Reunion

Hermione Granger loved to walk along the high ramparts of Hogwarts Castle; the wind attacking her long, bushy hair. It seemed to be her only joy in life these days. She couldn't believe that she had been a student at Hogwarts for seven years; this was her last year, she would graduate in two more days. She thought back to all of the things that had happened to her and her friends over the past seven years, some wonderful, some horrific. The happiest times for her were, of course, the adventures she had with her best friends, Harry and Ron; she loved them both so much. The worst time for her had been when the boys were killed.

She thought again of the final battle. The Order of the Phoenix and a coalition of students from Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons had faced off against Voldemort and his death eaters. Hermione still couldn't believe that the three of them and all of their close friends had gotten through the fight unscathed. All of that bloodshed, all of that carnage; Harry and Ron survived it all, only to die while showing off in a Muggle car while driving in London.

Hermione remembered that night that Ron had come to her, just before the final battle. He had walked with her up to the very place where she was walking now. He had told her that there was a chance that they all would die in the fight and he wasn't going to his grave without telling her how much he loved her. He had held her close and then he kissed her deeply. She really did love Harry and Ron just the same, she had always thought that she would agree to be with which ever one asked her first. She wasn't sure that she could be faithful to one at the expense of the other. When they had told Harry that they were in love and were now officially a 'couple', she had read many emotions in Harry's eyes. She saw hurt, anger and love all expressed in a matter of seconds. Harry had finally collected himself and congratulated them, hugging them both. They had promised each other that no matter what, they would always be best friends and would always be close.

In the end, she had failed them. If she had gone to London with them on their last night, she wouldn't have let them get drunk and try to drive Dudley's car. Poor Dudley, he and Harry had finally been able to forgive and forget; he even let Harry drive his car, and now all three were dead.

Hermione stopped walking now and looked around at the place where Ron had professed his love. She stepped up on the ledge of the rampart, the wind blowing around her. Her heart was aching; she missed the boys so much. All she wanted was for them all to be together again. She looked at the jagged rocks below and smiled.