Chapter 3: Everlong.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, obviously…..

Authors note: To those who reviewed, you guys kill, I love you!!! To those of you who wondered why Ron was acting so un-Ronnyish, well there's an explanation to this. My story is all about explorations of these characters, whether it by Harry's deep love for Hermione, Hermione's fear of being seen as weak, or Ron's hidden and beaten down emotions. Ron was crying (barely, hardly got a tear down his cheek ) because he was moved by the loyalty of his friend and his other friends current situation. I know Ron's no crier, but I think if the situation called for it, if his emotions overwhelmed him, emotions where he keeps under the rocks ( except anger of course, he's very open with that ) he would show them, albeit a little reluctantly. He only had tears in his eyes; he wasn't actually crying you know…

And plus, Ron is working with his brother, Charlie or Bill or whoever works with the dragons in his family. Ron's always been a risk taker I think, and I thought, hey why not have him working with those dragons of his brothers……..

Oh well, no one will ever get me will they???

Fiddlesticks

Here it goes…..

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"What?" Harry asked, her statement not really hitting him fully.

"I am going back to the Aurors." She said boldly.

"No Hermione you can't –"

"I'll quit the Hogwarts job, and its not like I'll have to go through training again, I mean I finished everything before I quit for Hogwarts, so I'll be welcomed back with no problems…"

"No Hermione, I wont let you…" He said

"What do you mean you won't let me?" Hermione asked her voice cold.

"I wont let you go into the Aurora's Hermione it's too dangerous."

"Oh so now you're worried about my well-being, whereas in school, you would drag me across hell and back..." She said, her eyes blazing with incoming rage.

"We never dragged you, Hermione; you came on your own consent."

"That was because I was worried about you two, worried that you bloody idiots would get yourselves in trouble! I was like a bloody mother to you two..."

"Hey, whatever trouble we got into, we got out—"Harry had to stop himself from saying anything else." Listen Hermione, that's totally off subject. The main point is that you can't go back to the Aurors."

"I want to, and I will." She said determinedly.

"You won't."

"And in what way would you stop me Harry, hero of the world? You can control that wand to kill someone, but you can't control me." She snapped

"I would stop you in anyway possible! Whatever it takes!" Harry yelled, his own voice sounding foreign to his ears. Hermione's comment cut a little too deep for comfort.

"Why are you being so stubborn about this?" She asked softly

"Because Hermione, I don't want you to be hurt."

"I don't need to be coddled Harry!" Hermione snapped

"I know that!"

"Then why are you preventing me from doing what you do?"

"Because I'm worried Hermione, I'm worried that you can get hurt. I'm worried that someone will hurt you---"

"You don't need to walk on glass with me Harry. I'm not some fragile…thing that needs to be protected! I'm not going to break, so you don't have to treat me as if I am!!" and at that, Hermione apparated out of his apartment.

Harry glanced at the clock, it was almost twelve. What was she thinking?

Harry's head was hurting, probably a side effect from the fight with Hermione. It was then that he decided that it was time for bed, which he greatly welcomed. After changing, he laid down on the soft mattress, sighing in comfort and relaxation.

What was she thinking?

Why this sudden need to become an auror?

What in the bloody hell was she thinking?

The questions plagued his mind. Though his eyes were closed, seemingly peaceful, his mind was discontent.

Why should he care so much?

It was then, that Harry looked over at the alarm clock on his end table. It read 2:20. Bloody hell he had been laying there all this time?

Harry put his arm on the left side of the bed, not liking how cold it felt on that side. That was the end Hermione slept on, and it felt desolate and barren with her absence. Harry tried his best to make due with the situation, reasoning with himself that he knew it wasn't going to last forever. But he hadn't planned on it ending so soon.

It must have been twenty minutes later, that Harry heard a distinct ' pop' in his bedroom. He opened his eyes, to find the tear streaked face of Hermione Granger settling herself into his bed. She got herself comfortable, turning towards him. Her brown hair was cascading down the pillow and into her face causing a beautiful veil. Her eyes stared back into his, brown into green. "I'm sorry" she whispered.

All he did in reply was put his arm around her waist and pulled her close. He breathed in her scent, an odd mixture of coffee and vanilla. It comforted him. She nuzzled into his neck, making Harry's heart melt just little bit more. Sure she said some really hurtful things before, but he couldn't stay mad at her…

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Four days had passed since the fight. Things were normal between the two, something to which Hermione was grateful for. She quickly got dressed, it was about noon, and the sun was shining through the window creating a beautiful glow within Harry's apartment. It was a Tuesday morning, and today was the day that Hermione was going to tell Dumbledore and McGonagall about her leave.

She dressed casual, in a pair of jeans and a nice top. She applied a minimal amount of makeup, and straightened her hair a little. Hermione was so surprised at the difference in her appearance. She hadn't worn anything but sweats for the past week and a half, though comfortable, it didn't exactly make her feel appealing and pretty.

Hermione was nervous. Though she really wanted to go back to the aurors, she really did not want to let her former headmaster and professor down. Professor McGonagall was getting old, as was Dumbledore, and putting this load on them surely didn't help. But it needed to be done, for her sake. She needed this, she needed to get back to what she was, and this was the quickest way.

Hermione entered the station, went through the usual passageway, and hopped on the train that led her the most influential place in her life She sat in her usual compartment, though empty. Hermione missed these times, when and Ron, Harry and her would sit in this compartment and speak. She missed everything about being a child. She missed people she normally didn't speak to in school. Hermione just missed everyone, even the slytherines. Not all Slytherines turned out to be bad in fact. Many had turned to the side of good, a rarity in the history of Hogwarts. Vincent Crabbe and Millicent Bulstrode and surprisingly enough, Draco Malfoy had joined the order. Draco was probably one of the most important figures in the war, serving as a mole and infiltrating some of their attacks.

Hermione was soon in the little town. A small smile graced her lips, memories flooding back to her.

Hermione walked through the town until she came to the end. There in the distance was the normally hidden castle, Hogwarts. Hermione ran the rather long distance quickly. She was already late.

She entered the ancient castle and immediately walked to the Headmasters office. There sitting was Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall.

"Good afternoon Miss Granger, I trust you had an enjoyable trip?" The old mans voice resonated within the office.

"Yes I did, thank you… " They stared back at her, waiting for her explanation for this sudden scheduled visit. " I am here to resign from my position of charms professor in training. I'm going back to the Aurors" Hermione stammered.

They stared back at her intently, their heavy gaze making Hermione feel uncomfortable.

"This comes as a surprise Ms Granger, we thought you loved teaching." Minerva said

"I do, I absolutely adore it. But things came up and I have…."

"I understand Hermione." Dumbledore said simply, his eyes peering at her eerily. "You are rid of your training as charm professor, but I want you to know, if you should ever change your mind again, we would gladly welcome you back with open arms."

" Thanks Professor…"

"Oh and Hermione, do say goodbye to professor Snape. Merlin knows he has come to adore you "Professor McGonagall called.

Hermione snorted before she walked over to the aging professors and gave them both hugs. It was when she hugged Dumbledore when he whispered

"Jai guru deva om…"

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"That Dumbledore…." Hermione said as she entered Harry's apartment.

"That Dumbledore what?" Harry asked

"It always seems that he just knows things. You know?"

"Yea, I get what you mean…"

"Like it feels like he knew what happened to me. I swear, the older that man gets, the creepier he gets…." Hermione said as she walked into the bedroom and closed the door to change.

"How do you think I felt in school then? It always felt like he bloody read my mind. He's a brilliant man, don't get me wrong, but he's a crazy old coot…"

Hermione came out of the bedroom came out of the bedroom, her shoes off. Hermione had decided to move in, officially. The night she had gone home, she was scared out of her wits and decided that until she felt comfortable enough, she would stay with Harry.

"You know the strange thing is?" Hermione said as she sat down

"This is Dumbledore, there are a lot of strange things." Harry said as he turned his newspaper

"Right when I hugged him, he whispered something in my ear.. It sounded foreign."

"Well what was it?" Harry asked

"I don't know, but it sounded like Jai guru deva om…"

Harry looked up from the article he was reading and stared at the woman next to him. He had heard those words before, coming from her mouth. But then, in his dream, she was scared and beaten. Why is it that Dumbledore say something like that? Was it a clue in finding her attacker? Was it just some funny thing he had said? Did this saying have any significance?

"What do you think it means? " Hermione asked

"How should I know, you're the smartest witch of our age…" Harry made a mental note in his brain to check up on this saying, though he was sure Hermione would be on top of that soon.

"So I start the day after tomorrow?" She asked gently, picking some fuzz off her shirt

"Yes. Mr. Schulman is ecstatic that you are coming back. You were, after all, his favorite." Mr. Schulman was the head trainer at headquarters, who had been very disappointed when his star student had left to pursue a career teaching snot nosed brats.

"Well I'm excited to see him again. I just hope Eileen likes me…"

What do you mean?" Harry asked, confused

"I'm going into Eileen Millers department…"

"What? You're going into my department?"

"Well yea…"

"Hermione, its one of the most active and dangerous departments among the ministry..."

"Yea so…."

"Well don't you think that you should, you know, work at a department less….strenuous?" Harry tried to put it gently, not wanting her to blow up at him again.

"No, in fact I think it's the best one for me." She spoke haughtily. "And plus, I think I can help out with this murder investigation. You know, I could be a great asset."

"Yes, I know Hermione…."

"I'm happy you agree Harry."

"Why do feel the need to do this?"

"You wouldn't understand Harry…"

"Try me.."

"How about I don't try you! How about you accept my wishes and not give me any bloody bullshit for once." She snapped.

It was silent, the only thing that was heard were the bird chirping outside. Their sweet tunes did not make the mood any less uncomfortable. Harry looked down at his shoes, suddenly finding them very interesting. Hermione continued to pick fuzz off of her shirt.

"I want to hear the whole story…" Harry said suddenly

" What?"

"I want to know the whole story. I've never heard it…"

" You don't need to know.." She said trying to change the subject.

"Oh I do think I need to know Hermione. If you want to catch your goddamn rapist, then maybe you should cooperate for now and tell me exactly what happened!" Harry yelled, letting his frustration get the best of him.

"Fine."

"I'm sorry Hermione…."

"Don't be. Its me who should be sorry for all the crap I've been putting you through. You shouldn't have to deal with me. I know I haven't been acting right lately. It's just that I can still smell him…" She sobbed

"Hermione please. It's been far too long; we need to catch this bastard. Please cooperate with me. Stay focused." Harry pleaded. But she only sobbed harder

"Hermione…"

" Ok..ok.." She tried to calm down. "It was early in the morning and I heard tapping. I thought it was Crookshanks. But it was a man. He held a k-k-knife to my throat and threatened me. Then he... Uh… yea..." She sobbed

"Do you remember anything about his face?" He placed a hand gently on her thigh. She stiffened a little. She was still a little sensitive.

"He… uh.. He had a mole on his left cheek. Caucasian. Dark hair. That's all I remember…" She ended softly

"I'm sorry Hermione." Harry whispered. "Sorry that I asked you to tell me about the incident but—"

" No Harry, don't be sorry. It was on my own doing in telling you exactly what happened. I was just scared. But it was my stupidity, I did not think about it really. My mind as of late has been in shambles."

"I couldn't really tell. You're still the brightest witch ever." He said softly. Right then and there, Harry felt comfortable. He didn't feel like he was being judged or anything, he just felt as if he could be himself. In a very brave move, Harry reached over to her left hand and brought it to his lips. He gently placed his lips on the soft skin that belonged to the woman who had stolen his heart. In this very gentlemanly move he could see her face flush slightly. She wasn't use to this kind of attention.

" Hermione, I just wanted to tell you something." He said gently. He looked up and the breath caught in his throat. Her eyes were filled with tears, her face flushed, creating a soft glow on her cheeks. He had never seen anything so beautiful. " I will never leave you."

" Thanks." She closed her eyes and a tear made a trail down her cheek. She yawned a little and laid her head on the back of the couch, making her hair fall into her face. But her eyes never left his. He did the same, laying his head down and looking into those mahogany eyes of hers. Harry did not notice he was still holding her hand and that his thumb was gently making circles on the skin of top.

He watched as she closed her eyes, relaxation hitting her. She looked very peaceful and it gave Harry great pride that he was the one to give it to her. He saw that her eyes were moving beneath her lids, indicating that she wasn't asleep, just resting her eyes. Harry reached over and moved a stray curl out of her face, brushing her forehead as doing so. She opened her eyes at the contract, finally landing on his face.

They both did not realize how long they relaxed like that until they noticed that the sun had gotten lower and there was a golden glow within the apartment.

"You hungry?" Hermione asked

"Kind of."

"Want me to cook?" She asked hopefully

"No." he said bluntly

" You know, I'm getting tired of eating out. How about I make a nice dinner for the both of us…" He cocked an eyebrow " Yes Harry, I'll make dinner. You know, I can do it. I made breakfast didn't I? How much more different can making dinner be?"

" Hermione, mixing you and cooking products is like mixing oil and water. Whatever happens, the end result will always come out as crap" Harry said sarcastically.

"I can do it magically." She pleaded

" Fine."

"We can celebrate my becoming an Auror." She said proudly. "So what will it be?"

"Anything but blue soup." He smirked. She turned away, muttering under her breath that distinctly sounded like 'it was the bloody string.'

Fifteen minutes later, Hermione called him in. It also seemed that with the help of magic, she had also made a nice place setting with candles and everything.

"What is it that you made woman?"

"Steak and potatoes, just what every man likes."

"Damn straight." He said simply. Harry pulled out her chair for her, something to which she accepted.

"To Miss Granger, who is once again going to be an Auror" He held up his glass of wine

"And to Mr. Potter for his many successes." She also raised her glass. They clanged the glasses softly before taking a sip.

The dinner went along quite nicely in Harry's opinion. The steak was delicious, proving once again that her magical ability would always be better than her cooking abilities. But what neither really did realize was that as time went by; the champagne bottle became emptier and emptier, thus making the mood more comfortable. It seemed that alcohol made both of them very relaxed. What started as very casual dinner soon became something like a date between lovers.

"Hermione, I love you…" Harry said bracingly, his eyes unfocused and somewhat glazed as he held her on the couch. He might have been pretty buzzed, but he knew what he was saying. She merely just smiled softly and laid her head on his chest.

"Harry, do you think that all the stuff that has happened to you ever since you were young, has somehow lead you to something bigger, something more important than being the savior of the world?" She asked her voice husky and full of yearning. Her eyes however, were totally devoid of emotion.

"I don't know.."

"I don't know either. See what you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you? Are you the kind that sees signs, sees miracles? Or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or, look at the question this way: Is it possible that there are no coincidences?" she sounded so sure of herself, but at the same time, sounded completely and utterly lost. It was then that Harry smothered his lips over hers, kissing her unnecessarily harsh. But she kissed back, though a little hesitant.

Harry wanted to devour her, tasting her lips and skin wasn't enough. He gently put his tongue in her mouth, running it along her bottom teeth. He tasted her mouth, savoring everything. She tasted like champagne. She made a pleased whimpering noise above him. This got a reaction from him for sure. He ran his tongue along her bottom teeth again, enjoying the perfectly straight line they were. He ran his hands up her arms softly, but at the same time filled with a heated passion. He gripped her upper arms roughly, though he did not intend for it to be that way.

She tried to pull away

But he captured her lips again. She whimpered again, though it was not like the one before. It sounded scared. He let go of her lips, and looked up in her mahogany eyes. They were full of tears, but none were falling. The moon shined on her face, highlighting her features dramatically.

"Harry I – I can't…" She whispered, turning her face away from him.

How could he have so stupid?

He wasn't thinking. She was in a fragile state, though she did not like to say. He took advantage.

But he did not intend………

Shorter chapter from the other two.. But hey, I put in some lovin's for you guys, so be happy…. I actually was going to take this slowly, with the lovin's and all, but decided to put something in so you wouldn't shoot me in the eye for making it boring… But remember, these two have a rough time ahead of them……. Nothings going to be Hunky-dorey for them…

Might be a while before I update, school just started up…

But reviews might make me write faster…..

Later love dolls….