PART FOUR: CHANGES

What seemed like forever was merely just two years two years spent and she was now anxiously waiting for the mere months to pass to pass and for graduation day to finally arrive.

"A bit preoccupied today aren't we, Mione?"

Seventeen year old Hermione Granger gave a startled glance at her best friend.

"Can't wait to arrive at Hogwarts one last time, huh?" Sixteen year old Ginny Weasley added, her eyes shining teasingly. "I would be too if this were my last year." She then turned to the young man sitting right next to Hermione. Raising an eyebrow, "So what's your excuse for your lack of excitement, Ronald?"

"Ron" Her older brother, Ron Weasley, growled. "Remember that, Regina" He retorted back, causing his girlfriend to smack him on the arm.

"Be nice, Ron." Hermione hissed, though a small smile was on her face.

Ron just rolled his eyes at his girl, yet a tiny grin found its way onto his handsome face.

"Oh you two are so cute that you make me absolutely sick!" Ginny feigned a gag, yet giggled at her brother and her best friend.

Hermione joined in the laughter. Very soon, Ron found himself laughing as well.

Things had changed since fifth year, and Hermione was the most surprised by the changes. She never would have imagined herself being the girlfriend of Ron Weasley, her very own best friend and fellow banter partner. If only, the one man, her one best friend, that she could see herself being with was

At the slight remembrance of him, Hermione's heart did a funny lurch and pang. It had been two years since his disappearance. Two years since Harry left Hogwarts—left her—without so much as a good-bye. It was the most painful day of her life. Not just because of his departure without a farewell, but because of how the day started out so beautifully. She remembered that day as if it were yesterday

**"My, my, Mione why am I not surprised to find you here in the library, practically napping on the text."**

She had laughed with him on that day. She had been in his arms that day. For a moment in time, Hermione Granger actually belonged to the famous Harry Potter and everyone knew it. Knew that she belonged to him, her best friend, and the one boy who had her heart.

"Mione? You okay?"

A loving hand found its way onto hers, waking her from her trance. Hermione turned, meeting gentle eyes with Ron.

The day that Harry Potter left their lives was also the day that Ron and Hermione realized that they indeed needed each other more than they could ever comprehend. Not only had they become greater friends since that day, but very soon they became a part of each other. Far greater than friendship, and even now far greater than love. No one knows what the future holds for them, for they could be together one moment, then apart the next. Whatever happens, Hermione and Ron had this bond, this understanding, that not even Harry could break. They were soul mates of a different kind.

"You still thinking about him?" Ron softly asked.

"Always you know that" She replied, suddenly feeling guilty for admitting it in front of Ron.

"Hermione it's okay I miss him too." He eased her guilt, giving her a tender kiss on the forehead.

Hermione took a good hard look at Ron, and her heart swelled with love for him. No matter what happened between them, she would always love this young man before her.

Ron had grown up into a fine young man. His brown eyes glimmered with laughter and wisdom that far exceeded that of Hermione Granger of all people! Though his hair was just as flaming red as ever, it was still his trademark and had grown to make him just as exceedingly handsome than before.

He wasn't the only one that grew up. Hermione herself had grown into quite a young woman. Her once bushy brown hair had long since grown and had tamed down to elegant sleekness. She had sprouted a few inches and filled out in all the right places. Much of the muggles that she had met had begun to comment her as being the next young muggle actress Kate Beckinsale. Hermione did research on this "Kate" person, and found that the compliment was to her liking.

Young sixth year Ginny Weasley had also transformed into a lovely woman. Her equally flaming red hair was now past her shoulders, and had become just as sleek and define as Hermione's. Though she was petite in size, she had also indeed filled out in all the right places. This is much to her older brother's dismay, for that meant that he might have to kill a whole bunch of his friends, were the boys to give Ginny an undeserved once over.

Yes, a lot has changed. Much things have changed which caused Hermione to wonder "Wherever Harry is I wonder if he has changed as well"