Veritas

I’m rather excited to be part of this site, as many authors whom I respect are also around here. As some of you know, I’m madscientist’s beta, but have started doing a little work on my own. So, if you see some influence from him… well, it’s to be expected.

I cannot give enough thanks to my betas, Anndee Granger and madscientist. Both of them have put up with my attempts to start writing my own work and have been incredibly encouraging.

Disclaimer: No money is being made on this piece and no infringement is intended on the intellectual properties for J.K. Rowling, her publishers, or Warner Brothers. Though, I really wish that she would start Deathly Hallows out this way…

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The fireplace in the back room of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes turned green and out tumbled three teens, one after the other. As they hit the floor, they rolled and wands snapped out. Satisfied that no one was around, the tallest stood and headed for the front of the shop.

“Training’s paying off, Hermione,” said Harry, momentarily grinning at her. He stood and reached out a hand to her.

“Just because I’m not accustomed to death-defying Quidditch plays, doesn’t mean that I’m clumsy,” Hermione retorted, with a brief grin of her own as she took his hand and stood. “Scourgify,” her wand flicked and they were both cleaned of the soot and waited for Ron to return with his twin brothers.

It had been about three weeks now since their world had irrevocably changed. Since the great White Wizard had fallen. At first, they all returned to their respective homes, but it did not take long for Hedwig to tire of the mail back and forth. The trio was planning their next move. After being apart for two weeks, they reestablished Grimmauld Place as a base, with access only to themselves and Dobby. A few days after that, Remus and Tonks had been added onto the list of accesses and had begun training the Trio, making up for time lost due to distractions. They had contacted the Twins earlier about producing some products for them, and were there to pick them up before they began their quest for real.

“Glad to have you here, Harry, Hermione,” Fred began, walking into the room, trailed by George and Ron.

“Are you sure you wanted to come in the back way, Harry? I’m sure there are many up front who would love to speak with you,” George continued, winking at Harry. “In all seriousness, mate, we got what you asked for, and a few more things besides.”

Harry nodded and they continued.

“Immediately after…the end of the last term, we started working on some special toys for you guys,” Fred said. “These items won’t go into mass production, and you’ll understand why in a moment. First, take a look at these,” and he tossed Hermione a pair of ordinary looking glasses.

“They’re Cat-Eye Specs, meant to be used against the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder,” George explained, “We figured that Hermione could help us develop a simpler spell so you can just use them on your glasses, Harry.”

“Hey, what are these?” Ron asked, picking up a pellet from a pile next to the glasses.

“Those are a variation on the Fainting Fancy chews, Ron,” George said, gently taking it from him, “Throw one into a room and the occupants will pass out. It’s subtler than a Stupefy, but slower.”

“I’m impressed so far, what are you going to show us next?” Hermione smirked.

“You’ll like these,” Fred promised, “WhizBang Bursts. Throw these and they’ll explode with a bright light and noise when they impact. We’re also working on an improved Shield Cloak and a remote Extendable Ear, come look.”

“Excuse me,” Verity interrupted, “but I need one of you to come up front for a minute.”

“No problem, I’ll be right back,” and George jogged up to the front of the store with Fred remaining to show the Trio more of their toys.

Verity touched Hermione’s arm lightly, “Hermione, I would like to speak to you for a moment. Alone, if I could.”

Hermione waved the boys off and followed Verity to a different corner of the back room.

“So…” Verity wouldn’t meet Hermione’s eyes, “how’s Harry doing since the break-up?”

“What break-up?” Hermione questioned, “He’s still dating Ginny.”

“Are you sure? The twins mentioned that she was moping around the house about it. Surely you knew. I mean, what kind of guy breaks up with a girl at a funeral, anyways?”

“Harry hasn’t…” Hermione paused, bewildered, “He didn’t say anything,” she whispered.

“Hey, Hermione,” Harry shouted across the room, “we’re going to gather up this stuff and head back to Grimmauld. Ready to go?”

“Not yet, Harry, but go on without me…girl stuff, you know?” Hermione smiled, unconvincingly.

Harry looked at her for a moment, then, “Ok, Hermione, see you in a bit.” And then he and Ron Flooed out and Fred returned to the front.

Hermione rounded on Verity and nailed her down with a glare, “Ok, spill. Now.”

“Well, I started to become suspicious last summer. The day you guys were in here, some things turned up missing. But, that was a very busy day, so I didn’t worry too much about it.”

“Continue…” Hermione was visibly restraining herself.

“The Patented Daydream Charms. Some of the low-level love potions,” Hermione tried to interrupt, but Verity continued, “Do you know some of the effects of those Pygmy Puffs? They are innocent by themselves, but, depending on the color, can emphasize the effects of other potions and charms.”

“Ginny. And Arnold. What happened, Verity? What did she do to m…Harry?”

“I didn’t suspect anything at first, but there was a great deal of stuff missing the same day that you guys were in here. But, it’s not as if you were the only ones in here that day, so we just wrote it off as a loss. After all, likely as not, the person would buy more.”

“What kind of stuff, Verity? And what about Arnold?” Hermione’s knuckles were turning white, her desire to lash out at the one responsible for hurting Harry so very strong.

“Oh yes,” she started again, flustered with having been distracted, “I really didn’t suspect anything at all until I heard that Ginny was dating Harry. It seemed so ridiculous, honestly. The twins were surprised as well, and said that they had always figured it would be you and Harry. Anyways,” Verity hurried on, noting Hermione’s frustration, “some of the low level love potions had been stolen, along with the Patented Daydream Charm. Arnold is purple, which is the color that complements these products. If someone were using these products, the user would have a tendency to fixate on him—and his owner. It was never a deliberate effect, only something that the twins noticed with one of the pink ones when they were testing some new items for the Snackboxes.”

“So…let me see if I’m understanding this… Arnold would have helped focus and increase the power of the potions that Ginny was feeding—“

“Harry. It’s the only answer that makes sense. She had asked for the details as to how the products works, well, I don’t know exactly, but I shared what I knew. I thought, at first, that she just wanted to get one up on her brothers.”

“Dear Merlin, Harry!” exclaimed Hermione, her hands clapped over her mouth in horror. “I never suspected, I only wanted him to be happy, and safe, and… I failed him. I was scared and I failed him.”

“I couldn’t think of who else to come to. Who else would know him well enough and be able to do something to see if my suspicions were correct,” Verity reached out and gently laid her hand on Hermione’s arm.

Hermione dropped her hands and glanced at the ground briefly. Raising her head, her face was set, and for a moment, Verity feared her.

“I’m leaving now, Verity. Thank you for your information. Please keep in touch,” Hermione turned away coolly, already focused elsewhere.

“What do you want me to do, Hermione?” Verity asked hesitantly.

“Don’t do anything different than you were. Don’t let her know what you suspect. If she lets something slip, tell me immediately.”

Verity nodded and Hermione headed purposefully towards the Floo. In a moment and a rush a green flame, she was gone. Verity shivered, before heading back to the customers in the front of the store.

Hermione tumbled into the Leaky Cauldron, having been unsure of where she wanted to go, but knowing that she had to get out of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, but not ready to go home yet. She wandered out into Muggle London, letting her thoughts overtake her as she tried to figure out her next step. Having reached an intersection, she paused, realizing that this was not the safest place to wander alone. She ducked into a nearby alley and disappeared with a soft CRACK.

Another CRACK and displaced air and she arrived outside the gates of Hogwarts, intending to take a walk around the lake. It took her only a moment before she realized her mistake.

“Oh, bloody hell. Of course the gate is locked.” She continued to curse her lack of focus as she turned around to head for the Shrieking Shack and ran right into a wall, otherwise known as Hagrid.

“’Allo, ‘ermione!” Hagrid exclaimed, “Fancy seeing you here.”

“Hi, Hagrid, on your way into Hogwarts?” she blushed at someone else catching her to in momentary lapse of judgment.

“Sure am, wanna join me?”

“That’d be great, Hagrid,” grinned Hermione and she followed him onto the grounds. After a moment, she asked, “Hagrid, do you know anything about the Pygmy Puffs that Fred and George have been selling?”

“Those little things? Not that interesting. Had ta ask them why they’re even botherin’. Rather boring creatures. Though, they did mention that the creatures interacted funny with some of their stuff.”

Hermione sighed, Hagrid not being able to tell her anything new.

“Though, funny you should ask, Ginny was askin’ me the same thing, sometime last year.”

Hermione stopped suddenly, “What did you tell her, Hagrid?”

Hagrid had to take several steps back towards Hermione, as he had kept walking. “Why, the same thing I just told you, what the twins had told me. What’s wrong, ‘Ermione?”

“I need to get back home, Hagrid, thanks for talking to me,” she turned quickly to get beyond the gates and the anti-Apparition wards.

“Ok, Hermione, talk to ya later!” Hagrid shouted as she sprinted away.

Opening the door to Grimmauld Place, Hermione was immediately accosted by Harry and Ron.

“Where have you been, Hermione?” Harry almost shouted, “Verity said that you left awhile ago. Do you have any clue how worried I’ve been? We—“

Ron just stood back, surprised by Harry’s force.

“I’m sorry, Harry,” Hermione went to him, putting her hand on his arm, “I’m so sorry that I hurt you.” Her expression was grim and her eyes so full of pain.

Harry stopped, his mouth open as he saw her expression, far too grave for this situation. He continued, much quieter, his anger gone and concern coming through, “I was just worried, something could have happened to you. What if you ran into Death Eaters and we couldn’t be there.”

“I’m sorry, Harry. I should have been paying more attention. I just needed some time to think. I’m here now.”

Harry nodded, having taken her free hand in his. Then, realizing their position, stepped back. “I’m going to finish that book you said I should read. I’ll see you guys at supper,” and with that, Harry headed upstairs to his room.

“Not now, Ron,” Hermione cut him off before he could begin, “I need to go to the Library.” She headed upstairs as well and Ron stood there for a moment, before heading to his own room.

When the Trio had reunited, there had been no talk about Harry and Ginny. Hermione simply did not want to know and figured that the time he spent alone, without her and Ron, was so that he could write to her. Instead, Hermione had focused on figuring out the details of the prophecy, something she had avoided for a year. But, she knew now that they all had to face this terror head on. There was no more hiding, no more trying to keep Harry safe—after all, that had failed rather spectacularly. Harry, in particular, was driven to learn as much as he could. She had watched as his magic reached new levels, how he learned spells faster than before, how the results were more powerful than she or Ron could manage. It was as if the shackles, that had somehow restrained him this past year, had been broken and he was finally becoming the wizard he should be, one whose power would rival Dumbledore’s.

But now, now that she knew that things were long over with Harry and Ginny, she worried about the time he spent alone. Why hadn’t he told them? Didn’t he trust her? Why was he keeping secrets from her? A niggling voice reminded her, she had failed him this past year. Why should he even still trust her, when she had pulled back? She had been scared, a shame to her House. Now, she would figure out what happened to him. It was her duty.

Resolute, Hermione stopped her pacing and headed towards her door. Books rarely failed her and this better not be one of those times.

Hours later, she rubbed her eyes tiredly, having attacked the Black library with a vengeance, in search of answers and confirmations for her theories. Her conclusions only worsened her guilt over what had happened to Harry. And now, it was time to face him.

Reaching Harry’s door, she hesitated, before she knocked on it and waited for a response.

“Come in,” Harry replied offhandedly, looking over to see Hermione enter the room. Noting her determined expression, he set the book he had been trying to read, unsuccessfully, on the table next to him and gave her his full attention. “What’s happened, Hermione?”

“I… We need to talk, Harry,” Hermione began. She looked down briefly before walking over to sit on the chair next to his. She met his eyes, “Why didn’t you tell m..us that you had broken up with Ginny? We’re you’re best friends and I’d expect—“

“Who told you?” Harry was looking down. “And what does it matter anyways? You and Ron have each other and I didn’t want to…get in the way.”

Hermione reached a hand over and lifted up his chin, “What nonsense are you talking about? You thought Ron and I were together? That we were dating? I love Ron, but like a brother. A rather tall brother, who eats far too much and gets himself in trouble and is rather hotheaded…”

“Then you’re not? But, at the funeral…and you guys don’t fight anymore, well, not as much.”

“Who was I supposed to hug, you? You were with her.”

Harry noted the bitterness in her voice, but let it rest for the moment, “And he’s fancied you since fourth year.”

“Ron has never fancied me, Harry. And I’ve never fancied him. We’ve gotten along better because we finally cleared the air between us. We know how much our fighting has hurt you and so have worked harder to get along. There’s too much at stake to be alienating you.”

Harry sat back, surprised. He had long expected Ron and Hermione to get together, but this revelation… He looked at Hermione, and smiled. “Thank you. You both are better friends than I deserve.”

Hermione’s demeanor instantly changed, her expression hardening. “No, you deserve far better friends than us, Harry Potter. We… No. I failed you. I spent this past year trying to keep you safe and I failed you. I got scared, after the Department of Mysteries, and then hearing about that prophecy and I pulled away. I focused on being normal. But, we aren’t normal, are we, Harry? We never will be. I learned the hard way. I should have trusted you last year. I should have helped you. But, I didn’t and now Dumbledore is…dead.”

“You could never fail me, Hermione,” Harry reached for her hands and scooted closer to her. “I should have restarted the DA, I should have worked harder in classes. I should have been able to save Dumbledore.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Harry,” she shook her head as he started to interrupt, “It was Ginny’s, she was too stupid.”

Surprised, Harry sat up, and Hermione continued.

“There was a reason why you suddenly fancied a girl you had never shown any interest in before. There was a reason why you couldn’t fight Snape. Ginny.”

“I don’t understand, Hermione.”

Standing up, Hermione walked over the window and then turned back to look at him. “She dosed you with love potions and possibly the Patented Daydream Charm from the Weasley twins’ shop. And it was all amplified by that blasted Pygmy Puff,” she spat. “And she knew it. She knew what she was doing in her desperation to achieve her dreams of dating the Boy-Who-Lived.” She carefully watched Harry’s face, noting hurt warring with anger. “But, that is not the least of it. The bint couldn’t even research the side effects. She weakened you; your own magic was tied up in trying to fight off all of the potions and enchantments. That’s why you had so much trouble this past year, and why you’ve accelerated so rapidly since returning from Hogwarts.” She stopped, letting everything soak in.

“This is what…Verity told you, is it? Did she know?” Harry was closed off, his voice quiet.

“Some of it,” Hermione admitted. “I had to tell you, Harry. You had to know. I just… I guess I’ll go now, if that’s what you want.”

“Thank you, Hermione. For telling me, that is. What would I do without you?” Harry looked up, meeting her eyes, and he went on, trying to calm the anxiety that he saw there, “I’m not mad at you, I just… I need some time to think. I promise I won’t run off, ok?”

Harry was suddenly enveloped in a tight hug, his face full of bushy, brown hair.

Slightly sheepish, Hermione backed off a step, but didn’t let go of him completely, “I’ll just head back to my room, then. If you need anything, I’m here for you.”

“Thanks, Hermione. Goodnight.”

She walked backwards a few steps, before turning and heading out the door, thoughts whirling through her head.

Harry sat down on his bed and put his head in his hands.

A few moments later, he stood up and headed for Ron’s room, needing to apologize to his best mate. He walked in the door without knocking, noting that Ron was still up, reading a Quidditch magazine.

“What’s up, mate?” Ron asked, surprised to see Harry in his room this late.

“Can I sit down?” After waiting for Ron’s nod, Harry pushed some clothes out of his way and grabbed a seat on his bed. “I…uh…never told you, but Ginny and I broke up. At Dumbledore’s funeral.”

“Not really surprised, but at a funeral? What were ya thinking, Harry?”

“Ok, bad timing, I know. But that’s not really the issue. You see, part of the reason why I haven’t been hanging around you and Hermione much is that…” Harry ducked his head, “I thought you two were dating.”

“What?! Are you mental? Well, no, but she is, some of the time. Why would you think that me and Hermione would ever get together? I mean, we don’t fancy each other, never have.” Ron restrained himself from laughing.

“I just…always thought you did, you know. How you acted fourth year and all, getting jealous over Krum, and this past year…”

“You did notice that I snogged Lavender after Hermione had asked me on a date, didn’t you? We’re just friends, better friends, now that some errors have been cleared up.” Ron leaned back against the head of the bed, “Is that all you came in here for?”

“Actually, Ron, it wasn’t,” Harry began, not wanting to look at Ron, so contenting himself with picking at his jeans. “Hermione came and told me something a little while ago. About Ginny.”

“Go on…”

“Hermione said that Ginny fed me love potions and other stuff. That’s why we dated. And that’s why I couldn’t do magic properly, mine was all tied-up in fighting the potions.” Harry looked up at Ron, waiting.

Looking away briefly, Ron began, “Doesn’t surprise me, really. Mum always talked about how she’d like you and Ginny together, and me an’ Hermione and we could be ‘one, big, happy Weasley family’ and all… Ginny’s always been spoiled, thinks she can get whatever she wants… I didn’t have nothing to do with it though, Harry,” Ron looked back to him, “You’re not blaming me, are you?”

“Never, Ron. But, I had to tell you. Especially before we go the wedding in a few days. I’ll just avoid her, I don’t want to start a fight and ruin this for Bill and Fleur.”

Ron nodded.

“Ok, well then…I’ll just go. See you in the morning.” And with that, Harry went back to his room and a night of restless sleep.

A/N: I hope that you guys enjoy the conclusion to this piece.

Disclaimer: No money is being made on this piece and no infringement is intended on the intellectual properties for J.K. Rowling, her publishers, or Warner Brothers. Though, I really wish that she would start Deathly Hallows out this way…

Thank you again to Anndee Granger and madscientist, without whom, this would have dissolved into trite silliness.

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“Hi guys,” Harry said, walking into the kitchen the next morning to see Ron and Hermione already sitting there with their coffee, while Dobby was working on breakfast. Neither looked rested and he assumed that he didn’t look much better. “I don’t want to talk about it more this morning. Let’s just get some breakfast and start training.”

The next few days, things went much better for the Trio, with Harry no longer locking himself away and all of them having reached a new understanding.

The morning of Bill and Fleur’s wedding, Harry and Hermione Apparated over to the Burrow early, Ron having gone home the night before to help. They had not even made it to the door of the house, before Ginny flung the door open to greet Harry. Her hair and make-up were already done up, but she had not yet put her bridesmaid dress on.

“Harry!” she shrieked and threw her arms around him.

Harry remained cool and did not embrace her in return.

“Oh, Hermione, you’re here too. I’m sure mum would like some help in the kitchen, if you wouldn’t mind.” Ginny was staring into Harry’s eyes intently, while smiling up at him flirtatiously. “After all, Harry and I need to talk, “ and with that, she looped her arm around Harry’s and pulled him to her.

Harry pulled away and, before he could stop her, Hermione stepped between him and Ginny.

“Leave him alone. Stay away from him or I promise you that you will regret it,” Hermione said, her voice cold and hard as steel.

“You’re just jealous because I got what you want, what you’ll never have. Go back to your books, that’s all your good—“

Hermione’s fist slammed into Ginny’s jaw and she fell backwards onto her bum. Her wand came into her hand and she pointed it straight at Ginny’s face. “Leave us alone, child. We know what you did. Episkey. Scourgify.”

Ginny struggled to her feet as Harry pulled Hermione backwards and Ron came out of the house behind his sister.

“She hit me! How could you let her do that, she hit me!” Ginny raged at her brother.

“You probably deserved it, after everything you’ve done to them. Go fix your make-up.” Ron stepped around her and motioned Harry and Hermione away. “Now, Ginny.”

She stomped away in a huff and Ron sighed, only to be startled by a tap on his shoulder.

“You did the right thing, Ronald, she has been off-balance for quite some time. I had asked her if she was having trouble with Wrackspurts or something, but she didn’t answer me.” Luna Lovegood stood there serenely in a flowered dress that shimmered when she moved.

“Thanks,” he admitted, a bit shyly, “Want to go with me to find Harry and Hermione?”

“They’re right over there, but I would love your company.” She grinned up at him as he took her hand and led her over.

“How are you two doing?” Ron asked quietly as he and Luna walked over.

Hermione looked over at Luna, then back at Ron. “I’m sorry that I hit your sister.”

Ron crooked an eyebrow at her.

“Ok, so I’m not. It’s only Harry here, who stopped me from going further.”

Harry glanced at Hermione, not having let go of her hand when he pulled her away. “How have you been, Luna?” he asked.

“Not so good, the fairies keep hiding my hairbrush. But, I’m sure with Ronald around, things will be better. They’re not fond of red hair, after all.”

Ron blushed, and then, “I think it’s time to go get ready. Harry, we should go find Bill and Charlie and get changed into our dress robes. Hermione…”

“Can come over to my house and get changed,” Luna chimed in.

Shrugging, Hermione agreed. “We’ll meet up with you guys in a little bit.” She squeezed Harry’s hand and then linked arms with Luna. The two girls headed off through the woods to the Lovegood house, leaving the guys standing there.

“You’ll see her again soon, Harry.”

“Yeah…” said Harry, distracted as he stood watching Hermione walking away.

“If you don’t hurry up and get ready, you won’t get to dance with her in that dress she picked out,” Ron said, poking Harry.

Harry swatted him in the arm, “I don’t dance.”

“Whatever, mate, let’s go,” and Ron pulled Harry away to find Charlie, and avoid his mum.

The ceremony was lovely, the bride stunning, and Bill’s scars did nothing to hide his joy, Hermione thought as she sat at a table, running her finger along the edge of her wineglass. She originally was going to wear a simple yellow dress, but Tonks dragged her out of the house to go shopping, pointing out the fact that there were going to be many part-Veela at this ceremony. Her dress was pale blue with spaghetti straps holding up a fitted bodice, cut a bit lower than necessary, and a skirt that flowed when she moved. But, she wasn’t moving; she was just sitting there with her glass of white wine.

“Oy, Hermione, will you please stop that!” Ron called across the table.

Hermione’s hand jerked back from her glass, not having realized that she was causing any noise.

“That wasn’t very nice, Ronald, I think the sound was quite nice and went well with the music playing. Speaking of which, it’s time to dance now.” Without giving Ron time to react, Luna pulled him onto the dance floor and wrapped her arms around his neck. Then again, it didn’t look as if Ron was resisting at all.

Hermione sighed as she took another sip of her wine, idly noting Remus and Tonks dancing, and his occasional grimace as she stepped on his toes.

“I think, we may need to add permission for another person to be visiting Grimmauld, Hermione,” Harry joked as he gestured over to Ron and Luna, the latter completely enthralled in whatever tale he was telling her.

“You wouldn’t…by any chance…want to dance, Hermione?” Harry asked hesitating in his speech. His eyes focused on her hands, to avoid her eyes.

Reaching over to take his hand, Hermione stated, “I would love to, Harry.”

He led her to a spot not too far from Ron and Luna, and as far away from Ginny as possible. Then, he wrapped his arms around her waist and grinned down at her. “You know I’m rubbish at this, right?”

“Well, you couldn’t dance worse than Tonks,” Hermione began, “and Remus still loves her. You’re doing just fine.” Better than fine, actually. She wished that he wouldn’t put himself down all the time that instead, he could see what a wonderful person he was. He was so important to her, there was nothing that she wouldn’t do for him.

“Maybe I just needed a better partner,” whispered Harry, looking down into her brown eyes, ones that he had seen contain so many different emotions, but this one, he was unsure of. He continued to gaze into her eyes, thinking how wonderful it was just to be with her. Last year, he had missed her constant company. He had missed having her attention. Was he selfish to want to be the most important person to her? In actuality, he had taken her for granted, taken for granted that she would always be there for him. Without realizing it, he pulled her a little tighter.

Nibbling briefly on her lip, thoughts raced around her head, wondering if he could mean what she thought. Could she take this risk with him? Did he want her too? She wetted her lips briefly and then leaned forward, stretching up on her tiptoes to meet him as he leaned down…

“Hey!” Harry called out as Tonks backed into Hermione and pushed her face into his chest.

“Sorry about that, you guys, we were just wondering if you wanted to head back to Grimmauld and continue the party,” Tonks apologized, with a rather large grin on her face.

Harry quickly agreed, still holding his arm around Hermione.

Hermione stood by his side, silently thinking up the most effective curse for Tonks.

“I was thinking Luna could join us as well, Harry, do you think that would be ok?” Remus interceded, noting Hermione’s dangerous look.

“I’m sure Ron would like that,” Harry answered, pulling Hermione closer, “Let’s go, Hermione and I will get it set up, while you guys round up Ron and Luna.”

“I think that’s a great idea, Harry, let’s go.”

With a double CRACK, Harry and Hermione disappeared.

“Now, I wonder how long we should give them…” Remus winked at Tonks.

“I think an hour should be fine, let’s go let Ron and Luna know.”

Remus and Tonks started laughing, heading off to find Ron and Luna and avoid questions about Harry and Hermione’s disappearance from a certain redhead.

Unfortunately, back at Grimmauld Place, things were not going quite how Remus and Tonks had anticipated.

“Well…uh…” Harry blushed, not wanting to meet Hermione’s eyes after what had almost happened, or, at least he thought something was about to happen. What if he was wrong? Looking at his shoes, he rubbed his hands on his pants, as his palms were suddenly sweaty

Hermione had wanted to continue right where they had left off, but noting Harry’s uncertainty, she changed tack, “Well, they’re going to be here soon, do you want to help me get things ready?”

“Sure, Hermione, where should we start,” responded Harry, both relieved and a little bit disappointed.

The two of them went to work, with Dobby’s help, of setting out some food and drinks, rearranging the living room, and all of the time assuming that the rest would be there any minute.

Thirty minutes had passed, and Harry and Hermione were beginning to get a bit suspicious. Or rather, Hermione was suspicious, but Harry was worried.

“Do you think something happened after we left? Could there have been an attack? Hermione, maybe we should go back and check on them.” Harry was pacing back and forth across the room. Never one to like waiting around, he was getting very antsy. And, of course, he would not let himself dwell on the other source of his discomfort.

“I’m sure they’re fine, Harry,” Hermione tried to keep herself from giggling.

“Are you sure? Maybe we should—“

“How about we just send Dobby? After all, you don’t want me to ruin Bill and Fleur’s wedding by killing his sister, do you?” cajoled Hermione. She had been rather enjoying the time they had alone, their comfortable camaraderie. “I think they just wanted to…give us some time…alone.

Harry abruptly stopped his pacing, his head whipping around to look at Hermione, “They wha…”

“Does that bother you, Harry?” Hermione inquired, trying hard to keep a smile off her face.

“Wha… No… I think,” Harry was looking anywhere but at Hermione.

“Would it make you feel better if we sent Dobby, just to check that everything’s fine, and then we can go back to wondering why they haven’t arrived yet?”

“Yeah…thanks, Hermione,” Harry looked up at her now, grinning sheepishly.

Dobby appeared before Harry could open his mouth, “Wheres your friends, Harry Potter, sir?”

“That’s what we were just wondering, Dobby. Do you think you could just pop by the Burrow and make sure they’re still there? That nothing’s happened?”

With a nod and a snap of his fingers, Dobby was gone.

“So…” Harry began, suddenly very interested in the toe of his shiny shoes, never having changed them since they got back.

POP. “They is still at the party, Harry Potter, sir, do you want me to go back and tell them to come?” Dobby looked up at Harry, his body tense as he waited for Harry’s response.

“No Dobby, that’s ok. They’ll come when they’re ready,” Hermione answered.

“OK,” and Dobby disappeared.

“Do you want to…finish our dance?” Hermione stood up from the couch and slowly walked towards Harry. Her earlier apprehensions were gone, or well, severely repressed at the moment. She had to take her chance; she had to know. She didn’t want this thing sitting between them unresolved when they had other matters to focus on.

“But there’s no music,” Harry protested, suddenly wary of getting too close to Hermione. He couldn’t help but notice how she looked in that dress, the way it clung to her, thoughts one should definitely not be having about one’s best friend.

“You’re a wizard, Harry,” Hermione smirked as she flicked her wand at a nearby table. Gliding up to him, she placed his hands at her waist, slung her arms around his neck, and started to move to the music that had started to play. “This is much better, no one to bother us.”

“I’m sorry about Ginny, Hermione. I should have known…” Harry began, his ever-present guilt complex kicking in.

“We don’t need to talk about her. She was a distraction, but she’s not here, so don’t worry about her,” Hermione soothed. She was not in the mood to discuss another girl, not when she had his attention all to herself. It wasn’t until Ginny interceded that Hermione realized how much it meant to her to be the most important woman in his life.

“It is nice, just to be with you.”

Hermione laid her head down on his shoulder, allowing her body to follow his slow movements for a little while. Theirs was a comfortable silence, the silence of two friends who could trust each other enough to say anything and nothing. However, both of their thoughts were racing, wondering who would take the next step and wondering what that step should be.

“What is this…between us?” Harry asked quietly, breaking the silence.

Hermione raised her head to meet his eyes. “What do you want it to be, Harry? We’re friends, best friends. Are you content with that?”

“I don’t know, Hermione. What if…it didn’t work out? I couldn’t lose you as a friend.”

“I’ll always be here for you. I would do anything for you. But, I’m asking you what you want.”

“But, he could come after you, Hermione…and I can’t…I can’t lose you,” Harry pleaded with her, while a part of him knew that there was nothing he could to change her mind once it was set. He started to physically pull back from her, but her arms only tightened around him.

“Honestly, Harry,” Hermione chided gently, “if Voldemort hasn’t learned from Snape, or Malfoy, or Pettigrew, or Barty Crouch Jr. that I’m the brains of this operation, then he is far dafter than I thought. The truth is that you need me, Harry, and I need you. Ever since two 11-year-old boys locked a troll in a bathroom with me… You are my life and have been for a long time.”

Harry was speechless. After all, who could argue with what she had said? Not him, certainly. He opened his mouth to tell her so…

“Don’t try to send me away, Harry, because there is nowhere else for me to go. There is nowhere safer for me than by your side.”

Raising a finger to her lips, Harry’s face broke into a large smile. “I can’t think of a better place for you than right here.”

He moved his finger away from her lips and opened his hand to cup the side of her cheek.

Standing up on her tiptoes, she moved towards him, not giving him a chance to pull back.

Harry captured Hermione’s lips in his own, starting slowly, gently, exploring this new thing between them. Soon, she became more insistent and he gladly responded, deepening the kiss, wondering why he had ever looked at anyone else but her.

She tangled her hands in his hair, his glasses had been discarded, though she didn’t remember doing it. So much happiness filled her, that she thought she could nearly burst, but only kissed him harder.

The door to the room, which had recently opened just a crack, slowly and quietly closed.

“I think we should continue the party elsewhere,” Ron said, his face breaking into a huge grin, “They’ve got some catching up to do.”

“They’ve only just started snogging? That’s a bit of a disappointment,” Tonks quipped.

“The kitchen’s open,” Remus replied, “let’s go.”

Ron, Luna, Tonks, and Remus headed off to continue the celebration, and start placing bets for the engagement.