Harry and Hermione emerged from the library and went in search of Ron. He was downstairs saying goodbye to his parents. Mrs. Weasley was giving her son an extra long hug.

"You behave, son," said Mrs. Weasley.

"I will mom," said Ron turning to his father and embracing him briefly.

"Take care, Ron," said Mr. Weasley. "Harry, Hermione," said Mr. Weasley taking note of them. "Good, you almost missed Ron."

"Arthur, come on. Let's let the kids talk a few minutes," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Coming Molly," said Mr. Weasley. "Ron, five minutes. Professor Snape is waiting."

"All right, Dad," said Ron.

Mr. Weasley followed Mrs. Weasley out of the room and shut the door behind him.

"So," began Ron turning to Harry and Hermione. "Is everything ok now?"

Hermione smiled bashfully. "Yeah."

Harry grinned at her, trying not to laugh. "We're ok now."

"Well good," said Ron slowly, not understanding what was funny. "So I guess this is goodbye."

"Not for long," said Hermione giving Ron a hug. "Take care of yourself."

"I will," said Ron hugging her back. "Hurry with your training, so you can come back to Hogwarts."

"I'll try," said Hermione releasing Ron.

Ron turned his attention to Harry. "I don't know what to say, mate."

"Good luck will do," said Harry trying to keep the smile on his face.

"Good luck then," said Ron.

Harry extended his hand to him and Ron took it. He shook it firmly and pulled Harry into a firm hug. Harry returned the hug briefly before releasing Ron.

Ron picked up his bag and went to the door. He took one last glance at Hermione and Harry and left without another word.

Hermione took a deep breath, trying to hold in her tears. Harry just stared at the closed door. "You ok," asked Hermione.

Harry nodded. Hermione embraced him from behind and rested her chin on his shoulder. "We'll be together again soon," she said softly. Harry didn't respond. "What are you thinking about," asked Hermione.

"I was just thinking that it's probably going to be ten times harder to say goodbye to you next week," he said quietly.

"Let's not think about that now," said Hermione.

"Ok," agreed Harry. He turned around in her arms so he was facing her. "Why didn't we see this sooner?"

She held him tightly. "Because we were stupid kids."

Harry laughed. "I don't think you've ever been a stupid kid."

She smiled back at him, looking deep into his eyes. "We don't have enough time."

"I thought we weren't going to think about that," he said smiling.

"We're not," she conceded. "Do you think we should have told Ron?"

Harry laughed again. "Tell him what?"

"You know."

"Hermione, there was hardly time. Besides, this is the kind of news you sit down for."

"Do you think he'll be upset?"

"Nah," said Harry quickly, though he knew he couldn't be totally sure of how Ron would react. "I don't want to think about Ron either."

"What do you want to think about," she asked coyly.

Harry leaned in and kissed her briefly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that the first time," she teased.

"Then maybe I should repeat myself," he murmured and leaned in to kiss her again.

Suddenly the door swung open and Harry and Hermione jumped apart guiltily.

"Sorry, didn't mean to disturb the two of you."

"Professor Moody."

"How many times do I have to remind you Potter. I was never a bloody professor."

"Sorry sir," said Harry.

"Well, if you two are finished in here, Molly and Arthur would like to say goodbye to you before they leave."

"Right," said Harry glancing at Hermione who was blushing wildly. "We'll be right there."

Moody smirked at them, before closing the door behind him.

"Oh my God," said Hermione burying her head in her hands. "I am so embarrassed."

Harry put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. We're not doing anything wrong."

"Umm, Harry," began Hermione.

"What?"

"Can we not say anything to the Weasley's about us."

"If you want," said Harry slowly.

"I just would rather not risk Ron finding out. Not until we can tell him ourselves."

"Whatever you want, Hermione."

"Thank you."

Harry took her hand and led her out of the room. In the hall, she squeezed his hand and released it. He couldn't help but laugh.

"Behave," she said threateningly.

"Yes ma'am."

They entered the kitchen where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were waiting with Moody.

"There you are," smiled Mrs. Weasley. "We thought we would have to leave before we saw you."

"Sorry," said Harry. "We were talking."

Moody sniffed loudly and Hermione blushed again.

"Are you all right, dear," asked Mrs. Weasley looking at Hermione's face. "You look a bit warm."

"I'm fine, thank you," said Hermione quickly.

"Are you sure," asked Mrs. Weasley stepping toward Hermione and placing her hand on her forehead.

"Molly, stop coddling her. Hermione's fine," smiled Mr. Weasley.

He turned toward Harry. "Molly and I are going back to the burrow, but Moody and Lupin will be here and if you need anything, we're only an owl away."

"Ok, thanks," smiled Harry.

"Harry, I mean it. Anything at all."

"Ok, I will. I promise."

Mr. Weasley extended his hand and Harry shook it. "You two take care."

Mrs. Weasley was still fussing over Hermione, who was smiling.

"Come on, Molly. I've got to be getting to work."

"Coming Arthur."

They hugged all around and then they were gone, leaving Hermione and Harry alone with Moody.

"Carry on," Moody said before following the Weasley's out.

Hermione made a move toward the door, but Harry caught her arm. "Where are you going," he asked.

"Stop," she hissed.

"What?"

"Moody," she said simply.

"Moody?"

"He think we're in here... you know."

"Yes," prompted Harry.

"You know," she insisted.

"You mean doing this," he said trying to kiss her.

She pulled away. "Harry, you're acting very strange."

"I know," he admitted.

"I think I like it."

"I think I'm glad," he teased.

"But I still think we should go outside."

"What are you worried about, Hermione?"

"Talk."

"Talk?"

"Yes, Harry. If people knew they would talk. I don't want to be the subject of gossip."

"Who would talk," laughed Harry. "Moody? Lupin? Come on Hermione, what are you really worried about. And don't tell me it's Ron finding out or the Weasley's or even Moody and Lupin, because I don't buy that."

"Forget it," she said moving toward the door.

"No, come on. Don't walk away."

Hermione glanced back at Harry for a second and then walked out. He watched her go and could only shake his head.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Just outside of London, two men in cloaks sat together in a dark bar. It was the kind of bar where no one really took note of anyone else, but despite this the men spoke low.

"Do you understand what my employer expects," asked the first man.

"I believe so," responded the second.

"Do not make the mistake of treating this job as just any job. The repercussions for failure will be extreme."

"I understand. However, I hope your employer understands that what he is asking will be extremely difficult."

"That's fine, as long as you understand that if you fail the first time, you will not have to worry about a second attempt."

The second man cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"If you would rather reconsider taking the job, a simple memory wipe and we can both be on our separate ways."

"No. I'd be a fool to turn this away with the money you're offering."

"Then we're clear," said the first man standing up.

"Crystal," said the second man remaining in his seat and taking a sip out of the drink in front of him.

"The other half of your fee will be deposited into your Gringott's account once the job is completed," the first man said and then in a blink he was gone.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Back at Number 12 Grimmault Place, Harry was sitting at the kitchen table trying to read over his Defense Against the Dark Arts notes. He hadn't seen Hermione in a few hours, but he wasn't too worried. Moody and Lupin were both around and it wasn't as if she could leave the house. In truth, he needed some time to himself. This new dynamic between him and Hermione had thrown him slightly off balance.

Remus walked into the kitchen without noticing Harry at first.

"Hello professor," said Harry glancing up from his notes.

"Harry," he said jumping. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you, sir."

"Don't be sorry. It's just that I'm not use to having people here anymore. It's been a while since it's been more than just me."

Harry looked down uncomfortably. "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I probably should have come here after I left the Dursley's this past summer. It's what Dumbledore would have preferred. It was just..."

"Too soon," Remus finished. "Don't be sorry. I understand, really. If I had anywhere else to go I'd be there."

They both paused awkwardly. Remus pulled out a chair across from Harry. "So how are you doing?"

"Not bad, considering."

"It's good to see you studying."

"There's not really much else to do around here," he stated simply.

"Where's Hermione? I'm surprised she isn't here with her usual pile of books."

Harry shrugged, not even cracking a smile at the joke.

Remus regarded him. "I was talking to Moody earlier," he began slowly.

Harry looked up, but didn't say anything.

"So, you and Hermione," Remus questioned.

"Me and Hermione," Harry answered.

"When did this happen," said Remus somewhat surprised that Harry admitted to it so easily.

"Just this morning actually, but if you wouldn't mind, could you not say anything to anyone. Hermione doesn't want people to know."

"I can understand that," said Remus smiling.

"You can? Well, I wish you would explain it to me then," he said almost bitterly.

"I think it's a bit obvious, Harry."

"Yeah, well not to me."

"Harry, everything you do is news. If I recall correctly, Hermione's already taken a bit of grief at just the rumors that the two of you might be more than friends. Imagine the gossip when people find out it's actually true. I think it's a bit more than she wants to handle right now."

"I guess you're right. Not to mention the grief she's bound to take from Snape in a week."

"Snape?" Questioned Remus a little louder than he meant to be.

"Err... Yeah. He warned her to check her feelings for me. Said it was the reason Voldemort has come after her." Harry glanced up at Remus, hoping he would reject the assertion.

"He shouldn't have told her that. Severus has never understood that it's not easy to turn feelings on and off like a faucet. He's always been able to compartmentalize his feelings and he expects others to be able to do the same. It's one of the reason's Dumbledore was so sure he could teach you Legilimency."

"But he couldn't," protested Harry.

"I know, but that's not Severus's fault completely. The two of you have too much animosity built up between you. It was more than either of you could overcome. Dumbledore doesn't believe Hermione will have the same problem."

"So that's why he's giving him a second chance."

"There are other reasons Severus was chosen."

"What reasons?"

"I'm sorry, I can't tell you that." Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Remus cut him off. "It's for your protection and Hermione's."

"Professor I love her."

"Harry," breathed Remus in shock.

"I've loved her since we were kids. It's just become a different kind of love now that we're older. I never even saw it coming."

Remus ran a hand distractedly through his hair. "I didn't realize. Oh Harry."

"What? What's wrong?"

"You couldn't have picked a worse time to fall in love, kid."

Harry and Remus looked up to see Moody framed in the doorway.

"No wonder," Moody continued. "Damn, Snape was right."

"No wonder what?"

"Snape," spat Moody. "During the meeting with the Order. He said that Voldemort was aware of the connection between you and Granger. I wondered why Dumbledore didn't say anything. He must have already known."

"You mean, you talked about Hermione and I during the Order meeting? Damn it. That's our personal private business. You don't have the right."

"When I saw the two of you earlier, I figured it was just hormones and close quarters." Moody was almost talking to himself, as if Harry wasn't even in the room. Harry, in turn, was getting angrier and angrier.

"Harry you have to understand," began Remus. "This complicates things somewhat. We need you focused on the task at hand."

"I am."

"And we need her to go freely."

Harry gritted his teeth. "She will, we already discussed it."

"Yes and things are different now."

"No, they're not. She's going in a week. She promised me."

Remus and Moody glanced at each other uncertainly. "Dumbledore will have to be told," said Moody beginning to leave. "He may have to push Snape along a little faster."

"No, wait. You said we had a week," said Harry before he could stop himself. Moody raised his good eye to Harry, but said nothing and left.

Harry threw his notes across the table and stood so swiftly the chair fell backwards.

"Harry," Remus called after his retreating back, but he was ignored.

Harry took the stairs two at a time. He was seething with anger and all he wanted was to find Hermione. He checked her room first, but she wasn't there and then he went to his room. "Hermione," he called out, but there was no response. "Hermione, come on. Where are you?"

Satisfied that she wasn't in either of their rooms, he began a search down the corridor opening every door and calling out her name. With every door he closed the uneasiness in him started to well up.

At the end of the corridor he still hadn't found her and real anxiety started to build in him. He shouldn't have left her alone. What if she was hurt again?

'Relax,' he told himself. 'The house is big, she could be anywhere." He decided to perform a similar search of the rooms downstairs.

Slowly, he made his way down the first floor corridor, opening and closing doors as they came. Finally, in one of the last rooms, he found her.

Her back was to him. "Hermione," he called out softly. She turned to him and he could see that she'd been crying.

He stepped toward her. "Hermione, what's the matter?"

"Nothing," she said quickly, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand.

He reached out and ran his hands over her shoulders and down her arms, wanting to be close to her. She shivered at his touch and then she was in his arms. She laid her head on his shoulder and he could feel how tired she was. "It's nothing," she whispered. "Don't worry."

Harry glanced heavenwards. "Can't I just have one normal day with my girlfriend. Is that too much to ask?"

Hermione pulled back and regarded him. "What did you just say?"

Harry looked down at her puzzled. "What? Why can't I just have a normal day?"

"No the other thing," she smiled.

Harry smiled back. "Is that too much to ask?"

"No," said Hermione squeezing his sides tightly.

He flinched, though she wasn't really hurting him. "Ok, ok. My girlfriend," he said dragging out the last two words.

She sighed dramatically and he laughed. "You're being silly," he said.

"Yes I am. And so what." She leaned her head on his shoulder again. "See we can be normal."

"But why were you crying," he asked with concern.

"No reason, really. I'm a girl. Sometimes we cry," she said off-handedly.

"Sorry, Granger, you can't pull that one with me. I know you too well. You only ever cry when you're stressed and sleep deprived."

Hermione didn't answer.

"Come on," pressed Harry. "Out with it."

"Oh, Harry, stop worrying. It's just a lot to handle right now. The whole reality of our situation just kind of hit me."

"I'm sorry," said Harry guiltily, pulling away from her.

"Stop," she said, exasperated. "We're not doing this. We only have a week. And I for one am not going to spend it thinking about what's coming. I want to enjoy the time we have together. I want to have a normal week."

Harry nodded, conceding. "A normal week," he agreed, hoping he wasn't lying to her. "Of course, normalcy may be a bit hard to obtain in the middle of this house."

Hermione considered this. "Well then what would we be doing at Hogwarts?"

Harry glanced down at his watch. "We'd just be leaving Care of Magical Creatures."

"Ok, so we'd be covered with scratches and we'd be limping back to the castle."

"True, and maybe I'd be holding your hand," said Harry taking her hand.

"The one that wasn't bandaged."

"Of course," he said switching hands.

"And then maybe I'd hand you some of my books because, of course, my knees are about to buckle under their weight."

"And I should suffer because of that," asked Harry.

"It would be the gentlemanly thing to do."

"All right," sighed Harry. "But if I can't play Quidditch because I've thrown my back out, you'll have to explain it to the Gryffindors."

"Deal," conceded Hermione. "And since you're such a gentleman, maybe I'd kiss you on the cheek." And she leaned over and pecked him on the cheek.

He caught her around the waist and held her close. "And then Ron rolls his eyes and tells us to get a room."

She laughed softly. "Then maybe we take him up on his advice."

"So, we're ditching Ron," asked Harry.

"Yes," said Hermione firmly. "But where are we going?"

Harry grinned slyly. "The Room of Requirements."

"Very fancy, Potter."

"I try."

Harry grabbed her hand and pulled her into the middle of the room, completely lost if their fantasy. "This isn't exactly what I require," he said glancing around the room. "But at least it's private."

Hermione raised one eyebrow at him. "What exactly do you require?"

"Something a little more romantic," grinned Harry.

Hermione laughed. "So now we're alone." She bit her bottom lip nervously. "What now?"

"Maybe a little of this," he said kissing one cheek. "And then a little of this," he breathed capturing her mouth with his own.

Slowly Hermione's hands snaked up Harry's body and then locked around his neck, pulling him closer. Their kiss grew more fevered and it was several minutes before they broke apart, both gasping for breath.

"Wow," breathed Hermione.

"I know," he whispered. "I didn't realize it would be so..."

"Intense," she finished.

"Yeah," he agreed and he pulled her to him again. "How am I ever going to let you go?" He rested his head wearily on her shoulder.

She gripped his shoulders tightly, feeling as if she couldn't get close enough to him. "You don't have to, you know. Just say the word."

Harry clenched his jaw not trusting himself to speak, because he knew, if he did speak, he would tell her to never leave him. And as sure as he knew his own name he knew that if she stayed it was almost certain that she wouldn't make it to the end of the year.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Albus Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, deep in thought, when he was distracted by a gruff, "Ahem," coming from his fireplace. He turned to see Mad-Eye Moody's head bobbing in the fireplace.

"Alastor," said Dumbledore in some surprise. "Is everything all right?"

"I need to have a word with you, Dumbledore."

"Of course," said Dumbledore standing. "Please come in."

Moody entered the room awkwardly. "Damn the floo," cursed Moody. "It was a lot easier, when I had two good legs."

"Why don't you have a seat," said Dumbledore, summoning a chair forward with the flick of his wand.

Moody sat heavily and wasted no time in getting to his point. "I'm here about Potter."

Dumbledore nodded, expecting as much, and sat behind his desk.

"It seems that he and Granger have... umm... discovered each other."

Dumbledore's face didn't betray any surprise.

"More than that," Moody continued. "Potter confessed to Remus that he loves her."

Again Dumbledore didn't speak.

"Dumbledore, you know what this means. If Granger's in love with him as well..."

"She is," stated Dumbledore simply.

Moody stood feeling extremely agitated. "How can you be sure?"

"Alastor, I have watched them together very closely since they were eleven years old. This is not exactly unexpected. Just the other day, Severus did warn the Order of this eventuality."

"She'll need to be removed sooner than we anticipated."

"No," said Dumbledore. "It's already too late for that."

"Dumbledore, she's only a child."

"Alastor, you are anticipating something that may not come to pass."

"How can you say that, the first prophecy was very clear. In order for Harry to complete his prophecy, the first prophecy must be fulfilled."

"I am aware of that," said Dumbledore calmly.

"Then we should tell Potter."

"No," said Dumbledore forcefully. "No one tells Harry or Hermione. No one."

"But Dumbledore, they should be warned. They need to be put on guard."

"They can do nothing to change that prophecy. It's not even certain that Hermione will be the fulfillment of the first prophecy."

"How can you say that, Dumbledore. The prophecy clearly states that before Potter and Voldemort can meet, four people who love Harry so strongly that they would give their lives for him must do so. There are already three names on the prophecy, James, Lily, and Sirius. The war won't end and Harry won't be ready until we add the final name."

"There are still others who might fulfil the prophecy."

"Potter's friends are few and if you're thinking of those muggles he lives with, well, they wouldn't spit on his eyebrows if they were on fire."

Dumbledore raised his hand silencing Moody. "I'll give the matter some thought. Until then, Harry and Hermione are not to be told anything."

Moody nodded in agreement. "I better be getting back to headquarters, then."

Dumbledore stood and watched Moody grab some floo powder, throw it in the fire, and then he was gone. For a long while afterward, Dumbledore stared into the flickering flames.