Verse 5

The Foggy Dew

Verse 5

I've never forgotten the moment of pure happiness I experienced in her arms. The warmth of her gaze, her questing hands and eager smile. I've reflected upon the conversations we had and her innocent kisses. I was content; and during the final battle, I met my Slicing Hex a brave and redeemed man, ready for the 'next' adventure—or whatever it was Albus called death. You can't imagine my surprise when I awoke in St. Mungo's Spell Damage Ward a full year later. I was alive and almost healed. Of course, it might take a me a while to leave, but I didn't care. I was so pleased to be alive, I was even tolerant of that blond berk and his deplorable autographs for a full five minutes.

My beautiful Gryffindor kept a vigil by my side for many weeks, I'm told, before she succumbed to her grief. Alas, the seed of love planted before the war's end wasn't to bloom. Listen to me, waxing poetic in my loss. Bah!

I see her every now and again. She always has a sweet smile and warm words for me before that redheaded Neanderthal of a husband drags her away. Arse. I get the urge to lead him to the side and tell him I had her first, and then stick my thumbs in my ears and wiggle my fingers at him... but I couldn't do that to her—or my reputation, for that matter. I do wish her happiness, though. And I don't begrudge her anything. I wasn't supposed to wake up, and so she moved on.

It's been more than a decade now, and I still teach at Hogwarts. I've finally earned that DADA position, and I'm glad to say my standards haven't slipped a whit. I am still the strictest professor in residence, but I am no longer cruel... unless the little swots deserve it. I suppose I fit the role of the Defense teacher. I'm not as ugly as Mad Eye, but I'm catching up to him in the scar department. I lost an eye when that Slicing Hex nearly took off the top of my head. Of course, rather than get one of those ridiculous enchanted eyes, I now cut a dashing figure as a pirate look-alike with a black satin patch over the socket. I had the house-elves embroider the Slytherin crest on it. Minerva's just glad I finally added color to my wardrobe.

Speaking of whom, Minerva survived and is still hale and foreboding until you get some good scotch into her. She has taken up the post of Headmistress, as Albus mysteriously disappeared after the final battle. I'm not certain if he survived or not, but I suppose the man deserves whatever retirement he's set up for himself. The school's affairs were neatly in order and waiting for our Chief Lioness when she approached the gargoyle guarding the winding staircase.

Albus always did think of everything.

Me? I think of her every day... but I have no regrets of that night with my sweet, pure Hermione. No, none at all. My beautiful, tricksy Gryffindor.

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The Foggy Dew vs. 5

A/N-- Thank you for reading to the end. Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up, I agonized over it, and I hope you like it. I am sure some of you are disappointed that they didn't end up together... believe me so am I! All we can hope for is that she becomes a young widow and returns to her first love. Thank you to JackieJLH who beta'd the last chapter for me. Gardengrrl13