Hold On

Disclaimer: I do not own it and if I did, I think it would be slightly more pleasant.

Author's Note: I didn't think I'd continue this, but I did and it got worse. This is much shorter—very sorry, please do not be angry about that or the character death. To the reviewer who asked….I hope, pray, and beg for people to write more after this book. I am in no way, shape, or form ready to give up this realm of wonder. I hope others continue to write their own form of book 6 and 7 and on. Anything I can do to help this happen, let me know.

To the other reviewers, thank you for your words of praise. The song in the previous chapter was by Sarah McLachlan. For this chapter I listened to: Vanessa Carlton's Paradise and Half a Week Before the Winter.

Letters

She pulled open the draw and reached in, looking for the papers she had thrown in a few days ago. This was the last place she could remember putting anything, but things had been so rushed then that things were a bit blurry. They had to leave so suddenly.

“Ah ha, got them,” she stated to no one in particular. But before shutting the draw again, familiar slanted handwriting caught her attention. Reaching back inside she picked up the envelope with her name written across it. Coldness settled in her bones and a tightening took hold of her chest. Slowly she opened the letter. Seeing the words that he had written somehow knowing how it would end was more than she handle. It was too soon, but she couldn't tear her eyes away. Reading the words meant for her eyes only brought the sobs she had only recently been able to stop. Was this a gift or salt on an open wound? She didn't need more reminders of all that she lost.

Hermione,

I guess I just want to say thank you. Thank you for all your help in school and during the search. Thanks for being there too. You always seem to know how important that was to me. I just hope you realize how much it did mean. You were always there. Whether it was to get me to study or to listen to me or to remind me to not be an idiot. No one could ask for a better friend or family. I never would have made it without you, you know.

I know what I have to do and what is most likely going to happen. You know too. As much as we want things to be different, the chances are slim. I wish that…well, so many things. I could put so much in this letter, but saying it here would just possibly make it harder for you and me. Knowing that I left it here where it was actually out in the open would make it harder for me to do what I have to do. But I know that you know. If there was any other way…

I know you're scared. Don't be. I'm fine and you are too. You are going to go on to do amazing things. Don't forget S.P.E.W. Conquer the world out there for those who can't. Don't let what we did go to waste.

I wrote a letter for Ron too, make sure he gets it. Take care of Ron and the rest of the Weasleys. Remember to take care of yourself too. Please don't be angry at me for this, you know I did what I had to do.

I guess that's it. I know there's more I could say, but it's late and I doubt I could get it all in a letter. Just be strong Hermione. It'll be okay, I promise. I hope you know…I miss you too and that I…

She didn't remember picking up the clock and throwing it, but seeing Ron standing in the doorway lets her know that he heard and came at the noise. She sees his own letter in his hand and tears in his eyes.