Three Broomsticks

Three Broomsticks

Chapter One

It was around One am when a tall young woman apparated into the middle of the living room of a spacious West London flat. She was dressed in jungle clothing, her chestnut hair tied in a loose knot on top of her head, caked from head to toe in dust and dirt, and swaying on her feet with exhaustion. She smiled to be in the familiar surroundings, and leaving her large backpack where it had landed she trudged towards the door at the end of the hallway, her heavy boots suddenly feeling like lead weights. Soft lights illuminated as she entered the bedroom, she sighed, and sank onto the large double bed, flopping her head onto the pillow. She then reached her hand under her head and retrieved a small roll of parchment. She opened it curiously, and chuckled as a small chocolate mint fell out of the parchment.

`Mione

Like you ever surprise me…Knew you'd be back today. `The Hotel Harry and Ron' is always open to you! The service since your last visit has expanded to include the traditional mint on your pillow, fresh towels in the bathroom and a full cooked breakfast at whatever time you surface tomorrow. I'll be here when you wake up.

X

Harry

Gently placing the mint and note on the small table beside the bed, she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer. It had been an extremely long day, and a minute later Hermione was in a deep sleep, the lights still on, still wearing her boots.

Harry's eyelids fluttered open. He glanced at the clock by his bed and saw it was one thirty in the morning. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, and dressed in a pair of low-slung pyjama bottoms and silently he walked out into the hallway. Anyone listening for movement in the flat would have missed Harry's presence in the living room. He was expertly trained in stealth movements, and he automatically slipped into old habits when walking around the flat at night. He paused as spied a familiar battered backpack lying by the sofa and smiled. He knew she'd be back tonight. He walked to the end of the hallway, and shook his head in amusement as he stood in the open doorway looking at his best friend sprawled across her bed, fully dressed, the lights on.

Harry silently entered the room, though Hermione would probably have continued sleeping if a herd of elephants had been running through the flat. He crouched down and gently unlaced her boots, pulling her feet free and lifting her legs further onto the bed. He retrieved a blanket from the armchair by the window and placed it over her. He stood, with his legs crossed, his shoulder leaning against the doorframe watching her sleep contentedly. He stood there for several minutes and then without looking up he spoke.

“Hey Ron.”

Ron Weasley walked out into the darkened hallway from his own room, and joined Harry at the door to Hermione's room. He grinned to see the mess she was in.

“It's good to have her back again.” Ron said softly. Harry nodded and switched out the lights and gently closed the door. He patted Ron on the shoulder and headed to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. He stood leaning his hands on the kitchen counter staring contentedly at the clock on the wall, His, Ron, Hermione and Lavender's hands were all pointing to “Home”. Well at least he knew he'd sleep well tonight knowing they were all home safely.

Chapter Two

Hermione woke up slowly, cautiously opening her eyes, and sighing with satisfaction to see that she was sleeping indoors, and not in her trusty tent. She sat up and her aching muscles groaned in protest at being moved from the comfortable bed after five months of sleeping on rough terrain and hiking through deserts and mountain ranges. She blinked when she saw the clock and realised she's slept through the whole night and morning. She didn't remember taking her boots off the night before and guessed that she probably hadn't, the boys had probably heard her come in and taken care of her. She smiled, and headed across the room to the en-suite bathroom. Her smile widened as she saw the large bathtub was full of hot water, a note floating mid air above the tub.

`Mione

Thought you might want a long bath. I enchanted it to stay warm till you drain the water. There's a robe on the back of the door.

X Harry

Hermione unceremoniously dumped her dirt-encrusted clothes on the floor and sunk into the hot water, her eyes closed, and felt the twinges and aches in her muscles begin to relax. She loved her job, travelling the world researching magical creatures, but after three months in Egypt working with Sphinx's in the desert and then several months in the mountains of Peru tracking a subspecies of the Sphinx she knew what her one luxury in life would be…a warm bath every day. It was what she missed most about civilisation, other than her friends and family of course, but she was in contact with them regularly, and on Harry's order she reported in by owl to him and Ron every other day without fail so they knew she was ok. They were so overprotective at times, but now coped well with her expeditions. Her first expedition they'd wanted to come with her, but she'd glared at them until they let her go, but they had checked up on her continuously, both finding flimsy excuses to be in Ireland near where she happened to be working with the elders of a group of Leprechauns.

She pampered herself, smiling to see the boys, or more likely Ron's girlfriend Lavender had stocked up on all her favourite products and she happily sniffed a new bottle of her favourite shampoo. An hour later Hermione forced herself to get out of the bath as her stomach grumbled reminding her she hadn't eaten much for the last day and a half. She grabbed a fluffy white robe from the back of the door and wrapped it around her, retrieving her wand from the pocket of her trousers on the floor she quickly dried her hair and even took the time to curl it into soft waves. She looked at herself properly in the mirror for the first time in weeks and was happy to see she looked healthy, with a warm tan due to her time in Egypt, and a smattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks. Getting bored of her own company and anxious to see her best friends she headed out of the bathroom and walked towards the kitchen. She stood for a moment watching Harry as he stood over the stove, cooking what smelled deliciously like bacon. He looked good, standing at six foot, his black unruly hair hanging in his face as always, dressed casually in jeans and a black t-shirt. She ran at him and as she approached he turned at the last minute and picked her up into a tight hug laughing.

“You trying to kill me `Mione?” He laughed, putting her down. She grinned back at him.

“I missed you too.” He said, looking at her.

“Come on. Eat.” He dished some food up on a plate for her and put it on the breakfast bar in front of her while he began to cook some more food for himself.

They sat and ate breakfast together, chatting, filling each other in on all the details they hadn't had time to exchange in brief owls.

“You look good Hermione.” Harry said as he cleared their plates away.

“You too Harry. But something's up, I can tell!” She said teasingly, wondering what Harry was keeping from her. He turned and smiled at her.

“I never can keep things a secret from you…but you'll have to wait a little longer…I'm going to tell you, Ron and Lavender about it together. It's nothing bad though…” He said mysteriously. She looked at him and could tell he wasn't going to give in and tell her yet so she flopped onto the sofa wondering whether she should tell him about the owl she'd received last week…if she told him it would effectively mean she'd made a decision though, and had she?

Chapter Three

They spent the afternoon together, curled up on the large sofa, Harry reading through Hermione's research and the chapters she'd already completed of the books she's been working on for the last five years. It was an amazing accomplishment. She'd worked so hard to research everything about the creatures, and had published a few essays from her research already in Wizarding journals. He sat reading and soon noticed Hermione had fallen asleep again, her head on his shoulder, her body curled up next to him and her legs lying across his own. He smiled at her and pushed her hair away from her face, and continued reading.

That was where they were still sitting when Ron arrived home from work. Ron grinned to see Harry trapped by a sleeping Hermione, and was careful to remain quiet as he took off his Wizarding robes to reveal his muggle clothing underneath. He sat in an armchair and chatted to Harry about the day's event at the Ministry. Having graduated Hogwarts, Ron and Harry had fallen into jobs as Aurors for the Ministry of Magic, having received much of their auror training whilst still at school, as had Hermione. They were still planning the final battle, strategic attacks, Harry usually spent around ten hours a day training, he was scarily agile, could move silently, he no longer had need for the invisibility cloak…Ron trained also but was focused on the issue of strategy, finally finding a job which put his great chess skills to use. Voldemort had been defeated a year after they had left Hogwarts, but the two remained working as Aurors, rounding up the last Death Eaters who had fled after Voldemort's death. But for the last year Harry had been so restless in the job, missions now tended to be errands run for the Office of Improper Use of Magic, there weren't exactly any dark wizard roaming the country, and he was bored of paperwork. Ron however, actually enjoyed the paperwork somewhat and was no longer active in missions, working only in the strategic planning department of the Ministry's Defence Team.

Harry just didn't care about ministry politics. He'd spoken to Minister Marchbanks two days previously and though no one other than the Minister was aware of it, he was now serving out his one months notice. In less than four weeks he would no longer be an Auror and a sense of relief had flooded through him gradually as he came to realise it wasn't a dream, he really had quit. He hadn't even been sure of what he planned to do after leaving the Ministry, but having been out with Remus the night before, his surrogate godfather had inadvertently handed him an answer. He would talk to his friends tonight and see what their reactions were to his idea.

By the time Lavender got home from her wizard and muggle clothing shop, Hermione was awake and she and Ron were happily arguing over absolutely nothing. Lavender took one look at them and grinned, she kissed Harry on the cheek as she walked past him through the living room towards Hermione's room where she could hear her boyfriend and friend's voices bickering. She poked her head around the door and found Hermione unpacking while Ron got in the way.

“Lavender!” Hermione exclaimed, giving up on the unpacking and running over to give her a hug. They smiled at each other taking in the changes, and silently agreeing to have a good chat later on when they could talk freely without interruption from Ron and Harry who would no doubt revert to schoolboy antics now the four of them were back together. This tended to last for the first day or two after Hermione returned from one of her expeditions, until they remembered that they were 24-years-old with real jobs, but the girls loved them for it.

Hermione was glad to see Lavender looking good, and looking so happy. She and Ron were perfect for each other, and while she and Lavender hadn't been amazingly close throughout their first few years at Hogwarts, there was a certain bond you couldn't avoid after living in the same dormitory for so many years, and as they'd grown older both had mellowed out and found they did in fact get along well. Lavender had spent the years since Hogwarts first working for Madame Malkin, then designing her own robes to be included in the collections, and now she'd finally worked her way up to her own clothing store, though she'd decided to stock muggle clothing also, as most young witches and wizards now were moving away from wearing traditional robes other than to formal occasions or if their job or school required such robes.

The four of them decided after some debate and some covert tickling, to order some Indian food. As they sat chatting and waiting for the food to arrive Hermione decided she couldn't wait any more, she wanted to know what Harry was going to tell them all.

“Harry, tell us this big secret then, we're all here now, and I've been so good not pestering you all day to find out!” She said, opening her eyes wide and fluttering her eyelashes teasingly. He laughed.

“The only reason you haven't been pestering me is that you slept all morning, and a good portion of the afternoon.”

Hermione stuck her tongue out at him and acknowledged internally that maybe it wasn't just Harry and Ron that reverted to teenage behaviour when they got together after a long break.

Ron and Lavender were now curious about Harry's mysterious secret now, and with three of them looking at him imploring with puppy-dog eyes he gave in and laughed.

“Alright. Well, I quit my job. In less than a month I will officially no longer be an Auror.” He announced.

Chapter Four

Harry watched his friends' reactions to his announcement curiously. Ron nodded understandingly and Harry suspected Ron had already guessed that he would be quitting soon. Lavender simply widened her eyes, and Hermione smiled. He thought Hermione would have seen his actions as irresponsible, especially as so far no one had asked if he had a new job to go to, or what his plans were.

“What else. That's not everything you were going to tell us.” Hermione said with a grin, seemingly able to read his mind yet again.

“How do you do that?” He asked her exasperatedly.

“Easy, your eyes change colour slightly when your lying, and they sparkle when you're excited about something, which means there's more to the story.” She said with a cocky grin. He threw a napkin at her to Ron and Lavender's amusement and then continued.

“As usual `Mione knows what I'm thinking before I do. I think I've decided what I'm going to do now. But I need to discuss it with all three of you as it effects all of us…” Now Hermione was stumped. What was he going to tell them…the only possible thing she could think of was that he was getting married…what else would effect all of them? But she didn't think and of Harry's recent relationships had been serious. She anxiously glanced at Ron and Lavender to see if they knew more. If Harry were seeing someone seriously they would know, as they lived with him.

Harry was suddenly really excited about his new plan; he just hoped the others would be ok with it.

“Well, it would mean me moving…if you and Lavender want to stay here in the flat that's fine mate,” Harry said to Ron.

“But this is your flat too `Mione. If you guys want to carry on living here that's ok, but I'm hoping you'll want to move with me…” He said now grinning happily.

“And where would be moving too?” Ron asked, getting excited as he could tell Harry was looking forward to telling them, so it must be something good.

“Well, I was out with Remus for dinner and a few drinks yesterday up in Hogsmeade and we stayed after hours to chat with Rosmerta, and she mentioned something…and well…I'm buying The Three Broomsticks!” Harry announced with glee.

He watched as three mouths dropped open in front of him. Ron was quick to recover as his face spread into a wide grin.

“That's wicked mate!” Ron exclaimed. Lavender looked shocked but soon grinned. Harry turned to see what Hermione thought and watched as a thoughtful expression spread over her face.

“Is Rosmerta leaving or will she still be running the place?” She asked thoughtfully.

“She's moving away to live with her sister in France. I'd be running the place.” He said slowly.

The corner of her mouth twitched and a moment later a wide smile spread over her face and she stood up and hugged him.

“I think it's an amazing idea!” She said happily.

“So, we're moving to Hogsmeade then?” Lavender asked with a grin.

“There's two floors of living space over the pub just waiting for us…” He said with a smile.

“When are we going to look then?” Hermione asked, knowing that the others had made their minds up already. It would be convenient for Lavender as her shop was in Hogsmeade, and Ron could easily apparate to work. Harry would be able to spend more time with Remus who was still teaching at Hogwarts, and maybe this would make her own decision a little easier.

“Well, I told Rosmerta we might take a look on Saturday.” Harry said with a grin.

Chapter Five

The four of them sat talking and laughing for the rest of the evening, and as Ron headed for bed, having to go into the Ministry early the next morning, Lavender poked her head into the kitchen where Hermione and Harry were cleaning up.

“Hey Joey.”

Hermione turned around with a grin.

“Hey Jen.”

They both looked at Harry imploringly and he laughed and nodded, they giggled, both hugged him and went running off to Hermione's room.

Harry smiled, he never would understand their addiction to that old muggle television show, but then he'd never watched an episode. Ever since Hermione's parents had bought her a laptop during their 7^th year at Hogwarts, she'd bought the complete box set of the DVD's and the girls every now and then would disappear up to the dormitory for hours on end. He and Ron had simply watched them go and been bemused by the muffled laughter and shrieks that echoed down the staircase.

Hermione and Lavender jumped onto Hermione's bed, well technically the guest bed, as Hermione didn't officially live anywhere, but Harry had always set aside this room for her and stored all her belongings in it when she was travelling. They set the computer up and were soon sprawled across the large bed, only half watching the episode. The boys seemed to think that watching Dawson's Creek was all about watching, but really it was just a chance to talk, and to tease each other and catch up on news.

“It's so good to be home.” Hermione sighed happily.

“So did you think about the offer yet?” Lavender asked, knowing her friend would have thought of little else in the last week.

“Yes, but I change my mind every other minute. Do I really want to commit myself? I love my life…it's so flattering that he asked, but…”

Lavender nodded her understanding of Hermione's dilemma, and they sat in contemplative silence for a few minutes, the computer still playing episodes in the background.

“Well…I don't have to make the decision yet. He's given me plenty of time to think about it. So right now I'm just going to have a few days off, and then focus on getting the book written up, then I'll think about it.” Hermione mused.

Lavender had been thrilled when Hermione had sent her an owl several days ago after receiving an owl in the mountains. She couldn't decide whether she wanted Hermione to take up the offer or not, but if anyone could think about it logically and make the right decision it would be Hermione. Lavender yawned and seeing that it was past one in the morning she hugged Hermione good night. As she reached the doorway however she turned back.

“Mione?” She said softly.

Hermione looked up at her curiously.

“Maybe the reason you're putting off making the decision is that deep down you still want to be Joey…or at least have her last name?” Lavender said, aware that she was speaking of a topic that they hadn't talked about in years.

Hermione opened her mouth to reply but Lavender interrupted.

“Just think about it Joey.” Lavender said with a smile as she closed the door quietly.

Chapter Six

Hermione could see the excitement building up in Harry as Saturday approached. He looked just like he had back at Hogwarts when they were planning some kind of adventure, or about to sneak into Hogsmeade. Now that he had resigned from his job, his boss had pretty much take as much time as he wanted off, as the Auror department was so quiet. So Harry and Hermione had spent the last two days hanging out together, doing a bit of shopping in Diagon Alley, and catching up on everything Hermione had missed while she was away.

“You'd better go see Molly. She'll be eager to check you've been eating and looking after yourself.” Harry warned Hermione as they sat eating lunch on Friday.

“Why don't we all go tomorrow after we've been to the Three Broomsticks?” Hermione suggested. Harry nodded his agreement and picked the tomato off the top of his pizza passing it to Hermione who took it, and passed him the pepperoni from hers.

“We've really got to stop letting Ron order the pizza.” Harry said with a grin.

--

Saturday morning Harry was awake at six, and was ready to leave by seven. This was ridiculous he thought to himself, as Rosmerta wasn't expecting them until ten, so he made breakfast, sat around, and got impatient. He was relieved when Hermione appeared in the living room at half past eight.

“Harry, have you been cooking bacon? Before nine in the morning?” She asked sleepily.

Harry handed her a bacon sandwich, which she took with a grin as she settled down next to him on the sofa.

“Excited at all?” She teased.

“Ok, Ok, so I'm excited! Nothing wrong with that.” Harry said, poking Hermione in the side.

“No, there's nothing wrong with it. It's great in fact; it's been a long time since I've seen you so lit up about something…I can't wait to see the place and see what you want to do with it.”

“Thanks `Mione.”

Rosmerta let the four of them into The Three Broomsticks with a smile.

“Good to see you all. Haven't seen you in a long time deary.” She said giving Hermione a hug as they entered the pub. She ushered them into what had been their favourite booth as Hogwarts students and pulled up a chair.

“I can't tell you how happy I am that I know this place is going to be in good hands. I was unsure about putting it on the market, but I know you'll take care of the place, and my sister needs me.”

“Don't worry Rosmerta. I don't plan to change much; this place is perfect as it is. We don't want to lose the regulars.” Harry told her with a smile. They had discussed the matter in depth when he had first spoken to her about buying the pub, and she had even suggested ideas for refurbishing the bar, which she'd considered but not managed to get off the ground.

Harry grinned widely as Rosmerta gave them a guided tour of the bar, the basement below it, and the house above it. Hermione laughed to see him so happy still, even when told what time he'd need to be up to take delivery of new supplies on Saturday mornings. Ron was soon bouncing around happily behind the bar, pretending to pour drinks, as Lavender laughed at him. Hermione perched on a bar stool and she and Harry chatted to Rosmerta about the logistics of running the bar, the accounting and organising working with the brewery. Harry was beginning to look overwhelmed, but Hermione was taking notes and smiled at him reassuringly. He sighed with relief, knowing Hermione would help out and teach him how to take care of the accounting and other things he knew nothing about.

Chapter Seven

The four of them said fond goodbyes to Rosmerta when she opened up the bar at eleven and agreed to meet at the Burrow at two. Lavender needed to stop by and do some work at her shop, and Ron tagged along to help her out, or more likely, get in her way. Harry and Hermione strolled through Hogsmeade village, finding themselves at the train station. They sat for a while on the platform, and Harry could remember his first visit to the station vividly, his relief to see Hagrid, and how intimidating it had all been. They walked back into the centre of Hogsmeade and looked into the shop windows, talking as they went, laughing about the adventures they'd had on Hogsmeade weekends, and thankful the place wasn't swarming with Hogwarts students today. They stood in silent contemplation by the shrieking shack, sitting on the warm grass.

“I still miss him.” Hermione said softly, thinking of when they would bring food to Sirius as he hid in the battered building. Harry was silent and Hermione turned to see unshed tears in his eyes. She moved closer to him and put an arm around him, and he laid his head on her shoulder.

“I miss him every day. I know I still have Remus, but losing Sirius was like losing part of that connection I had to my parents…and he was the last of my legal family…well, except the Dursley's, but I would never call them family. I still feel guilty `Mione, I see the vision Voldemort placed in my head, and then I remember the look on his face as he fell…” Harry said quietly. Hermione hugged him closer and they sat by the shrieking shack remembering Sirius.

“I don't remember the last time I spoke about him other than with Remus. Moony tells me all the stories of the Marauders at Hogwarts…” Harry said.

Hermione stood and taking Harry's hands pulled him to his feet.

“Where we going `Mione?” He asked with a sad smile.

“To visit them all. It's been too long since I was last here.” She said, still holding his hand as they walked silently to the cemetery set against the hillside of Hogsmeade.

Harry and Hermione silently entered the cemetery and walked towards the sheltered area below the weeping willow tree where a circle of head stones lay surrounding the tree. Harry sat down on the wooden bench surrounding the wide tree trunk and his gaze surveyed the collection of headstones. Looking around he saw Hermione crouched down, her fingers running softly over the name inscribed on a stone, speaking softly. He knew all too well whose name it was and left her to talk in private.

“I'm sorry it's been so long Gin. I've been busy, but that's no excuse. I've missed you so much since I've been back this time. Lavender and I watched Dawson's Creek last night…I still love it, but it's not quite the same without you Hun. Making fun of us for loving it, but you loved it too…always lusting after Charlie in the college episodes, and Drew in the earlier episodes, well you always did have a thing for the bad boys. I hope you and Draco are together now. I wish that more than anything, because I know you'll be happy if you two are still together. Ron's doing really well. He's finally letting himself be happy, and he and Lavender are just as perfect together as you always said they would be. Harry finally quit his job. He's bought the Three Broomsticks, and no I still haven't sorted out all my issues…I know, I can see you rolling your eyes at me right now, but, I'm getting there. I'm thinking about moving back home permanently…I've finished researching the book, and I think its time to settle down a bit, actually unpack my backpack for longer than a few months at a time.” Hermione told her friend with a sad half smile. She still had a hard time understanding that Ginny was gone, even after all this time. But then again, Ginny would never really be gone to her, they were sisters by all but blood, and Hermione often heard Ginny's teasing voice in her mind, urging her on when she was confused or scared.

Hermione sat back and looked up at the gently swaying weeping willow branches above her, tears running silently down her face. She stood, and walked over to the stone next to Ginny's. She looked at the name sadly for a moment.

“I miss you too Draco. Take good care of my girl for us.” She said softly before turning to look where Harry was. She saw him sitting on the ground to the side of the tree, by a pair of headstones, bearing the Potter family crest.

“Hey Mum, Dad…well I did it. I quit the Ministry. I've already managed to get myself a new job though. I'm still getting my head around it, but your son is now the owner and bartender of the Three Broomsticks…I think Remus arranged it, as I'm pretty sure Rosmerta had told him she was selling before we agreed to meet for dinner there the other night…You should have seen his face, he looked years younger, I guess the Marauders spirit is back again…I'm happier than I have been in so long, but it's not just because of the pub. I'm sure you've already guessed why though Mum…I can't help it, life is just better when she's around. When she leaves I mope around, but the second she's back again I forget all that I'm just so happy to see her and spend time with her. Maybe she'll be around for longer this time as the book is almost finished, I hope so, but at least I'll have the pub to distract me when she leaves. I'll be able to see much more of Remus too, which is good, well, probably not so good for him as I think he despairs of all my moaning.

Now I'll be living in Hogsmeade though, and I promise I'll be able to come and talk to you more often…guess I'd better go and say hi to Sirius before he starts pouting at you two.” Harry said with a sad smile, as he ran his fingers over his parents' names. He stood and walked back to the tree where he found Hermione next to Sirius' stone.

“Ah, here he is Sirius. Told you he'd want to talk to you.” Hermione said with a smile as Harry sat down next to her.

“Hey Padfoot.” Harry said, taking Hermione's hand.

“Did she tell you I bought the pub? It's going to be great. Helping out the next generation of Marauders, catching up on all the Hogwarts gossip at the weekends, and bugging Remus to ask the new Transfiguration teacher out. I bet he's avoided talking about her? I've only met her briefly, but you should have seen his face when she said hello to us, he's smitten. I'm working on it though. Maybe a prank or two will get them closer.” Harry said with a smirk and Hermione laughed.

“You didn't tell me about that!” She laughed.

“Well, It's a guy thing!” He said with a wink.

“Right…sounds more like a marauders thing to me, and do I have to remind you I'm as much a 2^nd generation marauder as you are?” She teased him.

“Ok, you can help me come up with a genius plan then.” Harry said.

“Well Sirius, it can't fail now, we've got Hermione's brains behind the plan now, and the perfect setting in the pub. I'll let you know how it goes…We miss you…” Harry said softly as they stood.

Harry and Hermione silently contemplated the names on all the other stones around the tree, taking a moment to thank each person who sacrificed their life in the fight against Voldemort. Harry stopped in front of Ginny's name and Hermione gave him a moment, heading over to his parents graves.

“Hey Lily, Hey James. Sorry it's been so long. He sounds so much happier doesn't he? I was so worried about him before, but he's back to his old self, planning pranks and plotting to get Remus on a date. He misses you both so much though. I'm sorry it's been so long since I was last home. I think I've decided to move home though, well, I have decided, I just haven't got used to the idea yet. But I'm here to look after him now, and keep him out of trouble. I promise.” Hermione said quietly, before turning to walk back to Ginny's stone.

Harry and Hermione headed back to the Three Broomsticks to sit and chat before heading to the Burrow, and as it was relatively empty in the bar they talked with Rosmerta.

Chapter Eight

Hermione was bombarded with hugs from Molly Weasley on arrival at The Burrow and though she laughed, she hugged Molly tightly in return; a few unshed tears in her eyes at the loving welcome she'd received. Molly and Hermione were soon chatting in the kitchen, catching up on news as the others chatted with Bill, and tried to control his twin daughters.

They turned as a huge surge in the noise level alerted them to Fred and George's arrival at The Burrow. Hermione smiled when she heard George cry mournfully that Rosmerta was selling The Three Broomsticks and wouldn't tell him who the new owner was. Hermione took Molly's hand and led her through to where she guessed Harry would now be making his announcement. She was ambushed with a big bear hug from Fred as she entered the room and laughed as he whispered something in her ear.

“What was that about?” Molly asked her suspiciously.

“Ah, well I might have supplied Fred and George with a few rare ingredients from Peru for their latest experiment…” Hermione said rather guiltily. Molly simply smiled at Hermione rather than admonishing her however.

“Well, at least I know they're getting some of their ingredients legally then!” Molly said in relief. Hermione blushed at this comment and turned to where George was discussing the pub with Ron and Harry before Molly could see the colour in her cheeks. Molly definitely didn't need to know that the ingredients hadn't been sent legally, she still thought of Hermione as the only one who didn't break the rules, but being best friends with Harry and Ron for so many years, you tended to pick up a little bit of rule breaking, and it was only a harmless ingredient.

“So has anyone heard anything about who bought The Three Broomsticks?” Fred asked returning to the conversation after winking at Hermione.

“Well…” Ron said with a grin.

“Who is it?” George demanded.

“They'd better not change too much. We practically live in that place!”

“I bought it.” Harry said simply.

Everyone turned to stare at him, and Hermione, Ron and Lavender watched their reactions in amusement.

“But you're an Auror Harry!”

“Not anymore. As of next week I don't work at the Ministry anymore. I'll be the new landlord and barman of The Three Broomsticks.”

“That's excellent!” George exclaimed.

“We know we can trust you with the place.” Fred agreed.

Harry was lost in a crowd of male Weasley's for a moment before he made his way over to Molly.

“So what do you think Mum?” He asked a little nervously.

She paused before beaming at him.

“I think you'll be happy, and that's all I ever wanted for you Harry.” She said pulling him into a hug.

After a typically lively Weasley family dinner, Harry and Hermione sat in the kitchen with Molly, chatting at the table.

“So you're finally settling down properly then Harry?” Molly asked him as they drank tea.

“Yep. We'll be moving into the house above the pub. Ron can just apparate to work, and Lavender will be able to just walk down the street to her shop every day which is great considering how much she hates to apparate.” Harry said nodding.

“You'll be moving in there as well Hermione?” Molly asked curiously.

“Well, Hermione will always have a room wherever I live.” Harry answered for her with a smile. Hermione took his hand and linked their fingers together with a smile.

“Hermione?” Molly asked again.

Harry gave his surrogate Mother a slightly warning look which Hermione caught and was rather confused by. Molly looked at them both.

“Harry wont let any of us pressure you or ask when you're coming home for good.” Molly explained gently to Hermione who looked at Harry. Harry looked down at the table, unsure of how Hermione would react to that news.

“I guessed he might have…Thank you Harry.” She said softly. He looked up at her and they exchanged smiles.

“But that doesn't mean I don't worry about you Hermione Jane Granger.” Molly said in a mock stern voice.

“And I'm not the only one. You can't tell me you don't wish Hermione would come home for more than a few weeks at a time Harry.”

Harry looked at Hermione a little nervously.

“Hermione loves her job, I'd never take that away from her.” Harry said quietly.

“Don't avoid the question Harry.” Molly said with a twinkle in her eyes.

“Ok, truthfully, I wish you would come home. I miss you `Mione.” Harry said. There was a slightly awkward pause which Harry tried to then fill.

“Ron has no one to fight with when you're not around, and you know how he gets when that happens…” Harry teased lightly. Hermione gently withdrew her hand from Harry's and he looked up in concern, thinking she was upset with him.

“Well, I wasn't going to say anything until I'd confirmed the offer, but it looks like I'm going to be moving home permanently.” She said with a smile at Harry and Molly's stunned expressions.

“Really? You're not just teasing me?” Harry asked incredulously. Hermione laughed and shook her head. Harry leant over and hugged her tight, and Molly surreptitiously wiped away a tear before the other two noticed.

“What offer?” Molly asked when Harry pulled away from Hermione.

“Well, you know Professor Grubbly Plank took over from Hagrid when he moved to Beuxbatons, but she wants to retire, so Dumbledore offered me the job of Care of Magical Creatures Professor at Hogwarts.” Hermione said with a wide smile.

“Wow! That's great `Mione. You'll be an amazing teacher.” Harry told her proudly. Molly nodded her agreement.

“I'm so pleased for you dear.”

“And you'll be able to continue your research. You said you wanted to work more with Thestrals and Centaurs.” Harry said and Hermione nodded happily.

“It fits in well with my research and I'll have time to write between classes. It's perfect timing really.” Hermione agreed.

Harry's face fell a little however as he thought things over.

“So you'll be living at the castle?” He asked.

“I'm not sure…I'd really like to live with you three, but I haven't been to speak to Dumbledore yet about the details, but Hagrid didn't live inside the castle, so maybe we can work something out. But even if I need to live on the grounds, I'll still be in Hogsmeade so I can see you all the time.” Hermione said. Harry's smile returned at this, and Molly watched the pair of them with amusement, wondering if they even knew how obvious they were at times.

“Ron is going to be so excited! You can volunteer to be the Three Broomsticks chaperone on Hogsmeade weekends and spend all day chatting to us!” Harry said happily and Hermione laughed at his enthusiasm.

“And I can help you with the accounting…” She said rolling her eyes.

“Well, that too.” Harry admitted with a grin.

“You know you love helping me out. You can't resist teaching me about numbers and Arithmancy, you never could.” He teased her back, earning himself a light smack on the arm from his best friend.

They stayed for several more minutes chatting with Molly before standing to head back to London. Harry gathered up their belongings in the other room while Hermione and Molly spoke.

“I'm so pleased you'll be at Hogwarts.” Molly told her.

“It'll be good to be home.” Hermione said with a smile.

“And I'll be able to come and visit everyone here at the Burrow more often.” Hermione said with a smile.

“I'd like that.” Molly said quietly. They stood silently for a moment.

“I went to visit her today…I told her I was coming home…” Hermione said placing a hand on Molly's arm.

“I talk to her too…I can't believe it's been so long…”

“She's with Draco now. I made him promise to take good care of her.” Hermione said.

Molly smiled weakly, her eyes brimming with tears at the thought of her lost daughter.

“I made him promise the same thing.” She admitted.

They hugged briefly before Harry re-entered the kitchen.

“Ready to go?” He asked, linking arms with Hermione. She nodded, and he hugged Molly goodbye before they apparated home, leaving Molly to wake up Arthur, who was fast asleep in his armchair.

(Ok - I wasn't going to write this chapter, I was just going to focus on current events and not the past in this fic, but everyone wanted to know how Draco and Ginny died, and I knew how it happened in my head - so here's an extra chapter which I've worked in to explain the gaps)

Chapter Nine

A week later, Hermione was taking a well-earned break from writing up her notes and editing previously written chapters of her book cataloguing magical creatures across the globe in detail. She sank onto the sofa with a bag of Kettle Chips and a photograph album she'd spied on Harry's desk and she flipped through the pictures as she ate her lunch, hoping Ron didn't catch her eating an unhealthy lunch after all her nagging on the subject over the years.

Hermione paused and giggled at a photograph of Ron puking slugs which Colin had given Harry several years ago. She saw herself, Harry and Ron grow progressively older as she flipped through the pages of the large album and smiled at familiar images, and happy days at Hogwarts and since. She gently ran a finger down the left side of a page as she looked at herself and Ginny, standing in the Gryffindor Common Room, arms around each other, grinning widely and laughing. She missed her friend so much. She couldn't believe Ginny had been gone for so long now, and Draco too. The next image in the album was Ginny sitting on Draco's lap, looking at each other adoringly.

She remembered the events of that fateful day vividly. It had been the Easter holidays and Hermione, Harry and Ron had been sitting with Neville in the Common Room waiting for Ginny so they could go to dinner.

“She's probably with Draco, and lost track of time.” Ron said in an exasperated tone, only just coming to terms with his sister's love for the ferret boy. Hermione nodded her agreement.

“Let's just head down to the Great Hall then, I'm sure they'll find us there.”

The four of them had wandered down through the quiet castle chatting amiably. As they passed through the entrance hall however, their lives had been altered forever. Harry had turned instinctively and spotted that the main door to the castle was ajar. Hermione's gaze followed his and she remembered hearing a scream she hadn't even recognised as her own. They had run towards the doors and seen Ginny lying bleeding in the doorway. Neville went sprinting to the Great Hall pulling open the doors and screaming for the teachers. Hermione had checked Ginny to find a very weak pulse, Ron was cradling his sister's head in his lap and Harry was looking out the door with a focused expression.

“Ginny? Ginny can you hear me?” Hermione asked through her tears.

Ginny's eyes had fluttered open and she had looked at the three of them in relief.

“Death Eaters…attacked us by the lake…Draco…” Ginny broke off as her body was wracked with sobs which appeared to cause her more pain.

“He took a curse for me…he's…dead…” She cried. Professor's Dumbledore, Snape and McGonogal had now joined them, and stood horrified over the youngsters.

“They cursed me…thought I was dead…I got here to warn you…they're about to attack…through the dungeons…be ready…” Ginny gasped as the pain again took over.

Neville now reappeared with Madam Pomfrey who crouched next to them as Ginny's eyes again closed.

Harry stood and was talking animatedly with Professor's Dumbledore and Snape. Hermione was in a daze, still holding Ginny's hand, her mind not even comprehending that Draco was dead.

Everything after that had happened so quickly, the castle had begun to shake, aurors and Order members came flooding into the building once Dumbledore got word to them, and still Ginny lay unmoving in the doorway.

Madam Pomfrey had not needed to say a word; Hermione knew her friend was beyond rescue. It had taken Ron a few moments to comprehend the sad look the nurse gave them before he broke down into silent tears. She held Ginny's hand tight in her own, and her heart felt it would explode with grief when her friend opened her eyes and said goodbye to her.

“Hermione…look out for them for me…and, make sure I stay with Draco.”

“I will Gin, I promise. I know how much you two love…loved each other…” Hermione was crying uncontrollably now.

“I love you Gin.” She said as she squeezed her friend's hand and stood as she saw two familiar figures coming from the Great Hall. They must have just apparated in after Dumbledore temporarily lifted the wards. She walked silently towards them, knowing from their faces that they didn't know yet. Looking around she saw that Harry, Dumbledore and Snape were in the midst of a battle plan with other Order members. She took a deep shuddering breath and prepared to break the worst news any parent could ever hear to Arthur and Molly Weasley.

Even now, Hermione couldn't remember her words, she could only see the memory in her mind as if it were a silent movie, the looks on their faces as she'd explained, Molly's cries as she'd rushed to her daughter, and clung to Arthur and Ron as they sat with Ginny. Skirmishes were now breaking out in the dungeons as more Death Eaters infiltrated the castle, and Hermione knew she had to leave Ginny with her family and help - it was what they'd been working towards for so long. With a long glance behind her she headed towards Harry who was ordering Aurors in all directions. She placed a hand on his arm.

“Harry, you need to say goodbye to her…you won't get another chance…I'll take over here for a minute, and then, we'll do this together, the two of us and Ron.” He nodded silently and hugged her tightly before walking towards his surrogate family.

Hermione had then taken a position directing troops and protecting the entrance hall, and the distressed family as the battleground spread through the castle. She heard what seemed to be an explosion from outside and turned. Harry was looking in the same direction as she was and from his hand placed over his scar she knew what the explosion signalled - Voldemort had arrived. Neville took over her position; she hugged him briefly and whispered a few words of encouragement before walking over and placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.

They watched awkwardly as Ginny said goodbye to her brother, and he kissed her forehead.

“Hermione - you should…” Harry began.

“Don't even say it Harry, I'm coming with you, you need me.”

Ron now stood and joined them, looking back at his sister in turmoil.

“Is it time?” He asked. Harry nodded and with one last look back, they opened the door further, and, wands drawn they cast disillusionment charms on themselves.

“For Ginny.” Ron had said quietly. She and Harry had each placed a hand on Ron's shoulders and repeated his dedication as they stepped out into the darkening night.

Harry's scar had led them easily to Voldemort, and Hermione had never felt more hatred in her entire life. The feelings terrified her, yet they gave her the power to use the Cruciatus curse to hold Voldemort back, and protect Ron, as Harry prepared to use the words which had ended his parents lives. Ron told her later that the final battle between the three of them and Voldemort had lasted over thirty minutes, and that she'd been hit by several painful curses, but in her mind it was over in seconds, the hatred for Voldemort, and the pain of knowing that Ginny lay dying, or may even have died already, had taken over. The three had stood breathless and in shock as Voldemort collapsed to the ground in death. Harry had silently walked towards him and picked up his wand from the ground, snapping it in two, and removing the Phoenix feather, which he then placed in his pocket. A quick spell from Ron had illuminated the area where they stood, and alerted others to Voldemort's demise. Neville had told them later that at the moment Voldemort died, the Death Eater he was duelling had grabbed his own arm and cried out in pain as the Dark Mark burned. That moment of distraction as all the Death Eaters cried out had allowed the Order to gain the upper hand in the ongoing battle.

Ron and Hermione had followed silently behind Harry as he levitated Voldemort's body back towards the castle from where they stood on the edge of the forest. Ron laid a hand on Harry's shoulder stopping him however as they neared the Whomping Willow, he had nodded in the direction of the lake, and Hermione and Harry had understood implicitly.

“I promised Ginny.” Ron whispered.

The three left Voldemort's body where they stood, Hermione stood between her best friends and taking one of their hands each she led them down to the lakeside where they found the body of Draco Malfoy. Hermione cried silently, and Harry placed an arm around her shoulder as Ron picked Draco up in his arms and nodded to them before retracing their steps.

As they had expected, the battle was largely over when they reached the castle doors. Ron laid Draco's body beside Ginny's, which was now draped with a sheet. Molly Weasley sat next to her deceased daughter, her eyes dry, though as her son placed Draco on the floor and rested Ginny's hand on Draco's, the floodgates opened again - not only in grief, but in pride for her son. Ron had remained with Molly, Hermione had stood with her wand in her shaking hand, on the steps just outside the doors of the castle, guarding the body of Lord Voldemort, refusing to disrespect the inside of the castle with his body, and not wanting to further alarm or upset anyone. Harry had run wand drawn into the remaining battle.

Hermione had stood there silently for some time before she steeled her nerves and looked into the red eyes of their nemesis. She didn't care what was proper at that moment, nor that he was already dead, she kicked the body hard in the side.

“That's for Lily.”

She kicked it again, harder this time.

“That was for James.”

She kicked.

“That's for Sirius.”

She kicked hard twice, tears now rolling down her face.

“That's for Neville's parents.”

She kicked again.

“That's for Draco.”

She stared right into the inhuman eyes for a moment before pointing her wand at the corpse. She then performed a curse Ginny had long perfected.

“And that's for Ginny.”

Her body was now wracked with sobs and she turned to see Albus Dumbledore standing behind her. She looked up at the Headmaster.

“Is it over?” She asked quietly. He nodded.

“I will deal with Tom now. You'll find the others in the hospital wing.” Hermione turned and headed inside, leaving the Headmaster admiring an expert Bat-Bogey Hex adorning the face of the most feared wizard of all time.

Hermione hadn't registered quite what the Headmaster was telling her until she was halfway to the hospital wing - this must mean they were hurt! She broke into a flat out run, not slowing until she burst through the doors of the hospital wing. Her eyes frantically scanned the crowds of people in the large room. She saw Ron and flung herself at him in a bone-crushing hug.

“Thank God you're ok.” She sobbed against him. He hugged her back.

“Where's Harry?” She asked looking around. Ron pointed to the drawn curtains behind him and Hermione gasped.

“He's ok.” Ron rapidly assured her.

“Just badly burnt. Madam Pomfrey's with him at the moment.”

Hermione nodded.

“I'll stay with him Ron. You…you should be with your family.” She said softly. Ron brushed a tear from his face and took a step away.

“I'm proud of you Ron.” She said. He looked up at her surprised.

“Ginny was too.” She said softly. Ron smiled weakly and walked to stand beside his Father.

Hermione had taken over from Madam Pomfrey, applying a potion to the burns on Harry once his worst injuries were healed, as the nurse made her way around the ward treating the patients who were being brought in from all over the castle. She and Harry had spoken quietly as she worked, Harry had laughed softly, a melancholy sound as she admitted what she had done to Voldemort's body. He took her hand.

“Thanks `Mione.”

She looked at him questioningly.

“I didn't get a chance, but I wanted to do the same thing…well, maybe I would have hexed him to hell and back rather than kicking him, but using the Bat-Bogey was inspired.”

They smiled sadly at one another as they tried to acknowledge that Ginny and Draco were really gone.

Hermione placed the photograph album next to her and wiped her tears away. It was a long time ago, and because of Draco's sacrifice, Ginny had lived long enough to get to the castle and warn them of the attack, preventing the loss of many lives.

During the battle inside the castle only six Order members had lost their lives, a blessing considering the number of Death Eaters that had entered the grounds. Many Death Eaters had been killed, and all others captured. Neville had the satisfaction of killing Bellatrix Lestrange and Ron had killed Lucius. Harry had never spoken of it, but Hermione knew he had been responsible for Peter Pettigrew's death, and she was glad he'd had a chance to end the cycle. Harry had remained in the hospital wing for three days, Hermione had sat in the gap between his and Neville's beds, joined at times by Ron, who was subdued, but coping well considering. Ginny's funeral had been held two days after Harry's release from hospital, and she and Harry had been honoured to stand with the family as they again said their emotional goodbyes to their friend. All the Weasley's had returned home and clustered together to support one another, and Harry, Hermione, Tonks and Remus had been with them.

Hermione remembered the shocked look on Narcissa Malfoy's face as so many had entered the chapel for her sons funeral the day after Ginny's. She had stood supportively at Molly's elbow as the two Mother's spoke, and Molly told Narcissa how brave her son had been, and how happy he had made Ginny. Ron and Harry had also offered their condolences to Mrs. Malfoy, and Narcissa had thanked Ron for carrying her son to the castle, having been informed of this by Professor Dumbledore. Ron had simply nodded silently before following his Mother from the Chapel.

Hermione felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped. She wiped away a few stray tears and smiled sadly at Ron who stood behind her. He moved and sat next to her on the sofa, picking up the album and looking at the image of Hermione and Ginny. He smiled.

“Look how happy the two of you were there.” He said wistfully.

“I miss her so much Ron.” Hermione said with a sob.

Ron wrapped his arm around her shoulder and hugged her.

“Me too Hermione, me too.”

They sat for several minutes before Ron flipped back to the beginning of the album and began looking through it, managing to get a smile and eventually a giggle from Hermione as they reminisced over their time at Hogwarts. Ron paused on a picture taken at the beginning of their Seventh Year, which showed Hermione and Harry posing for the camera. She remembered the day with a smile. Harry had been teasing her and picked her up in his arms, she had struggled for a minute then given up and just grinned at him, putting her arms around his neck as they posed for Ron who was taking the picture. They both looked incredibly happy, their eyes sparkling.

“You know he's never that happy when you're away.” Ron said with a sly grin.

“Well I'm not going away anymore remember, I'm working at Hogwarts.” Hermione told him, closing the album and placing it on the table.

“That's not what I'm trying to tell you `Mione.” Ron said gently.

She looked up at him startled.

“What are you trying to tell me then?”

“What he won't tell you…he's only that happy when you're in the room. He's still happy, but there isn't that glint in his eye. I get the feeling you've known that in the back of your mind for quite some time - but maybe now you're ready to not run away from it, and what it means.”

Hermione stared at him in amazement.

“When did you get so smart Ronald Weasley?” She asked, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Well, I did have a good tutor for seven years at school.” He said.

“Ah flattery will get you everywhere Mr. Weasley.” She grinned.

“Then again, it could be that my girlfriend, while no longer an outrageous gossip as she once was, still can't keep a secret from me.”

Hermione laughed.

“I should have known!”

“But seriously Hermione. Think about it.”

Hermione stood up from the sofa and stretched.

“I will. Thanks Ron.”

Chapter Ten

The next morning Hermione made the trip to Hogwarts and officially accepted the position of Care of Magical Creatures Professor.

“I can't tell you how happy I am to see you home Miss. Granger.” Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.

“Though I think perhaps, there's another who's even happier to see you settling down.”

Hermione nodded and smiled, understanding Dumbledore's meaning.

“Professor…”

“Please, call me Albus.”

“Albus, would it be possible to make some arrangement so that I could live for part of the time at The Three Broomsticks with Harry?”

“Ah, so the rumours are true, Harry is the new mystery owner.” Dumbledore chuckled.

“James would be pleased.” Dumbledore laughed.

“Of course we can arrange something Hermione, though you will of course still be needed at the castle for certain mealtimes and school events as well as your lessons, but we can work all the details out at another time. I suppose we should get all this bothersome parchment out of the way today though, you know how the Ministry is about parchment…”

Hermione nodded and smiled as they set to work arranging her contract with the school.

It was as Hermione walked through the grounds after her meeting with Dumbledore she realised just what she had asked him. Could she live with Harry? Not with Harry, Ron and Lavender. She stopped and her face fell into a sad smile as she saw where her feet had taken her.

She was standing exactly where she'd been standing that day.

It had been only weeks after the final battle and she; Harry and Ron had been sitting in silence in a secluded spot near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Sheltered by the dark trees, their faces half in shadow each had been lost in their own thoughts. Hermione had been lost in thought when she swore she heard Ginny's voice calling hello to the three of them. She had looked up to smile at her friend, and as she realised it was just the whispering of the trees she had held back a choked sob. Harry and Ron had both looked at her and moved closer, saying nothing, not needing to.

Hermione had recovered herself and as the boys began talking softly she came back to them and joined their conversation. It was the first time the subject had been broached, what would they do now? Hermione was unsurprised that Ron had rethought a Quidditch career in the aftermath, it was Harry's answer that she had been waiting for, it was the answer to what she would be doing after Hogwarts, it was the answer to everything really. Just looking at the confusion on his face as Ron posed the question broke Hermione's heart.

“I guess, well, I guess I'll accept the auror position they're offering me.” Harry said, sounding like a lost boy. Hermione wanted to reach out and touch his arm, and tell him it wouldn't make him happy, but she knew he had to figure out for himself what he wanted. It was going to take time just as she'd feared. That was when she made the decision. Travelling and continuing her NEWTS research project on magical creatures was something she had always wanted to do, but what she wanted to do more than anything right then was to stay and be there for Harry.

Ron and Harry had both turned to look at her, for her response to the question, both suddenly realising they had no idea what Hermione wanted to do next.

“Well, what about you `Mione?” Harry had asked.

“I've decided to continue my research.” She told them, her voice threatening to break.

“You're going to study more?” Ron asked incredulously. Hermione rolled her eyes but had never been more thankful for Ron's teasing than at that moment. It not only took the heat off herself, but it signalled Ron's return from wherever he'd been for the last few weeks.

“No, I'm going to go travelling, all over the place, to properly study magical creatures in their natural habitats and then write new studies of them.” Hermione said, her passion for the subject making itself heard as she spoke.

“So, you're leaving?” Harry asked. Hermione avoided his eyes, focusing instead on the faded image of the lightning bolt on his forehead.

“Only for a while, I'll be gone for a few months at a time I think, and then I'll be back to write things up. I don't know how long the whole project will take. The Ministry wrote to me offering me several research grants, I haven't organised anything yet though.” Hermione told them.

Everything had stemmed from there. Once she'd told Harry and Ron, the decision was made. She would let Harry find his own identity in a post-Voldemort world: a world where he needed to be something other than The-Boy-Who-Lived, or The-Boy-Who-Defeated-Voldemort. If she and Ron were helping him every step of the way he wouldn't realise who he really was, and she knew he was searching.

Yes, that was when she had decided not to tell anyone she loved Harry Potter, not until he was ready to hear it himself.

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Chapter Eleven

Hermione walked slowly through the village of Hogsmeade, oblivious to the looks she received as people recognised as the elusive member of the famous trio. She knew Harry had sorted his life out by himself. She'd had a hunch he had feelings for her long before Ron had oh-so-subtly told her that Harry had feelings for her… Oh this shouldn't be so difficult, I'm a bloody Gryffindor for goodness sake, where is all that Gryffindor courage when you need it?

Her feet had taken over as she thought, and looking up she realised she was standing right outside the Leaky Cauldron. Sighing at just how pathetic she was being, she pushed open the doors and walked into the familiar pub. Rosmerta greeted her with a smile and a wave and Hermione, waving back, headed to their old `usual' booth in the back corner of the pub.

“Good to see you again Hermione. You meeting the boys? Harry mentioned he'd be in this afternoon.”

Hermione looked up in surprise, shaking her head.

“No, I didn't realise he was coming in, I just thought I'd pop in for some lunch. I've been up at Hogwarts.”

Seeing Rosmerta's look of interest, Hermione invited her to sit down with a smile. Leaning across the table a bit she continued.

“I've taken the post of Care of Magical Creatures Professor. No one really knows yet.”

Rosmerta beamed at her.

“Oh I'm so glad you're back to stay dear. It's not the same seeing Harry and Ron in here without you, they look like a part of them is missing, especially poor Harry as Ron has Lavender after all.” Hermione smiled, having heard this many times over the years of their friendship.

“I'll admit I'm so excited to be coming home for good…it was easier to go away at first…”

“What do you mean, easier?” Rosmerta interrupted concerned, placing a hand gently over Hermione's.

“After the battle, losing Ginny, and well, Harry needed time to figure out who he was for himself…I knew he'd hate auror life but it wasn't my place…you know what I'm like Rosy, I would have had to bite my tongue to stop myself running his life, and Rons for that matter…going away gave me a chance to sort my head out, and gave them the chance to sort their lives out…and now it's all worked out…”

“Oh Hermione I never realised…” Rosmerta said, her eyes a little damp with tears. Hermione looked up, and realised she had revealed a little too much, though it felt like a relief to let some of the pent up feelings out.

“You poor dear…I see it so clearly now, I can't believe I never noticed before how much you love him. But shouldn't he have made the decision whether or not he wanted you with him?” Rosmerta asked confused.

Hermione shook her head sadly, unshed tears in her eyes.

“You didn't see him…those days immediately after the battle, he was just a shell walking around, Harry wasn't there anymore. He didn't know who he was. He never understood that we loved him for him, not for being the-boy-who-lived; he needed to understand we loved him for being him and not the-boy-who-saved-the-world…it absolutely killed me to walk away. I hated being away from him and Ron, but I still think I did the right thing. This will mean so much more to him, knowing he found his way in life by himself, knowing that it's definitely what he wants…”

“And if he wants you?” Rosmerta asked gently.

“He's got me. I've always loved him; I always will love him…I just have to find someway to tell him that now. I'm just so scared. What if he's angry with me for going away? What if he doesn't feel the same way? If I ruined our friendship I'd be completely lost…I wouldn't have anything left.” Hermione finished in a whisper, unable to stop the flood of emotions and tears once she'd started.

Rosmerta leaned over and touched Hermione's cheek gently.

“The three of you have the strongest friendship I've seen since Harry's father and his friends…nothing can take that away - nothing. Be brave Hermione. And in the meantime I'll go out back and get Oliver to whip you up some of that French Onion Soup you love so much.”

Hermione smiled gratefully and dried her eyes, looking at the table as Rosmerta walked away.

Rosmerta walked away from the table slowly, shaking her head slightly in a disbelieving manner, that was one brave young woman. She suddenly paused instinctively and looked to her right, her mouth dropping slightly. There in the booth behind the one she had just left, directly behind Hermione, sat a very shocked looking Harry Potter. Looking around the pub she saw she had only one other customer in the early afternoon lull, and silently managed to usher them out of the pub, placing the closed sign on the door.

Harry stood and walked towards the door as if to leave. Rosmerta quietly moved to block his path, seeing the unshed tears in his eyes, the pain, anger and confusion fighting against his own feelings for Hermione. He must have walked in while they were talking, and heard nearly everything.

“I think the two of you have waited long enough to tell each other the truth my dear…you both had your reasons…try to understand hers…she would risk her life to make you happy as I believe she's done many times. Don't be angry.” Rosmerta said very quietly, watching as emotions flitted across Harry's face. She gently placed her hands on his shoulders and turned him around, giving him a gentle push in the right direction.

Harry stood completely still for a moment, knowing Hermione was there though he hadn't yet seen her. Then he let his legs take over and put one foot in front of the other until he was standing next to their usual booth.

“Hermione…”

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Oopsy - thanks for pointing out my typo back in chapter eleven - brain must have been taking a nap - of course Hermione walks into the Three Broomsticks and not the Leaky Cauldron. Big thanks to everyone who has reviewed this story.

Chapter Twelve

Hermione turned in surprise to see Harry there, and hastily wiped a hand across her eyes to hide her tears.

“Hi Harry.”

When he didn't immediately sit down she looked closer at his face, and as she saw the confusion in his eyes, she gasped.

“You heard?”

Harry simply nodded, not breaking eye contact. Hermione stood, and looked down at her hands.

“I'm so sorry Harry…I…” She turned to run away, but Harry firmly caught her arm. Hermione looked back at him, tears still falling gently down her face, shocked that the anger she'd seen in his eyes only seconds before seemed to have vanished. He pulled her gently back towards him and wrapped her up in a tight hug.

After a moment, the silence became a little awkward as neither Harry nor Hermione knew what to say to the other for the first time in many years. Hermione gently pulled away and slowly lifted her gaze to meet Harry's again.

“We should talk.” He said quietly. Hermione nodded and taking the hand he offered her, followed him out of the pub and through the streets of Hogsmeade.

Madam Rosmerta watched them go with a smile; they were so like Lily and James.

After ten minutes Hermione couldn't take it anymore, they were now well away from the village, almost on the outskirts of the Hogwarts grounds and Harry had not said a word since they left the Three Broomsticks and she was itching to know what was going through that head of his.

“Harry?”

She turned and gaped at him as she heard him chuckle.

“What?”

“I was just wondering how long before the silence would drive you insane, you lasted longer than I thought you would.”

Hermione's lips twitched into the hint of a smile as she elbowed him lightly in the ribs.

“Very funny Potter.”

They stood smiling at each other for a moment, until Hermione spoke again.

“I'm sorry Harry, I never meant for you to find out that way.”

“You mean you never meant for me to find out?” Harry said a little more harshly than he'd intended.

“No Harry.” Hermione placed a hand on his arm.

“I was planning to tell you. I've thought about nothing else for days, you deserved to know why I really went away after graduation. I'm so sorry I had to lie to you. Hopefully you understand why?”

Harry looked at her thoughtfully.

“I was angry you'd lied to me, but I've had a little while to think about it, and Rosmerta kicked me in the right direction - you did it for the right reasons I suppose, looking back I guess finally finding what I wanted to do wouldn't have been quite the same if I hadn't had to do it myself…is…is that the only thing you're sorry for?” They looked at each other intensely.

“Yes. I'll never be sorry for how I feel about you Harry. I'm just sorry I left without explaining why. As much as I love my job, I've hated being away. I officially accepted Dumbledore's job-offer this morning.”

Harry watched her silently for a moment; his expressive green eyes for once a complete mystery to Hermione.

“Why are you coming home now?” Harry asked, already half knowing the answer, but needing to hear it directly.

“Because I want to, and because I think you love me too.”

They looked at each other for a moment before Harry's mouth twitched into a grin.

He took a step towards her and ran a hand lightly across her cheek.

“You know you're too smart for your own good sometimes Miss. Granger?” Hermione smiled up at him.

“That's Professor Granger…But you love me anyway?” She teased, though there was a hint of doubt in her voice as she asked the question.

“Yes, I love you.” Harry whispered as he leaned closer and kissed her very gently on the lips. Hermione grinned against his lips for a brief moment before looping her arm behind his neck to pull him closer, and kissing him passionately.

They stood, several minutes' later, foreheads resting against one another, grinning like idiots at each other.

“Now, that was definitely worth the wait.” Harry said with a wink.

Hermione laughed and threw her arms around him in a tight hug as he laughed with her.

“It was definitely worth it.” She grinned into his shoulder.

“How about that lunch you were ordering earlier?” Harry suggested after they had stood alternately kissing and grinning at each other for nearly half an hour.

“At the Three Broomsticks?”

Harry nodded.

“Lead the way then. What were you going in this afternoon for anyway?” Hermione asked, inwardly grinning with glee as Harry wrapped his arm possessively around her waist as they walked back towards Hogsmeade village.

“I have to sign a few renewal contracts with suppliers and breweries and Rosmerta is going to supervise, and go after the last few running details before she closes on Sunday.” Hermione nodded her understanding.

“So have you set a date for the grand reopening yet?”

“I think I'm going to give us three weeks to get all the changes finished then reopen on the Friday night?” Harry said, asking for Hermione's approval.

“Seems logical…very unlike you Harry.” She teased.

“Hey!” Harry tickled her, and their progress into the village was halted by a brief tickle attack followed by some not so brief kissing.

They resumed their walking, Harry hugging Hermione to his side.

“I spoke to Dumbledore this morning about the possibility of me living in Hogsmeade.” Hermione said softly.

“And?” Harry asked tensely.

“He didn't see a problem with establishing some kind of connection between my chambers at the school, and the Three Broomsticks so I can nearly always stay at home overnight as long as I still fulfil my duties as a Professor.”

Harry placed his other arm around Hermione and swung her around while she laughed. Putting her down gently he grinned at her.

“That just makes everything perfect. You'll be home.”

They stood smiling at each other yet again until Hermione started laughing, grabbing his hand and dragging him towards the pub.

“Come on Harry, I don't know about you but I'm hungry and Rosmerta promised me my favourite soup.”

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