Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters in this story.

Falling Hard

Prologue:

Harry could probably tell you the exact moment he lost himself and his heart, it's a day he'll never forget. His birthday, July 31. That was the day he realized that what he had always wanted had always been just within reach. Most people thought he had the perfect life; he was rich, famous, and powerful. What he wanted the most was a family, but in order to start a family he had to find the woman he loved; he had finally found her.

Now you're probably thinking about Ginevra Weasley, and how he must have finally come to terms with his hidden undying love for her. You would be wrong. That may have been something both Mrs. Weasley and Ginny wanted, but it was something that would never happen. Harry could never love Ginny romantically because he cared too much for her in a sisterly way.

Actually even a few of you might be thinking about Luna Lovegood because their sudden bonding in fifth year; something no one saw coming. Or even Cho Chang, his crush of two years that ended so tragically by a dead boy who he could never think to compete against. It could even be Parvati Patil, the girl he went to the Yule Ball with. So many choices to choose from.

But alas you would still be wrong.

He was madly in love with his best friend, and no not Ronald Weasley.

To clear a few things up Luna was married to Ron with their first child on the way. Parvati Patil was getting married to Fred Weasley in the summer and Cho Chang- I'm sorry I'm getting ahead of myself.

Harry Potter was madly in love with Hermione Granger; it was something that so many had seen, even before he had. Everyone was beginning to lose hope of him ever realizing, but unfortunately there was just one thing stopping him from telling Hermione his true feelings.

Bill Weasley.

Astonishing I know, but after the war Bill was left with his daughter Victoire because Fleur had been killed. And with Bill being a half werewolf kept him from being a very dependable parent. Hermione had taken it upon herself to make sure that Victoire was taken care of, while also taking care of Teddy Lupin. His grandmother died from the grief of losing both her daughter and her husband.

Hermione had taken the duty before Mrs. Weasley could lift a finger; she had to deal with the pain of losing some of her family. So Hermione had taken it upon herself to get a bigger place with three bedrooms; one for her, one for the children, and the other for Bill. Bill was comatose to the world, and it didn't take much for him to agree. Luckily the goblins had decided not to discriminate against him and let him keep his employment, but he had no passion. Bill had no life in him; it took Hermione eight months to get him to his normal self, it turns out goblins are pretty patient beings.

Now anyways, after Bill began to get back into his normal routine he got to see Hermione as she really was. A beautiful person with a big heart; here she was taking care of two children that weren't her own; running a house and working full time from home.

It was no surprise to anyone when Bill proposed to Hermione, but people were a little surprised when Hermione said yes. Most everyone knew of Hermione's feelings for Harry, and that she was holding out for him to realize that he felt the same.

There are a few rumors running around that she just can't wait for The-Boy-Who-Lived anymore. The other rumor was that Hermione wasn't good enough for Harry Potter and she finally realized it. Those rumors really upset Harry, Hermione just laughed it off and told Harry to calm down. Even though she believed them on the inside.

The Weasley's all had different reactions. Charlie was upset because he was one of the believers of Harry and Hermione, but it was hard to tell your hurting brother that he wasn't really in love with Hermione. Percy on the other hand, was proud that his brother picked the smartest witch of her age, it brought something to their family name.

The twins were outraged because they had noticed Harry's affections even before he himself realized them, but they also couldn't do much. They had just recently gotten Bill back, and didn't want him to fall back into depression and Hermione seemed to keep him sane. Ron was happy for Bill because Hermione was a great girl and Bill is his brother, but upset because he knew about Harry's affection as well. Ginny was excited and completely oblivious to the tension that flowed around the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley was excited at the prospect of a wedding and more grandchildren.

Mr. Weasley could be seen staring off into space or blanking when he looked in Harry's direction. You could say that he was feeling quite guilty. Harry had always been there for their family and here one of his sons was taking the woman he loved away from him. He couldn't decide whom to be loyal to. His oldest son or the man who had saved his life and the life of his family many times and asked nothing in return.

But I'm running off onto a tangent. This story is about Harry and the road he walks to get what he deserves. Harry Potter is the boy who lived and won, but is he the man that won the heart of the woman he loved or the man that lost it all?