Disclaimer: We do not own Harry Potter†only this particular plot line

Written by: RR and TP (no real names)

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CHAPTER 1

Harry sighed as he neared the Dursley's car with Hermione walking slightly behind him. He seemed lost in his own world lately, distant and solemn. Times had been acrid for both of them but Harry was more troubled than either. The clever witch was grieving for the loss of Sirius also but it just left a more profound effect on Harry than it could ever leave on her. His death had left a mark of disdain on Harry which no one could remove. Hermione had wished time after time that she'd be able to take away his sorrows and give him the care-free and joyful life he deserved. Yet she could do nothing but stand by his side and help him as much as she could. Lately it wasn't much. Dumbledore and the rest of the Order were more help to him now than she ever had and could be.

The wind picked up, brushing back Harry's hair to reveal his scar. Frustrated tried to pat his hair back into place he slowed down when he felt his scar. He smoothly ran his fingers over it and unnoticeably shook as he remembered Voldemort. His emerald eyes gazed out with fear expecting the Dark Lord to show up at any moment. Visions danced in his head, taunting him of all the devastating events that could happen. The feminine sound of Hermione's steps brought forth the thought of Voldemort harming her. His eyes hardened in determination and protectiveness. Deep down Harry knew he could never allow Voldemort to hurt Hermione. He would give his own life to prevent that and frowned at the thought that he possibly would. Death would mean never seeing Hermione again or listening to her lecture about homework or whatever crazy nonsense she always came up with.

"Well, come on. We don't have all day, you know." Uncle Vernon harshly snapped. Harry sadly smiled at his uncle's turnip colored face, remembering when it was the only thing he feared. Now everything was different, the world was too dangerous, he wanted to protect Hermione from all that was happening but he could barely protect himself. Hermione anxiously glanced at her own parents waving her to get in.

She then turned her eyes back to Harry, catching his smile. Hermione blushed, thinking of how handsome and charming his smile was. Awkwardly she averted her eyes to the ground. Staring down, she softly said, "I guess this is goodbye."

Looking behind his should to Hermione he simply responded, "Yeah." His voice was raspy and weak. He swallowed and turned around to face her. Clumsily, he kicked her car's tire while doing do. He muttered out, embarrassed, "Sorry."

She confusedly gazed at him then ineptly chuckled, "Oh, it's alright."

Hermione opened her mouth to speak but then Harry's uncle interrupted, "Hurry it up, boy!" Harry rolled his eyes then continued to stand there in the silence.

The silence lasted for a few moments before Hermione said, "Goodbye. See you soon, I hope." Both waved bye to each other in awkward silence.

She slowly started to walk away before Harry unconsciously spoke out, "Yeah, I hope so too. I'm really going to miss you."

Swiftly she rotated towards him. Quickly and curiously she blurted out, "Really?"

Shocked, Harry stood and blinked at her for a few seconds, he hadn't even realized he said that out loud. Noticing her smiling eager face he couldn't help but let out a sincere and happy grin while confirming her very want at that moment," Yes, I really will miss you." Grinning back at him she suddenly flung herself onto him, kissing him on the cheek. She pulled back and observed his face closely, examining it for any sign or repulsion or rejection. Her smile grew even wider when she saw none. She stared wantonly at him before regretfully glancing between his and her guardians. Disappointingly she gradually drew herself farther away from him until she was closing the door to her own car and leaving Harry there stunned. She waved goodbye as her car pulled out, leaving the station. Harry stupidly beamed, his smile crooked and satisfied.

"Boy! I'm warning you." his uncle furiously yelled, prowling closer to Harry.

Harry scowled and crossed his arms, trudging his way to the car to avoid getting dragged by his uncle into it. He rolled his eyes and scoffed, "What a buzz kill."

Slightly slamming the car door once reaching the back seat entrance, his uncle warned him with a deathly leer, promising punishment. Harry shoved himself further down into the plush seat, hoping he could survive this summer, just to see Hermione again.