DISCLAIMER : I OWN NOTHING BUT THE PLOT!
Hello readers...
Well, the War is now around the corner... and poor Harry must leave his family! I hope you like this chapter!!
To my fellow reviewers.........
--- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS GUYS!!!
Now on with the story...
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Chapter Nineteen : Departure
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"Well, you see, if Voldemort is able to regain even a fraction of his former power, the existence of the Four Kingdoms will be over!" he started. "We must prevent this from happening at all cost! "
"And how do you suppose you are going to do that?"
"By departing tomorrow to destroy the Death Eaters!" At this Hermione gasped!
"What?!?" she cried. Harry had expected this, and was fully prepared for any shrill screaming, but the one
thing he didn't prepare himself for, was the look in which would occupy her eyes. Total and utter sadness and
worry. "But... but .. you cant! You aren't ready! If you go now, it could mean-"
"It could mean that we could destroy Voldemort's strongest asset." he interjected. Hermione stared at him, and suddenly, as much as she wanted to argue this out, she suddenly found herself tired. She no longer had the energy to argue. No matter, Harry will hear it all later, but perhaps now it was best that she just stayed with him, for he obviously was struggling internally with this.
She then remembered her resolution to help ease the worry from her husband, no matter how short-lived it may be, and she decided now was better time than any to start. With that, Hermione turned in his arms and slid her arms around his neck. Harry raised his eyebrows at his wife before she tilted forward, pressing against him as she took his lips with hers. She bit and suckled his lower lip as she ran her hand down his chest once more. Harry groaned as she slid her warm hand beneath his tunic, grazing his taut muscles with her fingernails.
Finally she pulled away, but only to begin a trail of kisses along his jaw, to his ear, down his neck, and finally across collarbone, all the while muttering sweet words of support for her husband.
Harry could find no words to express what he felt at that moment. His senses were so laden with emotion, that he barely was able to pay attention to his wife's words of support and love. She truly was an angel! A blessing to him from Heaven to ease his soul and to guide his strength. He loved her, and he needed her, more than anything.
With that final thought, Harry bent forward and recaptured Hermione's mouth with his. He removed his cloak from his shoulders, not once breaking the kiss from his wife, and successfully managed to lay it across the soft grass behind them. Harry then pulled Hermione to him before slowly beginning to lower her onto his cloak behind. Hermione giggled into the kiss as Harry lavished and loved her.
It was going to be a night to remember, they both thought as they wrapped themselves up with the other.
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It was a dull, gray morning, and the lingering fog was thick and wet. Quite a nasty day it was, in Hermione's opinion, as she stared with weary eyes to the morning before her. It was cold, and the thin cloak around her shoulders refused to help protect her from Winter's chill.
As she pulled the soft velvety material tighter around her shoulders, she sighed raggedly as she refused to tear her eyes away from the lands below. Upon the balcony of her bedroom, she could see a great deal of Gryffindor's vast expansion. Beyond that to the right, was the ocean, far ahead of where she stood right now.
Hermione frowned as she thought back on what had left her so despondent. The departure of her husband. Yes, this morning she would see her husband, and his band of trained Aurors, off. The mere thought of it sent cold tremors down her spine, and a sinking feeling in her stomach. She felt sick every time she looked upon her husband's suit of battle that hung upon a manikin beside the window.
'Why am I even allowing him to go?' she thought to herself as she struggled with her feelings. Then she laughed sullenly as another thought formed in her head. 'How can I not allow him? No matter what I tell him, it wont keep him here. And besides, wasn't it I who accused him of not caring for Gryffindor?' Hermione cringed at the memory.
::Flashback::
"What do you mean? You don't know why I am so upset? Harry, this is your Kingdom! You have a duty to it and you must be there when meetings like these are called!" she retorted. "You seem to have no care for Gryffindor at all! You put things before your Kingdom that are in no way above Gryffindor! How do you expect to be a great ruler if you know nothing of how it is run or-"
::Flashback::
Yes, that was a horrible memory. Hermione sighed once more. 'No, I cannot ask him to stay, nor will I. This is his duty, as is it his place. He needs to be there for Gryffindor....' she thought sadly. 'I only wish it wasn't so hard...'
Hermione could feel tears welling up on her eyes, as the salty tears pricked her. Her stomach was flipping and her head ached. She was so worried for Harry, yet there was nothing she could do. Nothing she could do to protect him; nothing she could do to save him.
It was then she heard the rustling of sheets behind her. After blinking a few times, willing the tears away, she turned her head around to peer into her bedroom. She smiled as she saw Harry, fast asleep upon their bed. No matter what war was raging within her, Harry always seemed to make her smile.
He looked so peaceful asleep, and Hermione felt her heart swell at the sight of him. It only killed her that once he would awake, that look of peace would soon wash away, only to be replaced with worry and determination. She hated seeing him like that, and hated the small worry wrinkles of stress that had started to form along his brow.
Hermione shook her head as she turned her attention back onto the scenery before her. Gray clouds swirled above her, setting a feel of gloom upon the lands. Hermione had a sinking feeling that the clouds were only setting the mood for what thunderous storm was up ahead.
Suddenly, Hermione 'eep'ed in surprise as two strong arms pulled her waist firmly up against a firm chest, before wrapping around her waist protectively and adoringly. Hermione immediately smiled as her husband's chin came to rest upon her shoulder. She closed her eyes and tilted her head so that it rested against his.
"Morning, love." came his husky voice. Hermione leaned back into him as she relaxed her body. She rested her palms atop his as she pressed herself into him. It was then that she realized he wasn't dressed in anything but his pajama bottoms, and she spun around.
"Harry! You're gonna get sick dressed like that-" but she was suddenly cut off by Harry as his lips silenced her.
"'Mione," he whined as he pulled away. "Could you not pester me for a moment?" he chided playfully. "After all, I am leaving soon." At this, Hermione's light-hearted smile suddenly fell. Harry noticed this and smiled sadly. "Hey, hey don't worry, Hermione." he said as he cupped her cheeks. "Everything is going to be alright, I promi-"
"Don't!" she cut him off. "Don't make a promise to me you are not sure you can keep!" she told him. "Please..."
Harry looked at her, as her eyes pleaded with him to stop. His heart cracked slowly as he saw the pain well up. He pulled her closer to him as he kissed her brow.
"Im sorry." he said simply. Hermione touched his cheek and kissed him softly.
"Please, don't be sorry. You are going to be an amazing King someday." she smiled. Harry smiled back, pulling her back into another kiss.
'Thank you.' he thought.
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Mid-morning had arrived earlier than the couple had planned, and Hermione quickly pulled her robe back on as a guard rapped upon their door a little too energetically. Harry scrambled from the bed as he cursed the guard.
"Yes! Tell my father that I shall be down in a moment!" he yelled through the door. The guard answered quickly, apologized and hurried down the hall to report. Harry ran a hand through his hair as he turned his eyes back onto his wife.
Hermione giggle sweetly as she took in the sight of her husband, clutching the silken sheets to his lower torso. She then knelt up on her knees and reached for him, the shoulder of her robe slipping down her arm, revealing her creamy skin.
Harry grinned sheepishly and gulped at the sight of his wife. He stepped closer and met Hermione in one last kiss before pulling her out of the bed, and leading her over to where their bathroom was.
Once the two had both showered and dressed; Hermione in a suitable gown, Harry in his battle-gear tunic and pants, Hermione began undressing the manikin in her room, and proceeded to slowly dress Harry up in his gear. It was tradition, for the wife to aid her husband in the clothing of war, and Hermione was enjoying, and dreading, every moment that went by. Every finished layer meant a closer departure, and that scared Hermione beyond thoughts. She battled with herself to say focused, that all would be fine, but she couldn't help the sinking feeling in her stomach.
Harry was suffering similar thoughts and pains. He relished in the feel of Hermione every passing moment, and it made his heart swell as he watched her help him dress. She was worried, and scared, but that didn't stop her from aiding in every way she could.
It wasn't until she tightened the leather vest across his chest did she worry of his wound too much. It was then that he winced visibly, though trying his best to conceal it, and Hermione saw. Immediately, her worried face grew deeper, and Harry did his best to comfort her, but to no avail.
Her worries didn't not go away as the two left their room. Harry was laden with his protective gear, and his heavy boots echoed throughout the halls as he and Hermione descended the Castle. His deep scarlet cloak flew behind him, and his Scarlet and Gold clothing gave off an aura of strength and honor.
He wore not metal armor, for their fabric, made of Gryffin hide, was as tough as any metal armor, and beneath he wore dragon-scaled hauberk. It was heavy, but he felt protected.
As he and Hermione reached the Training Hall and were announced, and Harry prepared the men for their leave. Hermione stood back, remaining beside Queen Lily, Queen Sapphire and Serenity. King James stood near-by, beside him were Sirius and Remus.
Hermione looked around, and smiled as she found Mrs. Weasley. She was standing over by the wall of the hall, bawling into her son, Ron's, chest. Ginny was beside her, aiding Ron in trying to pry their mother off of him, but to no avail. Fred and George stood behind him, snickering at their mother's behavior as Mr. Weasley tried to calm her.
"Oh... my boys! All of my boys! They are all... so brave! OH!!"she sobbed into Ron's chest. Ron sweat-dropped as he threw Harry a pleading look. Harry smirked but turned his attention back to the other men as the Weasley's tired to calm the hysterical woman.
Hermione watched in awe and pride as Harry took over the pack of men. As he prepped the men for what was to come, he encouraged them, and boosted their confidence, and Hermione could see the newly lit fire in their eyes.
When he was finally all done, the men prepared for departure. Harry led them out to the Entrance Court, before the Castle. There their horses awaited them, each with a broom strapped to the saddle.
Hermione knew that they never flew in conditions such as this weather. Foggy, cloudy days were dangerous, for no one knew what lurked within the clouds. No, they would travel by land.
As the men readied themselves, Harry turned to his family.
Sirius, he could see was already saying his goodbyes, and Ron, who had finally managed to free himself from his mother's grasp, was now amused in watching as his twin brothers battled the female Weasley.
Harry smiled and then turned to his mother. Lily had tears silently streaming down her face, as she hugged her son. She whispered encouraging words, as well as helpful hints, and anything else that she thought might help. Harry smiled and kissed his mother's cheek, agreeing with her every word.
He then turned to Serenity and Lady Sapphire. They too said similar things as his mother did, and Serenity wished him the best of luck. She only wished Li or a band of Elves could have joined Harry's faction of Aurors.
Harry then turned to the Weasley's (Mr. Weasley was head of another band of Aurors, and would be teaming with Kingsley Shacklebolt in investigations.), Remus, and finally his Father.
They all said similar words of precaution, giving out any helpful hints they could to the young Prince. Harry finally embraced his father in goodbye and turned to leave. It was then it hit him... Hermione!
He spun around and scanned the group of family members and staff that had gathered around the Castle entrance, but Hermione was no where to be seen. He took a step backwards down the stairs as he continued to scan the crowd. Nothing.
"Harry. We must be going. We don't want to be traveling at night, and we must cover as much land as we possibly can." called Sirius. Harry nodded but looked on for his wife.
'I Can't leave without saying good-bye to Hermione. I cant!' he thought. But she simply wasn't there. Lily saw his face and it pained her to see him so torn.
"Harry dear, I will tell her that you say good-bye." she said. Harry just shook his head.
"No mother, I cannot leave without saying good-bye to her."
"Harry! We must go!" called Sirius in urgency.
"Yes Harry. You must leave now, before it gets too late." replied Remus. Harry looked over to him and sighed. 'Hermione, where are you?'
Finally, against his wishes, Harry turned and descended the stairs. He made his way down the path to where his horse stood, and grabbed the reigns of his horse and prepared to hoist himself upon its back. He looked up over the back of the large warhorse to Ron, who threw him a sympathetic look. Harry ignored it and shoved his foot in the foot-harness.
"Harry! Wait!" called a voice from behind. Immediately, Harry spun around and exhaled as he watched his wife cut through the crowd. Hermione. "Harry."
He smiled and began making his way over to her, as she flew down the stairs. The closer Harry got to her, the faster his pace became, until he was running towards her. Hermione ran to him as her slippered feet pounding the graveled ground. All that was on either Royal's mind was to get to the other.
When the two met in the middle, Harry stopped, his arms wide open as Hermione barreled into him. His arms immediately circled around her waist as he spun her around once. When he placed her back onto her feet, he didn't give her a chance to speak as he claimed her mouth with his. In a deep, passionate kiss, Harry conveyed everything he wished to say to her in words but couldn't. Pressing her close to him, he tried to comfort her, promising her of his return, and promising his love to her.
It was the most heated kiss the two had ever shared. Never had they been so emotional in a kiss before, and never had they been so... desperate.
Hermione felt as if this were the last kiss she would ever get from Harry again, and she mentally chided herself for thinking such things. In return, she poured her soul into the kiss, hoping that Harry would truly know how much she did feel for him.
Harry didn't want the moment to end. He didn't care that the entire band of Aurors was right behind him, nor did he care that their display of affection was before the entire Castle, for all he cared was that Hermione not leave. Unfortunately, life has other plans, and the two were forced apart due to time and air.
As soon as they parted, Hermione flung her arms around Harry, hugging him tightly as her tears were finally free to fall. Harry held her, praying her soft sobs would subside, for he hated it when she cried. A few moments later, Hermione pulled away, leaning her back back so that she could see Harry's face.
"Im sorry I was late." she said. Harry smiled.
"Where were you?"
"I went to get you this." she said as she raised her fist. She held something tight, and Harry was curious to know what it was. He watched as she opened her fist to show a long silver chain. "It was my Great Grandfather's. He wore this while he fought Voldemort 20 years ago."
Hanging from the silver chain was a rounded medallion, with ornate designs and ancient runes. Harry looked at it and smiled as Hermione went to put it around his neck.
"He claimed that it protected him against Voldemort many times, warding off many spells and shielding him from harm. I only pray it does the same for you!" She smiled sadly as she tucked it into his robe. Harry smiled and kissed her fingers before leaning forward to recapture her lips.
"Thank you Hermione. I love you." he whispered ever so softly. She smiled and Harry kissed her.
By now, Sirius was caught between amusement and annoyance. He wasn't sure. But one thing he was sure about, was the danger that lays ahead if their departure was delayed.
"Hey, Romeo! Let's get moving!" he called out. Immediately Harry broke apart from his wife, smiling apologetically. Hermione frowned at first, but smiled sadly as Harry took a step back.
"I will come back to you." he told her as he grabbed the reigns once more. "I do promise you. Ill come back." And with that, he hoisted himself up his stead, rearing it before looking down at Hermione. "I love you."
"I love you, too." she replied. He smiled and stared at her as he heard Sirius order the Aurors out. Two by two, the Aurors began making their way down the long road that lead to the Castle Gates. Harry's horse took steps back and forth, as it didn't know whether to follow in the direction of the horses or to stay put. Harry and Hermione didn't break eye contact once as the Aurors left.
Sirius then rode up next to Harry.
"Let's go, son. It's time." Harry nodded, thought softly as he took one last look at his wife, and his family, before pulling the reigns of his horse, guiding it alongside the departing Aurors. He threw glances back at his wife and family as often as he could, before he was finally, out of sight.
Hermione stood there, quiet and breaking. She feared for his safety so much that it physically pained her. Tears broke the surface and now truly fell, now that the reality of him leaving to war was starting to settle in. He was gone.
Thunder clashed ahead, indicating that the rain was soon to fall. Hermione stood there, staring sullenly at the spot where Harry once stood, before he left. Then, it started to rain.
It was then that Hermione realized that she was tired. With all of the training, worry, and pain, her body suddenly felt drained and tired. Silent sobs wracked her body and all of a sudden, her knees gave out, dropping her to the now wet grave below her. She could vaguely hear the Queens, Serenity, Ginny and Mrs, Weasley call out to her as they saw her fall, but was glad when they decided to let her be.
Then, she cried. She brought her palms to her face, as she released all the stress that had built up within her. Strong, violent tremors shook her body as she prayed for her husband's safety through her tears.
'Please, Merlin, bring him back to me.'
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Ok, truthfully, I am not that happy with the way the ending turned out. What do you think? Is it good? Its sad, but I have a feeling that I didn't get the sense of sadness to show as much as I wanted it to. Please let me know if u liked this chapter, although the ending wasn't my favorite chapter ending for me. lol....
P.S. Hauberk is the chainmail that is worn under armor.
I hope you liked this chapter!
Thanx again all!
SM131