Chapter Three
Harry and Ron spent the 48 hours after waking, working solidly, trapped in a room similar to the Room of Requirement, they fought every kind of foe imaginable in a forest environment, dodging spells, dragons, vampires, working together flawlessly despite their fatigue. They didn't relax until the door of the room opened revealing Alastor Moody. Moody simply nodded at the pair, dismissing them from training for the day. They walked back to their small bare room in silence, simply sharing a look before they climbed into their beds and fell to sleep.
Harry looked at his watch when he awoke and was gratified to see he'd managed to cram in 18 hours of sleep without being disturbed, something he's needed for about three weeks now. Ron was already up and dressed, now reading through a letter Harry recognised to be from Mrs. Weasley. Ron looked up at Harry.
"I'm going." Harry said simply.
"The letter?" Ron asked. Harry nodded and Ron grinned.
Ron had note Harry's determination in their training over the last 2 days and nights and had immediately sensed what was driving Harry to prove himself beyond all doubt. Ron knew that Harry was the most powerful and talented wizard in the world, but Harry had insisted on attending the full Auror training to refine his skills, and to practice working with Ron who would be his partner if they graduated training.
Ron wished he could just get home for one day, even just one meal as a break from the monotony of the training compound they were imprisoned in. Well, technically he was the only one imprisoned as Ron knew that Harry would be able to effortlessly break through the impermeable apparition shield surrounding the building, he had just chosen not to reveal this to their instructors. Sadly, even Harry couldn't overcome the charm which prevented any parchment or paper leaving the compound before it burst into flames, meaning they were unable to contact their friends or family. Ron had been able to cope pretty well with this up to several days ago as he and Harry had one another to talk to, but he knew his Mum had needed ALL of her family close this week, remembering Ginny, which would only cause her to think of Percy's death also.
Judging from the smile on Harry's face, Hermione must have at least hinted at having feelings for Harry, if not admitting them outright, Ron decided not to pry, as Harry would tell him when he was ready to.
"They could disqualify you." Ron reminded Harry, feeling the need to take Hermione's role as the voice of reason for a moment, as those in Auror training only left the compound if their training was complete, or if they quit. Harry nodded and answered the unspoken question he could see in his best friends eyes.
"It's worth it." They smiled at each other and Harry headed to the shower to make himself a little more presentable.
Ten minutes later Harry stood in a pair of jeans and black t-shirt, looking rather nervously at Ron.
"I haven't really thought this through too much." He admitted.
"Well it's Wednesday right?" Harry thought for a second and agreed, it was hard to keep track of the days when you didn't see the outside world.
"Ok, so she and her friends will be having lunch in their usual place, something about all Muggle University's having Wednesday afternoons off I seem to remember." Ron said frowning. Harry grinned.
"Of course! You're a genius Ron." Ron laughed.
"Glad you've finally realised it. Now give her a great big hug from me, and ask her if she'll let Mum know I'm ok." Harry nodded. The two friends hugged briefly.
"You'll be able to handle everything here?"
Ron nodded with a grin.
"I can't wait to see Moody's face when the alarms go off."
"I'll be back in an hour or two." They grinned at each other, and with a pop Harry had disapparated and a low siren began to wail throughout the compound. Ron grinned as the door to their room flew open and a team of Aurors swept in, wands drawn.
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Hermione had thrown herself into her University work the past two days, and subsequently she was now two weeks ahead in her reading list, but had been able to take short breaks from thinking about Harry and his possible reactions to the letter. She entered Mr. Wu's with a smile as she saw her friends gathered at their usual table at the back of the tiny Chinese restaurant in Leicester Square. As usual for lunchtime, the place was packed, and the noisy atmosphere was comforting, as was the thought of all the food she was about to eat. Having greeted her friends and ordered a drink she weaved her way back through the tables to the all-you-can-eat buffet and began piling up some food.
The seven friends sat chatting and laughing together while they ate, dissecting the phone call Jen had finally received from Dan, and laughing at Jen's blush whenever his name was mentioned. James turned to Hermione with a curious look as the laughter died down.
"So what's this I hear about a love interest for you then?" He asked her, having not seen her in the last two days as she hid in the library. Hermione blushed.
"So why have none of us met the mysterious Harry then?" Jackie asked, having been curious about this since Hermione's revelations the other morning.
"He's in training. He's…well; he's with the Special Forces. And he isn't allowed to contact anyone during the first 6 months of his training for this new job." She said sadly, though with a hint of pride. "My other best friend Ron is training with him." Hermione said with a smile. Max looked impressed.
"They're really young to be on such intensive training aren't they?" He asked.
Hermione nodded. Mel was beginning to look very interested and Hermione laughed, knowing her friends fascination with men in uniform.
"I'll introduce you as soon as they're out of training." Hermione said with a grin.
"Maybe you won't need to. I might be married by then." Mel said distractedly. Hermione raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"The most gorgeous man I've ever laid eyes on has just walked through the door." Mel elaborated. Jackie turned and gasped.
"Oh wow." She said turning back.
"For once Mel isn't exaggerating. Those eyes. I've never seen such green eyes."
Hermione froze.
"Green eyes?" She asked quietly. Everyone turned to look at Hermione whose eyes were sparkling slightly. Jackie nodded silently.
"I'm going to guess that he has black hair, and a very distinctive scar on his forehead, in the shape of a lightning bolt." She said softly, now sensing a familiar aura of magic in the room. Mel's eyes widened at her friends description of the man who stood scanning his eyes over the restaurant.
"You know him?" She gasped.
"Well, you wanted to meet Harry. Look's like he's here." Hermione said, a dazzling smile spreading across her face as she stood and turned around, finally seeing him for herself. Their eyes met, and even Jen gasped as Harry smiled, his whole face lighting up. Hermione was now weaving her way through the tables towards Harry, moving as fast as she could, her eyes not leaving his. She was finally out away from the tables and Harry took a step towards her, wrapping her up in his arms. Hermione hugged him as tight as possible, breathing in the familiar scent, and grinning into his shoulder as he kissed her hair.
Harry finally released her a little and looked down at her smiling.
"I missed you so much." He said quietly.
"I missed you too." She said with a half smile.
"Harry how did you get here? You haven't finished training."
"Ah, well I apparated out." He said smiling sheepishly. She gasped.
"But…"
"I know Brown. But I needed to see you. I needed to see you even before I got your letter… I'll deal with Mad-Eye when I get back. But I though maybe we could spend an hour or two together?" He asked, and Hermione laughed as he pouted childishly.
"I'd like nothing better." She said with a grin, before hugging him again.
"I guess I'd better introduce you to my friends before they come running over here to interrogate you." She said, taking his hand instinctively as she always did while they walked.
"Oh, I told them you were with Special Forces, Training for a new position." Harry nodded and smiled at her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to him as they walked towards her friends.
"Everyone, this is Harry. Harry, this is Jen, James, Jackie, Tom, Max and Mel." Hermione said pointing out her friends.
"Hi. Sorry to drop by unannounced." He said, giving them his trademark-charming grin. Hermione held back a giggle as the girls fell victim to it. She made a move to grab a chair for Harry from another table, but he caught her wrist as she went to move and he sat down in her vacated chair, pulling her onto his lap. She smiled at him, oblivious to the wide eyes of her friends.
"So Harry. What are you doing here? Hermione was just telling us you were in training." Tom asked curiously, noting the way Hermione's eyes sparkled as she smiled. He didn't think he'd seen her so happy in the last three months.
Harry grinned a little guiltily.
"Ah, well I went AWOL. Just for a few hours. I have to head back to training before they convince Ron to tell them where I am." He said with a laugh. Hermione giggled at her friend's looks of shock.
"I don't think Ron will have any trouble keeping this secret. He isn't that different from Fred and George." Hermione reminded him.
She handed her plate of half eaten food to Harry who grinned gratefully and took a few mouthfuls.
"Decent food for once. I might never go back at this rate."
Harry settled easily into the conversation as Tom asked Jen a few teasing questions about Dan.
"He called eventually then?" Harry asked to a surprised look from Jen.
"Hermione here leaves no details out of her letters." He said apologetically. Jen laughed, knowing that would be true considering how much effort Hermione put into all her work, even the essays that didn't count towards a final grade. As everyone finished their meals, Hermione felt Harry take her hand a squeeze it lightly.
"We're going to go guys. I'll see you all at home later on." Hermione said softly.
Everyone said their goodbyes, Jen hugging Hermione as Harry shook the boys hands.
"Go for it hunny." She whispered. Hermione laughed and whispered back.
"I intend to." They smiled at one another briefly, Hermione leaving some money on the table to cover her meal, as she led Harry out of the restaurant.