Something To Live For

Something to Live For

By: Seraphina

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A/N: This story is a very short one-shot of one way I have pictured Harry's departure. It's also a tiny preview of a Harry/Hermione fic I have in the works. Enjoy!

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The dawn was breaking just outside of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place and inside, my heart felt as if it were being ripped apart by the claws of some invisible beast. I sat silently at the kitchen table staring at nothing but the mug of hot tea gripped between my hands. I forced myself to keep my mind clear of any thoughts. Thinking forced me to see things I didn't want to see. Today would bearable, so much more bearable if only I could block out all thoughts.

I listened as footsteps moved quietly down the stairs, across the hallway, and finally, stopped in the kitchen doorway. I could hear the soft, rhythmic sound of Harry's breathing as he stared at me. I made no movement, no sound. I didn't want to face him, didn't want to speak. If I tried, I would lose whatever miniscule amount of emotional control I had left.

Despite my efforts, a tear slipped from my eyes and rolled slowly down my cheek.

“Mione,”Harry's pained voice whispered and he was at my side instantly, pulling me tightly into his arms as I began to sob.

“Mione, it's-“

He stopped.

I knew what he had wanted to say. He had wanted to comfort me, to tell me, “It's going to be alright.”

But we both knew it was a lie. He couldn't promise me that and he knew it. I wasn't going to be alright until he came home safe and sound. Whether that would happen or not…

I buried my head in the crook of his neck, my cries becoming more anguished. I clung to him tightly, grabbing fistfuls of his shirt.

“Don't,” I cried, “Don't go Harry. Not now, not today. Please, just wait a little longer.”

He pushed me away gently and took my red, tear-stained face in his hands. I whimpered, knowing he was not going to give in to my pleading. I'd known he wouldn't, but I hadn't been able to stop myself. He pressed his lips ever so softly to mine, letting them linger a moment before pulling away.

His eyes never leaving mine, he placed both of our hands on my slightly rounded stomach.

“I have to go Hermione,” he said, “I have to fight. I have to fight for all the lives Voldemort has destroyed. For my parents, for Sirius. And most importantly, I have to fight to protect the ones I love. I have to fight for you, Hermione, and for Ron and the Weasleys, our friends.” He paused, looking down at where our hands rested before looking back at my face. “And for her. I have to fight for our little girl.”

I sniffed and nodded, smiling through tears. Harry leaned up to kiss me once more.

I sighed. “You just remember,” I whispered, “whenever things seem hopeless, you just remember that you have something Voldemort doesn't. Something to fight for.”

Harry smiled and shook his head. “No, I have something much more important than that.”

I smiled and waited.

He pulled into a last tight hug. “I have something to live for.”

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