Perceptions from a Lady

Disclaimer: These characters are not mine.

This is an AU story. I had this idea and wanted to see if anyone would like it. So this is just a test try chapter, to see if anyone likes it. Hope you enjoy and hear from you soon.

Perceptions from a Lady

Just a Start

(Hermione POV)

They’re at it again. Honestly, is it so important for people to be in a relationship? Is it so wrong to be single? There is only one thing worst than feeling single. It’s when you’re surrounded by power driven people that don’t want to be single. I mean girls batting their eyes, while boys strut around like god-sent gifts. Seriously, there are more valuable things then her chest size or his shoe size.

< Girlish giggle> "You’re so funny."

Of course my dimwits I call friends, don’t help how I feel with the matter. First there is Ron Weasley who is Hogwarts resident joker. Actually their whole family is funny, but Ron definitely was the most compassionate one. Also he has that dashing smile and famous dimples. Then his trademark flaming hair, which always blew gently against the wind was irresistible. And how could I forget how my roommates go on and on, of how tall and handsome he is.

<More girlish giggle> "That’s incredible."

Harry…well what else can I say about Harry. I have grown to know him as the boy-who-lived, youngest Quidditch player of the century, and Hogwarts heartthrob. Yet somehow he can just surpass all of those things with his piercing emerald eyes and unruly midnight hair. And that boyish grin, which could make anyone, do his bidding. At least that is what all the other girls say.

<Sigh>

And then there is me, Hermione Bookworm Granger. I am such a plain Jane that I’m starting to wonder why I belong here. Sure I have a petite slender figure, but that doesn’t help when I’m compared to full-figured girls in my grade. Also my dull brown eyes scream boring. I really hate the color brown. First I have my muddy hair that many can mistake as a small bush. Second I have no ability to flirt naturally. I really do envy those that can. How did my usual nightly entries turn into a whine feast? I really can’t stand being surround by these lovely dovey people!

"Mione…Mione," my shoulder was pushed forward. "I’ve been trying to get your attention for the last 5 minutes." A peeved Ginny stood behind me.

"Sorry Gin," I quickly covered my journal. "What can I do for you?"

"Nothing for me, but Missy wanted to see you."

"Oh okay, thanks Ginny." I turned to say more but noticed how rapidly she went to speak with her new fling. I scanned to see if my friends wanted to go, but saw them surrounded by 4^th and 5^th years. Well they seem occupied.

"Professor Evans, did you want to speak with me?" I questioned from the doorframe. She glanced up from her work and smiled immediately at me. Soon I sat across my favorite teacher, glancing over her appearance for the day. Her wavy blonde hair was braided today, allowing her oval face more definition. Behind her chic gold frames were crystal blue eyes that seem to magnify by her lens. She was beautiful, intelligent, caring, and a wonderful teacher. How could I not adore her?

"Hermione, how are you today?"

"I’m well Professor, thank you for asking." I saw her lips curl into a wider grin.

"After all these years, I think you’re the only person that still calls me that." I blushed from childhood habits. "Anyway the reason I asked you here was to discuss your research paper." I suddenly felt queasy all over.

"Did the other Professors not like it? Was it too bold? Am I going to fail? I knew I should have done my hypothesis on potions and charms making instead." She placed her hands on me, trying to stop my nervous rambling.

"Calm down dear," I felt my pulse slow down. "Just sit down and breath." I sat meekly in my sit while she finished her speech. "Opposite to what you think, we were all very impressed with your paper. Not only was it well written, but also you made brave statements showing accurate evidence proving them. If your name wasn’t on it, many of us would have assumed it to be someone else’s work. You wrote a very inspiring piece.

"So I didn’t fail?" I finally dared to speak out loud. She only laughed in response and sat next to me.

"Hermione, have you heard a word I have said? We loved it. In fact it was so perfect we couldn’t even grade it. If we did, no one would come close to comparison." I flushed even more mumbling my thanks. "Do you take muggle classes during your holiday? There is no possible way for you to have written your paper without it."

"Before I turned 13, I was tutored by my aunt. Then I have been attending workshops and lectures at Oxford or Cambridge."

"What…How did you have such an opportunity?"

"My parents know many of the Broad of Directors, and have patients who are professors." I stated indifferently.

"Your parents must think very highly of you." Her voice seemed edgy at the mention of my parents.

"They have always believed my knowledge should be expanded and my abilities are above average."

"I see. I would agree with most of their opinion." Her gently eyes dimmed in mid-sentence. "They…I want to ask you if you would like a change this summer?"

"What kind of change?"

"There is an internship open from the G.R.E.A.T Association this summer. Would you be interested in working with them?" I felt my eyes bulge with shock.

"You mean the Great Realize Educational Achievement Today?"

"So you have heard of them?" She replied sarcastically.

"Heard of them! They are not only the best research center for the magical community, but also has intertwined themselves into muggle society as well."

"Would you like to be apart of it?"

"They are allowing me?"

"Hermione, they are begging for you to join." She held my hands tighter, while looking directly at me.

"They…you…I would love too!" I squealed with delight and hugged her. "Thank you…Thank you!"

"Oh, you still need to hear the rest of it." She laughed whole heartily. "They are going to pay you a handsome wage and provide everything you need with your cost of living."

"Wait, it’s not in London?"

"No," she had smiled mischievously. "Athens, Greece for 3 months."

"Greece?" I whispered out. "I’m going to Greece. Dear Merlin, I’m going to Greece!" I started jumping with joy not caring how I looked.

"I’m very proud of you."

"Thank you," I hugged her again.

"Your welcome."

"Hey Lily, I was…oh I’m sorry for interrupting." Professor Lupin paused in his step. "I’ll come back later."

"It’s perfectly fine Remus. Hermione and I were just discussing her summer plans."

"Her summer plans?" His eyes dazed with confusion. "You mean," he looked directly at me. "Congratulation Hermione, I’m so glad you’re going." His lean arm reached out towards mine."

"Thank you Professor," I pulled him into a hug instead. Slightly off guard, he awkwardly patted my back.

"Well you deserve it." He plainly stated.

"Yes, she does." Professor Evans agreed. Blushing from head to toe, I excused myself and wished them a pleasant day.

(Lily POV)

I watched as the girl I grew to love skipped merrily out my classroom. She was sweet, smart, and utterly passionate. Her ability to put so much intensity in everything she did was amazing. Sometimes when I see her unhappy or stressed, I just wanted to hug away all her worries. If only I had a daughter like her. Actually if only she could be my daughter.

"It’s easier if you speak outside your head." Remus said with his annoying smile. Naturally I brushed his sandy hair aside looking into his calm eyes.

"Wishing and dreaming Rem."

"Anything I could help you with?"

"If only you could, but it’s nice of you to ask." I fiddled with my parchments. "How Hermione’s parents are not dazzled by her is amazing? If I was her mom, she would be spoiled rotten."

"So Harry is not enough now?" He replied humorously. "I should tell James."

"Oh Remus, you know what I mean." I threw my quill in frustration. "It’s been years of her working constantly and seeing nothing resembling a normal childhood."

"They would say the same for Harry."

"At least he is happy. She’s just a child. She deserves to act like one."

"I know." His smiled lessened. "But her parents are muggles who don’t understand us. And she’s been conditioned this way. You have been sweet enough to help her, but you don’t honestly think you can change her."

"No one could change her. She’s hasn’t willed herself to change yet."

(Lily POV)

Knock Knock

"Come in," I replied while continuing work with Remus.

"Hey mom, Uncle Remus." Harry entered looking exactly like his father.

"Harry, are you ready for next week game? We have a new cheer planned." Remus enthusiastically answered.

"Merlin, what do you, dad, and Uncle Sirius have planned?"

"Just a little something to boost moral."

"As long as my players can still fly, see, hear, and catch than I’m looking forward to it."

"It wasn’t that bad last time." Remus defended himself.

"Ron could barely see and my chasers could hardly hear each other." My son added with extra zeal.

"Oh the occasionally challenge never hurts. And you still won."

"Only because my son caught the snitch." I decided to interrupt. "Was they’re something you needed Harry?"

"Yeah, have you seen Hermione? Ginny said that she was here talking with you."

"She left 2 hours ago. She hasn’t returned to the Tower at all?"

"No," he shook his head.

"Have you checked everywhere?" Remus asked.

"No, not yet. I wanted to see if she was still here."

"Well I’m sure she’s in the library looking up something or another."

"Remus is probably right. Besides you will definitely see her tonight at your prefects meeting."

"Oh mom, I almost forgot."

"That’s why I reminded you." I added more sternly. "You shouldn’t place so much responsibility on Hermione."

"I know, I know." Harry mumbled out. "I’m going to look for her again. I’ll see you at dinner." He quickly walked out the room. Once the door shut, I heard Remus laughter increase.

"What is so funny?"

"You," he pointed at me. "It’s always hysterical when you at like a mom."

"Oh, get back to work." I threw my heaviest quill towards him.

(Hermione POV)

It’s unbelievable. I mean I have this great opportunity to go to Greece. I have this tumbling feeling inside my stomach that I feel like I’m flying. I just owled my parents with the good news. Hopefully they will be as excited as I am. Of course I can hear what they will say now. ‘Good job child, now you must work harder.’ Or ‘Well the internship will only be a stepping stone to what you have in store for the future.’ Never stop working that’s what they will say.

<Deep breath>

Sometimes I wish they could say great job, now let’s get some ice cream. Or maybe, just maybe a day to do nothing. Nothing? I wonder if I’m even capable of doing nothing.

"I’m still wondering how your eyes could stay so focused with all the strain you put on it."

"The joys of genetics and a thing called magic." I turned to see Harry standing next to me.

"It’s dark and getting cold. How can you still write?" He flopped down, trying to glance at my words.

"I have my ways." I leaned closer towards the thick tree, shutting my journal.

"Yeah," he sighed. "Why didn’t you tell us where you were going?"

"Both of you were so busy." I casually said. "Besides I was just discussing something with Professor Evans."

"You disappeared for 2 hours." He answered with annoyance. "It’s not hard to interrupt us."

"Well Ron and you never tell me where you go." I briskly said. "And you don’t see me screaming down your throat."

"That’s not true! I do tell you. And I only don’t when you’re busy." He twisted away, gazing towards the still lake.

"I’m always busy."

"Well if you relax once and awhile, you might not be so occupied from everything." He said softly to himself. Silence then evaded us, and I began to wonder why Harry and I were so irritated with each other lately.

<Sneeze> I shivered from the drop in temperature.

"I told you it was cold." He finally turned to look at me.

"I never disagreed."

"Merlin knows that is a rare occasion." Before I could retort, he wrapped his massive robe around me. Slowly he fastened the buttons, and gently rubbed my arms up and down. "Better?" He whispered out. I only closed my eyes in response. "I was worried. After potions yesterday, Malfoy looked like a rowdy beast towards you."

"Harry, he will always look at me with disgust." My eyes opened to see only green.

"It doesn’t stop me from caring about you." He said with affection that made me uncomfortable.

"Harry, I’m sorry I made you worried. I promise I’ll tell you whenever I leave for something."

"Promise?"

"Promise." I sneezed again.

"Come on, let’s get you inside. I’m sure Ron is going bonkers with hunger." He pulled my up with a quick tug.

"When is he never hungry?"

"True," Harry grabbed me from behind. "And when are you never ticklish."

"Harry stop!" I started giggling. "I’ll hex you."

"You have to catch me first." He sprinted off.

"Harry Potter, come back here!" I grunted loudly. "When I get my hands on you, you are so dead."

"I like to see you try!" He challenged back. Later we returned to Hogwarts with a very hot-tempered hunger Ron waiting for us.

Disclaimer: These characters to do not belong to me.

Thank you for the comments and suggests. I have reedited the two chapters to make it a little easier to read. Hopefully it flows better for everyone else. Hope you like the story and waiting to hear from you!

Perceptions from a Lady

Chapter 1

(Hermione POV)

"What are they bloody doing up there? Does it take that long to grab their robes?" Ron roared through the Common Room, startling many of the younger students.

"They’re girls Ron," Harry stated.

"Why is Hermione sitting down here, when she should be upstairs doing Merlin knows what." I gave him a stern look, daring to repeat his comment. "Right, you don’t associate yourself with people who are to trivial."

"No Ron, I just don’t like Lavender and Parvati." I stood angrily. "But since you do, I’ll just leave first." But I was held tightly against my will. "Let go of my wrist Ron."

"I’m sorry Mione. I’m hungry and getting impatient. Don’t leave without us." His blue eyes plead with sincerity.

"Fine," I sighed. "She is your current fling."

"Which one," Harry finally dared to speak.

"Real funny Potter."

"We’re ready!" Lavender’s shouted down the stairs.

"Finally!" Ron mumbled, meeting my two roommates at the last step.

"Ron, you look very handsome." Parvati batted her long eyelashes.

"Well thank you ladies. You both look lovely as well." He oozed in a silky manner.

"Harry, I think I’m going to be sick." I whispered into his ear.

"Just don’t vomit on the girls. I want to be in Hogsmeade before 12."

"Thanks for the support."

"Anytime sweetheart," he smiled every so smugly.

Soon we arrived at the Three Broomsticks with familiar smiling faces surround us. It was a hot June night, leaving many of the students with flush cheeks. Lines of people stood behind the bar, waiting patiently for their butterbeers. Others sat merrily around their tables, relieving stress from their ending year. The music was beating and the tavern was fully lit. I saw Ginny with her 5^th year friends, celebrating their last day of O.W.L’s. And around each corner, were rowdy 7^th years, smiling from ultimate freedom. Even the Hogwarts staff, sat relaxing with the end of exams.

After finding our seats, the drinks came and conversation seemed endless. I lost count of how many pints everyone had because of the increasing noise. Lavender’s red lips widen as Parvati’s husky laugh became louder. Behind us, I heard Seamus Finnigan argue with Dean Thomas. And if I wasn’t seeing things, Neville Longbottom was snogging Susan Bones. My last night with my friends turned into a grab your own partner feast.

Not wanting to bother Ron’s ‘activities’, I went in search for Harry. I spotted the raven hair boy slip into the back hallway of the tavern. Quickly I followed him and was about to speak when I saw him. Pressed against the wall, was his old flame Cho Chang. Her glimmering black hair spread against the wall, as her hands ran over Harry’s back. Feeling very embarrassed and suddenly abandoned, I left them occupied with each other.

"Hold on there, where’s the fire?" A deep voiced asked, after I had bumped into him. Still flustered from the encounter, I mumbled about the heat increasing inside. "Come with me than." I desperately followed him, wanting to get as far away as possible.

Finally we reached the clear night’s air, and I let a deep breath out. "Feeling better?" I turned to look at laughing dark eyes.

"Oh Mr. Black," I cursed myself for forgetting my manners. "What are you doing here?"

"I’m here to visit Remus and Ev…Harry."

"Um…Harry’s rather busy." I started blushing all over again.

"Well if he’s anything like his father, than he should be." His mustache seemed to curl with his grin.

"Oh," I said awkwardly. Silence fell over us, and my self-pity started to kick in. Not wanting to cry in front of Harry’s godfather, I decided to leave. "Well thank you for the help Mr. Black. Goodnight."

"Wait," he called behind me. "It’s still early. Would you like to spend some time with real gentlemen?" He winked with charm oozing out every pore. Maybe it was the attention from someone or the fact that he was quite an attractive person. But whatever the reason, I smiled with my answer.

"Only if you promise me fun?"

"It’s my middle name." Five minutes later and a few bumps, I found myself deep inside the Shrieking Shack. I had rarely entered into the building, and when I did I was usual with Harry or Ron. Yet Mr. Black was awfully sweet, and didn’t joke at my jumpy manner.

"We’re almost there."

"Where are we going Mr.Black?" I clenched his hand, from a sudden noise.

"It’s a surprise. And will you stop calling me Mr. Black. I feel so old when you do."

"But you are older then me." He laughed freely at my comment.

"Always pointing the obvious, aren’t you?"

"Sirius, are you there? How long does it take to buy butterbeer?" I heard Professor Lupin yell.

"Probably picked up a 7^th year, while he was there." a familiar alto replied.

"Watch it Potter, I know where you live." Mr. Black and I appeared from the dark corner.

"I would assume so since you live with me." He lit the last candle surrounding the small crowd.

"James behave," I spotted Mrs. Potter spreading a thick red blanket on the ground. Next to her was Professor Lupin who held a basket of assorted things. "Hello Hermione, what a pleasant surprise?"

"Sirius here hasn’t man handled you has he?" Professor Lupin grinned wickedly.

"No, Hermione is to smart for him." Mr. Potter lifted a bottle from the basket.

"I’m still here you know." Mr. Black raised his voice.

"Exactly why we spoke in the first place." Before I could hear their further comments, Mrs. Potter pulled me down next to her.

"Here, have some butterbeer. You must be thirsty from all this sparring."

"They do this all the time." I watched as the three men, continued their endless witty battle.

"Since they were eleven." She sighed brushing her long red hair. "May I ask, why Sirius brought you here? I would think that tonight you should be celebrating with your friends."

"Well…they got caught up with other things. But I should be resting early tonight. Tomorrow will definitely be a long day."

""It’s a lost, you will not be here Hermione. The Leaving Feast shall not be the same." Professor Lupin entered into the conversation.

"We have the Quidditch cup and for sure the House cup, so no loss at my disappearance."

"Well I for one will miss you." I blushed from his over dramatic bow.

"How is Professor Evans?" I tired changing the subject. "Is she not coming? I thought you were all friends?" They stiffened at my comment. But Mrs. Potter reacted swiftly towards me.

"She’s busy meeting old friends. I’m sure you will see her tomorrow though."

"I hope so. I need to thank her for everything she has done."

Sounds like you really like her," Mr. Black said, while sitting next to me.

"Of course I do. She’s amazing!"

"Yeah, she is pretty amazing." Mr. Potter agreed but was staring only at Mrs. Potter. Sensing their attention away from us. Mr. Black cleared his throat entertaining Professor Lupin and I with outrageous stories. Yet once or twice, I couldn’t help but glance at the enamored couple.

(Lily POV)

The night was at an end when Sirius finished the last bottle. All of us where a bit tipsy, but lucky we had placed a somber charm before the celebration. As we stumbled through the underground tunnel of Hogwarts, we tried are best not to wake the sleeping girl.

"Ouch! Watch where you step Padfoot! Some of us, do not have the luxury to buy new robes every week." Remus huffed at the ripped cloth.

"Oh Moony, I’ll buy you 300 if you bloody shut up. I have a headache." His hands ran through his thick dark hair.

"Why did you drink the last bottle then?" James readjusted Hermione’s weight. Since his job kept him physically fit, we decided to give him the task of carrying her. Luckily she was a small child, or my husband would have whined the whole way back.

"It was calling me. Sirius, you need to drink me. I shall not be wasted on those you do not appreciate me. Drink! Drink!"

"Sometimes I really wonder about you Padfoot."

"Me too Prongs, me too."

"I solemnly swear I’m up to no good." Remus proudly said towards the Fat Lady.

"Only your son, would use that as a password." I said directed at James.

"I know. Makes me tingle all over." He smirked arrogantly back.

"A true Marauder," Sirius placed his hand over his heart.

"Harry, she’s back." I heard Ron call out. Inside the warm room, were my son and his friend waiting patiently for their missing partner. Automatically Harry ran forward, checking on the slumbering girl.

"Is she all right?"

"Just tired son," James placed her carefully on the long red couch.

"She was with you all night?" Ron moved to get a closer look.

"Yeah, I dragged her to the Shrieking Shank with me." Sirius slumped onto the velvet chair. "Well after leaving you two."

"I smell Icy Bricks." Ron suddenly sniffed out.

"And Broom Sips." Harry added quickly.

"Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, how would you know what those smell like?" I questioned with demand.

"Oh honey, they’re teenage boys. Of course they…"James stopped when seeing my flustered face.

"Smart of you not to finish." I lessened my menacing attitude. "It’s getting late guys, why don’t you leave this to me?"

"Okay," Remus yawned. "I’m beat anyway."

"Yeah. Tired. Need sleep." Sirius murmured, placing his head on the armrest. Chuckling at his exhausted friend, Remus lifted Sirius out the portrait way.

"I’ll be waiting." James gave a swift kiss. "See you later son, Ron."

"Bye dad."

"Later Uncle Potter." Glancing away from my husband, I saw Harry gently sit next to Hermione. And Ron carefully placing a soft blanket over her.

"I’ll bring her upstairs. You boys should get to bed."

"Mom, could we stay down here with her?"

"Well"

"Please Aunt Lily?"

"We didn’t get to spend the last night with her." Harry turned, reflecting my green eyes.

"Harry I don’t"

"Please mom?"

"Please Aunt Lily? We’ll let her sleep in. We just don’t want to leave her alone tonight." They both pleaded with wishful stares. I wavered back and forth not knowing what to do. As a mother, I wouldn’t want two boys left alone with a girl. But as a friend of three guys, I knew nothing would happen.

"All right, just try to get some sleep. She has a long day tomorrow." Their smiles brightened at my agreement.

"Thank you mom."

"Thanks Aunt Lily."

"Goodnight boys," I bid farewell after kissing their foreheads.

"Goodnight," they said in unison as I felt the room.

Slowly I walked into my bedroom, with strong arms circling around my waist. The smell of fresh mint and Icy Bricks filled my nostrils. I turned around smiling at the man who captured my heart.

"I’ve been waiting two months to have you like this."

"Umm," I kissed James gently. "I missed you too."

"Did you tuck Hermione in?"

"The boys wanted to stay up with her." He suddenly grinned mischievously.

"Want to tuck me in? I promise to stay up all night with you." He tugged me closer towards the bed.

"Sounds like a plan Mr. Potter." I rested my arms around his neck.

"I’m glad you like it Mrs. Potter."

I woke with the feeling of utter completion when James pulled me tighter into his embrace. Being one of the top Aurors, he was always off saving the world. His job was risky, dangerous, and a never-ending adventure. It made me sick worry constantly. Often times he would leave for months, with only my dreams of his wonderful touches. Luckily when Harry started Hogwarts, Albus offered me the job to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. If not, I would have died from the separation from husband and son. <James mumbling> Oh, how I have missed you? I miss running my hands down your chest. I miss your callous hands on my skin. I miss you saying how much you love me. I miss how you kiss all my worries away. I miss being Mrs. Potter.

"Don’t think love. It’s not allowed this early in the morning." James murmured into my ear.

"How do you know I was thinking?"

"When does my wife, never think?" He opened his maplenut eyes towards me. "What I love most is the color green. For your beautiful eyes, say all the things I miss. Your love, care, and utter devotion to me. I love you and though this may be simply stated, it can’t not be denied." He raised my chin and kissed me ever so slowly. It was sweet torture to be married to such a man.

"I love you so much James."

"Lily dear, show me."

(Hermione POV)

Ding Dong Ding Dong

When did my clock turn into that sound? I tiredly opened my eyes to notice I was in the Common Room. Twisting my head towards the dying fireplace, I saw the letters of 4 am. Too early for me to be up and about. <Murmuring> Suddenly I realized I was not alone in the room. Next to me was Ron, who had his head placed on the armrest. He had a particular odd grin on his face, which I didn’t want to dwell on. <Rustling noises> Beneath me, lying very still on the carpet floor was Harry. He had left his glasses on, while falling asleep. Silently I reached to remove them when his eyes shot wide open.

"Oh Harry, don’t scary me like that." I felt my heart still racing.

"Sorry," he quickly sat up. "Did you just wake up?"

"Yeah, I’m not very tired. I guess I’m a little nervous." I pulled tighter from the blanket around me.

"Don’t be nervous. You’ll be fine."

"But,"

"Hey listen to me." Harry’s hand pressed against my shoulder. "You’re the smartest witch in this school. There is no riddle or problem you can not solve. You’ll knock the socks off them." He smiled with the charm that could make any girl swoon.

"Thanks Harry," I snuggled closer into the blanket.

"Would you keep it down?" Ron grunted with frustration.

"Go back to bed," Harry cheekily replied.

"I am but…" Ron then stopped when realizing where he was. "Mione you’re awake." His face became refreshed.

"Yes I am. Was there something you needed." I smirk while sitting up.

"Can’t a guy spend some time with his best friends?" He pulled me closer with his arm around my shoulder.

"All the time," Harry answered, placing his hand above mine and taking the empty sit beside me.

"That or until I find cuter friends," Sadly I only received pillows hitting my face.

(Lily POV)

"Lily where are my shoes?" James screamed as I continued to brush my teeth.

"Under the chair," I heard things being rapidly shifted around.

"How about my,"

"On the table dear."

"You haven’t seen?"

"In your pocket," I replied, reentering into the bedroom. He stood confidently in front of the full-scale mirror trying to straighten his tie.

"Sometimes I wonder how you survive without me."

"That’s why I married you." He let my hands readjust the silk material. "I’ll owl you when I reach Romania."

"Just becareful James," I moved to kiss his lips.

"I’m always careful."

"Honey, no need to lie." His lips curled into his trademark smirk and ran his fingers through my hair.

"You’re going to be late Ms. Evans. So you better hurry and change."

"Oh, I almost forgot." Quickly I transformed my hair and charmed my eyes.

"I don’t understand why you still keep the charade. I mean the students have seen you treat Harry equally like the rest of them."

"I know dear, but I want them to respect me as a teacher. Not as the great Harry Potter’s mother."

"Whatever you want honey." He pulled me closer towards him. "How about a goodbye kiss?"

"Only a kiss?"

"Whatever you want."

(Hermione POV)

"Remember to owl us when you get there. And take loads of pictures for us." Ginny continued on as we waited for the Hogwarts Express to leave. "Oh, you’re going to have so much fun. Especially with all the native boys."

"Ginny she’s going to learn stuff, not pick up guys." Ron corrected her younger sister.

"I didn’t know Hermione picked up guys." Lavender laughed at her own joke with only Parvati agreeing.

"Anyway," Ron rolled his eyes. "You be careful. Try to have some fun while you’re there."

"She’ll have a great time Ron." Professor Evans smiled proudly. "Owl me if you have any questions or just to keep me updated. Everyone is very excited to meet you. I’m positive you’ll enjoy it."

<Train engine starting> "Well you better get on," she gave me a warm hug. "Good trip and safe times."

I moved to face Ginny, who quickly assaulted me with her fierce hug. "I’m going to miss you so much this summer. Have bundles of fun!" She pushed me forward, colliding into Ron. Instantly he wrapped his arms around me.

"Now you be safe at all times. If anyone tries anything funny, you owl Harry or me right away. I want you to enjoy this okay. Don’t hide in the library all day." <Train whistle>

"Ron, Hermione needs to go." Parvati tugged on his sleeve.

"Let go Ron," Lavender said with annoyance. Finally his grip loosened, spinning me to the last person. Surprisingly the person I wanted to hear the most from, hadn’t said a since morning. Harry had placed his hands deeply in his pockets, looking nothing like his confident self.

"Harry?" I spoke feeling like it was the first time.

"You’ll be fine Hermione." His voice roughly came out. "I know they’ll think you’re amazing." His green eyes directed towards me. "Study hard, and don’t forget to owl us once and awhile."

"Don’t worry." <Train starts to move> "Goodbye," I turned to leave but was firmly held in place. Soon I spun around impacting into Harry’s body. His arms wrapped around mine, holding very still.

"I’m going to miss you." He whispered into my ear.

"I’ll miss you too." I replied, keeping the same soft tone.

"No, you’ll be to busy with this. And you’ll forget boring us."

"Harry the day I think you’re boring. Is the day I kiss Malfoy."

"I’ll keep that in mind." <Train starts to speed> "Hurry on, before you get left behind." In my dazed fog, I felt Ron and Harry quickly lift me into the train. As they slowly distanced from my sight, my stomached knotted into a billion strings. Soon I settled comfortably in my seat, letting my daydreams take over. But in the back on my mind, I couldn’t help feel something was incomplete.

(Lily POV)

We watched as the Hogwarts Express disappear into the rich vast landscape. One by one, everyone returned to school with various activities in mind. I slowly reached the school grounds when I noticed alone figure in the highest tower. Before entering the front gate, I saw an owl swoop out of the same window. Squinting closely at the bird, I realized it was Hedwig, my son’s owl.

"Missy, have you seen Harry?" Neville interrupted a sudden conclusion I had. "Ron said he was with you."

"No Neville, I haven’t seen him." I lied innocently.

"Oh, he had promised to help me with dueling today. It’s not like him to forget."

"Just give him a little time. I’m sure he’ll come around." But the comment he nodded too was a statement said more to myself.