AN: I do not own anything. I just began writing so take it easy on me. I would love to hear your thoughts. This was an idea I had for a while now. It will be a Dramione fic so do not worry. It may progress slowly, so I apologize in advance. Also, if there is any errors I am also sorry.

It was the beginning of summer. After 6th year... after Dumbledore's death. Things will never be the same again in wizarding world. DUMBLEDORE DEAD?, read the title of the Daily Prophet that Hermione was reading. She set it down after reading it for the fifth time. She couldn't believe what she was reading. In newspapers and magazines, wizards and witches were posting theories about Dumbledore's death, whether it was real or fake. And behind it all was Rita Skeeter.

Who even believes in this nonsense?, asked Hermione.

Loads of dumb asses I suppose, replied Ron.

The golden trio were sitting in the kitchen in 12 Grimmauld place. Harry inherited the estate after Sirius had died. Now it is use as headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. Which all of them are all apart of, after much of Molly protesting about it. They were trying to find clues on how to defeat Voldemort.

Who would even read this, this garbage?, asked Hermione again, filled with rage.

Well, you're reading it, said Ron.

That's beside the point, Hermione snapped.

Can you two stop arguing? I have a major headache and I can't concentrate when you two are talking, please?, said Harry. He was currently going over articles.

Hermione looked up at the boy she knew ever since she was eleven. They were now seventeen almost eighteen. He looked exhausted. With blood shot eyes, bags underneath them, and messier hair than he usually did, do to running his hands through it (a habit he inherited from his dad) when he was nervous. Ron and Hermione both looked at each other and then back at Harry. They both were speechless because Harry rarely yelled at anyone, and if he did it was because he was mad or frustrated. Hermione was the first to speak up saying, "Sorry Harry. I didn't realize that Ron and I were yelling. I'll keep it down".

"Yeah mate I'm really sorry about that", said Ron sheepishly.

It's fine, I just can't let anyone die. Not on my watch. I can't... I just can't, said Harry pacing around the room. He was looking at ground and was clenching and unclenching his fists.

"Harry it's ok nothing is going to happen", Hermione said trying to soothe Harry. She couldn't tell him that no one was going to die. She wouldn't be naive to think that. She couldn't tell Harry that everything will be fine, even if she wished for it. She couldn't get herself or anyone else's hopes up.

"Nothing is going to happen? Do you believe that? I'm Harry Potter and the darkest wizard wants me dead and you guys too. He killed the man that I looked up to and he was to help guide me to kill Voldemort. And now?...well he is dead, because of me! I stood underneath the balcony and watch him get murdered by a man that he trusted and the whole time he was a traitor. A traitor just like the man who lead my parents to be killed. And I did nothing to stop it. I watched it. So no, everything is not going to be okay". By the time Harry stopped yelling he had unshedded tears in his eyes.

Hermione and Ron were in shock. It has been two weeks since Dumbledore had died and Harry never said anything about it, until now.

Hermione approached Harry saying, Harry I didn't mean to, I'm... But she couldn't finish her apology before Harry cut her off saying, "I know, you're sorry. I have things to do". Harry than left to go to his room leaving an angry Weasley and an upset Hermione behind.

"Let me see if he's okay", said Hermione.

"Obviously he's not if he just chewed your head off!, yelled Ron.

"Ron I'm fine. I shouldn't have said that nothing wasn't going to happen. I was being stupid. He's right. Everything won't be fine. We are living in dark times", replied Hermione.

"But that doesn't give him the right to yell at you. I'll be back. I'm going to give him a talk", said Ron approaching the stairs.

"No!, Hermione said blocking his way. You'll only make it worse. Go to the burrow and bring Harry's favorite pastries. If you want, you can visit with your family for a little bit. I don't need both of you in the same house if you're both mad". Ron stood there looking at Hermione as if she were crazy. "I said go on! He'll be fine by the time you come back. If anyone asks about Harry say he is coping. Do not mention his meltdown that just happened. We do not need everyone pestering about Dumbledore's death", said Hermione finishing her lecture.

"Fine, said Ron, but tell me if he's not being an ass and I'll be back. I don't like leaving him alone when he is angry".

"But I'll be here with him", interrupted Hermione.

"I know its just... I'm his best friend and I like to be there for him. Like he was there for me when I thought dad died.

"I know Ronald. I'm proud of you. For being mature and all", said Hermione. She gave him a hug. The next thing she knew she felt Ron's arms wrapping around her waist.

"Thanks Mione your the best" Ron said into her hair before letting her go. "I'll be back". And with a pooft he was gone.

"Bye", Hermione said softly. She went into kitchen to make Harry and herself sandwiches. She grabbed two glasses and a pitcher of pumpkin juice and placed it onto a tray. As she made her way up stairs she was thinking of Harry and how she was going to cheer him up. Once she reached his room she knocked softly. "Harry are you in there?", asked Hermione. There was no response. 'Maybe he's asleep', she thought. She opened the door and saw him sitting on the edge of the bed, facing the window. "Harry?, she asked softly. I came to bring you dinner. It will be on the nightstand. Good night".

She was about to leave the room until Harry called out ,"Wait! Please... stay?

Hermione looked back at Harry. She was looking into pools of emerald. He looked broken. He looked like a little boy who was lost. Hermione could feel her heart breaking by just looking at him. "Harry?" She walked over to him and sat right beside him. They were shoulder to shoulder, both looking out the window. She could feel Harry's eyes on her. She looked back at him.

"Mione? I'm sorry. I… I… I didn't mean to, he stammered. I was so angry… and I… I don't know what came over me".

It's ok Harry. Shh. I'm fine. No need to worry, she tried to soothe. Harry laid his head on her shoulders. Her curly hair got onto his face during the process. She started to rub his face up and down with her small soft hands. He leaned into her embrace, slowly calming down. "Harry, she said. Look at me". Harry looked the other way, purposely refusing to meet Hermione's gaze. "Harry she said again but more forcefully. She grabbed his chin and moved his head in her direction. "Harry Potter you look at me right now. I am not one to be ignore and you should know that of all people". Harry finally looked up at Hermione. "Harry I am alive. You are alive. Ron is alive. The Weasley's are alive. Everyone dies, and sometimes we can't do anything about it. Harry, if I wasn't your friend I would still have a target on my back for being a 'mudblood'. Ron and the Weasley's would still have a target on their back because they are considered 'blood traitors'. You can't change that. But I will help you defeat that bastard. We will all stand by you and defeat him… for good. But I will not stand by and watch you deteriorate. Not on my watch". Hermione went over to the nightstand and grabbed the tray of food. She came back to Harry's side and handed him the tray of food. "Here, she said. I bet you're hungry as much as I am". Harry looked at her wide-eyed and his mouth agape. "Close your mouth or eat. After this you need your rest". Harry grabbed a sandwich and devoured it. She poured him a glass of pumpkin juice and within seconds it was gone in seconds.

"Mione you're the best, said Harry. He gave her a hug and before Hermione even realized what was happening.

"Ughh. Harry!, squealed Hermione. Harry was on top of her, giving her a funny look. Hermione gave him a confused look in return. Then Harry was tickling her sides. "Ha..rry...ah. No! Stop!... I...ugh..I can't br..breath!, she choked out. She was laughing so hard that she was feeling light headed.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you over the laughing. Could you say that again?, Harry asked, smirking as he said it.

"Ha..ry! Please?", she asked her head off.

"Fine. Just because you asked so nicely", he said.

He rolled off of her. Giving her time to breathe again. "Why did you tickle me? You know I hate being tickled", she said mock being mad at him.

"I wanted to return the favor", he said. Hermione gave him a confused look. "A couple of moments ago I was mad and you made me feel better, he explained. So, I wanted to return the favor, he finished sheepishly.

"Well you returned the favor all right. Thanks. I needed a laugh. I'm tired. I think I'll leave you to rest", she said as she was exciting.

"Don't!, he yelled. I mean, don't leave me alone tonight. I… I still have nightmares. Of you know… he trailed off. Hermione looked at him sympathetically.

"Fine, she said. But let me change and put the dishes away". She gathered the dishes and headed downstairs. The clock in the kitchen read 7:47. Ron was to be back. It has been three to four hours since the argument. She wrote a note for Ron and left it on the countertop. Knowing Ron he'd go to the kitchen first to eat. She headed back upstairs to change. She went to her bathroom and looked at her own reflection. She looked exhausted. She then combed her hair and headed to Harry's room, which was down the hall. She knocked at his door, not wanting to intrude if he was naked or not. Harry opened the door wearing a grey shirt and black sweat pants. Hermione was wearing a spaghetti strapped tank top and clad sweatpants.

"Hey, Harry said softly. Come on in." She looked around the room. He had not yet conjured another bed. Sensing Hermione's apprehension Harry quickly asked, "Do you want the bed? I can conjure another one for myself.

"No it's your bed. I can just conjure myself a bed". Hermione grabbed her wand and muttered, "inanimatus conjurus". Than a bed appeared in front of Harry's.

"Hermione can I tell you something?", Harry asked.

"Of course. You can tell me anything", she replied.

Hermione and Harry sat on the bed next to each other spilling their hearts to each other. They began with first year, how Harry and Ron saved Hermione from the troll. The beginning of their friendship and all the adventures they have encountered so far. After a hour of talking they began to mess around, talking about their funny and most embarrassing moments. Talking about Hermione becoming a cat in their second year and Ron throwing up slugs.

"hahaa. And the..th..they just k..kept coming!", Hermione choked out.

She was leaning on Harry because she was laughing so hard she could barely see straight.

"Oh Mione, those were the days", Harry said.

Harry and Hermione looked back into each other eyes. He leaned forward and moved a stray curl away from her face.

"There", he whispered.

Hermione couldn't tear her eyes away from his. Somehow they were so captivating. She could feel her heart thumping in her chest. Next thing she knew she could feel warm lips pressing against hers. She gasped not being prepared for it to happen. Harry took the opportunity to slip his tongue into her mouth. Hermione didn't know what to do, what to think. So she kissed him back. Gently at first then it became urgent, needy. Harry grabbed her waist, lowering her to the bed. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer to her. After a few minutes of kissing they both pulled back, gasping for air. Hermione unwrapped her arms around him, avoiding eye contact.

"Wow", said Harry.

"Yeah", replied Hermione trying to find a way out of the awkard situation.

"I didn't mean to. You know… Kiss you like that. I… I was caught up in the moment. I know we both said we wouldn't… you know, do anything like that again. After last time and all", Harry finished quickly.

Hermione thought back to the last incident. It was fifth year, after Sirius's death. Harry was so sad and angry all the time after it. So one day Hermione decided to talk to him. While talking to Harry he finally broke. And one thing lead to another. They both lost their virginities that night. It wasn't like they loved each other romantically, but their emotions were running high. So they let their frustrations out on each other not knowing what else to do. It was now a tradition between the two. If either of the two were distraught they sometimes engaged in sexual activities.

"Harry, I'm sorry. I was caught up in the moment too", replied Hermione. "How about we go to bed?"

They laid on the bed side by side. Hermione then grabbed his arm, wrapping it around her waist. Harry pulled the thick covers over them, protecting them from the cold.

"G'night Mione", he said.

"Night Harry", she responded drowsily as sleep was taking over her.