The next day found them in Hermione's quarters with the Headmistress. The situation was all too serious and the tension was thick. Professor McGonagall was the first to speak, "I think it's time we consider changing a few things. It is clear that things are not working out in your best interest." She fixed Hermione with a gentle but firm look.

Harry watched Hermione bite her lip in nervousness. "What did you have in mind?" She asked with a steady voice. Hermione felt anything but steady in that moment. She had a vague sense of what this meeting was for and it had the potential to dash her dreams.

"Well, for one, I think we need to give Harry Floo access to your fireplace. It would prove more beneficial and faster should you have an attack and are in your quarters." Hermione nodded her approval but kept silent. McGonagall determined that was all she was going to get and continued, "I also would like to suggest that you take a less active role in teaching."

Hermione bristled. The suggestion was not unexpected but it still didn't sit well. "But that's why I'm here! I'm here to be an intern, an apprentice. I can hardly do that if I am not allowed to do the very thing I am training for!" She tried to keep her voice calm but some of her emotion bled into the words. She took a deep breath to calm some of the frustration and panic that was quickly rising inside of her. She felt Harry gently take her hand and give it a squeeze. Without thinking she wrapped her fingers around his as if hanging on for dear life.

The Headmistress sighed and said, "I understand that. Part of the internship includes several hours of observation and reports on what you are learning by simply watching what happens inside a classroom. My suggestion is that we simply accomplish those hours first. At least while…"

"While I'm…enslaved?" Hermione bit back.

Harry saw the fire in Hermione's eyes, and the hurt. To hear her call herself enslaved had pierced him. He didn't want that for her. The word did an all too accurate job of describing the helplessness she felt each time she was struck down unexpectedly by an unseen hand. He watched her head drop and he rubbed circles on the back of her hand.

Her voice was soft and she avoided looking up. "So, what happens then if my situation doesn't improve when my hours of observation are complete?"

Professor McGonagall took a deep breath and furrowed her brow. "We can talk about that when the time comes if we need to. In the meantime, I am sorry Hermione. I truly am. However, should your attacks continue in frequency we will have to postpone your internship." Hermione tensed and finally looked up with a look of horror. She opened her mouth but no sound came out. McGonagall continued with a pained look, "You must understand I can't have you collapsing all the time in front of the students and disrupting classes. It's as much for your safety as theirs."

"But I…" Hermione seemed unable to get her head around what was happening.

"I will let you sit in the back and observe so long as your attacks do not continue to be a hindrance. I am afraid that is all I can offer. You are of course welcome to stay at Hogwarts as long as you wish." McGonagall looked worn and tired all of the sudden. Harry knew the news was not easy to relay. But he could understand her logic and reasoning. He looked to Hermione and found her face somewhat stoic even if her breathing was a bit fast and her eyes moist.

"I…I understand." Hermione replied weakly.

McGonagall gave her a sad nod. "I'll let Ms. Fields know. You can begin whenever you feel ready." The Headmistress rose and before exiting said, "I'll see you later Harry. Enjoy some time together this afternoon."

Harry gave her a slight smile and nodded his thanks. The door closed and Harry pulled Hermione into a strong embrace. He felt her try to stifle her sobs. "Hey, it's alright. I know it's not what you want. I know it ruins your plans." He felt her sigh against him.

"I understand her reasoning. I should be grateful she is even willing to have me in the class at all considering what could happen." Hermione sat up in frustration.

They sat next to one another in silence for a time. Harry as unsure how to comfort her and he had a proposal that he was not at all sure Hermione would appreciate. "Hermione, I'm worried. Even if I gain access to your fireplace that doesn't help me much if you are not here. I still would have to run through the castle looking for you. I can't stand it. It eats at me knowing I didn't get there faster."

Hermione turned to him and saw the agony on his face. She touched his cheek. "Harry, it's not your fault. You always come as fast as you can."

Harry took her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. "What if I could get there even faster?"

"How do you mean?" She gave him a look of questioning and suppressed a yawn.

"I am not sure how you'll respond to this idea, but hear me out alright?" Harry could see the look of curiosity in her eyes as she slowly nodded. He took a deep breath and took both of her hands in his. Harry looked directly into her chocolaty eyes and said, "Come live with me." He watched a look of sheer surprise cover her face before a slight scowl appeared .

"What?" Hermione was shaking her head. She didn't understand how that was a good solution. Her life was here. Her work was here. Her future was here. At least she had always thought it was. She was pretty sure she was in love with Harry but she wasn't sure she was ready to move in with him even if it was just on the pretense of keeping her from harm.

"Just listen," Harry said with arms raised in surrender. "I know you have your work here. I know that teaching is what you want. I don't want you to give that up. I know you'll be a brilliant teacher. But maybe right now isn't the time." Harry watched her eyes grow big and her walls rise. He quickly said, "I'm not saying it can never happen. I'm just saying that right now with this bond it may not be the best time to try to accomplish it. When we get this fixed-"

"Get it fixed?" Hermione's voice was a bit higher than she had intended but she couldn't contain the frustration any longer. "All I have read says that getting it fixed is almost impossible and isn't even an option unless we can find Atticus Benton! Tell me, is he even close to being taken into custody?" She rose and started pacing. "What if this can't be fixed Harry? What if my whole life is full of unexpected, painful episodes? Do you just expect me to hide away my whole life?"

This was not going as Harry had planned. He rubbed a hand through is messy hair and rose with a sigh. "Hermione, I know you are upset. I'm not suggesting we quit. I'm not suggesting you hide. I am only saying that if you were living in the same house as me the probability of being able to get to you sooner would increase."

Hermione stopped her pacing. Her back was to him. She could hear the pleading in his voice and the exhaustion. She was also feeling quite tired. She knew he was only trying to help. Trying to save her from pain. He didn't deserve her anger. A fresh tear trickled down her cheek and she swiped at it. She couldn't look at him. She feared if she turned around she would give in to him. She would run into his arms and beg him to never let her go. A part of her wanted that. To be protected and safe. But the independent part of her wanted to stay and fight and do what she had always planned on doing no matter what the situation was. "Harry I…I know you only want to help. I'm sorry for yelling."

Harry saw the slump in her shoulders and heard the discouragement in her voice. Her head was hung low and he suspected she was fighting back tears. He slowly approached her and let his arms sit on her shoulders before moving them down her soft arms and around her waist. He pulled her to him and said softly, "You have every right to be upset." He felt her body lean against his as she took a deep breath. He just held her for a moment and smelled her sweet sent. He longed to kiss the part of her neck that was exposed but he settled for bending to her ear and whispering. "Just promise me that if the attacks increase, you'll consider it?"

Hermione bit her lip and turned slowly in his arms to face him. "I will. I promise. If the attacks get worse the Headmistress will have no choice but to put my internship on hold. If that happens, I have no reason to stay. I fear in that event, I would be in great need of your comfort." She leaned her head against his chest, smelling his earthy aftershave.

Pulling her closer into the hug he said, "I will always be there to comfort you in any way you need. " Harry felt her smile and then set her back a bit as he continued with a twinkling smile and lighter tone, "I know you are reluctant to move in with me. I know our relationship is still new. However, it should be noted that there are a few benefits."

Hermione couldn't resist his wickedly mischievous smile and played along, "Really now? What are these benefits then?"

Harry walked back and forth as if in serious thought before stating, "Well, for one I could cook for you. I am quite proficient at it given all those years of kitchen slavery the Dursley's provided me with." He was rewarded by a slight smile from her and he continued to raise another finger in the air. "Two, we could snog one another at any time without worry of interruption." He was met with a slight giggle and approached her. He loved to see her smile and laugh. Her cheeks darkened slightly as he came closer with a predatory gleam in his eyes.

Before he could lean in to kiss her she put her and on his chest and gave him a playful smirk, "Is that all?"

"Ah, well, there is also an expansive library that would of course be at your disposal. There may be some very interesting and helpful books in the Black family that might just give us more clues to this unpleasant situation we find ourselves in." Harry saw her eyes light with sudden joy and understanding. Hermione literally spun around with a cry of joy.

"That's brilliant! What better place to look for a dark bonding curse than in a library owned by dark wizards? I have been tearing through the library here for weeks and even the restricted section has proved a disappointment. But the Black family library must be really old right? I mean they've been around a long time! Harry! We could find some answers. That would be wonderful."

Harry couldn't contain his laughter at her enthusiasm. "Of all my offers you leap for joy over more research opportunities." He grinned broadly at her. "I could have sworn my snogging would have been the thing to win you over. It seems I'm no comparison for a good book."

Hermione laughed at her own reaction and Harry's words. "Sorry. I am just excited about a new avenue to explore."

"I know you are." Harry reached for her hand and was glad when she stepped toward him. "A man doesn't like to think his kissing is subpar though. It's a hit to our pride you know." Harry took the hand that wasn't holding hers and hit his chest as if hit in the heart with an arrow.

Hermione giggled and bit her lip as she came ever closer. When she was mere inches from him, she leaned even closer and said softly, "Well, perhaps I can remedy that."

"How?" Harry softly replied as he let his hand slide to her backside.

"Mmm, perhaps by showing you just how eager I am." Hermione said bewitchingly.

Harry was caught off guard as she quickly pressed her lips to his. His surprise lasted only a short second before he responded, sending their kiss into deep and desperate need. When at last they came up for air Harry said, "I hope you can stay and do what you love. But, I hope you'll consider me."

Hermione smiled warmly, "You are very convincing." She hesitated a moment before asking, "Would you take me into your home even if I didn't need your touch?"

Harry pulled her into a hug and hoped it conveyed how much he cared for her. He longed to be closer to her and he was realizing that while he wanted to save her from pain, his reasons for wanting her to move into his house were not entirely because of the bond. He wanted to be near her more. He wanted to talk to her more. He wanted to hold her more and share more with her. He felt a sense of peace with her even if their lives were anything but peaceful. He could sense her need to be loved and wanted. He wanted to be the one to fill that role. "I may not have suggested it so soon in our relationship out of respect for you. I know how independent you are. But make no mistake Hermione, I want to be with you. I want to be near you as much as possible. You've done something to me. I've never felt so…I'm happy with you Hermione. It's been a long time since I've been happy. Really happy."

Hermione was somewhat stunned by his reply. It was thoughtful and sincere. She could tell it had been difficult for him to be so open. She could feel his vulnerability in that moment. She could see the boy from the cupboard who was so worthy of love but had never known it. She could see the man you longed to save those he loved and was brave and strong in the face of trouble. She could also see the man who had given everything and was asking for nothing. He had said he was happy. She had done that for him. Her heart wanted to burst with his declaration. She wrapped her arms around him and said breathlessly, "Oh, Harry. I'm so glad. You make me happy too." He squeezed her gently and kissed the top of her head.

Harry reveled in the feel of her in his arms. Her body melded to his and she brought with her warmth, and sunshine and innocence and beauty. He didn't want to ever let go of that. He felt her stifle a yawn against his chest. "I suggest you take a nap. I know it can take some time for you to feel yourself again. You need to rest."

Hermione smiled up at him and nodded, "I agree. It's been an emotional morning. I confess I am quite tired."

"Come on, I'll tuck you in." Harry held out his hand and led her up the stairs to her bedchamber. He helped her remove her outer robe. She pulled the twisty from her hair causing her curls to be let loose along her back. Harry picked up a nearby brush and motioned for her to sit on the bed. He sat behind her and began pulling the brush through her thick locks. "Mmmm, that feel so nice. My dad used to brush my hair when I was little. It is so relaxing after having it up and tied back all day."

Harry continued his ministrations for a few more minutes and then got up as Hermione laid down. Harry kissed her sweetly, "Sleep well."

"Thank you, Harry," Hermione's voice was full of sleep.

"If I'm not here when you wake up I'll come by tomorrow." Harry said as he headed to the door. Hermione gave him a little hum of understanding before she let herself fall into dreams. Harry let his eyes wonder over her smooth skin. She really was quite beautiful. He pushed away his concern that she was still so tired and tried to think of happier things. Like the possibility of sharing his home with her.

The next day Hermione made her way down to the greenhouses. It had been several days since she had seen Neville. As she approached she found him kneeling next to a large potted plant that hissed menacingly at him. "Hey, Neville. How are you?"

Rising from his position on the floor, Neville smiled broadly, "Hermione! It's so good to see you. I was beginning to wonder if you lived her at all?"

Hermione gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry, it's been a crazy couple of weeks."

"I bet it has. How are you feeling these days? I heard you had a pretty bad attack the first day of classes."

Neville's look was one of concern not pity, and for that Hermione was grateful. She responded as cheerfully as possible, "I'm feeling much better today, thank you. How is your internship starting off?"

Neville accepted the change in subject easily even though he suspected Hermione was not as well as she tried to sound. "It is really interesting! I am really enjoying it so far. The teaching part has me a bit nervous though. I am great with the plants but only sub-par with the students. Seems not much has changed for me in that regard." He teased.

Hermione gave him a friendly smile. "I am sure teaching will just take a little practice and before you know it you will be doing it without thinking. Once you get talking about the plants you love I am sure it will just come naturally for you. "

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Neville conceded. "It's strange being back here but not being a student. Still, it's a nice opportunity and change. I know you had a rough start, but how do you like Transfiguration?"

Hermione tried not to let her face drop too much as she replied, "It's fine. I enjoy teaching I think. Course I was never one to keep my mouth shut if I had a bit of knowledge to impart." Her little jest brought the desired chuckle from Neville's mouth. She continued, "I just don't know how long it will last."

Neville turned from the plant his was trimming and studied her downcast features, "What do you mean? McGonagall isn't making you quit is she?"

"Not exactly. She just suggested in a nonnegotiable way that I do my observation hours only. Until…well, until I am not prone to collapsing in class." Hermione said dejectedly.

"Hermione, I am so sorry. That's not fair. None of this is."

"I know. But I can see her point. It's probably not wise to put a teacher in the front of the room when she could go into a fit at any moment and scare the life out of those little first years." Neville approached and gave her a hug which she quickly accepted. "Thanks Neville. I'm upset about the set back, but to be honest, I think I'm more afraid that it won't ever be possible for me to teach. What if we can't fix this?"

Neville's heart broke for her. She was so brave and caring and she deserved more than others for her dreams to come true. He contemplated for a moment and then said, "Would it be alright if I share your condition with Luna?"

Hermione was taken back by the question. "I guess, but why?"

"She recently got a job in the Department of Mysteries." Neville said with a thoughtful look. "She may be able to dig around and find some missing information. It's a long shot but this bond between you and Harry definitely qualifies as something of a mystery."

Hermione smiled lightly at him and shook her head in agreement. "That it is. I would be very grateful if Luna would be willing to look into it for me. I'm open to all avenues of information at this point. Speaking of Luna, how are things going between you two?" Hermione saw him blush slightly and was pleased to see his eyes light up a bit.

"Great! Really great. She's perfect. She makes me laugh, supports me in my work and has a very relaxing presence. We are very happy." Neville paused before asking, "So, how are you and Harry?"

"How did you know?" Hermione had not told anyone about their relationship except Ron.

"I am observant. I mean I know this bond kind of forces you guys to see one another but I have seen the way he looks at you Hermione. And you light up and blush far too much around him for there to be nothing going on between you."

"For a man you are very observant indeed," Hermione admitted with a smile. "It all happened rather unexpectedly but I have to say that I find myself happier than I have been in quite some time. He teases me but not in a condescending way. He's playful but he makes me feel safe. He always has made me feel safe. I think I am just appreciating it more now."

Neville shook his head in agreement. "I am glad you two have each other. You both deserve to be happy."

"Thanks Neville." Hermione bit her lip and hesitated a moment before venturing, "Harry asked me to move in with him."

Neville was a bit thrown by her admittance of something so intimate. "Well, that's a big step."

"I know!" Hermione flung her hands in the air in exasperation. "I don't know what to do. I mean I like him a lot. I might even say I love him, but this bond thing complicates everything! He said he wanted me to move in so he could be closer to him in case I have an attack."

"That seems reasonable," Neville conceded.

"I know it does. But what if that's his only reason for asking to move in?"

"What if it is? Does that bother you?" Neville asked.

Hermione growled in frustration, "I don't know. Yes. No. I mean it would be nice if he wanted me to move in with him just because he loved me."

"Did you ask him about that?"

"Sort of," Hermione hedged. "He said that if the bond wasn't an issue he'd probably not have asked so soon in our relationship but that he is happy with me and he wants to be with me."

Neville gave her a smile and said, "Than it sounds like he cares a great deal for you. Harry doesn't lie. If he says you make him happy than you do. Things may be moving a bit too quickly for you because of the bonds effects. But I can assure you that Harry probably feels the same and is only trying to do what he can to help. "

"You're right of course." Hermione gave him a small smile. "I guess I'm just…I'm not opposed to the idea of living with him. In fact I think it would be wonderful. I just…my plan was to stay here and work."

"Sometimes our plans get delayed." Neville said wisely.

"Indeed." Hermione sighed. "I am sorry to have bothered you with all my drama."

"Not at all," Neville said shaking his head. "I have missed talking to you and I want to help anyway I can."

"That means a lot. So, what are those things anyway?" Hermione pointed to some very nasty looking purple flowers that appeared to have fangs.

Neville turned away from her to see where she was pointing. "Oh, those are called purple dragons and they…" Neville stopped short when he heard her gasp. Turning back to her he quickly dropped to her side as her body arched and tensed painfully. "Hermione! Hermione, hold on." He wasn't sure if he should try to move her or not. He was afraid if he tried to carry her that she would fall, she was trembling so badly. But he also knew that Harry would have no idea to look out in the green houses for her. A moment later he watched her body grow limp and the shaking subsided. Her eyes were open but she looked unable to focus. A soft whisper reached his ears as he began to lift her into his arms. "H…Harry."

"I know. I'll get you to him. I promise. Hold on." Neville moved as quickly as possible toward the castle. He pushed open the doors and stood for a moment in the entry way not knowing which way to take her. Before he could decide, her body went ridged again he was forced to place her gently on the ground as she quaked violently. He had heard her attacks were severe but he had not been prepared for this level of pain. It was clear she was barely stifling her screams. Again, her limbs went limp and this time her eyes didn't open. "Hermione?" Neville asked in near panic. Suddenly he heard shouting near the top of the staircase and he turned to see Harry rushing toward him.

"Hermione!" Harry nearly tumbled down the stairs in his haste to reach them. He quickly took her limp form in his arms and placed a kiss on her forehead. It was the first time Harry had seen her between attacks. A small part of him was grateful he hadn't had to see it. He turned to Neville, "Thank you, if you hadn't brought her inside it would have taken me forever to find her."

Neville nodded, "We were chatting in the greenhouses. I knew when she collapsed I had to try to get her inside. I'm glad you found us so soon. I didn't know what to do for her."

"It's alright. You did exactly what you could." Harry turned his attention to Hermione who was still unconscious.

Neville asked, "She just had an attack the day before yesterday. Do they normally come this frequently?"

"No, they don't. At least, not until now. This is the second one that has occurred after just a day in between. I'm not sure why or if there is even any reason for it." Harry turned to Hermione as he felt her shift in his arms. She made a slight moaning sound before opening her eyes. "Hey there," Harry said brushing a curl from her cheek. "I have something for you." Harry reached into his pocket and extracted the potion to still her tremors.

Hermione gave him a tired half smile before her body shivered. Harry quickly set the vial to her lips and watched her drink it down. She turned slowly toward Neville and softly said, "Thank you." Harry looked at Neville and nodded his gratitude as well.

Neville nodded back to him and let his eyes assess the scene. It was rather a horrifying scene to have witnessed. But seeing Harry gently cradle Hermione in his arms gave him hope that together they could face this. Turning to Harry he said, "Do you need help taking her to her room?"

"No, I think I can manage." Harry said.

"I'll just try to keep the corridors clear then, shall I?' Neville offered.

"That would be great," Harry said with relief. Turning to Hermione he asked, "Can you walk?"

Hermione wished she could say yes but she could barely hold her head up. "I don't think so."

Harry furrowed his brow in worry. He had hardly heard her reply. It seemed to be costing her a great deal of effort to even speak. He gently scooped her up and began the long walk to her rooms.

Hermione was already deep in sleep when they arrived at her chambers. Harry gently laid her on the couch and settled himself in the chair by the fire. His thoughts were troublesome. If these attacks kept happening every other day there was no way Hermione could continue to live at Hogwarts. He wished he knew why they had increased. There were too many unanswered questions and it was making him angry. He could see the episodes were taking their toll on Hermione. Her face had been too pale the last few days and she tired easily. He knew Hermione didn't want to give up on her internship but he hoped she would see reason if another day from now she again became ill. He would start preparing his home to receive her. He wished it was under happier circumstances that he was inviting her to live with him. She needed to be closer. He just couldn't continue to storm around the castle trying to find her. It was by pure luck that Harry had arrived at the castle and had been looking for her some time before his coin had begun to burn. Harry was also concerned for his own career. His training had become somewhat disjointed by his frequent departures. Mr. Boggs had been understanding and Harry only hoped he continued to be so. There was a very real chance Harry would need to suspend his training in order to help Hermione heal. If that were the case his chances of joining the field work would slow. He sighed heavily and ran his hands in his hair. These were problems that neither one of them should be having to think about. This was all wrong. Yet, his new relationship with the wonderful witch before him was entirely right. That seemed to be the only thing Harry was sure of these days. He loved her. Loved her so much it terrified him. He cared about a great many people. He was fortunate to have many good friends and associates both from school and from the Order. Yet, his heart had not known real love until Hermione had agreed to move forward with him. That love that made you sick, and giddy, and calm and passionate all at once. He had known a few years ago that he liked her more than a friend should. These last weeks had confirmed that long held belief.

Hermione woke up feeling a bit groggy. She also felt a bit stiff. Stretching she realized she was not in her bed. Her eyes focused on Harry who was reading the newspaper in a chair nearby. She slowly sat up and with some confusion asked, "What time is it?"

Harry lowered the paper and said with a smile, "Hi sleepy head." He went to the couch and sat down beside her. He was all too aware of how one of her cheeks was flushed where she had been laying on it and how her hair was a soft tussled mess. She was clearly still pushing away the fog of sleep. He put an arm around her and pulled her gently to his side. "You are adorable when you first wake up."

Hermione scoffed at him, "I am not sure I believe you."

Harry pressed a kiss to her forehead as she put her head on his shoulder. "Well, you are. And it's four in the afternoon."

Hermione sat up suddenly, "Four! I slept most of the day?"

Harry sat up more and tried to reassure her. "It's alright. You were quite worn out from your episode earlier. You always sleep after one. I am surprised to see you up so soon actually."

"Harry this is horrible! I missed three classes! I was supposed to start observing today." She was pacing and twisting her fingers. Her lip was being gnawed viciously by her front teeth.

Harry sighed and stood to stop her from pacing further. Catching her by the arms he said gently, "I am sorry you missed it. I know this is important to you."

"Yes, it is," Hermione admitted as she felt tears well up in her eyes. She allowed Harry to pull her into his arms. She took a deep breath and said, "It's not going to happen is it?"

"What isn't going to happen?" Harry asked.

"This. This dream I have of being a teacher. The plan I had for this internship. It's not going to work is it?"

Harry was stabbed by the sadness in her voice. She was asking the question knowing the answer but hoping she was wrong. He couldn't give her the reassurance she longed for. He held her closer and gently said, "Your dream will come true. Your plan has just hit a bump is all."

"Then you don't think I should continue to try to do my internship?" Hermione said as if the words stung her throat to say them.

"I do not. I am worried about your health Hermione. Should these attacks keep coming every other day or more I fear you will need more assistance then you think. I see how tired you have been the last few days. You are not yourself. I need to be there for you. I want to try anyway. I want you to be safe and easy for me to get to. Please consider my offer."

Hermione heard his words and the pleading in them. She was struggling to admit she needed to change her plans. She didn't want to admit defeat and yet she was so tired. Maybe it wasn't defeat if she kept the hope of her dream alive. She wasn't quitting, she was merely waiting a bit before she accomplished it. She had to admit to herself that she was scared. She was having a hard time recovering between attacks when they came so close together. She had no one to turn to. She couldn't stay at the castle alone with no real purpose. Her parents were not around anymore. The Weasley's would take her in but tensions might be high when Ginny returned. She didn't want to be a burden. Her answer was right there in front of her. He literally had his arms around her and was begging her to accept his help and his home. "Harry I…What if it ruins everything?"

Harry set her back a bit so he could look at her properly. "Ruins everything?"

Hermione bit her lip and whispered, "Us. What if it ruins us? What if we rush into this and then find out we don't…It's a big step. I really didn't see myself living with anyone until I was married."

Harry could tell it had cost her a lot to lay her worries out for him. He knew she was hinting at her desire to be wed before she gave herself freely to man. He gave her a smile and brushed his hand along her cheek. "My sweet girl. My innocent and wonderful witch. " He leaned in and kissed her softly. "I know this is moving quickly, faster than either of us planned for. I don't know how it will go. But I am pretty confident that it will be just fine. As for…propriety..." Harry gave her a winning smile as he watched her blush fiercely at his meaning. "I can assure you that I have no expectations. You will have your own room and bathroom, and I will give you plenty of privacy. Just because you are living with me does not mean I expect us to…well…nothing will happen that you do not want to happen, I promise." He pulled her into a bracing hug and felt her sigh against him.

"Thank you, Harry for understanding." Hermione said against his chest. " I just…it's not that I don't want…I just always thought…"

Harry chuckled at her ramblings. "Hermione, slow down. I clearly agree with your sentiment. You don't need to explain it to me. You want it to be special. It should be. You deserve that. " He pulled her back so he could meet her lips with his. After a time he commented teasingly, "I just may need to take a few more cold showers when you move in."

Hermione grinned and blushed madly as she swatted him on the arm. "Harry!" He laughed with her and she said quietly, "When should I move in?"

"How about Saturday? That will give me a day to make sure things are ready for you."

"Sounds good. I will begin packing, and I'll inform the Headmistress of my decision."

Harry could hear the resolve but also the defeat in her voice. He held her face in his hands and looking right into her soul declared, "You are not giving up. We will get through this. I promise to never stop supporting you in your dream. This is not the end. Think of it as a detour with a very interesting library and a reasonably handsome fellow in it."

"Ah, yes, the library, how could I forget?" Hermione said in a swooning voice that brought a smile to his face.

"I don't believe for a second that you did forget." Harry declared boldly.

Hermione smiled playfully up at him. "And what about this reasonably handsome fellow? Do you think I forgot about him?"

"Goodness, I hope not." Harry said. "It would devastate him."

A light laugh left Hermione's lips. "And what kind of role does this handsome man have to play in my little detour?"

"Ah, that is entirely up to you." Harry lowered his face toward hers as one hand moved into her hair and the other slip down her back. "Though, I do hope you choose to make him a major character in the story of your life." Harry saw her blush slightly and felt her smile even as his lips crashed into hers.

Nice Long one for you. Hope you guys are still reading. I update when I can but I am writing as I go so nothing is set up ahead of time. I'll continue to try to post in a reasonable amount of time. Please let me know what you think! Is it moving along enough for you? Anything you would like to see? I appreciate all comments. Cheers!