Five years had passed since the Battle of Hogwarts. The Wizarding World was back to a normal routine, the ministry was able to restructure and Hogwarts was restored to its former glory. Wizards and Witches made their morning commute and children were seen off to Hogwarts every September 1st with not a care in the world. A first year's worry was what house they would be sorted in, never dreaming they would face a troll or an evil two faced man. Still something had remained the same still after 22 years; Harry Potter was still the most famous and well known wizard in the world.

However, he was not the same boy that walked through Hogwarts years prior. He was a changed man who often kept to himself; he didn't like to be bothered. Harry didn't return to Hogwarts for his 7th year, however he regretted that immensely. Hermione and Ron chose to finish, and that was when they grew closer. Harry had known since 4th year that Ron very much fancied Hermione, even though Ron himself had not discovered his feelings yet. Back then this didn't affect Harry, he was happy for Ron and was certain Ron and Hermione would eventually realize their feelings for one another.

Harry never had time for a real romance for he was the one destined to destroy Voldemort, which he did. Cho was an awkward romance and was Harry's first real crush; though it only lasted a short time it was somewhat meaningful to his teenage self. Next and last there was Ginny Weasley, Ron's little sister. His feelings for her were unsure but were there somewhere. After the war he tried things with Ginny, he needed to get his mind off of her, for she was taboo. Hermione Granger was unattainable for she was in love with his best friend Ron. Harry always was attracted to Hermione, he always saw her as a beautiful girl, a beautiful woman. Harry knew he was in love with her when he saw Ron kiss Hermione during the final battle. He remembered how his heart shattered for the first time, and it was then when he felt the lowest, he knew what love was and how horrible it could feel. Needless to say after 5 months of dating Ginny Weasley he decided to end things.

She was heartbroken but Harry knew it was for the best. Ron wasn't too happy with him about the whole thing. Harry didn't know how to tell his best mate the truth, Harry knew Ron loved Hermione. Even though Harry shouldn't feel guilty, Ron did have a point of being overshadowed by Harry. His friend grew jealous many times and their friendship had plenty of ups and downs. It was the moment in the tent where Ron abandoned Hermione and himself he knew that Hermione was his true best friend. Even though Harry had forgiven Ron their friendship was never the same again.

In a small flat in London Harry Potter was tossing and turning in his bed, it was yet another nightmare. Harry jolted up and reached for his glasses. He looked around is bedroom and breathed a sigh of relief. Hermione insisted he went to therapy after the war but Harry insisted he was fine. He looked over at the clock by his bed side and read 5:45 am. Harry yawned before exiting his bed and made his way into his kitchen, coffee was already being made as he sat down at his kitchen table.

His flat was small but was perfect for one person. He had a kitchen, bathroom, 2 bedrooms, and a living room. He found himself alone most days; he avoided the frantic calls from Hermione and Ron and only saw them when necessary. The truth was he couldn't bare the sight of Hermione with that arse Ron Weasley. Hermione could do better than Ron even if that someone wasn't Harry.

Harry finished up his coffee and went for his morning jog. It helped release his stress; he had continued this routine for the past 2 years. Before he had he nearly drank himself to death, he only stopped because of Hermione.

This morning was different than the others, he promised Hermione he would meet up with her for breakfast. To calm his nerves Harry thought it was best to jog over, seeing Hermione nearly killed Harry every time. 40 minutes or so later Harry reached a small breakfast joint in a small town outside of London. Harry peaked in the window and saw Hermione sitting there.

She was breathtaking, absolutely stunning. Harry took a deep breath and walked inside, Hermione didn't seem to notice until he sat down; she was deep into a book.

"Harry! Why didn't you say something, I didn't even see you come in." Hermione said happily putting down her book.

"I reckon you wanted to finish up whatever you were reading." Harry said with a smile on his face.

"How have you been? You look exhausted Harry, have you been getting enough rest?"Hermione worried. Harry softly laughed to himself, typical Hermione always worrying over him.

"I'm fine Hermione; I've been keeping myself busy." He reassured her. However Hermione didn't look too convinced.

"I haven't seen you in 2 months Harry, I wish you would stop being so distant. Ron and I miss you a lot." She said sadly. At the mention of Ron's name Harry felt his blood boil. Hermione could tell to drop the subject.

They quickly ordered their breakfast and made small talk about what one another has been up to. Hermione was still working at the Ministry of Magic creating equal rights for magical creatures. She continued her work with S.P.E.W. which was highly successful. Harry however was unemployed; he had been an auror for a few years but decided he had enough with a life of violence and death. They finished up their breakfast and Harry paid the bill before Hermione spoke up again.

"Besides wanting to see you Harry, there's a reason why I asked to see you today." Hermione said somewhat nervously.

At this point Harry's heart was pounding feverishly.

"Ron asked me to marry him, and I said yes. We want you to be there Harry; Ron wants you to be his best man." Hermione said with a small smile.

Harry sat silent and still, he felt nothing yet. A few more seconds passed and he grew from being numb to feeling intense pain, if it was possible for his heart to be ripped in half it would have happened in that moment.

"And Ginny will be my bridesmaid, maybe you could be her date. Dean and her broke up and she's been talking about how much she has missed you lately." Hermione went on, she was a little taken back that Harry was not reacting.

Harry stared at her; he didn't know what to say. How could he congratulate her yet attend the wedding?

"Harry please say something." Hermione frowned.

"No." Was all Harry could muster out.

"No what?"

"No I will not attend your bloody wedding and the day I go with Ginny Weasley is the day fucking hell freezes over!" Harry began to yell. All his feelings that he kept in so long were finally coming out. "I hate that you're with Ron, why do you think I never see you...I can't stand seeing you with him, it makes me sick. Why do you think I bloody almost drank myself to death? I hate that bloody git that you love so much."

Hermione sat there in silence; tears were streaming down her face.

"I love you Hermione and when you marry Ron I can never see you again." Harry choked out. "I reckon you'll get over it, you'll have a nice big Weasley family. I want you to be happy and if that's with him so be it, I just can't stand it anymore."

"Harry please don't do this." She cried. "Don't go away; we need you here with us. We can work this out, we can get back to the way things use to be."

"Hermione just answer this for me, did you ever feel anything towards me at all?" Harry said staring at her intensely.

"I don't know Harry! We were young; Ron was there it sort of just happened. I fell in love with him, you were never around…you just disappeared and left me!" Hermione cried out.

"I have to go Hermione." He finally said. "I'm sorry, I'll always love you…this is the best choice for all of us."

"Harry wait!" She yelled. Harry didn't hesitate to look back and stormed out of the restaurant. He walked a few yards down before he heard a loud bang! He quickly spun around and saw people coming out of the breakfast place he was just at.

He started to sprint back and ran back inside.

"NO!" Harry roared. His ran over to the body of Hermione lying on the ground, blood was everywhere.

"What happened?" Harry panicked. "Someone get help now!"

Harry heard a woman's voice saying something about a gunman.

"No Hermione please stay, don't leave me." Harry begged, tears began to race down his face.

"Harry?" Hermione faintly said.

"I'm right here Hermione, you're going to be okay." He reassured her as he stroked her cheek.

"The time we danced in the tent." She said softly. He breathing was becoming labored, Harry laid his head on her chest listening for a heartbeat; it was still there but very faint.

"What do you mean Hermione?"

"That's when I loved you." She said smiling. Her eyes began to close and he could no longer hear her breath.

"Hermione! Wake up Hermione, don't leave me!" Harry said lightly shaking her.

"Someone help! Anyone please!" He cried out. A lady approached him quickly; she started to give Hermione CPR.

This isn't real; it's all a bad dream. Please God, please don't take her away from me.

"Sir." The woman said. "I'm so sorry but we lost her."