When she pressed her lips harder against his, insistent that he not ignore her presence, Augustus finally gave in. His mouth opened just enough to allow him to move his tongue gently over hers. Emboldened by the assurance that he didn't hate her because of her choice, Hermione lost herself in his kiss. One more time that night they gave in to their primal urges. Each sought to memorize every touch, every kiss. It would be the last. She knew that no matter what the future brought, she couldn't allow herself to hurt this man again. Augustus deserved more than her devastating presence in his life. All she brought with her was pain and destruction. Not for the first time, she wished he'd never stationed himself outside of her broom cupboard. Her existence might have been easier to bear if she had never known love.