Normal 2 1 2003-06-04T01:39:00Z 2003-06-04T01:39:00Z 1 1059 6041 50 14 7086 10.2625 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Chapter 3 - Goodbyes & Missed Opportunities
As a new day dawned upon Hogwarts, Hermione opened her eyes to greet it head on. Realizing that she still lay within the comfort Harry's arms, she shut her eyes in an attempt to commit this feeling to memory. Waking up in Harry's arms would be a moment she would hold dear to her heart for a long time to come. However, like all good things, this too had to end.
Hermione gently removed herself from under Harry's arm, as not to wake him. She looked at Harry's watch, which was found somewhere near a heap of clothes that had been discarded the night before. It was 5:00 in the morning and Hermione wanted to make a hasty exit before Harry woke.
She looked back at the bed where Harry lay sleeping peacefully. Vivid images of the night before flooded through her head. Though she knew making love to Harry would be memorable, nothing prepared her for last night. When she was with Harry, she felt so free and at peace, like nothing else mattered. It was as if they were made for each other, a perfect fit. With him she felt complete. It was too bad those feelings weren't mutual.
Hermione had the night that she requested and she truly felt that now she could move on. She quietly walked over to Harry's desk and found her bag. She shuffled through it, and found the letter she had written to Harry. She placed it on his night stand, grabbed her belongings and silently exited his room.
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About two hours later, Harry finally opened his eyes to see the light of the new day. And what an awakening it was, as memories of the night before came rushing back to him. He instinctively reached to the spot next to him where Hermione had lain. Only too find that she was not there. This left him a little confused as to how she left without him knowing, as he was sure she was in his arms before he fell asleep.
He could still smell the scent of her perfume. That alone was enough to get him aroused. Never before had anyone provoked such a reaction from him. And he had some very good experiences in the bedroom. But this was more than just good sex. What he and Hermione shared was deeper than that. The desire and passion between them was very intense. It was as if they had a deep connection to each other.
He lay there thinking of Hermione, in ways that he had never before. Her smile, how she always had the right answer, how cute she looked trying to keep her bushy hair out of her eyes. His best friend, always by his side, not afraid to stand up for what she believed in. He thought of her deep chocolate eyes and gorgeous mouth and how he could kiss her for hours.
Why had he not seen it earlier? He should have listened to Hermione. After all, she was always right. As he rose out of bed with the intentions of finding Hermione, he found her letter on the night stand next to him. He picked it up and began to read.
Dear Harry,
If you are reading this letter, then it must mean that you shared a very special moment with me last night. I want you to know just how much this means to me, how much you mean to me. This was a very special occasion for me and there was no one that I'd rather share it with than you. I thank you for granting my request.
Now that the deed is done I feel that I can finally move on. I have asked more of you than should be expected, and you have been a true friend to me. I really appreciate that. Please know that I won't ask these things of you again. I am ready to move on and experience new relationships. Relationships that are not one sided. I told you when I made this request that I would expect nothing of you afterwards, and I plan to keep that promise.
I also want to let you know just how proud I am of you. You have grown and matured from that young boy that I met seven years ago. I told you then that you were a great wizard and you have definitely lived up to it. You mean the world to me. And please know, that if everything else fails, you can always count on my love and friendship. I will always be here for you, Harry.
Love Always
Hermione
Harry reread the letter. It had touched him deeply. It also made him feel like an idiot. Hermione had been in love with him for years, but he was to blind to see what was right in front of him. Now, just when he was ready to make that move, she had given up. A selfish part of him wanted go after her and change her mind. Though he had been a fool in the past he was ready now. However, a more sensible side told that this would not be for the best. She deserved to go free and have experiences other than pining for him. No, he would have to let her go. But he would always be waiting for her to return.
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The graduation ceremony was spectacular. Harry and Hermione were surrounded by family and friends. Hermione's parents, Sirius, Remus, not to mention a truckload of Weasleys all turned out to witness this important event. Hermione was sad to be leaving Hogwarts, but excited about what lay ahead. She would miss all the friends she had made over the years, especially Harry and Ron. But this was all a part of growing up and she was ready to take on the world.
After the celebration everyone said there good byes. Hermione talked to Ron for a moment, wishing him the best of luck with his Quidditch tryouts. She also threatened to hex him if he did not keep in touch with her. He promised her that he would, as she was an important part of his life also.
When it came time to say good by to Harry, this is when Hermione felt the saddest about leaving Hogwarts. She would always remember what they shared and it would take some time to get used to not seeing him everyday. But it was for the best. She would never get over him if she had his presence to constantly remind her of what she would never have.
They tried to make small talk but it was difficult because images of the night before kept appearing in their heads. They cut their talk short and Harry pulled Hermione into a very tight hug. Hermione let herself linger in Harry's arms, relishing the secure feeling it gave her. Harry held on to her because he really did not want to let her go. But he did.
"Goodbye Harry," Hermione said, kissing him on the cheek. "Keep in touch."
"You can count on," Harry told her as she turned to walk away. "I love you," he whispered when she was too far away to hear.
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A/N: Well there you have it. I know that many of you were expecting a much more interactive morning after for Harry and Hermione but it just did not fit in with where I am going with the story. I promise that the H/Hr action will be there in later chapters. I had to let Hermione get out and get some experience first and I am writing this to be a post Hogwarts story.
I also want to thank everyone who reviewed. It has been great to get such positive feedback and I hope that you will continue to do so.