Just Like Heaven

hermione4harry

Rating: PG
Genres: Angst, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 07/10/2006
Last Updated: 18/11/2006
Status: completed

A spin off to the movie Just Like Heaven (with obvious differences) Harry falls into a coma after the final battle and Hermione is distraught. Can her love bring him back?

Chapters

1. Breaking Up

2. Harry's Will

3. Coping Device

4. Don't Kill Harry

5. Spirit Awake

6. Story of our lives

7. Deteriorating before your eyes

8. We need a plan

9. Hermione's Love

1. Breaking Up

Just a little spin off to the movie Just Like Heaven, which I do not own, as well as the characters. I don't own them either. Enjoy!!

“It's all wrong, Ron,” Hermione sobbed. She held tightly to the metal bars of the hospital bed which held her best friend. She did this so that she wouldn't fall to her knees. Her body racked with sobs.

“So this is it,” he replied angrily, “You'd leave me for someone who may not even make it through the night.”

Hermione could hardly breathe, let alone reply. The hospital monitors hooked up to Harry started to go haywire as if on cue and mediwizards rushed to the bedside of the great Harry Potter, the boy who defeated the dark lord.

Ron's face changed from anger to panic. As much as he hated the fact that his girlfriend was in love with his best friend, he never wanted him to die.

Hermione lost control of herself, without a bed to hang on to and dropped to her knees, “No, Harry! Hang on!” she screamed, praying with all her might that her voice reached him. She stood up and tried to wrestle her way through the doctors, “You have to save him! He can't die! Harry! Please, Harry!”

“Someone take her away,” one of the wizards said, brushing her off.

Ron, despite his hurt, tried to pull her away, but she wouldn't relent. She kicked and screamed, breaking away from Ron.

“Stupefy,” the same wizard yelled, turning his wand for mere seconds to aid Ron in controlling her.

Hermione went limp in Ron's arms as the monitors beeped uncontrollably. It was all too much for Ron. He broke down as well. There were so many casualties. So many friends were lost. His girlfriend broke up with him and now his best friend was fighting for life. But Voldemort was gone and that was the only ray of sunshine on this dark night. There should be nothing more to fear.

“Get out of here,” someone shouted to Ron, but he could barely hear what was going on. His mind was a blur with all the action of that night. He clung to his now ex-girlfriends body in a daze.

Finally he seemed to snap back to reality, “No, he can't die,” Ron said, though now one was listening, “The prophecy said one would survive and Voldemort is dead.”

After many feverish minutes the monitors at once slowed to a beep at a normal heart rate. The wizards surrounding Harry smiled and shook each others hands, proud of a job well done.

The one that spoke so harshly before turned to address Ron, “He's alive, but in a coma,” he explained, “If he can pull through the coma, he should survive.”

“Is it possible for him to pull through?” Ron asked.

“We can only hope,” he replied, “Let's get her in a bed. She's had far too much excitement for one night.”

He lifted Hermione's body, with a quick charm, into a bed beside Harry then summoned a nurse with a sleeping draught that she spoon fed to Hermione, forcing it down her unconscious throat.

X X X

“Mom?” Hermione's ragged voice said, just drifting into consciousness.

“I'm here, honey,” Jane Granger replied, rising from her seat to take her daughter's hand.

“Is Harry okay?” Hermione whispered.

“He's in a coma, but the doctor's say if he pulls through, he'll survive,” she explained sadly.

Hermione's eyes teared up, “Oh mum, he has to survive.”

“He will,” Mrs. Granger assured her.

They sat in silence for many minutes as Hermione cleared her head.

“How long have I been out?” she asked.

“Three days,” her mother replied.

“Three? Harry hasn't come out of the coma yet?” Hermione asked, her heart rate escalating.

“Relax, okay? You don't need the stress.”

Hermione took a deep breath.

“Ron told me what happened,” her mother continued, “You broke up with him?”

“Yes,” Hermione said, barely above a whisper.

“Why?”

“I'm in love with Harry. I always have been. Ron was just the first boy who took any kind of real interest in me and I feel like that's the only reason I dated him.”

“But you were such good friends. Not that I don't like Harry, but I could see it in your face that Ron made you happy.”

“It was all an act. I wanted to be happy with Ron because I knew Harry could never feel about me the way that I felt about him.”

“But honey…”

“Don't you understand mom? The hero is supposed to be with the girl! That's how it always is! Me and Harry. It never turns out that the girl settles for the sidekick.”

“Ron is hardly a sidekick, Hermione and you are no damsel in distress,” her mother simply stated.

“You weren't there mum! How can you say that?”

“Well, explain it to me.”

“Harry saved me,” Hermione said, crying again, “I should be dead. Voldemort used me to get to Harry and I don't quite understand what Harry did, but I ended up in his arms instead of Voldemort's. Harry fired the killing curse at him, but not before Voldemort sent one back. It never fully hit Harry, and that's why he didn't die, but he still can. It would be my fault. I was stupid. I thought Voldemort had Harry. Guess I have the same hero complex as Harry.” Hermione tried to smile, remembering once telling Harry about his problem as he jumped to save Sirius.

Mrs. Granger looked over to Harry's bed in a silent thank you for him saving her daughter. Hermione looked over at his paled face. He didn't look well. There were cuts and bruises visible on his face and arms. He had three broken bones mended when he first was brought to the hospital. There was no telling what kind of brain damage there was until he woke up.

“You know I adore Harry,” Mrs. Granger said, “And I hope that all your dreams come true if he wakes up.”

“He has to.” Hermione said, her eyes never leaving Harry.

Jane ran a hand through her daughter's even more uncontrolled hair, “You are such a beautiful girl. I don't understand how anyone could not love you.”

Hermione forced a smile.

“Did Harry say anything about feeling the same way?”

Hermione shook her head, her eyes sparkling with tears.

“Oh,” Mrs. Granger replied sadly.

“It's better that I broke up with Ron. My heart belongs to Harry whether he loves me back or not.”

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2. Harry's Will

Thanks for the reviews!! They really encourage me to continue. I don't use a beta, so excuse the mistakes.

P.S. I love the movie as well! Seen it a million times!

Chapter Two.

“Glad you could make it, Miss Granger,” John Masterson said as she entered his boardroom with her mother close behind her.

From the look of it, Hermione was the last one there. Ron sat with his mother and Remus on one side of the table. Headmistress McGonagall was on the other side with two empty chairs that the Grangers occupied.

“You all know why you're here, so let's get straight to it,” he continued, “Harry came to me a few days before the final battle and he's left some requests in the event that he is incapable to take care of his own interests.”

“He's not dead,” Hermione snapped, “There is no point to this! He's going to wake up any day now.”

Ron cleared his throat. They had only seen each other briefly during the past week as Hermione was a constant post beside Harry's bed. “Hermione,” he started gently, “We know Harry will be alright but until then we have to see to his requests.”

Hermione sighed. Ron noted the dark circles under her eyes. She looked tired and far older than she actually was. She was pale and thin. Looking at her, he realized he wasn't as angry with her anymore. Their relationship had never felt permanent. While she made him happy, she also made him feel as if he was with her to pass the time till something better came along. He hoped, for her sake, that Harry would survive.

“He's made very few requests and he wished for you all to be here during this time as he speaks of his last will and testament,” John continued and put a hand up to silence Hermione as she was about to object again, “I know he is not dead, but he wishes for you to hear this.”

Without any further hesitating, John tapped the letter in front of him and it sprang to life. A mini form of Harry about two feet tall erupted from the envelope and started to speak, “Hello everyone. I'm glad you're here,” he paused and looked to the ground, “I know if you are seeing me now, something has happened to me and I'm sorry. I just hope I took Voldemort with me.”

“Oh, you did Harry. You sent him to the grave,” Mrs. Weasley murmured, her eyes shining with pride.

Mini Harry continued on, “I have a few small requests, in case I am incapacitated after the fight. I wish for Hermione, one of my best friends in the world, to take care of my finances until I recover. I'm sure you understand why I chose her Ron. She's always been the brightest one of our trio. I would also like for both of you to take up residence at Grimmauld Place to watch over it and keep it tidy while I'm gone. If, Merlin forbid, either of you should not have survived. I wish that Remus Lupin would do this in their place and if not Remus, Molly Weasley.”

Hermione's eyes shone with tears as she nodded up to Harry in front of her. She would do whatever he asked of her.

“This next bit is difficult. Probably more difficult for you to handle than for me to say, but I Harry Potter, of sound mind and body, request that if medical findings show my brain or body show any signs of deterioration, please terminate life support. Please,” he demanded softly, “I've never had a real life or love. I've never had a real family and if that may never happen, I can't bear it. It may be the toughest thing to do to me, but I want you to think about my life. My wretched upbringing, my constant war and all I want most in the world is to belong. Not to rot away in some mental ward or be a vegetable in somebody's house who can't even feed himself. That would be worse than the Dursleys. This decision, I leave with my other best friend, Ron Weasley and if he is unable to make the decision, then Remus Lupin or Headmistress McGonagall.”

“Oppausio,” John said, a flicked his wand. Harry's figure froze, “He continues with his last will and testament.”

A knock filled the room and almost everyone jumped. They were so overcome by Harry's request that they were all lost in thoughts.

“Wonderful timing,” John continued when the door was opened and a medi wizard walked in carrying a file.

“I'm here to discuss Harry's case as he has requested a termination of life support should his mental capabilities deteriorate.”

Hermione's breath started to come in gasps as she choked back her tears, “No, never! He's going to pull through this no matter how long it takes!”
“Relax darling,” Mrs. Granger said, “Please just listen. We're not making any decisions soon. Harry is still in complete mental activity, right doctor?”

“Yes, for now,” he continued, “Cases like this do not occur often. Everyone who has been touched by the killing curse has died and Harry's now received two. While his mental capabilities are fully intact now, the longer he remains in a coma, the higher his chances are that it will deteriorate. I would say, given his age and physical condition, three months before we see any signs of deterioration.”

Hermione let out the breath she was holding and started nodding frantically as if to assure herself, “He'll be awake by then. He's going to wake up from this.”

Ron reached for Hermione's hand from across the table, “He will wake up, I promise you. I'm not going to terminate life support. Ever.”

“Now, Ron,” McGonagall said. She looked as though she didn't want to say what she was about to, but spoke anyways, “You heard Harry. He doesn't want that. If he can't live a full and happy life then he doesn't want to live at all. It was his decision and you should respect that.”

“But McGonagall…” Ron started.

“Headmistress McGonagall, Ron,” Mrs. Weasley jumped in, “And she makes a good point. I love Harry as a son and I can understand why he would make that request. Like he said, you must think about his life. Everything he's gone through.”

“I understand, I suppose,” Ron gave in.

Hermione didn't answer. She ran from the room, away from those who wanted to take Harry away from her. Tears streamed down her face as she made it to a safe distance before apparating back to the hospital. There was no way she would let them take him from her. She would fight with everything she had.

X X X

Hermione continued her watch by Harry's bed day in and day out for a week. Ron could only sit by and watch her as she grew paler and thinner by the day. Ron, along with Mrs. Granger and Mrs. Weasley, tried time after time to get her to leave Harry's side. To eat and get a good night sleep, but she refused and Ron was afraid she would start to deteriorate herself. John Masterson had continued with Harry's will after she had left. Hermione and Ron were left everything except for some five hundred thousand galleons. Two hundred thousand galleons would go to Remus Lupin, two hundred thousand divided amongst the Weasley clan minus Ron and the other hundred thousand to Hogwarts.

Finally after that week, Ron couldn't stand it anymore. Hermione's refusal to move left him no choice but to get angry with her. He had never wanted it to come to that, but thought perhaps it might work.

He stormed up to the private ward that housed his best friends.

“Hermione,” Ron snapped as he pushed the door open.

Hermione, whose head was rested on Harry's bedside, bolted upright. She had been dozing off.

“I've had enough of this,” he continued, “We are leaving this hospital. You are going to come eat something and you are going to sleep in a bed.”

“Okay Ron,” Hermione agreed.

“You have to…Wait, what?” Ron looked stunned, “Did you just agree?”

“Yes,” Hermione said rising, “Harry would want me to eat. I will do this for him.” She took Harry's hand, “I'm sorry that I haven't taken care of myself Harry. I was so worried about you. I want to be here for you when you wake up, but I know you would understand. I'll be back in the morning.”

Ron put an arm around her shoulders and ushered her away before she could change her mind.

“Where shall we go?” Ron asked as he pulled her through St. Mungo's towards the exit.

“Anywhere but the Burrow. I don't want to deal with anyone right now,” Hermione sighed.

“Alright, let's go out to eat,” he said. When they reached the apparating site, Ron held Hermione's hand tight and apparated them to Diagon Alley in front of a small diner.

Instead of asking Hermione what she wanted, he ordered everything on the menu.

“I'm sure Harry wouldn't mind,” Ron added when the shocked waitress left with the order.

“Ron…” Hermione chastised, “Don't you dare think you can charge this to Harry, remember, he left me in charge of the finances.”

“Yes, but he would want for you to eat. You look very thin.”

Hermione bowed her head and looked down at herself, “Why are you being so nice to me?”

“You are one of my best friends. I love you as a friend,” Ron said.

“I love you too Ron, but only as a friend. Are you…”

Ron cut her off, “I know we just broke up, but I understand. We really don't belong together.”

“You don't think so?”

“Yes, but I still need you in my life. Especially now.”

“Oh, Ron,” Hermione's eyes welled with tears, “I've only been thinking about Harry, I never even noticed what this ordeal has done to you. He's your best friend too.”

“I'm fine, really,” Ron said flatly.

The food arrived and they both ate in silence. Hermione ate as much as she could, until she felt like she would explode and paid the bill with money from Harry's account.

“Do you mind if we head over to the Leaky Cauldron?” Hermione asked as they exited the diner.

“I s'pose, why?”

“I've been thinking and I don't want to anymore.”

“What? Think?”

“Yes.”

Hermione nudged Ron along.

“I don't think this is a good idea,” Ron said as they sat in a booth with bottles of mead and a shot of firewhiskey each in front of them. Hermione ignored him and downed the shot.

“Well, I do,” she said, then drank deeply from her bottle.

“Drinking won't solve anything,” Ron said.

“Fine then,” Hermione snapped and snatched Ron's firewhiskey. She drank that too then continued on her mead.

From that point, Hermione developed her second coping device, drunkenness. For the next two months when she wasn't watching over Harry, she was getting sloshed at Grimmauld Place and no one could stop her. Now that they had her eating and sleeping, they tried everything to get Hermione to stop drinking. `What more do you want from me?' she would snap at them as she continually found a way around them to get herself drunk every night.

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3. Coping Device

I wrote chapters two and three at the same time because my brain was on a roll. Had to roll with it. Happy reading!!

Chapter Three. (Two and a half months into Harry's coma)

Hermione apparated back to Grimmauld Place and pulled out her hipflask. She took two big gulps of the burning liquid then capped it and went inside. Two and a half months and he still showed no signs of life. She was frightened. Perhaps he wouldn't wake. Perhaps Ron would decide to pull the plug on him. These thoughts only made her drink more. Every night she would sit with her journal where she had documented every day of her life since she arrived at Hogwarts. She poured over the pages immersed in words of times where Harry was full of life. All the times, good and bad, that the trio had shared.

When she arrived in the kitchen she saw a barn owl with a large envelope. She took it and turned it over in her hands. It was addressed to Harry from a construction company. She reasoned with herself. Of course she should open it as she was in charge of Harry's finances while he was incapable of doing it himself. Perhaps this was important.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Thank you for choosing our company in the renovation of your property. I've enclosed all the finalized blueprints according to your requests and am eager to start working on the house as soon as possible since I have been away. I do apologize once again that my family vacation took me away for so long even though as you agreed, family is the most important thing in life. I hope that you get the family you talked about as we went over the blueprints as you have created a wonderful home to raise one in.

Sincerely,

Herman Woodhaven.

Hermione took a bottle of mead out of the fridge and looked over the blueprints. Harry had wanted to renovate his parent's home. The one that was destroyed by Voldemort when he was one.

Everything was perfect, she thought as she combed through the documents. It wasn't large, but cozy. It really was a perfect place to raise a family.

Hermione scribbled a note to Herman that renovations should commence immediately and sent it with the barn owl.

A perfect place to raise a family. That thought echoed through her head the entire night. That was why Harry didn't want to live unless his mind was fully intact because he wanted a family. What if he couldn't have that?

Tormented by the thoughts that Harry wouldn't get to have the family he dreamed of, Hermione drank till well past midnight. She would have continued, but Ron appeared through the fireplace.

“I think that's enough for tonight,” he said, surveying the empty bottles. This was his usual schedule. Every night he would show up to coax Hermione to stop drinking and go to bed. It was all he could do. He had tried everything to get her to stop, but nothing ever worked and she had kicked him out of the house. Even though he didn't wish to leave her at Grimmauld Place by herself, everyone had advised him to leave her alone. They knew she was bright and hoped she would come around on her own.

“What are these?” he asked, picking up the blueprints for Godric's Hollow.

“Nothing,” Hermione said, snatching them away. She charmed them upstairs to the library, “You can't tell me what to do. I'll drink if I want to.”

“I know,” Ron said. They went through this speech every night, “Upstairs Hermione, brush you teeth.”

“Alright,” she replied, grudgingly. She stood and stumbled out of the kitchen while Ron started to clean up.

Ron didn't expect Hermione to come back. She usually didn't. He would go upstairs and find her passed out on her bed. He'd tuck her in and watch her for awhile to make sure she didn't have alcohol poisoning.

Tonight she stormed back into the kitchen, “What did you do with them?”

“What?”

“The blueprints, the ones I got tonight. Where are they?” she screamed at him.

“Hermione, you charmed them upstairs. They are probably in the library,” Ron said, startled.

“Get out, Ron!” she barked.

“Why?” Ron asked.

“You know why and I won't let it happen!”

“What?”

“Harry. You'll never take away his life support. He wants to live!”

“But he doesn't want to be a vegetable and that's what he's going to be if he doesn't wake up soon. He doesn't want that and you shouldn't want that for him.”

“If you think that, then you are not his friend. Get out of his house,” Hermione snapped, pulling out her wand.

Ron never expected this. Hermione was clearly drunk and he was worried that she might actually curse him. He grabbed a handful of floo powder and left. Tonight was obviously not a good night for her. He should have checked on her sooner.

Hermione left the kitchen still screaming at Ron even though he was gone.

“How could you Ron! You can't let him die!” she yelled to no one. She was so loud in the front foyer she would have put Mrs. Black to shame. Luckily they had finally found a spell to get her off the wall earlier that year.

Her fury seemed to blind her and the alcohol was no help. She toppled over one of the end tables near the stairs sending herself and the lamp to the floor where it broke.

A tirade of curses escaped her mouth at the top of her lungs as she untangled herself from the cord and stood. She straightened the table and picked up the lamp, cursing the two pieces.

“Will you stop shouting?” someone yelled over her, “What are you doing in my house?”

Hermione ceased at once, she knew that voice. She spun immediately back towards the kitchen door. There he stood, clear as day not five feet from her. Harry, her Harry. The way he had looked the day they went off for the final battle. He was alive.

Hermione dropped the lamp and went to reach for him but he backed away.

“You just broke my lamp again! What are you doing here? This is my house,” Harry said again.

“You told me I could stay,” Hermione said, shocked. She didn't understand why Harry wasn't happy to be alive. Why he didn't even hug her. Surely he should be happy.

“I did no such thing!” Harry said, “Now get out before I get the authorities.”

“But…” Hermione started to cry. Why was he acting like this? “You'd really call on the aurors?”

“Aurors?” Harry asked, “Are you drunk?” He made a loud sniff in the air and scrunched his nose, “Ugh! You are. I'm calling the police.” He turned towards the sitting room and walked around the corner.

“Wait, Harry,” Hermione pleaded following him, but when she rounded the corner, no one was there. She searched around the house, calling his name, but no one answered and she found nothing.

“I drank too much,” Hermione said later that night as she lie in bed, “I'm seeing things.”

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4. Don't Kill Harry

Hey all, something happened to my chapter three and some changes that I made didn't show up. It only happened at the end where Harry appeared so if you don't want to read the whole chapter again, just scroll down to the end. If you've seen the movie, you'd understand that a cue is needed to trigger an appearance and that cue was deleted. Don't know what happened, but sorry about that!

P.S. I know Hermione is a little OOC with the drinking, but once again, just trying to follow along with the story in the movie, although you brought about a good point and I would agree that I would get trashed every night myself if someone I loved was in a coma.

Chapter Four.

Hermione rolled out of bed and performed an anti-hangover charm on herself. Fred and George had taught her that one after Hermione's first drinking binge and she had really mastered it now.

As she dressed she let out a deep sigh. Perhaps her drinking was getting out of hand. She had started seeing things.

When she was ready, she apparated herself to the hospital to watch over Harry for the day. She told him about her night and how she received the blueprints and sent word for the company to start the renovations on Harry's house. Even though he was still in a coma, she knew he was listening. She spoke to him everyday.

“Harry, the plans are wonderful,” she commented, running a hand through his hair. He looked so peaceful. The lightning bolt scar the only thing marring his pale face, his battle wounds long since healed, “I want to be the one with you in that house.” She fought back a fresh wave of tears.

“Dammit Harry,” Hermione burst out, “Wake up, please!”

As always, there was no response but the low humming coming from his oxygen tank and the beeps of the heart monitor.

Hermione laid her head down on the side of his mattress and cried. Her shoulders racked with sobs, “I want to have your children, Harry. I want you to see them play in your perfect little home. Time is running out for you. Please wake up.”

That night at Grimmauld Place, Hermione couldn't help herself. She started drinking once again and continued long into the night. Ron's head appeared in the fireplace as midnight neared.

“Hermione?” he asked cautiously, afraid she might turn on him again.

Hermione sat and stared blankly at the journal in front of her.

Ron fully emerged from the fire. He sat down beside her and put his arm around her.

“Oh Ron,” she said, quietly, “I need help.”

He kissed her forehead softly, “I'll help you.”

“Don't kill Harry, please.”

Ron didn't answer as his eyes glistened.

Hermione looked up at him. She was nothing of the girl she was before. There was no sparkle in her eyes and her hair was limp. She was always small, but now she almost looked sickly. Ron knew she hadn't picked up a book in a long time and she didn't even argue with him when he knew she should. Everything was wrong.

“I don't want to,” Ron admitted.

“Then don't,” Hermione pleaded again, “The time is coming, tell them that they must continue life support.”

Ron looked torn. He couldn't make this decision, “What about Harry's wishes?”

“Harry's going to pull through this. I know he is and he'll be fine.”

“What if he's not fine? What if he's a vegetable?”

“Then I'll take care of him!” Hermione cried.

Ron stood up and began pacing in front of the coffee table, “But he won't be the same. He won't be able to respond, or even love. He won't be able to love you the way you deserve.”

“I will love him.”

“Who would want a life like that? I can't do that to him. Sentence him to a life of no feeling.”

“And what if you kill him and he could have survived to a full and healthy life?” Hermione asked, stubbornly.

Ron quickened his pace shaking his head, “I can't do this. I can't make this decision.”

“But you must! If you don't, someone else will and they will kill him! They will kill YOUR best friend.”

Ron stopped and took a deep breath, “The medi wizards will help me, Hermione. They will see when his brain functions start to decrease. And when that happens, then I will decide.”

Hermione threw her journal at Ron, which he dodged, “No, you can't. It's simple. Just say you won't!”

Ron dodged another book, then a vase. He reached the fireplace and left before anything else could hit him.

Hermione went on a rampage. She threw everything she could get her hands on. She overturned the coffee table and broke all the candle holders.

Just as she threw the lamp beside her, she heard it again.

“What the bloody hell are you doing?” Harry cried.

Hermione was breathing heavy from her exertion. She stared at him wide eyed, praying he was real this time.

“Now I'm really calling the police. You can't just come into my house and tear it apart!”

“I can fix it,” Hermione said, quietly. She pulled out her wand and with a quick `Reparo', everything was as it should be.

Harry just stood there stunned. He pushed down on the fringe of his hair in his characteristic way. Then he shook his head, “That still gives you no right to be in my house.”

“Please Harry…”

“Harry?” he cut in, “Right, I'm Harry. Harry the owner of this house. Now get out!”

“I can't leave. Not like this,” Hermione said and stepped forward, reaching out for him.

“Don't come any closer, you freak!” Harry said, holding out a hand in front of him.

Hermione went to grab his hand to plead for him not to be angry with her, but her hand passed right through his and they both gasped.

“What have you done to me?” Harry cried and ran from the room.

Hermione followed quickly, but Harry was no where to be seen. Hermione didn't waste any time. If Harry was a ghost, it meant he was dead. She apparated quickly to the hospital, hoping it wasn't true.

And it wasn't. After making a fuss at the reception desk about seeing Harry after visiting hours, she found the monitors still beeping and the oxygen tank still humming. He was still definitely in a coma, but alive.

“I don't understand,” Hermione said, taking her usual seat to Harry's right. She felt his hands, which were warm and touched his face, lightly.

A nurse came in hurriedly, “Please, Miss Granger. We can't allow visitors in so late.”

“I'm sorry,” Hermione said, rising, “I just had a horrible feeling.”

The nurse gave her a pitiful look, “I understand.”

But Hermione didn't. She didn't understand why she had seen Harry twice now and she made up her mind to find out more about it the next day.

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5. Spirit Awake

Just a reminder disclaimer, as if anyone could forget…I don't own Harry Potter or the movie Just Like Heaven. Just molding them together and playing with the outcome!!

Chapter Five.

The next day, rather than her normal ritual of getting ready and apparating to the hospital, Hermione headed to Diagon Alley. She wanted to understand what was going on. She had seen Harry twice now and both times he had disappeared. Hermione wasn't a stupid girl. If she had seen Harry once, she might have dismissed it, but he had seemed so real.

Finally acting in her bookish fashion, she walked into Flourish and Blott's, her favourite bookstore.

“Hello Hermione,” a dreamy voice carried over.

“Hi Luna,” Hermione said, seeing the small blonde, “What are you doing here?”

“I've decided to take on a summer job,” she said to Hermione, even though her eyes looked as though they were far away.

“That's wonderful,” Hermione smiled.

“Hermione, you looked as if you've been eating too many manilleo stouts,” Luna commented.

“Excuse me?” Hermione said, suppressing a laugh. Luna always believed such ridiculous things.

“Manilleo stouts were eaten by giantesses. They were used to make themselves skinny but they were outlawed because they made them too thin and they died. It was a ridiculous ritual to make them more fanciable to their mate.”

“No, I haven't eaten them,” Hermione said, “I've just been going through a rough time with Harry being in the hospital.”
“Oh, right. Ron's told me everything,” Luna said, all the dreaminess in her voice gone, “I'm so sorry Hermione. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Ron?”

“Yes, he came in here about a month ago and we went out for ice cream. He's been having a hard time too. We've been out a few times and I've been helping him deal with a lot.”

Hermione stared at her disbelievingly, “Oh?”

“I thought he would have told you,” Luna said, frowning.

Hermione's eyes sparkled with tears, “No. I actually haven't had a conversation with Ron in a long time. I feel horrible.”

“Don't feel that way,” Luna said, throwing an arm around her shoulder, “You've been through a lot. He understands. Now, are you looking for something in particular?”

Hermione almost said `no', but this was Luna she was talking with, “Is there anything else besides ghosts that can haunt a house?” After it came out, she felt silly.

“Ah, the paranormal! That's at the back. Let's go take a look,” Luna said, directing her towards the little curtain that led to a back room.

Hermione read the little tags that marked where the books were and she came to a section marked `Spirits' where Luna stopped her.

“So have you been contacted by someone from the other side?” Luna asked, “I often have conversations with those who have passed on. It's a gift I've been given.”

“Well, no,” Hermione said, blushing slightly. She real felt silly. “Actually, I'm not sure anymore.”

Luna closed her eyes and ran a hand along the books, humming, then she stopped and pulled down the book her finger had rested on, “Oh, this is a good one,” and she handed it to Hermione.

“Contacting the Spirits by Mattiah Blooms,” Hermione read aloud.

“That's a good one to get started on,” Luna said, then she pulled down three more books, “And so are these.”

“Alright,” Hermione said and brought the books to the cash register. She turned from the door before leaving, “Thank you for taking care of Ron, Luna. See you soon.”

“It's my pleasure,” Luna said, back in her far off voice, “Bye.”

Hermione took her books and sat with Harry at the hospital till visiting hours were over. When she got home, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. Contact Harry's spirit again, if that's what it really was.

She decided to do it in the living room. She gathered up all the candles she could find and placed them in front of her on the coffee table. She sat cross-legged in front of them and raised one of the candles with her hand. She read aloud from the book.

“Spirit awake,” she said, and moved the candle up and down in front of her, “Spirit partake,” and she moved the candle horizontally in front of her, “Spirit without fear.” She moved the candle in a circle and finished the spell with “Spirit appear.”

She listened intently and didn't hear a sound, “Harry?” Nothing happened.

Disappointed she got up and blew out all the candles, frustrated. Then she eyed the lamp beside her. Well, it had worked before, she thought and picked up the lamp. She threw it as hard as she could at the fireplace and it shattered.

“You know, it's bad enough that you are still in my house, but do you have to break everything?” someone said from behind her.

“Harry!” Hermione said, spinning around.

“I don't know how you know my name, but I really want you to leave,” Harry insisted.

“We need to talk,” Hermione said, “You see. You're not supposed to be here,” Hermione said. She didn't know how to break it to his spirit that he was laying in the hospital in a coma.

“I have every right to be here, I own this place.”

“What else do you know?”

Harry looked confused for a minute, “I know that you have been trespassing.”

Hermione almost laughed. How could he not remember anything? “I mean about you, Harry. Where are you from? What were you like growing up? Don't you know anything about our world?”

“I…uh…” Harry thought for a minute and then straightened up, “Stop avoiding the subject. I want you out!”

“Do you even know your last name?” Hermione asked.

He made a face and looked around, “Black,” he guessed, reading the crest above the mantle.

“Your last name is Potter,” Hermione said and she held up a picture of him, herself and Ron.

Harry went to grab for the picture but his hand passed through it.

“How do you know all this?” he asked.

“Come, sit with me. Let me jog your memory,” Hermione said, and sat on the couch. He took a seat beside her without hesitation. He was staring at the picture of the three of them watching it move. It was fairly recent taken two months before the final battle. They had just returned from destroying Voldemort's final horcrux. Hermione was the one who wanted the picture taken. She thought Harry looked incredibly handsome with his adrenaline pumping and his out of control hair. Ron and Harry could hardly sit still for the picture. Hermione, in the tiny frame, stood between the two. Ron had an arm around her waist but it was around that time that Hermione was growing tired of her relationship with Ron. It wasn't going well and she always knew that her heart was elsewhere. It was with the boy who stood to her right. The one her tiny self was eyeing with pride and admiration.

“Am I dead?” Harry asked quietly.

“No,” Hermione said, “I don't think so.” She didn't completely understand what his spirit coming to her like this meant.

“What is going on then?”

“I don't know.”

They both paused for a long time.

“Well, tell me about myself,” Harry said finally.

“Where to start?” Hermione laughed.

“At the beginning.”

“Well, your parents died when you were young,” she said, quietly. He did say to start at the beginning.

“Yes, I remember,” he said, putting a hand to his mouth, “They were murdered.”

“I'm sorry,” Hermione said.

“Can you take me to their grave? I'd really like to see it. I might remember something.”

“Can you leave this place?”

“I think so.”

Hermione hailed a taxi and they went to Godric's Hollow, not saying a word.

They had the driver drop them off at the entrance to a tiny graveyard with a large willow tree near the back.

“They are under the willow tree, aren't they?” Harry asked.

Hermione nodded and they made their way silently towards the stones.

Harry knelt in front of them, “They were murdered by someone named Voldemort. He's an evil wizard.”

“Yes, he is,” Hermione agreed.

“They tried to take me too, but something happened and I survived. I was sent to live with my aunt and uncle.”

“Do you remember everything?”

“No. I remember that it was unpleasant and then a giant rescued me. I went to Hogwarts School, for wizards. I'm a wizard too?”

“Yes, you are. A very powerful wizard.”

“Can we go to Hogwarts?”

“Probably not tonight, it's very late.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Sure.”

**Spirit awake, Spirit partake, Spirit without fear, Spirit appear** is a direct quote and the hand motions were taken from the movie Just Like Heaven.

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6. Story of our lives

Chapter six.

The next morning, Hermione awoke with a start. It almost seemed like a chill passed through her. She jumped when she saw Harry staring at her.

“I thought you'd never wake,” Harry said impatiently.

“What did you do to me?” she asked, pulling the blankets tighter around her.

“I was trying to shake you but seeing as I can't touch you, my hand went through you.”

Hermione pulled out her wand and performed the anti-hangover jinx on herself. After her and Harry had returned from Godric's Hollow, she had once again turned to the bottle. She couldn't help but think that Harry's soul being with her meant the worst and she didn't want to think that way. So, she drank late into the night deciding how she would help the spirit Harry to remember everything.

“What was that you did to yourself?” he asked curiously. Harry was always interested in spells. His spirit was no different.

“Not feeling the greatest,” Hermione said. It was partially true. She didn't want to tell him that it was a self-inflicted illness.

He gave her a questioning glare but didn't say anything and she didn't notice.

“Well, I'll meet you downstairs,” Harry said and walked through the wall.

Hermione dressed quickly and found Harry in the sitting room. He was looking at the pictures over the fireplace.

“That one's my favourite,” Hermione said, pointing to the one on the far right. It was of her and Harry taken in third year. Ron had been in the hospital recovering from the bite Sirius had given him and Colin Creevey had taken it.

“You look pretty beat up,” Harry observed.

Hermione laughed, “Well, you don't look so hot yourself. We had quite the night.”

“What happened?”

“I'll tell you everything once we get to Hogwarts.”

“How are we going to get there?” Harry asked, “I think it's far, isn't it?”

Hermione smacked herself upside the head. She hadn't thought about that. “I thought we could apparate, but I'm not sure you would be able to.”

“We could try,” Harry suggested.

“I can't touch you though, so I doubt it will.”

“Just try it, Hermione.”

Hermione held out a hand and Harry held out his. Hermione apparated away and then reappeared a few seconds later back in the Black mansion.

“Didn't work,” Hermione said glumly, “What if…you got inside me?”

“Do you think that would work?”

“You're a spirit Harry, possess me,” Hermione said.

Harry moved close to Hermione and took a deep breath. He stepped inside of her and they became one.

Hermione closed her eyes tight, concentrating on her spirit to keep control of her mind. Then she imagined herself and Harry's spirit as one and then apparated away.

She was just outside of the gates of Hogwarts. Harry stepped outside of her once again.

“It worked,” he smiled, “Great job!”

“That was the strangest feeling ever,” Hermione said, feeling her head.

“How do you think I felt,” Harry laughed, “I've never been a girl before.”

Hermione laughed too and turned towards the castle. It looked vacant and dark, like it was abandoned. The usual stone walls looked almost black and untamed vines crawled up the walls.

“This is Hogwarts?” Harry said.

“Yes, although, I think it only looks like this in the summer holidays,” Hermione said.

They pushed through the gate and made the long trek up towards the castle. When they reached the front door Hermione, to her surprise, pushed it open. She was expecting everything to be locked up and she thought she may have to call on someone to open it for her.

When the great doors opened, Professor McGonagall stood there, an unusual smile lit up her face.

“Hermione, so good to see you,” she said.

“Hello Headmistress,” she said.

Harry said `hello' as well, but she didn't seem to hear him. It also appeared as if she couldn't see him as well. Harry jumped around in front of her, but she didn't see it at all.

“To what do I owe this visit?” she asked, politely.

“I'm sorry,” Hermione said, suppressing a laugh as Harry started making silly faces at McGonagall, “I should have written, but I really wanted to visit the castle today. I mean, it feels like it's still my home and as you probably know, I've been going through a rough time. I needed some time alone here.”

The headmistress nodded slowly, “I understand. If you need me, I'll be up in my office.” She walked briskly away and up the stairs.

Hermione tried to backhand Harry for making faces but her hand passed right through and they both laughed.

“Well, this is Hogwarts,” she said.

“I remember the first time I was here,” Harry said, looking around, “I was so awestruck. The train ride here I met Ron and you. Also a boy who lost his toad.”

Hermione giggled, “Neville.”

“Right, Neville. And some ferret boy named Malfoy and his idiot friends,” Harry recalled.

“Crabbe and Goyle. You remember the ferret incident?”

“Ferret incident?”

“That was in fourth year,” Hermione giggled.

Harry gave her a confused look, “Malfoy and his friends are evil, aren't they?”

“Yes, they are. In Voldemort's troop.”

Hermione led him up to the Gryffindor common room. She showed him the third floor where they first met fluffy, the girls lavatory where the chamber of secrets lies, the whomping willow, the quidditch pitch, the defense against the dark arts classroom, the room of requirement, the great hall and the potions dungeon. She took him through all their seven years at Hogwarts and every time she started a story, he would finish it. He was beginning to remember everything.

By the time they were finished, it was dark out and McGonagall insisted that Hermione get some sleep. She hadn't bothered her at all that day and simply listened. She was recalling her past and if that made her happy, she didn't want to stand in the way.

“Thank you for letting me stay here for the day,” Hermione said and hugged her favourite teacher goodbye.

Instead of heading up the stone path to the front gates, Hermione led Harry around the lake towards the tree they always sat around. The night air was so still and the lake was calm except for a few bubbles coming up from near the shore. A million stars shone down on them from the sky.

“Can I ask a few more things?” Harry asked and Hermione urged him to go on, “I'm just confused on the relationship parts of my life and yours and well, Ron's too. I remember our friends and stuff, but I just…” he trailed off.

“What did you want to know?”

“I seem to remember having a girlfriend, but I don't remember who it was. You seem like the most prominent girl in my life,” he blushed, “I was just wondering if …well… if it was you?”

Hermione blushed, though it was too dark to see, “Well, no. It wasn't me. In fifth year, you dated a girl named Cho Chang and sixth year, Ron's sister Ginny.”

Harry looked away, “Right, yes. Cho cried when I kissed her.”

“Ginny didn't,” Hermione said, a small jealous tone in her voice to which Harry took no notice.

“Ginny. I broke up with her to protect her from Voldemort,” Harry said.

Hermione gazed at him, forcing back tears. It could be possible that he was still in love with Ginny.

“I guess that leads to my last question,” Harry continued, “What happened to me and Voldemort. Why am I like this?”

Hermione turned away, “Jump in. I'll take you to the scene of the final battle.”

He did and Hermione apparated away to Little Hangleton. She brought them to the outskirts of the town, a few blocks before the long driveway that led to the Riddle house.

As they were walking through the few blocks, they came across a dark alley. There were muffled shouts coming from the dark black space and Hermione stopped.

She crept quietly towards the back while retrieving her wand from her back pocket.

When her eyes adjusted to the dim area she saw two older boys holding up a young boy. They threatened him and told him to give them his pocket money.

Harry, who had followed, looked menacing. Then something dawned on him and his face lit up.

“Hermione,” he whispered, “Take your wand and say `transpiro corpus'.”

“What?”

“Just do it.”

She did.

“Get ready to catch,” Harry ordered.

Hermione put her arms out just as the boy fell into them. She looked as shocked as the boy. She disillusioned them quickly before the teens turned around. They ran off scared.

Hermione put the boy down and he ran off.

“How did you know that?” Hermione asked.

“I used that spell before.”

“I've never heard of it,” Hermione said.

“It was the one I used on to get you away from Voldemort.”

Hermione looked up at Harry. So that was how he had done it. She wanted to hug him so badly. Instead she put a hand up to his face and rested it there. Her hand felt tingly.

“You saved my life,” she said, “Thank you.”

He looked at her hand, “You are one of my best friends,” he said.

Hermione smiled.

Harry's smile faded, “It was you and Ron, wasn't it?”

“Pardon me?”

“You were with Ron,” Harry said.

“I was with Ron,” Hermione emphasized. She turned and headed out of the alley and towards the Riddle house or what was left of it.

“What happened?”

“I broke up with him.”

“Why?”

“I'm not in love with him and I don't think I ever will be.”

“Why?”

“My heart is elsewhere.”

Harry tried to kick at a rock on the ground, but his foot passed through it. He let out a loud sigh.

“Don't worry Harry. I'm getting to the part of why you are like this,” Hermione said.

“It's not that,” Harry said.

“What is it then?”

“I'll tell you soon, not tonight,” Harry said.

Hermione nodded. They didn't speak another word until they reached the gates of the house. It was there that the full devastation could be seen. Large gouges were taken out of the ground and the air was still heavy with death. There was no stone unbroken.

Harry started speaking immediately. He told Hermione every step he took, every spell he cast. Every person he killed and every good person who died.

He kneeled at the spot where Kingsley Shacklebolt lost his life. He moved on, nearing the house.

“Here is where I saw him,” Harry said, “He had you.”

Hermione's eyes glistened, “Yes, Harry. I'm so sorry…It was just…you were missing…and I was afraid. I went after him because someone told me he had you.”

“It's alright, Hermione. He had you and I got you back and I fired the killing curse,” Harry moved and touched the house where Voldemort's body hit it, “He hit here. I saw him die, like he watched my parents.”

“But you didn't,” Hermione said, “You didn't see him die.”

“I didn't?”

“He hit you with the same curse. You hit the ground and I fell on top of you,” Hermione said, she was crying now, “I thought you were dead. I held onto you and apparated to the hospital right away.”

“I don't remember being hit. What happened to me?” Harry asked frantically.

“You're alive, but just barely.”

“I am?”

“You are…are in…a coma.”

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7. Deteriorating before your eyes

Thanks again for all the reviews!!!

Chapter Seven.

Hermione found herself in the kitchen alone again with a bottle of firewhisky as her only company. She had just returned from the hospital where she had showed Harry his body.

“I'm in a coma?” Harry asked.

Hermione nodded slowly.

“You have to take me to myself,” he demanded.

“Get in,” she whispered.

He did and Hermione apparated to the hospital.

It was five minutes before visiting hours closed so Hermione had no trouble with the nurse at the desk.

“We missed you today, Hermione,” she had said.

“I had errands,” Hermione replied. Apparently no one could see Harry but her. Harry waved his hands madly, but no one took any notice.

“Ron was here several times looking for you. He said it was important. He was shocked that you didn't show up at all since you are here everyday.”

“Oh, I'll contact him when I get home. I'll only be a few minutes,” Hermione said and turned. Harry had already started down the hallway.

“I can hear my heartbeat,” he said, following the sound. He found his correct room and walked through the wall.

Hermione opened the door and watched carefully as Harry stood over his body. He touched his own hand lightly.

“Do you think you could put yourself back inside?” Hermione asked.

“I could try,” he replied and laid down into his body. The heart rate monitor beeped a little faster.

“I think it worked,” Hermione said, looking over to the monitors.

Harry sat up, but his body didn't move with him.

“Concentrate,” Hermione urged.

Harry lay back down, but could not get his body and his spirit to come together.

“I'm just not sticking. My spirit and my body aren't one anymore,” Harry said, frustrated.

“Turn around,” Hermione ordered and Harry did as he was told. She gazed down at Harry's body and reached out to touch his cheek. The spirit Harry whose back was turned, reached up to touch his cheek.

“See, you can feel it,” Hermione said, “You are still attached to your body.”

“It tingled,” Harry said, turning to Hermione.

The nurse from the desk came in, “I'm sorry, Hermione. Visiting hours are over.”

“Can I just have one more minute? I missed him today.”

The nurse looked out into the hallway and back “Alright, but please, just one minute.” And she closed the door.

“Are you really here everyday?” Harry asked.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“You're my best friend.”

“So is Ron, but it doesn't sound as though he's here as much as you are.”

“That's just the way I am, Harry. I feel nothing without you in my life.”

“There's more to life than just me,” Harry said. He moved around the hospital bed to stand beside her, “How long have I been like this?”

“Almost three months,” Hermione said.

“Three?” Harry looked down at his body.

“Harry, you signed papers to terminate life support before you went off to the final battle,” Hermione said, crying again.

“I did. I remember.” Harry sighed, “Is there any sign of brain damage?”

“There will be if you don't come out of this soon.”

“Then I'm staying here to try and put myself back together.”

“I will stay with you.”

“No, you can't be here much longer. The nurse will kick you out.”

“I don't want you to be here alone,” Hermione sobbed.

“I'll be alright.”

Hermione put her hand up to touch the spirit Harry's face and rested it just where her hand met his cheek. She felt it tingle.

“Don't cry anymore for me” Harry said.

Hermione nodded, “I'll try not to.”

Harry turned away from her and Hermione went towards the door. Just before she left, she turned to him once again.

“I love you, Harry,” she said, then slipped out the door without another look back.

So she had told him she loved him. He had looked shocked but didn't say anything. She took a long swig again from the bottle. It was nearing one in the morning, but her mind still raced. She had left him three hours ago. Where was he now? What was he doing? Thinking? Did he know that she meant what she said?

She got up from the table and took her bottle with her. She called to Harry throughout the entire house

Finally returning to the kitchen, she found Harry.

She dropped her bottle in shock, but there hadn't been much left in anyways.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Drinking my life away,” Hermione replied stubbornly.

“Are you crazy?” he yelled, “This isn't the Hermione I know.”

“Well, you haven't been around for the past few months,” Hermione slurred. She went to the liquor cabinet for another bottle, “I see you couldn't put yourself back together.”

“No,” Harry replied sullenly, “But that's no excuse for you to drink.”

“It helps me cope, Harry. You have no idea what this has been like for me!”

“Of course I know. How do you think I feel?” Harry yelled, “I just found out I've been in a coma for three months. I've remembered everything about my life. What if I don't wake up? What if my brain starts to deteriorate before I can put myself together? I will never be able to touch you again! How do you think I'm coping?”

Hermione took a long drink, ignoring Harry, although she heard every word he said. They were the same worries she had.

“That's it!” Harry said, and jumped into Hermione's body just as Ron erupted out of the fireplace.

Harry took control of Hermione's body and pulled the bottle out of her mouth.

“Stop it Harry,” Hermione yelled, trying to drink again, but she couldn't control her hands.

“I'm Ron, Hermione,” Ron said, “Bloody hell! I've been looking for you all day.”

Hermione ignored him. She was too busy fighting to gain control of her body. Ron watched as she danced around her hands looked like they were against each other, one pulling the bottle one way and one the other. Finally one hand won and it threw the bottle. It smashed to pieces.

“You git!” she said as Harry emerged from her body.

“I can't believe how drunk you are!” Harry retorted.

To Ron, this looked like Hermione was fighting with herself. She yelled to the vacant space beside her not even paying attention to him.

“This is how I deal. Get over it!”

“This is it? For almost three months? What if you had killed yourself? What if you damaged your liver?”

“I'm fine!”

“How could you Hermione? This isn't you!”

“This is your fault!”

“My fault?”

“You left me alone!”

Harry threw his arms up in the air and finally noticed Ron in the room, “How could you let her get like this?” he yelled.

Ron took no notice. He watched Hermione as she folded her arms across her chest.

“You can't see or hear me either!” Harry yelled, “Why is it the only one I can communicate with is a stupid drunk?”

Hermione started crying again. He was so mean.

Ron stood up and went over to her, “Hermione, what's wrong? Are you okay? I've been looking for you.”

She didn't answer and sobbed into his shirt.

After a minute she quieted down and finally looked up at Ron. He looked terrible. His own eyes were red and puffy and he almost looked green.

“You're not going to throw up slugs all day again, are you?” Hermione asked, wiping her face.

Ron shook his head.

“What happened?”

“They don't know,” Ron said, “Harry's brain seems to be giving up. This morning he was fine, but about eleven o'clock, the monitors showed serious signs of deterioration.”

“No, they couldn't have,” Hermione said. It was around eleven that they had gone to Hogwarts. Maybe that was why it had changed.

“There's more,” Ron said sadly, “They asked me to sign the papers.”

“And?” Hermione asked quickly.

“I refused,” Ron said.

Hermione sighed.

“But, they said I would be overruled,” Ron continued, “Harry's wishes supersede mine and they are terminating life support.” Tears streamed down his face.

“When?”

“Tomorrow at noon.”

Hermione let out a loud sob and dropped to the floor. She got up quickly and raced to the bathroom were she was sick.

Ron knocked a few minutes later.

“I couldn't do anything, Hermione. And I tried to find you to help me, but you were gone.”

Harry came through the door. Hermione had her head resting in her arms on the toilet.

Hermione looked up at him, “Harry?” she whispered quietly.

“I'm sorry.”

“Don't be sorry. I should be.”

He wanted desperately to hold her.

Another knock came, “Hermione please let me in.”

“Maybe if we tell him, he'll help us?” Harry suggested.

“Do you think he'll believe me?”

“It's worth a try.”

Hermione washed her face quickly and emerged from the bathroom. She led Ron into the living room where she told him everything about seeing Harry and helping him to remember his life.

“He's here?” Ron asked.

“Yes,” Hermione looked straight at Harry, “He's sitting in the chair.”

Ron looked towards the chair, but saw nothing. Harry tried to wave at him.

“Have you been talking to Luna? She said she talked to you the other day about spirits and stuff,” Ron said.

“I went to see her because Harry didn't remember anything and I was trying to communicate with him. I didn't know she worked at Flourish and Blotts.”

“Oh.”

“Don't you believe me?”

“I don't know Hermione. Have you been drinking a lot tonight?”

“No, I haven't,” Hermione said, angrily.

“Yes you did,” Harry added and she sent him a glare.

“I'll think about it,” Ron said, “I'll be back here in the morning to decide what we're going to do.”

“Fine,” Hermione snapped and Ron left.

“Oh Harry, what are we going to do?” Hermione said, turning to him once Ron left.

“I don't know,” Harry replied.

“Why don't we go see some experts or maybe sneak into Hogwarts to the library to see if there's a book on reuniting spirits and bodies.”

“I don't want to,” Harry said, “If this is my last night, I don't want to be studying or anything like that.”

“Well, what do you want to do? I'll do anything. Hop a plane, go to Paris? Italy? Egypt? You have loads of galleons.”

“No, I just want to lay here with you.”

“Just lay here?”

“In my room.”

Hermione swallowed hard, “Okay.”

They went up to what was once Harry's room and Hermione cleaned it with a quick spell.

“Get comfortable,” Harry said, walking through the wall.

Hermione changed to her pyjamas and brushed her teeth. When she was snuggled in bed she called Harry back in.

He returned through the wall and lay down beside her. They just stared at each other, face to face for a long time.

“Why are you nervous? I can't even touch you,” Harry chuckled.

Hermione slowed her breathing, “I wish you could. If only you could really touch me.” She reached up and tried to lay her hand on his face again. Her hand tingled delightedly and she smiled up at him.

A short time later, Hermione fell asleep.

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8. We need a plan

Well, two or three more chapters left!!! Haven't decided yet how I will break up the remaining bits of the story. Enjoy!

Chapter Eight.

Hermione stirred, her eyes opened slowly. Something was missing. Harry. She bolted upright.

“I'm right here,” Harry said. He stood by the window, watching the sun rise.

“Have you been here all night?” Hermione asked.

“Yes. Spirits don't really sleep,” Harry sighed.

Hermione slipped on her slippers and joined him at the window. They stood together in silence as the sun cleared the horizon. Finally she turned to him, “There are a few things I'd like to do today with you before noon.”

“Alright.”

Hermione showered and dressed quickly, then met Harry in the kitchen.

“Eat something first,” Harry ordered.

Hermione didn't want to argue with him, especially today. She pulled out some cereal and a glass of juice and Harry waited patiently while she ate.

“Okay, let's go,” Hermione said, setting the dishes to wash while they were out. Harry stepped inside of Hermione's body and she apparated away.

Harry stepped out of Hermione's body and looked around.

“We're in Godric's Hollow, right?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Harry looked around quickly, “My parent's cottage is up the hill in the trees.”

“Follow me,” Hermione said, smiling.

“I wanted to renovate that house,” Harry told her as they walked.

“What were your plans?” Hermione asked genuinely, trying not to smile too much. She wanted to surprise him.

“I wanted it to look like it did before Voldemort. I wanted to fix it up, repaint it and update it.”

“What else?” Hermione asked.

“I wanted all new furniture, a small library and an office. I wanted a tire swing in the backyard for my children. I wanted to have a family,” Harry said, sadly.

The rounded to corner and the house came into view.

“I know,” Hermione said, motioning to the house.

Harry stopped in his tracks. The wreck of a house that he remembered was gone and in its place was a cottage, exactly as he had planned.

Harry's eyes went misty, “Y-you did this?”

Hermione smiled and nodded, “The plans arrived shortly after you were hospitalized. I had the company start immediately.”

Harry was drawn to the house. He took the steps slowly and walked through the front door. Everything was finished, exactly how he had expected it. Hermione came through the front door.

“Did you do all this?” Harry asked as they walked through the house.

“Well, the company put the house back together and painted the way you asked them to. Then I bought the furniture and decorated.”

Harry walked through the entire house, through the walls, taking everything in. It was perfect, too perfect and a tear slipped down his cheek. He turned away so Hermione could not see. He stepped out onto the back porch and just as he had asked, there was a tire swing hanging from the large oak tree.

Harry wiped at his face and turned to her, “I want this to be yours. Let Ron know and don't take no for an answer. You told me your heart lies elsewhere. Don't be afraid to let this man know how you feel. Have a family.”

“Not without you in my life,” Hermione said, her eyes glistening.

“You have to move on. Forget about me.”

“I could never do that!” Hermione sobbed.

“Do it for me,” Harry said, as another tear slipped down his cheek. Hermione put her hand to his face, trying to brush it away.

Harry turned away quickly. Everything he wanted was slipping away. He would never get the life he wanted. He walked off the back steps towards the swing.

“Get in,” he told her and she did.

Hermione looked up at him, “I wish you could push me.”

“I do too.”

Hermione started to swing and as she got higher, she let out a laugh despite all the pain she felt. Harry watched her, his heart a little lighter. Hermione deserved only the best.

XXX

Hermione apparated them to Diagon Alley and they appeared in front of Flourish and Blotts.

“Why are we here?” Harry asked, stepping out of Hermione's body.

“I need to check and see if there's a spell or charm that will put you back together,” Hermione insisted.

“No,” Harry said, “It's over. I just want you to be happy.”

“It's not over till I say it is, Harry Potter! Now follow me!”

Harry did as he was told. Hermione went into the store and straight to the back room where all the paranormal books were.

Luna was back there shelving books and she gasped when Hermione entered, dropping the stack of books in her arm.

“Hermione! You are being followed!”

“What? Can you see him?”

“No, but I sense another presence,” Luna said in a faraway voice.

“I'm helping him.”

“I'm sensing some very strong feeling towards you, Hermione.”

“What?” Harry said, snapping his head in their direction.

Luna could not see or hear him, but she continued, “Do you know this spirit? He's in love with you!”

“No I'm not!” Harry protested, his face flushing.

Hermione's mouth dropped open. Could it be true?

Luna laughed, “I'm sensing a major red aura. Somebody's blushing.”

Harry didn't say anything to deny it and Hermione shook her head to clear it. There were more important things right now.

“Listen, Luna,” Hermione said, “You're probably not going to believe me, but its Harry…”

“Of course it is,” Luna said, smiling, “I knew I recognized that aura.”

“They are going to terminate life support and we want to know how to put him back together with his body. Do you know if that's possible?”

“I think you are asking the wrong questions,” Luna said, dreamily.

“What do you mean? I don't know what to do? I'm the only one who can see him. Why is that? Why...” Hermione rambled.

“I think that is the right question,” Luna continued.

Just then, Ron stepped through the curtain and into the back room.

“Hermione?” he asked, surprised.

“Hermione needs your help Ron,” Luna said, going to him and kissing him on the cheek, “I'll see you later.”

“Come Ron. We have to get to the hospital,” Hermione said, taking his arm and pulling him outside the shop. “Get in Harry,” she said once outside.

“Huh?” Ron said, confused.

Harry stepped in and Hermione took Ron's arm again and apparated away.

Once inside the hospital, Hermione started moving quickly.

“What are we doing?” Ron asked.

“We are going to save Harry,” Hermione said, walking briskly.

“You're not still on about this Harry thing, are you? You're hallucinating Hermione. Perhaps we should have you see a doctor.”

Hermione stopped abruptly and pulled Ron into the nearest storage room.

“That's it! What can I do to prove to you that Harry is standing with us? He's right behind you!” Hermione snapped.

Ron spun around and Harry waved, but Ron didn't see him, “If he's standing behind me,” Ron said, turning back to her, “What am I doing with my hands. How many fingers?”

“Two,” Harry said and Hermione repeated.

Ron switched his fingers.

“Seven,” Harry said and Hermione repeated.

Ron sighed and put up one finger, his middle one.

“He's flipping me off,” Harry laughed.

“You're flipping him off?” Hermione asked.

Ron's face turned red, “How are you…doing that?” He spun around again to look behind him.

“I told you, Harry is there!”

“Well, you must have developed some type of psychic power this past month.”

Hermione sighed, “He still doesn't believe me. Alright Harry, what do you know about Ron? Give me the dirt that only you would know.”

Harry looked thoughtful, “Er…He had a bad dream about spiders wanting him to tap dance.”

“Harry, that's terrible,” Hermione laughed, but told Ron anyways.

“How about when all the boys caught him wanking to a picture of Madam Rosmerta?” Harry added.

Hermione repeated this and Ron flushed bright pink, “Any boy in fifth year could have told you that.”

“Oh, here's the kicker. Ron kissed his sister at the masquerade ball,” Harry said, triumphantly.

“Ew. Ron, you kissed Ginny?”

“WHAT?” Ron screamed, “How could you know that? It was a masquerade ball. I didn't know it was her!”

Hermione made a face, “Now do you believe me?”

“Only Harry knows that,” Ron said, thinking, “Ginny didn't even know it was me because when I found out it was her, I ran for it.”

“I told you. Harry is with me,” Hermione insisted.

“Well, then maybe I should tell you what Harry said.”

Harry and Hermione looked at him questioningly.

“When you and I started dating…” Ron started.

“Ron, no…” Harry said, though he could do little to stop him.

“Harry told me he was jealous. He said he finally realized his feelings for you once he couldn't have you, but he told me the better man got you and I better take care of you.”

“What?” Hermione asked.

“Harry's loved you for a long time. He was just too stupid to see what was right in front of him.”

“And I love him,” Hermione said and she turned to Harry, “I really do love you. You are where my heart lies. I want to have that family with you.” She moved to stand in front of him, “That's why I have to save you.”

“That's it then, Hermione. That's why you can see me and no one else can. It's because we were meant to be together. Your love kept me alive when Voldemort hit me with the killing curse. Your love, just like my mother's love.”

Hermione smiled and tried to place a hand at his cheek, “And I will save you now.”

“Come on, it's almost noon,” Ron said and they stepped out of the storage room.

They made their way quickly down the hall and slipped into Harry room.

“Okay, so all these are transportable,” Hermione said, waving towards the monitors, “They move with Harry's bed.”

“Let's just wheel him down to the apparating area and go,” Ron suggested.

“Where?”

“What about Grimmauld Place?”

“I suppose we can put him up in one of the rooms. I'll hire a doctor from some far away place to look after him.”

“Okay, let's go,” Ron said and grabbed onto one side of the bed.

They pushed Harry down the hall, but as the elevators opened, there stood everyone who had come to pay there final respects to Harry.

“What are you two doing?” Mrs. Weasley shouted.

“Ron, run!” Hermione said, switching directions.

They both ducked and dodged as spells flew after them. They pulled out their own wands. Both had become very powerful from this past year. They shot spells over their shoulders as they ran towards the emergency lifts.

“Hermione, keep going. I'll take care of them,” Ron said. He let go of his side of Harry's bed and turned to face everyone.

“Stupefy!” he shouted.

Hermione reached the lift and pushed the button. She pulled out her wand ready to stop anyone who got in her way. She put a shield charm up between them and everyone else. She watched in horror as Ron was overtaken by an `expelliarmus' and his wand went flying.

“No, you don't understand,” Ron argued as two large men grabbed his arms, “Harry is going to be okay. His spirit just has to be reunited with his body!”

“It's true,” Hermione shouted, “Harry is in spirit. We have to reunite them.”

Hermione dodged a spell, but when she looked down at Harry, she saw the spell had cut through Harry's breathing tube.

“No,” Hermione cried. She heard a spell break her shield. Harry's pulse was getting slower.

The spirit of Harry gasped, “I'm fading.”

“No, stay with me,” Hermione cried.

“It's too strong,” Harry said and his form started to fade, “It's pulling me away.”

“Be stronger, Harry, fight it.” Hermione put her mouth to his and gave him mouth to mouth.

Harry's spirit touched his mouth as it tingled and his spirit faded completely away.

“No,” Hermione said, watching him fade completely. She was overtaken by some large men and pulled away. Harry's pulse flatlined.

* * Don't worry, I won't leave you hanging for too long…(evil laugh) Stay tuned to see if Harry makes it.

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9. Hermione's Love

Sorry, sorry, sorry….I will never leave it at a cliffhanger again!! You are all so mean…. Just kidding…but I really am sorry. Thanks for the great reviews! Here is the final chapter….

Chapter nine.

Everyone watched in stunned silence as Harry Potter, the man who defeated the dark lord slipped away.

Hermione put her head in her hands and cried. This wasn't supposed to happen. He was supposed to live. They were going to have a family and live in Godric's Hollow, happily ever after.

The two men who had pulled her away from Harry let go. The two who held Ron let go as well. Tears streamed down everyone's face, the Weasleys, Remus Lupin and Headmistress McGonagall. Not one said a word.

Then, there was a small beep and Hermione thought she imagined it, but another followed and another, slowly and irregularly.

She looked up slowly. The heart rate monitor was beeping. Slowly it rose to a steady pulse and there was a small cough.

The medi wizards that surrounded them rushed in as Harry's eyes fluttered open.

“Harry?” Hermione said, trying to wrestle her way through.

“He's alright,” one of the medi wizards said, “He's going to be fine.”

Everyone seemed to sigh with relief and the medi wizards stepped back. Harry came into view.

“I'm hungry,” Harry said to Ron.

Ron laughed as tears spilled down his cheeks.

Harry tried to lift his head from the pillow, but struggled, “How long have I been out?” He gave up and laid his head back down.

“Three months,” Mr. Weasley said, taking a spot beside his son.

“To think, we almost let you go,” Mrs. Weasley said, leaning in, hugging Harry tightly.

“Don't you remember this past week, Harry?” Hermione asked quietly, she reached down to touch Harry's cheek as she had so many times, but he turned away, confused and her fingertips barely grazed his cheek.

“I don't remember anything,” Harry said, he turned to Remus, “What's going on?”

“What's the last thing you remember, Harry?” Remus asked.

Harry thought for a long time, “I…I…remember…the battle. The final fight. I killed Voldemort and then it all went dark.”

Hermione looked down at him. He didn't remember anything of the last week. Of course he didn't. It wasn't Harry, just his spirit. Hermione let go of the side of Harry's bed and backed away. She wanted to run. It couldn't be true. Everything she did, everything she learned and it was all a waste. She turned and left without another look back.

“Harry, you don't remember Hermione?” Ron asked, looking after Hermione's retreating frame.

“Of course I know her. She's one of my best friends,” Harry said.

“She's been here, everyday with you. Everyday from morning till night,” Ron explained.

“I'm sorry, Ron. I don't understand.”

“You will soon, Harry,” Ron smiled, “I'm glad you're okay.”

X X X

Harry spent the next three days drinking potions to revive his strength and going through test after test to ensure he would fully recover. They even tested to make sure his magical abilities were up to par.

“I believe you have fully recovered, Mr. Potter,” Remus said from the ground. He was out of breath after their duel.

Harry smiled.

“And I think you are ready to be discharged,” the medi wizard laughed.

Harry looked overjoyed. Hermione hadn't been in to see him at all and Ron didn't know where to find her. He told him about their break up, but didn't go any further into detail. He was with Luna now.

Ron was there to accompany Harry back to Grimmauld Place.

“Looks as though Hermione cleaned up,” Ron observed.

“You still haven't seen her?” Harry asked.

“No. I just hope she's not drinking still.”

“What?” Harry snapped, dropping his bag with a loud thud in the entrance hallway.

Ron turned to Harry, “Listen. Hermione took it pretty hard with you gone and we couldn't control her.”

“She was drinking?” Harry asked, “Why?”

“She was tormented by guilt. She missed you. She was afraid you wouldn't get to live your life, get the family you wanted. Take your pick. I've never seen her like that,” Ron explained, “She needs you Harry. Something happened this past week that I can't explain. Only she knows.”

Harry thought long and hard. Finally he came to the conclusion that he had no clue as to what happened that past week. He was in a coma. His mind was a blank. All he remembered was Voldemort. He saved Hermione, he threw the `Avada Kedavra' and then he woke up in the hospital three months later.

“I don't know what happened. I don't understand,” Harry said as a knock came at the door.

Harry opened it and Luna walked in.

“I'm glad to see you in human form, Harry,” Luna smiled.

Harry gave her a small smile, “Thanks Luna.”

“I don't mean to leave you alone, Harry, but Luna and I have plans,” Ron said and threw an arm around Luna's shoulders.

“No problem. I'm going out to look for Hermione. Are you sure her letter said she was fine?”

“Yes. She owled me this morning and said that she was okay, but needed some space.”

“And you're not worried?”

Ron shrugged, “No. You'll see soon. She needs you.”

Harry straightened up, “Then I'll find her.”

Ron and Luna smiled at each other and left. Harry didn't even bother to unpack. He took out his wand. “Accio firebolt.” There was nothing like flying while looking for someone.

He kicked off the ground and when he was high in the air, he spun in a slow circle trying to decide which way to go. He closed his eyes and let the wind ruffle his already messy hair. A wave of feeling washed over him and he decided to go to Godric's Hollow.

While he was flying, he thought of Hermione. Only one person in the world knew his true feelings for Hermione and perhaps now that they weren't together anymore, he could act on them. It was obvious that Hermione cared for him. Maybe she could love him.

He landed in the yard of his parent's cottage wearing a completely shocked expression. It was there in front of him completed, just as he wanted.

“The company must have started anyways,” Harry said aloud to no one. He walked slowly up the front steps and opened the door, taking it all in. The inside was just as shocking. There was furniture, appliances, books and pictures. He walked around the entire house. Everything was in its place and everything was wonderful. In the master bedroom, he looked out the window towards the back of the house. His tire swing that he wanted was hanging from the large oak tree and oblivious to his presence, Hermione sat on the swing resting her head over her arms. She looked like an angel with her long dusty pink skirt and jean jacket. Harry watched her wipe a tear from her face and wondered why she was crying. He took the stairs down two at a time and ran out the back door. He bolted to a stop just five feet from her.

“Harry?” she said, surprised. She sniffed and wiped at her eyes again, “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you,” Harry said.

“Didn't Ron show you the letter? I'm fine,” she forced a smile.

“Did you do all this?” Harry asked, motioning to the house.

“We've had this conversation before,” Hermione said, sullenly. She got up out of the tire and started to walk away.

“Please tell me what I did,” Harry pleaded, “Why are you so angry with me?”

Hermione turned to him, her eyes glistening, “You really don't remember?”

“No,” Harry said.

Hermione came to stand right in front of him. She reached up slowly to rest her hand on his face, to touch him as she longed to do while he was in spirit. She sighed lightly when her fingers made contact. A light tingling ran down her arm.

Harry felt his whole face tingle at her touch. Suddenly a million thoughts raced through his mind and he drew in a sharp breath. He saw Hermione make the same motion she was now at Hogwarts, in some darkened alley, at the Riddle House, alone together in bed at Grimmauld Place. He saw her say she loved him. He told her he loved her. It explained everything. Their love kept him alive. He had felt it. It encircled them when the killing curse had struck him.

“I had the most amazing dream,” Harry whispered.

“A dream?” Hermione said. She brought her other hand up to his face. She ran her hands through his hair, inching closer to his face.

“It wasn't a dream, was it?” Harry asked, quietly. She was so close to him, all he had to do was close the gap. She shook her head and he closed that distance, their lips crashing together. Never before had either felt this way, it was apparent in their kiss.

Reluctantly, Harry pulled away needing air, “Marry me,” he said, breathlessly, “We don't need to date, I know you, and I love you.”

“I love you too, Harry,” Hermione whispered, “I will marry you.”

Harry smiled and kissed her again.

THE END

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