Hermione had not slept well. Her dreams, which on occasion were filled with past nightmares, had been filled with fearful anxieties about the bond. She rubbed her tired eyes. Perhaps she should just lay in bed all day and wait to see if anything happened. In that moment it was tempting. She didn't feel like facing the rest of the staff and volunteers today. She didn't want to do research. She wanted to wallow at how unfair all this was. After trying for twenty minutes to fall back to sleep with little success, Hermione pushed herself out of bed. She walked to the window in her bedroom as she wrapped a robe around her. The sun was sparkling down on the field of wild flowers at the edge of the forest. Shaking her moodiness away as best she could, she dressed and readied herself for the day. Before leaving her living quarters, she opened the tiny drawer in her desk and pulled out a small piece of chocolate. She slipped it into her mouth and rolled her tongue around, letting the richness melt smoothly down her throat. There was no denying that today could be rough. Beginning it with chocolate was just her way of relaxing and bolstering herself. She smiled thinking of the way her friends would tease her for eating chocolate before breakfast. Knowing she was going to see Harry at some point today, Hermione spent a little extra time taming her curls and picking out an outfit for the day. After some debate she decided on a sky blue sun dress that hit her mid-calf. It was comfy and the material was light and flowing. She put small silver earrings in and headed down for breakfast.

Harry stood anxiously in the Great Hall. A few past and current students littered the tables. They were there to work the day away setting classrooms to rights. The staff table was nearly full. A few Professors were absent, including the Headmistress. Harry wasn't sure where Hermione usually sat so he positioned himself near the side wall and leaned against it casually. A few people had seen him and given him a nod. The younger students seemed to look at him with awe. He supposed he did have a reputation. The attention was still as uncomfortable as it had always been. He had not told Hermione he would be arriving so early. He hoped she wasn't upset about it. Harry had no intention of attempting his Auror training with the possibility of Hermione collapsing at any moment running around in his head. He hadn't slept well which also had not helped. Once Harry had explained the importance of what this day could hold, Mr. Boggs had graciously excused him from classes for the day. Today their little experiment would yield results which hopefully would also result in more information and understanding of what this bond was. Harry knew he couldn't touch Hermione unless she had an attack. That thought alone set his nerves on edge. He reminded himself that they still didn't know if his touch actually was capable of preventing the attack or if it was only useful in the moment. He had to admit that despite the seriousness of today he was happily looking forward to a day in Hermione's company. He also couldn't deny that his thoughts had centered on her quite often over the last five days. Harry couldn't blame the bond for all of it either. Most of his thoughts of her had not been strictly connected to this awful situation. He pushed his hair back and checked his watch. Shouldn't she be here by now?

"Harry! So, good to see you this morning," Headmistress McGonagall approached him. "I didn't think you would be here so early. Though I suspect you are quite anxious about Ms. Granger's condition." She gave him a sympathetic look.

"Thank you Professor. Mr. Boggs gave me permission to take the day off after explaining today's significance." Harry offered.

"Ah, that is wise. He seems like a reasonable man. He certainly has done wonders so far. I suspect he respects you quite a lot," McGonagall expressed sincerely.

Harry was not sure how to respond to that compliment. Instead he gave her a small smile and asked, "How is she?"

"Holding up well I believe. She has stayed very busy these past few days. She puts up a good show, but I can tell she is unsure about it all." Harry nodded as she continued, "She'll need you Harry. Not just because your touch seems to relieve her pain. After losing her parents and her relationship with Ron ending, I fear that she feels a bit alone in the world. Plenty of people love her of course, but sometimes I think she is so intent on keeping up with what everyone expects of her, and what she expects of herself, that she…." McGonagall went quiet as if trying to decide what to say.

"Hides her feelings," Harry offered.

McGonagall eyed him and smiled, "It seems you already know her very well. Of Course, I tend to forget that you two spent the better part of a year together hunting down Horcruxes. I suspect that's a type of situation that gives you plenty of time to get to know someone."

"It was," Harry admitted.

"Good. I hope we can get this taken care of for you both. You both deserve to be happy. Still, there is some comfort in knowing you're there for one another." She gave him a motherly pat on the shoulder. "She should be down soon. I intend to stay close today, but should you need me at any time please send your patronus."

Harry gave her a smile and a nod. "Thank you, Profressor." He watched her head to the staff table and resumed his waiting. It didn't take long before he saw her enter. He was immediately struck by the simple dress that seemed to accentuate her petite, feminine figure. He felt his pulse speed up against his will as he watched her gracefully walk toward a table. She had not seen him leaning against the wall. He watched her push her full head of curls back from her shoulder and sit down a bit removed from the other students. She grabbed a piece of toast and nibbled lightly on it with little enthusiasm. Harry decided he had stared long enough and shook himself into action. He approached her from behind. "Good morning Hermione."

Hermione recognized his voice right away. Whipping around she smiled broadly and jumped up from the bench. "Harry! What are you doing here? I didn't expect to see you so soon." She wanted to hug him but didn't want to risk skin contact. She was more than pleased to see him. He looked a bit ruffled but his eyes held a smile. He pierced her with a gaze that seemed to be penetrating her soul. She forced her eyes away and said, "I thought I gave you orders to keep training." She tried to say it without sounding upset. She didn't want him to fall behind but she was rather touched that he had come so early.

Harry grinned at her, "I am still training. Just got the day off is all."

"You won't fall behind will you?" Hermione asked as she motioned Harry to take a seat.

Harry quickly made his way to the other side of the table on the pretense of avoiding skin contact. His real reason was that he wanted a full view of her. He had noticed right away that she seemed relieved and even happy to see him. It had set his heart pumping. He knew however, those were surface emotions and intended to look a bit closer to determine how she was really holding up. As he sat he responded, "No, one day won't put me behind and Ron can catch me up later." He watched her take her seat across from him and noticed for the first time how decidedly tired she seemed. Her shoulders were hunched slightly and her eyes were bright but they seemed a bit puffy. "Besides, it's not me we should be worried about right now." That sent a light blush to her cheeks and she picked up her toast and took a small bite.

Hermione said quietly, "I'm glad you're here. I just feel bad you're missing your courses."

"Don't feel bad. It was my choice. I don't think I would have been any good today anyway. I hardly slept I was so distracted and anxious about today. I know I'm no use to you until you have another attack, but I couldn't stand to be so far away today."

The truth and sincerity of Harry's words made Hermione's face darken with embarrassment and pleasure. He had come just to be near her if she needed him. The gesture was more appreciated than she was willing to admit.

"I take it you didn't sleep well either?" Harry ventured. He was rewarded by a dramatic eye roll and a lifted eyebrow.

"Look that good do I? Gee thanks," Hermione replied teasingly.

Harry gave a light chuckle, "You look quite pretty actually. I like that dress." Again, he saw her cheeks darken. She really was quite adorable when she blushed. He found himself wanting to make it happen more often. He knew he had thrown her for a loop with his compliment. He had meant it however. She looked quite attractive.

"I…um, thank you." Hermione stammered.

To ease her embarrassment he continued, "I only meant you look a bit tired. You sure you're feeling alright? It's just the last time you had an attack you mentioned you were tired."

Hermione gave him a reassuring smile, "I am tired. You're right, I didn't sleep particularly well. I don't think being tired is connected to my attacks though. I was tired last time because I had stayed up too late working. I'm fine."

"You're sure?" Harry insisted.

"Harry Potter, if you are going to hang around all day and nag me about how I'm feeling, I am going to send you straight back to the Ministry." Hermione said sternly but with a rye smile.

Harry let out a chuckle as he buttered some toast. He did love ruffling her feathers a bit. He held up his hands in surrender. "Yes, mama. I Harry Potter promise to do my best not to nag about how you feel today. But I'm only promising to try, not to succeed."

Hermione shook her head at him as he gave her his most devilish smile. Didn't he know what that smile did to her? She wanted to smack him in the arm and kiss him all at the same time. Instead of following through on either of those thoughts she simply said, "How very Slytherin of you."

Harry smiled at her quick wit. "The hat almost put me in Slytherin actually."

That got her attention, "What? You never told me that before. So, what happened?"

Harry shrugged, "I asked it to put me in Gryffindor instead."

"You just asked it?" Hermione questioned.

"Well, I guess I was kind of begging. I didn't know anything about the magical world at that point except that most bad wizards came from Slytherin house. So, when it said I'd do well in Gryffindor or Slytherin I just begged it not to put me in Slytherin." Harry explained as if it was no big deal.

"Wow. I didn't' know the sorting hat took suggestions from students," Hermione commented.

Harry relied, "I'm glad it did for me at least. I have a better understanding and perspective on Slytherin house now, but I still can't imagine myself surviving school in that house. Besides, I think it only wanted to put me in that house because of the piece of Voldemort's soul that was stuck inside of me."

Hermione considered that for a moment. "That's a valid point. I'm glad you ended up in Gryffindor too."

Harry dug into some eggs and bacon while watching Hermione continue to pick at her bread. "You're not eating." Harry said.

Hermione shrugged, "I'm too anxious to eat. Besides, I had a piece of chocolate earlier, I'm not that hungry."

"Chocolate this early? Are you telling me Hermione Granger had chocolate for breakfast?" Harry laughed.

Hermione sat up said defensively, "Don't you dare laugh at me. Every woman has her vices. I'm a bit uptight today, for good reason, I might add. Chocolate helps…comfort my nerves."

Harry smiled broadly, "Noted. I'm not sure if I'm more amused or if I'm more hurt you didn't bring any for me to have."

Hermione gave him a soft smile. When breakfast was done Hermione briefed him on what she had planned for the day. He spent most of the day following her around and helping remodel and finish the north tower. He was continually amazed by the level of her magic. Her spell work was powerful and precise. Reconstructing stone walls seemed to take very little effort for her.

Nothing had happened yet in the way of a pain attack and it was getting to be late afternoon. Harry had watched her closely throughout the day but she seemed in good health. He had enjoyed working alongside her. They had talked easily and their silences held no tension. It had been hard for Harry not to reach out to her now and again when she tripped on some rubble or had gotten a bit of dust on her nose. Why was this so hard? Had he always wanted to touch her so badly or was it just now that he couldn't that he suddenly realized how much he wanted to? He thought back to their weekly lunch meetings. He had taken her hand a few times, hugged her, rubbed her temples. He even remembered when he had reached to touch her cheek when she had unknowingly gotten a bit of jam on it. He hadn't thought much about what any of that meant. He hadn't thought about any of those actions at the time. It had just been instinctive. Today though seemed to put it into focus. He furrowed his brow over it. He knew that he admired Hermione. He respected her, and cared for her. They had been friends a long time. The thought that he may be developing deeper feelings scared him. He had once thought about a relationship with her, but that was around the time Hermione had confessed to liking Ron. Then Ron finally caught on. Harry had turned to Ginny, stepped back, and convinced himself he was content to be Hermione's friend. Perhaps he had not convinced himself as fully as he had believed. He wasn't sure what to make of it or what to do about it.

"Is something wrong?"

Hermione's voice broke him from his trance. "No, I'm fine. Why?"

She shrugged, "You seemed to get all serious for a moment. You sure you're alright?"

Harry smiled at her, "That question is for me to use remember? Don't go stealing it."

"If I remember correctly, I asked you not to use that question. You have failed miserably by the way." Hermione teased.

Harry grinned as he shrugged, "I only promised to try."

"Ha! I've seen you try and I know when you aren't making much of an effort." Hermione stated.

"Oh really? Well, aren't you smart." Harry teased.

Hermione rose to it and said seriously, "Yes, I am actually. Brightest witch of our age some say." She held her perfectly straight face as long as she could before Harry's gaze broke through her and she burst out laughing.

Harry laughed with her for a moment. When they stopped he said quietly, "I'm sorry Hermione. I just worry. I feel helpless."

She came closer to him, "I know Harry. I do to. I hate not knowing what is going on or what this means for my future…our future."

Harry nodded. He could see her armor weakening. Her rich, brown eyes were getting moist. "Whatever the future holds, I don't plan on leaving you to face it alone." He watched her fight back her tears and bite her lip. Goodness, she needed to stop doing that. It made her lips look too… inviting.

"Thank you, Harry." Hermione desperately wanted to hug him and let him hold her. She breathed deeply to reset herself. "It's almost dinner time and still, nothing has happened. My nerves are shot."

"Mine too. I'm not leaving. I already talked to McGonagall about sleeping in your chambers." Harry saw the shocked look on her face and quickly added, "On the couch in the sitting room of course."

"Of course." Hermione said breathlessly. "Harry, I appreciate the gesture but I never expected you to stay all night with me."

"I know. But just in case, I'd like to be nearby," Harry said.

"Harry you can't be nearby all the time." Hermione pointed out.

"I know. But tonight I can."

"Harry, I don't.-"

Harry cut her off, "Please, Hermione….Don't fight with me on this. Just let me do this." Didn't she understand? He needed to do this. He needed to try to be useful, to be there for her, to make this mess better. He knew in his head it wasn't logical and it wasn't going to help in the long run. He knew he wouldn't be able to be with her every day. But he was tired and he knew the only way he had a chance of sleeping was if he knew she was nearby so he could get to her quickly if she needed him to.

She was stunned by his insistence. He looked a bit worn down. She knew he was blaming himself for this. She conceded, "Alright." He looked at her with tired eyes and she gave him a weak smile, "I will probably sleep better knowing you're there. And I really could use some sleep." She admitted.

Harry nodded, "Good. Me too."

Later, Hermione opened the door to her chambers. She watched as Harry looked around a bit. "This is the sitting area. My bedroom and bathroom are upstairs."

Harry thought the place suited her nicely. It was nothing grand. There was a comfy looking couch in front of a small fireplace, a high back chair, a bookshelf on one wall, a desk, and a couple of windows. A narrow staircase spiraled upward in the far corner. It was clean but cozy. Hermione had various odds and ends on the mantle and books were strewn about in multiple places. A lavender blanket was folded over the side of the couch. "Well, the couch looks comfy," Harry said with a smile.

Hermione rolled her eyes at him, "It is but I would feel bad making you sleep on it." She quickly took her wand and transformed the couch into a double bed. "That should be more comfortable."

"Thanks!" Harry said with enthusiasm.

"Do you mind if I read for a while before I turn in?" Hermione asked.

"Of course not, this is your place after all, " Harry conceded. "Got any Quidditch books?"

"Third shelf, on the left," Hermione gestured toward the bookcase and grabbing a book off the desk settled into the high back chair.

Harry grabbed a book about Quidditch defensive moves and turning around saw Hermione in the chair. "Um, wouldn't the bed be more comfortable? I won't bite you know. I even promise not to touch you at all," Harry said teasingly.

Hermione gave him a smirk but couldn't quite keep the blush from her cheeks. "Oh, fine." She sat on the bed and got herself comfortably propped up against the headboard with a pillow. Harry climbed on next to her and they settled into their books. Harry couldn't quite focus on the words. He kept reading the same paragraph over and over again. He occasionally glanced over at Hermione and found her eyes swiftly moving over the words of her book before she turned another page. She read quite fast. Her legs were out straight and crossed over one another. Her dress had crept up to just above her knees. She had slender legs. They looked soft. Harry turned a page in his book and tried to keep reading.

After an hour, Hermione yawned and closed her book. She had felt the slight tension between them and had done her best to ignore it. She was all too aware of Harry's glances and it made her feel nervous. "Well, I think I'm going up to bed now." She slid off the bed.

"You have your coin?" Harry asked.

Turning to him from the desk where she placed her book, she drew up a small chain from around her neck. At the end of it was the enchanted coin. "I always wear it." Hermione said.

Harry nodded, "That's a good idea. I always worry I'm going to misplace mine or something."

Hermione came over without a word and held out her hand. Harry understood what she wanted and dug into his pocket, dropping the coin in her upturned hand. With a simple spell Hermione handed him back his coin which now had an attached chain. Harry slipped it over his head and he pushed it under his t-shirt. The cold metal sat just on his sternum. "Thank you for staying, Harry. Sleep well." Hermione said with a small smile. Harry rose slowly and stepped toward her, "You sure you don't want me to…I don't know… hold your hand or something? Then you could sleep without worrying so much." Harry asked the question knowing her answer would be no. He watched as another light blush touched her porcelain skin. He continued to move toward her until he stopped just in front of her. Her legs were backed up against the edge of the desk.

Hermione swallowed. Would she like him to hold her hand? Definitely. She had come to realize she took great comfort from physical contact, and Harry's contact had proved to make her comfortable as well as make her skin tingle. Would she like him to back up too? Yes, she couldn't think clearly with him standing so close. Taking a breath she said calmly, "That's not how this works Harry. Your touch may not prevent anything from happening. And we need to be sure about the time line. There are still five hours left in the day. If nothing happens after that…"

"Then I can touch you?" Harry finished. He watched her with pleasure as she blinked a few times, her mouth opened slightly. Her face was quite red. He was tempted to laugh but knew it would upset her.

In as stern a voice as she could muster, Hermione continued her thought as if he hadn't just confessed his desire to feel her skin, "We…we will know the attacks are random or controlled by Atticus somehow."

Harry smiled at her. "I know." Harry fixed his eyes on hers. He watched her lick her lips in a nervous fashion. He was having fun watching her squirm. "And when the time passes, then I will take your hand. Then we will see how long it takes before you have an attack. If it's less than 2 days than I think we can assume my touch doesn't hold off an attack. Would you agree?" He watched her nod slowly.

"Yes." Hermione felt quite breathless. He had her locked in his green gaze. She tore her eyes away from his and tried to look somewhere else. The problem was that he was standing so close there wasn't much else for her eyes to see. She glanced at his lips and then swallowed when she realized it. Finally Harry took a step back and she took a full breath.

"Well, then, I'll let you try to get some sleep. Good night, Hermione." Harry said. "See you in the morning."

She nodded and turned for the stairs. She looked back, "Goodnight Harry."

Hermione lay staring at the ceiling. She was exhausted but couldn't seem to make sleep claim her. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess. What had happened downstairs? The air between her and Harry had almost been electric. Was he just teasing her or had he been serious? Her feelings for him were growing complicated. She rolled over and looked at the clock. She sucked in a breath. It was 1:45am. The attacks were not predictable. The weight of that discovery settled on her and she chocked back a sob. She had wanted them to be predictable. Then she could anticipate them. Prepare for them. Rolling over she let her tears wet her pillow. She wiped her face and took a few deep breaths. She needed distraction. Hermione made her way down stairs to retrieve her book. She tried to be as quiet as possible. She didn't want to wake Harry. Just as she reached her desk she heard a rustling of sheets.

"You couldn't sleep either?" Harry quietly asked. He sat up a bit so he could see her. The room was dark but he could make out her outline and saw her turn toward him.

"No." Hermione chocked out.

Harry heard the exhaustion and the strain in her voice. He knew what time it was and what it meant. The small hope of consistency in all this had vanished. While they had gained knowledge, it was not the encouraging kind. He gently offered, "Come sit with me. You look cold."

Hermione had to admit that her feet were chilled on the stone floor and her nightshirt and shorts offered little warmth. She wasn't sure how wise it was to climb into bed with him but she found herself desperate for comfort.

Harry watched her quietly walk toward the bed. He saw her hesitate a moment before climbing under the blankets and settling on the opposite side of him. Her night shirt hugged her body without looking tight. As she pulled the covers up he studied her face. She was avoiding his eyes. He could tell she had been crying. Her hair was a tussled mess. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable, but he knew she needed some comfort. He scooted toward the center of the bed more and propped himself up slightly with a pillow. He slowly turned to face her. Harry lifted his hand and paused just before reaching her face. He asked quietly, "May I?"

Hermione's breath caught in her chest. He was asking permission to touch her; to offer her comfort. The gentleness in his voice melted her. "You really want to?" She whispered. He nodded, "I really do." She inclined her head slightly and the next thing she knew his hand was cupping her cheek. She closed her eyes at the contact. His touch was soft and caring. When she opened her eyes she was face to face with him. She couldn't control the deep blush that washed over her face. She was glad the room was dim.

Harry watched her lean into his palm. Her need for someone to care for her almost broke his heart. She was so strong, but he knew she was also fragile. He was well acquainted with the desire to be loved and taken care of. He had spent his childhood longing for a kind word from his aunt and uncle, or a kiss for his booboos. In that moment Harry realized, as if for the first time, what Hermione had given up for him and what she had lost in the war. He was filled with determination to make sure she never felt alone again. He could see the tears building in her eyes and he could feel the heat in her face. Without speaking, he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in close. She rested her head on his shoulder. She was warm and soft and smelled like Spring. Harry felt her breathing hitch and felt the silent tears wet his shirt. "It's alright Hermione. It's alright to cry." At his words he felt her sigh and let out a heart wrenching sob. She clung to him. Harry wasn't quite sure what to do. Hermione had never been one for emotional outbursts, unless it was her temper. She had always been logical, reasonable and practical. But he also knew that she felt things deeply, even if she hid it. So, he just held her and let her know he wasn't expecting anything of her. He didn't need her to make a plan or do any research. All he needed was her.

When Harry had given her permission to cry, Hermione felt the flood gates open against her will. Perhaps she was just too tired to fight. Perhaps she had reached a breaking point. Perhaps his touch had weakened her. Whatever it was, she let herself cry. She clung to him as if he was her only tie to reality. When at last her breathing evened out and her tears were spent, she lifted her head and looked at him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall apart." She moved away to give him room.

"I told you it was alright, and I meant it. You don't have to be strong all the time Hermione. We've been dealt a big blow, and the last few weeks have been hard. You have every right to be emotional. I'm just glad I could be here for you." Harry said.

Hermione gave him a small smile, "Thank you Harry. I…I think I needed that. Thanks."

Harry smiled at her, "Anytime, now come here." He patted the bed next to him.

"I should let you sleep." Hermione said.

"Not a chance." He patted the spot next to him again and he was pleased that she scooted back to his side. He put his arm around her again. Her shoulders were bare, except for the thin strap of her tank top. He pulled her in and she settled her head against him once more. He let his fingers trail up and down her arm. "So, we can't predict them," Harry said softly.

"No." Hermione said tiredly. "We'll have to meet with McGonagall in the morning to discuss it.

"I'm sorry Hermione." Harry offered. He didn't know what else to say.

Hermione gave a small shrug, "Not much we can do about it right now. I'll just try not to think about it and go about business as normal. No sense in worrying myself over when it will happen."

"I suppose not." Harry offered. "I could stay."

"No, you can't. I won't let you." She said firmly.

"So, stubborn."

Hermione felt her eyes getting heavy. Those light circles Harry was doing along her arm were very relaxing. "I am. You will not give up Auror training on my behalf."

"Alright, but if things get bad, I will take a leave of absence if need be. I already discussed the possibility with Mr. Boggs." Harry said. Hermione only gave him a small hum in response. He felt her breathing deepen. She was falling asleep. Harry nestled down a bit more into the covers. He whispered, "Sweet dreams, Hermione." There was no response. Harry realized that he was cuddling and sharing a bed with one of his best friends, and he didn't feel guilty about it in the least. The emotions he had tried to stomp out years ago seemed to be making a comeback. Yes, he was in real trouble of falling in love with Hermione Granger. He wasn't sure if he was scared to death or pleasantly pleased by the possibility. He was too tired to think on it. Ten minutes later Harry was asleep.

So, what do you think? I wasn't planning on this chapter being this way but as I started it, it kind of took on a mind of it's own. Please give me feedback! Good? Bad? What do you want?