Title: Returning Home
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Harry/Hermione
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 610
Summary: Hermione returns home after many years.

Notes:

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: October Event - Halloween Bingo - 59. (dialogue) "Why are you doing this?" / "Doing what? Messing up your day?" - House of 1000 Corspes

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Speed Drabble - shimmer, velvety, tick

Year Long Scavenger Hunt Challenge: E15. Write about Hermione disappearing for years and then reappearing

Shipping Wars Competition

Hermione closed her eyes and leaned back against the velvety cushion as she listened to the tick tock of the clock and remembered the conversation she had before she left.

"Why are you doing this?" Ron asked.

"Doing what? Messing up your day?" she asked, a shimmer of the girl she used to be in her stance. "Believe it or not, Ron Weasley, not everything is about you. I'm leaving for me. I'm not happy here, and I'm leaving to hopefully find some happiness."

And Hermione left without looking back. She didn't say goodbye to Harry even though she would miss him. It was too hard to say goodbye to her first true friend, the boy she had developed feelings for.

He was happy with Ginny, and she couldn't face the two of them and not let her bitterness show. The younger girl had won, and it burned Hermione's heart to know she lost when she thought she had a better connection with Harry than Ginny could ever hope to have.

And she tried to find some happiness, but she couldn't. She had relationships, but no boy could ever compare to Harry in her heart, and she eventually gave up trying to find a replacement for her first love. Her true love.

And now she was going back. She didn't know what had become of Harry or Ginny, or anyone else for that matter, but she was would soon find out.

It wasn't until the next day, after she settled in her small London apartment, that she went to Diagon Alley. She knew she would most likely be able to find out everything there.

She didn't expect to see Ginny Weasley, but she took a deep breath and plastered a wide—but slightly fake—smile on her face. "Ginny, long time no see."

Ginny's glare was harsh, causing Hermione to stop before she could wrap her arms around Ginny in a friendly greeting.

"Ginny?"

"You have some nerve coming back here."

Hermione blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I bet you loved hearing about Harry breaking up with me once you disappeared. I bet you enjoyed the fact that he chose you over me!"

Hermione's heart thumped painfully in her chest. "I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't seen or talked to Harry since before I left."

Ginny smirked. "So, he was never able to locate you? Good." And with that, Ginny flipped her hair over her shoulder and flounced away.

'Harry chose me? He tried to find me?' Hermione's heart clenched as she wondered if she was too late. If Harry had moved on when he wasn't able to find her. 'Did I lose my chance before I even knew I had one?'

She wandered around and made a stop at Flourish and Blotts. She browsed the familiar aisles, remembering how she used to love spending hours in this very store.

A voice interrupted her trip down memory lane.

"When I heard that Hermione Granger was seen in the alley, I automatically knew to check here."

She stiffened at the so familiar voice and turned around. Her brown eyes clashed with emerald eyes that she hadn't seen in years. "Harry," she breathed.

"Hello, Hermione," he replied.

As they stepped closer to each other, it was like no time had passed, and with the way he cupped her cheek, Hermione was sure she wasn't too late.

"I missed you," she murmured.

Harry's answer was a simple kiss that was so gentle, a barely-there brush. She felt it all the way down to her toes, though.

And she had never been so happy that she decided to come back home.