*DISCLAIMER* I do not own, or in any way am try to claim the Harry Potter series as my own. They belong to J.K Rowling, and as much as I wish they are mine the solely belong to her.


To and Back Again

reality - the truth

It was the day of the final battle, a day to be remembered as the turning point of history, the end of all the turmoil, a new beginning, fresh and clean of evil, innocent, peaceful, well… hopefully.

The scent of imminent death lurched in the air bringing fear into the hearts of many. War, as simple as it is was and is always a cold-blooded slaughter of the innocent and an absolute outpour of drastic emotions ranging from despair to rage. Tears of loss would be shed like floods, tissues would be used in any amounts like the droplets of water in a rain. The sky like any other day would as always range in colours from a lively action to a day full of sorrow. A catalogue of colours would stream overhead in a parade of feelings jumping from one to another as the battle lasted. It seemed that all of this came from just a book of doom, yet it was not reality was not ever going to imaginary. This was it. Real or unreal? Real that's for certain.

The sound of guns and artillery burst into the ears of the onlookers. Wait no it was more like the note of wands casting, spells smashing their opponents to pieces was magic for this was the wizarding world that they lived in. Wands were faster than guns, their impact was far more immense as their mark was distinct from any other. Shreds of coal-black cloaks floated of into the distance for many had died for freedom, something worth fighting for. Followers of evil had been slain by the good, yet not all were slaughtered, some remained who fled for their own safety while others still to be defeated stayed causing havoc among the brave. Yet still one big hurdle remained, their leader. He was feared, the destined end of many, yet today could actually be his for all we know. Somewhere far from the action where he should be stood Harry with his head in a pensive listening, looking and learning. It's an odd thing, a pensive, it's like looking back into your memories, but actually living them again.

"Neither could live while the other survives." Said the prophecy in its usual riddle. It's words ran over and over through Harry's head. "One would have to die at the hand of the other, in any case it is uncertain which it would be. Who survives in the end will really depend on the course of action that is to come." Harry had always known his destiny, to kill Lord Voldemort, but it scared him to actually hear it for the first time. "Voldemort, Tom Riddle, You Know Who, the Dark Lord...a dark wizard known by many names it seems, but really are they used? No. Fear is what stops us in our tracks. It's all too true for us humans, it's a defect that we cannot cover, fear lies so deep within us that it's too hidden to be destroyed. If the names are used though, the fear is consumed, but only slightly. Hope. It's plain and simple, but a necessity for life. Just a little hope will quieten the most boisterous storm, brighten a rainy day, and bring smiles back once again to the faces of the helpless. All of those affected by evil just need one thing, the hope for better, a light to lead the way, and that's in the form of Harry Potter. He's the only chance the world has, the only source of hope. Faith in him is what is needed for victory." Blabbed on the prophecy, for it seemed myth that hope would save the day, just a person, Harry Potter who'd bring back peace didn't sound real. Yet Voldemort had none, no hope, no faith, no love, for to him it was merely another weakness that brought vulnerability to his stature. Strong as he was, he was God, at least that's what he liked to think he'd never known life, for he was a loveless form. Harry listened on, his body distant from his mind as he tried to comprehend the idea shown to him.

The scene changed to that of another, it was Dumbledore's office obviously telling from the circular room, the classic desk, walls plastered in books and the wizard himself. This fact in its whole brought tears to Harry, for the old headmaster had not just been his mentor, but also a friend, something in him treasured him like he was family. For he had died at the hand of his enemy, at least Harry's own nemesis, Snape, Professor Severus Snape. He had been forced to watch many die, Sirius, his parents even though he was young, Cedric, Dobby, Hedwig and countless more including the greatest wizard he'd ever known, Dumbledore. It was as if a nightmare had been brought back to life in him, but it was merely the memories of the old headmaster that had sprung the sadness to swell like a pool in his heart once again, for his wounds had been opened pouring out the pain of the past.

Dumbledore spoke wisely for he had many years of experience and knowledge behind him, "It was always written in the stars that Voldemort would kill all that was good, extinguish the light with a one word, 'Nox'. The one who was always destined to bring about death was to meet an end one day, possibly on the day of the battle between good and evil at the hands of Harry Potter the boy who lived. Quite a title isn't it? Yes, Harry has survived several times, escaped and ruined the many plots of his own death. It is real, Severus, life is at stake. I'm afraid for our nobel young hero it will be his last battle, his last breath that will be breathed even as brave as he is the boy must die." His words shot at Harry like needles flying from their hiding in a haystack for Harry was unaware of this deadly information for so long until now.

Severus gulped, he had watched the boy grow up regrettably more like his father than he'd hoped. For his eyes at least were emerald green like his mothers, the professor's once love that had been stolen from him. Lilly, oh how he'd always loved her. Once in his ever so miserable life he felt pity for Harry had been butchered like a pig, kept alive for this one moment.

"He's a horcrux as you said Albus, the one that was never meant to be made. He'll have to die in the end for Voldemort to die." Spoke Snape keeping his composure and natural state of solemnity for he was not to break for one boy, but this was not just any boy it was Harry Potter. He lost control, a tear leaked, slipping from his grasp.

Dumbledore had always known there was something more to the strict Snape. It had been love and know it shone from it's hiding spot like a sun. He had the proof in front of his very eyes. Still, he ignored the weeps from his fellow ally for he knew the information he held would have to be shared before it was too late.

He continued to explain to his companion the end of the life of Harry Potter. "This will be his last stance against death, for he will die and sadly the expectations of many will not be satisfied. He cannot be saved for it was destiny, the lives of Voldemort and Harry have been entwined forever, no matter what their story would clash at this one point in time, the end of their bond must happen in the end and of all to kill Harry it must be him, Voldemort will have to kill him for the horcrux within him to die down along with Harry." Said Dumbledore

Reality smacked Harry square in the face: he would have to die in the end. It was clear as glass; this time there was no way out, not detour in sight that would save him from this mess. It was the end to the life of Harry Potter as it seemed. All his work had been done, the horcruxes had been destroyed, all except for one, the one of the seven that was never meant to be, the one which was him. How could it be though a person surely could not be possessed by a part of soul of another? Alas it was all too true and the fact stared him straight in his face so slowly he gathered his senses as he stumbled from what the pensive had told him. It showed him all, at least everything he needed to know yet his heart still had one more thing to to say.

Love had always been a complicated thing in life, it was a peculiar feeling, one unexplainable except for the utter joy, butterflies and uncontrollable smiling at least that was the case for Harry. His heart skipped a beat, if this truly was the end those he loved would never be able to see him again. It scared him that he'd never actually really expressed his true feelings to his beloved as he rarely could pass getting out three short words off the tip of his tongue: 'I Love You.' It wasn't that descriptive compared to the extent of the emotions that raced through his body like a torpedo. That person he held so dearly hadn't really been told the true extent of their importance in Harry's life. That person was none other than one and only Hermione.

Previously Harry and Ginny were thought together as they were close as ever with all the dating between them before this wild adventure came along. Seeing that Hermione had grown close to Ron, Ginny was the only one left available to him. It seemed fit as she had always had feelings from him, but the same could not be said for Harry. Although now Harry did have feelings for Ginny they weren't as grand as his for Hermione still they existed that's for certain. Since that moment Ginny's hero Harry had saved her poor little soul from the Chamber of Secrets life had always seemed to pull the two together. There was something between them, their relationship was like an open book, yet it still remained a mystery as what the pair had couldn't be named, it could be friendship, love, companionship, but who's to know… For Harry, his love was understood for once, he realised where his heart truly lied.

His love was only for Hermione, he wouldn't share it to anyone for she was the only light to his life, the only reason he lived. Even if she was with Ron nothing could stop Harry from telling her about his love for her. He ran through the ruins of the once majestic Hogwarts Castle tripping with each step, but gallantly galloping towards his one true love without a thought of the consequences for he was young and in love. Yet, the one thing that stumped him was the scene before him. Ron and Hermione as he had instructed them to do so had destructed Helga Hufflepuff's Cup in the Camber of Secrets and had obeyed clearly as they stood before him drenched in the evidence, soaking in water from head to toe as drips collided with the stone steps. Yet that wasn't the point, their hands where clasped together. Hand-holding, great he thought to himself. However, he really didn't care about that much instead the thing that happened next for it made him sick to the gut. Both pulled in together in an embrace that of course would lead to one thing only. Harry knew it was coming as he readied himself for the pain and agony of seeing his best two friends, two of the golden trio snogging right in front of him. Just the one kiss shattered his heart into a million fragments never to be mended again. His heart, mind and soul broken by the simplest symbol of affection.

"Hey, get a room you guys! You don't have to rub it in my face." He blurted out angry as ever, his collective state crumbling as his emotions and thoughts came tumbling down. His heart had hardened as it froze with ice at the thought of them together, Hermione and Ron. He ran, storming out of the hall never turning back to see that the pair had tore apart as they noticed his uneasiness.

"Harry! Wait. Stop! We didn't mean it that way." Cried Hermione desperate for his attention. The tone in her voice reached Harry immediately. To him it felt like she really did care about him, but he couldn't trust his feelings now. Ron followed swiftly at her heels.

"Come back mate. It was just a snog, you've seen one before!" Ron said, but his words were not at all comforting as the fire within Harry grew ablaze with Ron's remarks.

Harry turned into a corridor plastered in rubble. It would be the perfect place to lose Ron and get Hermione alone for at least a second. She followed him, out of breath, panting at his doorstep. Her brown eyes gazed up onto his bold masculine figure. It scared him, as he noticed their bloodshot red tone as tears stained her face of beauty. She had been crying, yet only before in that scene he would quite like to forget, but can't she had been as fresh as a daisy after her unexpected shower down below in her and Ron's little adventure. Was it for him? Did she love him? All the questions thinkable swarmed his mind like a colony of busy bees.

"Hermione…I…I…" He stuttered trying to find a place to begin for he had many things to say.

"Harry?" Hermione asked trying to understand Harry's mumbles.

"I..uh...um," Harry continued in his fight to find the right words.

"Harry wait stop. It's ok," Hermione said her eyes knowing as they met those of Harry's. Their green colour stirred as his confusion at Hermione's remark bubbled away like a potion gone wrong.

"You...uh...know what I'm going to say?" Harry said astonished for he knew Hermione was smart and all, but it had never occurred to him that she might be able to know even the the thoughts that went on in his head. It's impossible that she could, then again...she's a witch he wandered.

"Maybe." Hermione said. Harry looked up at her disbelievingly. "But, I..uh.. know something else." She murmured. Hermione wanted to say something, but for all she knew she was afraid that Harry would not react well to her news.

"What Hermione? Tell me." He said encouraging her on.

Hermione took a deep breath. "I know you're in love with Ginny and all, but... I love you too, maybe even more than Ginny does!" Blurted out Hermione, practically screaming by the end with passion.

Now that was a statement, Hermione loved him and it seemed even more than Ginny did. That in itself was something big. Why'd she think that Harry wondered, but it wasn't the time for thinking instead a response was needed as this was his only chance to express his love before the end.

"I've loved you ever since that day on the train we met." Said Harry truthfully. He blushed for it has been quite a long time he'd been keeping his love a secret.

"Me too!" Butted in Hermione ecstatically.

"I can't express how much I truly love you. It's impossible to explain how much you mean to me Hermione, your part in my life is irreplaceable. You are important to me no matter what life throws at us." Said Harry uncontrollably. Hermione couldn't believe his words, it was as if she was living her dream, but all that changed as Harry continued. "But, Hermione I must say that you're with Ron, and I'm with Ginny so isn't this a little wrong?" Life crumbled for Hermione, all her hope had vanished within an instant. Was Harry in love with Ginny or her? She was confused, her mind was abuzz with questions in need of answering.

"Harry, I've never loved Ron, it was always you I had my eyes for. I've only stayed with Ron because you were with Ginny and all. You've been my dream for as long as I've known you. But... no one could ever love a know-it-all bookworm." She muttered, tears rushing down her cheeks like rapid streams.

Harry swelled with a deep urge to comfort Hermione and be with her as much as she did, but he thought of the many they'd be hurting in their act of love. His excuse was plain: the reality he'd face, his death.

"Hermione people will love you no matter what, brains and beauty and all." Harry confessed pulling Hermione into a hug.

"Really?" Asked Hermione looking up at Harry's grand face.

"Yes." Said Harry looking down on his true love as he kissed her temple.

"You love me?" Questioned Hermione hopefully.

"Yes, Hermione, I love you." Said Harry joyfully as tears welled up in Hermione's chocolate eyes, they were tears of happiness, but all that would change. Reality as always had its ways of making itself clear, and through Harry it spoke. It pained Harry to continue, but he had to, those tears of joy would soon be of misery as he tightened his hug on Hermione. "But this is the end for me. I'm a horcrux, don't you see? It's the reason why there's a connection between Voldemort and I. He'll win Mione no matter what. I have to die, all the horcurxes have to be destroyed to kill him, me included." It broke his heart to say it, but it was true, reality had to be faced one way or the other.

"No, no it can't be. Harry you can't die." She murmured falling into Harry's embrace. The love she had for Harry was so great she would not see him die; she'd rather sacrifice herself for him. Anyway she had nothing left for her in this life without him. That was the only reason she stayed with Ron for if Harry was around nothing would make her happier. She wouldn't want to break Harry's heart in a million years even if he was with Ginny. For now though it seemed he wasn't, instead he was in her dreams together for once in a very long time.

They hugged for what seemed like eternity. Harry stroked her bushy hair as she buried her face in his mop of messy jet-black hair that was home to ash, dust and now her tears both of happiness, but then again the realisation of reality too.

"Stay with me Hermione." He said on the brink of crying. He was to meet death once again, but this time would be last time. He was afraid as ever just like everyone else. His life would be cut short, way too short, but his legacy would live on forever.

"Of course." Whispered Hermione into his ear. Tears stained her face, terror starred straight into her eyes. Death would be seen through them.

"Till the very end?" Harry asked hopefully, it would be his death, he needed a friendly face be the last he saw instead of the evil Voldemort's.

"Always." Assured Hermione. She'd never leave him no matter the gazes that looked her way as they walked hand in hand through their once home, Hogwarts to the battlefield that awaited them. Her eyes watered with tears, burning tears of pain as torture slapped her in the face with every step she took alongside Harry.

The pair indulged in their last moments together with a kiss of farewell. They were together for once in their long friendship, but not for long as Harry made the dreaded trip towards Voldemort alone as Hermione watched from the crowd.

As he walked towards his death the crowd he passed through latched onto him with their voices filled with hope. It hurt to have to give them a sense of false security for Harry wished so hard to just be able to tell them all to not expect another close escape from death. With his eyes on Hermione he thought about their time together. It had been a topsy-turvy ride, but they got there in the very end, a little too late. Hermione would have to face Harry's death. It would be utter torture for anyone, especially her to watch it. Worse than the curse 'Crucio' she'd be forced to watch her beloved die after only just confessing her true feelings. It was pure evil that would separate them. Love was strong, but more was to come as the final duel between good and evil was to begin any moment. Hermione held her breathe locking eyes with Harry, they tried to say everything would be alright, but that was just a lie, their lives would end, one would die while the other would crumble without their one true soulmate. Life could be so cruel to some people. It wasn't fair to either Harry or Hermione who'd only just realised their true feelings. Luck just wasn't on their side...for now at least.


With reviews and readers this fanfic with be updated soon. I promise you a long run, with love, heartbreak and fun.