Dead At 23

Dead at 23

Dear Harry,

I'm so glad to finally be able to reply to your letters. I was in Egypt with a guy I met while teaching in America. His name is Stephen. He is one of the nicest men I have ever met. We're going out tonight. He's taking me to a star show. I have to go now. I promise to write again soon.

Love from,

Hermione

Dear Harry,

Here I am again. Egypt was fascinating. The ancient Egyptian wizards really were evil. You should hear some of the things they did to their rivals. It's a good thing you and Malfoy never learned some of those curses. Stephen and I are going out again tonight. We're just going out to dinner, though. I really miss you. Are you still teaching at Hogwarts? I have to go get ready now. I'll write again soon. Just be patient.

Love from,

Hermione

Dear Harry,

Stephen proposed to me! I said yes, of course. What did you expect me to say? Anyway, I hope this isn't too much of a shock to you, but I believe that Stephen really is Mr. Perfect. We're getting married in July. It would be great if you could come. I have to go, Stephen's home. We're not married yet, just living together. Tell Ron not to get any sick ideas!

Love from,

Hermione

Dear Harry,

Married life is wonderful! Stephen is the best! We're currently living in Madrid, Spain. Were you at the wedding? I didn't see you, but then again there were so many people I can't remember who was there and who wasn't! I have a cake in the oven and I think it's burning! Have to go, I'll write again soon.

Love from,

Hermione

Harry-

You have to help me. I made a terrible mistake. Stephen is not Mr. Perfect. Far from it. He has been abusing me. Harry, you have to come and save me! He's home, I have to go!

Hermione

Harry-

I am writing from the hospital. Why didn't you come and help me? After I finished my last letter, Stephen beat me nearly to death and threw me out of the house. I was lying on the sidewalk, bloody, in pain and barely conscious. I only got to the hospital because Seamus Finnigan was walking down the street and saw me. I went unconscious soon after and that's all I remember. Oh shit, Stephen's here. I can hear him asking where my room is. His footsteps are getting closer. Harry, I have to go now. I love you and am sorry I ever left you.

Love,

Hermione

Dear Hermione,

I did come. Seamus sent me an owl as soon as he realized it was you. We both took you to the hospital. I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. I'm still teaching at Hogwarts. Only now I teach Transfiguration. McGonagall is the new headmistress. Dumbledore finally retired. I miss you, too. I feel really guilty that you're in the hospital. I should have came after you right after you told me Stephen was abusing you. I feel terrible and hope you can forgive me. Hermione, I never had the strength to say this before so I will now. I love you as much as you love me, if not more. Your last letter gave me the strength to confess it. Don't feel bad about leaving; it's my fault for letting you go. I have to go now.

Love forever,

Harry

He sighed and placed the letter among everything else that had been dedicated to her memory. He looked on sadly as they lowered her coffin into the ground. He began to cry as it all set in. Hermione Granger, his only true love, Head Girl and top of her class at Hogwarts, future Minister of Magic, was dead at 23.