Ch.5

Days went by with no reply from Harry. Hermione was getting anxious, but reminded herself that it was a long journey and public owls weren't always that reliable. Still, she couldn't help but wonder if Harry would ever write back. She began to muse whether or not Lionel was worth losing Harry. Sure, she loved Lionel, and she knew he loved her, but was it the kind of love she wanted? The more she thought of this, the less sure she was. Whenever they were having a romantic dinner, or taking a walk through Central Park, or just holding each other late at night, she would think 'This is what I want.' But then another thought would creep into her head: 'But not with him.' She couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't right, but she told herself she wouldn't let a silly idea that Harry planted in her head let her ruin a wonderful relationship.

Finally, nearly a week later, Hermione was awoken by a familiar hoot. Her eyes fluttered open and she jumped out of bed to open the window, waking Lionel in the process.

"Hedwig!" she squealed as she untied the letter from her outstretched leg.

"Hmmmarrgghh..."Lionel groaned as he sat up and stretched. "Who's that?" he asked wearily.

"It's Hedwig, Harry's owl. He finally wrote back!" She was so nervous and excited she was shaking.

"Oh," Lionel said sullenly. He no longer looked curious, but indignant. Hermione didn't notice this sudden change in mood. She tore open the letter and her eyes began scanning the page in front of her. Her pale face began to flush and a huge grin plastered itself on her face.

"Yay!" she screamed as she flung herself at her boyfriend. "He's coming on the Monday ship! Oh no! That's in two days! I'm supposed to write him back and tell him it's Ok, but if I do that now it won't get to him in time! I'll have to floo Ron and have him tell Harry," she said quickly. She flew off to the living room to talk to Ron, leaving Lionel to sulk. She didn't notice how stiff and solemn he was when she had told him the news.

Lionel sat there and brooded about Harry's upcoming visit while Hermione was talking to Ron. He knew all about Harry and Hermione's relationship. And he also knew that Hermione might love him. Really love him. Plus, why wouldn't she? He knew all about Harry being the Boy-Who-Lived, his defeat of Voldemort, and his amazing Quidditch skills. He had been on the cover of Witch Weekly a number of times. He had been named one of the top ten most eligible bachelors of the wizarding world for the past five years. Lionel was not only threatened by this competition he had created in his mind, but was also jealous of what Harry and Hermione once had. Would that relationship return once they saw each other again? He didn't want that to happen, but what could he do?

Hermione returned a few minutes later, that silly smile still glued to her face. She sat down next to Lionel on their bed. "I can't wait to see Harry again. I hope we can sort things out. But when he sees us he'll know how wrong he was," she said with a kiss. "Well, I was going to get some things done at work today, then head to Jerze to see Lav. I haven't visited her for ages. What are your plans?" She got up from the bed and began to get her clothes ready for the day.

Lionel snapped back to reality. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe I'll go over to Tom's, see what he's up to today. See a movie," he said absent-mindedly.

"All right, sweetie," she said with another kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to pop in the shower, then I'm off. Have fun."

While Lionel was moodily sipping his coffee, he heard Hermione singing in the shower...she never sang in the shower.

"Let's go, mate! Wak-ey, wak-ey, eggs and bac-ey!" Ron sang at his slumbering best friend. Harry groaned.

"What in bloody hell are you doing her, you bugger?" he said into his pillow.

"I've got good news. Come on, now, Sunshine. Up, up, up!"

"Good God, you sound uncannily like your mother when you do that," he said slyly.

"Shove it, Harry," Ron replied sourly. Harry laughed and rolled out of bed.

"So what is it, Ron, my man?"

"I spoke to your one and only this morning," he said furtively.

"And by 'one and only' you mean..."

"Hermione, you dolt," he shot back.

"Ah...you know you are a complete ass, but do proceed," he said with a feigned dignified air.

"Right then. Ms. Granger flooed me this morning. She stated that she got your letter just this morrow. Our wise confidant knew she wouldn't have time to reply so she told me to tell you she can't wait and will be looking forward to the Monday ship with unrestrainable anticipation. She'll be on the dock waiting for you, kind sir," he said, mocking Harry's gentlemanly tone.

"Thanks, mate. Did she say how long I'm welcome?"

"Nah. Do you have any tea, or coffee, or vodka around here?" he asked, heading for the door.

"Ron, no drinking," he said sternly.

"Right, right. How about some coffee and Kahlua? That's not technically drinking," he asked hopefully.

"Ronald..."

"Fine, fine. I'll just have a cuppa and be off, then," he said glumly.

As Ron headed for the kitchen, Harry laid back on his bed and smiled at the ceiling. He was going to see her again. It had been so long. He didn't like to admit it, but he missed her so much. Maybe seeing him again would spark something inside of her, just like not seeing her had done with him. Maybe she'd come to her senses. Maybe he wouldn't come back to London alone. Romantic thoughts filled his head until they were savagely interrupted by a loud clatter from the kitchen, no doubt a dish broken at the hands of Ron. Harry rolled out of bed and went to clean it up, still dreaming of his 'Mione.