Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, I just like playing in the sandbox!

AN: Don't expect any updates on this for a while, I've just put this up to 'wet your appetite' if you will. Regular updates will probably start around the end of March, beginning of April. This the the first of 3 stories I have in the works that centre around Hermione with different pairings. The below paragraph is the opening for each three stories, but all will be different in plot ~ Hannah

There wasn't a defining moment where Hermione just woke up and knew she was in love. It wasn't something that happened suddenly. It was a slow burner, a flame that grew steadily bigger. It was a journey from the person she was to the person she could be. Life didn't always work the way you wanted it too and you didn't always end up with the person you'd imagined. Looking back on things now thought, Hermione couldn't be happier and to think, it all started so innocently.

Chapter One

The flower box had been empty for three weeks now. It had been a spur of the moment purchase. Something to brighten up her windowsill and she still hadn't filled it with flowers. She supposed that was what her life was now: half filled. She was still called 'the brightest witch of her age' and the fame that came with being Harry Potter's friend still lingered but what was Hermione Granger doing with her life?

Honestly she had no clue. She thought life would have been simple for her. As a young adult fresh from the horrors of the war she'd seen a bright shining future but over the years that picture had dimmed.

She supposed that the world had expected her to marry Ron Weasley and for a time that had been her goal as well. Yet her and Ron were too different. In place of love there were just never-ending fights and arguments. It had been a blessing when they'd parted ways and now years later they'd started to become friends again.

At twenty-seven, Hermione didn't think her life was particularly bad. She had a good senior job in the Department of Magical Creatures, good friends and a spacious apartment to call her own. Yet in a world where all her good friend's were either in long-term relationships or married and she knew she was the anomaly.

Looking at herself in the mirror didn't cause the shudder it had in her teens. Now she felt she had grown into her looks. It wasn't some frazzled teenage girl who starred back at her nor was it a starved, terrified war survivor. She was an adult now who may not pass as beautiful but could definitely be considered pretty. Her hair was still a battle but was no longer a nightmare. It was easily fixed with a couple of spells but still got crazy if she was angry or stressed.

Shrugging her shoulders, Hermione headed from her home and into Diagon Alley. She was headed towards 'The Frog Prince'. It was a recent addition to the street, a restaurant/club owned by the Patil Sisters and one night a month everyone got together and caught up with each other here.

Hermione was having lunch with Harry. Outside of work they still made time for each other. They were still best friends and likely always would be. Harry had sounded stressed when he'd asked to meet her and Hermione had understandably been worried. In he came with his hair sticking up all over the place like usual and the bulkiness of his physique clearly displayed in his dark green shirt and black skinny jeans.

Thank god for the invention of skinny jeans thought Hermione for they really had changed a lot in the world of fashion.

Hermione got p to meet her friend of many years and wrapped him in her warm embrace. Though many years had passed Harry was still the same person and their friendship had only grown stronger though the years.

"Are you alright Harry? You had me awfully worried when you floo called me."

He sighed, a frown forming on his face that made him look years older than he actually was.

"We've been fighting again."

"Oh Harry I'm sorry. What was it this time?"

"She accused me of cheating on her. Said it was obvious I was doing it because I've been working later than usual recently. Even Molly was on her side. Ginny said she'd forgive me if I would only propose to her like we both want."

Hermione held Harry's hand in a comforting manner. The fights between Harry and Ginny, had, in recent years become legendary and could easily eclipse the fights she'd had with Ron during their time at Hogwarts.

Harry and Ginny were almost inevitable during the aftermath of the war. It was a relationship that everyone had expected and hoped for. Their relationship unfortunately had been born from the despair of war and over the years they'd changed and evolved as people. Hermione suspected that Ginny did love Harry but her love was more for the boy who lived and conquered more than the man behind the title.

Honestly Hermione was surprised they were still together but Harry's happiness was most important and Hermione would support him whatever he did.

"I didn't know you'd been working late."

"Technically I haven't."

"Then what have you been doing because I know you wouldn't cheat on Ginny."

"I've been organising a surprise. A romantic getaway not that it's much use now really. Ginny won't even speak to me."

"Harry, I know I've asked you this before but why are you still with Ginny when it's become so poisonous?"

"We still work as a couple Hermione and all couples fight. We'll get through this I just know it. I love Ginny and I don't want to be alone."

"Oh Harry, you know you aren't alone. Even if you and Ginny broke up you wouldn't be alone. You're quite a catch you know and women would be lining up around the block for you."

"Ginny and I will make it through…its destiny right?"

"Sure," replied Hermione but she felt uneasy just saying those words. If only she could make Harry see that there was a life out there for him that didn't involve Ginny.

They didn't talk more about Harry's relationship woes. Hermione had tried but Harry had long since mastered the art of distraction. Their talk remained polite and intimate as they talked of what was going on in their lives since they last spoke. All too soon it seemed that their bellies were full, their plates clean and the time to depart had arrived. It was a silly formality as they saw each other at work all the time but they still hugged and wished one another well.

Harry left before Hermione, as she needed to use the facilities. As she came out she bumped into Pavarti Patil and knew she'd be there a while.

"Just had lunch with Harry?"

"Yes and the food was divine as always."

"Thanks Hermione," said Pavarti happily. "Harry seemed stressed, trouble in paradise again?"

"Seems like it."

"You ever think about dating Harry?"

"What? No! Of course not! He's my best friend."

"You guys are super close though. If Harry was my boyfriend I'd be super jealous of the friendship between the two of you."

"There is nothing there Pavarti, we're friends…family even."

"I'm just saying you and Harry would make the perfect couple. Harry could do so much better than Ginny and the sooner he realises her poison the better. Are you sure you have no feelings for him?"

"Positive."

"Oh well, they'll be plenty of women waiting for the moment Harry becomes single again. It'll be easier without you in the running."