Walking aimlessly down the street, Hermione had no idea where she was going or what she was thinking. She can't believe what had happen today. Harry was Ethan and Ethan was Harry. She was totally and utterly confused at the situation. She was excited that she finally found Harry but furious that what he did to forget his past. She didn't know what to do, so she kept on walking. Slowly she arrived back to her own apartment that was left empty by the sudden accident moments before. She couldn't believe that such a fine day would lead to such disaster. But the things that bother her most was Harry, the fake one Harry. Who was it that was trying to fool her and take advantage of her? She kept thinking of someone who would do that and her head kept wandering back to the real Harry. Oh how glad she is that he is back, but how to deal with him and his wife? She didn't want to think of it no longer so she walked herself to bed and let everything go for now so she can deal with it tomorrow.
The next morning Hermione act as if nothing happened the night before and went to work. Once at work she couldn't concentrate on anything and that got her quiet frustrated. Some time around noon an owl arrived with a letter attached to it.
Hermione,
I know I have no right to ask you to speak to me after all these time but I beg that you meet me today so I have a chance to explain everything to you. Then after that you can decide if you prefer to not speak to me ever again in which I will understand. Please Hermione, one chance is all I ask for.
Three Broomsticks at one, hope to see you there.
Sorry,
Harry
Hermione put down the letter and contemplate what she really wanted to do. She was scared truly meet Harry again but something inside of her tells her that she should. She placed the letter aside thinking that when the time comes she'll decide.
The next two hours passed by slowly or so it did to Hermione. Two o'clock was approaching and she has yet to make up her mind. The minute hand strike two and she got up thinking…
"Oh, what is there to lose?" and she was off to meet Harry with a simple pop.
At the Three Broomsticks, Harry sat down waiting for Hermione and thinking of what he really wanted to say. He has been sitting for a couple of minutes now but that didn't stop people from staring him down. He even heard things like 'I thought he was dead' or 'gosh, that looks awfully like Harry Potter'. Before he could think any further…
"Hello Harry" a woman said softly behind him.
"Hermione…" He replied turning around slowly, "I'll never forget that voice" he finished with a small smile. He wanted to give Hermione a hug was scared he would get rejected so he reframe from doing so.
"You wanted to talk?" Hermione said with no emotion in her voice whatsoever.
"Yes, but please take a seat." Harry said pulling out the chair for her.
"No, lets go somewhere more private…" Hermione said and before Harry can reply she took his hand and apparate them back to her flat. "Now we can talk" she utter, letting go of him.
"Is this your place?" Harry said looking a bit daze by her sudden change of location. He walked around looking at things that he probably missed out on when he was gone. He slowly picked up a picture frame placed by the fire and saw himself with Hermione and Ron staring back him. Oh, how young and innocent they were back then, he thought.
"You still have this," he said showing her the frame.
"Of course Harry, I like to cherish what I have or had." Hermione replied sadly causing Harry to frown at her statement.
"I'm sorry Hermione…" he started but was cut off.
"Sorry for what? For leaving with not much as a good bye or breaking my heart?" Hermione snapped back with tears trailing down her rosy cheeks.
"Both. I'm sorry I ever left Hermione but I don't regret doing it. I was tired of being Harry Potter to the world and I was tired of being a hero. I wanted to forget everything Hermione, forget the pain and sorrow I've been through. I was a dead man after the war Hermione and forget is the only way I felt as though I can live again." Harry said while walking up to her.
"So I guess forgetting everyone who loves you and care for you is part of your plan to live as well? What a plan that is Harry? Unlike you, I was here each and every day fighting to let you go, trying to love a man I know I will never be able to love because I was in love with you!" Hermione proclaimed stepping back away from him, "So Harry, did you succeed at what you want? Forgetting us? Forgetting me?" She said as tears flow freely down her face.
"No! Through all the time that I was Ethan James, although my memory was gone somewhere in my heart Hermione, I still remember and long for you! I can lie and pretend to be someone new but no spell in the world can make me forget you." Harry replied, crying himself, "Not a days goes by that I don't think of you. Maybe I didn't know who you were but in my heart I knew it was you. I don't want to live a lie anymore Hermione, I'm sorry I hurt you and know that I would do anything to take those years back if I can, but please believe me when I say I never wanted to be that missing part of your life." He finished
"Too late…" she utters.
"Hermione…" Harry spoke
"Leave Harry," she said suddenly, "Please…"
Harry had no choice but to leave but before he left he walked over to her and gently gave her a kiss on the cheeks that lingered a few seconds more. He lifts his head and whisper in her ears… "I love you, and always will" with that he walked away and out of her life again. Hermione then broke down in tears, sobbing on her living room floor. She was angry at Harry but she really didn't want Harry out of her life again now that he was finally back in. She then stood up and rush towards the door, find is odd that the sky started to rain but that didn't stop her from running after Harry. She was running in the rain looking frantically everywhere for any sight of Harry but found herself stupid not remember that Harry is a wizard and is probably gone by now. She slowly turns around but to only find the one man she was looking for standing a few feet away from her. She ran towards him and gave him the hug they both were longing to give.
"I don't care what you did and why you did it Harry. All I care about is that you are back into my life and I don't want to throw that away, not for anything." She told him, "I love you…" she finishes and before Harry could utter one word Hermione kissed him passionately. The two stood kissing in the rain like no one else matters and no one else did matter because right at that moment, time is theirs.