A/N I know it's been forever since I've updated. I truly do apologize for that. Spring Semester has taken up most of my time, but I'll try to update more often. What inspired this update was a reviewer, actually. So thank her for lighting a fire under my ass

Chapter 4: A Rocky Start

The Headmaster swiftly secured Lupin's rigid body to the stretcher Tonks had wisely conjured. He then made a magical connection to it and his broom tail, ensuring a safe journey to the hospital. Luckily it was two weeks away from full moon, and the former professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts (and the secret lover of Sirius Black!) had none of Snape's potion in him to upset his body's system any further. With a backwards glance full of worry, Dumbledore bade everyone farewell as he journeyed south under the cover of night and clouds.

The group of Order members stood around the living room, worried about Lupin's sudden collapse and curious as to why Harry had dropped his butterbeer. Their question wouldn't be answered, however, because just then Ginny said, "Alright everyone, I need some privacy tonight, would you mind clearing out?" She hadn't intended to sound so rude, but she was horribly confused and flustered from the kiss.

Filled with a barely suppressed rage, Harry stood with his arms folded, looking back and forth between his wife and his supposed long time friend. "Mind telling me what the hell just happened?" he seethed.

"Oh, Harry...I'm so sorry," Ginny moved and reached out to him, but he stepped back and remained defensive.

"Harry, listen to me," the former Head Girl pleaded. "Please sit down," she grabbed his arm and guided him to the couch, sitting close to him. "You've been my best friend for so many years... I'm really sorry I kissed your wife. I'd wanted her for so long, and that's the reason I haven't visited in so long, and that's why I've got to leave first thing in the morning... I can't believe I just ruined everything Harry! I'm supposed to be so damn clever, but my heart overruled my brain for a second... I just had to know what it was like, just once."

The angry wizard felt his feelings subside, already knowing why Hermione did it. He felt an intense sadness for her, putting himself in another's shoes had been easy for him, especially when it came to his best of friends.

"Hermione, I've known about your feelings since before I even married Ginny... you don't know how long I fought with myself, wondering if it was the right thing to do."

Ginny interjected, "Hermione... you've got to understand... we've been friends so long, I even tried to make myself want you. For as smart as you are, you're not good at hiding your feelings," she laughed a little, seeing the look on the witch's face. "I wanted to kiss you back tonight, to see if I could give you what you want... to make you happy in some way. But..." she trailed off and sat down next to her husband, "I know in my heart Harry's the one for me, and I'm sorry I can't be what you need."

Tired as he was, Harry pulled Hermione into a fierce, protective hug, "We both love you and need you as a friend Hermione. I hope you realize that and decide to stay. We could never hate you, or even think about hating you... please stay in Big Hollow for a while," the look in his misty eyes, and the slight curve of a smile on his lips had made up Hermione's mind.

She let out a relieved, yet saddened sigh, "Yeah... alright Harry... Ginny... I'll start moving my belongings over first thing in the morning. Do you think we could set up a small place for me, right next door?"

They nodded in affirmation. It was settled, the spell creator would be moving to Big Hollow. She'd be right back in the thick of things, coming over for group dinners and weekend camping trips to Stoatshead Hill for mini Quidditch tournaments. Although she knew it wouldn't be easy, after kissing the woman she'd wanted for so long... the romantic feelings would slowly begin to fade and she knew, for certain, that she would find another to love. Unbeknownst to her, however, that 'another to love' was living in her own community, silently watching as time passed by.

A/N More to come concerning Lupin, so worry not. Is it a little clearer now how Fleur will fit in to this story?