through the rear window.

* * * * *

Standing in front of the door, her belongings beside her, Hermione waited. Her mind was in a whirl, just as it had been during the entire car journey. She could not remember I time that she felt so lonely and so miserable. Her mind had conjured up images of the good times she had spent with Harry, even the bad times made her feel closer to him. There was so much that was so right, she could not see where they had gone wrong. She could not have been so wrong in reading the situation. She knew how she felt about him, how could she not know how he felt about her. His kisses had told her enough, hadn’t they?

After what seemed like a lifetime, the door opened. She remained staring for a moment, unable to move, unable to speak. A smiled crept very slowly over her lips.

“Hello, Harry.”

Harry looked at Hermione, his eyes wide with confusion and puzzlement. An hour ago he had stood and watched her taxi drive away. He took a step back into the apartment, inviting her in. As she walked passed, he looked at her trunk and dragged it back inside, leaving it beside the door.

Neither of them could find the words to say, as they stood gazing at each other across the living room. Harry remained by the door, while Hermione stood in the centre of the room. Her eyes twinkled with tears that slowly ran down her cheeks.

“I couldn’t leave.” Hermione finally explained, finding her voice, which sounded choked. “All I could do in the taxi was think about you. How much I wanted to be with you.”

Harry crossed the room in less steps than either of them could imagine, his arms wrapping instantly around her, pulling her against him. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head as he held her protectively. Her body shook at the closeness of his, a mix of the tears she was shedding and the happiness that rushed through her body at being back with him.

“Oh, Harry,” she murmured against his chest. “I’m so sorry.”

Harry pressed another kiss to her head, before loosening his hold, and looking down into her face. One of his arms moved, as his finger caught her below the chin, raising her face until he could look into her brown eyes, which looked an even deeper shade due to the tears. “You have no reason to be sorry. You came back, that’s all that matters.”

He lowered his head, claiming her lips with his own. His arms snaked back around her, pulling her against his body. She could feel his warmth seeping through her clothing, warming her skin. A shiver rushed up her spine, as she wrapped her arms around him, almost as if she was afraid he would leave her.

Time seemed to slow, and it felt like an eternity later that their lips parted, and the two looked deep into each others eyes. Harry’s fingers lightly brushed over her cheek, wiping away the tracks of the tears that Hermione had shed. He smiled, his eyes sparkling and holding something that she had seen only once or twice before.

“I thought I had lost you. When I watched you drive away, I believed that you had gone for good. I knew then that I had made the biggest mistake of my life.” Harry frowned and lowered his eyes, unable to look into hers. “I wanted to tell you, but I foolishly thought that you would not want to hear what I had to say. When you left, I realised I had missed my chance. I should have told you then, instead I let you go.”

Hermione smiled. This time it was her turn to guide his gaze back to her eyes. “You have a second chance.”

Harry nodded, the smile growing again on his lips. “This time I’m not going to let you go.” He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. “I love you, Hermione. I should have told you that so long ago.” He looked deep into her eyes. “I hope you can forgive me for taking my time.”

Nodding her head slowly, Hermione moved her hand to the back of Harry’s neck, as she smiled up at him. “I love you too, Harry.” She pulled him back down towards her, letting their lips take over as they met, both losing themselves each other’s kiss.

Stepping backwards slowly, the kiss came to an end, their lips parting almost with a sigh. Their arms loosened, falling down to their sides, only for both of them to reach for the other’s hands.

“I’m so glad you came back.” Harry’s voice was barely above a whisper.

“I couldn’t stay away.” Hermione smiled, her voice raspy and breathless following the kiss. “You are the only one I want. The only one I ever wanted.” She pulled gently on his hands, as she began to walk backwards across the living room, taking a confused by willing Harry with her.

It did not take him long to work out where she was leading him, his eyes revealing their understanding quickly. The pull on his arms grew less as he began to walk under his own steam. His eyes returned to hers, the hunger burning in them as he looked down at the woman he loved. Hermione gaze mirrored his with her own want and desire.

As they entered the room, Hermione released Harry’s hands, letting them fall loosely to his sides, as she continued to stare at her, his eyes leaving hers as they travelled over her body, which was covered by a long black coat. Her fingers fumbled with the buttons, freeing one after the other starting from the bottom and working her way up towards her chin.

Each button popped open after a couple of seconds, the coat falling open slightly, revealing more and more of the clothing beneath. Just above her knees, the whiteness of a satin material caught Harry’s attention, his gaze lingering on it briefly, before he slowly slid his eyes up her body, pausing on each button until it joined the fate of its fellows. As her fingers reached the top button, Harry’s hands moved to stop her. He looked into her eyes, smiling, as he continued to do what she had started.

Fumbling slightly, his hands shaking, Harry managed to free the last catch on her coat, feeling it fall open slightly. He slipped his hands through the coat, pulling it open a little more as his fingers brushed against the smoothness beneath. She trembled slightly, a gasp escaping from her lips as his hands touched her body through the thin fabric she wore.

His arms snaked around her waist, pulling her against him, the movement opening her coat more. Once more she could feel the warmth of his body, closer through just the one layer of clothing. His hands slid downwards, brushing against her buttocks as he pulled her closer, his hips grinding against hers. She could feel his desire against her, which in turn caused to her shiver, as his evident want of her was felt.

His hand left her buttocks, sliding back around her body, resting on her stomach, before his fingers began the slow glide upwards. His caressing touch moved over the material separating him from her bare skin, teasingly creeping, causing Hermione to murmur softly, as her eyes closed. His hands brushed up her chest, pausing briefly to cup her breasts in his hands, before continuing up her body, until he found the top of her coat. In a swift movement, he slid it off her body, the soft crumple of fabric as it bunched around her made Hermione open her eyes.

Harry took a step back, his eyes travelling down her body, which was covered only in white satin lingerie that brushed lightly against her form, held up by two of the tiniest straps. His eyes took in her curves, lingering on her breasts before his gaze once more found hers.

She smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I thought you might like to see me in this,” she murmured, her voice low and seductive, keeping with the mood.

Harry shook his head, causing Hermione to frown. He paused for a moment, letting her remain disappointed before he grinned. “I’d prefer to see you out of it.”

In a step, he was once more next to her, his body pressed hard against hers, as his arms wrapped around her. His lips found hers, pressing hard against them, in a kiss filled with desire. He wanted her, she could tell by his body, his touch, his kiss. And she wanted him.

As he held her, her fingers moved over his body, stoking down his back, before her fingers slipped down under the waistband of his jeans. Her fingers touched bare flesh, as they slipped beneath his shorts. Her mouth was hungrily kissing his, as her hands travelled around his body, guided by the top of his jeans. Her fingers brushed against the buckle of his belt, before they sought out the end. Like a Seeker searching for the Golden Snitch, Hermione almost cried out against Harry’s mouth as she managed to find the end of his belt, and blindly unhooked it, pulling it from around his waist, before it dropped to the floor.

Confident in her first success, her hands fumbled against his jeans, popping open the button before sliding down the zip. Unable to resist, her love and need making her brave, she slipped one of her hands into the loosened jeans, feeling Harry gasp as her fingers touched the hardness of his arousal.

Fighting for air, Harry pulled away, breaking the kiss as he looked into Hermione’s eyes. “What are you trying to do to me woman?” He grinned, as he slid his jeans down his body, and pulled his t-shirt over his head, baring his chest, standing in front of her in only his underwear.

Unable to stop herself, Hermione’s eyes travelled down the length of Harry’s body, lingering on the bulge in his shorts. She smiled at him, as her eyes once more found his. Her fingers, no longer occupied with his body, slid up the front of her body, caressing her form, as they moved up to her shoulders. Her middle fingers found the straps to her slip, and moved them slowly off her body, feeling them fall against her arms. Lowering her hands, she felt the shiny material begin to slide down her body, stopping briefly against her breast, before a slight wriggle sent it rushing to the floor, gathering around her feet.

Standing before Harry, both dressed only in a single item of clothing, she stepped out of the ring of her slip and once more found herself wrapped in Harry’s arms, feeling his body pressed against hers, with nothing between their upper bodies. He leant forward, claiming her lips with his, as he slowly began to move them, edging them closer and closer to the bed. Hermione felt her leg touch the side, and together they lowered themselves down, perching on the edge, their bodies still entwined.

Shifting his body slightly, Harry guided Hermione down onto the bed, her back touching the cold sheets with a shiver. He followed her down, lying against her body to her right, his hand fondling her exposed breast as he lifted his head and gazed down upon her. His eyes took in her form, as his fingers gently circled around her hardened nipple.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Hermione?” Harry asked, as once more he caught her gaze in his.

“I’ve never been more sure, Harry.” Hermione whispered, her voice shaking with her need. “I love you.”

A smile spread over Harry’s lips as he slid his hand down her body, pausing briefly to run his finger lightly around her belly button, before continuing downwards, until his finger found the band of her panties. Running his finger over the fabric, he slipped his fingers under the material, getting the first feel of her heat and readiness. He pressed a tender kiss to her lips, before he shifted his position until he was sitting astride her legs. Hooking his fingers into her panties, he pulled them slowly down her body, revealing her entire body to his gaze.

Getting to his feet, he pulled her clothing the rest of the way down her legs, throwing them over his shoulder with a grin, before he removed the last piece of clothing from his body that was keeping them from being totally one.

Lowering himself back into the bed, he lay beside her, his hand stoking up and down her body, as his lips once more found hers. The kiss was passionate but tender, a kiss that conveyed more than a million words could do. Hermione’s hand brushed over his body, caressing.

“I want you, Harry,” Hermione murmured as their lips parted.

Harry smiled, and lowered his head kissing over her chin, down her neck and bringing the focus off his lips to her breast. Her nipples, pointing up into the air, begged for his attention. His tongue flicked the hard nub of flesh, causing Hermione to arch her back and moan with pleasure. He slid his tongue around her nipple, before sucking it softly into his mouth, nipping it slightly between his teeth.

As his mouth pleasured her breast, his hand glided down her body, her legs parting as she felt his fingers pass over her soft curls. Her mouth opened, a sigh escaping as his fingers brushed over her sensitive flesh. She closed her eyes, letting her body savour his touch. Shivers raced over her, her body aching, as she yearned to feel him against her and inside her.

Almost as if he could read her mind, he shifted his position, covering her body with his. He looked into her eyes, as she gazed up at him. She could feel him against her; feel his arousal pressed against her body. She shivered with anticipation, wanting to complete their union.

“I love you, Hermione.” Harry whispered, as he lifted his hips, positioning himself ready to claim her body in the most intimate of ways.

Hermione placed her hand on his neck, her fingers playing lightly against his hair. He smiled down at her, his hand moving to his face to pull of his glasses, but she stilled his hand with her free one. Shaking her head, she smiled. “I want you to see the pleasure you bring me.”

She pulled him down towards her, his lips pressing against hers, as he lowered his hips, pressing his manhood deep inside her waiting body. She gasped against his mouth, her breath stolen by the unexpectedness of his motion. Her arms wrapped loosely around him, holding him, as he broke the kiss and slowly began to move his hips, taking her over and over with each slow thrust.

Harry’s eyes locked to hers, watching as she reacted to each inward thrust, as he filled her with his sex, making her his. She gazed up into his eyes, her body moving with his, working together as one, as they felt the pleasure of their love. Her body arched beneath him, her breath growing raspy as he quickened his pace, thrusting deep into her.

Her arms tightened around him, as they writhed together on the sheets, their breath growing heavy as they moved towards the moment of release. Their bodies moved in union, their eyes remained fixed, unable to pull away from the other’s gaze. The pace changed again, getting faster and faster, as they raced onwards together, closer and closer to the moment of absolute pleasure.

A cry burst from both of their lips, as together they hit the height of passion, their bodies entwined, their souls as one. Dancing in heaven, they made final the declaration of their love. Harry’s mouth found Hermione’s, as they began on the gentle slope back down to Earth, wrapped in each other’s arms.

Once the spasms had stopped, and both had managed to regain the ability to breath without gasping for air, Harry gazed into Hermione eyes, her own reflecting the same emotions she could see in his. She had almost walked out on him, had almost thrown away her chance at happiness. She smiled up at him, her fingers lightly playing over his lips.

“Promise you’ll never leave me again, Hermione,” Harry whispered, his voice still shaking from the exertions they had just partaken in.

“I’ll never leave you.” Hermione smiled, lowered her fingers to her lips, and kissed them tenderly, before pressing them gently against his lips. “I promise.”

He lowered his head to the pillow, his body sliding off of hers, as he nestled against her, wrapping her in his arms. She turned onto her side, and curled her body into the curve of his, feeling his chest against her back. She lay there for a moment, content to remain silently in his arms, until she heard the gently breathing of Harry, indicating that he had fallen asleep.

As her own eyes drifted closed, she smiled to herself, knowing that when she woke up, everything would be how it was meant to be.

The End

4. You Must Love Me

You Must Love Me

It was getting late, the clock on the mantle ticked off another hour in what seemed little more than a few minutes. It tended to do that if there was something ahead that was not very pleasant. Time always made you wait for good things, but anything a little unnerving, unpleasant or frightening it rushed onwards. Of course, that meant little time to dwell on what was to come, but that did not stop me wanting the clock to slow down.

I gathered together my things, my cloak and my wand, not that I ever had to think about doing that, it always came natural, just like breathing. I paused before leaving the room, giving it one last look. How many adventures had started from between these walls? How much fear and happiness did they represent for me? More than I would ever admit to, I know. But this would be the last adventure. The last time I would stand on that patch of floor and look around me. In a way, it filled me with sadness and yet with a sense of the future. I did not ever really think that this day would come.

I gave one last look at the bed that had cradled my weary body, had rested me when I needed to sleep, and had comforted me though the nightmares. I gaze upon the four other beds that lie against the walls; each had held a friend, someone who had been there for me. I walked over to the nearest bed, and with little effort I could picture Ron lying along the length, sharing a joke as he gobbled down a handful of All Flavoured Beans or Chocolate Frogs. It feels such a long time ago since we first made ourselves at home.

Walking over the exit, I make my final descent down the staircase that leads to the Common Room. My gaze moves around the room, saying a silent farewell to everything inside. The chairs, the tables, each item that had shared in my adventure, in my fight, was worthy of a silent goodbye.

I stepped though the hole, and watched as the portrait closed behind me, sealing off forever that piece of my past. I smile at the Fat Lady, who grinned back to me, looking a little teary eyed.

“This is farewell, Mr Potter.” She declared, making the first real conversation we had ever had.

“Yes, it is.” I answered with a sad smile. “Look after Gryffindor.”

She smiled, her eyes seeming to glimmer. “I will, Mr Potter. You can be sure of that.”

I nodded and did something that I had never done before. I placed my hand gently upon the image of hers, which caused her to giggle like a school girl. “Goodbye,” I said as I let my fingers fall away from the canvas and made my way down the stairs.

With each step I took, I felt my time with Gryffindor begin to fade into memory. It was if everything that had happened within those walls was nothing more than a story for me to retell to friends and maybe one day my grand children. That was a thought that I never believed I would have. It was a thought that so many of the people that I had know would not be able to share.

In a walk that seemed to take longer than I ever remember it taking before, I finally reached the doors to the Great Hall. The huge doors stood closed before me, shutting out whatever might be concealed within. My heart felt heavy as I stood outside, willing myself to push them open and take that first step.

Reaching out, my hand brushed against the wood, as a voice from behind me drew my attention away.

“Harry?”

I did not even have to turn around to know that Hermione Granger would be standing there behind me.

“I’m so glad I caught you before you went in.” She smiled at me, as she neared, my own gaze meeting hers as I turned. “I cannot believe that we got here.” She took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly, tears beginning to pool in her eyes.

What that image did for my heart is far too difficult to put into words. In her face I could see all the pain and suffering that we had endured to get where we had. I could see each death and each victory, each loved one or friend that we had said goodbye to. And all for the final victory against Voldemort. Even with his destruction, I still do not know if the price we paid was too high. Could he have made us suffer as much as we did in the fight against him?

I reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, and quickly pulled her against me. As my arms closed around her, I could feel the trembling of her body, which were quickly joined by the soft sound of sobbing. “I know, Hermione.” I moved one of my hands to her head as it rested against my shoulder, stroking her hair gently. “But we did.”

“Was it worth it, Harry?” She mumbled against my clothing. “We lost so many.” The pressure on my shoulder lessened as she pulled her head up, looking into my face, while remaining in my embrace.

I nodded my head, unable to find the words at first. “It was worth it, Hermione.” My voice sounded unsure even to my own ears, but she managed to give me a slight smile, which made me feel more confident in myself. “If Voldemort had survived, I do not want to imagine what life would be like right now. I know that we would not be standing here like this.”

“Harry…” She stammered, like she always tended to do when she wanted to say something important. “I don’t want to think about how life would be if he had won and you had…” She paused, unable to say the word I knew she meant. “I…just wanted you to know.”

Before I could say anything, she took a step out of my arms and smiled, her hand moving up to her eyes to brush away the tears. There was something about her, the way she stood there looking so vulnerable and yet so strong made my heart cartwheel in my chest. I swallowed desperately, wanting suddenly to say so much and yet not wanting to break the moment.

“Come on, we should get inside before we miss the ceremony,” the old Hermione was back, thinking of the duty and ensuring that we both arrived where we should be.

I pushed open the door, my eyes were greeted with the Great Hall. It still had the four house tables running the length of the room, heading towards the raised platform that held the teachers’ table. There was something strange about the décor; it was both celebratory and consoling at the same time. As if it wanted to display happiness without losing sight of the terrible price that had been paid.

And it had been a terrible price.

The tables that represented the houses of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, each bore evidence of the terrible loss that the Wizarding World had paid over that final year. The killings had gone on and on, affecting everyone that Harry knew. The death toll rose, as the Ministry had strived to bring the Dark Lord under control, but there was nothing they could do against the growing power that he and his Death Eaters displayed.

And while they did there bit, Ron, Hermione and I strove to find and destroy the Horcruxes, finishing the task that Dumbledore had started. How long ago had it been since he first showed me what had to be done? It seemed now like a million years. I can still remember all the pain and hardship that we had to bear to destroy each part of Voldemort’s soul. We had all suffered. Ron. Hermione. Me.

“It’s about to begin.”

I felt the young witch’s hand touch my arm. I looked down at her and smiled, as she walked us slowly through the hall to our seats. My eyes moved around the table, my heart sinking more as the empty chairs once more reminded me of our losses. There were so many that had not made the final battle. Voldemort had brought the fight to Hogwarts, just as Dumbledore had expected him to. I still cannot find the words to thank that great wizard’s foresight.

I turned my attention to the main table, where Professor McGonagall had gotten to her feet, and was running her gaze across the students who were sitting below her. The room instantly fell silent.

“I do not have to remind you all how lucky we are to be sitting here today,” she began, her voice not as strong as it normally sounded. “Over the past year, we have all borne witness to the evil destruction that had plagued our lives and those of the people we know outside of these walls. Every day we fought, and every day we faced the possibility of losing all that we hold dear.”

Her eyes found me, and she smiled. I returned the smile, hoping not to draw anyone’s attention. “We survived, and through no small part of the young man we all know as Harry Potter.”

The room erupted into cheers, all faces turning towards me. I smiled awkwardly back; inwardly grimacing at the attention was focused on me again. I looked at Hermione, who was clapping excitedly at me, completely ignoring her own involvement in the death of the Dark Lord.

“Today is not about dwelling on what has happened,” Professor McGonagall continued, drawing back the focus of the room and bringing everyone back into a semblance of order. “Today is about the future and most importantly the stepping into the world of our older students. It is with sadness and with a blessing that we bid farewell to our seventh year pupils.”

In front of the table appeared a slightly lower dais, on which appeared a table that contained scrolls, all laid out in a fan shape. Professor McGonagall suddenly disappeared from behind the teachers’ table and appeared moments later on the dais. Barely missing a beat she continued.

“The following students have finished their life within the walls of Hogwarts, as students at least. Who knows which ones will once more walk along the hallways and stand in front of classes?” Once more her eyes fell upon our table, looking first at me and then at Hermione, her eyes revealing her expectations of us.

“As I call out your name, please come forward and accept your certificate.” She turned and picked up the first scroll and called out the name of the recipient.

“I wish Ron was here,” Hermione whispered, as the first students began to file up to the professor, her voice croaking slightly, as tears once more pricked at the eyes. “He’d love this.”

I nodded my head, guilt suddenly overcoming me. “Yes, he would. Still, we can tell him about it later when we visit him.” I grinned, trying to ease Hermione’s fears. “I understand he’s been making a nuisance of himself, trying to persuade Madame Pomfrey to let him out already.”

Hermione laughed lightly. “That sounds just like Ron.”

I smiled, feeling happy to see Hermione smiling. It had been a while. I always found it amazing how easy it was for the young witch beside me to make me smile. A word, a smile, a gesture, anything would make everything suddenly alright. I caught her eyes, and she gazed back into mine. For a moment, nothing existed. How did she do this to me? I so wanted to say what was bursting to get out. I had waited so long.

“Hermione, I…” I began before…

“Harry Potter.”

I looked at her, wondering what she wanted to say to me. The look she gave me was strange, and questioning.

“I…”

“Harry Potter.” Professor McGonagall’s voice rang out around the room.

“Harry, you are being called.” Hermione whispered, flicking her head towards the dais, indicating where I should go.

Getting to my feet, I tried to look as if I had not been too pre-occupied to have heard the call. And to my great delight, and amazement, no one seemed to make a fuss as I walked up to the dais, coming to a stop in front of Professor McGonagall. Her voice was low as she spoke to me.

“It has been a privilege to know you, Mr Potter.” She reached out her arm and presented me with the scroll of my achievements at Hogwarts. I think both of us were surprised that despite what had happened, I had actually made it to the end. “This piece of parchment will never do justice to what everyone here at Hogwarts owes you. And I hope, that this is not the last time we see you here. I know Professor Dumbledore, like myself, would be proud if you took up a position here.”

I look at her for a moment, and smiled. There was so much to take in. I had been approached about taking a teaching position in Hogwarts, and the idea did appeal to me a lot, but there was something in my life that I had to deal with first, something that I had put off for too long.

“I will think about it, Professor.” I met her eyes, and saw the hope that rested in her gaze.

Turning to accept my applause like everyone else before me, I caught sight of Hermione, who was standing at the table, smiling proudly at me. A moment later, she was walking towards the dais to receive her own scroll. I have no idea what passed between her and the professor, but the look and smile that they both gave me, made me feel certain that it was something to do with me.

Hermione walked over to where I stood, standing next to me as the rest of our year received their certificates. I wanted more than anything to move my hand and take hold of hers. It was so close, but there was something that stilled my movements. Instead I turned my head and looked at her as we sang the Hogwarts School song for the last time, at least as students.

The rest of the ceremony passed quickly. I was too wrapped up in the young woman beside me that I failed to take notice of anything else that had happened. And if it were not for her turning to me and smiling that I might have still been standing there now.

“Let’s go and see Ron,” Hermione took my hand, and guided me out of the hall. I’m not sure she realised what she did to me at that moment. My heart took a leap, and pounded heavily in my chest. It was as if the final break from school was the signal that I needed. It gave me the strength that I needed.

Unfortunately, Hermione seemed to be on a mission to get to Ron, which following their past relations did nothing for my hope. I let out an involuntary sigh, which seemed to echo off the walls to me, but seemed to have been quiet enough for Hermione not to notice. Obviously she was still too wrapped up in Ron. The thought almost stilled my feet. How could I face Ron and Hermione together?

Hermione, noticing my hesitation, stopped and looked at me, concern in her eyes. “Harry, what’s the matter?”

“Nothing.” I didn’t think I was fooling either of us, but it was worth the try. I’m not sure whether it was fortunate or not, but Hermione completely jumped to the wrong conclusion.

“Harry, Ron doesn’t hold what happened to him against you. He knows it’s not your fault.” She gave me a reassuring smile that made me feel guilty letting her believe that that was the cause of my anxiety. “It was a battle, and you did everything you could to save everyone, and Ron is going to be fine.”

I gave her a wry smile. “I know but…” I stopped, and looked into her eyes, which seemed to be looking at me as if I should suddenly stop blaming myself. “I’m just glad he’s alive.” The look on her face turned grave, as she obviously began recalling all those that were not so lucky. “Hey, let’s go tell Ron about the ceremony. He’ll be so chuffed when he hears about the applause he was given.”

Hermione’s eyes took on their usual sparkly. “Oh, he’ll hate the fact that he wasn’t there to hear it.” She laughed lightly, and with a slight tug of my hand, she pulled me into the hospital ward where Ron had been for the last two weeks.

“Harry! Hermione!” Ron’s voice echoed across the room. “I’ve been looking forward to you getting here. I have so much to tell you.”

Hermione and I walked the length of the room, her hand finally letting go its release on mine. I instantly felt saddened by the lack of her touch.

“Well, don’t just sit there like a lemon, tell us,” Hermione urged, smiling happily as she drew close to Ron and wrapped her arms around him. She perched herself on his bed as I walked up to them.

I looked at Ron, trying to be as cheerful as I could, following that little display of affection. “Spill the beans, Ron.” I sat myself down on a chair, my eyes flicking between the two of them.

“Before I do, how was the leaving ceremony?” Ron enquired, looking at Hermione. “Did Harry get a standing ovation?”

Hermione laughed. “No, although I think Professor McGonagall had something to do with that. She knows how much Harry dislikes attention.”

I merely smiled and nodded, hoping that he would soon get off the topic of me. “You got a huge applause, mate. I wish we could have captured it and played it to you, you would have been so impressed.”

Ron grinned. “No need, I heard it.”

Hermione and I stared at Ron questioningly and almost in unison we both asked. “How?”

Ron burst into a round of laughter. “Luna’s been here, and she managed to find a spell that linked the sound from the Great Hall to a banana.” Hermione and I continued to stare. “Don’t ask. It was the first thing she could find that would work. I’m just glad that no one could see us sitting here with bananas to our ears.”

“Really?” Hermione asked, looking more than a little impressed, despite the image that must have been in her mind. “Where is she now?”

I felt my stomach cringe. Obviously this was Hermione displaying a hint of jealousy that she was not here to help Ron in his hour of need. I knew how she must be feeling.

“She had to go and get something. Actually I think she wanted us three to have some time alone, she’s good like that.” Ron grinned, his eyes fixed to Hermione’s as if they were sharing some secret.

“Ron, are you…?” Hermione asked, suddenly growing excited.

Ron nodded happily, causing Hermione to wrap her arms around him, once more pulling him close. “Hey, Hermione! Ouch!”

“Oh, Ron, I’m sorry.” Hermione looked guilty for a moment before her eyes sparkled once more and a huge smile spread over her lips. “I’m so happy…”

That was more than I could take. Not listening to another word, I rose from my chair and stormed out of the room, unable to watch my two friends fawning all over each other. It had hurt the first time that I had to watch them together, I knew that the way I felt about her I could not witness their caresses and kisses again.

I had barely got halfway down the corridor when the doors opened behind me, and the familiar female voice filled the air.

“Harry?” Her rushed footsteps headed towards me. “Harry, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I replied, sounding like a repeat of an earlier conversation.

“I didn’t buy that the last time; I’m certainly not buying it now.” She looked at me, her eyes filled with confusion and hurt. “I really thought that you would be happy for Ron and…”

I cut her off sharply. “I am happy. Deliriously happy.” I lied. “I just remembered I had somewhere I needed to be.” I turned to walk away, before I felt her hand on my shoulder.

“What has gotten into you, Harry?” Her voice sounded even more confused and a little worried too. “I know you’ve been through a lot recently, and seeing Ron in his condition is not easy for you, but he is getting better.”

I turned around to face her, suddenly annoyed for some reason. “I’m not worried about him, Hermione. I can see he is getting better.” She stood in front of me staring. “Once he was giving the all clear, I stopped feeling guilty.” I paused. “Well, I stopped feeling as guilty.”

I would never feel fully happy with the fact that my best friend was hurt because I could not protect him properly. It had been a choice between Ron and Hermione, and she was more in the line of fire than Ron was. If she had been hit, she would not be lying in the bed making eyes at Ron, she would have been under the ground with the countless others that I could not save.

“Then what is it?” Hermione asked, totally oblivious. Of course, how could I have expected less when she was so in love with Ron?

I opened my mouth but nothing came out. How could I tell her? How could I explain to her what happened to me when I looked at her? How could I tell her that she was in my thoughts from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to sleep? How could I tell her that the only reason I had the strength to defeat Voldemort was my desire for her to be safe? Instead I remained quiet, letting my head and heart come to terms with the fact that I had lost her to Ron.

She slid her hand down my arm from my shoulder, finally taking my hand in hers. “Come back and speak to Ron. He is hurt and confused with you walking out on him.” She gave my hand a gently pull. “He thinks you blame yourself what happened to him, and it’s not fair you making him feel bad when he is so happy.”

I don’t know where I got the courage from, but it came from somewhere. I looked at Hermione, holding myself firmly rooted to the floor. “Hermione, um, I can’t do it again. I can’t…” I cleared my throat, giving my brain a moment to find the right words. “What I’m trying to say is…” I looked at her and suddenly lost the nerve.

Hermione laughed. “Well, if we are ever going to see Ron again, you really do need to get to the point, Harry Potter.”

“Forget it!” I shouted at her, taking her by surprise. “You wouldn’t understand anyway. Go back to Ron and be happy together!” I turned and walked away.

“Harry, wait!” She called after me, as she once more chased me down the corridor, almost having to jog to catch up with me. “You’ve got it all wrong.”

I stopped suddenly, almost causing her to slam into me. “I’ve got it all wrong?” I spat out the words as I turned to face her, surprised to see the look on her face was not the one I was expecting.

Hermione smiled up at me, nodding her head. “You’ve got it so wrong and I’ve been so blind.” She lowered her eyes from my face, and appeared to enter her thoughts, as if she was searching for something.

I watched her, unable to do or say anything, afraid that I might end up looking more of a fool than I was feeling. Her mind seemed to be working over time as she stood silently in front of me, her expression alternating between smiles and frowns.

Suddenly she looked up and caught my gaze. “You must love me.”

“What?” I stammered, totally caught of guard.

“You love me, don’t you, Harry?” Her lips broke into a slight smile, her eyes boring into mine questioningly.

“No, I…” I really was not expecting this turn of events. Only moments ago we were discussing her feelings for Ron, and now she was accusing me of this. “I don’t know what you got that idea from, Hermione, but you are totally wrong.”

Her expression slipped, no longer smiling, as a look of confusion moved into place. “I’m sorry, Harry. I…” She blushed and once more lowered her eyes from mine. “How could I have been so stupid?”

I looked at her, feeling my heart breaking at having to lie to her. If only she wasn’t in love with Ron I could tell her how much I loved her and always had. I hated to see her so miserable. I would have given anything to be able to make her smile again. For a moment, I wanted to be able to turn back time and allow Voldemort to have the victory over me, to end the way I was feeling.

“Hermione…?” I reached out to touch her, but my hand found nothing but air as she took a step away.

“Harry! Hermione!” A female voice suddenly broke into their conversation, as the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. “Did Ronald tell you about us? He asked me out the moment the applause stopped after his name was called. He grabbed me and told me he loved me, practically knocked me off my feet. Of course, I was sitting down, so that really wasn’t going to happen.”

Luna smiled as she got near, looking first at me and then at Hermione, who had raised her eyes from the patch of floor she had found so interesting. “I’m sure Ronald would prefer for the two of you to be with us while we celebrate the news of him being allowed to go home at the end of the week. Good news just comes in groups, doesn’t it? I don’t recall ever being this happy.”

I looked at Luna and then at Hermione, barely hearing half the words that Luna had said after she admitted that she and Ron were a couple. I watched as a smile appeared on Hermione’s face, one that did not quite hide her unhappiness, but Luna was far too excited to notice.

“We’ll be there in a minute, Luna.” Hermione gave the other witch a celebratory hug. “I knew you and Ron would make a go of it one day, once he got the nerve to ask you.”

Luna for a moment became less like herself, as she looked at Hermione. “Are you happy for us, Hermione?”

Hermione nodded. “Very happy. I know the two of you are made for each other.”

The old Luna once more appeared. “Well, I’ll go and tell Ronald you’ll be in to see him in a minute. He was so looking forward to seeing you before you left. You know what he’s like about sharing good news; he said he wanted you two to be the first to know.” She turned towards the door, leading to Ron’s room. “Don’t be long, he needs his rest.” And on that word, she disappeared through the door.

I stood looking at the spot where Luna had been before she had disappeared from sight. My head raced trying to catch up and make sense of what was happening. I turned my head slightly, focusing on Hermione, who was standing silently in front of me.

“Harry, I’m…”

“Ron and Luna?” We both spoke at the same time.

Hermione nodded her head and smiled. “I know, he kept talking about her and talking about her. I told him to ask her out, but you know what Ron is like for listening.” She gave an awkward laugh. “I’m glad he’s finally happy.” Her gaze fell upon the door that now hid Ron and Luna. “We should go back in.”

“Hermione, wait.” I spoke softly, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement filling my body. She turned towards me, meeting my eyes. “You were right.”

She continued to look at me, unsure what I was getting at. The frown that etched her forehead made me want to kiss it away. “Right about what?” She finally asked.

“About me.”

“What about you?” Her eyes took on a sparkly that I could not quite understand.

I took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. “I love you.”

Hermione looked at me for a moment, not speaking any words, just remained standing there before me. Her eyes were fixed to mine, unreadable. I waited with bated breath, waiting for the laughter to come, waiting for the mocking words that I had feared appearing at this moment. I had been in this position so many times in my dreams, and I had woken up covered in sweat having had my heart broken over and over again.

“I love you too, Harry.”

I looked at her. “What?”

Hermione smiled, her eyes twinkling. “I love you, Harry James Potter.”

I could feel my mouth open and close, but no words came out. I grinned, probably looking like an idiot, but that did not matter. She loved me. Hermione loved me. I looked at her again, watching the smile grow on her lips.

“If you aren’t going to say anything…”

Before I could, she covered the gap between us, her arms wrapping around me, as she pressed her lips hard against mine. It took my brain a moment to catch up, but soon my arms were around her, pulling her close against me. I lost myself in the kiss, which was more heavenly than I had imagined it would be. My mind was still trying to take in the words, but the touch of Hermione’s body against mine said more than a million sentences could. She loved me, just like I loved her.

“I think Harry and Hermione are going to be a few minutes, Ronald. They seem a little busy.”

The End

Tales of Harmony

1. Index & Summary of Stories

2. Because of You

3. The Only One

4. You Must Love Me