Hey. Sorry about the wait but i had serious writers block on where to continue on from Broken Bodies and Shattered Souls. But now I'm back and I hope you enjoy.
"I need your help"
Cold brown eyes opened and focused on the raven haired young man stepping out of her fireplace. Showing no signs of emotion at the man's sudden intrusion into her living room, Hermione silently tilted her head at the famous Auror. Taking the action as a sign to continue with his request Harry Potter inhaled deeply before exhaling.
"I really wish I didn't have to ask you this but I need you to take care of Ginny for the next few months" Frowning in confusion at his request Hermione waited for him to elaborate.
"She's in danger Hermione and there isn't anyone I can trust to keep her safe back in London" Frowning, Hermione diverted her attention to focus somewhere other than the man in front of her.
Feeling the sofa dip as Harry sat next to her Hermione remained determined to not look at him so instead she kept her eyes focused on the wall.
"What kind of danger is she in?" asked Hermione, breaking the awkward silence between them. Releasing a sigh, Harry took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his noise.
"I'm not sure…everyone in the Department has been receiving threatening howlers though we have no way of finding out who sent them. Some of my top Aurors, the very best are being killed while out on missions but here's the real kick…all of the cases that they were investigating have no connections with each other"
Narrowing her eyes thoughtfully Hermione couldn't help but wonder why Harry would ask her of all people to look after his wife at such a dangerous time. The last time she had seen Ginny was at her and Harry's wedding two years ago and even then it had been brief. Hermione flinched as Harry gently grazed his fingers over her hand and his green eyes filled with sorrow as she pulled away from him.
It had hurt them all when Hermione had opted for a reclusive existence, keeping them all at an arms length. The war had changed the confident, intelligent brunette into a shadow of her former self and it pained him even now, after five years, to see her eyes so empty. No one knew exactly what she did for a living. All Harry knew was that she was part of the Ministry but that was the extent of his knowledge.
"What does Ginny have to say about this arrangement?" she queried.
"She understands that it's for the best but she refuses to intrude on you if you don't want her here" A small flicker of guilt settled in Hermione's stomach as she was tempted to reject her best friends cry for help. She had been alone all this time with nothing but her work to distract her from her heartbroken misery and she didn't like the idea of someone invading her privacy. But she couldn't bring herself to reject Harry or Ginny when they needed help.
"I'll look after her Harry" the relief that the young man felt at her acceptance was indescribable, the anxiety that he had felt twisting in his stomach finally ceased and he released a deep sigh of relief as a smile formed on his pale face.
"Thank you Hermione…it definitely makes me feel better knowing that you'll be looking after her while I'm trying to sort this mess out" Nodding her head she got up from her seat and withdrew her wand from inside the sleeve of her sweater, pointing the smooth wood at her fireplace she used her knowledge of silent magic to repel the wards that stopped everyone but those who frequented her home from Flooing into her living room.
"What time will she be arriving?" she asked as she glanced back at Harry. Flicking out his wrist he glanced at his watch.
"If it's convenient I'll bring her here around 8pm?" Nodding, Hermione placed her wand back inside her sleeve.
"I have work that I need to tend to. If I'm not here when you both arrive please make yourselves comfortable until I return" before Harry could say anything further Hermione turned and walked out of the living room without another word.
Even he didn't need someone to spell it out to him that their conversation was over. But he couldn't help but feel sad as he watched his best friend vanish from his sight. That was the longest conversation he had had with her in five years and it bothered him greatly. Getting up from the sofa he approached the fireplace, throwing a farewell over his shoulder he received no reply. Frowning sadly at the lack of response he used the Floo network to take him home.
His home. A place filled with warmth and laughter. So different to the cold and lonely feel of Hermione's home.
Okay well I hoped you enjoyed the beginning of the story. I know you're probably wondering what's happened between Hermione and Fleur but trust me all will be revealed in time and I think you'll really enjoy what I have planned for this. Please review!