Chapter 7
Love's Reflection
The next morning at breakfast, they met Ron at the Gryffindor table, "Morning," said Hermione cheerfully with a smile.
"Good morning," replied Ron in a friendly but still sad voice.
Harry nodded, "Morning," he said. Hermione and Harry made their way to the staff table, Harry sat in the Headmaster's chair and Hermione sat beside him. An older gentleman walked in and spoke to Professor McGonagall, she pointed at Harry and said something.
The older gentleman walked over, "Good morning," he said in a smooth voice that Harry distrusted immediately… It sounded too much like Uncle Vernon trying to usurp a customer's money.
"Good morning," replied Harry in a slightly suspicious tone, "What can I do for you?" he asked.
"The Minister of Magic appointed me vice-Headmaster of this school," he replied.
Harry felt his suspicion peak, Hermione glanced at him, 'Nothing rash Harry,' she thought to him.
Harry glanced at her and then back to the newcomer, "What is your name?" he asked.
"My name is Aden Malvina," Malvina replied, "But please, call me Aden."
"Well, Aden, I'm doing fine with the administration, perhaps you could tell the Ministry to not interfere," Harry shot back.
"We're not interfering, we're merely trying to help you," said Malvina with the air of trying to explain to a child why he or she should eat vegetables.
"Or manipulate me," answered Harry, "You know very well that you are what you are trying to do. You're hoping that I'll depend on you, then roll over to your every command."
"Harry!" Hermione scolded.
'Sense his mind…' replied Harry.
'No!' she continued to scold, 'Don't do that.'
"No thank you, as far as 'vice-Headmaster, but I do have a job for you," Harry gave a smile.
'Hmm, it's a start,' thought Malvina.
"Okay what?" Malvina asked.
"Harry, that wasn't very nice, you shouldn't have sent him to scrub bedpans without magic," Hermione said severely.
"Herm, listen to their minds, sometimes you'll pick stuff up; besides, at least we'll have clean bedpans," replied Harry as he stifled laughter.
"We shouldn't do that though, it's an abuse of our gifts," Hermione said.
Harry sighed, "You're right," he said put his arm around her, "I guess I'm just a little overly suspicious. But with such a beautiful and wonderful girlfriend, who wouldn't be?" he gave her a smile as she rolled her eyes but smiled none the less.
"Thanks Harry," she said returning his hug, "I love you too."
Harry noticed Hermione was trying to hide something, "What is it?" asked Harry gently.
Hermione sighed, "Nothing," she replied fingering her ring finger.
"Hermione Granger, I know something is wrong," Harry scolded slightly.
Hermione smiled at him, "Okay, I admit there is, but I don't want to say what," she admitted.
Harry sighed, "Please, my love?" he begged.
Hermione sighed, "I still don't want to tell you," she said.
"Is it… that you want your ring back?" asked Harry perceptively. Hermione's pulse went up, her mind raced was Harry going to give it back to her? Was he going to propose to her again?
Her quick glance at him said yes but something else told him no, "Maybe, I don't know, maybe I just feel guilty," she replied then she stopped.
Harry smiled at her, "Well, continue," he said quietly gently.
"Harry… I can't…" she said in a choking voice. She ran ahead, Harry sighed as he took off after her…
""Hermione?" he said hesitantly, "Why don't you sit down."
Hermione sat, "What Harry?" she asked curiously trying to stop crying.
Harry got on one knee, "Hermione Granger, would you consent to marry me?" he asked taking her ring from his pocket.
"Harry… I…I… I don't know," she said.
Harry looked downcast, "Okay, what is the problem?" he asked.
"I feel so torn," Hermione said, "I feel still the personality Ahriman created in me, that part keeps telling me that Ron is the one for me…"
Harry sat beside her, "Whatever you want," he said quietly anger returning. He stood and started down the stairs… "Never cast you aside?" he muttered to himself.
Hermione caught up with him, "Harry wait, please…" she said quietly, "I'm sorry, I just felt so unsure for a moment, please…" Harry paused a moment, thinking, Hermione hugged him, "Please… Harry…" she begged.
"Would you?" he asked softly.
"Yes," Hermione answered, "Just give me some time to sort it all out."
"Sure," replied Harry slightly emotionlessly. Hermione started crying again, Harry sighed as he held her, he knew she felt very bad but so did he; she was the only person on this planet that meant anything to him anymore. He wondered if they would ever get back together again…
"I have succeeded… somewhat," said Ahriman.
"How so?" asked Voldemort.
"I have kept them separated… for now, Ron failed to keep her under control, but there is still hope he may once again stop her," replied Ahriman, "I will order my counterparts to OverShadow her again… once we have the opportunity; although I doubt it will be soon."
"Ron must be valuable to you," said Voldemort, "Perhaps as an inlet to Harry Potter?"
Ahriman laughed, "Who cares about Ron? Or Harry Potter? Even Hermione Granger, she is merely a method I have chosen," he replied.
"Method of… what?" asked Voldemort.
"I just want him to keep Harry Potter and Hermione Granger apart and do the tasks I appointed him," continued Ahriman totally ignoring Voldemort.
"Why?" asked Voldemort.
"Why do you think?" asked Ahriman in a superior voice.
"I don't know," said Voldemort angrily.
"If Harry Potter and Hermione Granger have children together, they may keep the Shadows at bay for all time," replied Ahriman.
"How is that?" asked Voldemort. Ahriman ignored him again, "Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, on the other hand, their children would pose no danger and the last direct descendent of the Ancient One would die, both childless and alone. No heir would be born to inherit the responsibility to keep us at bay." Ahriman laughed in an evil voice, "He could also be the destruction of both of us, but it would accomplish my end… The world destroyed."
"What kind of end is that?" asked Voldemort.
"Revenge," replied Ahriman, "Revenge against the world for wrongs done to us."
"What wrong?" asked Voldemort.
"Our father has been dead for many years Ahriman," came a new voice.
"Michael, we have lived for more than 10,000 years, how can we say that he is not still alive?" asked Ahriman.
"You know why…" said Michael, "You know the basis of our immortality."
"Yes, I do, but how can we be sure he did not find it as well?" asked Ahriman, "I will seek vengeance, even if you won't."
"I will stop you," replied Michael as he disappeared.
"What tasks did you appoint Ron?" asked Voldemort.
"To bring together my assembled army, an army of students at Hogwarts," replied Ahriman, "I have been working on it since last year."
Harry sat in his room, he felt so lonely… so alone in this world, nothing could help, he was tired, but Hermione had stayed in her room… Harry knew she was hiding something, he knew also that part of it was doubt about everything she remembered, she wasn't sure who or what to trust. Harry heard a scream, somewhere outside his thoughts, random scared thoughts occurring in some part of his narcomic brain. It took a few seconds to register and then he got up quickly, slid his hood over his head and headed for the hall at a run. When he arrived, people were gathered watching something in the corner. "What's going on?" asked Harry. Harry made his way though the crowd, Hermione was pushing herself as hard as possible into the corner while Professor McGonagall attempted to calm her. Harry listened as Hermione spoke, her words were not English, but in another language, Harry approached Professor McGonagall, "Professor, she doesn't understand you, you can't calm her," Harry said in a slightly amused tone as she continued to try to calm Hermione.
"THEN WHO CAN SPEAK THAT?!" Professor McGonagall shouted angrily at him.
"It is strange, she picked it up," replied Harry, "… perhaps because it reflects her reason for this…"
"What?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"Very few can speak it, in fact, only two in this school can," Harry replied, "We… have a special connection. She feels confused, lonely."
Professor McGonagall snorted, "Headmaster or not, I still don't believe that," she said skeptically.
Harry merely smiled, "Okay, whatever you want to believe, but… well, either way, back up slowly, she may either disappear into the wall behind her, not good, or do something else that is far more… irrational, not to mention dangerous, well… for you anyway."
Professor McGonagall glanced at him and reached out to Hermione, "It's okay dear, come on," she said.
Hermione snarled something only Harry understood, Professor McGonagall was thrown back crashing into the wall on the other side of the common room.
Harry sighed, "Told you," he muttered. Hermione continued to mutter quietly, Harry felt sorry for her…
Ron came down, "What's all the fuss?" he asked irritably.
"Professor Granger's gone crazy," answered a first year.
"What?" asked Ron as he approached her. Hermione began to mutter more quickly and angrily. "What's the problem Hermione?" he asked, "There isn't a problem is there?" Harry was about to warn Ron to back off when Hermione snapped and Ron rammed hard into the wall and landed in a heap with Professor McGonagall.
"Sorry, should have warned you… earlier' although, to be honest, you deserved it," said Harry in an almost laughing tone.
"Who are you?" asked Ron, "Wait a minute, aren't you… You're the one that…" Ron was about to curse him.
"MR. WEASLEY, THAT IS QUITE ENOUGH!" said Professor McGonagall.
"Who… Who…?" asked Hermione in a muttering voice. Harry felt her confusion,
"Hermione…" he said compassionately in the Ancient tongue, the walls whispered with him, "Hermione… calm down, you're safe." "Who can I trust?" Hermione kept muttering over and over, "Who can I love?"
As Harry approached her, he said something… "I'm sorry… I didn't mean for this to happen, I shouldn't have…" he said quietly trying to remind her… Hermione felt her memory straining, she was trying to remember something… something she didn't ever want to share with anyone else… something they had never admitted nor mentioned… as he approached something in his voice stopped her from cursing him, he knelt down in front of her and slid his hood back slightly so only she could look at him and continued in the Ancient tongue, "You can always trust your heart," he answered placing his hand over her heart. Now she could remember:
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean for this to happen, I shouldn't have…" Hermione said. "Oh Hermione," replied Harry, "Don't feel guilty, I came because…" Harry paused, "You're a very good friend," he finished lamely, Hermione groaned, she could tell he was lying, "You're not a good liar," said Hermione. "Okay…" said Harry kneeling in front of her, Hermione felt her pulse go up… she hadn't expected him to feel this way… "Hermione I-I-I-…" he started, Hermione didn't wait for him to finish; she kissed him… They parted, "You know, that's the only pleasant thing that's happened to me since I was kidnapped…" Hermione said quietly. Harry touched her face, "Hermione…" he said quietly, "I…" he trailed off, Hermione smiled at him. "Oh Harry… I couldn't admit it to you… I'm sorry, I think both our timing stinks, but better now than never…" she said trailing off. Harry kissed her again… "I love you Harry," she said as they parted. "I should have told you earlier… that I… this is not the time, huh?" asked Harry tearfully. "Oh Harry, better late than never…" she replied, "I just wasn't sure if…" she trailed off. "Hermione," he said quietly, he placed his hand on her heart… "You can always trust your heart…" he trailed off as he slid his arm around her partially bare back… they got closer and closer…
She remembered all the emotions she had felt then, doubt was not among them… what happened between them was… wonderful… she glanced up at him. "Your heart knows a truth that cannot be covered up or broken, your soul cries out for someone, no matter what or who tries to cover it up you know otherwise. We have traded part of our souls to one other Herm, that is a bond that can never be broken," Harry paused, Hermione remembered something, Harry had done for her…
"Herm," came a soft loving voice, "Shhh, rest, you're safe." "Harry?" she asked sobbing, "I'm so sorry," she continued to sob uncontrollably. Harry just held her, softly pulling her hair behind her ears. "You almost gave your life for me didn't you?" she asked still sobbing. "Yes," answered Harry. "Why?" she asked, "I did something horrible, unforgivable." Harry waved a hand at the door, curious faces were starting to appear at the windows, the windows clouded until they were as solid looking as the doors themselves, Harry felt a little bit of irritation, this was a time for discretion, and the door was then sealed so only Harry could break it. Then with another wave put up a concealment spell that none, save him, could ever remove. "Because, I couldn't live anyway," said Harry quietly. Hermione wanted to lay there and die, "We've already done that Herm, I would rather we both live, we could have so much to look forward to," Harry said softly into her ear. "How did you know?" she asked. "We are telepathically connected, this time, permanently," answered Harry. "Did my dad ask Madam Pomfery whether I would survive?" she asked as her brain became aware enough to make the connection. "Yes, your parents are alive," said Harry. "Are they here?" she asked. "Yes and no, yes they are on the school grounds, no they are not in here," replied Harry. "They may find it strange to have a boy holding their daughter in such a state," she replied. "Herm, they wouldn't know, I asked them to leave, along with Madam Pomfery, Professor Dumbledore and Ron. They knew this was something just between us, we have formed an eternal bond Herm, something no one else has done, ever," Harry said. "What eternal bond?" she asked. "We have traded part of our souls to one other Herm, that is a bond that can never be broken, I saved you from the jaws of death, something no one, in their right mind, would have tried to accomplish." Harry said softly whispering in her ear "Then why did you?" she asked, tears that had abated came back. "Because, without you, my loving Herm, I can never be in my right mind, never whole again," he answered, "Shh, enough questions, please rest."
Harry continuing in the Ancient language, "Your heart and soul tell you no lies, only truth… no hope… only reality." His words echoed the past… 'No hope, only reality…' Hermione remembered fighting the urge to kiss Harry,
Hermione smiled at Harry, "Staying with us then?" she asked then whispered, "Dare I hope?" Harry took some of the stuff she was carrying.
"No hope, only reality," responded Harry. Hermione suppressed her very keen desire to kiss him before she and Mrs. Granger chased Harry and Mr. Granger upstairs so they could wrap presents.
"Lies always leave scars within us, truth describes our scar; would you like me to describe it for you?" Harry continued, Hermione looked at him… looking deep in thought, trying to remember. "Is your wound better?" he asked. Then she could remember;
Harry and Hermione settled down in the common room, they were both itching to go for a walk outside, it was a little chilly but not bad. This winter had been mild. Hermione held Harry's hand quietly. Harry could feel her inner battle, he couldn't blame her, he wanted to get out of the castle too. Harry felt his vision go in and out of focus for a moment. Harry shook his head, "Whoa," said Harry. "What?" said Hermione leaning on his shoulder. "I just felt my vision go then come back," he replied. Hermione slid her arms around him. "That reminds me, is your wound better?" he asked. "Yeah, much, but I haven't really looked, it's not in a good spot," Hermione answered as she smiled. "Would you like me to describe it for you?" Harry smiled back. "Sure," she replied. She pulled up the back of her shirt, "Ouch, that had to hurt," Harry said. "Is it really bad?" she asked tentatively. "Not the scarring, it just looks like whatever made it had to hurt" Harry said. "Well, you should know, you saw it," replied Hermione enjoying the sensation of Harry running his fingers gently across her back, it didn't seem to hurt anymore. "It gives you character," Harry commented. Hermione ribbed him hard, "You know absolutely nothing about girls," she said acidly, "They don't want that type of character." "Maybe not," said Harry, "But I think it looks good. You will always be beautiful." He smiled as he slid his arms around her bare waist, Hermione shivered, "Really?" she asked, "Why?" "Because, you've proved your friendship and love beyond a shadow of a doubt," responded Harry with a smile. She pressed back into him, Harry hugged her.
Harry watched carefully, "In our lives, we run into children who require our help, whether they are our own or not… We are obligated to help the next generation…" Another memory echoed… Harry on one knee, helping a small boy…
Hermione wandered around while her mother shopped, she was drawn to one part in the store, she was looking around when she saw Harry in a white cloak passing by; he went by a small child who was staring intently at something, but then stopped. Harry turned around, "What you looking for?" asked Harry kneeling down, his eyes filled with kindness and compassion. Hermione suddenly felt like déjà vu, something struck a memory, she was in a classroom, Harry was teaching the class of first years,
"Do you know how to defeat a boggart?" asked Harry. "Ridikulous?" asked the boy. "Good try, that is how you force a boggart into a different form, but you defeat him with laughter," replied Harry. Hermione smiled, Harry was so good with the little kids, he would make a good father for her children. She blushed a little at the thought, but she found it almost natural. Harry glanced at her smiling; Hermione smiled back thinking how good a husband he would be for her as well. After the class ended Hermione was more convinced then ever that Harry would be a good father and husband.
Hermione shook her head; where did that come from? Hermione watched Harry, "A final present for my mother's last birthday, she's been sick for quite a while… Dad says she won't last much longer and I found this, but it is too expensive," said the little boy. Harry smiled, "Are you sure about that?" he asked, Hermione noticed his eyes were looking tired, just like hers… "Yes," said the little boy. Harry pretended to look disbelieving, "I would help you out, but you've got plenty," he smiled. "No, I don't," said the little boy looking hurt. "Then what is this?" asked Harry reaching behind the child's ear and handing him a 100 pound note, "You should clean out the back of your ears more often." The little boy hugged Harry, Harry whispered so that the little boy couldn't hear him, the shoes the boy picked for his mother glowed for a moment. The little boy grabbed them and ran to the check out line. Harry smiled quietly, "The gift I give you is two-fold; one a gift for your mother, two the gift of life and healing for her," he muttered. People were watching Harry strangely, because of his clothing, but Harry didn't appear to care, he figured he had it where it counted. After Harry disappeared, Hermione went to find her mother; she felt so confused. Why would a Death Eater help a little child? Her mother was already checking out, she saw the little boy run out of the store. It again reminded her of the memory she had just experienced, she wondered whether it was real; this wasn't what she remembered.
Harry held out his other hand, Hermione took it. "During our lives, we find that we are sometimes too harsh or stiff with ourselves." Harry continued in the Ancient language, then whispered, "Have been all my life…" Hermione remembered…
Harry and Hermione on the beach, finishing a picnic as the sun peeked over the mountain tops. The dawn stretched and yawned as the day approached, Hermione leaned back onto Harry's chest. It seemed to Harry the perfect start to the day. Hermione sighed, "This is the life Harry," she said. "Yeah," replied Harry, "The most beautiful girl in the entire world leaning against you… How could it get better?" Hermione laughed, "Maybe she asks you if you want to study with her…?" she hinted. Harry smiled, "Sure, accio," he responded. His books came flying out the common room window, "Harry, you're suppose to do that with a wand!" scolded Hermione. Harry sighed, "Sorry Herm, I forgot," he replied with a smile. "Well, don't forget when the other students arrive," said Hermione, "That may look a little suspicious." Harry smiled at her as he pulled her hair back. Hermione closed her eyes enjoying it, as Harry continued to pull her hair back, Hermione sighed with contentment. Harry kissed her forehead lightly, she smiled at him. "Harry, it doesn't seem like anything could ever go wrong right now does it?" she asked. "You're right, it doesn't," replied Harry softly, "Just remember this during the bad times, it will carry us through." Hermione kissed Harry, "I know, but I hope we have few bad times and many good times," she said as she pulled back and continued leaning against him. She picked up Harry's transfiguration book and started reading it to him. Harry listened attentively, Hermione had really helped him pull up his grades in Potions and Transfiguration just by forcing him to read the book before school began. He lay down on the sand; Hermione continued to read while lying on his stomach. Harry stroked her hair, "Harry, are you trying to distract me?" asked Hermione. "No," replied Harry. "Well, you're doing a good job of it," she said trying not to show home much she really enjoyed it. "Sorry, I just like to do that," he smiled. Hermione sighed, "Well, I like it too much, I can't read," she smiled, "Want me to continue?" "Yes, but I still want to stroke your hair," Harry laughed. Hermione put down Harry's book and turned around, she smiled at Harry, "I know you're being affectionate Harry, but I really want to finish the last two pages!" she said. "Really? Last two?" asked Harry eagerly. "Yes, then we're done," she said. "Well, continue then praytell," Harry smiled. Hermione lay back down and continued to read, Harry listen attentively again, but this time he was fighting the urge to continue stroking her hair. She finished and put the book down, "Now you can continue," said Hermione. Harry sat up and started rubbing her shoulders, Hermione sat up, this felt good. "You're very stiff," said Harry. "Yep, have been all my life," replied Hermione laughing. Harry kissed the back of her neck, Hermione enjoyed it. "Harry," she said softly. "Yes Herm?" he asked. "I really wish you would hurry up and ask my dad," she said. "All in good time," said Harry smiling.
Harry continued as he watched her face and mind carefully, allowing her to relive her life, "The Centaurs say the future is written in the stars. So that leaves one question for us, is that our destiny written in the stars?" he asked. Hermione remembered something her heart not only told her was true… but screamed it…
They appeared at Hogwarts, "Why'd we come here?" she asked. Without answering It had hit Harry, he had absorbed it. But Harry had been knocked out, an arrow flew, it hit Voldemort in the shoulder, more came, Death Eaters started to fall, too many, Voldemort ran, the giants came to his aid. The Centaurs and teachers joined together, they proved formidable but were losing. The giants swung their clubs hard and fast, Hermione sobbed. She kissed his lips, their necklaces once again touched. Light erupted, Hermione found herself looking at Harry who was sitting at the edge, just like she had. "Harry, please," she sobbed. Harry stood up and walked towards her, they both had a light shimmering beneath their skin, he touched her face and wiped away her tears. "Herm, I'm not going anywhere yet," said Harry, "I still have something left, something that must be done. But I was waiting for you." He smiled at her. They kissed, rain started to fall, "Herm, I love you more than life itself," Harry said as their foreheads touched. Hermione gave a sobbing laugh, "I love you too Harry," she replied just before she fainted from exhaustion. Harry picked her up, "ENOUGH!" he yelled, "TOO LONG HAVE WE BEEN FIGHTING." The giants stopped and watched the small one that dared to try to stop them. They rushed towards him, Harry looked up, the clouds gathered dark and threatening, lighting flashed, thunder roared. Lighting reached towards the group of giants, many fell. The giants rebounded, after a few seconds. Harry held up a finger, the rest fell as if they had run into a brick wall. Harry whispered, the ground shook and trembled, the giants roared as the earth opened to receive them, swallowing the last of the giants; the end of a race, Harry felt a tear escape. He turned, Voldemort was almost outside of Hogwarts grounds, Harry watched as he reached the end of the gate. Harry sighed, Voldemort vanished. That was one battle still to be fought. He held up his palm, Voldemort tripped and fell, Harry smiled as he dragged him back, not caring to pick him up off the ground beforehand. Harry whispered to himself again, the ground opened wide, Voldemort was nearing the edge, Harry stopped him. "Tom, I wish things could have turned out differently, we may have in time become friends," Harry said sadly. Harry pulled with his finger, Voldemort, Tom Riddle, the last heir of Slytherin, fell screaming. Harry turned away sadly, the ground rumbled and closed. Many of the teachers and Centaurs were hurt, Harry lifted them off the ground and allowed them to float behind him up to the hospital wing.
After Harry handed a limp Hermione to Madam Pomfery, he fell to his knees, exhausted. "On to the bed," she said pointing to the one next to Hermione. Harry couldn't get up. He lay on the floor, out of breath and strength. The clouds dispersed and the sun shone. Madam Pomfery levitated him onto a bed. Harry fell asleep.
When he awoke it was night, Hermione was by his bedside. "Harry!" she whispered, "You okay?" "Yes," replied Harry, "Come on, I'm not letting Voldemort ruin this night." "Where we going?" asked Hermione. Harry dragged her up to the West tower, "Herm, you remember when you found me here?" he asked. "Yes," she replied with a smile at the memory. Harry smiled as she sat down, "Herm, you know the best moment in my life?" he asked. "No," she answered in a questioning tone. "When a bossy little girl asked me if I had seen a toad named Trevor." He paused, Hermione giggled, "I remember that," she said. "Now I look back and I see that you are my life, without you, I couldn't live; there would be nothing left to fight for. You are my reason for continuing both my external and internal battles," Harry said. Hermione looked suspicious, but her pulse doubled, her breathing fast and shallow, "What do you mean?" she asked. Harry got down on one knee, "Hermione Granger, the Centaurs say the future is written in the stars. So that leaves one question for us, is that our destiny written in the stars?" he asked looking towards the horizon behind him. Hermione sighed in disappointment; Harry was asking her a question about homework! She looked, there was nothing, but then the stars from across the sky streaked as they moved together to form the words brightly in the heavens 'Hermione Granger, will you marry me?''. Hermione started crying, Harry pulled out a glass box, "Harry, I will," she said crying. Harry put the ring on her left hand. She hugged and kissed him passionately, still sobbing. She saw that within the ring's diamond form the words, 'Hermione Granger, the most beautiful loving fiancé a man could ever hope for.' "Harry," she said tears in her eyes, "This is what I have been wanting for a long time." "Herm, my loving fiancé, my secret is I forged an alliance with the Centaurs, later we will have to fight beside them," Harry admitted. "I love you Harry, so much, it hurt me that you hadn't proposed to me already, I thought you had to get permission from my dad," Hermione sobbed. "No, I got it before I left after Christmas, but I had to ask someone else, someone who could help me ask you correctly," said Harry. "Who?" she asked. "My dad," said Harry in a whisper. "When can we get married?" asked Hermione. "I thought that summer after next would be good," smiled Harry, "I won't rush this, it is too important." Hermione and Harry lay down and watched the stars for a while, Hermione constantly holding his hand. "Harry, what is in our future?" she asked. Harry looked into the distance, "Herm, it is two fold, what we make it and what others will make of theirs," he replied, "That means; there will be trials and tribulations, joys and pleasures. But I do say, our joys will out number the trials; our pleasures will outweigh our tribulations, as long as we stick together." They kissed and wished for this moment to last forever.
Harry got up and backed off, their hands parted, he hoped he had gotten through to her; his question would soon be answered…