Summery: Ron dies and Harry is giving Hermione the cold shoulder, Why? They don't speak again for 3yrs until Harry accidentally bumps into Hermione at work and some old feelings resurface. H/Hr

Disclaimer: See chapter 1

Reasons for reposting: See chapter 1

Katrina: you mean the Ashes? Then yeah I watched cricket. You English or Australian:P

29th Sept '05

Time Heals Everything

Memories

Harry sat momentarily finishing his 4th coffee, paid and left just after Hermione. Once home Harry picked up the post and placed it on the counter. Bill, bill, bill, two plane tickets, first class to Africa.

He placed the post on the side counter and flung himself on his sofa and thought about everything that happened today. He had no idea that when he went to the Ministry of Magic for a visa that he would see her again…Hermione.

All the feelings he had felt came flooding back, they had always been there just bubbling under his surface but now they had started to leak out.

Harry thought back to when he first knew he loved her…

Flashback

"Hermione," Harry said at once, shaking her as the baby-headed Death Eater blundered out of sight again. "Hermione wake up…"

"Whaddid he do to her?" said Neville, crawling out from under the desk to kneel at her side, blood streaming from his rapidly swelling nose.

"I dunno…"

Neville groped for Hermione's wrist.

"Dat"s a pulse, Harry, I"b sure id is."

Such a powerful wave of relief swept through Harry that for a moment he felt light-headed.

"She's alive?"

"Yeah I dink so."

End of Flashback

From that moment on Harry had vowed never to let anyone hurt Hermione again…due to his stupidity he had lured her and his friends in to mortal peril. Hermione however had accompanied him loyally all the way even though she doubted Sirius to be in the Department of Mysteries. From that moment on Harry had realised his love for his best friend and that if she had died there and then he couldn't have lived without her. Fate it seems is not without a sense of irony.

Harry rubbed his eyes and groaned at the memory trying to rub it from his mind, he didn't want to think about that. But he couldn't stop the thought about the last few days at Hogwarts from seeping into his mind.

Flashback

"…I know we're upset because of-"

"You don't know what I'm feeling and I'd like it to stay that way thank you."

"Harry I'm your friend I'm here for you to talk to… and I was hoping you'd return the favour."

"Well you thought wrong didn't you Hermione now if you'll excuse me I wanted a quiet walk…Alone."

End of Flashback

Hermione had been trying to get him to open up to her but all he felt when he saw her was pain, guilt and hatred. Of what he'd done, of whom he'd lost and a love slowly slipping away.

Harry buried his head in his hands, why? Was all he could think of. Why had he done that? After he promised never to let any one hurt Hermione again he himself, her protector, was doing just that…hurting her…but she kept coming back to him…which hurt even more as her pushed her away again hurting them both.

Flashback

"I'm not feeling guilty, I'm feeling annoyed. Hermione I don't want to talk to you and if you haven't noticed we are leaving Hogwarts forever in 2 days time and as far as I'm concerned I never want to see you again."

"Is that what you want? Fine, you might as well just come out and say you wish I were dead instead of Ron because of the way your treating me I may as well be. I feel dead inside!"

Some glimmer of emotion fleeted across his eyes. Hermione gazed into his eyes; those eyes she had grown to recognise were now unrecognisable. They were no longer alive and dancing with happiness but cold and full of hatred. She could feel his glare burning into her.

Silence followed by this speech.

"Is that what you want? That I'd have died instead…you've been harsh Harry but that is just evil."

"Hermione I never said that."

"No but your face said it all."

End of Flashback

He never explained that was far from true and the emotion he felt at that time was hatred towards himself that if anyone should have died it was him- it was all he deserved after what he had done.

The next night though was the worst he had felt through the whole of his depression. Hermione entered his room and spoke so compassionately towards him. After all he had done. He felt her touch, a touch that he'd once craved and if admitted it to himself still did. Their lips met and Harry's heart had broken. She wanted him, she needed him, he needed her but no he decided it'll only cause you pain when you lose her. It's for the best he tried to tell himself as she left the room, left him forever. That night The Boy -Who - Lived had cried himself to sleep.

Flashback

Gently Hermione sat on his bed, the parchment envelope clutched in her hand. She rested her head on his chest and looked up into his sleeping face. How old he seemed. The toll of the war had taken an ageing effect on Harry, he had bags under his eyes far beyond his 17 years and his face seemed to be contorted into a constant frown. The glimmer of youth he once possessed was extinguished.

"I'll always be here for you," she whispered, "when you're ready however long it takes I'll be here, I don't care how far you try and push me away I'll always come back. Just give me a call." She lifted her head a single tear slowly forming. Leaning in she brushed her lips against his before pulling back. "I... I'll miss you."

Quietly she placed the parchment under his glasses on his bedside table before rising and leaving the room. Little did she know that the boy in the bed was very much awake and what she had just said shot a sharp pain through his heart.

End of Flashback

Shaking slightly Harry stood up and entered the kitchen. He took some bread form the bread bin to make a sandwich, he paused briefly and leant against the counter top as he thought of his final memory.

Flashback

It was Ron's memorial service…

The congregation sat in rows in the garden. Harry just behind the family although he thought he didn't deserve to. He had killed a son, a brother, and a friend. Both Harry and Hermione had said a few words as had members of the Weasley family. Bill had Ginny in his arms. Arthur was holding Molly. The brothers held their own composure. Harry glanced over at Hermione…just once glance won't hurt he thought.

Her face was tear streaked, her hair had been pulled into a bun at the back of her head and she was dressed all black to mourn the passing of a friend she regarded a brother.

Harry couldn't help but be jealous to see Dean Thomas holding her for support. He had his arms around her. It took a moment for Harry to realise he shouldn't be jealous, that was showing emotion that he still loved Hermione and he couldn't let that happen. But for a moment he wanted to hold her and comfort her…

End of Flashback

Harry sighed, but that's all in the past he told himself. She's forgiven you and your friends again. Don't think about that you can't love her, she's with someone else now and enjoying a romantic Valentine meal now.

Harry didn't know how wrong he was.

The next day Harry rapped on Hermione's office door at 12:30 he was going to ask her if she'd like to have lunch with him again.

"Erm…excuse me Mr Potter but Miss Granger isn't in today." Harry turned around to see Hermione's secretary sat at her desk. He had walked straight past her without even noticing her.

"Oh, is she out on assignment or something? Do you know when she'll be back?"

"She isn't meant to be but Mark Riley- her boyfriend- owled in this morning saying that she was a bit under the weather and wouldn't be coming in today."

"Oh, right… well do you suppose you could give me Hermione's address so I can go and see her?" Asked Harry thoughtfully.

"Of course," smiled the secretary, "anything to help and I'm sure Miss Granger won't mind."

Harry apparated to Hermione's apartment not before buying her some of her favourite flowers to cheer her up.

Harry knocked on the door and saw a figure approach through the glass to answer it.

"What do you want?" Mark stood in the doorway a glare in place.

"I dropped by the Ministry and they said Hermione was ill, I just wanted to see if she's ok."

"She's fine thanks, bye," and Mark attempted to shut the door but Harry put his foot in it.

"I just want to see her."

"Sorry, but she's not up to visitors-"

"She was fine yesterday."

"Yeah it came over her when she got in."

But Harry was no longer listening to Mark as he saw a figure emerge from a room hiding in the shadows.

"Hermione?"

"What?" Growled Mark and spun round, "get back in there. Immediately."

"Are you ok?" Asked Harry concerned at Mark's behaviour.

"Harry don't leave me here," with that Mark left the door where he was once preventing Harry from entering and physically threw Hermione back into the room closeing the door. Harry entered the flat and strode menacingly towards Mark.

"What did you do? I swear if you've hurt her I'll kill you," growled Harry.

Mark merely smirked, "really? Is that a threat Mr Potter?"

"You better believe it."

Harry pushed Mark out of the way and opened the door. Hermione was now sitting in the corner of the room hugging her knees, her head resting on the top of her arms. Harry walked over to her and noticed two smashed piles of scattered glass, which may have once resembled wine bottles, before he kneeled down next to her. "Are you ok?" he said softly.

Hermione raised her head and Harry just managed to see a black eye and dried blood from a cut lip before he felt a sharp hard kick in the ribs. Harry fell to the floor a throbbing blanket of pain coating the area.

"Mark, No!" Screamed Hermione.

"It's his fault Hermione, I'm going to make him pay. It's his fault I'm like this isn't it Hermione?"

Harry managed to stand up, ignoring the searing pain in his ribs. He looked murderous at Mark his eyes flared with anger. Before Mark had time to react Harry advanced him. He punched him in the face, grabbed him round the collar and threw him to the floor. Once down Harry repeatedly pounded his face and body, distinctly hearing a crack as Harry's fist left his nose. Harry only ceased when Hermione stopped him. Afraid that Harry might seriously injure him- although it was no less that he deserved.

Harry glared into the bloody face of his victim before standing to face Hermione. Taking this lack of concentration to his advantage Mark shot up and pounced on Harry the two now embroiled in a vicious fight. Punches were thrown left, right and centre. Mark had the advantage. Harry had the advantage. All Hermione could do was stand and watch the two men not knowing where to aim or what spell to fire from her wand.

Finally Harry pulled Mark up and pinned him against a wall, a snarl on his handsome features and his arm nestled under Mark's throat choking him.

"Get out of here and never come back and don't you ever contact Hermione again…is that clear," growled Harry darkly.

"No I don't think so this is my place…she's my witch I'll do what I like."

"Not if I have my way you won't. Fine then, Hermione grab some things your gonna stay with me."

"You are not taking her."

"You just watch me. You think I'm going to leave her here with you?"

"Better me than some guy who just waltzed in to her life yesterday after 3 years."

Mark struggled but Harry just choked him even more, his eyes were ablaze, fury glinted menacingly in every speck of light that touched them.

Harry and Hermione apparated to his flat some time later and collapsed on the sofa. Harry turned to Hermione who was staring glassy eyed into the distance, lost in thought. She seemed to be biting back tears, which were threatening to escape.

"Hermione?"

She turned to look at him and broke down; he took her in his arms and held her trembling body. She buried her face into Harry's neck, he winced a bit as she brushed some bruises that were forming but still held her gently stroking his hand through her hair. They sat for sometime, neither saying anything. Harry still holding the weeping witch.

After her tears subsided Hermione looked up into Harry's face. His eyes conveyed worry and concern. She smiled weakly and whispered "thank you."

"Can you tell me what happened?" He asked softly.

Hermione gazed back into his eyes and nodded. "It started because I was late meeting him last night…"

Flashback

Hermione paused hesitantly at the living room door. She knew what Mark could be like. But she composed herself and entered. He was sat in the dark with what Hermione could tell was a wine bottle in his hand. Great he's been drinking.

"Dinners ruined," came a slurred voice.

"I'm sorry I lost track of time, I've bee-"

"I don't want your excuses and I know you haven't been at the office. I checked. Apparently Frank's favourite is allowed the day off to help Mr Potter- the- arse- who- supposedly-saved-us-all with some stupid forms." He continued, "but I saw the two of you, you were like…like," Mark was trying and failing to cross his fingers. " That." He finished unsuccessfully.

"How much have you had to drink…And what's that smell?" Hermione scrunched up her nose and went over and pulled the almost empty wine bottle out of his hands but he grabbed it back. "Fine." She muttered and entered the kitchen.

"What you smell is a burnt…a burnt…snake," He put the bottle to his lips and took another swig. She entered the kitchen and took some potatoes which had boiled dry off the cooker and what may or may not have been steaks at one point. They were just lumps of charcoal.

"Didn't you have the slightest idea to take these off the grill?" She yelled at him from the kitchen. Hermione noticed another empty bottle of wine on the table. Great two bottles of wine in 50 minutes. She took the bottle into the living room. "Have you drunk both of these?"

"I have."

"Why on earth did you do that?"

"Because you weren't here to help me," he growled. Mark stood up to his fullest height. He threw the bottle in his hand at the wall and it shattered in to hundreds of pieces, "Because you were with him, remind me who the hell the guy was and what were you doing with him all day?" He yelled.

"That was my best friend at school and I haven't seen him for 3 years."

"Why?" He grabbed the other bottle out of her hands.

"Because I haven't."

"There must be a reason…tell me." He screamed now throwing the other bottle at the wall. Hermione flinched slightly, her Gryffindor courage allowed her not to be intimidated, for the time being.

"I'm not talking to you when your in this state," shouted back Hermione and turned towards the door.

"Wait a minute your not leaving," And with that he grabbed Hermione's arm and dragged her back into the room."

"I want an explanation. I want to know why you knew what time to be back here for and why you would want to spend Valentines Day with him rather than your boyfriend?"

"You know what I was going to wait but I'll tell you now. You are no longer my boyfriend Mark your dumped! It's through we're over. I didn't want you to find it out this way but you leave me no choice, I'm leaving first thing in the morning. I've had enough." Yelled Hermione.

This time Mark held Hermione with both of his hands, and shook her, "your not going anywhere." At this statement his eyes flashed dangerously.

"Get off me."

Mark smirked. She looked into his eyes and saw something she'd only ever seen once before…

He hit her, twice across the face and threw her to the floor.

"Now listen to me," he growled threateningly," you are never to see him again and you are staying my girlfriend, is that clear?"

Hermione, shaking slightly, nodded her eyes were stinging with tears that cascaded down her face and burned furrows into her cheeks. Hermione stayed on the floor and scooted over to a corner and took a cushion in her arms, her comfort, her Harry.

"Your not scared of me surely?" mocked Mark advancing on her once again. He crouched down in front of her. Hermione held her cushion tighter, "besides I've been away I haven't had any for a while…I want some …now," his eyes surveyed Hermione's body wantonly, his tongue licked his lips and he smiled maliciously.

No way Hermione thought I'm not going to, I'll fight. He reached out a hand and traced Hermione's face with his finger. Hermione pushed it away. "I'm not going to play your games Mark and I am not going to sleep with you."

This only infuriated Mark even more, the toxic running through his veins fuelling his temper. He grabbed Hermione and pulled her from the floor, Hermione used her remaining strength and the advantage he was drunk to knee him where it really hurts. She whipped out her wand and pointed it dangerously at Mark. He kneeled on the floor holding his injured part, "You bitch," he screamed. Hermione merely ran from the room towards the door. She grabbed the handle and attempted to open the door. It wouldn't budge, she tried with all her might but it was stuck fast, "Alohamora."

It wouldn't open. Mark emerged behind her his own wand out pointing at the door, "I told you, you aren't going anywhere. Expelliarmus." Hermione's wand flew through the air into Mark's outstretched hand, "In," he commanded indicating towards the living room. Obediently she followed. And that's where she stayed the whole night. Trapped, trapped in her own home until…

"... You arrived and you know the rest." Finished Hermione. Harry held her in his embrace once again, more tears gushed from her cinnamon orbs as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Has he ever hurt you before?" asked Harry not wanting to hear the answer.

"No," replied Hermione although not meeting Harry's eyes.

"I'll kill him," Harry stood suddenly from the sofa, "I'm gonna pound the little bas-"

"Harry calm down it was just once. I'm fine."

"Hermione that's once too many," he said softly as he returned to his place next to her pulling her back into his arms. "You really think I'm going to let him get away with hurting my 'Mione?"

Hermione smiled into Harry's shoulder. It had been so long since anyone had called her 'Mione. Friends and family seemed to realise that it was reserved for Harry and Ron's right only.

"Don't-"

"-ouch"

Hermione had placed one of her delicate hands on his chest to push herself up from his shoulder, Harry winced.

"You're hurt."

"I'll be ok."

"But its my fault, let me help you." She sat up, "take your top off." Harry grinned, eliciting a smile from Hermione, "give over Harry."

Harry placed his t-shirt on the floor and lay down on his sofa as Hermione commanded. Hermione sat on the edge, her fingers gently brushing over his bruised ribs causing a feeling like a snitch fluttering around in his stomach to erupt inside him. Harry squirmed slightly.

"You ok?" asked Hermione noticing this.

Harry just nodded enjoying the feeling of Hermione's hands on his body. She attended to all his wounds. Most cleared up with the wave of her wand others she had to rub cream from the apothecary on the area, once again the same feeling would explode inside him or a tingling sensations rippled through his body when she leaned over and her hair gently brushed his bare chest. Harry remembered the last time he had felt like this. It was when Hermione had briefly kissed him on the eve of there last day at Hogwarts. Only she could cause these emotions to take over his body.

Hermione could feel Harry's eyes on her as she worked. She had nearly let out an audible gasp when Harry removed his shirt but managed to contain herself. She liked the feeling of his muscles under her fingers, more than once she excused that an area needed more cream just so that she could feel his body under her hands as she gently caressed his skin.

"All done, how's my wounded defender feeling?" She smiled.

"A lot better now, thank you," replied Harry.

Hermione giggled and caught Harry's gaze. They sat for several moments just staring deep into each other's eyes; every thing was almost back to normal.

Hermione broke the contact first and looked at her hands, clasping them in her lap.

"Harry I want to thank you again for what you did for me today, well for everything you've ever done for me I never really said so at school."

"You didn't need to, we're friends which means more to me than thank yous from what has happened." Hermione looked back up at him and smiled meeting his eyes. "But not forgetting all the things you did for me, you were always there whether it was whenever everyone was against me or just cheering me on in Quidditch. I valued your friendship so much…" Harry trailed off both knowing where the conversation could lead. "Now why don't you get some sleep," he said gently, "I guess you didn't get much last night and when you wake up I'll make us dinner." Hermione snorted. "What?"

"You can cook?"

"I'll have you now I have perfected my culinary skills." Hermione laughed and stood up from the sofa. "You room is that one there." He pointed. "I want you feel at home so feel free to do what ever you want, eat whatever you want, and I suppose you can have the hot water in the mornings." He grinned. Hermione turned to leave but stopped and leaned down and kissed Harry on the cheek.

"Night Harry," and with that she took her bag in to her room.

Harry grinned stupidly and placed a hand on the spot where Hermione had kissed him.

Hermione laid on her bed and thought of Harry. No she scolded herself, you can't think about him you can't allow yourself to fall from him again, you buried those feelings years ago disaster can only strike if you release them.

But he said he loved you counted another voice in her head.

I know but-

She never found out as at that moment she drifted off into a deep slumber.