My Heart Belongs To You…Again
Chapter Eighteen: Promises Not To Be Stopped
Before she knew it, Hermione's birthday arrived. She woke up and stretched, slowly realizing she was twenty-one. She smiled and turned over, noticing Harry wasn't there. She got up and headed downstairs to the kitchen, following the smell of food as she went.
Hermione poked her head into the kitchen and saw Harry, his back turned away from her, cooking at the stove. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He grabbed her hands, entangling his fingers in hers, and turned around with a big smile on his face. He bent down and kissed her gently.
"Good morning. Hope you don't mind pancakes today."
She smiled and sat down at the table. "Yummy! You know I love your pancakes."
Harry laughed and brought her a plate full of pancakes. "Glad you like them. Did you sleep good?"
Hermione's smile faded slightly. "Yeah great. Did you?"
Harry nodded and headed back to cooking, leaving Hermione to sit and wonder. Isn't he going to say anything about my birthday? Did he forget? They talked all throughout breakfast, Hermione being slightly upset that Harry had forgotten her birthday. After they ate, Hermione went upstairs and showered, hoping Harry would remember her birthday some time.
Hermione found herself standing in front of Hagrid's hut for some odd reason unknown to her. She had received a letter earlier to meet there at 5:00. She kept hoping nothing was wrong.
She stepped up to the door and knocked lightly. She laughed to herself as she heard Hagrid try to calm Fang down. He opened the door and hugged her.
"Why 'ello Hermione. Oh it's so great to see you again. 'Appy Birthday!"
Hermione smiled. "Thanks. It's great to see you too. It's been far too long. Is anything wrong? I was a little shocked to get a letter this morning."
He laughed. "Nah, everything's fine. I'm just 'posed to give you this." He smiled and handed her a picture. She smiled as she looked at it. It was a picture of her, Harry, Ron, and Hagrid in fifth year having a snowball fight. She and Harry were trying to beat Ron and Hagrid, who were easily beating them. Hermione shut her eyes as she remembered that day, tears nearly coming from her eyes.
Hagrid smiled at her. "Turn it over…I think there might be a message on the back."
Hermione opened her eyes and looked at the back. Sure enough there was a handwritten message on the back.
We sure were innocent weren't we? If only this moment had lasted all year…the laughing, the joking, the carefree time. You made everything shine that year. I knew everything would be ok when I was with you, even after Sirius died. You kept me alive. Through the talks, the walks, and every gesture of love, I stayed alive for you. The prophecy was too damn much…until I told you. Think back and go to the place where I finally confined it in you alone.
Hermione could do nothing but try and catch her breath. She had tears blurring her vision, her hands were shaking so hard she nearly dropped the picture. Hagrid noticed her change in manner. He gently led her over and sat her down on his chair, giving her a moment to compose herself.
She took several deep breaths and wiped the tears from her eyes, chuckling. "Was Harry the one who gave this to you Hagrid?"
Hagrid smiled. "I'm not to tell ya. Strictly told not to, no matter what. You're to follow what that note says only…I can't help in any other way I'm 'fraid. You alright?"
She smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine. I wish I could stay longer, but I guess Harry wants me to do this. I've got to go." She stood up and hugged Hagrid one last time before heading to the door. "Thanks Hagrid."
"Good luck to ya. Hope you figure this whole mystery out. Take care of yourself." She headed out of the door, slowly walking toward the castle, picking her brain apart. She kept trying to remember where Harry had finally told her the prophecy. She was almost to the castle when she gasped and spun around. Their tree by the lake! How could she have forgotten? It was the one place that was just theirs…no one else knew about it to their knowledge.
Hermione took off into a sprint toward the lake, running around it slightly into the woods. She ran until she found the huge boulder that always marked the path. She slowed down, walking carefully not to trip on anything. She turned left and cut through the two trees that were just far enough part for someone to slip through. It was the only way to get through that part of the woods, which might have been the reason no one else knew about their spot.
She finally made it through all the bushes and saw their tree. She held her breath and marveled at the sight that she hadn't seen in years. It was a huge oak tree that was surrounded by many other trees, yet it stood out, not for its size but for its glow. It seemed as though the tree produced an amazing glow that always drew Harry and Hermione closer. She walked over closer and looked toward the lake. Even though the path she had just taken was the only way to get to their tree, the view of the lake was beyond breathtaking. It looked like you were looking at it from the steps of Hogwarts.
Hermione walked over to the tree and ran her hand over the letters Harry had engraved on the trunk for Christmas their seventh year. It was the greatest gift he had ever given her, not because of the letters H.P. and H.G. but because of the heart he drew around it. He had set up a beautiful picnic for her and promised her that he would place a huge heart around their initials when he got back from the war with Voldemort.
After she traced the G, an envelope appeared. She slowly reached out and grabbed it, slowly and carefully opening it. She sat down against the tree, imagining Harry laying his head on her lap like he used to as she read it.
The one spot we always called our own. We shared everything together here. You held my hand as I confessed all my pain about Sirius's death, I held you as I told you the prophecy, you gave me what could've possibly been the only hope I experience all of seventh year. You gave me the hope that I could win and come back to you. If magic saved me, then you brought me home Hermione. I expected to see you waiting for me with the others left behind, but you showed up. Go and see the person you waited with before you came and joined the war.
Hermione again felt hot tears streak down her cheeks. If she kept this up she would look like a wreck by the end of this whole thing. She decided not to move this time until she figured it out. She thought about it, smiling before too long as she easily remembered who had stayed with her until she nearly went crazy waiting on him to get back. She waited a few more moments, content in being back to this place that she and Harry loved so much. She finally sighed and stood up, heading to the castle and stopping in front of the door of her old professor's room. She smiled and knocked lightly, moments later being engulfed in a huge hug by none other than Professor McGonagall.
"Miss Granger! I was expecting to see you. It's so wonderful to see you again!" She finally let Hermione go and beamed at her old student.
"It's so wonderful to see you too. It's been a while. Wait…what did you mean you were expecting me?"
Professor McGonagall laughed. "You know what I mean. You're little hunt you've been going on! Good job on figuring it out so far." She chuckled to herself. "Knew you would…had no doubt at all. Well I won't keep you here. Here's the next part of your 'adventure': charm.
Hermione waited for her to go on, but she didn't. "That's it? That's the whole thing?" Professor McGonagall just laughed and nodded her head. Hermione was completely puzzled. She knew the word meant something important…she remembered it from somewhere; she just couldn't put her finger on it. "Uh this is so frustrating! I know I know what it is, I just can't remember exactly! I know it was in seventh year…with Harry…beginning of the year…" She gasped. "The password! The password to get into the Head dorm since he was Head Boy and I was Head Girl. Harry made it up…'charm…the good old Potter charm!' Is that it?"
Professor McGonagall smiled. "You know I can't tell you. But if you can't put that word anywhere else, I don't think you need to ask me if you're right."
Hermione smiled. "I think I am. Am I allowed to go to the dorm?"
Professor McGonagall nodded. "Of course. Good luck!" She hugged her for a moment, then Hermione hurried to the door. "Oh and Hermione…happy birthday."
Hermione smiled and rushed to the old Head dorm, stopping only once she reached the dorm. She stared at the old doors that hid the room she and Harry had shared. They couldn't express how happy they were when they realized they would be Head Boy and Girl together. Ron was just as excited…he had been prefect for two years but always seemed to believe Harry would be Head Boy. It meant so much to both of them that they had a place they could be alone to talk. If they weren't talking at their spot, they were more than likely talking in their dorm.
The old head that protruded from the door slipped out. "Why Miss Granger. Head Girl, three years ago, correct?"
Hermione smiled. "That's me. Um…I think I'm supposed to get into the dorm, but I don't know the new password…"
"Ah yes. No worry…you're supposed to simply tell me what you think you need to. It should be apparent to you."
Hermione sighed. "Ok…charm?"
"Correct. Have fun on the rest of your adventure Miss Granger." He opened the doors, causing Hermione to smile again at their old dorm from seventh year. She marveled at it, realizing it was pretty much the same. A big fire was warming the room in the fireplace, there was still a huge desk over by one wall, and only one chair and big couch were by the fire.
Hermione walked over and sat on the couch. Harry and her had spent many nights sitting on it, talking about everything going on in his life. They'd sit right next to each other as Harry poured everything to her while she held his hand to comfort him. They stayed up so late most nights that they would just curl up together and fall asleep right there on the couch.
Hermione noticed yet another letter for her on the couch. She grabbed it and sat down, opening it slowly. She smiled to herself as she saw another handwriting message.
Our couch. It always will be ours. I realized long ago that I wouldn't want to sit on that couch and tell my fears, my pain, my worries, my problems to anyone else. I poured my entire heart to you Hermione. And you never once did anything that would make me not want to tell you everything. You held onto me when I needed you, offered supportive words when I was down, listened to me when I didn't need words. You were there when they told me, remember? I knew it was coming, you were hugging me, and they came in and told me I had one hour. I'll never forget the look on your face. Remember who came with Professor Dumbledore to tell me and you've got your next and second-to-last destination.
Hermione couldn't hold the tears in. She just laid down on the couch, trying to compose herself. She'd never forget that moment, no matter how much she wanted to. Harry told her he knew it was soon, and he was scared. He tried to stay strong, but she could tell he was so worried he wouldn't make it. She spoke quietly to him, telling him what he needed to hear. She held his hand, tears swelling in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him as tightly as she could, never wanting to let go. They didn't even break apart when they heard the door open and footsteps stop upon entering the room. They finally pulled away, only to meet Professor Dumbledore's teary eyes. Hermione had never before seen her professor cry. He tried to speak but Harry nodded, saying he knew why they were there.
Hermione started crying when he muttered that he had an hour to say goodbye. Harry cupped her face and kissed her forehead, promising he would try his hardest to come back to her. He held her and comforted, not letting her go, even when saying goodbye to everyone else, until he finally had to leave. He hugged her tightly again, kissed both of her cheeks and her forehead, and wiped her tears away. He held her hand until he had to let go to take another step, and they watched each other until he left to face his destiny.
Hermione wiped her fresh tears away, thinking about who the other person was who told him. She quickly sat up as she remembered. Professor Snape…he had helped train Harry so much throughout seventh year, and while they never became what Harry and Professor Dumbledore were, Hermione always knew they both held a very high respect for each other. He had after all been standing right next to Harry when they headed for the war.
Hermione bolted out of the room, hurrying to Professor Snape's office. She quickly knocked on the door, relieved after it finally opened, and her old professor stood in front of her.
"Well I was wondering when you were finally going to get here. Took you longer than I thought it would. Well, don't just stand there…" he moved so she could enter the room, "…I imagine you want your last part."
She walked in and smiled, noticing that yet again, nothing had changed. She turned to look back at Snape, who didn't need a smile on his face to show his amusement in this whole thing. "So how is the top student of the last three years? I imagine you know this, but we still haven't had a student to date that every beat your scores. Always had to be the best didn't you?"
She smiled and scoffed. "Some things never change." She could have sworn she saw a small smile appear on his face. He walked over to her and sat on a desk. She sat down on the one right next to his.
"Alright, you're little adventure is about to come to an end. Here's the very last thing that will lead you to your final destination. You've been all over the castle, exploring past places and people, digging up old memories that you may have forgotten. Sometimes you need to take a trip down memory lane so you don't forget the past. Whether through pictures or just remembering, memories are the only things that will never leave you. So here's the riddle: If you had to go to one place to remember everything, where would you go?" Hermione hesitated, completely confused. Snape rolled his eyes and sighed. "Come on girl use your brain! There's only one possible answer to it…think about the question!"
Hermione just stared at him. "Ok…one place to remember everything…well I'd need like pictures or other things to help me remember…so it'd have to be somewhere where I'd have everything I needed…wait…anything I needed…"
She smiled as she finally realized it. Snape rolled his eyes again, a slight smile on his lips. "Finally…didn't you used to be a know-it-all Miss Granger? Tsk tsk that took far too long." He finally smiled a true smile.
Hermione practically leaped at him, wrapping him in a hug she never thought she'd give him. He tensed but chuckled. "Alright, alright get out of my class."
She laughed and ran as fast as she could to the Room of Requirement. She stopped suddenly upon reaching the wall where the room would soon appear, gasping as she realized she wasn't sure what she needed to get in. I need to go to my final destination. She walked back and forth three times by the wall, frowning when the room didn't appear. Ok…I need someplace to help me remember everything. She walked by the wall three more times, becoming very irritated when it didn't work yet again. She sighed and thought as hard as she could, pacing as she thought. I need…I need Harry. Suddenly, the door to the room appeared. Hermione slowly walked to the door, lightly touching the door handle. She took a deep breath and turned the knob, slowly entering the room.
Hermione gasped as she looked around. There was a huge fire going with a big comfy couch resting near it. In the middle of the room was a beautifully set table with candles burning in the middle and some very delicious looking food on both plates. Tears began swelling in her eyes as she looked at the walls. Tons upon tons of pictures were moving about on every inch of the walls. As she looked closer, she realized it was all the memories of her past she spent at Hogwarts. She got closer to tears as she saw all her old friends, teachers, and favorite places reminding her of everything that had happened throughout her time.
Hermione smiled as she saw her favorite thing in the whole room. Harry had his back turned to her, standing and staring in the fire. Her smile grew even bigger when he finally turned around and looked at her. "Hi."
She couldn't speak. She just stared at him as he walked over to her with a single red rose, smiling. He bent down and kissed her cheek. Harry wiped the single tear that had fallen from her eyes with his thumb, tracing her face as he went. "Hermione, I've missed your past three birthdays because of the dumbest mistake I've ever made. And every year, I've nearly gone mad because I couldn't be there with you. I thought of you every second of everyday, from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to sleep, every moment in between, and every single dream. I left you three years ago, and I promise you that I'm going to spend the rest of my life making that up to you."
Hermione did the only sensible thing she could think of…she grabbed Harry and kissed him hard on his lips. Harry, caught completely off-guard, laughed to himself after the shock wore off. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her as close as possible. They stayed like that as long as they possibly could, not wanting to break the kiss. They both finally pulled away, both smiling. Hermione chuckled softly and placed a hand on Harry's cheek.
"And I'll never stop you." Harry stared at her, smiling as he understood, and bent down and kissed her again.
Author's Note: Wow this chapter took forever to write. I hope you like it…very fluffy! Isn't Harry the greatest? I think he is! A huge, super-duper, gigantic thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions for my word issue (did you figure out which word?)! It was so hard to choose; I got tons of great ones! I ended up using one sent by Stephanie so any extra big thank-you to her! Thanks everyone!