Baby Problems by Mione_Jane_Potter

Rating: PG13
Genres: Drama, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 15/12/2006
Last Updated: 30/01/2007
Status: In Progress

Voldemort is dead and everyone is finally free, some are married others are single, but Hermione
finds herself facing another problem. How can Harry help her and how this problem will change their
lifes forever? Please read, story better than the summary :)




1. Bad News
-----------



**A/N:** This is my answer to another challenge that was post on the forum, the challenge is
from **hermione'sfrog**

**Disclaimer:** I do not own Harry Potter, I just own the story line.

**Chapter O****ne: Bad News**

Hermione sat and sighed again as she turned the pages of her photo album. It had been six years
since the war had been over; Voldemort dead. Everyone had moved on with their lives and while some
of her friends had gotten married, others had chosen different paths with their careers. Not
surprising anyone who knew them, the famous trio were all still very close to each other.

Ron HAD however surprised everyone when he started dating Luna and two years they married. Now
was playing Quidditch for his favourite team (no surprise there!)

Hermione had opened her own book shop in Diagon Alley, again no real surprise as all her friends
knew that she always loved books and loved to be around them. What DID surprise them was when she
announced her engagement with her boyfriend of three years; Adam. After one year they too were
married and very happy.

Harry on the other hand remained single. He didn't pursue his dream job as an Auror; his
marks weren't quite good enough, even with McGonagall's help but instead decide to be a
healer; some said it was as a direct result of all the time he had been under Madam Pomfrey's
care at Hogwarts. While no-one had expected Harry's career choice, anyone close to him knew he
enjoyed helping others.

Hermione and Adam had been trying to have a baby for a little over two years, without success.
They had both wanted a child of their own so much, but it was looking more and more as if that may
not happen. Hermione and Adam were starting to get annoyed and both silently wondered what or who
the problem was.

“We need to see someone.” Hermione had told Adam a few days ago.

“Who?” Adam asked.

“A doctor?” Hermione offered and Adam scoffed.

“A healer then. We can go to St Mungos”

“For what? For them to tell us some crap?” Adam replied without looking at her.

“No but at last they can figure out what is wrong with us, why we can't have a child. Adam I
have a friend that can help us.” Hermione took a sip of her tea and looked at her husband.

He relented with a sigh. “Fine, make an appointment and I will go.” Adam was as sure as he could
be that HE wasn't the problem, and had wondered long and hard how Hermione would take the news
when she realised SHE was the cause.

Hermione grinned and kissed him on the cheek “Thanks, I'm going to owl Harry now and see
when he has free time.”

Of course that when Harry knew what his best friend needed to see him about, he didn't think
twice and owled back immediately telling her he would make time for them that day. It was just
after lunch when Adam and Hermione arrived in Harry's office and were greeted by a smiling
Harry.

“Is so good to see you again” Hermione said hugging him

“Come on Mione, is not like we don't see each other fairly often.” He said grinning.

Hermione laughed and rolled her eyes “True but you don't see Adam often...”

Adam and Harry shook hands “Adam, Hermione has told me what you wanted to see me about. Once we
run some simple tests and some diagnostic charms we can see what we are dealing with.” Harry sat in
his chair between the two of them.

“Is this something that will take hours? Because I have a meeting today” Adam asked. He and
Harry had never developed even a passing friendship, and it was clear Adam did not enjoy being in
Harry's office.

“It's very quick,” Harry answered “And we should have the results in a few minutes,
let's start with you Adam, come with me.” Harry took Adam to another room to perform the tests,
leaving Hermione alone.

A few minutes later they returned and Harry smiled to Hermione.

“You think I'm the problem, don't you?” she asked worried.

Harry smiled to reassure her. “I don't know Mione but we will know for sure very soon. Why
do you ask?” Harry waved his wand and uttered a few incantations, watching the results being
transcribed on to a piece of parchment.

“Because Adam thinks it is. He hasn't said anything of course but I feel like I've
failed in some way.” Hermione sighs

“Don't think like that Mione. We will know for sure in one more minute” Harry performed one
last spell and again waved his wand over her.

Hermione returned to his office while Harry examined the results. Adam and Hermione were very
quiet, neither of them speaking a word, not until Harry got back, Harry tried to hide his emotions
but Hermione could see he didn't look happy.

“So what is the result?” Hermione asked with a sad face.

“I'm afraid I don't have good news. Hermione everything is great with you. It IS
possible for you to have children, but,” and now Harry looked towards Adam and offered a
sympathetic smile “I'm sorry Adam, but you are infertile. You simply CAN'T have children.
Ever!”

Adam stood suddenly; he was very angry “Are you sure?” he asked. “Are you sure that the results
exams are correct? It CAN'T be me.”

“I'm sorry Adam but they are right, I've checked three times and it always comes back
with the same answer.”

“Is there anything we can do? I mean any treatment?” Hermione asked

“I'm sorry Mione but no, there is anything we can do and even the Muggles doctors won't
have anything for this. This is very common and that can happen with everyone. Neither of you
should feel as if this is somehow your fault. It simply isn't” Harry gave Hermione's hand a
gentle squeeze.

Adam didn't say anything, he just left without even saying good bye which left a very sad
Hermione, Harry rose from his chair and hugged her.

“I'm so sorry for this, I really am and I will do everything to help you with this.”

“Thank you Harry, I have to get back to the shop, I will see you around.” She kisses his cheeks
and left, her eyes lined with sadness and tears

Harry felt very sorry for her. He hated to see her sad and he hated to be the one to give bad
news like this. Above all he wanted to help her and he needed to find something, some kind of help
that could give her the child that she wanted so much.

-->



2. Help
-------



**A/N:** Just want to thank my beta for everything his been doing so far, you know who you
are thank you sooooo much

**Chapter T****wo: Help**

Another late night, another late night alone. Hermione sat silently at home pretending to read
as she waited for Adam, she hadn't heard from him during the whole day. She had tried to talk
to him and though he denied it she knew he was probably mad, mad and confused and who knew what
else? In a way Hermione thought it was obvious that Adam would think the problem was with her. She
felt rather than knew how something like this could get a man down; attack his ego. She looked at
the clock to find it was almost midnight and he wasn't home yet.

She heard the front door open and Adam simply walked in, he looked a mess and Hermione stood,
walking towards him.

“Are you ok?” She asked with concern touching her expression. “Where have you been? I was very
worried.” Hermione made a movement as if to gently touch his arm

Adam took a half step back, away from her “I was thinking,” He paused a long time before
continuing. “Do you think that a guy gets some news like that and is ok with it? I mean REALLY ok?
I still think that your *dear* friend is wrong,” he said with a sarcastic tone on the
`dear'. “I mean my whole family have kids. How can it be that I have a problem”

“Honey I----“

“Don't Honey me. Four brothers, two sisters, ALL with children. Yet somehow I - - ?”

“I don't know,” Hermione answered. “But you heard what Harry said. It just IS. It can
happen, it's normal…”

“IT'S NOT NORMAL FOR ME”, Adam interrupted. “I bet anything that IF there is a problem, YOU
are the one with it, not me. He just didn't want to hurt your feelings”

Hermione sighed. She was trying to be sympathetic to her husband and here he was yelling at her,
Harry wouldn't be yelling at her she thought. Harry would be worried and concerned about HER,
about how she was feeling.

“Honey I know that this isn't something easy to deal with, but Harry would never do that,
never! He wouldn't lie just to spare my feelings”

“Ohhh, dear Harry wouldn't do that? You know what? I hate him, I've never liked him.”
The veins in Adam's forehead were starting to become noticeable and he was getting angry

“I always known you didn't like him Honey. I can see that, I just don't understand why.
Anyway if you are hungry dinner is on the stove and I'm going to bed, I'm tired.” To avoid
a heated confrontation Hermione turned around and started walking to their room. As she did she
could hear Adam saying something under his breath, something she didn't quite hear or
understand, but something she knew she wouldn't have liked.

Hermione fell asleep quickly. She was very tired and she didn't want to fight with Adam, he
may not believe her but she felt she DID understand why he was angry. But he had no reason to be
angry with her. In fact he was acting like a jerk; Harry would never do such a thing.

Next morning Hermione woke to an empty bed and looked for him. One quick glance was all it took
to see that Adam hadn't spent the night there; she rose and started getting ready for work.
Adam wasn't anywhere in the house and right now if someone had asked she would have told them
she couldn't care less where he was. Let him come back when his mood was better.

She owled Luna asking her if she could meet her in the coffee shop for breakfast and gave a
brief smile when she got Luna's reply indicating she would. It would be nice to see a friendly
face for a change.

It took only a few minutes for Hermione to catch Luna up on what had happened. She had told her
everything, especially how Adam had reacted.

“This isn't my place and I know he is your husband Hermione, but Adam is being a ….,”

“I was thinking the same sort of thing,” Hermione confessed, drinking her tea as she glanced at
her watch. She needed to be at work by nine and she still had a few more minutes.

“It's a pity you can't prove him wrong,” Luna said with a grin.

“What you mean prove him wrong? What are you thinking Luna Weasley?”

“Well if you WERE pregnant that would prove that the problem wasn't with you.” Luna
suggested.

“You mean me and Adam? But we …..”

“Who said anything about Adam?” Luna quickly asked. Hermione looked at the blonde girl's
expression and it slowly dawned on her just what Luna was thinking.

“Are you suggesting that I would have an affair and get pregnant JUST to prove him wrong?”
Hermione was in shock

“All that matters Hermione is that you would have the child that you want so much.”

Stunned! Shocked beyond belief! Hermione thought she was in a dream. Surely Luna hadn't
REALLY suggested…… Had she…..? But, another thought said to her, `you WOULD have the baby
you've always wanted….' Luna's words were on Hermione's mind for the rest of the
morning. She couldn't get the idea out of her head no matter how hard she tried. At one point
Hermione thought Luna was a little mental by even suggesting such a thing. But Hermione
couldn't stop thinking that maybe Luna had a point in amongst the whole crazy idea.

When finally she managed to escape such thoughts, she saw an owl on her desk waiting for her.
Hermione took the letter, slowly opened it and read.

*Dear Hermione*

*I hope that you are ok and that you are feeling much better, anyway I was wondering if you
wouldn't like to have lunch with me today and I warn you I won't take a no for an answer.
I'm sure that together we will find a solution after all we always did.*

*I will meet you at the little restaurant near your shop at 12 O'clock and if you are not
there I will drag you out of work.*

*Love*

*Harry*

Hermione smiled. How did Harry know just what she needed? This was something that always
surprised her; it was like he could read her thoughts or something. There was no question but that
she would meet him there. She needed to talk with him, she always felt better after just talking
with him.

At lunch time Harry arrived to see Hermione sitting already and reading a book. She didn't
notice him until he stood before her. He smiled to himself and tried to suppress a laugh as she
turned to face him.

“How long have you been here?" she asked as he sat down at the table opposite her

"Just now. Have you ordered?" he asked her and she shook her head.

"No. I was waiting for you." she smiled

“You were reading," Harry corrected her and now he laughed "Mione what book have you
got your nose buried into this time?" he asked with a grin.

She sheepishly withdrew the book from her satchel and he saw it was a baby name book.

"Oh" Harry said and his smile ran away "Gee Mione, I'm sorry I...."

"That's okay Harry" she smiled back. "Don't worry about it"

They both fell silent and ordered lunch. He could see that something was bothering or at least
she had something on her mind. He didn't know exactly what it was, it was something he
couldn't quiet put a finger on. Usually Harry was always able to see what was bothering her
before she even had to tell him. Harry thought about making small talk, about his job or Ron or
what he had heard about Hogwarts but none of that seemed important.

"Hermione, what is it?" he asked starting to get worried.

“Nothing really, I was just thinking and you wouldn't believe what Luna suggested.” Hermione
was grinning now

Harry laughed. He knew if it came from Luna it was something he couldn't possibly guess but
at least it made her laugh “Ok, go on.”

Hermione told Harry what Luna had half suggested earlier that morning. When she had finished she
was laughing and even Harry was laughing too. But quickly the laughter became awkward and died.
Harry's look suddenly turned very serious,

“You really want a baby badly, don't you?” he asked but he knew the answer already and he
gently took the hand that was resting on the table in his own

“Yes,” Hermione answered. “I want a family; remember how we used to talk about that?” She sighed
and caressed his hand with her thumb “It's not like we HAVE to have a baby but I would love
that.”

Harry nodded “There may be a way,” he said softly. She looked up sharply but he deliberately
avoided her gaze.

“But the tests, you - - “

“Triple checked and to make sure I showed the results to other healers.”

“But then how - - ?”

“Hermione - - Mione, this is going to sound very weird. Before I say anything I want you to know
how much our friendship means. I would never do anything - - “

Hermione cut him off. “Harry I know that. We will always be close friends. I wouldn't want
to lose that.”

Harry paused and sighed until finally he let it out.

“Hermione,” he whispered. “You can have my child”

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3. We Have Other Ways
---------------------



**A/N:** Thank you everyone for been so kind and actually leaving reviews, also I want to
thank my beta **cpt_slog** for everything, you rock

**Chapter T****hree: We Have Other Ways**

Anyone watching the pair talking, or rather watching Harry talking and Hermione looking shocked,
would have noticed that Hermione wasn't listening. Harry was talking softly, quietly and
Hermione's head was swimming.

“…. Mione I know you're married, happily even. My thinking now is we would use what Muggles
call in vitro. We wouldn't even need to be in the same room when … when… well,” He looked at
her, not realising her mind was so far away. “Mione I will leave. Here, London, England even,
forever. I'll leave so you can be happy with Adam and the baby. Tell him I was wrong or
something, I just want to make you happy and well I know how happy the baby would be.”

Hermione didn't know what to say. To say he had taken her by surprise was an understatement.
Never in a million years would she have expected him to suggest something like this. Ok they were
best friends, but Harry was willing to give her the child that she wanted so badly, and then leave.
Leave his home, his friends, and his own child even!

Finally Hermione knew she had to say something. “I don't know Harry. This is something big.
And I don't know if I would be ok about you leaving everything you know behind. And to never
see your child?”

“Hermione please I just want to help you, I hate seeing you sad and I hate that you can't
have what you always wanted. We are best friends and to be honest I don't know if I will ever
have a family of my own. I know this baby would be very happy to have you as a mother and I think I
would be ok about leaving. That would be for the best.” Harry watched her sad expression “At last
tell me you will think about this.”

Hermione sighed “I will think about it, but I can't promise that I will say yes. It's
not how I imagined having a family would be, but it's more the thought of you leaving and not
meeting your own son or daughter.”

“Just think about it,” he said softly. “Take as much time as you want and need.” He kissed her
hand and smiled.

They spent the remainder of their lunch talking about other things, but Hermione couldn't
forget what Harry was willing to do just to make her dream come true. She knew all of Harry's
good qualities, including how brave and noble he could be, but this was too much. Although he
hardly mentioned it Hermione suspected Harry wanted a family of his own some day, and now he was
willing to give her a child and leave not really caring if he would see the baby or not. Of course
she knew that he cared, his offer to leave was to spare her any uncomfortable feelings. He was
doing this for HER.

Harry's words echoed within Hermione's mind for the rest of the day. She couldn't
help but to feel bad about Harry suggestion. It would be oh so easy to let him solve her problem
for her. The thought of him saying goodbye as soon as she was pregnant would break her in two; she
didn't like that idea one bit. Maybe she could talk with Adam about adoption or even a donor as
Harry suggested. She needed to talk with him and hoped he would be home when she got there.

It was late, almost nine thirty and Adam wasn't home yet, she sighed when she heard the
front door been open.

“Adam could you come here, we need to talk,” Hermione said not even looking up at him.

Adam didn't say anything; instead he just took a seat on the couch next to her “What you
want to talk about?”

“Well I was thinking -, “Hermione started and was surprised that even though she had rehearsed
this so many times, it was still hard to talk to Adam about it. “I think that we could adopt, I
mean there are lots of kids that need a family.” She said looking at him, hopefully.

“No, I don't want that! We would never really know what sort of magic the kid would have.
Hermione he could turn out to be evil, no way.”

Hermione sighed again “What about a Muggle child then?”

“No, my child will be a wizard or a witch not a Muggle.”

Hermione was starting to get annoyed. He shot down every suggestion she made; nothing was good
enough for him “What about if we talked about using a donor, the medical term is artificial
insemination?”

Adam looked at her like she was crazy, actually as if he realised for the first time he
didn't even really know her. “Are you INSANE??? Do you know what you are saying, what you are
willing to do??? You really expect me to allow you to have someone else's a kid like you're
some kind of a WHORE?” he asked in shock

Hermione's mouth fell open and simply stayed there. She couldn't believe what she had
just heard, or more importantly what Adam had just called her.

“I was trying to help and you know what? I've had enough of this. Nothing is good enough for
you.” Hermione got up from the couch and stormed towards the bedroom.

“Look who is talking, Miss Perfection”

Hermione thought she could easily hex, but instead decided it would be safer for all concerned
if she got away from the house. She thought she could go to her parents house, or possibly even to
Ron. She knew she couldn't stay at home or she WOULD end up hexing him.

Meanwhile, Harry was sitting at home silently, in deep thought as he went over every word and
gesture they exchanged at lunch. He thought of course that when he made the offer to help he
hadn't thought it fully through. In one way he knew his suggestion was medically feasible; he
knew what he was talking about, he wasn't however sure how Hermione would take the offer. The
offer to leave forever was meant genuinely. Now he worried he had said the wrong thing and he would
lose his friendship with Hermione.

Harry wanted a family of his own, but knew that is something he would never have; he never found
the right girl. Not true; he HAD found the right girl, but he just couldn't have her, so why
not make Hermione happy by giving her the child she wanted so much.

He closed his eyes and remembered some of his past dates with other girls. He consciously and
subconsciously kept keep comparing them to Hermione No one was her, and that's why his past
relationships never worked. Now he was willing to give her a baby and leave. Leave her forever and
never see her again, but knowing somewhere he had a child, and so did Hermione.

“How could I be so stupid to even say it? How could I leave her, or leave our child with that
git of a husband of hers, even if he does think it is his?” He asked himself.

There was a soft sound and Harry looked up to see Hermione standing before him with a travel bag
and a very sad face. Without thinking he rose and hugged her. Neither needed to talk, Harry could
tell she must have had a fight with her husband. He could tell just by looking at her.

“What happened?” he asked while running his hands up and down on her back.

“I was trying to give him other options, in order to have a child; adoption or even a donor, but
he didn't like anything I said. He got mad when I mentioned donation and called me a whore.”
She said with her head on his chest.

Harry stepped away from her slightly to look at her “He called you what?” he asked starting to
get angry.

“Harry, it's ok. I know that he is just upset and that's why I decided to not stay
there, He needs some time to cool off. I was wondering if I could stay here with you.”

“Hermione it's not ok! He has no right calling you that. Does that bastard even know how
lucky he is to have someone as wonderful as you? Someone that is willing to do everything in the
world to make him happy?” Harry was caressing her cheek with his thumb “And of course you can stay
here.”

“Thanks Harry, you are so sweet.” She kissed his cheek and hugged him again.

“Are you hungry?” Harry whispered in her ear with his arms still around her.

Hermione just nodded. She always felt so safe and loved when she was in his arms and she loved
how Harry was always so sweet and understood her. Adam wasn't like that at all, and she could
count the number of times she felt safe in Adam's arms. Harry was always there for her no
matter what, and would always be there, every time she needed him.

“Then sit and I will make something for us to eat” He said “By the way you can put your things
on my room, I will sleep here,” He said looking at his couch.

“No, Harry I can't do that, it's your house …”

“It's my house, and because it is YOU can take the bedroom and the bed. I'll sleep on
the couch, and don't worry about me. If you feel it will make you feel better you can take a
relaxing bath,” he added cutting off her protests.

She smiled and picked up her bag. She went to his room to put her things away and take the bath
Harry suggested while Harry was in the kitchen making dinner for them, she couldn't help but
smile that from what could have been an explosive fight only an hour before she was now feeling
very happy to be there with Harry.

Harry on the other hand had a huge grin. Of course he didn't like the situation that caused
Hermione come to him, but he liked the idea of her staying with him however briefly it would be. He
also liked the idea of her things been in his room or even in his closet next to his. He prepared
something he hoped would help take her mind off her worries, all the while knowing she was just a
few steps away.

-->



4. Moments
----------



**A/N:** Thank you everyone for all the support, I'm really happy that you all are
enjoying this story also I want to thank my beta and friend for beta-ing this story.

**Chapter Four: Moments**

Dinner was ready and Harry was only waiting for Hermione to return from changing after her bath.
Her unexpected appearance at his front door had turned into an offer for her to stay for a few
days, an offer she quickly accepted. But now she walked down the stairs, into the living room and
saw Harry in the kitchen. Dinner smelt too good not to check out immediately. She entered the
kitchen and smiled.

“Harry this smells so good.” Adam never cooked at home and for somebody to have gone to this
much trouble for her was a pleasant surprise.

Harry turned around and had to stop his mouth from falling open at the sight of her. Hermione
wouldn't have agreed that she was wearing anything fancy; in fact she was dressed very casually
in a pair of black shorts and a baby blue tank top. She stood in the kitchen in her bare feet and
had let her hair so that it the soft brown curls fell about her face. Harry only recovered from his
trance like state when he heard her giggles.

“Is this too much for the great Harry Potter?” she asked in a teasing voice although
complimented by how silly he had reacted.

“Mione, I have to say that you look amazing in everything you wear.” He walked to her and kissed
her cheek making her blush “Now sit down while I serve up.”

“What are we having?” she asked

“Something terrible, something you'll hate,” he jokingly replied.

“It's Italian I can smell it. And I know that YOU know Italian is my all-time
favourite.”

He sat the Veal Parmagna before her and it looked every bit as good as anything she had ever
ordered from a restaurant.

Soon they were eating and Harry was making small-talk, talking about almost everything and
nothing, but Hermione decided she needed to ask a question.

“Harry can I ask you something?” she asked looking deep into his eyes.

Harry just nodded and after silently held his breath. The way she had asked let Harry know she
was going to ask something serious.

“Why did you make the offer? I've always known that you always wanted a family of your own
Harry. And I saw the look on your face when you realised I might never have one.”

Harry shrugged.

“And today when you said that you knew that you would never have a family, that threw me.
I'm wondering why you said that.”

Harry put the glass he had been holding back down on the table “Hermione you know very well how
my last relationships went. We both know any girl is too blinded by being with the world famous
Harry Potter, and not me. I wouldn't want someone to just be attracted by my fame.”

“Harry, I'm sure not EVERY girl is like that. I know you WILL meet the girl for you.” She
affectionately squeezed his hand.

“You're right Mione, not EVERY girl is like - - .”

“And?” she prodded, forcing Harry to continue.

“Maybe I have already met the one for me - - .”

“Do I know her?” Hermione asked quickly and Harry paused before answering.

“No, you don't.”

“Well- - ?”

“She's no longer available. Before I could act another guy stepped in and won her
heart.”

Hermione frowned slightly and resumed eating, thinking it was probably best to change the
subject. She didn't want to make him sad, especially as he was doing her such a big favour.
After dinner was over Hermione insisted on cleaning up, but Harry tried to prevent her by stating
that she was his guest. When that didn't work he next made up an excuse that he only ever
cleaned up the Muggle way; without magic. This only had the effect of Hermione turning it into a
game, and she insisted. Halfway through (Harry washed, Hermione dried) Hermione in a friendly mood
splashed Harry slightly, and he laughed and splashed her back. Minutes later they were splashing
each other like children and the kitchen looked as if a small war had taken place.

Harry couldn't take his eyes away from her. Here she was laughing like nothing bad had ever
happened to her, as if she didn't have any worries in the world, yet she was and almost
saturated from head to toe. She was the most beautiful person that Harry had ever known, and right
now he just wanted to kiss her, but he also knew he couldn't. Harry fought with himself to get
a grip on his emotions so as to not do anything that would ruin their friendship.

Hermione was laughing and mopping up the now drenched kitchen bench with her wand (she argued
cleaning up the mess made by cleaning meant she could use magic) while at the same time trying to
remember the last time she and Adam had fun like this. The answer shocked but didn't surprise
her; never! Never had something as silly as cleaning after dinner turned into a water fight. They
never laughed like Harry and Hermione just did. She was even starting to wonder what she saw in
Adam to have made her want to marry him in the first place.

The kitchen now back to normal, and Hermione's drying charm meant they were dry again. Harry
walked to the living room and sat down on the couch. He was watching a movie when Hermione sat
beside him and then snuggled up closer to him to be more comfortable. Without either even noticing
he had put one arm around her back and was absent-mindedly running his fingers through. Harry could
feel her really relaxing into him.

“Are you ok?” he asked almost whispering when he realised what he was doing.

“I'm fine, actually better like this.” She snuggled even closer to him and sighs
contently.

Harry smiled at her reaction and kissed the top of her head. This was like a dream come true for
him. Neither needed to talk, they were just together and feeling great. Hermione was in Harry's
arms and together they watched TV. When the movie ended it was late, and Hermione was already
asleep, still on the couch next to Harry. He looked at her and gently started to wake her up by
caressing her cheek with his hand.

“Mione, the movie is over. You should go to bed.” He whispered in her ear but Hermione
didn't move.

Harry smiles and kissed her cheek “Mione wake up sleepy head or you are going to miss classes
and Snape has a potions exam first period.”

Hermione jumped, startled and sat up very quick only to see Harry laughing. She frowned and hit
him with a cushion “You are such a git.”

Harry was still laughing at the sight of her reaction but she looked so cute when she was mad
“Come on Mione I needed to wake you up and well that was the first thing that came to my mind.”

She couldn't help but smile as she watching him laughing “You're just lucky I like you
Harry or I would have hexed you.”

Harry smiled and hugs her “Well that makes two of us glad that you like me then. Now off to bed.
You are tired and it's late.” He kissed her forehead “Sweet dreams Mione.”

Hermione kissed his cheek in return “Sweet dreams Harry.”

She changed into a pair of her pyjamas and made herself comfortable in his bed. Sighing
contently she felt very happy, but a yawn told her she should be asleep again soon. Instead of
sleeping she was tossing and turning. Hermione knew why she couldn't sleep; persistent thoughts
were running through her head. It felt like something was missing, and she knew it wasn't Adam.
This wouldn't be the first time in a long time that she slept alone.

In the living room Harry was having the same problem. He couldn't sleep, but instead of
tossing about he lay in place, starting at the ceiling. Like Hermione, Harry knew why he
couldn't sleep. He missed having Hermione in his arms and he missed having his arms around
her.

“Great,” he thought to himself. “That wasn't the first time she was ever in my arms, and I
normally sleep like a log.” But this WAS the first time that she was sleeping just a few feet away
from him after having been in his arms for a few hours. He turned over and flung a pillow over his
head, this was going to be a very long night.

-->



5. Got It Bad
-------------



**A/N:** Sorry everyone for taking so much time but my computer wasn't working very well
and I have to take it to fix also I was a little busy in the last days, anyway here it is the next
chapter, once again a HUGE thanks to my beta and everyone that has been reading this story,
enjoy

**Chapter Five: Got It Bad**

Hermione was trying not to giggle as she watched Harry sleeping on the couch. Actually he was
less sleeping than balancing precariously on the edge and was very close to falling completely. His
hair was messier than it normally was, but Hermione knew she loved his messy hair. She was sorely
tempted to scare him half to death, but decided only at the last second that she couldn't do
that to him. He looked so peaceful as he slept and she didn't want to wake him up.

She decided that she would at last make breakfast since he was still asleep, especially after
last night's sumptuous dinner. Besides it was the least she could do after all he had done for
her. Some minutes later Harry started to stir, to the smell of pancakes, toast and coffee.

He woke, not really thinking or caring that he was only wearing his boxer shorts and he put his
glasses on. Running a hand through his messy hair, he smiled when he saw Hermione in the kitchen.
She was cooking pancakes and had her back to him while she was humming some happy tune. Harry saw
she had already showered and dressed for the day.

Slowly he walked behind her and whispered in her ear “Good morning. This smells good”

His words made Hermione jump, and Harry laughed at her reaction. Hermione turned around, and
gave Harry a not too subtle hit on the arm.

“That wasn't funny, you scared me Harry.” Hermione was trying to give every indication that
she was serious, but the glint in her eyes showed Harry the truth. She wasn't really mad at
all.

Harry smiled “This smells really good, but you didn't need to do this,” he said as he kissed
her cheek.

“It was the least I could do. So sit, eat and then shower.” She took a seat at the table
opposite him.

“When did you get here?”

“Who?” she asked.

“Bossy Mione!” Harry was laughing and Hermione laughed in response.

“And you love it,” she said.

Luckily Harry didn't say the first thing that came to his mind.

They sat and ate breakfast together as they talked about what they were going to do during the
day. Of course Hermione had to go to work, but it was Harry's day off and he planned to meet
with Ron. Harry had already decided that they would all meet up together at her bookshop so they
could escort her back to Harry's flat. Harry remarked that it would be like the old days.

Hours later Hermione was back in her bookshop. She was so busy with paper work and customers
that her mind hadn't had a chance to think back to Adam and their argument. Hermione
couldn't believe that this much paperwork could appear almost out of nowhere. The good thing
was that she was in a very good mood so she didn't mind that much.

Meanwhile Harry was talking with Ron at a coffee shop in Diagon Alley. He told Ron everything
that had happened since Adam and Hermione had been told their terrible news. Harry told Ron about
his offer, and finished by mentioning the time he and Hermione had spent last night and this
morning.

“I'm telling you if I see that bloody git I will make sure to remind him with who he is
playing with,” Ron said at lunch with Harry. “How DARE he insult her? He is bloody lucky he even
has her at all.” Ron was almost yelling, and his face was red. Harry could see that Ron was really
mad.

“I know mate but Hermione said that it was ok, I mean she doesn't want anyone to get in the
middle of this. You know her, she wants to handle this on her own and you know how that git hates
both of us.” Harry was starting to play with the napkin.

“I know, but better not show his face around here I will want to kick his lucky arse.”

Harry nodded.

“I never did like him,” Ron confessed, to no-one's surprise, but Harry remained silent.

Ron was starting to calm down after a few minutes and turned to his friend. “But it looks that
you made her forget about what happened to her.”

Harry blushed a little “I'm just being a friend mate, though I have to admit that is great
to have her staying with me for a few days. I felt so happy; I can't really describe how I was
feeling just to see her laughing, and to have her briefly in my arms was just great.” Harry had a
dreamy look that would give Luna a run for her money.

“Yeah mate, you got it bad, you are starting to look like my wife.” Ron could always tell
Harry's feelings towards their female best friend.

“Talking about your wife, its better she think twice before giving any more advice to
Hermione”

“Come on mate you know that she only ever says what she is thinking. This time was no different.
Now you tell me something. Did you made the offer because of what Luna said or because you had
thought about it?” Ron was looking at Harry with great interest.

“I admit I thought about it myself after Hermione left my office, but I have to say that Luna in
a way helped me to consider my thoughts carefully. I also admit that it will hurt to leave her and
the baby, but - -” Harry was looking down at his lap.

“But?”

“But if it would be easier for her and Adam to raise the child without me, then I WOULD
leave.”

Ron shook his head. “Yeah, it is easy to see that you still love her. I guess in some way having
a child would be some kind of a dream for you. But mate, the idea of you leaving her and the baby;
that would break your heart.”

Harry just nodded. He knew that Ron was right, when he said he would leave he wasn't
thinking but he said that in a way to make her at least consider the offer rationally. Now, after
thinking it all over, and after having her so close to him, he was sure he wouldn't be able to
leave.

“Come on mate, let's pay her a visit, I need to tease her a little.” Ron said smiling.

They paid for their coffee and together they made their way to Hermione's book shop. She was
in her office sorting the paper work when her door opened with such force that it could have take
the door off its hinges.

“Where were you last night?” Adam demanded standing and glaring in front of her desk.

“I was at a friends house and I'm not coming back home until you cool off, Adam I don't
want another fight and I don't want to get mad at you.” She spoke calmly and softly without
looking up at him.

Adam went to her and grabbed her arm roughly pushing her into a standing position “You were at
HIS house weren't you? Every time something happens you run straight to you lover's
house”

“He isn't my lover, he is my best friend and I go to him because he understands me better
than my own husband does. He is always there for me when I need him and he would NEVER hurt me,”
she replied, glaring at him.

Adam increased his already firm grip on her arm and even though he knew he was starting to hurt
her he didn't back off. “He IS your lover, you slept there and you spend too much time with
*dear* Harry”

“You are hurting me Adam, let me go,” Hermione said trying to remove her arm away from his
grip.

“No, not until you admit it!” He pushed her against the far wall of her office.

“I WON'T admit it because it isn't true! He isn't my lover, he is my best friend.”
She felt him starting to tighten his grip on her even more. “You are HURTING me.”

“ADMIT IT” he yells.

“FINE!!! HE IS MY LOVER, HAPPY?” she spat back at him. She didn't think anyone would believe
that, after all it wasn't true, but Adam's look revealed it was what he wanted to hear.

Adam was mad as hell and was getting ready to slap her when he felt rather than saw someone
pushing him away from her. Harry and Ron had just arrived in the moment when Adam raised his hand
and Harry pushed him away from Hermione, up against the wall.

“HOW DARE YOU TRYING TO EVEN THINK ABOUT HITTING HER?” Harry screamed. “I'M TELLING THAT IF
YOU EVER THINK ABOUT THAT AGAIN I WILL KILL YOU. STAY AWAY FROM HER!!!” Harry yelled at him, his
fist clenched, ready to strike at the smallest movement from Adam.

Harry let Adam go, before his temper took control but he had his wand pointed at him.

“Be careful because I will keep an eye on you” Ron told Adam, and Adam, seeing he was
outnumbered, scampered off.

Hermione was nursing her arm, but allowed Harry to gently and slowly examine it. He raised her
sleeve with great care and could see a purple bruise. He touched it lightly and Hermione
winced.

“Bloody git, I can't believe he did this to you,” Ron said looking at the bruise.

Harry didn't say anything at all. He pointed his wand at the bruise and incanted a few
spells. The bruise remained but the pain started to abate immediately.

“Done. It will still hurt a little for a while and your arm will be a little sore,” He said
looking at her.

He could see that she wasn't going to cry, she just looked so miserably sad; sadder beyond
belief. “I never thought that he would do something like this, I never thought that he would even
think of hitting me.”

“Well I never thought he would either and I don't want to imagine what would have happened
if we didn't arrive when we did.” Harry hugged her warmly.

“If he EVER touches one hair of your head Hermione I would hunt him down even if it would take
me all my life,” Ron said and hugged her too.

“Thanks guys. Thank you so much for always been there for me,” Hermione said looking at her two
best friends with a sweet look.

Harry and Ron just smiled weakly and hugged her again. Deep down they were both still fuming,
Ron had always felt as if Hermione was like a sister to him, and anyone that messed with her messed
with him as well. The famous Weasley temper was right at the fore. Still, Ron couldn't believe
that Adam was really going to hit her.

Harry's temper was simmering on the surface, but approaching exploding point below. He was
mad because he loved her. He loved her so much that the thought of getting there seconds later; not
being able to stop him, - - - . Harry wouldn't let anyone hurt her. No one would hurt the woman
he loved, and Adam was going to pay for what he did, as well as what he almost did.

-->



6. Do I Have Feelings For Him?
------------------------------



**A/N:** Thank you everyone for the reviews, I'm really happy to know that you all are
enjoying this story and actually are having a great time reading, once again a HUGE thanks to my
beta and here it is the next ch, enjoy.

**Chapter Six: Do I Have Feelings For Him?**

Another evening saw Hermione and Harry together under the same roof. Hermione was taking another
long bath and Harry sat on the couch smiling; thinking he couldn't care less about the excess
hot water bill. Let her use all the hot water in the world if she likes, if it means she stays
right where she is.

Harry's smile couldn't hide the fact that he was still very mad at Adam for what
happened to her. He was afraid he knew exactly what he would do if he saw that git again and it
wouldn't be pretty. He sighed and rested his head in his hands, still barely believing her so
called husband had almost hit her and Harry suspected this thought would remain on his mind for a
very long time. All the `what ifs' continued to run around his tired brain. He was so lost in
his thoughts that he didn't notice Hermione was sitting next to him and putting an arm around
his shoulders.

“Harry I think I know what is going through your mind, I'm ok .”

“But - - .”

”I'm ok. I may well have done something awful if you and Ron hadn't arrived in time. But
for now I'm ok, and so very thankful for your help,” She said running a hand through his
hair.

“I can't get it out of my mind Mione. He already hurt you and he was ready to - - .” Harry
looked at her “What happened for him to get that mad?”

Hermione took a long deep breath and started telling him what happened as well as what Adam
wanted hear her confess to. This all made Harry even madder at Adam and he couldn't believe
that he made Hermione say something so obviously untrue.

“Sometimes I still wonder what you saw in him to marry him in the first place.” Harry said. “Do
you hate me for thinking that?”

“No Harry, I could NEVER hate you, and you're only thinking the same thing I am. But the
truth is he was different then. He was very sweet, caring. He understood me; he would do anything
to make me smile. Who knows, I think that after we got married he started to change. He isn't
that caring anymore and he doesn't appear to care anymore when I have a problem. This news
about not having children only made him worse,” Hermione was looking at her hands “Maybe I was a
prize to him all along. Maybe he is only now showing who he truly is.”

Harry wrapped his arms affectionately around her shoulders “Why do you think you were a
prize?”

“Adam never liked you or Ron, he pretended he did but I knew better, I think that he saw me like
a prize somehow since you two in a way always managed to keep other boys away from me. Maybe he
thought if he could have me, then that meant he would have won and in a way you two would have lost
me.” She rested her head on his shoulder.

“If he knew you at least a little he would know that you would never leave your friends, I
can't believe that he did that. Mione you aren't a prize, you are the most wonderful person
that I have ever known and any guy would be lucky to have you in his life. That git doesn't
know how lucky he is.” Harry kissed her forehead and tightened a little the grip around her.

“And you are the most amazing and caring guy that I know Harry. Any girl would be lucky to have
you. You are the kind of guy that would never hurt the person he loves.” She looked up at him.

Brown eyes met green eyes, and they locked right away, Harry started to caress her cheek with
his hand, lost in her brown eyes and he knew if he stayed like that he would lose all the control
and kiss her.

Hermione was tracing his face with her fingers. She couldn't believe that she never really
noticed how sweet and cute he was. She did however know that she would have to force herself to
stop, or something could happen and she didn't want that. Still, she just couldn't make
herself look away from him.

“*Do I have feelings for him? No I can't; I mean he is my best friend and I'm married.
Anyway he said he likes some other girl. Yet if I don't like him why I'm not able to look
away from him?”* Hermione was thinking to herself.

Harry was having his own thoughts.

*“Ok I have to stop this before I lose my mind and kiss her, that can't happen but why I
don't turn around? God she looks so cute like that I just want to wrap my arms around her and
kiss her. Get a grip Potter she is married for god's sake.”* His hand was still caressing
her cheek.

*“I never felt like this with Adam”* she traced his lips with a finger *“I wonder how it
would be to kiss those lips. For god's sake Hermione you shouldn't be thinking about
kissing your best friend you are MARRIED”* she kept tracing his lips.

Harry's breath was caught in his throat, she was tracing his lips with her two fingers and
he knew he needed to stop this. He would love to kiss her but she was married and he couldn't
do that to her. He kissed her forehead and got up from the couch.

“I'm going to make dinner.” And with that he went to the kitchen.

Hermione was feeling empty, his arms weren't around her and she didn't have him next to
her. She sighed and looked down. She didn't know what was wrong with her; she almost kissed her
best friend.

A few years ago she decided she would stop liking him; actually the more correct would be to
admit she would stop LOVING him. After all he never showed any signs of liking her back so she
never told him her feelings. And then Adam came into her life and swept her off her feet. She fell
in love with Adam and Harry was out of her mind at least when it came to any romantic feeling. But
now those feelings were starting to come back again, Hermione found she was continually comparing
Adam to Harry and Harry was always winning.

Harry couldn't concentrate on cooking. At the moment he kept running over in his mind what
could have happened if he didn't look away from her. Of course they would have kissed but would
she run away after that? Would she say she was sorry? There were too many questions right now and
he didn't know the answers.

He went to the living room “Mione can we order something? I'm not in the mood to cook”

Hermione looked at him “Sure, what do you have in mind?” she asked.

“Pizza or Chinese”

She was biting her lower lip in concentration and Harry couldn't stop the smile that came to
him. She always looked like that when she was thinking and he had to admit that she looked very
cute.

After a little they jointly decided they would have pizza and Harry ordered her favourite,
without even having to ask. Once more they were having a great time together. After eating they
watched a movie and just as they did the evening before Hermione snuggled close to him, Harry,
without thinking, started to play with her hair while they watched some nameless movie and both
knew that they may have a difficult time getting to sleep that night.

True to this thought, both DID have trouble falling asleep. Hermione kept turning and trying to
find a position to sleep even though Harry's bed was quite comfortable. She even wrapped her
arms around the extra pillow but nothing felt right.

“Not again, last night I could handle this but not today. Why can't I sleep?” she asked
herself. “For God's sake I know why, I can't sleep because I'm not in Harry's arms
that's why”

She got up and went to the living room. She walked slowly since she didn't know if Harry was
sleeping or not, she found him sitting on the lounge, looking at the window.

“Harry, are you awake?” She almost whispered

He turned to look in her direction “Yes, what are you doing up?”

She walked to him and sat on the end of the couch “Couldn't sleep, you?”

“Couldn't sleep either.” He looked at her and then looked at his hands “Maybe we should
sleep together?”

Hermione laughed “You wouldn't mind?”

“No. Besides we can always talk if we can't sleep.”

Hermione placed herself right next to him and snuggled close. Harry wrapped both arms around her
and kissed her forehead. Her head was rested on his chest and she was feeling very relaxed.

“Now try to sleep.” He whispered.

Not long later both managed to sleep very peacefully. They both found the key to their sleeping
problems, the bigger problem was going to raise its head when Hermione returned back home. How
would they cope with that? But right now they were just enjoying each others company and both would
agree nothing was better than that.

-->



7. Decisions
------------



**A/N:** Once again a HUGE thanks to everyone that has been reading this story, it means a
lot and of course a HUGE thanks to my beta. Now here it is the new chapter and enjoy.

**Chapter Seven: Decisions**

A few days having passed and Hermione was still living with Harry. Another thing that hadn't
changed was that they both discovered neither could sleep each night, Hermione would usually go to
Harry after tossing and turning for hours and once snuggled up in his arms she would fall asleep in
no time. On the sidelines Ron was enjoying this present arrangement, knowing that if they stayed
the way they were Harry wouldn't be able to control himself and would kiss her, Harry on the
other hand didn't think any of this was amusing.

Luna and Hermione had met almost daily at lunch. The blonde girl knew what was going on as
Hermione was confiding in her more and more. Luna couldn't help but advise Hermione to leave
her husband; not only because of what Adam had done to her but also because she could see and feel
that Hermione was falling for Harry again.

Hermione still hadn't made a decision about anything to do with Harry's offer to assist
her have a child. She wasn't sure of anything anymore, but she knew that after what Adam had
done, how he had hurt her had affected her greatly. If Adam could do that to her when nothing WAS
going on between her and Harry, she didn't want to imagine what could happen if the baby looked
a little like Harry. Just a small child with green eyes would be enough she though to make Adam go
completely over the edge. This more than anything was probably the thing that was making her think
a lot about Harry's offer but also she wasn't sure about her marriage anymore. These last
days that she had spent in Harry's house were among the best of her life. She was feeling so
loved and happy that she couldn't even think about going back home, even if she had to.

Luna snapped her fingers in front of Hermione's eyes and it had the effect of bring Hermione
back from her thoughts.

“Gee I know that you have a lot on your mind but could you at least pay some attention?” Luna
smiled sweetly. “After all we were talking about your life here.” Luna said with a smile.

“I know I was just thinking,” Hermione replied. “I mean you know why I married Adam, I WAS in
love with him, but now after all this - - - I'm starting to have doubts.” Hermione looked
down.

“Hermione I never liked him, remember what you said about him looking like he was trying to have
you as a prize? Well I think that you were right. Remember that after a couple of months of
marriage he was starting to not care about you?” Luna said.

Hermione just nodded “See there you go. No one who really loves a person would do or say what
Adam did. I couldn't see Harry doing that.” Luna knew about Harry's feelings towards
Hermione.

“But Harry is a great guy, when he loves someone he really loves.” Hermione sighed and looked
down “And he loves this girl but she has been taken.”

Luna just wanted to smack Hermione's head so she could see what was staring her right in the
face. Wasn't Hermione supposed to be the brightest witch of their age? Luna was starting to
think that they were wrong.

“Do you know who this girl is?” Luna asked.

“No, we didn't talk about her that much, just that he can't have her.” Hermione was
still looking down so she didn't notice the smirk on Luna's face.

“You like him, don't you?”

She looked up at Luna “I don't know, I mean I feel amazing when I am with him and I'm
starting to think that I'm falling for him again but I don't know after all I AM still
married”

“To a bloody jerk if you ask me! Hermione you have to decide what you want, you have to decide
who you are truly happy with. You can't stay in a marriage if you don't love that person.
It's not good for you honey and you should run after the person that makes you happy.” Luna was
looking into Hermione's eyes; she wanted her friend to see that she meant what she said.

Hermione nodded, agreeing with Luna's points. She knew that she would have to make her own
decisions. This time in her life it was all about decisions and feelings. She couldn't live in
an unhappy marriage and she didn't want to bring a child in that.

For the rest of the day Hermione was still thinking about what Luna had said, she was in her
office thinking when someone knocked gently. He walked in and Hermione picked her wand and pointed
at him.

“What are you doing in here?” Hermione asked pointing her wand at Adam

“I came here to talk, I'm sorry for what I did babe but I was mad that you left the house
without even telling me where you were going. I knew that you went to him so I got even madder.”
Adam was walking slowly towards her.

“No, for the first time you showed who you truly are. For the first time you let the real Adam
come out. You always saw me like your personal possession didn't you? The one thing that you
wanted to take away from Harry and Ron?” Hermione stood fixed with her wand still pointed at
him.

“Its not true Hermione, I love you”

“You changed; before we were married you would do everything to be with me or to even to make me
smile. After a few months you started not caring about me and then when the news about why we
couldn't have a baby came out, you just went down and showed your true colours.” Hermione
decided she was going to tell him everything that was on her mind.

“Babe I was busy with my work and well about the baby you know how something like that can bring
a guy down.” Adam stepped carefully, trying to reach her.

“No, you weren't busy, you just lost interest. After all you already HAVE me so why keep
trying to keep my interest in you? The news about the baby I understand, but I was the one trying
to make you see that I understand what something like that could do to a guy. Instead you almost
hit me. You caused a bruise on my arm and forced me to say something that wasn't true.”
Hermione stepped back, keeping the distance between her and Adam.

“Honey I'm really sorry about that, I didn't mean to hurt you, I love you sweetie and I
want to have another chance with you.”

“I'm sorry Adam but I have had enough of this. I'm the one that doesn't want another
chance. This marriage never worked and I'm tired of fooling myself, I'm tired of getting
all the blame and above all that I'm tired of being unhappy.” She was looking at him and could
see that he was starting to get mad.

“It was HIM, wasn't it? HE told you to leave me? That bastard wants you for himself he
can't admit that he lost and that I'm the one that has you.” His fists where clenched and
he started to move menacing toward her.

“So that's what I am for you? A bloody prize, I always knew it, and for your information
Harry didn't say anything, I just thought a lot about this and I don't want to be with you
anymore. I want a divorce.”

Adam was mad and couldn't believe what he just heard “YOU WANT WHAT???”

“Yes, I want a DIVORCE!” She yelled the last word leaving no doubt as to what she wanted.

“YOU WON'T HAVE IT, YOU ARE MINE AND IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU NO ONE CAN” Adam continued to
walk towards her, looking as if he was ready to hit her again.

Harry stepped quickly between Hermione and Adam, and he punched Adam once in the face.

“WHAT DID I TELL YOU THE LAST TIME YOU WHERE HERE?” Harry shouted as his wand was pointed at him
“I THOUGHT I MADE MYSELF CLEAR. YOU ARE NOT TO COME AFTER HER AGAIN”

Adam slowly got up from the floor. His nose was bleeding “You stay out of this” Adam said
looking at Harry.

“When it comes to Hermione I won't stay out of this. Try being a man and stand up to someone
your own size! I think Hermione has made herself clear, so leave before I kick your arse.”
Harry's fists were ready to hit Adam's face again.

Adam glared at Hermione “This isn't over yet.”

Harry grabbed him by his shirt and threw him out of the door “I think it is and this time STAY
AWAY FROM HER.” Harry slammed the door and went to Hermione.

Hermione smiled at him “Thanks once again, I was ready to hex him”

Harry hugged her “I know you were, I just wanted to take the chance to hit that git first,”
Harry said and looked t her “Don't feel guilty about anything. You deserve to be loved”

Hermione was caressing his cheek “I know and so do you, I just wished I hadn't married him.
Now I see the mistake I made.”

Harry was tracing her lips with his finger “Everyone makes mistakes, we learn from them.”

She kissed his chin “Yeah, we do and I think that I've learn a lesson this time.”

Harry was starting to lean down; her lips were only inches from his. “So did I”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, Harry's arms were around her waist, they could feel
each others breath and their lips were almost touching. They knew that there was no turning back
after this, they will cross the line and after that everything would change. Their lips were just
ready to touch each other, so close that he could feel her tongue when she licked her lips.

-->



8. Revelations
--------------



**A/N:** Sooooooooooo sorry but I was sick and then I got very busy, I want to thank everyone
for the reviews and here it is the next ch, I promise I won't take much time to post the next
one, once again sorry.

**Chapter Eight: Revelations**

Harry and Hermione's eyes were locked on each other, and their lips inched slightly closer.
As much as he wanted to, Harry had never kissed Hermione's lips. Up to now it was affectionate
pecks on the cheek, although at breakfast the other morning he greeted her with a kiss on the cheek
that shifted to a playful yet sensual kiss on the nape of her neck. Harry was surprised he had done
that, but even more surprised how Hermione seemed to melt when he kissed her there. She had held
his cheek with her hand as she had fallen into him. This time would be better. They inched even
closer. This time it would be the kiss he always wanted to give her.

Ron chose THAT moment (of all moments!) to run breathlessly into Hermione's office; having
seen Adam scuttling away as fast as his legs would carry him. Harry felt he could almost curse Ron
and a very embarrassed Hermione was thinking about hexing him through to the NEXT millennium. Ron
saw at an instant what he had interrupted and was considering how mercilessly he would tease Harry
in private.

On the other hand Hermione later told Luna everything that had happened. They discussed the
situation in a rational adult manner and then later giggled like schoolgirls. Luna was thrilled
with the whole situation and knew that it would only be a matter of time until Harry and Hermione
were together. Luna couldn't wait for that.

A month passed and with mutual silent agreement Hermione was still living with Harry. To all
intents and purposes they acted like a couple, yet Harry's so longed for kiss on the lips still
hadn't eventuated. Instead he was at great pains to give Hermione as much room as possible.
Speaking of room, the sleeping arrangements had been settled by Hermione deciding Harry
couldn't remain on the couch. Instead she insisted (yes, insisted!) Harry and she share the
only bed in the house. The slept together as they had before, simply together yet not
“together”

Harry was at work and Hermione was enjoying a well earned day off but instead of relaxing she
was cleaning the entire house from top to bottom. Although never messy Harry's house was in
need of a woman's touch to make it look that much better. And now that it was practically her
home as well (Harry had told her to consider it as such) she was enjoying the impromptu spring
clean in `their' bedroom. Sorting through the closet Hermione found an unmarked wooden box.
Blowing off the dust she opened it to find what was obviously Harry's personal reminders;
pictures and knick-knacks. She went to replace the box exactly where it was but as she did a letter
fell out. She picked the letter up and was replacing it in the box but before she could it had
captured her attention.

The letter was unaddressed but she could see Harry's handwriting, and it looked much neater
than anything she had ever seen in Harry's writing before.

*My love*

*I know that this is probably the stupidest thing that I ever done, but I need to tell you how
I feel for you, I know that I won't be able to tell you this face to face so I thought that it
would be the best way.*

*You see I'm in love with you; I've ALWAYS been in love with you and have known that
for some time. I never had the courage to tell you, I know that you must be thinking that's
stupid; after all I've faced dark wizards, dragons and even sea people and yet I'm not able
to tell you my feelings. The thing is that I'm afraid of your reaction; I can see so clearly
you running away from me at the thought of how much I care for you. I know you would say you
don't have feelings for me, I'm also afraid of losing our friendship.*

*I know that I made some mistakes in the past and I know that I probably caused you great
pain. I'm so sorry for that, I never meant to cause you pain, I love you so much that sometimes
it hurts not being with you, not be able to tell you how much you mean to me. I can't live
without you and I want to be with you for the rest of our lives.*

*I want to marry you and make you the happiest woman in the whole world, I want to have a
family with you and grow old next to you, I need you in my life like I need air to breath, I
can't imagine living without you, You are everything to me.*

*I know that probably you are thinking that I'm mental or something but I won't be
able to live with myself if I don't tell you how I feel for you, I understand if you don't
love me the same way, but at last I want to let you know how much I love you, how much I want you
in my life, how much I need you and want to be with you. I love you like I never loved anyone
before and I will be always be there for you no matter what and no matter what kind of relationship
we will have.*

*You are my everything and after this I hope that you can still look me in the face even if
you don't have the same feelings for me.*

*With all my love*

*Harry.*

Hermione put the letter inside the envelope. With her eyes filled with tears and she
couldn't see clearly to put the letter back in the box. She also couldn't believe how much
Harry loved whoever the girl he wrote about. It was breaking her heart knowing that Harry, who she
now knew she loved, was himself still in love with someone else. If the roles had been reversed she
hoped Harry would have the courage to send the letter anyway. In fact….

With all that Harry had been through he had the right to be happy. It was true that she loved
him, but is also true that she wanted him to be happy. She wanted him to have the family that he
always wanted for himself. She rose from her knees and went to Hedwig's cage. Hermione patted
the owl and handed the letter to her.

Hedwig took the letter in her beak. “I don't know who it's for. I don't even know
how owl post works, but I know you can find her Hedwig.”

Hedwig paused as if considering her words and released the letter from her beak, letting it fall
into Hermione's hands. Once more Hermione gently placed the letter in the owl's beak and
once more Hedwig released it into Hermione's hands.

“Hedwig. You have to deliver this, I don't know who the girl is but is it's someone that
Harry loves so much. You probably know who she is or some way of getting this to her. Maybe it
isn't too late for him to be happy.” Hermione patted the owl again.

She waited for Hedwig to go but the owl didn't move. Instead she opened her beak and let the
letter fall again. Hermione frowned, considering her next course of action.

“Come on Hedwig do this for Harry. He deserves to be happy and you should give this to the girl
he loves, please do that for him.”

The owl refused to move and Hermione was starting to get frustrated. She shrugged, thinking
without a name on the envelope it couldn't be sent by owl post. Hermione was so lost in her
battle with Hedwig that she didn't notice Harry had arrived home and was standing behind
her.

“Is there something wrong?” he asked and that made Hermione jump.

“Harry, you're home? Look, please don't get mad at me but I found a letter you wrote for
someone that you love. I didn't mean to but I was cleaning and I found it. I was only thinking
of you and how you should be happy. I was trying to send Hedwig off with the letter but I think she
is sick or she can't deliver it without a name.” Hermione was afraid of Harry's reaction,
afraid he may become angry.

But instead of anger, Harry smiled. He walked to her and caressed Hermione's cheek.
“Hedwig's fine, there's nothing wrong with her, is there?” Harry said to his owl as he
scratched her head and Hedwig chirped in response.

“But what about - - . “

Harry watched her with smiling kind eyes. “She HAS delivered the letter.”

Hermione looked at him with a confused expression “How? She hasn't moved.”

“Because the girl that was meant to get that letter is here. Actually she is standing right in
front of me, with the cutest frown in the whole world.”

Hermione looked at Hedwig and then at Harry.

“You mean the letter was for me?” She asked with her mouth wide open in amazement.

Harry nods “That's why she never went off and also is waiting for you to take the
letter.”

Hermione took the letter and gave Hedwig an affectionate scratch on the head. She looked at
Harry again “You loved me?”

“No, I STILL love you. I wrote that letter a few weeks before you started dating Adam; I
couldn't get the courage to tell you face to face so I decided to write my feelings. It took me
a long time to find the courage to write it, but I never had enough to send it And when I found out
you were dating Adam I put it away, where it's been ever since. I saw how happy you were and
well I decide to save the letter.” He caresses her cheek “Your happiness was my top priority so I
never told you my feelings. Have you ever wondered why my relationships never worked?”

“Well you always said that they were after you fame not just you”

“That and the fact that they were not you, they couldn't understand me like you do. They
didn't make laugh or smile like you do and they never made me feel warm inside with by looking
at you, or what it means when you smile at me. Mione, they weren't you and I only ever wanted
you.”

Hermione caresses his cheek “And I wanted you, I was in love with you but I never thought you
could love me back, I never saw you showing any sighs of liking me more than just a friend, I
always though I was like a sister to you.”

Harry smiles “You were never only like a sister to me and believe me I gave you some hints about
my feelings. The hugs, the jokes and even the looks and smiles but you never noticed them, so I
thought you never like me back”

“Harry, love is blind. I give you so many hints as well. The whole arm grabbing, the hugs, the
snuggles while I was reading, the touches, everything! I can't believe that we loved each other
the whole time and we never did something about it.”

“I know but now is too late, I still love you I even love you more than anything in my life but
you're married,” Harry said looking down.

“I'm not married Harry. Not for long anyway. I asked for a divorce and have already started
filing the papers. If Adam doesn't give me what I want then I'll take it the hard way. That
early lunch yesterday was to see my lawyers. And also I still love you”

He looks at her “You do?”

She nods “Yes, I thought I had forgotten every romantic feeling I ever had for you, but the
truth is I was always comparing Adam to you and he always came up short. Now I know I never really
loved him, I guess that's why it never really worked; he wasn't you Harry. And now after
all he did I just got myself thinking more and more about you and how loved you make me feel. Funny
how I never had any problems sleeping when Adam wasn't there but now I find I can't sleep
properly unless you are beside me. I couldn't sleep because I wasn't in your arms, you
weren't there with me. Harry I want to have a chance with you, I really love you and I want to
be happy with you”

Harry hugged her to him tightly. “Oh Mione you can't imagine how happy that makes me, I
couldn't sleep either because you weren't there in my arms and you can't imagine how
hard it was for me to control myself and to not kiss you. I love you so much Mione and I want to
make you happy I really do.” He rested his forehead against hers.

“So that means that you are willing to give us a chance?” she asked looking at his eyes.

Harry grinned “Of course Mione, I love you and I still mean everything that it says in the
letter. I want to be with you forever, I want to make you happy and be happy with you, I need you
Hermione and I want you in my life for the rest of it”

Hermione traced his lips with her fingers. She was smiling at him, her arms around his waist,
slowly she moved closer to him. Their lips touched slowly and they shared a romantic and sweet
kiss. Both were feeling so happy and complete. They were happy and in love, nothing could beat this
feeling that they both shared.

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