Author's note: I don't think I've ever updated so quickly! I know, that's pretty bad isn't it? Oh well! Anyway, I was just watching American Idol and I love George! Yes, that was really random, but I had to say it. The important anyway, here is Chapter Two of Never Enough. Please read and review!

Chapter Two

Ordinary Day

"Just a day, just an ordinary day

Just tryin' to get by

Just a boy, just an ordinary boy but,

He was looking to the sky"

("Ordinary Day", Vanessa Carlton)

It had been five years. Five long years since Harry, Ron, and I graduated from Hogwarts. To this day, I still find it hard to believe we've come this far. Don't get me wrong; I absolutely adore coming home from work and being able to relax and be at peace. It just took a while getting used to, because it was something all of us hardly ever experienced.

I now worked at the Ministry of Magic, in Arthur Weasley's department to be exact; The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department. I loved it, too! I guess growing up as a Muggle drew me towards the job, and maybe Arthur's constant nagging had something to do with it as well. But nonetheless, I'm glad I applied for the job.

Harry, as well, now works in the Ministry of Magic, but in the Department of Magical Games and Sports. After graduation, he served as an Auror, but after the defeat of Voldemort, he quit. And I can't quite say that I blame him, either. He felt he owed it to the world to fight evil. But now that Voldemort is dead, he couldn't do it anymore. He was the most powerful wizard in the world, but being an Auror was not what he wanted to do with his life. At least now he could do something he loved doing, and even though it wasn't Quidditch, I knew he wouldn't give it up for anything in the world.

Ron, on the other hand, decided to continue his "profession," as he called it, in Quidditch. Though I can hardly see how you can call such a dangerous sport a profession. He currently plays for the Wimbourne Wasps as Reserve Keeper, as he was unable to get Keeper position with the Cannons. He was happy with his life, so even though I didn't quite agree with his decision, I was happy for him as well.

All in all, life was good. I had no right to complain. I shared a flat with my two favorite people in the world, I had a great job which I loved, and I had a wonderful boyfriend. No, I know what you are thinking. It's not Harry. His name is Brian, and I care for him deeply.

I'm still not over Harry. I will never completely move on from him. My love for continues to grow each day, and there's nothing I can do to stop it. I would rather live a life without the man I love in it and be partially happy, then be without the man I love and sit alone all day, unhappy.

I will be completely honest with you. I feel guilty about my relationship with Brian. Every time we kiss or hug, I find myself wishing it was Harry I was kissing, and that it was Harry who was in my arms. But I won't let Brian go. He loves me. He gave me a chance when Harry didn't. And I… love him. If there is any chance of me moving on, it's him.

Harry was dating someone as well, much to my dismay. Cho Chang to be exact. But I couldn't say anything. I was dating someone so I could not get mad at him. It's not his fault.

I didn't think it was possible though, to hate someone as much as I hate her. I absolutely loathed the woman, but she was everything I wasn't. She was beautiful, funny, and smart. Sure, I was smart too, but that obviously doesn't amount to much in Harry's book.

The thing that made me cringe was that she hated me just as much, or even more than I hated her. But Harry was completely oblivious to our little competition. Somehow, she knew I was in love with Harry. She was jealous of me being so close to him though, so every time they were together, she would purposely do something to get a rise out of me; to let me know that he was hers and there was nothing I could do about it. She took it upon herself to make my life a living hell because of it. Harry was too caught up in her to notice though. He thought I was happy for him and his "new-found relationship."

Oh, the poor misguided fellow.

And then, there was Ron, with his usual fling of the week. I couldn't help but laugh at him. He would go drinking every night, and then come back home with a different girl. He would have his "night of fun," which he referred to them as, and then he would never see that woman again. He didn't want to settle down and have a serious relationship yet.

Nope, life just wouldn't be the same without the two of them. Even though not everything is going my way as of now, I have to thank Merlin everyday for how lucky I am.

~*~

It was just another ordinary day. I was sprawled out on the carpeted floor in the living room of our flat, working on a report for the Ministry. I was nearing the halfway point when a loud bang resounded from outside the front door. Out of habit, I absent-mindedly reached for my wand in my robes' pocket.

"Damn it. Stupid door!"

I immediately lowered my wand and burst into a fit of giggles. A very frustrated Ron walked through the door.

"Blasted door, I swear one day- yes, ha-ha, very funny, Hermione," he continued as he took off his muddy Quidditch robes and threw them on the floor.

I gave a grunt of dissatisfaction and pushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear. "Honestly, Ron! How can you live like that?" I gestured to the carelessly discarded clothes.

He simply shrugged his shoulders and headed to the kitchen. "What's got your knickers in a bunch? That time of the month already? Damn…"

My insides began to boil as I fought the urge to slap him senseless. You best shut up now, Ronnie dearest.

"Can't a woman be in a bad mood with it not being 'that time of the month'?"

"You tell me," Ron said nonchalantly, grabbing a soda out of the refrigerator and taking a big gulp.

"You're unbelievable sometimes, Ron!" I yelled, getting up off the floor and walking to where he was standing. "Why… don't… you… grow… up!" I waved my index finger at him threateningly, gathered my papers off the floor, and stalked off to my bedroom, slamming the door behind me.

"Man, I've definitely got to write that in my calendar. I guess bleeding continuously for a week does that to a person." He gave an involuntary shudder at the thought and grabbed another soda, plopping down onto the couch.

~*~

After a much-needed sleep, I slowly sat up in my bed and rubbed at my eyes. The alarm clock read 7:45.

Harry's home were my first thoughts.

I slid out of bed and quietly slipped out of my bedroom door. I silently tiptoed down the hall and immediately heard two very familiar voices.

"What did you do to her now, Ron?" came Harry's deep voice.

Merlin, I love his voice!

"Honestly, Harry! I have no bloody idea. I came home and stubbed my damn toe on that ruddy door. I went into the kitchen like I normally do and grabbed a soda. She just blew up at me!"

Typical Ron, clueless as always. Maybe I was too hard on him…

"You didn't make a comment about her 'time of the month' did you?"

Sweet, caring Harry. He cares about me so much, just not the way I want him to.

"Shit, that's it! Damn it, I'm an idiot!" Ron breathed, running a hand through his ever red hair.

"Best go apologize, then," Harry finished.

"I guess you're right," Ron agreed, getting up to go get her.

"Don't bother, I will. I don't think she will be on the best of terms with you when she first gets up," Harry offered.

"Thanks, Harry," Ron said sarcastically.

Damn…

I quickly slipped back inside my room and jumped on my bed just in time for Harry to walk in. Immature I know, but I can't help myself.

I felt the bed sink slightly under Harry's weight and then a hand gently shaking me "awake."

"Wha- I muttered, turning over on my side so I was not facing him. I was finding it hard to suppress a smile.

"Hermione, wake up," came his soothing voice. I couldn't help it; a smile came over my face.

"Harry? What time is it?"

"8:00 Herm. You've been sleeping forever."

"Fine, fine, I'm awake." I sat up and turned towards him. Neither of us said a word.

"I um… Ron wants to have a word with you," Harry said quietly, his gaze never leaving my face.

"Harry… are you okay? I asked him, uncertainly.

Why was he staring at me like that?

He seemed to awaken from his trance and answered, "Yes, I'm fine. I will, uh, just be leaving now." He kissed me gently on the forehead and walked silently out of the room.

After he left, a goofy smile came over me.

I'm gonna have to do this more often.

~*~

The rest of the evening went as it usually does. Harry was no longer acting weird. He was still his same, usual self.

Just how I like him.

But I couldn't help but wonder about his odd behavior. He acted like nothing happened at all. Maybe it didn't, maybe that's just my wishful thinking. But it wasn't a normal happening. He hardly ever acts that serious and… shy. Maybe shy wasn't the word for it. Nervous, maybe? Doubtful. He's never looked at me like that before, though. His eyes held something different that I had never seen. They were more intense than I had ever seen them. They were such a strong shade of emerald green. I saw compassion, sorrow, and love all at the same time.

God, why do men have to be so confusing? But I've got to stop thinking about him, or I'm going to fall in love with him even more. Brian, Hermione… Brian.

After I "woke up," I apologized to Ron. I really shouldn't have blown up at him like that. I explained to him that it had just been a hectic day. He gave me a hug and told me not to worry about it. It's times like that where you just can't help but love him. Sometimes, he can be the biggest git in the world. But other times, like today, he is really sweet and understanding.

After that, nothing eventful happened… for the most part. The three of us plopped down on the couch together and watched movies, while Ron helped himself to a whole carton of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Harry kept complaining about how corny the movie was, while I laughed at the two of them. The phone rang, but none of us made a move to answer it.

"Don't all of you jump up at once," Ron said sarcastically.

"Wasn't planning on it mate, thanks," Harry replied jokingly.

"Thanks Ron, you're a pal," I added.

Harry and I laughed while Ron let out a huff, set down the now empty ice cream carton, and got up to answer the phone.

Usually wizards and witches don't have telephones in their homes, but I insisted on having one in the flat. "A little Muggle will do us some good," I had said.

Harry draped his arm around me casually and pulled me closer to him. I snuggled up against him, perfectly content. This was usual for him and me. He always had his ways of showing he cared for me, and this was just one of his many. He knew I wouldn't take it the wrong way. For some reason, he thinks I would never consider him romantically. Harry can be so dense at times, but I love him anyway.

"We haven't had much time to talk, lately," he began.

"I know," I replied looking up at him. "Are you sure you're okay, Harry? You were acting strange earlier." He seemed to stiffen a bit at this comment.

"Oh, that. I- I was just distracted. I've had a lot of things on my mind lately, you know, with work and Cho and everything." He ran a hand through his unruly mop of hair.

I raised my eyebrows questioningly at him, and then nodded my head in understanding. "So, how are things going with you and her?"

Why did I bring her up? Stupid, stupid-

"Fine," he paused for a second. "I, I think I'm in love with her, Hermione. I've never felt this way about anyone before."

"Oh. Well… have you told her that?" I said shakily. I tore my eyes away from his and started playing with my finger nails, acting uninterested.

Harry shot me an odd look before he spoke again. "No, but I plan on it soon. I think she may be the one, Hermione. Even though we've been through a lot, I really think she is."

"Oh. Well, I'm glad things are going good for you, Harry," I lied. "Lord knows you deserve some happiness." I tried desperately to keep the tears from falling. But I want to be the one to give it to you.

I slipped out of his arms and immediately missed the warmth I had left.

"Are you okay, 'Mione?" he asked me, eyes full of concern.

"Don't call me that," I said in a deadly whisper. "Please, don't call me that."

Before he could say another word, Ron walked back into the living room. "Harry," he began. "That was Cho. She said that since tomorrow was Saturday, the four of us should go somewhere together."

"Thanks, Ron," Harry replied, sending me a glance.

I shook my head in a pathetic manner and raced to the safety of my bedroom. All the while, closely followed by the confused gazes of my best friends.

Great, just great.