A/N - This collection is for the 50 Ways to Say Goodbye Challenge on HPFC. Inspired by the song by Train, the premise of this challenge is to write 50 stories about break-ups or people saying goodbye. There will be various characters and pairings, some may not be canon compliant. Hope you enjoy!

Letting Go

June 2028

Hermione sat in the front row of seats in the garden of the Burrow, a handkerchief clasped tightly in her hands. She stared straight ahead, nearly unblinking, as she waited for Ron to join her. There were so many thoughts and emotions running through her that she was having problems concentrating on just one. She felt a hand on her arm and looked to her left. Her mother was giving her an understanding smile, one Hermione tried in vain to return. Her mother patted her arm and then settled back into her seat. Hermione's thoughts finally coalesced and she smiled faintly as she allowed herself to remember.

October 2001

There was a knock on the door of the small antechamber Hermione and her mother stood in. Ginny and Luna had already gone out to the foyer of Hermione's childhood church to wait to begin the processional. Hermione's mother opened the door to reveal her father.

"It's time," he said with a smile. Hermione's mother came and kissed her on the cheek and then squeezed her hand.

"You look beautiful," she said and then left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

"She's right you know," her father said as he came and stood in front of her.

"Dad," Hermione said with a shake of her head, pink blooming on her cheeks. Her father continued to stare at her as if trying to memorize her face. "Something wrong?" Hermione finally asked.

"No," he said and she was surprised to hear the small quaver in his voice. She looked at him quizzically and he smiled again. "I'm just trying to figure out exactly how I'm going to say good-bye to you."

"Good-bye?" Hermione repeated. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Of course you are, you're getting married," her father said.

"Well, yes, but that doesn't mean I'm leaving you," Hermione protested. "I mean, I am I suppose, but it's not as if we won't still see each other."

"That's true," her father agreed. "But it's still a good-bye of sorts." He put a hand to her cheek and Hermione leaned into him. "I remember when I was the only man in your life, but today, another man will take your heart home with him." Hermione hugged her father tightly.

"You'll always have part of my heart, Daddy," she whispered. He kissed the top of her head. "This isn't good-bye." He pulled back from her and smiled once more, but Hermione could see that it was a sad smile.

"You'll understand what I mean someday," he said. "When you have children of your own." He glanced at his watch. "And now we had better get out there or Ron will think you've jilted him at the altar." Hermione laughed and took her father's proffered arm, letting him lead her to her new life.

June 2028

The music began and Hermione was pulled from her thoughts. She glanced up at Kingsley, who stood solemnly at the end of the aisle, flanked by a rather nervous looking Scorpius. Kingsley met her gaze for a moment and winked at her and Hermione couldn't help but smile. She caught Scorpius' eye and her smile remained in place. He gave her a small nod and then flicked his gaze to his left where Albus stood. Albus put a hand on his friend's shoulder, giving him a comforting squeeze. Scorpius visibly straightened and Hermione caught Astoria's smile from the corner of her eye. Rose's friend Celeste came down the aisle, followed by Lily who was grinning widely. They took their places opposite Albus and Hugo and turned to face the back of the marquee.

As one, the guests stood and Hermione took in a deep breath as Ron and Rose entered the tent. Ginny, who had been sitting behind her, reached out a hand and took Hermione's and Hermione smiled at her gratefully. Ginny had been through this once already, James and Cassandra having gotten married two years before.

Before she knew it, Ron and Rose stood in front of her. Ron kissed Rose's forehead and then Hermione stepped forward. She glanced at Scorpius, who was staring at Rose in awe and Hermione's heart clenched. She knew now just what her father had meant all those years ago. She hugged her daughter and told her she loved her. Scorpius had taken a few steps forward and with one more look at him, Hermione let her daughter go.

She sat during the ceremony holding tightly to Ron's hand, dabbing at her eyes with the handkerchief in the other. When it was over, they all stood once more and applauded as Rose and Scorpius walked down the aisle together. Hermione found herself standing next to her father as everyone broke into groups while Harry and the Weasley men began magically rearranging the tent for the reception. Her dad put his arm around her and Hermione leaned into his side for a moment.

"I understand now," she said quietly and he smiled, Hermione not even needing to elaborate. She watched as Rose greeted her friends and relatives. Hermione saw Scorpius' arm wrapped protectively around her and saw the glances the two of them gave each other. She pictured Rose at three, running and jumping into Hermione's arms when Hermione got home from work. How could time have gone so quickly? What had happened to that chubby cheeked little girl? Hermione's heart overflowed with joy and sadness all at the same time. "How do I do this, Dad? How do I let her go?" His arm tightened on her shoulder and he sighed.

"You just do sweetheart," he said. "You just do." Hermione nodded and even though what he'd said was no real advice, she understood it all the same. They watched Rose until her daughter turned and caught Hermione's eye. Smiling, Rose blew her mother a kiss and Hermione reached out and pretended to catch it, a childhood game they had played when Rose was small. Hermione opened her hand and pressed it to her cheek and Rose had smiled again and turned back to her new husband.

"Good-bye," Hermione whispered.