Chapter Five:
After exiting the testing room, Ron headed outside to enjoy what was left of the day. When he got outside, he scanned the courtyard. His eyes locked on a head of golden hair shining beautifully in the sun. He knew he owed Luna more than a mere apology, but he figured he'd have to start somewhere. Ron took a few calming breaths as he approached her. She was sitting on a blanket near the lake reading. Luna didn't look up to acknowledge his presence, even when he cast a shadow over her. She really wasn't going to make this easy for him.
"Hi Luna. Do you mind if I sit down?" he asked timidly. When she didn't respond, he decided to sit down beside her anyway. He remained silent for a moment, unsure of what to say to her. "Lovely day isn't it?" Still, no response from her. "Boy am I glad the NEWTs are over. If I never see a test again, it will be too soon." He laughed half-heartedly. After another moment, Ron sighed heavily, "I'm sorry I hurt you Luna. That's the last thing in the world that I wanted to do. I was just so angry at Harry and Hermione that I didn't think about what I was saying." He paused and looked over at her. She had stopped reading her book and was looking out at the lake. Ron hoped that meant she was finally listening to him. "If I hadn't been such a stubborn wanker, I would have admitted that I really fancied you. I was just scared. Everything is changing so fast and I just don't know what to do."
Luna glanced at him briefly before looking down to study her hands. Ron began to feel a glimmer of hope, giving him the courage to continue.
"I know you deserve more than a stupid git like me. I'm always making mistakes and running off at the mouth before thinking about what's coming out. I can't promise that there won't be a time when you'd rather kill me than look at me, but I do promise if you'll give me another chance that I'll never hurt you like that again."
Luna sighed heavily, "Ron, you really shouldn't make promises you know you can't keep." She stood to leave, but Ron grabbed her arm.
"Luna, I swear to you I'll never break your heart again. Please just give me another chance." Luna shook her head sadly, tears welling in her big blue eyes.
"I'm sorry Ron. I just don't believe you." She hurried past him up to the castle, finally letting the tears she was trying to hold back fall down her cheeks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry quickly found an empty classroom once he left McGonagall's office. Once he was alone inside he immediately cast a silencing spell so no one would be able to hear him. He howled at the top of his lungs and began throwing chairs around the room, breaking everything he could possibly get his hands on as tears of rage and heartache streamed down his cheeks. Finally he fell to the floor hugging his knees to his chest as broken sobs wracked his body. After everything that's happened to him he foolishly thought he might actually have a chance at a normal life. A life he desperately wanted to share with Hermione, but like always he was forced to sacrifice again. He had to walk away from the one person he loved more than anything.
"How am I supposed to tell her?" he asked aloud, his voice cracking with more unshed tears. He sat there for a long time, letting all the tears he had inside him fall until there were no tears left. Harry slowly stood and straightened his clothes, determination set in his features. He knew what he would have to do. Tonight would be magical and wonderful for Hermione. He would hold her, kiss her, and make love to her all night long so when he had to walk away from her she would have no doubt in her mind how much he loved her. With a few flicks of his wand, he set the classroom back to right. No one would have a clue what had happened earlier. Harry left the classroom and went to the kitchens to find Dobby who eagerly agreed to fix him a wonderfully romantic feast for them. Once he had that taken care of, he left in search of Hermione. When he rounded the corner on his way to the courtyard, he ran smack into someone. Both stumbled backward a bit, mumbling apologies to each other. Harry was surprised to see Ron standing there.
"Hi," Ron said sheepishly.
"Hi," Harry muttered, not really in the mood to argue with Ron.
"I know I'm probably one of the last people you want to talk to right now, but I've been doing a lot of thinking over the last few days. I know I acted like a daft git when you and Hermione told me about your relationship. I know you two didn't go behind my back or deliberately tried to hurt me. You were right all along. I do fancy Luna, and I'm trying to set things right with her. I just hope I haven't completely destroyed our friendship. I wouldn't blame you if you hated me forever," he finished quickly, wanting to get it all out before he lost his nerve. A small smile tugged at Harry's lips.
"Of course we don't hate you. Next to Hermione, you're the most important person in my life Ron. You're my best mate." Ron blushed slightly giving him a brotherly hug.
"Alright then. I better get to the library. I've got some research to do."
"Research? For what exactly?"
"I have to figure out a way to get Luna to give me another chance."
Harry eyed him suspiciously, "You're not going try to make a love potion are you? Don't you want to know she truly loves you and isn't with you because of a potion?"
"Of course I do," a deeper blush crept into his cheeks letting Harry know that's what he had been intending. "Besides, I never was very good at potions. I'd probably make all her hair fall out or make boils pop up all over her." He shuddered at the thought. "I guess I'll have to rely on my charm." Harry couldn't stop the laugh that bubbled up making Ron glare at him. "What? You don't think I'm charming?"
"Not at all, but we are talking about Luna. She is a bit . . . different, so she might think you're charming."
"Well, it's really her opinion that matters anyway," Ron muttered, still a bit miffed at what Harry had said.
"By the way, have you seen Hermione?" Ron shook his head.
"Not since the NEWTs earlier."
"Thanks. I need to find her. See you later."
"Wait, Harry! I thought you could help me figure out a way to win Luna back," he called out as Harry began to trot off. Harry turned and shouted back.
"Sorry mate. I'm in a bit of a hurry. Besides, Hermione might be the better one to help you with that kind of thing. She is a woman after all," he waved as he headed out the door to the courtyard.
Harry searched the courtyard, but couldn't find Hermione anywhere. He ran back to the castle and headed up the stairs to the common room. At first, he thought it was empty since practically all of Hogwarts was outside enjoying their last day at school. It was then that he saw her sitting by the fireplace with an open book in her lap. She had fallen asleep in the chair, her hair partially veiling her face. He quietly walked over to the chair and knelt beside it, gently brushing her hair from her face so he could watch her sleep. His heart ached in his chest, knowing that after tonight he would have to walk away from her and he had no idea when he'd ever be able to see her again. He reached up, gently brushing his lips against hers. Slowly she began to stir, her eyes fluttering open. She smiled when she saw him sitting beside her.
"Hi."
"Hi," he whispered, returning her smile. "You're so beautiful, Hermione." A slight blush crept into her cheeks, and she smiled shyly. "No matter where I am, no one will ever take your place in my heart. It has and always will belong to you, Hermione." As sweet as Harry's words were, she couldn't help but fell a foreboding sense of dread wash over her. She knew something was going on.
"Harry, is everything okay? Why did you have to go to McGonagall's office?" Harry stood and gave her a smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Don't worry about it. She just wanted to give me some speech about working hard and making something of myself. You know, the typical McGonagall." Before Hermione had a chance to ask anymore questions, Harry pulled her up out of the chair and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise?"
"Yes, but you need to run upstairs and change clothes so we can head out. I don't want to waste anymore time." Hermione laughed softly.
"Change? Where are we going, Harry?"
He rolled his eyes, "If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise."
"How will I know what to wear?"
"You look great in anything . . . and out of everything," he grinned wickedly, earning a playful slap on the arm from her. "Jeans and a T-shirt are fine. Now go!" he pushed her toward the stairs to the girl's dorms. Once she had disappeared, he went up to his room to change into a fresh pair of jeans and a new shirt, grabbed his invisibility cloak, and his wand then ran back downstairs to wait for Hermione. She appeared a few minutes later in a pair of jeans that hugged every glorious curve that Harry was just beginning to get to know so very well. Her shirt was a soft pink T-shirt that left just a hint of her stomach bare to Harry's hungry gaze. She'd left her hair down and applied just a small amount of lip gloss to her lips. To Harry, she was a vision. He reached his hand out for her to take it, which she did without hesitation, allowing Harry to lead her out of the common room. Once they were on the main level, Harry turned to face her.
"Close your eyes." Hermione eyed him suspiciously for a moment, but did as he asked. She felt the invisibility cloak go around their shoulders and Harry began to lead them away. Hermione wasn't sure how long they had been walking exactly, but it certainly seemed like it was taking them forever to get where they were going. Suddenly Harry stopped and removed the invisibility cloak, "Keep your eyes closed." With Harry's help, he pulled Hermione through the open hatch in the floor. Once they were inside, he led her over to a chair and instructed her to sit down. "Stay here. I'll be right back," he said as she heard his footsteps as he walked away.
Harry entered one of the bedrooms in the Shrieking Shack and found Dobby inside working his magic to make the place nice and romantic for Harry and Hermione. A small table was over in the corner of the room filled with wonderfully smelling foods, all of Hermione's favorites just as Harry requested. Dobby had lit candles all over the room, and a broom sweeping the dust away.
"Master Harry. Dobby did just as you asked," he bowed to Harry when he saw him enter the room.
"It's perfect Dobby. Thank you."
"Do you think Mistress Hermione will likes it?"
"She's going to love it." Dobby grinned up at Harry.
"Does Master need anything else?" Harry shook his head.
"No, everything is wonderful Dobby. You can head back to the castle now, and thanks again."
"Dobby would do anything for Master Harry," he said as he quickly disappeared. Once he was sure Dobby was gone, he went to get Hermione. He took her hands in his and led her to the room. When they were inside, Harry released her.
"Open your eyes," he whispered in her ear. The moment she opened her eyes, she gasped in shock. She immediately realized they were inside the Shrieking Shack, but it looked nothing like she remembered it to look. Before it was all dark and dank with dust everywhere. Now it was crisp and clean, fresh bed linens, beautiful candlelight, and a table filled with marvelous smells. Hermione looked at Harry with tears in her eyes.
"It's so beautiful Harry," she threw her arms around his neck holding him tight. He held onto her until she began to pull away. "How on earth did you manage this?"
"I had a little help from a friend," he grinned slyly. He led her over to the table and pulled out a chair for her to sit. Once she was seated, Harry took the seat across from her. "I don't know about you, but I'm famished." He poured them each a goblet of pumpkin juice, then they began to dive into the mountain of food on their plates. Harry kept their conversation light during dinner, not wanting to bring the mood down. "By the way, Ron apologized to me today." Hermione almost choked on her pumpkin juice.
"What? Are you serious?"
He nodded, "He said he was sorry for being such a wanker and he knows we never would intentionally hurt him. He also finally admitted to fancying Luna, but apparently he's having a difficult time getting her to give him another chance."
"Can you blame her?" she huffed. "Ron was completely insensitive to her feelings. How on earth can she trust him not to hurt her again?" Harry shrugged his shoulders taking another bite of his apple pie.
"I told him you might be able to help him figure out a way to get her back," he smiled sheepishly.
"Me?!" she exclaimed. "Why would I want to help that silly bugger get Luna back? I wouldn't be doing her any favors." Harry winced at her words.
"That's a little harsh Hermione." She looked down for a moment.
"Okay, maybe it was a little harsh. I guess I'm still a bit upset with him for the way he's treated us."
"It's okay to be upset, but don't forget that people make mistakes. He'll probably make loads more in his lifetime, but he's our best friend. We have to forgive him. No one else will put up with him." A slow smile spread across her face.
"I suppose you're right. I'll think about helping him, but no promises."
"Fair enough," he grinned, leaning in to kiss her hand. Once they were finished with their meal, Harry flicked his wand and soft music started to play. He stood and held his hand out for her. "May I have this dance?" She placed her hand in his.
"But of course, kind sir." Hermione stepped into his arms and lay her head on his chest as they slowly swayed to the music. Neither said a word, they simply held each other. She slowly raised her head and looked up into his beautiful emerald eyes. They looked down at her with such love, but she could also see a hint of sadness in their depths. Her brow furrowed with worry, but before she could question him, his leaned forward and kissed her lips making her forget the question he was going to ask. She sighed softly, feeling herself melt into his kiss. Harry ran his tongue along her bottom lip and was immediately granted entrance. He kissed her long, slow, and deep wanting to relish every taste of her that he could. His hands caressed the soft curve of her round bottom, pulling her even closer to him. Their previous unions had been wonderful, but tonight he wanted to make love to her slow and leisurely. He knew they would have no interruptions here. It was one of the main reasons he'd picked this spot to spend this last night with Hermione. She grabbed for the bottom of her shirt to pull it over her head when Harry stopped her. "Is something wrong?" she asked, breathless from their kisses.
"No," he shook his head. "Tonight is all about you. Let me." Harry bent down to his knees, and slowly raised her shirt, placing soft kisses on her flat stomach. Ever so slowly he inched the shirt up and over her head, kissing each piece of skin that was revealed to his gaze. He quickly tossed her shirt off to the side, stood then picked her up in his arms. She couldn't stop the giggle that erupted from her lips as he carried her over to the bed, gently laying her down. One by one he began to remove each piece of her clothes until she was laying there in nothing but her white lace knickers and bra. "You're so gorgeous," murmured as he kissed up her legs until he found her lips again. When she began pulling at his shirt, Harry broke their kiss just long enough to pull it over his head. Hermione rained kisses all over his chiseled form, taking one of his nipples into her mouth gently nibbling on it. He moaned softly, burying his hands in her hair, his eyes closing as he concentrated on the feel of her sweet mouth on his body. Her hands made quick work of his belt and the button of his jeans. She pushed them to the floor, leaving him standing at the edge of the bed in his boxer briefs. Hermione began to reach inside to touch him, but he pulled her hands away.
"I want to touch you," she whispered as he kissed her neck.
"Later," he said as he reached behind her, expertly unclasping her bra then threw it over his shoulder. He lay her back on the bed and kissed his way up her body, stopping to draw one of her taunt nipples into his hot mouth. She arched her back, burying her hands in his unkempt hair as he suckled her breast. After a moment he turned to her other breast, giving it the same attention. His hands snaked down her body to the moist heat between her legs. Harry caressed her through the lace of her knickers before reaching inside. At first he teased her, his deft fingers never quite touching the placed that she most wanted him to touch. Much too soon, his removed his hand earning a whimper from her lips. In one swift motion, Hermione's knickers joined the rest of their clothes on the floor. Harry kissed her lips once more before making his way back down her body to her sensitive center. Her heart began to race in anticipation. Part of her was unsure whether she wanted him to do what he was about to do, but she found herself opening up more to him as she felt his lips on her inner thigh.
"Harry," she cried out as he placed a soft kiss on her warm center. At first his touch was feather light, but slowly he began to use his tongue to drive her wild. Hermione thought she might go insane at his sweet torture. Finally Harry took pity on her and drew the sensitive nub into his mouth, sucking on it gently, causing Hermione to scream his name in pleasure. He kissed his way back up her body as she slowly began to regain her composure. "Wow," she managed to say before he took her lips again. Hermione pushed the last remaining barrier between them off his hips and down his strong legs. Her hands wrapped around his throbbing shaft, moving up and down ever so slowly. Harry groaned against her lips, unable to control himself any longer. He had to be inside her now or he swore he thought he'd die. Harry gently removed Hermione's hands, linking his fingers with hers as he drove himself home. His pace was painfully slow, wanting this feeling with her to last forever.
"Oh, Hermione," he cried against her neck as his pace began to quicken. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her.
"Harry, oh Harry, I love you," she chanted over and over in his ear as he loved her. He could tell by the way she was breathing that her release was coming. Faster and faster he moved, wanting to send her over the edge once more. The moment she cried out her release, Harry immediately followed. He collapsed on top of her, completely spent. He felt something hot and wet on his shoulder.
"Am I hurting you?" he asked as he moved some of his weight off of her small frame. She shook her head and smiled up at him despite the tears that were streaming down her cheeks.
"No, I'm just so happy. You made me feel so . . . so complete and loved. It was an amazing moment for me." Harry smiled down at her softly.
"For me too," he kissed her once more before laying on his side and pulling her up against his chest. He summoned a blanket for them and they slowly drifted off to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Hermione woke the next morning, she was happy to see she was still laying in Harry's warm embrace. He was looking down at her with a smile on his handsome face.
"Morning," she yawned. "You really wore me out last night."
"Me? It seems to me that you were a very willing participant last night Ms. Granger." She giggled, snuggling into his arms.
"I can't help what you do to me Mr. Potter. I can't seem to control myself," she leaned up and kissed him. After a moment, he reluctantly broke away from her.
"As much as I hate to say this we'd better get back up to the castle. We still have to pack for the train." Hermione grumbled as Harry pulled out of her arms to find their clothes on the floor. She sat on the bed while he walked around the room naked retrieving their clothes, her eyes running up and down his beautiful form hungrily. She'd love nothing more than to drag him back to bed and have a repeat of last night's events, but she knew he was right. Harry found her bra and knickers and tossed them onto the bed for her. Reluctantly she pulled them back on, then climbed out of the bed. Harry had just managed to pull his jeans over his hips when he felt her arms snake around his back. He smiled, laying his hand over hers as she kissed his shoulder. "Are you trying to start something you know we can't finish?" he teased, looking at her over his shoulder. She smiled up at him innocently.
"What do you mean?"
"Hermione . . . " he began. She sighed angrily.
"Alright, fine. Have it your way. I'll behave," she said as she playfully swatted his rear.
"Hey! I thought you said you'd behave."
"I am behaving. I'm over here getting dressed, minding my own business." He laughed softly at her while they finished dressing in silence. Once they were ready, Harry grabbed his invisibility cloak and they made their way back to the castle. When they reached the common room, Hermione turned to go up to the girl's dorms, but Harry caught her arm. He pulled her to him and kissed her with everything he had. When he finally pulled away, Hermione looked up at him with dreamy eyes. "Harry," she whispered. "What was that for?"
He looked down, not wanting to meet her gaze, "No reason. I just wanted to kiss you one more time." She smiled up at him before turning to go up to the girl's dorms. Harry closed his eyes, willing himself not to cry. There were still some things he had to do. He turned and headed up to the boy's dorms. Inside he saw Ron was the only one left besides him. "Hey," he said distractedly as he began to pack his trunk.
"Oy, where have you been all night?" Harry looked over at him with a smile. "Oh, Hermione," Ron laughed as he shook his head. "Usually I'd want details, but since it's Hermione I think I'll pass this time."
"Like I'd give you details anyway," he joked. They continued to pack in silence. When Ron was done, he started toward the door when Harry called out to him.
"Ron, would you mind taking Hedwig down and getting her loaded for me?"
"Sure thing," he said as he waited for Harry to put her in her cage. He rubbed her feathers lovingly as she nipped his fingers affectionately.
"I really love you old girl. Take care of Hermione for me," he whispered to her as he shut her cage. Hedwig hooted happily, telling Harry she'd do exactly what he asked her to. He handed Ron her cage with a smile. "Thanks mate."
"No problem. See you down there," he said as he left Harry alone in the room. He sat down on his bed with a heavy sigh and grabbed some parchment. As much as he hated leaving them letters to explain why he had to leave, he knew it was better than telling them in person. Both would argue that they'd stand and fight with him. He knew they would, but he just couldn't risk either of them giving up their lives for him when they've already lost so much. His letter to Hermione was the most difficult he'd ever had to write. When he finished them both, he took his things and headed downstairs where Moody was waiting for him.
"All packed, Potter?" Harry simply nodded. He held two envelopes in his hand.
"I have a letter for Ron and Hermione." Moody took them from his hands and handed them to Professor McGonagall who had just walked up.
"Minerva, could you please be sure Weasley and Granger get these?" McGonagall gave Harry a sad smile.
"Of course I will Harry." She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him. Harry was stunned for a moment, but he slowly hugged her back. "Take care of yourself Mr. Potter. I want to see your children here at Hogwarts years from now." When she pulled away, Harry gave her a brave smile, not trusting himself to speak.
"Let's go Potter," Moody said as they mounted their brooms. Moody had once again cast a charm on their brooms so they would not be detected as they flew to their secret destination. As they were riding past the train, Harry stopped and stared down at her. She was obviously waiting for Harry to arrive. Tears threatened to fall again as he watched her down below. He looked over at Moody who had too stopped to watch them.
"I have to tell her something."
"You wrote her a letter didn't you?"
"Yes, but I have to tell her. It won't mean as much if she just reads it. Please just give me one minute."
"Fine," he grumbled. "But I won't remove the invisibility charm. She won't be able to see you, but I can't risk Bellatrix catching you." Harry nodded and flew down to where Hermione was standing. He walked up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Hermione, it's me," he whispered in her ear. "Don't turn around. I have something have to tell you."
"Harry," she laughed. "You're being silly. What's going on?"
"I have to tell you . . . I love you Hermione Granger. I love you so much that the thought of not being with you makes me want to die. Promise me you'll never forget how much I love you." Tears burned her eyes at his admission. She tried to turn to face him, but he held firm on her shoulders.
"I love you too Harry. I swear I'll never forget how much you love me." She felt his lips on her temple.
"You're always in my heart," he whispered before he stepped back, mounted his broom, and flew back into the air. She turned around and frowned when he wasn't there.
"Harry?" she called out, searching the faces around her for the man she loved. Her eyes even looked to the skies, but there was no sign of him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Professor McGonagall ran into Ron first. He was standing with Dean and Seamus talking about how they were going to spend their summers. She quickly pulled him aside, and Ron immediately thought he'd done something wrong.
"Weasley, I have a letter for you from Potter," she said as she handed him his letter. "This one is for Granger. Could you please make sure she gets it?"
"A letter from Harry? What for? He was coming down right behind me."
She looked at him sadly, "It's all explained in the letter. Take care Mr. Weasley." Ron nodded as he opened his letter. He immediately recognized Harry's writing.
Ron~
I'm sorry I didn't tell you in person. It just seemed easier for me this way. I know if I'd have told you face to face you would have tried to get me to stay, but I just can't risk you or Hermione getting hurt. Right after we took the NEWTs, Moody came and told McGonagall that Bellatrix is still alive and she's coming after me to seek her revenge. Moody had orders from the Ministry to place me in protective custody until she is apprehended. I don't know how long I'll be gone, but please try to understand why I chose to leave you all behind. Bellatrix will go through the people I love most to get to me, and I just refuse to put you and Hermione in that kind of danger again. Please take care of her for me. She's not going to understand why I had to leave without her. It breaks my heart to know how much this is going to hurt her, but I know I'm doing the right thing. Give my love to your family and I hope I will see you again one day my friend.
Harry
P.S. Luna would be lucky to have you.
Ron reread the letter trying to be sure he was truly understanding what was going on. Harry was still in danger and as long as he was around so was Ron, Hermione, and his family. Part of him completely understood his reasoning for leaving them behind, but the other part of him was furious for making that kind of decision for him. It was his choice whether he wanted to stand and fight beside his best friend, or if he let him go to fight alone. Of course he also knew that Harry would know there was no way he'd let him go off and fight alone. Now he had the horrible task of giving Hermione her letter from him. It was going to break her heart, but he would try his best to be there for his friend. He found her on the platform, waiting to board the train. Ron walked up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to face him, her disappointment evident on her face.
"Ron, it's you."
"Sorry."
"No, I was just expecting Harry. Did you see him in your room earlier?"
"I did. He asked me to bring Hedwig down to get her loaded. He said he'd be down in a bit, but . . . " his voice trailed off as he looked down at the letter in his hand.
"But what? Ronald, is there something you aren't telling me?"
"Professor McGonagall gave me a letter from Harry and she asked me to give this one to you."
"A letter from Harry?" she asked, confusion apparent on her face. He simply nodded and handed her the envelope. She opened it with shaking hands.
Hermione~
This is by far the hardest letter I've ever had to write. I know I promised you I wouldn't make decisions about us without talking to you first, but this was something I just had to do. Yesterday when I was called into McGonagall's office, Professor Moody was there. They came to tell me that Bellatrix was still alive and she's plotting her revenge on me. She'll go through the people I love to get to me. Moody said the Ministry had ordered him to take me into protective custody until she is caught. I don't know how long I will have to remain in hiding, but please try to understand why I had to do it this way. I know you, and you would have refused to allow me to face this alone. You would stand by me and fight to your death, and that is just something I cannot and will not risk. I love you so much. You have to believe that. No one has ever made me feel the way you do. You understand me and accept me for who I am. I don't have to pretend with you. I will cherish every moment I've had with you and I hope and pray that one day I will find you again. I'm not asking you to wait for me. I would never do that to you, but my heart will always belong to you. Thoughts of you will be the only thing keeping me sane in days ahead. It breaks my heart to know how much this will hurt you. I hope that one day you will be able to forgive me.
Always,
Harry
P.S. Please take care of Hedwig for me. I know you will love her as much as I do.
Tears were streaming down her face as she read his letter. Her legs gave out and Ron barely caught her before she collapsed to the ground, sobs wracking her small frame. Ron held onto her as she cried, never saying a word. People started to crowd around them, wondering what was going on. Luna ran up, her eyes filled with concern. She looked at Ron with questioning eyes and he handed her his letter. She quickly read it, her eyes welling with tears. Luna took Hermione's hand in her own and stroked her hair.
Harry watched the scene below them with silent tears streaming down his cheeks. He knew his letter was going to break her heart, but he wasn't prepared for seeing her break down the way she had. Never in the seven years he'd known her had he seen her like that. Before he lost his nerve, Harry turned and sped off into the sky with Moody wanting to get as far away from that painful scene.
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