A/N: This story came to my mind while I was watching MTV. Make a wild guess whose video it was (because if I told you, my story would be completely spoiled). I would like to note that the chapters here are shorter than Being Draco's. The reason is this fic will only span around ten chaps.

Dedicated to Elouise Jane Buenventura Timbang, whom I owe a thousand unfinished stories.

Immortal Flame

Prologue: Extinguishing the Fire

Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear

Goodbye's the last time I would hold you near

*~*~

"Goodbye then." Draco dug his hands in his pockets and sighed. His back was turned to Hermione so that she could only see the sagging of his shoulders and hear the dreariness of his voice. She also heard another emotion in the statement-finality and determination to stand up for what he had said.

Hermione was left with no choice but to acquiesce. "Yes… g-goodbye", she said rather faintly, unable to believe the words had left her mouth.

So was Draco who surreptitiously gasped a 'No' when he heard her say the words that would completely end their affair.

It had been a year since the two had gotten together, former enemies who turned up to be secret and forbidden lovers. The root of it all was a Potions project that turned out to become their love story. By day, of course, they play pretend with everyone else; by night, they make love as if tomorrow would never come.

And maybe, I should have fucked her senseless last night if only I knew that tomorrow was today, Draco sighed and faced her, steeling his stare and nodded. "Goodbye," he said once more.

Hermione, holding her tears back, nodded back. "…Farewell."

Draco sighed again. He couldn't believe that his angel was bidding him adieu. "You take care of yourself although I know you don't need the warnings. You're not stupid to do something senseless, right?" he cupped her chin and rubbed it lovingly. He will miss those nights he bit the soft flesh of her chin and elicit a moan from her.

Hermione nodded, shuddering under his slightest touch. The feathery touches that assured her that he was truly in love with her. "I will. You, on the other hand, keep in touch. I'll owl you every now and then and I'm not going to accept my owl back if he doesn't have a reply letter." She looked intently at Draco's eyes, savoring them for the last moment. She tried to stop the memories of her letting time pass by just looking at Draco, taking every bit of him into detail and guaranteeing herself that she is lucky to have him. That was the past. Today makes her future. And it is without him.

Draco sighed. If I could do something more than write to you, I would. "We'll see about that. If time permits me, I will write back but if not, you know the reason."

Silence deafened them both for a moment, both unable to look into each other's eyes and afraid that the anticipating well of tears might flow.

The reason of their grief right now started a week ago: Voldemort declared war officially between the good and the evil. Draco had not become a Death Eater and has chosen to join Harry's force (only because of Hermione and his belief that Voldemort is not worth his service). It is true that he and Hermione are in the same side but the events that would happen next may be unbearable for them. What if one of them dies in battle? What if they never outlive this war? These questions strengthened their decision to break up. To let go of the cherished affair they had shared and nourished for so long.

Draco was the first one to shake out of his reverie and said, "I must be going now. I still have to talk to Dumbledore. See you around, Hermione." He turned his back at her, relieved that the cruel tears did not spill. It wasn't that he doesn't want Hermione to see him cry but he just wants to show Hermione that he will be strong for her. Even if he doesn't know how.

When he was barely 20 meters away from Hermione, he heard her call and stop him, "Wait, Draco!"

He turned around only to be greeted by a tear-stained Hermione, running to hold and kiss him. He wholeheartedly accepted the actions.

They kissed like forever was not enough for the both of them; as if kissing each other was as important as their breathing; as if holding each other held the most vital of their systems. They savored each other, and clung on to each other's arms, abhorring the time to let go. And when they finally did, both had found tears staining their faces.

"I love you, Draco. I will never forget you," Hermione held Draco's hands tightly and Draco squeezed it in response.

"I love you, Hermione. I will always love you. Remember that you will be the only woman I will love," he held Hermione's face and kissed her again.

"Why does this have to happen, Draco? We were so happy, we were perfect… we could still be lovers with the war going on… I am still deeply in love with you…," Hermione choked on Draco's chest, he supporting her in fear of not being able to hold her again.

Draco sighed and reasoned, although out of his wanting, "The love we feel for each other is out of the question, Hermione. You know that. How many times do we have to argue over this? We've agreed that we have to let go of each other as early as now so that we could move on after the war. And maybe, if we are really meant for each other, we will meet again and hopefully, be together forever."

Hermione buried herself in Draco's arms and in muffled sobs said, "But aren't we being selfish by doing that? Aren't we cowards if we resolve to that, Draco?"

Draco drew a sharp intake of breath. He wanted so much to let this conversation end with Hermione winning the argument. He wanted so much to relinquish to the idea that they didn't have to do this. That they will outlive this war and marry and have plenty of little Hermiones and Dracos.

He thought so otherwise. "Hermione, I wouldn't bear seeing you depressed day by day because of my, God forbid, death. And I wouldn't live life as I should if you die. I would never go on. I would hunt down and punish the person who killed you. We'd only be miserable, Hermione. Just think that this is for our own good."

"But what is a life without you, Draco? I might as well die." Hermione looked at him with defiant yet pleading eyes. Draco could only look away.

"It's never easy letting go. Especially someone you love. God knows how hard this is for me," he said with his back turned on her, clenching his fists until they bled.

Hermione embraced him from the back. "Draco, have faith in us. We will survive this. I know we will. Please…"

"Voldemort knows about us Hermione. I didn't tell him directly but I know he knows. I bet he's still bitter I didn't join his army. And I also bet that he's plotting something against me," he slowly took Hermione's arms on his body, faced her and cupped her face, "And I know that it will involve you. Hermione, I wouldn't let that happen. You're not going to die because of me…," he paused, "I'm sorry, Hermione. I love you but this is goodbye," With those final words he kissed Hermione briefly yet passionately and fled, not daring to heed to Hermione's pleads for him to return.

He let the tears stain his face wildly.

*~*~

RIIIIIIIIINGGGG!!!!!!!!

Draco smacked the alarm clock, "That blasted dream again…," he drawled.

*~*~

A/N: So what do you think? Is it ok? Do you think it's an AU? Is it too ordinary? Well, send the reviews in and let me know!