Love and War

Chapter One

* It's the end of 7th year. Harry and Hermione have been going out since Christmas Eve, when they both confessed they liked each other. They are Head boy and girl. Ron and Lavender Brown are also going out. [Since the end of 6th year] Voldemort has slowly regained power and the war of light against dark is here.*

Today was an exhausting day for all 7th years at Hogwarts, for it was the last day of their N.E.W.T.S. The testing ended around 5pm, so all the students were mentally and physically drained.

Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Lav walked sluggishly down the corridor to the Gryffindor common room.

"I'm so tired," Hermione grumbled.

"We all are," said Ron.

Harry walked behind Hermione and grabbed her waist. "Hey, Mione," Harry, said resting his head on her shoulder.

"Hey, Har", Hermione said half asleep.

"Wanna ride?" Harry asked.

"Sure," Hermione huffed.

Harry picked her up and carried her to the portrait hole. The Fat Lady smiled at Harry holding Hermione, who had fallen asleep.

"Password?" the portrait asked.

"I hate the Newts," Harry said trying not to wake Hermione.

"Guys, I'm gonna go put Mione up stairs. I'll be right down," Harry said.

"Ok, Har," Ron said plopping down on the sofa.

Harry made his way up to the head boy and girl rooms, said the password and entered. He walked into their common room and then into Hermione's bedroom. He placed her down gently and covered her up. Once Hermione looked comfortable he leaned down, kissed her forehead and walked back down to the common room. He saw Ron and Lav talking on the couch, so he walked over and sat down. "I'm so glad those tests are over," Harry said with a sigh of relief.

"We all are," Lav said.

"Now we just wait for our job letters, and graduation," Ron said perking up a bit.

"I can't believe we're not coming back next year... I mean, this is my home."

"No one can believe it, Harry. [Yawn] Well, I'm off to bed. Bye, guys," Lavender said, getting up, giving Ron a little kiss and making her way up the dormitory stairs.

Once Lavender was out of sight, Harry asked, "Hey Ron, are you going?"

"Going where, Har?"

"Join up with the Flyers?"

"I don't know Har, I don't want to go to war... Your not thinking about it, Har, are you?"

"Ron, I've already told Dumbledore. I need to go."

"B-But Har, I thought you were gonna play Quittich for England and the Cannons!"

"I will...when I get back."

*Several minutes of silence*

"Your sure you want to do this, Har?"

"Ya I am, Ron. I have to kill Voldemort! He killed my parents, Lupin, and so many innocent people!"

"I know, Harry, but you don't have to go, your only 17!"

"Yes I do, Ron. I want to make sure you, Lav, and Mione will be ok."

"Harry, we'll be fine, you don't have to do this."

"Yes I do, Ron."

"Did you tell Hermione yet?"

"No."

"Well, how are you gonna tell her?"

"I don't know, Ron. [Putting his head in his hands.] I don't know... Ron, could you do something for me while I'm away?" Harry said looking straight at Ron.

"Ya, Har. What is it?"

"Take care of Mione?"

"Wouldn't dream of anything else Har," he said with a smile.