She knew she was shamelessly in love with him. Kingsley Shacklebolt was the complete package for Hermione; handsome, brave, charming, witty, intelligent and interesting; she couldn't resist him. It started as a crush when Hermione was paired with Kingsley on the thestral when the Order moved Harry. Hermione admired his strength, cool head and intelligence when the Death Eaters came after them. Kingsley multitasked fighting and flying, armed with powerful spells, athleticism and grace. When they had arrived safely, Hermione was obviously thrilled and grateful to be alive, but she was also in complete awe of her guard.

After moving Harry safely, Hermione didn't get to see Kingsley very often, the war rapidly caused their world to become more dangerous. Once again Hermione was in awe of Kingsley at the Battle of Hogwarts but she couldn't allow herself a distraction of drooling over the handsome man fighting. After the defeat of Voldemort was when Hermione and Kingsley became close friends, working together to help the injured, repair Hogwarts and clean out the Death Eater's Ministry. Many people just wanted to hug their loved ones and go home and let others fix the mess but the Order of the Phoenix were the most dedicated people who dealt with the aftermath, none more so than Hermione Granger and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Because of their passion for helping others and problem solving skills, the two automatically gravitated towards each other, creating a dynamic duo.

Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley were content to sit back and let others fix the mess others had made, believing they had done enough for the wizarding world. This attitude created a divide in the Golden Trio, causing the supposedly unbreakable trio to drift apart. Hermione had always known Ron was lazy, but without the pressure of a war, Hermione and Ron realized they were completely wrong for each other. There were no accusations or blow-ups, the realization was paired along with the drifting apart of the Golden Trio.

Kingsley had been named acting Minister of Magic in the aftermath of the war and Hermione knew it was only the matter of time before he was made the official Minister. Hermione was so proud of Kingsley but feared what would happen to their friendship now that he was so important. She wondered why would he want to spend time with a bushy-haired, know-it-all girl who had no idea what she was doing in life, when he should be courting supermodels, celebrities and dignitaries?

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Hermione woke early, excited to meet with Minerva McGonaggall that afternoon to discuss her plans for the future. Returning to Hogwarts was no longer an option in her mind, not after seeing so many die on the grounds and in the school, she knew she wouldn't be able to return . Minerva knew this and invited Hermione to tea to help her as a mentor and friend, not her former professor.

Hermione arrived using the headmistress's private floo, greeted Minerva and took a seat. After dispelling the pleasantries, the two got down to business.

"So returning as a student is out, would you consider an apprenticeship and teaching?" Minerva asked. Hermione just shook her head sadly. Minerva understood it was too soon and too difficult for Hermione but secretly hoped she could persuade her to teach down the road. "Okay so Hogwarts is out, and I'm assuming the Ministry is as well?

"As much as I trust Kingsley and know how much he will change things, I became disillusioned with the Ministry long ago and cant imagine working there any longer."

"Okay, what about Gringotts, St. Mungos or even research? You could combine important research at both?"

Hermione raised her eyebrows at the mention of Gringotts, "I don't think they'd be too interested in me at Gringotts, even if we did agree on reparations. I do like the idea of research at Mungos, or even becoming a Healer. I think I will look into it!"

Minerva was thrilled to see Hermione excited about a potential career, especially one so perfect for her. She handed Hermione info on the training programs, job description and other important documents to help begin the process. Minerva decided it was time to talk to Hermione about something she had noticed.

"So dear, have you told Kingsley that you love him?" Unfortunately for Minerva, Hermione had just taken a sip of her tea and preceded to spit it out in response. "Now, I can see you are about to deny it, so why don't we skip the arguments and discuss what you're going to do about the situation."

"There is nothing to do! We are friends, I love him, yes, but he does not see me in that way and I'm wrong for him. Im not nearly good enough for the next Minister of Magic, Minerva!" Minerva balked at this, getting angry at her one of her favorite students for doubting herself so much.

"Hermione Granger! You are the brightest witch of your age, a hard worker, compassionate, kind, beautiful and everything that man could want! Are you truly blind? Do you really not see how great the two of you could be? Now, I expect you to look in the mirror and see what those who love you see and go after the man you love."

Hermione looked embarrassed, "Do you think he could love me, you know, as more than just bookworm Granger?"

"Yes, he thinks you hung the moon dear. You need to tell him. Soon. You'll be thrilled that you did."

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After the eye opening meeting with Minerva, Hermione went home, poured a large glass of wine and thought about what Minerva had said. She knew that if Kingsley returned her feelings, she could be happier than she ever believed possible, but if he didn't, would it ruin their friendship? Would she lose the man who had been a better friend to her than Harry and Ron combined? She realized that she could never lose his friendship over unrequited feelings, not after knowing the type of man he is, they would never let something so trivial come between them. Feeling courageous, she penned a quick note asking him to stop by when he was done at the Ministry if he could and sent it off with her owl, Helena.

An hour later, Hermione was working on applying to St. Mungos when her floo flared and Kingsley came out looking tired. She immediately poured Kingsley a glass of wine and offered some of her leftover dinner, to which he accepted. The pair chatted while Kingsley ate his dinner, knowing they'd talk for real once he was done and they could settle on the couch.

When he finished, Hermione cleared his plate and nervously refilled their wine and moved to the living room couch. Getting comfortable in her favorite spot, she began, "Kings, I need to tell you something and I'm a little worried about how it will go and I hope this doesn't cause any problems. I just want you to know that you're my best friend, a better friend than Harry or Ron ever were to me. Im just so grateful to know you but I've been keeping a big secret from you and I'm terrified to tell you." Kingsley knew she was rambled when she was nervous and hated to be interrupted while gathering her nerve so he just grabbed her hand and waited for her to spit it out. After a few moments of silence, she took a deep breath and rushed out, "Iminlovewithyouandidontwanttoloseyouifyoudontfeelthesame!"

"Hermione, love, I have no idea what you just said. Slower, please?"

She looked him in the eyes, as if gauging whether he really hadn't heard or just wanted her to repeat it. Upon deciding he hadn't understood, she looked down at her lap and whispered, "Kings, I'm in love with you."

Kingsley had always been a calm and controlled man, but he was truly shocked that Hermione was in love with him. He had begun to develop feelings for her when he watched her healing the injured after the final battle. He was impressed with her kindness, compassion and talent in helping the injured and knew he wanted to get to know her more. He knew that she would be helping as much as he could so he made sure to pair up with her during repairs and rebuilding, seeing it as an opportunity to get close to a young woman who he would likely have to settle for being just friends with. And here she is, telling him she returns his feelings?

Hermione began to panic during Kingsley's inner monologue, thinking he was disgusted by her feelings and was trying to figure out how to let her down nicely. Hermione was truly shocked when she saw Kingsley lean towards her and didn't respond when he first began to kiss her. She quickly jolted out of shock and returned his kiss hungrily, putting everything she felt for this man into the kiss. Eventually they both pulled apart, lips swollen and panting and smiled at each other.

"Hermione, I never thought you would want me, you never let on that you had feelings for me. Merlin, Im the luckiest man alive, I am so in love with you." She smacked him playfully on the chest for not telling her sooner and letting her think he wasn't interested!

Pulling her into his lap and wrapping his arms around her, Kingsley spoke softly in her ear, "You know I'm not letting you go now, right?" She kissed him softly and responded, "I'm not letting you go either, can't you see it, we're going to be the Dynamic Duo!"

Chuckling softly, "Indeed, love, indeed."