Sorry for Love

DISCLAIMER: Everything belongs to JK Rowling

A/N: I'd like to thank Another for being my beta, you're fantastic! This is my first fanfiction on this site; I really hope it goes well. Please read and review, and I'd appreciate constructive criticism, I'm always striving to write better. Here goes…

Sorry for Love

.:.Chapter 1.:. Auror Business

Hermione Granger lay on her bed inside her London house thinking about life and everything that had happened to her in that time. Sometimes she wished she had a Pensieve, she had as much on her mind as Dumbledore did she thought. Now that she was out of school, had a social life, and was an Auror with Harry Potter, her mind was totally boggled to the extreme. Harry was one of Hermione's best friends, the other being Ron Weasley. Ron was the comic relief of the infamous trio made up of mischief makers, he was that boy who always made someone laugh or cry. He had a slight temper, but got jealous very easily.

But Hermione had grown closer to Harry over the years, over the long, restless years leading up to their adult-hood. None other than Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents when he wasn't even a year old, caused most of that heartache over the years. But he was defeated; defeated and gone for good. It had been three long years since his agonizing death, and the world was starting to be a much better place already. Most of the Death Eaters had died along with their master, but some still lived…in Azkaban. No more heartache…no more angst…no more Voldemort.

Stumbling out of bed, Hermione grabbed a hair tie from her bedside table and pulled her long, curly hair into a messy bun. She was already dressed for work, so she grabbed her briefcase with all her paperwork inside of it and walked down the hall into the living room to apparate to Auror headquarters in the Ministry of Magic.

.+.

It wasn't even 7:00 in the morning when Harry Potter jumped out of bed, ready to go for work. The old wooden floor creaked beneath his feet when he got out of bed, but that didn't bother him. At least he had a house, a very big house. The old dark house had belonged to Sirius Black, Harry's deceased godfather. Being in the house didn't really bother Harry much anymore, now that Sirius had been gone for so long. He had grown used to it, but a pang of sadness came every now and then. If he thought about Sirius like that, falling through the veil, he would never forgive himself. He decided to just not think about it, which always made Harry considerably happier.

While pulling his shoes on over his socks, he thought about his friends who had always been there for him. Ron was still there for him; he worked in the Magical Games and Sports Department in the Ministry of Magic while Hermione and Harry were Aurors. Yes, Hermione had always been there for Harry too…more times then Ron had. Whenever Harry was feeling so horrible that he just wanted to be left alone and cry to himself, Hermione was there. Ron wasn't the kind of friend he could do that with. He was Harry's best mate, his best male friend. Hermione was something more…like a person he could go to for everything.

Grabbing his cloak off the coat rack that replaced Sirius's screaming mother who had been removed from the wall, he left the house and apparated to the Ministry of Magic.

.+.

“Hey Hermione!” Someone was walking over to the petite brown-haired woman overloaded with paperwork.

“Luna,” said Hermione, looking at her friend exhaustedly. “Could you help me with this? I'm almost done with it, I just need you to carry my bag,” she handed Luna the briefcase.

“Okay Mione,” she said, taking the heavy bag. “How are you?”

“I'm exhausted after a long day at work. How about you?” asked Hermione.

“Can't complain. Ron hasn't been home in a while though…he's starting to worry me a little. He's been working in that office non-stop for the past week,” she said, shaking her head.

“Well he'll come home soon. London is hosting the Quidditch Cup this year remember? I'm sure that he's overloaded like me.”

“Why are you so overloaded?” asked Luna concernedly.

“Oh, just work. It should die down though.”

“If you say so.” The two women walked into the small yet organized cubicle. Hermione had to be organized, or else she couldn't function. It was like she had OCD, she had to be clean and neat no matter what. Her desk had trays where she put most of the paperwork, and then there were file cabinets under the desk. The only thing that was really out of order was the top of her desk, which had been littered with inter-departmental memos from when she left the office. She heaved the papers into her chair and Luna set her briefcase by her desk. Picking up all the memos, Hermione put the papers she had been carrying into their proper places in the cabinets and trays until she could plop down into her chair. She heaved a great sigh and she looked at Luna who was sitting opposite her in an extra chair.

“How do you keep it so organized?” she asked in awe.

“I'm obsessive when it comes to cleanliness, didn't you know?” Hermione asked.

“I did know. But you have so many papers…” she looked around.

“That's why I go to the muggle department stores to get trays and cabinets unlike some people I know,” said Hermione, looking towards Seamus's cubicle across from hers that was very sloppy and papers littered all over the desk. She shook her head. Hermione never knew Seamus as the organized type anyway. Luna shot a faint smile at her and Hermione returned it. Suddenly Hermione thought about something. Why was Luna here? She didn't work at the Ministry…

“So why were you here Luna?” asked Hermione.

“I was doing some work for my dad. The Quibbler is going out of business I'm afraid, it's no good anymore,” she sighed. Hermione knew how much Luna loved working for her dad, and wondered where she'd find another job.

“It's okay Luna, you'll find another job and your dad will be fine,” said Hermione reassuringly.

“Oh I've already found one! I've applied for the new Divination teacher at Hogwarts!” she said excitedly. Luna was a Seer, and a very good one at that. It was about time Trelawney got out of that school. She was proud for Luna.

“That's great! I knew Dumbledore would do something about Trelawney,” said Hermione.

“Well, Sibyl Trelawney is retiring on her own accord actually. She said she's seen too much coming to actually face it,” Luna said, rolling her eyes.

“Oh well it was time she threw it to the dogs. She was getting up in age too. Hopefully she'll be an elementary school teacher somewhere,” Hermione laughed and Luna did too. Hermione imagined the poor little children with a teacher who predicted their deaths every few seconds. Suddenly Hermione heard a knock on the side of her cubicle and saw Harry Potter standing in the doorway. What did he want?

“Hello Luna, Hermione,” he said, nodding. “Can I speak to you about something Mione? Sorry Luna, it's Auror business,” he said in a truly sorry tone of voice. Luna nodded her head, shot a glance at Hermione, and left the cubicle.

“Auror business? What kind?” asked Hermione curiously.

“I just needed to talk to you in private,” he said, taking the seat that was occupying Luna moments before.

“About what?”

“Listen,” he said, leaning closer to Hermione. “Ron was talking to me the other day and said that Luna's birthday is coming up. He hasn't been around her at all the past few weeks and feels really bad about it. He was wondering if you could help us plan a get together for her. Make her feel like Ron is sorry about not being there for her.”

“That sounds like a great idea. She was talking to me about that before you came in and ruined our conversation,” said Hermione jokingly. Harry rolled his eyes and looked into her eyes. They were so full of spirit, and cunning.

“Ron said that he couldn't get together with us to plan until next week, so he said that we could do it alone,” said Harry quietly.

“Okay sounds great. When do you want to do it?” asked Hermione.

“Maybe tomorrow night at my place. We get off work early tomorrow remember?” said Harry.

“Oh yeah…well that sounds okay. So is there any real Auror business that we need to talk about?” asked Hermione, taking a stack of papers from one of her trays.

“Nope, just that. I'll see you later Mione, I need to go tell Ron you're helping us with it,” said Harry, walking out of the room. Hermione shifted in her comfortable office chair. She hadn't been to Grimmauld Place in a long time, it would be fun with just her and Harry. She couldn't wait until tomorrow, when she could help plan Luna's birthday. But something bothered her…she would be alone…in a house…with a boy that had grown up and turned into a very handsome young man who was her best friend.

.+.

Harry was walking towards Ron's office when he ran into someone he really didn't want to see at the moment.

“Hello Harry,” said his previous girlfriend, Cho Chang, icily. He had broken up with Cho about a week ago, after they had gotten back together two months earlier. Those weren't the happiest times of his life, more like the most miserable. She had been working as a referee for the Quidditch Games in London, and worked in the Department of Magical Games and Sports since she got out of Hogwarts.

“How are you Cho?” asked Harry in a trying-to-be-nice tone of voice.

“Oh fine, just working you know. I best be off now…see you Harry,” she said as she walked off, her long black plait down her back swaying as she walked. Cho was a beautiful woman, but not Harry's type at all. She'd do well with a famous wizard or a Quidditch Player, but not him. Somehow she didn't' satisfy Harry like another girl would…another girl that he still had to find. He walked swiftly into Ron's office and cleared his throat to let his best friend know he was standing right in front of him. Ron didn't take any notice however, he was too buried in paperwork to notice anything. Harry went up to Ron's desk and said, “When you get your nose out of paperwork for a minute I'd like to speak to you.” Ron almost jumped out of his seat with horror when he came face to face with Harry.

“Harry! I told you not to do that you bloody git,” said Ron, his ears turning red rather easily.

“Sorry, I cleared my throat if you didn't hear me already,” said Harry in an irritated tone of voice. Ron rolled his eyes and put down his quill and ink to look up at Harry.

“So what did you want to talk to me about then?” he asked.

“Hermione said yes to `Operation Loony,'” said Harry, making sure that no one was around, knowing no one really was. Ron grinned mischievously and put his feet up onto his desk.

“I see. And was that only because she could be in the same house with you…alone?” he asked.

“No! Why would she do that?” asked Harry, shocked.

“Because she likes you mate! She's probably happy that you broke up with Cho. I've seen her look at you, ever since seventh year she's been like this,” said Ron with an air of jealousy in his voice. Ron had loved Hermione since seventh year, and then he noticed Luna for what she was and started going with her instead. But Ron would always be jealous of any relationship Hermione had with a man, no matter what happened. Harry thought it was more out of friendship now, but still.

“Rubbish. Pure rubbish Ron! She's my best friend, not to mention yours. How could she like me like that?”

“Because she has always been there for you, when I wasn't able to. I think your relationship with her is stronger than the force of nature,” said Ron seriously. That was one thing Ron was right about…they did have a very strong relationship.

“Whatever you say mate. See you later,” said Harry as he walked out of his best friend's office, feeling slightly nervous all of a sudden. He didn't like Hermione more than a friend…he couldn't like her more than that…could he?

.+.

When Hermione reached home at about 7:00 at night, she kicked off her shoes and put her cloak on a coat rack outside the living room of her home. Hermione now lived in a house that had belonged to her grandmother in London. It was close to Harry and Ron, and highly convenient. It was a pretty small home, only one floor with two bedrooms, a study, a hallway bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen. She loved the house, she could remember going there when she was younger and helping her grandma with the garden and baking cookies in the kitchen. The house held a lot of memories…all of them priceless and unforgettable.

Hermione thought about the night she was going to spend with Harry making plans for Luna's birthday. She wondered what they would plan…but that wasn't what was worrying her. What was worrying her was the fact that she was going to be alone in a house with Harry for the first time in a while. She shouldn't feel worried about it; after all he was her best friend. But something about Harry made Hermione slightly nervous when she was alone with him. She had just started having this feeling in her last year at Hogwarts, when Harry was older, wiser, filled out, and very handsome. Almost all the girls liked him at the time, but he didn't fancy any of them as far as she knew. Ron had gotten an injury after Voldemort's defeat, at which Hermione and Ron were present. He was in the Hospital Wing for the rest of the term, in that time Harry and Hermione had gotten a lot closer. When Harry was going through very rough times, Hermione was there. When Hermione was going through rough times, Harry was there. After they had left school however, that closeness started to fade a bit. Although they saw each other every day of the week at the Ministry, and saw each other on weekends with Ron usually, it wasn't the same. Ron was always there now, and Harry and Hermione barely got any time alone anymore. Maybe that close bond would come back however, when Hermione went over to Grimmauld Place to plan a party with Harry.

After thinking about Harry so much she was getting a headache, Hermione hopped into the shower and changed into her pajamas. Her hair had lost most of its bushiness, now it was soft and silky. She had let it grow past her shoulders too, now it was down to her mid-back. She had kept her bangs, but they were in need of a severe trim. Once in bed and reading a book, Crookshanks hopped onto the bed and Hermione scratched his ears. He was a really old cat now, and she sometimes thought he was getting arthritis in his legs and crooked tail because he barely moved anymore. But she was devoted to him, as he was to her. He had made friends with Sirius, which Hermione thought was quite funny after she thought about it. Her ginger cat walked to the end of the bed after having his proper attention and curled up into a ball at her feet. Yawning widely and rubbing her sleepy eyes, Hermione fluffed her pillow, turned out the light, and fell into a dreamless slumber.

.+.

Harry got out of his robes and changed into his pajamas rather slowly when he got home, because he was very tired. Another hard day at work, another day passed away. The more he thought about work the more he thought about Hermione. He had been hiding this when he talked to Ron that afternoon, but somehow Harry did feel a new feeling towards Hermione now. It was more than just friendship…but it wasn't like he fancied her. She was what kept him going, someone he went to when he had problems or needed to talk about something.

Harry started thinking about what Ron said that afternoon even more…

“Because she likes you mate! She's probably happy that you broke up with Cho. I've seen her look at you, ever since seventh year she's been like this!”

Ron was probably right about that. He had to stay away from the topic of Cho Chang, because whenever Harry brought her name up during a conversation with Hermione, she always went into a rage about how mean she was. When Harry was dating Cho again, Hermione kept her rants to a minimum whenever he talked about Cho. But as soon as they broke up again, she started again.

Harry finally focused his thoughts on something else for a change. Luna was a Seer, would she know about the secret birthday operation? Even if she did, it would be good for Ron, Harry, and Hermione to treat her to a dinner or get-together. Thank goodness she didn't say anything when she saw it coming. She was a great person; she wouldn't ruin something like that…he didn't think. Where would they go? What would they do? Harry had to figure that out tomorrow…when he was with Hermione…in this house…

After he had taken a shower and gotten his paperwork together for the next day, Harry climbed into bed, turned out the light, and stared at the high ceiling. It was like he couldn't sleep tonight, he had too many thoughts going through his head. He decided just to clear his mind like he used to do for Occlumency lessons with dear old Professor Snape and tried to fall into a restful night's sleep.

.+.

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A/N: Thanks for the reviews! I really appreciate them, they really keep me going! I am so sorry this chapter is so short, I hope I will make it up in the next two chapters…

.::.Chapter 2: Waiting.::.

Hermione woke up the next morning feeling very groggy as she turned off her alarm clock. It wasn't like her to be like this in the mornings, but sometimes she had so much going on the previous day that she didn't really have a choice. She slipped out of bed slowly and fumbled into the bathroom. Looking for her toothbrush with her hand, she found it and deposited some toothpaste on the bristles. Her eyes weren't even open yet, and she was already swashing water around in her mouth; how weird. She opened her eyes for the first time that morning and found her hair looking like it had been combed out by dragon teeth. Touching it and grimacing, she walked out of the bathroom and started to get dressed.

Once she was done getting herself ready for work, Hermione looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was smooth and silky now, and her face didn't look like it had more life than when she woke up. This was the image she saw everyday; the image of a short, petite witch with long brown hair that went past her waist, brown eyes to match, and a freckled nose. She looked so ordinary, just like anyone else in the world. But she wasn't like everybody else. She was her own person, an individual among all people. Sometimes she wished she could have something more, but she was very grateful for what she had; a wonderful life with wonderful friends and family. She always thought it was nice to know that someone was always going to be there for her, no matter what.

She sighed as she walked out of the bathroom and picked up her briefcase on the way out of her house. Once getting onto the sidewalk, she apparated to the Ministry.

.+.

Harry walked further down the Ministry to get to his office. He had gotten there slightly early this morning, to get some extra work done before the mad rush came, and he could concentrate. He didn't think anyone would be in the Auror Headquarters this early, so he could have some piece and solitude for once in his life. Walking into his small yet homey cubicle, he heard something down further down. It sounded as if someone was typing, but who could be here this early? He cautiously tiptoed closer to where the noise was coming from until he realized it was coming from Hermione's office. He moved closer and turned to see her quill was moving as fast as it could, and she had a look of deep concentration on her face. He leaned against the edge of the door and knocked softly. Hearing something coming from the door, Hermione looked up to see Harry standing there.

“And what, may I ask, are you doing here so early in the morning?” she asked, yawning.

“Probably the same thing as you. I wanted to get some work done before the mad rush came,” he said, walking farther inside the cubicle.

“Yeah, that's what I'm doing.” There was a silence where Hermione looked into Harry's emerald green eyes which were being magnified in the darkness with just a single light on. He was so handsome when he was standing there…What are you saying Hermione?! Hermione shook her head and looked down at the paper she was typing, without actually looking at it.

“So do you have any ideas for tonight?” he asked, folding his arms.

“What? Oh. Er…maybe a get together at a café or restaurant would be nice I guess…” she said in an offhanded tone. Harry could obviously tell that her mind had been elsewhere, because she had been staring into space moments before.

“Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I'll cook dinner tonight—if you want to stay for it,” he added.

“Great, yeah I'll stay,” she said, grinning. Harry smiled back and said, “Well I guess I'll get back to my office and work…see you later Mione.” And she watched her turn back to her paper. She was evidently thinking hard, and she looked so adorable when she had that look on her face. Wait, did you just call Hermione adorable? What's happening to you Harry? He rolled his eyes into the back on his head and sat down at his desk.

.+.

It was already 5:00 and Hermione was exhausted from working so hard. She had been working on a case involving a wizard who had been accused of using the Imperius curse on a number of people in the last month. She was getting so close to finding him, and she couldn't wait to get her hands on this terrible wizard. Yawning widely and since she was getting off early today, she wanted to collapse. Only an hour until she got to go to Harry's house to make plans for Luna's birthday…only and hour until she got to relax… But, she doubted whether she'd be able to relax. Why in Merlin's name was she so freaked out about being in the same house with Harry, at night, alone, and an adult! Maybe it was just that he had grown up to be a very handsome man, a man that every woman in a right mind would want to be with. But Harry was her friend. Her best friend. And nothing could ever change that right now.

Shaking her head as she piled the last piece of paper onto the file cabinet, she leaned back in her chair and let out a sigh. She had been relieved that Luna hadn't come by her office today, because then she would start asking Hermione about the party that she foresaw. Oh well, she usually tried to ignore the Seeing Eye when it was something she wasn't supposed to know. She only had one more thing to do before she went to Harry's and had a wonderful dinner while expressing ideas about a party…only one more thing stopped her from having a wonderful time with her best friend…

.+.

Pushing his bangs irritably out of his eyes, Harry took a break from writing something which was almost done. He loved the feeling of having finished something; he didn't know why. He couldn't wait until tonight, when he actually had time to unwind and let everything go. But something stopped him from doing that tonight; Hermione. He usually felt very comfortable around her, since he had known her since he was eleven years old. You'd think a guy would be able to relax with his best friend in his home. But Hermione was more than a best friend. He didn't know how to explain it; it was just a sensation that he had whenever he spent time with her now.

“Ready for tonight?” asked a voice that was coming from the chair in front of Harry's desk. Ron made him jump; he splattered ink all over the parchment.

“I've been working on that for over two hours!” Harry said angrily, cursing under his breath. Ron made an apologetic face and mouthed `Sorry.' Harry mumbled an okay and with pleasure realized that the ink had only splattered on a part of the paper that he hadn't written on. He still had space to write, and he was just about finished with it anyway.

“Shall I repeat my question?” asked Ron, after a few minutes of silence. Harry nodded his head.

“Are you ready to spend tonight with Hermione?” he asked. Harry remembered the question sounding slightly different, but more or less it sounded the same.

“I'm not going to `spend tonight' with her. We're going to discuss ideas for your wife's party,” he said, putting emphasis on the words, `spend tonight.'

“Uh huh, and what else?” asked Ron mischievously. Harry was now confused.

“What do you mean, `what else'?” he asked. Ron grinned.

“Well, you're obviously going to talk about other things too. Like your social lives and matters like that. You know that Hermione is single don't you?” Harry was starting to get a strange feeling…a feeling that Ron actually wanted Harry and Hermione to talk about more than `Operation Loony.'

“Why are you telling me this?” asked Harry, getting up from his chair and walking out of his office, Ron following him.

“You're losing your mind if you don't know what I'm talking about,” said Ron. Harry was starting to remember the times when Ron had tried to fix Harry and Hermione up on a date (after he was Luna's boyfriend), but that just got him a month-long fight with them and they gave him the silent treatment for a while also. Since then, he hadn't tried to do anything of the sort. But now that they were out of Hogwarts and Harry had broken up with Cho Chang, he was getting back into the match-making groove again. Groaning out of pure frustration, Harry walked into the elevator and pushed the bottom floor to get out of Ron's reach.

“I've already lost my mind!” said Harry loudly, watching Ron smile and the door close on the elevator.

.+.

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A/N: Thanks to everyone for your reviews, and I'm sorry about the accidental uploading of Chapter Two and deleting it, making everyone think there was a second chapter. Here is Chapter Three. Oh, and on this sentence: “SSSSSSfdkfldfdslhfsdffdsfdsfdskjlgjklzgdsnklagsfdjslkfdjslk;fjslk;jfksl;fjkls'd;he said that she'd meet Harry in front of the fountain of Magical Brethren so that they could go to his house.” On the word `She,' there's a lot of letters separating the S and h. Sorry about that as well, it doesn't show up on Microsoft Word, but it shows when I upload it to Portkey… Oh well, enjoy the chapter!

.::.Chapter Three: Almost.::.

Hermione finally finished with everything in her office and set off downstairs. SSSSSSfdkfldfdslhfsdffdsfdsfdskjlgjklzgdsnklagsfdjslkfdjslk;fjslk;jfksl;fjkls'd;he said that she'd meet Harry in front of the fountain of Magical Brethren so that they could go to his house. Her heart was beating fast, she felt like she was sweating in the blazing heat, and to top it all off she tried to imagine what the night's events would come to. She stepped into the large lift that transported her downstairs and sighed as it went all the way down to the bottom floor.

.+.

Harry waited downstairs in front of the Fountain. He remembered in his fifth year when it had blown apart to save him and Dumbledore…when Voldemort had almost been defeated…. But he wasn't. Harry had finally defeated Voldemort with something the he himself didn't know he had in his last year at Hogwarts.

“I'll say one last thing before I kill you Potter,” said Voldemort. Harry was lying there on the ground in the Hogwarts Mountains, miles from the school…when people were lying dead or unconscious all around him…

“A-and w-w-what is that?” Harry managed to get out. He had been hit with three Cruciatus curses, and felt as if his legs were paralyzed. He had dodged the Avada Kedavra curse once more and there was no one there to save him. Dumbledore was gone…his only hope was gone…Sirus was gone…he'd be with Sirius again…

“You will never, ever defeat Lord Voldemort,” and all went silent as he raised his wand. Harry scrambled to the ground and raised his wand also. To Harry's utter bewilderment, his wand shot a jet of golden light towards Voldemort. He watched as Voldemort was lifted into the air, his body was twisting as if it was a towel wringing out water, and he vanished. Harry was gaping at what he had just seen. What had his wand just done? What was that light? But before he could answer himself, Harry's mind drifted off…..

.+.

“Harry?” asked a soft, feminine voice. Harry slowly opened his eyes and realized that he was in the hospital wing. Hermione's face was coming into view and he scrambled for his glasses. Was he having a dream? Or was he really there with her?

“Hermione,” he said barely above a whisper. She smiled at him as she lifted her hand to his face. He loved the feeling he got at her touch, warmth spread through his body. She had several scratches on her face, and she had on her pajamas. He could hear voices from behind her, so he sat up in bed and reached for his glasses after Hermione walked off.

“We're glad you're awake Harry,” said someone from a short distance. It was Lupin. Thank goodness he was alive….

“Yeah,” said Harry. To be honest, he didn't really want to be awake, didn't want to face the world after what had happened. Ron was lying in a bed next to him, unconscious. Harry didn't have a memory of what happened to him.

“Ron was conscious a while ago, but then went back to sleep,” said Lupin. Harry nodded his head while he remained looking down at the floor. One thing flashed across his mind. One thing about the battle he did remember, but was afraid to ask how the person was.

“How is Neville?” he asked quietly. Lupin and Hermione exchanged worried glances and Hermione looked over at him with a sorrowful face.

“He was in really bad shape…Dumbledore had to take him to St. Mungo's.” Wait a second, did Hermione just say Dumbledore?

“Dumbledore's alive?” he asked. Remus took this one.

“Yes Harry, he's alive. He was amazingly enough knocked unconscious in the battle just like many others, but that didn't stop him. No, he's still with us.” Relief spread over Harry. He had hoped with all his heart that nothing had happened to Dumbledore. Thank goodness, nothing did. Harry was beginning to feel fatigue once more and lay his head back down on his pillow. He heard someone walk over to his bedside.

“Go back to sleep Harry, you need rest,” said a soft voice in his ear. Hermione planted a kiss on his cheek as he drifted off to another slumber with a slight grin planted on his face.

.+.

“Harry?” said a voice from a distance. Harry snapped back to life and realized the present day Hermione was standing in front of him, a perplexed look on her face. She didn't look so different now, even though her body had filled out and her hair wasn't nearly as bushy as it had been. It was still curly however, and was longer. She still looked beautiful…even though she had gone through so much... He was feeling something go through him that he had never felt for anyone before. What are you're feelings for her? Harry snapped back to life for the second time that day.

“Oh, sorry, I drifted off for a moment…ready to go?” he asked her. She nodded her head and apparated to Grimmauld Place. Harry did the same thing right after her.

Once they both had arrived at their destination, Hermione looked around the house. It was very different from the way she remembered it, when it used to be dark and dreary.

“Oh Harry, I love what you did with the place!” she gasped as Harry came into view.

“Thanks, I did it myself, with the help of an interior decorator. I felt really ridiculous doing it of course, but it was worth it,” he said. Hermione let out a laugh and sat down on one of the couches. It was one of the most comfortable things she'd ever sat on, and she sighed as she sunk down into the cushion. The walls of the house were now a dark forest green, most of the furniture was wooden, paintings that used to be on the walls were taken out, and much to her satisfaction, Mrs. Black's portrait had been removed, and a grandfather clock stood in it's place.

“Like the furniture do you?” he asked, smiling at his best friend. He was glad to see her relaxing; he knew that she hadn't done so in ages.

“Yes, I love it,” she said, looking around the room once more.

“So do you want anything to drink?” asked Harry, walking into the kitchen.

“Can I have some water?” he heard her call. He nodded his head and pulled some filtered water out of the refrigerator, pulled out two glasses from the cupboard, and filled them both evenly. Once he was done, he walked into the living room with their beverages. There was a few moments' silence while each of them glanced at each other between sips of water.

“So, do you have any ideas for Operation Loony?” asked Harry. Hermione was caught a bit off guard. Why wasn't she thinking about Luna? Wasn't that what she was supposed to have her mind focused on?

“Yeah, maybe we could get together at a café or restaurant in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley; or a lovely place in the muggle community. I know some really nice places where we could go. Do you have any thoughts?” she asked. Harry shook his head and said, “Nope.” Hermione had come over to Harry's house to discuss plans for Luna's birthday and no one was getting anywhere. She wondered whether that was the only reason she was here…

“I don't think that we should plan it anywhere until we get in touch with Ron,” said Harry, wanting to direct the conversation away from Luna. Hermione nodded her head slowly while staring at Harry questioningly and turned to take another sip of her water. Surprisingly enough, her throat was getting dry, despite the water….

Before long, Harry and Hermione had gotten into a discussion about their previous years at Hogwarts. He was talking about when she had taken the Polyjuice Potion in her second year, and she was remembering it quite clearly now. She had turned into a cat, and sprouted a tail. Remembering Hogwarts memories were the best of times, especially when you were with someone you had experienced most of them with. There wasn't one huge or small memory at Hogwarts or in the wizarding world hat Hermione could remember without Harry playing a part of it. That was something that she would cherish always, Harry always being a part of the happy memories stowed away in her mind. She didn't know how long their one conversation lasted, but she knew that it was well into the night and she was so tired that she couldn't even get out of her chair.

“I wonder how long we've been talking?” asked Harry, looking at his watch. It was now nearing 11:00 at night, he couldn't believe it.

“A while,” said Hermione. She had glanced at the clock on the wall opposite her.

“Yep. You look tired,” he said, looking at Hermione. She had dark circles under her eyes and her face was pale.

“I am,” she laughed softly. “I better get home before I fall asleep here…,” she said as she tried to lift herself up off the couch. Harry went over to her and pushed her back down gently. She eyed him incredulously. He looked into her honey brown eyes while she moved closer to him intentionally as she situated herself on the couch. She screwed her face up in mixed confusion and sadness. She pushed a stray hair from his face and looked away quickly as several tears started to well up in her eyes.

“W-well, I'd better get home…thanks for having me, Harry,” she said. What was stopping her from doing the one thing that would make her happy? What was stopping her from pulling him close and running her hands through his hair? She didn't dare answer herself as she began to get up off the couch again.

“Hermione, wait.” She looked around at his hand, which was on her arm. He was wearing a look that Hermione couldn't describe. It was more like he was speaking to her without moving his lips. “Please don't leave,” was what he seemed to be saying to her.

“What?” she asked with her voice slightly shaky as she tried to avoid her emotions. Harry looked into her eyes once more. He knew the way he felt about her…he was so sure….

“Forget it,” he said flatly as he let her go. She looked at him for a moment, and then closed her eyes and dissapparated from his home. Thoughts were reeling through Harry's mind about what just happened as he ran a trembling hand through his hair. What was that feeling he had? What was he going to say to her just then? Was she crying? Too many questions he was asking himself, when none of them had been answered. He needed his many questions answered. The thing was that Hermione was the only person who did have the answers.

.+.

When Hermione got home she threw her cloak on the couch and ran through the house to get to her bedroom. Thoughts were going through her mind that seemed insane, yet were very true. What she had felt for Harry was something one could only feel for a person they wanted to be with. Was she sure that was the feeling she had? Had that been the feeling? Why hadn't she done anything about it? She was asking herself way too many questions, what she needed was them to be answered. But who could answer them? She pulled off her clothes, put on her pajamas, and got into bed. She seriously doubted whether she could sleep tonight. More tears made their way down her cheek before she finally decided to do something about it and turned her face to the pillow where she could cry herself to sleep.

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A/N: I am so sorry this took so long to get up…I have had a slight case of writer's block and my family has been in and out of the hospital, so yeah…that's why I haven't posted in so long. Sorry guys, I hope I'll make up for it in the next few chapters! I like how this one turned out, which is really saying something ^^;. All criticisms are greatly appreciated, and I hope all of my reviewers will remember this fanfiction because it's been so long since I've updated! Thanks for everything guys, ya'll are the great! And of course, thanks to Another for being my awesome beta. Well, here goes…

.::.Chapter Four: Ginny's Announcement.::.

Hermione sat at her desk while reading a summary Seamus had made for her. She looked around her office distractedly while thinking about the one thing that wouldn't leave her mind. Harry. He was comfortable right in the front of her brain, right in the place she didn't want him to be. It was getting frustrating to think about the other night, and it made Hermione feel like she had done something terribly wrong.

Why hadn't she said something? The question should have been why she hadn't done anything…. The last time she saw Harry was that night, she hadn't even made contact with him all morning, which was saying something. She usually talked with him periodically throughout the day, but he wasn't making any point to talk to her…and she could see why. It was all her fault that nothing happened that night. Something should have happened, but nothing did. She kicked herself mentally, and felt like doing it physically. But she had to stop beating herself up over something that had already happened, she'd just have to live her life as the days went on.

Hermione was meeting with Ginny today for lunch, since Ginny had said she needed to tell her something and Hermione had only gone into the Ministry for the morning anyway. She had an idea about what Ginny was going to tell her. Draco Malfoy was Ginny's boyfriend and it looked like they were getting serious. She was always talking about Draco whenever she and Hermione saw each other, and recently it sounded like their relationship was really serious. No one had thought they would make it in their Draco's seventh year at Hogwarts, but those many people were so very wrong.

After Harry's defeat of Voldemort, Draco's family went into hiding. Ginny saw Draco drop a letter from his parents at school that day, and being the nosy girl she was, she decided to read it. That eavesdropping paid off, and Ginny got Draco to bring himself to his senses. His parents didn't want him after that, but in the long run…that was alright. Three years later Draco's mother, Narcissa, came out of hiding. His father came out another year later, and soon they were a better family. Draco still had fights with his father every now and then, but Ginny was there for him.

After grabbing her briefcase and purse, Hermione headed out of her cubicle, and down to the Floo Fireplaces.

“191 Wicker Street!”

.+.

Harry was sitting in Ron's office, while they were both discussing the Quidditch World Cup. Harry was going to be one of the Auror's watching the camp, along with many of his colleagues. The Quidditch Cup wasn't for another few months, but it was good that they were planning ahead. It was Ireland VS. Africa, and it was the first time that Africa had made it to the World Cup in a long while. It was a huge deal this time around, and there was work to be done. Ron was working on the ticket prices and Harry was reading over possible camp sites and portkey locations. Ron finally let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a few minutes. Harry put the papers down and Ron slightly jumped, opening his eyes. Ron had been very on-edge in the past few weeks, it was beginning to get irritating. At that, a memo flew in and landed on Ron's desk.

“You're irritated today, now aren't you?” asked Harry. Ron nodded his head distractedly as he picked up the ticket prices again.

“So what did you and Hermione come up with the other night? For Luna's birthday,” Ron said, in his desperate attempt to sound calm. Harry's head snapped up, causing his neck to pop.

“Umm…” mumbled Harry.

“Don't tell me you spent the whole night just talking to my about my wife's birthday, because I know that's not true,” said Ron, a smile etching on his face. Harry frowned, while still rubbing his neck.

“No, we talked about it. Hermione suggested a muggle café or something … she said that when we get you into the mix, we can set something up. I was thinking somewhere in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley.” Ron nodded his head, letting his suspicious stare drop to a minimum. Harry avoided Ron's gaze for a while until he couldn't stand it.

“What?” he asked irritably.

“What happened?” asked Ron firmly.

“Nothing happened,” said Harry quickly—too quickly.

“Liar”

“I don't want to talk about it.”

“What happened?” Ron asked for the last time. Harry finally looked up at his friend.

“Ron, I'm warning you—”

“Did you tell her?”

“I couldn't tell her!” Harry said loudly. People looked outside of their cubicles in curiosity, which made Harry's voice drop down to a whisper. “I let her leave without so much as a `nevermind.' That's all I've been thinking about the past few days alright? I don't know what I'm going to do.”

“You better tell her.”

“I will tell her … when the time comes.” Ron nodded his head and looked back down at the papers. Harry thought about what he had just said. When would he tell her? Would that time ever come or would he leave his feelings to himself forever? Harry was determined to tell Hermione the way he felt about her…. There was a tense silence in the room for a few moments, and then Ron changed the subject.

“We could meet at the Three Broomsticks to talk about Luna's party over this weekend. How does that sound?” he asked. Harry grinned wearily and nodded his head as he stood up.

“I think I'm going back to my office, I need to finish some things. Thanks.” Ron saluted his friend jokingly and picked up the memo that had landed on his desk earlier.

Ron,

Hermione is coming over for lunch today, I'll try to talk to her about Harry. As for Luna's birthday, I think I have the perfect place.

Your Sister,

Gin

Ron grinned and put the paper down on his desk, while staring out of his office.

.+.

Ginny walked into the living room to see Hermione getting out of the fireplace, and ran over to hug her friend.

“How are you?” asked Ginny. Hermione shook her head as she took her coat off.

“I'm fine, you?” asked Hermione, while Ginny went into the kitchen to get tea.

“Great, I have to talk to you about something,” said Ginny in a way that suggested it wasn't a big deal. Hermione eyed her friend as she sat next to Hermione on the couch. “But that can wait. How are you doing?”

“I'm fine Gin, just overly exhausted,” said Hermione. Ginny could tell by the dark circles under her eyes that she hadn't had a good night's rest in days.

“Sure you are, with all that's been happening.” Hermione stared at Ginny for a moment.

“Yeah I guess you're right. The Ministry has been pretty hectic, what with the Quidditch Cup coming up and all.” Ginny took a sip of her tea. They talked about the Quidditch World Cup until the conversation changed its direction in a way Hermione wished it wouldn't go.

“So how is Harry lately?” Hermione froze up and almost spit out the tea she had just attempted to swallow. It would have been a lie to say that she hadn't thought about Harry since she'd entered the house, but she was desperately hoping the conversation would veer away from him.

“Oh…he's alright,” she said quickly. Avoiding Ginny's gaze, she took a long gulp of her tea and set it back down on the table as Ginny stared at her through narrowed eyes. “What?”

“So are you and Harry doing alright?” Hermione looked at her feet, and started tapping them together. She didn't answer Ginny for a while.

“What happened Hermione?” she asked, in a serious tone. Hermione could feel her head pounding, and she lifted her head up.

“Nothing major, we just had a misunderstanding the other night.”

“Alright then, spill.” Hermione reluctantly began to recount for everything that happened that night, which was hard to do. Ginny listened loyally and sipped her tea while nodding her head. When Hermione was finished, Ginny shook her head.

“It wasn't your fault, he should have said something,” said Ginny irritably. “But you know Harry, he's stubborn and he never wants to admit his true feelings. Trust me, I should know.” Ginny had dated Harry for about a few months during Ginny's fifth year. Things didn't work surprisingly enough, mostly because Ginny was falling for Draco.

“I know … but I don't know what to do. Should I wait for him, or just spill out all of my emotions in a nutshell?” Ginny took the last sip of her tea before answering.

“Whatever seems right at the time Hermione, and I hope that that time comes … very soon.” Hermione nodded her head and took the last sip of her tea too.

After Ginny went to get more tea, Hermione reminded her that she had something to announce.

“Well, you know how Draco and I have been dating for the past few years, and now that we've gotten serious … well …” Ginny held out her hand for Hermione to examine. After a squeal of laughter, Hermione embraced Ginny in a huge hug. After letting go, she examined the beautiful diamond that shimmered brightly.

“It's gorgeous Ginny! Wow, who knows how much he paid for it!” Ginny blushed and took her hand away slowly.

“He surprised the hell out of me at dinner a few weeks ago when he said he wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with me. You should have seen me Hermione! I couldn't even answer him I was in such a state of shock! I think he got the message when I pulled him in for a very passionate kiss.” Both of the young women giggled and they talked about everything; from bridesmaids dresses to catering. Finally at 11:57 PM, Hermione confessed that she had to get home.

“Oh alright, if you insist…but be careful alright?” Hermione nodded her head, gave Ginny another hug, and apparated home safely.

.+.

A/N: Sorry so short, but I couldn't fit anything else into the chapter, it just wouldn't fit. Don't forget to please review!

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A/N: I don't know how many times I rewrote this chapter before I was actually satisfied...but now I'm okay with it. Just to let ya'll know, this isn't the end of the story, we still have Luna's birthday to celebrate! I'm sorry that it always takes forever for me to crank out chapters to post, but it seems like I just don't have the time anymore. Thanks Sue for being my beta and thanks so much to the reviewers who keep me writing. Enjoy!

.::.Chapter Five: The Feeling.::.

Hermione put the letter from Ron down on the table and pocketed the address to the London café. Instead of meeting at the Three Broomsticks, they decided to meet at the place Ginny had suggested to Ron for Luna's party. The notorious trio hadn't been in the same room for as long as Hermione could remember. Luna was supposed to be at home working, while Ron said he was going to a meeting at the Ministry. Hopefully no suspicions would arise.

The petite young witch memorized the café's address and almost instantly transported to her desired location. She had gotten to be a pro at Apparating, since she did it so often nowadays. She took a deep breath and walked inside the small building. A bell sounded as she opened the small oak door. The welcoming café had a balmy atmosphere. The walls were a dark shade of blue, and the ceiling was black. There were paintings and pictures scattered about on the walls. There was an oak wood floor, and the tables had unique designs on them. There were comfortable couches in every corner, and the chairs were made out of ebony. Hermione liked the looks of it already. After looking around for a while, she found Ron's waving hand in one of the corners. She waved back, and saw he was alone. Harry Potter hadn't arrived yet. On a certain degree she was thankful, because she still hadn't talked with him after their encounter and it was still awkward. Hopefully they would get a chance to talk today. Best friends weren't supposed to be like this, it just wasn't natural.

“Harry had to finish something at his house, he'll be here soon. How are you?” asked Ron when Hermione sat down in the chair.

“I'm fine. How about you? How's Luna?”

“She's not suspecting a thing. But she does seem tired lately, and I think she was hoping for me to be home today. I hate not being there, but I'll make it up to her next weekend.”

“Is that when you decided to plan the party?”

“Yep. Is that okay with you?”

“Sure, we just have to make sure everyone will be here. The Quidditch Cup starts in two months.”

“I know. People are probably getting ready and all that jazz. But there won't be tons of people coming; I know how Luna doesn't like large crowds.”

“Yeah. How is your department holding up?”

“It's hectic, I'll tell you that much. So many memos are going back and forth you'd think someone charmed the paper to fly around everywhere. Ludo Bagman is retiring though.”

“It's about time... He lost his logic a long time ago.”

“He sure did. Ever since Harry was framed in the Triwizard Tournament...” Hermione nodded her head. Ron looked at her with questioning eyes for a few moments.

“Have you seen much of Harry lately?”

“He's kept to his office for the past few days...”

“So I've noticed. Do you have any idea why?” Hermione was quiet for a few minutes but relief consumed her when she heard the bell on the door chime.

“Harry!” Ron called to his friend. The tall, striking young man walked slowly towards his friends. He usually was walking fast and smiling, but today he seemed a little ... off. His hair was tousled as usual, but his eyes seemed weary and he was walking slowly.

“Took you long enough. Hermione just got here,” said Ron. Harry looked down at the very girl who had been haunting his thoughts all week long. She glanced at him quickly, but still saw his shocked green eyes. Apparently, he didn't know she was coming.

“Hermione,” he spoke hoarsely.

“Hi Harry,” she replied quickly and quietly. They both looked away and Harry sat next to Ron. The red-head looked back and forth in between his two best friends and frowned. He had no idea they were so upset around each other. This was going to take some work. But he couldn't do anything; all he could do was prod and poke the situation.

“How are you?” asked Ron.

“I'm alive,” said Harry nonchalantly. Ron nodded his head.

“How do you like the location?”

“Luna would be fond of the atmosphere, and it's the perfect size. I like it,” he said. Ron nodded his head and looked towards Hermione, as if inquiring for her opinion.

“I agree. We need to make the arrangements and send owls to everybody, and the café should provide the food and drinks,” said Hermione.

“I'll take care of that.” Ron paused. “Do you think Luna has had a premonition?”

“She's a Seer, she possibly will know. But she hasn't said anything to you has she?” asked Harry. Ron shook his head.

“You know, Seers only see select things that are going to happen. There is a chance that she doesn't know,” said Hermione.

“I hope she doesn't. I don't think she'd say anything anyway, in fear of ruining it,” said Ron.

“She's sensible; she'll know what to do if she does see something.” Harry asked if anyone wanted anything when he went up to the counter to get coffee. Ron and Hermione nodded their heads and told him their orders. Watching Harry walk off, Hermione shook her head unconsciously.

“Is something the matter?” asked Ron. He may have been a bit dense, but he knew when something was wrong with Hermione. She looked at him with wide eyes and a pained expression that made his heart fall.

“It's nothing, really. Just tired is all,” she lied. Even Ron could tell that she was preoccupied. Had she been that obvious? But she couldn't help it. Harry was trying to act normal, and it was killing her to know that he was trying to forget about what happened. She had already tried; with no luck what-so-ever.

“Here's your double espresso,” Harry's voice brought her out of her reverie. She thanked him without looking up and took a sip. It was still extremely hot, so she let it cool down for a while. Ron almost burnt his tongue which caused her to suppress a giggle that dared to escape her mouth. She also dared to glance at Harry. He was grinning until he looked up to her gaze. He could still see the look she had in her eyes that night and suddenly felt terrible. She was so beautiful, the way her hair cascaded over her shoulders and how her smile brightened even the darkest day. Why had he not said anything...? He looked away quickly before he got lost in her deep brown eyes. She felt her stomach flip. She didn't know what kind of feeling was welled up inside her, but she knew that it was escaping to get out. There was a name for this. It was love. But what to do about it…

“What day do you think we should schedule the party?” asked Hermione.

“Probably on Saturday. Everyone will be off, and we can contact everyone by then,” said Harry.

“We need to get a list of the people we're inviting so we can make out the invitations,” said Ron.

“How many invitations can Pig carry out?” asked Hermione.

“He can take half. What about Hedwig?”

“She can probably take a few tomorrow and the rest the next day. Long trips really do a number on her now.”

“You've had her since you were 11. So you've had her for...” Ron did the math. “10 years. Which would make her about 14, right?”

“Right. That's not supposed to be old, but the injury to her wing from 5th year is starting to play up again. Pig is 10, but he's a whole different breed.”

“True. Hermione, can you hand out invitations at the office?”

“Sure.”

.+.

After four cups of coffee around the table, the three friends had almost everything sorted out. Invitations were done, arrangements with the café were made, and everything was ready.

“Okay,” Ron put the last invitation on top of the stack. “We're done.” There was a silence while he let out a long sigh and took his last sip of coffee.

“I need to head home, it's getting pretty late,” said Hermione after a few minutes.

“I'll go with you,” Harry said quickly. She looked at him with a surprised look plastered on her face. “I don't want you out there alone.” Hermione nodded her head as her face grew heated and blushed.

“I need to go home too. Here are some of the invitations,” Ron said as he handed some of the stack to Harry, and some to Hermione. They all got up from their chairs and headed out of the café, while Hermione left some coins in the tip jar.

“I'll see you two on Monday,” said Ron, apparating to his flat in Lancashire. Harry and Hermione looked at one another with sorrowful expressions.

“Walk with me,” he said in an inviting tone. Hermione nodded her head and they set off down the sidewalk. For a while it was silent, and Hermione's heart was beating so soundly she was sure Harry could hear it. It was torturing her to be this close to him. That unknown feeling was starting to etch itself into her heart, and she didn't know what to do.

“How are you?” he asked, staring at his feet. She didn't answer him for a few minutes. “It's no use. I can't ignore it can I?”

“I guess not,” said Hermione shortly.

“I'm sorry I let you leave like that,” he said slowly. Hermione stopped dead in her tracks. “I didn't know what to do or say. Feelings were welling up inside me that I've never felt before. I couldn't escape it, and I didn't want you to leave. I wanted you to stay there, with me. But I knew I couldn't stop you from doing what you wanted to do.”

“I'm sorry I left,” she replied after a while. “I got scared. The same feelings were welled up inside me. I wanted to escape them so I dissapparated.”

“But we know now...that we can't escape them. We have to live with how we feel.”

“How do we feel Harry?” asked Hermione, shaking her head. Harry looked at her in a new light, in a way that he'd never looked at her before that very second.

“Hermione,” said Harry softly, touching the delicate features of her face. “I love you.”

“I feel the same way.” Harry grinned as he felt his body moving closer to hers. She lifted her brown eyes to meet his warm gaze. As if a force unknown was pulling him, Harry touched his lips to hers. At first it was gentle, as if they were barely moving out of not knowing what might happen. Then Hermione asked for more, by opening her mouth and inviting him in. Harry was ready for her, and he reacted by placing his hand on her waist and pulling her closer. She ran her hand through his unruly raven hair, and laughed inside at the satisfaction it gave her. She reluctantly pulled away and looked up at the one who she had been longing to love for so long. He grinned and pulled her close, as if he never wanted to let go of her. They walked down the empty sidewalk, in an embrace that put all other hugs to shame.

.+.

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