Staying Strong

Chapter 11

Disclaimer: As much as I would absolutely love to own Draco Malfoy, I do not own a thing.

"I won again!" Tonks said proudly as she threw down her hand of cards. "Do you want to play again?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, no I think that I might take a little nap."

Tonks smiled, gathering all of the cards from the floor. "Have a nice nap." She said kindly before exiting the room. Hermione grabbed her pillow that she had been sitting on and plopped down on the bed. Pressing her hands against her heart, she sighed. Ever since her talk with Remus, she hadn't been able to think of anything but the decision that she would have to make. She knew that she had to follow Remus' advise, to follow her heart, but how could she follow her heart when it was being torn into two separate directions?

As much as she wanted to be with Remus, Hermione knew that they could never have a chance. If she and Remus were to date, it would only put pressure on both their shoulders, for they would have to keep it as private as possible. Not one of her peers could possibly know the feeling that they shared for one another. Not one of them would ever see the love and emotion that Remus expressed for Hermione, the passion radiating off of him.

But, as Hermione was feeling this for Remus, there was also Draco, the young man that she claimed that she loved, that she unconditionally accepted into her life, knowing too well of what the past had done to them. Draco had sought Hermione in his darkest hours, and with the help of rebuilding the love that he was forced to hide from his father, he had grown into a caring and decent person. It was true that Hermione loved him deeply, but with these newfound feelings for Remus, the mixture of emotions blinded her into believing what path to follow.

Staring blankly at her ceiling, she took in a long, deep breath, remembering what Remus had said only the day before: "I can't make you love me, Hermione. I know that you love Draco. I can see it in your eyes. I can feel it in your presence. But I also know that there is no room for me in that heart of yours. I know this because of the fight that you and Draco had recently. You care a tremendous amount about Draco, and as much as I have heard about your fight, I am sure that if didn't care about him, you wouldn't have put up such a fight."

When Hermione was with Remus earlier yesterday morning, the choice that she would have to make seemed so clear. She thought that she would have chosen Remus, but after what he had said to her, she believed him. She truly believed that Remus was right, that through everything that had happened, she really did love Draco. If Hermione hadn't cared about Draco, she would have never put up such a fight when he just sat there in the corner, his face expressionless, no words seeping from his mouth. If she were smart, she would have walked back out that door and never looked back.

Having listened to the pain in Remus' voice, she knew too well that this decision wasn't going to be easy for either of them. Hermione knew that Remus wanted nothing more than to be with her, as much as he claimed that she would be better off with Draco. With the guilt that was building inside of her, she knew that she had to follow her heart, and that was exactly what she was going to do. Her heart belonged with Draco.

It was only time that she would have to face Remus and tell him her final decision.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Later that night, there was a soft tap on Hermione's door as she sat on her bed, her heart starting to race. Remus poked his head through the open door, a smile spread across his face.

"I have come bearing wonderful news." He said, shutting the door behind him.

Hermione got to her feet. "What is it?"

Remus took her hands in his and smiled wearily. "He's innocent, Hermione. Draco has been cleared of all charges."

A weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. "That's wonderful,"

Remus nodded. "You can finally return to Hogwarts, and,"

"And what?" Hermione said softly, remembering that she still had to tell him her decision.

Remus softly squeezed Hermione's hands. "You can finally go back to your old life, your friends, your boyfriend who loves you more than anything in this world."

Hermione took in a breath as the pressure in her chest felt as though it had exploded. "I'm sorry, Remus, I'm so sorry." She cried, breaking out in tears.

"No, no Hermione don't do this. Please don't cry." Remus pulled her into his arms, hugging her to his chest.

"I-I thought that I-I c-could do this, but I c-can't."

Remus closed his eyes, a tear slowly falling down his cheek. "You have made the right decision, love. Don't beat yourself up about this. There's nothing wrong with following your heart. I know that your heart belongs with Draco, not me."

Hermione gripped Remus' jacket as she pulled away to look into his eyes. "I never wanted to hurt you."

Remus softly touched her cheek. "You never hurt me, Hermione, you only made me stronger."

"But how could I make you stronger when I have put you in the middle of all of this?"

Remus smiled. "You made me see something that has been trapped deep inside of me for quite a long time. You made me feel like I was in school again, back with Prongs and Padfoot and Wormtail. Being with you Hemione brought out the better side to me, the side that dwelled deep within my heart."

"I wanted to be with you, Remus, but Draco really needs me." Hermione said in a soft voice.

"I know, and I imagine that he is very grateful that he has you. You truly are a beautiful young woman."

Hermione wrapped her arms around Remus, taking in his scent and the warmth that radiated from his chest. "I never could have got through this without you. If it weren't for you, I probably would have went out and looked for Draco on my own."

Remus nodded, brushing away one of her curls from her face. "You are more than welcome."

Leaning forward, Hermione softly pressed her scarlet colored lips against his. "I love you, Remus Lupin."

Remus wrapped his arms around her, cradling her in his arms. "I love you as well, Hermione Granger."

The End

Author's Note: Tear It truly is the end. Now, I know that a lot of you are going to be disappointed in Hermione's choice. Believe me, I have already got my head nearly bitten off by Kyp...Hey there Kyp! I just wanted to thank ALL of my faithful reviewers, futuremoviemaker, CapnSilver, Lyra Parry, Lupin Lover99, Purple063, and Smiles28!
Honestly, I absolutely loved writing this story, and really appreciated all of the wonderful reviews! Love you all!

Oh, and I just wanted to say this before I go: eh Tony, just DO it! lol Love ya Kyppers!

Jess