A/N: Thanks to all reviewers! You are so awesome! I'm sorry for not updating two chapters in a few hours like I usually do. I've had problems with this chapter, though I hope you'll like what I have so far.
We decided to walk through the barrier for old time's sake. I watched Hermione walk through, then I followed after I made sure no Muggles were watching. We saw a few familiar faces on the platform, but we were too early to see too many old classmates.
To my surprise, we met up with Neville in our old compartment. I had thought he would already be at Hogwarts. He was engrossed in writing a long letter, the likes of which would rival Hermione's to Krum. He blushed and put it away when we entered. We greeted each other noisily, then settled down. Hermione sat next to me, across from Neville. It was awkward at first; the last time we had seen or spent any time with Neville had been at Hermione's wedding. Once the train took off however, we were chatting and catching up like only a summer had separated us. Hermione drifted into my arms and we rested comfortably against the windows. Neville raised an eyebrow but tactfully didn't say anything.
We arrived at the Hogsmeade Station without mishap and joined the throng heading towards the castle. My first view of it in two years made me smile. I closed my eyes and breathed in the air. Here I could feel and smell the magic. Here I was home.
~*~
We were introduced at the Welcoming Feast by Headmistress McGonagall. The students were happy to hear Filch and Pince were gone, and cheered loudly when Hermione (Madam Granger, she flinched at Weasley) stood. They thought they'd have an easier librarian with her but they were sorely mistaken. I knew Hermione to be frightening when it came to her books and rules and regulations. I received an overwhelming welcome that did nothing to soothe my nerves. I was afraid my students would expect so much from me already based on my past. I did not want to disappoint them.
Hermione sensed my unease when I sat back down and rested her hand on my thigh. The gesture was reassuring at first, but then she left it there through the entire feast. I was feeling increasingly unsteady with it on my thigh but at the same time I didn't want to draw attention to it for fear she'd remove it. So I sat, supremely uncomfortable, as Hermione rested her hand on my thigh.
We filed from the Hall once the feast was over. I walked Hermione to her quarters. This was the first night she'd be more than just down the hall from me. My quarters were halfway across the castle and I worried she'd have a nightmare in this unfamiliar place. She kissed my cheek and shoved me away from her door to prevent me from worrying any more. With that, I was forced to retreat to my quarters.
~*~
The first week passed in a blur and by Friday afternoon I was exhausted. I knew my first lessons went over well, as most of the students knew who I was. I allowed questions for the first few minutes of class, then we got right down to expectations and goals, followed by a basic introduction to the way I would be teaching the class.
I saw Hermione briefly during meals. She appeared to be settling in nicely and so far the students liked her. We made plans to catch up Saturday afternoon. I also thought I'd ask about her birthday and lesson plans.
~*~
I was running late after a meeting with the Headmistress and met Hermione at the door of the Three Broomsticks. It was mercifully quiet as it was the afternoon and not a Hogsmeade weekend. We sat at a booth in the back and relaxed with our butterbeers. Hermione's hair was down and she was wearing a pale cardigan. She looked oddly vulnerable yet alluring and I was having a hard time concentrating on simple conversation. I noticed her shooting confused glances at me but I could do nothing. I couldn't stop watching her hands play with the label on the bottle or tapping on the table. I watched her mouth as she spoke and I knew I made a horrible companion. But I could not snap out of it. My eyes focused somewhere over her head when I tried to look more attentive. Finally her patience ran out and she dragged me outside.
Though the day had started warmly, now it was chilly and Hermione wrapped her cardigan more firmly around her. I watched her walk away from me then turn around abruptly. She crossed to me, standing directly in front of me, looking as if she were going to speak. Before she could I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She shivered and looked at me crossly, then started walking back to the castle again.
"Harry," I heard her call as she walked away from me.
I shook my head briskly and jogged to catch up to her. "Yes?" She frowned at me.
"What is wrong with you today? You've been acting distinctly odd."
I shrugged and continued walking with her. I knew if I looked at her I'd fall apart. Something about being back at Hogwarts had affected me, especially tonight. I watched her walk off angrily when I didn't answer. I stood there watching her until she almost reached the gates and then I took off running after her.
"Hermione, wait!" She stopped and glared at me. "Hermione, please." She let me catch my breath before she crossed her arms and started tapping her foot. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm still preoccupied with this past week. Teaching," I ran my hand through my hair. "Teaching is unlike anything I've ever done before, even with the DA. It's so challenging and tiring, but you were right. It is rewarding." I took a deep breath and looked at her. "I'm glad we both decided to come here. Are you happy here?"
Her expression softened. "Yes, I am happy. I've always been happier at Hogwarts than anywhere else." She sighed. "Harry, I'm every bit as worn out as you. Let's head back."
Reluctantly I nodded. I didn't want to return yet, but I deserved it after being so flaky. She smiled at me then took my hand. We walked back to the castle in silence, all my attention focused on the nerve endings in my left hand.
~*~
I slept in Sunday morning and visited Hermione in the library that afternoon. She was up to her ears in misplaced books and I offered my help. It felt more like Grimmauld Place as we worked together in silence. I kept catching her looking over at me with an abnormal expression on her face that was quickly replaced when she caught my eye. I watched her as well. Some of the shelves were quite dusty and she had several smudges on her forehead and cheeks from were she had brushed her hair back.
When we finished we both collapsed on the floor, our backs against the wall, feet sprawled out before us. We congratulated ourselves on a job well done and I regained my feet first. I helped her to her feet and she brushed herself off.
"Here. Let me; you've forgotten a few spots." Tentatively I brushed her shoulders despite there being no dust. I took a step closer to her and wiped her forehead. She tried swatting my hand away but I persisted. I took her chin with one hand and used the other to tilt her head so I could wipe the dust from her cheeks. I saw her eyes dart back and forth as my fingers came closer to her mouth.
"Thanks," she whispered.
I found myself looking down into her brown eyes. I didn't realize we had gotten so close. I blinked and automatically licked my lips. She didn't pull back and with my heart in my throat I slowly leaned forward. I tried to tell myself it was wrong and I tried to pull myself backward. Nothing I told myself was working and I saw Hermione close her eyes as I leaned in closer. My eyes started to close.
Then they flew open. I realized where I was and what I was trying to do. I took a deep breath and slowly pulled back from her. Her eyes opened and I couldn't read whether or not she was hurt or if she was every bit as confused as I was. I took another breath and stepped fully back. She just looked at me again with a completely blank expression. I lowered my head a little and left the library quickly.
A/N: Okay, I'm super sleepy, but I wanted to get this out for you guys! I know it's shorter than the last chapter, and that was the shortest so far. I wanted you to have your chapter! Next one shall be better. Let me know if there are any errors and I'll edit and repost tomorrow. Hopefully there aren't. Thanks for reading.