As Harry walked towards the graveyard, surrounded by others, he had never before felt so alone.

He had been here once before. 2 years ago, when his best friend Ron had died. It seemed like such a long time ago. It had been horrible, but with each other, Hermione and Harry had pulled through.

But this time it was different.

This time the funeral was for the smartest witch he had ever known.

This time it was for his best friend, his sister.

This time it was for the only girl he had ever truly loved.

This time, it was for Hermione Granger.

She hadn't needed to die.

Harry had just defeated Lord Voldemort when Hermione got into a vicious fight with Bellatrix Lestrange. Unaware of Hermione's duel, Harry had let out a cry of pain as he saw Molly Weasley crumple to the ground, having just been hit with the horrible green light the entire wizarding world feared.

Hermione had looked over as she heard Harry and in that moment Bellatrix said the two fateful words. Harry watched, it was as if it was in slow motion. He wished with all his might that the green light would miss the innocent girl, who had only ever loved too much. But Harry's wishes never came true and this time it was no different.

He watched Hermione fall to the ground, her face full of shock.

Just as he had when Sirius had died, Harry took off after Bellatrix.

Harry yelled "Crucio!" and Bellatrix merely fell to the ground.

"I've told you before Potter. You have to mean them!"

"Oh, believe me, I do! AVADA KEDRAVA!" And Bellatrix fell to the ground. Not bothering to stick around Harry ran back to Hermione.

Shaking his head, Harry cleared his head of that horrible memory.

Harry tuned out as the little man read a speech. It was the same with Dumbledore's, it didn't mean a thing.

Harry closed his eyes, and saw quite clearly the years of memories he had had with Hermione.

The first time I had met her. On the train, when she asked if I'd seen a toad.

After Ron had fallen from the knight as we lent over him and she told him me I was a brilliant wizard. And that bravery and friendship were more important then books and cleverness.

All the various times she had repaired my glasses.

In second year, when she had outlined all of Lockharts classes with hearts on her timetable.

When she hugged me after she had been revived with the mandrakes.

In third year, when she punched Malfoy.

When we rescued Sirius.

Forth year, when she helped me learn all the spells for the Triwizard Tournament.

When she stunned Ron.

S.P.E.W.

When she sent the tiny birds after Ron.

The first time she kissed me...

Harry tuned back into what the little man was babbling about. Suddenly, he stood and walked right up to the little man. Gently, he pushed him aside and began to speak.

"Hermione Granger was the most brilliant witch I have ever met. She was funny, beautiful, and courageous. Hermione stuck with me when no one else did. She was incredibly loyal. Although she is gone, she will remain with me forever and will never be replaced. I loved her with all my heart."

Here, he paused and looked around at the faces in front of him. Most looked up at him with concern written all over their faces. He was suddenly angry that they were concerned about him, not upset that the most amazing witch that had ever lived was now dead.

"I will never ever forget her,"

And then he walked away, to the shelter of a tree surrounded by lillies. Her favourite flower.

Harry sat there for hours.

He remembered the last words she ever said to him.

I will never let you fall. I'll stand up with you forever. I'll be there for you through it all, even if saving you sends me to heaven.

And thats when he remembered what he had forgotten to say in his speech.

Hermione Granger always keeps her word.