Hello everyone, this is my submission for Season 6 Finals Round 2 of the QLFC. Thank you to SassenachStarbuck for betaing this. I do not own any rights to Harry Potter; the rights belong to J.K. Rowling.

QLFC Season 6 Finals Round 2: Line Up

Team: Kenmare Kestrels

Position: Chaser 1

Task: Use a quote as inspiration for a story. Quote used: "Is it possible to love someone so completely, they simply can't die?" (Peter Lake, Winter's Tale)

Optional Prompts used:

(word) - despondent

(word) – ravage

(object) - umbrella

Rating – K

Word Count: 1299

Hermione stood on the grassy bank overlooking the calm waters of the Black Lake. She was too engrossed in her own thoughts, seemingly despondent that she didn't hear the footsteps coming towards her until lean arms snaked around her waist from behind. She didn't flinch or shy away from the contact, instead, she relaxed against the male body that exuded warmth and love. Like clockwork, he'd found her again, and she supposed he always would find her which was something she was grateful for. If she hadn't had Theo by her side during the past few weeks with the funerals she didn't know whether she would have been able to cope. But he'd been her rock and she wasn't sure how she could ever repay him.

"You've been coming out here a lot lately, is there something on your mind?"

"I've just been wondering whether what we did was worth it, we lost so many during the war, Theo: Luna, Tonks, Fred."

"Hermione, you need to stop dwelling on this even though I know it's a struggle to do so. They fought for what was right and they died trying to rid the world of that snake-faced freak and his deluded followers, just like everyone else fought to do. Besides, not everyone died, you saved Snape."

"I know but…" she trailed off, not sure how to go on, instead she changed tack. "I don't want to go to any more funerals, I just don't think I can bear it," she said, her voice brittle as she held back tears that were threatening to break free. She remembered standing in the rain, huddled under an umbrella with Theo as they said goodbye to Luna only a few weeks ago, before the start of the new school term.

"I promise you, Hermione, you won't have to," Theo said, coaxing her to turn so that she was facing him. The tears fell hot and fast down her cheeks as she clung onto him as though he was her one safe place in the storm that was her emotions.

Once she eventually calmed, she remained in his arms but looked up to meet his concerned blue-eyed gaze.

"Is that the only thing you've been thinking about or is there something else? It's just I can hear those wheels in your head turning," he said.

"It's nothing bad; it's simply a quote from a book I've read that has been going around in my mind. It's 'Is it possible to love someone so completely, they simply can't die?' I think the answer is yes because during that battle there was a part of me that was afraid that the next time I'd see you, you would be laid out in the Great Hall as one of the fallen but I didn't have to because you found me, Theo."

Theo cupped her face in his hands, smiling softly. "You'll never lose me, Hermione, I promise. I love you too so much," he said, kissing her gently. At that moment all he wanted to do was ravage her slow but passionately, he reined in his self-control, knowing there would be time for that later when they were alone in her Head Girl's dormitory away from prying eyes.

She smiled, looking into his eyes when they broke for air. "How did you know I was out here anyway?"

"Ginny said you'd gone out for some air after you finished lunch so I figured you would be here, it's your go-to spot, it has been for a while."

"Was Draco with her when you left?"

He nodded. "He's wrapped around her finger though he'll never admit it."

"They're good for each other though I am surprised that they've been able to keep it a secret this long, I suppose with Harry and Ron away at the Ministry in Auror training, they can enjoy their time together."

"Even when those two do find out, you know as well as I do it won't stop Draco or Ginny from being together, I mean it didn't stop us," Theo said, chuckling.

"No, but that was because you and Harry got along once you saw past your differences. Ron was the one who had to be the arse about it. He still hasn't spoken properly to me since before he left but he can stew in his childish mood. I'm happy with you and that's all that matters to me."

"You have a good point there with Harry. If I'm being honest I don't think I ever liked Ron, he just seemed the belligerent one out of the two of them at times. Now, can I escort you to Potions class, Miss Granger?" Theo said, offering her his arm.

"Mmm only if you'll be my partner in class."

"Of course," he agreed, smiling at her.

While they strolled leisurely to class due to there being quite enough time to do so that they would by no means be late, Theo asked, "Have you thought any more about what you're going to do after school is finished?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, actually I have. I was thinking about teaching either Charms or Transfiguration, this place has been my home and I guess I want to give back. Why, have you been thinking about what you want to do?"

He smiled. "I think you'd be a great Professor in either subject. Yes, I think I'm going to be a Curse-Breaker."

"Really?"

"Yes, it's something I want to do and its not to prove a point that I'm nothing like my father. It's just something I've been interested in for a while."

"Then go for it, Theo. We both know you'll get the grades you need."

He grinned. "Plus, I thought in a few years, I'd be married to this very intelligent and beautiful bushy haired witch and we'd have a nice home and two children."

"You've really thought this all through haven't you, Mr Nott?"

"Well, that is what happens when you find the one you want to spend the rest of your life with Miss Granger," Theo replied, his blue eyes alight with warmth.

They had paused in the middle of the corridor leading to the Potion's classroom and Hermione found herself with her back against the cold stone wall, just looking at her boyfriend in awe before she grabbed his robes and pulled him against her, kissing him deeply.

Theo groaned into the kiss, his hands making their way to her waist where he caressed gently.

"I was going to say three children, but I'm happy with having two," she murmured against his lips.

"Yeah?"

She nodded, her lips bruised from the kiss.

"We still have plenty of time to figure out everything else because like I said, I'm not going anywhere," Theo said, his forehead pressed against hers.

"Good. Now, we better go into class before Snape decides to deduct points because you know he will if anyone is late."

"Mmhmm, well, lead the way," Theo said, enjoying the way her hips swayed as she walked ahead of him into class and sat down. Once he joined her, she slapped his shoulder playfully.

"What was that for?" he said in a hushed tone, feigning innocence.

"You watching me again," she said, trying her best to act annoyed, but he knew all too well that she liked the attention.

"What can I say, you're a beautiful witch," he said, and smiled when she blushed, squeezing his hand gently.

"You just wait until tonight, Mr Nott, I think we need to make some rules," she said playfully.

"Then I can't wait, given rules aren't always meant to be followed, Hermione, sometimes they are better when they are broken."

The moment Professor Snape addressed the class, Hermione and Theo focused, truly content with each other.

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I'll see you all soon,

Sunset Whispers x