You Don't Know Me

katediggory

Rating: PG
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 28/03/2004
Last Updated: 16/02/2005
Status: completed

It's time for Harry to admit how he really feels about his best friend, and win her back

Chapters

1. untitled

2. A Proposal

3. A Confession

4. Reactions

5. Good Luck

6. The Game

7. Celebration

8. Dinner at The Burrow

9. Visiting

10. St Mungo

11. Finding Jack

12. Movie Therapy

13. Love You

14. Telling the Others

15. A Trip

16. Realisation

17. A Dance

18. Sleeping Beauty

19. Games

20. So Close

21. Kiss

22. Discovering

1. untitled

You Don't Know Me

Sung by Harry Connick Jr

You give your hand to me
Then you say hello
and I can hardly speak
my heart is beating so
and anyone can tell
You think you know me well
But you don't know me
Ooh no

You don't know the one
Who dreams of you at night
And longs to kiss your lips
Longs to hold you tight
I'm just a friend
That's all I've ever been
Cause you don't know me

For I never knew the art of making love
Though my heart aches with love for you
Afraid and shy I let my chance go by
The chance that you might love me too

You give your hand to me
Then you say goodbye
I watch you walk away beside the lucky guy
You'll never never know
The one who loves you so
Well you don't know me

Chapter One

Harry Potter sat in the window seat, his forehead resting on the cool windowpane as he watched the raindrops race down the outside of the window. His eyes were focused not on the droplets of water, nor on the quiet London Street below. Though his face looked out of the window, every part of him was focused on the closed door on his right. He knew he was insane to torture himself like this, and Ron had said exactly those words only a few minutes before when he entered the living room and found Harry with his current mournful expression. Ron's eyes had flitted to the closed door to Hermione's room and rolled his eyes.

“Harry, mate seriously you need to get out. Either do something about this or stop torturing yourself.” Harry hadn't replied, as Ron had known he wouldn't, he would simply sit and mope until he fell asleep curled up by the window.

It was becoming an increasingly depressing routine since Hermione had begun seriously dating Jack, a Muggle her parents had introduced her to. In the past he and Harry had been able to scare off most of Hermione's boyfriends, considering none of them to be good enough for her, but Jack wasn't so easy to intimidate. Jack hadn't grown up in a world where Harry Potter was a household name, he didn't even know that Hermione was famous, let alone just how famous the three young adults who shared this London house were.

The three of them had been the only ones to see Lord Voldemort die; one of them had been the wizard who cast the final spell. They shared a bond so close, they had lived together ever since leaving school, and still got along so well, being able to read each others mood and see what the other two were thinking and feeling. There was only one sore spot in their relationship and that was a relatively recent development. Only since Hermione and Jack's relationship had become serious had Harry realised what had been right under his nose for so many years, only now that he had no chance with her did he see how much he was in love with his best friend. Ron couldn't be happier that Harry had finally realised what Ron had long suspected, but now Harry was liable to sit moping whenever Jack came around and was determined to dislike everything about Hermione's boyfriend, which caused many arguments between Hermione and Harry. Ron had been arguing with Hermione for years, it was part of the balance of their friendship, but she and Harry never fought, they simply exchanged glances and communicated whatever needed to be said that way, this change to the group dynamic unsettled Ron, and he only hoped Harry would sort himself out soon enough before he did permanent damage to his friendship with Hermione.

Ron headed back to his room with a sigh, determined to talk things out with Harry in the morning when hopefully he'd be back to his usual state as they had a Quidditch match to get to, and Harry and Hermione were always back to normal on Quidditch days. Hermione had not missed a single one of their games since they had gone professional and was practically an honorary team member with an all access pass to the stadium, she was back in the team locker room for pep talks, and she was with their manager and trainer right on the sidelines as they played. It was the one time Ron could guarantee a Jack free day as after games they would sit, talking, drinking and laughing in post-game tradition as they had for the last four years since leaving school. Ron climbed into his empty bed, wishing Laurie would lighten up on her pre-Quidditch rule. The night before every game she insisted they sleep in their own apartments as she needed to get a good nights sleep, and apparently Ron fidgeted in his sleep. He rolled over to look at the photograph of his girlfriend, which sat on his bedside table. She was gorgeous, and she was just generally amazing, a better Quidditch player than he was definitely and without her as a chaser the team would definitely not have such a huge scoring record for the last three seasons. Oh well, he'd see her in the morning at the stadium.

2. A Proposal

Chapter Two

Hermione lay awake her mind spinning. Had Jack really just proposed to her? She couldn't quite believe what had happened tonight. They had been out to dinner, they had come back to the house and she had put some music on in her room as they sat talking when Jack had looked at her intently, stood up and reached for her hand asking her to dance. It was perhaps one of the most romantic things ever to happen to her, yet she felt strangely detached from the scene, like she has been watching from the other side of the room while they gently swayed to the music and he whispered in her ear, “Will you marry me.” She had stopped dancing and looked at him in shock. They had only been dating for six months and while their relationship was definitely serious, she hadn't expected things to progress so quickly, especially as she still hadn't been able to make herself tell him the truth. It had been too nice dating someone who was definitely not dating her for the fame factor, or just to get close to Harry or Ron, but he had to know she was a witch. She knew it had been a mistake not to tell him sooner, and she hadn't been able to ruin the moment tonight, she had just nodded wordlessly in acceptance of his proposal.

She crawled out of bed and stood for a moment observing Jack's sleeping face, before pulling on her robe and walking out into the living room. She took a deep breath and closing her bedroom door she leant against it her eyes closed. She stayed that way for several minutes, relishing the cool air of the room, she opened her eyes and began walking towards the kitchen to get herself a snack when she saw Harry fast asleep curled up in the window seat. She had no idea why he loved sitting there so much, but she's found him asleep there several times in the last few months. She grabbed the soft blanket from the back of the sofa and walked over to Harry she pulled it over him, gently placing a cushion under his neck so he wouldn't wake up with a bad neck for the Quidditch match. His unruly black hair fell into his eyes as he sleepily moved his head onto the cushion and she instinctively reached out to push back his hair, revealing his trademark scar, now faded but still distinct.

Hermione walked into the kitchen and reached to the top of the corner cupboard, pulling out the emergency cookie supply. She grabbed two cookies and made her way back to the living room where she sank into the sofa, her legs crossed, her head leaning back as she looked at the ceiling.

How to phrase it? `Jack, Surprise, I'm a witch!' No, definitely not. `You know when I disappear of without explaining, I do have a reason I promise, it's, well, I have magical powers'…no, everything sounded like an explanation from a bad comic strip. She sighed loudly.

“Must be bad if you've got two emergency cookies.”

Hermione jumped. She hadn't realised Harry had woken up. She looked over towards him and nodded in the dim light. She held out her arms for a hug and he stood and made his way over to her, settling down into the sofa next to her, his arm around her shoulder as she handed him one of the cookies.

“Problem with Jack?” Harry asked softly.

“Ah, sort of the opposite…” Hermione mumbled through her cookie.

She looked at Harry, not sure how he would react to her news. If it had been anything else she knew she could count on Harry to be supportive, but he wasn't exactly Jack's biggest fan, though she had no idea why.

“He proposed. I said yes…but now I have to tell him the truth, and explain why I've been lying to him for six months.” She said.

Harry felt as though someone had hit him with a full body bind hex. She was getting married. Stay calm. There's nothing you can do now, she's your best friend and she needs you, be supportive.

“Congratulations `Mione” Harry said softly, pulling her into a tight hug. Hermione felt a tear in her eye as she hugged Harry, she couldn't explain it but the hug felt like she was saying goodbye to something, but she supposed she was in a way. She was saying goodbye to a whole era of her life. Oh my god, I'll have to move out. She thought with horror. But I can't imagine living without my boys! We've been together for so many years.

“I'm scared Harry. Not just of how he'll react, but of everything. I don't want to leave you and Ron. I can't imagine not living with you, seeing you both every day…” She was crying lightly now.

“Oh `Mione. I don't want you to leave either, but if Jack will make you happy then you have to consider what he wants as well. I'm going to guess he wouldn't want to move in here with us considering that he's already jealous of your relationships with Ron and me.” She nodded sadly.

“You'll be my best friend no matter what `Mione.” He whispered.

They sat hugging each other in silence for several minutes before Harry spoke again.

“How are you going to tell him?” Harry asked her.

“I have absolutely no idea. I've been thinking through several approaches in my head but each one seems more ridiculous than the last…I need to tell him tonight or tomorrow though. I can't put it off any longer. I need to introduce him to the other side of my life.” She said, sounding a little more confident now.

“You'll have to tell him about everything…Voldemort, what you really do at work…the battles, the fame, he'll know soon enough if you take him to a Wizarding event the way people act around us sometimes.”

Hermione nodded.

“I know. People have approached me when I'm with him in Muggle London but I've always managed to escape, but he must have noticed something a little odd when complete strangers whisper and point or wave at me.” Hermione said with a wry grin.

“Tell him now `Mione. Or you're just going to stay awake all night beating yourself up about this. I know you remember, and Ron and I need you in good shape tomorrow, we can't have our lucky charm falling asleep during the match.” Harry teased her. She kissed him on the cheek.

“Thanks Harry. I know you think I could do better than Jack, but he loves me. Thank you for being here anyway.”

Harry watched her disappear back into her bedroom. As the door closed his head fell into his hands. He'd lost her now.

He wandered back to his own room and quickly drank a vial of a potion for dreamless sleep, knowing that he needed to be alert for the game the next day, and not wanting his sleep to be filled with images of Hermione he drifted off into nothingness.

3. A Confession

Chapter Three

Hermione gently shook Jack's shoulders to wake him up, he opened his eyes sleepily. “Jack I need to tell you something.”

Hermione paused for a moment and Jack saw her serious expression.

“Is everything ok?” He asked her concerned.

She nodded.

“Um, well, this is going to sound bad, but I've been keeping something from you, and I have to tell you now, I should have told you before, but we can't really be engaged until you know everything about me.” She said, knowing her speech and grammar were becoming muddled as she spoke fast and quietly.

Jack was now wide-awake.

“What is it Hermione?”

“Uh, have you ever believed in magic?” She asked him, cringing internally as she did so, this was so clichéd.

“Not really.” Jack said with a bemused expression.

“You've never believed that witches and wizards existed?” Hermione asked, figuring she might as well stick with this approach now that she'd started. He shook his head.

“Oh. I was afraid of that. Um, well I never used to, but Jack…um, I'm a witch.” She looked at him intently to gage his reaction. She was not prepared for him to laugh.

“You mean you do voodoo and read tarot cards?” He asked her with a grin.

“Ah, not exactly. Jack, there is a huge magical population all over the world, hidden from those without magical powers. I discovered I was a witch when I was ten years old, and I didn't go to boarding school in France. I went to a Wizarding boarding school called Hogwarts.” She said. Now he just looked confused as if she was teasing him or telling him a story.

“I can tell you don't believe me. I guess I'm going to have to demonstrate this.” She said uneasily.

“Now, try not to freak out ok?” She said cautiously, getting up from the bed and reaching into a drawer she pulled out her wand.

“Hermione why are you holding a twig?” Jack asked her, now sounding a little pissed off.

“Just watch ok?” She asked him.

“Lumos.”

Light spread from the tip of her wand and Jack sat up straight.

“What the hell was that?”

“This a wand Jack. It enables me to perform certain kinds of magic. See?” She held the wand over her head and with a gentle flick she was no longer dressed in her robe but in jeans and a t-shirt and her usual long brown hair was now blonde and very short.

Jack's face seemed frozen in an expression of disbelief. Hermione quickly returned her appearance to normal so she wouldn't alarm him and sat beside him on the bed, her hand resting on her arm.

He looked up at her warily.

“You really can do magic…” He said slowly. She nodded.

“So, there are lots of people who do magic?” He asked softly, his eyes still looking startled.

Hermione nodded, worrying at how quiet and calm Jack was being about all this.

“You went to school to learn this stuff?”

“Yes, for seven years I studied Magical Arts, and now I work for the Ministry of Magic.” She said, glad to get yet another secret off her chest.

“So, you don't work for MI5?” He asked.

Hermione blushed guiltily.

“No, It seemed like a good idea to say that at the time as it wouldn't lead to too many questions, but I do work for the Government, it's just the magical branch of the government, and I work with magical creatures.” She said.

“Magical Creatures?” He asked.

“Ah, well that's a whole other story…animals which have magical powers, um, like Unicorns…” She said sheepishly, knowing this all sounded rather ridiculous.

“Unicorns exist?” He asked incredulously.

She nodded, understanding his apprehension; it was a lot to absorb at once.

They spent the next hour talking, Jack asking questions and Hermione patiently answering all of them, explaining what she had the power to do, and reassuring him that witches and wizards were no threat to Muggles.

“Do Harry and Ron know?” Jack asked, then paused and answered his own question. “Of course they do, you all went to school together…so they're wizards?” He asked. She nodded.

“What about your other friends? Are they all magical as well?” He asked anxiously.

She shook her head. “No, I do have a lot of magical friends from school and work, but I also have a lot of non-magical friends. You met Ginny, Ron's sister? She's a witch, all his family are magical.”

“What about Harry's family?” Jack asked.

Hermione paused, realising that now was when she'd have to explain the hardest part.

“Harry doesn't have any family. But yes they were magical. His parents were murdered, his grandparents were already dead. His only living relatives are non-magical and disowned him the day he turned seventeen. His godfather, his legal guardian was also murdered.” She said sadly, thinking of Sirius and how much she missed him.

“Murdered?” Jack asked in horror.

“Well, this is going to be tough to explain, but please don't be worried, it's all over now. The war ended over four years ago…”

“War?” Jack asked horrified.

4. Reactions

Chapter Four

“Well, I told you that Muggles, sorry, non-magical people weren't in any danger…that wasn't always true I'm afraid. There was a wizard who became very powerful, he practiced dark forbidden magic. He was purely evil, perhaps insane, but he killed Muggles for fun, and any wizard who was descended from Muggles. He had a small army of loyal supporters, though that army grew in number. The Wizarding world lived in fear of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. This was a long time ago…before I was born…but when I was a baby Voldemort attacked a powerful Wizarding couple killing them both. He then tried to kill the baby they were trying to protect; their son. But the curse he used rebounded on him and though he wasn't killed by it, he wasn't really alive either. That was the start of ten years of peace in the Wizarding world. Harry was the baby that survived. His parents died to save him, because he's not just any wizard…if you go out in the Wizarding world you'll hear his name everywhere you go…he's the most famous wizard in the world Jack…”

Hermione stopped and looked into her fiancée's face.

“Harry's famous for simply living?” Jack asked. He now seemed reasonably comfortable discussing the Wizarding world, though Hermione could tell this must be rather surreal for him.

“He was called `The-Boy-Who-Lived'. But that isn't the only reason he's famous…When we were eleven Voldemort returned. He wasn't as powerful as before…but he was trying to gain access to a magical stone, which would restore his strength and make him immortal…God, this all sounds like a weird science fiction film, but it happened. Voldemort had a vendetta against Harry because he knew that only one wizard in the world would be able to defeat him, and that wizard was Harry. That's why he tried to kill Harry as a baby, so he wouldn't have to battle a fully grown wizard…but we fought him that year…”

“We? You fought?” Jack asked anxiously.

“Ah, well yes…It's not just Harry who's famous…” She said blushing. I helped Harry in various ways as he fought Voldemort when he was eleven, twelve, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen and seventeen, though I didn't meet him face to face till I was sixteen…I had been unconscious for two of the initial meetings Harry had with Voldemort, but I had been there helping to plan. I've been trained to fight jack, I know I can seem helpless but I can sense a dark wizard within twenty metres of me and I have the power to disarm or kill them in less than a minute…” She said carefully.

“Let me get this straight, my little bookworm of a fiancée has fought dark wizards and knows how to kill?” Jack asked concerned.

“Have you…have you ever killed anyone?” He asked her tentatively.

Hermione looked at him intently, and he saw the depths of her eyes and was shocked by her answer before she spoke.

“Yes. I've killed. I've killed in self defence four times. I was there the day Voldemort was killed. It was Harry, Ron and I alone with Voldemort. We'd trapped him…he'd just killed one of our oldest friends and his army of supporters were attacking the school. Harry cast the final curse which killed him and ended the war…We had spent seven years of living in fear…preparing ourselves for the battles…tackling adult wizards who would kill for their own amusement…we stood there and it was all over…I need for you to understand the circumstances…I'm not a cold blooded killer, but I didn't cry over the bodies of the Death Eaters. Their lives had to be ended…Lestrange had killed Sirius, Harry's godfather and my friend…she had tortured our friend Neville's parents, they're still lying insane from the attack years later…it was a War…things are different in war…” Hermione hadn't even noticed the tears running softly down her face.

Jack placed an arm around her shoulder and looking into his eyes she could see the shock, but she was relieved to see he didn't hate her for what she had withheld, or for what she had done in her life.

“So, you're famous…how famous?” He asked trying to lighten the mood a little.

Hermione cringed.

“Um…well, Harry, Ron and I are often referred to as `The Trio'…we've been seen as the people who brought an end to the war…it wasn't just us, there were so many people who fought and died, but we were the ones standing over Voldemort's body at the end, and people can't let that go…'Witch Weekly', a magazine voted me the most powerful witch of my generation last year.” Hermione now said blushing feverishly. Jack looked at her in amazement.

“You really ARE famous then?” He now looked intimidated.

She nodded.

“Not as famous as the boys though, because they play Quidditch professionally, that's the wizard sport…that's where I am on Saturday's when I can't see you. I've never missed one of their games. It's like football sort of, but it's played in the air on broomsticks…well, they're extremely good at it anyway, and they're even more famous because of that, though Harry hates the fame, he just loves playing. I think Ron always rather liked the fame because of all the women after him, but not so much since he's been with Laurie…she's a witch as well, she plays on their Quidditch team…” She stopped, realising an explanation of the complex rules of Quidditch was probably a little more than Jack could take right now.

“So tomorrow you're going to a game?” He asked her.

“Yes, they've got a game at eleven, and then depending on how long the game goes we usually have dinner with Ron's family after drinks with the team, well the extended family as they're like a part of my family, and then the three of us, and sometimes Laurie and the rest of the team, celebrate together again in the evening…it's like a ritual…” She explained, feeling more comfortable discussing these things with him now, and wishing she'd told him sooner as it felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

“I'm so sorry I didn't tell you all these things before Jack…but I didn't expect us to get so serious so soon, and to be honest I've been dreading telling you as I had no idea how you would react to all of this…I've heard horror stories of people completely freaking out when they're told…it's a hard thing to explain the magical world, because it isn't just all the magic, it's a sense of community. We all share a common gift, and we all share the knowledge and terrible memories of the war, and all those we lost. I lost so many friends, I was so lucky not to lose any of my own family, though when Charlie, Ron's older brother was killed it felt like a part of me had died…I saw it happen…you don't just get over things like that, but you move closer together and try and take comfort from those around you. Sometimes I wake up and I forget that the war is over and the fear and alertness is back…our house is protected magically because we're all slightly paranoid, and also because of the scary Quidditch groupies trying to get into the boys beds…we are getting used to living in peace though, and I think I'm finally ready to move on…if I'd met you a few years ago I would have run screaming from a marriage proposal but it doesn't scare me as much now…I just hope you can accept the magical side of me, because I'll always need to be a part of the magical community. It's part of who I am.” She hoped he would understand this, because it was what worried her most, if Jack wanted her to distance herself from the magical community.

“I would never force you to abandon who you are Hermione. I'll try and adjust to all this, but it may take a while…I'll just have to get to know the magical community.” He told her.

She hugged him tightly.

“Thank you.” She whispered in his ear.

“Maybe I should come to this Quidditch game then.” Jack suggested. Hermione looked a little anxious about this suggestion.

“What? Don't you want me to come?” He asked, hurt by her reaction.

“No! I'd love you to come. Ok, we'll go together tomorrow. It's just that, well, it will be a rather intense introduction to the Wizarding world, so many witches and wizards gathered together, and Quidditch games are huge events…it'll be ok. Just promise to keep an open mind and not to be too freaked out by the attention we may get…you can never really be prepared for the reaction that crowds can have if they've never seen me, Harry and Ron before…especially Harry…the women go crazy…” Hermione trailed off.

Jack laughed.

“I'm sure I can handle it Hermione. Now lets get some sleep if we're going to this game. In fact I'm looking forward to it, I always sensed there was something you were keeping from me, I guess this explains a lot…it'll be interesting to see you at home in the Wizarding world.”

5. Good Luck

Chapter Five

Hermione and Jack entered the kitchen the next morning to find Ron battling with a frying pan while Harry looked on in amusement, Ron swearing under his breath. Hermione giggled.

“It's ok Ron, I told him. You can use magic to cook now.” Ron sighed with relief.

“Oh thank God. I just can't get the hang of these Muggle cooking things.” He said exasperatedly.

Harry looked at Hermione intently and she gave him a smile to let him know things had gone ok. He smiled back.

“So Jack, she gave you a bit of a shock with that one then?” He asked him good-naturedly.

Jack nodded, though his gaze was distracted by Ron who's wand was now controlling kitchen utensils which flew around the kitchen seemingly at their own will. Harry followed his gaze and laughed.

“You haven't seen anything yet. This is all just day to day magic.” Harry teased.

“Well, Jack wants to come to the game today with me.” Hermione said cautiously. Ron and Harry shared worried glances, which Hermione caught.

“I warned him it would be a big leap, but it's important he comes to understand the Wizarding world.” Hermione told them gently. Harry nodded in agreement.

“Ron, you've still got some guest passes lying around haven't you? Then Jack can stay with Hermione the whole time rather than having to sit in the stands with the mob.” Ron nodded.

“I'll get them out after breakfast.” Ron said, returning his attention to the food now distributing itself onto plates. The four of them grabbed a plate each and sat down at the table.

Harry and Ron were soon discussing tactics and plays for the upcoming game, and Jack listened intently, fascinated though he didn't understand most of what they were saying. Hermione watched him with a smile, glad to see that he was finally beginning to get along a bit better with Ron and Harry, and glad that they were making the effort to help her get Jack acclimated to the magical world. She was drawn back to the conversation as Ron asked her a question.

“So, are you two both coming to the Burrow tonight?”

Jack shrugged, not understanding the question.

“Dinner at Ron's parents? You'll get a chance to meet all the family properly.” She explained.

“Sure. Might as well do everything at once.” He said with a nod.

“Ok, I'll just let Mum know. You know she's been dying to meet Jack and see if he's good enough for her favourite surrogate daughter.” Ron teased as he made her way to the fireplace.

“Stop trying to scare him away Ron!” Hermione teased back.

Ron grabbed a handful of Floo powder and stuck his head into the fire. Jack looked at him in horror, and Hermione jumped, realising that was yet another thing she hadn't explained yet.

“Ah, it works like a telephone system. We can communicate through fires and travel through them as well…” She said softly. He nodded, but his eyes were still wide as Ron withdrew his head from the fire.

“She was practically bouncing up and down with excitement `Mione. The whole gang's going to be there tonight, even Remus.” Hermione smiled. Remus could make anyone feel at ease, and he was one of her favourite people in the Wizarding world. Maybe today wouldn't be a complete disaster…

Hermione managed to ignore her nervous unease as they prepared to leave for the Quidditch Stadium as she tried to explain to Jack that he wouldn't be at any risk if she apparated him there. Jack was looking distinctly nervous however as the time approached, and a quick glare from Hermione in Ron's direction prevented him from mentioning the word `splinch' or explaining its meaning.

Jack was shaken when they arrived at the player's apparating entrance to the stadium, so Hermione simply took his hand and led him into the building, past the security checks and into the pre-game area while the boys headed to the changing rooms. Hermione distracted herself and Jack by briefly explaining the basics of the game, and a brief explanation of the importance of the coming game against the Wimbourne Wasps. She stood as she saw the players file in from the changing room and motioned for Jack to do the same. Hermione greeted her friends, hugging Laurie who gave Jack a big smile, and soon the seven Canon's stood in a semi-circle. Hermione and Jack stood at the edge along with the trainer and healer as the coach addressed the team.

The team briefly discussed tactics and the weaknesses of the Wasps, going over the final game plan before entering the players chamber through the doors behind the coach to have their brooms checked briefly. Jack looked a little startled as the team filed past Hermione on their way through to the next room, each getting a kiss on the cheek. Harry as the Seeker was last in the line of players and winked at Hermione and gave her a hug as she kissed him on the cheek.

“Have fun out there. And don't you dare hurt yourself again.” She ordered him as he walked off with a wave, his Firebolt3000 under his arm. Hermione turned to see her extremely confused fiancée and blushed as she led him out of a different door to an open-air staircase.

“It's a silly thing. I always used to give Harry and Ron a kiss on the cheek before every game for Good Luck, and I'm at every game and the others teased that they felt left out…so now it's a silly team tradition.” She said quickly, still blushing. Jack laughed.

“I can see why you're their Good Luck charm Hermione, I'd want a kiss from you before going out there as well.” She smiled at him and stopped walking for a moment as they reached a corner on the stairway.

“Are you sure you're ready for this?” She said cautiously. The sound of the crowd was now thundering around them, and they were only feet from the entrance to the public area of thee stadium. Jack nodded and she turned around, straightened her shoulders and turned the corner, emerging onto a platform halfway up the stands of seats, which were packed with spectators.

6. The Game

Chapter Six

The roar of the crowd around them increased as Hermione and Jack began to walk up through the rows of seats to the top box. People cheered and pointed. A small girl toddled up to Hermione and pulled on her trousers. Hermione looked down with a smile and crouching down in the aisle she held out her arms to the girl who ran into them with a smile. Hermione picked up the girl.

“What's your name honey?”

“Her-my-nee” She replied. Hermione smiled as a woman a few years older than herself approached them.

“Is she really called Hermione?” She asked the woman, who nodded with a smile.

“She was born two weeks after the final battle.” The woman said with a sad smile. “It seemed like the perfect name for her.”

“I'm honoured.” Hermione said.

“Do you want to take a picture?” She asked the woman who had a camera slung around her neck.

“Would that be ok?”

“Of course.” Hermione said with a grin, hugging the small girl sitting on her hip and chatting to her as her mother took a photograph.

A moment later, Hermione and Jack were making their way further up the stands with a wave back to the young Hermione and her mother.

“Does that happen a lot?” Jack asked, looking extremely intimidated.

“Well, the pictures yes, but that's the first time I've ever met a young witch named after me!” Hermione said blushing. She took Jack's hand and walked alongside him smiling to those waving at her from the stands around them. Jack received several curious glances, as it was rare to see Hermione Granger holding hands with a man who wasn't Harry or Ron.

They reached the entrance to the top box and after showing their passes, a mere formality for Hermione, and a real check for Jack, they took seats in the second row next to Ginny and Draco. Hermione greeted her friends and a few acquaintances from the Ministry, she turned to see why Jack was being so quiet and saw him just staring in amazement at the scene before them. She followed his gaze and realised she often forgot what a stunning sight it was. The Canon's stadium was enormous, and there was a sea of around 5000 witches and wizards in front of them, most either wearing orange of purple and yellow stripes. It was a riot of colour, and the noise was amazing. Jack turned to her, his mouth open.

She grinned.

“I warned you…and the game hasn't even started yet! Watch what happens when the players get onto the pitch!” She yelled in his ear to be heard over the now almost deafening noise of the spectators.

They didn't have to wait long as a voice boomed out through the stadium; the magically enhanced voice of the commentator was building up to introduce the teams.

“And now, flying onto the field, one of the oldest teams in the Quidditch league…the Wimbourne Wasps! Here we have Atkins, Morgan, Jones, Stone, Chang, Smith and their Captain; Bearn! The Wasps have been flying incredibly this past season, dropping only one game so far, and are therefore currently lying in second place in terms of points scored this season. Today's match is a vital one as the Wasps take on your very own Chudley Canon's! And here come the Canon's now. Widely recognised as the most successful Canon's side in many years here we have Nigels, Johnson, Kirkham, Eaves, Miller, their Captain, Weasley and Harry Potter!”

The crowd went wild as the players flew a lap around the pitch waving to the crowds. At the whistle they took their positions and a moment later the Quaffle, Bludgers and Snitch had been released. As play began, Hermione explained to Jack how to use her old pair of Omnioculars, as it would be nearly impossible to follow the game in real time having never before seen a game. She explained the different manoeuvres and tactics that the players were using though her eyes never left the field. She hadn't been the biggest Quidditch fan in school, but since the end of the war she had loosened up a bit and she was less concerned about someone trying to kill Harry at every opportunity and she'd begun to enjoy the game. You'd now be hard pressed to find anyone who knew as much about the game, or the player's statistics as Hermione, other than the players and coaches themselves. She leapt to her feet and screamed when Jones threw a Bludger towards Laurie during a break of play, but screamed with joy when Laurie got her revenge with a penalty goal. Half an hour into the game as the Wasps called a time out, Hermione finally pulled her eyes from the game and turned to look at Jack who was staring at her.

“What?” she asked with a smile.

“Ah, well, I've never seen you like this! I never took you for a sports fan, let alone a passionate sports fan!” He said bemused.

“I love Quidditch. It's been part of my life since I was eleven years old.” She said with a shrug.

“You never wanted to play?” He asked her, secretly glad she wasn't out there as those Bludgers looked incredibly dangerous, and he had thought ice hockey was violent!

“Not really. I was so scared of flying at first, and then to be honest once I'd got over that fear I never enjoyed it. Not like Harry, the first moment he held a broom in his hand he was just completely happy and in control, he's a natural flyer though…” She trailed off and snapped her eyes back to the field, her face flushed with excitement as the whistle blew and play resumed.

If possible, the game was now even faster as the Quaffle flew between the Chasers with dizzying frequency.

“What's Chang doing?” Jack asked, lowering the omnioculars.

“It's one of her diversionary tactics. She'll try and draw the Canon's bludgers away from the other two chasers on her team so they're free to try and get the Quaffle and score. I don't know why she's bothering to use it against the Canon's though!”

“Why wouldn't it work against the Canons?” Jack asked, not understanding.

“Well, Cho went to school with us, though she played Seeker then against Harry, and they dated a bit at school and then on and off for about a year after school, Harry could always predict exactly what she would do, and Ron never liked her so he's always very suspicious of her and plans strategy around her tactics. See, the Canons have maintained possession of the Quaffle anyway.” Hermione explained.

“Why doesn't Ron like her?” Jack asked as the Wasps took another time out.

Hermione turned to him with a mysterious smile.

“A number of reasons I think. He's probably still holding a grudge on Harry's behalf over the way she messed Harry around when we were fifteen! But a lot of it's because of the way she looks. You wont be able to tell from here, but Cho is absolutely beautiful. She has a flawless face and amazing hair, it probably reminds Ron of Fleur in a weird way though they look nothing alike. You remember I told you about Fleur? Also, the fact that Cho tries to outwit them pisses Ron off, he's not as bad as he used to be though, and at least he's nice to her when we bump into her now!” Hermione laughed.

The whistle blew and Hermione's mind was straight back into the game. Just as she was thinking that the Snitch had only made one brief appearance so far she caught Harry's movements out of the corner of her eye.

“Oh god. Not the bloody Potter dive!” She exclaimed, her hand gripping the arm of her seat tightly as she stood, her neck craning as Harry hurtled with breathtaking speed into his signature dive. He only used the dive when the Snitch was directly below him, which was rare, and a good thing for Hermione's nerves as he had discovered that he could descend faster by spiralling at great speed vertically towards the ground.

All the crowd now stood, the noise level again escalating as Harry moved towards the Snitch, Bearn trailing behind him, not risking the Potter dive as all too often those attempting the dive had to be scraped off the pitch afterwards.

Hermione didn't even notice she was screaming encouragement, nor did she notice the rest of the stadium yelling and screaming. As Harry pulled out of the dive with his fist in the air, the struggling golden snitch held in it she jumped up and down with glee, as did Ginny, and they jumped around hugging each other and screaming as Draco laughed at their excitement and Jack watched them quietly.

7. Celebration

Chapter Seven

Hermione and Jack followed Ginny and Draco through the throngs of people talking and laughing as they discussed the game. They raced through the halls until they reached the players area of the stadium and Ginny ran in and jumped into her big brothers arms hugging him in delight.

“Yay! You beat the Wasps!” She yelled. The entire room was chaos as the players, still in their orange robes leapt around congratulating each other and celebrating with their families. Hermione felt herself grabbed from behind and soon she was spinning around. She laughed, and hugged Harry tight as he put her down.

“Good game Potter!” She said with a grin.

“Did you break the arm of the chair when I dove this time?” He teased her. He hit him lightly on the arm and laughed.

“Now I only actually broke the chair once and that was in the World Cup, and you almost killed yourself that game!” She defended herself.

“but thank you for not falling off your broom and not even getting hit by a bludger today. Maybe you're finally ready to have your name taken off your bed in the hospital wing…” She said with an evil grin.

“Hermione Granger! Are you implying that I'm clumsy?” He said in mock outrage.

“Nope. You've just had more accidents than half the league combined.” She said in a serious tone and the shrieked as he began tickling her. Ron came running over and joined in.

“What are we tickling her for today Harry?” He asked over the laughter of the rest of the room who now watched the trio play around with fond smiles.

“She's making fun of all my injuries again mate!” Harry laughed as he picked Hermione up so she couldn't get away.

“Okay, Okay, I give in!” She yelled laughing. “None of the injuries were your fault, you are the supreme Quidditch God!” She giggled as they put her down.

“Well, as long as we've got that straight.” Harry said with a cheeky grin and kissed her on the cheek before running off to talk to Draco.

“Good game Ron. One of your best in fact. You weren't even glaring suspiciously at Cho too much!” She said with a grin. He stuck his tongue out at her and bounded off to find Laurie who was talking with her parents.

Hermione was soon hugging the rest of the team members, and it must have been about ten minutes before she remembered with a horrified expression that she must have abandoned Jack somewhere by the door, and got carried away celebrating with her friends. She rushed back to look for him and found him watching the celebrations quietly.

“I'm so sorry! I just got caught up in everything Jack! It's just that this is a really important win for us, and they played really well, and…” Jack interrupted her.

“It's ok Hermione. I understand.” He said, though he looked a bit put out at having been rather excluded from everything and the doubts Hermione had been having about the Quidditch game being a good idea for Jack came back with a vengeance.

For the next hour Hermione made a conscious effort to introduce Jack to everyone and to make him feel as involved as possible. She felt like she was a little detached from the rest of the celebration however, as she kept having to check out of the corner of her eye to make sure he was getting on alright. Usually this was one of her favourite parts of the day as the team all relaxed and analysed the game and teased each other. Today for the first time ever she felt uncomfortable as she realised it must be virtually impossible for an outside to penetrate this close knit group of people all with shared interests and connections to one another. She was almost relieved in some strange way when they stood to make their way to the Burrow. Ron, Harry and Laurie headed off to the locker rooms to change as Hermione gathered up their scattered belongings, finding their brooms and placing them in their protective cases ready for transport.

“Ready to apparate again?” She asked Jack as the others rejoined them. He made a slight face.

“Don't worry, it's not as far this time so the sensation is less pronounced.” She reassured him as she took his hand and they left the apparating point with a soft `pop'.

8. Dinner at The Burrow

Chapter Eight

Hermione smiled as she walked into the familiar and comforting atmosphere of the Burrow. In many ways she's practically grown up in this house with the weeks of summer spent here with this family. She flew into Molly's arms with a grin, hugging her second mother tight before pulling back to grab Jack's hand and pull him forward to meet Molly. Molly looked at him with a smile on her face.

“Welcome to the Burrow dear. Make yourself at home. Hermione love, why don't you take him outside, I think the boys may need your influence, the twins mentioned something about some new products.” Molly said with a long-suffering sigh and a wink at Hermione.

Hermione made way for Molly to greet the others and led Jack through the house, stopping to introduce him to Arthur on the way. She laughed as they stepped into the garden as Fred, George and Bill were messing around and trying to convince Percy rather unsuccessfully to taste a sweet.

“Whatever you do, don't accept anything the twins offer you.” Hermione whispered to Jack.

“Why?” He asked looked a little worried.

“They own a Wizarding joke shop, and they like to test their products. Don't eat anything they've touched unless you want to turn into a giant canary for a few minutes, or spend the day with your hair changing colour…” She said with a wry grin. A pretty blonde woman came up to them.

“Hi Alicia, what are they trying to feed Percy?” Hermione asked hugging her friend in greeting.

“Ah, well that's their latest invention. It will turn you back into your five year old self for about half an hour. They've been working on reducing the length of the spell, and I've finally refused to test anymore of those things. Every time I'm young again they trick me into testing their kids range…” Alicia said with a smirk.

Hermione laughed.

“I don't trust those two, not after they gave me pink hair that time by enchanting the quill I always chew on when I write.” Hermione said with a smile.

“Anyway, Alicia, this is Jack.” Hermione introduced them, and with her eyes begged Alicia to help her protect Jack today. Alicia winked at Hermione and took over the introductions as George appeared and wrapped an arm around his girlfriend. Hermione kissed Jack on the cheek and went to see if Molly needed any help in the kitchen.

“Where's Angelina today?” Hermione asked Molly as she and Ginny helped out in the kitchen.

“She's on her way, I think she stopped in to see her sister on the way here from the stadium.” Molly said, putting down her wand for a moment.

“So, you told him then?” Molly asked Hermione curiously.

“Yes, he took it surprisingly well. He insisted on coming to the game today, which I was a bit wary about, but it didn't go too badly. He's been pretty quiet since the game finished though.” Hermione said worriedly.

“Don't worry dear. I've warned the boys to be on their best behaviour, they know not get you angry!” Molly said with a wink remembering Hermione hexing both the twins after one of their practical jokes against her.

“It should be ok. Ron and Harry have been great so far. This is the nicest they've been to Jack in the last six months.” She admitted.

“They just want to protect you.” Molly said a sad smile as Ginny nodded in agreement. Hermione rolled her eyes.

“As long as they don't scare this one away!” She grinned before carrying out a large platter of food to the tables outside.

She saw that Angelina and Remus had now arrived and she rushed over to hug Remus and say hi to Angelina. She stopped as she looked at Fred's wife however and a huge grin spread over her face.

“Hey Angel, some with me a minute.” She said softly in Angelina's ear, leading her away from the others to a secluded spot of the garden near to the house.

“What's up Hermione? Why wont you stop grinning?” Angelina asked her.

“So…you don't know?” Hermione asked cryptically. Angelina was now looking extremely puzzled.

Hermione leant close to Angelina.

“You're pregnant.” She whispered.

“What?” Angelina shrieked, causing everyone in the garden to look at them. They giggled and ran into the house, finding sanctuary in the bathroom.

“How…how would you be able to tell?” Angelina asked, now looking excited.

“I can always tell. It's a weird magical gift.” Hermione said with a smile.

“Oh my god…Fred is going to go mental!” Angelina giggled.

“Mental in a good way?” Hermione asked cautiously.

“Of course! This is Fantastic news!” She said with a huge smile.

“Can you tell how far along it is?” Angelina asked excitedly.

“Not exactly, maybe three or four weeks?” Hermione said, both of them smiling as they stood in the bathroom.

“Maybe we should get out of here before they start wondering what's going on.” Hermione giggled as they made their way out of the house to several questioning glances.

Hermione slid into onto a bench next to Jack and gave him a smile as she joined the conversation he was having with Harry sitting opposite her.

“So, you enjoyed the game?” Harry was asking Jack.

“Yeah, it was so fast moving though. I would have been completely lost without the binoculars.” Jack said.

“The old omnioculars you bought me.” Hermione explained.

“I didn't know you still had those!” Harry said surprised.

“Good idea though. It's tough following everything going on in a game at that speed.”

“Good thing I had Hermione explaining things. I never thought she'd be so into sports, but she was screaming louder than anyone at some parts of the game!” Jack teased her.

“”Really?” Harry said, raising his eyebrows.

“I've never really seen her up close during a game, I always thought Draco was teasing that you go even more mental than Ginny.” Harry said with a grin, feeling really pleased that Hermione got so into the game. Ron and Laurie soon joined the conversation and eventually most of the large group was discussing the game, and celebrating that unless disaster struck the team, the Canon's would be division champions again.

Hermione kept half an eye on Angelina as everyone began to clear the table; she smiled to herself as Angelina took Fred aside while everyone's attention was on other things. Hermione jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Harry! I didn't hear you.” She said turning to look up at him.

“What's up with you? You like you're about to burst with excitement! Are you going to tell everyone about the engagement?” He asked her.

“No, we're not ready for that. Well, Jack isn't anyway.” She said softly.

“What is it then? You know you can't hide anything from me `Mione.” He said, and then followed her gaze to where Fred had suddenly picked Angelina up and hugged her tight, both of them laughing.

“Are they..?” He asked softly, remembering what Hermione had once told him of her gift. She turned and beamed at him, nodding, knowing Fred and Angelina would be telling everyone soon.

“That's great news!” Harry said with a grin, slinging an arm around his best friends shoulders and together they wandered to the kitchen only to find Jack had fallen for one of George's tricks and was currently five years old.

Harry held back a laugh, and Hermione glared in George's direction, but a moment later dissolved into giggles, surprising Harry who'd thought she might be a bit sensitive about them using too much magic on Jack, let alone playing tricks on him. Hermione knelt down and little Jack ran over to her, the only person he really knew, as they'd played together as young children.

“This is bizarre.” She said with a shake of her head, as Jack looked around the room from where he was now standing hiding behind her legs.

“Don't worry Hermione, I think we've got the time issue sorted out now, it should only last a few minutes now.” George said with a guilty grin, walking past her carrying a plate of dessert. She stuck her tongue out and followed the others back into the garden where a moment later a rather shell-shocked looking Jack was back to normal and even managed to laugh lightly about the joke, though he did glance warily at the twins several times.

As everyone finished eating, Fred stood up and raised his bottle of Butter Beer.

“Everyone, I've got an announcement to make, well, we've got an announcement to make.” He said grinning, his arm around Angelina's shoulder.

Molly looked she was about to cry as she suddenly realised what Hermione and Angelina had raced off to talk about.

“We're having a baby!” Angelina announced, beaming.

The garden was soon chaos with all the Weasley's and all the extended family congratulating the pair, and hugging them. Molly was now crying properly, she was so thrilled to finally be getting a grandchild. Hermione gave Ron a kiss on the cheek and grinned to see Angelina so happy. As it began to grow dark and the night got colder everyone moved into the living room to talk. Fred and Angelina left soon after so they could let her family know their news. Hermione and Ginny now sat talking in Ginny's childhood bedroom, Hermione finally telling her oldest female friend that technically she was engaged.

“The thing is, I'm feeling less sure about this now. I know it sounds awful, but do you think Jack will ever really fit in with the Wizarding world? I can't believe I'm even thinking it, let alone saying it aloud, but he's been so quiet today. You know him, he's not acting like himself today Gin.” Hermione expressed her worries.

“I know he's acting strange, but it must be incredibly intimidating. We've all known each other for so long, and he's the only person here who isn't magical. He coped well with George's trick though. And he seemed genuinely interested in Quidditch, just because you are.” Ginny said thoughtfully.

“You're probably right. I guess it takes time to adjust to everything. I said we'd go home and visit our parents tomorrow, so hopefully he'll get back to normal, and have a chance to talk with my parents about being involved in the magical world if he wants to.” Hermione said.

“So, does anyone else know about the engagement?” Ginny asked.

“Just Harry. He was asleep in the living room the other night when I got up and we talked. I was nervous about telling Jack, but Harry's been great about it all. He and Jack actually seem to be getting along today.” Hermione said hopefully, knowing that of all her boyfriends in the past, Harry had been most distant with Jack.

Ginny kept quiet. She knew how Harry really felt about Hermione, and she was really proud of him for being supportive of Hermione's engagement and her decision to tell Jack about being a witch.

9. Visiting

Chapter Nine

Hermione and Jack came to an unspoken agreement to drive out to Sussex the next day to visit with their parents. Hermione became more and more anxious as the journey went on, as Jack was being so uncharacteristically quiet and withdrawn. She didn't press him into talking though; hoping that maybe he'd lighten up once he'd spoken to her parents. She was silently relieved when the car finally pulled up outside her childhood home, as Jack hadn't said a word for the last twenty minutes and it was driving her nuts.

She rushed up to greet her parents, and felt instantly better as she hugged her Mother. Elizabeth Granger looked at her daughter questioningly, knowing that something was wrong. Hermione mouthed, `I told him', and her Mother understood the tension between the young couple, and greeted Jack while Hermione hugged her Dad and followed him into the house for lunch.

Thankfully Jack seemed to relax as Mr. Granger asked him about his job, and they chatted while Hermione and her Mum had a quick whispered conversation in the kitchen.

“He didn't take it well?”

“No, he took it really well, but we went to the Quidditch game yesterday, and then to the Burrow for dinner and he got progressively quieter, and then George played a joke on him, and he said about five words total on the drive here this morning.” Hermione told her Mum urgently.

“Ok, we'll sort this out Honey. Now we'd better get in there before your Dad starts talking about golf.” Mrs. Granger said with a wink.

Mrs. Granger subtly introduced the subject of magic into the conversation during lunch by asking how Ron and Harry had got on in the game. Mr. Granger looked up startled, but a quick look at his daughter and he realised that Jack now knew her secret.

“It was a fantastic game. Looks like they'll win this year.” Hermione said with a proud smile.

“How did you like the game Jack? I've only been to one, and I have to say I didn't understand a bit of it.” Mrs. Granger said with a smile. “But then again, I don't understand football either, so…” Hermione was relieved when Jack smiled. Her Mum had managed to make Jack feel more involved and knowledgeable about the Wizarding world by displaying her own ignorance about the sport.

“I enjoyed the game. It was certainly an experience. It looked highly dangerous though. I can't believe no one was hurt!” He exclaimed.

“No injuries yesterday then?” Mr. Granger asked.

“No, it was amazing. Ron even managed to resist arguing with Cho.” Hermione said, helping herself to more salad.

“I never did like that girl.” Mrs. Granger said.

“What's wrong with Cho?” Mr. Granger said indignantly, causing giggles from his wife and daughter.

“I told you she was beautiful didn't I?” Hermione said to Jack. “She can make the strongest of men follow her around like puppies. She's just that charming. Shame she's so mean to other women.” Hermione said with a wry smile.

Hermione began to relax and the conversation turned away from magic, and Jack slowly began to talk more and more to her parents. Things were going well after lunch as well as they played a Muggle board game, until the telephone rang.

“Hermione, it's Harry on the phone for you.” Mr. Granger shouted through from the kitchen.

“I'll be right back.” She said, walking quickly to the kitchen, why would Harry be phoning? What was wrong?”

She took the phone from her Dad with a halfhearted smile.

“Harry? What's wrong?” She asked panicked.

“Ron fell off his broom mucking around in the garden. He's ok, but we've just brought him to St. Mungo's to heal his leg. I just didn't want you to be worried that we weren't here when you got home, and I knew you'd want to know.” He said reassuringly.

“He's really ok? Are they having to use skelegrow?” She asked concerned.

“Yeah, they're regrowing his ankle, he messed his left leg up pretty well, but thankfully we don't have another game for two weeks so he'll be fine for that.” Harry said.

“Ok, Thanks for calling Harry. I'll come to the hospital when I get home.” She said.

“Love you.”

“Love you too.” Hermione said softly with a grin. She didn't see Jack turn away from the doorway as she hung up the phone and stared out of the window for a moment. She was still worried about Ron no matter what Harry said, and even though she knew Laurie was there. She needed to see him for herself to be reassured.

“I'm really sorry.” She said heading back to the living room.

“I guess we jinxed them by talking about the lack of accidents yesterday, Ron just fell off his broom and is in the hospital. I'm going to have to go and check on him or I'll just worry all day.” She said apologetically.

“Send him our love honey.” Mrs. Granger said, standing and hugging her daughter.

Hermione took Jack aside.

“I'm really sorry, but I'll just work myself up unless I know he's ok. Are you ok with me leaving? Do you want to drive back? Or go on to your parents?” She asked him.

“No, you just go there now. I'll go on to my parents.” He said quickly.

“Are you ok?” She asked him concerned.

“Yeah, you just go.” He said. She looked at him in confusion for a minute, but then kissed him on the cheek, grabbed her bag and apparated to St. Mungo's.

10. St Mungo

Chapter Ten

Hermione opened her eyes to see the entrance hall to St. Mungo's, and didn't even need to look at the floor directory to see where the wards were, it was alarming how much time she'd spent visiting this hospital in the last few years. She saw Harry sitting on a bench outside the non-magical injuries ward as she exited the stairwell, his hair looking even more unkempt than usual. He looked up as if he sensed her watching him, and grinned.

“I wondered how long it would be till you gave in and had to check up on us.” He said, hugging her hello.

“You know I worry about you two.” She said with a smile.

“Laurie's with him now, I thought I'd wait for you out here.” Harry said taking her hand and leading her into the ward.

“I'm really that predictable?” She asked him.

“Only when it comes to things like this.” Harry told her with a smile.

“Hey Ron. How are you feeling?” Hermione asked as they stood at the end of his bed.

“Pretty good considering. Feel like a bit of an idiot though.” Ron replied smiling sheepishly, and then wincing as the skelegrow caused his leg to twitch.

“They mended my leg, but they decided it would be better to regrow my ankle bone as I managed to smash that up pretty well.” Ron said.

“Do I want to know how you managed to do this?” Hermione asked teasingly.

“Probably not, no…” Ron said with a cheeky grin, and a slight blush.

“Right then.” Hermione said with a laugh, noting the blush on Laurie's cheeks as well.

“Are you two going to be ok here? Do you want us to bring you anything from home?” Harry asked Ron and Laurie.

“No, I think we're sorted. They should let him go home tomorrow.” Laurie told them with a tired smile.

“Ok, we'll see you two tomorrow, just let us know by Floo if you need anything.” Harry said as he hugged Laurie and ruffled Ron's hair teasingly. Hermione kissed Ron on the cheek and hugged Laurie quickly before they left the ward.

They walked quietly to the apparition point and a moment later they were home.

“I suppose I should head back to Sussex…” Hermione said with a sigh as they sat cross-legged on the sofa.

“You don't want to go?” Harry asked concerned.

“No, well, I don't know. Mum and Dad were great this morning but Jack is driving me nuts. He barely spoke the whole drive out there, in fact he's barely spoken to me since yesterday. If he has a problem I wish he'd just talk about it, I hate awkward silences.” She said unhappily. Harry looked thoughtful.

“He was very quiet yesterday, you're worried about his reaction to everything?” Hermione nodded and Harry held his arms out to her and she snuggled into them.

“I just don't know what to do Harry. Do I force him to talk, or leave it till he's ready?”

“Maybe you should go back there. If he's going to talk he'll probably feel more comfortable in a Muggle environment. And I'm going to guess he wasn't very impressed when you rushed off to see Ron.” Harry suggested softly. Hermione made a face, which Harry took to mean he was right about Jack's reaction.

“I know you're right Harry, but I've got a bad feeling about this…he just hasn't been himself since I told him. He's been so distant with me, hardly hugging me or kissing me…” She said sadly. Harry hugged her tight.

“Thanks Harry.” Hermione said, as she stood up.

“'Mione, I know this is the last thing you need right now, but…”

“What is it Harry?” She asked concerned.

“Well, people are going to mention it at work tomorrow.” Harry said standing and retrieving the Daily Prophet from the kitchen table and opening it to the gossip page where a picture of Hermione holding Jack's hand at the Quidditch game featured in the weekend news.

Hermione looked at it silently, reading the short paragraph underneath, where the reporter wondered who the mystery man was. She groaned.

“Thanks for letting my know Harry. I guess I'll have quite a few owls tomorrow.” She said with a wry smile.

“I'm not sure if I'll stay with Mum and Dad tonight. I'll call you if I'm not coming home.” She said as she grabbed her bag from the floor by the sofa.

“Bye `Mione.” Harry said as he watched her disapparate.

11. Finding Jack

Thank you for all your reviews! I'm thrilled to get so much feed-back, so as a reward, here's another chapter of “You Don't Know Me”. I'm new to Portkey but several of my fics are now posted here, and here are links to my other three fics which don't fit the criteria for Portkey. (Don't worry I'm still a Harry/Hermione Shipper, but I have Harry/Ginny moments which I outlet on Snitch seeker if anyone's interested in reading them! <grin>)

“The First Vision” (completed) (my original fic - beware, this is a Ron/Hermione Harry/Ginny Fic)

http://www.snitchseeker.com/forum/index.php?s=4ababd14e85a2308fd36f380e68a45bd&showtopic=18283&st=0

“Loose Ends” (Sequel to The First Vision - also RW/HG HP/GW) (In Progress)

http://www.snitchseeker.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=23449&st=0

“It's Been a Long Time” (A Cast Fic - very different from my other stuff)

http://www.snitchseeker.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=23066&st=0

Chapter Eleven

Hermione arrived in her parent's house to find them sitting watching a film on the television.

“Jack left?” She asked them as she flopped into her usual seat. Mr. Granger paused the film, and she looked at her parent's faces and felt worse than she had before. They both looked extremely concerned.

“He left not long after you did honey.” Her Mum said softly.

“Did he say anything?”

“Not really. But he sounded very bitter that you left so quickly. I think he really is very jealous of Harry.”

“But I went to see Ron!” Hermione exclaimed.

“I think maybe Jack's just very intimidated by Harry. Ron doesn't seem a threat to him as he has Laurie. I guess you don't see how intimidating Harry can be as you're around him so much, but he's incredibly famous, and you two are so close it's like you have your own secret language sometimes that only you two and Ron understand.” Mrs. Granger said gently.

“You should have seen his face when he heard that Harry was on the phone for you…he looked resentful almost.” Her Mum said.

Hermione put her head in her hands.

“But Harry's been so nice to him! He really tried to make Jack fit in, and they chatted for ages about Quidditch and Football…” She trailed off.

“What should I do?” Hermione asked her parents.

“I can't just not see Harry to make Jack happy as it would make me miserable…I thought he understood.”

“I don't think it's just about Harry.” Mr. Granger interrupted. Hermione looked up at her Dad.

“I think it's about you being a witch in general…he doesn't seem to be coping very well. I know he's putting up a good front about it, but I think he's having a hard time accepting things.” Hermione nodded.

“I think so too…did he go over to his parents?”

Mrs. Granger nodded.

“I'd better get over there. We need to sort this out.” She said with a sigh.

“Can I borrow your car Dad?” She asked.

“Of course.”

Hermione hugged her parents and grabbing the car keys she headed out to the car, however, she didn't drive straight to Jack's house, she drove aimlessly around, listening to the radio and thinking.

Did Jack hate the Wizarding world? Or did he just feel out of place? She supposed she could sort of understand if he was jealous of her relationships with Ron and Harry, but why just Harry. Yes they were very close, but it wasn't as if they'd ever dated, and he had no idea that she'd once had feelings for Harry. But that was a long time ago. They were just very close friends. She could never give up the Wizarding world, she knew that, and as much as she adored her parents, she was at home in the magical world. At least her parents understood that and they embraced it, and welcomed her friends into their home, and they got along so well with the Weasley's and her other friends, and looked upon Harry and Ron as surrogate sons. She could never give up her best friends, or see them less, they had been through too much together…which got her considering the question she had been studiously avoiding: could she give up Jack? She would miss him, and she did love him, but she could survive. She stopped the car and leant her head on the steering wheel. How could she marry someone she could imagine living without…yes, she loved him but she now realised she wasn't IN love with him. He was a great friend, and she never wanted to lose that, they'd known each other for so long, since they'd been small children, and he was an important part of her life, but not the love of her life.

Hermione wiped tears she didn't remember crying from her cheeks, and wondered why she had been fooling herself for so long. She was just falling into the trap of being in love with love, and the feeling of being in a relationship. She started up the engine again and with a deep breath she turned the car around and drove to Jack's house. His parents greeted her when she knocked on the door, only to tell her that Jack had gone out about half an hour before with Dave, one of his oldest friends. After chatting for a few minutes with Jack's parents she smiled and with a wave headed back to the car to drive to the local bar where she knew she would find them.

Hermione pushed open the doors of The Oak Tree and waved to a few regulars she knew by sight, making her way to a booth near the pool table where she knew she'd find Jack and Dave. The moment she saw the empty shot glasses on the table she knew this wasn't going to be a good evening. Dave shot her a concerned look as she slid into the booth beside Jack.

“Hey you two.” She said with forced cheerfulness. Now sitting next to Jack she could tell he was already pretty drunk, while Dave appeared sober, and trying to control their friend. After chatting for a few minutes Hermione headed up to the bar to get a drink and Dave followed her.

“I told him about me.” She whispered to Dave.

“I wondered what was up.” Dave said looking back at Jack who was now sitting destroying a paper napkin at the table.

“He's not taking it well then?”

“It doesn't look like it. I didn't tell him about you, but we went to the Quidditch game yesterday, and he's being really weird now he knows Harry's famous.” Hermione said, knowing Jack wouldn't be able to take it if he found out that Dave was a wizard as well. Hermione herself hadn't known until the end of the war when her face was all over the Wizarding press and Dave had shown up on her doorstep looking shocked, as he hadn't realised she was a witch until then. He was seven years older than herself and Jack so they hadn't met at Hogwarts, and it had been weird but a relief to realise he understood keeping part of her identity secret. They didn't socialise in the Wizarding world really though they'd seen each other a few times at Quidditch games.

“Well, that's got to freak anyone out, meeting Harry Potter even if you don't know how famous he is…I still can't believe you live with him and Ron!” Dave said shaking his head in amazement.

“What do we do about Jack?” Hermione asked him, knowing Jack confided in Dave more than anyone.

“Just try and get him talking, and cut off the alcohol supply.” Dave said as they headed back to the table with some soft drinks.

12. Movie Therapy

Chapter Twelve

Hermione quietly closed the front door of her parents' house behind her, and placed the car keys on their hook. She leant her back against the wall and slid down until she was sitting with her back against the wall, her head resting on her knees. This ranked in the worst ten days of her life, and probably the worst in the last four years. Yet she didn't cry. She'd already cried enough in the last four hours, and she'd finally run out of tears on the drive back home.

She summoned the phone and entered the familiar digits of her own apartment. Harry answered after two rings, even though it was almost one in the morning.

“'Mione, you ok?” He asked quickly, knowing it would be her.

“Not really. I think it's all over with Jack, and I don't feel up to apparating home, and the house isn't connected to the Floo network at the moment…” She said very quietly. Before Hermione had a chance to realise that she was listening to a dial tone, Harry was rushing towards her. .

Harry crouched down next to her and suddenly Hermione was crying all over again, really crying, letting out everything. Harry picked her up, and she was curled up in his lap, her head buried in his shoulder as he sat silently. They sat without speaking for what must have been about half an hour, until Hermione's tears subsided, and Harry gently stood, picking her up and sat her down on the sofa. He scribbled a quick note for her parent's and locking the front door he gathered Hermione's things together and held out his hand to help her up from the sofa. She took it silently and wrapped her arms around her best friend as he apparated them back to their apartment.

Hermione opened her eyes to find herself standing in her own bedroom. Harry kissed her on the forehead and vanished into the hallway. He reappeared a minute later with the entire jar of emergency cookies, some ice cream, spoons and several Butter Beers on a tray. Hermione was sitting on the edge of her bed still silent. Harry found her favourite pyjamas, one of his old oversized Quidditch shirts, and a pair of shorts in her wardrobe and handed them to her, ushering her towards the bathroom to change.

Harry shouted through the bathroom door. “I'm choosing a movie, and we're going to stay up half the night I warn you now! I'm flooing in sick for you tomorrow. You don't get a choice this time, you need some time off!” Hermione smiled sadly at her reflection in the mirror as she washed her face.

When she came out of the bathroom after changing, she found Harry sitting cross-legged on her bed, flipping through a stack of DVDs.

“What are we watching then?” She said softly, her voice sounding shaky to her own ears. Harry looked up in surprise.

“You're talking again! Thank goodness, it makes me nervous when you're quiet for too long…makes me think you're planning things in your head.” He said with a teasing grin. Hermione smiled weakly back. She crossed the room and sat down next to him, her long legs dangling down the side of the bed.

“I'm trying to find the most cheerful of all your favourite films, but I'm not having much luck. I never realised you liked such depressing movies!” Harry said, putting down the DVDs and looking at his friend with a raised eyebrow.

“Harry, my movies are not depressing!” She exclaimed, looking at the few he'd picked out.

“What's depressing about these Disney movies?” She asked him.

“You really need to ask? `Lion King', his dad dies, he thinks it's his fault and runs away, `Bambi', parents killed, `Lilo and Stitch', her parents are killed, her pet tries to take over the world and they take her sister away, all before she's abducted by aliens! ” Harry said looking at a few of the Disney movies in front of him. Hermione giggled.

“Ok, you've got me there. When you put it like that they do sound kind of depressing. But, what about the Romantic comedies? They're romantic not depressing.”

“Best Friends Wedding, she doesn't get the guy, almost loses her friend and ends up pretty miserable. Um, don't get me started on `City of Angels', that's my least favourite that one, It's horrible, everyone ends up miserable I don't care what you say!” Harry said looking at his best friend with a grin, knowing he'd make her laugh.

“Ok, Ok.” She said with a giggle.

“Do you actually like any of my films?” She asked him with a mock serious voice.

“Yep. The one with the best happy ending.” Harry said with a grin.

“Why, Harry Potter, I never realised you were such a sucker for a happy ending.” She teased him.

“Well, my life has definitely lacked happy endings at times. Movie's are supposed to be about escape.” He said with a sad smile. Hermione began to wish she hadn't begun to tease him about it, but she knew he had to go through the anguish of the loss of so many people every day.

“So which movie is happy?” She asked him curious.

“Serendipity of course. It's not as mushy as some of your girly films, and it's happy because they find happiness against all probability. Plus it's just funny.” Harry said matter of factly. Hermione looked thoughtful.

“I guess you're right. `Serendipity' it is then.” She said grabbing the pile of DVDs, and placing them back on the shelf, and inserting `Serendipity' into the DVD player.

Harry and Hermione made a huge pile of pillows which they propped themselves up against and Harry passed Hermione a tub of ice cream and a spoon as they settled down to watch the film.

13. Love You

Chapter Thirteen

They sat in relative silence throughout the film, disturbed only by requests for the ice cream tub, cookies or butter beer to be passed back and forth, and laughter and comments on the film both had seen several times. They sat, Hermione leaning against Harry, her head on his shoulder, his arm around her shoulders, playing with her hair.

Only when the credits began to roll across the screen at the end of the film did Harry turn to his best friend with an enquiring look in his eyes.

“Ok, I'm ready to talk about it now.” She conceded, sadness in her eyes.

“He wasn't there when I got back home, he had gone out with a friend of ours, and was getting drunk as Dave tried to control him, we managed to get him back on soft drinks, and then I drove him home, but we just sat talking in the car outside his house for hours. It just seemed easier somehow, like neutral territory…I'd been thinking before I'd gone to find him…I knew things weren't right between us and that I couldn't marry him, but I'm not sure I thought we'd break up…but, well, he really couldn't handle the whole magic thing obviously. He's a better actor and liar than I ever imagined, apparently he was pretty horrified with everything I've told him and shown him about the magical world. It's just too much for him to understand, too overwhelming…and, well, he was never exactly nice about you and Ron, but I figured he was just saying those things to cope with the fact that I lived with you two…I guess it just got to be even more than that when he knew the truth, but he still couldn't understand what the three of us have, why we're so close. I guess if you didn't live through the war you're never going to really understand…”

Harry nodded sympathetically.

“He tried to start to ask me to choose between the Muggle and the Wizarding world, which I would never do. I could never live in just one world; I'm part of both of them. It's who I am…but things really ended when he then asked me to see less of you and Ron…at least he knew me well enough not to ask me to cut you out, but honestly, like I'd ever want to see less of my best friends. Well, I'd already come to that realisation earlier, before I even spoke to him, that I could never give you two up, especially you, but I could cope with giving Jack up. How terrible is that? My fiancée was dispensable to me. I'm such a horrible person for convincing myself that I was so in love him, and that I wanted to marry him. I just got caught up in everything, and it seemed like everything was perfect. I mean, he really is a great guy, a perfect guy, but not for me. We talked for ages and I think he knew it was coming, I think he knew all along I didn't love him in that way. We're not going to speak for a bit, but hopefully after a while we can pick up our friendship. I've known him for so long I wouldn't want to throw that away because we almost, well, we sort of got engaged by mistake.” Hermione said. Letting out a long sigh, grateful to get everything out in one long go. Harry kissed her on the top of the head.

“You really love me and Ron more than him?” He asked her teasingly. She looked at him and laughed.

“You are so annoying.” She said with a grin.

“But you love me anyway.”

“Yeah I love you anyway. Now, give me more ice cream before I tickle you!”

14. Telling the Others

Chapter Fourteen

Harry and Hermione had chatted for hours throughout the night, and Hermione had even been able to laugh about her situation (after several full strength butter beers). Harry awoke with a start as he heard the distinct sound of someone apparating within the apartment. He sat up and looked around in confusion until he realised he must have fallen asleep on Hermione's bed. She was still fast asleep.

Harry got up quietly and went to help Laurie get Ron sorted in the living room.

“Hey you two. How's the invalid?” Harry asked with a grin.

“Looking better than you! What's up Harry? You look like hell.” Ron said bluntly.

“Ah, Hermione and Jack broke up, and I was on chick flick and ice cream duty most of the night.” Harry said with a yawn.

“Is she ok?” Laurie asked in concern as she and Harry manoeuvred Ron's bandaged form to the sofa, and propped his leg on a cushion.

“I think so. She was a complete state at first, but I managed to get a few weak laughs out of her. She's still sleeping, that reminds me, I'm just going to let the Ministry know she won't be in today…” Harry said walking towards the fireplace.

“Ah Harry, you seriously might want to do something about your hair first. You don't want to think Hermione's not going in because she's hung-over.” Laurie said with a smirk, and Harry self-consciously flattened his unruly hair down a bit and stuck his tongue out at the pair on the sofa.

By the time Hermione woke up hours later, Harry, Ron and Laurie were loudly playing card games in the living room and eating pizza from large cardboard boxes. She smiled as she heard their voices, though her smile faded slightly when she remembered why she's slept so late, and why her room was a complete mess, and there were cookie crumbs in her bed. She sighed and stumbled her way to her bathroom, climbing into the shower and then she grinned with delight when she remembered the sound proofing charm she'd placed on the shower cubicle. She reached out of the shower and slipped a cd into the portable cd player and soon she was singing to her hearts content, belting out `I will survive' and giggling to herself as she danced in her shower, singing into a shampoo bottle.

Hermione dragged herself out of the shower and back to the real world when the skin on her fingers began to wrinkle. With a sigh she returned t her bedroom and pulled on her favourite old worn and frayed jeans, with holes at the knee, and her favourite fleecy zip-up top. Not bothering to dry her hair she simply piled it up on top of her head and walked out into the living room to join the others.

Harry watched as Hermione entered the room and sat down on the floor next to Ron, checking on his ankle. She looked adorable in her battered jeans, her hair a mess of damp curls. Harry sat down next to Ron, behind Hermione who leant back against his legs as she tightened the bandage around his ankle. Laurie retrieved the rest of the pizza and with a flick of her wand reheated it and placed it on the table in front of Hermione who grinned at Laurie gratefully, grabbing a piece.

“So, Harry told you both?” She asked after eating a slice of pizza.

“Yep. I'm so sorry `Mione. I know he wasn't my favourite person, but I really wanted you to be happy.” Ron said sincerely.

“Thanks Ron.” She said softly, turning to smile up at her friend from her spot on the floor.

“So, what are we doing for the rest of the day while we're all here?” Laurie asked, lightening the mood.

“I think it's time for the next round of racing…” Ron said happily. Hermione groaned, but she smiled as Harry summoned the computer game controls from across the room. She loved playing racing games as much as the others, but it was tradition for her to moan, and for Ron to coerce her into playing, then being upset when she beat him.

Laurie and Hermione played the first round while Ron and Harry cheered them on, Harry absentmindedly removing the clip from Hermione's hair and gently running his fingers through her hair as they played.

15. A Trip

Chapter Fifteen

Hermione concentrated on work for the rest of the week, she was almost grateful for a Goblin Pay dispute in Gringotts Bank for the distraction it gave her, despite the enormous workload it resulted in. By Friday night, she was exhausted, not simply from working hard, but from strenuously avoiding the train of thought her mind had been drawn to for the last four days. Harry and Ron had been spoiling her rotten and taking care of her, the three of them talking and laughing together. At times she would lapse into thoughtful silence as they sat eating dinner, talking, watching a film, and a few times she noticed Harry and Ron exchanging worried glances and felt guilt flood through her.

Her best friends thought she was heart-broken over Jack, which she wasn't. Yes, she missed him, but she missed more the idea of her former fiancée than anything, and then she was back into her train of thought, which seemed not to feature images of the end of her relationship with Jack but the way Harry had cared for her during the relationship and since the break-up. She had realised in the car that night that she could live without Jack, but she was now understood that could even live an empty life without Ron. Obviously nothing would ever be the same and she would miss him every day, but the earth-shattering discovery that was causing her to stare off into space with a dazed expression a slice of pizza halfway to her mouth; was that without Harry she couldn't go on. She wouldn't just be miserable; it would be like a Dementor had sucked out her soul. She wouldn't even be able to force herself out of bed in the morning if she knew Harry was no longer in her life…She knew deep down just what this revelation meant, but she wasn't quite ready to verbalise it, or completely acknowledge it. It was just so monumentous. It would change everything, how she looked at everything, and how she interpreted every word he said. She had always been incredibly close to Harry, but now she couldn't help but notice that when he walked into a room she couldn't help but smile, and when he winked at her teasingly as he so often did, she just wanted to wrap her arms around him.

As a result of all her pondering on the subject of Harry Potter, she was desperately trying not to be alone with him for too long, and gratefully extending all their time together as a trio, and encouraging Ron and Laurie to spend the majority of the week at the apartment. But as Hermione apparated back to the apartment late Friday night she was tense, her shoulders felt tight and she knew exactly why: Ron and Laurie had gone away for the weekend. She knew she was being selfish begrudging them their time together, especially as Ron had arranged a romantic weekend in Cornwall for his girlfriend, but she was, for the first time in her life, dreading spending time with Harry Potter.

She was surprised to see Harry's overnight bag lying on the sofa, and suddenly, and extremely irrationally she was upset that he was going away for the weekend though she had been dreading seeing him. She shook her head gently and silently cursed herself for being the kind of girl she had also been infuriated with at school for wanting men to be able to read their minds.

“Harry?” She called out uncertainly.

“'Mione! I'm glad you're home. We're going on a little trip.” He said appearing from her own room. She gave him a quizzical look and walked through to her room to find that Harry was packing a bag for her.

“What are you up to Prongs?” She asked him in a teasing tone, seeing the Marauding expression in his eyes.

“I got an OWL today from France, and you wont believe who's getting married without telling us?” He said, opening Hermione's wardrobe and after a moments pause pulling out her favourite dress and matching shoes.

“What? He's getting married! Why didn't he tell us?” Hermione shouted in excitement.

“He didn't want to impose or something. I have no idea really, but Fleur found out from Olympe and knew that we'd all want to be there to surprise him. I've let Albus know and he's arranging a series of port keys from the Leaky Cauldron. I was about to come and get you from work. The Weasley's, Remus, Neville and everyone are meeting us at the pub, but I can't get hold of Ron. The Bugger went and chose this weekend to be smart and put a block on him and Laurie, I can't trace them. You're much better at charms than me, can you give it a go, as you know he'll be crushed to miss Hagrid's wedding. I'll finish packing.” At the suspicious look she gave him he rolled his eyes.

“Please Hermione. How many times have I seen you pack? I'll pack all your favourite and appropriate things! Now come on, we don't want to be late for the engagement party tonight, the weddings in the morning.” He said ushering her from the room as he headed to her bathroom and gathered things together.

Twenty minutes later Hermione had finally managed to trace Ron and Laurie and thankfully hadn't found them in a compromising position as she let them know about the wedding. They looked disappointed to cut their weekend short, but Ron looked happy about the wedding. Just as Harry and Hermione prepared to apparate to the Leaky Cauldron, Harry put his hand on Hermione's arm.

“Are you going to be ok `Mione? Being at the wedding?”

“I hadn't even thought about it!” Hermione said shocked. “I think I'll be fine Harry. I really couldn't be happier for Hagrid, and I know it wasn't meant to be with Jack. Just promise me we'll have some fun this weekend. Stick together?” She asked him with the puppy-dog eyes she knew he could never resist. He smiled at her and slung an arm around her shoulder.

“Of course! You can be my date for the weekend.” He said with a wink as they disapparated.

16. Realisation

Chapter Sixteen

Several hours later Hermione was laying her bag down on the bed in a hotel room in the South of France. They had arrived at the apparition point arranged by Fleur and had been overwhelmed with the gathering of old friends reunited for a happy occasion. Hagrid and Olympe had been shocked to see the large gathering of friends and surrogate family, having expected a small meal, and Hagrid had crushed the Trio to him in a tight hug, weeping. “Ya didn't have to go to so much trouble!” He explained tearfully.

“Oh Hagrid. You're family! We'd never miss out on this. I can't believe you didn't tell us.” Hermione said beaming at him. She watched with a smile as Hagrid beamed at her and hugged his fiancée to his side.

Hermione sat and spoke with Fleur and Gabrielle for quite some time during the party, arranging to help with some final arrangements for the next day, only when she saw Harry being accosted by several fans did she excuse herself and head over to rescue him. He grabbed onto her hand gratefully and they spoke with Grawp, happy to see Hagrid's experiments in teaching his brother English had roughly succeeded now.

Due to the last minute plans Fleur and Gabrielle had only managed to book a few rooms in the hotel, so Hermione found herself sharing a room with Harry. After all her worrying in the past week she found that she was surprisingly happy about the situation. It wasn't as if they'd never shared a room before, and being in the wedding situation Harry would look after her and help divert questions about Jack as not everyone knew about the end of that relationship so soon after she'd introduced him. He had rescued her from several awkward conversations already during the party, and to be honest it was just good to spend some time with her best friend again without having to worry about Jack's reaction, and making time to see her boyfriend.

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Harry lay awake acutely aware of the young woman lying asleep beside him. It was a rather exquisite form of torture, lying next to Hermione, yet being unable to reach out to her. He lay on his back staring blindly up at the ceiling and thinking back over the events of the past week. Hermione had at first reached out to him, staying close for the two days after the break up, but since then she'd been ignoring him, and he was certain she'd been angry that he and Ron had in some way scared Jack away. Yet since she'd got home from work earlier that night she had seemed almost back to her usual self, though a little quiet and withdrawn, she hadn't seemed uncomfortable being close to him, and again seemed to enjoy his company.

He was relieved, he couldn't stand Hermione being too far away from him, and when she avoided him he knew he was hell to be around, as Ron had pointed out repeatedly. Harry felt his body tense as Hermione made a quiet noise in her sleep. He turned on his side and gazed at her face, visible in the dim light of the hotel room, her hair fell across her face and without realising his arm was even moving, Harry brushed the soft curls behind her ear. He froze as Hermione moved, but realised she was still asleep; she had just shifted closer to him. She really was trying to torture him now. He sighed deeply and focused on trying to fall asleep, yet with his eyes closed he still saw every tiny detail of her face.

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Hermione awoke, and for a moment wondered where she was. Looking to her side she saw Harry's sleeping form next to her. She yawned sleepily, and shivered slightly, she shifted across the bed and snuggled up next to Harry to warm herself up. She rested her head on his chest and rather guiltily inhaled the scent that was distinctly Harry, the most comforting scent in the world. She'd just warm herself up a bit, and then she'd go back to her own side of the bed and go to sleep.

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Harry awoke as sunlight began to stream through the gaps in the Venetian Blinds at the window, he felt amazingly at peace, and he couldn't remember the last night he had slept so soundly without a single traumatic nightmare. He opened his eyes and his eyes sparkled with happiness to find a sleeping Hermione curled up in his arms, her head resting on his chest, an arm wrapped around his stomach. His arm must have snaked around her shoulders at some point in the night, and they had slept hugging one another. He knew he should move, but if Ron had told him Voldemort had risen from the dead and was standing outside the door Harry would want to stay exactly where he was at that very moment. Well, that or he just didn't want to wake Hermione up… Harry gently bent his head and placed a soft kiss on her forehead before giving in to the temptation and hugging her gently closer and drifting back into sleep.

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Hermione woke up with a smile, which only widened as she saw Harry's face so close to her own. Propping herself up on her elbow she glanced at the clock on the wall opposite and sighed as she remembered her promise to Fleur and Gabrielle to help with the wedding arrangements. She looked down at Harry's face regretfully, hating to leave for reasons she decided not to analyse right at that moment. She gently moved away from him, and headed towards the bathroom, she paused at the threshold however and looked back at him. His hair was rumpled beyond belief, and she studied his face for a moment, trying to memorise exactly how he looked at that very moment, to anyone else he might look the same as he did whenever he slept, but to Hermione at that moment he was the most perfect thing she'd ever seen. It was the moment she admitted to herself that she was completely in love with Harry Potter, and that she couldn't be happier about it.

17. A Dance

Chapter Seventeen

Hermione had seen Harry only briefly for the rest of the day until the actual wedding ceremony as she ran around arranging flowers, seating plans, expanding the reception venue magically with Gabrielle's help to accommodate both the number of guests and Grawp's height, as Fleur helped Olympe to get ready. She stood at the entrance to the hall at 3.30 in the afternoon she let out a sigh of satisfaction, the place looked enchanting. She felt a hand at her elbow and smiled to see Harry standing next to her, looking adorable in dark green dress robes.

“Going in without me? Nice way to treat your date.” He teased her. She grinned and took his hand, their fingers linking together as they found seats in the room quickly filling with guests.

She smiled as Hagrid took his place at the front of the hall looking extremely nervous, and as smart as she's ever seen him, his hair cut and tamed, smart dress robes covering his enormous frame. She felt her stomach flutter as music filled the hall courtesy of Albus Dumbledore. She looked to her side and saw Harry looked fascinated by everything, and remembered that he had attended only a few weddings, all within the last few years, she took his hand as everyone stood and looked to the back of the hall as Olympe Maxime entered the hall.

It was by no means a conventional wedding, with Fang walking with Olympe up the aisle, the two half giants incorporating aspects of a traditional Giant ceremony and bonding their lives through the exchange of blood, but to Hermione it was one of the most beautiful weddings she'd ever seen, Hagrid deserved so much happiness. As the couple exchanged rings, Hermione felt a few tears trickle down her face, and smiled gratefully as Harry placed his arms around her shoulder and pulled her close.

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Harry stood at the small bar as the barman poured glasses of Champagne, and looked back to the small table where his friends were waiting for him to return. Hermione, Ron, Laurie and Ginny sat laughing and talking, but Harry could only see Hermione. It was almost like a dream sequence of a movie, everything else in the room seemed still, the sound dulled, the colours muted. Everyone but her was somehow out of focus. He could hear her laugh, a sound he loved, and he watched as she tilted her head and smiled at Ginny, the two friends sharing a private conversation for a moment. It had started the moment he'd seen her standing at the entrance to the hall before the wedding. She looked perfect, her curls loosely fastened at the back of her head, stray tendrils escaping and touching her neck. He loved that dress she was wearing, he had grinned just picking it out and packing it for her knowing how beautiful she had looked in it last summer at an awards ceremony, yet she still managed to surprise him but looking even more perfect than she had that day.

Harry's thoughts were interrupted as someone spoke to him.

“So it's over between her and Jack?”

Harry looked to his right in surprise to find Angelina standing beside him. He nodded in reply to her question.

“Then what are you waiting for?”

“Is it really that obvious?” He asked with a wry smile.

“I actually can't believe it took me this long to notice.” Angelina said thoughtfully, looking between Harry and Hermione.

“Who knows?”

“Ron, Laurie and Ginny.” Harry said quietly.

“You don't think she deserves to know?”

“It was never the right time Angel…and things between her and Jack have only just ended. She needs time to get over it.” Harry said patiently.

“Don't you think she should be the one to decide that?” Angelina asked him softly.

Their conversation was interrupted as the band began to play and announced the first dance of the newly married couple. Harry and Angelina turned to watch with a smile, observing Hagrid's happiness.

“I'll think about it, will that do?” Harry asked Angelina with a half smile. She nodded and with a smile returned to her table. Harry collected the drinks and walked back to his seat, grinning as he saw Laurie drag Ron onto the dance floor.

“Well, how about it Miss. Granger?”

“How about what?” She asked with a smile as Harry sat down next to her.

“A dance.” He replied, standing and holding out his hand with a grin. Hermione laughed.

“Well, you really are being a good date tonight Harry. I don't think we've danced together since we were seventeen!” She said with a grin as she took his hand and was led onto the dance floor.

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Hermione couldn't keep the smile off her face, her head resting on Harry's shoulder, their arms around each other as they danced.

“You doing ok?” Harry asked her, and she moved her head to look up at him.

“I'm doing great.” She said smiling at him, their eyes locking for a moment. He smiled and rested his chin on the top of her head.

“Aren't you impressed I haven't stepped on your toes yet?”

“Well this isn't exactly taxing dancing, but still I am rather impressed you haven't crippled either of us yet.” She teased him.

“Hey I wasn't that bad!” He said indignantly, though there was a twinkle in his eye letting Hermione know he was amused.

“Alright, I'll admit that you were a better dancer than Ron…but then again I think Grawp is a better dancer than Ron was.” She giggled.

“'Mione! I'll be nice and not tell him you said that.” He said laughing.

“So tell me Mr. Potter, are you having a good time today? You seem happier than I've seen you in quite some time.” Hermione said in a more serious tone.

“I am having a good time. Better than I have in months…” Harry paused for a moment before continuing.

“Better than I have in about six months…” He said very quietly. Hermione stopped dancing for a minute and looked at her best friend. Was he telling her what she thought he was? No, she was reading too much into his words.

“I'm glad.”

They continued to dance in silence, content to be holding one another, each savouring the moment and wondering when they'd have the courage to confess the true depth of their feelings.

18. Sleeping Beauty

Chapter Eighteen

Hermione watched with a half smile as Harry danced with Fleur. Ron sitting next to her followed her gaze and grinned.

“You know he's the only one who doesn't turn to mush around Fleur.” Hermione turned to look at Ron with a smile.

“I noticed. Why do you think that is?”

“I'm not sure…I guess they shared the same fears in the TriWizard Tournament. He never had a chance to think of her as anything but a fellow competitor…” Ron pondered. Hermione nodded thoughtfully.

“But she's still part Veela.”

Ron looked at her slyly.

“Maybe he's only ever really had eyes for one girl.” Hermione looked at him curiously, then the light in her eyes dimmed slightly.

“I guess he was distracted by Cho…” She said softly.

Ron stood and reached out a hand.

“I think you owe me a dance Miss. Granger.”

Hermione smiled and took his hand as he led her out onto the dance floor.

They danced without talking, Hermione just giggling slightly at the faces Ron pulled when he saw Laurie dancing with Draco.

As they walked to the bar after the song ended, Ron turned to her and whispered in her ear.

“I didn't mean Cho…”

Hermione stopped to ask him what he'd meant by that comment but turned to find that Ron had gone and Harry now stood behind her.

“Hey Harry.”

“'Mione, why are you blushing? What was Ron saying?” Harry asked with a teasing grin.

Hermione shook her head.

“He was just being his usual self.” She said with a smile, all the while thinking, did Ron mean what she thought? Or was she just interpreting his words in the way she wanted to hear them?

“Earth to Hermione?” She heard Harry saying and blushed again. He laughed.

“You really zoned out then. How much champagne have you had?” He asked with a grin, looping his arm around her shoulders and leaning against the bar next to her.

Hermione decided to ignore that last comment and just winked at him teasingly, causing him to laugh.

“I can't believe Hagrid's married at last…look how happy he is.” Harry said looking over to where Hagrid and Olympe stood gazing into one another's eyes, oblivious to the party going on around them. Hermione smiled.

“I want what they have.”

Hermione looked up to see Harry looking at her intently. She was puzzled.

“Oh God, did I say that out loud?” She said looking embarrassed. Harry nodded. Hermione moved to turn away, but Harry tightened his arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to him.

“Don't be embarrassed `Mione, everyone wants what they have.” He said softly.

“It's all I want.” He admitted in a voice so quiet that for a moment she wasn't sure if she'd imagined it.

Hermione looked up at him, he looked so sincere.

“Then why aren't you dating?” She asked him, trying to sound casual, but her heart was in her throat waiting for his answer. He was silent.

“Don't you need to look to find what Hagrid has?” She asked him again.

Harry studied her face.

“I haven't been dating because I know where to find it. I…I just don't know how to get it.” He said softly. His eyes moved and for a moment they were looking right into one another's eyes, Harry opened his mouth as if to speak but was interrupted as Gabrielle came rushing over, grabbing Hermione's arm.

“Olympe's going to throw the bouquet! Come on!”

Hermione was dragged off by the arm and looked back at Harry, silently telling him that they'd have to finish their discussion later.

Harry watched as Hermione was dragged away from him with frustration. He'd been about to tell her. It had been the perfect moment, and looking into her eyes he'd felt that maybe there was hope for the two of them. He sighed and made his way over to stand with his friends as the women gathered around Olympe. He rested a hand on Ron's shoulder.

“You're looking a little nervous there.” He observed. Ron grinned sheepishly at his best friend.

“Laurie seemed kind of eager to get over there.” He admitted.

“And that's a bad thing?” Harry asked carefully. Ron started to reply, but then paused and looked across the room at his girlfriend, then a smile spread across his face.

“No.” He said quietly to Harry.

“No, I guess it isn't a bad thing.”

Harry grinned at Ron who was staring happily at Laurie.

“Well, it's your anniversary in a few weeks isn't it?” Harry prompted him. Ron nodded absentmindedly, then his eyes widened and he turned to look at Harry. They exchanged a silent glance and Harry laughed.

“Anyway, what's going on with you? You and a certain someone are looking close today.” Ron commented. Harry nodded.

“I almost told her.” He admitted.

“What happened?”

“Gabrielle interrupted with this whole flower throwing thing. I was so close.” Harry grumbled.

“You're going to tell her though.” Ron told, rather than asked him.

Harry nodded with a smile.

“I just have find another `right' moment.” He sighed and looked over at her, standing arm in arm with Ginny, the two of them laughing together, not really involved with the rest of the women eager to catch the bouquet. As he watched, Olympe turned and threw the bouquet over her shoulder where it landed in Ginny's surprised arms. Hermione burst out laughing at the look of shock on her friends face, Ginny had simply opened her arms for a moment to gesture to Hermione during their conversation and she now looked very embarrassed. The guests applauded and Hermione led a blushing Ginny back to their table where she then studiously avoided Draco's gaze. Harry smirked as he saw Draco watching Ginny closely, as the rest of their friends returned their gaze to the dance floor or their conversations. Draco walked over to Ginny and crouching down next to her chair whispered something in her ear causing her to smile at him and gently take his hand. Harry looked up to see that Molly Weasley had also caught this exchange between her daughter and Draco. Molly looked over to Harry and winked at him, he smiled knowing Molly was already planning the wedding in her head as he suspected she had been since Ginny was in school. Harry grinned even more widely as he thought that he knew more so than Molly did that there might be another wedding in the Weasley family before Ginny's.

A few hours later, most of the guests had retired and the newlyweds had travelled via Portkey to their Honeymoon location. Harry found a rather drunken Ron and Laurie propping up the bar, and gently pushed the two in the direction of the exit, knowing they were sober enough to get back to the hotel safely. Looking around he searched the emptying room for Hermione. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Professor Dumbledore.

“Harry, I think you'll find Miss. Granger fast asleep over there.” Dumbledore said gesturing to a quiet corner of the room where Harry could now make up a curled up form on a small sofa. Harry laughed softly and smiled at his mentor.

“She works too hard.” Harry said.

Dumbledore chuckled and his blue eyes sparkled knowingly.

“A lovely evening.” Harry nodded his agreement, and the pair watched as the room slowly cleared, an understanding in the silence.

“I suppose I'd better go collect Sleeping Beauty.” Harry said with a smile. Dumbledore nodded and watched with a private smile as Harry walked over and gently picked up Hermione's sleeping form, her head resting on his shoulder as Harry carried out of the room.

19. Games

Chapter Nineteen

“'Mione, you need to wake up just for a minute.” Harry said softly, shaking Hermione's shoulders.

“Hmm?” She mumbled sleepily.

“Harry?”

“Yes. Come on `Mione, once you change out of your dress you can go back to sleep.” He coaxed her. She opened her eyes and looked at him in confusion as she took in her surroundings.

“I don't remember getting back to the hotel.”

“That's because you fell asleep on a sofa at the reception and I carried you back here.” He said with a grin.

“Oh Harry! You should have woken me up!”

“Well, I wanted you to get some sleep, it was only when I got back here I realised you wouldn't want to sleep in your dress, so I'd have to wake you up anyway.” He admitted. She smiled sleepily at him as he handed her her pyjamas.

“Thanks.” She said quietly, taking them from him and heading to the bathroom to change.

When she returned to the bedroom she smiled to see Harry asleep across the middle of the bed. She pulled off his shoes and loosened his tie before slipping it over his head. He smiled in his sleep and Hermione laughed lightly at him, before pulling the covers over him and climbing in beside her best friend. Harry instinctively moved closer to her, resting his head on her shoulder, his arm reaching around her stomach, his hand resting on her hip. Hermione breathed deeply and moved closer to him so they lay curled up against one another. She brushed her lips over his forehead and with closed eyes softly whispered.

“I love you.”

Harry's eyes opened though he lay still. She loved him? She loved him! He resisted the urge to hug her tightly and plant kisses all over her face. She hadn't meant him to hear that, but now he could definitely step up his plans without scaring her off. He closed his eyes and fell asleep curled up next to Hermione, and feeling happier than he'd ever felt.

Harry woke up to an empty bed, the sound of water running letting him know that Hermione was in the shower. He got up as he heard a familiar knock at the door.

“Hey Ron.” He called out as he walked over and opened the door.

“Hey mate. Where's Hermione?” Ron asked sitting down on the edge of the bed.

“Bathroom.” Harry said gesturing to the closed door behind him.

“And why are you grinning so scarily widely this morning?” Ron asked his friend with a smirk.

“She loves me.” Harry said simply.

“How do you know?” Ron asked excitedly.

“She thought I was asleep last night and she whispered it…I pretended I didn't hear.” Harry said guiltily.

Ron nodded his head.

“So you know…now what are you going to do about it?”

Neither Harry nor Ron noticed the sound of water from the bathroom had now stopped.

“I'm not sure. I'm completely in love with her…but this has to be perfect…”

Hermione froze, her hand on the doorknob. Harry was in love?

“What's the plan then?”

“I have no idea…I mean this is Hermione we're talking about…I guess I'll just take things gradually, she and Jack only just broke up - I don't want to push her into anything.” Harry said thoughtfully.

Hermione gasped. He loved her! A huge grin spread across her face, and she sank down to sit on the edge of the bathtub. Typical Harry though, he was being so considerate of her…maybe she'd have to take matters into her own hands…and have a little fun in the process. She grinned wickedly and stood, making lots of noise alerting the boys that she'd be coming out of the bathroom in a moment. She looked up and feigned surprise to see Ron in their room.

“Hey Ron. What's everyone up to today?” She asked, pretending not to notice the wink Ron sent Harry's way, nor the blush creeping up Harry's cheeks.

Hermione put her plan into action gradually over the next few days, upping the flirting between herself and Harry, though in a way that would have him doubting whether she really was flirting, or whether he was imagining it. She'd always been comfortable holding hands with both Harry and Ron, but now she subtly stroked his hand with her thumb as they held hands. When they hugged, she lingered just a tiny bit longer than usual, and after just two days she was rewarded by his continuous glances in her direction. She grinned to herself on Tuesday morning as she heard Ron and Harry having a whispered conversation in the kitchen as she walked out to meet them for breakfast.

“She's driving me crazy Ron!”

Ron laughed and Hermione could just imagine the death glare Harry was giving him.

“It's your own fault mate. You're the one who's so determined to take this slowly. I'm sure it's all in your head anyway. There's no way Hermione deliberately stroked your thigh when we were watching that movie! You're just sexually frustrated.” Ron laughed.

“Ron!” Harry exclaimed and the following sound let Hermione know that Harry just thrown something at their best friend. She clapped a hand over her mouth to stop them hearing her laughter and then deliberately closed her bedroom door loudly. Their hushed conversation ended abruptly and Hermione grinned wickedly when she remembered what she was wearing to breakfast. Well, it had been a warm night, and she often wore her pyjamas to breakfast, so what if this particular pair of pyjama shorts were very short, and that the simple vest top was a little low cut. This was going to be fun…

It was official, Hermione was trying to torture him. His jaw had dropped when she'd walked into the kitchen twenty minutes before wearing the smallest pair of pyjamas he'd ever seen, and looking amazing in them. She'd then suddenly needed to get some jam from the top shelf of the cupboard, reaching up and giving Harry a tantalising view of her back and upper thighs exposed as she reached upwards. Even Ron choked a little on his morning tea as he followed Harry's transfixed gaze.

Hermione smiled to herself as she leant forward to grab a piece of toast from the plate next to Harry, as his eyes were drawn to her cleavage. She had to resist the urge to giggle as he absent-mindedly put syrup in his tea and sugar on his pancakes. She widened her eyes innocently as he spat a sip of tea back into his mug.

“Everything ok Harry? You're looking a bit flushed?”

Ron snorted into his mug and received a sardonic glance from Harry. Hermione stood her toast in her hand and waved to her two best friends as she left the kitchen.

“I'm off to get dressed. Are we still on for dinner tonight for Laurie's birthday?” She asked the two. Harry nodded silently and Ron held back a laugh.

Hermione shut her bedroom door behind her and collapsed onto her bed in fits of giggles.

20. So Close

Chapter Twenty

Hermione didn't have much time to get ready after work for Laurie's birthday dinner, so she just pulled her hair back into a tousled French twist and pulled on her trusty little black dress. She was still a little confused about why they were going out on Tuesday night when Laurie's birthday was on Friday. Ron had tried to explain that Laurie refused to go out the night before a game, and they already had plans for Thursday night, and Harry had a meeting on Wednesday, so Tuesday was the only alternative. She'd just nodded and agreed in the end, knowing that her boys were hiding something, but between her workload and her attempts at flirting with Harry she didn't have time to figure out what they were up to.

As she grabbed her bag and opened her bedroom door she paused and a wicked smile spread over her face as she carefully unzipped the back of her dress. She knocked on the door next to her own and entered.

“Hey Harry, can you zip my dress up for me? I can't reach it.” She called through to his dressing room. Harry appeared wearing only a pair of black trousers, and her not so genius plan began to backfire as her eyes were glued to him.

“Sure.” Harry replied, running a hand through his hair.

She turned around as Harry easily closed the back of her dress.

“I thought I was running late. Have you even decided what to wear yet?” She asked him with a grin, sitting on the edge of his unmade bed.

“Nope.” Harry replied with a sheepish grin.

“You know I'm no good at dressing up.”

Hermione smiled and pulled a mock stern face as she walked into his dressing room, quickly appraising his clothing before pulling down a dark grey silk shirt and handing it to him with a pair of plain black dress shoes.

“There you go.” She said.

“Ah, what would I do without you?” He teased.

“You'd probably wear that awful dragon hide thing Fred and George gave you years ago.” She laughed as she spied it on a shelf.

“That, and I'd be completely insane. You're the one who explains life to me. You make everything make sense.” Harry said candidly, and Hermione smiled to herself before walking out of the dressing room and facing him.

“Flattery will get you everywhere Mr. Potter.” She laughed, taking his hand and dragging him out to the living room, so they wouldn't be any later for the dinner reservations.

Harry couldn't help but notice that to all intents and purposes they were on a double date in a nice rather romantic restaurant. Anyone observing the four of them, if not immediately recognising them for their fame, would think that Harry and Hermione were in love, as Ron and Laurie were. But, he did love Hermione, and she had said she loved him. She just hadn't meant him to hear it. Harry had obsessing over this detail for the last few days much to Ron's annoyance as he continually pointed out that Harry hadn't told Hermione he loved her either.

Harry's response had yet again been that he needed to wait for the perfect moment. He knew he was going to tell her soon, but if this was the start of a relationship, then Harry wanted it to be a moment that would give the relationship a solid start. He knew that in many ways he'd rather remain just friends with Hermione than do this wrong, date for a short time and then break up, ruining their friendship in the process. This wasn't just asking someone out, this was a moment that would shape the rest of his life. Ron had commented at this point that Harry seemed to have developed a flair for the dramatic, and had he by any chance been reading one of Molly's romance novels? Ron had understandably been smacked around the arm though Harry had laughed as he did so.

Hermione watched Harry out of the corner of her eye. He wasn't listening to the conversation, which wouldn't have been incredibly unusual for he often spaced out, if they hadn't been discussing Quidditch. Usually, nothing distracted Harry from Quidditch. She hoped he was thinking about the same thing that had been distracting her since they returned from France. When she hadn't been thinking of new ways to torment him, she been wondering how to tell him she loved him. This wasn't something she could do lightly, even if he did love her too. She wanted everything to be right. Her teasing of Harry over the last few days had been a sort of test, to prove to herself that Harry really did like her and find her attractive. She didn't want to risk everything she had with Harry over something that wouldn't work, he meant too much to her. She loved him even more for not just announcing his feelings, and waiting for that moment, though she was becoming rather impatient waiting for that moment to arrive.

Harry and Hermione said goodbye to Ron and Laurie as they left the restaurant, as the couple apparated back to Laurie's apartment. Hermione looked up at the clear night and opened her mouth to speak when Harry beat her to it.

“You want to walk?” He asked. She nodded happily. Yet again, Harry had surprised her by knowing her so well. He took her hand and placed it in his jacket pocket with his own, and they began walking side by side in comfortable silence.

As they arrived back home, Hermione turned to Harry, waiting, half expecting this to be the moment. It had been a romantic walk home, it seemed right. Harry opened his mouth to speak, but then paused, and looking annoyed with himself for a moment, he kissed her on the cheek.

“Night `Mione.”

Hermione was left standing, feeling rather annoyed. And as she lay in bed she came to the decision that it was obviously going to have to be up to her to create the perfect moment.

Harry lay in bed cursing silently. He had wanted desperately to tell her tonight, and he should have done, it had seemed right, but he knew Ron was proposing to Laurie tonight, and he didn't want to take anything away from that. Ron and Laurie deserved everyone's attention, and he wanted to celebrate with them when they told everyone. Another day or two of being apart from Hermione wouldn't kill him…unless she wore those pyjamas or that black dress again…

21. Kiss

(A/N I'm going on holiday for two weeks tomorrow, so this is the last chapter I'll be able to post for a while. Enjoy, and I'll try and post as soon as I get home)

Chapter Twenty-One

Hermione was subdued at work on Wednesday, and by the time she got home; she was more determined than ever to make Harry suffer until he admitted his feelings for her. She shouldn't always have to be the one making the logical and sensible decisions. As usual, her anger melted a little as soon as he smiled at her from the sofa. She sank into her usual seat next to him as he asked her about the paper she'd been working on over the last week.

When Ron and Laurie entered the flat, for a moment she didn't notice anything different, but as they stood expectantly in front of herself and Harry she took in their excited grins, and as her gaze scanned down a glimmer of light caught her eye and she squealed and leapt off the sofa, grabbing Laurie's left hand.

“Ronald Weasley! It's gorgeous! Congratulations!” She said hugging Laurie tight, the two girls smiling at each other as Harry congratulated Ron, the two men sharing a private joke.

Hermione looked at her two best friends, her eyes suddenly filled with happy tears.

“What's wrong Hermione? Happy tears?” Ron asked her with a laugh as he hugged her tight.

“Well, I have to find a new back up now! We said we'd marry each other if we never found anyone…” She laughed teasingly.

“Good times.” Ron laughed.

“I'm so happy for you two.” Hermione told him. “And I'm so glad Laurie's going to be family now.”

Laurie quickly updated her on the details of the proposal and Hermione shot Ron a smile, proud of how mature he had become, and how much effort he had gone to fulfil all of Laurie's fantasies.

Ron and Laurie had apparated to The Burrow soon after to tell Molly, as they'd stopped at Laurie's parents already. Hermione sat smiling after they left.

“You knew he was going to ask her last night?” She asked.

Harry nodded and she smiled at him, hugging him lightly before heading into the kitchen.

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The Chudley Canon's stood in their Team Robes, huddled together in the changing rooms as they listened to the pep talk before the game. Hermione stood back watching them with a smile as they prepared for the game, going over the game plan for a final time before heading out to the pitch. She took her place by the door as the huddle broke apart and kissed the team members on the cheek with a grin, hugging Laurie tight, before trying to avoid being tickled by Ron. She laughed and kissed him on the cheek before he filed out of the room leaving just Harry standing before her.

“Do I get my good luck kiss then?” Harry asked her with his usual smile. Hermione looked up at him and took a step closer, and leaned forward, not to kiss him on the cheek as usual, but to brush her lips gently against his own. She pulled back to find Harry looking at her in surprise, though she could see emotions flitting back and forth in his green eyes. Hermione knew this was the moment she was going to have to be bold, and make the first move.

She looked up at him again with a grin and kissed him again, there was a tiny moment of hesitation before Harry's arm snaked around her waist, dropping his broomstick to the floor as his other hand ran through her hair as they kissed passionately. Hermione was wondering why on earth she'd never tried kissing Harry before. She'd definitely been missing out all these years, and she could now see yet another reason why Cho had been so reluctant to let him go.

They parted breathlessly and Hermione's lips curled into a smile. Harry grinned down at her and pulled her into a tight hug, lightly kissing the top of her head.

“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” He said softly.

Hermione giggled.

“Yet I still had to make the first move? So much for Gryffindor bravery Mr. Potter.” She teased as he planted a soft kiss on the end of her nose.

“Nice Hermione! We finally kiss and you call me by my surname. You don't think that after over ten years of friendship we're on a first name basis?” He grinned. She stuck her tongue out at him, and Harry moved his head forward catching her tongue with his lips. She laughed against his lips and kissed him.

“Nice move Harry. Guess I know why you're the Seeker.” Harry rolled his eyes at her, and then they both froze.

“The game! The others are waiting for you!” She said quickly, laughing and rescuing Harry's broom from the floor as he pulled on his gloves. Taking his broom from Hermione he took a step towards the door again before turning back and cupping her face with his spare hand.

“I love you.” He said softly.

“I love you too.”

The following kiss was interrupted by catcalls and laughter from the team, who had filed back into the room to find out what was delaying Harry. The pair looked up sheepishly and Hermione blushed to see everyone cheering them on.

“This was your perfect moment? In a locker room?” Ron asked them incredulously. Hermione nodded still blushing as Harry hugged her to his side, kissing her forehead before following the team on their second attempt to get to the field.

“Looks like Hermione's been holding out on us with those good luck kisses.” Laurie teased, with a wink in Hermione's direction over her shoulder.

Hermione laughed and left the room through another door, heading to her usual seat.

“What's with the delay?” Ginny asked anxiously as Hermione sat down next to her.

“Are the team all ok? They started announcing them and then stopped.” Ginny asked worriedly. Hermione's blush returned.

“I kissed Harry.” She whispered to her friend.

“YOU KISSED HARRY?” Ginny yelled, causing everyone else in the VIP section to turn and stare at the two of them in fascination. Ginny looked around and shot an apologetic look at Hermione.

“Sorry.” She said sheepishly.

“I was just a little surprised.”

“So was he.” Hermione laughed.

“So…you two are?” Ginny pondered.

“Right now I'm not entirely sure, it only just happened, and the rest of the team interrupted, but I'm pretty sure we're together I hope we are anyway.” Hermione said, with a smile as she stood to clap and cheer as the Canon's were announced for the second time. She beamed as Harry flew out onto the pitch, and her eyes followed him as they always did to his starting position high above the rest of the team. And then she was lost in the game.

22. Discovering

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Well we’re not sure what that hold-up was with the Canons back at the start of the game, but it most certainly wasn’t a problem with their Seeker…Harry Potter played the best Quidditch I’ve ever seen him play, that final catch was pure poetry in motion, and I’m sure it’s one for the textbooks…” The commentator continued, though his amplified voice was drowned out by the screaming and shouting of the Canons fans. Hermione and Ginny were jumping around the VIP box laughing and celebrating with Draco. Hermione was unable to keep the Cheshire Cat grin from her face. Ginny caught a glimpse of her friends face and giggled again, leaning closer to whisper in Hermione’s ear.

“Well, if he plays that well after one kiss, just think…”

“Do not finish that sentence Ginny!” Hermione squealed, blushing, though she laughed as the friends quickly made their way back to the Team Rooms.

Hermione’s first glimpse of Harry in the changing rooms was a mop of black unruly hair under a teams worth of orange robes and shouting and laughing filled the room. She leant against the doorframe for a moment, simply taking in the sight and allowing Harry to enjoy his moment. He had played a spectacular game, and his win meant the Canons were almost guaranteed the Championship.

She watched as the crowd separated around him and he grinned sheepishly, accepting all their hugs and gradually moving towards the doorway. As he moved, he happily accepted everyone’s congratulations but his eyes remained locked on Hermione’s as they grinned at one another. Communicating silently they both acknowledged that they wouldn’t be able to keep their new relationship a secret among their friends, and they were kidding themselves if they thought they could keep it from the press for very long. Hermione grinned and inclined her head slightly, nodding, Harry grinned back as he walked towards her.

Hermione’s eyes flickered to the left for a moment as she took in the audience of team members pretending not to be watching herself and Harry. They all appeared to still for the tiniest moment when Harry reached her and kissed her lightly on the lips in greeting, and then she was unaware of the others in the room.

“Good game today Mr. Potter.” She said softly with a grin, as he pulled her into a hug.

“Why thank you Miss. Granger. Any broken chairs today?” He replied with a teasing grin as he released her from the hug but kept an arm loosely slung over her shoulder.

“Not today, just ruptured eardrums.”

“Oh well, as long as it’s nothing serious.”

Hermione laughed and smiled as she noticed Ron and Laurie approaching.

“So Hermione, about these pre-game kisses…” Laurie began as they reached Harry and Hermione. Ron and Harry both held back their laughter, awaiting Hermione’s reaction.

“You know we have to keep those moments private Laurie sweetie, the boys wouldn’t remember how to fly their brooms otherwise!” Hermione replied in mock horror.

Laurie nodded sagely.

“You’re quite quite right Hermione, I don’t know what I was thinking. Our private moments should remain private.”

The two girls hugged grinning, and giggled at the boys raised eyebrows before running off to chat to Ginny, leaving Harry and Ron in their wake.

“We make it too easy for them to do that.” Harry remarked with a smile in his voice.

Ron nodded in agreement as they watched the girls talking to Ginny.

“Seems like everything worked out for you two then mate?” Ron said, clapping Harry on the shoulder.

“Everything worked out pretty perfectly actually.” Harry admitted to himself and Ron.

“What’s next then?”

“Well, I guess we tell all the family, and take it from there. It wont be long before everyone finds out, and it would be better if we could make the announcement ourselves before it leaks, but, we’ll wait and see. ‘Mione’s most likely planned it all out anyway.” Harry admitted. Ron smirked.

“You ready to have your whole life planned out for you then?” He teased.

Harry raised an eyebrow in response.

“As if she hasn’t had our lives planned out for us since we were eleven years old? I’m just waiting for those homework diaries to make a reappearance.” Harry laughed.

Ron snorted with laughter.

“Good luck with that mate!” He shouted back to Harry as he headed off to the showers.

“I heard that Mr. Potter.” A mock stern voice came from his left. He turned grinning.

“And you think I didn’t know you were there all along?” He said with a wink.

“Just for that, you and Ron may get the latest versions of those diaries for Christmas…unless you’re very nice to me in the meantime that is…” Hermione said with a hint of a grin.

“I’ll see what I can do about that.” Harry said over his shoulder as he himself headed off to the showers.