Haunted Angel
by Atlantica

Rating: PG13
Ship: Harry & Hermione
Canon: Books 1 - 5
Genre: Mystery, Romance
Status: In progress
Length: 13,249 words in 8 chapters
Published: 17 Mar 2005
Last updated: 1 Apr 2005

Hermione's life sucks, her job is falling to pieces and her husband wants a a divorce. She's running out of people to
trust and it seems as if someone won't stop until she's gone for good.

From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/3993/

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1. Never Should Have

Never Should Have

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters nor the realm created by J.K Rowling.

~^*^~

She closed the heavy oak doors with a soft sigh. She wanted nothing more than to break down and cry as her thoughts
drifted to the press conference that had just been held in the room behind her.

*******************************************************

`Ms Granger…' a nasally voice called out over the chaos. `It is said that you repeated blunders as the Head of the
Ministry of Magic will mean that you will be sent packing.' Hermione bit her tongue, holding back on the anger.

`Sir. Whoever told you that was wrong. I have saved the Ministry of Magic from bankruptcy, Death Eater attacks and
countless other issues, not to mention I have served for 7 years. My team here at the Ministry hardly wants to get rid
of me.' But Hermione knew better. Though she had worked her hardest the past 7 years everything appeared to be falling
apart and there was bound to be a mutiny amongst her colleagues.

*******************************************************

“Ms Granger?” Hermione was woken from the haunting memory and turned to face a plump woman a couple of years her junior
and she forced a bright smile.

“Bonnie.” Hermione smiled at her secretary, possibly one of the few that she could trust.

“The Head of Goblin Rights and Responsibilities wants to see you.” What does the Old Fart want now? Hermione thought,
already dreading the tedious meeting with the aging man. As she followed Bonnie down the corridor, Hermione took in her
surroundings, seeing the hundreds-of-years-old arched corridors of a murky marble color. The room was draughty, the cool
mid-winter's breeze drifting mercilessly through the already cold hallway. In front of her, Bonnie opened another large
oak door and gestured for her to go inside.

“Have fun, Ms Granger.” Hermione stepped confidently into the room bracing herself for absolute boredom.

When she finally managed to escape the rantings of the cranky Head of G.R.R, Hermione rushed to her warm office. As she
raced through the door, Bonnie looked up at her and stood up to speak. There was a look of concern on the kind woman's
face and Hermione felt uneasy. Not more bad news. She'd had enough of her floundering attempts to keep her job; she had
worked so hard but recently had made some tough decisions. Not many people had liked the choices she had made and
majority of those people had been powerful people in the wizarding world. Letting out a shaky sigh, she turned to her
friend and braced herself again for the worse.

“Your husband is in your study. He wants to talk to you. Apparently something of great importance.” Bonnie reported
gravely. They both knew that this couldn't be good news. Her marriage was falling to bits, but being an optimist,
Hermione had clung to the fraying threads of her marriage with utter desperation, not wanting to let go. Hermione flexed
her hands and fought the tears back bravely. Today just wasn't her day. Grabbing a mug of coffee, she strode into her
office and met a tired Ron, who sat with his head in his hands. The past few months Ron and Hermione had argued
relentlessly and she knew that her six-year marriage was coming to an end. The fights hadn't been the ridiculous
bickering like when they had been students at Hogwarts. Instead, they were more serious and heart breaking. Being 27,
Hermione wanted nothing more than to be popping out children but Ron wanted otherwise. He had told her that they had
plenty of time and if she really wanted to spend time with screaming babies she could always visit Ginny and her growing
family. But that had just made her even more determined and angry.

“Ron,” Hermione looked at her husband. “Now isn't the best time to visit me,” she stated calmly even though her heart
was pounding at a million miles per hour.

“I know but it's important,” he flung back at her. Stiffly, Hermione made her way to her desk and sat down, finishing
her coffee in one gulp. She said nothing, waiting for him to speak.

“Look, I know you're having a tough time at work at the moment…”'That's the understatement of the year' Hermione wanted
to say. "And I know this isn't the best time but I really think we should get a divorce," he gushed, obviously wanting
to get it over and done with. Though Hermione had been expecting this for some time now, she nodded curtly, trying to
hide any emotion. Her head instantly went into survival mode and she began to plan what she was going to do and, more
importantly, where she was going to live. Absently, she began running her index finger in a small circle on her mahogany
desk as she stared into space, deep in thought. She vaguely remembered that she had bought a penthouse apartment a while
ago and had been renting it off to people but she hadn't had anyone living in it for months now. Now armed with a plan,
she stood and faced Ron with a sigh.

"I guess you are right. I'll go back to the house later this evening and pick up my stuff," she admitted tiredly. Ron
looked pleased that she actually agreed with him for once.

"Where are you going?" he asked, curious. After a moment's pause she told him that she would be at the apartment. Ron
just stared at her in surprise.

"Isn't that where Harry lives?"

Hermione had forgotten that small fact because, perhaps, Harry had seemingly forgotten her. The last time she had seen
him was at her and Ron's wedding and he had been acting strange. Her thoughts drifted for a while and went back to when
she was seventeen, sitting at Harry's bedside when Madame Pomfrey had let her see him. She sat there, amazed that he was
still alive after the ordeal with Voldemort, when he began muttering in his sleep, twisting and turning trying to escape
some unknown assailant. Gently shaking his shoulders, Hermione woke him up and told him that it was just a nightmare.

'Harry… Harry! It's alright, it's just a nightmare," she told him soothingly, taking his battered hand in hers. His gaze
was unfocused at first but when he registered where he was he smiled up at her.

Hermione still remembered how her heart had leapt and her stomach filled with butterflies with that one smile. She had
known that instant that she loved him. Something had told her that he loved her too but when Ron had proposed to her
four years later, Harry had been just as supportive as any best friend would have been. That was, until the wedding
came. He had stood at the altar next to Ron with a melancholy look on his face. When the priest had asked if anyone
didn't want the two newlyweds to be joined in blissful matrimony, Hermione knew that Harry had wanted to say something
but he never spoke up, as much as Hermione wanted him to. Since then Harry had distanced himself and lost all contact
with Ron and Hermione. She should have married Harry. Hermione was woken up from her thoughts when the door to her
office slammed shut telling her that Ron had left abruptly. She took this chance to let the tears come. The horrible
memories coming back: all the arguing, screaming and yelling. Sinking to the floor, Hermione left out a muffled sob and
curled up into a ball, letting everything out.

Bonnie became concerned for Hermione when she saw Ron storm out of the room, leaving without saying good-bye. But now
Hermione had been locked up in her office for over an hour. Stretching tired muscles, Bonnie moved away from behind her
enormous desk and walked down a short hallway to Ms Granger's office. The sight that greeted Bonnie at the door shocked
her to the core. Never before had she seen Hermione in such a state, clearly distressed and sobbing uncontrollably on
the white plush carpet of her office floor.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Dark 'n Stormy

Dark `n Stormy

~^*^~

Feeling miserable, tired, and lonely, Hermione got up from her desk and began pacing, desperately trying to pull herself
together again. She fought back the tears that began to form behind her eyes once again. It was about two o'clock in the
afternoon and business at the Ministry of Magic was at an extraordinary dull halt.

Thoughts and memories drifting through her head, Hermione struggled to think clearly. She had to figure out what she was
going to do.

Firstly, she had to get her stuff together and go to her new home. But being in the house she had shared with Ron for
the past six years
would bring back painful memories.

Scattered around the one-story, modern home were countless photos of the couple with smiling faces. Times before they
had started fighting, times when they had loved each other.
There were also photos of the three of them, carefree and enjoying themselves, from when they were still at Hogwarts.
Just the three of them: Ron, Harry and Hermione. Hermione let out a muffled sob.
Just the three of them.
She really needed to get out of her office into fresh air.

~^*^~

Bonnie was always frightened whenever he entered the room. It was almost as if he brought a cold chill with him
everywhere he went. The man who belonged in shadows gazed at her with piercing gray eyes seeing straight through her
very soul.

“Mr. Malfoy,” she managed to say without shaking, her movements becoming flustered.

“Bonnie, where is Ms. Granger?” he questioned, as if interrogating her.
What did he want with Hermione? She thought curiously.
Draco Malfoy was known for solitude. If he had a wife and family, you would never know because he never spoke of them.
At least not during work.

“Ah, umm…” she stuttered, losing her confidence. All the while Malfoy loomed over her, a menacing look in his gray eyes.
“She left about an hour ago. Went home, I think, to pack.” With raised brows, the blonde devil left the room, his black
robes swirling after him.

~^*^~

Hermione stumbled blindly around her house, ignoring the objects that used to comfort her. They said that home was where
the heart is but now it seemed her heart no longer lived here.

The place, which was painted in whites, baby blues and soft lilacs, used to give off a light and carefree tone but as
Hermione walked to her bedroom, they taunted and mocked her now.

Padding quietly onto soft, white carpet she pulled out suitcases and bags, magically packing all her things into them
with a swish of her wand. Everything around the room flew and packed itself neatly into the bags, ready to be packed
away into Hermione's yellow Mini Cooper.

Checking to see that she had packed everything that belonged to her, she peeked into the wardrobe to find a flat box at
the very top shelf. Standing on tiptoes, she reached for the box and pulled it down. She sat on the bed, and as she
opened it, she felt the tears burning again. In a mix of white lace and silk, Hermione uncovered her wedding dress. She
looked at it for ages deciding what to do with it. Maybe she could wear it just once more. Who was going to care?

She stood staring at her reflection in the mirror surprised that the dress still hugged her figure perfectly. It was
plain and simple; figure hugging down to her waist, flowing out in masses of silk just past her hips. Spinning around,
Hermione felt like a princess. She whirled and twirled around the room, falling dizzily onto the bed.

It was then that she heard a knock at the door.

“Crap,” she swore quietly to herself, knowing that there was no time for her to change. Looking around room for
something to put over the top of the dress, she heard the knock again. Sighing, she ran to the front door.

“Coming!” she called. When she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment before opening it. When she did, she was
shocked to see the person standing in front of her.

“Planning another wedding Hermione?” The voice mocked her, his gray eyes clearly amused.

“Hello to you too Draco,” she muttered while turning around and walking to the kitchen. Draco followed her, a twisted
smile on his face. She quickly made him a cup of coffee before excusing herself to get changed. When she walked back
into the kitchen again, Draco was gone.

“Draco?” She called but to avail. Where had he gone? She poured herself a mug of coffee and sat, curled up, on the sofa.

“Hey,” Draco murmured, sitting next to her. When she threw him a questioning glare, he told her he had gone to the
bathroom.
“Are you okay Hermione?”
He took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly. Draco was her right-hand man. He basically snooped around and reported
feed back to her, advising her on any decisions that she was to make for the Ministry. Since the defeat of Voldemort and
the death of his father, it seemed Draco had grown up and the seven years that they had worked together and had made
them good friends.

She was one of the few that had an insight on his personal life. She knew that he was married to a beautiful muggle
woman, Celicia, who was due to give birth to their first child any time now.

Hermione felt proud knowing that she had been there when Draco and Celicia had first met.

A mutual friend of Hermione and Draco's invited them to a New Year's party seven years ago. It just so happened that
Celicia worked for their friend and was invited as well. Hermione smiled as she remembered Draco's face when he spotted
the dark-haired woman.
It was love at first sight.

“Hermione… Hello!?” Draco loudly interrupted her thoughts.

“Huh… Oh…Yeah, I'm fine,” she muttered unconvincingly.
“Look I don't mean to be rude Draco, but I really want to get going before Ron gets home,” she said softly. Draco nodded
understandingly and hugged her tightly.

“I'll see you on Monday then.” It was more of a statement than a question and Hermione knew that he expected to see her
at work. Or else.

After Draco left, Hermione lugged her bags to the front of the house and stuffed them into the small boot of her car.
With much irritated muttering, she enchanted the boot so the dozen or so bags were able to fit, and then drove off to
her apartment.

~^*^~

Harry watched from the balcony of his apartment, gazing at the small dot that was Hermione, as she made her way towards
the building. He frowned, knowing that Hermione rarely visited the building. Even more unusual was the fact that she
trailed behind her a dozen, heavy looking suitcases. Downing the rest of his wine, he went back inside and listened as
he heard someone walking through the hallway outside and entering the apartment next door. Something bad had happened
between Ron and Hermione. Something really bad.

Filling a decanter with Dark and Stormy, he walked back out onto his balcony and jumped the divider that separated his
balcony from Hermione's. Just as he expected, she stood outside gazing at the moon, tears trailing down her cheeks. He
held the glass out to her and she took it gratefully, swallowing the alcohol in one gulp. Placing the glass on a table
behind her, she faced Harry and flew into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

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3. Confessions Part I

A/N: I truly had something in mind to say, and now when it comes to writing it, it's difficult to put in words. Firstly,
I'd like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who left a review. I'm still in awe that I got 15 reviews in 2 days and
over 240 hits! I have this story posted on another site, hence the reason I am able to update so quickly, but I haven't
got this many reviews in such a short amount of time. Thanks guys, you rule.

Okay, back to the serious stuff. For the person who asked, you should know who you are, no, Harry is not a heavy
drinker. LOL. It was just a quiet drink at home.

And also, I think someone mentioned something about what Harry's been up to in the past six years, you'll find out more
about him in future chapters… Probably chapter seven, which I have to finish writing…=D

Without further ado, chapter 3 --

Confessions

~^*^~

Ronald Weasley walked uneasily amongst the shadows of the abandoned park, searching for his business partner. Out of the
gloomy darkness, illuminated only by a distant, dim streetlight, green eyes peered out from under a dark cloak.

“You ended it?” the shadow asked. Ron knew that they were talking about his marriage to Hermione. He nodded solemnly.

“About time!” the shadow snapped. Ron couldn't help but agree.
“Did you tell her about the transactions?” the faceless voice inquired.

“No… it wasn't the right time. She's going through a lot at the moment,” he gushed in a hurry. Though he no longer felt
any love for Hermione, he still knew that what he had been doing for the past two years was wrong. The cloaked figure
frowned and went into deep thought.

“Fine, but you will, soon,” the shadow stated, leaving no room for argument. With a sharp nod, Ron turned to leave but
the shadow grabbed his arm and pulled him closer. Ron turned and faced them with a look of confusion. Standing on tiptoe
the green-eyed woman kissed him lightly on the lips.

“Soon,” she whispered, “soon.”

~^*^~

Long after Hermione finished her uncontrollable bout of sobbing did the warming effects of the alcohol begin to wear off
and the coldness that winter brought with it, settle in. Harry noticed Hermione shivering straight away and dragged her
inside.

“Are you okay?” he asked out of habit.

“What do you think!” she spat acidly.

“Well at least tell me what the hell is going on Hermione!” he spat back at her, fighting the urge to yell.

“Oh, you expect me to tell YOU what the hell is going on!” Hermione screeched. Harry couldn't help but stare blankly at
her.

“Pardon?” he murmured. Hermione narrowed her eyes, seething. No longer standing still, she began to pace, circling him
slowly, all the while never taking her eyes of him. Harry wondered if it was wise for him to be cowering or to be
grabbing Hermione's shoulders and shaking the living daylights out of her.

“You mean to say that you expect me to spill my heart to you when I no longer trust you?” she asked in a strangely calm
voice.

“Why don't you trust me Hermione? We've known each other since we were eleven!”

“Why! Why? He asks!” she muttered in disbelief to nobody in particular. ”Harry, you stopped talking to me six years ago!
You completely forgot about me!” Harry couldn't help but feel a little bit guilty.

“I'm…I'm sorry.” he managed to say quietly. Hermione stopped wearing a circle in the carpet and turned to face him,
pointing a finger angrily at him.

“You're sorry?” she shrieked, losing her composure.

“Do you possibly know what it's been like? Do you? Do you know what it's been like to need a close friend to confide in
but find that they don't want to know you?”

“Hermione…”

“No. You don't. You have no idea what it's like to be standing here, so close to you, and to be so close to tears
because the person that you used to know is only almost here!” Hermione sunk onto the sofa behind her and watched him,
silent tears falling down her cheeks. “The last two years have been a living hell for me Harry and I've almost run out
of people I can trust. When…” she let out a muffled sob. “When I've needed you, you've turned your back on me and let me
fall,” she finished quietly, pulling her gaze away from his and even more quietly she whispered, “You're no friend of
mine.” Harry felt his heart fill with utter despair. Never before had he felt so detached and lonely.

“Hermione,” but she didn't look at him. Harry knelt down in front of her tried desperately to catch his friend's eye. He
failed terribly. “Hermione look at me!” he yelled, losing control of his anger. With satisfaction, Harry watched her
face him and saw that there was no fear in her saddened brown eyes.

“What?”

“Hermione, I am so sorry. Obviously you've been through a lot and I've been a huge jerk.” Hermione let out a snort of
disgust and looked away. Harry reached out and grabbed her chin, turning her head so that she was looking at him. He
felt electricity spark through his fingers, bringing with it awareness. For a split second he felt like a teenager
again.

“Are you going to finish what you were saying or are you going to continue staring at me?” Hermione interrupted his
thoughts. Harry mentally shook himself and forced himself not to lean forward and kiss her.

“Look, Hermione, I should've never blocked you out. I'm not going to make excuses why I did it, but please don't hate
me. I still want to be part of your life. I am really, really sorry,” he stated in barely a whisper. He was so close to
her face now that he could see each and every eyelash clearly. Close enough to kiss her. Close enough to see a tear form
and fall softly down her cheek and know that now was not the time.

“I want answers Harry,” Hermione stated, obviously not affected by his closeness.

“I can't give them to you right now Herms. Now isn't the right time,” he replied. Hermione's eyebrow's furrowed together
in anger and she jumped up from her seat and stormed to her room. There was a loud slamming noise and Harry realized
that she had slammed the door shut.

~^*^~

In her room, Hermione let out a shaky sigh and flopped onto the bed. Even though she was mad at Harry, she couldn't help
but feel the tension in the air when he had been so close to her. Every bone in her body had willed him to kiss her. She
had wanted it so desperately that she now felt disappointed. What was she thinking? Did she want Harry to kiss her? She
thought that she had gotten over the stupid crush she had on him when she was seventeen. But then again, when she was
seventeen she thought that she was in love with the man. Did she still feel that way for him? Hadn't she been in love
with Ron? But when her thoughts drifted to Ron her anger rose again and a melancholy feeling settled in. It seemed as if
her whole world had been turned upside down. For a while she lay staring blankly at the white ceiling above her until
the sensation of utter boredom took over. With a soft huff, Hermione sat up, smoothed down the beige quilt-cover where
she had been lying for the last hour and went to the door. Her hand hesitated at the doorknob. She could sense him near
the door. She didn't know how but she could feel him standing a meter away, watching over her. Quietly and slowly, she
opened the door and peered out to see Harry watching her. There was a determined look in his green eyes; so strong,
Hermione felt a shiver go down her spine. No one spoke until finally Hermione stepped back from the door and allowed him
in. Turning her back to him, she walked to her rosewood dresser, sat down and began brushing her hair. Harry closed the
door behind him and sat at the edge of her bed, silently watching her as she continued to brush her hair.

“It started about two years ago…” she began in a bare whisper.

Hermione sat in her office finishing the last details on whatever it was she was writing. It was one of those days when
there was loads of paper work to do. Her secretary, Bonnie, who had just started working for Hermione, was tackling as
much paper work as the small blonde-haired woman could.

“Excuse me, Ms. Granger,” Hermione's head shot up, relieved to be interrupted…

“Hang-on,” Harry interrupted, “Why did they call you Ms Granger when you were married to Ron?” Hermione resisted rolling
her eyes and instead got up and sat on the bed not far from Harry.

“Because the two years before I married Ron, I had earnt quite a reputation at the Ministry as Ms. Hermione Granger.
Why, would I want to change it?” she answered with finality. She went back to telling her story.

…”Yes, Draco?”

“We need to talk,” he gushed in obvious haste. “There has been an incident at a Quidditch match concerning a stray
Muggle,” Hermione raised her eyebrows. Usually this wasn't her department. Her job was to keep the Ministry together,
sign important paper work, see important people and make public appearances.

“Oh, but what does that have to do with me? Is it too big a job for the Department of Muggle Affairs?” she questioned,
her voice unsympathetic. She still had a mountain of paperwork to do. Draco Malfoy stared at her with intense gray eyes.
It was like he was conveying a message to her with his eyes. Reluctantly, Hermione gave in.

“What do you advise I do?” she asked hesitantly, seeing the victorious look in Draco's eyes…

“And that, was the beginning of the end,” Hermione finished. She didn't look up, for she found that pretending that
there was something interesting on the floor, was better than having to look Harry in the eye. After moments passed,
Harry spoke.

“How could that have destroyed you?” Hermione didn't look up, didn't want Harry to see that her cheeks were burning with
humiliation.

“Because, somehow, someone found out about my hesitancy to take action and reported it to the Daily Prophet. It was in
the headlines for about a week or more,” she muttered in a voice that did not disguise the bitterness. “But what's more,
they also found out that I didn't want to become involved in the Goblin Civil War and reported that too.”

“I'm confused,” Harry stated, “How could that be bad? I mean, I never heard of any of this.”

“Harry, it's simple. I'm becoming a bad image for the Ministry. It doesn't matter if these allegations are true or not,
it's the fact that I am making a bad image of myself. I didn't want to become involved in that stupid war last year, but
many powerful witches and wizards did. Because of my `error' or `bad choice' I am losing control of my government as
well as my supporters. Haven't you read the Daily Prophet in the last two years?” Hermione exclaimed, leaping to her
feet. She stared at Harry, glaring angrily at him. It was only then that she realized that she felt better for having
that off her chest. Finally, the emotions that had been bottled up had been released and were able to be expressed. She
let out a heavy sigh and sunk tiredly to her knees.

“I lost all connection with the magical world a long time ago, Hermione. If I had known, I would not have left you to go
through all that by yourself,” Harry mumbled, picking up Hermione's crumpled form and holding her close to him. The last
thing she remembered as she fell asleep was the subtle smell of Harry's cologne.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Confessions Part II

Confessions Part II

~^*^~

Light streamed through the window, dimly lighting the room. It was enough to bring Harry back into awareness. He tried
to focus his thoughts but they raced wildly through his head. His attention turned to the warm, soft body resting neatly
in his arms. She fitted perfectly, like she had been molded to fit his body. Long, dark lashes dusted her cheeks.
Strands of silk-like waves splayed across her face and fanned out onto the pillow. She looked so innocent and
vulnerable; lying there without a care in the world, her lips slightly parted. He had experienced many women come and
go, some wanted and others unwanted, through out the past six years but none seemed to match the feeling of utter
contentment that he felt with Hermione sleeping, curled up in his arms. In the space of six years, he had tried to
forget the emotions that he felt when he was around her, feelings of complete and utter contentment, happiness and love.
Not the usual love one would have for their best friend. Not the love one would feel for someone they thought of as a
sister. No, this was the kind of love that gave you butterflies in your tummy when you thought of them. The kind of love
that gave you sweaty palms and left you speechless when you tried to strike up a conversation. This was the love that
would have you head-over-heels just to make them notice you.

It was also the kind of love that left you heartbroken when the girl of your dreams, the one person you wanted to spend
the rest of your life with, decided that they loved someone else.

What made the situation worse was the fact that, that “someone” was Harry's best friend.

But he was no longer. Memories of happier days, simpler days when Harry and Ron didn't have to compete for Hermione's
affection were pushed aside. Those were days when the trio was just Harry, Ron and Hermione to each other. When there
were no feelings of anything other than a brotherly/sisterly love and a deep respect for one another. But that had all
changed.

It changed one day so long ago. A day that began with demons hiding amongst nightmares and ended with an angel watching
over him while he dreamt of feelings he had never known before. His angel still watched over him while he dreamt.

Now it was his turn to watch over his guardian angel as she fell from her cloud way up in the sky.

If he had known that the world he had once known had turned its back on his dear friend he would have done something. He
would have sheltered her from that cold, unfeeling world. Hidden her away from their schemes and plots against her. But
instead he had been a coward. Instead, he had let himself be defeated and pulled away from any connections that had
anything to do with Hermione and what he used to be. He had forced away the magical reality, turning towards the people
and culture that he had known at a very young age.

Long ago, he had lost any yearning to know what was happening to the world in which he had become a man.

Long ago, he lost all yearning to be part of old friends' acquaintances. Instead he busied himself with the trivial
world that was completely, as he used to refer to, “Muggle”. He had made new friends and with them a new life. None of
his business partners knew he was the “the Boy-Who-Lived”, and ultimately the “Boy-Who-Defeated-You-Know-Who”, or that
he was once a wizard. None knew that he had left a realm with a broken and battered heart, empty of any emotion, six
years ago.

As he gently stroked Hermione's cheek, he knew that even after so long, he had never lost the yearning to be with the
beautiful woman lying sleepily in his arms.

Now it seemed, that he was not the only one in need of a sanctuary. The woman in his arms had run for her life in need
of refuge away from the heartache that had become her life. Now he could protect her from reality and, from now on, no
one could hurt her ever again. From now on she had no need to feel deserted or have to fight her battles alone. He was
going to be her knight in shining armor. Someone to laugh with, someone to confide in.

A friend. Just as it used to be.

Or at least he hoped so.

He could only guess what had caused her to pack her bags and leave Ron. It had to be something terrible. He had never
seen Hermione strung up so tightly. Subconsciously, he pulled her closer, his heart filling with concern and pity. Along
with it came guilt, jealousy and hatred, hatred for the sick bastard who had done this to her.

~^*^~

Hermione awoke with a feeling of loneliness. She remembered that her bed hadn't been empty an hour ago. Far from it.
Even semi-asleep she had felt the gentle caress on her cheek and the protective arms wrapped around her waist. She knew
that it hadn't been Ron. Ron hadn't held her like that for over three years now. She blinked her eyes into focus and
searched carefully for familiar objects to identify where she was. It took her a while to realize that she was at her
apartment. She sat up on the bed, trying to recall what had happened last night. She looked down at the clothes that she
was wearing and noted with relief that she was still wearing her jeans and sweater. At least she hadn't had wild sex
with someone. With a groan she got up from the bed and pulled some clothes out from a bag at the end of her bed. She
walked giddily towards the shower, stripping off her apparel as she did.

Gingerly, she stepped into the hot shower, letting out a satisfied sigh as her body felt the tension-relieving water
splashing over her. Now that she was fully awake, the recollection of the night's events came floating back. The most
vivid memory was the argument with Harry. Mentally, she pulled away from her thoughts of the raven-haired man. He had
abandoned her.

Bitterness rose in her throat and burning tears formed in her eyes. Her heart felt empty and feeling of hollowness
suffocated her. She breathed in deeply, trying to distance herself from the emotional ties that she still carried. Harry
had broken her.

A younger Hermione had been one who lived with her arms wide open. She was a nurturer at heart and couldn't stand it
when people closed down on her. Harry's coldness to her had made Hermione hide the emotions that she once used to
express so openly. As she stepped out of the bathroom, exotic smells wafted through the room, leading Hermione into the
kitchen to find Harry racing around behind the marble counter, stirring wildly, flipping this and that as he went.
Curious, Hermione sat down and watched him silently.

~^*^~

Harry turned to see her sitting quietly at the kitchen bench as he madly cooked up breakfast. There was a distant look
in her cinnamon brown eyes. She had closed up to him and was completely out of touch. He'd only seen her like this once
and that was last night. He doubted that there was any way that he could get through to her. He piled scrambled eggs,
bacon, mushrooms and an English muffin onto two plates. He slid one to Hermione, the other he picked up and took with
him as he made his way out onto the balcony. He needed some space to himself. He had to get through to her. An
impossible task, he knew. But he wanted to know how Ron had hurt her so badly. He wanted to comfort her. He stared at
the plate in front of him. He had thought that he was hungry but the nausea in his stomach quenched any appetite he had.
He forced the image of Hermione's blank face into his mind's eye and packed down the food. He had to speak to her and he
wasn't going to leave her alone until he got an answer.

~^*^~

Hermione stared for a while at the plate in front of her and wondered if it was wise to eat. Her heart was still
pumping. She had braced herself for Harry to say something but nothing had come. He had taken in the look in her eyes
and left her.

Again.

Slowly she picked at the food on her plate and tried to eat the hot, welcoming breakfast. She managed a couple mouthfuls
when the sliding of doors announced that Harry had come back in from the balcony. Instinctively, every bone in her body
told her to run. Adrenaline pulsed through her blood, thoughts racing madly around her head. Too late. Harry stood in
front of her, a determined look in his eyes. The only other time she had seen him look at her like that was last night.
It was impossible now for her to run. It was even more impossible for her not to open up to him. No matter how sturdy
the walls protecting her heart, Harry has always discovered a way to get in. He knew her too well.

She couldn't fight him anymore.

~^*^~

He pretended not to see the hint of defeat in her eyes. He fought of the urge to smile at the small victory. Instead he
confronted her.

“Who did this to you Hermione? Why are you so sad?” he asked. Hermione pulled her gaze away his. There was a long pause
while she thought about her answer. He had expected her to immediately reply with one three-letter word. But instead it
seemed that she was pondering the question as if more than one person had hurt her so.

Finally, in a bare whisper she replied with a three-letter response. It wasn't what Harry had wanted to hear.

“You.”

~^*^~

------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Arguing

Arguing

~^*^~

A moment's silence and shock beyond belief. He was the cause of her pain. He was the one that had her so much. He was
the reason why she had changed.

Despair.

Confusion.

What had he done? How could this be his fault? Wait, he hadn't done anything! This wasn't his fault!

Rage.

“What the bloody hell did I do?!” Harry yelled, losing control. Never before had he lost his temper to this extent… Well
maybe once before…

“You're asking me!” Hermione yelled back at him. She spun around wildly to face him, her eyes blazing. Harry half
expected her to slap his cheek but doubted that Hermione would lower herself to such childish behavior.

There was a loud cracking sound.

Rubbing a now red cheek, Harry began to wonder what had made him think that.

“Hey! I didn't deserve that!” he muttered indignantly.

“You!” Hermione cursed under her breath, pointing dangerously at him. “I can't believe you!” She ranted noisily,
repeating it several times before beginning to pace. She halted and turned to face some invisible by-stander.

“Can you believe that nerve of him?” she asked thin air, waving her hands wildly. “I mean, the ass thinks that even
though he's abandoned me over the past six year that I will automatically forgive him and tell him my little secrets!”
Harry blushed and wondered if Hermione was still sane. She left her unseen friend and moved to the bookcase, carefully
surveying each book. She pulled out a rather large one, preferably, the size (and weight) of a small encyclopedia and
studied it carefully. Then, without warning, threw it at Harry's head.

Definitely not sane.

Harry managed to duck the book without receiving any major injuries and sprinted over to Hermione before she decided to
use anymore of her precious books as lethal weapons. Hermione was several steps ahead of him.

“Don't come any closer unless you are willing to give me answers Harry.” Hermione told him, holding a large Atlas,
threatening him with it. Harry put his arms up in surrender, hoping that by doing so, Hermione would put the book away.
Instead, she still held onto it, brandishing it in front of him. She eyed him carefully, not trusting him. He had no
idea what to say. If he told her the truth, she would hate him. If he didn't say anything at all, she'd hate even more.
Before he knew he had said anything, the words spilled out of his mouth.

“Hermione, I can't tell you right now.”

It was Hermione's turn to stand in disbelief. She dropped the huge book, a loud thump echoing through the silence. Harry
could only stare at his feet.

Stupid, stupid, stupid Harry! he chided. He knew that if he looked up, Hermione would be crying. It tore him up in two
to know that he had made her so upset.

“Why?”

Harry glanced at her, noticing that she wasn't crying as he thought she would be. Rather, she stood trembling on the
spot, her face colourless. Harry felt trapped. If he had of been a good friend, none of this would have happened.

If he had of been a good friend he would never had fallen in love with her.

“I - I just can't tell you Hermione,” he noted the look on her face and went on, “What do you want me to say? I love you
Hermione and I couldn't stand seeing you with Ron, maybe?”

More silence. Did he just say that out loud?

Harry watched her as she bent down to pick up the heavy book. He cringed and raised his hands to cover his face but
Hermione merely put it back on the bookshelf.

“What? Hermione whispered desperately, a deep sadness in her eyes. The anger was buried away leaving vulnerability.
Harry felt his heart go out to the woman. The old Hermione he had known was a fighter. She had spirit and never gave up.
Grief and humiliation weighed down the Hermione that now stood in front of him. He reached forward and pulled her into
his arms, resting his chin on the top of his head.

“Harry?”

~^*^~

Hermione stood in the warm embrace, wanting to loose herself in the moment. She felt sheltered and protected; guarded by
an old friend. No one could hurt her anymore. She snuggled closer, wiping away tears on the collar of his shirt. Looking
up, she saw that Harry was watching her, a grim smile on his face.

“Harry…”

She wanted to say something. Anything to break the silence. The words choked in her throat, nerves swallowing them
whole. Her whole body focused on one single thought:

He was going to kiss her.

She was caught in conflict. She wanted Harry to kiss her. To feel wanted and cared for. But her heart told her no. She
couldn't fall for him again. He would break her heart and abandon her again. She didn't care, one kiss couldn't hurt.
She watched his beautiful green eyes as he lent forward, lips parted, coming closer and closer. But her heart won the
battle.

“Stop it! How could you say that!” she screamed at him. She wasn't going to let this happen. Not again, like it had so
long ago. She had grown so much since he had forgotten her and letting him in again would only make it that sturdy wall
she had built around her heart crumble. She would have no defenses guarding her heart, defenses, she knew she would need
sometime soon. Somewhere, deep down, she knew that there was more to come. She knew that Ron wasn't finished with her
yet and that the mysterious person that was out to ruin her reputation at the Ministry wouldn't be happy until she was
gone. “Get out!” she commanded, turning to her room, not caring if it was rude not seeing Harry out. She stomped to her
bedroom and sunk gratefully onto the bed. She covered her head with a pillow and screamed into it, letting out with it,
quavering sobs.

~^*^~

Draco watched his wife as she sat the table in front of him. Cherry-brown hair framed her face, threatening to hide her
from him. She leant precariously on the seat, her over-sized belly pressed lightly to the edge. He smiled at her, not
daring to laugh, knowing that she would hit him playfully for it.

But the lightness of his thoughts could not hide his concern for Hermione. Yesterday, she had worked overtime at the
Ministry even though it was a Saturday! Add that to the stress of work and her lousy, two-timing husband had dumping
her. It was a mixture for disaster. But what really concerned the ex-Slytherin was that fact that Hermione was staying
in the apartment next to that of Harry Potter. He knew how Harry felt for dear Hermione. His wife worked for man. It was
amazing the amount of gossip the naturally perceptive woman had picked up. All of which, much to Draco's disliking, had
been relayed back to him. And although he loved his wife to bits, the amount of gossip she had managed to dig up about
her boss was enough to drive anyone crazy. Now it seemed what she had told him was coming back to haunt him.

Harry and Celicia were very close, which made Draco extremely jealous but meant that Celicia knew many of Potter's dark
secrets. To be honest, Draco wasn't surprised. His wife had a knack of getting very close people in a short amount of
time. The fact that she had managed to woo Draco Malfoy was an example in itself. However, if Hermione found out that
her supposed best friend was in love with her, all hell would break loose.

“Draco, are you okay?” Celicia asked, tenderness in her voice. She reached out and held his hand.

“I'm worried about Hermione,” he muttered embarrassed. A younger Draco -- one, who hadn't seen the terrors that he had
seen, would have wanted to throw up at the thought of even working with Hermione.

He didn't know what that same arrogant, obnoxious Slytherin would have done if he had of known that he would marry a
Muggle. Celicia gazed unfocused at him, her eyes blank as if she was recalling something.

“I think things are only going to get worse for her," she murmured in a bare whisper. Draco stared at her. There was
something that Celicia knew and wasn't telling him. But she averted her eyes away from his…

…Brilliant green eyes that were filled with tears.

~^*^~

Hermione couldn't believe it. Harry had fallen in love with her.

She was surprised that she hadn't noticed herself. She'd been so blind. He had disappeared from her life because he
couldn't cope with the fact she'd married Ron.

It still didn't make her feel any better.

If he had really loved her he would have said something.

He had broken her heart. She wasn't going to forgive him that easily because he had muttered those three simple words.
She'd had enough of the `I love you's' The last time someone had told her that they were in love with her had left her
in the mess she was in now.

~^*^~

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Storm

Storm

Love is like a storm.

It is unexpected, often unwanted, extremely powerful and once you've heard the roar of its booming thunder or struck by
its crashing lightning, there's no escape. You either accept it, learning to enjoy the beauty that love is, or, you to
fear its awesome power, wanting to cover your ears from its magical melody.

Love drives you out of sanity. To hell with what everyone else thinks!

Love is a game.

You fight for no reward.

You either win or you loose.

But what happens when you're no good at playing games? What if you were afraid that love would blow you away, change
you, till there was nothing of the old left?

You can't plan love. There's no logical, strategical plan to love. Whether you win or loose, you grow, change and
blossom from knowing it.

But what happens when you've lost to the game of love more than once already? But what happens when someone used to
thinking logically, to planning and organizing, found herself in a world of confusion, misconceptions, obsessions and a
lack of control?

One would of thought that a courageous Gryffindor like Hermione Granger would have battled it out. Instead, Hermione had
run from love.

It scared her; the commitment, the trust, all things that the old Hermione Granger would have believed in.

Once, many years ago, maybe she had…

But now, the Hermione tossing and turning in her sleep was afraid of falling in love herself. She didn't want the
unpredictability that it brought. She'd already had her heart broken twice already, both times by people she loved.

Now, she was angry that love meant that almost every night now that she went to bed in tears.

As she tossed and turned and turned her sleep, Hermione failed to hide from haunting memories in her dreams.

Maybe, love was worth the support…worth the needing, the holding, and the pleasure of being chased. Worth the
satisfaction that at least one person thought that you were beautiful.

So, maybe Hermione wanted to change her ideas about love.

But she wasn't about to admit that she was wrong…

Yet.

With a groan and a grumble, Hermione got up from her cozy bed, dashing to the shower, hating winter for being so cold.
She never wanted to leave the hot shower and reluctantly stepped out of the steamy bathroom, dressing swiftly to get to
work on time.

She was in a foul mood by the time that she apparated to the front of the Ministry of Magic. It was pouring down half
snow, half-defrosted water, and 100% bone chilling, ice-cold, slush drenching her completely. She stormed into her
office, ignoring the startled looks on her work mates faces around her.

“Get to work.” she snapped, small puddles forming as she walked down the hallway. She arrived in her personal office and
after a simple charm to dry herself, a quick cup of coffee and a deep breath, everything went back to the its usual
calmness.

“Hermione, good to see you!” Draco said brightly, stepping cautiously into the room. If Hermione knew him as well as she
thought she did, she would say he was up to something. His gray eyes were uncertain. Of what, she didn't know.

“Hmm…” was all Hermione managed to say, sipping on her second cup of coffee. “What is it you want?”

“You're in a cheery mood this morning,” The blonde man teased, his eyes twinkling mischievously, “Everything go all
right with Potter?”

So that was what it was all about.

Hermione had the decency to act shocked. Somehow, she figured that Draco Malfoy, almighty-know-it-all would have found
out something about what had happened yesterday.

“Oh, yes of course. You know, the usual.” Hermione ranted sarcastically, “Just told me he loved me, that's all.”

Draco visibly swallowed, trying not to meet her gaze. Obviously he had known about how Harry felt for her. But why
hadn't he told her?

“Get out.” She told him flatly, wanting nothing more than to wallow away in her own self pity.

“Touchy, Granger!” Draco taunted. So now they were back to surnames. Two could play at that game.

“Malfoy, Get out!” she repeated, no longer wanting to out up with his games.

“Hermione, why are you so afraid of Harry loving you?”

“Out.”

“Hermione! Tell me why!”

“Malfoy…”

“Too chicken are you?”

That touched a nerve.

“No! I am not! All right, you want to know. I'm scared because I bloody love him! Is that fine with you Draco? Huh?” she
yelled. Outside, Bonnie winced hearing her boss' voice reach another octave.

“Oh.”

“Yes, Oh!” Hermione sighed, sinking into her chair. “I'm in love with him Draco but I can't tell him.”

“Why?” Draco asked, sitting on her desk, unceremoniously knocking a mountain of paperwork onto the floor. He chuckled
when Hermione glared at him.

“Because I've lost too much already. I don't want to loose one of the few people I consider a friend as well! Every time
I've given my heart to somebody, they've torn it in two. I can't do that again. I can't go through that hell anymore. It
hurts too much!” Hermione sobbed. Her friend reached out and squeezed her hand.

“Hey, what are you crying for? You've got me! Keep your chin up because there's always someone watching over you.” Draco
cooed. Hermione sniffled and let out a small giggle.

“Is that suppose to be reassuring Draco?” Draco frowned, going over what he had said. When it hit him what she was
teasing him about he laughed as well.

“Hey, I was just trying to be nice,” he said, his tone mocking anger, “But it's true, I'll always be here for you.” He
told her, a serious look on his face. Hermione couldn't help but smile. She knew that she could trust him. Draco jumped
off the desk, making more papers fly everywhere and came around to where she was sitting. He leant forward and began
tickling Hermione's sides.

Maybe scrap the idea of trust.

Hermione yelped and tried to escape.

“Excuse me,” Bonnie stood at the door. Draco stiffened and turned to face her while Hermione blushed, not meeting her
secretary's eye. She could see there was a small smile on the woman's face.

“Yes Bonnie,” Hermione muttered. The woman nodded.

“Mr. Malfoy, your wife is here to see you.” Bonnie told him, leading him out of the room. Hermione was curious.

What was Celicia doing here?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Embellishments

A/N: This is the last chapter that I have prepared to upload. Unfortunately, this will be the last update for awhile.
I'm in need of a break from this story before I get to the stage were I am so totally sick of it that I no longer write
it properly. However, if you like this fict, I am currently undergoing an experimental fict that is practically written
off the top of head. Its ratings are a tad higher than this one, but I'm not sure if it will come to that… It's just
there in case… Well, without any further ado, chapter seven, Embellishments. I hope you enjoy it and it gives you an
insight into what Harry has been up the past six years.

Harry awoke that morning or afternoon actually, with a start. He'd slept in, which wasn't that surprising seeing as last
night, he'd been kept up by his thoughts about Hermione. The only other time he'd been so wound up about her was the
night before her and Ron's wedding. Since then, he had often wondered why they had gotten married. They were so
different from one another.

Reluctantly, he got out of bed, not caring about the cold. He didn't feel like work today and he didn't have to go if he
didn't want to. He was his own boss anyway. Instead, he felt like wasting the day away with the alcohol that he had for
when the occasion called for it.

Oh yeah, the occasion definitely called for it.

He began dressing, pulling on a pair of jeans, a white polo shirt and a black jacket. Just as he was about to grab a
bottle of beer out the fridge, he noticed the flashing red light of his answering machine.

“Kate…” he muttered to himself, knowing that Kate, his receptionist would have called the Scottish Guard by now. The
woman was constantly paranoid that if Harry hadn't arrived at work by nine, something grave had happened to him.

“You have… thirty…six new messages.” The mechanical voice of the machine loyally told him. Harry glanced at his watch;
it was 12:30.

“Only 36 Kate?” He said to an invisible Kate, “Last time I slept this late you left 43 messages! I wouldn't want you
slacking off now would I?”

He played back a few of the messages, knowing that they'd all be much the same.

“Harry, where are you? Please ring me…” Kate's frantic voice said, followed by a tone and a similar message. Harry did
what he was told and assured the woman he'd be at work soon.

Kate didn't sound too pleased with him.

But she had every right to be angry with him. Harry ran an infamous business that included a range of lawyers and
solicitors. Except, these weren't your average lawyers. The people that worked for Harry were only seen in the highest
of the High Court dealing with cases of high profile murder, drug allegations and many other cases that dealt with the
shady side of London.

In his line of work, it was common for people to hold grudges and Harry noticed that a lot of people could and did go
missing.

Kate had every reason to be worried about her boss.

Many people thought he was insane working with such a dangerous business and wondered why he did what he did. This meant
that Harry had to control trying not to laugh in their faces. They were Muggles and had no idea of who the real Harry
Potter was and the feats that he had overcome.

All that they knew was that the raven-haired man before them believed strongly in justice and couldn't stand seeing the
guilty walk free. It also made him a good target for those who held a grudge against him and the people who worked for
him.

But his job wasn't all risks; there were some pluses.

First and foremost, it was an escape from Hermione and the nightmares of Voldemort. Also, it was how he had met Celicia,
who worked as his personal assistant. But now, Kate had taken over Celicia's job temporarily while Celicia was on
maternity leave. Harry truly missed Celicia; she brought a brightness to his job that was otherwise boring, gloomy and
time consuming.

Then there was Kate.

Kate lived in the same building of flats as Harry and it was there that they had met. For awhile they had dated each
other, but Harry couldn't help but see Kate only as an overprotective and motherly friend and it hadn't lasted long. In
many a way, Kate reminded Harry of Mrs. Weasley, which had made the pair closer.

Thinking of Mrs. Weasley automatically made Harry think of Ron and ultimately, Hermione.

Maybe, he had better get to work quickly before he changed his mind about drowning himself in his own sorrow and
self-pity.

Celicia stepped out of her husband's office with a heavy sigh. Without realizing it, her hand rested on her swollen
belly. Soon their child would come, and when it did, her secret would become apparent.

Coming here today, had just been an excuse. Shamefully, Celicia had had an ulterior motive to seeing her doting husband.

Ron was going to come and see Hermione at any moment now, bearing with him more bad news for the unfortunate woman.

Just as she opened the door leading out of Hermione's department, Celicia spotted him. Green eyes met blue and Celicia
gave him a curt nod and went on. When she rounded the corner, she leant against the wall and sunk to the floor, sobs
racking through her delicate body.

She couldn't stand lying to Draco and knowing Hermione's pain before she even felt it anymore.

It wasn't fair!

Ron swallowed and ran a hand through his hair uncomfortably. Seeing Celicia had unnerved him. He stared absently at the
parchment in his hands and scolded himself for forgetting why he was really here. This morning he had received an owl
explaining to him what he had to do. The parchment in his hands was more bad news for Hermione. In fact, it was bad news
for her and Draco Malfoy…

Hermione watched Celicia leave in a dreamy state, her hand protectively placed on her enlarged stomach. Hermione
couldn't help but feel jealous towards the woman. She was stunningly beautiful and was the one thing that Hermione had
wanted so desperately:

Pregnant.

But before her mind could wander with jealous banter, Hermione could hear Bonnie talking frostily to a visitor.
Pretending to act busy, Hermione became curious as to whom her secretary was talking to. She turned her back to the
door, bending down to pick up the last of the stray pieces of paper Draco had made a mess of.

“Hey `Mione,” Hermione stiffened. She knew that voice all too well. She got up from the floor and turned to face Ron.

“Ron! What a surprise!” she acknowledged he ex-husband with a falsely bright smile.

“Umm… I have the divorce papers, if you want to sign them.” He told her, shuffling his feet all the while staring at the
floor. Somehow, Hermione figured, he was here for more than just the signing of the divorce papers.

“Great, let's see them.”

What was it with her and fake smiles today?

In an instant the papers were signed. Hermione was finally free. Funny, only two days ago she had been struggling to
keep her marriage intact.

Getting a divorce in the magical realm was much different to that of the Muggle's. Even though divorce was frowned on,
the maximum waiting period was four days and once you had signed the papers it was final.

“Thanks Ron, good luck to you.” Hermione told him, this time managing a true smile. Ron only managed a weak smile.

“Um… yeah… Look, I'm really sorry `Mione.” He murmured, handing her a large piece of parchment and leaving quickly.

“Bye,” she muttered quietly to herself, glancing down at the parchment.

Wait.

No, it couldn't be.

Hermione glanced at the parchment again, only just realizing what its implications meant.

“Ronald Weasley!”

A pair of green eyes winced.

Draco Malfoy sat dumbstruck, shocked at the news his wife had just given him. She'd informed him that she'd just been to
the Obstetrician, which she had explained to him was a Muggle doctor who specialized in unborn babies by taking
ultrasounds and things like that. Draco had had no idea what an ultrasound was but when Celicia had patiently explained
that to him as well, he couldn't help but be amazed.

Celicia knew what their baby looked like.

And, they were going to have a little girl.

His own daughter.

…And, he was going to see what she looked like tomorrow.

He was shocked, nervous and excited all at once, much like he had been when Celicia had first told him she was pregnant.

It was then that he heard Hermione's wail.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

8. Frozen

A/N: And so, finally, after a week and a bit, I return but what do I find?!? Guys, I know you probably get this all the
time but it doesn't take much to leave a review. Even if it's just a quick sentence, it still makes my day. I'm not a
review addict so I'm not suddenly stop uploading chapters because I'm not happy with the amount of reviews. Anyway,
enough with my whining. Before I forget, thank-you to those who did take the time to leave a review, I'd name you all
personally, but I don't really have the time. You are angels and appreciate your kind words. Hugs and kisses for all of
you!

So now that I have that off my chest back to the important stuff. Normally, my chapters are about 1000-1500 words each,
which, isn't too bad a length, I guess, but since I have been a naughty girl and haven't updated in ages, I am going to
give you guys a treat! This chapter was meant to be split down the middle with a nice cliffhanger in it, I bet you can
guess where when you reach it, but I have decided to merge the next two chapters together thus making it longer and
hopefully a much better read for you.

My last chapter was extremely sloppy and I was so disappointed with it. The ending was a disaster and I couldn't find
the right words for it so I want to make it up for it…

So here it is chapter eight and nine:

Frozen

Kate walked into her boss' office and stood before him with her hands on her hips. It was about the tenth time today
that she had caught him staring out the window absently, his mind wandering. He didn't even acknowledge that she was
there. He just sat there, a distant look in his eyes, his hand running through his unruly black hair.

"Harry," she cooed as if he was her two-year old child that wasn't paying attention. It brought him out of his
thoughtful reverie instantly. "So, who's this girl that you can't stop thinking about?" she asked bluntly, knowing the
man all too well. She grinned when she saw the stunned look on his face.

"I - I… How did you know?" Was all he could say. She raised a brow at him stepping closer and placing two hands on his
desk, leaning slightly forward.

"Harry, my dear Harry, I've known you for some time now. Honestly, I would of thought you'd known better." Kate lifted a
hand and playfully tapped his nose with her finger. "Who is it?"

"Well…"

"Out with it Potter!" she scolded in a mocking tone, forgetting all formalities and sitting on the edge of his desk,
swinging her legs like a small child. She heard him mutter something quietly, turning his gaze away from hers, blushing
a bright red.

"I can't hear you"

"I don't think she feels the same way," he said in a bare whisper, the words trailing away into almost nothing.

"What do you mean? Have you told her how you feel?"

He nodded slowly, pain evident in his eyes. Kate knew her own had softened and wanted desperately to get up and hold
him, pat him on the back and tell him it was all right. But she didn't. She felt immobilized.

"You're in love with her aren't you?" she murmured, not wanting to hear the truth. Part of her still hoped that Harry
saw her as a woman and not just as a friend. Obviously, while she had waited patiently, some other girl had swept him of
his feet. And then the cow had rejected him! Kate wanted to ring the stupid, thoughtless bitch's neck for the pain that
she had caused him. She was so caught up in her own anger and hatred that she almost missed Harry's small nod.

"I love her with all my heart." he told her sighing deeply.

"Well then boy, spit it out. Or do I have to make you talk? Who is it?" she mocked, trying to make light of the moment,
to see him smile, even if it was just once. He tried to smile, she could see it, but he failed miserably, making Kate
hate the woman who had done this even more.

"I can't - " he started but Kate cut in.

"Okay then, we'll go from a different angle then. What did she do when you told her you loved her?"

"Told me to get out" he mumbled, embarrassed.

"Uh huh, I'm really starting to hate this girl, you know. Why would she do that?" she frowned, trying to get to the
bottom of it all.

"Because, I-I um… Because I haven't spoken to her in over six years." Harry told her sheepishly, a hint of a blush
creeping up on his cheeks. Kate was stunned as it dawned on her exactly whom he was talking about.

"You idiot!" she cried, cuffing him on the head. "No wonder she told you to get out! If that had of been me I would of
thrown something at you. Poor Hermione."

"Poor Hermione! She threw a bloody atlas at me. More like poor Harry!" Kate snickered at the indignant look on his face.
She wondered if the atlas had come in contact with his head. It would explain a hell of a lot.

"So… Whatcha going to do about it?" she asked, frowning when he shrugged his shoulders.

"I was thinking about that before you so rudely interrupted."

Kate ignored his comment. "Well, why not be straightforward? I mean, you've wasted a long time being a coward. Take her
for a walk somewhere, kiss her and show her how you feel."

"It's not that easy, Kate." Harry retorted, getting up from his desk, packing up to go home. He glanced out the window,
at the world just beyond, seeing the shadows outside beginning to lengthen.

"Oh really," Kate jumped up from the desk and hurried after him as he left the room. She caught up with him 5 meters
down the corridor, "Harry, if you don't do something now you might loose her forever. The worst thing that can happen is
that she'll never talk to you again, but then on the other side of things she could feel the same way. It's worth the
risk Harry. Make her see how you feel and don't give up until you get an answer from her. You've known her since the two
of you were children, at least, if she doesn't feel the same way you can go back to being friends and move on with your
life."

She smiled at him and gave him a reassuring hug. "Go for it Harry, otherwise you'll always wonder but will never know."

All he did was smile at her and then he was gone.

"What have you done Harry?" she whispered, "What have you done?"

Hermione sat in her little yellow Mini Cooper waiting for the light to turn green so she could turn right and into the
small street that meant she was almost home. She found herself daydreaming, wishing that she could be anywhere else but
here. A loud honking noise stopped her wishful thinking. Startled, she quickly realized it was her turn to move and
drove the short distance to her apartment building. When she parked the car, she raced to get properly inside into the
heat and out of the chilling draughts and winter breezes. All she wanted was to get back to her room, pour herself a
nice hot bath and have a nice sleep. Then, she would write up her resignation. She pondered the plan and decided to
scrap the bath idea. It was too tempting to go under the water and never come back up again. Perhaps a cup of hot
chocolate would help?

"Oomph…" Her thoughts about food were abandoned.

"Ah, there you are, I was just about to go looking for you."

Hermione felt warm hands pick her up off the floor. She stared up into Harry's eyes, seeing the amusement in them.

"You're laughing at me!" she cried, not wanting Harry to let go of her. He didn't answer her but instead led her back
into the elevator she had just come out of. He hit the button for the ground floor. She merely shook her head and went
to stop the elevator.

"No. We have to talk," as the elevator doors opened he dragged her out towards the front doors, "Come with me."

Reluctantly Hermione followed, letting herself be taken to a park across the road. It was covered in snow, small
children playing in it, their parents watching carefully, while couples walking snuggled together and ice skaters,
amateurs and pros alike, found amusement on the large pond in the center of the park. Harry took her away from the
people, who were enjoying the snow and its bounty, around the far side of the pond and pulled her up into her arms. Snow
fell lightly on her upturned face, tickling her cheeks and nose, getting caught in her eyelashes. She covered her face
in Harry's chest, feeling the day's tension seep out of her body.

"Harry- " But she was cut short. She wanted to tell him she was sorry. To tell him that she loved him and that she had
for a very long time. She wanted to tell him what had happened today. To tell him every little thing that had happened
to her while he had been away. And she wanted to hear about his life. What he had done, how his day was. To hear him
tell her that he loved her as well. She hoped beyond it all, that she could see it in her eyes.

As he tilted her chin so he could see her face, she wished that more than anything else. Harry bent his head tentatively
touched his lips to hers and pulled away looking for the reaction on her face. He emerald eyes bore into hers, searching
them for resistance, then, seeing none, kissed her again. Slowly, he deepened the kiss, demanding entrance with his
tongue, feverishly running it along bottom lip. She let him in, giving in to him and loosing all control of her actions.
She put her heart and soul into that kiss, telling him how she felt without words. Words alone could not describe how
she felt anyway.

It ended too soon.

Harry ran his thumb over her cheekbone and kissed her cheek where his thumb had just been. Then he kissed the tip of her
nose. He let go of her and bent down kneeling in the snow.

And then he threw a snowball at her, running out onto the pond. Hermione felt up for the game and chased after him
determined to tackle him to the ground and have him begging for mercy.

"Harry Potter! Get your sorry arse back here!" she called after him. He ignored her and continued to run out into the
center of the pond. Hermione didn't know why, but something was telling her that Harry shouldn't go out that far.

Then she heard it, an echoing cracking noise that made everyone in the immediate vicinity stop. Except Harry. To
Hermione's horror, she watched as the ice beneath his feet collapsed, falling into the blackened waters of the pond.
Harry fell with it.

"NO!" she screamed, trying to run out to the where Harry had fallen but a firm hand grabbed her wrist and stopped her.

"Stay here Mam," a burly man commanded her, then stepped carefully out to where Harry had stood and tried to get him
out. Hermione prayed that he wouldn't fall in himself.

Draco watched Celicia roll over in her sleep, her face contorted in anguish. She was having another one of her
nightmares.

"NO! Please! Not Harry!" she screamed, twisting again. Draco had learnt long ago not to wake her when she was having
these nightmares. She would sit up in bed for hours staring blankly at nothing, twitching and shaking, moaning and
wailing. If he let her be, she would wake up in the morning and have no recollection of the nightmares at all. But just
because he knew not to wake her didn't mean he liked seeing her like this.

He heard his wife scream in pain. Then, abruptly, she sat up.

"Draco," she turned to him, a look of fear on her beautiful face, "You have to get me to a hospital right away."

Draco just stared at her blankly. He watched her face contort in agonizing pain again and he didn't have to be told
twice. He scooped her up into his arms and lifted her from the bed.

"Celicia, what's wrong?"

"Draco, just hurry up! The baby won't wait!" She screamed as another contraction racked through her body. "To…Ahhh… a…
Mug…Argh… to a Muggle hospital!" she screamed again. He apparated to a back the only Muggle hospital he knew and ran,
through the cold slush barefoot, into the emergency entrance. He watched in despair as his wife was taken out of his
arms and placed on a bed on some sort of wheels, and raced away from him. He ran after them, dazed and confused. He
could only hope that she was all right.

"Harry, please wake up!"

The voice echoed through out his head.

He didn't want to wake up! He was having a nice dream. One where he was standing in the snow kissing Hermione.

"Harry! Wake up please! It's me, Hermione. Please wake up! Don't leave me Harry, I need you!'

Hermione?

I'm coming Hermione! He tried to say. He couldn't wake up. What had once been the white snow turned to blackness and
weighed him down and consumed his consciousness. The Hermione that he had been kissing disappeared into the distance and
faded into the darkness. He struggled to stay afloat. The darkness was welcoming. It couldn't hurt him; it was so
tempting to give up.

"Harry, please, wake up. I can't loose you! Not now, I need you. I love you Harry!" He heard her weeping; her voice
distant.

He had to fight. He didn't want to leave her. She loved him.

The darkness couldn't hold him down. It wasn't tempting anymore.

Now he had a reason to live.

Slowly he opened his eyes. The room was lit dimly, his ice-covered clothes thrown on the floor. His body rested on a
bed, covered in blankets and hot water bottles.

He was naked.

Hermione still hadn't seen his open eyes. She was rubbing his arms, trying to get heat to his body.

"Harry, wake up!"

"Why?" he mumbled, a small smile on his face. He felt her freeze, and turn slowly to face him.

"Harry!"

She flung her body down on his, wrapping her arm s around his neck, kissing him soundly on the lips.

"Hey. I love you too 'Mione." He whispered in her ear, cradling her in his arms and rolling so that he was on top of
her.

He had never thought she was so beautiful before.

"You're okay! Oh God, that's such a relief. This man, I can't remember his name got you out of the water and helped me
carry back to your apartment and then I had to get your body temp' back to normal. I was so worried Harry. And so I
stripped off your clothes and piled on all these blankets but that didn't work…" she babbled hysterically until he
placed a finger on her lips.

"You stripped off all my clothes?" Hermione blushed and nodded, avoiding his gaze. Harry chuckled. "My turn then
'Mione."

A/N: So maybe it wasn't as long as I wanted it to be… Ah well, I didn't have too much time to write all the stuff in my
head. I hope you enjoyed it. I'm not going to go on in detail about what happens next. You know it will be smut so
what's the point? Besides, I'm intending to keep the ratings on this fict no higher than PG13. Well I have to go and
finish the assignment I was supposedly working on whilst writing this.

Tah,

Liselle