My Brother's Girl

One Final Farewell

Over the course of the next year, Hermione was terrified; two 17 year olds and one 18 year old were trying to save the world. It was the most dangerous thing she had ever done; and being friends with Harry had left some competition.

Being with Ron and Harry was nice; but not talking to anyone else for an entire year took its toll. The Trio argued but normally they stopped as soon as the night hit. Then, it was just them. Occasionally it would feel as though nothing had changed. A song would come on and the Trio would dance, like regular teenagers. But then the song would end and everything else went back to how it had been before.

When Ron left it became even harder. Harry and her seemed to not talk about anything. They just ate and slept, ate and slept. Hermione was grateful when Ron returned for so many reasons - the fact it felt better with him there, it was easier with the three of them. But mostly she was grateful because Ron explained that the twins had started Potterwatch.

Not speaking to Fred was the hardest; all she knew was that he was alive. She would hold her necklace all night until she fell asleep, knowing as long as it beat he was breathing. Besides, he still did Potterwatch. Sometimes they missed the Password but Hermione being Hermione always knew what Fred would pick. His voice soothed her. He ended every show the same.

"I'll see you soon my brain box."

It filled her heart with warmth knowing Fred still loved her.

Finally, the day came. It was War.

"To Hogwarts?" Harry said, before taking Hermione's hand. "To Hogwarts." She replied, taking Ron's.

"To Hell." Ron added, before they disapparated.

Despite complications, soon the Trio were standing in the Room of Requirement. As they walked in, Ginny threw herself at Harry, and Fred at Hermione.

"Oi! I'm only your brother!" Ron said, standing alone.

"Yeah but we've got lots of them." Fred said with a wink.

After being passed around for hugs, Harry stood up.

"Its time for War. I'm not asking you to fight. No one under 17 (he looked at Ginny) is allowed to. I dont know whats going to happen. But I do know its going to be Hell. I'm sorry for bringing this here; but I can and will stop Voldemort." There was a roomful of cheering.

"We believe in you Harry." Someone shouted. Others yelled in agreement. Hermione squeezed Fred's hand. "I believe in you." She whispered. Looking at his girlfriend, Fred winked.

Whilst Harry went off to search the castle for the last Horcrux (not including Nagini) everyone prepared.

Fred wanted to fight; and so did Hermione. Much to the others dismay.

"Fine. But at Midnight you have to meet me in the Great Hall. No matter what. Agreed?" Fred said, kissing his girlfriend goodbye as he ran off to follow George. "Agreed. I love you." Hermione shouted. She didnt care who heard; if it was the last thing she said to him she wanted it to be loud.

"I love you too Wise Girl." Fred disappeared and Hermione followed Ron to the Chamber of Secrets.

Midnight

"No!" Hermione screeched as she ran into the Great Hall. Fred was laying on the floor, surrounded by his family. She ran faster than the wind, followed by Ron and Harry.

Upon seeing his body, she collapsed. Fred was dead. She had wanted to believe so hard the bracelet had broken during the battle, or that when she fell she broke the connection. But seeing his body laying there, there was no denying it.

George pulled her up and into a hug. Closing her eyes Hermione tried to pretend he was Fred but he just...wasnt.

His body felt different, he was holding her wrong; he didnt smell right.

Fred was dead. But just as she felt lost, Harry stood up. "I'm going." He said through gritted teeth. "No." Ron said, pushing him into a wall. "I just lost one brother I am NOT losing another." Tears fell down his face and Harry pulled Ron in for a hug. "It'll be fine." Harry said, comforting his best friend. He didnt know what would be fine; Fred was dead. But what mattered now was killing the bastard who had led to Fred's death.

It was time for Voldemort to die.

Hermione followed Harry out. "Be careful." She said, before giving him a hug. "We cant lose you too." Harry nodded and hugged her back, so tightly that Hermione was sure her back would break, before walking out into the forest.

Crouching back beside Fred, Hermione opened his enclosed fist; he was holding her stone. "Oh Freddie." She kissed his cheek and sat up, leaning against a wall. She knew Harry would win. He had to win. For Fred. For Remus and Tonks and every other person Voldemort had gotten killed.

She believed in Harry.