Alright gang this is the second to last chapter. I hope you like what I've done. J.K. Rowling is the creator of this wonderful world I just get to play in it.


Mrs. Granger had shouted up the stairs that Bryan had arrived. Hermione glanced at the clock on her dressing table. 4:29. He was definitely punctual. She took a last look in the mirror. Her dress accented her in all the right places. This was the most cleavage she had ever shown in her life. She slid a sweater over the dress and buttoned it up. She had to look appropriate for the dedication but later at the dinner and dance it was another story. If she was being honest with herself she had just spent the last two hours trying to make herself look irresistible for one person and one person only and it wasn't the man waiting downstairs.

She closed her door and headed down the stairs. Bryan was in the hall talking to her parents when he saw her he stopped and said. "Hermione you are stunning." He turned to her parents. "My compliments to you both, not only is your daughter intelligent and well mannered but she's beautiful as well."

Mr. Granger smiled. "Thank you Bryan. She is amazing isn't she?" He took his daughter in his arms and hugged her. "Have a great time tonight."

Hermione clung to her father a bit longer than normal. "Thank you Dad."

They Disapparated together and an instant later were standing in Hogsmeade in front of the Three Broomsticks. The evening was lovely. Bryan offered her his arm and they walked up the lane. At the edge of the village there were a number of people lined up for the carriages which would take them to the castle.

They reached the end of the line and she realized the Weasleys were right in front of them. Molly turned to her. "Hermione it's good to see you." Mrs. Weasley hugged her tightly. "We miss you at the Burrow."

Hermione smiled at her sincerely. "I miss you guys too."

"You have to sit with us today. You are as much a part of this family as the rest of us." She turned to Bryan. "I hope you will join us as well."

Hermione was suddenly reminded of Bryan's presence and she quickly made introductions. She realized Ron was missing from the group and found herself secretly looking around for him.

"He's not here yet." Harry whispered in her ear.

She jumped. "I don't know who you're talking about."

Harry smiled. "He just went to check on the shop. He'll be here soon."

"Is she coming?"

"Not to the dedication. I think she's meeting him for the dinner and dance." He put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a pat. "He only invited her after he found out you were bringing Bryan."

Ginny wrapped an arm around Harry's waist. "Hermione, Bryan is so handsome and nice."

Harry looked at her. "Do I have competition? I'd hate to have to duel him tonight."

Ginny laughed. "Don't be silly. You know I only like guys with glasses and scars. He's much too pretty for me." She kissed him.

"Thanks Ginny, you really know how to flatter a guy." He smiled at her.

Hermione rolled her eyes. Ron was suddenly at her side. "Hey guys." He glanced sideways at Hermione. "Hey."

She stepped back from them. "If you guys would excuse me." She then turned and walked over to Bryan who was engaged in a conversation with Mr. Weasley about airplanes.

Ron watched as she slipped her arm through Bryan's. "Git." He mumbled.

Harry shook his head. "You two are pathetic. She hasn't paid him any attention and the minute you show up she's at his side and you fall for it."

It was their turn to get carriages. Bill, Fleur, Angelina and George got in the first one, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Percy and Bryan. This left the four of them to take the last one together. Hermione had a sinking feeling that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had arranged this. Mr. Weasley had insisted that he had to finish his chat with Bryan about Muggle aviation and he was sure Hermione wouldn't mind.

Harry and Ginny quickly got in and sat next to each other leaving the other side for Hermione and Ron.

Ron offered his hand to help her into the carriage. She promptly ignored it. She sat stiffly on the seat as Ron hopped up and sprawled lazily on the seat next to her. He didn't take his eyes off of her profile.

They discussed quidditch and brooms. Ron got the slightest scent of Hermione's perfume. He was instantly overcome with the desire to take her in his arms and make love to her right there and then.

"Ron! I asked you a question." Harry had raised his voice.

"What?"

"I was asking you your opinion of the new seeker for the Kenmare Kestrels."

"Sorry." He turned to Harry as Hermione continued to look out across the fields.


The rededication of Hogwarts went beautifully. They had had the unveiling of the new section and a new memorial for all those who had lost their lives in the battle. Professor McGonagall had made a lovely speech about new beginnings. Everyone was now in the Great Hall which had been transformed with numerous dining tables and a dance floor.

Hermione and Bryan had sat at a table with a number of Bryan's friends from the Ministry. Ron, Verity, Ginny and Harry were at a table right next to theirs with Luna, Dean, Seamus, Neville and Hannah. Ron spent most of the dinner watching Hermione. Verity spent most of it trying to keep Ron's attention on her to no avail. She was literally hanging on him.

It was during dessert service that Ron nearly lost it. Hermione had removed her sweater and Bryan had leaned over and whispered something in her ear. She had blushed and smiled at him. Ron started to get out of his seat when Harry grabbed his arm. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to go and teach pretty boy a lesson." He was gripping his wand.

"Sit down and relax. You're going to make a scene and it's not going to help the situation." He pulled Ron back down into his seat.

Ron reluctantly sat down and the next hour was complete torture for him. Watching her dance with him and laugh at his stupid jokes killed him.

The party was winding down when Dean suggested they all go back to the Three Broomsticks to continue the party. Everyone agreed and they took the carriages back to Hogsmeade.

Rosmerta gave them a back room so they could all relax. Everyone by this point was feeling quite happy and the party was loud and boisterous.

Bryan sat down at their table to talk to Dean. Hermione perched herself on his knee. She was flushed from the wine and she had never looked more beautiful to Ron.

He finished his glass of wine (his fourth) and turned to Harry. "Is it alright if I crash at Grimmauld Place tonight?"

He nodded. "Yeah, you know you can stay there anytime mate. Are you taking Verity there?"

Ron shook his head. "No Hermione. We have to settle this once and for all."

Harry clapped him on the shoulder and grinned. "I'm glad to see you've finally come to your senses."

Ron watched as Hermione said something to Bryan. He kissed her bare shoulder. Smiling she turned to leave the room heading towards the bathroom. Ron glanced over at the other table. Her wand and bag were there. Perfect. He stood up.

Verity grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?"

"To the bathroom, I'll be right back." He leaned over to Harry and whispered. "Could you make sure you bring Hermione's wand and bag home with you? It's on the other table."

Harry looked confused. "Ron you're not going to force her to go with you? You're going to ask her right?"

"I don't have much choice. She's never going to talk to me otherwise." He grabbed his wand and put it inside his robe. "Thanks mate." He left the room following Hermione.

Harry watched Ron leave with trepidation. He wasn't sure if he should interfere or just leave well enough alone. He turned back to the table deciding on the latter. It would either work out or not.