The End Is The Beginning Is The End

'We should run away together,' Hermione whispered to Veatris in the aftermath of their lovemaking.

They were entangled in one another's arms, facing each other, the firelight casting shadows across the both of them.  He traced the outline of her lips.  'Where would we go?  I don't think anywhere is safe.'

Hermione did not hesitate , 'I know of a place.  Like a refuge.'

His fingers froze, and his voice was barely audible, 'Tell me you are not speaking of the resistance?  That is dangerous.  It would take days, months even.'

Hermione shook her head, 'No, no, it's so close that's why they've never found it.  It's underground.  The old tunnels.  Beneath the city.  We could be there in a day.  Maybe two.  Most of it is underground, but part of it is above ground.  For military purposes, I guess.  Who cares, the point is we would be free, and safe, and together.  Just imagine!  We could leave, Veatris, we could be safe there.  The Weasley's are dear friends of mine, they are...well,'  She didn't want to go into to much detail about the excess, 'they aren't bad people.  Not like here.'

A smile, and in the firelight, it seemed bizarrely familiar, though she couldn't place it, 'Very well.  Let's do it, you and I.'  He rose, 'I will ready our things.  No one will ask; I will say I am gathering herbs for medicines.  We will be gone from this place, you and I.'

Hermione felt like dancing, but she only sat up and clapped her hands giddily, 'Oh shit is this really happening?'  She touched her cheeks, making sure she was awake.  But she was!  Dear God, was this nightmare finally ending?

She leaned down and kissed him, and for a moment, he hesitated, before abruptly turning.  He began to dress, 'I will be here in the morning.  Be ready, Hermione.  Tomorrow, I think, will be the beginning of the end of all of this.....'