Disclaimer: Nothing's changed I still don't own anything
CHAPTER 3: DON'T DO THIS
Harry stood in shock as the students whispered about the events that had just unfolded in front of them. McGonagall hushed the children "I would like to formally introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Harry Potter." Her voice bellowed through the Hall. Harry gave a quick nod before he pushed out his chair and he too was running down the aisle. He pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stopped to gain his breath. He was so confused, why did Hermione run out? Where could she be? He stood there for a moment, trying to recall her favourite places at Hogwarts. The Library he thought. He quickly made his way down the corridor, taking the first left. He finally made his way to the library where he found Hermione curled up in the History section. He could hear her quiet sobs as she cried into her arms. He internally battled with himself, does he leave or does he speak to her? Without even making a decision he begins to step forward and before he knew it he was standing above her.
"Go away, Harry." Her voice broke at his name. Harry was unsure how she knew it was him but then he realised this is Hermione he's talking about, she is his best friend.
"No, Hermione I won't. You deserve an explanation."
"About what? About why you came here without telling me or why you left me for 4 years?" she lifted her head and Harry could see the salty tracks until they disappeared off her chin. Her chocolate eyes pierced his, beckoning him to fight back.
"About everything. Hermione, I was so stupid, so young and stupid. I needed time. I needed space from all of this. I couldn't handle seeing the damage that I had done to you, to everyone. People lost loved ones fighting to save my life, others lost their homes, some even lost themselves. I couldn't stay here, not with Death Eaters still around. I couldn't let them hurt you and the only way to protect you was to leave. I'm so sorry." Harry began to cry as well. He saw Hermione's face start to soften at the sight of the tears forming in his eyes.
"I understand that you wanted to protect us Harry but we weren't the ones that needed protecting, you were. We could see what the battle did to you. You needed us Harry and you left, you just left." She turned her head breaking eye contact and rose from the chair. Harry tried to grab her arm but she pulled it away too fast.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I should've been there for you and Ron." Harry saw her flinch at Ron's name but he ignored it. "I wasn't there when we needed each other the most."
She started to walk away from him but she quickly turned to tell him "You right you weren't there but that wasn't the time I needed you the most. You were gone for that too. Harry, I can forgive for leaving but I can't forgive you for not being there when I needed you." Harry stared at her blankly, what did she mean? She turned on her heels and stormed out of the library.
Harry chased after her and yelled "Hermione I miss you. I need you. You and Ron are the only people I have left. You two are the only people I love who are still alive."
Hermione stopped and turned slowly to face him "Don't Harry, don't make this harder than it already is." She continued down the hallway but Harry couldn't see the new tears that had begun to form in her eyes.