Hermione hurriedly grabbed her purse and coat as she began heading out of the door. She was running late and she hated running late.

Hermione apparated herself to a small alleyway, looked around to make sure there weren't any Muggles around, and then continued walking to her destination. After walking two blocks, she arrived at the small Italian restaurant that she loved so much. She opened the door and began looking around for familiar faces. She finally saw Luna waving at her from a table in the corner. She smiled and walked to the table.

"I'm so sorry for being late," said Hermione apologetically.

"Don't worry about it," replied Luna as she gave Hermione a hug.

"Looks like I'm not the only one who is running late," said Hermione, slightly annoyed. She noticed the three empty chairs at the table.

"Are the Weasley's ever on time?" laughed Neville.

"Very true!" laughed Hermione. She knew this night was not going to be easy, but she also knew that it felt good to be surrounded by her friends. Even though no one knew about her feelings for Harry or what happened years ago, she could still feel their love and support. She knew she wouldn't have lasted this long without them.

She loved how her friends made it a point every month to meet somewhere and enjoy each other's company. After Hogwarts, everyone became busy starting their careers and experiencing life. It was nice to stay in touch and keep their friendships alive.

"Sorry we're late," said Harry, sounding tired.

"The office kept us late and then Ginny wasn't ready," Ron said, clearly annoyed.

"Shut it, Ron," said Ginny. She stared daggers at Ron before hugging Luna.

Harry, Ron, and Ginny began walking around the table and greeting everyone before taking their seats. She tensed up as Harry took the seat to her left.

Hermione stared at Ginny and noticed the giant smile on her face. She seemed to glow as she excitedly showed her engagement ring to Luna and Neville. Every smile and "congratulations" felt like a stab through the heart. But Hermione kept her pain hidden by her smile.

The group ordered their food and continued chatting casually as their food came. They joked around as they ate. Once they finished their meals, everyone ordered coffee and continued to chat.

"Have you picked a date for the wedding yet?" asked Luna.

"July 18th" Ginny said excitedly.

Hermione chocked on her water.

"I know it is soon, but I've always dreamt of a July wedding. It'll be summer, so there will be lots of flowers in season. Besides, July is a special month for us – it is the month that I moved in with Harry nearly four years ago," said Ginny smiling. She looked at Harry and took his hand in hers.

Two months? Harry is getting married in two months? Hermione wanted to scream.

"It'll be a beautiful wedding Gin," said Hermione, trying to make her smile believable.

"What about you and Ron?" said Ginny looking between Hermione and Ron. "When will you two be taking the plunge? You've been together for years, don't you think it is about time to at least live together?"

Hermione swallowed hard and tried to think of a reply. She was furious that Ginny would meddle into her love life. Ron sensed Hermione's anger and put his hand on her knee under the table, attempting to calm her.

"When the time is right, we'll get a home together. Until then, why don't you focus on your own love life? You should be busy with a wedding to plan," Ron retorted to Ginny. He gave an angry stare at her and left his hand on Hermione's knee. He gently rubbed her knee with his thumb and Hermione could feel his love for her. She knew it wasn't easy for him to be patient with her and yet here he was protecting and defending her. Why can't I just be happy with Ron?

"I didn't mean to upset you," said Ginny. "It just seems odd that you aren't even living together yet. It has been nearly five years. What could you possibly be waiting for?" asked Ginny.

Hermione couldn't take it anymore. It was like Ginny knew. She stood up, placed her napkin on the table in front of her and left without speaking another word.

"Hermione!" Ron called after her.

"Don't bother," Hermione called back. She quickly walked out of the restaurant towards the alley, trying to hold back the tears until she was alone in her apartment. She was breathing heavily as she walked and tried to remain calm – she didn't want to draw attention to herself.

Just as Hermione reached the alley, she could feel the tears falling down her cheeks. She looked around and began to picture her apartment in her mind as she prepared to apparate. She gave one last look around and closed her eyes.

"Hermione! Wait! Hermione!"

She opened her eyes and saw Harry running towards her. She sighed.

"Not now, Harry," Hermione said as she closed her eyes again.

"Hermione, please! Just wait a minute. Talk to me," he pleaded.

"Not now," Hermione said stronger. She tried to focus on her mind on her apartment but she felt Harry's hand grab her arm.

"At least take me with you," Harry pleaded. "We can talk."

"Don't you have a fiancée to attend to?" Hermione said icily. Harry was shocked at the coldness in her voice and let go of her arm.

"Why are you getting so upset? You've never let Ginny's pushiness bother you before. What's changed?" asked Harry. He was confused by her sudden anger. I thought this is what she wanted. I thought she was happy for me.

"Well pardon me if I don't feel the need to get the approval of the rest of the world when it comes to my private life. It is none of her business. Or yours for that matter. I just don't feel the need to justify why or why not I choose to move in with someone or get married or anything else. I don't give in to the pressure to get married."

"Are you trying to imply that I'm getting married just because I feel pressured?" asked Harry annoyed.

"Well… are you?"

"Of course not! Ginny is kind and funny and caring and she has never cared about my past,"

Hermione laughed. "Never cared about your past? Harry – that is why she fell in love with you in the first place! It was because you were the 'Boy Who Lived'!"

"That's not true and you know it!"

"So you love her then?" Hermione shot back. She stared at Harry with anger and hurt in her eyes.

Harry paused. "Yes,"

"You're in love with her? You're ready to commit the rest of your life to her? You're ready to promise once and for all that she will be your one and only? You are truly ready to tell her that your heart belongs only to her and that you will never put anyone else above her? That she will be the only person your heart will ever want? There is no one else?" Hermione was angry now. It was time for her to stop living in the past and let go of Harry. She was realizing that he was letting go of her.

Harry stayed silent for a moment and looked deeply into Hermione's eyes.

"What do you want me to say?" Harry asked finally. His voice was calmer now.

"I want the truth Harry," said Hermione forcefully. No matter how much the truth will hurt, she needs to know.

Harry just stared at her silently. He couldn't say it. He couldn't tell her that he wanted nothing more than to take Hermione home with him and stay up talking for hours. He missed her. The her she was before this tension came between them. Before they promised to never let it happen again.

"That's what I thought," said Hermione angrily. She was hurt. She now knew the truth: There was something between them but it would never be. She would have to live a lie. She would have to live a lie for the rest of her life. She turned around and closed her eyes again and prepared to apparate.

"Hermione!" Harry called to her as she apparated to her apartment.

Harry cursed to himself. He wanted so badly to believe that his heart only belonged to Ginny. Ginny was easy to love. But he didn't want easy. He wanted Hermione.