Harry was aware of the stares as he and Hermione entered the Great Hall. He was used to them. Hermione was not. He could see her squirm from the attention. Harry led her to the bench while glancing at the Headmistress. McGonagall raised an eyebrow at him and her mouth quirked up in a half smile. She gave him a slight nod before continuing with her own meal.

"Perhaps, we should not make a habit of eating here." Hermione said as she looked around at various people who were watching them.

Harry laughed, "I suppose I've gotten used to it. But if you'd rather we try to avoid eating here, I am all in favor of a more private spot in the future."

They ate their meal and Harry suggested a walk around the grounds. The evening was growing late and the air was crisp but still warm. Harry held Hermione's hand as they walked. He sensed that she was a little bit tense about something. He noticed her teeth kept gnawing at her lips and she was quiet. "Hermione, are you alright? You seem bothered by something."

Hermione shook her head, "I'm fine. It's nothing."

"If our being together is making you uncomfortable I-"

Hermione was quick to interrupt him and reassure him. "No! No, Harry it's not that at all. I feel more calm than I can remember feeling in ages. I attribute a great deal of that to you." He gave her a warm smile and squeezed her hand. "I just worry about how our friends are going to handle this. I mean Ron and I parted as friends but I'm not so sure he'll take kindly to his best mate dating his ex-girlfriend. And what about Ginny? I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I'd hate to come between you and Ron. He's practically your brother."

Harry listened intently and nodded. "I see your point. To be honest, I think Ron might be alright with it." Hermione gave him a skeptical look and he continued, "He's the only one I've told about the bond. He took it rather well. He even said that if we end up having to get married that he would be alright with that. He just wants you to be safe and happy. It was all very mature of him." Hermione looked a bit shocked.

"Really? And you don't think he was just saying that?" She asked sincerely.

"No, I think he was genuine," Harry replied. "I'll of course talk to him. I'll tell him about us before he hears word of it elsewhere. It might be a bit hard on him but I truly think he will be alright. He seems rather happy with Allison."

"Good. Please let me know how he takes it, will you?" Hermione asked.

Harry brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Of course I will."

"What about Ginny?" Hermione asked. She watched Harry scrunch his face a bit and sigh.

"That might be a bit trickier. We didn't part badly really, but I know it upset her. She will probably be upset with me. I am confident that with time she'll be alright." Harry said.

"I know we need to keep this bond under wraps but do you think we should tell the Weasley's? They are almost like family and I just got Ron's invite to join his family for dinner tomorrow night. I assume you've been invited as well?"

"I have, yes." Their walk had led them to a tall tree near the lake. Harry helped Hermione sit before sitting himself. He looked at her seriously and said, "I'm not going to make the decision to tell them or not without you. You are part of this. I want to hear what you have to say about it."

Hermione gave him a smirk, "That sounds like a man you is just trying to get out of being blamed for the decision, should it go poorly."

Harry watched her eyes laughing at him. He scoffed and sounding overly offended replied dramatically, "I would never do any such thing! You wound me deeply by suggesting such a thing!" Harry put his hand to his chest as if he had been struck with an arrow. He watched with pleasure as Hermione first rolled her eyes at him, and then laughed. Harry put his arm around her and let her head rest on his shoulder. "So, what do you think?" Harry said.

"I don't know. Part of me is scared to go tomorrow night. What if I have an attack? I don't want to scare them. At the same time, I can't live my life in fear and stop doing things on the off chance an attack will hit me." Hermione sighed heavily and rubbed her head.

"Hey, it will be alright." Harry wrapped her tightly in his arms. "You have every right to be scared. But I agree that having you hide away is not the answer. I don't want that for you. If you do have an attack, the upside is I'll be right there. Would you rather tell them first thing just in case?" Harry asked.

Hermione took a deep breath. "I think we need to tell them. It's not fair to leave them in the dark. I know they care for us. But.. I don't want to put a damper on the party by announcing straight off that we have a pretty big problem we're dealing with. What if we wait until later in the evening, when things are winding down to tell them? With any luck I won't have an attack before then."

"That sounds fine to me." Harry agreed.

"I'd really enjoy a night without everyone eyeing me as if I'm going to break at any moment. " Hermione confessed.

Harry squeezed her again. "I know you find it annoying, but they just care about you."

"I know…I just…I hate feeling weak." Her voice was soft.

"I can assure you that no one thinks that about you, Hermione. If they do they don't know you very well." She turned her head up to him and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Harry continued, " I'll talk to Ron before dinner tomorrow about us so he isn't blindsided by our new relationship. It might be best just to let the others go about figuring it out slowly." Harry felt Hermione nod her head in agreement. He continued in a serious tone, "I'll try to control the urge to kiss you in front of them."

At that comment, Hermione looked up at him and tried to figure out if he was being serious or if he was joking. When his face didn't crack into a grin she sat up fully and eyed him with a stern look. He gazed at her and shrugged innocently with a sly grin, "What? I like kissing you, alright? It's not my fault you're so delicious."

Hermione laughed at him and turned a lovely shade of pink. "Harry!" She playfully hit him across the arm. He chuckled at her put out expression. She continued with a wicked grin, "We've only had one kiss. How do you know you like it if you've only done it once? To really know you'd have to do it at least twice."

Harry looked at her with a bit of surprise. "Really ,now?" he asked. She grinned widely and shook her head in affirmation even as she bit her lip. "Well, I'd like to be sure of course. Do I have your permission to proceed with this experiment?" He began leaning toward her before she could respond.

Hermione was near laughing but as Harry drew himself closer to her, she felt her breath catch. She couldn't even find words to respond and simply gave him a small nod. She felt his lips touch hers. Gentle at first and then a bit more firmly. His hands found their way into her curls and she melted into his embrace. She let her fingers travel up his back and into the hair at his neck. After a moment Harry drew back and sighing declared, "I was right. I do love kissing you."

Hermione smiled slyly at him with a raised eyebrow. "I believe you said you only liked kissing me. In order to say you love kissing me…I think you need to try it a few more times. "

Harry was bewitched by her. He had never seen this playful side of her. He briefly wondered if Ron had. He grinned like a school boy at her. "Was that a request ?" Hermione blushed furiously at realizing her own boldness. It made him all the more attracted to her. She gave him a slight nod. "I think I could accommodate you," he conceded. That brought a giggle to her lips before Harry met them with his own.

Later that night, Harry was getting up the courage to Floo Ron and invite him over to Grimmauld Place for a man to man chat. He knew he needed to tell him about his relationship with Hermione before tomorrow night's family dinner. Still, he was not too eager to face that prospect. It was getting late though and if he didn't do it soon than he'd be forced to find time tomorrow during training. There was never any guarantee that they would be able to find a private moment though. Letting out a big breath he threw the Floo powder into the fireplace. His head spun a bit before he was looking out into the Weasley's living room. Mrs. Weasley was sitting on the sofa and jumped up in surprise. She knelt down near the fireplace to better see him. "Harry, dear, how are you?"

"Good thanks. Is Ron around? Can you have him come through?"

"Of course dear. Everything alright?" Ms. Weasley used her concerned motherly tone with him.

"Yeah, it's fine."

"Oh, good. You are coming for dinner tomorrow right? We've missed you." She gave him a friendly smile.

"Yeah, I'll be there! Hermione said she was planning on it as well." Harry offered.

"That's wonderful. I'm so glad. Well, I'll just go fetch Ron and tell him to Floo over to you." She began to rise.

"Thanks!" Harry disappeared and was fully in his own living room. He paced waiting for Ron to appear. Soon Ron stepped from the fire place and proceeded to dust off the ash from his clothes.

"Hey, what's up mate?" Ron asked good naturedly.

"Not much, I just need to tell you something." Harry tried to sound nonchalant but Ron gave him a suspicious look.

"Something that couldn't wait til tomorrow? Must be important. It isn't about Hermione is it? Has something happened to her? Is she alright?" Ron asked a bit wildly.

Harry shook his head, "No, no, she's fine. She's doing well for now. But it is about her in a way." Harry moved to the couch. "Sit down."

"This must be bad if you want me to sit. What is going on Harry?" Ron asked as he sat on the other end of the couch facing his friend.

Harry sighed and tried to think of how to approach the subject. "Ron, do you remember when I told you about the bond?"

"Course I do." Ron said with a nod.

"And you said if anything happened between me and Hermione you would be alright with it?" Harry asked a bit awkwardly.

Ron shook his head slowly, "Yes…has something happened? Do you have to marry her?" Ron shot out.

Harry replied, "Uh, no. It's not marriage. I just…we….Hermione and I…Well, we're dating." Harry let that hang in the air and almost cringed waiting for Ron's response.

Ron wasn't sure what to feel after Harry's statement. Should he feel jealous? Mad? Sad? Betrayed? He couldn't seem to conjure up any of those things. All he really felt was surprised and a bit curious. "You're dating?" He knew it wasn't a very intelligent response but he was trying to digest things.

Harry gave him a weary look. "Yeah, we are."

"Huh," Ron said, "Because of the bond?"

"Not exactly," Harry confessed.

"What does that mean?" Ron asked.

"I just mean…the bond isn't the reason she…we decided to be a couple." Harry said wearily. He quickly continued to try to stave off Ron's potential outburst. "Look, Ron, I didn't plan on this happening. I never would have thought…I just care about her a lot. I know you do too. But lately I've just come to see her as more than a friend. I didn't think she thought of me as anything more than that. But it turns out that she kind of does. Like me more than a friend I mean." Ron raised his eyebrows at him and Harry quickly continued, "But she only just realized it a couple weeks ago. She never betrayed you. I promise I never did anything while you guys were together. I know this must be weird. But I hope you can be alright with it. I don't want to make you upset and Hermione would be devastated if this ruined our friendship." Harry ran out of breath and words. He turned to Ron to find his face rather blank. After a few moments Harry ventured, "Ron?"

"Uh, yeah, " Ron said with a shake of his head. "I …this is unexpected. "

"I know," Harry said apologetically.

Ron shook his head again as if in thought, "So, you like her? Like boyfriend, girlfriend like her?"

Harry shook his head slowly, "I do. I have for a while now, but I gave up on it because you were the one she wanted."

Ron looked a bit surprised by that. "You did?"

Harry shrugged, "It wasn't a big deal. She had chosen you, and I wanted her…and you to be happy."

Ron nodded, "But it didn't work for us."

"Yeah, it didn't. But I promise I never intended to go stealing her away." Harry said. "This whole thing just kind of…it surprised both of us a bit."

Ron seemed to be mulling things over. "So, if you're dating is the bond better? Like does Hermione have less attacks now?"

Harry as a bit thrown off by the slight topic change. "Uh,no. Well, not that we have noticed. We can't predict when she'll have an attack. So far they have all been a few days apart though. No back to back days. I'm not sure our dating has changed anything. Except the fact that she lets me be around her a lot more, which means I can be faster at getting to her if she does have an attack." Harry explained. Ron shook his head in comprehension. There was silence for a time and Harry still felt on edge. Ron had yet to really react. Harry broke the silence, "So, are you alright with this?"

"Well, I figure you were alright with me dating her, so I should be alright with letting you do the same." Ron said simply.

Harry eyed him a bit suspiciously, "Really? That's it?"

Ron shrugged, "Is it a shock? Yes. But do I want you two to be happy? Of course. I had my chance and it didn't work. No reason for you not to try. Besides sometimes you can't choose who you fall in love with. Honestly, I was surprised she didn't pick you to begin with. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she gave me a chance. Now I know I at least stand a chance against the great Harry Potter…" Ron let out a little scoff.

Harry gave a great eye roll and punched him lightly on the arm, "Ron!"

Ron gave a little chuckle and said, "What? I'm just saying that it may take some getting used to, but I stick to what I said before. I'm fine with it. But if you start snogging her in front of me I swear I'm not sure I will handle it well."

Harry was pleased to see the smile on his friends face, "Fair enough." Harry lightly patted his friend on the back. "Sorry mate, I just wanted to give you a heads up before the dinner tomorrow. We aren't going to announce anything. We are not too sure that would be wise given my recent breakup with Ginny."

"Yeah, better to get back in Mums good graces first." Ron said with a smirk. "I think everyone will be happy for you guys though. Well, maybe not Ginny. Can't say how she'll take it. But since she won't be there tomorrow night you don't have to worry about that yet."

"Yeah, that's what we figured." Harry sat on the couch again. "So, how are things with Alison?"

Ron grinned like a school boy and plopped on the couch. "Things are really good actually. She's funny and she is a bit quirky. Her spell work is almost as good as Hermione's and she cooks really well."

Harry laughed, "Ah, well of course food is important."

"Oh, shut up Harry," Ron teased. "I'm happy with her. I'm relaxed with her. I love Hermione, but I always felt a bit…up tight around her. I'd worry I would say the wrong thing or do something to annoy her. Alison is so laid back. Plus, she's gorgeous."

Harry smiled, "She is rather pretty. So, when are you going to invite her to meet your family?"

Ron shrugged, "I don't know. I'm not in a hurry. In fact the less my family knows the better. When my mum finds out I'm dating a new girl she'll grill me for days. No, I think I'll just play this one close to the vest for a bit. No sense rushing things."

"Sounds wise." Harry said.

Ron nodded and hesitantly asked, "So, do you and Hermione have plans?"

"Plans?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, ya know, plans for your future?" Ron pushed.

Harry sighed, "We don't. I mean we haven't talked about the future. We don't know what will happen with this bond and honestly, it's all so new we're still adjusting to it all."

"Course you are. She is going to be alright at dinner tomorrow right?" Ron asked concernedly.

"I hope so. There's no telling when she could have an attack. She was afraid to come but we both decided she couldn't stop living her life. We plan on telling your family tomorrow night before we leave. We don't want to bring down the party though so don't say anything alright? We'll wait til later in the evening."

Ron nodded, "Sure thing. If she does have an attack, at least you'll be close by right?"

"Yeah, that should help." Harry conceded. He rubbed his face in his hands and then laid his head on the back of the couch.

Ron could tell Harry was worried, "Is there anything we can do?"

"No. If I was a fully certified Auror I could go out and try to track Benton down! As it is I have to wait around for other people to do it." Harry was frustrated by his lack of action.

"Maybe you can get Mr. Boggs to give you some kind of temporary…promotion or something that would allow you to help even though you aren't fully certified. Or maybe he can push you through the next few training courses so you are done in 6 months instead of a year?" Ron offered.

Harry sighed, "I could ask him about it I suppose. But if we are still bonded six months from now, I worry about the damage Hermione's body will have sustained."

"It's really that bad then? I mean I thought if you touched her she was fine." Ron asked. He hadn't seen one of these attacks, but the more Harry told him the more Ron began to worry.

Harry ran his hand through his hair. "She…she collapses as if she's been hit with the Crucio Curse. She…convulses…violently. It's horrible. Afterwards she's always tired and has aftershocks. She doesn't seem to feel too much pain during those, and Madam Pomfrey has given her a potion to calm them. But…if she keeps having these attacks her nerves may become permanently affected. You can only suffer the Cruciatius curse for so long before…."

"It changes you." Ron finished. Harry just nodded. "Harry we have to help her. We'll talk to Boggs tomorrow. There has to be something he can do to let us in on the search for Benton. We're war heroes after all. If there was any time to use that to our advantage I'd say this was it."

Harry nodded solemnly, "Yeah, we'll talk to him. I hate being away from her in case she has an attack, but if I am away I'd rather it be because I'm trying to track Atticus down, not just sitting in classes or training sessions."

"Good. Well, it seems you need a distraction. How about some chess?" Ron offered.

"That sounds great." Harry got some butterbeers and they settled in for a match. After Harry had the pants beaten out of him and lost two matches he yawned and said, "It's pretty late. If you want to just stay you're welcome to our old room. I've kept it clean in case you ever wanted to use it."

"Thanks. I think I'll do that." Ron rose, and stretching, followed Harry up the stairs. "Ya know, if you and Hermione end up moving forward, you might want to think about a better place to call home. This place doesn't exactly scream happy couple."

Harry laughed at his friends' assessment. "Indeed it doesn't. Don't worry, I have had some plans in the works for a while now. I should be able to move in another couple weeks or so."

Ron looked at him surprised. "Should I ask?"

"Not tonight. When I move you'll be the first one I invite over." Harry commented.

"Before Hermione?" Ron asked.

"I'll need you to give me your stamp of approval," Harry teased.

Ron gave him a slight grin and they parted for their separate rooms.

The next afternoon Hermione nervously went through her closet trying to decide what to wear to the Weasley's for dinner. She wanted to look nice for Harry but didn't want to seem too formal. She also wanted to be comfortable. She pulled up a pair of jeggings and put on a cute pair of purple flats. White blouse or purple tunic? She held both up to the mirror and decided to go for purple. Putting little silver dangly earrings in, she assessed her reflection. Her hair needed some work. Just as she grabbed a hair tie she heard her chamber door downstairs open. Soon Harry's voice reached her. "Hermione, I'm here! You ready?"

"Just a minute," She called down to him. Her heart fluttered in her chest. She quickly flipped her head over and looped her mass of hair into a messy bun on the top of her head. She pushed one of the shorter curls that fell near her cheek back behind her ear. She quickly applied her chap stick and headed down stairs.

Harry sat himself on the couch to wait. He knew that girls often spend quite a bit of time getting ready to go out. Though, Hermione didn't seem the type to fuss, especially over a dinner at a friend's house. He couldn't control his anxiousness to see her again. He almost itched with the desire to hold her. It had been a busy day at the Ministry and he was looking forward to spending the evening in the company of friends. He had talked to Mr. Boggs about pushing him through training so that he could be a more active participant in the hunt for Atticus Benton. Mr. Boggs understood his plight but was hesitant to hurry things along. He didn't want an Auror in the field who was not ready and who was so closely invested emotionally to the case. Harry had pleaded his case well and even used the fact that he had never asked for any favors despite his fame. In the end Mr. Boggs had consented to consider what he could do to get Harry more involved but had not specified what that meant or made any promises. The answer had given Harry hope but also had him on edge.

He heard Hermione's feet on the stone staircase and stood to turn toward her. He watched as she gracefully descended. His eyes roamed her figure with pleasure. She was radiant in her simple but stylish outfit. The leggings hugged her curves and the purple set off her rich brown eyes. She got to the bottom of the stairs and was all the sudden in front of him. Her soft voice reached him and succeeded in breaking his trance. "It isn't polite to stare you know." She was laughing at him through her eyes as her mouth twitch into a smile.

Harry put his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. "It's not my fault you are so beautiful. I like that color on you. "He was pleased by her blush. "So, if staring isn't allowed, how about kissing?" Harry asked.

Hermione beamed at him, "I'd enjoy that much better."

Harry gently bent his head to hers and met her lips. Slow, melting, burning desire filled him. He pulled back and looked at her closely. She had a couple of stray curls that hung near her temples. He took his finger and gently stroked the longest one back from her cheek. "I've been waiting all day to do that." He didn't see her blush because she pulled him into a rib crushing hug. He could smell her honeysuckle shampoo and wrapped her in his arms.

"You make me happy Harry. I hope you know that. I never feel as safe, or calm as when you are here with me." Her confession was soft and sincere.

"I'm glad, because I don't plan on leaving you any time soon." Harry teased her with a smile and then grew more serious as he set her back a little and asked, "You ready for tonight?"

"I think so. I mean I am glad to be spending time with them. I've missed them. I just hope…" She bit her lip and didn't continue.

Harry said, "You hope it goes well? Telling them about the bond?"

Hermione gave him a small smile. "Well, yes. I don't want them to freak out, even if the situation is quite serious. I don't want to burden them."

"If you don't want to tell them…"

"No, we need to. They are pretty much the only family either of us has left. I don't want to push them away by keeping this a secret." Hermione bit her lip again.

Harry gently put his hand on her cheek . "You know I can't resist you when you bite your lip like that." He bent and gave her a quick kiss. "It will be alright. I'll be right there with you. We will do this together."

She nodded and smiled at him. "So, did you talk to Ron?"

"Yeah, last night." Harry replied.

"How did he take it?"

Harry could tell she was nervous by the way she twisted her fingers. "He took it really well actually. He was a bit slow to react. But he really seems alright with it. He did warn me though that if I take to snogging you he'll probably punch me." Harry watched Hermione smile. "He wants us to be happy. It also helps that he seems to be quite happy with Alison. "

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. "I am so glad he's not upset. I'm a bit shocked he was so mature about it."

Harry shrugged, "He's grown up a bit. We all have. He basically said that if I could be alright with you two dating than he owed it to me to do the same."

"That's a fair point." Hermione conceded.

"Now, should we go?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded and took his hand. They walked across the grounds and past the gates before apparating away

Sorry, this has taken so long to get out. As always I long to hear from you. Next chapter has some action and upsets.