A/N- And here is the next chapter that I said would be up. Um, this is a long chapter, be warned. Oh and after harryherm84 asked me how many chapters this story would be, I made an outline. I think it will be about 16, though I might have to make it 17, (so overall, it might end up being 18 *rolls eyes*), but no more than that, I'm pretty sure. Matt, thanks for the beta work!!!
Um, you guys are very upset about Hermione not forgiving Harry, being pig-headed… What you have to understand is that Harry seemed to be pulling away from Hermione before the 'hug.' It wasn't like they hugged, she saw, separation. None of you might like how the problem between them actually ends, but what happens, happens. You'll see.
**********
Hermione couldn't sleep that night, and the reasons were more than the fact that there was a killer on the loose. Harry was sleeping in the bed next to her, all tangled up in the covers. It had taken her three to four weeks to get used to no weight next her, and she even missed his snoring… something she has always despised.
Tired of trying to get to sleep, she got up out of her bed and looked out the window. How was anyone sleeping that night? Were her friends, fellow wives of Auror's, all safe? Was she still safe?
She tried to keep the tears in, but she couldn't help it. She broke down in tears, covering her face with her hands.
She felt warm hands surround he waist, and she relaxed. She missed the feel of this too. She just stayed in Harry's arms, crying, and he let her. And then he kissed her… and she couldn't resist it. It was a desperate kiss, but filled with hope. But also, filled with a sense of sadness that took over the hope.
Harry pulled away slowly, and Hermione's wet eyes opened. She felt that she had lost her voice box.
"I've missed you, Herm," he said, caressing her cheek.
Oh how she wanted to believe him. All she wanted to do was bring his lips back down to hers and knock his socks off. But she couldn't. He always did these things to her, made her feel that she was dancing on air and nothing else but her mattered to him. But things changed… he seemed to have changed. He made it seem that his vows didn't mean anything. How could she just let that all go, just because he kissed her and made her feel happy?
She pulled away and swallowed. She put her hand up to her mouth, and took deep breaths, trying hard not to cry; she had to sink in the chair to accomplish that. There was a glass of water on the table next to her, and she took it, drank the whole thing in one gulp.
"Can you sleep now?" Harry asked quietly.
No, I can't. Not after the way you just kissed me. But she didn't say that. "Yes."
He helped her up and she slipped under her covers, after a few minutes, finally falling asleep.
**********
Harry found that sleep would know not come to him. Typical. When I fall asleep, Hermione can't. When Hermione falls asleep, I can't.
He sighed. Maybe kissing her hadn't been a very good idea. He didn't mean to do it. He was just caught up in the moment, but he didn't regret it one bit. All he wanted to do was take all of her sadness away, but she wouldn't let him. Maybe she didn't need him anymore… maybe he had lost her…
**********
"What are you doing down here, Ron?" William Plakard asked as he came up to Potter's Books.
"Look, I think someone was here." Ron said as he walked up to William.
William raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I think someone was inside, and it wasn't Harry or Hermione."
"What would make you think that?" William asked curiously.
"I came by to see if Harry was here. I heard the fight and I wanted to knock is brains out for leaving Hermione. Anyways, there was a light on inside, but when I came closer the light was off. I knocked, but no one answered," Ron said, crossing his arms around his chest.
"Did you go inside?"
"Yea, but everything looked fine."
William still looked suspicious. "Are you sure it wasn't Harry, and he left right before you came up?"
Ron's arms fell. "Well, there's more. I went around back and saw a figure moving. I called out, and if it was Harry, he would have known it was me."
William didn't know what his face looked like, but it must have looked like he didn't really believe Ron, cause Ron took it that way. "You don't believe me, do you?" he asked.
William shrugged.
"Oh, well that's great. Okay, from now on, I won't bother helping. I might as well just give up my job and let all of you smart Auror's figure it out all by yourselves." Ron said angrily, and then apparated away.
But William apparated to the Ministry.
**********
The next day, Lavender nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw a face appear in her fireplace. Ron smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, Lavender. I didn't mean to scare you."
She gave a small smile. "Ah, don't worry. Everything is scaring me these days. What are you doing here? I mean, what's your head doing here?"
Ron gave a small laugh. "I guess it would be a good thing to tell you. I just thought you should know that somebody tried to break into Hermione's shop last night."
Lavender gasped. "Is she okay?"
"Oh, yea. She wasn't even there. I found out from Fred that she and Harry left for the night. Typical, Fred always waits till the end to tell me things."
"What do you mean?" she asked, leaning back into the chair.
"Well, if he had told me last night, I wouldn't have gone over there, looking for Harry. Now William Plarkard suspects me." Ron said as he rolled his eyes. "Anyways, no one really knows where they are, and I was going to try and get a hold of them to let them know what happened."
Lavender smiled. "Well, I'll do my research and track them down and let them know."
Ron grinned back. "That's all I wanted to hear."
**********
Lavender didn't have to do any research, because Hermione called her first. "Lav, it's Hermione."
"Oh, thank God. Are you and Harry okay? Why are you using the phone? I was going to try and get a hold of you, but well, you called first," Lavender said with a little laugh.
Hermione laughed. "We're fine. I'm using the phone because we're staying at a muggle hotel. What were you trying to get a hold of me for? Is Ginny okay?"
"Last thing I heard she was, though she's not making much progress. But they did move her to another hospital, Salidays Memorial. But that's not what I wanted to tell you." Lavender took a breath. "Ron flooed in and said somebody was in your store last night. Was that you or Harry?"
Hermione froze. "No. We left right after the meeting." Why was somebody at the shop? Was it the killer, looking for her?
"Listen, Hermione, don't come back here. Whatever you do, stay away from here until we've got this guy. I don't want to lose my best friend."
Hermione tried to breathe normally. "Alright Lav, I won't. I'm thinking of heading to Liverpool, where my parents live. And I'll tell Harry what happened."
"Good. Be careful, okay?"
"Yea I will. Bye."
Hermione hung up. She felt light headed. What if she had been at the shop last night? Oh, she didn't even want to think about it.
She sat down and waited for Harry to come out of the shower. It felt like breathing became worse once he did. Oh, he looked so good. His glasses were off, and his black hair was wet… she loved it when his hair was wet. Lots of fond memories…
*****Flashback*****
Harry came in from the outside, soaked to the bone.
Hermione burst out laughing. "I told you it was going to rain."
Harry glared at her, though his eyes were laughing as well. "Well, Mrs. Potter, perhaps you would like to join in on the wetness," he said as he took her hand and dragged her outside.
Hermione protested the whole way. "No! Harry don't you even think about it. No, stop!" She was out in the poring rain now, getting just as wet as Harry… and she was getting cold. "Oh, y-ou are in su-ch, bi-g, big, tro-uble, Mr. Potter," she said, teeth chattering, but a smile was evident on her face.
Hermione reached up to touch his wet hair, and Harry smiled warmly, putting his forehead on hers. "I love you, Hermione Jane Potter," he said, his voice soft, but deep with emotion.
Hermione smiled and closed the gap between them. Harry wrapped his arms around her tightly, kissing her with so much passion… and Hermione rubbed her hands all over his wet hair…
*****End of Flashback*****
Hermione shook the memory out of her head and looked towards Harry, but she still had questions. "Lavender called. She said somebody was in the store last night."
Harry looked at her in surprise. "We have to talk to Fred. He does have a muggle phone doesn't he?"
Hermione nodded slowly. "I think so. Yea, in fact, Angelina gave me the number. She figured that if we stay at a place like this and need might need to talk to Fred." She went over to her purse, and told Harry the number. "Harry, I was also thinking. Maybe I should go and stay with my parents. Now is a good of a time as ever."
"You're probably right," he said as he dialed the number. "Fred, it's Harry." Harry found the button that said speakerphone and pushed it. "Listen, I heard about the break-ins."
"Yea, which ones?" came Fred's voice over the speaker.
Harry glanced at Hermione. "What do you mean?"
They heard Fred sigh. "Well, there was the one at the shop, which is the one you probably heard about. The other one was at Hermione's house… only that turned out just to be Percy checking in on Hermione. I mean, if my brothers would just stay at home and leave everything alone, we could catch this guy."
Harry smiled. "What are brothers for, Fred?"
"Don't get me started. I'll talk to you guys later." He said, and he hung up.
Harry turned to Hermione. "I'm coming with you to your parents."
"Uh, that wouldn't be such a good idea," Hermione said quickly, looking down at her hands. "They're, um, they're not too happy with you right now."
"What have you told them?" he asked.
"I just told them the truth," She replied, looking back up.
"You mean, your truth," he said in an accusing tone.
"I told them what happened when I walked in on you and Cho. I told them you moved, you were interested in someone else. I told them you didn't care about our vows anymore. The truth!" she said angrily as she went to pack up her suitcase. "Don't do me any favors of coming with me, Harry."
He sat there for a moment, his face showing no sign of emotion. Then he got up and went for the phone. "Yes, I'd like two tickets from Birmingham to Liverpool."
Hermione threw a shirt into her suitcase. "I told you, only one ticket!"
"No, we'd like to leave today if possible." Harry said, ignoring her.
Hermione slammed her suitcase shut. 'Harry-!"
"Reservations for Mr. and Mrs. Potter. And yes, tomorrow is fine." he said into the phone.
Hermione stomped over to the bathroom and started brushing her teeth in a dramatic sort of way.
Harry hung up the receiver. "Look, we'll drive the rest of the way to Birmingham tonight. Then we'll take the plane to your parents." He came up to the bathroom door. "I'm staying with you, Hermione. Whether you like it or not."
Hermione spit out her toothpaste, but realized Harry was going to back down. "Alright."
**********
"She said she was going to head up to Liverpool, where her parents are." Lavender explained to Ron.
Ron sighed. "I wish I had been able to talk to her."
"Perhaps it's better this way. Besides, they probably already left."
"So they're both going?" Ron asked hopefully.
"She didn't say. But knowing Harry, he's probably going with her." Lavender said with a laugh.
"That's one of the great things about my mate," Ron said with pride in his voice.
Marina came up to the door pounding on a pan. "Food is out and ready. Lavender, please stay, cause there's plenty."
"Are you sure?" Lavender asked, hesitantly.
"Absolutely. Besides, there's male bachelors in the room," Marina said with a wink, while Ron rolled his eyes.
Lavender grinned and looked at Ron. "Who can pass up an opportunity like that?"
"Well, I would," Ron said defensively.
**********
Harry and Hermione stopped for lunch on their way to Birmingham, but Hermione had been quiet. She was thinking… Was it really her fault? Did she turn into a nagging wife, and that's what drove Harry away? Was she the cause of the problems? She didn't know why these thoughts suddenly came to her, and know she didn't have an answer.
Harry had noticed her quietness, but decided not to comment on it.
Hermione finally spoke, but it had nothing to do with her thoughts. "Look, I'm going to call my mum and let her know we're coming."
"Yea, make sure she knows I'm coming," Harry said.
She got up to leave. "Wait," Harry said. "I'm coming with you."
Hermione knew better than to argue; she'd just waste her breath.
They waited to pay the bill, then went and used to nearest pay phone.
Harry stood close to her as she dialed. She knew he didn't have to do this. He could be back in London, working, being near Cho. But instead, he was here with her, and she felt warmth spread through her body.
"Mum? It's Hermione," she said as she heard her mom's voice, Sarah.
"Hermione? Where are you? Ron got a hold of me and told me about everything? Are you okay? What's-"
"Mum, slow down, I'm fine. I'm flying over to you and Dad tomorrow. Well, we're flying over," she said, knowing her mum might have a little fit.
"We?" Sarah asked curiously.
Hermione took a deep breath and looked at Harry. "Harry's coming with me."
"Are you two back together?"
"No, he's just worried about me."
"What about the other woman?"
She had to ask that. "We'll talk about it later, mum."
"How many beds do I need to make up?" Sarah asked.
Harry heard that one. "Just two mum."
"He's getting a piece of my mind when he gets here. You should have divorced him long ago, Hermione." Sarah said, clearly having distaste for Harry.
"I don't want to fight about this. I just wanted to let you know where coming. I'll see you tomorrow. I have to go. Bye."
Hermione hung with a sigh a relief.
"Am I allowed entrance in the Granger home?" Harry asked, somewhat sarcastically.
"My mum will tell you off. Are you sure you want to come?"
"Don't even ask. I'm coming."
Hermione looked over to the car. "Harry, why are we driving? Why don't we just apparate?"
"Liverpool is too far to travel. But you do have a point. Why don't we apparate over to St. Mungos and check on Ginny?"
"Oh wait, she's not there anymore. Lavender said they moved her to, um, Salidays Memorial. Ever heard of it?"
Harry nodded. "It's another good wizard hospital; was there once myself a few years ago. Let's head there."
"So much for the ride to Birmingham," Hermione said.
**********
The last time Harry and Hermione were at St. Mungos, the place was crawling with reporters. This time, at Salidays Memorial, it was even worse. Hermione started to feel as if all her oxygen was taken away from her, and she clung on to Harry.
"I don't know why I'm worrying about this, but I look awful. I don't want my picture taken." Hermione said, looking down at her clothes.
Harry touched her hair. "You look pretty good to me."
She looked into his eyes, and almost got lost in them. They lost contact when Hermione seemed to be pushed by someone behind her. Grunting, she let Harry take her hand and lead her to the nearest desk.
The woman looked up. "May I help you?"
"We're here to see Ginny Malfoy." Harry said.
"We're not reporters," Hermione said, knowing the woman was going to ask that.
The woman looked up to Harry's forehead, and with a knowing look, let them pass. "They're on the fourth floor."
"Thanks," Harry said, for letting them pass, and also for not saying anything.
When they got up there, they still weren't alone. There was Percy, Draco, Neville, and some others. Draco saw them with his still bloodshot eyes. "What are you guys doing here?"
"We came to see Ginny." Hermione said.
She went up to him and gave him a hug, which Draco greatly returned. "She's still out," Draco said.
"Ginny's a strong woman. She'll wake up," Hermione said in a comforting voice.
She looked over at Neville. "Hey Neville. I'm surprised to see you here."
Neville nodded. "I couldn't just stay at home. My Grandmother has Frank right now."
Hermione smiled. "It's nice that you came down here."
Percy was glassy eyed. "I'd better get back to the Ministry. I'll be back later." He turned to Hermione. "You be careful, okay?"
"I will. We'll be going out to Liverpool tomorrow to my parents."
"Why wait till tomorrow?'
Harry faked a smile. "Plane is booked over in Birmingham."
Percy gave them a questioning look. "Why are you going all the way over to Birmingham?"
Harry shrugged. "It's not too close to here…"
**********
Hermione moved over to little Shannon Malfoy, who was playing with a doll.
"Hey, Shannon," Hermione said with a wide smile as she sat down in front of her. "Who's this?" she asked, pointing to the doll.
Though only a year old, Shannon knew words. "Dolly," she said.
"Really? Well, she's very pretty."
Shannon pointed over to Draco. "Daddy." Then she pointed back to her doll.
Hermione nodded in understanding. "Your dad gave you that doll…"
"Mummy," she also said.
Hermione smiled and put her hand on the little girl's head.
From across the room, Harry watched as Hermione interacted with Shannon. He was amazed on how well she was with little children, and it reminded him of her desire to have children. He always shrugged it off, not wanting any yet. He never realized how much she really wanted them… until now.
**********
Harry and Hermione left about 15 minutes later, apparating back to their car, and drove the rest of the day to Birmingham. It was late by the time they got there, and the hotel only had one smoke-free room left… and it only had one bed.
"I'll sleep on the floor," Hermione said as they walked into the room.
"No way," Harry said. "It's not like we've never shared a bed before. I'm not going to attack you in your sleep."
"I don't want to sleep in the same bed as you," she said irritably.
They were both not in good moods. "Fine," Harry said. "I'll sleep on the floor!"
He grabbed a pillow on the bed and threw it on the hard floor. Hermione watched him as he tried to get comfortable, and he was having no luck.
"Harry, don't sleep down there. Come on up," she said as she pulled the covers out.
"Oh, don't do me any more favors," he said as he hit the pillow.
But he realized he'd enjoy the bed much better… for more than one reason. "I'll sleep on top of the bedspread. That way, we won't touch."
If there was ever a time when he wasn't sarcastic at a time like this, this was not one of those times.
"Well, thanks for being so considerate. It's just like you to be so gentleman like." She'd let him have a taste of his own medicine.
She went to the bathroom, and when she came back, Harry was already asleep. And when he started to snore, she smiled.
************
Waiting for the plane to come, felt like the wait was never going to end. Harry kept looking over his shoulder, keeping his arm around Hermione at all times, never letting her out of his sight. Hermione wasn't too keen on this, but she felt safe nonetheless.
The weather outside didn't look too good. Stormy was the word.
"Let' see, what would be worse? Dying in a thunderstorm because our plane crashes, or being killed by a mad man?" Hermione asked as they waited for the plane.
"It's going to be fine. Don't worry. But if it makes you feel better, we could wait for a later flight."
Hermione sighed and shook her head. "No, I'll be fine."
"Are you sure? You don't look too good," he said as he looked down at her.
"I'll be fine."
"We can get something to eat-"
"I said, I'll be fine," she snapped.
Harry looked away, wondering why he was here with a woman who didn't want him there. It seemed that she was worse with him there.
Harry picked up the bags and followed Hermione to the gate when their number was called. Following closely, he heard a crack from his left, and knew what it was. Hermione's purse flew out of her hand and she screamed. Harry threw his body over hers, shielding her. Somebody just shot at Hermione!
She was still screaming, and he whispered to her. "It's okay, baby, it's okay. I won't let him hurt you." But another shot rang through the air, and it hit him… impacting him on the side of his head.
There was only one thought running through his mind. Hermione, be safe…
**********
A/N: Eh, I didn't want to end it there, but the chapter was long enough, so I kind of had too. Guys, don't hate me! *ducks from curses* It will work out!! Um, this problem between H/Hr is coming to an end is really, really, really soon. And I don't know when the next chapter will come up. Thanks for all the reviews!!!
Sherlock Holmes- I do have a good argument…
Caroline Delacour- Haha… I had a great time in Europe. In my LJ, I'm recording my journal entries… But I went to Chambery, France, and Geneva, Switzerland. It was beautiful!!