EPILOGUE

After Harry had woken up in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey had determined that Harry was in denial and he had an overwhelming feeling of guilt. He felt responsible for Hermione's death somehow. I guess he felt that if it weren't for him turning down Mary's invitation to be her boyfriend, Hermione would still be alive.

Ron and I constantly tell him that no matter how many times he beats himself up, it wasn't our fault! None of us had any inkling that Mary would go as far as killing Hermione?

Mary was a student in Slytherin. Apparently, she had spent a lot of her time in the library. That's why no one really had seen much of her, including appearing in the classes. She had no doubt been looking up spells or charms to get what she wanted…namely Harry. She was just a sick, sick person. She had written that letter about Hermione's parents getting a divorce to turn Hermione, against them and hopefully start to hate them. She tried to get people to hate. She wanted them to be miserable.

Ginny even helped Harry try and cope with Hermione's death. Most of us were getting through it very slowly. I could literally see the guilt in Harry's eyes. He wasn't eating right, nor was he sleeping. He just lost interest in life completely. I was starting to get concerned, so I had Ginny and Ron meet me in the Gryffindor common room late that night.

"I'm seriously worried about Harry. He's not eating or sleeping. He's like in his own world," I said solemnly.

"I know. I see it. But what can we do?" Ginny asked.

"Right now, just keep an eye one him. The minute you see him acting strangely or even worse than he is now, let me know. Then, we're going to have to act. How, I don't know," I said, stretching.

Ron and Ginny nodded.

Just then, Harry stepped into the common room. There were dark circles under his eyes and his hair was tousled. He looked absolutely horrible.

"Hi Harry. How are you?" I asked, forcing a bright smile.

"Fine. But I think Hermione's missing,"

We looked at each other. There was pain in Ginny and Ron's eyes.

"Listen, are you okay? You haven't been eating or sleeping," I asked, with concern as I got up and went over to him.

"I'm fine," Harry said, as his eyes moved onto a table beside Ginny. I followed his gaze.

I hadn't realized that Hermione had left her textbook there. Harry went over to it and picked it up. He turned it over and ran his hands and gently ran a hand over the cover. "She loved books. Loved to read. She also helped us out many a time to get out of scrapes. She was a good friend. Always looked out for everyone…" Harry's voice trailed off and a glazed look came across his face.

Ron, Ginny and I all looked at each other.

"I loved her…more than life," Harry said.

Then, it hit him. He dropped the book and dropped to his knees. He hugged himself and began rocking back and forth. He burst into tears.

I went over to him and dropped to my knees beside him. I put my arms around him and pulled him close.

"I miss her so much," Harry sobbed.

Now I've known them for a short while, but from what Hermione told me, Harry rarely cried. He was strong. But in all honesty, he's just human. No human can be that strong. No matter how hard they try. It's nearly impossible unless you're pure evil.

"So do I," I said, gently. "I miss her a lot too, but you've got to remember…none of this is your fault."

Harry sobbed and didn't answer.

"I know how much you loved her. We could all see it, and we know she loved you the same way. She was a great friend," I said, quietly.

"Harry, don't blame yourself. Please," Ginny pleaded.

"She's right, Harry," Ron, added.

Harry raised his eyes to Ron and Ginny.

"I won't. This is all Mary's fault," Harry said, as his eyes narrowed.

Ron, Ginny and I looked at each other.

What was he going to do? Something rash?

"You aren't thinking of doing something rash…are you?" I asked voicing my worst fears.

He had abruptly wiped his tears and stood up. I stood up with him.

Then, he looked at me.

"Huh? Oh no. Don't worry," He grinned.

We relaxed and sighed relieved.

"Hey, where are they holding Mary anyway?" Harry asked casually.

"She's awaiting orders from the Ministry. They're going to decide her punishment," Ginny said. "But we don't know exactly where she is."

Harry nodded and turned his eyes onto me.

I tilted my head slightly.

There was something behind those gorgeous emerald green eyes of his. He seemed to be looking at me differently. I wondered what was going through his head. He'd just lost the one person he loved more than life. What was he up to?

Then, he shook his head and that something vanished. He seemed to be back to his old self again, or close to it.

FOUR WEEKS LATER

We heard from the Ministry. Mary was sent to Azakaban for life. Hermione's parents had, had a funeral for her. We were all invited. At the funeral, Harry seemed almost robotic and mechanical. It was horrible. I couldn't believe I was at a funeral for my best friend in the whole world. Ron was comforting Ginny. Mr and Mrs. Granger were hugging each other. I wrapped my arm around Harry's shoulders. He looked at me and managed a weak smile.

I pressed the side of my head against his and gave him a squeeze.

He was doing a little better now and I think he knew none of this was his fault.

After the funeral, we all went home. Professor Dumbledore had allowed us to take the rest of the semester off. It was only another 2 weeks left anyway. We would be allowed to make up the final exams when we came back.

6 YEARS LATER

I was in Diagon Alley. We all had graduated Hogwarts. Everyone had gone his or her separate way. Ron was asked to join a pro Quidditch team, Ginny started her career in muggle journalism, and Harry had joined the Ministry. I was walking down to go to Flourish and Blotts, when I bumped into someone outside Quality Quidditch Supplies.

"Oh, sorry…" I apologized as the person turned around.

"Harry!" I cried with delight.

"Laurie! How are you?" He cried as he happily hugged me.

I hugged him back.

"Good! You? What have you been up to lately?"

"Not much," He grinned.

He's so handsome!

His hair had finally tamed and was now wavy and thick; his eyes were still the same emerald green and his features sharpened. I almost hadn't recognized him. He was dressed in jeans and a burgundy shirt, which buttoned up the front. His eyes twinkled behind his glasses.

"It's great to see you! Have you heard from Ron or Ginny?"

I nodded. "Yeah. They're both doing wonderful. Ron's so happy and so is Ginny," I said softly.

Harry nodded.

There was a strange silence. I didn't know if it was uncomfortable or awkward. I bit my bottom lip.

"Yeah, um, how's your family?" I asked at last.

"My family?" he replied, looking puzzled.

"Yeah, you know…wife, kids," I said.

He blushed. "I'm not married," he said sheepishly.

"Oh,"

"You?"

I shook my head.

That silence again. Harry nervously shifted his weight on his feet and stared at the ground.

"Well, I'm sure you'll find someone," I said, clearing my throat.

"The only one that was for me was Hermione. But I know Hermione would want me to be happy and she would want me to move on. She was that kind of person," Harry said quietly.

"Yeah. She was. She was a great person," I added softly. "I miss her."

Harry nodded. "I do too," he said quietly.

"Well, I'd best be going," I said, smiling.

"Yeah. It really was wonderful seeing you again," Harry said, softly.

"Same here," I said, as I went to walk away, but Harry gently grabbed my elbow and turned me around to face him.

"Would…would you like to join me for dinner tomorrow night?" he stammered.

I was frozen. "Are you asking me out on a date?" I replied in disbelief.

He nodded and blushed.

I slowly broke out into a grin. "Well, I accept,"

He grinned too.

I continued to walk down the alley grinning to myself.

Harry and I had our date the following night.

He was so charming and shy at the same time. I had never really thought of him this way, but now that I see him, he really was a gorgeous guy. I felt guilty for going out with him when he really was supposed to be with Hermione, but Harry assured me once again that Hermione wouldn't want him to be unhappy and alone. I felt the same way.

After 6 months of dating, Harry and I were married we now have a little girl we named Hermione, after our best friend who was lost.

Sound the bugle now-play it just for me

As the seasons change-remember how I used to be

Now I can't go on-I can't even start

I've got nothing left just an empty heart

I'm a soldier-wounded so I must give up the fight

There's nothing more for me-lead me away…or leave me lying here

Sound the bugle now-tell them I don't care

There's not a road I know-that leads to anywhere

Without a light I fear that I will-stumble in the dark

Lay right down-decide not to go on

Then from on high-somewhere in the distance

There's a voice that calls-remember who you are

If you lose yourself-your courage soon will follow

So be strong tonight-remember who you are

Ya you're a soldier now-fighting in a battle

To be free once more….

Ya that's worth fighting for.

Bryan Adams

'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron' soundtrack