author's note: Welcome! This is something that I wrote last summer for fun. This story is fully written and I'm currently working on editing it. This is primarily a self-discovery story with a dash of romance, so if you're looking for a quick romance, this story probably isn't for you. The bulk of this story happens in Paris and I've done my best to remember my travels there and researched to fill in the gaps. It's also not Brit-picked and I don't have a beta! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story!
disclaimer: Everything you recognise belongs to J.K. Rowling.
summary: When Harry and Ginny announce their engagement, Hermione is devastated. Tired of being the reliable best friend, Hermione decides to take a healer job in Paris and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. [slightly OOC, inspired by the movie Sabrina, hermione granger x harry potter, HEA]
the parisian escape by thegreatexploress
chapter 1
Hermione caught herself staring at Harry again. It was a bad habit from their third year that she'd never been able to shake. Back then, it had been easy to justify the extra attention she gave him with all the life-threatening situations they faced. Danger was attracted to Harry like a moth to a flame. But it wasn't his power that drew her to him. It was the way his emerald eyes turned to her whenever he needed help. Who could deny him when he looked at her like that? Or the way he knew exactly how to comfort her when she was upset.
It wasn't until their fourth year that she accepted that she loved him. Even Hermione had to admit that it was ridiculous to blame her butterflies on bad food whenever Harry was near. Or her breathlessness on being out of shape. And as much as she wanted to tell him back then, Hermione was nothing but practical. She'd never let anything get in the way of their friendship, not even her feelings for him. She was also convinced she'd grow out of them. It was natural to like your best friend when you were always around them, fighting in a war side by side.
But here she was at twenty-five, and her feelings were unchanged.
Across the table, he leaned in to whisper something to Ginny. Hermione wondered what it would be like to be in the redhead's shoes, to feel the tickle of Harry's breath against her skin…
Ron's chuckle jolted her back to the present and reminded her of her surroundings. A quick glance around the table confirmed that no one had noticed her longing look at Harry. She wondered how no one had caught on, but she supposed it was because the Weasleys didn't see her as a girl. She was just Hermione, a bookworm that would rather spend time with Crookshanks than go out on dates.
Mrs Weasley returned to the table with more food and pumpkin juice, clucking at Harry and George to grab a second serving. The rest of the table was caught up talking about the latest quidditch match and how this would affect Ginny's team. Fleur gave her a small smile from across the table, and Hermione returned it. Though she didn't like quidditch, this scene filled her with warmth. After everything they had all gone through, they still had each other. This was home.
"How are things at St Mungo?" Mr Weasley asked.
Hermione set her fork down. "Great. Our department Healer-in-Chief is retiring soon, and I think I have a real chance at it."
"You'll get it. You're great at what you do," Harry said, having returned his attention from Ginny to his breakfast.
"They'd be stupid not to give it to you," Ron agreed.
The support of her two boys—she'd always think of them that way—meant more than she could say. Shortly after Harry and Ginny started dating, Hermione and Ron had tried their hand at dating before realising that they were better off as friends. She had expected their breakup to be explosive, but it wasn't. Ron had grown up the most after the war, stepping up after Fred's death. He knew that they weren't compatible romantically, and it was easy to return to being friends. And now that they weren't in school, they had little reason to fight.
"If the promotion doesn't work out, I think you should take that job in Paris," Fleur chimed in.
"What job in Paris?" George asked.
Hermione blushed. "When I went to that healing conference last year, I met a lot of people. I hit it off with a group of healers from the magical hospital in Paris. They offered me a job, no expiry date on the offer."
"My sister Gabrielle moved to Paris for school. I know you'd love each other!"
"Why would Hermione move?" Harry asked, shooting her a smile that made her heart melt. "She has everything she needs right here."
"Exactly," Hermione answered, ignoring Fleur's disappointed look.
The conversation returned to quidditch, letting her finish her breakfast uninterrupted. Once everyone was done, the boys raced outside to grab their brooms. Hermione followed along at a slower pace, shaking her head at them. Moments like these made her almost forget that they'd fought in a war. But maybe it was the war that made them realise how important these little playful moments were. Hermione set out her blanket on the sidelines of the makeshift quidditch pitch and grabbed a medical journal. The brunette sighed contently when the sun warmed her skin. It was a beautiful day. She was about to start reading when a shadow fell over her.
"Can I join you?" Fleur asked.
"Of course! You're always welcome," Hermione said, making room for the blonde. "Where's Victoire?"
"I sent her inside to spend time with Molly. I wanted a chance to speak to you."
The brunette smiled kindly. "I appreciate that you want me to take the job in Paris, but I'm happy here."
"Are you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I don't want to offend you, but I don't think you're being honest with yourself," Fleur said. "I've spent years watching you pine for Harry."
Hermione paled. "I'm not pining for him."
"We both know that's a lie."
Panic filled her at the accusation. How many others knew? Had she been obvious this whole time? Did Harry know? The last question filled her with dread. As much as she'd fantasised about running away with him, Hermione knew that wasn't a reality. Of course, there were times when the line between friendship and romance had blurred between them, but nothing had come of it. He was happy with Ginny. But, maybe, one day, she'd have a chance. High school sweethearts rarely worked out after all.
"I don't know what you want me to say," Hermione admitted.
Fleur sighed. "I won't tell anyone else. But I'm worried about you."
"Why would you be worried? I'm fine."
"You've dedicated your whole life to others. But what about taking care of yourself? You spend your days working, your evenings reading, and you come here on Sundays," Fleur said. The sunlight brought out the gold in her hair, making her look like a Greek goddess. Sometimes, Hermione found it unfair that she could be both beautiful and have such a kind soul. "You're waiting for something that might not ever be. The war taught us how important it is to live now."
Hermione knew the older witch had good intentions, but Fleur didn't know what she was talking about. "Does anyone else suspect?"
"I don't think so."
"And you want me to move to Paris to get over Harry?"
Fleur gave her a little nod. "Your first love is hard to get over, but it's easier when you don't have to see them regularly. I think France would be good for you."
"I appreciate your advice, but this is between Harry and me. Well, not exactly, but you know what I mean."
"What if he and Ginny never break up? Could you watch them build a life together?"
"He's my best friend," Hermione said, shrugging her shoulders, "If that's what he wants, then I'll support him."
She knew that the blonde didn't believe her, but thankfully Fleur dropped the subject. Knowing she wouldn't be able to concentrate on the medical journal, Hermione turned her attention to the game. Harry and Ginny were on opposing teams, and it seemed like the scores were close. It was rare for the couple to be on the same team. Ginny was a chaser for the Holyhead Harpies, and Harry probably could've played professionally if he'd wanted to.
Bill and Ginny cheered when they managed to score on Ron, making her ex-boyfriend curse. Harry flew towards Ron—where they quickly talked—before Harry took the quaffle and scored.
Though Hermione wanted to stay for the entire game, she decided to leave early. She couldn't get Fleur's words out of her head. She knew that the older witch had made a good point. What if Harry and Ginny got married? Could she really stay and watch them fall more in love with each other?
Deciding that was a problem for the future, she relaxed when she returned to her flat in muggle London. As much as she loved the Weasleys, their lifestyle was very different from hers. She loved going to the Burrow, but there was nothing like coming home to peace and quiet. Tucking away Molly's leftovers in her fridge, Hermione started preparing for work tomorrow.
When she was ready to retire for the night, Crookshanks hopped on the bed and curled up at her feet. Sure, her life was a little lonely at times, but there was no reason to be unhappy. She was living her life. Fleur's concerns were misplaced.
