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***Important A/N*** This story takes place three years after Hogwarts. So, Hermione is now 20 years old. I've decided to continue this!!! Okay....The first part is in here, revised and edited, and other parts are added!

***Disclaimer*** Harry Potter and everything else belongs to J.K. Rowling. I own the plot and Helen.

Mystery Man - Chapter One

By: You-Don't-Know-Who

Chapter One- The Mystery is in the Man

Hermione walked quietly back to her flat, a bag of groceries in her left hand. She jingled her keys until she found the right one. Stepping inside she was confronted with the aroma of peaches and cream, her favorite scent. Not bothering to put away her groceries, she went to take a fresh, hot shower.

Since Hogwarts let out 3 years previously and the downfall of Voldemort occurred, Hermione retreated to the Muggle world that she was born in. During her final year at the wizard school, her friends, Harry and Ron, spent less time with her. Tending to their girlfriends, Padma and Lavender was much more important to them. Hermione had finally come to terms that they didn't need her anymore. She decided to move on with her life.

Since she didn't attend high school or college, getting a decent job was, er, let's say difficult. Hermione now worked in Muggle office doing computer and paperwork.

But, needless to say, retreating to the Muggle world was not the best decision she had made. Hermione was lonely. The constant reminders of her adventurous Hogwarts days haunted her morning, noon, and night. She missed them and more than ever she wished she could go back, but she can't.

#....Buzzzzzz....#

"Stupid clock..." Hermione mumbled as she hit the snooze button.

#....Buzzzzzz....#

"FINE!"

Hermione reluctantly got up from her bed and yawned. She went into her tiny kitchen grabbing a breakfast bar. After a hour of trying to tame her hair she walked out of her door prepared for a new day at work. Once, outside, she saw a man leaning against her blue car, his arms crossed.

A man is waiting for me? She thought Well, this just makes my day...

She smiled at him, and then noticed the bumper of her car seemed to be laying on the ground, detached from the car.

"This your car?" the man asked, jerking his thumb behind him.

"Yes, yes it is," Hermione said.

Of course he wasn't waiting for me, when was the last time I ever talked to a guy? No... don't answer that.

"I seemed to have had an accident. My brakes need some tending to," he said.

"Oh, well that's okay. I mean it's not okay, but, ummm..."

"Don't worry, I'll pay for it, let's meet at lunch today to go over the plans, shall we?"

"Oh, yes of course. Whatever is convenient for you is fine," Hermione said.

"The little cafe, down at the corner on seventh street. Let's see, at noon?"

"Yes, that would be great," Hermione said.

The man waved goodbye, driving off, leaving Hermione to one thought...

How in the world am I going to get that bumper out of the road?

Noon came soon enough, and Hermione drove...bumper less...to the small cafe.

The man was already at a table, near the front, glancing at the menu. This was when Hermione started to notice him. He had brown hair, with a touch of auburn in it. He was indeed tall and had soft, hazel eyes, with flecks of gold in them. His eyes stopped reading and shifted to where she was. He grinned at her

That grin seems so familiar She thought, He reminds me of someone....

"Hello, sorry if I'm late," Hermione said, apologetically.

"No, your right on time. Have a seat. I hope you don't mind if I use my insurance company."

"No, that's fine."

He pulled out a small stack of papers and a pen.

"Okay," he said, "Your name?"

"Hermione Granger."

He slowly looked up at her, the dots of gold in his eyes were as bright as ever.

"Hermione Granger? Oh, sorry, could you spell that?"

Lunch passed quickly and she found out the man's name was Bryan Conner.

Hermione returned home and saw that her answering machine was blinking. ---

"Hello, Hermione, this is Bryan. Sorry to bother you, but my insurance and I had a little problem with the payment plans. I think we should meet at dinner at Starlight diner at 7:00. See you there."

So, is this a date? NO! I will not think of that. Although, he is handsome....NO! Once, your car is fixed, and has paid he will be gone. No use worrying over something silly. Come on, Hermione! Be sensible.

Needless to say, Hermione worried.

Hermione pulled on a knee-length, black dress for her dinner date, no, conference with Bryan.

Deciding to be early this time, she left at 6:30.

Of, course Bryan was already there, again at a table examining the fancy menu and sipping his wine.

"Hey, I was a bit early. Wanted to get a decent table you know?" he said as Hermione seated herself.

"Yes, this is a pretty popular place," Hermione said.

"You look great. You really changed, Hermione," Bryan said, then he face was full of surprise as he realized what he said.

"What do you mean changed? I look like I did yesterday at lunch," Hermione said confused.

"Oh, I mean, just forget it," he said, hiding himself behind his menu.

It was then Hermione noticed something odd. His hair seemed redder than it had yesterday.

It's just the light.

"So, how old are you?" she asked Bryan while munching on her steak that just arrived.

"Oh, I'm 22. I miss being a teenager though," he said

"Me too. I've lost contact with my friends over the years," she said

"Really? I'm sure they miss you," he said with a smile.

"Oh, no I don't think so. We grew apart. They started noticing girls and left me out."

"Yeah, those two really got crazy over-" he stopped suddenly.

Hermione started becoming suspicious of Bryan.

Dinner was soon over and Hermione was disappointed.

"So, I guess this is it," Hermione said once they were outside.

"Look, Hermione, I would really like to see you again. Without the whole car accident thing," Bryan said.

"Me, too," Hermione said smiling.

"Here call me," He said giving her a folded piece of paper and a kiss on the cheek. "See you,"

Hermione watched him walk away and unfolded the piece of paper. It read:

George Weasley

655-7912

***Disclaimer*** Harry Potter and everything else belongs to J.K. Rowling. I own the plot and Helen.