Author's Note: This story will start around Christmas time, shortly after Confusing Feelings left off. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter.

I do not own anything.

Hermione smiled as she finished packing her trunk, overly excited for the train ride back to London. Tomorrow morning she would be on break for a couple of weeks, something has desperately been waiting for since she started Hogwarts.

She looked around her empty room and sighed. It was times like this when she really missed Harry. It's been four months since she's seen him last, and it was really upsetting her. She's been missing him.

'Missing him in more ways than one,' she thought, moaning out her frustrations. It's been a long four months, and Hermione was really wanting to see him.

Really, really, wanting to see him.

'It will be even harder when I come back,' she thought again, sitting on her bed. 'It will be six months that time around, and four is already driving me crazy.'

She reached up and touched her necklace, smiling as she remembered the day he had given her that necklace. She still couldn't believe that Harry had given her a present like this. It didn't seem like something that he would do.

Of course, she's never dated him before, so maybe he has a softer side than she realized.

'This time tomorrow, I'll be back with you. This time tomorrow."

"We're here," Ginny said, standing up to grab her bags. Hermione did the same and followed her out of the compartment and off the train. The station was already packed, and Hermione hated that.

She went with Ginny and grabbed her trunk. Ginny looked around for a moment before she said, "There they are!"

She quickly followed Ginny's fast pace over to the group. Her eyes stayed on one person, while his did the same, flashing a grin at her in the process.

"Ah, there you two are," Arthur said, rubbing his hands together. "We best not be long. Molly is fixing dinner for everyone at the house."

"Hello, Ron," a blonde haired girl said, walking up behind Harry and Hermione. Ron drew a smile.

"Hey, you," he said, taking her hand and walking away from Harry and Hermione.

"They're a cute couple," Hermione said, smiling as they walked away.

"How are you?" Harry said, taking her trunk from her. She readjusted the bag on her shoulder.

"Happy to see you," she said, wrapping her arms around him.

"I feel the same exact way, Hermione. It's been a long four months in an empty apartment."

She looked up at him and crashed their lips together. He kissed her back with the same intensity, trying to tell her as much as she was trying to tell him through it.

People were whispering, people were talking. They didn't care. It's been four months since they've seen each other. With her in school, and him in training, it felt like they would never get to see each other again.

It's also been four months since they've done other things, something that has been frustrating for the both of them.

"I've missed you so much," Harry said, breaking away from their kiss and putting his forehead against hers.

"I've missed you, too. I hate being away from you."

He grabbed hold of her trunk again and together they walked out to the cars, where Arthur, Ginny and Seamus were waiting for them.

"Ah, good," he said, watching as Seamus helped Harry put Hermione's trunk into the second car. "Now, where is Ron?"

"With his girlfriend," Ginny said, making a gagging noise. Next to her, Seamus laughed.

"How are you doing, mate?" Harry asked, shaking hands with him.

"I've been good. Hate that I'm back again, but after that horrible last year, I wanted proper education."

"What do you plan on doing after Hogwarts?"

"I'm wanting to work at the Ministry in the Improper Use of Magic Department. I've heard that Minister Shacklebolt that completely revamping the Ministry in all of the departments. I'm hoping to get a job there after I graduate."

"He is," Harry said. "Ron and I are actually in the Auror's training program, which is why we haven't returned."

"He's doing an amazing job, might I add," Arthur implied. "I was able to get my job back, and I know he's working real closely with Harry, Ron and Hermione. He wants them in the Ministry."

"What are you planning on doing, Hermione?"

"Kingsley has actually offered me a job as well," she replied, looking down to avoid Harry's look. His head shot towards her.

"There's Ron!" Arthur said, breaking the conversation before it could start. "Why don't we finish this discussion at home? Ginny, Seamus, with me. You three in the other car. Let's move."

Hermione got in the car first, being seated in the middle between the boys. They all remained silent until the car took off.

"What do you mean he offered you a job already?" Harry started, wondering why she would keep this from him.

"I wanted to tell you in person," she said, taking a hold of his hand.

"Tell him what?" Ron said, turning his head to look at the both of them.

"Kingsley has offered me a job at the Ministry alongside the two of you."

"What'd he offer you?"

"Let me start from the beginning," she said. "It was around Halloween, I believe. McGonagall called me to her office, and Kingsley was there waiting for me. Apparently, someone told him about S.P.E.W."

Harry looked away, looking slightly embarrassed. Hermione grinned.

"So it was you!"

"He's been asking me questions about you. I didn't understand why, until now. I think he wants you in the Ministry a lot."

"He does," she said, smiling at them as she did so. "That's why I've been offered a position in the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. I start a few weeks after I graduate Hogwarts."

"Hermione!" Harry said, hugging her and kissing her head. "I'm so proud of you!"

"You've earned that position, Hermione. I'm proud of you, too," Ron said, also giving her a hug.

"Thank you. I'm really glad he offered me it, because I had no idea what I wanted to do after Hogwarts. Now, I'll get to work alongside the two of you."

"Think that was Kingsley's plan? For all three of us to work there?"

"Yes," Harry said, taking hold of Hermione's hand again. "Think about it this way: the three of us have always changed the rules, haven't we? That's exactly what Kingsley wants to do. He wants the Ministry reorganized, why not bring in three rule breakers to help him? Kingsley knows that we will do what's right. He's worked with us enough to know what we do and how we work."

"I agree with what Harry said," Hermione said. "He wants our help getting the Ministry fixed."

"Interesting move on Kingsley's part."

After dinner, everyone sat in the Weasley's living room, discussing various topics, or simply sitting around. Hermione had announced her plans after Hogwarts at dinner, with several congratulations thrown her way. Molly and Arthur were pleased when they heard what Seamus had planned, but Molly seemed a little displeased with Ginny's plans.

"Mum, if it doesn't work out, I'll apply to be an Auror. But I really want to be a Quidditich player."

Molly was silent after that, clearly wanting to talk to Ginny once again, but letting the issue drop.

Harry and Hermione were hidden in the corner of the living room, remaining silent as they were watching the rest of commotion. They were currently sharing the chair that was residing there.

"You're awfully quiet," Harry said, stroking her hair.

"So are you," she grinned back at him.

"I think I'm about ready to head home, if you are."

She nodded, and they both stood up.

"Thank you for dinner, but we're going to head out," Harry said, giving Molly and Arthur a hug.

"We're very proud of you, Hermione."

"Thank you. I'm very excited."

"As you should be."

"I'm heading out, too," Ron said, giving his parents a hug. "Have to be up early again tomorrow."

"Goodnight, everyone. See you all at Christmas?"

"We'll be here," Harry said, watching Hermione give a nod.

"Be here, too, mum. Clarissa will be here, too."

Molly nodded, and Hermione hopped into the fireplace. She grabbed a handful of floo powder and disappeared in the flames, arriving in the apartment a moment later.

Her eyes immediately fell to the Christmas tree, and she smiled, walking over to it. Harry came through a moment later and smiled as he watched her.

"Surprised?"

"I didn't know you were putting one up. Thank you, Harry."

"Have I told you how much I've missed you?" he asked, walking up to her and wrapping his arms around her waist. She smiled.

"Only once, I think. Four months apart and that's all I get?"

"We were in public," he said, his lips immediately finding her neck. She let out a moan.

"And now that we're alone?" she asked, running her hands through his hair.

"You're the one with the exciting news. It's your night. What do you want?"

She put her hands on his face and pulled him back, saying, "You. All I want is you."

With that, she brought her lips up to his. After a moment or two he lifted her up and carried her to their bedroom.

"How are we going to handle six months apart?" Hermione asked, running her hand across Harry's chest.

"I dunno, because four was hard enough."

"You know, I have my own room, Harry," she said, kissing his chest before moving up to his neck.

"What are you implying, Hermione? I break into Hogwarts?"

"Since when has that ever bothered you?" she said, trailing back up to his jaw until she found his mouth. He grinned as she broke away.

"I love this side of you," he said, capturing her lips with his.

Hermione watched as Harry dressed for work, smiling as she stared at his bare best chest. Her smile disappeared when he put on his shirt and sweatshirt.

He sighed as he put his wand holster on, before he turned back to her.

"I have to go now."

"Do you have to?" she asked, playing with the hem of her sheet that covered her body. He chuckled.

"Unfortunately, I do. I'll get in serious trouble if I'm late."

"I suppose if you have to go."

He smiled as he captured his lips with hers for a quick kiss. "I love you. I'll see you later."

"Love you, too, Harry. Please be careful."

"I always am. Don't forget that Andromeda is bringing Teddy over around ten."

"Ok. Now go, you'll be late!"

He smiled as he gave her a quick kiss. He then got off the bed and picked up his bag, disappearing out of her sight.

Hermione sighed as she looked at the clock again, knowing that she still had a few hours left until Harry was done with his training for the day. To pass the time during the summer, she had begun reviewing what she had previously learned at Hogwarts. Now that she was back, she was going to start preparing for her examinations while he went to work.

However, no matter how hard she tried to focus, her thoughts always drifted back to Harry.

They had now been dating for almost eight months, and Hermione couldn't believe that they had been dating for that long.

She sighed and put her book down, knowing that there was no way she was going to concentrate. Her mind was too focused on other things.

The fireplace came to life, and Ginny stepped through, coughing slightly afterwards.

"Hello, Ginny. How are we today?"

"Annoyed. Mum's still bothering me about that Quidditich decision. I had to get away for a little bit. Are you ok with me here?"

"Of course," Hermione said, moving her books so Ginny could sit on the bed. "I'm here alone anyway. Harry won't be back until six."

"How's it going with you two, anyway? You two were awfully quiet at dinner last night."

"It's amazing," Hermione said, smiling. "We've been dating for almost eight months now, and it still feels like the very first month. He makes me so happy."

"I can tell," Ginny said, grinning at Hermione as she did so. "I don't think I've ever seen you so happy. Him, too. I'm thinking he's going to ask you any day now, Hermione."

"Ask me what?"

"To marry him, duh!"

"No way," Hermione said, shaking her head.

"I bet you he does."

"You really think so?"

"I know so, Hermione. Haven't you ever thought about your future with him?"

"Of course I have. That doesn't mean that Harry has, though."

"Sure, Hermione."

A baby's cry echoed throughout the apartment. Hermione checked the clock and stood up.

"That's Teddy. He must be up from his nap, so he's probably hungry. I'll be right back."

"I'll be here."

Hermione stood up and walked to the nursery, watching as Teddy sat and played with some toys that he discovered in his crib.

"Hi there, Teddy. Did you have a nice nap?"

She pulled him out of the crib and held him close to her, smiling as he immediately put his head on her shoulder.

"Everything ok in here?" Ginny asked, peeking her head into the room.

"Would you mind prepping him a bottle for me? The formula is in the kitchen."

"No problem."

"Thank you," Hermione said, returning to the living room and sitting on the couch. She watched as Teddy played with his stuffed snitch, a present Ron had gotten him over the summer.

It was just then that Ginny's words had hit Hermione. Yes, of course she was thinking about a future with Harry. She hasn't stopped thinking about a future with him. But, did that mean that he was thinking the same?

'Harry was always afraid of not having a future,' she thought. 'Now that he knows he has one, has he been thinking about it?'

"Here you go," Ginny said, giving Hermione Teddy's bottle. She gave it to him and watched as he drank it himself, holding his two hands around the bottle. She kept one of hers underneath it for support.

"Thank you. So, how are you and Seamus doing?"

"Really good, actually. We've only been dating a short while, but I really like where it's going."

"It was a shock when you announced that you two were together. You make a cute couple, though."

"Yeah," Ginny said, looking away. "I'm not going to lie-it took a long time to get over Harry. Seamus is the first guy I've been with since him. Now that I'm with him, it feels like everything that I felt for Harry is gone. Harry was right-when we got back together, it didn't feel the same way as it had before. It was very different. Now, the way I felt with Harry the first time is how I feel with Seamus. And I love every minute of it."

"I'm happy for you, Ginny."

"Thank you."

And Hermione was happy for her, for a couple of reasons. One, she was happy that Ginny was happy. Two, she was happy that Ginny was able to move on from Harry without much difficulty. Three, she was happy that Ginny was still talking to her.

She looked down at Teddy, who has just finished his bottle. She put it down on the table and began to burp him, her mind wandering to her future again.

'I think he's going to ask you any day now.'

Ginny's words swam around her mind, almost to the point where Hermione's head began to hurt. Would Harry be purposing?

'I love you, Harry. And, I would love more than anything to have a future with you. If you're ready, then I am too.'