Disclaimer: I own nothing and was inspired to write this by a song I heard last night at around three a.m.

The Visit

By Bella

The sky looked threatening as Hermione Granger walked up the familiar stone steps that led to where she met always met Harry. This had become their meeting place about a year ago. Dressed smartly in the clothes she'd worn to work, Hermione's heels clicked against the cement. Every click seemed to echo as her heart sank lower and lower in her chest. She couldn't believe she was about to do this.

Harry was waiting for her, like always. He didn't say anything as she sat down and began chewing her thumbnail. Just say it, Granger. A voice in the back of her head told her, rather impatiently. "Harry, I have something kind of important to tell you. Just let me say it because it's really rather urgent that I do. So, no interruptions- here goes.

This is going to be really hard to say, and there's no easy way to do it… but I've met someone. About a month ago, at work. He's a really great guy, and…I've been seeing a lot of him lately. I'd like to keep seeing more of him, but…I had to tell you about it. Please, don't be upset." Hermione felt tears coming to her eyes as she thought of everything she and Harry had once had together. "I don't want to hurt you Harry, I still love you so much. But, things are different now, and it's time to let go." A single tear slid down her cheek, but neither made any attempt to wipe it away. Hermione stayed silent for awhile, letting her perfectly rehearsed speech sink in.

Memories of her life with Harry flooded her mind. From their first kiss at Hogwarts to living together with Ron after graduation to Harry's proposal, Hermione had loved every waking minute of being in love with Harry Potter. She'd loved everything about him: his eyes, his laugh, his hands, everything. She cherished every memory that they had together: serving detentions, graduation, staying up until the wee hours of the night talking…they were the memories that Hermione held closest to her heart. The memories that she could take out and smile about when the world forgot to play fair. After today, she realized with another tear, she wouldn't have anymore memories. But things weren't like they were in the memories. Times were different. Everything was different.

"I wanted to tell you sooner, Harry, but the thing is…." More tears ran down her face. "He's not you, and I hate myself for thinking that, but it's the truth. He's less than who you are, who you were. Oh, God, I didn't want this to happen, Harry. Believe me, I didn't. But he can give me what you can't. He can give me what I need. Please, try to understand." There was nothing but silence. The polished tombstone stared back at her, like it had done everyday since Voldemort had finally succeeded and had taken him away from her.

Hermione traced his name with her finger once again and smiled a very sad smile. "It wasn't supposed to be like this. We were supposed to be together, married, with two kids by now. Two beautiful kids, with my eyes and your smile." The tears continued to fall, stinging the young woman's face like acid rain.

The caretaker was waving to her by the front gate. She had forgotten that it was Saturday, and he liked to lock the gates early. Raising a hand to let him know that should would only be a few minutes longer, she wiped her tears away quickly.

As rose to her feet, Hermione set the white rose down on the soft earth where she had been sitting. She closed her eyes and took at deep breath. It was one of those gray moments, where things weren't always clear, but Hermione was almost certain she could feel his arms wrap around her as she stood there in the cemetery. Looking around once again, she smiled sadly, "I love you, Harry." And with that, walked away from the small headstone that simply read:

Harry Potter

1988-2013

Loved