Best of Friends

“HARRY!!! HARRY!!!” shouted a shrill voice with urgency.

The young man’s eyes fluttered open, and with disgust he said, “Ugh, what does she want now?” He climbed out of his warm, comfortable bed and put on his gray sweat clothes (Ten sizes too big for him, of course!) “Three weeks, just three weeks and I’m back at Hogwarts.” He thought to himself before heading downstairs.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, feigning happiness, he said, “Yes…Aunt Petunia?”

“Get this infernal animal out of here!!!” she cried, pointing to the kitchen table. Harry’s eyes followed her finger’s path, until he saw poor Hedwig covered in soot and ash.

“Whoops…I’m sorry I forgot to open the window again, Hedwig.” The poor owl had been forced to go down the chimney when Harry didn’t respond to her taps on the window.

Aunt Petunia, being the way she was, impatiently reminded Harry why he was downstairs, “NOW!!!”

“Oh, right, Aunt Petunia,” he said, gathering Hedwig carefully in his arms, and going back upstairs into his bedroom.

After he shut the door behind him, he took the letter Hedwig so faithfully delivered him, and put Hedwig in her cage, and opened the letter. He began to read the tidy words of Hermione’s.

Dear Harry,

I just started thinking about writing you a letter, but I didn’t know how to get it to you, when Hedwig popped by. How does she do that? She always seems to know exactly when I’m about to write a letter to you.

Harry paused a second, and let his eyes travel to his faithful snow-white owl in appreciation. Then, he returned to the letter.

Anyhow, I just thought I’d mention that. But down to business, I know how you hate staying with the Dursley’s, so when I got home from our vacation (We went to America, I’ll tell you about it later!), I asked my parent’s if you could stay in the guesthouse…and they said YES! So, assuming you want to, of course, you are now welcome to come stay at our guesthouse until school starts up again. Write back soon!!

Love, Hermione

Harry was so shocked that he had to go back and read the letter again…and again…and again. Finally, he sat down at his desk, and wrote a reply.

Dear Hermione,

Do you even have to ask? Of course I want to go!! When can you pick me up??

With lots of love, Harry

He folded the letter and was about to give it to Hedwig, but then he saw that Hedwig did not look happy… “Ha ha, ok, fine. I’ll give you a bath first and then you can deliver the letter.”

Meanwhile, at Hermione’s house…

Hermione was fitfully trying to get to sleep, but thoughts kept bombarding her mind.

“What if Harry says no? Does that mean he’d rather spend time with the Dursley’s than with me? Oh, knock it off Hermione!” she scolded herself, “Harry hates the Dursleys. Of course he would want to come.” Having satisfied her worries, or so she thought, she closed her eyes and tried to get some sleep, but she heard a light tapping sound coming from her window.

Chapter 2

At Hermione's

When Hermione heard the light tapping noise, she all but flew out of bed to the window, throwing it open. Hedwig, slightly shocked, entered her bedroom and sat still, allowing Hermione access to the letter. She ripped the envelope apart, and read the reply quickly, before breaking into a smile and dancing around her room. After a few minutes of this, she finally settled down enough to write back to Harry. After writing the letter, she put it in an envelope, attached it to Hedwig's feet, and set her off on her way. She watched the snowy owl fly farther and farther into the distance unable to wipe the grin off her face.

The next morning at Harry's house

Harry awoke to a ticklish sensation on his face. He opened his eyes to find

Hedwig perched patiently on his chest, wanting him to free her of her burden. "Well, good morning to you too, Hedwig," he said as he reached for the letter. He opened it and read-

Dear Harry,

We can get you at 4 o'clock today. Oh, and I forgot to tell you in my last letter, Ron's coming too! I figured we could just hang out at my house for a week and a half or so and then go to Diagon Alley until school starts. Well, you better get packed!!

With love, Hermione

"Yes! Ron's coming too!" he exclaimed, but then he thought silently,

"Although, it might have been fun to have Hermione all to myself for a

while." He lay there in his bed, thinking about that time last year when

Ron had been mad at him. Hermione had still stuck by him, and he had never forgotten that. Come to think of it, he wasn't sure if he had ever actually thanked her for that. Truth was that was the time when he started to see Hermione in a different light. A smile slowly crept up over his face before he realized what time it was. "Oh man, she's going to be here in 2 hours!! How'd I sleep that late??"

A few hours later

Hermione took a deep breath, and thought, "We're here. Come on! Get a grip on yourself Hermione! It's Harry for crying out loud!" but her brain reminded her, "Exactly…it's Harry." It took another second or so for her to realize she hadn't yet exhaled. Breathing out, she forced herself to get out the car, walk up to the door, and ring the doorbell. She heard some faint mumbling, and a few seconds later the door was opened by Harry's uncle.

Surprised at how composed her voice sounded, she managed to say, "Hello, Mr.

Dursley, I'm here for Harry." Vernon simply glared at her before finally turning around and yelling for Harry to come down, and come down he did. A few seconds and a lot of thumps later, Harry was crumpled on the floor next to his trunk which, thankfully, hadn't broken and the owl cage which contained a very unhappy, but unhurt owl. As his face turned beet red, he managed to get himself up, gather his things and head toward the door.

He looked up at Hermione and his breath was taken away.

Hermione had long since given up trying to make her hair straight, instead opting to tame her bushy hair with curls that framed her face perfectly. Conveniently neglecting to mention this “little” fact to Harry had achieved the reaction she was secretly hoping to get. Trying to keep from laughing out loud, she said, “You alright there, Harry?”

Harry was brought back to earth with the sound of Hermione's voice, “Er…yeah, of course. Come on, let's get out of here.” He rushed out the door past Hermione, thinking to himself, “Idiot! `Er…yeah.” Oy! That must have sounded so stupid! She was even trying to keep from laughing! Argh, could I BE any more stupid? (A/N: hehe, Chandler, anyone?) And when did Hermione get so damn pretty?!”

A few minutes later, Harry and Hermione were seated comfortably in the backseat of the KIA Sorento and on the way to Hermione's house. The tension in the car probably couldn't even be cut with a knife, but nevertheless Harry took a stab at small talk, (A/N: Knife…stab…get it?)

“So…Hermione, are we going to pick up Ron now?”

“Oh, that's right, I forgot to tell you! We're not going to pick him up, he owled and said

that he had some things to do before leaving home and that he would come by Floo

Powder tomorrow.” Hermione felt a pang of guilt as she said that, “Come on,

Hermione, you told the truth, just “forgot” to mention that you told Ron not to come until tomorrow because you had to get your fireplace hooked up so that he could travel by way of Floo Powder. But, then again, you knew for a fact that it's already hooked up! *Sigh* Calm down Hermione, you just wanted to spend some time with Harry alone, that's all.” Hermione's thoughts slowly stopped as she simply contented herself with watching

Harry struggle to stay awake, but failing.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mrs. Granger looked into the backseat of the car to see Harry and Hermione asleep. Hermione had rested her head upon Harry's shoulder and Harry rested his head upon her head. Smiling to herself, she almost hated to wake them up, they looked so perfect together! But nevertheless, she had to.

“Hermione, dear, wake up.” She cooed.

Hermione opened her eyes with a dreamy look on her face. After taking a few seconds to regain her senses, she suddenly realized whose shoulder she was sleeping on. Startled, she abruptly moved her head, unfortunately upward, managing to hit Harry's head quite hard. Harry awoke with a start, grabbing the side of his head in pain.

“Ahh…”

“Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry!” Hermione apologized profusely.

Harry groaned again and then joked, “If this is how I can expect to wake up around your place, I think I'll go back to the Dursley's. Thank you very much.” And then, with the famous Potter charm, he flashed his grin.

“Haha, okay, I'm taking that as a sign that you're fine. Come on, we're here, let's go!” Hermione said eagerly.

A few minutes, and several bags of luggage later, everyone was gathered in the main entryway of Hermione's house. Her family wasn't rich, but they had money to spend. Their house, however, was a different story. It was, for lack of a better word, HUGE! You see, Hermione's grandfather was a very rich and powerful guy, although no one is really sure what exactly it was that he did for a living. All they knew was that it paid well, very well. Well, anyway, to make a long story short, after his death, Hermione's father inherited the house and guest houses (The money was divided between his

3 other brothers!)

“Well, Hermione, why don't you show Harry where you two and Ron will be staying?” advised Mr. Granger.

“Oh, good idea dad! Come on, Harry. Don't worry about your stuff, our butler will take care of it for you,” said Hermione, taking Harry's hand.

“You have a butler?” asked Harry incredulously.

“Oh yeah, his name's Bill. Been with the family for as long as I can remember. In fact, we pretty much consider him a member these days.”

“Wow…”

A few minutes later, Hermione was showing Harry every nook and cranny of the guest house which included a kitchen, a living room, and three separate bedrooms each with their own bathroom. After Hermione gave Harry the grand tour, they ended up in the living room.

“Wow, Herm, this place is…great. I still can't believe I get my own bedroom that isn't used for Dud's old stuff.”

“Yeah…” Hermione smiled. And then suddenly hugged Harry for all she was worth, “Oh, Harry!! I've missed you so much!”

Harry and Hermione stood in the living room, simply holding on to each other. Harry was holding on out of shock, he just couldn't believe the fact that the girl he liked was hugging him. And Hermione, who had initiated the hug, was allowing herself to get lost in the feel of Harry's arms wrapped around her, the warmth of his body, but most of all…the feeling she got being in his arms. It was, for lack of a better word, right. As if she was never meant to hold another person in the same way that she was holding Harry because it just wouldn't be the same, it just wouldn't be right.

After the shock had somewhat subsided, Harry found himself noticing that Hermione fit perfectly into his arms, and he wished that this moment would never end. But, as the old proverb states, “All good things must come to an end,” it did.

A voice rose from seemingly nowhere, “Ahem.”

Harry and Hermione broke apart rather reluctantly, and faced the handsome, though balding man to hear what he had to say. “Dinner will be served in 15 minutes,” and then with a smirk he added, “Thought you ought to know.”

Hermione smiled at the sight of her longtime friend and honorary family member, “Thank you, Bill. Oh, this is my friend Harry Potter. Harry, this is our family member and butler William Buck, but we always call him Bill.”

“It's so nice to meet you…Bill,” Harry said as he smiled warmly at the middle-aged man.

“Likewise, young sir,” said Bill, “and, if it's alright with you, may I speak to Miss Granger for a minute?”

“You don't need my permission for that!” laughed Harry, “If you'll excuse me, I'll take my luggage to my room and get comfortable.” With that, he grabbed his luggage, and Hedwig, and headed to his room.

“If you don't mind my saying so mademoiselle, he's a keeper; don't let go of him.”

“I wasn't planning to…and how did you know?”

“Have you forgotten already what it was you two were doing when I walked in? My dear, that was no ordinary hug. I have known you since you were born, watched you grow up, and know you like the back of my hand. I should certainly hope that I know you well enough to recognize when you have fallen head over heels. And then there's the fact that I, myself, have had my share of relationships, and know love when I see it. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go serve dinner, before either of you come up with another clever idea to detain me and get me killed, or worse, fired!” And with that, the amiable butler smiled, turned, and walked out the guesthouse to go serve dinner, leaving Hermione with her mouth half open and an amused look on her face reacting to what he just said.

After a few moments by herself, thinking, Hermione went to Harry's room. When she got to her door way, she heard…music. When she looked inside, she had to try so hard to restrain herself from laughing. Harry was dancing and singing along to the music, “'Cause, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough. Ain't no valley low enough. Ain't no river wide enough, to keep, keep me from YOU!!” With that last word, Harry turned toward the doorway and saw Hermione leaning against the frame with an amused look upon her face, trying not to laugh, and he blushed furiously.

“Um…I like this music?”

“Well, it is good… if I were you, I wouldn't do that where someone could walk in on you. You are so bad at dancing!”

“Hey! Well…it's not like anybody's ever taught me before…”

Hermione's face softened, “Oh, yeah…” and then brightened, “Well, I guess that's something we need to take care of,” she said as she walked toward the radio to change stations and find the right song. Just as she was about to give up, she heard it.

“Ok, this is it.”

Ohh ohh...

She walked over to Harry, put his arms around her waist and said, “It's best to start with slow songs. They're easier.”

When the visions around you,
Bring tears to your eyes
And all that surround you,
Are secrets and lies
I'll be your strength,
I'll give you hope,
Keeping your faith when it's gone
The one you should call,
Was standing here all along..

And I will take
You in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you

I've loved you forever,
In lifetimes before
And I promise you never...
Will you hurt anymore
I give you my word
I give you my heart (give you my heart)
This is a battle we've won
And with this vow,
Forever has now begun...

Just close your eyes (close your eyes)
Each loving day (each loving day)
I know this feeling won't go away (no..)
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you..
This I promise you..

Over and over I fall (over and over I fall)
When I hear you call
Without you in my life baby
I just wouldn't be living at all...

And I will take (I will take you in my arms)
You in my arms
And hold you right where you belong (right where you belong)
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you baby

Just close your eyes
Each loving day (each loving day)
I know this feeling won't go away (no..)
Every word I say is true
This I promise you

Every word I say is true
This I promise you
Ooh, I promise you...

At some point in the song, Hermione had moved closer to Harry, and rested her head on his shoulder, savoring this moment together. And Harry, who was terrified that he'd be terrible, picked up the rhythm quickly. The two of them slowly rocked together enjoying the warmth and comfort of the other's arms, never wanting to let go. When the song ended, they looked deeply into each other's eyes as their faces moved towards the other as if drawn by a cosmic force. Just as their lips were about to touch…the dinner bell rang.

Chapter 5

The shrill sound of the dinner bell destroyed the mood…

“Ahh,” said Hermione, pulling away, “The dinner bell.”

Harry muttered a word that made Hermione gasp and say, “Harry! Come on, let’s go eat.”

“Fine,” said a disgruntled Harry.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry and Hermione were both seated on the couch…on opposite ends. It was obvious that things were awkward between the two, seeing as how they were both wracking their brains for something to talk about in order to break the uncomfortable silence.

Nevertheless, Hermione took a shot at restoring the conversation, “So, Harry, how’s Sirius doing?”

“Um…let’s see, last I heard from him he was fine. He was busing being an “adorable stray dog” in order to get food, so he couldn’t write much. He also said that Buckbeak is fine.”

“That’s good…real good. I’m so happy that he turned out to be innocent. I just wish that we could find some way to prove it.”

“We just need Wormtail for that, but how to get him, I don’t know.”

“Yeah.”

It was obvious that they were running out of things to talk about. So, they just sat for a few minutes without saying anything. Hermione was watching Harry fidget, and tapping his knee when his hair fell into his eyes. It was then that Hermione suddenly had an idea. She abruptly got up, walked to the phone, and dialed a number.

“Yes…Bill? I was wondering if you don’t mind…could you bring over a pair of sharp scissors, a comb, and some towels? You will?! Great! Thank you so much!”

After hanging up the phone, Hermione turned to Harry with a somewhat “evil” grin.

“Err…Hermione, what exactly are you planning to do with the scissors?”

“Oh, nothing really…just give you a haircut.” Hermione replied matter-of-factly.

Harry’s face went pale as she said that, “No…no…definitely not!”

“Oh, come on, Harry! Why not?”

“I’ll tell you why not! I happen to like my hair the way it is and I’d rather keep it than to lose it, Thank you very much!”

“You won’t lose it! Relax, Harry, you trust me! I’ve done this millions of time! I’m practically a professional, if not better!” argued Hermione, but then she thought to herself, You never need to know that it was just my doll’s hair that I cut…

Harry looked torn with the decision of risking losing his hair…or his friendship with Hermione. Finally…

“Fine…I’ll let you cut it! Just…be careful.”

Hermione squealed.

“But you had better be telling the truth!”

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door and Bill entered the room carrying the item that Hermione had requested.

“You rang, mademoiselle?” Bill asked with an amused tone of voice.

“Oh, shut up, Bill! But, yes, I did and I appreciate your help so much!”

“Very well, then,” Bill said, walking toward Hermione and handing her the towel, comb, and scissors.

“Well, thank you ever so much!” Hermione returned.

Harry just watched their friendly banter slightly amused, but highly apprehensive due to his unexpected haircut. Bill casually glanced over to Harry and noticed the uneasy look on Harry’s face.

“You alright there, Harry?” he asked.

Harry managed to say, “Yeah,” in a squeaky voice.

Bill was a little confused before he remembered the items that he had brought to Hermione, looked at Harry’s hair, and put two and two together.

“Ha ha, I can’t believe I’ve finally become Hermione’s partner in crime,” Bill laughed. “I honestly never would have thought she’d do something like this!”

Harry gulped.

“Oh, come off it, Bill! I’m only giving Harry a haircut!”

Bill smiled, “I see nothing, I hear nothing, I remember nothing!” and with that he turned and left the room chuckling softly.

Hermione stood shaking her head, watching him leave the room, “I will never for the life of me understand that man…”

“Err…yeah, I guess he’s…different.”

“Alright…let’s grab that chair and move it to the bathroom sink.”

Harry groaned.

“Come on, Harry. I’m telling you, don’t worry. When I’m done with you, you’ll look hotter than Prince William!”

Harry whimpered and picked up the chair, following Hermione to the bathroom. He placed the chair in front of the sink and sat down. Hermione set the scissors and comb on the counter, unfolded the towel and gently placed it around Harry’s neck. Harry was so tense; his muscles were practically in knots.

“Harry…relax and just trust me,” she said softly, looking deep into Harry’s emerald eyes.

As Harry looked into Hermione’s eyes, he felt himself let go of his fears and he visibly relaxed.

“That’s better.”

Hermione reached behind Harry, turning on the faucet, and getting it to the right temperature before she leaned Harry’s head back into the sink. She wet her hands and gently ran them through Harry’s hair, dampening it.

Harry started talking, “I just realized that my hair never grows when I’m at Hogwarts. Wonder why that is…”

“Honestly, Harry, are you ever going to read Hogwarts: A History?”

“Well, why would I? You’ve already memorized the whole thing.”

“Well, to answer your question, a charm was placed on the school grounds so that hair wouldn’t grow unless a person wanted it to because the teachers were finding it difficult to get students haircuts. So, they simply cast it to avoid such difficulties, not to mention allowing more time for studying magic.”

“Huh…makes sense. Do you th-“

Hermione cut him off, “Harry?”

“Hmm…?”

“Shut up.”

Harry smiled, “Okay.”

Hermione had finally gotten Harry’s hair wet enough to cut accurately. She turned off the water, and reached for the comb and scissors.

“Okay, you can sit up now.”

Harry straightened up and looked at Hermione who had a very focused look on her face. It was eerily similar to the way she observed her homework at school before she began a particularly difficult arithmancy problem.

“God, she looks so beautiful…I really want to kiss her. Whoa…kiss her? She’s my best friend! Exactly…she’s my best friend…she understands me like no other girl ever has. She’s…different.”

Harry found himself getting lost in the deep color of Hermione’s eyes and the feel of her delicate hands running through his hair.

Hermione found herself thinking about Harry as well.

“Wow…his hair feels really good. Not too soft, but not too coarse, just…perfect. I love his hair, as messy as it can be. It just suits him so well. And his eyes…it’s so easy to just get lost in them.”

As Hermione continued cutting Harry’s hair, a feeling of contentment increased between the two. A deep connection had been formed, the beginning of something much deeper…the beginning of love.

As the two continued staring at each other, Hermione had slowly stopped cutting his hair, forgetting what she was supposed to be doing, but kept her hands running through his hair. Slowly, as they inched closer and closer to each other, she let her hands slide to the back of his neck. Just as they were about to kiss…a faint “Tap…tap…tap,” came from the other room…

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A/N: I didn’t include the dinner scene because I’m really bad at conversation that takes place at tables…so I’m skipping to after dinner, and Harry and Hermione are in the living room of the guesthouse.

Chapter 6

Just as their lips were about to touch…

“Tap…tap…tap.”

Hermione moved her head away, slightly hitting it on Harry's shoulders.

A very put-out Harry said, “I'm so going to kill whoever is sending this owl…”

“Not if I beat you to it. Come on, let's go get the letter,” said Hermione heading toward the other room.

“Yeah…and find out who the victim of our wrath will be,” Harry replied following Hermione's lead.

“Tsk…tsk…tsk…the great Harry has a dark side…”

“Doesn't everyone?” laughed Harry.

“I guess so.”

When you feel all alone
And the world has turned it's back on you
Give me a moment please to tame your wild, wild heart
I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you
It's hard to find relief and people can be so cold
When darkness is upon your door and you feel like you can't take anymore

Hermione had reached the window, and removed the owl's burden. The owl flew off quickly, and Hermione opened the letter. She read it to herself, but upon reading it sat down on the floor from disbelief and pain.

“Hermione, what's wrong?”

She couldn't get the words forming in her brain to come out, so she simply handed Harry the letter.

Harry read,

Dear Hermione,

Look, ever since the trip, I can't stop thinking about you, or how I treated you. I really didn't mean what I did…well, I guess I did at the time, but I was a jerk then. And I swear I've changed! Honest! Well, I'm writing to see if you'll give me another chance…so, will you? Please write soon…

With love,

Viktor Krum.

“What did he do to you?!?!”

Hermione couldn't answer, much less look at Harry. But Harry knew the answer already…Krum broke her heart.

“Oh, Herm, I'm so sorry.” Harry said immediately sitting down next to her to take her into his arms. Hermione let Harry wrap his arms around her and pull her head down into his lap to comfort her. As Hermione continued sobbing, Harry just kept saying words of reassurance to soothe Hermione from her pain.

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

As Hermione wept softly in Harry's arms, a knock sounded at the door, and voice called out, “Hermione? Are you in there?” When neither Harry nor Hermione answered, Mrs. Granger opened the door softly and looked in on the two. When she saw Hermione crying, she opened her mouth to say something, but Harry quickly shook his head, “No.” to warn her not to. Although she was still concerned about Hermione, she smiled softly and thought, “She'll be okay…he'll take good care of her.” And with that thought, she quietly left the room, shutting the door behind her.

A few minutes later, Hermione's sobs had somewhat calmed down.

Harry softly said, “What did he do to you, Hermione?”

Hermione took a deep breath and through her tears, she said, “Remember how Krum invited me to go to Bulgaria with him?”

“Yeah…”

“Well, I went…and it was fun…the first couple of days. And then…I don't know…he just changed. He started trying feel me up…he would kiss me, but he wouldn't stop there…I told him to stop, but…he never would. And then, I'd pull away from him, and he'd get angry. At first, he'd just yell at me…”

When you feel all alone
And a loyal friend is hard to find
You're caught in a one way street
With the monsters in your head
When hopes and dreams are far away and
You feel like you can't face the day

As Hermione was talking, Harry felt tears coming into his eyes. “How could Krum treat her like this? Can't he see how sensitive she is? How there's so much more to her than her body? She's the best person I know and she doesn't deserve to be treated like that!” Harry thought that him trying to feel her up was bad, but her next words shocked Harry beyond reason.

“…But then, just before I was going home, he tried one last time. And said no…it's like…he just lost it. He told me that I could forget about ever seeing him again, and then…he hit me…” After Hermione got this out, she fell silent again.

Harry looked into Hermione's eyes, full of grief and pain, but this time he looked past the chocolate-colored coating, deeper and deeper until he felt like he had reached her soul. Hermione returned this stare just as intensely through her tears. Unconsciously, the two moved towards each other. When their lips were about an inch apart, Hermione stopped herself and pulled away.

“I can't do this…I'm sorry, Harry.”

“Shhhh, it's okay. I'm not going to pressure you into anything.”

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

“Listen to me Hermione…what Krum did…that was him…not you. You did nothing to deserve that. Krum was, is…a jerk. And he probably always will be. He does not deserve a woman like you. He proved that when he treated you like you didn't matter…like you were just there to service him and his needs. That was, is and will never be true. You deserve to be treated like a princess…”

Hermione looked into his eyes as she listened to him and she could tell that he meant every word. Softly, she said, “Thanks, Harry…”

Harry just smiled sweetly at her and pulled her into the most meaningful hug of their lives thus far.

Because there has always been heartache and pain
And when it's over you'll breathe again
You'll breath again

Later on, Hermione had fallen asleep on the floor with her head resting on Harry's lap. Harry was softly stroking her hair when he had an idea to make Hermione feel better. He gently picked Hermione up into his arms and carried her to the bed. Then he left the room to go talk to Mrs. Granger.

Harry walked into the living room of the main house where he found Mrs. Granger sitting on the couch reading a book.

“Err, Mrs. Granger…?”

“Harry…where's Hermione?”

“She fell asleep…”

“Ahh, I see. Is she okay?”

“Honestly…no. But I have an idea that might make her feel better…”

***A/N: HAHAHAHA….cliffie!!!!***

***A/N: Oh, all right…I'll have some pity on you…***

***Keep going…***

***Ok, fine! Enough already!***

Mrs. Granger smiled, “That sounds like a good idea, Harry. You have my permission.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Granger! You won't regret this!”

~*~*~*~

Dear Hagrid,

I need a favor…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(Sorry…but you'll find out soon enough!)

Dear Harry,

Okay, it's all set up! It didn't take too long thanks to my trusty umbrella…*winks* Send Herm my love, won't `cha?

Love,

Hagrid

Harry smiled to himself and walked toward Hermione's bedroom.

Hermione was still peacefully sleeping on her bed when Harry entered the room. He walked over to the side of her bed. He watched her quietly for a few minutes before waking her up gently…

“Herm…Herm…wake up…”

Hermione stirred from her sleep… “Mmm…Harry?”

“I'm here, Herm.”

When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please
To tame your wild, wild heart

“Good…” she said, sitting up to pull him into a hug.

Harry returned the hug, smiling… “This feels so right. After tonight, I'll never have any doubts about whether or not I'm in love with her. Whoa…did I just think that? Yeah…I did.” Harry held on to her even tighter, as if he was scared to death that he'd lose her.

A few minutes later, Harry finally broke the hug, “Hermione…I have someplace I'd like to take you…”

“Okay,” Hermione softly whispered.

Harry led her outside where he had placed his Firebolt. Hermione froze at the sight of it.

“Harry, no!”

Harry turned and looked into her eyes, “Herm…trust me?”

Hermione couldn't help smiling, but she let herself give in to him, “Okay, just…don't let anything happen to me, okay?”

“Hermione, I will never let anything happen to you…” he smiled and carefully pulled Hermione onto the broom with him. He rose slowly into the starry night sky…

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

~~~~~~~~

A/N: The Song is “Crash and Burn” by Savage Garden.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of the original Harry Potter characters! J.K. Rowling does due to her supreme creativity! The only things I own are Bill (the butler), the plot, and anything else you don't recognize. The song used in this chapter is “Fall Into Me” performed by Emerson Drive

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 7

The Beginning

***

Right here waiting, staying strong
Come and Fall into me

***

Harry and Hermione were on Harry's Firebolt, making their way to his mysterious “secret spot.” Hermione was holding on to the handle of the broomstick while Harry was showing her how to steer and holding on to her waist. “God, I hope Hermione likes this…I didn't have too long to put this all together. I still can't believe that idiot! How could he treat Hermione like this…my Hermione like this. I'm lucky that it's so beautiful out here tonight…no clouds, no rain, perfect temperature…and the stars are so bright tonight!” Harry smiled to himself, “What am I talking about? It's perfect…I don't think I could plan this better than if I had a million years. What would I do without that Marauder's Map? If I hadn't discovered this place `cause of it…I don't know how I could have made Hermione feel better. Oh, Hermione, I'm so sorry for what he did to you,” Harry pulled her closer to him and held her tighter.

***

You say you've turned it off
Hid your heart upon a shelf
Scared of what it might cost
To take it down for someone else

***

Hermione felt Harry's arms grip her tighter and bringing her closer to Harry's warm body, “Harry is so good to me…almost too good…I've never done anything to deserve him in my life. He's been through more pain than most people see in a lifetime…yet here he is, comforting me. Shouldn't it be the other way around? I'm so selfish! How can I be thinking about myself when Harry's been through so much!” As Harry continued holding on to Hermione, another feeling…stronger than her guilt…began to take hold of Hermione's heart and soul. “I can't remember the last time I've felt so safe…this is so weird! I'm flying hundreds of feet above the ground and on a broomstick no less! But Harry said to trust him, so I let go. But it's still so strange…why don't I feel at least a little bit scared of falling? What does this all mean? Oh, I'm so confused! I promised myself I wouldn't fall for anyone else! Oh, Harry, why did you have to be so…wonderful?”

***

Cause loving him you lost

Too much of yourself

Baby can't you see...that he's not me

And...

***

Harry's breath was starting to get caught in his throat, “We're almost there! I really hope this works, I hate seeing Hermione upset like this. Ugh, Krum, you prat! Why'd you have to go and treat her like this?! She never did anything to you! I only hope that she'll be able to get over this, and allow herself to love again…to be able to love me. Just you wait, Hermione, I'll get you to see that you can always trust me…I'll never hurt you, not if I can help it.”

***

I need you to know you can fall into me
That my arms are wide open and will always be
Right here waiting, Staying strong
Come and fall into me

***

As they neared their destination, Hermione had let herself revel in the feel of Harry's strong arm around her, keeping her from falling and to certain death. “His arm around me feels so right…so perfect. Where is he taking me anyway? We've been flying for a while now…”

And then, in the still far off distance…Hermione could see the unmistakable form of…Hogwarts castle.

“Hogwarts?” Hermione asked herself, confused, “Why is he taking me here…of all places? The way he was going about this, I thought he had at least put some effort into thinking about where we were going to go.” Although Hermione didn't make it obvious, she was disappointed, and Harry noticed.

“Haha, it's working perfectly. She's disappointed. She'll be completely shocked when we get there.”

* * *

When the duo neared Hogwarts, Harry didn't head towards the castle like Hermione assumed, but rather to the…lake. He flew over the lake, toward the bank farthest from the castle. Hermione could see a dim glow coming from a small area. As they neared closer and closer, Hermione could make out a blanket laid across the grass and floating candles nearby. Harry slowed the broom down considerably as he neared the bank. When they were directly above the blanket, he set down carefully, not wanting to startle Hermione.

“Harry…what is this place?” Hermione asked in awe.

“This,” Harry replied, “is my secret place. I found it in my second year…when I just needed to get away from everyone, and be by myself. Hagrid is the only one besides me who knows about it, in fact, he's the one who showed it to me.”

**Flashback**

12 year-old Harry was sitting in Hagrid's hut, telling him about his problems.

“Everyone thinks that I'm the Heir of Slytherin…sometimes I wish that I could just get away from it all.”

Hagrid looked thoughtful for a second and then said, “I can `elp you there, `Arry. `ome on, follow me.”

The half-giant stood up, with Harry following, and led him to the place that had become Harry's secret retreat for the past 3 years.

“'Ell, `Arry…this is it, and ain't no one but me `hat knows `bout it.”

“Wow…this is great Hagrid! I don't know what to say…”

“Don't say `nything…just let it become an important part of you…like it was `o me when I was `our age…”

“Don't worry, Hagrid….it will be.”

**End Flashback*

“Of course, back then I didn't realize just how important it would be…” Harry thought looking fondly towards Hermione.

“Harry…how come you never told Ron and me about this place?” Hermione asked.

“Er…I guess mostly because I just wanted to keep it to myself…no offense.”

“Oh…well, then why are you showing it to me now?”

At this question, Harry blushed furiously. “Well…because…since I came to stay with you…something about you and me changed…and well, tonight I finally realized something…”

******

I'll follow any road
Anywhere to get to you
I'll open up my soul
If that's what you need me to do

******

As Hermione listened to Harry, she was looking around this gorgeous place he'd shown her. As Harry fell silent, she turned to look at him. As her eyes fell upon his face, she felt that familiar flutter in her stomach, that feeling that made her go weak in the knees, and that sense of completion she felt just being with him. Hermione struggled to get her voice back, “What did you realize?” she finally managed to whisper.

“That…I'm only whole when I'm with you…” he said nervously…awaiting her reaction.

Tears sprang to Hermione's eyes as she gazed back into Harry's deep emerald eyes…lost for words.

As Harry saw her tears he continued, “I know that Krum broke your heart…he tried to move too fast…but Hermione…I'll wait for you…until you're ready. I'll wait forever if you ask me to…because all I want is for you to be happy. All you have to do…is tell me when.”

******

But now baby it's your move
All you've got to do
Is believe in love, just believe in us
Now...

******

Hermione couldn't bring herself to say anything…much less move toward Harry. So, Harry did it for her. As he finished saying what he needed to, he moved toward her and held her firmly but gently as if proving his love for her. She finally managed to bring her arms up and hold Harry tightly around his neck, tears falling through her eyes. They held each other for what seemed like an eternity before Hermione finally gathered enough strength to whisper one simple word that would forever the relationship between the two…

******

I need you to know you can fall into me
That my arms are wide open and will always be
Right here waiting, Staying strong
Come and fall into me

******

“When.”

Harry pulled out of the hug and looked at Hermione with joy in his eyes. He searched hers and found exactly what he needed to verify that Hermione was truly ready…

******

Just believe in love, just believe in us
Baby....

******

He smiled out of pure joy and love and leaned forward. As their lips met in a gentle and passionate kiss…every good feeling in the world just seemed to soar between them. Hermione returned the kiss just as passionately as Harry and brought her hands up behind Harry's head, her fingers running through his unruly raven hair. Harry kept one hand on her waist, but brought the other one up to gently caress her cheek as they kissed. They were both surprised (to some extent) to feel how their lips seemed to fit perfectly…as if they were never meant to kiss another. And from that moment on…they knew…they knew that they would spend the rest of their life together…no matter what happened. They would get through it and their relationship would be able to withstand anything…and everything.

******

I need you to know you can fall into me
That my arms are wide open and will always be
Right here waiting, Staying strong
Come and fall into me

******

After they had kissed for what seemed to be forever, Harry and Hermione flew back home…to take care of one…last…thing.

Harry watched as Hermione took the letter Krum had sent her and walked towards the fireplace. The flames danced in her eyes as she took the letter and threw it into the fire, symbolizing the Krum was to mean nothing more to her from this moment on, that she would forget about him for the rest of her life. After the letter had ceased to be anything more than ashes scattered around her fireplace, she turned to Harry…and smiled.

******

Come and fall into me
Baby, fall into me

******

He returned her smile along with a look of love and compassion in his eyes…he slowly moved to Hermione again…took her in his arms…and kissed her as if he would never get the chance again.

The two of them were so caught up in each other that they both failed to notice a young red-haired man staring at them from the doorway…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 8

The young red-haired man was standing in the doorway, watching in shock. A million thoughts running through his mind. “What are they doing? How dare Harry do that to Hermione…to my Hermione! Doesn't he know that I like her?”

As they finally broke apart, their minds still lost in their own world, Harry had the weirdest feeling that he was being watched. When Hermione finally managed to tear her eyes away from Harry, she saw a flash of red hair and gasped.

“Ron!”

Harry instantly turned to face Ron, fear his primary emotion. He might not be afraid of Voldemort, but he was terrified of losing his friendship with Ron, of having him think that he betrayed his trust. And then there was the small detail of Ron's temper. Slowly, Harry gathered the strength to look into Ron's eyes…

“Hey Ron…” he said meekly, “long time, no see…”

Hermione interrupted Harry, “What are you doing here? I mean…I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow morning…”

Ron replied, his anger getting the best of him, “It is `tomorrow morning,' 8 o'clock…remember? Or have you forgotten about everything important…including me and how I might feel about…about…this! Why didn't you tell me?!”

“Ron…I swear to you…this is only the second time that we've kissed.”

“Oh, really? When was the first?”

“A few hours ago…”

“Oh, I see…so you two have been together all night?”

Harry's eyes practically bulged out of their sockets at what Ron was implying, but before he could say anything, Hermione cut in.

“Jeez! Not like that! Get your head out of the gutter, Ron! Why would you even think that? Harry and I are only 15 for crying out loud! I'm going to wait until I get married! In fact, it's very important to me that I do! And besides…it's none of your business!

“None of my business? Ok…I see, it's none of my business that my friends decided to go and make out with each other without so much as telling me!

“Jeez Ron,” Harry shouted, “you're carrying on as though Hermione and I have been doing this behind your back for months! Nothing…happened…until…yesterday. And this is the first time we have seen you since it began. We were going to tell you…we certainly didn't want you to find out that way!”

“Oh, sure…I'm supposed to just believe that `you were going to tell me'…you know that's not true.”

“Yes…Ron…you're supposed to believe it…because it's the truth…and because I'm your best friend.”

“You mean ex-best friend!” he retorted back before turning and leaving the room.

He was outside the guest room in the garden pacing around with a million thoughts running through his head. “Ugh! How could they do that? They're my best friends for crying out loud!!!” Ron looked like he was seriously about to lose it…when a voice arose.

“Ahem. Mister Weasley…”

“What???” Ron snapped turning around.

“I was just going to perhaps suggest that you take a look into the living room of the guest house. You might see something of particular interest to you…”

With a sigh, Ron heeded the mysterious man's request, and looked into the window. What he saw instantly calmed him down…

Harry seemed to be on the verge of tears so Hermione quickly moved up to him and placed her hand comfortingly on his cheek before reaching both arms over and hugging him. Ron just stood looking at them in awe. He started to realize that they really were in love with each other, even if they didn't know it yet, and that it would be wrong to stay angry and try and break them up. They truly belonged to each other.

“Oh, my Gosh…they really do love each other. I may love Hermione to death…but Harry is in love with her…” Ron thought, as things were slowly becoming clearer to him. “There's a big difference between loving someone and being in love with someone.” At that moment, Ron knew that he had misunderstood his feelings for Hermione. It was true…he did love her…but as a sister. That would forever be their relationship with each other and he was okay with that. Ron suddenly smiled at the fact that he managed to sort his feelings out on his own! Taking a deep breath…he entered the living room...however, he couldn't get the damn smile off of his face!

“What are you smiling about?” Harry asked with a confused look on his face.

“Nothing really…just the fact that I actually came to terms with something on my own!”

“What are you talking about?” said Hermione, equally confused.

“I'm sorry, Harry. I really didn't mean what I said.”

“Huh?” Harry replied with an incredulous look on his face.

“You are my best friend…It's just…when I saw you and Hermione together…it kinda threw me a bit.”

“I'm sorry. I didn't quite catch that,” Harry said with a smirk on his face, “Did Ronald Weasley just admit to being wrong?”

“Shut up, Harry. I'm not that bad.”

“Actually,” Hermione interrupted, “you are…sometimes.”

Now…that got Ron back. His face started getting red at the implication that he really was that bad. “What? No way!”

Harry laughed, “Yes way! Do I really need to remind you about last year? You didn't talk to me for months! And for what? Because I didn't notice that the leprechaun gold you gave me disappeared.”

“Well…okay. So that was a bit dumb. But I did eventually come to my senses, you gotta give me that much…at least.”

“Alright. So…truce then?” Harry asked, holding out his hand.

“Truce,” replied Ron, the ever famous grin on his face as he reached for Harry's hand as well. “Ahh…what the heck!” he said, pulling Harry into a brotherly hug. Suddenly, a thought popped into his head, “It's great to see you, Harry! It's been weeks!”

“Yeah, it has been, hasn't it? Darn summers.”

Hermione squealed, “The trio is back! And better than ever!” pulling Ron and Harry into a group hug.

“Ahh…ahh…Hermione…you're squeezing a little too tight…”

“Oh, sorry Ron!” Hermione said letting them go.

Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a voice arose. “Ahem…”

“Jeez! Bill…you scared me!”

“Hehe, cool.”

Hermione shot Bill a death glare, which Harry noticed, and said, “Whoa…remind me not to get on your bad side.” At which point, Hermione switched her glare from Bill to Harry. Harry ducked behind Ron, “Quick Ron, save me!!! It's the wrath of Hermione!”

Hermione couldn't help but laugh at Harry's antics. Soon, the whole gang was laughing until Hermione finally remembered that Bill probably came to tell them something. Taking a deep breath she asked, “Did you want to tell us something, Bill?”

Although Bill heard her, he just kept laughing for a while longer, struggling to stop and take a breath. He was laughing so hard that tears were starting to form in his eyes. Finally, he managed to compose himself, (which is more than I can say for Ron and Harry!) “Ahh…”

But before he could continue, Ron interrupted, “You!”

Bill smiled and replied, “Yes, mister Weasley…me. What I came in to say was that you received some letters in the post today…all three of you if I'm not much mistaken. From your school, I believe.”

“It's our book list!!” Hermione exclaimed.

“Oh, good lord…she's ba-ack!” Ron joked.

Hermione shot Ron another one of her, now infamous, glares as she walked over to Bill to get the letters. As she took the letters from his hand, she suddenly hugged him.

“Whoa…whoa…there…what brings this on?” Bill asked, returning her hug.

“Nothing really, I'm just so happy! I'm gonna miss you this year though.”

“Haha, well, we'll see about that,” Bill said, with a somewhat cryptic look on his face, “Now open those letters and get to shopping!” At that, he gave Hermione one last hug, looked at the boys, and left the room.

Hermione stared at the retreating form of her butler as he walked out of the room and said silently, “I've said it before and I'll say it again…I will never…for the life of me…understand that man.”

“Um…Hermione? I'd like my letter please…?” Harry said.

“Oh,” replied Hermione, “right!” She instantly turned around and handed Harry and Ron their letters. All three of them opened them and read the contents.

After reading the list, Harry said, (with a smirk on his face) “Well…guess this means we should get going to Diagon Alley!”

Hermione and Ron only smiled back.

~FIN~