Author's Note: Wow guys, I cannot believe the reviews for the story. I'm so glad you like it! I see there's some hating on Jason, yeah I don't like him much either. Haha, well here it is.
The silence in the dining room of the Burrow erupted into angered chaos around Hermione. Harry and Ron stepped forward and began speaking fast and quiet to Kingsley.
"We have to put her under security," Ron began, his voice hurried and strained.
"You're right, Ron. I'll put Auror's at her home immediately," Kingsley replied nodding.
Harry intervened, "No, why would you use Aurors who can search for Lestrange when Ron and I can look out for Hermione," his low bass echoing with anger. Harry continued, "Why has it taken four years for execution, Kingsley? That woman has killed dozens maybe hundreds of people in her lifetime."
Kingsley hung his head and replied dejectedly, "I know, Harry. After the war, we had to set up new security at Azkaban since the Ministry demanded that the Dementors be destroyed. All sentences were pushed back while Azkaban was made secure again. I am sorry for all this,"
The Weasleys were speaking amongst themselves, all stealing glances at the quiet form of Hermione.
"Mum, Hermione can just stay here until Lestrange is caught can't she? I'll come and live at home to be here with her," Ginny suggested, concerned for her friend.
Molly shook her head, "I wish it were that easy, Ginny. Bellatrix will know that we would keep her here, it isn't safe here for Hermione."
Hermione stood quickly, anger coursing through her at the nerve of everyone, speaking as though she couldn't defend herself. "I can take care of myself, honestly. I think I deserve to have a say in what I do or do not do," Hermione called to the loud room.
Every voice quieted and every face turned to Hermione, she gathered her coat and stalked from the room. The back door snapped shut behind her; the nerve of them, Hermione thought as she stopped at the edge of the garden and gazed into the country side. The wind chilled her to the bone quickly, but she was too stubborn to retreat back into the house. Four years without so much as a peep out of the remaining Death Eaters on the loose, let alone those shut away in Azkaban, so why now? Hermione questioned silently.
Back inside, Harry spoke loudly to be heard by everyone, "Hermione's right, whatever security measures that are put in place are up to her. Everyone be on the lookout, Bellatrix will be heading for the Burrow first," Harry removed his glasses and rubbed circles on his temples as he thought.
She will not reach Hermione, not again. I will find her and finish this, Harry thought losing himself in the memory of Hermione's torture at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange.
"Take the boys to the cellar, leave the mudblood with me," Bellatrix ordered harshly.
Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy steered Harry and Ron from the room and locked them deep in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. Not long after, Hermione's screams began piercing the stone walls sending a chill down Harry's spine and anger trilling through his body.
"HERMIONE!" Ron screamed throwing his body against the door over and over as Harry searched for anything of use in the dismal dungeon. With their wands gone there was nothing that could be done by magic. Harry searched his pack sifting through the clothes until he reached the fragment of broken mirror that had once been his communication with Sirius. The blue eye that had been frequenting the small sliver of glass was peering right back into Harry's emerald eyes.
"Help us, please. Help her," Harry murmured to the glass, gasping as the eye quickly disappeared.
A faint pop issued from the corner as a high-pitched voice called, "Dobby didn't mean to land on you, miss. Miss?"
Harry approached the voice of his old friend and smiled in relief as he gazed down upon Luna Lovegood curled in a ball on the floor near the house elf. "Ron, come here. Luna's down here and Dobby is going to get us out of here," Harry called. Ron quickly joined his side and hoisted Luna up in his arms.
A loud scream echoed from the floors above, a scream that would surely haunt Harry until his last breath. "I'm coming for you, Hermione. Just hold on. Dobby, get us out of here," Harry pleaded.
With a snap of Dobby's fingers, Harry and Ron's wands were in their hands. "Ready, Harry Potter sir?" the small elf asked his large eyes on Harry. Harry nodded and with another snap of the house elf's fingers they were apparated into the library. On the floor lay Hermione bruised and bloody under the wand of Bellatrix Lestrange.
Bellatrix turned from Hermione and smiled, "Well, Potter you escaped with the help of that sniveling traitor, Dobby. No matter, I'll kill the mudblood and be right with you."
Harry raised his wand and growled, "Get away from her or I will kill you." Harry felt Ron put his back against his, they were surrounded. The Malfoys behind them and Bellatrix ahead of them, Bellatrix sneered at them and turned back to Hermione.
Harry turned from Bellatrix and pointed his wand at the bookcase to his left and called, "Bombarda!" The wall exploded in a shower of dust and stone. Harry used the cover to dart towards Bellatrix, dodging the spells coming from both directions. Harry threw his body at Bellatrix effectively tackling her to ground and stunning her. Ron, with the help of Dobby, quickly subdued the Malfoys. Harry knelt by Hermione, "Mione, are you alright?" he asked touching her face.
Hermione opened her eyes tiredly and replied, "Yeah, just get me out of here please."
Harry nodded and gathered her in his arms and returned to Dobby, Ron and the unconscious Luna. With a snap of Dobby's fingers the destroyed library fell away, replaced by the familiar tug of apparation.
"I better call Jason and let him know what's going on," Harry heard Ron say, pulling him from his reverie. Ron moved to the fire and threw floo powder into the flames and called out what Harry assumed was Jason's address. Harry stiffened at the thought of Jason, remembering the moments before Kingsley brought the news. He and Hermione had connected in that moment, Harry even believed he could have told her his feelings had he the chance.
Ron pulled his head from the fire and called, "Harry, c'mere. Jason wants to talk to you."
Harry made his way through the throng of Weasleys to the fireplace. Harry knelt and placed his face inside the warm green flames. Jason's face came into view, his shirt wrinkled and hair mussed as though he'd been sleeping. "Yes, Jason?" Harry asked calmly.
Jason began a steady flurry of questions, "Where is Hermione? Is there going to be a guard put on her? Where is Lestrange?"
Harry put up a hand to silence the wizard and replied, "Hermione needed some air so she went outside in the garden. If she wishes for a guard then there will be one, it's her decision. We do not know where Bellatrix is, but we'll find her.
Jason's eyes widened, "She's alone! You let her go outside alone, what if Lestrange is out there now! I'm on my way right this minute," his voice had rising an octave in his distress.
Harry shook his head and replied exasperated, "Will you relax, please? Hermione can take care of herself and then some."
Jason shook his head defiantly, "You may be alright with letting something happen to her, but I am not." before cutting the connection.
Harry stood and turned from the fire, his hands shaking in anger and headed for the door. Hermione had seated herself on the bench near the pumpkin patch losing herself in her thoughts. Harry's heart caught as he quietly made his way to her, stopping a good distance away trying to come up with something to say. She sat with her jean-clad knees tucked under her arms, her eyes directed towards the vast countryside beyond. Only someone who knew her as well as Harry would know that her mind was traveling a mile a minute.
Harry closed the distance between them and shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans. Harry closed his eyes as the wind blew the very familiar scent of vanilla to him. "May I?" he asked softly, opening his eyes to find her still turned away from him.
Harry, what am I going to do, she thought turning, offering him a timid smile as she nodded. Harry took a seat beside her and waited patiently for her to speak.
Hermione took a moment to readjust herself so that she and Harry were facing the same direction before saying, "So she's after me, huh? It didn't take five minutes for everyone to decide I need a guard with me everywhere I go."
Harry nodded but remained quiet not trusting his mind to say what he wanted it to. Hermione continued, "I did fight in the war, took down quite a few Death Eaters on my own. I could be an Auror, but I wanted to start my bookshop. Don't you think I can take care of myself?" she asked studying his face by the light of the small lanterns around the garden.
Harry dragged his gaze from a small garden gnome who had been trying to move a pumpkin and rested his jade eyes on Hermione's face. "I know you can, Mione. That's why I told them all it's your decision if you have a guard," Harry replied seriously, "I would never make a decision for you."
A small smile formed on the young witch's lips as she replied, "No, you never have."
Harry shrugged, but inwardly he was beaming at the warmth in her tone. He figured he should mention the fact that Jason would arrive any moment, but he would rather spend this time simply speaking with his friend. "Hermione, I'll find her. I won't let anything happen to you, not again," Harry said, his tone serious, searching for her toffee eyes.
Harry, Hermione thought softly turning her face to his, finding his piercing eyes on her. She laid her hand atop his that had been resting on his leg and said, "Harry, it wasn't your fault. I never blamed you, I hope you know that."
Harry turned his hand over and laced his fingers through hers and said "I know you didn't blame me, Mione. I blamed myself; if you had never met me you wouldn't have scars. You wouldn't be in danger right now."
Hermione squeezed his hand until his eyes met hers then she said, "Harry, if I had never met you I wouldn't know what true friendship is. I wouldn't be who I am without you." A smile lifted the corners of Harry's mouth as he played with the fingers of her left hand but he remained quiet.
The quiet of the night was broken by the small pop that sounded just outside the gate. Both Harry and Hermione turned to the sound of footsteps as Jason jogged up the hill. Harry held onto Hermione's hand even though he knew he should let go, but she hadn't pulled away either.
"Hermione, thank God you're alright. What are you doing out here? You shouldn't be out in the open," Jason chastised. Harry inwardly rolled his eyes, what a tosser, his mind echoed.
Hermione looked affronted as she said rather heatedly, "Don't treat me as if I'm a child, Jason. I've dueled Bellatrix Lestrange many times and I'm still in one piece."
Jason backpedaled, "I know, love. I'm just worried is all." His eyes found Harry's hand still interlaced with Hermione's. If it bothered him he didn't show it as he leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek.
At that moment, Kingsley followed by Mr. Weasley and Ron joined the circle. Hermione felt Harry pull his hand from hers and stand; she couldn't explain the feeling of loss in words if asked. Harry looked to Hermione and asked, "Well, what will be done Hermione?"
Hermione looked around at the concerned mean and took in a breath to answer, but Jason interjected, "She'll take a guard of course. I volunteer, I won't leave her side."
Harry gawked at the nerve of this naïve wizard, even Ron looked as though he'd been slapped. No expression of shock crossed Hermione's face, for it was full of pure rage. Hermione calmly ignored Jason and spoke to Kingsley directly, "Kingsley, I don't need a guard. Put all your Aurors on finding that conniving bitch. I have Harry and Ron to look after me, not to mention what I can do myself."
Jason looked as though he'd been slapped and he had, metaphorically speaking. Ron looked a little unnerved, "Herms are you sure? I'll put off the wedding until she's caught," he spoke with complete seriousness.
Hermione put a hand on his arm and spoke softly, "Ron, you will not put off your wedding because of this. Everything will go as planned and you will be married the twentieth of May."
Ron nodded and headed home to floo Luna, Kingsley headed off to start the search leaving Arthur, Harry, Hermione and Jason alone in the garden. Jason stood beside Hermione, fuming silently while Harry and Arthur made their way back into the house to let everyone know what Hermione had decided.
Harry snuck a quick look back at Hermione, who gave him a swift nod before rounding on Jason. The door shut behind him just as she was getting started.
A week passed without so much as a glimpse of Bellatrix anywhere. Hermione went on with opening her bookstore while tending to her Maid of Honor duties, helping Luna choose dinnerware and foods. Harry stayed close by for that week, popping in at least once every day. Luna on the other hand, was all smiles but not only because her wedding was looming ever closer, but because the spark between Harry and Hermione had grown exponentially. Ron busied himself between spending time with Luna and aiding in the search for Bellatrix. Jason, however, had had a huge blow to his ego and Hermione hadn't contacted him since the night at the Burrow despite his many floos and visits. Hermione had described the altercation at the Burrow to Harry as "something that should never have happened and it wouldn't happen again."
With only three months until Ron and Luna's big day it was time to decide on a cake. The bride and groom had been through at least three different cakes before Harry strode in the door of the wedding bakery. Harry laughed at the look of raw glee in Ron's eyes as he tasted yet another piece of wedding cake. Luna shared a smile with Harry and turned back to the lady who cut her another slice of a 4 tiered cake.
"Sorry I'm late, got caught up with Jason," Harry explained stealing a piece of chocolate cake from Ron's hand and plopping it on his tongue as he spoke.
Luna turned and asked, "Was he on about Hermione not calling him again? I swear he's lucky I haven't paid him a visit, ruddy tosser."
Ron laughed loudly and put an arm around Luna's waist and said, "It's alright, easy love. Hermione can take care of herself."
Luna smiled and kissed his cheek before replying, "I know, Ron, but Hermione should have dumped his ass a long time ago."
Harry struggled to agree verbally and settled for eating another piece of cake. Ron and Luna shared a smile as the bell on the bakery door sounded signaling the entrance of another person. Harry turned to the door, his mouth full of cake his eyes greeting Hermione. Her tinkling laugh met his ears and he couldn't help but grin, oh how I love this woman, he thought as he embraced her in a hug. Ron and Luna exchanged a knowing look then proceeded to greet Hermione.
"Sorry I'm late. I decided to walk instead of drive," Hermione explained, eyes on the muggles within earshot. Harry smiled at the clever witch and bit into another piece of chocolate cake.
Harry felt the smudge of icing on his face and was just sticking out his tongue when Hermione's thumb wiped it away, then licked the icing off of her own finger her eyes closing in bliss. Harry could not look away as he swallowed the cake through his closing esophagus. "Mmm, that's delicious. Luna, I vote this one," Hermione teased, smiling over at her blonde friend.
Luna laughed and replied, "I'll think on it, but now that we're all here we can head to the back where I can tell the baker what I would like. Yes, Ron we can continue to taste. Honestly, what am I going to do with you?" Ron smirked and snaked an arm around her waist as they followed a short brunette woman through a doorway behind the counter.
Hermione stared after them, and smiled fondly "They cannot keep their hands off of each other, what kind of love that must be," she said quietly and somewhat bitterly.
Green met brown and Harry felt his heart skip as he replied, "There's better for you, Mione." He took step towards her and took his hand in hers, "Now let's go eat cake," he ordered with a goofy grin eliciting a broad smile from the young witch.
Hermione smiled to herself as she followed Harry into the kitchen of the small bakery. Ron and Luna were standing beside a rather tall plump man in a chef's hat, his hands covered in flour. Assortments of cakes were laid out on the countertops. Ron looked around hungrily, obviously not registering any part of the baker's words.
Harry and Hermione joined their friends and just caught the last of the older man's words, "Taste all you like and let me know what you would like."
The plump baker exited the room to help with customers, leaving the four friends alone with the cakes. "Okay, let's get started!" Ron exclaimed quickly picking up a piece of the nearest cake.
Nearly half an hour later, Luna and Ron finally decided on a chocolate truffle cake. Ron, a few pounds heavier than when he entered the shop, held his hand to his stomach and burped loudly.
"Ronald, manners!" Hermione chided from the opposite corner of the room.
Harry merely laughed and ate a rather decadent piece of strawberry cake. The light, moist square seemed to melt in his mouth.
"Sorry, Herms. Couldn't help it, I ate a lot," Ron replied grinning. Luna smiled up at her fiancé and couldn't help but laugh at his nonchalant tone.
Hermione turned, not at all angry with her red-headed friend and found Harry eating his third piece of strawberry cake. "Harry, why don't you just nick the cake and run off?" Hermione joked, her brown eyes twinkling playfully.
Harry looked up from the cake, his mouth full of cake and attempted to grin. He's so adorable, Hermione thought as he struggled to swallow. "What, it's really good. Try it, Hermione," Harry said, wiping the excess icing from his lips.
Hermione shook her head, "I've had enough, but thank you," she replied her smile never faltering.
Harry picked up a square of the cake and held it out to her and begged, "Please, Mione. It will change your life." His soft, playful tone did not match the subtle fire ablaze in the emerald depths of his eyes.
Hermione placed her hands on her hips and replied, "I highly doubt that, but fine I'll try the bloody cake." Harry smiled and took a step toward her, his hand outstretched. Hermione opened her mouth and waited; he placed the small square on her tongue and waited as she chewed.
A small smile played at the corners of her mouth as she swallowed, "Not quite life changing, but rather fantastic," she declared to her friend.
Harry whooped and childishly shouted, "Told ya!" Across the room Ron and Luna simply watched the pair engage in playful banter each hoping that their friends would see the light.
Luna clapped her hands to get their attention and called, "Come on children, we're ready to go," smiling broadly at the irritated looks on Harry and Hermione's faces.
The four friends exited the bakery into the late afternoon sun, the wind blowing softly through the nearly empty street. Harry felt his stomach growl loudly and his face turned red as he said, "I'm still hungry, anyone up for dinner?"
Ron shook his head, "I think Luna and I are going to head on back to the flat and make dinner. We've gotta get used to cooking eventually."
Harry turned to Hermione, who stood at his side, "What about you, Mione?" Harry asked, his heart hammering at her knowing smile.
Hermione checked her watch, "I was just going to grab take away and head home, but that sounds like a lot more fun than eating at home alone. Sure I'll go eat with you, Harry. Where to?" she replied excitedly.
Harry grinned and suggested, "How about Giovanni's? We haven't been there in ages!" Hermione eagerly nodded, feeling an abnormal fluttering in her stomach.
Luna gave Harry and Hermione a brief hug and an order to Hermione to have fun and the young couple disappeared into an alley nearby, a faint pop noting their departure.
Harry held out his arm to Hermione, who slipped her arm through his and the pair set off to dinner.
Giovanni's is an Italian restaurant tucked on the corner of King Street beside a small flower boutique. Giovanni, the owner, had traveled from Italy and opened the wizard restaurant in the early nineties. Harry and Hermione had frequented the small restaurant before Harry's absence of four years. It was where the two friends often went to talk of the war when the memories became too great. Now the same pair entered through the familiar red door into the dimly lit Italian designed restaurant.
Harry and Hermione waited to be seated, chatting idly about work and Hermione's family. The hostess, Jeanie, led them to a small booth beside the sunlit windows that provided a wonderful view of the sunset. Both Harry and Hermione ordered drinks and perused the menu, already knowing what they would order when a pair of footsteps signaled someone's approach. A rather small Italian man in a tailored suit made his way to their table, a bright smile lighting his face.
"Harry! Hermione! So good to see you, it's been quite a while since I've seen your faces. I'm glad you're back, what's new?" Giovanni asked happily.
Harry smiled and replied, "I'm just back from America; Hermione and I were just out for a bite and chose to come here,"
Hermione grinned and added, "I know it has been ages since we've been here, but the place looks great as do you, handsome." Giovanni laughed and made the pair promise to come back soon.
Harry and Hermione talked less and less as the sun lowered towards the horizon. Soon two steaming plates of mushroom lasagna were set between the two and all conversation ceased as they ate. Harry finished first and leaned back from the table and smiled contentedly. I've missed this so much. Even gives me hope that maybe she does love me too, Harry thought as he watched her finish her meal.
Fifteen minutes later, Harry and Hermione exited Giovanni's into the brisk twilight that had settled over London. Hermione stood in front of Harry awkwardly, not sure of what to do next. Harry simply gazed back but was caught off guard when Hermione asked, "Harry, would you walk me home?"
"Of course, Mione. Is there a reason why?" Harry replied as the young wizards started in the direction of Hermione's flat.
Hermione remained quiet for a while before she finally replied, "I just don't want to think about Jason and the longer you're with me, the less I think of him."
Harry stopped walking and turned her to face him, "What?" Harry asked confused.
"I can't think of him when I'm with you. You just make me feel safe, you always have. I know Jason and I aren't right, but I thought that it was finally a good relationship. I don't know," Hermione explained walking ahead.
Harry hurried to keep up with her as they turned onto Hermione's street. "Hermione, I don't understand. You aren't the type of person to stay with someone if you don't want to be with them. Wait, this isn't just about Jason is it?" Harry asked quietly, his heart daring to hope.
The young wizards reached the steps of Hermione's building and stopped, Hermione turned to Harry. "You are the only person I could ever admit this to. I'm scared that Bellatrix is after me, but I can handle her as I did before. Jason's refusal to let me make my own decisions drives me nutters and after our incident at the Burrow the relationship is pretty much shot. Jason and I haven't been right since Ron and Luna got engaged, he's under the impression that we're next to the altar. I cannot marry someone after only 6 months. I cannot marry someone I don't know if I love," the words fell from Hermione's lips and her hand flew to her mouth in surprise.
Harry softened and took her hand in his, "Bellatrix will not hurt you, I promise. As for Jason, if you don't love him then don't be with him," Harry paused and took a deep breath, "I truly believe that you always do what's right no matter the cost to you, but I think that this time you need to follow your heart," he continued as Hermione lowered her head to his shoulder. Harry wrapped his arms around her slender body and embraced her.
Hermione murmured something into the cloth of Harry's sweater but he didn't catch it. "Sorry, what did you say?" Harry asked pulling away.
Hermione raised her eyes to his and repeated, "You smell like the outdoors. You've smelled that way to me since those days chasing the Horcruxes."
Harry smiled and joked, "Thanks, I guess. I mean, grizzly is in you know you."
Hermione began to laugh, the remnants of her seriousness only evident in Harry's mind as he replayed her words in his head. When her giggles quieted she took Harry's large hand in her own and spoke in a serious tone, "Harry, it's been four years since we've talked like this. So I need to ask you something."
Harry nodded for her to go ahead, readying himself for anything as his hand began to burn wherever she touched his skin. "What happened back at the Burrow during dinner?" Hermione asked her eyes on a place over his shoulder.
Harry breathed deeply and began, "I don't rightly know, but I'm not upset about it," then he paused and sighed, "I didn't lie to the twins, Hermione. I was being serious."
Hermione nodded and turned towards her building and made her way up the steps and to the elevator. Harry followed rather slowly, not sure of what was going to happen. The elevator ascended and stopped on Hermione's floor and Hermione headed for her door. She turned her key in the lock and turned back to the tall wizard behind her.
She raised a small hand and laid it over his heart; she could feel his heart beating wildly under her palm. Harry gazed down at Hermione's downturned face and waited to be sent away but the rejection never came. He lifted her chin with his forefinger until green met brown and then time stopped.
Harry lowered his face to hers and caught her lips in soft kiss, he immediately felt Hermione return the pressure with just as much passion as he. Her hand traveled up his chest and moved to the hair at the nape of his neck, deepening the kiss.
Harry pulled away quickly and began apologizing profusely, "I know you're with Jason, I'm sorry. I just," Hermione's finger on his lips quieted him.
Hermione's eyes, now darkened to a deep chocolate, spoke not of rejection but of acceptance. A small smile spread her lips as she said, "Don't worry about Jason, it's over. Harry, will you stay with me?"
Harry's breath caught in his throat, but words were not needed. He pressed his lips to hers, wrapped his arms around her and lifted her from the ground and pushed through the door of her flat.