(Two days after the wedding)

Harry was getting ready to leave on his Horcrux hunt. Hermione wanted to beg him not to go, but she knew he had to leave. He was doing it to help everyone. They were in the midst of war, no matter how hard they all tried to deny it, and the ominous end-of-the-world feeling was getting more present by the day.

Hermione, Ron and Harry excused themselves from the group saying goodbye to Harry. Mrs. Weasley was beside herself sobbing and talking hysterically. "He'll kill us all. He'll kill us all. I"ve been having dreams and we all die. Harry, you can't leave!" Harry had extracted himself from Mrs. Weasley's flailing arms, and the three friends made their way to the front door.

Hermione looked at Harry. He hitched his stuffed backpack up higher on his shoulders, and said "You take care of each other. I don't want this search to be in vain."

"We will," they said together.

"I'll send owls to let you know how I am," Harry continued, as they all tried to ignore the wails of Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen. "If you don't get any owls from me, well..." Harry swallowed.

Hermione nodded, a lump forming in her throat. "You'll be alright, Harry. You're an amazing wizard. Did you pack Felix?" Harry patted his jeans pocket.

"Yup."

Hermione had managed to squander a bit of Felix Felicis right after Dumbledore's funeral. Harry needed all the luck he could get.

"If you need us, mate, let us know," said Ron, clapping Harry on the shoulder. Harry did the same to Ron.

"I appreciate it, but I want you guys to stay here and try to keep safe. OK?" He looked at each of them in turn.

"OK, Harry," Hermione said. She leaned in and gave him a tight hug. "Be safe," she whispered, the lump in her throat getting bigger. He nodded.

"Yeah," said Ron. He and Harry shook hands and clapped each other on the back.

"'Bye," said Harry. He turned around and Disapparated with a loud crack. He was gone and Hermione burst into tears.