Author's Note:

Well, my friends, this is the end. I find myself typing the last A/N for Insufferable that will ever be written. It has been so much fun writing this story, and I hope dearly, my few followers, that you have enjoyed it. I also hope, that after this story has been marked 'completed' that people will continue to find this story and enjoy it.

Looking back, I know the beginning was pretty crappy, so I applaud those who have stuck with it for so long. I defiantly believe I have improved in my writing, and I think we can all agree with that.

So, here we are. The last page; the final chapter. I may include an epilogue, but for now, this is it.

Thank you once more, my beautiful readers.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The act of forgiveness

"Luna Lovegood." I said with a wide smile.

"Hermione Granger. Forgive me, I didn't know we were saying names in greeting."she said with a dreamy expression. Her sleek blonde hair was pulled to the side in a low ponytail, and her ears were accented with dangly heart earrings, which were by far, the most normal-looking things I'd ever seen her wear. Her blue eyes sparkled in the brisk air, and she wore a woolen red long-sleeve shirt with a pink sweater over it.

"You look beautiful, Luna."

"Thank you, it's not often that I hear that." She said as her lopsided grin grew

"Oh," I said, unsure the correct way to respond to the statement. "Having a nice weekend?"

"Yes, very. Daddy just sent word that we are going Volcanic Flap-end fishing for Easter break. It's very relaxing, trying to catch the little creatures as they swim around in the volcano, unscathed. You have to be careful though, as you reel them in, not to get burned."

"Of course," I agreed, deciding not to question her strange statement. "Well, I should be on my way. I promised to meet my mystery Valentine in the Three Broomsticks."

"Mystery valentine?" I laughed, but then turned serious. "I hope they know what a catch they're getting."

"Thank you. That was very sweet of you. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Do you have a Valentine?"

"No, I suppose not. Maybe next year, eh?"

Luna smiled serenely. "I hope you find whoever you're looking for."

"I'm not- I'm not currently looking for anybody?" I responded with a question. "I think you are, though. I'm sure that they will at least find you. Have a splendid day, Hermione."

"You-you too, Luna."

And with that, she began to twirl away towards town. The silence once again consumed me, and I wondered at her strange words and mostly, if things would ever be the same between me and Draco.

What if I was truly missing my chance at a relationship that could be my only chance at real... Love?

Someone cleared their throat from behind me. People really loved to interrupt my peace and quiet today, didn't they?

I exhaled and turned on my heel. I gave a quick smile but soon found myself staring at my feet instead. He seemed to find the situation just as awkward.

"I-uh- Hermione." He said flatly.

I kept my eyes looking at the ground. "Yes, Draco?"

"You've been- I assume you've receiving my letters?"

A few second ticked by. "They were- they were lovely."

"I hoped you would like them. After all that I did, however, I didn't know if my lame attempts would be welcomed."

We both looked up at each other in the same moment and I held the glance, turning it into a stare.

"They were not unwelcome. I was a bit... Surprised, at first, but I love them to death."

There wasn't much to say after that, and we both continued to look at each other. "Draco-"

"Hermione-"

We spoke at the same time.

"Hermione, I just want to know that I miss you like crazy. I know, it's unfair of me to hold you back, to try to keep you tied to me, but I realize that I should learn-"

"Draco, please-"

"-I should learn to accept the fact that you've moved on. It's just, without you things seem so much more bleak. My days are tiresome and lonely, and you make me so happy-"

"I haven't moved on at all."

He froze. "What?"

"I haven't moved on. Not in the least." I said breathlessly. "I need to make one thing clear- I can't change you. You have different thoughts, a different way of thinking- you and I, are very different people. I'm not comfortable with you trying to curse my friend, but I also know you can't magically like someone whom you've hated for years and someone who just accused you of false pretenses in front of your girlfriend. In short, Draco, you are in ultimate control of your life, but I would be lying if I said I didn't still want deeply to be a part of your life."

The snow gathered on my lashes as a single tear found its way past the barriers. I stepped closer and wrapped him in a hug, my head pressed to his chest.

"I just can't believe that you could possibly forgive me- for- for everything." He whispered, sounding scared that I would run away if he spoke too loudly.

I moved my hands from behind his back to his hips, and tilted back to look him in the eyes. I didn't know the words to say, but there was some unspoken communication that I guess just screamed-
'Kiss me.'

His lips tenderly brushed mine, almost asking if I was okay with it, and I responded by kissing him firmly, with the most hope for a future I had ever had before.

"You know, I freakin' love you so much." He said as he separated for a millisecond.

"Yeah, I know."

Snow quietly continued to fall, and I was reminded of the night in the dark room so long ago. The first snow, and the last snow, kissing him like there was no tomorrow.

But if there was a tomorrow, and if it came with its problems and difficulties, we would tackle them one step at a time, and most importantly:

Together.

And for the last time, Stay Awesome.

~ ThePondFamily3