Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Foreword: After two weeks, I have finally managed out a chapter. Lately, I have been so busy that I could never get into the mood to write this appropriately. I tried before but I could never express myself the way I wanted to. Fortunately, I was finally able to get what I wanted which allowed me to write this. I really hope you enjoy it. One scene in the following chapter was inspired by the story Gamp's Finest Blend of Pretend by canoncansodoff. There we go, a little disclaimer there so I don't have anyone accusing me of plagiarism. It helped form a neat idea.

From the End to the Start

Chapter XIV

"So tell me about Harry."

Hermione stared blankly at her mother as she fastened her buckle in the car. Charlotte Granger smiled serenely at her daughter, her hands gently gripping the steering wheel as she patiently waited for Hermione's response. The young witch lightly frowned at the sudden question, "Mother, I'm sure I've told you all about him when I was younger."

Her mother rolled her eyes, her smile shifting to a curious grin, "Now Hermione, that was when the two of you were friends. Chalk it up to motherly instincts but I feel the two of you are something more now am I right?"

She could have easily refuted the claim and insisted that they were just friends. However, the changes over the last week and a half established that that was no longer the case. Besides, she knew she couldn't hide everything from her mother. Hermione, after all, had acquired her mother's perception. Heaving a sigh and shaking her head at her gossipy mother, she answered, "I guess you can say that. We're taking things slow though. We're not completely at lover status in a sense of being boyfriend or girlfriend, but we're not simply just friends now either. We're basically just testing the waters. How did you know?"

Charlotte's lips quivered into a knowing smirk, "Your father may not have noticed, but I certainly did. Whenever you come home, your lips would be slightly swollen and there was simply a skip to your step whenever you were around the house. You were positively radiating with happiness. My only guess was that something happened between you and Harry." She chuckled, "You remind me of myself so much when I was your age. I was just the same with your father when we first started seeing each other."

Hermione's mother started the car and began driving away from their house. Meanwhile, Hermione leaned back against the car seat, mulling over her mother's revelations. Had she been that obvious? Well, Hermione could certainly confess that she was enthralled with seeing Harry frequently. She was starting to view Harry in another light; a light that demonstrated the masculinity of his person that excited her sexually. Still, while it seemed her mother accepted it easily, Hermione was concerned with one more matter, "Mother, since you now know, then does this mean you're alright with Harry staying over?"

"Of course, we're already committed. It wouldn't do to back out on a promise. Besides, love, you're mature enough to know the consequences of what could happen if you're alone with a teenage boy." Hermione noticed her mother furrowing her brow as a thought crossed her mind, "Hermione, have you already had sex with Harry? I'm not angry if you have, but you have been visiting him quite often."

"No," Hermione answered, flustered but maintaining her composure, "I assure you, mother, that Harry and I haven't had intercourse. If we had, I would have told you."

"Oh, I'm not too sure about that." Charlotte chuckled wistfully, "I remember when I was your age. There were plenty of things I didn't tell my mum."

"Mother!" Hermione cried out uncomfortably, "I don't need to know that."

"Sweetheart, I'm only jesting."

"Still, I recognize you and dad are still very much in love, but as your child, I don't need to know the exact details of your relationship!"

"Hermione, I'm only treating you like a young woman. I vividly recall a little girl around six who demanded to be treated like an adult."

Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose and groaned. Next to her, her mother laughed at the plight that she suffered. However, despite the teasing her mother gave her, Hermione couldn't help but smile at the displays of affection her mother showered her as of late. Though they had their disagreements and have conflicting tastes in terms of interest, there was no doubt that they had grown much closer since Hermione had decided to stay over and commit to deepening her relationship with her parents. She missed the lighthearted nature of her mother. Charlotte Granger allowed Hermione to pursue whatever fancied her, only stopping her to give her advice or information of what may come. Hermione remembered how – in the previous continuity – she misconstrued her mother's parenting methods. She wanted Hermione to grow as her own person and not be coddled or held back. Her mother raised her to be independent and be able to rely on herself.

The car slowed to a moderate speed as they entered Little Whinging. The distaste for the immaculate cleanliness of the neighborhood houses was openly expressed on Charlotte's face. Hermione had to agree with her mother's sentiment, she didn't like the monotony of the exterior of the homes as well. While her mother drove, Hermione paid careful attention to the street signs, waiting for the words 'Privet Drive' to pop up.

"Is that it? The next left over?" Charlotte asked unsure.

Hermione nodded her head, "Yeah, that's Privet Drive. Harry is at Number Four."

The car turned into the road. They drove further into the street, stopping shortly at Number Four at the curb. The fairly mundane neighborhood was still quiet, as if it had yet to be awoken for the day. Charlotte glanced at Hermione worried, checking the time, "Do you suppose we're too early?"

The time traveler glanced at the digital clock; it was 8:39. Considering what Harry told her about his daily routine, he would be up by eight in the morning out of habit. Meanwhile Dudley wouldn't be up until ten or eleven. Harry's aunt, Petunia, would be up at around the same time as Harry, but his uncle, Vernon, wouldn't grumble out of bed by nine. Hermione sighed thankfully, thank goodness she didn't have to deal with the two bloated whales. Turning back to her mother, Hermoine answered, "No, we arrived just on time."

"Well, if you're sure. Go ahead and get Harry. I'll keep the car running. Does Harry know to be ready?"

"Yeah, he promised to pack up last night." Hermione stepped out of the car and began marching up to the front door of Number Four Privet Drive. She rang the doorbell once and waited patiently for someone to answer. Hermione hoped that it would be Harry at the door. However, no such luck. Instead of her best friend, she was met with none other than Petunia Dursley, looking as obnoxious and horse-like as always.

Petunia frowned, "What is it this time? Off to fornicate with that brat again?"

It was no secret to Hermione to Petunia cared little for her. She often looked at her with disdain whenever she visited and would cast suspicious glances whenever she caught her leaving Harry's room. Hermione knew of the gossipy slurs that were going around Harry's neighborhood about herself and Harry. Though false, Harry was known by many of the other residents of Little Whinging as a criminal teenage delinquent. In a similar aspect, she was cast as Harry's promiscuous lover. Ironically, it was no different than how the two of them were treated during their Fourth and Fifth Years. Funny, that.

"Honestly, have you forgotten?" Hermione rolled her eyes, "Today is the day Harry gets to leave your horrid home."

"Why I never!" Petunia harrumphed, but said nothing else to Hermione. She turned to face the stairs and yelled loudly, "Potter! Get down here! Your girlfriend is here to pick you up!"

A few moments later, Harry appeared at the top of the steps with his trunk being held by one arm over his shoulder – she assumed he had cast a charm to make it lighter – and Hedwig's empty birdcage on the other. Their eyes met as he hurriedly descended the stairs; they were shining with insurmountable joy and excitement. He appeared well-groomed surprisingly. Instead of the hand-me-downs he typically wore, Harry had worn his uniform's white dress shirt and dark trousers. His shoes were not the raggedy sneakers inherited from Dudley but rather the formal ones worn for special events. Despite his hair's forever tussled appearance, it looked more well-groomed and stylish.

"Hermione! Hi! Sorry, I haven't shaven yet." He first told her as he finally reached the door. Petunia turned away and walked back to the kitchen, not at all interested with the conversation. Now that Harry mentioned it, Hermione noticed that her best friend had a small shadow around his lower face. She couldn't blame him, he was soon-to-be sixteen.

"I don't mind, why do you think you need to?" Hermione asked casually, curious herself about Harry's sudden interest in how he appeared to others aesthetically.

Harry turned slightly red as he admitted bashfully, "Well, this will be the first time I'll meet your parents right? I want to leave a good impression on them y'know? I normally try to be smooth and all, but I haven't the time the last few days. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon were running me ragged since they knew I was going to leave soon."

Ignoring his relatives' behavior, Hermione smiled at his honest answer. Her heart fluttered at the sincere effort Harry had tried to make to impress her parents. True, Harry's looks were far from perfect, but his entire attire certainly suited him. His kind eyes and warm smile was one of his most attractive features and seeing him looking so energetic would be enough to leave a favorable impression on her parents. Though, Hermione decided, Harry deserved a reward for his efforts. She leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on his lips, "You look dashing, Harry. I'm sure my parents will love you."

Harry's smile grew bigger which in turn made Hermione smile too. She led him to the car, the trunk already unlocked to store Harry's belongings. Behind them, Petunia had closed the door and neither of them parted with saying a word to one another. It was just how things were done. As Hermione helped load Harry's chest and birdcage into the back, a question formed in her head to Hedwig's whereabouts, "Harry, where's Hedwig?"

"She should be off to Romania. Errol finally arrived with a letter and I-" He stopped and his eyes grew wide, "Shite!"

"Language, Harry." Hermione inserted passively. Though she still disapproved of cursing, she wasn't as fervent of reprimanding those who did, "What's wrong?"

Harry ran his fingers through his hair and sighed, "Ron wrote a letter addressed to both of us. I was so excited that I immediately wrote my reply and sent it off. I've forgotten that you may have wanted to send a reply back."

"Oh is that it?" Hermione asked plainly, "I don't mind really. We have all summer to write to Ron. I'm more worried for Hedwig and Errol though; they're the ones who are going to be flying to and fro."

"Yeah, Errol looked almost dead when he arrived. He had a letter to the twins and he left before I could tie on to my letter. No worries about Hedwig though, she's been dying to do a long flight since we arrived at the Dursleys."

"Knowing her, she could have went from Britain to Antarctica and still be fine."

"She's quite the prideful owl isn't she?"

"Well she isn't the Queen of the Owlery for nothing."

The pair shared a chuckle before they closed the trunk of the car. Instead of the passenger seat, Hermione opted to sitting with Harry in the back. She entered first, followed by Harry who glanced at the Granger matriarch shyly. From the rear-view window, Charlotte could be seen flashing a welcoming smile to Harry. When the two of them finally settled into their seats, Charlotte introduced herself, "Well, well, if it isn't Harry Potter. I'm Charlotte Granger, Hermione's mum. Ever since she was twelve I've heard nothing but you in her letters. It's finally nice to meet the very boy who she's smitten with."

"Mum!" Hermione cried out embarrassed.

"Oh, hush. I've been dying to do this since you were a little girl. My mother did this and her mother before her did it. I must follow the family tradition!"

Hermione groaned her displeasure which elicited laughs from Harry and Charlotte. Harry turned to Charlotte and replied, "It's great to meet you too Mrs. Granger. Thanks for letting me stay over the summer."

"Nonsense, it's our pleasure. Also none of this Mrs. Granger business, feel free to call me Charlotte. You will be welcomed in our home, Harry."

"Oh, before I forget." Harry reached into his pockets and removed a folded piece of paper. He handed it over to Hermione, "It's the letter from Ron."

Hermione took the letter and began reading the wrinkled parchment. In the background, she listened to her mother and Harry conversing about school. She noticed that Harry was perceptive enough to not reveal any of their adventures, and for that, Hermione was thankful. She hadn't gotten around to telling her parents what occurred at Hogwarts in the last few years. She shifted her focus back onto the letter and continued reading:

Dear Harry and Hermione,

First off, I wanted to write letters to the both of you separately, but I figured Errol wouldn't appreciate traveling the extra distance so I decided to just address to the both of you.

Okay, for this first part, this is for Harry only. Harry, don't forget to remind Hermione not to read this part okay? This is strictly a talk between mates!

Hermione shook her head in amusement. Although a part of her knew she should respect Ron's wishes, a more mischievous side to her couldn't resist continuing on.

Harry, how's life at the Dursleys? I'm pretty sure you're bored, so let me brighten up your day for a few minutes about something wicked that happened! I've been helping Charlie with the dragons. I'm not doing anything too dangerous though. I'm basically just the guy who makes sure everyone is alright while everyone else tends to the dragons. If things get violent, I have to go run off and get more help. Besides, it's the only job mum will let me do. Anyway, the thing that happened was that one day after Charlie got off work, he took me to the pub where he and his friends go to. You will never believe who I met there! The Chudley Cannons Seeker, Galvin Gudgeon, was there! It turns out that one of Charlie's coworkers was his brother! Would you believe my luck? Anyway, believe it or not, that was not the most awesome thing that happened. It also turned out that Galvin has a sister named Gladys who was around our age. We hit it off right away and we've been talking nonstop since we met! Can you believe it? Don't tell Hermione okay? She would probably get angry or something. Girls are weird like that.

Hermione held back a snort as she read over the paragraph again. Perhaps at another time she would have been jealous, but the past was the past. Instead, she felt a little elation for her red-haired friend. At least it wasn't Lavender. The two of them as a couple was sickening to watch even if she hadn't been interested in Ron. Then again, Ron was a naïve teenager. He could have very well fallen for another girl that showed the slightest hint of interest. Well, whatever the case, good for him. Though, considering her own experience with Viktor, a relationship based solely on writing letters to one another would be doomed to fail at their age. That was why she never pursued a romance with the Bulgarian seeker. She continued reading.

Anyway, that's enough news about that. Let Hermione read this now. I think this family vacation is a little more than that. I noticed that dad often wanders off by himself and doesn't return for hours. Mum doesn't seem to mind and Charlie and Ginny doesn't seem to notice. But I can't help but think we're actually in Romania for some Order business. Did Dumbledore tell you anything Harry? Or is there something happening over there? I'm a little worried. You-Know-Who is still around and all even if Dumbledore sent him running at the Ministry.

Arthur was disappearing? That was peculiar. For what reason would Dumbledore have the Weasleys go to Romania? There were no Horcruxes there or anything of value to be had at that location. Perhaps it was to ensure the safety of the youngest Weasley kids? It wasn't a far off conclusion. No one but a select few knew where they are. They were in a secure area where the Dragon Tamers are constantly on their guard from rampant dragons or poachers. Though it wasn't the safest place to be all things considered, it was still a pretty good location to hide in. That only left the question as to what Dumbledore's plans were. That man had known what she had done to Mr. Borgin and his cryptic words from yesterday still resonated deep within her. For some reason, he had done nothing but discourage her from doing anything. If he had been Amelia Bones or Rufus Scrimgeour, Hermione knew she would have been arrested. It disturbed her greatly.

"Something wrong Hermione?" Harry asked her tentatively. Broken free from her thoughts, Hermione turned and stared blankly at Harry for a few moments. Frowning, Harry called to her again, "Hermione?"

"Sorry, it's nothing. Just thinking is all." Hermione quickly reassured him, putting away the letter into her pocket to finish reading later. She immediately changed the subject, "So Ron has a lovely lady by his side now?"

"Well, knowing Ron, they're probably just talking. Not to talk bad about him, but I think he's even worse than I am when it comes to girls."

"Still, I believe I was right. Remember a few days ago?" Hermione asked him, recalling their conversation before she had talked to Dudley about his parents. She had suggested that Ron had found himself a girl during his stay in Romania. It was a suggestion that Harry had shot down. Hermione grinned smugly at her raven haired friend, "If you were a betting man, you would have lost."

"Charlotte, your daughter is a wicked girl who plans to steal my entire fortune." Harry shot back, flashing the same grin that she was showing him.

Charlotte gasped, "Hermione is that true? I thought I raised you better than that. To think, my daughter is a gold digger!"

"Mother!"

"Serves you right, Hermione." Harry added coyly.

She glared fiercely at Harry before elbowing him at his side, "You're such a prat, Harry."

"But I'm a lovely prat?"

"Honestly, where in the world did you get this stunning boldness from? You're worse than Malfoy!"

"We've been owling each other. I wanted to know the secrets to his arrogance."

Before a lighthearted fight ensued between the two friends, Charlotte clicked her tongue for their attention. The two teens stopped in mid-action, their hands outstretched as the two of them had been about to have the tickle war of the age. Charlotte smiled serenely at the scene, expressing her content all over her face, "Now that's all well and good, but a ceasefire must be made for now. We are officially home!"

The car came to a stop once they reached a modest-looking house with plentiful trees and bushes on the front lawn trimmed into various designs. The house itself didn't look very large from the outside; it had a ground floor, first floor, and an attic. It was lined with bricks painted over brown. The windows and doors were clear white, complementing the dark tone of the overall structure. The neighborhood they were in all had houses of several different designs. There were some kids already playing outside while the adults were tending to their lawn. A couple even went as far as to wave at them. It was a far cry from the monotony of Little Whinging. Despite Little Whinging's attempt of appearing to be normal as much as possible, it was the neighborhood that the Grangers resided in that had true normalcy. It was comfortable and welcoming; who could ask for anything more?

"Wow, your house is amazing." Harry said in awe.

Hermione stared at her home, not seeing what was so special about it. However, she could understand why Harry felt the way he did. His former home – if you could call it a home – was a world where he was unwanted and unloved. And though she would never say it out loud, Hermione had her suspicions that Harry felt smothered when at the Burrow. Being here, with her, and in a place where he could forget about magic and Voldemort, it was simply heaven for Harry Potter.

Hermione got out of the car and began unloading Harry's belongings with his help. Taking Hedwig's birdcage, Hermione shouted after her mother who was making her way up the path to the front door, "Mum! Is Harry staying in the guest room?"

Charlotte turned the key and opened the door. Without looking behind her, she answered, "No, Harry gets the attic!"

Hermione frowned instantaneously. Noticing Hermione's sudden mood shift, Harry asked, "Is the attic bad?"

"No." Hermione said wryly, "You're just so lucky."

"Wait, what?"

The witch smirked at the Boy Who Lived, "You'll see. Come on, I'll show you."

Quickly, the two took Harry's belongings and speedily entered the house. Hermione bypassed the tour she had planned to give him in favor of showing Harry the attic. They walked up the staircase onto the first floor where she ignored her room for the door next to it. Opening it revealed another staircase which she swiftly ascended with excitement. At the end of the steps was another door and Hermione immediately stepped through it after opening. Harry frantically tried to keep up with her pace, a little shocked that Hermione showed this much excitement in something other than books or magic. However, when Harry entered the attic, his expression decorated on his face showed why Hermione was eager to enter.

The attic was transformed into fully livable loft. Sprawled throughout the room were various knickknacks from eras long since passed. At one end of the room was a large couch with an entire home theater facing it. Alongside it were various musical CDs of bands pertaining to rock and roll. In the corner next to the home theater was two amps with an electric guitar and bass stood on its stand waiting for someone to pick up its use. A large Union Jack flag was hung over one wall alongside posters of the very same bands that comprised the CD list. At another corner was a mini bar complete with unopened bottles of alcoholic beverages. Then, at the far end of the room was another couch, but this time it was converted into a spring-loaded bed.

"Wicked." Harry said, borrowing Ron's most well-known phrases.

"My dad started this up as a side project when he first bought the house with mum," Hermione began explaining, "Over the years, he converted the attic into what you see today. It wasn't finished until I was nine, and it was mean to entertain his old friends when they came to visit. I think he expected me to use it when I had my own friends over but..."

"You went to Hogwarts and instead of us visiting you, you had to visit us." Harry finished mournfully. He faced Hermione, a sad frown marring his once jovial features, "Hermione, I'm sorry Ron and I never thought to..."

"No, it's not your fault." Hermione said truthfully, "It never occurred to me that I should have invited you guys over also. I'm more to blame than anyone."

Nothing else was said. Hermione thought it had more to do with Harry not knowing what to say. To her surprise instead, Harry placed his trunk on the floor and enveloped her in a gentle hug. Hermione looked up at Harry to find him staring at her with the softest eyes she had ever seen at him. It were the eyes of a loving and caring man who would go to any lengths to care for the ones he loved. Dropping the birdcage onto the ground, Hermione immersed herself in the embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist and placing her head against his chest.

Do not forget yourself lest you become consumed by your own darkness.

Hermione, don't ever be afraid of pain and hardship. In the end, it could be worth it. Do what is right, not easy.

Perhaps, she had been going about everything all wrong. Perhaps she wasn't meant to preemptively strike at the Death Eaters. Perhaps she did not need to perpetuate the cycle of death and destruction by causing them herself. Standing there in Harry's arms felt more right than what she had done in the past few weeks. What they both needed were each other. She had been so obsessed with the Horcruxes, with the power that the darkness held, and the ruthlessness one had to show to their enemies that she had almost forgotten what she was fighting for. She was fighting for the future of the magical world. She was fighting for the safety of all those that inhabited it. She was fighting for the students and teachers at Hogwarts. She was fighting for her friends and their family. She was fighting for her parents and their freedom to live out their lives.

But most of all, she was fighting for Harry and the kind and loving emerald eyes that had yet to be tarnished by death and fate.

Afterword: There was going to be more, but I thought it was good to cut off there. I enjoyed writing it. It was a whole lot of fun and I hope you like this story as well to continue reading it! Feel free to send in your thoughts and feelings; they always help improve my level of writing.