Chapter 1

Hermione Granger sat in a warm corner of the library reading "Hogwarts a History" for most likely the one millionth time. The school was kept open, but not everyone returned. She gazed out at the Quidditch pitch that was barely visible through the torrents of rain that seemed it would cause the next flood. She was able to just see the crimson figures flying about. She turned her gaze back to her book when she saw the figures begin to float towards the ground.

A few minutes later, a soaked-to-the-skin Harry Potter plopped into the chair across from her. His hair was messier than ever and plastered to his forehead from the mixture of rain and sweat, the famous lightening bolt scar clearly visible. "How is it going, Hermione?"

She glanced up from her book and into those bright, emerald green eyes. "I'm alright," she replied simply. "How was practice?"

"Hectic but the team is really coming along. I think we'll be ready for our match on Saturday." Harry Leaned back in his chair and brought his hands up behind his head, closing his eyes. Hermione stared at him a few moments, just thinking about everything they have seen over the past years.

Harry lazily opened one of his striking eyes to find Hermione looking at him. "What are you looking at?"

Hermione smiled, "I was just thinking about how ugly you are."

"Oh really?" Harry asked placing his hands on the table and drawing his face closer to hers. "Well look who's talking."

"Hey!" she exclaimed, lightly slapping his cheek and giggling. "That's not very nice!"

Harry laughed and looked to her with playful eyes. "Now really, Hermione, since when did it become a rule that I constantly have to be nice?"

Hermione laughed, "You are 'The Chosen One' are you not? I believe people of that status must conduct themselves in a certain manner."

"I will keep that in mind Miss Know-it-all," he teased as he leaned back into his chair.

Hermione smiled playfully at him and then looked back out towards the rain and sighed. She brushed a curled strand out of her face and placed it behind her ear. "Harry what's going to happen with the war, and Voldemort?"

Harry's expression grew solemn, "I don't know, Hermione. Either he, or I, or both will die."

"Promise me," Hermione said, "Promise me that I can be there, no matter what happens."

"I promise, Hermione," he placed his other hand on top of hers and held it gently. "We should start heading back, it's getting late." Hermione nodded as Harry released her hand, yet she found herself longing for the warm feeling it gave her.

They exited the library with some parting glares from Ms. Pince and emerged into the dark hallway, only the dull light of the candles to guide their way. The hallways were relatively empty with the exception of a few passing couples with their loving whispers and flirtatious giggles. As head girl, Hermione gave them small admonishments but kept in stride with Harry.

They approached the Fat Lady and Hermione spoke the password "Butterbeer." They crawled through the portrait hole together, quickly and silently.

Hermione started to make her way to the staircase that led to the Head Girl's dorm provided in Gryffindor Tower. "Night, Harry!" Hermione called after her as she opened the door to her room. She waited until she heard his reply before closing her door behind her.