Author's Notes: This was supposed to be posted earlier but my computer crashed and I was only able to recover bits and pieces. Um…this will be another one of my side stories like Fool Proof Torture. By the way I have three pages of the second chapter of that. Anyway I got the title from an episode of Instant Star, and Instant Star got the name from the song The Long and Winding Road by the Beetles.
So enjoy I guess!
Jenn
Chapter one: Saying goodbye is never an easy thing
Seventeen year old Hermione Granger sat at the kitchen table of her parent's home, where she currently lived. Her parents were sitting across from her. They looked at her worriedly, though Mister Granger had anger mixed in his worried expression.
"What about the life I have here?" Hermione shouted angrily, tears building up in her eyes.
"You'll have to leave it behind," he told her firmly.
"What about Harry!" she shouted the tears now spilling from her eyes and streaming down her cheeks.
Mister Granger sighed heavily, "He's just a teenage boy, and you will have to leave him behind along with your friends."
Hermione looked at him in disbelief, "I love him! I can't just leave him behind like an old doll or something." She shouted more tears streaming down her face. Desperately she looked at her mother, "Mum." Her mother just turned her head. You'd think she would be the one to understand.
"Hermione," her father began, "He put you in danger. You were nearly killed in the past year because of him. And we are just now finding out about all the other times he put you in danger." Hermione began to speak but he put his hand up to silence her, but Hermione ignored it.
"Harry didn't put me in danger, I put myself in danger. He tried to keep me out of it, but I wouldn't listen," she explained. Seeing that the expression on her father's face stayed the same she stood up and start shouting, "He's had a mad man out for his blood--he was trying to kill Harry since he was ONE!--and he's still living. Living, and trying to protect his loved ones." Hermione looked away for a moment. Looking back at her parents she said, "He loves me dad, don't take me away from him. He's already lost enough," she told him quietly.
A tear dropped from her mother's eye and her father said, "I'm sorry sweetheart, but we're going and that's final."
"But dad--" Hermione attempted, but her father just cut her off by shaking his head.
Before standing up Mister Granger added, "We leave in two weeks." He and her mother stood up and began leaving the room. Missus Granger glanced back at Hermione; she had her face buried in her hands sobbing softly. Without another word she followed her husband out of the room.
Harry stood on the door step of the Granger's home waiting for someone to answer the door. Not too long after ringing the doorbell Missus Granger opened the door, almost frowning when she saw it was Harry. Instead of frowning she put on a fake smile even though it was a sad smile. Sure she wanted Hermione out of danger, she was her only daughter. But she didn't want to take her away from her friends along with her boyfriend, who adored her. It wasn't up to her, though.
"Hello, Misses Granger," Harry greeted a smile upon his face. "How are you?" he asked as she stepped aside to let him in.
A bit hesitant she answered, "I'm good. Hermione is up in her room." Then she left the room. I wonder what is going on. Shrugging he headed towards Hermione's bedroom, not noticing the folded stacks of boxes lying around. He knocked on Hermione's door when he reached her bedroom.
"Come in," he heard her call. When he walked in he found Hermione sitting on her bed, with boxes all around her, and some of her books and other belongings missing. Harry looked around the room then at Hermione, confused. "Sit down," she told him softly, not making eye contact.
Doing as he was told he made his way to her bed stepping over or around boxes, and sat down next to Hermione."Hermione what's going on?" he asked. Harry put a hand on her back trying to comfort her, "Are you going somewhere?" Hermione looked up at him tears built up in her eyes.
"Harry, my family and I are moving," she told him her tears dripping from her eyes. She stared at him anxiously awaiting his reaction.
He sat there silently for a moment before asking, "Like a different part of the U.K.?"
Hermione looked down and shook her head. "No," she whispered. "We're moving to New Haven, Connecticut. It's in the U.S." Harry's eyes widened, knowing where that place was. There was an American University, Yale, there. He knew, because Dudley had applied there for an athletic scholarship.
After a while Harry asked, "Why?"
"They said because of you," Hermione began. "Apparently you have put me into much danger through the years," Harry opened his mouth to speak, but Hermione interrupted him. "I know you didn't. And I told them that, but they wouldn't listen." Tears began to drop from her eyes."I'm sorry, I really don't want this. I want to stay here with you and the others." Harry pulled her into his embrace. "But mostly you. I love you."
"Shh. I know," Harry closed his eyes trying to fight the tears away. Unable to stop the tears from falling they began to drop from his eyes. "I love you," he whispered. They sat there for awhile just holding each other. After a good fifteen minutes Harry pulled back and saw Hermione looking back at him confused. "Let's go for a ride," he suggested.
"Harry I have to pack," she told him. Harry looked around the room for a moment seeing her belongings waiting to get packed. "We're leaving in a week and a half."
Harry looked at her surprised, "That soon?" Hermione nodded. "But that means we only have a week and a half together," Harry looked away sadly. After a while he said, "I'll tell you what, go for a ride with me now and later I'll help you pack."
Hermione thought about it and said, "Let's go." Harry helped Hermione off the bed, she grabbed her purse and led Harry downstairs by his hand. They went into the kitchen where they found Mister and Missus Granger. "Mum, Dad, do you mind if I got out with Harry for a while today?" Hermione asked, still holding Harry's hand.
"You should--" Mister Granger began but was interrupted by his wife kicking him from under the table. He glared at her for a moment, then turned back to Harry and Hermione, "Home by eleven."
Eleven in the morning, or at night? Hermione wondered automatically, but thought better not to ask. She gave a brief smile and nodded, squeezing Harry's hand. He squeezed back. He must've caught on, too. They both turned and went towards the door. Opening it, Hermione looked back shortly, seeing her father glare at her mother. Sighing, she went through first and let Harry shut the door behind them.
He wrapped his arms around her, and squeezed, burying his face into her neck. "I can't believe it," he murmured, closing his eyes.
She placed her hands atop his. "We'll talk in the car, Harry," she told him, turning her head and kissing his thick, jet-black hair.
He nodded into her shoulder. Untangling himself, he took out the keys from his jeans (which happened to be the same pair Hermione bought him from a store that sold very stylish clothes--but were a bit expensive for his tastes) and unlocked the car, pressing the button. As Hermione got into the passenger's side, he looked at her home for a few moments. This was where she grew up, and now it was going to be home to some new family, while she went to New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Frowning slightly, he went to the driver's side and sat.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, placing his hand on top of hers.
Hermione leaned over and hugged him, trying to get as close to him as possible. "It's not your fault," she whispered, tears already starting to form. He squeezed her tightly, molding her against him from her breasts up. She tried to get closer, but found that the stick shift was getting in her way. After a few more moments of holding on to each other, she moved away, wiping her tears away. "Let's go somewhere," she said.
He nodded, starting the car. As they left Hermione's driveway, Hermione stared at her home. Inside, her father was probably ready to yell at her mum for letting her spend the day (possibly night) with Harry. In a few minutes, they were headed towards a store. It didn't have many cars in the lot, so Harry decided to pull up by the corner, where there were trees shading it. Turning the engine off, he almost wondered if anyone was even able to see them. His black car nearly blended in with the shadows. Shaking his head, he got out of the car and went to the back seat, waiting expectantly for Hermione to join him. Less than ten seconds later, she was in the backseat, and tackled Harry until his cheek was pressed against the cold window.
She hugged him, arms around his neck almost vice like. She started sobbing, straddling him after a few moments. He wrapped his arms around her waist, rubbing her back. He knew that she needed to let this out, so he simply held her. After a few minutes, her sobs finally started to die down. Harry gave her neck a soft kiss, letting her lean back until she was resting against the back of the driver's seat.
Harry placed his arms on her hips. "So what are we going to do now?" he wiped her face and grabbed a few tissues from her purse, wiping Harry's neck, which was wet with her tears. He smiled thankfully, leaning forward to give her a brief kiss on the lips. Leaning back, he squeezed her hips again, silently requesting her to continue. "I don't understand how this could happen."
"Harry you know I don't want to go, but I have to go," Hermione told him, sniffling once then wiping her nose with the tissue in her hand.
Harry leaned forward, "That's what I don't understand, why do you have to go?"
Hermione sighed, "I'm not of age Harry."
"You're of age…in the wizarding world," Harry reminded her. "You are legally able to do what you want now."
She put a hand on his arm and began to stroke it, "That's not enough for my parents. Mostly my dad. And I'm not legally of age in the muggle world until I'm eighteen," Hermione explained.
He sighed, "I know."
They sat silently for a while. "We can call and write to each other everyday," Hermione suggested. "I know it's not much compared to seeing me everyday, but it's better than nothing at all."
"I guess, but I want you here. Who knows, you could fall for some other guy there," Harry pointed out sadly.
Hermione placed a hand on his cheek, "You know I won't. I love you and always will," she told him. Harry reached up and took her hand in his.
"You know we could visit each other every once in awhile. Secretly of course," she suggested once again. Harry's mood lightened up a bit.
"When will you be back?" Harry asked stroking her hand with his thumb.
Hermione shrugged, "I don't know. I wish I knew but I don't." Harry looked away sadly. Why did she have to go?
Voldemort is gone. Of course there are still some Death Eaters loose, but he wasn't going to let them harm her or anyone else. This is all my fault.
"I'm sorry," Harry whispered and Hermione just looked at him confused. She opened her mouth to speak but Harry interrupted, "It's my fault you have to leave. If I would have protected you more Voldemort wouldn't have--"
"Harry it's not your fault. It was me who begged you to come along. I told you from the beginning that I would follow you anywhere," Hermione told him. "Sure we came out with both physical and emotional scars, some deeper than others. But in the end it was all worth it," she sighed and wiped a tear from her eye. "You're alive, and if I had to get a couple of scars to keep you here then it's so worth it."
A tear slipped from Harry's eye and Hermione wiped it away. Harry smiled softly and pulled her into his embrace. When they pulled apart Harry gave Hermione a soft kiss, which turned into a heated one. It wasn't until Hermione started to lay on the seat that Harry began to tug on Hermione's shirt.
It was dark when they woke up, they had fallen asleep afterwards. Hermione sat up and looked at the clock above the radio. It was a half past midnight. Hermione began to put her clothes back on. "Hermione what are you doing?" Harry grumbled sleepily.
"I have to get home," Hermione said as slipped her shirt on.
Harry sat up, "Why it's only about eight?" Hermione tossed his shirt to him as she dug through the clothes on the floor of the car, looking for her underwear.
"Harry it's past midnight, I was supposed to be home at eleven," Hermione informed him as she slipped her underwear on and began digging for her pants.
Harry peaked at the clock; she was right. "You know he never said which eleven. He could of meant eleven in the morning," Harry told her. Hermione glared at Harry. "Hey I was just saying," he said his hands up. She turned back to finding her pants. Once she found them she slipped them on and threw Harry's boxer to Harry. Harry took the boxers under the blanket and slipped them on, then bundled the blanket up and tossed it on the floor of the car.
He slipped his shirt and pants on, and then climbed into the front seat. When Hermione climbed into the passenger seat Harry began to drive off. They rode in silence, Hermione sat straightened up her clothes, making sure they looked decent. She pulled her mirror out of her bag and turned on the light on the ceiling of the car. She flipped her hair around trying to make it look decent as well.
Harry stole glances of her as she did this. Smiling he said, "Hermione you look fine."
"Are you kidding? I look like I just got shagged," Hermione told him, running her fingers through her hair.
Harry chuckled, "Well that's because you were just shagged." He reminded her causing her to shoot him glare that turned into a smile, then she turned back to fixing her hair. "Are you ashamed or something?" Harry asked.
"Of course not, it's just I'd rather my mom and dad not know. Though I think they are suspicious," she told him turning the light above off and leaning back in the seat.
They soon pulled up to her house. Hermione turned to Harry to give him a good night kiss but Harry was getting out of the car. Hermione got out and asked, "Where are you going?"
Harry grinned, "I thought I would walk you to your door." Hermione smiled and met up with him at the sidewalk. He put an arm around her waist and they began heading up the walkway to the front door. After reaching the front door Harry leaned in for a kiss but was interrupted by Mister Granger.
"Both of you get in here, now!" He ordered angrily. Uh oh, they both thought. Both did as they were told and went inside the house. "Where have you been?" He asked angrily. Misses Granger sat on one of the small couches while Harry and Hermione sat on the other one. Mister Granger stood in front of them, looking awfully intimidating.
"Sir--" Harry began.
Mister Granger pointed a finger at him, "I don't want to hear it from you. This is exactly why we are moving. To get away from you," Mister Granger said harshly. "You put her in danger, she was tortured because of you."
"Christopher," Misses Granger scolded.
Harry stood up and got face to face with Mister Granger, "Don't you think I know that? She almost died because of me. I've apologized so many times and yet I still feel bad about it. I told her not to come, I begged her not to but she did. And in the end she saved me," Harry told him angrily. Hermione sat on the couch watching. "I love her, and would never let anyone harm her. It was out of my control," Harry finished.
Mister Granger began to step forward forcing Harry to move back. Hermione stood up from the couch and got in between her father and Harry, "Dad stop." Harry gently grabbed Hermione's arm.
"Hermione--" Harry began trying to move her out of the way.
"No Harry, he has no right to say this to you." Hermione told Harry pulling her arm from Harry's grip and staring at her father.
"Hermione," her father said. "He used you, sweetheart. Look what he has done: you were tortured because of him. He used you so you could get him to Vold-whatever. He only asked you to stay because he knew you wouldn't listen." Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but he interrupted her, "You know he used you because you are so smart. Smart enough to get him where he wanted to be. And you still keep taking his side."
Hermione's nerves were flaring, and Harry was seriously considering holding her back, because the next thing he saw was his girlfriend slapping her father across the face. Hermione turned and stomped away angrily. Mister Granger stood there, his hand on his cheek. "Hermione," Harry said, starting to follow Hermione out the front door.
"Hermione," he called again catching up with her.
When he caught up with her Harry took her into his arms. He held her while she sobbed until he asked, "Do you want to stay over at my place tonight?" He felt Hermione nod. "Okay let's go," Harry said.
She lifted her head from his shoulder, "I have to get some clothes."
Harry shook his head, "You left some clothes last time you stayed over, and you can just wear some of mine to sleep in." Hermione smiled slightly and began to walk to Harry's car.
Harry stepped out of his car, intent on finding Hermione. He found her hugging Misses Weasley goodbye. Around
them was the rest of the Weasleys, Luna, and Neville. "Now dearie you will write," Misses Weasley said as they pulled away.
Hermione smiled, "Of course." Hermione walked up to Ron to say goodbye.
"I guess this is it," Ron said, unsure of what else to say.
"I'll be back, I promise." Hermione assured him. "Before you know it I'll be back," she assured him once again smiling softly.
Harry walked up to them, the three of them just stood there silently. "Everything we did, and this is what happens," Ron sighed. Hermione looked down at her feet.
"It's no body's fault," she told them. "Except my dad's," she muttered to herself.
Ron gave Hermione a hug, "I'll leave you two alone to say goodbye." Ron walked over to Neville and began to talk to him.
They stood not talking to each other for a minute, "So this is it." Hermione said awkwardly not looking at Harry's eyes.
"This isn't happening. This is a test to see how strong our love really is, right? Your parents are just testing us," Harry said. Hermione stared at him in disbelief tears building in her eyes.
"No Harry it's not a test this is real," Hermione whispered taking one of his hands into hers.
"No it's not Hermione, you can't go. Not after all we have done, they can't do this. They can't take you away from me," Harry whispered the last part. Hermione's tears threatened to fall. "Hermione you're not really moving."
The tears began to fall, "Yes I am Harry. Don't make this harder than it already is, please? This is hard enough as it is," Hermione wiped a tear away from her eye. "This is real."
"No it's not," Harry said again tears building in his eyes as well.
"Hermione come on, we'll miss our flight." Mister Granger called getting inside the taxi the U-Haul behind it.
Hermione looked back at him for a moment, then back at Harry. "We have to say goodbye," she told him wiping another tear away. "Harry," she called but he just stood there motionless. "Come on Harry don't do this," Harry stayed there motionless still. "Fine," Hermione kissed him softly on the lips and gave him a hug. "I love you," she whispered before turning away and getting in the taxi. When she got into the taxi she kept her eyes on Harry waiting for him to do something.
Nothing happened. He just stood there watching the car drive away. Ron walked up by his side, "She'll turn around any second right Ron?" Harry asked helplessly.
Ron put a hand on his shoulder, "Yeah. Just wait she'll turn around and come back."
They stood there for two hours and Hermione had never come back. Tears dripped from Harry eyes. "I don't think she's coming back, mate,"
Ron told him.
"She will, you'll see." Harry assured him still staring at the road Hermione had left on. "Just watch."
"Listen mate, I'm getting hungry. I'm going to go home. I'll see you later," Ron walked behind the house to apparate while Harry just stood there… waiting.
She'll be back, right?
Author's notes: Wow depressing right? This took me forever to write too. Dunno why though. Snow day tomorrow! Whoo! I dunno when I'll update next probably in a couple weeks. Depends if I work on GH or not. And I started HTM for mine and Swishy's joined account I dunno when that will be finished either. On top of all that I have a one shot idea too, does it ever end? Oh well I hope you liked it.
Tell me what you think!
Jenn
