Remus took Hermione's arm and escorted her down to the Great Hall. Green leprechauns jumped out at them along the way, reminding them how silly of an occasion this really was.

'This is ridiculous!' Remus thought. 'Leprechauns and pots of gold? What kind of holiday is this? But still ... any excuse to have a night with Hermione is wonderful.'

The inside of the Great Hall was amazing. Rainbows arched over their heads, ending in clouds. Sometimes you would see a pot of gold hidden among the clouds. The best part of the decorations was the leprechauns. Somehow, Dumbledore had convinced the house elves to dress up as leprechauns. Red beards adorned their chins and the classic green suit was fitted on each.

"Remus, look!" Hermione giggled as one walked by. "They look so cute!" The house elf scowled at the words.

"Yes, they are all great. But Hermione, I really don't care about the decorations. I am here to be with you!" Remus replied.

"Oh, get off it!" Hermione joked, trying to hide the reddish tint on her face.

"So, shall we dance?" Remus extended his arm to hers and led her to the dance floor just as a slow song came on.

They rocked back and forth for a while. Eventually and upbeat song came on and they were forced to seperate for a bit.

"They look so sweet!" Lily exclaimed to James. "Aren't they so cute together?"

"Yeah, its just too bad it has to end! I mean, couldn't we keep her here or something? They are perfect for each other," he replied.

"Ooh, are we talking about the dream couple over there?" Sirius asked as he walked up to them.

"Yes, Sirius! Who else would we be talking about?" Lily demanded.

James looked at Lily. "Well, would you like to go dance next to the dreamies?" he asked.

He led her onto the floor and danced next to Remus. Hermione caught Lily's eye for a moment and smiled at her. "This is so cool!" she mouthed.

Both couples danced until they couldn't stand any longer. At that point, Lily pulled James away and Remus led Hermione to the balcony outside. They sat down in the wooden swing that was set up for the night, slowly rocking as the cuddled closer. Hermione layed her head on his shoulder and they sat silently for a long time. Finally, Remus decided he had to say something.

"Hermione, you have been more to me these past months than any other girl has before. You are more than just a girlfriend! You have been my best friend and I feel like I have known you forever. Every single night I wonder whether it is worth it or not. I can't help but wonder if getting close to you was a mistake. But then I see you again and know it isn't … and I just want to sit and forget any of this happened … and I am not making sense, am I?"

Hermione's eyes welled up when she looked up at Remus' face. She reached up and kissed his cheek softly. He looked so upset, like he was almost in pain!

" Remus, slow down. We have all night. Just start from the beginning and try to talk to me!" she coaxed him.

" I don't know, Hermione. I want to just pretend that we can be together forever, but I know that isn't true. You aren't from this time and I could never ask you to stay with me. I want to love you, but I know that it wouldn't be fair to you."

"Remus, I do love you!" Hermione protested.

"But only temporarily! You cannot stay here forever. As soon as you find your way home, you will forget all about me."

"Remus, listen to me. I could never forget you! You have been just as much to me as I to you! Besides, you are worrying only about the future. Wouldn't it be best if we just focus on what we have now? I might not be leaving for a long time … and then we would still have a lot of time together!"

Remus just hugged her silently. This was so hard for him! He couldn't just tell her she was leaving – what if she didn't want to go? But he had to do this anyway.

Hermione leaned over and kissed Remus. He hugged her tightly, then stepped away. Remus reached into his pocket and took out a box, opening it for Hermione to see.

"Hermione, this is for you. I love you Hermione, and this is to for you to remember me by when you are gone."

"Oh my gosh Remus! It is great!" Hermione gushed at the stone. Remus handed her the box and she took the ring out to see.

"Wait! Before you put it on, just hug me one more time, ok?"

"Of course!" Hermione happily obliged. Then she slipped the bright blue stone onto her finger.

And then she was gone.

Remus slowly walked back to the dance, trying to forget what had just happened. When Lily and James saw him again, they took him up to the dorms and let him cry.

AN: So, finally another chapter. I apologize for the terribly long wait. I really don't want to end this story after working on it for so long, but the next chapter will be the final. Don't forget to review!

-Meg