Unofficial Portkey Archive

**A/N: I've read each and every single review and I love you guys for it! Thanks very much. I had a long Memorial Day weekend away from home and my story, so sorry for the delay.

Esther, you're very right. I should make my chapters longer. So from now on, although it might take longer to post, I'll try to write more. Well, enjoy!

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Chapter 5-

"Well?" Hermione asked somewhat impatiently a few moments after Harry grew silent. He just stood there with a wide-eyed frozen expression on his face while still clinging to her arm. "What's your reason for making me feel as if I'm the vilest thing on earth you've ever come in contact with?"

"I never said that," Harry said, his brow furrowing at the very thought. He couldn't imagine how she ever got such an idea in her head. 'She's never been one to jumped to conclusions,' he thought.

"You didn't have to."

Now where had Harry heard that before? It wasn't even an hour ago that he'd said those very words to Bianca. Harry sucked in a breath and pulled Hermione back towards the veranda.

"Hermione, I'm sorry about all that's happened and what I've said to you. But you've got to understand that I only said what I did because of my..." He trailed off again.

"You're what, Harry?" she asked exasperatedly. "Tell me."

"Because of my being- Hermione, I'm blind." Harry watched her face crumple in absolute confusion.

"What?"

"I'm blind. I never saw what was right in front of me and the only way I could respond to you was by blaming everything that went wrong on you." He noticed a small spark slowly appear in her eyes. He grew slightly confused as to why he'd never noticed the small light playing in her eyes before and why his heart gave a weird jerk to the sight of it. But he pressed on leaving that question for him to answer later. "You know how I am, Herm. I deny everything." A smile tugged at Hermione's lips at those words.

"I know," she said softly. Her spirits slowly rose as she secretly wished he'd hurry up and say what she'd been feeling for so long.

"But I can't deny this any longer. I was an idiot for loving Bianca. I always turned away from the obvious." Harry finally let go off her arm and looked away to the street down below, completely unaware of the smile on Hermione's face. "I can't remember how many times I'd ignore or push aside anything that made me suspicious of her."

This wasn't exactly what Hermione was waiting for him to say. 'Wait for it,' she told herself patiently.

"I trusted her," he continued leaning on the veranda. "I looked away because I thought she'd never do anything to hurt me like that... All the unexpected owls, the odd bouquet of flowers she'd receive every few weeks... I was too stupid and in love to say anything." Harry turned back to look at Hermione who was still standing there with her eyes shining oddly. Again his heart jerked but he thought nothing of it only that it must be from what he's about to say. "Then right now when I was outside and overheard you and Ron talking, it hit me."

Harry went back to her and took her hands in his. Hermione's breathing couldn't help but quicken. She scolded herself mentally over and over that she should calm down. She told herself to keep her head. He'd held her hands innumerable times before. Why should this feel any different?

"Hermione, I realized that because of my being so self-absorbed these days and moping around over Bianca I almost lost you. I almost lost your trust, your kindness, your friendship... I almost lost your love." For the first time in quite a long time, Harry allowed himself to smile at the feeling of Hermione's hands squeezing his. "Hermione, I love you. I don't know how I would ever be able to live with myself, knowing that I hurt you and ruined one of the most precious friendships I've ever had besides Ron's. You'll never in a million years realize exactly how much you mean to me. I would have gladly given up my relationship with Bianca if being with her meant that I'd lose you. You're my best friend- my sister and I can't imagine my life without you in it."

"Hey, Harry," said Ron coming out onto the balcony. "Sorry if I'm interrupting something but you just got an owl from Sirius. Says he wants your reply immediately. Sounds pretty urgent."

"Sure. I'll be right there." Harry watched Ron nod and close the glass door. He turned back to Hermione and was shocked to see how much her face had fallen. It was as if she got word that someone dear to her just died. "Herm? You okay?" She looked up at his worried face, the odd little shine long gone from her eyes.

"Y- yeah. I'm fine. W- why?" Her eyes were beginning to mist over, but she fought it off and gave him a convincing forced smile.

"You looked as if I said something horrible. You sure you're okay?"

"Never better," she replied a little quicker and louder than usual. She pulled her hands away from him and wrapped them around herself. "So does that mean we're done fighting?" she asked, hoping it sounded lighthearted. Harry smiled.

"For now." He swiftly wrapped his arms around her in a hug. She stiffened at the feel and sound of him letting out a long held breath. The feel of it made her a bit light headed but she fought it as hard as she could. Harry rocked her lightly in his arms. He couldn't help but notice the light flowery scent of her hair. He smiled into it, glad that he had his best friend back how they were meant to be.

"Okay," she said suddenly pushing away from him, her voice louder than usual again. It wasn't easy to play casual. "Shouldn't you go in and see what Sirius wants?"

"Oh, I already know what this is all about," he replied, a light smile on his face. "But yeah, I should go give him my reply." Harry began to walk back towards the door when he turned back to her. "Hermione?"

"Yes?" Harry's smile grew larger just by looking at her.

"I love you."

"I love you, too, Harry," she said, faking another smile.

Hermione watched as Harry went back into the lounge, closing the glass door behind him. She let out a shaky breath she didn't know she'd been holding and turned to look back at Diagon Alley down below covered in the warm afternoon sunlight.

"I love you, too, Harry," she said again in a soft voice full of hurt. "I love you more than life itself... More than you'll ever know."

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"Ron, where's the letter?" asked Harry while shifting through that morning's owl post. Ron hopped off his stool and pulled out a think envelope from the pile Harry was digging through. Harry thanked him and went to sit on a stool across from Ron.

Harry,

I know that I've pressed the issue on several previous occasions and you've refused time and time again. But I hope this final attempt isn't futile and that you do agree to join us. Son, I'm not demanding you as your godfather but asking you as a friend and colleague, as an aid to the well being of the wizarding world; come to Dublin. We need all the help we can get in dealing with this murder spree. I know you haven't wanted anything to do with dark wizards since Voldemort, but we need you now. We can't allow history to repeat itself. I await you acceptance reply by this evening.

Sirius

He wasn't expecting a reply from Harry accepting or declining. It was an indirect order to go.

"Yes, father," Harry said to himself half-amused at the letter. Ron eyed him curiously.

"What does old Snuffles want?" Harry half waved the letter at Ron.

"To join the ranks against evil once again."

"Harry, mate, you should seriously consider making copies of those 'I'm sorry, Sirius, but I can't' letters. It'll save you loads of time." Harry chuckled. "But then again," continued Ron taking the letter from Harry. "I don't see why Sirius even bothers asking again in the first place."

"He didn't ask. This was practically a command," replied Harry taking the letter back. "I should write back telling him I'll be at his place tonight-"

"You're joking!" said Ron in amazement. His blue eyes were threatening to pop out of his head. "But you've always said that the Neo-Morts weren't your problem! No matter how much Herm and I have tried to convince you otherwise, you've always said no. I bet Hermione will start believing divine interventions aren't a load of codswallop after this miracle... Speaking of which," Ron trailed off, twisting about on his stool and looking around the flat, "Where is Hermione?"

"Still outside, I'm guessing," said Harry now looking for a quill and clean parchment in the pile of papers.

Unbeknownst to Harry, Ron silently watched Hermione on the balcony as she swiped away furiously at some stray tears. She turned to meet his eyes and gave him a reassuring smile that she was all right before disapparating. He then turned back to Harry who was beginning his letter to Sirius.

"She apparated home," said Ron as if answering a question for Harry. He merely nodded not looking up from his writing.

They stayed silent for a few moments, the scratching of Harry's quill being the only noise in the small kitchen. Ron was curious as to why Hermione had just been crying and knew it had something to do with his other best friend. Harry on the other hand seemed pretty oblivious to everything at the moment. Otherwise, he would have been the one interrogating her wanting to know why she was so upset. Ron knew perfectly well that what Harry and Hermione discussed out there wasn't any of his business. He knew there was something going on between them. But these were his best friends and when one was hurt, it was his job to find out why and fix it. But Harry was very delicate to talk to when it came to private matters of the heart. Ron knew that and had to devise of a way to squeeze in the subject carefully.

"Hey, Harry, what's going on with you and Hermione?" Harry looked up from his letter and gave Ron a blank look. 'Rocky start,' said Ron's mind.

"What do you mean what's going on? You mean what happened out there?"

"Yeah, that's it," said Ron trying to smoothen out his mistake.

"I just apologized for being the self-absorbed prick I was earlier." Harry set down his quill and folded up the letter. "Did you think we were plotting something against you?" he laughed. He watched Ron's eyes dart around the counter. A grin slowly crept onto Harry's face. "Don't tell me you and Herm are..."

"No! No, it's not that," said Ron catching on. Harry began to laugh as he screwed the cap on his inkbottle. "I'm sure you remember the sixth year fiasco. We were very wrong together."

Harry continued to laugh but soon stopped because of the threatening look on Ron's face. Harry reached over to the other side of the counter and plucked out an apple from the basket. He then watched Ron attentively as he bit off a large chunk of the red fruit.

"So why do you ask?" wondered Harry, his mouth half full. Ron hesitated for a moment, thinking that it was in fact a bad idea to get on the subject of such emotional things. He was never one for these kinds of talks anyway. Harry continued to look at him, waiting for an explanation.

"I saw Hermione crying out on the balcony right before she left," he blurted. Harry stopped in the middle of biting off another piece of apple and looked at his friend. "I mean... err..." Ron was absolutely tongue-tied and couldn't think of a way to cover that blunder up. 'Nice on, Weasel,' scolded his mind which sounded oddly like Malfoy.

"Is she okay?" asked Harry a tinge of worry in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm sure she's fine. You know Hermione. Incredibly stubborn, always the tough one, not letting anything get in her way- especially when it comes to a nice, big, boring book." Harry nodded as Ron suppressed a chuckle. Harry stood up and tossed the rest of his apple in the trash.

"I'm going to send Sirius's letter off and pack."

Ron remained on his stool, ruffling and ruining the end of Harry's hawk feathered quill. he didn't want to attempt another conversation with Harry. He knew he'd eventually see the light about their favorite girl.

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Harry had just sent off his good old faithful snowy owl, Hedwig, with his reply to Sirius, saying he'd meet him at the Splintered Wand. He was now packing a suitcase, thinking of what dangers these Neo-Morts were planning on putting him through. The Neo-Morts were a recently new threat to both the wizarding and muggle worlds. Although not as orderly as Voldemort in deciding who were their enemies, Neo-Morts killed at random those who didn't appeal to them. They were pointless killings done by worthless people. They believed that Voldemort was a god and that all they did was his bidding. Either way, too many people were being lost due to these surprise attacks and they had to be stopped. This was Harry's battle. He was just too tired of the previous fighting to admit it.

His last robe packed in place, Harry turned to look out the window at the beautiful late afternoon ready to fade away in the sunset. Standing there, watching the last golden rays turn to shades of orange and deep red, he remembered something or rather someone from earlier that afternoon. Hermione. Looking at the golden light, he found himself closing his eyes and seeing her warm brown eyes. He remembered how they were kindled with this unexplainable spark that made his heart thump so hard against his chest, he felt as if it were about to explode. Every time he'd look at her, he was left breathless. That's why he always looked away. She was too much for him to take. She was too wonderful for him.

Harry's eyes snapped open at those thoughts. Since when had he felt that way around Hermione? Since when did he want nothing more than to hold her close as he did earlier and keep his nose buried in her sweet, soft brown locks? Harry shook his head wildly. This was not happening. He was not thinking of his best friend in that way!

'It was just a slip up,' he thought going back to shut his suitcase. 'It's bound to happen to a man who's been best friends with a woman for years.'

Harry picked up his suitcase and went back to the kitchen to say goodbye to Ron. Walking in, he found a note from Ron.

Went to the shop. Someone accidentally dropped a crate of new bludgers and are now tearing the place apart. Good luck with the Neo-Morts. You know I'd go with you but give them a good kick in the arse for me anyway. Give my best to old Snuffles. Come back to us in one piece.

-Ron

Harry smiled at the letter and dropped it back on the counter. It was now eight o'clock, according to the only functioning clock they had by the doorway into the lounge. Harry went over to the large window in the lounge and watched as the final deep purple and reds of daylight began to fade. He had one quick stop to make before heading to Dublin. He just hoped it wouldn't be that quick.

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Harry apparated into the dark room and found Hermione asleep in her favorite armchair. He quietly set down his suitcase and tiptoed over to her. Again, Harry was left breathless as he watched her steady breathing that made her chest rise and fall, her long hair had fallen over part of her face. He reached down and slipped a lock behind her ear. She half muttered something in her sleep and turned her head, making his chest tighten. 'You're slipping again, Potter,' warned his mind. Harry pulled himself together and nudged Hermione. She sighed heavily once or twice, but he kept on nudging her arm, trying to wake her up.

"Mm... Harry?" she mumbled, her eyes half opened. She sat up in her chair and stretched her arms over her head, yawning. "What're you doing here?"

"I came to say goodbye."

"Goodbye?" She was wide awake now and stared at him, startled and confused. "Why goodbye? Where are you going?"

"To Sirius' in Dublin."

Hermione immediately knew what this was all about. Harry was finally going to help with the Neo-Mort murders. Finally, after all this time, he was going. But why all of a sudden? Just two weeks ago they had gotten into a discussion that he didn't want anything to do with them. Was it the incident with Bianca that provoked the sudden change of heart? She couldn't help but think that was part of the reason.

"When are we leaving?" she asked, keeping those questioning thoughts in mind.

"Tonight. I just wanted to- Hang on. 'We?'" His voice oddly enough was back to sounding like the little boy he was during his Hogwarts years.

"Yes, 'we'," she replied as if it were only the most normal thing. "I'm going with you. Don't think you can just leave me here."

"No, you're staying here."

"And whom exactly do you think you are to tell me where I can and cannot go?" she snapped very wide awake and furious. She stood up as if trying to level with him but he was still half a foot taller than she was. It didn't matter to Harry though. She was as intimidating as ever, but he held his ground. "You are not my father."

"No, but I'm your best friend who's trying to protect you!-"

"And as my best friend, you should know that I'm perfectly fine taking care of myself and I choose to be there with you when you're in danger because I love you!" They silently stared at each other, knowing fully well that the other person wasn't about to give up.

"I knew this was going to happen," Harry mumbled finally looking away from her. "I knew you were going to want to come. But you've got to understand that I won't rest easy knowing you're putting yourself in harm's way for me."

Hermione stayed silent, her arms crossed at her chest. She wasn't happy with this. She wanted to be there with him through and through. She hated it when he pushed her away like this.

"It's not fair," she pouted. "You can't go and leave me here. I won't be able to rest knowing you're in harms way."

"But weren't you the one who kept telling me to go?" he asked, failing in trying to bring a smile to her face by making her eat her own words.

"Only if I was going to be there beside you. We've fought together before, Harry. I don't see why this time is any different."

Harry closed the unknown gap between them and held her in his arms. Again he felt the world spinning around him and he couldn't think of anywhere more safe and comfortable than there with Hermione in his arms. She clung to him as if he were her life and her mind was going a million miles a second, trying to figure out how she could either make him stay or go with him. But he was as stubborn as she was. She never knew whether to love him or hate him for that- Right now she hated it. Harry put his hands on her arms and pulled her away from him.

"I won't be long," he said letting go of her. "I'm sure I'll be home by the end of next week. Don't worry about me."

"It's kind of hard not to," she said trying to sound light hearted but failing. Harry hugged her one more time, placing a kiss in her hair then picked up his suitcase. Tears were threatening to erupt from Hermione's eyes but she didn't care. All that she could think of was that Harry was once again putting his life on the line. "Harry- Wait!" She went up to him and cupped his face in her hands. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Herm. You're my best friend-"

"No. I mean I love you, Harry." She pulled him down to her and lightly brushed her lips against his. "I'm in love with you... have been for a while now."

Harry was quiet but she couldn't tell by his face whether it was from shock or fear... Maybe it was both. His lips remained parted and breathed lightly as his eyes bore into her own, disbelieving. Suddenly, before she knew it, he was kissing her. It began as a quick, chaste kiss, as if he were testing the waters. He opened his eyes to find Hermione's cheeks beginning to flush, her eyes were still closed and her mouth was slightly opened, ready to be devoured by him. He held nothing back, dropping his suitcase with a thud and pulling her up against his body. Her arms flew around his neck and she began to run her hands through his raven hair, scraping slightly at his scalp and earning herself a moan. His mouth and tongue were doing unbelievable things to her that made her give out a small whimper now and then.

In the back of his mind, a voice was screaming at the top of its lungs to stop now. But all his common sense had been thrown out the window the moment Hermione kissed him. This was too amazing and Harry didn't want to stop kissing her for anything. He would be asking himself countless questions about why he was snogging his best friend- But as was said before, all common sense was gone, making more room for instinct.

A similar event was going on in Hermione's mind at that moment. A voice began to screech at her that she was ruining one of the best friendships she'd ever had. Her always there in case of emergency rational thinking had diminished the moment she felt Harry's tongue dance with hers in her mouth.

After several minutes, which felt like mere seconds to both, they pulled apart panting for some much needed air. Harry stepped away from her, his eyes large with surprise, his lips swollen with her kisses as that damn common sense came barreling in once more.

"I- I'm sorry," he stuttered picking up the suitcase once more. "That was stupid of me. Bye, Hermione."

"Harry-"

But he was already gone.