Unfortunately, I do not own Harry Potter series. It belongs to J.K. Rowling.

CHAPTER 1

An Early Guest

"Ah, bloody hell, I think they cut it too short! What do you think, Harry?" Ron asked as he walked out the barber shop.

Harry glanced up from the bench outside; he had been skimming through some of his school books for the year.

"It looks swell to me Ron, if you're going for the sissy look anyway. Kind of reminds me of an orangutan with a bad hair day," Harry laughed, while blocking Ron's punch to his arm.

"Damn. I knew I should have had mum cut it for me again. That guy seemed a little too light on his feet anyway," Ron mumbled as he rubbed his hair.

Ron's hair actually didn't look bad at all. It was much shorter than his long locks he sported over the past few years. He wore a new, fitted long sleeve shirt with a Chudley Canons logo, along with loose fit jeans. Ron had bought all kinds of new clothes and some odd smelling cologne for Hermione's arrival. They had been shopping around for a few hours now, and it showed.

Harry had also cut his hair, but he still had the wild look to it. The sides were cut close to his head, while the top had a spiky and wavy look to it. His face had a 5 o' clock shadow, as he only shaved once a week. Despite this, Harry didn't have much a beard – as he was only 18, he only grew what most boys his age could. He wore a black fitted sweater, dark blue jeans, and black boots. He gelled his hair to keep it in place without looking uncombed.

"Hey, Ron? You ever wonder if all the fighting is really over?" Harry asked as they walked through Diagon Alley.

Some people stared at him as he passed while others politely said hello and waved. Harry could hardly go anywhere in the wizarding world without being recognized. He never sought out attention by any means, but it couldn't be avoided. As the days went by he grew more accustomed to the popularity. He could hardly keep his adventures a secret, anyway.

"What you talking about, mate? Voldemort is dead and most his Death Eaters either died or fled. What fighting can you possibly be worried about?" Ron said with a smile.

Harry just shrugged and adjusted his glasses.

"That's unless... do you mean Malfoy? Because in that case, I have a feeling he hasn't seen his last punch to the face just yet." Ron said laughing.

Harry had to agree on that one. Draco had barely escaped Azkaban after the battle at Hogwarts and his lucky arse managed to get back into Hogwarts as well. His year should be interesting, at the very least.

"The world is at peace again, Harry, and it's thanks to you. Enjoy it and don't worry about fights and wars, mate," Ron added, emphasizing his point.

"That's just it, Ron," Harry continued.

"Most of them died – not all of them. There are still Voldemort sympathizers out there. There will always be evil in our world. But you're right, I guess. It's over for now. Just get bad feelings sometimes, is all".

Ron rolled his eyes.

"You're Harry fucking Potter, mate, pardon the language – but you get my point, whatever little speed bumps life throws at you will be a cake walk compared to what we been through..." Ron said as he suddenly got distracted. "Hey, there's a pub! What you say we stop for a quick one?" Ron said excitedly.

"It's never a quick one with you, Ron," Harry said rolling his eyes.

"Ah, just one, I promise. You like this pub, remember?" Ron grinned nudging Harry with an elbow.

"Alright, Ron, but just one then we are leaving! I mean it now!" Harry said reluctantly.

"Agreed," Ron grinned.

A couple of hours and twice as many drinks later, Ron was passed out on Harry's back while he dragged him through the streets. Harry was a little drunk himself, but didn't have nearly as many pints as Ron.

"Hey Ron, remember that time we crashed your dad's car into the Whomping Willow?" Harry laughed quietly, almost tripping over a cat.

"Huh? What?" Ron mumbled. "I'm as confused as a baby in a topless bar….where am I?" He rambled on as Harry ignored him and kept talking.

"That was great... Or wait. How about when Neville cut off Nagini's head?" He laughed even louder now.

"That was great too, huh, buddy... well... maybe not so funny if you think about it." Harry mumbled, becoming more serious.

Harry carried Ron closer to his neighborhood before finally having the presence of mind to apparate the rest of the way.

He dragged Ron into the foyer and dropped him on the ground. He thought it a splendid idea to just come back for him later. The lights up the stairs flickered on as Harry walked past them on his way to the drawing room.

Harry walked quietly into the den and sank down into one of the couches. His mind wandered off to all the painful memories of the past few years. So many had fallen – so many had been hurt during his short time at Hogwarts. His fallen godfather came to mind. He would do anything to have Sirius back in his life right now. It was thanks to him he even sat in this house right now.

As his thoughts faded and he became aware of his surroundings, he turned his attention to the fireplace. It had hardly been used and the logs looked dried up. A sudden cool draft gave Harry the motivation to warm up a little.

"Incendio," Harry whispered as the fireplace roared to life.

He stared into the fire and tried to focus on his future, rather than the past. But what was his future? He had heard rumors about Kingsley Shacklebolt lifting some of the restrictions to entering the Auror program. There were even rumors about any wizard who participated in the battle of Hogwarts being offered a spot in the training program. That sounded great to him – if it didn't work out, he could always apply at Hogwarts to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts after graduating.

Then his mind thought of something that had been bothering him for a long time. What was to become of him and Ginny? He had not seriously spoken to her about their 'status' since they broke things off after Dumbledore's death. He found it hard to talk to her – he found it hard to talk to anyone, really, for too long. Except for Hermione. How many letters had they written all summer? Too many to remember. She had been his only reason to smile lately.

"Harry, why did you leave me on the floor again, mate?" Ron slurred as he stumbled into the room.

"I'm telling you I think Kreacher pisses in that corner... Have you smelled it?" Ron asked Harry lifting an eyebrow as he reached for the fire whiskey and finished it off.

"That drink is going to be your downfall one day, mate," Harry said seriously.

Ron ignored the comment and kept talking random nonsense.

"People who point at their wrist while asking for the time really piss me off! I know where my watch is buddy, where the hell is yours? Do I point at my crotch when I ask where the bathroom is?" Ron shouted at the fire as he tripped and fell on his face.

"Goodnight, Ron..." Harry mumbled.

He kept looking at the flames as they danced wildly, with no pattern whatsoever. His eyes became heavy as he allowed them to close. Harry drifted off into a deep sleep as he dreamed of surprisingly a certain brunette with beautiful chocolate colored eyes.

The next morning Harry woke up again to the sound of mail in the letter slot.

"About time they catch on," Harry yawned.

He was getting tired of the early morning letters in his window before the sun even came up.

Harry rolled of the couch and saw the fire had burned out sometime during the night. All that remained was a heap of ashes and some rising smoke. It reminded him of Fawkes. The phoenix had showed up at his home a few weeks after he arrived from school. No one had seen Fawkes since Dumbledore died, and Harry was glad to have the bird in his house for the summer. How long it would stay was anyone's guess.

He reached over and looked through his mail. Apparently a few owls had been by already.

"Junk, junk, more junk…" He mumbled as he scanned the letters.

"What's this? Another letter from Hermione already?" He whispered to himself.

Harry opened her letter and read it, smiling and excited.

Dear Harry,

It seems I will be back earlier than expected. Today, to be precise. I have been going crazy here and need a break from mumndad. I feel homesick. Would it be okay if I stayed with you at your place until school starts? I know this might sound strange, stupid even, but I have been deeply worried about you lately. I had a strange dream about you. We will talk about it when I see you later today, hopefully. Oh yeah – almost forgot! DON'T TELL RON I'M COMING! I'm not sure I'm ready to see him just yet, so come alone. I'll be flying into London on board a muggle aeroplane. Meet me at the airport at 1 o'clock.

Love, Hermione!

"1 PM? That's in 30 bloody minutes! I have to hurry!" Harry almost shouted.

He left Ron sleeping by the fire place and ran upstairs to shower. He put on his tan boots with light colored jeans and a white fitted cotton shirt. After throwing a little gel in his wild hair he left for the airport with a pop of apparation.

A feeling of nervousness came over him as he thought about seeing Hermione. Once again, he forced himself to get those silly thoughts out his mind.

"We're just friends," He said out loud.

Harry apparated immediately to a quiet corner in the busy London terminal. He looked at his watch. 1:05 PM. She must be here already. He had the amusing thought of using a summoning charm to bring her to him, but the thought of Hermione flying through the busy terminal knocking over people made him reconsider. Instead, he just waited... and waited... and waited...

Harry was about to reconsider the summoning charm when from behind him he felt a tight hug around his waist and a soft kiss on his cheek. He spun around and looked into Hermione's eyes.

"Harry! My god, look at you, your hair! And you're taller, too! You look splendid!" she beamed at him.

Hermione couldn't believe her eyes. Harry had grown more than a few inches since they last saw each other. 'He must have been working out,' she mused, as she took in the view of his chest and arms.

Harry blushed a bit and rubbed a hand through his hair sheepishly.

"Sorry to just show up like this, but I couldn't wait another day, and I had the feeling you guys need me in that house. I don't even want to think of the mess," she teased with a smile.

Harry took in the girl in front of him. Hermione definitely looked great. 'She's matured quite a bit,' Harry noticed. She filled out her clothes very well. She wore a loose skirt that ended mid thigh, along with a pair of high leather boots. On top, she wore a button up collared shirt, with the top few buttons undone. The sight would surely tease and get the attention of anyone looking.

"Wow! You look great too, Hermione. Different, but in a good way," he smiled at her as they hugged again.

"We have so much catching up to do and talk about, do you think we can go somewhere for just the two of us for awhile?" She asked as her face got hopeful.

Harry looked at her curiously and she responded to his stare.

"I don't think I'm quite ready to see Ron yet," She added in a quiet voice.

"Sure, I'm starving actually," Harry said as he grabbed her bags.

He raised his eyebrow a little. It wasn't the first time she mentioned Ron in this way.

They walked to the nearest restaurant. Harry couldn't help but stare at Hermione occasionally. She did look great, in his defense. Ron would be happy to see her, he was sure.

But something else had his thoughts occupied, and it made him feel guilty thinking about it. Maybe it was the way her hips swayed side to side, or how her skirt lifted slightly with each step revealing just an extra inch of her thigh.

"Get a grip, Potter," He mumbled

"What did you say, Harry?" Hermione said as she looked back.

"Huh? Oh, uh, 'don't slip Potter', I almost tripped on your bags," He said quickly. Close one. 'Got to be more careful,' he thought.

"Well, be careful then" She said laughing a little. "Can we just sit in there? My legs are tired." Hermione said as she gestured towards a small restaurant.

"Works for me," Harry said as he stared at her legs. They sure didn't look tired to him.

'Damn, snap out of it, man!' he screamed in his mind. 'What is your problem anyway?' He reminded himself, 'It's Hermione here, not some hot new girl you just met at a pub in London.'

They ordered their food and drinks while Hermione sat across from Harry and crossed her legs to the side. She looked to be staring off into space, oddly quiet. After a few moments, Harry decided to break the silence.

"You going to tell me about these dreams you're having about me, or are they too private?" Harry teased.

"Oh, don't you wish?" Hermione laughed.

"It's nothing like that, Harry. I just kept having nightmares about seeing you being carried in Hagrid's arms, dead... just like that night. And then there's other dreams where you're so far away, and I know you're in danger... but I can't reach you. I don't like it. It's probably nothing, but I thought I might mention them to you is all." She added seriously.

"Post traumatic stress. I read all about it all summer. It's normal, Hermione, but I'm still flattered I'm the star of your dreams." he winked.

"Shhh! Don't tell Ron," she replied playing along.

The two shared a laugh while the waitress set down two glasses of water before the food arrived. Hermione absently sipped hers while Harry decided to bring up another subject.

"So, I've been meaning to ask you all summer, but never got around to it... What's up with you and Ron? He's been grouchy on the subject when I ask, and you haven't said much either. I hate to see you so unhappy."

She watched him as he spoke and smiled softly.

"You hate to see meso unhappy? Didn't you mean Ron as well?" She asked raising an eyebrow. "Or just me, Harry?"

"Of course I worry about Ron, you know what I mean. I'm just saying I worry about you more. Anyways, are you going to tell me what's up, or do I have to beg?" Harry joked.

Hermione thought about the mixed emotions she had been going through with Ron over the last few months. And with Harry being both of their best friends she wasn't sure if she should get into details. But then again, Harry and gotten very close with her this summer through all their letters, and she thought better of it.

"Well, if I can't tell you, I can't tell anybody, I guess..." She started with a whisper.

"Before I left for Australia, I was staying with the Weasleys, as you know. So Ron and I were up in his room. It was my last night before I left. Anyway, he wanted to say goodbye in a special way," she said as she gave Harry a knowing look.

"Wanted to snog, huh?" Harry said.

Hermione shook her head in the negative.

"More than snog…?" Harry whispered back getting slightly red in the face.

Hermione nodded.

"As you can imagine, I wasn't exactly thrilled that he would think I was up to that so soon... I guess I kind of panicked." She whispered.

Harry nodded his head in understanding and blushed a bit. This didn't surprise him much. Ron was always talking about how he wanted more with Hermione. But Harry never knew he actually already made his move.

"Well, right after I said no, he got all upset and worked up about it and refused to talk to me! Practically blew me off and kicked me out his room. I was so hurt and upset at his reaction we didn't say a word to each other the rest of the night. And to make matters worse, the next morning he didn't even come to breakfast to say goodbye." Hermione said a bit angry.

"Well, that explains a lot about his mood all summer. You two haven't spoken since, huh?" Harry asked.

The drinking problem made more sense now, but Ron would have to get a grip either way. Harry was glad she trusted him enough to talk about such personal issues.

"No we haven't talked since and to be honest it has been a good thing. I have had time to think about a lot of things and reflect on everything that's happened." She said looking into Harry's eyes.

"It all went by so fast, didn't it, Harry? It seems like yesterday we met on the Hogwarts Express and here we are now." She said smiling.

"Yeah, I know what you mean... I never really had a chance to just sit back and think about normal things most guys my age do." Harry said.

If he could go back and change anything, he would have spent more time with the girl in front of him now. He always felt so comfortable around Hermione.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking myself, Hermione, and well..." He paused and looked her in the eye. She was looking at him, waiting, but he wouldn't, he couldn't say what was in his mind now. 'It wouldn't be right,' he reminded himself.

"And... Well, what is it, Harry? What's on your mind?" she asked

Harry was staring into her chocolate colored eyes, mesmerized, and almost lost his train of thought. 'God, she's beautiful right now,' he thought. He tried to think of a response but his mind went blank. All he could think of was how she looked... and how he hadn't ever really noticed before.

"I... err, I'm glad you're back because I'm sure going to need the help with school work," Harry said laughing nervously.

"Harry!" She laughed. "That's not what you were going to say!"

"What else would I say?" He laughed back

"I'm not sure, but it wasn't that..." Hermione said smiling, looking at him curiously.

She kept looking at him waiting to see if he would crack. 'What is Harry up to with his strange behavior?' she wondered. She grabbed his hand and looked him in the eye.

"Tell me what you were really thinking, Harry. You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"Okay then…" Harry whispered. "I was going to say… Our waiter better hurry up with the food because I'm famished," he chucked.

"Ahhh, you're lying, Harry!" Hermione jumped out her seat and tried to jokingly punch his arm, but he grabbed her wrist, pulling her onto him and began tickling her in the ribs while she squirmed, laughing, trying to get away.

"I am most certainly not lying, Miss Granger," he laughed, still tickling her. She laughed aloud as well and the other patrons glanced at their table, amused.

They continued this fiasco on for a few more moments until some of Harry's water spilled causing them to pause and glance at the small puddle on the table.

"Oops," Harry mumbled with a snicker. "Look what you did, clumsy witch!"

"What I did?" Hermione asked smiling. They continued laughing, locking eyes.

"I think we both know it was clearly your arm that hit that glass, Harry," she said and then stopped as she realized they way he was looking at her now. She felt a nervous tickle in her stomach and froze looking up at him.

Hermione was still on top of Harry's lap while he held her from falling back onto the bench. His laughter slowly ended as they continued with the long stare. Harry looked at her lips and felt himself giving in to his guilty thoughts.

Hermione could hardly believe what she was seeing and feeling. She had always cared for Harry, but only as friends, as that was the only door that ever opened for them in the past... or so she thought.

But now, as she looked up into his green eyes, it really dawned on her all they had been through. A chill rushed up her spine. This was crazy, this was impossible. There was no way was he going do what she thought he was... right?

Harry looked down at her and was in a trance. He wanted to kiss her. He started to lean in, enthralled... and suddenly jerked back when Ron's face flashed before him. He quickly helped Hermione sit back up on the bench next to him and laughed softly like nothing had just happened.

In actuality, only a few seconds had passed between them and the embrace. It seemed like an eternity for both of them.

"Well, we better get this spill cleaned up, I think that's our waiter that's glaring at us," Harry said with a smile to Hermione without looking her in the eye.

He couldn't believe he almost let an innocent moment go terribly wrong. She was with Ron, after all. 'What the hell had happened?' he mused.

"Yeah, and we should probably take the food to go, too. Ron's probably wondering where you've disappeared to," She whispered back awkwardly.

"No, actually I fall asleep under my invisibility cloak all the time so he is probably still looking for me," Harry shot back with a serious face.

"Huh…. You what? You're for real?" She said as she looked at him for the first time since their awkward moment.

"Hell no, Hermione, I'm joking," Harry teased. "He is most likely pissed by now, so you're right. We should get going," Harry said as he stood up and winked at Hermione.

She laughed at his sarcasm and looked up at him as he held out his hand to help her up.

"You're full of jokes today, Mr. Potter," She whispered in a mock snotty voice.

"We've all got to laugh sometime, right?" Harry replied pulling her up.

"But also full of manners as well, I see." She took his hand in hers as he lifted her up from the bench and the two quietly walked outside the airport with her bags in tow.

"Well, where do you think would be a good spot to apparate? Harry asked.

"Actually… I think I would enjoy riding in a taxi back to Grimmauld Place... if that's okay with you?" She glanced over to Harry with most beautiful look about her.

A loud part in him knew that the less time they spent alone, the better it would be, but he couldn't bring himself to voicing that concern out loud. So, without another thought, Harry whistled for the nearest taxi.

Ron slowly opened his eyes and blinked the sleep out. He was still lying on the couch closest to the fireplace. The taste of rum and firewhiskey still lingered in his mouth.

"Yuck," He mumbled. "Taste like arse day after."

He looked over to where Harry had been sleeping. All that remained was a messed up pillow and a ruffled blanket. He wondered where Harry had disappeared to when he heard dishes banging in the kitchen.

"Ah, breakfast!" Ron chimed as he lazily walked down the hall into the kitchen.

"Hey mate, I thought we agreed you cook no better than old Kreacher…" Ron stopped mid sentence. He was looking right at Kreacher as he cooked over the stove.

"Stupid friend of master," the elf mumbled under his breath.

"Oh... hey there, Kreacher! I didn't realize you were, uh..." Ron tried not to laugh. "Cooking!"

The elf mumbled some other phrases Ron couldn't hear while he took a seat at the table and watched him curiously. Kreacher placed a plate of boiled eggs and mustard in front of Ron with pumpkin juice.

"So, where is Harry then?" he asked the grumpy elf while pushing the food away and drinking the juice.

"Master says to please clean up and he asks Kreacher nicely to make dinner for the company's arrival," the elf replied, not looking at Ron.

Ron sat up wondering what company was coming today. He decided to check the mail.

"All right there little fella, have fun cooking and stuff," he said as he left the kitchen.

"And quit pissing in the hall, already," Ron added under his breath.

"Fire crotch," the elf shot back under his breath.

Ron looked back at the elf. Surprised, he quickly shook his head, laughing it off.

"Nahhhh. Must be hearing things," he said to himself walking down the hallway.

As Ron flipped through the mail he was about to give up until an open letter caught his eye. It was from Hermione to Harry. He grabbed it as read it to himself with focused eyes. A frown formed on his face.

"Don't tell Ron? Come alone?" He repeated her words out loud.

"What the bloody hell does that mean!?" Ron yelled to no one.

A million thoughts raced through his head and he came to quick conclusions.

1. Harry wouldn't do anything stupid behind his back so she clearly didn't mean anything romantic by come alone. Right?

2. Why wouldn't she want to see him yet? Was she still mad? Clearly she just wanted to surprise him, right?

3. What did she mean dreamt about Harry? Probably something stupid and meaningless.

4. Did Kreacher really just call me 'fire crotch'? Where the hell was he learning this crap?

5. What if the hokey pokey really was what it was all about?

Ron continued getting lost in his thoughts for a few more moments as clearly the effects from the whiskey had not fully worn off. Then he looked at the clock. It was 3 PM.

"Shit, I got to get cleaned up!" He ran up the stairs getting undressed as he went. He jumped into the shower and started the hot water.

"Wait a minute... It's 3 o'clock already? She was arriving at 1 PM. So what gives?" Ron said out loud. His frown returned to his face as the water soaked his hair and face.

"Bloody hell…" he mumbled.

Harry glanced at his watch as the taxi rounded the corner onto Grimmauld Place. It was just after 4 o'clock. The ride had taken longer than expected due to some crazy muggle crashing his car right in the middle of the bloody intersection just outside the airport.

Hermione seemed to be fine with the delay, so he didn't complain. If anything, he found the ride quite pleasant. He forgot how wonderful the city was. Hermione had spent most the ride talking about her trip to Australia and all the wonderful books she had read. She was already ahead in all her classes for the first semester – and then some. The thought of it alone had given Harry a headache.

But the best part of the drive was when Hermione had fallen asleep on his shoulder half way there. Harry had not dared move so not to disturb her rest. He had a back cramp because of it, but the pain was worth smelling her lovely hair.

'What is happening to me?' He wondered as he realized he was enjoying Hermione's company entirely more than he should. 'I can't let this happen.' Harry blocked the thoughts of her hair and warm breath on his neck out his mind and stared out the window when he saw his building in the distance.

"Oh, you can pull over here, sir," he told the driver.

The taxi slowed to a stop while Harry gently pushed Hermione's hair out her face. She slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him. They locked eyes and not a word was spoken for a few moments.

"Ahem..." the cab driver coughed. "That will be 27 pounds, sir."

Harry snapped out of it and politely handed the driver his fare and a tip. Hermione got out the cab and stretched lifting her arms high into the air and going up on her toes. Harry couldn't help but notice her shirt rise up above her naval, revealing a flat smooth stomach with the curve of her hips defined.

He quickly looked back up. Hermione was looking right at him. Had she noticed him checking her out? He had better be more careful and get a hold of himself quickly. Especially when around Ron, in just a few moments.

Hermione was looking at Harry when she raised an eyebrow and half smiled. He was paying the cab driver the fare as she got out the taxi and stretched her sleepiness away.

As she did so she noticed Harry staring at her stomach and hips. He quickly glanced up and caught her eye before looking away. 'Okay,' she thought to herself, 'I was confused before, but this time he was definitely checking me out.'

A strange feeling came over her. She almost felt nervous but excited at the same time. This was new for sure. 'So I'm not invisible to him after all, huh?' she pondered.

Harry was picking up her bags. He had two in one hand and the largest in the other. The fourth he was having trouble fitting into his hand at the same time when Hermione chimed in.

"I can carry at least one bag, Harry," Hermione said behind him. She smiled as she watched him struggle to balance all the bags in his hands.

"Nonsense, I can handle these little things," he replied quickly.

The damn bag wouldn't budge. He was about to curse the stubborn thing when a hand grabbed the bag easily and lifted it up. Harry looked up to his Ron smirking down at him from the side walk.

"You all right there, Harry?" Ron grinned as he grabbed another bag from Harry's other hand.

"Don't kill yourself over a few bags, mate," Ron added as he glanced over to Hermione.

She turned around and looked over to Ron. There was an awkward silence as the two just looked each other over. Harry felt the tension and grabbed both bags back from Ron calmly.

"On second thought, maybe I can handle these after all." He got a grip on all four this time and walked toward his home. He wanted to leave his two friends alone. Mainly to give them privacy, but also he didn't want to admit that he didn't really want to see the mushy reunion that was sure to happen.

Hermione watched as Harry grabbed her bags back from Ron. His biceps flexed under his shirt sleeve as she saw the veins swell. She quickly looked back up at Ron who was still looking at her with a sad look.

"I'll see you two at the house," Harry yelled back. He disappeared after a few moments.

Ron finally walked up to Hermione. He rubbed his hand nervously through his hair, forcing a smile.

"Hey, Hermione… How was your summer?" he managed to say.

She forced a smile back and shrugged her shoulders. Ron looked different as well. She was glad to see he finally trimmed his hair shorter. Now, he was about as tall as Harry, if not a little taller. But what she noticed most was his new clothes. There was no more that old, worn look.

"It was good, Ron," she replied. "How was yours?"

"Oh, you know, I stayed at the Burrow the first half, and I've been crashing with Harry since about two weeks ago," he said as he looked down at his feet.

"Uh, Hermione, I uh... I've been meaning to write you….You know, about what happened before you left?" Ron mumbled

"But you didn't write me, Ron, not even after how you treated me, not even one letter," Hermione replied with a hurt yet firm voice.

"You're right, and I'm sorry. But I have missed you something awful," he pleaded. "And if it helps, my mum really got into me bad about how I acted." Ron said looking up at her now.

She just stared at him arms crossed not saying anything. Seeing him again made it harder for her to stay angry at him. It had been weeks and weeks since she last saw him. Having him right in front of her begging like a baby made her want to laugh.

"I promise never to act like such a git again Hermione, really, I swear it." Ron grabbed her hand and with his other lifted her chin up. "Forgive me?"

She pretended to be thinking about it for a minute before slowly smiling at him.

"All right, Ronald Weasley," she said softly. "But if you ever ever treat me that way ever again, or try to get all fresh when I'm not ready, I swear I'll turn you into a troll faster than you can say 'Quidditch'!" she yelled, with a hard punch to his arm.

"Owwww, okay, okay, I promise!" Ron yelled, trying to block her punches. He smiled at her and then they finally embraced in a tight hug and he swung her around.

After a moment they stop spinning and Ron took her face in his hands and placed his lips against hers softly. She held him around his neck before turning her head to rest against his chest.

"I missed you too, Ron," She whispered.

Harry watched from in front of his home as his two friends kissed. He smiled to himself. It was definitely a good thing they were making up. He wasn't looking forward to the bickering. However, a weird feeling crept up in his stomach as he watched Hermione rest her head against Ron as he held her close. Harry almost thought he felt jealousy inside him, but he shook it off.

"All right, are you two going to snog all afternoon, or can we go inside already?" Harry shouted over from the house.

Ron and Hermione laughed and began to walk over. As they approached Harry, Ron slapped him a high five, and Hermione rolled her eyes with a smirk.

"We better get in there soon, mate, and save Kreacher from his own cooking." Ron said in a serious voice. "No, I'm dead on, that elf is off his rocker today, you wouldn't believe what he called me!" Ron said as he noticed Harry and Hermione exchange looks at his comment.

"Leave that poor Kreacher alone, Ron," Hermione said. "You should be grateful he is even cooking for you at all."

"Yeah, yeah, anyway I'm just glad your back. Something was definitely missing around here." Ron lifted her up in his arms and hugged her while holding her up around his waist. Her head rested over his shoulder as she glanced back at Harry.

Harry locked eyes with her as they shared a look. She seemed to be saying something to him with her gaze. He kept his eyes on her as Ron carried her up the stairs into the house. She smiled at Harry and winked as they disappeared behind the door.

Harry smiled at her hidden gesture and looked up at the sky and around him. Something strange definitely happened today with Hermione, but he wasn't going to let it bother him now. After all, the trio was back together for at least two more weeks at his house, until they had to report back to Hogwarts. 'This is bound to be fun,' he thought. He heard a loud bang in the house.

"Ronald Weasley! You leave that house elf alone! I'm warning you!" Hermione shouted from inside.

"That bloody elf bit me, you saw him!" Ron spat in his defense.

They went on back and forth as Harry rolled his eyes. Yeah, it was going to be fun all right. He ran into the house as the door closed behind him, and 12 Grimmauld Place disappeared once again.