Hermione arrived in Diagon Alley and she hurried towards the bookstore. She opened the door and walked in. It was busy with students buying school books at the last minute. She pulled her robes around her and walked up to the front desk.
" Hermione how are you " Shayne's Uncle smiled at her. " I have your books here for you."
" Thank you Sir " said Hermione. " But I was hoping I could speak to Shayne instead. If he is in."
His Uncle sighed. " Ever since he decided to quit his job. There has been many people in here wondering why. I've had pretty young ladies heart broken begging him to come back. He was a popular lad. If Kathleen saw what had happened."
" He's right upstairs Hermione. First room on the left. You can go up if you want."
" Yes I will " and she walked upstairs. She knocked on the door and walked in.
Shayne was hunched over a desk in dark robes. His head burried in books.
" Shayne?"
He got up suddenly looking shocked. He pushed back the chair , and ran his hands through his hair.
Hermione closed the door. " I got your letter."
He nodded. " I didn't expect you...to come."
Hermione sighed. " I had to come...I couldn't just walk away..."
Shayne looked out his window and smiled. " What's it like outside today Hermione?"
She looked suprised. " Sunny and warm...why? Are you in hiding?"
He smiled. " Not hiding Hermione...it's more like...being alone...feeling secure..."
" I dont understand " cried Hermione. " Why...is it that you dont feel secure here anymore?"
" I've lost everything Hermione."
" Is work and money everything? " cried Hermione. " Does love and friends not come into that picture."
" You wouldn't understand."
" Try me " cried Hermione.
" Voldemort wants me Hermione. He wants to use me against...he wants to use me against YOU."
Hermione stopped. " Against me."
" Yes. He knows you are a friend of Harry Potter and he knows what you are prepared to do for Harry. I cant join him Hermione. I cant...let him hurt you..."
" I dont want you to ruin your life Shayne. Hiding here all the time...it cant be good..."
" He'll get me eventually Hermione. He always does. But hiding here bides me time...gives me hope. That this fear will one day be over."
" Does this mean...we can no longer meet? asked Hermione.
" It would be unwise to continue our meeting's " said Shayne.
Hermione nodded. " I really liked them."
Shayne sighed and turned away from her. " I really liked you Hermione. Even though you are almost four years younger than me. I knew from the moment I saw you...that you were the only girl I had ever trully loved. Forgive me for being so forward with my feelings. But I feel if I dont tell you now how I truly feel , I will never get the chance."
Hermione flushed. " I wish things could have been different."
" Go back to Ron Hermione. He does love you."
" I love him too " cried Hermione. " But the love I feel for you Shayne... It's different. I dont want to walk away from you."
He smiled. " I wont forget you and I will try to write...if I can."
Tears streaked down Hermione's face. " I dont want to leave..."
He walked over and kissed her gently. " Go...Hermione...before I change my mind."
She opened the door and walked out looking back , Shayne was facing the window.
She closed it and ran out the door not looking behind her. Her tears splattering her face.
