A/N: I know it's been a while. If you read my other stories, you might realise why I took so long but nonetheless, what pushed me to finish this chapter was none other than my faithful readers who PMed me to update! Thank you so much! You actually gave me motivation to finish this chapter. I won't waste your time with another long author's note. Read and yes, do review if you wish. This is the second last chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Chapter 19

October 1997

"I still can't believe you actually want to see it." Ron cried out loud as Hermione shook her head in disgust.

"Please, Titanic is supposed to be an epic, romance movie. The preview screening had incredible reviews and people are saying that this is supposed to be the greatest romance movie ever made." Hermione snapped as she walked ahead of him with Ron struggling to keep up despite his lanky frame.

"Oh please, it's just going to be another generic love story. You do realise that the Titanic sank after just four days right? How could anyone possibly fall in love in such a short time? Or are they going to do another Romeo and Juliet knockoff?" Ron replied as he kept pace with Hermione.

"Really? You have to analyse everything?! Why can't you accept that it's a beautiful and tragic love story like the rest of us normal people? You don't have to be cynical, Ron!" Hermione retorted.

"Oh, I don't? What possible story could they have? You mean to tell me that during these four days, our protagonist met a guy, had a good time, had sex with him and then the boat sank. It's the equivalent of a one-night stand if you ask me." Ron fired back as he folded his arms.

Hermione gave Ron a strange look before laughing. "God, you really don't like romance movies, do you?"

Ron sighed. "It's just that everything about a romance movie is based on such a convoluted plot. Okay fine, Titanic is different in terms of its storyline but most romance movies follow the same plot. Not just romance movies but romance novels as well. It's all a bunch of clichés."

"Okay, Ron, care to share on some of the clichés?" Hermione asked as she stopped walking to throw herself onto a bench. Ron sighed as he sat next to her while ruffling his hands through his red hair.

"Let's start with the most common one. The convoluted plot. In most of these movies, you see two people who, God forbid, would normally never meet and never get to know each other under normal circumstances but instead are suddenly thrown together in a whirlwind of events. If it's not a sinking ship, maybe it's their friends who push them to meet or an accident happens to one of them, or their dad leaves their mom making them no longer step-siblings or even some dark powerful lord wants to take over the world and they're part of a team destined to stop him."

"That's because love in normal circumstances is boring, Ron! Guy meets girl, they fall in love and get married. The end. What's so interesting about that other than perhaps a few bad dates?" Hermione replied.

Ron let out a frustrated growl. "There's nothing wrong with that, Hermione. At least, that's realistic! I understand that for the film's or novel's sake that such plots are needed to push people together but come on, it sends out a message that can be positively dangerous."

"Like how?"

"Okay, let's start with this, shall we? In most cases, the two individuals have to be good looking or beautiful. They can look dishevelled, maybe even have a scar or two, but they still have to look good. And they share incredible similarities. Most of the time they're white, height difference isn't a problem, same religion etc. They're not as star-crossed as most of these films and movies would have you to believe. You want star-crossed? Try putting people where there's a great difference in the way they look, their skin colour, their family, their religions and beliefs and for the heck of it, their genders as well as see how the movie tries to move it along."

"Ok…" Hermione said as Ron continued to rant.

"Then, there's the way they fall in love. It's firstly love at first sight. He sees her, she sees him and BAM! They're in love. Sometimes it's not only just love at first sight. That movie, Sleepless in Seattle, had the girl fall in love with the guy's voice of all things! She hasn't even met the guy and already she's falling for him. I get that we are attracted to these people but let's not rush in and proclaim it to be love where we do overly romantic gestures that can otherwise be seen as extremely creepy."

"Such as?"

"Stalking. Lots and lots of stalking. Or other romantic gestures that may seem sweet in its nature but come at the cost of great inconvenience to others as well as being just downright creepy. All these gestures that would seem to be creepy and over-the-top appear charming and sweet to us because we, as the omniscient reader and viewer, know exactly how these two individuals feel about each other where in reality, it's difficult to ascertain how you actually feel, let alone how the other feels. Like, imagine if I were to go to your house and hold a boombox outside your window without telling you. Even if my intention was sweet, it's still kind of creepy especially if I have no clue to what you're feeling."

"But we do know what they're feeling!" Hermione responded as Ron rolled his eyes.

"Of course we do! But these characters don't! And they shouldn't! That's my point. Then, there's the twist, of course. That very clichéd twist."

"Which is?"

"Best friends falling in love. Or the guy and the girl you never noticed to be cute even though the audience can tell how good looking that person actually is, is the one you eventually fall for. And want to be with."

"Oh, is that why you think Harry and I will get together?" Hermione blurted out while winking at Ron who gave her a strange look.

"Well, kind of, I mean, if there's one good thing about rom-coms or romance stories, it's that they do follow this pattern strictly. You always fall for the best friend and that perhaps is true seeing as you've spend time with this person. And if the other protagonist of your love story isn't who you picture as your best friend, I'm pretty sure the love story would force you to see them as such." Ron said thoughtfully as he frowned at his words. "But that's not the worst thing about love stories."

"What is, then?" Hermione whispered. Hermione had no idea what she was whispering but something about Ron's words were giving her a strange sensation chilling down her spine.

"It's that most of the time, love stories require a sacrifice. Like the girl or guy is engaged to someone else and while they fall in love, they inevitably cheat on the other person they're supposed to be with. Romance stories try to cheapen this by portraying the other person to be completely horrible in some way but let's face it, most of the time, it's just cheating. Even if there isn't another person involved, the protagonist would have to sacrifice something else in return. Most of the time, it's their destiny or their dreams or a path they would have taken if not for what happened."

"Wow, can't believe you found a way to spoil romance movies and stories. Thanks, Ronald!" Hermione replied sarcastically as Ron looked apologetically at her.

"Sorry. I guess I'm just cynical, that's all. Love tends to hurt more than it actually brings joy."

"Did something happen to you?"

Ron remained silent as he stared at Hermione. Feeling a mixture of awkwardness and a feeling she can't put her finger on, Hermione shrugged her shoulders and decided to change the topic.

"Anyways, I've got Quidditch practice coming up. You want to come and watch me play?"

"Why would I do that?" Ron asked, surprised that Hermione would ask him such a question.

Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "Because you need it. You spend all this time with your books and your thoughts. Maybe a bit of fresh air and interacting with other people will do you some good."

"I don't know…" Ron trailed off as Hermione got off the bench.

"Jamie will be there," Hermione said as she winked at him. Ron smiled at the thought of watching Jamie in her Quidditch uniform.

"It's still our NEWT year."

"Oh, bloody hell, Ron!"

"Hermione! Language!" Ron roared as Hermione giggled at the sight of Ron chastising her for her cursing.

"How about if I could go like one night without cursing, you come to see me play?"

"You couldn't even make it an hour," Ron replied while smirking at her.

"Well then, Weasley, you have nothing to lose." Ron thought for a moment before nodding his head.

"Fine, it's a bet, then," Ron said as Hermione extended her hand for Ron to shake. The pair continued to patrol down the corridor before Hermione decided to break the silence that had come between them.

"Ron, if you were to write a romance story, how does the typical romance story go?"

Ron gave her a puzzled look before thinking. "Well, I suppose it starts out with us meeting the two protagonists."

"And they fall in love at first sight?" Hermione teased as Ron gave a laugh.

"No, it would be better if they can't stand each other. Or if they were like strangers to each other."

"Okay, what's next?"

"Then, I supposed a series of circumstances and events pushes them together. They're forced to spend time with one another."

"But, isn't that bad?"

"At first, I supposed it is, Hermione. But as time goes on, the inevitable happens. They start to slowly fall in love, or perhaps one of them starts to develop stronger feelings for the other."

"So they get together?"

"Not quite," Ron said as he smiled at her. "There's always got to be a conflict. Like they're not supposed to be together. Or external elements would mess up a potential relationship. But they continue to fall in love."

"Until they realize they're in love," Hermione added as she gave it a thought. "But it's not going to be easy."

"Nope. The conflict will continue to grow until it reaches its climax. There will be a lot of pain, a lot of hurt. You'll start to wonder if these two would ever get together."

"What happens next?" Hermione asked.

"Well, then comes the moment of realisation. When the protagonist decides that love is what he or she wants. Most of the time, this realisation is met after something else happens. Like a person giving them advice. Of course, there are stories where both of the protagonists realised this as well."

"Then why aren't they getting together?"

"Because…maybe the other person just can't overcome the conflict just yet. Or maybe it might seem too late. But not to worry, next comes the chase. Like your typical run through the crowd moment. Or a sacrifice is made. Something along those lines where the two people finally decides to profess their love for one another before choosing to stay together."

"Then comes the happily ever after," Hermione said as she sighed at the thought. Ron chuckled as he looked at Hermione's dreamy expression.

"Not always. I guess if there's one thing that isn't always cliché about romantic stories, is that the endings often differ. Sometimes, a happy ending isn't what's always on the menu." Ron spoke as Hermione gave him a blank stare while gazing into his beautiful, blue eyes. A loud growl sounded, breaking the tension between them as Hermione started to giggle once again.

"That sound means I'm hungry. Time to go to the kitchens, Ron!" Hermione yelled as she took off. Ron looked shocked for the moment before composing himself and glared at her departing figure while trying to chase after her.

"HERMIONE!" he yelled as Ron chased her down the corridor.

…

"HERMIONE!"

Hermione shook herself from her thoughts in just enough time to see a red ball flying towards her. Extending her hand, she caught the Quaffle in her glove as she threw it towards Jamie who had been screaming wildly at her.

"That's a nice save from Granger for once! Gryffindor really needs to keep this game flowing as quickly as possible. They are trailing Slytherin by ninety points at fifty to a hundred and sixty. That means, even if Potter does grab the Snitch, Slytherin will still win the cup. The only way Gryffindor wins the cup is if Potter grabs the Snitch to ensure a fifty point lead! Granger needs to keep the score down if Potter is ever going to go for it."

"Maybe she's distracted by Nargles. The entire pitch is infested with them."

"What the hell are Nargles?! You see, Minerva, what happens when you let Luna Lovegood commentate alongside me?"

"Mr. Jordan! Watch your language! And it's Professor McGonagall to you."

"Sorry Professor but emotions are running high. The Slytherins have been playing dirty as we expected."

"HERMIONE! Get your bloody head in the game!"

Hermione turned to see a tired but scowling Seamus glaring at her. The game was getting away from them. The Slytherins had done everything they could to prevent the Pack from scoring with their illegal blocking and tackling as well as their continued possession of the Quaffle. Though Gryffindor were allowed many penalties, Zabini had been more than up to the task of saving them. Worst still was the fact that Draco had obviously ordered Selwyn to help him look for the Snitch as well as keep an eye on Harry. Adrian had flown close to Harry on several occasions, preventing him from looking for the Snitch as Draco continued to survey the pitch. This resulted in many altercations, the worst being two penalties awarded to Slytherin after Harry had "accidentally" punched Adrian in the face.

"Just focus on what you're doing!" Hermione snapped, her temper getting the better of her.

"We're not going to win this," Dean said as he flew towards them, his eyes firmly on Ginny, Jamie, and Jack who were trying to breach the Slytherin defense. Crabbe and Goyle had taken positions covering two of the hoops, allowing Zabini to only have to cover one. "They're cheating way too much!"

"Then let's use the move." Hermione countered as Jamie's shot was easily captured by Zabini who tried to throw it towards Lestrange only to have Ginny intercept the shot. "We only need one shot and Harry can't do anything until we get that."

Seamus looked at Dean who shrugged his shoulders before nodding his head. The three of them then flew towards Ginny who was still struggling to pass the Quaffle to Jamie or Jack.

"What on earth are Granger, Thomas, and Finnigan doing? The Gryffindor goal is unprotected! Get the fuck back there now!" Lee screamed into the microphone

"Mr. Jordan, that is it! Miss Lovegood, you take over! It's all yours." Professor McGonagall said as Lee began protesting while she wrenched the microphone from his hands and gave it to Luna.

"Thank you, Professor. Nice weather we're having. The clouds do look a little dark although if you focus on the one hovering above us, it does look like a Blibbering Humdinger…"

"Miss Lovegood! Commentate on the match!"

"Oh right. Well, it looks like the Gryffindor team have decided to have a little pep-talk in the middle of the pitch, perhaps to discuss how to get rid of all the Nargles…"

"What the hell are you guys doing?!" Harry screamed as Seamus whispered something into Ginny's ear while Dean called for Jack and Jamie to join them. "This is NOT the time for a bloody pep-talk!"

"Shut up Harry! We're doing the move!" Hermione screamed as Harry's eyes dawned in realisation. Quickly, he dodged away from Adrian and Draco and flew towards the Pack who was now gathered in a circle surrounding Ginny.

"You sure about this?!" Ginny whispered loudly as she peered between the shoulders of Jamie and Dean to gaze at the Slytherin team. Almost the entire team were frozen in disbelief as to what was happening with exception of Malfoy who was screaming instructions to his team. All the spectators were yelling and shouting with many shouting curses at the Gryffindor team.

"Only one way to know. Let's go!" Hermione said as the entire Pack, now circling around Ginny as they flew towards the goal.

"It looks like Gryffindor is trying to carry the Quaffle into the goal." Luna cried as the entire crowd gasped in realisation.

"We got to stop them! Nott! Lestrange! Selwyn! Stop them!" Zabini screamed as the three Slytherin Chasers descended on the group.

"NO! WE CAN'T!" Draco roared as he raced towards his chasers. "We'll be penalised! Crabbe, Goyle! Hit those damn Bludgers. Aim for their heads!" Crabbe grunted in acknowledgement as he hit a Bludger towards the group.

"No!" Seamus yelled as the Bludger flew towards Jamie. Shoving her out of the way while still keeping the group intact, the Bludger collided with his side with the sickening crunch of his bones breaking.

"SEAMUS!" Jamie screamed as the rest of the group looked towards him in concern. Wincing in pain, Seamus only nodded for them to continue. Crabbe and Goyle continued to hit Bludgers towards the group with Sloper, Seamus and Dean taking the brunt of hits. Dean had intercepted some of the Bludgers as the group continued to edge closer towards the hoops.

"Gryffindor can't walk the Quaffle in! That's a foul, it has to be thrown into the goal!" Lee yelled having grabbed the microphone back while McGonagall, along with the rest of the crowd, were on their seats watching the spectacle before them.

"Zabini, fly towards them! They can't impede you!" Draco yelled as he, along with the rest of the team could only watch the group fly towards the hoops. Zabini nodded as he flew towards the group.

"We only have one shot at this!" Dean screamed as Zabini approach.

"Then let's make it count! Break! BREAK!" Harry yelled as the group burst apart with Ginny flying towards the bottom left hoop with Jamie and Jack next to her. Nott crashed himself into Sloper while Jamie and Sarah Lestrange slammed into each other, both appearing to want to break each other. Harry had slammed his broom into Goyle who in turn, crashed into Adrian leading to both Slytherins to fall off their brooms. Crabbe, who had been blocking the left hoop hit a Bludger towards Ginny only for her to dodge at the last second. Before he knew what was happening, Crabbe was knocked off his broom by the other Bludger which Dean had hit while screaming curses at the falling Slytherin Beater.

"What a mess! Everyone seems to be crashing into the other! Looks like Ginny's one on one with the Slytherin keeper!" Lee yelled as he watched Ginny flying closer towards the hoop.

"STOP HER!" Draco shrieked as he tugged frustratingly at his blonde hair. Zabini jumped in front of Ginny who appeared to throw the Quaffle hidden between her robes only to flash him the middle finger.

"WAIT! THE QUAFFLE IS NOT WITH GINNY! IT'S A DECOY!"

"WHAT?!" Draco yelled out. "Then where's the Quaffle?!"

"Oei Malfoy!"

Draco turned to look at who was calling him. Gasping along with the crowd, he turned his attention towards the right bottom hoop where Hermione Granger had been flying towards with the red, shiny Quaffle in her hand.

"Thanks for the gift!" Hermione said as she threw the Quaffle through the hoop.

"GRANGER SCORES! GRANGER SCORES! WHAT A MOVE BY GRYFFINDOR!" Lee yelled as Madam Hooch blew for the point. The Gryffindor spectators were screaming in delight while the Slytherins were cursing and protesting by raising their hands. Professor Snape appeared to be in a heated discussion with Professor McGonagall as both tried to appeal to Dumbledore.

"It's legal for a keeper to score so that point counts! Amazing move by Gryffindor to get the point they so badly needed!" Lee cried excitedly as many in the crowd screamed in agreement.

"Gryffindor wins the cup!" Luna yelled eagerly as she clapped her hands in delight.

"Relax, Luna! The game is not over yet. It only ends when one of the Seekers grab the Golden Snitch. We now wait for both teams to regroup…"

"What's the Golden Snitch?" Luna asked as Lee groaned in response.

"How are you allowed to commentate? The Golden Snitch! The golden, flying ball with wings that the Seekers have to catch!"

"You mean like the one flying around the Gryffindor goal?"

The crowd gasped together with Lee as Luna pointed towards a golden ball, clearly visible flying around the highest hoop of the Gryffindor goal. For a moment, no one moved or said a word. All of a sudden, two wizards clad in both red and green were flying towards the goal.

"POTTER AND MALFOY ARE FLYING TOWARDS THE SNITCH! COME ON, HARRY!" Lee yelled as the entire atmosphere exploded in screams and cheers.

"It looks like Draco might just reach it before Harry," Luna observed as Draco appeared to be a foot ahead of Harry who was flying as fast as he could. All of a sudden, a flash of red collided with Draco as he tumbled off his broom.

"It looks like Finnigan has hit Malfoy! Harry is now in the lead for the Snitch. He's almost there…come on Harry…yes… YES! HARRY GRABS THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WINS!" Lee yelled as the entire Gryffindor section exploded in cheers. The Pack flew towards one another trading hugs while the Slytherin team appeared to curse in disgust.

"FOUL!"

Hermione, along with everyone turned to see Professor Snape glaring at Harry holding the snitch while snatching the microphone away from Lee.

"Mr. Finnigan impeded the Slytherin Seeker from getting the Snitch. That's a penalty!" The Gryffindors roared in protests while the Slytherins screamed their approval. The Pack and the Club appeared to be at loggerheads as Ginny and Sarah were trying to shove each other while Goyle threw his Beater stick towards Dean. Harry and Draco were yelling at each other as well.

"The game is over, Professor Snape!" Lee cried angrily as he yelled into the microphone. "Harry caught the Snitch!"

"Be quiet, Mr. Jordan! This does not concern you!"

"Oh yes it does, you slimy git!"

"Enough!"

Everyone cowered under the booming sound of a familiar voice as all eyes looked towards Professor Dumbledore who had stood up amongst his staff who were all seated in the high box. The entire pitch became silent as everyone looked towards Professor Dumbledore who cleared his throat.

"Since Mr. Finnigan did indeed impede Mr. Malfoy on his way towards catching the snitch, it is only fair that Slytherin be awarded a penalty that will be taken into account with the current scoreline. Madam Hooch, please prepare the teams. Minerva, Severus, are there any objections from you two?"

Snape shook his head while McGonagall, clearly torn between wanting her house to win and following the rules, begrudgingly shook her head as well.

"So what does this mean, Lee?" Luna asked as she spoke into the microphone.

"This means that with the scoreline at two hundred and ten for Gryffindor and a one hundred and sixty for Slytherin, Gryffindor would have won the Cup as they are fifty points ahead with Potter catching the Snitch. However, if Slytherin were to score, Gryffindor will only be forty points ahead. So unless Hermione Granger stops the Quaffle from going in…"

Hermione could feel all eyes on her as everyone turned to gaze in her direction.

"Slytherin will win the Cup."

….

"Ten more minutes, Harry."

"Madam Hooch, why are you allowing Malfoy to take the penalty?! He's a Chaser, for Merlin's sake!"

"That may be, Harry but Professor Snape has requested Malfoy to take the penalty on account of the other players in his team being injured."

"They're faking it!" Harry yelled in disgust as Madam Hooch glared at him.

"Nonetheless, you need to make sure Granger is ready. I'm sorry, Harry but that's how it goes." Madam Hooch said as she left the locker room. Harry cursed under his breath as he walked towards his team who were now gathered around Hermione.

"She's letting Malfoy take it?! But… he's not a bloody Chaser!" Dean cried indignantly as Jamie glared at him.

"All the better for Hermione. Malfoy couldn't throw a Quaffle into a hoop even if it's right in front of him and Hermione has saved against me one on one before!"

"That's right, you got this Hermione!" Ginny cried as the rest of the team murmured in agreement. Hermione felt the heat rise up to her cheeks as she vomited once again into the bucket. She could feel her nerves rising all about her.

"Guys… I love you all…but could you give me a moment?" Hermione squeaked. The rest of the team nodded as they hugged Hermione while whispering words of encouragement before they left the room. Hermione sighed out loud as she strapped on her Keeper's helmet while staring into the pile of vomit at the end of her bucket.

"How the fuck am I supposed to do this?"

"Language, Hermione."

Nothing but the sound of that familiar voice could have pulled her from her thoughts as Hermione whirled around to see a tall, handsome redhead giving her a strange, sympathetic look.

"Ron?!" Hermione cried in shock as Ron smiled at her before taking a seat next to her. "How did you get in here? Did Ginny let you in or something?"

Ron shook his head. "I was watching the game, Hermione. Or rather I caught the last move you and the Pack made. I wanted to see you once you guys won but seeing as how the game has gone into overtime, I thought I would sneak in to see you."

"Ron…I…" Hermione stammered as she looked into his dejected eyes as Ron forced a bittersweet smile onto his face.

"I'm still mad, Hermione. But like you once told me, we're best friends now and I figured you might need me right now." Ron said as he opened his arms wide. Not wanting to wait any longer, Hermione threw herself into his arms as Ron held her tight, as tightly as he possibly could. There the pair sat, holding each other in their arms, not wanting the embrace to end.

Ron pulled himself away, albeit reluctantly as Hermione felt the warmth that his body provided disappear from hers. He placed a finger on her chin, pushing her face towards his. Hermione could see everything. Every freckle, every strand of red hair and those deep, bright blue pupils staring into her as she felt her breath lodge inside her nose.

"So how are you feeling now?" Ron said, the passive tone of his voice breaking the tension that was rising between the two.

"Nervous as hell. I mean, it's literally in my hands now. If I don't grab or block that Quaffle from Malfoy, we lose the cup and everyone will blame me." Hermione sighed in frustration.

"And if you do stop the Quaffle, then you'll be a hero. What's that song again? Granger is our Queen?" Ron chuckled as Hermione gave a small laugh.

"It's Malfoy, Ron. There's just too much riding on this. I can't do this. It's just too much pressure!" Hermione screamed as Ron looked at her with amusement. All of a sudden, Ron started laughing.

"What? What's so funny?!" Hermione said indignantly, miffed that Ron was laughing at her pain.

"Let's get something straight. You mean to tell me that the great Hermione Granger, miss- I-don't-take-no-nonsense-from-nobody is nervous? The girl who taught me the importance of embarrassing yourself, the girl who acts before she thinks, wears her heart on her sleeve, is passionate, determined, focused and can actually succeed when she believes in herself is nervous? This is Draco Malfoy you're up against? You know Pureblood-loving, Muggleborn-hating, insulting, rude and overall piece of dung, Draco Malfoy. The Hermione I know will relish the chance to wipe the floor with this guy."

"Are you giving me a pep talk? Cos that's like the worst pep talk in history." Hermione said with a smirk.

"Okay, then how about this? Fuck them."

"RON!" Hermione said out loud, aghast at what he said. "Language."

"Quite the role reversal, huh?" Ron said as he smiled at her. "But yes, look, it's just a stupid game. Yes, yes I know!" Ron snapped as Hermione looked to protest his words. "Look at this, Hermione, you catch the Quaffle, you win the cup. You don't and you lose. But what will the repercussions be? The Pack will have your back no matter what. Everyone will bask or be upset for just about the day and then everyone will move on. You're graduating for Merlin's sake!"

"So that's your big plan? Motivate me by trying to make it look like it's no big deal? Seamus already tried that, for your information."

"Okay, then how about this one?" Ron snapped, frustrated at how his speech was going. "Go in there and go save that shot. Yes, there's a chance that you could crash and burn but you know what? That's okay! Because if you do succeed, you'll win the cup! Do you know what this is? It's called a risk, Hermione. And life is nothing if we don't take risks! Like how one risks his future for a chance to be with the girl he loves! Yes, we're scared and damn it, I'm scared as hell but I rather risk everything to get what I want than settle for what I can get. So go out there and go show Malfoy and the Club and everyone else just who Hermione Granger really is!"

Ron kicked the bucket angrily as Hermione remained silent. Composing himself, Ron said down next to Hermione.

"I'm leaving," Ron said in a quiet voice.

"What?"

"I'm leaving. Dumbledore already prepared me a Portkey that will take me to London where I will go to the Ministry and sign my contract. It's a magically binding contract which by midnight, will take full effect unless of course, I rescind my signature. The MACUSA jobs isn't the same as muggle ones. There are strict repercussions for anyone who doesn't follow through."

"Ron…I…"

"I didn't want the last thing that happen between us to be a fight so that's why I came here to see you. I wanted to say my goodbye, Hermione."

Tears were streaking down Ron's face as Hermione felt her own cheeks getting wet.

"This last seven years at Hogwarts…it hasn't been easy… but you, you made it so much better than I would have ever expected. I mean what I said before. I don't regret our last year. You made me so much better than I would have been. For the longest time, I thought I would as stuffy as my brother Percy and then you came along and turned my life upside-down. But, I can't stay. Those two weeks in between where I'm free, I'm just going to stay in the States. I'm sorry Hermione but saying goodbye to you is the hardest thing I ever have to do and if I get even a glimpse of you again, it will be too soon and I don't think my heart can recover from it. You made your choice and so I have to make mine. Maybe we'll see each other again after five years. Thank you for being my best friend, Hermione Granger." Ron whispered as he stared at her.

For a moment, Hermione couldn't speak. She felt a frog lodged up her throat as she fumbled about the words to say. This was it. Ron was walking out of her life, at least for another five years. Was she really going to do this? Let Ron go? Her heart was screaming inside her, telling her to tell him to stay.

But I won't do that

The tension between them was unbearable. Come on, Hermione! Say something! Anything! HE'S LEAVING FOR GOD'S SAKE!

You can't deny him this chance. It's an once-in-a-lifetime chance. How can you stand in the way of him being happy?

Because he isn't happy! He's miserable and so are you! Stop being so stubborn and tell him to stay!

He isn't happy now but he could be! How can you expect him to stay for the likes of you?!

Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!

"Ron, what are you doing here?"

Ron and Hermione both jumped at the sound of Ginny's voice. Turning to face his sister, Ron forced a smile on his face as he got up from his seat.

"Sorry to break this up," Ginny said sheepishly as a whistle blew outside. "But it's time, Hermione," Ginny said as she disappeared back onto the pitch.

"That's your cue. Good luck, Hermione!" Ron said as he smiled at her. Before Hermione could say anything else, Ron pulled her into a hug and gave her a kiss on her forehead. "I got to go."

SAY SOMETHING FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!

"You remember last year? When you spoke to me about love stories? I realise we've gone through nearly every love cliché in the book." Hermione blurted out as Ron gave her a blank stare before laughing.

"Yeah, I suppose we have. Ironic isn't it? How I complained about love stories being clichéd and unrealistic when I would give anything to have that happily ever after now? Anyways, you should go, Hermione." Ron said as he walked towards the entrance of the locker room.

"Ron!" Hermione screamed as Ron turned around.

"Yes?"

"I love you, Ron. I love you so much."

Ron smiled as he nodded his head.

"I love you too. Hope you figure out what you want, Hermione and when you do, go for it." Ron said as the tall, redheaded boy disappeared outside.

…

The cold winds were biting down her neck as Hermione stepped outside. She could hear the crowd chanting loudly, half booming in cheers while the other whistled with jeers. She could feel the pats on the back from Sloper, Seamus, and Dean while feeling tight strong hugs from Ginny, Jamie, and Harry. Across the pitch, a sneering blonde boy with dark grey eyes glared maliciously at her while the rest of the Club were laughing and pointing in her direction. She could hear the booming sound of Lee Jordan on the microphone as she stared out the three golden hoops, each glittering in the dying rays of the sunlight. As she sat down on her broom, she could feel Madam Hooch pulling her close as she spoke instructions to both Malfoy and her. Yet despite the grand atmosphere of what was happening around her, Hermione's mind only focused on a single thing.

Ron

She should be nervous and yet a strange calmness took over her body as Hermione floated into the air. She flew swiftly towards the hoop as her ears blocked the sounds of cheering and screaming from the spectators. Malfoy had flown towards the middle of the pitch, the designated starting position for penalties that occurred in overtime. She could see the entire crowd chanting in anticipation as cheers and jeers reached a fever pitch before the loud piercing whistle silenced the entire arena. Then a second whistle was heard and Hermione saw a blond wizard streaking towards her, with the Quaffle in hand.

Ron

As Draco Malfoy was barrelling towards her, Hermione kept her eyes fixed on his every movement. Every part of her body, every nerve was ready in anticipation for any move Draco Malfoy was going to throw at her. Like a grandmaster at chess, Hermione's brain analysed every turn he made as Draco flew in a zigzag manner, trying to throw her off her game.

Ron

As Draco came closer, Hermione's mind was racing. Only it wasn't about the game. Hermione thought back to her first day when Professor McGonagall came to her house to tell her that she was a witch. She thought back to her first day at Hogwarts where she met Ron and they became friends. She thought back to her third year and how she joined the Pack. She thought back to her first meeting with Jamie, Ginny, Seamus, Dean and of course, Harry. She thought back to the Quidditch matches, the classes, even her dates with Krum. She thought of how Ron entered back into her life and the moments they shared either at loggerheads with one another or embracing in a dance inside the Room of Requirement.

Ron

"Hermione! You got to fly towards him! Constrict the angles!" Harry yelled.

"Shut up Harry! She knows what she's doing!" Jamie screamed

"Malfoy's approaching the goal. Looks like he's going to try to outfly Granger!" Lee cried.

"Come on, Draco! Destroy that Mudblood!" cried one of the Club members.

Ron

Figure out what you want, Hermione and when you do, go for it. Hermione could hear Ron's last words to her echoing in her head as Malfoy flew mere metres away from her.

What do I want?

I want Ron. I want to be with Ron.

And there it was. Hermione looked towards the bright red Quaffle that Malfoy was carrying as she pictured the tall, lanky redhead that she fell in love with. She pictured Draco Malfoy, who was sneering at her as he extended his arm, as everything that had gotten in the way of her and Ron. MACUSA. The Discota Potion. The letter that she wrote. Everything. Hermione could feel it the anger rising inside of her, her passion blazing like Fiendfyre as she tilted her body to the side. Draco had flown past the hoops, using his powerful broom to his advantage as he threw the Quaffle with his right arm, hoping to curve it towards the right hoop. Anticipating this and knowing that flying together with Malfoy would have been futile, Hermione did the only thing she knew she had to do. She took a risk. Putting her back into it, Hermione reversed her broom as she leapt backward through the middle hoop.

There was a collective gasp as Hermione felt herself hurtling through the air. In Quidditch, this was a suicide dive, a desperate attempt to touch the Quaffle, hoping to put it off course or at the very least, throw the chaser off his game. The odds of her saving the penalty were not in her favour as Hermione knew how often such a move was successful. Nevertheless, Hermione shut her eyes as her body flew through the hoop, both her hands and fingers outstretched, hoping to make contact with a hard object. This was a risk, a risk she had to take.

Come on

Come on

COME ON!

She felt herself starting to fall. It had failed. The Quaffle would have flown past her by now and anytime soon, she would hear the screaming cheers of the Slytherin fans in the distance.

Bump!

Hermione gasped as her middle finger touched something hard, something wooden. Hermione opened her eyes. She could see herself turning over on her back, her eyes firmly on the Quaffle which had flown past her despite her touch. It flew and flew until it hit the side of the hoop without passing through and dropped down towards her.

As the crowd exploded into a symphony of cheers and red and yellow fireworks burst into the air, Hermione felt herself slowing down due to the Cushioning Charms of the pitch. As she slowed, the red Quaffle dropped into her hands. Hermione cradled the Quaffle as she smiled at it, never removing it from her grasp as swarms of bodies threw themselves onto her with cries of joy and laughter.

…..

The atmosphere inside the Gryffindor common room was abuzz with excitement as a roaring celebratory party was in full swing. Everyone from the first years right up to the seventh years were present as the sound of party poppers and crackers filled the air. Each member of the Pack had been hoisted into the common room and the glittering silver Quidditch Cup was being passed around as Harry insisted on everyone getting a turn to parade their magnificent trophy. Food and drinks were brought from the kitchen as well as snacks that were smuggled in from Hogsmeade were being passed around as everyone sang, laughed and celebrated in joy. Even housemates from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff crashed the party as Lee Jordan, who had insisted on staying after the game, showcased the wide variety of Weasley products that he had brought. Through the mass of students, an Irish wizard with sandy hair and pale skin was nervously tugging at the collar of his shirt.

"WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! GRYFFINDOR 1998!" someone yelled as the rest of the Gryffindor House cheered together. Rubbing against his injured ribs which still felt sore despite Madam Pomfrey's best efforts to heal it, Seamus focused his attention on a particular witch with smooth white skin, green eyes and her familiar black hair tied neatly in a ponytail. Waving at Jamie who nodded at him, Seamus retreated to an isolated part of the common room so as to have privacy.

"How's your ribs?" Jamie asked with a concerned look on her face. As her eyes glittered under the light of pale moon peeking through the window, Seamus couldn't help but feel the butterflies in his stomach start to flutter furiously.

"Nah, it was nothing," Seamus said in his best expression of a macho yet indifferent voice. Jamie cocked her eyebrow before smirking at him.

"Then I guess you won't mind if I did this!"

Jamie poked her fingers on his bruises causing Seamus to yelp in pain. "Okay, okay, stop it!"

"Can I see it?"

Seamus felt his mouth fall open. He couldn't believe his ears. "What?!"

"Can I see it?"

"Jamie, I don't think that's a good idea. Your brother somewhere around and not that I'm not flattered but…"

"For the love of Merlin!" Jamie snapped as she rolled her eyes. "Your bruises! Can I see it?"

Seamus mentally slapped himself before realising just how hot his cheeks had been burning. "Of course, of course," Seamus said as he lifted the side of his shirt. Jamie gasped as she stared at the dark purplish contusions on his side.

"God, that looks so bad! Are you sure you're alright?"

"Please. Like some Bludger is going to keep me down. You do know who you're talking to, don't you?" Seamus said as he gave Jamie a smirk.

"That was for jumping in front of the Bludger," Jamie said before she suddenly slapped him on his arm.

"Righttt…"Jamie said as she smiled at him. "Anyways, I wanted to tell you. I got the memory." Jamie fished out a bottle with a silvery substance inside and passed it to Seamus. Seamus cooed as he stared at the tiny bottle.

"I found out how we lost our memory as well," Jamie said as Seamus looked at her in shock.

"How?"

"Well," Jamie said as she took the bottle back from him. "Ron helped me figure it out. Turns out that apparently some of the contraceptive charms that my mother told me about can be a little outdated. If you were to accidentally shoot one of the charms towards an alcoholic liquid, the alcohol mixes with the charm would cause memory loss especially if induced in high amounts. My guess is that night, I was busy showing off what I learn and I might have accidentally shot the charm at your liquor which we drank."

"Wow… so do you still want to find out if you and I shagged?" Seamus asked as Jamie shrugged her shoulders.

"Honestly, it's kind of moot now but we could look at it tomorrow in the Room of Requirement. Speaking of which, tomorrow after the Leaving Feast, there's going to be a party in the Room before we head for the train station. Get you guys to like take photos and be merry before leaving Hogwarts forever. Anthony is helping me with me." Jamie said as she turned to wave at the Ravenclaw captain who stood not far from where they were. Goldstein blushed as he gave a sheepish wave, earning a scowl from Seamus.

"So are you and him like together or something?" Seamus said as Jamie gave him a smirk.

"Why? You jealous or something?"

"No," Seamus said as he looked away. "Why would I be jealous of some Ravenclaw prat?"

"Uh-huh. Anyways, everyone is invited to the party, even the Slytherins. So I guess you can invite Daphne if you want even though I can't think of a reason why." Jamie spoke as she said the last part hastily. Seamus cocked his eyebrow.

"Why? You jealous or something?"

"What?! No. Please, definitely not jealous." Jamie said as she folded her arms. "Haven't you heard? After Ron, I'm swearing off boys. No need for me to be dating any more heartbreakers"

"Well, after Daphne, I'm swearing off girls," Seamus said as he folded his arms. "No need for me to be dating any more self-absorbed chicks."

"Good."

"Good!"

"Fine!"

"FINE!"

Jamie and Seamus glared at each other before bursting out in laughter. All of a sudden, Seamus felt a soft pair of lips touching his cheek. He could feel his face burning as Jamie pulled away from the kiss.

"What was that for?" Seamus said as he caressed his cheek.

"For being you. And for taking a Bludger for me. I'm really going to miss you next year, Finnigan." Jamie said as she beamed at him before walking away to re-join the party.

"You and me both," Seamus said as he touched his cheek.

…..

"Hey, can I sit?"

Ginny turned from looking out the window to see Harry sitting on the ledge next to her. She smiled as he handed her a Butterbeer.

"Of course. Thanks." Ginny said as she took a sip. Harry nodded as he sipped his beer, his eyes fixated on the beautiful, freckled redhead sitting next to him with her back against the side of the window ledge. Harry turned to look out at the Hogwarts grounds. Though it was dark, Harry could see the branches of the trees inside the Forbidden Forest swaying and groaning as the cold night wind blew across the landscape. A tiny flash of light appeared as Harry spied on Hagrid's Hut down below. Up in the sky, the stars were twinkling brightly as the full moon shone brightly.

"What were you and Dean talking about?"

Harry turned his attention away from the window and back to Ginny who was looking towards the party.

"We needed some bro talk."

"Uh-huh, and that wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that he's kissing Parvati Patil now?"

Harry spun around and sure enough, Dean was locking lips with Parvati on one of the couches, snogging her as hard as he could. Harry was happy for his best friend whom Harry had spoken to after the game about two things. The first had been about Dean and how he felt towards Parvati. Harry had urged Dean to make a move and sure enough, Dean had followed through. The second, however, was a little more complicated but in the end, Dean had given his approval. Breaking himself out of his thoughts to look at Ginny, Harry was suddenly aware that Ginny was watching her ex-boyfriend kissing some girl.

"Ginny, are you okay?"

"I'm more than okay, Harry. I'm happy for him." Ginny said genuinely as she flashed a smile at the loving couple. "Anyways, Parvati's much better for him than Lavender at least. Or myself."

"Ginny…" Harry started to speak but Ginny merely shook her head.

"No, Harry, it's okay. The more I feel about it, I'm glad that Dean and I dated but he wasn't the one for me and just because we aren't dating doesn't mean I don't want him to be happy. He's still my friend after all. Surely, you of all people can understand."

"Me?" Harry exclaimed in surprise.

"Hermione," Ginny said as she smiled at him. "You were infatuated with her once until she fell for my brother. But I'm going to hazard a guess and say, you don't feel as upset at her as you once did."

"Guess not. Strange, isn't it?"

"Not really. We were both in love with the image of the person rather than the person themselves. The sad truth is sometimes the only way to find that out is by going out and making that mistake."

"True. I'll drink to that." Harry said as he clinked his Butterbeer bottle against Ginny's in a toast. Harry took another moment to gaze upon Ginny. Thinking back to the time he went with Ginny to get a pregnancy test, Harry couldn't help but snort at the thought of Carl and Mary and what they would say if they knew how Harry felt about Ginny.

Carl would probably jump for joy

"Harry, what's so funny?" Ginny asked as she looked at him curiously.

"Nothing. I can't believe that I actually followed you to buy a Muggle pregnancy kit test. Merlin, can't get that image of you when they passed you the condoms!" Harry said as he laughed. Ginny glared at him before realising how silly they must have looked and broke out in giggles as well.

"Well, Harry, you were officially there at the most embarrassing moment of my life. Consider yourself lucky. I don't just bring anyone to get condoms with."

"Oh, I'll be treasuring that memory for the rest of my life, Miss Weasley. Got to get a Pensieve soon. Speaking of which, there's going to be a party at the Room tomorrow."

"I know," Ginny said as she smiled at Harry. "Jamie told me."

"Right. Anyways, I was wondering…if maybe…you like to…go together?" Harry stammered while staring expectantly at Ginny.

Ginny gave Harry a blank stare as she pondered about his words.

"Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Date?!" Harry spluttered as Ginny gave him a smirk. "Whatever gave you that idea?"

Ginny continued to smile at Harry as all of a sudden, she moved herself closer towards the raven-haired wizard.

"Nothing. So, I'm guessing we're going as friends?"

Harry moved himself closer as he imitated Ginny.

"Of course, we're going as friends. We're friends, aren't we?"

"True. And I really respect your friendship, Harry. Outside my brother, you're the one I'm closest to inside the Pack."

"And I respect your friendship, Ginny. I wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardise it."

"Right, because after all the both of us have been through, the last thing we need is another relationship."

"Yeah, relationships suck."

"Absolutely."

Perhaps it was the atmosphere within the common room, the constant chanting and celebrating which were causing both Harry and Ginny to feel a little light-headed as a strong force appeared to pull the two closer together. Harry gulped loudly as Ginny approached him. Her soft fingers grazed over his arms, causing goosebumps to break out at her very touch. She tucked back a strand of red hair behind her ear as a faint blush rose onto her cheeks. Harry could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he leaned closer, bring his face barely an inch from hers. He could see her tiny freckles that danced lightly across her nose as he felt himself being pulled into her deep, brown eyes. He could see her soft lips trembling as she bit on her bottom lip. Their noses were almost touching now as Harry leaned closer. Images of their last kiss played constantly in his mind as well as those clandestine wet dreams which Harry often had even while he was dating Hermione. Fantasy was about to become reality as their lips were almost brushing against one another, Harry pushing himself forward to taste her soft lips once again when…

Ginny pulled herself away at the last minute causing Harry to almost fall onto the floor.

"Guess, I'll see you tomorrow then, friend," Ginny said as she smiled evilly at Harry. Before Harry could retort, Jamie appeared in front of both of them.

"Hey, upstairs now. Hermione wants to tell us something. Let's go." Jamie said as she made her way towards the stairs

"Okay," Ginny said as she helped Harry to his feet.

"That was cruel, Weasley." Harry huffed as he glared at her. Ginny just winked at him before leaning in to whisper.

"Better get used to it, Potter. And put your wand away. There's no need to wave that thing about…"

"What are you talking about? I left my wand back in my…OH!"

…..

"Wow," Seamus said as the others exchanged looks amongst themselves. "Can't believe you guys shagged."

"Wait, so Ron's going off to sign the contract tonight?" Dean asked as Hermione nodded.

"Isn't Ron going to come back for the Leaving Feast? I mean, he's our valedictorian, right? He's still got to give his speech." Harry spoke as Ginny shook her head.

"It's not compulsory for him to be there and any awards can be passed to him. I can try to convince him to come back. He's my brother, after all."

"Ron would still leave for MACUSA though once he signs the contract," Jamie replied sadly as she looked at her best friend.

To say Hermione was a mess would be an understatement. After her amazing save, everyone had come to congratulate her as they patted her back, gave her hugs and even sang songs and cheers after her. Yet Hermione's focus was only on one thing. Hermione looked down at the red Quaffle that she had still clung onto. Not even the lure of hoisting the Quidditch Cup could pry Hermione from holding onto anything else. As the party in the common room started, Hermione had retreated into the boy's dormitory as she made a beeline for Ron's bed, hoping to find the wizard lying there hiding inside his four-poster bed. Yet Ron's bed was bare, not an item of him in sight as the covers on his bed looked like it was brand new. Upon realising that not a shred or remainder of Ron remaining, Hermione had burst into tears as she broke down on his bed. Only when Jamie appeared and comforted her, did Hermione decide to call in the Pack to tell them about her and Ron.

"It's all over. Once Ron signs the contract and if his signature remains until midnight, the contract will be binding and Ron will move to MACUSA."

"There's got to be something we can do!" Seamus said in frustration as the others nodded in agreement. "What about Dobby?!"

"Dobby's busy at the moment," Harry replied. "Tried calling him but I guess he's tied up doing something for Dumbledore."

"What if we OWL?"

"Won't be fast enough. And I don't think a letter is going to stop my brother." Ginny said.

"Floo?"

"Only Floo to the Ministry is in Dumbledore's office," Dean said.

"Apparate!"

"You can't apparate inside the Hogwarts grounds." Hermione sighed.

"Damn it! What else is there?" Seamus growled in frustration. "It's not like we could fly to the Ministry on our brooms."

Everyone stared at Seamus as their eyes began to widen. Seamus groaned in frustration.

"Well, we've done crazier things before."

…..

A/N: So that's the Slytherin match as promised. Now onto the final chapter where I will try to tie up this story as well as give my thanks to all those who supported me throughout this story. Thank you for your support! Love you guys. Thanks for reading and yes, leave a review if you can.