Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Spoilers: Books 1-5
A/N: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and added their comments. I'm so appreciative of all of your comments and feedback, as well as quite flattered! There are twists and turns you'll see as chapters are posted, I don't want to give too much away too soon! Here's a short chapter - all H/Hr!
Chapter 4
The Prince had no sooner shut the door behind him, than Harry turned around, found himself a dark alley and apparated back to Hermione's flat. Once he found himself in front of her apartment, he stopped for a moment. It seemed a little weird to be back here so soon after witnessing what was essentially a romantic interlude between Britain's most eligible muggle bachelor and his best friend.
However, Harry had a lot of questions about why Hermione was in St. Andrews, and he was especially worried that she was here alone, given all the death eater activity taking place.
So he rang the bell to the flat. Hermione answered bundled in a fluffy robe.
"I'm sorry, did I wake you?"
Hermione shook her head no and silently regarded Harry. Finally she stepped out of the doorway and motioned for him to come in.
Harry took a look around. It was a small flat, not too many windows and no fire place. A orange fur ball was at his ankles purring up at him.
"Hey Crookshanks," Harry scratched at the cat's ears and it purred. He looked up at Hermione, who had her arms crossed and was regarding him warily.
"I came to explain."
"I guessed as much."
"Hermione," Harry sighed. "You know that why I don't tell you about my assignments is because I don't want you to get hurt."
They had walked into main room and Hermione sat down in the overstuffed chair, folding her legs underneath her. No sooner had Harry sat down than she popped back up. "Tea?" she asked.
"No thanks." Harry shook his head.
"I'm still listening, I just want to get something to warm me up." Hermione went into the kitchen. Harry got up and followed her in. As she reached for the tea the kettle, her robe became a little looser, revealing a very flattering nightie underneath. Harry felt his stomach do a somersault and his mouth go dry.
If Hermione noticed, she gave no sign. She simply finished putting the kettle on, and then fixed her robe. "Harry," she began. "I don't even know where to start. You've got to admit this night has been a little overwhelming - first running into you, then meeting Prince William and then…" her voice trailed off and her eyes didn't meet his.
The pit in his stomach got bigger. "Hermione, I know a lot of things happened tonight, that's why I came by right away, I wanted to give you the explanation you deserve." he sighed. "From the way things look right now, you're going to be a part of this, so you need to hear the whole story. But I have questions too."
"You first." The kettle had begun to steam and Hermione turned down the flame. "You sure you don't want any?"
"Alright, a little"
Harry and Hermione went back to the main room with their tea, but this time sat next to each other. Harry explained the entire assignment, how death eaters had shown activity in St. Andrews, the muggle prime minister being informed and how, two nights before Hermione was to leave for her sabbatical, he had been sent undercover to guard Prince William.
"So Hermione, what are you doing here?" He had patiently explained himself, now it was her turn.
"No secret Harry, I told you I was going to Scotland."
"But you told me you were meeting Ron in Edinburgh"
"No, I said Ron was going to meet me when he visited Edinburgh. I actually deliberately didn't tell you where I was going to be."
Harry's heart sank. "Hermione, I'm sorry." He looked at her, hurt that his best friend would be avoiding him. "I can understand that you're not happy I've been so secretive with you and hardly around. I never meant to hurt you. Just the opposite, I don't want you to be hurt."
Harry took Hermione's hand in both of his.
Hermione sighed. "Harry, how many times have we been over this. I don't need protecting. You can trust me. I have always kept your secrets. Always."
"Hermione, I trust you with my life. It's the death eaters who I don't trust. Also, ministry members who know how close we are and use that against you." He continued to hold her hand.
Hermione sighed. Harry recognized it as a sigh of resignation. They had had this conversation countless times. And each time, he felt as if he was pushing the most important person in his life farther and farther away. Now Prince Charming was literally swooping in and taking Hermione away. And Harry was not happy about that at all.
"So you had fun tonight." Harry continued to rub Hermione's hand, and watched her eyes.
"Yes, I did. Thanks for inviting me."
"So what do you think of William?" Harry asked cautiously. He didn't want to betray that his heart was beating a mile a minute.
"He's lovely. Very charming. Of course, I'm honored that the Prince seems interested in little old me. You know he invited me to the polo match this weekend?"
Harry's heart sank. "Oh." now he'd have to watch them together again.
"Harry, this could work to your advantage. No one knows that I'm a witch - I could keep an eye out for any suspicious activity!" Hermione's eyes lit up. "We could work together!"
Harry was torn. "Hermione, what part of I want you safe did you miss?" But Hermione already had that look that she got when her mind was made up.
"Harry, this will be great."
"You're not a trained Auror."
"Like I was in school? Look how helpful I was then!" She stated somewhat defiantly.
Harry just looked at her and was reminded of how much he had been reassured by having her by his side. He was struck how much he needed her by his side, and this new development with William wasn't sitting well at all.
"I know how helpful you are." And then Harry showed some Gryffndor courage and asked a completely different question.
"Do you like him?"
"Well sure, what's not to like?" Hermione avoided the question.
"Hermione, that's not what I'm asking. You told me that you were going to Scotland to find out what was important to you. I got the impression that some of that soul searching was going to be by yourself, and now here I've landed you in with the most eligible bachelor in Britain."
"Technically, you landed me with the two most eligible bachelors." Hermione smirked. "It's just one is for the muggle world and one," she gave him a look, "is for the wizarding world."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Like you've ever paid attention to that rubbish."
Hermione looked down. "Harry, I know I'm your best friend. But I'm still a breathing feeling person, who happens to be of the opposite sex. I know that a lot of those articles are rubbish, but it doesn't mean that sometimes it gets to me."
Harry was at a loss for words and he was getting very tired. He had an early morning, but he so wanted to feel Hermione's arms around him and he now realized that he wanted to kiss her more than anything. But what if he was too late?
He sighed and stood up. "Hermione - you know you're the most important person in my life."
Hermione smiled - "I know, me and Ron."
Harry pulled her up and hugged her. He slightly pulled away and looked deep into her chocolate eyes. He simply stated "It's different with you," and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek.
Hermione's eyes got wide.
"Good night Hermione" and Harry squeezed her hand, then turned to leave.
Hermione followed him to the door.
"Harry?"
Harry looked back and stopped at the door.
"I'm glad you found me." and she squeezed his hand.
He gave her another long hug, kissed her on the forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow okay?"
She nodded.
"Will you change the wards to let me in?"
She nodded again.
He took one last look at her. His mind was screaming "KISS HER" but he had just walked her home and seen her kissed by the Prince. He wasn't going to compete with that. Not tonight.
"Bye Hermione."
"Bye Harry."