A/N: This might be the last one for right now because I don't know if I'll feel like writing more after this chapter or not. We'll see. Anyway, don't forget to review!

disclaimer: i do not own Harry Potter or any characters

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Harry woke with the sun the next morning, ready to embark on his journey. But before he went, he had to talk to Hermione; he had to let her know how he feels. He couldn't hold it back any longer; after all, there was no guarantee he would be coming back. Harry dressed and grabbed his wand and broom and left for the common room where he began looking for Hermione.

"Parvati!" he called. Parvati turned to him.

"Are you leaving today?" she asked.

"Yes, but have you seen Hermione?" Harry asked quickly. She shook her head.

"I'm sorry," she replied. "I didn't see her last night either." Harry turned from Parvati and spotted Ron. He rushed over to him and asked the same question.

"Have you seen Hermione?" he asked.

"Not lately," Ron replied. "I haven't seen her since yesterday afternoon. Why?"

"I wanted to say goodbye to her before I left and I haven't seen her today," Harry replied. "Are you sure you haven't seen her?"

"I'm sure, Harry," Ron snapped. "For all I know, you coulda done something to her!"

"What?" Harry exclaimed, completely taken aback. "That's crazy! I wouldn't do anything to her."

"Forget it, Harry," Ron said, shaking his head. "I know you're jealous you don't have her, but could you let it go?" Without another word, Ron turned away and left Harry alone, defeated, and still unable to tell Hermione how he felt.

"Harry!" Harry turned to see Neville, Seamus, and Dean coming toward him. "You leaving soon?"

"Yeah," Harry replied. "You haven't seen Hermione today, have you?" The three shook their heads. Harry told them goodbye and continued to look for her, saying goodbye to people as he went. This went on for about ten minutes, until Professor Dumbledore entered the common room.

"Harry!" he exclaimed. Harry looked frantically around one more time for the slight chance that he just missed Hermione before walking over to Dumbledore's side.

"Yes, sir?" he asked.

"It's time for you to say goodbye and be on your way," Dumbledore informed him. Harry sighed.

"But sir, I can't find Hermione," Harry said. "Just give me a little more time. I have to say goodbye to her." Dumbledore shook his head slowly.

"I'm truly sorry Harry, but if you want to make it to the battle soon, I can't allow you any more time," Dumbledore replied sadly. Harry felt a lump begin to rise in his throat.

"I promised her I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye," he persisted.

"I am sorry," Dumbledore said and gestured, with his arm, toward the portrait hole. Harry sighed, turned and waved, and left the Gryffindor common room, wishing that he could have had even one minute with Hermione, just enough time to tell her how he felt.

Harry went out onto the grounds of Hogwarts, followed by Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and, of course, Hagrid. He bid them all goodbye before mounting his broom.

"Good luck, Harry," Dumbledore whispered. Harry then took off to begin his journey to battle Lord Voldemort, still unsure of where Hermione was. Through all the excitement, nobody heard the sounds of a girl screaming for help miles away.

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A/N: Oooh. What happened? I know, extremely short again but I've gotta go over to the Eye Doctor's to pick up some new contacts. So, Harry's finally meeting Voldemort. What will happen? Keep reading!

Sorry I didn't post this last night like I'd intended, but I was busy. So thanks for being patient. RR!