a/n: its a new year and its been perhaps 3 years since I last wrote anything for this story. I'd like that to change. So, bear with me, and I'll try to write this story best I can. Thanks to all that read that last chapter, in short I'm doing this for you, rather than myself.
"Want to come in?"
"I'd love that," Hermione answered. "By the way, Happy Birthday! I got you a present, I hope you like it."
"A present? You got me a present? Why? Seeing you is enough."
Hermione blushed and there was an awkward lapse in conversation.
Harry cleared his throat, "Err, well would you like me to open up that present now or later?"
"Now is fine. Do you mine if I help myself to a bit of cake? I'm starving."
"Go ahead, I don't have much to eat in here anyways." He began unwrapping the paper surrounding his gift and unveiled a small black box that he opened to reveal a handsome watch with a face plate that was a brilliant green to match his eyes. "Hermione, I love it, thank you so much!" He turned around quickly to give her a hug and knocked the plate of cake she was carrying right out of her hands, his seeker reflexes took over and he was able to salvage the food and plate by levitating it in the air.
"I'm sorry, I'm so clumsy! I just wanted to tell you thank you."
"I'm glad you like it." Hermione retrieved her floating food and followed Harry into the living room where she sat in a comfortable overstuffed chair that reminded her so much of the gryffindor common room back at Hogwarts.
"So how are you?" Harry asked bringing her out of memories of when they we younger.
"I'm fine. I'm okay. I'm glad to be back. And how are you?"
"Well, I'm not going to lie, things haven't been all that great around here. I'm so glad you came. I missed you so much, we all did. What have you been doing in America? When are you leaving?"
"I missed you, too, Harry. I wasn't doing much of anything in America, to be honest. I thought when I left that I could get a nice job and just live like a muggle, it was so much more difficult than that. I had to go back to school and I still ended up working a desk job that I hated and,"
Harry interrupted, as much as he didn't want to get upset his anger boiled over, "If things weren't great, if you couldn't get a job, if you were unhappy, why didn't you come home? Did you really miss us? Why didn't you write? Why didn't you visit? Hermione I was so worried, but at least I thought that whatever you were doing made you happy. Was it that horrible to be my friend and live here, that the life you live in America is better? Is it better than staying here, with me?"
"Harry, I'm not leaving. I sold my place in the States, I live here now. I'm not leaving again. I know I made a horrible mistake and missed out on so many things but I'm here now, aren't I? Can we not talk about all this unpleasantness now, because what's important is I'm back and I get to see you. We can deal with all of the other stuff another day, but tonight, tonight I just want to be your friend again."
"YOU'RE STAYING?! I'm so excited! Do you have a flat and everything? Do you need a place to stay? I AM GOING TO CALL RON RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE TO CELEBRATE!"
Hermione started laughing, she was overcome by the idea that she had her best friends back again, that she had so many loving people around her, that she would never have to sit at home alone and bored ever again, that she could have an amazing job, that she could have an amazing life.
"No I don't need a place to stay, I've got a flat and a job and everything, my parents," she started
"Hello? Luna? Hey can I talk to Ron? Thanks." Harry said into the phone.
"my parents, they really helped me get my life together over here," she continued
"Ron? RON GUESS WHAT? HERMIONE IS HERE! YES, REALLY,"
"yeah I lived with them for a while. Wait? Why does Ron have a phone," she wondered aloud.
Harry thrust the receiver towards her, "he wants me to prove it, talk to him!"
"Hello?" Hermione said tentatively.
"BLOODY HELL! HERMIONE HOW ARE -" he shouted into the phone as Harry snatched it away.
"No time to talk Ron we'll meet you for dinner, yes, yes you can choose, okay that sounds great, see you then. No you can't talk to her now, goodbye!" was all that was said before Harry hung up.
Harry spun around and ordered Hermione to do whatever it was she needed to do to get ready because they were leaving, and they were leaving now. Harry then sprinted off to his room where she could hear him rummaging around, perhaps for clothes or a brush to comb his always untidy hair.
"Well, that was all very sudden." She announced to no one. Her heart raced at the idea of getting to spend time with Harry and Ron, and she hoped that they would all still get along as if nothing had changed.
okay, thats the second chapter folks! Let me know if you have any ideas. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Much love.
