Hermione knew, even as the words escaped his mouth that she would not allow it. She would rather give up her life than let him die and leave behind his wife and children. But Hermione did not have a healthy heart to give and perhaps, it was the fate of the Weasley family to lose another member, whether it be Charlie or his daughter Clara.

Hermione stood and left a now lost looking Charlie and entered the head healer's office, paperwork in hand. Claire looked up and smiled sadly at Hermione's morose features.

"Hermione. You should sit." Claire spoke softly, yet sternly and she immediately obeyed, feeling the older woman's eyes boring into her. "In three days time you have been requested to give evidence in the trial of Marcus Flint, the man accused of the attempted murder of Jonathon." Hermione nodded solemnly and Claire sighed. "The head auror of the operation will escort you there; he will be here at eleven sharp, Friday morning." Claire said and Hermione looked up a slight frown crossing her features.

"Attempted murder, but… madam… it is clear that Jonathon… he… he cant…" Hermione suddenly looked down at her hands and felt a lone tear betray her resolve.

"Hermione… I tried so hard to make sure you did not go through my pain…" the older woman had her hands clasped in front of her and the healer surveyed Hermione critically. "Miss Granger, why have you not reported your illness to me?" she suddenly asked and Hermione looked up quickly in astonishment.

How could she tell? Were the symptoms showing? Am I closer to death than I thought? "How… how did you-"

"The bereavement of the heart is old magic… my cousin…Minnie asked me to watch over you… soon you will not be able to continue your duties here, when that day comes I will ask you to leave." Hermione simply nodded and Claire sighed desolately. "How… how is your daughter?" Hermione suddenly let a small squeak escape her lips. Emerald, she must be taken care of… I must make arrangements! Im a fool for waiting so long!

"I must go, I am sorry." Hermione said and stood immediately flooing to her home.

When Emerald ran down the stairs a bright smile on her face; and threw her arms around Hermione's neck she realised she knew exactly what she was going to do no matter the consequences.

Call it what you want.

Hermione called it a mother's duty.

***

"And then my magic saved me, by giving me this bereavement…. And my only cure is-"

"The return of the one whom caused the bereavement or the willingly sacrificed heart of someone in love with you." Jonathon stated and Hermione frowned heavily.

"How…"

"Minerva." Jonathon whispered and Hermione felt a sudden hint of anger rise within her, but she managed to control it, barely.

"That woman sticks her nose into too many things." Hermione stated and Jonathon snorted.

Jonathon reached forward and held her hand in his, he began to rub soothing circles around the back of her hand with his thumb and Hermione looked at him in confusion.

"Take my heart." He whispered and Hermione's eyes widened and she shook her head. "Hermione I know I am dying, but you must… I am in love with you… and I willingly sacrifice my life for you."

"No… I will not let you." she stated firmly, tears falling down her face. Jonathon growled at this and Hermione noticed his grasp on her hand tighten slightly.

"Yes… because I am dying, faster than you and I want you to… I want you to live for Emerald and everyone else who loves you." Hermione shook her head, begging the tears to stop falling.

"You must let me do this or I will simply kill myself." He threatened and Hermione's eyes widened in horror. She sat in stoic silence, the tears had ceased and Hermione felt the coldness in her heart lessen, ever so slightly. "I love you and I will do this. I only ask of one thing in return." Hermione remained silent and Jonathon continued. "Do not let that little girl… do not let Clara die… do everything in your power… I beg of you… she is a light in this world, one just waiting to shine." He implored her and Hermione nodded rising from her seat.

It was then that life gave Hermione a choice.

Refuse his offer and let the three of them die.

Take his offer, be selfish and save herself.

Or keep her promise, and sacrifice both their lives to save the precious girl by the name of Clara.

***

He was wheeled into Clara's room to say his last goodbye. She was in a coma, Hermione had assured him that she was doing everything she could to get her out of it. Jonathon smiled when the little girl sighed in her deep slumber. He placed a letter with her name written on it, on her bedside table. He placed his hand over hers and began to speak to her.

"Hello my little red head." He began and felt a knot rise in his throat. "I have to go… but… I will always be with you… watching over you… you have been the light in my life this past year. And I thank you. But know I am going to save the girl I love… with all my heart." he gently kissed her forehead and pushed his wheel chair away and looked to the door where Hermione was, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I love you my sweet… and goodbye." Hermione moved forward and rolled him into surgery, she had decided that she was to prepare him, it felt like a duty she had to perform for him.

Hermione smiled down at him and Jonathon saw the guilt in her eyes. "You don't have to do this." She whispered and he smiled smally and placed a hand on her cheek. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes.

"This is the last part of me that is whole and I am giving it to you, to guard and do what you wish with it." Hermione opened her eyes and placed a hand to his forehead and gently moved his hair from his forehead. "thankyou Hermione… for telling me your stories… do not fear… life has funny ways of turning out just fine… even when it seems as if your life was getting worse… life always has most illuminating things around the corner just waiting for you." his words were cryptic, Hermione was sure that one day they would make sense.

"But I am yet to hear the happy ending Hermione?" Hermione smiled through her tears and sat beside him gently, continuing to stroke his hair absentmindedly. She opened her mouth to speak but he beat her to it. "Harry comes and sweeps you off your feet… he takes one look at you and falls madly in love… and Emerald finally has the father she has always longed for." Hermione produced a pained smile in response to his words.

"I can hope." She said with pain adamant in her eyes.

"Never doubt a dying mans word and I do love you." he whispered and Hermione brought her face closer to his. She placed her lips tenderly to his, it was then she felt it a slight warmth in her heart; and as she broke away she said in an almost inaudible whisper.

"I love you too." He smiled when she stood and noticed the man standing in the doorway, indicating to her that it was time.

"I am sorry healer Granger, but we must prepare for surgery." Hermione nodded and turned back to Jonathon.

"Thankyou Jonathon… for everything." He nodded a smile on his face as she placed the tip of her wand to his forehead and with a soft smile on her features, knowing that she would be the last thing he ever saw, whispered a spell that made his vision blur and her face slowly disappear.

And then, as consciousness left him for what would be the final time in his short life, he uttered a single word that made Hermione's heart break.

"Hermione."

***

AN

Your thoughts….?