Your life is beautiful and you better hold me down, stand me up, keep me safe, while I'm falling to pieces. And tell me how I should bend if all I've known is to break. You didn't have to lie, I know you tried. You took what they give, expecting time to heal you. – Your Beautiful Ending, One Less Reason


Your Beautiful Ending by Astraea97

Chapter One

She supposed what she was truly searching for was someone who was brave enough to break through the barriers she had so carefully built. Someone who would take her into their arms and hush away all of her fears, the ones that crept and lurked her subconscious, trying to pull her in. Someone to whisper her to sleep, someone who would swear to protect her and guard her heart. She was searching for someone who wanted all of her. Someone who would find her tears and her insecurities beautiful.

She was searching for greatness. For a spark of light in her world that had been all but smothered into darkness. For a faith so strong that it would overcome her entire being, something that would give her a strength so entirely unwavering that nothing could silence her voice.

He had promised her truth. He had sworn that if she would just take a chance on him, he would find the courage to take her hand in his and stay by her side. He'd promised he would find the courage to reach for her dreams and that together they would do great things.

She had believed him. She had fallen for every word, every promise and every kiss. She'd believed the affection that had danced in his eyes when he smiled and the way his words wove faith in her very soul. She had trusted him with everything she had. Every secret, every fear, every hope. She has trusted him with her heart.


Hermione Granger watched as the sun dipped lower in the evening sky, bringing with it a breathtaking spectrum of colors. She admired the way the violets faded into corals, which eventually gave way to crimsons and ambers. It was stunning, how the colors shimmered across the lake in front of her. She loved this time of day. To her, it was utterly enchanting. A time when nature's beauty was undeniable, uniting souls all seeking something more, all seeking a miracle.

Lately, she had come to appreciate the loveliness that surrounded her. During the war, there had been nothing but destruction and malice. Everywhere she turned there was a family falling apart at the seams and a child losing their faith in humanity. It had seemed that happiness was simply out of reach, and even when one thought they had it, it would slip through their fingers, only to be lost forever.

And the war, it had been utter chaos. So many lives lost, so many souls corrupted. Even those who had survived, who had found it within themselves to stay strong amidst the destruction, were changed. Everything had changed. The massacres that had taken place in front of the eyes of so many had left the onlookers scarred and without conviction. In the beginning, there had been two sides: one fighting for evil and one fighting for righteousness. There had been hate and determination in the eyes of every witch and wizard, but gradually that had faded. As the months went on, the persistence to prevail had wavered. The followers, once so steadfast, found themselves growing tired of the anguish that came along with war. Throughout the wizarding world, many were tiring of saying goodbye to those they had cherished and loved.

And so day by day, week by week, the hearts of every man and every woman had grown saddened and their resilience had weakened along with their armies. They had wanted to commemorate all the souls that had been lost: the fathers and mothers, the sons and daughters, the brothers and sisters. There had no longer been a desire to annihilate, but only to end the war so that the people could start picking up the remnants that remained of the lives they had once led.

She could still remember the day of the final battle. She had begged him, pleaded with him, to be careful. She'd cried and asked him to come back to them, so that they could rebuild their lives together. As the family they'd always been. The only thing that had remained intact during all the havoc was their friendship, forever bound with ties that would not loosen.

He'd smiled at her and had assured her he would bring to justice not only all those they had loved, but who had fallen victim to the wrath of evil. Like a true hero, he'd set foot with only one intention: to end the suffering that weighed down the hearts of his loved ones.

And so he had. The fight had been long and tiring, but everyone had fought with hope renewed: it was soon to be over. Yelling had filled the air for hours, and then a sudden quietness had fallen. Harry Potter and Tom Riddle, face to face, wands drawn to each other's throats. An intake of breath was heard as every person on the field awaited their fate. With tension apparent in the air, the two wizards circled each other carefully, biding their time. Avada Kedavra. As one wizard fell, a stunned silence continued until he hit the ground. Cheering. Crying. Disbelief. Harry Potter had been victorious.


"This seems to have become some sort of recurrence, Granger."

Hermione turned away from the sunset in front of her and wrapped her arms around her lithe body for warmth.

She eyed his tanned skin and deep, blazing eyes and cursed him for being so attractive. She reminded herself not to let it weaken her resolve. "Well maybe if you would have the decency to continue on your way this time, this could all be avoided," she stated, clearly not interested in sharing company with a Slytherin.

"I'm afraid I can't do that."

She regarded him disdainfully and turned her back to him to gaze once more up at the sky, "And why is that, Zabini?"

"Clearly my judgment has been impaired, but evidently I enjoy the sunset as much as you."

She scoffed, "Oh, Merlin forbid."

"You know, Granger, the lake is nearer my territory than yours. Perhaps you should watch that tongue of yours."

"Please, Zabini. It takes more than a half-assed threat from the likes of you to intimidate me," she retorted, her voice laced with contempt.

His eyes narrowed dangerously, "Make no mistake. It has never been my words that have instilled fear."

She raised her eyebrow in doubt. She wasn't particularly impressed at his attempt of coercion. "Then what is it, I wonder? Surely not your spell work, which I understand to be sufficiently lacking."

A deep growl escaped his throat and a dangerous look was now apparent in his enraged eyes. "I don't have to explain myself to you."

"Then perhaps it would be wise of you to keep walking," she began to turn away, intent on ignoring him until he relented and continued on his way.

"Oh no, Granger. You will not turn your back on me like a coward, though that is so typically Gryffindor of you."

Blaise watched as her body tensed and he felt the corners of his lips tug in satisfaction. She circled slowly and his smirk widened at the glare directed his way.

"If you wish to talk of cowardice, Zabini, might I remind you of your stance during the war? Cowering in the shadows like a fool? And here I thought Death Eaters had some shred of bravery in them."

His smirk fell, only to be replaced by a look of pure loathing, "Those are some incredibly insensitive accusations, Mudblood."

Without warning, Hermione stalked up to him haughtily, bringing her indignant golden eyes to stare into his own burning pools of cerulean.

"You would think that after so many lives were lost to eradicate words such as those, you would be more sensitive as to your choice in language," she hissed and turned on her heel.

Blaise watched helplessly as she stalked away angrily and he instantly felt a pang of regret shoot through his body. He cursed himself for his slip of tongue. It had been quite some time since such biting words had left his mouth and he was not proud to be reminded of infinitely somber days. He couldn't help himself though. The girl enraged him in a way that rarely anyone else could.


"Why is Granger staring at you like she would enjoy nothing more than to watch you suffer a slow and painful death?"

Blaise glanced up from his breakfast and eyed his friend, reluctant to look across the room and meet the girl's gaze. "I've no idea what you're talking about, Draco," he lied smoothly.

The blonde scoffed and gave him an incredulous look that Blaise chose to ignore. "Well it's hard to miss, it's quite obvious. Luckily you have me to protect you."

Blaise laughed and risked a glance at the Gryffindor and sure enough, the glare she was sending his way was filled with an anger that was quite impressive. He raised an eyebrow at her, as if daring her to voice her thoughts.

"She looks a little frightening, don't you think?" whispered Draco from his side.

Blaise sneered as he regarded the girl and watched as her glare became even more prominent. He tried to ignore her the flush of her skin, the soft curls that cascaded down her back, and the soft curves of her robes as turned to regard his friend. "She always looks frightening, no matter her mood."

Draco considered this, thinking back to all the times he had seen the girl's anger get the best of her. He remembered when she had slapped him back in their third year and his cheek stung at the memory. He grinned, "… But then again, you tend to like them feisty don't you?"

"I swear Malfoy, you are completely and utterly insufferable sometimes," Blaise growled as he pushed his plate of food away and began to stand.

"But you wouldn't have me any other way," the blonde smirked as he started on the eggs in front of him.

Across the room, Harry Potter was regarding his best friend with a rather puzzled expression on his face.

"'Mione, why are you glaring at Zabini like he's the epitome of all that's wrong with the world?"

Hermione had the grace to look embarrassed. "I'm doing nothing of the sort!" she exclaimed.

At this point, Ron took the opportunity to pause in between bites of the toast he was eating and speak on the matter.

"Actually, you've been eyeing him ever since he walked in with Malfoy twenty minutes ago."

"Ronald! Finish your food before you open your mouth, it's rather disgusting," she scolded.

He looked down, muttering something about "damned woman and their table manners." She resisted the urge to smack him upside the head.

"Is someone avoiding the question?" Harry teased playfully.

Hermione looked rather affronted as she stood and began to gather her books to busy herself. The boys looked up at her curiously, which she chose to ignore. As she slung her book bag over her shoulder, she fixed her eyes on the Slytherin table once again and gave Blaise another glower.

Just before she turned to leave, she regarded Harry who was still looking at her with questions dancing in his emerald eyes. "Just for the record, Zabini is the epitome of all that's wrong with the world."


"Granger. We need to talk."

She rolled her eyes.

"Oh, because our conversations are the highlight of my day, I hope you know."

The boy scoffed and took a step towards her. She took a step back.

"Scared, Gryffindor?" he jeered.

She wore a smirk that could rival his any day, "Hardly."

Gods, she was hot.

"You know, Draco expressed his unease at the breakfast table this morning. Apparently the looks you've been sending my way have him concerned for my well-being."

"He has good reason to be worried, Zabini," she stated dangerously.

"Is that a threat?" Blaise hissed as he took another step towards her.

"Think of it what you'd like."

He growled, rage forming in the pit of his stomach as he continued to advance on her. Her eyes held a defiance that he had not seen for a long while. It was faintly admirable.

"Don't forget my little lioness, it was you who threw the first insult. I don't take lightly to being called a Death Eater."

He had her backed up against the wall now, their bodies dangerously close to toughing

"Hits too close to home for you, does it?" Hermione countered.

His eyes flared fiercely as he closed the distance between them. With one hand on the wall behind her, he trailed his fingers down her side slowly, resting them on her hips as his lips brushed against her ear.

"I loathe you, Granger."

He felt her shiver and a smirk graced his lips.

"This is war."

And with that, he left her trembling in the corridor.

That night as Hermione turned restlessly under her covers, she dreamed of sunsets and harsh words. Of reluctant caresses and lips that hovered ever so gently, never coming close enough to touch or taste. She dreamed of the battlefield, of the lives that had been lost and mourned for. Mostly though, she remembered a light so entirely consuming that it had enveloped her very being.