Title: If Only...
Rating: M
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Harry/Hermione, Harry/Ginny (referenced), Ron/Hermione (referenced)
Warnings: pre-epilogue, sexual content
Prompt: drusy quartz
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Summary: Harry and Hermione share a moment before she goes to search for her parents in Australia.
Feedback: Yes, please

Harry hands Hermione the silver accent earrings that held the drusy quartz gemstone. She is speechless so Harry takes that as a good sign. "I know you're not one to wear a lot of jewelry, but they're a subtle pink, so I thought—"

"Harry." Hermione cuts off Harry's nervous rambling, making the boy – no, man – Hermione corrects herself, blush. "They're beautiful." She is touched by the gift. "This is one of the nicest presents anyone has ever given me, but why? What are they for?"

Harry rubs the back of his neck. "I know you're going to Australia tomorrow to look for your parents. Who knows how long you'll be gone. Just don't forget about me, okay?"

Hermione smiles sadly. "I could never forget about you, Harry. You're my best, and truest, friend."

Harry smiles, his gaze flickering to Hermione's lips with unbridled desire darkening his emerald eyes.

Hermione clears her throat, feeling something pool in her lower stomach. "Harry, do you ever wonder what would have happened if Ron had never come back?"

"Not really." Harry mumbles, but Hermione doesn't buy it because he's still looking at her lips.

She moves closer, getting out of her comfort zone. Hermione is the bookish, dependable one; she's not a flirt. That was more Lavender's department. Still, her heart beats faster as she takes Harry's hand, feeling the calluses from Harry gripping a broom handle so often. "I think you do. I think you're wondering about it right this moment." She breathes, fingers twirling around Harry's left palm.

They stare. It may be cliché, but it feels like time stops. Suddenly Harry's moving and their lips are touching.

The kiss is awkward and sloppy, but so perfect in Hermione's mind.

Harry holds Hermione against him and she can feel the hard planes pressed against her own soft curves.

Lips nip at Hermione's neck and she arches, giving him more space to work.

Hermione feels wandering hands underneath her skirt, fingers pushing aside her panties, and she doesn't even entertain the notion of stopping him. She has always wanted Harry to be her first, knowing he'd make it good for her.

She feels herself dripping and moans when Harry pulls back his fingers to lick them.

Hermione stands up, takes off her skirt and hesitates when it comes to her blouse, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

Harry, seemingly knowing her mind, does it for her. Hands massage her all over as her knees buckle and she sits back down.

"You're beautiful." His whisper is reverent and she believes him.

When Harry lays her down, he' soft and slow, emotion swelling in his eyes as he touches her carefully. It feels like he's treasuring her, making sure he remembers everything that transpires.

When they come together, simultaneous moans ringing in the air, Hermione feels like all is right in her world.

Harry holds her, pressing urgent kisses to her neck. She turns her head and catches his lips in a passionate kiss.

Without either of them saying anything out loud, Hermione knows this is the one and only time for the two of them.

Tomorrow she will go to Australia and stay for however long it takes to find her parents and restore their memories. Then she'll go to Ron and Harry will go to Ginny. They'll do everything they can to love the Weasleys that have chosen them.

Harry and Hermione will always share the memory, remember it with fondness, and maybe even wish for something different, if only, but neither will stray.

Hermione will treasure the time she has left with Harry as her lover before the sun comes up. Until reality comes crashing down.

It's just the way it has to be.

Notes: Do you want an alternate ending, one which is happy for Harry and Hermione? Let me know.