Harry had the whole day planned out. They would start with Big Ben and Parliament then make a bee-line to Buckingham Palace and visit with the guards. Then lunch at Harrod's and onto the Eye and the Tower. And he knew she couldn't wait to see the new wizarding museum in Diagon Alley. Finally, a Thai take-out picnic in Bransbury Wood and a show to make the day complete. Of course, Hermione would know nothing of the plans and just have to go with the flow, something Harry knew she didn't enjoy doing. But this would be worth it. And did he have something else up his sleeve as well?
Hermione, not being the girly type, was ready to go in twenty minutes. She was never one for make-up, so after a quick shower, throwing on some jeans and a sweater, and brushing through her hair she was ready.
"All set," she sang as the strode into the living room. "What are the plans, Mr. Tour guide?" she asked as she pulled on her gloves and knotted her scarf.
Harry jumped up to help her on with her coat. "It's a surprise," he whispered as she lowered her arms into the sleeves.
"Harry, I hate surprises," she whined. "Just tell me."
"Ah ah ah! Then it wouldn't be a surprise. I promise you'll love this one," he said with a wink and a sly grin. "Now, let's go!" he said and clapped his hands together. "We've got a tight schedule," he shouted as he opened the door for her.
"We can't apparate?" she asked.
"Er, no. It's mostly muggle sites we're seeing today. Must be very inconspicuous and all that jazz," he said apologetically.
"That's okay. The fresh air will do me good," she said, pulling her knit cap on and marching into the hallway. Harry followed her and shut the door tight. They walked down the stairs and onto the street arm in arm. As usual when walking in the wizarding world with the Great Harry Potter, Hermione got several second glances. They immediately recognized Harry of course, and soon after would remember reading about the bushy-haired best friend/side kick/lover(?). Apparently, news of their "breakup" had reached the Daily Prophet and everyone was concerned about the loss of "the Trio". Several people gave approving smiles when they saw the Dream Team had reunited and one wizened witch even approached them and congratulated Hermione on "finally catching Harry". No doubt a Skeeter-esque reporter would be nearby and catch every word of Hermione's reply (and then twist them to whatever slant they were going for).
As soon as they got out of Diagon Alley the looks and whispers ceased. (Or at least diminished significantly.) Hermione felt Harry relax as they left the magical community. As much as he loved the wizarding world, he couldn't stand to be gawked at. He knew this relationship would pull Hermione back into the spotlight, and he gave her hand an apologetic squeeze.
Their muggle morning went by without a hitch. Hermione even ordered a hefty lunch at Harrod's, which calmed Harry's fear that she was still sick. Hermione was ecstatic to go to the new museum, though it was a little awkward to see an exhibit about themselves. It was very thorough, however. Complete with a piece of Harry's old Nimbus 2000, one of Hermione's S.P.E.W. badges, and Ron's broken wand from second year. It brought back a barrage of memories, some good, some bad. They left the museum in a very pensive mood.
"Harry, do you have any regrets?" Hermione asked suddenly.
"I regret a lot of things, Hermione," he replied huskily. A few beats passed. She obviously wanted him to continue. "I regret taking everyone to the Department of Mysteries and risking everyone's lives, I regret letting Neville sacrifice himself, I regret trusting Hagrid when he told me he wasn't sick, and I regret letting you leave," he finished, stopping at a bench to sit down. "It's a fair list, I'd say," he said in a low voice.
Hermione sat down next to him and laid her head on his shoulder. She sighed heavily and he put his arm around her. "I'm so sorry for you, Harry. You've done so much good, but seen so much bad. I was lucky, I could have walked away for it all. You couldn't."
"But you didn't walk away," he said questioningly. "Why not?"
"I couldn't leave you, Harry. You were all alone. Ron would have been little help. I would never leave you, Harry. Loved you. I still love you. I'll never leave you again," she said as tears began to roll down her cheeks. She looked up and he was smiling at her. But he was crying, too.
"You have no idea how happy that makes me, Hermione." She smiled back and put her hand to his cheek.
"And you have no idea how much I want to make you happy," she said. She searched his face and, apparently finding what she had been looking for, captured his lips. He kissed her back, but Harry was never one for PDA's. He pulled away first.
"Come on," he said, standing up. "We've got more to do today. Plus, there will be plenty of time for that later," he said with a wink.
Hermione stood up and took his arm. They walked, reminiscing about happier school days. Hermione didn't notice Harry fingering the small velvet box in his pocket.