Disclaimer-J.K. Rowlings owns everything in this fic. I only own the plot, and the few people I
made up.
Love Never Dies
Chapter 8-The End that Starts the Beginning
Hermione didn't know what to do. She didn't know if she should go find Viktor again and see if he was alright, or if she should go find Oliver and talk with him about the events that had transpired. There was also the other option of finding Fred and leaving now. Then she wouldn't have to deal with anything, but she wasn't a coward, and to leave would be an act of cowardice. And then there was that other issue: Viktor. Should she go find him and see if he was alright. She'd never thanked him about providing her with the tent and inviting her to the match, but now was probably not the right time to talk. He needed time, as did she. So, she decided to leave him a letter.
Viktor,
I wish I could tell you this in person, and I wish that things were the same as they used to but they're not. I have a few things I need to tell you, so I hope you'll take the time to read this. First of all I wanted to thank you for inviting me to the Quidditch World Cup and for letting me use this tent and everything else you did for me. It was nice to see you again, even though our visit didn't go quite as expected. I just want you to know that I'm sorry. Truly, I am. It was never my intention to hurt you. You know I hate that I cause you pain. But I realized that we couldn't be together, not now. It wasn't the right time for me, and I don't think it would have been right for you either. I still have to finish school, and let's face it, I don't know what will happen to me next year.
I want you to know that I still care about you. I always will. You're my friend, and there's nothing I want more than to keep you as my friend. I know that must hurt. It hurt me when I was in your situation, but that's the way it has to be. I think deep down, you understand. I know I did.
I hope that you and I can remain friends. I can't stress that enough. I know you said that we were still friends, but somehow I don't really think that you believe that. I will understand if you don't want to see me ever again. But I'm hoping that you'll still write to me, and come visit me sometimes. I just want you to know that I do love you. Just not in the same way that you love me. I care about you, and I want you to be happy, so do what you have to do. I already did what I thought was right. I hope I hear from you again, but somehow I know I'll understand if I don't. So, in the mean time, be careful playing quidditch, and do something that will make you happy. Give your family my best.
Sincerely,
Hermione
She knew that it wasn't the same as telling him in person how she felt, but writing him a letter felt like the right thing to do, and it gave her a sense of closure that she would have never gotten if she hadn't written it. She took a deep breath and left the note on the table in the kitchen. Then she gathered up her things and sat them by the entrance to the tent. She expected that Oliver would be by soon to say goodbye to her.
She wondered what Oliver would say when she told her about Viktor. She was sure he'd be supportive of any decision she made, but she really thought that he would agree with her. She felt right about her decision, even though she knew it was causing another to feel the pain she had once experienced.
Oliver stopped by about fifteen minutes after she finished her letter. He stepped through into the tent and looked at her. "So, how did it go?"
"It went okay I guess. I hurt him."
"That happens sometimes, I know it must hurt you."
"It does. I feel for him. I know how hard it is to know that the person you want to be with, doesn't want to be with you."
"He understands. You know he does, and I think deep down, he knows your right."
"I hope he understands. It just wasn't the right time for me."
"Don't worry, Hermione. Everything will all work out in the end."
"I hope so. I left him a letter. I wrote everything down. I thought it would be best that way."
"Probably so. I'm glad that you feel you made the right decision."
"Me to."
"It's a lot harder to do what you feel is right, then to do what you feel is right for the other person."
"I know. But I also know that I couldn't have been happy if I had done what I thought he wanted, and then he wouldn't have been happy either. I did the right thing."
"Yes, you did."
"Let's talk about something else now. I talked to Fred earlier, and that helped, and writing the letter let me feel a little bit of closure about the matter."
"Okay. That sounds like a good plan."
"So, what are you doing for the rest of the summer?"
"I will be busy with quidditch. The Quidditch World Cup is kind of like a vacation for all of the quidditch players that aren't participating. After this its back to practicing every day and doing promotions and parties every night."
"Sounds like fun."
"Oh, yes."
"I'm sure you miss quidditch, you've always been quite fanatical about it. I'm surprised you didn't go crazy these few days without your broom."
"I don't know how I survived."
"But seriously, what's your favorite thing about quidditch?"
"I like get everything free, clothes, brooms, equipment. It could make anyone want to be a quidditch player," Oliver joked.
"Seriously."
"Okay, I've always loved the defensive part of the game. In order to be a good keeper you have to be able to get into the other players' minds and see what they are thinking and what they will do."
"And you're good at getting into the other players' minds?"
"Well, yes usually."
"I'm sitting here talking to a psychic. Maybe you should take over for Trelawney. I think you'd make an excellent divination teacher."
"Yes, but then I'd miss all of the free stuff I get from being a professional quidditch player."
"True, true. But think of all of those minds you could read." Hermione joked.
Oliver laughed and said, "Hmm, I suppose it's something to consider."
They were silent for a little while before Hermione began talking again. "I really like talking to you. You're the easiest person to talk to. With my other friends, there are always things I can't say. Topics we have to avoid. I don't feel that way with you."
"Well, thank you. It's very flattering. I'm glad that you can talk so freely with me."
Hermione shrugged and sat down at one of the chairs. She motioned for Oliver to do the same. "I don't know if that's such a good thing. It's kind of scary." She sighed and rested her head on her hand. "I've never been able to talk to other girls, at least not the one's I know. Sometimes I can talk to Ginny, but she doesn't always understand. She hasn't been through what I have. She's been through a lot, but I don't know, I can't always talk to her. Although she is the closest thing I have to a 'girl friend'. Since I've been at Hogwarts, Harry and Ron have been my best friends. The only people I ever really confided in. They'd come to me with thier problems and I'd fix them, and sometimes I would tell them what was going on with me, but not always. You understand, sometimes there are things you can't tell those that you are closest to. There like brothers to me, not just my best friends, and obviously there are some things that you can't tell your brother. I don't know if I could have talked to them about Viktor. Ron always got mad when I mentioned him, real jealous although I never really understood why. Harry, he just didn't get it. He never got mad when I talked about Viktor. He just never knew what to tell me. Most times he would give me an awkward hug or a pat on the back and leave the room. And you. I haven't really known you for more than a few days. I mean I knew who you were, and I'd say hi to you when I saw you, but to me, you were just Harry's old quidditch captain."
"And now, it's different."
"Exactly, and I'm kind of scared because I feel so close to you, and it has only been a short time."
"I know what you mean."
"There's just something about you that I feel comfortable with, and I don't really understand why."
"I don't either. But I know that it's nice to have someone to talk to."
"That's true. I don't know what to do now. I'm leaving today, and you're going back to your busy quidditch schedule, and I'll probably never see or hear from you again. It's kind of sad that we have this connection and that we won't be able to do anything about it."
"We can owl each other," Oliver said. "Don't worry, I don't think we'll lose touch."
"People always say that, but nobody ever actually does stay in touch. It's a natural thing. People move on."
"I think that your worrying too much. Two minutes ago you were worried because we've become so close so fast, and now you're worried about us never hearing from one another again."
Hermione laughed and said, "I guess you're right. I tend to worry to much. I can't help it."
"Somehow I had guessed that." Oliver laughed. "I don't know what would make me think that you would be a worrier all of the time."
The sat there looking at each other for a few seconds before Hermione started to talk again. "I'm really glad that we met. I think I would have had a much tougher time if you hadn't been here to talk everything through with me. Thank you."
Oliver smiled and started to speak when Fred walked in. "Hey Hermione, Oliver. Are you ready to go?"
"Is it time already?"
"Yes, you have exactly fifteen minutes until your portkey leaves. We need to hurry."
"Oh, okay," she said then stood up and turned to Oliver who had just risen from his seat as well. "Well, it's been nice having you around these past few days."
Oliver smiled at her and said, "It's been good getting to know you. I hope you'll owl me."
"Of course I will. I'm just worried about Mr. Big Shot Quidditch Player owling me back." Hermione teased.
Oliver laughed and gave her a hug. Fred looked back and forth between the two of them and then got an idea. "Oh, bloody hell!"
"What is it Fred?" Hermione asked with a look of concern on her face.
"I forgot all about it. I was supposed to take this beautiful blonde out tonight, her name's Sarah something or other. Hermione, would you hate me too much if I left Oliver here in charge of seeing you home?"
"No, no, that's fine Fred, but I don't need anyone to see me home. I'll be fine. I've been through far worse than a portkey and a mile walk home."
"Oh, nonsense, Hermione. If you're that set on Oliver not going with you I'll blow off the beautiful blonde and see you home," He sighed playfully and said, "Oh, the things I do for you, Hermione. Why, if I didn't feel like you were a sister to me, I wouldn't even bother."
"It's not that I'm set on Oliver not going with me, I'm just sure he has something better to do than to take me home."
"No, Hermione, that's okay. I'd love to see you home."
"See, what did I tell you Hermione. My old quidditch captain is quite the gentlemen." Fred said and gave Oliver a pat on the back. "I better be going, mates. Wouldn't want to keep Samantha waiting."
"I thought you said her name was Sarah?" Hermione asked.
"Ah, right you are. It's a good thing you reminded me, Hermione, luv. I could have gotten in a little bit of trouble." Fred grinned and gave Hermione a hug and a smacking kiss on the cheek. "Well, I'm off."
Hermione laughed and said as Fred ran out the tent, "Hmm, so who do you think this Sarah slash Samantha character is?"
"Probably a figment of his imagination," Oliver said. "He was a great quidditch player, but sometimes I wonder if he is really sane."
"Oh, it was determined ages ago that both he and George are out of their minds, but you have to love them for it."
"Yes, I suppose you do." Oliver said. "So, I guess we better get going. We don't want to miss your portkey."
"No, we don't. There's no telling when the next one will leave."
They each picked up a piece of Hermione's luggage before they left the tent and began walking away. Hermione looked back at the tent and felt a little sad that she hadn't been able to say goodbye to Viktor. "It'll be alright Hermione." Oliver said quietly.
"I know," Hermione said as they continued to walk. Oliver put his spare arm around her supportively and they walked in silence.
Hermione looked up at him and asked, "How long will it hurt?"
"I don't know," Oliver said. "It kind of depends on the person."
"I wish it would stop, soon."
"You just have to let it go, Hermione. The sooner you do, the less pain you'll feel. You didn't do anything wrong. You did what you thought was best. You didn't love him. What you're feeling now is guilt, and you should try not to feel that way, it's not your fault."
She sighed and said, "I know. You're completely right."
Oliver smiled and said, "I know, I'm always right."
This made Hermione smile as well and she replied, "Well, I don't know about that."
They walked a little while more before Oliver started to laugh again, "That Fred Weasley is a character. I don't know quite what he had up his sleeve."
"Oh, with him, who knows. I wonder why he wanted us to be alone. He knows that we're just friends."
"I know. I guess I've never thought of Fred as a matchmaker. It's kind of funny when you think about it."
Hermione laughed, "I guess you're right. Should I tell him that we've decided to get married so that he feels a bit of accomplishment."
"Well it would serve him right. But I think you should tell him that we eloped and we're already married. I think he'd find that amusing."
They had both stopped because they were at the place were the porkeys were kept. Oliver said a few words to the portkey keeper, a man Hermione had never seen before, but one who seemed to know Oliver.
"Do you know him, Oliver?" Hermione whispered.
"Slightly, I think I've met him once at one of my matches. He says that we're the only one taking the 6:00 portkey."
"How much time do we have?"
Oliver looked at his watched and said, "Only about a minute. We should get ready."
Oliver and Hermione both shifted the luggage they were holding and grabbed on to the old hat the porkey keeper had given them and within a few seconds they both felt the familiar pull around the navel and were soon at their destination.
They both hit the ground hard and Hermione lost her balance which sent her flying into Oliver. He grabbed her before she could fall and she found herself caught in his strong arms. She looked up at him and laughed, "I don't know when I'll ever get used to those things."
He laughed as well and smiling down at her said, "Well, I guess it's a good thing that I was here then. You would have fallen right on your arse."
Hermione noticed how close they were and pulled away from him, "My house is only about a mile away. You don't have to go with me."
"Nonsense, what kind of gentlemen would I be if I didn't walk you home. Why think of how disappointed Fred would be."
"And you couldn't live with Fred not thinking you were a gentlemen?"
"Well, of course not," Oliver said. "No, but seriously. I don't mind walking you home. It just gives me more time to spend with you."
Hermione looked a little surprised at his comment, but quickly recovered, "Well, if you're sure you don't care, I wouldn't mind having the company."
"No, it's no trouble. Now which way are we going."
Hermione pointed, "It's that town down there."
"Well, I guess we should get you home."
They walked along in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Oliver said, "So tell me about your family. I'm assuming they're muggles seems how they live in this town."
"Yes, they are, they're both dentists."
"Oh, one of my muggle-born friends told me abut them during my 7th year. They're quite fascinating. Why anyone would want to look inside people's mouths all day, is beyond me."
"I don't quite understand it either, but they enjoy it. I remember when I was a little girl I hated to brush my teeth. You would think that I had taken a blow at them, they were so offended."
Oliver laughed and Hermione asked, "So what about your family. They must be wizards?"
"Yes, they are. I grew up flying and watching my parents do magic."
"They must be very proud of you then, for accomplishing your dream of becoming a professional quidditch player. I don't think my parents would understand it if I told them that I made my living playing a sport they'd never heard of, especially one where it's common to lose teeth."
"I'm sure they'd be horrified, but they'd probably try to come to all of your matches."
"Yes, they would. I have the most wonderful parents in the world. They're so supportive of me. Although they do worry about me constantly."
"Well, can you blame them. You're Harry Potter's best friend. That puts you in a dangerous position, and I'm sure it's scary for them to know that one of the most well protected and important wizards in the world counts on you for advice and help in all of his various plots to save the world."
Hermione laughed, "You make it all sound so scary and important, but in all reality, it has become part of my life. I do what I can to keep my friends safe and if I help 'save the world' as you put it, well then I guess that just a bonus."
"So you told your parents about Harry and about the Chamber of Secrets and all of that other stuff you three have done?"
"Do I look crazy? I try not to tell them that I am so directly involved in what is going on in the wizarding world. They'd never let me go back to school if they knew how much danger I've been in. They know that there are problems in the wizarding world and I told them about you-know-who. They know that he tried to kill Harry, but they don't know about the chamber of secrets or the sorcerers stone or when we went to the Ministry of Magic in my 5th year or any of the other dangerous situations I've been in."
"It must be hard to keep that from them."
"It's necessary. I have to be at Hogwarts. Iit's where I belong, and I have to be there for Harry and Ron. I consider it my duty to them as their friend."
"You really love them."
"Yes, I do, but there are still things that I can't talk to them about, just like there are things that I can't tell my parents."
Oliver looked at her intently and then said, "You know. I just realized that there are probably a lot of things that you, Harry, and Ron have been through that I don't even know about."
"You couldn't imagine. I'm sure you'd be surprised to hear that some of our adventures haven't been published in the papers."
"So you've probably risk your life more times than you can count."
"Oh, probably. It's just part of the job description." Hermione said dryly.
"Don't you ever get scared of dying?"
"I'm always scared, Oliver. It's something you learn to live with."
Oliver stopped and stared at her, "That's not the way you're supposed to feel. You're young, not even of legal age yet. How can you be expected to risk your life for the whole wizarding world?"
"Don't worry Oliver. There are people and things that are always protecting me, and we are never supposed to be put into the dangerous situations that we always seem to find ourselves in. It just happens no matter how much we are protected."
"That's a big burden to bare."
"Yes, it is, but I would much rather be there to help and protect my friends than to wait while they're out risking their lives for the rest of the world."
"I guess I can understand that. I don't think that I could sit by while my friends were facing the most terrifying wizard in the world."
"I would have guessed that you'd be one for getting into the fight, and helping out. I guess it's the Gryffindor in you."
"Yes, I guess. Sometimes I wish I could help. You-know-who has risen, even the papers will admit it, and I'm spending my time playing a sport which doesn't help in the fight against you-know-who at all."
"You entertain the people who are fighting. That's important too."
"I suppose so. As much as I love quidditch, sometimes I feel as though I should have done something useful to help the wizarding world. I could have worked at the ministry, or even went to auror training."
"But do you think you would have enjoyed it?"
"Not as much as I like being a quidditch player, but I would have felt useful."
"I'm sure there are things that you can help with on your downtime. If you really wanted to do something, talk to Dumbledore."
"I haven't talked to him since I graduated. He probably doesn't even remember me."
"I don't think Dumbledore ever forgets any of the students that went to Hogwarts. That man seems to know everything. If you really want to help, he's the person that you should talk to."
"I might do that. I don't know if there is anything I can do."
"I don't know, but I think that Dumbledore can always find something for you to do. I wouldn't worry about it."
They were at the edge of town now, and Oliver asked, "So are we getting close to your house?"
"Yes, it's right around that corner," Hermione said pointed to her left.
They were both silent for a little while, and for the first time they were having trouble thinking of something to say.
Finally Oliver started to speak again, "So, are you ready to get back to Hogwarts?"
"I don't know," Hermione said. "A part of me is excited to get back there, it's such a big part of my life, it's pretty much my second home, but there's another part of me that wants it to be summer forever."
Oliver laughed and said, "But don't you miss all of the schoolwork?"
"I have found plenty of work to do over the summer. I've read each of my books three times, outlined every chapter, and even wrote a few essays about the extremely interesting things I read."
"I've never known anyone who loved to learn the way you do. When I was in school, it was hard enough for me to read assigned chapters during school, much less over summer break."
"And I could never get up on a broom in front of thousands and thousands of fans and play quidditch. We're very different people."
"You're right about that. Maybe that's why we get along so well. They do say that opposites attract."
"Yes, they do."
"And you must admit we're about as opposite as you can get."
"I don't know about that. We have some things in common. There must be a reason we were both sorted into Gryffindor."
"Yes, I supposed." Oliver said as they stopped in front of a house. "So, this is where you live."
"Yes, this is home." Hermione replied. "Thank you for seeing me home. It was good to see you."
"Yes, it was good to see you as well. I hope I'll get to see you again soon."
"I hope so too, but I don't know when we will actually see each other again."
"Me neither, but for some reason, I'm sure that we will stay friends."
"Why do you say that?" Hermione asked as she climbed the steps to the front porch.
"I don't know, I guess I just have a feeling." Oliver replied.
"Well, I hope your feeling is right." Hermione said. "I don't want to lose this."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I don't exactly know how to explain it, but I don't want to lose this relationship that we have. This friendship."
"I don't think we will," Oliver said and set down the luggage he was carrying. "I don't think this feeling we have for each other will ever die."
They both stared at each other and were silent for a few seconds before Oliver said, "So, do you want to go get something to eat?"
Hermione looked up at him thoughtfully before saying, "I don't think that's a good idea. My parents are waiting for me, and I just don't think now is the time."
"Oh," Oliver said. "I didn't mean like a date or anything."
"I know what you meant," Hermione replied. "I just think that I should go inside."
"Okay, well then, I guess this is goodbye." Oliver said awkwardly.
"Goodbye," Hermione said and she set her luggage inside the door. Oliver started to turn to leave and Hermione stopped him and gave him a hug. "I'll miss you."
Oliver pulled her closer and said, "I'll miss you too."
"I don't even know why I feel this way. We haven't known each other for very long. I don't know why I've gotten so attached to you."
Oliver sighed and held her tightly, "I don't know either. It's very confusing, this thing that we have."
"I know. I just don't know what to do about it."
"Me neither," Oliver said as he pulled away from her to look at her face. They sat staring at each other for at least a minute before Oliver lowered his lips to touch hers. They weren't there for more than a few seconds and all the kiss was was a light touch of his lips to hers, but Hermione had never had another like it. It wasn't like this when she kissed Viktor. She'd never felt the spark that she felt now.
When they finally pulled away from each other Hermione opened the door and stepped inside. "I'll see you, Oliver."
"Yes, you will." Oliver replied with a huge smile on his face. "You better owl me soon."
"I will, and I'll be very disappointed if you don't owl me back," Hermione said.
"Goodbye, Hermione."
"Goodbye, Oliver."
And with that Oliver apparated and was gone, and Hermione was left to stare at the spot he had once been. Now she was sure about what Oliver had said, they would see each other again. She smiled and went in the house to say hello to her parents and to start righting to Harry and Ron to tell them all about the Quidditch World Cup and the time she had spent with Oliver Wood. Of course, she couldn't tell them exactly how much time she had spent with him, or that he had just kissed her, but she wanted to tell him about seeing him at least. She knew Harry would be pleased. And tomorrow, she would start write to Oliver. This was the end of her trip but the beginning of something with Oliver. She didn't feel so bad about leaving Viktor. Now she knew that she had done it for a reason.
A/N-So what do you think. That's the end. This is the first story I've ever finished. I'm so proud of myself. I usually never finish anything I start. I know it took a long time, but I hope it was worth the wait. Sorry it took so long to get this last chapter up. This is the second time I've written it, the first one got erased, but I'm glad because this one's a lot better. And it's long it's 5,000 words, which is the longest chapter I've ever written. Okay, now I want to thank everybody who reviewed this fic. I never would have finished it if I hadn't gotten such nice reviews. My reviewers are the people who kept me wanting to write this, and wanting to finish it, so thanks for all of the encouraging words. I am planning on writing a sequel to this fic, I just felt that it was time to end it, because Hermione was back at home and they wouldn't be able to see each other every day. I have a few plans for the sequel, but I don't know when I'll post the first chapter. Hopefully soon. Thanks again to everyone who reviewed. Have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Thanks to all my reviewers!
