Chapter 7: Battle with Blood and Tears

WARNING- CHARACTER DEATH

I do not own any character that originates from J.K. Rowling's masterpiece of a universe. I just enjoy investigating the "what ifs" of her world.

If you notice something that could be fixed, I welcome feedback if it is delivered respectfully through PM. Thanks.

A Friend Departed

She came to and couldn't move and couldn't breathe. Struggling against the weight above her while attempting to not be overcome by panic, she heard a groan and gasp that sounded familiar and not that of a threat. Carefully, Hermione moved herself and managed to twist herself and Luna so her blond friend lay with her head on Hermione's lap.

"Hi", they both said simultaneously and shared a warm smile. Hermione began to caress Luna's hair when they both were brought out of the moment by a strangled cry to their left. It was Harry.

Helping Luna up, they staggered over to their friend who was protectively embracing someone. Harry continued to sob and began to whisper Dobby's name. The brave elf was clutching Harry's hand just beneath where the hilt of the wayward knife had hit him. As Dobby gasped his final words, the odd collection of survivors fell to the ground in a circle around their Chosen One and the brave elf that saved them all. It was a good hour before anyone spoke or attempted to move.

"He brought us to Shell Cottage," whispered a somber Ron. "We should make our way to the house" said a tear streaked Ron. The group would learn later that this was where he had stayed during his absence, but he kept quiet rather than brining up that topic of conversation in front of the others.

Harry carried Dobby protectively, but decided to stay outside and wait for the others to speak to their hosts. When they saw his gingerly lay Dobby on a blanket he conjured along with a number of shovels, he began to dig. Everyone except Hermione looked perplexed at his actions.

"He deserves that this be done without magic," was all he said and Luna without a word grabbed a shovel and took a placed in front of Harry to prepare his final resting place.

Hermione for her part closed the distance between the blond and kissed her gingerly before walking further down the beach. She had a message to conjure for Minerva.

Reunion

Minerva responded immediately and advised that the troop arrive through Hogsmeade and meet with Aberfourth, to their surprise. While the group was split in agreeing with the move, they all agreed with Harry that it had to be done- they had to gain access to the school to finish this war once and for all. Hermione added that at least this way, they had a destination in mind and an ally in case there was a trap rather than flailing and running blindly into the school.

After running from the awaiting Death Eaters, the group came face to face with the last Dumbledore. An angry Dumbledore that began chastising a surprised Harry and challenging him to run away while he still could. Shocked by the anger, Luna grabbed for Hermione's hand and relaxed when she felt the comforting warmth remain. Luna knew that soon they would enter the school and Hermione would be reunited with Minerva, but she still wanted to treasure the time she still had with her True Love.

Harry responded just as fervently that he was not leaving, that this had to end and he was determined to see it through. Satisfied by his answer, Aberfourth looked toward the portrait of his sister who proceeded to disappeared into her portrait and return with the silhouette of someone. It was war hardened Neville.

Their descent into the bowels of the school was thankfully uneventful. Upon emerging from the portrait, Harry was tackled by Ginny, Ron by his family, and both Luna and Hermione by Minerva.

"I was worried sick for you both!" came the pronounced Scottish brogue of one Minerva McGonagall. Embracing the two young women, she held them both at arm's length to examine them for injuries. Luna blushed under her scrutiny, but felt peace in knowing that the woman before her was not only brave, but kind and apparently possessed a heart of gold.

"Minerva, we are as fine as circumstances allow, thanks to Dobby. Though, I'm sorry. He didn't make it," whispered a teary eyed Hermione.

With a look of determination and fire Minerva replied, "Well, when we win and this is over we will raise a memorial in his honor. Come, there is much to do".

The two women accompanied their green robed companion outside the doors of Hogwarts where they witnessed Minerva call upon the stone suits of armor to protect the school. Both Hermione and Luna couldn't stop giggling after seeing the look of childish excitement overcome their friend as she said, "I've always wanted to use that spell".

It Ends

The fight had brought many losses. The trail of tears falling down their faces appeared to be never ending and the line of opponents infinite, but they each knew there was bound to be an ending to this darkness one way or another.

Hermione caught sight of Luna fighting alongside of Ginny and quickly made her way through the villains in her way to join them, but froze when Bellatrix appeared in her line of vision. Try as she might, her legs would not cooperate and it felt as if her heart was going to fall out of her chest when she saw the madwoman raise her wand against her friends when Minerva appeared out of nowhere and took a protective stance in front of them both.

Hermione slowly inched close having seen Minerva and refusing to stand by while the two people she loved were in harm's way. No one saw Mrs. Weasley silently approach Bellatrix from behind and all turned away when she knocked the woman forcefully to the with Avada Kedavra. "Not my daughter, you bitch," menacingly whispered the normally peaceful woman. They all turned as one and once again entered the fray.

In the courtyard there was not a dry pair of eyes in sight when Hagrid appeared carrying Harry. Both Minerva and Luna turned to Hermione knowing how great her grief would be, but Luna was closer. The brown-eyes young woman made to lunge at the Dark Lord in a blind rage and as he made to curse her, Luna moved and threw herself in front of Hermione. No one noticed the sheet covering Harry grow flat, no longer covering anything. As the Dark Lord made to finish the two, Minerva took a step, but was held back by an invisible hand and calmed by the voice of Harry himself, "I will take care of it, Professor. You should know, she loves you."

"Hello, Tom" shouted Harry as he removed the Invisibility Cloak and a collective gasp ran through the crowd.

Minerva rushed to Hermione's side as she held on to Luna much like Harry had protectively held Dobby. The sobs wracking her body making it difficult to witness, but Minerva joined the embrace and made to raise her wand. Luna imperceptivity shook her head. She knew it was too late. Tom had meant for Hermione to suffer every single moment. Knowing that there was very little time, Luna struggled to move Hermione's hand to the pocket of her robe where the letter was.

"Minerva, please take care of her. I love you both," Luna quietly said. Hermione could feel her body grow limp and only tightened her hold on her friend and savior. She felt the pull of movement encase her and found herself near the Black Lake in the very clearing where Hermione first was comforted by Luna and Minerva and stumbled upon her items after being abducted. A great deal had happened here. Hermione remembered the clue Dumbledore had left harry in the snitch and her cries intensified, "I open at the close."

"I am sorry, Hermione."

"I know. So am I. She saved me."

No other words were needed for now. Taking out her wand, Minerva began transfiguring a raised bed with flowers surrounding it. They would have to find Mr. Lovegood, but for now they could mourn privately.

Hermione deftly removed the letter from her robes. Minerva, realizing what she had in her hands asked if she wanted her to step away to give her privacy.

"No, I think I need you here in case I fall apart, please," came the answer as Hermione's trembling hands made to open the seal.

Tears began to mark the pages as she read:

My dearest Hermione,

I have always felt not of this world, but getting to know you has changed that. Your smile alone has made me realize the beauty of each day. You made me want to be part of reality whereas before I only knew how to pretend. When you didn't come back for the final year, I made myself a promise. If and when we were reunited and the war was still going on, I would make it my responsibility to that you survived. You had to survive.

I could not live without you and so if you are reading this that is what had to happen. I left in peace knowing that you were safe.

I want more than anything for you to find happiness. I was so fortunate that our paths crossed and that I got the chance to be loved by you.

Forever yours,

Luna

Hermione had collapsed the moment she finished reading the letter. She was aware of falling, but not hitting the ground as strong arms surrounded her and she was cradled against Minerva's warmth as she conjured a plush seat a few feet away from where Luna lay. Together they cried and comforted each other. It would be a long time before their broken hearts would be mended, but they would endeavor to be there for each other. Tomorrow would bring another day.

A/N:

This might be the end for this story. I am not sure how to proceed. In time both will have healed and found love in each other, but I don't know about delving into that in this story. It might have to be assumed and if I write another story, presenting a romance not associated with this tragedy. This plot/universe would not apply.