He knew how badly it would hurt. He could already feel the pain acutely, spreading its fingers into his chest, gripping his heart and squeezing with all its might. But it was his last vain attempt at self-preservation, guarding that volatile piece of his soul. It was selfish, to preserve dancing memories in the rain, tangled white sheets and kisses under a waterfall over a potential lifetime of happiness. But doing right by Hermione meant losing her, for now, at least. 