Here it is. Just like I promised, Chapter 3 in all it's glory. Enjoy. While you're at it please review, and watch for more updates to come.

To and Back Again

the reunion

Harry and Hermione walked alone, hand in hand into the castle free of the people that awaited them for not even a minute had passed before they where surrounded by others. The stalking fans, those people who'd seen Harry's acts of bravery could be seen as maniacs who screamed through the crowd, but really they were just grateful wanting to thank their saviour, Harry. The pair suddenly without any notice were crowded by people who delved through the cluster to get close enough to the 'Chosen One' to just get a glance, a touch of him was all they wanted. He, Harry had saved them from death, and that was something no one, but only he could grant them.

Hermione had been torn apart from Harry in the quest of the people to meet their deliverer from evil. They didn't notice the drop in Harry's expression, the sadness that overcame him when Hermione was parted from him. All he wanted was to be back in her arms, to feel the warmth of her hug, the pleasure of her kisses, and the safety of her embrace. Unfortunately the time for affection between the couple was over as the reunion and masses of celebrations had begun. The world had surrounded Harry once again, his private life was theirs as his love was a secret, at least the part of him that belonged to Hermione, but not for long if he succumbed to the distance between his beloved that grew and grew with each passing second.

Helpless people searched for each other calling the names of their close family and friends. It was like a massacre of uncertainty as many had died departing from this world moving to the next. Life had never been so painful. Some of the screams would never reach the people they called to for their ears were blocked with the sound of death. The people weeped for their loss finally finding the body of a dear friend or family member. They knelt crying around those whose light had left their eyes. Some held hands, united in sadness whispering in hushed tones words of peace or hope, but nothing could brighten these morbid scenes. So many people hadn't made it…the thought itself was heartbreaking. It made Harry think that he'd wasted the lives of many in his tireless search for the horcruxes which ended out an utter nuisance as it with the time it took to complete many lives could've been spared. Time was precious for if Harry had been quicker so many would have still been with them. The fact itself made Harry scold himself to the bone, how could I have been so foolish in my quest of love, if I just waited until later how many less cries would I hear now? He thought to himself.

Members of the Weasley family scurried toward Harry with Hermione breaking through the crowd with such haste some feel over in surprise. Others that once crowded the path parted in respect as they reached the Harry. Hermione grabbed Harry by the arm as she raced towards him her eyes lively but, serious.

"Remember our bet Harry! Quiet!" Hermione whispered sombrely. She scared Harry with her hurried course of action towards him, but nonetheless Harry listened to her warning.

Together Harry and Hermione slipped their hold of the other hastily as they where greeted by familiar faces. Not all of the Weasley crew though were there, it only happened to be Ron and Ginny who had found their way to Harry and Hermione. Their faces brightened at the sight of their friends, but a tone of despair stayed lingering in their eyes.

A helpless Ginny fell in Harry's arms. She was weeping, her cries filled dread within both Harry and Hermione. Something had obviously happened, and it was nothing nice that's for certain. Bad news was coming their way.

"Oh. Harry! Harry, Harry." She mumbled through her cries, her voice urged Harry to show some form of affection towards her. Harry comforted her as best he could, a kiss, light and fair would have to do. It pained him to do such a thing in front of Hermione, but she asked for it making him hide his love for her. Beneath the pair's embrace Harry pulled a sorry glance Hermione's way, but she just shook it off as she savoured a kiss from Ron. This was her comeback, using Ron against Harry to pain him with the kisses that were meant for him only. Just before they had been happily playing around with each other, but all that fun was turning into war right before their eyes. Each envied the others playmate, as they locked eyes, hatred blazed within them like a fire.

"What's happened?" Asked Harry breaking the awkward silence as the two couples took pleasure in their lovers company. It seemed Harry had brought up a topic that wouldn't go down well with either Ron or Ginny. Harry had grown accustom to being with Ginny since they had started dating. It was weird at first not being with Hermione all the time, but he adjusted with time. With Ginny's brown doe eyes once again welling up with tears he had no choice, but to comfort her as the news was broken to them.

"Well…um. Mum…uh…found….ah" Ron stuttered, it wasn't making things any better as his stumble to break the news kept both Hermione and Harry on the edge of their seats in suspense while Ginny continued bawling her eyes out.

"Come on. Spit it out, it can't be that bad!" Hermione said clearly exasperated. However, her prompt for Ron to just get to the point made no difference in his gibberish murmurs.

"Oh…Fred…" Ron said in barely a whisper. His emotions the range of a teaspoon surfaced as he too joined in with Ginny's weeps.

"What?" Harry said practically shouting with frustration.

"Dead. Fred is DEAD!" Shrieked Ginny in the middle of a weep. The word killed like poison, jaws dropped and throats ran dry as a deadly silence dawdled on waiting to be broken.

"No. No. It can't be!" Muttered Harry annoyed that yet another had died in his battle. It was all his fault. How could he have not realised that one of those mounds of dead had a strand of vibrant ginger hair peeking from the edge of the tarnished cloth as he walked the halls of Hogwarts in search of Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem. Ron just nodded solemnly through Hermione's hug that brought the light back slightly into his eyes.

"It's going to be fine, Ron." Whispered Hermione through the warmth of the hug they shared as the frost that had hardened Ron's heart was melted. Harry had been watching Hermione for the tension between them in the current situation was immense. Her soft voice made itself heard to Harry, it was a lie, he could sense it. Hermione was cold towards Ron for he was her fake boyfriend. Harry knew that all she wanted was his own embrace of comfort at hearing the news of the death of one of the humorous clown twins.

"Are you ok?" Asked Harry worriedly. His own parents had died when he was young, he'd seen his godfather, Sirius whom he only knew for two short years die, he'd seen so many fall. Even after all these years of experience, he dealt with death like a pro, but comforting wasn't really his thing.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Ron said. His voice was empty, emotionless.

"Honestly, you have no feelings Ron. Show some sympathy for you dear brother." Said Hermione scolding Ron with the gaze she directed his way. It made him shudder.

"That's how girls are!" Said Harry mockingly. An offended Ginny stomped her foot. He was caught as Ginny whacked him in the back of the head. "Ow!" He screeched. Being the youngest of the Weasleys Ginny must have learnt how to get the attention all to herself quite well as she sure got Harry's. Seeing he still hadn't reacted the way she wanted she nudged him in the ribs with her pointy elbow. "Oh…Sorry!" He announced realising her signal as he ran a hand through his hair grinning sheepishly.

From Ginny's little act of revenge against Harry's statement the mood of the company livened up, joy and laughter filled the conversation once more. Death had no place in the spirits of these beings. On this high note Harry decided to end their little talk to meet and console the other Weasley members that had stayed with Fred.

"Come on let's go, they'll be wondering what we've gotten up to at this rate!" Said Harry impatiently as he ushered them to follow him to the Great Hall where the rest of the Weasleys were. They walked through the corridors with Ron and Ginny lagging behind them. Harry practically ran ahead of the group so Hermione was forced to catch up to Harry's quick pace.

"Wait up Harry! You're losing us." Hermione said out of breath from her run.

"Yes that's the point, isn't it?" Said Harry playfully, but Hermione just glared at him. The memory of the affection that they shared with their fake lovers swelled in their hearts. Both had been scarred by the other.

"You!" Hermione pointed to Harry poking him in the chest. "I thought you loved me!" Cried Hermione in her secretive whisper. She was as angry as ever. Rage pumped through her body fuelling her hatred. Her voice desperate for an apology from Harry.

"What did you expect me to do Mione? Ginny has lost her brother! Doesn't she deserve some comforting from her boyfriend?" Harry stated innocently.

"Yeah, yeah. But I don't think you answered my question, did you!?" Said Hermione seeing Harry avoiding the topic as he steered around it with his plain excuse.

"I love you, but you've tasked me with the challenge to not express my love of you to any other soul so you've got what you asked for! The world can't know for a week remember!" Harry rebutted.

"Yes, but I didn't expect you to get this far!" Said Hermione defensively.

"Ha! Exceeds expectations has always been my moto!" Smirked Harry for he had this win in the bag.

"Yes it seems so, but that's Ron! You're Harry, the 'Chosen One!'" Hermione said sarcastically as she carried on pouring her heart out. "And I love you, it's not just teenage emotions this time that I'd thought would ruin our friendship. It's real." She glanced behind them, Ron and Ginny walked ever so slowly trailing behind them with their heads hanging low. The coast was clear, and she took it as a positive sign. Swinging her arm up and around Harry's neck she tenderly kissed his cheek.

"Mmmmhhhh mione. Thanks, but no thanks." Harry said pulling away for to him she was merely tempting him.

"Hey! The world won't know this way. Look! She pleaded with her rebuttal gesturing to the pair that trod behind them. Harry glanced in their direction, they looked so depressed and sad, yet this was just the instant that they seemed alone and a chance for a kiss. Harry dodged into a side corridor pulling Hermione along with him.

"Maybe just this once!" Harry chuckled as he pulled Hermione towards his mighty chest. Hermione felt safe in his arms, he was her protecter from all the evil. Harry was quite the strongly built man she noted as she felt his abs brush past her abdomen. They indulged in a fiery kiss. For as forbidden as it was in such a circumstance it felt nice bending the rules for once in Hermione's life.

"Yummy! Harry, oh how will we ever break the news of our love?" She smirked, an evil plan on her lips as she licked them savouring the last of Harry's lips. Salty, they tasted tangy as her eyes watered at the smell of him, he was warm, cuddly like a teddy bear. She'd truly miss his embrace, oh how she wished they could just run away, but that would be impossible now with Harry the saviour of the world press would be involved. Life was going to be harder than ever at a time like this.

"I don't know. Anyway you're telling them!" Smirked Harry as the work was not his, it was never going to be his problem. Hermione annoyed at Harry stomped her foot on Harry's own. "Ow! Why'd you do that? It hurts!" Said Harry shaking his foot from the agony as he pulled a face towards her.

"It's just Ron and Ginny you've made me break our love to. You'll be telling the rest!" Mocked Hermione for while Harry had tasked her with Ron and Ginny, he'd have to face the rest too, not just watching, but doing the talking as well.

As if on cue, footsteps approached them, two pairs one after the other to be precise. The heels clicked on the stone tapping closer and closer to the couple's little hiding spot.

"Harry! Hermione!" Called the two voices desperate in their search. Ginny's and Ron's to be exact.

"Euh. Why does life have to be so harsh?!" Whispered an annoyed Harry. "Run!" He added grabbing Hermione's hand so tight she thought it could fall off. He led them through secret passageways, up and down winding staircases, and through dimly lit corridors to the Great Hall. The Marauder's Map had been a useful thing over the years, and now more than ever it came in handy for such a situation. It was a narrow escape, as both panted at the entrance to the Hall. Regaining a regular breath, they had got there in the nick of time as Ron and Ginny greeted them with anxious faces.

"Where were you? We've been looking all over for you!" Said a worried Ron.

"We got a little lost!" Admitted Harry, obviously though he was lying to save their skins.

"After 6 years of living and going to school here? That's hard to believe." Chuckled Ginny noting Harry's existence at Hogwarts had been a long one so he couldn't actually have gotten truly lost and wandered off course.

"Uh…Yeah." Said Harry as he grinned sheepishly. They had caught him red handed. Hermione though smirked as her hand ran through his hair, ruffling and messing his locks to match her own bush of hair.

"This little guy," Hermione gestured to Harry, "lost his mummy!" Said Hermione mockingly.

"Hey!" Said an annoyed Harry. The bickering had began, but it wouldn't last long as Ron cleared his voice awkwardly ending the battle between the two. Both, Harry and Hermione smiled sheepishly, they were two good old buddies obviously, but no one that day sensed the love mingled in between their friendship.

"Come on, we better get back to Mum and Dad. They'll be waiting for us!" Said Ginny leading them off to the spot where the Weasleys gathered crouching around their Fred as tears welled up and splattered unto his body. He was utter loved, the life of the family, and he'd surely be sorely missed by all he those he touched with his sense of humour and knack for getting into trouble.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Said Harry worriedly eyeing Ginny for approval as this was a big step to go back to see the despair of her family over a dear brother. She'd been in shreds over the tears the last time she'd seen him, had she recovered enough to see the pain again? He hoped she had for his comforting skills were not exactly up to scratch.

"Yes. It's now or never. Anyway I think we should be going, don't you?" Said Ginny giggling away. Her character bubbled away once more like the good old times. It brought smiles to those around her to see Ginny as herself again.

"Yeah! It's been a long day." Said Harry agreeing full heartedly.

Nothing though would prepare them for the sight before their eyes that met them within those great oak doors. Fred, a smile still plastered across his face lied on the ground as his dear family members knelt before him. If he were alive he'd think he was a God, but it was not so. Life had left his eyes some time ago, he was at peace, merely sleeping, but in reality he was dead. All the Weasleys expect the estranged Percy gathered around him: Molly, Arthur, George, Bill, Charlie, Ron and Ginny. This was pain, to see almost the whole Weasley tribe weep over their fallen twin, brother, son, and jokester.

Hermione knelt next to Ginny, she stroked Fred's hair and looked up at Harry. Like usual he had been surrounded once more the moment he stepped into the halls by people who he urged let him mourn over his friend, some listened while others refused to leave his company. They were a thorn to his side. Pesky people that followed him just like the media who rocked up right were people where mourning over their dead. How rude! They asked for Harry's autograph, for a quick interview, just a photo here and there and much much more, with some unusual requests that Harry dared not accept. It all seemed too much for the scene that went on behind him.

"Hey! Hey!" Harry said grabbing their attention for once. "Come on. Let's show some respect and move this outside!" He said clearly frustrated at their barge and lively mood into the now dead serious corner of the castle.

"Harry. Come over here please. Just a few questions and you're done." Said a kind reporter. She seemed young, but her foolishness was still there as she lingered in the morbid area not budging to move aside from the cries of the many. Her hair was lemon blonde, like Rita Skeeter's. Yet, something seemed different about her. Her eyes, sea blue, searched Harry's expression as her quill scratched away. Her notepad said in fancy cursive writing that Harry had to squint at to read: HARRY JAMES POTTER - Jet-Black Hair, Emerald Green Eyes, Round Scotch tape Bound Glasses, Lightning Scar, Knobby Knees, Masculine Build…and further details that astonished him for she had his appearance covered from top to bottom, but still it was obvious she needed more information. Harry gave her a look of disgust of which she replied, "Oh..Sorry about that Harry, but your fans need all the details." He looked at her once more, it seemed she wasn't as friendly as he previously thought.

"I'm sure you've got other sources out there who'll be happy to help you in learning some more providing their thoughts on me. For now, though I must get back to grieving the loss of my dear Fred!" Said Harry. The girl hurried away. The last expression before she turned on Harry was that of pure loathe. Harry swiftly turned on the spot to wink at his entertained audience. They chuckled, the mourning had ceased as giggle erupted from the poor. Their sadness was forgotten for once and instead replaced with joy and laughter. Fred would've loved to see this thought Harry.

"Harry, Harry, thank you for your little stunt of laughter. It brought back memories." Said George forcing a smile, that shook as tears leaked from his eyes. He had lost his twin, he'd never be whole again without his partner in crime. Harry went up to him with open arms to hug him. It was awkward at first, but his gesture warmed up the twin from his sorrow.

"It's my pleasure." Said Harry softly as he knew the misery the twin experienced for he had once been in Fred's shoes.

"I think it's best we get going now. Home to rest." Said Arthur his voice shaky, but bold. The family and friends nodded listening to their leader, their father. Hugs, kisses and all sorts of embraces were shared as they said their goodbyes.

Harry hugged Hermione in one final embrace as soon they would part with their respective partners. For while they loved each other there still remained Ron and Ginny in the background who'd be shaken by their disappearance.

"See you soon." Said Hermione a silver tear droplet slipped sliding down her face.

"How will I survive without you?" Asked Harry in a whisper.

"I don't know." Smirked Hermione, "Somehow you'll manage!" He'd have to survive one way or the other to win his side of the bet.

"Yeah." Harry said turning to see Ginny and Ron talking among themselves, they were simply waiting for the pair to finally say farewell. Hermione spun him back to her. "Love you!" He added in a whisper as he kissed her cheek. A kiss of farewell was shared, their eyes brightened, but dimmed as the separation of reality stalked back into the picture.

"Love you too!" Hermione whispered. Their moment would soon end, as Ron and Ginny grew bored and impatient to get home.

"Harry! Hermione! You done there?" They said in unison laughing away.

"Yeah, Yeah!" Said the pair in perfect harmony. Harry and Hermione parted going separate ways to meet their respective soulmate.

Walking hand in hand, Hermione with Ron while Ginny with Harry they exchanged one last glance locking eyes for they wouldn't see the other for some time. There gaze felt like it lasted an eternity for the pair, but in true it was just a second that their eyes held locked on each other. Those eyes could tell so much, but time was the enemy here. They attachment broke, as their eyes tore away from each other. It was like removing a bandaid, but way more hard, as the pain, the wound that lay below was bigger than any other. Time heals wounds, but not in this case. It would be the words they shared that would bring them united in love. Not forbidden, but accepted love. It would just be a matter of picking the best words from the bunch to explain. In time the confession of their love to the world, to their harshest critics would take place, when exactly was uncertain even by the seers that understood the stories the skies told.

Hi Readers. If anyone out there has any ideas of what should happen next please say so! Anyone who finds a flaw in this chapter don't be scared to notify me, for any help is greatly appreciated!