One-Shot Collection

Network of Understanding

“And now, without further ado, I give you our keynote speaker. It's an enormous honour to have him here with us today, and I'm sure you need to further introduction to Harry Potter.” The announcer finished to applause in the Town Hall as Harry stepped up to the front of the room.

“I want to thank you all for being here today, for such an important evening. When looking back on the war after a few years it becomes hard for so many to see how important the welfare of survivors has become. While we must never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by so many during the war, and while we must move one, we cannot simply ignore those whose lives have been altered so greatly as a result. I am here tonight to ask for your support, and your contributions towards The Survivors Association. The association not only distributes funds to St. Mungo's, but also those disabled by curses living independently, psychological support for thousands throughout the United Kingdom, and trust funds and support for the children of war. At times the war seems a lifetime ago, some nights as I relive it over and over again it feels like yesterday, but by looking at the families shown in the pictures behind me I can see just how long ago the war truly was. Some of these children never knew their fathers, others lost mothers, and four children were orphaned. These children are the future of the Wizarding world. How will any others understand the horrors of living in a world of fear, how will others of their age understand the devastation which war causes. These children are some of the bravest individuals I have ever met, those who work to support them, attempting to explain to them `Why', deserve more than just our applause, they deserve our respect and our help. Volunteer, donate, participate. You can not only help these children, you can ensure the Wizarding world is never again torn apart - The Survivors Association has asked me here tonight to announce their newest initiative, `The Network of Understanding'. The Network will consist of professionally trained teachers, and its primary focus will be educating those who were fortunate enough not to have lived through the horror of war. We must not allow seeds of hatred and bigotry to be sewn in our society as they were so many years ago. The Network of Understanding is a huge project and right now is desperately in need of both funding and volunteers. Did you fight in the war? If you feel able, please volunteer to speak of your experiences. However the war affected you, please pass on your experiences to the next generation of wizards. This war must not be forgotten, lives were not lost in vain, we must understand the underlying problems in our society and heal them. I now yield the floor to Minerva McGonogall, the newly appointed Head of The Network of Understanding. Thank you for your time.”

Harry left the stage to rapturous applause, and as he walked to his seat in the front row he met Hermione's eyes, and the pride and love reflected there reminded him yet again how lucky they all really were.

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A/N A short chapter inspired by the song below – enjoy! S Club 7 – Say Goodbye In the years to come,

will you think about these moments that we shared?

In the years to come,

are you gonna think it over?

how we lived each day with no regrets.

Nothing lasts forever though we want it to,

the road ahead holds different dreams for me and you,

Sometimes “goodbye” though it hurts in your heart is the only way for destiny

Sometimes “goodbye” though it hurts is the only way now for you and me

Though it’s the hardest thing to say, I miss your love in every way

So say goodbye, but don’t you cry, because true love never dies.

In a year from now, maybe there’ll be things we wish we’d never said,

In a year from now, maybe we’ll see each other, standing on the same street corner with no regrets.

Each and every love is always written in the stars, if only I could stop the world, I’d make this last,

Sometimes “goodbye” though it hurts in your heart is the only way for destiny

Sometimes “goodbye” though it hurts is the only way now for you and me

Though it’s the hardest thing to say, I miss your love in every way

So say goodbye, but don’t you cry, true love never dies

And when you need my arms to run into, I’ll comfort you, nothing will ever change the way I feel.

Sometimes “goodbye” though it hurts in your heart is the only way for destiny

Sometimes “goodbye” though it hurts is the only way now for you and me

Though it’s the hardest thing to say, I miss your love in every way

So say goodbye, but don’t you cry,

Because a true love never dies.

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Hermione held on tight as she hugged Harry goodbye. It was time for him to leave, they’d put it off as long as possible, and they were now the last three students standing on Platform 9 ¾. It seemed hard to believe that their Hogwarts days were over. They were adults now, with more responsibility on their shoulders than others, war was expected to break out any day now and Harry had to go immediately into hiding to finish his preparations. Ron and Hermione had fought against this decision – they wanted to be with him – but Dumbledore had sat the two of them down and reminded them of the prophecy – this was Harry’s destiny, only he had the power to vanquish the Dark Lord.

Hermione realised she should probably let Harry go, but his arms were wrapped around her tightly also, so she buried her head into his shoulder and tried to make him understand through her hug, everything she felt. There were unshed tears in her eyes as they pulled apart, and Ron placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. The three best friends exchanged long glances, not needing to speak. It was the end of an era – the famous Hogwarts trio was leaving Hogwarts and Harry had to go alone.

“We’ll be at Headquarters Harry – you know how to contact us. Keep in touch.” Ron said quietly, reaching to pull Harry into a hug. As she watched them the tears finally fell from Hermione’s eyes, dripping down her cheeks. Harry pulled her into the hug, and the three of them stood wordlessly on the platform beside the empty train.

“I should go…” Harry said sadly, taking a step back from his friends.

“Harry…promise you’ll remember everything – everything…” Hermione trailed off.

Harry nodded silently.

“I have to go – it’s my destiny…” He said resolutely.

Ron looped an arm around Hermione’s shaking shoulders as Harry picked up Hedwig’s cage, preparing to leave. He wiped a hand across his eyes before meeting his friends eyes for one last time.

“Goodbye.” He said softly.

“Goodbye.” Ron and Hermione echoed.

Harry turned and began to walk slowly along the long platform towards the Muggle world. Hermione and Ron watched his progress.

“Say it now ‘Mione – you…you might not get another chance…” Ron said, his voice cracking. Hermione looked up at him, knowing exactly what he meant.

She was suddenly running down the platform at full speed to catch up with him, her hair trailing behind her, as he prepared to cross through the magical barrier she called out to stop him.

“Harry!”

He turned in surprise to see Hermione hurtling towards him; he caught her in a fierce hug as she reached him, crying into his shoulder.

“I’m going to miss you so much Harry – everything about you…I’d decided not to say anything, but – I love you – and I’ll be here whenever you need me, whatever you need from me, even if you don’t feel the same way – I just needed you to know that. If this ruins everything between us then I’m so sorry Harry, maybe one day you’ll understand and things will be like they used to be…but I’m here Harry – always…” The words rushed from her as she gazed up into those emerald green eyes she loved so much. Harry looked down at her and gently he brushed the tears away from her cheek with his thumb, one arm still encircling her waist.

“’Mione – you don’t know how I’ve wanted to hear you say those words…but you know we have to say goodbye now. We have very different destinies, and I don’t have any time left…if I could stop everything I would – I would love so much to just leave everything as it is but I don’t have that choice…” Hermione interrupted him.

“I know you don’t Harry – and I’m not asking for anything from you, I wouldn’t do that, I just wanted you to know how I felt before we said goodbye properly. Whatever happens, you have to remember what we’ve all shared over the last seven years, we’ve been happy, people love you – I love you, more than anything.” She clarified, unable to move her eyes from his.

They were silent for a moment, simply looking at one another.

Harry stared at his best friend, and tried his best to commit every tiny piece of her to memory as she looked right then, standing on the train platform in his arms, her hair all windswept, her warm chocolate brown eyes crying, her tear stained face, because he’d never seen her look more beautiful.

“I promise I’ll remember ‘Mione.” He said softly. “I’ll always remember.”

He kissed her tenderly on the forehead and turned again to leave.

Hermione watched him turn to leave once more, trying to remember everything about how he looked in case this was the last time she saw him, and as she watched he paused and whirled around, walking the three steps back towards her with a determined look in his green eyes. He didn’t stop when he reached her though, his arm wrapped around her waist, and his other hand cupped the back of her neck as he drew her towards him and kissed her.

Watching from along the platform Ronald Weasley punched the air and let out a whoop of celebration which caused Harry and Hermione to break apart from their passionate kiss and turn to grin at their best friend.

Harry kissed her once more.

“I love you too ‘Mione, and I’ll see you when it’s all over – I promise.”

And with a last kiss to the end of her nose Harry was gone from the platform.

“Goodbye.” She whispered softly before being wrapped up in a bear hug from Ron.

They linked arms to cross through the barrier and begin their adult lives.

“Told you so.” Ron declared as they emerged in the Muggle station.

Well, perhaps not too adult…

Every Little Thing She Does is Magic

Harry watched his closest friends messing about in the lounge of Grimmauld Place, his gaze fixed on one in particular. It was so nice to see her smiling and laughing, it was a rare sight these days for any of them to smile and laugh as the war came ever closer. But tonight they were gathered to belatedly celebrate their graduation from Hogwarts only weeks before, this had been their first opportunity to celebrate, and as Headquarters had moved to Hogwarts for the summer they were free to use Harry's home for the evening.

Harry's gaze skimmed around the room, looking at Ron, Luna, Fred, George, Ginny, Neville and Hermione all laughing together. He really had to sort himself out, it was getting ridiculous the amount of time he spent every day thinking about her. He'd tried before to tell her how he felt, but every time he seemed to lose his nerve, it was getting rather pathetic.

Hermione caught his eye, and Harry felt a blush creep across his cheeks as he realised he'd been caught staring at her. She tilted her head, looking at him. She smiled and he smiled in return before heading out to the kitchen to get some more snacks, with 4 Weasley's around you always needed more snacks.

Harry walked through the large kitchen and opened the pantry door, perusing the items inside. He knew the moment she entered the kitchen and smiled to himself, he always knew it was her.

Hermione walked over and stood behind Harry, her arms loosely around his waist, her chin resting on his shoulder.

“Hey you, anything interesting in there?” Spoke the voice he so loved to hear.

“Hey you.” He said softly in reply.

“You ok tonight Harry?” Hermione asked. Harry was silent for a moment as he considered her question.

“I actually am…tonight. It's like, well, I can almost imagine that Voldemort doesn't exist and we're all just friends relaxing together.” Harry turned to look at Hermione and saw her smiling sadly.

“Me too.” She replied quietly. “Maybe we're just being given a glimpse of what our what our future could be.”

“Do you think we all have a future then?” Harry asked earnestly, suddenly needing to hear the answer to the question he was really asking. Hermione looked at him intensely, knowing exactly what he was really asking.

“You are going to survive Harry.” She said simply.

“Do you really believe that?”

“Yes. And I have to believe it. I have to imagine us all in the future - happy - and it wouldn't be happy without you…” She spoke hurriedly, suddenly avoiding his eyes as she trailed off into silence.

“Sometimes, at night, I let myself imagine what it could be like. I try so hard not to let myself be drawn in, but it's almost like looking into the Mirror of Erised, I see our lives once this is all over. It's dangerous - I shouldn't be losing focus on the fight - if I do then I will die.”

Hermione reached out and took his hands linking their fingers together, gently tugging at his hands, they sat on the floor side by side, their backs leaning against the kitchen wall, hands still entwined.

“What do you see? What are we all doing in this future then?” Hermione asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. She watched as Harry leant his head back against the wall and closed his eyes, a wistful smile on his face.

“Well, Ron will be eating us all out of house and home, of course blaming it on his training for Quidditch as he'll no doubt be playing for the Cannons. Neville and Ginny will get married and start an enormous family in true Weasley tradition. You'll be working at the Ministry, probably reorganising everything as an Unspeakable, then after a few years you'll be teaching at Hogwarts and inspiring hundreds of students to read Hogwarts: A History. We'll all have evenings like this, and Sunday's at The Burrow like we used to all those summers ago.” Harry opened his eyes and blushed a little as he looked across at his best friend.

“And what about you Harry? What's your happy ending?”

Harry looked up into those warm chestnut eyes and decided to go for it; it was time to show some of that famous Gryffindor courage he'd been lacking for the last six months.

“Me? Well, maybe I'll finally get around to telling you just how much you mean to me. Just how perfect you are - and, how much I love you. Then, if that goes well then we could live happily ever after, and if it doesn't go well, then, I'll just have to call you up a thousand times a day, and ask you to marry me in some old fashioned way, until you realise that I could never be happy without you, and hopefully you'd come to feel the same about me, if you hadn't hexed me into oblivion first…”

There was a few seconds of stunned silence as Harry realised he'd just blurted everything out and practically proposed to his best friend on the kitchen floor, and Hermione looked up at him, her eyes wide with shock. After a moment she smiled shyly and Harry's heart suddenly seemed to start beating again, at least she didn't appear to be angry with him. They remained in silence as Hermione gently reached her hand up and brushed Harry's messy hair away from his forehead, exposing the famous scar, her hand then moving to cup the back of his head and pulling his face towards hers and gently placing her lips on his. Hermione could feel the enormous smile spreading across Harry's face as she deepened the kiss, eventually pulling away to rest her forehead against his own, green eyes staring intently into brown ones.

“I love you.” Harry repeated quietly, his hand holding hers tightly.

“ I love you too.” Hermione replied with a grin. Harry replied by pulling her into a bone-crushing hug as she laughed delightedly, and buried her face in his shoulder.

They were interrupted at that moment by the unmistakable sound of Ron's voice yelling from the next room.

“Did you two get lost in there? I thought you were bringing more snacks - I'm starving here!”

Harry laughed and released Hermione from the hug, extending a hand and pulling her gently to her feet so they stood face to face.

“I guess we'd better find him some snacks before he starts eating the furniture.” Hermione said with a shy smile, her eyes never leaving Harry's. The snacks were forgotten for several moments however as he kissed her again, and when they parted she was breathless but grinning like the Cheshire cat.

They quickly gathered some food together and started to head back across the kitchen when Hermione spoke his name. Harry paused and turned to look slightly over his shoulder questioningly.

“You…you wouldn't have to call me a thousand times a day, I think you'd be ok with my first answer.” She said quietly, yet clearly. Harry turned fully to look at her, a smile spreading across his face.

“I haven't asked yet.” He teased softly, smiling at her.

Hermione's eyes widened before she grinned and stuck her tongue out at him. Harry chuckled, and walking the few steps between them he kissed her once more before ushering out the kitchen, as they entered the lounge Ron lunged at the food, taking it eagerly from Hermione as she sat back down, and Harry spoke again.

“I will though.”

Hermione looked across at him in surprise, as did everyone else in the room, curious as to what Harry was talking about.

“Will what?” Ron asked through a mouthful of Pumpkin Pasty.

“Propose to `Mione.” Harry replied matter of factly, causing Hermione to blush, Ginny to squeal, and Ron to spit Pumpkin Pasty over the unfortunate Luna.

“Did we miss something?” Neville asked with a raised eyebrow as Harry took his seat next to Hermione on the sofa, with a cheeky grin.

“You could say that.” Hermione laughed before Harry kissed her once more and their friends yelled with delight.

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Based on `Every Little Thing She Does is Magic' by The Police

Though I've tried before to tell her
Of the feelings I have for her in my heart
Every time that I come near her
I just lose my nerve
As I've done from the start

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she do just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for her goes on

Do I have to tell the story
Of a thousand rainy days since we first met
It's a big enough umbrella
But it's always me that ends up getting wet

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she do just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for her goes on

I resolve to call her up a thousand times a day
And ask her if she'll marry me in some old fashioned way
But my silent fears have gripped me
Long before I reach the phone
Long before my tongue has tripped me
Must I always be alone?

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she do just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for her goes on

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`The words have lost all meaning', Harry thought to himself as he tried desperately to stay awake during History of Magic. Usually he'd have his head on the desk, fast asleep, as Ron did at the moment, but the last two nights he'd been plagued with nightmares and had woken the rest of the boys with his anguished shouts. He shook his head slightly to try and erase the images of his nightmares from his mind. Well, it was time to give up on even attempting to listen to Professor Binns or to take notes; it just wouldn't do for the Boy-Who-lived to die of boredom in a class on the goblin rebellions of 1635…

Ron let out a snort in his sleep causing Harry to snigger as Ron returned to his usual quiet snoring. Harry glanced up and saw Hermione was also glancing across at Ron with an amused smile on her face. Harry caught her eyes and grinned. Hermione leant closer to him and whispered, “I don't know what you're laughing at Harry - you twitch in your sleep- it's hilarious - Binns actually thought you were raising your hand to ask a question last week.” She winked at him and Harry laughed quietly.

“How did you get me out of that one?” He asked curiously.

“Had to pretend I was incredibly interested in the precise location of goblin battle - once he'd talked about that for ten minutes he'd forgotten all about it.”

“Thanks `Mione. What would I do without you?”

She smiled at him before turning back to her notes and jotting down some dates from the blackboard.

Harry decided to try staring out the window for a while, but all he could see was a few trees, making him wish he were outside rather than in the stuffy classroom. He looked around the room and saw that other than he and Hermione only two other students were actually awake, both Ravenclaw girls he'd seen Hermione chatting to on occasion. Harry focused his gaze on Hermione, and studied her face; now so different at age 17 than it had been when they first met. Her hair in delicate curls was piled loosely on top of her head, held in place by a spare quill, he was contemplating just how it stayed in place when she slid a piece of parchment across the desk towards him. He looked down and read it with surprise.

`Do I have ink on my face again?'

Harry glanced at her before picking up his quill to reply.

`No. Why?'

`You were staring at me'

`Sorry! Was wondering how you get your hair to stay like that'

`You're odd sometimes Harry. (It's a sticking charm on the quill) It's rather nice to have someone to chat to in History, you and Ron are usually passed out together. For that matter, why aren't you asleep today? Even I'm bored of goblin rebellions…'

Harry paused for a moment before replying.

`Nightmares'

`Is he...?'

`No, Just normal nightmares, but I've been shouting in my sleep - woke the boys up the last two night, thought I should avoid doing that in class.'

`Ok. Are you alright? It's been a while since they've been so bad.'

`Yeah I'm ok. Really `Mione. My mind's just torturing me a bit, showing me the worst possible things I can imagine.'

`I'll get you some dreamless sleep potion for tonight if you'd like. Is there nothing you can do to stop the nightmares, preventing what's happening in them?'

`No - that's the problem. I can usually cope but this is something that would destroy me if I tried to stop it, and would rip me to pieces if it happened.'

`You're being unusually cryptic today Harry. Has Dumbledore told you something new?'

`No, you know everything. It's just a realisation I've come to. Something I've really known for quite some time but hadn't wanted to admit.'

`Well now I'm intrigued. Are you going to tell me or do I have to tickle you?'

Harry smiled as he read Hermione's last comment.

`It's not something I wanted to tell you on paper, but maybe this is the best way. At least this way I can really think about what I want to say and not just blurt it out, saying something stupid. I've always been able to tell you anything, and I trust you more than anyone else in the world - it's just taken me a long time to realise what you mean to me. The worst thing Riddle could possibly do is to take you away from me. You're the most important person in my life and that's why my nightmares are so awful. It's not even that he has taken you, it's that he realises how to get to me - I hear him plotting, going over hundreds of ways to destroy me - destroy you. And there's nothing I can do. You're as protected as you can be right now. The only thing that could help would by distancing myself from you, or by one of us leaving Hogwarts. But I'm too selfish - I need you too much. I'm sorry.'

Harry watched as Hermione's eyes flew over the parchment, taking in what he was telling her.

`You don't get a choice to be selfish Harry; I'm not going anywhere. I refuse to. I've always known the dangers.

`Thanks `Mione. But - the danger is greater than ever now.'

`Why now?'

Harry looked at the parchment and then looked up to meet his best friends eyes, which were shining with unshed tears. This was something that definitely shouldn't be said on parchment. Hermione looked away from him, down at her notes, and Harry made the decision, leaning closer to her, he placed a hand in the small of her back and softly whispered in her ear.

“Because I'm in love with you.”

Hermione's head whipped around to look at him, finding his face right in front of her, their noses only an inch apart. She smiled at him shyly and Harry smiled back nervously. Hermione looked away first, picking up her quill again before looking up at Professor Binns who had just turned to draw a complicated diagram on the board. Harry followed her gaze and picked up his quill with a sigh which froze in his throat as Hermione placed a hand on each side of his face, pulled him towards her and kissed him squarely on the mouth. Harry gazed at her in shock as she pulled away before he had a chance to react. She winked at him and returned to her notes just as Professor Binns turned around to face the class once more. Harry blinked and grinned to himself, shaking his head slightly in amazement, unable to react now that Binns was facing them again.

The bell finally rang and Ron awoke with a start, toppling on his stool. He rushed off with a wave to get to his next class on time across the castle whilst Harry and Hermione walked the short distance to the dungeons in companionable silence. As they neared the Potions classroom Harry seized his opportunity, and grabbing Hermione's wrist he pulled her into a dark alcove, placing his hands on either side of her face and kissing her.

They were several minutes late for Potions as Professor Snape was keen to point out by deducting 10 points from Gryffindor for being late, and 10 points for running in the castle due to their flushed faces. Hermione blushed and Harry held in a laugh as they took their places by their cauldrons. When Hermione leant over her cauldron towards Harry and whispered “I love you too by the way”, Snape gave the pair of them detention and was confused by the huge grins on their faces as he sentenced them a night of scrubbing cauldron bottoms without magic.

The End

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She sat by the hospital bed, wondering why it never got any easier to see him lying there. She thought back to that first time, eleven years old and they'd saved the Philosopher's Stone, but Harry had ended up here. She remembered sitting by his bed with Ron, looking at his pale face, which only accentuated his scar. He had suddenly seemed more vulnerable than before, not just her brave rescuer from the troll, but a boy who'd suffered, the burdens of his suffering appearing visible in his pale face.

This time was different though, his pale face now appeared at peace, and this time she prayed would be the last time she sat by his hospital bed. It wasn't an unfounded wish, they'd done it. He'd done it. Voldemort was gone, and Harry had exhausted all his magic, as he'd cast that final fatal spell. She and Ron had rushed toward him as he collapsed to the ground exhausted by Voldemort's body. In those seconds before they had reached him, and she'd felt a pulse, she had died inside, over and over. It couldn't happen now, not when he had everything to live for.

Now it was just a matter of time before he woke up, amazingly he wasn't even technically injured; his body had simply shut down in order to recharge his magical reserves. But, surprisingly, this fact didn't bring much comfort to Hermione sitting by his side. It wouldn't really be over until he opened his eyes, and Chestnut eyes met Emerald ones. Ron had largely been dealing with keeping away the press desperate to speak to Harry. They'd given brief statements the morning before, but it wasn't right to speak about it in detail until they'd discussed with Harry if he wanted to keep anything private, and it had just seemed so wrong standing there, just the two of them in front of all those reporters, without Harry beside them.

Hermione reached out and took Harry's hand in hers, smiling softly.

“It's finally over for you. You can be whoever you want to be. Do whatever you want to do for the first time in your life. We've hardly even spoken about it, it just seemed like tempting fate, so I don't even know what you'll want to do now - well, you've finally got the chance to decide. That's what I've always wanted most for you - choice. I'm so proud of how you've coped with everything that's been thrust upon you - I couldn't have done it - I don't know anyone who could have don it, except you…Thank You…Today more than any other day I wish your parents could be here, so you could talk with them. I can only imagine what my parents would say in a situation like this - that they were incredibly proud, and that they love you. As for the future: they'd tell you to ignore all advice and follow your instincts and your heart. This is your chance for happiness, so just grab it when you find it…they really would be so proud of you Harry, just as Remus is, and Sirius would have been…”

Hermione looked down at their hands and smiled again.

“I'm just going to back to the tower for a bit to freshen up and get you some things, it wont be long now till you wake up.” Hermione stood, and leaning over, gently kissed Harry's forehead, whispering, “Love you” before turning and leaving the hospital wing.

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Harry Potter looked down at his best friends face, her eyes wide, her lashes fluttering teasingly as she begged him to help her cook dinner for her parents.

“Please Harry! You know I'm a disaster when it comes to the improvised bits, everyone remembers the beef stew incident.”

Harry's stomach churned a little at the memory of the beef stew and chuckled at Hermione's pleading.

“Of course I'll help you, or rather I'll let you help. You're strictly relegated to peeling and chopping - and are to stay away from anything that looks remotely like gravy.” Harry teased, quickly leaping out of the way as Hermione went to hit him on the arm.

“I know I've said it a hundred times `Mione, but I just don't understand how someone who can get 100% in one of Snape's Potions exams can be so bad at cooking…” Harry pondered shaking his head in disbelief.

Hermione bit back from challenging her best friend, remembering she needed his help, and no one could stay mad when Harry grinned, so she simply stuck out her tongue.

Harry laughed and pulled her into a hug.

“Alright I'll see you later, I have to run into Diagon Alley. Do you need anything while I'm there?”

“Um, ingredients for whatever we're going to cook?” She asked sheepishly.

“Miss. Granger! I'm surprised at your lack of organisation.” Harry attempted to be stern, but failed miserably as a chuckle escaped.

“Alright, I'll get stuff for dinner. What time are they arriving?”

“Seven. And Ron's out with Luna tonight so it's just the four of us. Oh and can you pick up that book I ordered in from Flourish and Blotts?”

“Sure. Anything else needed for your birthday dinner?”

“Nope. Just food!” Hermione replied with a wink as Harry kissed her on the top of the head, grabbed his jacket and made his way out of the house.

Harry smiled to himself as he walked the short distance to Diagon Alley through the sunny London streets. He had never been so happy in all his life than he had for the past five months. He had always thought leaving Hogwarts would have been a momentous occasion, but it had passed in a haze of preparations for yet again facing Voldemort, the Wizarding World had been torn apart by death and destruction. The end of the war had also passed Harry by in many ways, he tried not to remember that fateful night he had ended Voldemort's life. It was in the past, they were safe now, and the war hadn't truly been over until the last of the Death Eaters had been rounded up. It had been five months since he had turned down the job as an auror as he handed over Lucius Malfoy, the last of the Death Eaters, and he, Ron and Hermione were now happily settling into their home in London, not far from Grimmauld Place where the Weasley's now lived after the destruction of the Burrow during the war. Thankfully he'd been so busy immediately after Voldemort's death that he had not been too exposed to the media frenzy, his fame was now ridiculous, as were Ron and Hermione's and they tried to avoid the public eye as much as was possible with Ron playing Quidditch professionally. Harry had taken a break at Hermione's insistence so he could figure out what he really wanted to do with his life, now that his destiny was no longer decided by prophecy. He never thought he'd be happy to not do anything in particular, but with Hermione's encouragement he was finally learning how to relax, and had begun to organise his life. He knew Hermione was dying to know what he was going to do next, and if he was honest with himself he knew he was withholding the information to wind her up a little bit, just to see that adorable look on her face when her forehead wrinkled. He chuckled to himself as he gathered ingredients in the supermarket, ordering them to be delivered by floo before heading over to Flourish and Blotts on Hermione's errands. Andrew the shopkeeper greeted Harry with a wide smile as he entered the shop.

“I had a feeling one of you would be in today.” Andrew commented with a raised eyebrow.

“What can I do? She's got me running errands for her now…” Harry put upon an exaggerated sigh and Andrew chuckled.

“I take it the book's in?” Harry asked as Andrew searched under the counter for a package.

“Here it is, and she'll want to know that a second volume is already in the pipelines…”

“Thanks Andrew. Just put it on my tab. Maybe she'll consider it a good enough birthday present…or maybe not…I don't suppose you've got any inside information about any new releases she'd love?” Harry asked with a note of desperation.

“Sorry Harry - your Hermione tends to know about them before me, and to be honest I'll soon be moving on. It only came through yesterday but I'm finally going to retire, so it looks like me wife will be finally getting her wish.” Andrew smiled wryly.

“What's going to happen to the shop?” Harry asked concerned, knowing Andrew was the last in the line of the Blott family.

“Putting the premises up for sale. It looks like the business will finally finish - there just isn't the interest there used to be…” Andrew sighed.

Harry smiled, a small smile that spread rapidly into a grin.

“Well, I was looking for a birthday present…”

Andrew looked at him confused until realisation dawned and his eyebrows appeared to disappear into his receding hairline.

“I don't know why I didn't think of it before - I don't think I'd trust anyone more than young Hermione with this place.” Andrew said wistfully, looking around the bookshop he'd treasured for so long.

“Any chance you can shut for a little while so we can talk this through?” Harry asked thoughtfully.

Andrew nodded, and soon the two could be found ensconced in the back room of the shop going over tables of figures and charts.

“Harry! You've been gone ages - I thought you were only going to Diagon Alley?” Hermione shouted down the stairs as Harry closed the door behind him two hours later.

“Well I had to pick up your birthday present for tomorrow didn't I?” Harry called back teasingly.

“Ooh, tell me what it is?” Hermione teased, bounding down the stairs to greet him with a hug.

“And why would I do that?”

“Because I'm your best friend in the whole world?” Hermione asked, fluttering her eyelashes in an exaggerated fashion causing Harry to chuckle.

“I thought that was why I was cooking dinner tonight.” He said over his shoulder as he began sorting through the ingredients that had arrived by floo.

“Ah, well…you want to tell me because I've saved your sorry butt so many times over the years…” Hermione teased.

“Hmm, I thought defeating Voldemort got me out of that one.” Harry grinned as Hermione slapped his arm playfully.

“Chop the mushrooms - not even you can get that wrong.” He commanded in a passable impression of Snape. Hermione laughed and moved across the kitchen.

“Why are you so curious anyway?” Harry asked a few minutes later as they were busy preparing the dinner.

“Every year I think that you're never going to be able to top the last present you gave me, and every year I'm somehow wrong. But this year I really don't see how you're going to top my watch.” Hermione said with a smile, looking down tenderly at the watch on her wrist, much like Molly Weasley's kitchen clock it had three hands, labelled with pictures of her, Harry and Ron, letting her know at all times that her best friends were safe, it was her most treasured possession.

Harry looked at her out of the corner of his eye and smiled softly to see her admiring her watch.

“I have a feeling you'll like this even more.” He replied quietly smiling over at her. They shared a private smile and returned to preparing the dinner. Soon Hermione was softly singing along with the Muggle radio on the kitchen windowsill, and Harry chuckled before joining in and singing loudly and off-key to all the old 60's songs blasting from Hermione's favourite radio station.

“You know I'm going to lie awake half the night wondering what you've got me for my birthday…” Hermione teased later that night as they quickly tidied the living room before her parents arrival.

“Well, in that case…” Harry began before chuckling.

Hermione put on an exaggerated pout and Harry pulled her down to sit down beside him on the sofa.

“Well, actually I had planned on giving this to you before the party tomorrow night, so it might as well be now Miss. Impatient.” Harry smiled.

“Accio Gift.” He held out his hand and a large envelope wrapped with a ribbon zoomed into the room and into his open hand.

“Really? I was only teasing Harry.” Hermione blushed.

Harry smiled and brushed her hair out of her eyes.

“I know you were, but I want you to have this now.” He handed her the envelope and watched her as she ran her hands lightly over her name scrawled across the front before carefully opening the envelope and pulling out a small stack of parchment.

“The deeds to number 29 Diagon Alley…” She read aloud before gasping and turning to him in shock, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open.

“Flourish and Blotts? You bought me the bookshop?” She gasped, her eyes shining.

Harry nodded.

“But….How?” She stammered, still poring over the documents in her hands.

“Andrew's retiring - and there's no-one he'd rather hand the shop over to you than his favourite and most frequent customer.” Harry said smiling, as Hermione studied the contract, tears in her eyes.

His airways appeared to be cut off when Hermione threw her arms around him and hugged him so tightly. He wrapped his arms around her and breathed in the scent of her hair, smiling as he did so. As they pulled apart she alternated between gazing at him in amazement and studying the papers on her lap.

“You know Ron is never going to believe me…I've finally made the great Hermione Granger speechless.” Hermione looked up and threw a cushion at him before engulfing him in another bone crushing hug.

“Thank you Harry…even you're not going to be able to top this one next year.” She said smiling through her happy tears.

“Oh really?”

“You've got something planned already?” She asked incredulously.

“Well I might have.” Harry replied with a wink. “I might not be able to save it until your birthday though.” He mused.

“Can I have a hint?” Hermione teased, sitting up and facing him cross-legged on the sofa.

Harry looked at her shining eyes, and her chestnut hair cascading in soft curls around her face and smiled knowing he'd never be able to wait a year before asking her.

“Well, I thought I'd ask you to marry me, but it seems a little forward now as I'd planned on asking you on a first date sometime before your next birthday.” Harry said, holding her gaze. There was a moments silence and Harry smiled shyly.

“Definitely a new record - I seem to have silenced you twice in one evening - Ron's never going to believe…” At that moment he was cut off as Hermione threw her arms around him and kissed him passionately.

They drew apart several minutes later, both breathing unsteadily, their faces flushed.

“Did I mention I loved you?” Harry asked, kissing her lightly on the cheek.

“No, I believe you forgot to mention that one Mr. Potter.” She replied with a smile before kissing him again.

He gently pulled away from her and raised an eyebrow.

“What?” Hermione asked breathlessly.

Harry chuckled and Hermione blushed.

“Oops. I love you too.” She said softly, meeting his eyes and smiling before wrapping her arms around him once more.

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Hermione Granger should have been concentrating on the conversation going on around her. Ron and Ginny were having a heated discussion about the Quidditch World Cup, and while she usually would have been mediating or teasing Ron about his obsession she was gazing at a spot on the far wall, although not really seeing it.

Harry had been gone for three weeks and she had never known it was possible to miss someone so much. The first two months after the end of the war had dragged on, and it seemed as if every day was spent in and out of St Mungo's where they had held vigil over friends and strangers, all those injured in the fighting. Harry had been exhausted, yet focused on watching over them all, seemingly oblivious to the celebrations sweeping the country because of him. He had fulfilled his destiny, but Hermione knew that it wouldn't be over for him until the fate of those lying in hospital beds was decided. He had always felt guilt for everyone injured in battle and he agonised over those who had lost their lives.

When Remus was at last declared to be stable, Hermione had watched as Harry's shoulders had sagged with relief. She had put her hand on his arm and been rewarded with a tight hug, his arms wrapped securely around her waist, his face buried in her hair. They stood hugging one another, as Tonks was allowed back in to the hospital room to see her fiancée, neither saying a word. Ron was at The Burrow resting, and being fed more than Hermione had known was possible by his relieved mother after he had woken two days after the battle. After several minutes Harry broke the silence, pulling back a little to see his friends face.

“Hermione…I…”

“What is it Harry?”

“Everyone's stable now and…”

“You're not?” She asked softly.

Harry looked at her half smiling, knowing she understood him and nodded sadly. A tear slipped down her cheek.

“You're leaving aren't you?” She whispered, unable to meet his intense gaze.

“I'm sorry `Mione - I wish I could stay. But I think I need to figure this out by myself for once. Please don't think I'm rejecting…”

Hermione cut him off at this point.

“It's ok Harry. I know this is about you, not me or Ron, but…that doesn't make it any easier.” She said, crying silently. “You'd better promise to come back. Or I'll track you down Harry.”

“I promise, and I promise I'll be in touch. I'll send you postcards so you know where I am, and that I'm ok.”

Hermione nodded, and Harry kissed her forehead gently before stepping backwards.

She watched him, taking in the details, not knowing when she would next see him.

“I'll explain to the others.” She said with a half smile.

“Thanks `Mione” Harry replied, clearly relieved. “I'll see you soon. I promise.”

She closed her eyes slowly, and on hearing the distinctive popping sound of someone apparating from a building only Harry could apparate from she opened them to take in the space before her where he had stood only seconds before. She sighed and took a seat once more on an uncomfortable hospital chair.

That had been three weeks ago now, and while Harry had kept his promise and sent her a postcard every few days she was still miserable. Ron was back to 100% which she was thrilled about, and he was revelling in his new status as war hero, almost as much as he was enjoying following Luna around like a lovesick puppy. Ginny seemed to have had a weight lifted off her shoulders now her family were safe and well once more, and was the life and soul of every gathering, now much less shy about her humour and femininity as he previously had been with all her brothers. Remus was now safely at home with Tonks at Grimmauld Place though still recovering very slowly, it was heart warming to see the couple together without constant fear and worry. It seemed to have done them the world of good, she had never heard Remus laugh so much, and Tonks appeared to be less clumsy. It was just Hermione who was in limbo. She knew Harry had gone away to figure out what she should do now, but in typically male fashion he hadn't bothered to think that by going away she was unable to figure out what to do next. There were so many different offers and opportunities, and right now she couldn't care less about any of them. There were always going to be downsides to being in love with your oblivious best friend. In the back of her mind she'd hoped he'd just figure it out once the weight of the Wizarding world had been lifted from his shoulders, but this was Harry and she knew better.

She had told everyone that she'd insisted Harry take a holiday, and had sent him off with instructions not to come back until he'd relaxed. A lie that saved everyone's feelings except her own, everyone had nodded and smiled saying that if anyone deserved a holiday it was Harry, a fact she knew all too well, and she felt guilty for begrudging him this chance to sort his mind out and let his body rest.

Hermione dragged her mind back to the present and grinned to see that Ron and Ginny's disagreement over Quidditch selections for the World Cup had degenerated into arm wrestling. She laughed softly before breaking up battle between the laughing siblings. Ron left soon after to meet Luna for dinner, giving both girls big hugs before half running out the door. Hermione and Ginny grinned after him, before relocating from the kitchen of Hermione's flat to the comfortable sofas in the living room. Hermione had bought the flat the day after Harry had left, intending it to be a place for her, Ron and Harry to live. Grimmauld Place was Remus and Tonks' home now, and Hermione knew Harry would never want to permanently live somewhere which for him would always hold memories of those lost. In reality it seemed that Ron might end up moving in with Luna if her instincts were correct, and with Harry away Hermione found that although she enjoyed having time to herself and her own space, this too was on hold in her mind, she wouldn't truly enjoy her flat until Harry was back.

Hermione and Ginny sat chatting, Ginny noticing her friends gaze returning to the open window every few minutes. She paused, and smiled sadly.

“When did you last hear from Harry?” She asked.

“A few days ago, he's been learning to surf, even on holiday he has to be doing some kind of sport.” She said with a wry grin.

“He's not really on holiday is he?” Ginny asked softly, suddenly understanding why her friend had been so distant over the last few weeks. Hermione looked up at her in surprise.

“No, not really. He needed to get away, he just waited until he knew that everyone was ok.” Hermione said sadly.

“Do you think he'll be ok?” Ginny asked.

“In time…I just don't know how much time he's going to need.”

“And in the meantime you're stuck waiting for him to figure out that what he needs has been here the whole time.” Ginny observed with a smile. Hermione's eyes widened and she laughed softly.

“I'd forgotten how well you can read me Gin. Is it obvious?”

“Not to anyone else, except maybe Remus. It's obvious that you're the best thing to ever happen to him, and I know from how you've been over the last few weeks that you've had to put all your plans on hold until you know what he's going to do.”

Hermione nodded at Ginny's observation.

“Gin…what do I do if he doesn't see it? What if he figures out what he wants and it isn't me? I'll have to support whatever he chooses, I wouldn't be his friend if I did anything else - he deserves to have whatever he wants…but I think over time it would destroy me.” Hermione allowed herself to cry for the first time since Harry had left, her big fear finally voiced. Ginny moved to sit next to her friend, an arm around her shoulders.

“We'll figure everything out as it happens Herms - we always do. And if it helps, I always knew that Harry and I were never going to work out, even before Dumbledore died. In the long term he and I never fit the way you and he fit together. I could see in his eyes that he would always come back to you. It was you and Ron he took on the search for the horcruxes Hermy. You know it had to be three of you. You have a greater bond with him than anyone, and you're the most important in his life. One day he'll tell you that, but you know Harry, he's rubbish with girls!” Ginny grinned. “I'm going to trust my instincts on this one, and as they've saved my life several times I think they're pretty trustworthy, and every one of them tells me that Harry will see what we see one day.”

“Thanks Gin. Now back to the reason you were here - what are you going to wear for your date with Neville tonight?” Ginny grinned and the girls were soon mentally analysing both of their wardrobes to come up with the perfect first date outfit.

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