Chapter 2

A little chime from the living room at about 4 O'clock that afternoon told Hermione that Harry and his partners had arrived. She checked her reflection in the mirror. Her hair, as Harry and Ron had pointed out to her before, was now in beautiful graceful curls, but she didn't listen, and said they were just being nice. She thought it was still too messy, so she used a small clip to clip up half her hair at the back of her head, with the rest falling gracefully over her shoulders.

Satisfied, Hermione proceeded downstairs to meet Harry and his partners.

"Harry!" She squealed excitedly as she saw his head through door, his hands laden with luggage.

"Hermione!" Harry grinned at her and dropped his luggage as he opened his arms to embrace Hermione in a tight hug.

"It's been a long time…" Harry whispered into her ear.

"Almost 4 months…" was Hermione's reply. She closed her eyes, and breathed in his scent. She felt Harry nuzzle her neck gently and she smiled as she mimicked is action, which resulted in him letting out a baritone chuckle.

Hermione looked up from Harry's shoulder and saw two people looking at her, with wide grins on their faces. One was a tall man, with brown hair and piercing blue eyes. The other, was a girl, slightly taller than Hermione. She had blonde hair that had been pulled back into a pony tail. She gave Hermione a friendly wave when Hermione looked at her.

Hermione realized what an awkward position they were in, looking at two people embrace while you waited for them to finish at their doorstep, with her peering at them over Harry's shoulder. She quickly, but gently pushed Harry away, and immediately missed the comfort and his warmth.

"Harry…" she said as Harry looked away, obviously confused as to why she had pushed him away. "Your friends Harry…"

Harry's eyes widened in shock. It was almost as if he had forgotten that he had brought them with him. He spun around quickly and gave them grin. He gave Hermione a smile and turned to the man to introduce them.

"Hermione, this is Greg, Greg, Hermione." Harry gestured between them.

"And this is Shelly," Harry said towards the girl.

"It's so nice to be able to meet you!" Shelly said, reaching out to shake Hermione's hand, her eyes shining. "Harry has told us so much about you and Ron these past few months!"

Hermione smiled at Shelly, she liked her immediately. Greg reached forward and shook Hermione's hand thanking her for having them over.

"Thanks for having us here, I hope it's not too much trouble." Greg said.

"Oh it's no problem! No trouble at all! Come on in!" Hermione said, welcoming them into the house, helping them with their bags at the same time.

Greg and Shelly had left their bags in the guests' rooms, and like Harry, had gone to take a shower. There were about 4 guest rooms, apart from the 3 that Harry, Ron and Hermione had occupied, so it was more than enough. There were 2 guest bathrooms, and Harry had an adjoining bathroom in his room.

Hermione went to the kitchen to get drinks and reached for those glass cups that were so high up. If only she were a little taller…….she reached up again as her fingers barely grazed the base of the cup. She left out a frustrated growl and turned to get the stool, only to find herself staring at a very broad chest. Hermione didn't even have to ask who it was, as he reached up and took down 4 glasses for her. She could tell by his scent. That wonderful, Harry scent.

"There you go 'Mione." Harry said as he placed the glasses on the kitchen counter top for her.

"Thanks Harry," Hermione smiled nervously at him. Harry hadn't moved away from her although he had already helped her with what she needed. She stood there, looking at him, with the small of her back leaning on the kitchen counter. Harry smiled at her and rested his hands on the counter top on either sides of her as they both lapsed into a comfortable silence, enjoying the company of each other that they had missed out on the last 4 months.

"So you'll be here for at least 2-3 months this time then?" Hermione asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, at least until we crack this case." Harry replied.

"That's good…" she said.

"It is?" Harry asked.

"Yeah…I've missed you…" she almost whispered, looking at him, and she rested her hands on his shoulders comfortable.

"Really?" Harry teased her.

"Oh stop it. You know I did." She swatted him playfully across his arm. "So did Ron." She added.

"Oww…" he moaned in mock pain. "But yeah I missed you too 'Mione." He whispered into her ear. He had learned into her, so that she was now no longer resting on the counter top, but practically leaning back, her back almost touching the cabinet behind. She shivered as his hot breath touched her, sending goose bumps down her back.

"Cold?" he asked and he ran his hands up and down her arms gently.

She didn't answer as her breathing hitched. What was happening to her? She felt something she had never felt before with Harry. Maybe it was because she had missed him so much, 4 months was the longest time he had been away. The longest time he had been away before was only 2 weeks. Ignoring her feelings, she leaned forward and raised her arms to wrap them around his neck, and rested her head in the crook of his shoulder, and closed her eyes to enjoy the embrace and comfort of having Harry back with her.

She felt Harry smile, and his fingers gently grazed her forehead as he pushed her fringe away. Just that small mere touch was now giving her the shivers. She opened her eyes only to see pools of green gazing back intensely at her. They seemed to be coming nearer, and nearer….

"Harry what do you suppose – "came Shelly's voice from the Hallway, "Oh I'm sorry!"

Hermione sprang out of Harry's arms and looked flustered. Harry straightened up and ran his fingers through his hair which was a trademark sign to show his nervousness. Hermione swallowed audibly, and avoided Harry's gaze. What had just happened? Was Harry going to kiss her??

"Yes Shelly, I'm sorry you were saying?" Harry turned to Shelly and asked.

"Excuse me," Hermione muttered before almost running out of the kitchen, before Shelly even had a chance to reply Harry, leaving him starting after her retreating figure with a confused look on his face.