I think your story is a perfectly valid interpretation of where Harry and Hermione could end up. War changes a person; it can make them hard and cynical - and these two grew up waging war, so it only makes sense that they wouldn't know how not to be at war even after it's over.

You have to write the bunny that bites you, and I think the ending fits the tone of the piece. Your descriptions were so vivid and hard, Hermione's detachment so palatable, that I wouldn't have even wanted to think of H/Hr in a committed relationship in the story.

I love H/Hr myself, and I love happy endings, but I still would have liked this piece if I had received it in an exchange. I mean, hey, you didn't mention them with other people, so, to me, there's still hope they can get past their issues and end up together in a healthier relationship than their first time around. I think Miss Honestleigh should use her imagination more...

And reply to gifts written for her, even if she doesn't like them.

*hugs* Fab story, D!

love, lore