Hermione apperated home to her muggle loft in London. She couldn't believe the spectacle that she had just made at the Ministry, but she couldn't believe what Ginny had said either. She wasn't going to be reckless just to avenge Ron. From her bedroom, the phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hey, Mia."

"Oh, hey, Harry."

"Well, thanks, don't sound so happy to hear from me."

"I am sorry Harry, I just haven't had the best day."

"I know, I heard."

"Damn Ginny"

"You wanna talk?"

"I don't know that I want to talk. But I could sure use the company."

"Alright, bye."

"Bye."

By the time Hermione hung up the phone, Harry had appeared in her living room. "Merlin, apperation is handy," she said, feigning a laugh.

Harry held open his arms and Hermione ran to him. His arms enveloped her and he kissed the top of her head. For hours after, they sat and talked. She told him about the Death Eater and the parties, the girl that Draco had tried to impale with his dick. She told him about the fight with Ginny and the outburst at the reception. Harry sat patiently and listened.

"I am so sorry, Mia. You know that I would do anything to make the pain stop."

"I know, Harry, and I hate to cry to you like this. You are feeling the same things that I am. I just can't believe that Ginny can just go on, knowing what they did to her brother and not letting it eat at her day and night."

"Don't belittle your feelings, Mia. I loved Ron, he was like a brother. Ginny loved Ron, hell, he was her brother. But you and Ron had something special. Something that doesn't come around very often. And it was stolen from you. You have every right to be angry."

"Thank you, Harry. You are the best thing in my life. You know that?"

"And you are mine."

Hermione looked up into Harry's eyes. She never meant for things to go anywhere with him. He was like a father, and a brother, and her priest all in one. But when they were together, they became each other's comfort and savior. The sex was not about passion or lust. It was about love and comfort. When Hermione lay in Harry's arms, it was the only time that she did not hurt, the only time that she felt safe. Harry was sure that somewhere in heaven, if it existed at all, Ron was furious with he and Hermione both. But he hoped that he knew also they did what they did only to seek a temporary restraint from the pain.

Harry kissed her on her forehead, and then her tear stained cheeks. Finally, his lips found hers. Their kiss started shallow and chaste as it always did but the hunger and pain overtook them. Her lips parted and his tongue found its way into her mouth. Harry ran his fingers through her hair and pulled her body close. Harry fumbled with the buttons that held Hermione's shirt closed. Once the shirt was open, he ran his hands inside to feel her flesh against him. Hermione pulled Harry's shirt over his head and pulled her arms out of her sleeves. She stood and pulled Harry up to her. They never broke their kiss as they each undid their slacks and pushed them to the ground. Hermione and Harry made their way to her bedroom and shut the door behind them.

Harry had a crush on Hermione way back at Hogwart's but once that she and Ron dated; he knew he never had a chance with her. She had been the knobby-kneed girl with bushy hair and buckteeth then, and he had still loved her. Now just the sight of her was enough to set any man on fire, and yet she lay there with him.

Hermione strattled Harry's legs and lowered herself onto him. She had been with many men after Ron died, but Harry was still one of the best shags she had ever had. He was made perfectly for her and fit tight. Harry was now a good 6'3". Quidditch had paid off for him because he was tone and muscular. He had gotten rid of the glasses and wore contacts. His hair was cut shorter and his scar was always visible.

Harry ran his hands up Hermione's bare back and traced along her scar with one finger as she fingered the scar on his forehead. There was something revealing, and deeply personal about this to them, as if it was the link between them. The sensitive skin sent chills down her back. He felt her quiver around him as she slowly began to slide up and down his shaft. Harry held tight to her hips and moved her body up and down in perfect time with him. It wasn't love before the soft comfort gave way to the desperate search for satisfaction. Their skin gleamed with sweat and slapped together. Harry roller Hermione over and put her on her hands and knees in front of him, entering her from behind. His hand snaked up her back and he curled his fingers into her hair. With the other hand he reached in under Hermione to play with her clit. Hermione moaned and pushed into Harry harder and he responded in turn. Moments later, she let out a low guttural scream. Harry was only seconds behind her.

Covered in sweat and worn out, they fell asleep in each other's arms.

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When Harry woke up, it was dusk and he was alone. He was used to that. Seemed that Hermione was always gone if he gave her the chance. He got up and showered and picked up the mess of tissues and clothes in the den. He, then, apparated home.

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