Disclaimer: I don't own any of it except the plot.

Author's note: LAST CHAPTER! I hope you like the ending...I am thinking of writing a sequel but will have to think about it....

So for now Good bye!

THANKYOU ALL REVIEWERS....

The Goodbye

They stood outside in the pleasant morning, waiting for the carriages to arrive. Students kept bustling by their side, to reach the carriages first.

"Where are the bloody carriages?" Ron said exasperatedly craning his neck to look over the heads of the students before him.

"Ron, be patient," Hermione scolded him. Ron how ever stuck his tongue out at her.

"How immature," she mumbled irritably. Harry merely grinned at them.

"Potter can I have a word?" Harry turned around and found himself facing Snape. Snape gave an aura of a person who had grown old in just a few days. His eyes were loopy, and did not have the usual look they had when he addressed Harry.

"Sure," Harry looked back at the two and they nodded with uneasy looks.

Snape led him to a nook of the Entrance Hall. Harry had the image that Snape was extra careful not to be over heard. Harry couldn't evaluate how he could address the man he had loathed for seven years and when it was time to go, he turned to a person who saved his life by giving his.

"Sir, you saved my life. Why?" Harry asked as he wanted to do for such a long time.

At this he slackened his shoulders and looked at Harry from a way he had never looked at him. A fatherly look.

"Potter, every moment I see you, I see your gallant father in you but with the exception of his arrogance and with the addition of your mother's modesty and humility. To keep you alive meant keeping two people alive, people who every one cherished. Thus, my decision was to keep you alive to keep your parents alive, in the hearts of others," Snape was not looking at Harry but he knew that the man before him definitely had what Dumbledore said buried feelings and he was glad that Snape had unveiled his very soft and caring side.

"Sir, I'm, I mean I'm ...Thank you," Harry finished his search for words and declared the latter part loyally and sincerely. Snape however stared at him blankly.

"I don't know how much of a professor I will remain after you have left the threshold of these grounds but I accept you gratefulness despite all the troubles you have caused me during these seven years. I will not forget," Snape finished curtly.

"Uh huh," Harry nodded not sure whether to smile or not.

"And here," Snape slipped a folded and crumpled parchment in his pocket. "I should give you this. Read it later."

Snape walked away limply leaving a very confused Harry but a very satisfied one. He turned towards his friends who eyed him, curiously.

"What did he want?" Ron interrogated.

"He just wanted to make clear that this school is off-limits to us now," Harry said convincingly but Ron and Hermione knew it was something important but didn't wish to ask any more. If Harry wanted privacy, he will be given privacy.

The three boarded the train after a ride in the carriages and bidding Hagrid farewell. They had a compartment to them selves and settled down in three different corners the compartment not willing to communicate as the journey towards the end enrolled.

Taking the advantage of the privacy, Harry took the parchment out and opened it. It was quite old but still well preserved. A small note fell out of it. This seemed fresh.

I used this parchment to frame your father in detention

Harry hastily opened the parchment in excitement and the first impression he got was of two people conversing through this. Definitely that was it.

Hey Lily, How about tonight? Want to go out with me?

No Potter and let me concentrate!

Forget what McGonagall is saying. I'll explain it all during our date and a lot more.

Potter, stop sending me notes or I'll turn you in.

C'mon Lily, Don't you love me?

No, now let me pay attention.

Why not?

Because you are an arrogant prat....

I'll change...for you

Potter, I don't want anything to do with you

Lily, this time I am really serious, I really fancy you

Potter for the last time, stop it. I think Snape's got a hunch.

Keep that greasy git out of it...Please go out with me just once...

C'mon Lily, pretty please

Ok I'll think about it

You'll think about me!

No I'll think about the consequences I'll have to face after going out with you.

Do I see a blush?

THAT'S THE LAST STRAW!!!!!!

ooohhh Lily Likes James!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes....In my nightmares!

Well at least you dream about me....

Potter you are crossing the line now

I have even thought of our honey moon destination and the name of our first born:

Henritta Potter...a girl...

I beg to differ....who says I'm going to marry you and have Henritta....for your kind information I'll have a cute little boy named Harry

Harry...Harry James Potter...Sounds good.

Shut up! McGonagall is coming this way.

I will if you say you will go out with mel ....

Potter stop it...

Say yes...

No...

Professor...

Okay...Okay...

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!

Harry folded the parchment back and now contemplated at his parent's scenario. Actually his mother did like James but did not show it. This greatly eased him as this question remained unanswered for him and thanks to Snape, he got it. He slipped it back and smiled to himself arousing questions from Ron and Hermione.

The train came to the stop and Harry, Ron and Hermione boarded off. Hoisting trolleys they stole a glance at the steaming scarlet engine and disappeared through the barrier into the world ahead.

"So, we'll be seeing you around or not?" Harry asked Hermione as they slowly walked.

"Obviously, probably I'll be settled in about three months," Hermione replied.

"So three months it is," Ron chimed in throwing his consent. They did not spot Ron's welcome party, the Weasleys and knew that this was the only moment they would get to make the private goodbyes. Hermione was going by herself as her parents were quite busy and Harry now eighteen was given the right to become independent by the Dursleys most willingly.

"So I guess here we are," Harry muttered as he made the inclination of saying goodbye.

"I am going miss you very much, Harry," Hermione embraced him pure of platonic intentions and had to fight back tears seeing her best friend leave.

"I am going to miss you too," Harry hugged her back. They pulled apart and Harry turned towards Ron.

"Take care, mate. I'll be seeing you a lot more often," Ron grinned as they half hugged each other.

"Looking forward to it," Harry grinned back, took his trolley and rolled it towards the world, waving back to them both. Once out of sight, the air became tense and awkward. Ron had no idea what to do and How to do it. He had even thought of just telling her everything but squirmed out of it. Hermione began shuffling her bags on the trolley.

"Umm...do you want me to come with you to get you a taxi?" Ron asked blankly.

"No, I'll manage," Hermione replied looking up to him.

"Yeah, Ok," Ron said.

"Well, ok then," Hermione moved closer to give him a hug which Ron willingly gave back. They broke apart. Now it was Ron's turn to do something, or even say something.

Just do it. No. C'mon. Ron fought hard inside and shutting down everything; he leaned in and kissed....her cheek. Hermione looked at him, disappointment clear in his eyes.

"I am going to miss you," She said faking a smile. Ron merely nodded. And then Hermione turned around and immersed in the crowd.

"Damn!" Ron swore loudly at his stupidity.

"Hey, bro. Congratulations on graduating," Ron turned around and saw his brothers: Fred and George with his mother and sister beaming at him. He greeted his mother but his heart didn't seem to be in place. He had to do something before it was too late and he had the feeling it wasn't too late.

"Hey, why don't you guys take my luggage? I'll come right back," and saying this to his confused welcome wagon, Ron sprinted towards the terminal from where Hermione had left to get a taxi. He dodged people bustling here and there, trolleys but as he came out, a stray trolley came his way and he tripped, landing himself to some boxes of cargos piled up.

"Uff!" Ron groaned as he struggled to pull himself up. As he stood up he came face to face with a giggling Hermione. Behind her a taxi driver also was laughing as he was loaded the boot with Hermione's luggage.

"Ron, are you alright?" She enquired definitely not seriously as she was finding it difficult subdue her giggles.

"Yeah, I am," Ron said grinning himself. Then he came to the reason why he came here in the first place and cleared his throat. "Hermione, I didn't say a proper good bye. Do I have a chance?"

"Yes you have a chance. Go ahead," Hermione smiled at him, quizzically.

"Ok yeah," Ron stepped closer nervously, more closer until he couldn't hear anything else other than Hermione's heart beating vigorously and could not see anything other than Hermione, who faced him directly upwards to face him. She kept her stand and didn't move back. Ron, without making a plan in his head, swooped down and pressed his lips against hers. He heard a sound escape Hermione's mouth but it soon died away as she began to kiss him back. Ron brought her closer by wrapping his arms around her waist and she automatically snaked her arms around his neck for support and for deepening the kiss. It was beautiful except that the moment was broken by a rude horn and made them realize that they were standing on road side. Hermione let go and jumped back, flushing furiously. Ron however merely smiled at her. The driver began to clap and Hermione glared at him which stopped him.

"Ron, there is always a time and a place for everything," Hermione scolded him and Ron couldn't help wonder how much she was blushing.

"Sorry Hermione, I just thought, maybe...you know," Ron stammered.

"I don't need public displays of affection," Hermione snapped. "If only you had chosen a more private place."

"Hey, give me a break," Ron defended himself. "I really wanted to do that and if you think you want more; there are always the public toilets."

"I'll think about it when we meet again," Hermione smiled shyly at him stepping away from him towards the taxi.

"But that's not for another three months," Ron said out loud after her but she merely shrugged and got in. She blew a kiss to him and went off.

"FINE!" Ron declared but inside he was satisfied. At least now he wouldn't wonder about the consequences if he hadn't come to his senses in the right time. This time the summer would be a treat apart from the agony of waiting for her. Waiting for Hermione.

FINISHED AT LAST..................YAiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!