Disclaimer: I own nothing that has anything to do with Harry Potter. All that stuff belongs to JK Rowling. I just wanted to play in her world a bit to make mine seem more fun.
A/N: Ohmigosh! Thank you all sooo much for taking the time to review this fic. Every time I read one, it makes me smile so much people ask what's wrong. Thanks again and don't forget to let me know how I'm doing.
Chapter 2
An hour and half later, Hermione Apparated into her home, laden with packages. She made a beeline for her bedroom and threw everything on the bed before dashing to the bathroom to take a quick shower.
She jumped out 10 minutes later and put on some make-up: eyeliner, a very light green eye shadow, mascara and a dusting of pinkish blush. She used drying and styling spells on her hair to make loose waves and changed into what she'd just purchased.
After adding a dab of clear gloss, she checked her reflection. 'Not bad, Granger,' she thought, admiring herself for a second of two. Her gaze took in the clock behind her and she saw she only had a couple minutes to get to Godric's Hollow. She grabbed a light jacket and Apparated with a pop.
Hermione reappeared in the entranceway of the Potter's home a split second later, exactly on time. A small bell chimed through the house, signaling her arrival.
"We're in the kitchen, Hermione!" Lily called.
Hermione entered the kitchen and stopped in her tracks. James was doing dishes -the muggle way- wearing a pink apron that flashed: "I'm a Bad Boy" in 44cm gold letters.
"Yuck it up," James said dryly. "This is all your fault, by the way. But you should see Sirius."
"Hermione, dear. Lovely weather we're having, isn't it?" came Sirius' voice. He stepped into the kitchen and Hermione got a good look at him. She was a bit puzzled by his attire; he was sporting a green apron with silver ruffles. Very large silver letters spelled out "I *heart* Snape." He also looked as though he hadn't had a shower in at least a month; his hair was really greasy and sort of long.
James was watching her with a huge grin and Sirius batted his eyelashes flirtingly. Hermione smiled weakly, not knowing how to react. "Um, I don't get it," she finally said softly.
James dropped the plate he was washing and Sirius gawked at her as if she'd sprouted another head.
"Merlin, I forgot. Hermione didn't go to Hogwarts. She wouldn't know who Severus is," Lily quickly clarified.
"What about that slimy, greasy-haired git?" The voice that cut in was unfamiliar, but Hermione thought it sounded a bit like James.
"Language, dear," Lily admonished, absentmindedly.
"Sorry, Mum," was the reply. "So what about that wa…er, him?"
"Well, this one here didn't get why I am dressed like this. We were about to explain to her the wonder that is Snivellus," Sirius said cheekily.
"Ah," the boy answered knowingly. "So then you're Hermione. My father and godfather talk about you all the time. I'm Harry."
Hermione turned to greet the person behind her, but froze at the sight of him. At her best guess, he stood a smidge under 2m, a bit taller than James, and was very nicely muscled in all the right places. He looked almost exactly like James: raven hair sticking up everywhere, wire-rimmed specs and an identical half-smile. His eyes, however, were Lily's: beautiful emerald green, surrounded by long lashes.
She blinked and noticed the hand he'd reached out toward her and the puzzled look in his eye. She blushed lightly and grasped his hand. "Hermione Granger," she replied with a smile. "And those two have spoken about you quite often, too."
"Don't believe any of it," Harry answered, breezily.
Neither noticed they were still clutching hands.
James shot Sirius a triumphant look and Sirius winked in return. Even Lily grinned, taking care to make sure she wasn't seen.
Suddenly they both noticed their attached limbs and quickly let go, blushes appearing on their cheeks.
"So," Hermione began, awkwardly. "Who is this Snape person you were talking about?"
"Why don't you and Harry go for a walk and he can tell you," Sirius suggested slyly.
This comment earned him identical glares from Harry and Hermione, at the obvious set-up.
"That's a wonderful idea, Sirius! Do try to be back by 7," James added. He chuckled when the glared were redirected his way. "Go. Shoo."
Harry and Hermione each let out sighs of defeat and chanced a glance at the other. They turned away quickly when their gazes locked.
"Shall we?" Harry asked, offering a polite smile.
"Sure. Why not?" Hermione smiled in returned.
They headed out the front door, but not until Harry shot an intense glare at his father and godfather, who each blew him a kiss in return.
Once the couple were out of the house, James and Sirius let out whoops and high-fived each other. Lily just stood there, shaking her head.
"Don't be such a party pooper," James said, putting his arms around her from behind. "Did you see how they were acting? Hermione was blushing like mad and Harry couldn't take his eyes off her!"
"What about Josh and Victoria?" Lily asked quietly. "You seem to forget each of them is currently involved in a relationship."
"Oh, pish tosh!" Sirius supplied. "They just need to spend some time together. I'm sure they'll get together like that." He snapped his fingers to emphasize his point. "Sort of like you and Prongs, Lil."
"I suppose," Lily started. "But no interfering, got it?"
"But…" James and Sirius trailed off.
"No buts," Lily said firmly. "Let nature take its course. If they are meant to get together, they will. Sort of like you and I, James," she shot back, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Fine," James huffed.
"Whatever," Sirius echoed.
"Good. Now where were you two?" Lily asked coyly. "Oh yes. James, dishes. Sirius, table."
They groaned in response and she laughed.
"Don't do the crime if can't do the time." She was rewarded with a close-up view of James' tongue before he sulked back to the sink.
Outside, Harry and Hermione made their way to the playground about a few blocks away from the house. They sat on the swings, in the uncomfortable silence created when you first meet someone and are forced to spend time with them.
"I'm sorry!" Hermione finally blurted out.
"What for?" Harry asked, caught off-guard.
"Because you got stuck here with me, instead of getting to visit with your parents and godfather," Hermione explained in a rush.
"That's ok. It's not your fault," Harry replied kindly. "Besides, I wanted to meet and thank the woman responsible for England finally winning the World Cup," he added with a smirk.
Hermione groaned inwardly. "You heard about that, did you?" she asked sheepishly.
"I may have read about it…somewhere," Harry retorted sarcastically, laughter bubbling up.
"It's not funny! I got hate-mail for, like, 6 months after it happened! Not to mention all the grief your dad and Sirius gave me about it," Hermione answered indignantly.
"But you have to admit, a seeker becoming completely distracted, especially by a woman, no offence," he apologized.
"None taken," Hermione replied, letting him continue.
"While chasing the Snitch and losing the most important match of his career is pretty peculiar," Harry reasoned. 'Although I can certainly see why,' he added in his head.
Ever since he caught a glimpse of her when they'd met, he had been trying to force himself to think about his girlfriend, but it wasn't working. Hermione was very pretty and petite. The jeans and tank were the perfect look for her; she came across as comfortable, a bit sporty yet feminine at the same time, and confident, a real turn-on. But the best part was her eyes: they were brown, but so warm and unordinary, he wanted nothing more than to get lost in them.
Harry was brought out of thoughts when he realized he missed a chunk of what Hermione had been saying.
"…it wasn't my fault, I had nothing to do with it! The way people reacted was outrageous. Everything from accusing me of using a love spell, to offering up homes, vacations and galleons! One company asked me to model their clothing line and two guys proposed!"
Harry chortled at the expression on Hermione's face and any awkwardness between the two vanished. She was funny and clever and hadn't once asked how many dark wizards he'd killed or captured. And she hadn't asked if he knew if his father was averse to cheating on his mum, which was always welcomed.
Hermione was enjoying herself immensely. Harry was easy to talk to and had a good sense of humor. He had a twinkle in his eye that seemed to hold some mischievous secret and Hermione had an inkling he liked pranks as much as James. The best part, by far, was he hadn't asked if she could get him tickets to a Quidditch match or get autographs for him.
"Where do you work again?" Harry asked, out-of-the-blue. "I'm sure Dad told me, probably a half-dozen times, but I sort of didn't pay attention," he added guiltily.
"I work in the Magical Games and Sports Department at the Ministry. In the Quidditch League Headquarters," Hermione answered lightly.
"With Ludo Bagman?" Harry inquired.
Hermione made a face. "Yes, with him. It's usually pretty fun though. Except when people constantly badger me for tickets or autographs."
To her surprise, Harry laughed. "I know how that is. As soon as people hear 'Potter', it's over. I get bombarded with questions about my family, some rather disturbing," he shuddered at the thought. "And, of course, about what happened "That Night". No one seems to realize I was a little more than a year old and have no recollection of what happened. I wasn't even there!" he finished a bit harsh. "Sorry. I just get so angry."
"It's ok. You're allowed," Hermione said simply. "You're an Auror, right?"
"For the time being, yes," he answered mysteriously. "But, for now, I think it's time we get a move on back to the house. Or Dad and Sirius are going to have a field day."
Hermione glanced at her watch. "Shit, you're right," she said. "What?" she added, seeing Harry stare at her strangely.
"You said shit," He answered, awed.
"Uh huh," Hermione replied slowly, eyes narrowed in confusion.
Harry's face broke into a huge, ear-to-ear grin. "You're normal!" he exclaimed gleefully.
"Thank you?" Hermione said, unsurely.
"I mean, you like Quidditch, say bad words and haven't bugged me about the Potter legacy or how many dark wizards I've captured! And you aren't a giggler. To top it all off, you haven't asked to shag my dad!" he explained happily. "Where've you been all my life?" He playfully threw his arms around Hermione, who laughed at his behavior. Yup, like father, like son.
Harry stood up first and offered Hermione his hand. They began the walk back to the house.
"So, Harry," Hermione began conversationally, "Your dad is really hot. Any chance of…?"
"You finish that sentence and I will not be held accountable for my actions," Harry shot back, swatting at her playfully.
They began the walk back to the house, chatting amicably, just like old friends. They were 3 houses away when Harry suddenly stopped. He put a hand on Hermione's arm to get her attention and she turned to face him. His eyes were twinkling and he had a sly smirk on his face. Hermione knew what was coming next, and he didn't disappoint.
"Want to get back at Sirius and my dad?" he asked mischievously.
Hermione grinned back devilishly. "Let's."
"Ok, here's what we're going to do…" Harry bent down and whispered the plan, his breath tickling her cheek. She had to force herself not to pay attention to how fast her heart was beating or the fact that he was so close she could smell the cinnamon on his breath…
At the same time, Harry was having an internal debate with himself. 'Coconut? Banana? What is the scent of her hair?? Vanilla?'
Neither noticed Lily peaking her head out of a window facing the street. She smiled at the sight of her only son getting on so well with the girl she'd come to think of as a daughter. If she knew Harry, he was probably coming up with a joke to get back at James and Sirius.
The boys, as Lily affectionately referred to them, had been trying to finagle a meeting between the two since they'd met Hermione at a Quidditch match about a year and half ago, shortly after she'd return to England. For days following the match they had talked of nothing else. Finally Lily had had enough and took Remus' ticket to the next match, so she could meet this 'Hermione' for herself. Lily was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the younger woman and found they had much in common.
The two women had spent lots of time together since then, going to cafes or the cinema or having Hermione over for dinner. Lily had become somewhat of a surrogate mother to Hermione, her parents still living in Nice.
At that moment, Hermione burst through the front door, Harry hot on her heels. The noise alerted James and Sirius and they eagerly poked their heads out of the kitchen, wearing very large grins.
"James! I need to speak with you. NOW!" Hermione bellowed angrily.
"Fine! I didn't want to talk to him anyway!" Harry spat. "Sirius!"
They two men looked at each other, their grins fading, and shakily made their way to Harry and Hermione.
"I can't believe you wanted to set me up with HIM/HER!" they shouted in unison. "Why on earth did you think I'd actually get along with HER/HIM?"
Harry and Hermione turned on each other. "Stop copying me," they continued. "I'm not copying you! Stop that. I said stop! Ugh, you're so infuriating!" They both threw their arms up in surrender and stomped off, Harry towards the Dining Room, Hermione towards the Study. Then they rushed around and met in the hallway.
"Do you think they bought it?" Hermione asked, her cheeks flushed in excitement.
"After that performance? We should get Oscars!" Harry declared.
Lily watched their act and was almost taken by it as well, when she knew better, so she had no doubt James and Sirius would be.
"What do you know? They even fight the same way," Sirius tried to joke.
"What am I going to do?" James moaned. "At the very least, I wanted my son to get along with the girl who has become like a daughter to me. They can't even be in the same room."
"I know! We can…" Sirius began.
"Don't, Padfoot," James warned, tiredly. "It's no use."
Harry and Hermione glanced at each other, then the living area, from their hiding place.
"Do you think they've had enough?" Hermione asked softly.
"Yeah, I'd say so," Harry answered uneasily. "After you."
"I thought I told you to leave me alone!" Harry shouted as they pushed each other out of the way, trying to get into the living area.
"I will if you will," Hermione retorted. "And another thing…"
"GOTCHA!" they shouted gleefully, identical sparkles in their eyes and grins on their faces.
Lily tried hard not to laugh at the faces James and Sirius were currently making. "Congratulations, kids. I don't think I have ever witnessed these two rendered speechless. Bravo," she said with a smile.
"You were wonderful, m'dear," Harry said, slinging an arm around Hermione's shoulder.
"As were you. Who knew we'd be so convincing?" Hermione replied. "We make a good team."
"I think so, too," Harry answered, nodding his head.
They were both almost knocked off their feet as Sirius ran and threw his arms around them roughly. "Yay! I knew it!" he shouted animatedly.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Sirius," Lily warned in a low voice.
Hermione glanced over at James and noticed he was still standing in the same place, moving his mouth, but no words were coming out. She walked over and waved her hand in front of his face. "Hello? Anyone home?" she joked.
James snapped out of his trance. "That wasn't funny."
"Yes it was," Hermione rebuked.
"No it wasn't," James insisted.
"Yes it was," Harry chimed in.
"No it wasn't," James whined.
Lily walked over and put her arms around her husband's neck. "Honey, it was funny. You're just upset you fell for it," she rationalized, her green eyes sparkling merrily.
"You knew!" James accused. "You knew and didn't tell me!" He started tickling his wife and she laughed and tried to wriggle free. When she finally gave in, James smirked victoriously and met her lips with his. She deepened the kiss and he dipped her playfully.
Harry and Sirius made a big display of turning away, pretending to be disgusted by their behavior, but Hermione sighed happily. She hope she would be as in love as these two after almost 26 years of marriage. She caught Harry's eye and he grinned in reply. Instinctively, she knew he was thinking the same thing as her, though he acted otherwise.
James righted his wife and pulled back, grinning ridiculously. From the kitchen a buzzer sounded.
"Dinner's ready," Lily said breathlessly.
"Looks like you two are ready to skip straight to dessert," Sirius added with a smirk.
Harry groaned. "I really don't need to hear stuff like that, Padfoot."
"It's a beautiful and natural act," Lily and Hermione stated automatically. They both chuckled, but seeing the looks on the guys' faces, laughed harder.
"Dinner?" Lily asked once they'd calmed down.
"Dinner," Hermione agreed.
The two women linked arms and sauntered into the Dining Room. James, Harry and Sirius followed, still shaking their heads.
The five sat to dinner, James at the head, Lily and Sirius to his right, leaving Hermione and Harry to sit next to each other on the left.
Once everyone had been served and begun eating, James broke the silence. "How are the arrangements coming for your project?"
Hermione swallowed the food in her mouth before responding. "Ok, I suppose. We're trying to get most of the kinks worked out and more details set before we make the proposal."
"What project?" Harry asked in interest.
"Since it's a non-World Cup year, we're trying to get a few international teams to come here and have a tournament of sorts," Hermione answered. "But we don't want National teams, just Regional teams. Depending on how many coaches respond favorably, there may be mini-tournaments abroad to see who will represent in the finals here. At least, that's what we're hoping will happen," she finished.
"Well, whatever happens, you can bet we'll be in the Top Box with you," Sirius put in, bits of food falling onto his plate.
"That is so gross," Hermione stated, crinkling her nose.
Sirius grinned in response to her discomfort, but was elbowed by Lily before he could do further damage.
"At any rate," Hermione continued. "If everything goes according to plan…"
"A big IF, seeing Bagman's running it," James interrupted, earning a glare from Hermione.
"If all goes to plan, I should get a couple extra tickets, so maybe everyone can go," Hermione suggested.
"Not to worry," James cut in. "I'm sure we'll find a way to make sure we are all there." He and Sirius grinned manically.
"No repeats of today, boys," Lily stated sternly. "So Harry, how long are you going to in town?" she added casually, trying to change the subject.
"Um, a couple weeks, I think," Harry answered. "I have a few things to wrap up at the Ministry."
"So Ron will actually get to live with his roommate?" Sirius joked.
"Looks like it," Harry replied, a little uneasy. Victoria usually wanted him to stay at her parents' home when they were in town; she didn't care much for his flat or Godric's Hollow…which is why she'd begged off dinner tonight. But for some reason, Harry couldn't admit that around Hermione.
Dinner was finished, relatively quietly, and dessert had been brought out when Harry cleared his throat. "Mum, Dad, I have to talk with you about something."
"Should I leave you all in peace?" Hermione asked anxiously, poised to get up from the table.
"It's ok," Harry replied. "Besides, I'm sure you'll find out soon enough anyway."
'Please, let him not want to propose to Victoria' went through the minds of Lily, James and Sirius.
Harry took a deep breath before continuing, unsuspecting his parents' fears. "I'm putting in notice Monday morning and I'm staying in London. For good," he finished, looking at Lily and James to gauge their reactions.
Both blew out the breaths they'd been holding, relieved they weren't being subjected to Victoria becoming a member of the family.
"What are you going to do?" Lily asked quietly. It wasn't any secret she disliked Harry's line of work; being an Auror was dangerous and unpredictable.
Hermione watched the exchange silently, taking a sip of wine. She felt she was intruding on a very personal discussion, but couldn't leave without being noticed.
"Well," Harry began. "There's an opening in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," he said, wrinkling his nose in a cute way. "Or with the Improper Use of Magic people."
At this, Sirius let out a chuckle and quickly tried to cover it up, pretending to cough. "You don't want to work there," he supplied helpfully.
"Yeah, I guess not," Harry agreed, thoughtfully. He turned back to his father. "I'll figure something out, even if it's working at Quality Quidditch, until a more permanent arrangement is made."
James looked pensive. "If this is something you want and if it will make you happy, that's all that matters. You mother and I are behind you 150%."
Harry smiled happily. "Thanks, Dad, Mum. This is something I want. I miss being back here, being able to see you on a regular basis," he answered. "Besides, there's always Magical Games and Sports," he added devilishly.
"No way!" Hermione said indignantly. "That's my job. You stay out!" She shoved him lightly, earning chuckles all around.
"Then you'd better make room for me," Harry replied mischievously. "I'd prefer an office with a view."
"Yeah, keep dreaming," Hermione retorted.
James watched their banter, a content smile spreading on his handsome face, mirroring the one Lily was wearing. He squeezed his wife's hand and mouthed 'I love you.'
'I love you, too' Lily returned, with a squeeze of her own.
'This is the way it should be,' James thought. 'My wife, my best friend in the whole world, and it seems as though my son may have met his match.'
James hadn't been kidding earlier. He really thought of Hermione as a daughter; he and Sirius both. They were very protective of her and always hated the guys she dated, especially this Josh fellow. As far as they were concerned, no one -save Harry- was good enough for "their little girl."
Dessert was finished and the dishes cleared, despite Sirius' pestering, maintaining he was still hungry. Everyone retired to the patio to sit and relax, just enjoying the present company.
After a couple hours of chatting and laughing, Hermione checked her watch and saw it was getting late; she had to be to work in the morning. "Ugh, I guess I had better think about heading out. Get to see Bagman tomorrow." She made a face that cause fresh laughter to break out.
"Are you walking or Apparating?" James asked immediately.
"I think I'm going to walk," Hermione answered. "It's not far and it's such a beautiful night."
"You're not walking alone," Lily asserted.
"I'll be fine," Hermione insisted. "I have done it before."
"No," James said, finality in his voice. "Either Apparate, or I'm walking you."
"But…" Hermione was cut off.
"Or Harry could walk you," Sirius disrupted her refusal, a glint in his eye.
Hermione opened her mouth to protest but Harry beat her to it. "Sure," he answered, receiving shocked looks from everyone in the room. "What?"
"Nothing," James murmured, covering Sirius' mouth, so he couldn't respond.
"Are you sure?" Hermione questioned, too surprised to decline.
"Yeah, it's no problem," Harry reaffirmed.
"Well, ok," Hermione relented. She turned to Lily and gave her a hug. "Happy now?" she whispered.
"Yes I am," Lily whispered back, happily. The two straightened up "Thanks for coming to dinner. It's always nice to have someone here to even out the testosterone levels," she added with a smirk.
"Thank you for having me," Hermione replied. "Bye James, Sirius," she added, giving each man a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Sirius pretended to swoon. "If only I was 20 years younger," he joked. "Or you were 15 years older. That would work too. Better still, you could just jump in the sack with me and we'll call it square."
"Sorry, Paddy, I think she'll be jumping in the sack with, someone else, anyone else, before you," James shot back. This comment earned him a smack from his wife.
Hermione just shook her head. "I'll see all of you Saturday morning, right?"
"Yup! Bright and early," Sirius called.
"Can't wait," Hermione replied sarcastically. She turned to Harry. "Ready?"
"Yup," he answered. "I'll be back shortly."
"Take your time," James responded suggestively.
Harry shot him a dirty look and Sirius chuckled in amusement. Harry turned to say something to him but stopped when he felt a warm hand on his bare arm. "If you want to get out here anytime soon, you don't want to get him started," Hermione whispered in his ear.
"Oooh, looky James! They're already making plans," Sirius said flippantly, trying to draw Harry into sparing with him.
Harry nodded once and gave Hermione a half-smile. When she turned, he shot Sirius a malicious smirk, an evil shine to his normally bright eyes.
"Let's go," Harry said turning away and offering his arm to Hermione, who took it, a blush coming to her cheeks.
"Bye Hermione. I'll talk to you tomorrow," Lily promised, giving her friend a quick hug.
"Ok. Talk to you then. Bye boys. Try to stay out of trouble," Hermione cautioned.
"We will," James and Sirius chorused together.
"Somehow I doubt that," Hermione mumbled loud enough for James and Sirius to hear, and they grinned cheekily in return.
"Bye!" Hermione blew them a kiss and walked into the warm summer night, Harry right behind her.
"Whew!" he exclaimed. "I'd forgotten how long it takes to leave that place!"
"That was nothing," Hermione dismissed. "It normally takes twice as long. I think they feel bad about me going home to an empty flat."
"No roommate?" Harry asked, a bit surprised.
"Not unless you count Desse. My Crup," she explained at Harry's puzzled expression. "She's a real sweetheart and very smart. She hates guys," Hermione added, smiling mischievously. "Except Sirius and your dad."
"Maybe she's telling us something they can't," Harry supplied, waggling his eyebrows provocatively.
Hermione shook her head, a half-smile playing at her lips. "That would explain some things," she added thoughtfully.
Harry chuckled and they continued their walk in comparative silence. Every so often speaking, but mostly just enjoying the night air and, secretively of course, the other's company.
"This is me," Hermione announced when they got to a five-story building roughly 2km from their starting point.
"Nice looking place," Harry said, keeping an eye out if anything strange were to happen.
"Yeah," Hermione replied, smiling unsurely. 'Stupid,' she reprimanded herself.
"So…" Harry said uncomfortably.
"Listen," they both began. They chuckled at the awkwardness.
"You first," Hermione offered.
Under the concern of her brown eyes, Harry felt his cheeks warm and he was grateful it was dark. "Well, I know you've got the match during the day, but do you have any plans for after?"
"Not unless the match goes on for a long time. Why?" Hermione inquired, her own face growing warm.
"Well, my 24th birthday is Saturday and I'm pretty sure my parents are throwing a surprise party, since everyone I've talked to is mysteriously busy that night," Harry explained. "I'm fairly certain you've already been invited, seeing that they've been trying for a year and half. I get the impression we were supposed to be introduced then, I just happened to come in on the night you regularly share dinner with them."
Hermione nodded absentmindedly. "That makes sense."
Harry grinned. "Ah ha! So there is a party!"
"No," Hermione lied, unconvincing.
"You're a horrible liar. You do know that, right?" Harry teased.
"I'm not that bad…" Hermione protested weakly.
"Don't worry. If anyone asks, I'll tell them I figured it out using my Auror skills," Harry replied, his eyes dancing in the darkness. "Anyway, I, er, wanted to make sure you're going to be there," he added, smiling hopefully.
"Uh huh," Hermione squeaked out.
"Good," Harry answered, his smile relaxing with relief. "So what was it you were going to say?"
"Oh, yeah. Well, I was wondering if you'd like to come to the Quidditch match Saturday?" Hermione asked, still feeling a bit nervous. "Your mum, dad and Sirius are going to be there and my, er, friend can't make it, so I have an extra ticket if you want it. I mean, it is your birthday, and now you can spend the day with your family," she explained in a rush.
Harry smiled. "That would be great actually. I was wondering what I was going to do while they were gone. Thanks."
"Anytime," Hermione replied, smiling in return. "Thanks for walking me home," she added shyly.
"It's no big deal," Harry answered. "Happy to do it."
Hermione cleared her throat. "So, um, good-night, then," she said awkwardly.
"Good-night," Harry returned.
Neither moved, until Hermione extended her hand. "Good-night," she repeated.
"Good-night," Harry echoed, grasping her hand.
Hermione smiled and released Harry's hand, but he didn't let go. She glanced at him questioningly.
"Um, I'm glad I, er, finally got to meet you. And I'll, er, owl you tomorrow. So I can get the ticket," Harry added hurriedly, finally freeing Hermione's hand.
"Ok," Hermione answered, her voice higher than normal. "Bye," she added, turning to go into the building.
"Bye," Harry said to her retreating back. Once she was safe, he began the walk back.
"Harry?" Hermione called, suddenly directly in front of him.
"Yeah?" he replied a bit huskily. 'Is that my voice?' he thought to himself.
Hermione rose on her tiptoes and quickly kissed him on the cheek. "I'm glad I finally got to meet you too," she added. Before she Apparated back into her flat, she tossed him a sweet smile over her shoulder. "Night."
Harry touched his cheek. "Night," he replied to the air. 'Dad was right about her,' was his last thought before he Apparated, a goofy grin set firmly in place.
a/n2: cripes, that took forever to type up! 3 hours I think. no matter. hope you enjoyed it!