After all the years of holding her love for Harry back, Hermione finally breaks, and it's up to Harry to help pick up the pieces. Starts off slow but will pick up soon. Epilogue accuracy. :)
From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/7836/
This takes place 1 year after the epilogue.
Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to these characters, JKR does. :)
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Hermione Weasley buried herself in paperwork. She was staying late at the Ministry. To the untrained eye, it would seem that she was extremely busy. Yet, the only thing that Hermione was doing was trying to convince herself not to cry. Her mind was racing through the past, and she was so close to tears. What did it matter? It was already time for her daily breakdown, anyway. Hermione let go. Tears streamed down Hermione's face. She hoped that she was the only left in her unit; she wanted her cries to go unheard. Hermione whimpered and yelled. Her face turned a light shade of red and her head began to ache. She sniffed once more and began to pack up her things. She was done with work for the day. She was going to go home and-
"Hermione?", said a familiar voice. 'No', Hermione thought, 'Not him, not now'. But, it was him. Harry. Hermione laid her papers down on her desk and wiped at her eyes. She tried to flatten her bushy, wavey hair, but to no effect. She straightened her clothes and plastered on a fake smile. This process did not go unnoticed by Harry.
"Why hello, Harry. What are you doing here?", Hermione asked. Just looking at him almost made her break down again. He was standing with what appeared to be a bag of food.
"I work here, Hermione", Harry said flatly. He was curious to know what was wrong. Hermione sighed lightly.
"I know that, Harry. What I meant was, why are you stayting late? And why aren't you in your unit?", Hermione added.
"Hermione, what's wrong?", Harry asked kindly. Hermione winced at his words. She knew this was coming. How could she ever explain it to him? He, who had caused her so much grief for the past years. Heavens above, she loved him. But no, he had hurt her too many times, he had wounded her too deeply.
"Nothing is wrong, Harry", Hermione began. She put her hand up when Harry started to protest, "However, if there was something wrong, I don't think that I would feel comfortable talking about it with you."
Hermione closed her eyes tightly as the last few words rolled off her tongue. She didn't mean for them to sound so harsh. She opened her eyes to see a visabley hurt Harry.
"Harry, I'm so sorry. That's not what I -"
"No", Harry said, "It's clear you don't want me to pry, so I won't. To answer your previous question, I'm here because I brought you some dinner. Ron, Ginny, the kids and I went out tonight. I told them I'd bring you yours here."
Harry set down the bag on a table. He turned to go. Hermione couldn't let him leave like this.
"Harry, wait", Hermione said, "I'm sorry please, I just....it's just been a long day."
Harry turned around. The hurt wasn't completely gone from his eyes, but it was better. He nodded and smiled lightly at Hermione. It took all of her strength to return the smile. Then Harry walked rounded the corner and dissappeared from sight. Hermione fell to the floor. The tears began to fall.
This takes place one year after the epilogue.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to JKR. :)
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Hermione cried for almost thirty minutes before she picked herself up and apparated home. Her home seemed so empty without Ron and the children. Rose and Hugo were at Hogwarts while Ron was living happily in his new flat with his new girlfriend, Luna Lovegood. Truth be told, Hermione held no resentment towards them. She was genuinely happy that Ron had found love after their rocky divorce. Hermione maintained a good relationship with Ron and even developed closer to Luna. Granted, the divorce wasn't easy, especially on the children. It was a full month before Hugo talked to either Ron or Hermione after they told him about the divorce. Rose, much like Hermione, had found solace in her books. But now, things were okay, at least for everyone else. Hermione, however, was a wreck. The divorce wasn't even a portion of the reason why.
Since she was in sixth year, Hermione had been battling a sense of depression, all of it circling around Harry. She had loved him for some time, but on reflection of their relationship, there seemed to be so many holes.
She had always been there for him. She was his rock when he needed one, she was there fighting for him, protecting him, and loving him every second of the way. She even complied when he hated her, whether it be for telling Professor McGonnagal about a possibly jinxed broom, or if she was being too overbearing. However, it was her needs that always seemed to be left out of the matter. It wasn't just Harry's concern, Ron seemed to ignore Hermione's needs as well. Definitely, this wasn't always the case, but it was big enough to tear holes in Hermione's heart, the biggest ones coming from Harry. Hermione knew what to expect from Ron, but she expected so much more of Harry. She dedicated her whole bloody life to him, for goodness sakes! Maybe that was the problem. Maybe Hermione expected too much. Was it possible that she was imagining it all? She didn't know, but it was enough to throw her into the depths of depression.
It wasn't any better when Harry began dating Ginny. Admittedly, she was happy for them at first, but it soon became clear that Ginny, intentionally or not, was taking her place. It was no longer okay for Hermione to give Harry her famous bone-crushing hugs, it was no longer her shoulder that he cried on. He never turned to her for answers unless it involved schoolwork. He ignored her. He replaced her, like she was a pair of shoes, and for that, Hermione hadn't ever found it in herself to forgive him.
Hermione lost even more when she settled for Ron. She knew that sounded terrible, but it was the truth. When she had cried for ages when Ron had dissapeared during the horcrux hunt, Harry just stood there. That's when Hermione knew, she would have to settle. She kissed Ron for the first time, hoping, praying that she would find solace, but she only found more pain. But she wouldn't let Ron down. She knew he fancied her, and she might have even felt something for him once. Plus, he was still one of her best friends. But it just wasn't true. Their marriage was false. Which brings everything back to the beginning.
Hermione felt the tears coming on again. She dropped her papers and dinner from Harry on the kitchen table. She wasn't feeling hungry. She hadn't eaten properly for some time. Maybe she would feel better after a nap. Hermione took her tears into her bedroom and cried herself to sleep.
Harry had trouble sleeping that night. He lied awake thinking about Hermione. Something was definitely wrong. It was clear that she was troubled, at least to him it was. Hermione was always flustered, especially when she was around Harry. It seemed like she was on the verge of crying every time that he talked to her. She was much thinner than she normally was. She must have stopped eating. But why? Harry turned over in his bed.
This was, he admitted sadly, on of the few times that Harry had ever lost any sleep over Hermione's wellbeing. He had to admit that in their previous years, especially at Hogwarts, he wasn't the best friend that he could have been. Harry rolled back over onto his other side. There was no sense in trying to think about it now. He would speak to Hermione in the morning at the Ministry. Harry sighed.
"Harry, sweetheart, are you alright?", came Ginny's voice. Harry mentally groaned. He had hoped that he could think in peace.
"I'm fine. Just having trouble sleeping.", Harry said flatly. Harry could feel the mood change, and he mentally sighed.
"Oh, well then", Ginny said seductively, "Let me help you with that". Harry didn't have time to protest before Ginny covered his mouth with hers. He laid there, not really in the mood for sex. Ginny attempted to climb on top of Harry, but he pushed her off.
"What's the matter?", Ginny asked with a fake pout. Harry hated it when she did that.
"Nothing, Gin. I'm just not in the mood."
"Oh, come on, Harry. I'll make it worth your while", Ginny murmured. Harry rolled his eyes, thankful for the darkness. Ginny once again climbed on top of him and kissed him with what Harry could only guess was an attempt at passion. Harry caved. If this is what it took to get her to leave him alone for the night, then this is what he would do.Harry put his hands lightly on Ginny's head. Suddenly a flash of brown came into his mind. He froze. Ginny sighed.
"Harry, come on. I want to", Ginny whined. Harry tried to regain his focus. Again, brown came into his mind. Only this time, it was accompanied by a face: Hermione. Harry blinked several times, trying to block out the image. It didn't work. Ginny grabbed Harry's hand and placed it on her breast. It suddenly felt much smaller. A flash of Hermione explained why. She had noticabley larger breasts than Ginny, something Ginny was always self-conscious about. Harry clamped his eyes shut. A vision of Hermione appeared. She looked beautiful. Her hair, although bushy, fell in a wavey spread down her back. Harry knew this was wrong. He couldn't do this to Ginny, but more so, he felt that he couldn't do this to Hermione.
"Gin....Ginny, I can't right now. I'm sorry. I'm going to go sleep on the couch."
"Harry....Harry!", Ginny yelled. Harry ignored her and left the room. It would be another hour before he would fall into a fitfull sleep on the couch.
Hermione awoke. It was morning. She rolled over. What time was it? She grabbed her wand off the bedside table and summoned a clock. Oh shit. She was late. Very late. Hermione sighed heavily. She got up and hopped into the shower. After a quick rinse, Hermione was dressed and out the door.
Hermione walked through the Ministry into her unit. She was looking down at some papers, but saw a figure out of the corner of her eye. It must be her boss.
"I'm sorry that I'm late, Liviana, I overslept and-"
Hermione looked up and stopped cold. It was Harry. He was holding two coffee cups.
"H-Harry", Hermione said dumbly. Harry gave her a small smile.
"H-Hermione", Harry mimicked. Hermione did not smile back.
"Don't mock me", Hermione said angrily. Harry's smile faltered. Hermione turned to go into her office, but Harry blocked the door.
"Hermione, we need to talk. Please."
Harry looked at her with deep green eyes, and she thought she might cry. Hermione sighed and looked around.
"Alright, come in", Hermione said. She felt pangs of tears at her eyes. No. She would not cry, not in front of him. Harry followed her and closed the door behind them. She avoided Harry's eyes.
"So, Harry, what is it?"
Harry set down the cups of coffee. Hermione reluctantly took a cup and sipped from it gingerly. Harry took a deep breath. This might be harder than he thought.
"Hermione, I know we haven't been....well, we haven't been....close friends for a while .At least, not like we used to be. And, recently, I've....well, I've noticed that something is up. Please don't try to deny it. I can see it in your eyes when you look at me, however rarely that is anymore. Please Hermione, you're so thin and you seem so stressed. I just want to help you."
Hermione mumbled something under her breath.
"What?", Harry asked gently. Hermione looked up, and she was indeed crying.
"Since when do you care about my feelings, Harry Potter? When have you ever been there for me? I mean really been there for me? Like I was for you all these years? I gave myself to you, Harry Potter. I gave myself to you and you took that and abused it. "
Harry was stunned.
"Hermione....how can you say that? I've always cared about you -"
"Oh really? Really? What about all those times I worked my arse off for you, helping and protecting you, and for what? So you can run off with Ginny?", Hermione yelled. She clasped her hand over her mouth as the last words came out. Harry was shocked. There was much more to this than he knew.
"Hermione, what is going on?", Harry pleaded. At that moment, the door opened. It was Hermione's boss, Liviana.
"Hermione, you are still working for me, aren't you?", Liviana said in an annoyed tone. Hermione quickly wiped away at her eyes.
"Yes, sorry Liviana. Harry, I have work to do, and so do you. You should go."
Hermione followed Liviana out of her office, leaving Harry in a blurr.
This is not the end. :)
Everything belongs to JKR. :)
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Harry stood dumbly as Hermione passed by him and followed Liviana out of the office. Oh no, he wasn't going to leave it at that. Harry whipped around and caught Hermione by the arm. At that moment, he apparated with her to his home, Potter Manor.
Harry and Hermione appeared at Harry's home. Hermione, obviously surprised, took a few steps backwardvand fell onto the couch. She looked up at Harry, anger filling her eyes. Harry took a short breathe, and began to speak.
"Hermione, I'm sorry, but we have to talk, wether you want to or not", Harry said with determination. Hermione was livid.
"Harry James Potter, who do you think you are? How dare you treat me like this, like I don't have a life to live unless you're involved!" Hermione screamed. Harry was thankful that the house was empty.
"Hermione, this is exactly what I mean! What are you talking about? Do you even hear yourself speak?" Harry yelled back. Hermione gaped. She couldn't believe that he could be so daft.
"I. Know. Exactly. What. I'm. Saying.", Hermione whispered harshly, emphasizing each word.
"You're the one that's got a problem, Harry! The way you treat me!", Hermione spat out, tears pricking at her eyes. Harry was surprised. What was she talking about?
"Hermione, what do you mean? I don't treat you badly," Harry practically whispered. Hermione glared at him for a moment, then sighed. She wasn't going to get anywhere with the yelling. But, she didn't want to talk to Harry, especially about this. Her tears found their way out of her eyes and rolled down her face.
"You really have no idea, do you, Harry? You honestly have no clue", Hermione said flatly. Harry looked bewildered. Tears rolled down Hermione's face.
"You've hurt me so badly, Harry. You've hurt me so b-badly. And yet, you have no idea. Gosh, Harry, where do I even start?", Hermione asked. Harry was confused, to say the least. He sighed.
"Start at the beginning, Hermione.", Harry said softly. He wasn't sure if he wanted to hear this. Hermione took a deep breath as two more tears dropped down her face.
"I met you on a train ride, Harry. A train ride that would change my life forever. I met you and Ron, my future best friends. If someone had told me that I would live the kind of life that I have, I probably wouldn't have believed them. But I would have been wrong. However, if someone would have told me that you would end up treating me the way that you have, after I'd done so much for you, been there for you literally whenever you needed me, no matter if it compromised my health or even my life....If someone would have told me that you would treat me the way you have, I would have punched them in the face. But, again, I would be terribley wrong", Hermione said sternly. Harry looked bewildered.
"Hermione, when have I ever treated you poorly?", He asked stupidly. Hermione looked up at him with hurt in her eyes.
"Like you asked, I said I would start from the beginning, so just be quite and listen," Hermione said sternly. Harry complied. Hermione suddenly found a strength within herself that she previously didn't know was there. The tears stopped.
"I love you, Harry. I always have. I thought that I was showing it through the proper ways - risking my life for you, keeping you healthy, sane, alive. Helping you with all your schoolwork, believing you under any circumstances, no questions asked. And how did you repay me? Through friendship. Fair enough - you're my best friend, and for the longest time, that's all that I needed. Even when you wouldn't talk to me because of some stupid reason, even when I annoyed you and you ignored me, I kept telling myself that no matter what, you were still my friend, and that would be enough for me. But it wasn't. I didn't have to be the love of your life, Harry Potter. I didn't even have to be a person you liked. But I damn well was a person you needed to respect. After fifth year at Hogwarts, all that went down the drain."
Harry blinked multiple times, not quite sure what he was hearing, or rather, who was speaking. This wasn't the normal Hermione.
"It took you at least five years before you even recognised that I was, indeed, a girl. But, somehow, you never seemed to put two and two together to figure out that I was more than that. I was your friend. When sixth year rolled around, you distanced yourself from me. I don't know why, and I probably never will. It was like something that was bigger than the both of us seperated you and me. You automatically assumed that I was in love with Ron - where you ever based that information on, I'll never know. So, you discarded me. You probably would have dropped me altogether if you didn't need my help. At least, that the way I feel." Hermione paused. Harry was staring at her with a saddened expression on his face. It was all sinking in.
"You left me, Harry. You left me for Ginny, of all people. The girl who you barely knew, who barely knew you. Who was I? Just the girl who knew the real you. Who was with you through your dark spells and your nightmares, your doubts and concerns. But, apparently, that meant nothing. Just another expectation you had of me. At first, I welcomed the idea of you and Ginny. I was glad to see you happy, even if you weren't with me. But, I couldn't have imagined that you would have dropped me as your friend. You replaced me, Harry. You fucking replaced me! It was no longer my duty to give you warm hugs, to help you through your hard times. You resigned me as a back up, a used tissue. Do you remember when Ron left us during the Horcrux hunt? I cried and cried - what did you do? Nothing. You didn't comfort me, you didn't even utter a single word. Why? It was because you didn't bloody care. As long as I was there when you needed me, I wasn't important when I needed you. Who did you care about? Ginny. When did Ginny ever show any pure interest in your well being? Never. She just loved the hero in you. She still does. Who was the only one who believed you through your trials when so many others didn't? Me. All I wanted from you was friendship, Harry. REAL friendship. Not the kind of friendship that you seem to have had in mind. What is a friend, Harry?" Hermione asked calmly. Harry was stunned.
"A friend is someone who you can always count on, who you can always trust....care for.....love. Oh, Hermione. I'm so sorry", Harry said while he hung his head. It was his turn to tear up. Hermione's expression softened.
"When you chose Ginny ove me, Harry, it almost killed me. But, as always, I stayed back, and let you live your life, hoping that you would be happy. I still love you, Harry Potter. I always will", Hermione finished. There was a long silence, only broken by Harry's final sigh.
"Hermione....I don't know what to say. I....I often felt that....perhaps, I haven't treated you in the best....Oh, Hermione. I'm so sorry. Please, please forgive me, Hermione", Harry pleaded. Hermione stayed silent.
. "I can't do this anymore. I will forgive you, Harry. But I will also let you go. I've realised, I'm finally able to let you go, and I will. I will always love you", Hermione whispered. And with that, Hermione apparated out of the room.
Hermione apparated in front of Ronald Weasley's flat building. She knew that the home was currently occupied by Ron and Luna. She desperately need to speak with them. Hermione walked up to the stairs to Ron's flat and knocked on the door. Luna answered.
"Oh, hello Hermione! Do come in," Luna said cheerily, but once she saw the look on Hermione's face, her smile faded. Luna sighed sadly.
"Oh dear. Ronald, you better come here," Luna said so quietly, Hermione was surprised that Ron heard her at all. Ron came out of the kitchen wearing a pink apron with frilly, yellow lace. He immediately turned red and mumbled something about it belonging to Luna. Once Ron gathered himself, he came to Hermione's side.
"What is it, 'Mione?", Ron asked. Hermione stiffened as Ron used the nickname that Harry had coined. Ron suddenly understood. His face turned stern.
"Hermione, what happened between you two? Please, come and sit and-"
"No, Ron, I....I'm fine. Really", Hermione stated when Ron and Luna began to protest, "I just need to ask the two of you for a favor."
Luna and Ron shared unknowing looks, but then agreed. Hermione continued.
"Christmas is coming up soon, and, as you know, Rose and Hugo will be coming home. I just need you to keep them for most of Christmas break, but I promise I'll be back for Christmas day and New Year's. Will you two do this for me?", Hermione asked, stiffling any sneaky tears that tried to free themselves.
"Of course we'll look after them," Luna said. Ron nodded his head.
"What should we tell them when they ask for you?", Ron questioned. Hermione was silent for a moment. She needed to collect all of the thoughts that were racing through her head. She finally came to the conclusion that she knew was waiting.
"Tell them that their Mummy is in Australia, and that she'll be back soon", Hermione said, not attepmting to hide the teary tone in her voice. Both Ron and Luna looked stunned.
"But Hermione....Australia?," Luna asked, "Why so far away?"
"That's just where I need to be right now. I....I can't go into details, but I just....I just need to go," Hermione said. Luna nodded while Ron bit his lip. He knew he couldn't change a decided Hermioone for his life, but his worries for his friend did not cease.
"Hermione - are you sure? I mean....really. Are you sure?" Ron asked, genuinely worried. Hermione simply nodded. Ron sighed.
"Thank you, you two. You both know I love you," Hermione said. Luna smiled and nodded her head along with Ron. With a returned smile, Hermione apparated out of the building.
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Harry still sat stunned in Potter Manor. He had never gotten it through his head how much Hermione had meant to him. There was a deep-seeded feeling that he was suddenly aware of. Depp in his heart, he knew what that emotion was, but Harry refused to face it. At least, not now.
Harry changed his thoughts to Hermione's wherabouts. He had to find her. He stood up and began to dust himself off. But, before he could apparate to Hermione's home, He heard the front door open and close. Suddenly, his young daughter, Lily, crash against his waist. Harry smiled sadly. It would only be one more year before she went off to Hogwarts.
"Hello, little love of mine. How are you?", Harry cooed. He knew Lily got irked when he treated her like a smaller child. He could never get over how fast she was growing.
"Dad, Mum and I went shopping. She let me have sweets!", Lily practically shouted. Harry sighed. He knew Ginny liked to spoil Lily, but he also knew that she knew that Lily wasn't supposed to have sweets. She would become way too hyper.
"Lily! Sweetheart, what did we say at the shops? The sweets would be our little secret!", Ginny whispered sharply. Lily's smile faded slightly, but it wasn't entirely gone. She ran upstairs to her room. Harry turned to see Ginny carrying the l;ast of the shopping bags into the home. He sighed again.
"Having her lie to me, are we Ginny?", Harry said flatly. Ginny looked taken aback.
"Harry, it's hardly a lie, and besides, it was only a small bag-"
"Ginny, you elt her have a whole bag?", Harry asked increduously. Good grief, Lily was going to doing backflips.
"Honestly Harry, it's nothing. Now, come here and give your wife a kiss," Ginny said in an attempted seductive tone. Harry wasn't pleased. He was losing precious time to find Hermione. However, he would have to get out of this without mentioning too much about Hermione. Ginny could be incredibley jealous. Harry gave her a peck on the lips and then began to speak.
"Look, Gin, I don't really have the time to go into details, but there's something up with Hermione, and I really want to-"
"Harry, why don't you let me deal with this? You know, girl-to-girl," Ginny said, failing at her attempt to hide her automatic jealousy. Harry just shook his head.
"Ginny, please, just work with me, please? It's something....personal between me and Hermione ad I just-"
"Personal? Harry, I'm your wife! If anyone should have anything personal involving you, it should be me!", Ginny said rather loudly. Harry wasn't amused. He had noticed that the fights between him and Ginny were increasing, not only in number, but in volume.
"Look, Ginny, you're my wife, but Hermione's my best friend, nd right now she needs me. If she needs me, she needs me, and that's all you need to know!", Harry said. With that, he apparated to Hermione's home.
Yikes, I read through the last chapter and there were so many spelling mistakes. I apologize for that. At the moment, I'm without spell checker, so hopefully I'll be able to catch them all in this chapter. :)
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Hermione appeared back at her home. She knew she didn't have long to pack. If she was going to leave for Australia, she needed to do so soon. Traveling the muggle way was usually a hassle. Hermione started for her room when she heard a slight pecking on the window. She looked to see an owl outside. Hermione opened the window and took the letter from the owl's beak, then sent him off. When she opened the letter, she smiled.
Dear Mrs. Granger,
We are pleased to inform you that your former surname has been restored. We have enclosed all information regarding your previous and current surname. Thank you for your service.
Name of Birth: Hermione Jane Granger
Name of Marriage: Hermione Jane Weasley
Current Licensened Name: Hermione Jane Granger
Sincerely,
Ministry of Magic
She was finally whole again. She was herself, and nothing more. Hermione Jane Granger. The beginning of her new life had begun. Hermione put down the letter and regained a bounce to her step. She hurried into her room and began to pack. She wouldn't be gone very long, but it would be long enough to take a breather and turn over a new leaf. After restoring her parents' memories, they had decided to move back to England, but to keep the home they had in Australia as a vacation house. It seemed odd to Hermione at the time, to keep a place that had been built on lies, but when she questioned her parents about the decision, they simply responded that the area was too nice to give up. Maybe they knew something that Hermione hadn't Nevertheless, it was a safe haven for her, and she was going to take advantage of that.
Hermione grabbed a couple of books and packed them away into her suitcase. She knew she would need some light reading to stifle any regrets that may come her way. Without thinking, she grabbed Hogwarts: A History and pushed it down into her suitcase. With the packing done, Hermione swiftly walked out of her room and towards the front door. She quickly brushed by the front door, not fully closing it all the way. Hermione didn't even notice.
It wasn't thirty seconds after Hermione had left that Harry apparated in front of her home. He started to knock on the door, but then noticed that it was already open. Something wasn't right. Harry briskly walked through the door and called out Hermione's name. There was no answer. Harry looked around the house. Everything seemed in order, except for an open window. Harry ran over to the window, and noticed a letter on the frame. He picked it up and read it. His thoughts stopped. A swirling vortex of fear and happiness, pride and sadness rushed through him. Hermione was gone. She was starting over. Without him. Harry was no longer a part of her life.
It took a few minutes before all the thoughts in Harry's head settled. Harry had never considered what life would be like without Hermione. Without her helping hand, her kindness and patience with him, Harry felt lost. He had to stop her. The problem was, he didn't know how. He didn't even know where she was. Maybe she had talked to someone, said something that would lead to her whereabouts. Harry had to start somewhere.
Harry quickly left Hermione's house, making sure to lock and close the door behind him. He then apparated to the Ministry. Harry found himself in his office, and without stopping to think, left to find Hermione's boss, Liviana. It took a good fifteen minutes before Harry found her. She was yelling at some poor wizard who was obviously new.
"And furthermore, the next time you have some bright idea, don't just put your litte plan into action - actually run it by your superior first! That's all. Get oiut of my way," Liviana shouted. The mousy wizard that she was yelling at glanced at Harry, then scurried away back to his unit. Harry caught Liviana's eye. A glare crossed her face. Harry began to speak.
"Liviana, please, have you seen Hermione?", Harry asked. Liviana sighed.
"No, I haven't. She hasn't come back to work since you so rudely apparated her out of here. Speaking of which, you should get back to work. Heaven knows what your boss is thinking and-"
Liviana didn't have time to finish her sentence before Harry was gone. He would check with Ron next. He knew it was his day off, and he was most likely spending it with Luna at their flat.
"Here, try this. I put more oregano in the sauce," Luna said sweetley. Ron opened his mouth and tasted the spaghetti.
"Mmm, it's delicious, love", Ron replied. Luna stood on her tip tpoes and gave Ron a quick peck on the lips. Just then, a frantic banging on the door broke Ron and Luna out of their daze.
Ron opened the door to find Harry, slightly panting. He didn't know for sure what was the matter, but he could guess. However, before he had a chance to speak, Harry fired off as many questions as he could.
"Have you seen Hermione? Has she gone somewhere? Do you know anything?", Harry said rather quickly.
"Woah, calm down, mate. Come inside," Ron said, "Hermione came by earlier. She seemed pretty upset. What happened between you two?"
"Look, Ron, I really don't want to talk about it, I just need to find her. Please, do you know where she is?", Harry asked. Luna came out of the kitchen.
"She said she was going to Australia, but she wouldn't say much more."
Harry's heart sank. Australia. She would be so far away, and for who knows how long. This all seemed to be happening so fast. Harry didn't know what to do. He was losing her. What if he could never put back the pieces of their relationship? What would he do? A single tear fell down Harry Potter's face.
Okay, so a pretty crappy chapter, I know, but it's a filler. I'll try to do better next time. :)
2 Days Later
Hermione Granger lightly opened her eyes and smiled. She was in Australia. She had left all of the bad things behind her, at least, for the moment. She had three wonderful weeks to collect her feelings before she would head home for Christmas. She wasn't going to pass up a chance to see her children before they headed back to Hogwarts. She also wanted a chance to give some sort of explanation as to why she left for Australia. Would she tell them the full story? Probably not.
Hermione knew that the reason she left was between her and Harry. She couldn't stay in England for another second - she had to get away. It was all too overwhelming. Not only had she professed her love for Harry, but she had possibly ruined what was left of their friendship. Hermione groaned. Why had she put herself in this place? Why couldn't she just keep her big mouth shut? Well, what happened had indeed happened, and Hermione was going to try and forget about it. At least, for three weeks. Hermione took her time getting out of bed and showering. She knew exactly what she wanted to do. Since her parents' home was on the beach front, Hermione thought she would take a calm walk on the shore, and maybe look for a good book shop. This was exactly what she needed, and for once in a very, very long time, Hermione felt at peace.
Harry Potter lay awake in his bed. He summoned a clock. It was late. Very late. Yet, he had not slept a wink. This would be Hermione's second day in Australia. Harry had wanted to follow her there as soon as he heard the news from Ron. However, he recalled the conversation he had with Luna and Ron after he had told them his plan.
"I have to go after her. I have to stop her," Harry said. He forced any rogue tears down. Ron seemed like he was about to agree, when Luna spoke up.
"Harry, you musn't go after her. At least, not yet," Luna sighed. Harry and Ron looked at her like she had three heads.
"Of course I have to go after her! She can't just leave....I mean....", Harry trailed off. Luna looked at him simpathetically.
"Hermione needs space. She needs time to think. She didn't tell us what happened between you two, but it was obviously detremental enough for her to need to leave. Whatever her reasons are, you have to respect them. Besides, she said she'd be home for Christmas. But until then, you have to let her go, Harry. You must let her go," Luna finished. Ron sighed and grabbed Luna's hand. She smiled sweetly at him, then turned to look at Harry.
Harry looked at both of them, then hung his head. He knew she was right.
Harry rolled over in his bed. He looked at his wife, sleeping soundly next to him. There was a point where Harry might have loved her. Maybe. If that point had existed at all. But now....now he could barely bring himself to like her. He and Ginny had constant rows, ever increasing. They had grown apart, though they never were fully together. In a sense, it was like she didn't know him at all. All Ginny knew, even after all these years, was the "famous Harry Potter. She never knew the real, plain Harry. Hermione knew that Harry. Hermione had always known him. Harry sighed. He knew he no longer loved Ginny. He wasn't ready face the truth of who he loved.
Hermione walked along the beach. The warm air blew through her hair. She closed her eyes and welcomed the feeling of freedom. As she opened her eyes, Hermione noticed a man staring at her. He had sandy brown hair with blue eyes, and was probably six feet tall. She gave him a quick smile and expected him to smile in return, then turn away. However, he simply stared at her. This made Hermione uncomfortable. She almost apparated out of the area, then remembered that she was on muggle land. Hermione smiled once more at him, and turned around. Luckily, he didn't follow her.
Once Hermione was at a safe distance with no muggles around, she apparated back to her Australian home. After quickly washing off her sandy feet, she grabbed a pair of shoes and headed to the shops. She knew she had brought a couple books to read, but it had been a long time since she had read any muggle books, and she welcomed the idea. Hermione walked out of her home and down the street. The air was filled with beahc-like business. Not too far from her home was a small fish market, then a few tourist stops. Finally, after rounding a few corners, Hermione found a book store called 'St. Thomas's Literature'. She smiled and walked inside. A little door bell rang, and a small, elderly gentlemen looked up from behind the counter. He began to speak, his voice thick with an Australian accent.
"Welcome to St. Thomas's Literature. Is there anything you're looking for in particular?", he asked nicely. Hermione shook her head.
"No, I was just browsing, thanks," she said sweetly. As he heard he accent, the old man straitened up and smiled.
"English, correct?," he asked. Hermione raised her eyebrows.
"Yes, you're correct. I'm on a short vacation."
"Where are you staying, if you don't miond me asking?"
"I don't mind. I'm staying on Silver Street, off of Highland? You know, near the shore?"
"Ah, lovely scenery. Well, I hope you enjoy your stay. Feel free to look around."
Hermione smiled and nodded her head. After looking through the bookstore for around half an hour, Hermione came up to counter. She purchased a small detective novel. When she was almost ready to go, something glinting in the sun caught her eye. It was a small metal chain hanging off of a plain yellow bookmark. At the end of the chain was a simple cross. Now, Hermione had never had a specified religion, but she had always bvelieved in God. For some reason, she felt compelled to purchase the bookmark as well. So, on a spur of the moment, she did. Hermione walked home and wrapped herself up on the couch. She began to read. And, for some reason, she felt happier than she had since she had come to Australia.
Okay, so I know the last part seemed a bit tacked on, but I like to work God into all of my stories. If you have a problem with that, I respect your views, but I please ask you to not flame me because of mine. Thanks so much for reading. :)