Good Enough

siutou_amy

Rating: R
Genres: Drama, Humor
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 23/05/2005
Last Updated: 14/04/2006
Status: completed

It's been a few years since Harry Potter defeated You-Know-Who, and Harry's changed. Being a ladies man, mistaking love for sex - Harry leads a life that lacks meaning with girlfriend, Andrea. Whilst, Hermione is having a relationship to try to move on, but will discover something about Tim, her boyfriend, that will make her doubt.

Chapters

1. Invitation and Surprises

2. Truth and Betrayal

3. Sex, Lies and Something Else...

4. Memories and Hurtful Words

5. Come-clean and Resolutions

6. Realisations, Dreams and Future

1. Invitation and Surprises

Good Enough - Invitation and Surprises - Chapter 1

Author's notes: Hello, everyone! How's it going? Here I am writing another fic. I got a few reviews for my first fic, so I am hoping to get a few more for this one. I don't have anything planned for this one, except for a few scenes that I want to happen. I know I said I was gonna write a comedy on Hermione being pregnant, which I started, but haven't been really inspired or passionate enough to research on pregnancy… so if anyone wants to help with it, you are welcome to!

Good Enough came to me out of the blue a few days ago, and today I decided to continue writing, and as I continued writing, more ideas came to mind, so hopefully I will have a good story by the end of all of this. It's a drama, mainly because it deals with Hermione and Harry's problems in their love lives… well, I hope it's dramatic enough- anyways, this is just for fun writing, so I hope you all enjoy reading this.

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It was all about the sex. It had to be.

She sat on her bed with a book propped on her lap, as she read it with difficulty because of the banging on her wall. Her caramel eyes were shutting from time to time as she concentrated on not thinking about the images that this banging created in her imagination, but by doing this, silent tears formed in her eyes.

Why did all this have to happen to her? She had a life on her own, she had learnt how to put her feelings aside, she had a boyfriend of her own that loved her, but still sometimes her love for her best friend got the best of her.

After a while, the banging ceased, and Hermione Granger fell asleep, as Harry Potter had a shagging feast with current girlfriend, Andrea, who was everything she could not be, or at least that's what she thought. She didn't know why this got to her; after all, she was with Tim. They had been dating for almost a year now, and Hermione knew Tim loved her for all she was worth and even more, but still there was something missing.

Of course, he's not Harry.

Hermione woke up as a new day was born. She put on her robe and went to the kitchen of her flat in London that she shared with all-time best friend Harry Potter, known to the whole wizardry population as the Boy Who Lived Again. It was known to her that Harry had become famous not for vanquishing You-Know-Who, but also because of his wild night outs with wild girls doing You-Know-What.

For instance, a few weeks ago Harry was spotted getting into a Hotel with a mysterious unknown. It wasn't the first or the last time, but when Hermione saw the article on the paper, she felt pain in her heart just by thinking how blind Harry was, and not to mention daft.

However, today was today, and Hermione had had a good night sleep, sort of, except for the part where Harry brought Who-Knows-Who to the flat and shagged the life out of her all night long. It was Saturday morning and there she stood in front of the kitchen counter, waiting for her coffee to be ready, when Harry's door opened.

- Good day to you, beautiful flatmate! - He said with a goofy half grin.

- Good day, Harry… - She answered back, not stopping the smile that his half grin caused. - You want some coffee?

- Sure… - He said casually. - Hey! Why the long face? - He said suddenly noticing the tired look in her eyes.

Harry leaned his head on her shoulder as she poured some coffee into two mugs.

- Oh, it's nothing, Harry. - She said reassuringly.

- You look tired… - He said softly caressing her cheek. - What happened?

- Well, you sort of forgot to put a charm before you know… - She said raising her eyebrows.

- Forgot to… oh-oh-oh! - He said as realization hit him. - Sorry about that…

At that moment, Harry's door opened once again, this time a tall slender figure was standing on the doorway. Her dark silky long hair trailed down, creating high contrast from her pale skin. And you could see a lot of skin, Hermione needn't her imagination to think of what Harry saw last night, what she could never be.

- Hello, hungry beast! - Andrea said wrapping her arms around Harry's waist, taking him away from Hermione.

- Good morning, Andrea! - He said and laughed.

- Good morning to you too… - Hermione added.

- Oh, hey… - Andrea said ignoring her. - So what are the plans for today? I am happy with anything as long it involves me and you on top of each other.

Harry laughed, as Andrea kissed his chest, trailing her kisses all the way through his neck to his jaw. Hermione drank her coffee and rolled her eyes. Andrea was going a little bit too far with her kissing, so Hermione pretended to choke on her coffee and starting coughing.

- Sorry about that… - Hermione said innocently. - I should get going.

- Honey, what are we going to do today? - Andrea said ignoring Hermione once again.

- Well, why don't we all, Hermione, Tim, Ron, Luna, you and me go for dinner? Tonight, what do you say? - Harry said.

Hermione turned around, taken aback for a second.

- What do you say? - Harry asked again.

- Well, I don't know, Harry. Tim might be busy tonight; I will have to ask him first. You know how doctors are, always busy and making excuses for everything.

- No strings attached, Hermione, you ask him and let me know.

Damn it, Hermione! Why couldn't you make up a better excuse like we have other plans already? Bollocks! *sigh*

- Okay, okay, I will- can't promise you anything though. - Hermione answered back and went inside her bedroom to get change.

In the meantime, Harry gave Ron a call and invited him to dinner, which he very much accepted with great delight because Ron always loved… eating. He also informed Harry he wanted to tell them something very important, and that Harry had provided the perfect chance.

Hermione, on the other hand, had gone to visit Tim and tell him about this unexpected dinner and spend some time with him. He was tall and had not so narrow shoulder, he was skinny, but had some muscles around. His dark wavy hair was messy, but not as Harry's. His eyes, his eyes were brown, definitely not as Harry's.

Even though Tim loved her so much, she couldn't avoid the gut feeling from time to time, there was something that wasn't quite right. He was a bit to perfect, she thought, always wearing nice clothing, looking his best. He was perfect for her, he was top student in his class, with top marks, yet he always seemed to have time for fun. He was witty and quirky in his sense of humour, attentive and delicate with her.

- So about this dinner… where is it again?

- Harry hasn't said anything yet, he wants to make sure that we are available. - She said casually. - So you want to go?

- Yes, sure… sounds like a good idea to me. - He said embracing her.

Once Hermione told Harry that they'd be going, he told her about Ron wanting to say something really important - really, if it relates to food, it's important to Ron. Some people never grow up. They laughed about it.

They all went together to this brand new Chinese restaurant called Titi that had just opened in Soho a couple of weeks ago. It was quite nice, as the place was lit by yellow lights, surrounded by a few flowers. The Oriental music playing softly in the background made it really comfy to be in.

They all ate wonderful food, chatting about old times, not mentioning magic, because Tim and Andrea were muggles. And by the end of the last dish, Ron grabbed his glass of wine and called for his friends' attention.

- Well, I think it's about time for me to announce something very important for both, Luna and me. - He said looking at Luna beside him.

She was rather a bit quiet because she had not many topics of conversation with muggles; in fact, Andrea and Tim were the first actual muggles she's ever dealt with.

- As you know, at least Harry and Hermione, Luna and I have been going out for quite a while now. And it seems to me like yesterday when she started fancying me… - He said joking.

- Ronald! - Luna tapped him on his shoulder.

- As I was saying… Luna and I have been going out for a time now, and well we… recently decided that we would be taking the next step together.

- Oh my God! - Andrea shrieked. - You are moving in together?

- Er… no, Andrea, I don't think that's what Ron meant with taking the next step. - Harry added a bit amused.

Hermione rolled her eyes, something that Tim caught and made him laughed.

- Ron, I am very happy for you… both of you, Luna. - Hermione said. I just can't believe Ron is the first one to actually do this… here I thought-

- Here we thought, Ron would always be Ron… - Harry added.

They all laughed. Harry ordered more drinks and they toasted for the couple. All of a sudden, Tim's cell phone rang. He looked at the ID and answered the phone as he made his way to somewhere more private. The next minute, he came back.

- Sorry, Honey. - He said as he pressed his lips against Hermione's forehead. - But I need to go. - He said rapidly.

- Who was it?

- Eh… they need me at the hospital. Apparently they can't seem to find Greg… sorry about that. - He said feeling guilty.

- It's okay, Tim… go, do your job, I will find Greg and kick his ass for this.

Everyone laughed and said goodbye to Tim as he left the restaurant, leaving Hermione with two other couples. All of them were celebrating, until Hermione felt all of them were a bit too drunk, so she stepped out for a moment and went to the bathroom. She washed her face, as she felt a bit flushed and fuzzy. She wasn't expecting anything on her way out.

When she opened the door, she saw a silhouette in a dark corner and she heard people moaning. And then she heard him calling Andrea's name, softly, but full of lust. Shagging in a public place, that's how far Harry went, or was it Andrea's fault? Hermione felt her heart aching for each time she heard their moaning, as tears welled up in her eyes until she couldn't hold her tears anymore. She would blame the alcohol in her body, but she should be the one to blame, she let this happened. She went into the bathroom again and washed her face once again.

Once she regained her self control, she headed back to the table. Harry and Andrea were back at the table, as if nothing had happened between them. Hermione knew better, but she looked up and continued drinking, even though she would regret it in the morning. But she needed to forget for now. They all continued drinking until no one else could. Ron and Luna took off together, while Harry took Andrea to her house. Hermione went with him because it was not safe for either of them to be alone right now. How she would regret this? She had no idea.

---

Next on Good Enough…

Part of Hermione was screaming to not do it, but the other part could not resist. The alcohol in her body made everything so simple, there were no inhibitions, and Harry seemed to not care at all. They both wanted it to happen.

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2. Truth and Betrayal

Good Enough - Truth and Betrayal - Chapter 2

Author's notes: Hello, everyone! How's it going? Long time no writing at all. I am sorry to all those people that read the story a while ago that it took me so long to write and upload the second chapter. School was hectic at a time, but since I graduated last week, I thought to myself - Hey! Why not take up the story once again? I had planned to pass this story on to someone else and there were a couple of people that messaged me interested in it, but I never heard of them again.

I took me a while to remember my details and what I wanted to do. Now I need to get used to the story once again. Hopefully, I will have more chapters ready sooner than expected - for certain it won't take months for the next one… of that I'm sure. I wanna thank all the people that reviewed this story… and I had taken many people's advice on using quotations. I hope everyone likes this chapter, and please keep on reading and reviewing as I love when people let me know what they love about my work and what I can improve.

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Previously on Good Enough…

“As I was saying… Luna and I have been going out for a time now, and well we… recently decided that we would be taking the next step together.”

All of them were celebrating, until Hermione felt all of them were a bit too drunk, shagging in a public place, that's how far Harry went, or was it Andrea's fault? Hermione felt her heart aching for each time she heard their moaning, as tears welled up in her eyes until she couldn't hold her tears anymore.

---

Finally, they left Andrea home and went back to theirs. Harry and Hermione were blootered. The right strap of her knee-length dress was coming off of her shoulder, as Harry closed their door and stopped to look at her. He unconsciously licked his lips and started walking towards his bedroom, on Hermione's direction. She shifted a bit, she saw him licking his lips and she felt a tight knot forming in her belly.

Harry was coming her way; he was closer and closer, when all of a sudden he passed her. He was walking towards his bedroom. Hermione released a breath she wasn't aware she was holding. She moistened her lips, lingering her tongue and blinking, when Harry touched her strapless shoulder and whispered her name.

She turned around, encountering Harry right in front of her. Surprised, she almost fell backwards, but he held her in place.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa… take it easy.” He said amused. “I just wanted to say goodnight, Mione...” He said softly.

“Goodnight, Harry…” She answered back.

But none of them let go. They stayed there, Harry wrapping his arm around her waist, as her hands rested on his chest. The buttons of Harry's shirt were partially unbuttoned. Both closed their eyes and took each other's scent, although combined with alcohol, they could still sense it. All of a sudden, Harry closed the gap between their faces and kissed her fully on the lips. Hermione was taken aback, but immediately corresponded.

Their hands started roaming, exploring each other's bodies. Part of Hermione was screaming to not do it, but the other part could not resist. The alcohol in her body made everything so simple, there were no inhibitions, and Harry seemed to not care at all. They both wanted it to happen. Harry spun her around and started pushing her towards the bedrooms, until BAM! Hermione's back hit the wall, but they didn't care. They were losing patience now, as Harry started grinding against her, trailing open-mouthed kissed from her lips to her jaw to her neck and bare shoulders.

The room was silent, the only noise in the ambience was the sound of lustful passion, heaving and moaning from both male and female. Hermione was not herself and she wrapped her legs around his waist, her dress covering little of her lower body, which made Harry go crazy. He carried her and moved swiftly into her bedroom and SLAM!

Hermione woke up, heaving, all sweaty, wrapped in her blankets, alone. Where is Harry? Not here obviously answered a voice inside of her. Was it all a dream? If it was, it was a pretty vivid dream or a really faint memory. Must've been a dream, there was no trace of Harry being in her room. She sighed and closed her eyes as she licked her lips. It's been the third time this week, dreaming about being with Harry, but this time the line between fantasy and reality was even thinner. After a few minutes lying in bed, she put on her robe and went out to prepare some coffee.

Harry jumped slightly as Hermione opened her door. He stood there for a while just studying her reaction. Quickly he gave her a quick smile.

“Good morning, Mione. Fancy some coffee?” He said holding her mug.

“Thank you, Harry.” She said sweetly. “What a night yesterday, eh?”

“Er… yes,” He said shifting his eyes and avoiding her look.

“You should remind me next time not to drink as much, everything is a blur!”

“It is? - He added with doubtful tone.”

He gave her freshly made coffee and sat in front of her, as she drank it just like a kid drinking hot cocoa. She gave him a quizzical look, and put him out of his trance.

“Harry! What is it? Stop staring at me like that!”

“I'm sorry, Mione… is just that-“Should he say it? No… “I promise I won't let you drink like that again…” Harry said earnestly.

This earned him a slight smile from her. They finished brunch together, and soon their lives went back to normal, or so they thought.

A knock on the door.

“Coming!”

Hermione said coming out of the bathroom. She had just finished taking a shower and only wearing a towel when she stormed off to answer the door, as someone kept on knocking it.

“COMING!”

Knock, knock, knock.

“I said I'm COMING!”

Hermione opened the door to find Andrea.

“Andrea!” She said surprised. “What (the hell) are you doing here?” She added with an insecure tone in her voice.

“Just dropping by to see my lover boy,” she answered with a smug smile on her face.

“Oh… of course…” Hermione said as-a-matter-of-factly.

“Where is he anyways?” Andrea asked giving Hermione an up-and-down look.

“He is I believe still in his bed-“

All of a sudden, Harry opened the door of his room, still half asleep and half awake, he yawned.

“Good morning, babe,” Andrea said approaching him and giving him a deep kiss on the lips.

Harry broke the kiss and pulled away.

“Andrea, honey, I stink…”

“You know I like you just the way you are, Mr. I-Wanna-Eat-You,” she said kissing him deeply once again on the lips.

Harry gave in and kissed her back, as Hermione rolled her eyes. She had forgotten she was just wearing a towel, until Harry opened his eyes while kissing Andrea and looked straight into Hermione's brown eyes. She could feel him devouring her bit by bit with his intense deep green gaze pierced through to her, until Andrea moved to kiss him deeper and Hermione lost his eyes contact. Did we have a moment there? Forget it, Hermione… She went back to the bathroom.

Later that day, Hermione dropped by Tim's hospital. For being a doctor, he was still considered quite a newbie, but he was good at his practice and was respected among other doctors and staff. He usually worked overtime, he didn't mind it and Hermione certainly didn't mind it because he was helping others.

Hermione was looking around for Tim, when she finally spotted him talking to Greg, a tall skinny guy with chiselled facial features, and shaved head. They were chatting nonchalantly when Hermione stepped in front of Tim and kissed him.

“Hermione… not here…” Tim said blushing a little bit, and looking as if he could die of embarrassment over this.

“Am I not allowed to kiss my boyfriend now?” She said a little surprised.

“You know is not that...” He said touching her chin.

For a moment there, Hermione felt there was a little bit of hesitation in his voice. However, she wasn't entirely sure as it would be a whole new side of Tim for her.

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Next on Good Enough…

“You're an arse! How could you do something like that to me? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!”

“Friends don't sleep together!”

“And friends don't lie to each other!”

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3. Sex, Lies and Something Else...

Good Enough - Sex, Lies and Something Else… - Chapter 3

Author's notes: Hello, everyone once again!!! Chapter 3 is up, another short chapter. I hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I wanna thank all the people that reviewed the last chapter, I love it when people leave comments, so please do!

Please, don't hesitate on giving me advice and also giving maybe ideas that you might like to see in the story… if you are not so sure, just private message me - if I like your ideas I might use them and, of course, give you full credit for it! I would love that to happen.

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Previously on Good Enough…

Part of Hermione was screaming to not do it, but the other part could not resist. The alcohol in her body made everything so simple, there were no inhibitions, and Harry seemed to not care at all. They both wanted it to happen.

Hermione woke up, heaving, all sweaty, wrapped in her blankets, alone. Where is Harry? Not here obviously answered a voice inside of her. Was it all a dream?

For a moment there, Hermione felt there was a little bit of hesitation in his voice. However, she wasn't entirely sure as it would be a whole new side of Tim for her.

---

The following days, everyone was about their business. Harry was shagging Andrea, Hermione was still with Tim. The thing is, Harry hadn't let go. He'd been having unconscious thoughts of Hermione; he'd been dreaming of her in more than friendly ways, he'd been remembering her smell, her touch and how she felt surrounding him. As a matter of fact, Harry was now lying down while Andrea did her business, but he couldn't concentrate on what she was doing to him, because he was too focused on what Hermione made him feel.

On the other room, Hermione rolled her eyes. Bollocks! Not again… She closed her eyes and got up from her bed where she was lying. She couldn't stand it any longer, she sometimes… wished she could be the one… but she will never be good enough; not good enough for Harry… never.

Hermione shook her head; she had to get rid of this sort of thoughts. She started rearranging her stuff. Her room was a mess. Hermione sighed and closed her eyes and she tried to push back the echoing moaning of her flatmate. She started picking up clothing from the floor, moving furniture around, as some tears started trailing down her face. She went around her bed to grab her pillow and hugged it. The damn moaning continued.

In the meantime, Harry had a sheer golden sheen of sweat. He closed his eyes as Andrea rode him. He moaned and was using all his self-control to not scream out loud. He was gasping for air, and holding her hips as he led her way. Andrea was going crazy with passion as she screamed more and more, almost going over the edge. And this, Hermione knew, she wished she didn't, but she did. She was still cleaning her room when deep under her mess, she found Harry's ripped shirt. Hermione looked at it, as her knees weaken and she sat on her bed.

Suddenly, everything started to come back to her.

Hermione was not herself and she wrapped her legs around his waist, her dress covering little of her lower body, which made Harry go crazy. He carried her and moved swiftly into her bedroom and started touching her. Their moaning grew, as did their need to have each other.

Hermione closed her eyes as her brain tried to block the memory, as she clenched his shirt.

Harry pulled her straps down her arms, as he kissed every tiny part he undressed. Hermione looked up to her ceiling, as she felt his touch. She started moving her hands up and down his body, and planted her arm on his chest. Hermione kept on kissing him, and bit his lip as she ripped Harry's shirt, and started kissing down his jaw, neck and torso.

Hermione stood up from her bed. She couldn't breathe. She wanted to close down the memory, but it was out in the loose now. She walked towards the door and held the doorknob.

He was sitting on the bed with Hermione on top of him, moving up and down. His eyes were closed, his body with sweat and he was moaning. Both of them were gasping for air whenever their lips were not connected, as their bodies moved in blissful rhythm.

She kept on moving up and down, seeking what she and him so desperately looked for. He kept on guiding her, as he was about to explode. His ragged breath was in unison with her soft moaning, until they couldn't hold it anymore and Andrea let go, as Harry couldn't control it anymore and screamed, he opened his eyes and screamed.

“Oh, God, Hermione…” He screamed.

As the door slammed opened to reveal a tear-eyed Hermione holding her wand and Harry's shirt.

“HOW DARE YOU?” Hermione screamed throwing the shirt back at him. “Did you think I wasn't gonna find out, Harry?”

Harry pushed Andrea away, and grabbed the shirt to cover himself up as he tried to follow Hermione who had just gone out his room into the living room.

“Hermione!” He kept on calling. “Hermione, please…” She didn't listen. “MIONE!”

“What, Harry?” She spun around and looked at him with wide eyes showing nothing but disappointment in her best friend. “What are you gonna say? That you're sorry?” She added as tears streamed down her face.

“I don't know what to say…” Harry said in a soft voice. “I-I…” He stuttered. “I didn't mean to-“

“You didn't mean to, what, Harry? LIE TO ME?”

“I didn't mean to sleep with you…”

And the words stung.

“I don't know what happened that day…” He continued.

“You're an arse!” She screamed at him.

Harry stood there, covering up with his shirt, avoiding her look.

“How could you do something like that to me?” She asked in tears. “YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!” She screamed moving in closer.

“Friends DON'T sleep together!” He shouted back.

“And friends don't lie to each other!” She answered back.

“What do you want me to do, Hermione?” He asked widening his eyes in a desperate call for help. “Tell me what to do, what to say… I'll do it.”

“Harry, you're hopeless… and I mean that.” She said in a softer tone.

“Hermione, I…” He said, but he couldn't continue.

Hermione went to the door and left the apartment with just her wand in hand, leaving Harry standing alone in the living room with only his shirt covering up. He felt empty, like he'd betrayed her… of course, he did. And in all this time, he had forgotten Andrea was there, and had listened to every bit of conversation, until she came out all dressed up with her things, ready to leave.

“Where are you going?” Harry asked her softly. He honestly didn't care, for some reason.

“I'm leaving, Harry…” She said not looking at him.

“Why?” He said automatically.

“Do I really need to say it?” She looked at him seriously. He did not move. “Harry… you said her name when we climaxed” She said looking at him who was full of confusion. “You were thinking about her while we were having sex, Harry… that's pretty messed up, even for me.”

“I'm sorry…” But he didn't know why he was apologizing.

“No need to be sorry, Harry… I like you still. You were a good shag, but let's be honest… you would have eventually dumped me sooner or later.”

Harry was stumped. He was amazed at how Andrea was acting. He felt empty, as he was left all alone in the middle of the living room. Andrea left, and he would never see her again. His knees weaken and he fell to the floor, he hadn't felt this lonely since he was living in that small cupboard under the stairs. He waited all night for Hermione to come back, but she didn't return.

In some other part of London, Hermione apparated in front of Tim's apartment and knocked on the door. She had calmed down a little bit, but as everything that had just happen started catching up to her, tears started rolling down her cheeks once again. Tim opened the door to find a Hermione that instantly fell into his arms in tears, sobbing.

“I'm sorry…” She said in between sobs.

Tim had already closed the door and they were sitting in his living room. She continued weeping, and he could do nothing else but to console her, until finally she fell asleep. He waited some time before he actually took her and carried her to his room.

The next morning, Tim was already awake and making some breakfast, when Hermione reappeared from his room. He gazed at her with long.

“Good morning, you” He said in a soothing voice.

“Good morning…” Hermione replied with a tone of guilt. “You didn't have to sleep in the couch you know…” She added walking slowly towards him. “We've been dating for quite a few months…”

“I know…” He said looking at her from the corner of his eye. “I just thought you might need some space for yourself.” He said smiling.

“Look, Tim, I really-“

“You don't need to explain any-“

“I won't invade your personal space, if you don't want me to…” She added. “I just need a place to stay until I find a new one.”

“It's okay, Hermione, you can stay as long as you'd like…”

“Don't be silly, Tim.” She said smiling half-heartily. “I also need my own space… I don't think I am ready to live with someone… just… yet.”

“It's fine… I just want you to know that I am not rushing you.”

He looked at her and half-smiled. Hermione smiled back and sighed as he gave her a plate with scramble eggs and toast. She started eating when she gave a small smile.

“What is wrong with you?” She said amused.

“Beg your pardon?” He said a little confused.

“You are too perfect… too perfect to be true, Tim.” She said playing with his hand. “What is your dirty little secret?”

“What are you talking about, Hermione?” He said grinning. “I don't have any dirty secret.”

“Oh, pleassssssseee…” She said rolling her eyes. “Everyone has their own little secret. Now I wonder which one is-“

Ring

Tim went to pick up the phone.

“Alo!” He answered. “Hey…”

He looked at Hermione from the corner of his eye, and then he turned around. His breathing changed pacing a little bit.

“Er… It's hard.” He said softly and with difficulty. “Yes… okay.”

Tim turned around once again, and hanged up. He went back to his place in the kitchen and sat down across Hermione.

“Tim… you are a little flushed.” She said with a little bit of suspicion. “Who was it on the phone?”

“Er… uhm…” He stuttered a bit. “It was Greg… He hmm wants me to go over to the hospital to check on something.”

“But it's Sunday!” She said a little disappointed.

“Doctor's gotta do what doctors do, sorry love”

He stood up from his seat and approached Hermione to give her a peck on the forehead, and left.

---

Next on Good Enough…

Hermione had an idea. She would pick her stuff from her now ex-place on Friday night, as Harry was probably still out with Andrea.

She was almost done with taking her stuff and shrinking it to fit it into her trunk, when all of a sudden Harry burst into the apartment with his brand-new shag.

He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her.

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4. Memories and Hurtful Words

Good Enough - Memories and Hurtful Words - Chapter 4

Author's notes: Hello, everyone! First and foremost, I want to apologize for the time that it took me to upload chapter 5. When I began writing, it was still December and I was at the airport… and suddenly, the terrible and deadliest writer's block attacked me, so I had to go back and re-think what I wanted to do, and how the characters would act… so there you go. Also, I got myself a beta-reader (that sounds like she's an object, so I take it back) - Her name is Louise, and she has been fabulous~

Same thing applies~ any comments, reviews are welcomed. And all characters belong to J.K. Rowling, otherwise I'd be frigging rich. Any similarities with real life is purely coincidental. Any copyright © problem was not intended…

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Previously on Good Enough…

“You're an arse! How could you do something like that to me? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!”

“Friends don't sleep together!”

“And friends don't lie to each other!”

In some other part of London, Hermione apparated in front of Tim's apartment and knocked on the door.

“I'm sorry…” She said in between sobs.

“You didn't have to sleep in the couch you know…” She added walking slowly towards him. “We've been dating for quite a few months…”

“What is your dirty little secret?”

---

A few days had passed after Hermione realized that she had to eventually retrieve her things from her tainted apartment. Tim had tried to convince her to do so earlier, but his attempts had been failed. She kept on postponing it, until now that she realized that the few outfits she got, even if bewitched to look different, felt the same. And GAWD! What about her books? She left a good deal of books in there, how could she ever replace those? But-

How many people knew? Andrea does… but who else?

Hermione sighed. She had to face Harry sooner or later…

Better later than sooner…

Funny thing how she went through everything possible when she was only in her first year, funny how she could face a Basilisk in her second, funny how she could face Dementors and be almost killed later on and not be scared at all, but she could not find the courage to face Harry. Suddenly, Hermione had an idea. She would pick her stuff up on Friday night as Harry was probably still out with Andrea. It was a surprise when later that Friday she wished she could take back her brilliant idea.

When she got home,

Home, how different it feels now.

Hermione shut her eyes and sighed to herself. I guess this was my home. She went to her room and started enchanting her stuff and packing. She found some of the gifts Harry had given her… she doubted. Cards, stuffed toys, little tidbits that were so-not-Hermione, but she kept nonetheless… because he was Harry, just Harry. It didn't matter anymore, and all went into the trash bin. She kept on packing.

She packed her things until she found another gift from Harry. She stopped on her tracks and just grabbed the book Harry had given her in their fifth year. She opened the cover and there it was, written in ink:

“Merry Christmas,

Harry”

Hermione gave a small smile. Harry didn't sign things with his last name, just Harry- and that was always enough for her. To her surprise, she closed the book and put it away with the other books.

She was almost with taking her stuff and shrinking it to fit her trunk, when all of a sudden Harry burst into the apartment with his new shag. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her… things packed and ready to leave for good. There was a long pause before anything happened. Him looking at her, and her staring back at him.

She lost it.

Everything came back to her, sleeping with Harry, him lying to her and now shagging someone else. Hermione really felt for Andrea somehow, as bitch as she could be…

“So Harry, where's Andrea?” She asked. “Couldn't come tonight?” She added sarcastically.

“What is she saying, honey?” The new nameless shag asked.

Harry turned slowly towards his shag, and looked at her.

“Sorry… Hmm… Erika, right?” He asked ashamed that she didn't quite remember her name.

Erika nodded.

“I think this is not such a good idea after all.” He whispered to her. “You might want to go to your place now…” He tried to be sympathetic. “I am really sorry for this.”

When Erika finally left, leaving Harry and Hermione alone to talk.

“So…” Harry said with a long pause. “You're leaving?” He added stating the obvious. DOH!

`”Very smart, Harry.” Hermione answered coldly.

“Hermione, we need to talk…” He said desperately. “We need to work things through, so we can be happy again!” Harry added with fake hope.

“You know what you can do to make me happy?” She said beaming.

“What is it?”

“Just leave me alone!” She said trying to push her way through the door.

Harry didn't let her pass. He looked sternly at her and didn't budge. Hermione was losing her temper, and huffed.

“Harry!” She said annoyed.

He couldn't help it, he grinned. He loved how her face frowned when she was mad, and most of all how it wrinkled when she was deep in thoughts. Suddenly, she kicked him out of his reverie.

“Do you think that if I throw a stick you'd leave me?”

His smiled faded. Hermione realized what she just called him, but she wanted to get out of here as fast as possible. This time, Harry let her through. He was hurt.

Hermione walked away with her things. She sighed soundly, and turned towards Harry to find him facing away from her.

“I'm sorry, Harry.” She apologized sincerely. “That was uncalled for.” She added, but Harry was still not facing her anymore. “I'm sorry.” She really meant it. “I guess… sarcasm is just one more service I offer lately.”

Hermione waited a while to see if Harry was going to turn, but he didn't. He couldn't turn to her and see her leaving him.

“I'm going, Harry…” She said softly.

Finally, Harry turned quickly.

“Where are you going?” He asked. “I mean…” He started stuttering. “Where are you going to stay?” He said in hope that she would at least tell him.

Hermione looked at him, like she was going to drop all her plans and stay with him. She blinked a few times and turned away.

“Away from you…” She said with a level of sadness in her voice, and walked away.

Harry stood there motionless as Hermione closed the door. He turned around towards his bedroom when he got a glimpse of her empty room, which was calling for him. Harry got in it and saw the neatly placed garbage, rests of him that Hermione didn't bother with anymore; and there it was, blinking in the empty room… her key. Hermione was not coming back. Harry sat down in the middle of the room, in the middle of nothing.

She's left me.

Don't know what you've got `til it's gone, said another voice in his head.

Why did it affect him so? Why was it different from Andrea leaving… or what's-her-name again? Because Hermione is different, and you bloody well know it, replied that other voice.

Harry felt suddenly sick, as the realization of Hermione finally leaving him alone sank, and vomited. He knelt and held himself with his hands on the hard wood floor. He was alone in the cupboard once again, before Hermione… without Hermione. He broke down.

Far and away, Hermione still felt sorry for calling Harry a dog. What's the matter? Said a voice in her head. He very well deserved-

Hermione cut her thoughts, she would never think of Harry like that. She was just not good enough for him… Plain Jane Hermione Granger. Not good enough for him, never good enough for him.

She finally arrived at Tim's place and put her stuff all in a corner. She sat on the sofa, but soon couldn't stand being by herself in that place. Too many thoughts of Harry coming back to her, too many feelings threatening to come out. She'd be better of looking for Tim at the hospital… where was he anyway? His shift was over almost an hour ago.

Hermione decided to take a shower, and if Tim wasn't back by then, she'd go out to look for him at the hospital. She grabbed her things and while she was taking her shower, she felt her insides all tangled up. She closed her eyes and braced herself against the tiles. It hurt. It hurts I can never be what I wish for Harry. Maybe nobody did love her. What are you talking about? Tim loves you. Yes, he does, does he?

Tim was nowhere around when Hermione finished her shower, so she changed into something decent to go out and looked for Tim, wherever he may be. Wait a minute, he has a mobile phone, she said to herself. She went back inside, and called.

Ring, ring

Bollocks! What's the use of having a mobile if you're not keeping it with you?

Hermione grabbed her things once again and went to the hospital where Tim worked. She asked for him, but they told her that his shift was over almost two hours ago, so she was left wondering on Tim's whereabouts. She sighed to herself. Hermione decided to wander around town; at least she would be surrounded by people. She was in no condition to be left by herself; otherwise her thoughts would lead her to thinking about Harry and how much she was hurting.

“Hey, penny for your thoughts?” Asked a handsome guy of black bluish hair.

Hermione woke up from her trance. She was at a club already. How in the name of Merlin did I get here? Apparently, she had just gotten there and the handsome guy of black bluish hair was the bartender. He had a kind face, certainly something needed at this time.

“Penny for my thoughts? I'd be rich by now.” She said mildly amused.

“Well, you look much better now that you got rid of that frown.” He said smiling. “The name is Ling, Rob Ling.” He said looking at her warmly, and holding his hand out.

“Hello, Ling, Rob Ling” She said showing a half-smile and shaking his hand. “Does introducing yourself like James Bond come naturally or you are hitting on me?”

“How can I help you today?” He said holding a beer pint and a shooter.

“Tequila shot, please.” She said sighing.

“Bad night, eh?”

“More like a bad week…”

“Wow, that bad?” He said, taking a new shot glass and filling it with Tequila. “Here, it's on me.”

Hermione took both shots, and Rob drank one with her too.

“Would you like to talk about it?” He asked.

“Believe me, you don't want to know.”

However, after a few more shots of tequila, Hermione was more than a bit too talkative, but she was not overly drunk.

“And he slept with me!” Hermione said.

“So…” Rob said trying to understand. “You are mad at this Harry-guy because he took advantage of you?” He said a bit confused.

“No! I'm mad because he lied to me!” She said as if it were the most regular situation.

“So you didn't mind sleeping with him?”

“Huh-uh!” Hermione nodded.

“Yes, you don't mind or yes, you mind?”

“I didn't mind sleeping with him…”

“But you're with this other guy, Tim…” He said hesitantly.

She nodded, and took another shot.

“Alright, as much as I'm the bartender here… I'm gonna have to stop you from drinking more than I already let you.” He said taking her empty shot away.

“But I'm perfectly fine!” She said with a blush on her face.

“You might be fine now, but one more of these babies and you'd pass out. Trust me, I know.”

Hermione accepted and paid for what she had drunk. She tried standing up, but all of a sudden she fell to the side, but caught herself before she hit the floor. Rob was in a bit of a shock, and mildly entertained.

“It's not funny…” Hermione said trying to hide her embarrassment.

“Oh, yes it's quite funny.” Rob said laughing. “Come on… I'll take you to your place.”

“Oh, no, I can't do that. I don't want to get you fired or anything…” She said quickly.

“It's alright, I own the place.” He said nonchalantly. He laughed at Hermione's utterly shocked expression. “You wouldn't think I would get away with serving only one client in a night, right? I would kick anyone out, if that happened.”

Hermione was a loss for words. Not that she was surprised that Rob was the owner of the place, but she was also quite dizzy, and perhaps even quite drunk.

“Come on! Let me take you to your place…” He said kindly. “My car is just a few blocks away, and I promise I won't lie to you if we sleep together.” He said playfully.

Hermione glared at him with indignation, but accepted his offer nonetheless. They walked one or two blocks, Hermione wasn't sure, when she heard some groans coming from somewhere in the shadows, and Oh my God~ She stopped dead on her tracks. Rob looked at her and saw the couple that came out of the darkness into the light looking very ready to do something, and back to Hermione looking flabbergasted.

---

Next on Good Enough…

Hermione couldn't believe it, she suddenly felt sick, and slowly backed away.

“Oh my God, Hermione! Are you okay?” Rob asked worried.

At the mention of Hermione's name, the couple stopped what they were doing and they looked at Hermione in shock. He stepped out of the shadow.

They looked almost like Christmas decoration in the middle of July, out of place.

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5. Come-clean and Resolutions

Good Enough - Come-clean and Resolutions - Chapter 5

Author's notes: Hello, everyone! Woohoo~ Now, I'm fast, aren't I? That's what happens when I don't have other things to worry me. Well, I do have things that worry me, but I'll deal with those later. I hope everyone likes this Chapter. Everyone has been so kind in their reviews… except from one or two who complained about the lack of updates. I want to thank Louise once again for beta-reading the chapter and the story. You don't have to worry about a thing, and I hope you are feeling much better! :)

There is one part where Hermione is thinking, I rephrased a fragment of “Stealing Kisses” by Faith Hill. Sometimes you need to get into the right mood for writing. There is also a comeback from Ron, I hope everyone likes it, since I thought there was much drama… a little light mood couldn't hurt anyone. The current mood song is “Hero” and “Void” by Darren Hayes. Enjoy.

Same thing applies~ any comments, reviews are welcomed. And all characters belong to J.K. Rowling, otherwise I'd be frigging rich. Any similarities with real life is purely coincidental. Any copyright © problem was not intended…

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Previously on Good Enough…

Hermione had an idea. She would pick her stuff from her now ex-place on Friday night, as Harry was probably still out with Andrea.

She was almost done with taking her stuff and shrinking it to fit it into her trunk, when all of a sudden Harry burst into the apartment with his brand-new shag.

He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her.

Why did it affect him so? Why was it different from Andrea leaving… or what's-her-name again? Because Hermione is different, and you bloody well know it, replied that other voice.

Tim was nowhere around when Hermione finished her shower, so she changed into something decent to go out and looked for Tim, wherever he may be.

“Hey, penny for your thoughts?” Asked a handsome guy of black bluish hair.

“Penny for my thoughts? I'd be rich by now.” She said mildly amused.

“Well, you look much better now that you got rid of that frown.” He said smiling. “The name is Ling, Rob Ling.” He said looking at her warmly, and holding his hand out.

---

Hermione couldn't believe it, she suddenly felt sick, and slowly backed away. Rob held her so she didn't lose her balance, but the alcohol had won. Hermione bent down just a little, as her Technicolor yawn spilled on the floor.

“Oh my God, Hermione! Are you okay?” Rob asked worried.

At the mention of Hermione's name, the couple stopped what they were doing and they looked at Hermione in shock. He stepped out of the shadow.

“Hermione…” He said softly. “I'm so sorry.”

Hermione took another step back. Rob didn't know what to do or say.

“How could you? With Greg?” She said with a hurt tone.

It was Tim.

“Let me explain…” He said almost pleading. “You don't fully understand.”

“I don't fully understand?” She said really mad. “What is it exactly I don't get?” She yelled trying her best to not lose her balance. “That you and Greg were humping buddies, and that probably every night you stayed at the hospital, you were shagging each other?” She added in the verge of tears. “God! How could I be so stupid?”

“I'm sorry, Hermione” He said giving a step closer to her. “I tried telling you so many times, but it never was the right time”

“And when is the right time to tell your girlfriend you're shagging a bloke?” She shouted.

Rob and Greg were still stood there, not doing much. They both looked as uncomfortably out of place as a Christmas decoration in the middle of July. Rob really felt bad for what happened to Hermione, and tried to butt in.

“Hey, guys…” He said nervously looking back and forth between Tim and Hermione. “I think you should talk this through in some other time, before anyone gets more hurt.”

“Who is this guy? Are you cheating on me with him?”

“Oh my God, you have the courage to say that?” She said stunned.

“I'm sorry; my comment was out of place.” He said apologizing. “Who are you anyway?” He asked Rob.

“I think he is right, Tim” Greg said. “I think we should talk this through in the morning, when everyone is calmer.”

Hermione looked at them both and left with Rob in a huff. They got in his car, but he didn't ignite it. They were just sitting in a parked car.

“So where to?” He asked with real curiosity.

“Anywhere away from home.” She said softly.

“Good, since I don't know where your home really is.”

“Neither do I.” She said lost in thought.

Rob sighed. He didn't know every little detail of Hermione's life, but finding out your boyfriend is gay the same week you find out your friend slept with you when you were drunk it's pretty bad.

“Hey, why don't you stay in my flat tonight? Tomorrow I'll take you wherever you like so you can talk to Tim about things…” He suggested.

“Oh, no! I don't want to be a bother…” She said undignified. “Just leave me in some motel, so I can spend the night there.” She added.

“Really, it's not a problem.” He added. “I don't think you should be alone with your thoughts… you'll go berserk.”

Hermione agreed, and she had no idea how she could ever make it up to Rob. She spent the night at his place, and when she woke up she noticed he was still asleep. She tried to make breakfast, but found that Rob's refrigerator only had the essentials; cartons of orange juice, cans of soda and frozen TV dinners, but in one of the corners of the bachelor's refrigerator, she found some eggs.

“Good morning!” Hermione said, putting the freshly scramble eggs on a plate.

“Wow! I'm impressed.” He added rubbing his eyes. “You're still here, and with a freshly made breakfast!” He said. “I can't even cook to save my life.”

“Me either, so don't criticize the eggs…” She said playfully. “Besides, I wanted to do something for you for all the trouble of last night.”

Hermione and Rob were eating breakfast, but there was something running through Rob's mind that he had to get out of. He wasn't sure how would Hermione react, after all, they only met a day ago.

“Hermione… if you don't mind my asking…” He said carefully, but kept quiet. He looked at her like he didn't want to ask the question anymore.

“You want to know something related to me finding out Tim is gay, don't you?” She said softly.

“Well, I know you only for a day, but you seem a very perceptive person, and all, you know.” He said. “You must have noticed it at times, if not completely.”

“I know…” She sighed. “Maybe somewhere in my mind I knew…” She added with a tone of sadness and regret. “But sometimes you want to believe something so bad that you blind yourself… it happens with so many different things.”

“It seems you are much calmer now.” He said smiling. “You want me to take you home?”

“Oh, no, Rob. It's okay, I can go by myself. I am being much of a bother for you, and I thank you so much for standing me.” She said starting clearing up the table.

“It is my pleasure to have met you, Hermione. Are you sure?” He asked.

“Yes, yes… I am sure.” She said smiling.

That morning, Hermione left to go back to Tim's place. Rob and she decided to keep in touch. She went home and met Tim. From the bags under his eyes she could tell he hadn't slept all night.

“Hermione!” He said, standing up from the couch where he was sitting. “I was so worried about you.”

“I'm sorry I worried you.” She said heartily. “I just needed to rearrange my thoughts, that's all”

“I am glad we are both much calmer, so we can talk.”

“Yes…” She said softly. “We need to talk.”

Both sat down on the couch and faced each other.

“I want to apologize to you, Hermione.” He said first, holding her hands between his.

“It's okay. I'm not upset anymore.” She said reassuringly.

“Really?” He added surprised.

“Yeah…” She said. “I just sort of realized that I might have known you were sort of, or very gay in the back of my mind.” She added quickly, as tears threaten to come out. “Maybe I was just trying to believe that I was actually good enough for someone to love me.”

“What? No, Hermione.” He said shocked. “Don't say that. Don't ever say that.” He said forcefully. “Don't ever think you are not good enough for anyone.” He said holding her face close to his. “I would say you were too good for me that's why I couldn't manage to tell you.” He said almost crying. “I couldn't tell you something like this and hurt you; I just didn't think I could hurt you in a worse way than I already did.”

“But I thought everything was fine between us?” She said spilling tears. “Why not tell me upfront? I would've understood…”

Tim dried her tears, and then his.

“My father… he loves you very much, and keeps on bragging on how you're going to be part of the family.” He said looking at her shamefully.

“I've only met him once.” She said a bit surprised. “And it was pure coincidence that we met.”

“Yeah, the thing is… he always thought something was up because I had never taken a girl home. I had female friends, but I was never interested in a sexual way to them…”

“Oh…”

“And when my father saw you, he was delighted that his son wasn't a pansy.” He said looking down with bitterness in his cracking voice.

“So you thought we could try, and maybe it could work since we had a good time together…” She said softly, this time drying his tears.

“See, what a clever girl you are…” He said smiling slightly.

“Oh, the cleverness of me.” She said giving him a little peck on the forehead. “Are you going to be okay telling your father?” She asked concerned.

“I don't know…” He sighed.

“Just remember, whatever happens… you can count on me, alright?” She said holding her pinkie finger out.

“Just as long you remember not to ever put yourself down like you always do.”

Tim tried holding her finger to close the promise, but she moved her finger away.

“I can't ever promise that.”

“Why not?” He asked.

Hermione sighed and kept quiet.

“Hermione, we both may be trying too hard to believe something that's in our heads.” He said with a slight smile on his face.

She blushed a bit and looked at her with curiosity.

“You think too much about not being good enough, and you believe that. But have you ever thought that you deserve what you want?”

“What are you on about, Tim?” She asked arching her eyebrow in credibility.

“Harry…” He blurted out bluntly.

Hermione almost choked and blushed in deep red.

“What?” She stuttered. “That's just silly.”

“Okay… remember? I'm gay. I can see it, even if he doesn't.” He nudged her. “He has to be the most oblivious person I've ever seen… emotional range of a teaspoon, I tell you!”

Hermione snorted.

“Oh my God! What was that?” He laughed. “Did Hermione Granger just snort?”

“It's just funny you should say Harry is like that, because Ron can give him a run for his money.” She laughed. “It didn't use to be like that… Harry used to be just Harry, and Ron… well, Ron will always be Ron.”

“What happened then?” He asked her with concern.

“Well, Harry sort of changed…” After vanquishing Voldemort, that son of a bitch… what did you do to him? She said mentally. “He sort of changed all of a sudden, but I was always by his side… because that's what friends do…”

“But you feel more than friendship for him, don't you?” He added softly.

“I don't know what I feel anymore…” She said absent-mindedly.

“I think you do…” He said caressing her thigh.

Tim stood up, and turned to look at Hermione sitting on the couch.

“And I think I know what's on your mind…” He said smiling nostalgically. “And whatever you choose to do, you should know you are very much welcome to stay here.”

“How did you know I was going to tell you I was moving back to my parents?” She asked stunned.

“Oh, the cleverness of me…” He said winking.

“Sometimes you scare me.” She said playfully.

“And sometimes you scare me more, my little witch.” He said teasingly.

Hermione almost choked, and blushed brightly.

The next day, Hermione had her stuff ready and went back to her parent's where they were expecting her. They hugged her and told her how much she meant to them. It was sort of the support Hermione needed, but in the back of her mind she knew her thoughts revolved around a certain boy. I was stealing kisses from a boy, now I'm begging for affection from a man. Who was she? She felt these few hours were like days, and these few days felt like years…

Hermione spent her days at her parents very depressed, locked up in her room, and the occasional visit from Tim. Hermione's mother was a bit worried, and asked him if he could help… and he had a slight idea.

Somewhere in town, Harry hadn't slept in days, he hadn't gone out at all, when Ron got all worried and knocked on his door. He opened, unshaven and messy.

“Bloody hell, mate! You look like a hag.” Ron said in shock. “Haven't been sleeping lately?”

“Hermione left me.” Harry said bluntly.

Ron was in utter shock, he didn't know they were together, but he should've figured it out. All the time spent together, going to Merlin-knows-where without him, always siding with Harry or Hermione…

“What do you mean she left you? That's not like her.” Ron said.

“She left the apartment a few days ago…”

“What? How come?? Why didn't anyone tell me about this??” He said astonished, with a slight tone of hurt in his voice.

And Harry told him the story of what had happened, completely… from beginning to end.

“Wow, mate! How could you do that to her? Merlin, what are you, thick in the head? And that's saying something coming from me.”

“Appreciate your honesty, Ron…” Harry added bitterly amused.

They sat in the living room for a while, and stayed quiet. Harry sighed.

“I can't sleep, I can't eat it… I'm all messed up and I don't know why?” He said exasperated.

“Geez, for Merlin's sake, Harry! It seems you're lacking grey matter on your brain or something!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Look, I am thick in the head, but you are giving me a run for my galleons, mate.” He said tapping him on the shoulder. “Even I have been noticing this for years now!”

“Ron!” He asked frustrated. “What are you talking about? Notice what??”

“That you need Hermione badly…” He said thinking he was stating the obvious.

“Of course I need her! She's one of my best friends!”

Ron's jaw dropped. How could his friend be thicker than him? He used to be better than him. Ron told him that he should try to rest and clear his mind. After talking to Ron, Harry felt a little bit better, so he decided to go to bed where he drifted away.

“Who are you trying to fool, Harry Potter?” Said a hissing voice.

Harry was in a dark damp hall, his steps echoed each time he gave a step forward. He stopped when he stood in front of Lord Voldemort.

“You think you can live alright if you destroy me?” He said in a cold voice. “You will never be able to.” He said, spitting blood from his mouth. He was hurt.

“There are people that love me that will help me through.” Harry yelled.

“You think they will bother with you? You'd be a burden… nothing more than a thing to hold them back.” He spitted more blood, as he knelt on the floor. “Our resemblance is incredible, Harry Potter. I became a burden so young in my life, and I finally understood I had to take matters in my own hands… once you-“

“NO! I will never be like you!” Harry shouted.

“Sometimes you can try too hard to believe something that you think it's true…”

Voldemort used this moment of emotional weakness in Harry to use his Legilimens powers and read his mind. He had a wicked smile.

“That mudblood witch of yours-“, he said coolly.

“Don't call her that!”

“She will leave you.” He continued. “You think you… love-” Voldemort shivered. “-her, you try to believe it so hard.” He said with cold eyes and standing up once again.

“She loves me, she cares for me! Something you will never understand!” Harry shouted back.

“You don't think she will leave you once she learns what you've done?” He said fully standing, and walking towards Harry. “You think you love, but you know deep inside…”

Voldemort caught Harry by the neck. Harry couldn't breathe, the grip on his neck was…

Harry woke up. His chest heaving, his body dripping in sweat… After a few seconds Harry was breathing soundly. I care for my friends, I love my friends and they love me.

Harry closed his eyes.

There's no such thing as magic, boy.

He turned around, looking over his shoulder.

Finally you go. You were nothing but a burden.

Harry started shivering. I don't want to take matters into my own hands… - Look where you are now! You're life is out of control, Harry.

For the first time in years, he heard the voice in his head, a voice that very much sounded like Hermione, the voice that was always right and got him out of trouble. Harry spent the rest of the night listening to this voice and fell asleep.

Ding dong!

Knock, knock~

Harry opened his eyes. It was daytime already. He got up to open the door. Still rubbing his eyes and walking, he was greeted by someone unusual in his doorstep.

---

Next on Good Enough…

“Come to hit me?” Harry asked a bit scared.

“The mind is a powerful thing, Harry.”

“Make it believe that one plus one is three, and it will believe you.”

“Did you figure it out, Harry?” Harry didn't answer. “Did you? Or do you need a kick in the head?”

“I did, okay!” Harry said infuriated.

“So what's your explanation then?”

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6. Realisations, Dreams and Future

Good Enough - Realisations, Dreams and Future - Chapter 6

MUST READ

Author's notes: Alright. First and foremost, I AM SO SORRY. I do realize that I have taken forever to finish Chapter 6… so to make it up to all of you (do not flame me please!!) I made a little place in my server, where you can actually listen to music that relates to the story. Just CLICK HERE.

This is sadly or gladly for others, the last chapter of the story. This is where everything is supposed to wrap up. I really do like the ending, in my opinion is sweet and it leaves place for your imagination to run wild (if you want) - it is fairly open to interpretation. So if you are a sucker for happy endings, you can imagine a little smut at the end… if you like tragic endings, you can imagine something else! Although if you listen to the music carefully (those Spanish/English speakers have the advantage) you will figure out a sort of happy ending.

I haven't posted lyrics to the songs, or the translations for the songs that are not in English, but if enough people ask me, I might post them!

I have enjoyed writing this (although I have taken forever!), and I hope people think I was good enough! Please read and review!! All comments are welcomed!! This might be the last fanfic I will write in a long while… I certainly will be busy looking for new design jobs, and working on new websites. If you wanna keep updated, please visit My Blog

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Previously on Good Enough…

Hermione couldn't believe it, she suddenly felt sick, and slowly backed away.

“Oh my God, Hermione! Are you okay?” Rob asked worried.

At the mention of Hermione's name, the couple stopped what they were doing and they looked at Hermione in shock. He stepped out of the shadow.

They looked almost like Christmas decoration in the middle of July, out of place.

“How could you?” She said with a hurt tone.

It was Tim.

“Let me explain…” He said almost pleading.

“Hey, guys…” He said nervously looking back and forth between Tim and Hermione. “I think you should talk this through in some other time, before anyone gets more hurt.”

“Who is this guy? Are you cheating on me with him?”

“Well, I know you only for a day, but you seem a very perceptive person, and all, you know.” He said. “You must have noticed it at times, if not completely.”

“I know…” She sighed. “Maybe somewhere in my mind I knew…” She added with a tone of sadness and regret. “But sometimes you want to believe something so bad that you blind yourself… it happens with so many different things.”

“Don't ever think you are not good enough for anyone.” He said holding her face close to his. “I would say you were too good for me that's why I couldn't manage to tell you.” He said almost crying. “I couldn't tell you something like this and hurt you; I just didn't think I could hurt you in a worse way than I already did.”

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Tim was about to knock his door once again, when Harry opened the door and greeted him with a flabbergasted look on the face. Harry was in too much of a shock to invite Tim in, so he just made his way through to Harry's living room and sat down.

“Come to hit me?” Harry asked a bit scared of what Tim could do to him.

“Don't be thick, Harry. If I wanted to hit you, I would've done so already.” Tim said while tapping the seat next to his.

“Why are you here, then?” Harry asked approaching him and taking a seat.

“I want to talk to you.”

“About Hermione I presume?”

“Yes and no.” He said. “It's about everything that's happen lately.”

“What else happened, other than this whole thing?” He asked curiously.

And Tim told him what had been going on with Hermione since she moved out, how she was acting, until he reached the part where he accidentally came out of the closet.

“You WHAT?” Harry exclaimed.

“I'm gay, Harry.” Tim said with difficulty.

“But how? You and Hermione… well, how?” He said very confused.

“I tried… but it wasn't happening, and then well, Greg-“, Tim said a little uncomfortable.

“You and Greg, wow!” He said looking at Tim. “That Greg always seemed mysterious; I still can't put a face to his name.” He said nonchalantly.

“You've spent too much time living with Hermione, mate. You are starting to sound like a female flatmate, and that comes from a gay guy.” He said raising his eyebrow.

Harry laughed. This is when he realized how he missed having Hermione around him. Even when talking about girly stuff, he was always willing to listen. When he needed to talk, she was always wiling to listen, even if he wasn't much of a talker lately. He was sort of more like a shagger nowadays.

“The mind is a powerful thing, Harry.” Tim said, cutting Harry's train of thoughts. “Make it believe that one plus one is three, and it will believe you.”

“What are you on about?” Harry asked confused.

“Think about it… how many of Hermione's dating prospects have you liked before me.” He said.

Harry thought. None, no nada boyfriends, except from Tim, it was funny how Harry had liked Hermione being with Tim with no telling her she could do better or anything like that.

“It's none, is it? You haven't liked any of them.” Tim said knowingly. “Now, ask yourself the question.” He added softly.

They stayed in silence for a while, until Harry sighed.

“Did you figure it out, Harry?” Harry didn't answer. “Did you? Or do you need a kick in the head?”

“I did, okay!” Harry said infuriated.

“So what's your explanation then?” Tim asked. Maybe, just maybe Harry could wake up.

“Subconsciously, I knew you couldn't take her away from me.” Harry said softly. “You could maybe occupy a physical place in her life, but you could never take her. Not completely.”

“Is that enough of a kick in the head for you?” Tim said smiling warmly.

“Yes…” Harry said chuckling.

“Alright, then…” Tim tapped him on the shoulder. “Let's go out for something to eat. It's lunch time, and I'm starving.” He added. “And you look awful.”

Harry laughed. He knew he looked like a hag, Ron had pointed it out, and so he got ready and went out for lunch with Tim.

On the other side of town, a black-bluish-haired man walked hesitantly with a paper on his hands. He looked down at the paper, and up again. He was following directions. Finally, he found the house he was looking for and knocked on the door. A woman opened the door slightly and stared at Rob for a while.

“Mrs. Granger, I presume? My name is Rob, I don't know if Hermione's talked to you about me.” Rob said.

“I'm sorry, but Hermione has not been in the mood for talking lately, dear.” She said worried.

“I don't know if maybe I could talk to her, try to cheer her up maybe?”

“I'm sorry, young man, but I can't let you in. Not to be rude or anything, but you could be anyone… I hope you understand.” Mrs. Granger said a bit sorry.

She was never the one to deny anything to Hermione's friends, but she learnt the hard way not to let anyone new in, even if they claimed to know Hermione. During the war, Harry was the main target for Death Eaters' attacks, so it didn't surprised Hermione that she and her family were in potential danger of getting killed. She put protective charms in her house, and she told her mother not to let anyone new in the house, otherwise all will be in danger. Hermione's father never understood, he dropped the ball and almost lost his life at the hands of Voldemort's minions.

“I understand, Mrs. Granger. You don't have to worry about it.” He said politely. “Do you think you could tell her I'm down here, maybe she will come down?”

“Okay, I will be back.” She said closing the door.

Her mother went upstairs, and it only took a few minutes for her to come back and invite Rob in. She said Hermione wasn't feeling like going out of her room, but pleaded Rob to convince her to cheer up, whatever has been happening. Rob went upstairs and softly knocked Hermione's door, as it slid open. She was lying in her bed, wrapped in her blankets. She turned.

“Hello, there.” She said with no energy at all.

“Hello…” Rob said coming closer to her. “I figured you weren't gonna feel so cheery.” He sat beside her, and tapped her in the arm.

“You figured right.” She said turning her back to him. “Why are you here?”

“To cheer you up, silly.” He said smiling. “I'm here to get you out of this smelly room!”

Rob held her hand and pulled her up. Hermione went back to bed.

“I don't want to go anywhere.” She said cuttingly.

“Oh, come on! At least let me try!” He pleaded, holding her hand and trying to pull her out of bed.

“Really, Rob! I'm not in the mood of doing anything.” She complained.

Rob was losing this battle, but he still had an ace under his sleeve. He let go of her hand, and knelt beside her bed, looking at her with puppy eyes.

“Stop looking at me like that…” Rob didn't change his expression. “I'm not going to budge!”

“Aw, come on! You need to lighten up!” He said making a funny face.

“Would you stop that?” She said trying to hold her smile.

“Come on, you know you want it…” He teased her. “Let's go out. It'll make your mom happy.” He added making another funny face.

Hermione was failing miserably on hiding her smirk, and Rob knew it. He pulled her out of bed.

“Come on, just smile…” He said softly. “I won't tell anyone that you smiled in your time of depression.” He got her on her feet. “God forbids that people know that Hermione's life can make her smile!”

“Oh, bollocks!” She exclaimed. “Okay, fine! I'll be down in a minute.”

“No tricks, Ms. Hermione…” He said looking at her and raising his eyebrow.

“No tricks! I promise…” Hermione added kicking him out of her bedroom.

Minutes later, Hermione got ready and they went out. Mrs. Granger was very thankful with Rob, and Hermione blushed a bit at how her mother was acting. Sometimes parents can't be so embarrassing~

“Your mother is cool…” Rob said starting off conversation once again.

“Oh, please! My mother is cool?” She said smiling incredulously.

“Well, she is…” He said shrugging his shoulders. “She worries a lot about you…”

“Well, that is called concern, and it's because she cares about me…” She said as-a-matter-of-factly, stopping on her tracks to turn and face him.

“Yeah, she does.” He said. “She loves you too, you know” Rob said thinking that he was stating the obvious.

“Uh-huh… love is overrated, you know.” She said turning around once again.

“What? Whoa~” Rob put her hands around her and spun her to face her. “Why do you say that?”

“Isn't it obvious?”

“Hey, hold on a second here.” He said letting her go from his grasp. “Just because life isn't so good today, doesn't mean you have to lose hope on finding someone to care for and that cares for you back… as YOU would put it.

“Can we just drop the subject? I really don't feel like discussing this out here…” She said softly.

“You're right” He added quickly. “I'm sorry.”

Hermione started walking away, and Rob had to speed up to catch up.

“I did promise you cheering you up!” He said putting his arm around her. Hermione smiled.

They had lunch together, and afterwards they went for a leisurely walk around the park. Rob was telling Hermione some silly jokes and making faces for her to make her laugh; he was doing a good job at easing her worries. However, on the other side of the park, Harry was just saying goodbye to Tim, and was heading home when he spotted a bushy-haired woman. His head automatically turned and his eyes began to follow her and her mysterious blue-haired man. They were laughing, she was having a good laugh.

“She's forgotten all about you” said a voice like his.

“Little mud-“ he interrupted another voice.

“She'll never take you back…” said another voice, this time very much like uncle Vernon's.

Harry's heart cracked as he saw them passing by, as she was passing by NOT thinking of him.

“Harry, I…” he heard a distant voice very much like Hermione's.

Harry turned around and went running back home.

He opened and slammed the door shut, as he breathed heavily in and out. He smashed what he could in his living room, and crashed on the sofa. He took one of the cushions and held it against his face. His scream got muted by it.

“It was a lovely day, Rob.” Hermione told him while standing on the front door of her house.

“It was my very pleasure to do so, Ms. Granger…” He said smiling charmingly.

“Now, you are doing that just to bug me!” She said tapping him on the arm.

“Oh, yes indeed, Ms. Granger.” He said with a playful smile. “I love bugging people”

“Well, you are doing a fine job at it!” She said playfully exasperated. “Goodbye, Rob!”

“Goodbye, Hermione” He said. “I will call you sometime in a couple of days. I gotta do some business that might take some time…”

“Oh, Mr. Business man, it's fine! It will give me time to think and re-evaluate my life.”

“Well, that doesn't sound too much fun, isn't it?” He said with a hint of a teasing tone.

“You know me… they don't call me Hog-“ She stopped herself before she could finish.

“Don't call you what?” He said.

“Oh… it's just - people don't call me a know-it-all for nothing…” She said realizing that Rob, as kind as he could be, didn't know her at all. And that whatever thing she might be feeling for him, it was just skin-deep. “Goodnight, Rob.” She said with a hint of sadness.

“Goodnight, Hermione.”

Later that night, Hermione had a dream. Harry was there…

He took her hand. “I promise you I'd be around…” She heard a faint echo. Everything faded away into blackness and the memory of being with him… only him. “I wish I could touch you again…” Another flash of him and her. “I wish I could still call you friend”

Harry held her hands, looking deeply into her eyes. “I won't forget you, my friend” - He approached his face to hers and gave her a soft kiss.

That last kiss, I'll cherish.

Until we meet again… I keep your memory.

Hermione woke up with a sudden gasp. It was early in the morning. You visit me in my sleep…

She stayed there, taking her hand to brush her lips softly to try to recall the sensations of Harry kissing her once again. I miss him… who knew? She sighed soundly.

How did everything turn out this way? Not long ago everything seemed okay, she was friends with Harry Potter, one of his best friends, if not the best-est, she had a relationship with Tim, but NO! He had to be gay, right? Hermione was broken-hearted. She will never be good enough for anyone in this universe; her eyes started swelling up with tears.

She turned away from her door to look at the clock on her wall.

1:00 P.M.

Knock-knock

Hermione didn't answer. She just hugged her pillow, thinking that whoever was knocking her door would just go away, as that same someone kept on knocking her door.

Knock-knock

A lone tear trailed down her face. Suddenly the door opened. Hermione turned to see who had disturbed her privacy, and then she turned away as quickly as she could. It was Harry. He looked at her and closed the door as he walked inside.

“Hermione, I-”, he whispered in the silent room.

“What the bloody hell are you doing here, Harry?” She said sounding sharp and tired, and not looking at him.

“I needed to see you…” He answered softly.

“Why?” She added bitterly. “Needed to see me at my lowest?”

“No!” He quickly answered. “Never…” He added softly. “I wanted to talk to you…”

“About what?” She said trying to forget everything that had happened.

Harry sat down on her bedside. This made Hermione a little nervous and she got up and sat down on her bed, for the first time looking at Harry. He was looking at her how he used to look at her, with loving care, concern and perhaps-

“I heard about what happened with Tim…” He said trying to make conversation.

For Merlin's sake, Harry! What is wrong with you, mate?

Hermione turned away uncomfortable.

“I'm sorry.” Harry added quickly. “I was stupid…”

He held her chin and softly made her turned her face towards him.

“I'm sorry, Hermione…” He said with raspy voice. “I-”

“I know, Harry…” She interrupted him. “You didn't mean it.” She added. Deep inside, she had started to accept she will never be good enough for him. She will accept what she could, even if it was only his friendship. I miss him… all of him.

“No, Hermione…” He said in a whisper, still holding her chin and looking deep into her eyes. “Let's face it…” He said with a slight smile on his face. “If I hadn't meant it, it wouldn't have happened.”

It took a while for the words to sink into Hermione.

“It took me long enough to realize this by myself.” He said half-laughing, trying to control his own newly-form tears. “'Cause let's face it, Hermione… you were the one that really help me with this sort of stuff…”

This earned him a half-laugh from Hermione.

“So…” He added with a long pause. “I'm sorry…” He said as his voice broke, and small tears started falling from his eyes. “I'm sorry because I lied to you not once, but twice.”

At this point, Harry's tears were trailing down his face as he sat down next to Hermione, still holding her close to him. She was also shedding her fair amount of tears.

“I lied to you when I pretended nothing happened between us…” He said breaking. “And I also lied to you when I told you I hadn't meant to sleep with you.”

Harry's thumb ran across her cheek to dry the tears on her face.

“And I was so afraid…” He said shaking his head. “I was so afraid of so many things, Hermione. I was afraid of losing your friendship, afraid of losing your support and advice, afraid of losing all of you because I would never be good enough for you… always just a burden to you.”

Harry slipped to the floor, making Hermione try to lift him up.

“I was so afraid of not giving what you really deserved, I was so afraid I was going to put you in some sort of stupid danger and hurt you. But I didn't realize that by lying to you, I was hurting you myself.”

Hermione was in tears, but that didn't stop her from shaking Harry this time. She looked at him straight in his eyes, and with great determination.

“Harry!” She shouted. “Never put yourself down like that.”

I can do it on my own private time, but I won't allow you to ever say that.

Harry was taken aback. If he could make her believe what she just had told him... He slowly stood up and got closer to her face. Harry could feel her hot breathe coming out of her slightly opened mouth. He was heaving. Gradually, he moved his hands. His thumbs tracing the contour of her face as he moved his head to softly kissed her.

Hermione tried to push him away, but she gave in. He was not forcing her to kiss him. He was just pressing his lips against hers, until her innocent kiss became more passionate, full of need to make the other feel better. Her lips parted for him, but still he did not enter her. He needed her to understand it. He was not here because he wanted her, he was here because he not only wanted her, but he also needed her, he needed to be with her, and he needed her to know she was more than he could have ever asked for.

She felt the tenderness and love of that kiss, and felt the need to express her true love for him, her true caring. She wanted him to know that she wanted to be with him forever, that she needed him, his friendship and his love for her… just like it was before and so much more.

They briefly opened their eyes, and communicated everything they needed, the look in their eyes was all they needed right now.

“Hermione…” He whispered against her lips. “You mean so much to me…” He added softly as he started leaving a trail of feather-like kisses all over her face.

“Harry…” She said softly. “Please…” She added as he stopped placing kisses and settled where her shoulder met her neck.

They held each other, taking each other's scent.

“I love you so much.” Hermione said out loud.

Both of them held their breaths. Harry laid next to her and held her close to him. Hermione didn't mean to say those words out loud… but, if she hadn't meant it, it wouldn't have happened.

“I love you, too”

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The End.

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