A Love That Will Last Forever

~~~~~~CHAPTER 2~~~~~~

Now, looking back to those days, Hermione was beginning to wish she wouldn't have turned Harry down.

She sat alone in her room, looking at the framed picture of Harry and Ron on her nightstand. She had various pictures of the Trio's many summers together, framed, and hanging on the walls. If only she could go back to that happy-go-lucky little girl she used to be. Well, happy-go-lucky sometimes. Maybe when she wasn't worrying about her homework, Harry's safety, or how to handle Ron's horrible temper. She just wanted to go back and be part of the Trio again. It had been so long since they were all together.

As for her life now, she was the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts, and had been for the past four years. It appeared the "curse" on the job had finally diminished. She was thrilled to be asked to take over the job, but hesitated at first. She figured it would end her life or she might lose her memory. But, she took it anyways, and things had turned out well.

But she was lonely. She had no one to spend her extra time with. Sure, she had other teachers to talk to, but it wasn't the same as having Harry and Ron around. She missed Harry's smile, and even Ron's temper. Sometimes she even wished she had someone asking to copy her homework. She just missed her days as a child.

Harry was a famous Quidditch player for England. Of course, this surprised no one. He was meant to be a Seeker. Hermione had seen him in the Daily Prophet after every game, and he was looking better than ever. His hair was still a mess, and his eyes were still a beautiful emerald green. He was smiling in every picture, so she assumed he was having the time of his life. He was very tan now, and he had gotten quite a bit taller, which Hermione really liked. He seemed to be happy, and she figured bothering him with an owl would just be a waste of her time. So, she spent everyday wishing she could see him, speak to him in person....touch him...just be with him.

Ron was working at the Ministry of Magic. He couldn't fight his curiosity of all things Muggle, so he joined his father in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts department. He had been in the paper a couple of times, but Hermione had seen him in person quite often. He came to the Twins' shop in Hogsmeade a lot, so he visited Hermione many times. He also came to give two of his little cousins some Marauder's advice. Yes, two more Weasleys were causing mischief at Hogwarts, with the help of a certain map!

Hermione and Ron had many talks about what happened with Harry in their seventh year, and to her surprise, Ron said he had known all along. He encouraged her to write Harry, but she always resisted. Finally, one day, he convinced her.

"Hermione Granger, if you do not send Harry an owl, I promise you I will bring him up here myself!"

"Fine Ron, but I'm only doing this so you will leave me alone."

She and Ron said their goodbyes and she made her way back to the castle. When she arrived in her room, she took off her robes, and slipped into her pajamas. She took a piece of parchment out of her nightstand, and dipped her quill in her ink bottle.

Harry,

I hope you are doing well. I've been reading about your Quidditch games, and it appears that you are still a great Seeker! I suppose you have heard of my current position as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher here at Hogwarts. I'm fairly happy here. It gets kind of lonely sometimes though. Sitting here, watching the first years, makes me wish we were children again. Well Harry, I miss you. Come see me if you get the chance. Good luck with Quidditch!!

Love from,

Hermione

She walked over to her owl and tied the parchment to his leg. He nipped her on the finger affectionately, and was on his way.

Two days later, Harry was awakened by a soft tapping at his window. He sat up in his bed and rubbed his eyes.

"Who could possibly be sending me an owl right now?"

He got up with many a groan, and walked over to the window. He opened it, and took the piece of parchment. Before he could invite the owl in, it was gone. He walked back to his bed, and unfolded the parchment. When he saw the handwriting, he thought he was about to die from shock. 'Hermione wrote me?'

By the time he had gotten to the closing, he had tears in his eyes. He couldn't believe that she missed him. He missed her more than anything, and wanted nothing more than to see her beautiful face again. He had decided to give her a few years before he contacted her. Then, he decided to wait until their ten year reunion. But now, here was his chance to try and win her love again. He was not going to let her get away so easily this time. She had no excuses now. And he didn't have the time to wait until a reunion. This had to be done soon.

He decided to wait until September first to go see her at Hogwarts. He would go by train. Yes, he would go to Hogwarts on the Hogwarts Express. What a surprise that would be for Hermione!! Harry sent an owl to Dumbledore, and so the surprise began.

So, here Harry was, at King's Cross Station, about to walk through a barrier he had only dreamed about for the past six years. 'Here I come Mione.'

He took a deep breath and stepped through the barrier.

On the train ride, he ran into many children that asked for his autograph. But, two particular little boys showed interest in more than his autograph.

"Mr. Potter, can we have your autograph?"

Two little redheads....

"Sure, what are your names?"

"I'm Lucas and he's Bruce." He pointed to the other boy.

"Would you two happen to know anyone with the last name Weasley?"

Both boys snickered.

"We ARE Weasleys," Lucas replied.

"Ah, cousins, I suppose?"

"Yep. Hey, Ron said you would know what this is supposed to do."

He handed a blank piece of parchment to Harry. Of course, Harry knew what it was at once. He laughed, "I'm sure you already know what it does, but, I miss doing this."

He took out his wand and tapped the parchment while saying, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

Harry looked down and a huge grin spread over his face. Professor Dumbledore was in his office, Snape was in the Dungeons, and Hermione was in...Moaning Myrtle's bathroom! Harry thought for a moment, and then looked at the two boys.

"Do you guys mind if I borrow this map for a few days? I promise I'll give it back."

"Sure Mr. Potter," this time it was Bruce that spoke.

"Thanks, and call me Harry from now on."

The train stopped, and all the kids anxiously jumped off. Harry looked over everyone and saw Hagrid. He had a big group of first years surrounding him. Harry slowly made his way over to Hagrid and asked him if he could ride in the boats with all the "ickle first years." Harry climbed into a boat with Hagrid, and watched as the kids all gazed around with looks of amazement and confusion.

"So Harry, how 'er yeh doin'?

"I suppose I'm doing well Hagrid. How's life at Hogwarts?"

" 'S been great. Still teachin' Care 'o Magical Creatures."

"You got any Blast Ended Skrewts this year?"

"Nah, Dumbledore won't allow 'em."

Harry chuckled, "Ha, what a shame!"

Hagrid looked over at Harry and gave him a very serious look.

"Yeh know, Miss Hermione really misses yeh, lad. She's got a picture of yeh in her classroom."

"Well Hagrid, she does teach Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Yeah, but she misses yeh more than yeh know."

Harry smiled to himself. 'I miss her too...'

Then he heard the gasps of all the children. He smiled again. 'I remember that feeling...'

Then the boat hit the shore and Hagrid began to climb out. Harry looked at Hagrid, smiled, and said, "Please don't tell Hermione I'm here. It's a surprise."

Hagrid nodded, and went on his way with the first years.

Dumbledore had informed Harry earlier that he would see to it that Hermione got the Marauder's Map. Harry was just to go and get things prepared.

The Sorting ceremony and the Feast both passed without any mention of Harry's presence.

Harry was waiting for Hermione in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. He had a beautiful table decorated with candles, and a small dinner of Fettuccine Alfredo, with chicken and broccoli. He was unbelievably nervous. 'You'd think I'd never met her before, with the way I'm acting. Get yourself together Harry.'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

Back in Dumbledore's office......

The rest of the teachers had left, and Hermione was wondering why she had been asked to stay behind. Dumbledore pulled a piece of blank parchment out of his robes and handed it to her.

"Tap it with your wand and say--"

"I solemnly swear I am up to no good," Hermione giggled.

Dumbledore smiled at her, "I had a feeling you'd know what to do with it. Well, enjoy. Goodnight Miss Granger."

Hermione gave him a strange look, "Thank you Professor. Good night."

She walked out into the hallway and looked down at the map. She almost fainted when she saw the name Harry Potter. She gasped and whispered aloud, "Moaning Myrtle's bathroom?"

She took a deep breath, and walked down the hall slowly.

"Here we go."