A/N

So here is chapter two, things start to pick up a little here. I think I am making Ginny out to be a little cold, but hopefully thats just me.

I used the Lexicon as a source for a number of the secondary character's, I would like to keep it as canon as possible as far as the plausibility of it all but I guess thats up to you guys. XD As always reviews/opinions are welcome and encouraged. Anyhow, enjoy!

EDIT: I tweaked a few small things, mostly grammer errors and flow.

"Really I am just fine, three days off are more than enough to recover." Harry implored, "It's not like I haven't had worse injuries."

Through the floo his boss sighed, "That's just it Potter, you have and those where extraordinary circumstances; since this isn't you're going to take the time I have given you to be back to one hundred percent. No more arguing. Get some rest and I will see you Monday morning."

Harry bit his tongue; he knew that Mr. Robards was correct he just hated doing nothing when he felt fine, "Yes sir. If you could do me a favor though I would appreciate it..?"

Robards stern face cracked into a quick grin, though he was head of the Aurors he had a wicked sense of humor and was often seen joking with his subordinates, "Let me guess, you would like me to pass on a note."

Harry's own demeanor eased, his boss was head of the Department for good reason; reading people was one of them, "Yes sir, just tell him good luck and try not to hex any house elves, his girlfriend would skin him alive if he did that again."

"I don't know, it might liven things up around here if he did it again…but I will pass along your message. Now get some rest." He told Harry with a laugh.

"Goodnight sir."

With a poof the Floo disconnected and returned to the crackling of a normal red and yellow fire. It was times like these, the apartment eerily quiet that he questioned his decision about Teddy.

At the time he knew he wasn't ready to raise a child, certainly not alone; so after actually very little discussion it was decided that he would be raised by Tonk's Mum. He saw the boy every now and then when she brought him to the Weasley's for dinner. He was precocious and got into everything but every woman in the house forgave him and doted on him endlessly.

But right now it would be nice to have someone else in the house. As much as he disliked people he was used to having Ron, Ginny or Hermione around. However Ron was out on that training assignment; their last year of Auror training was field work and practical knowledge, Harry was supposed to go tonight also but after a nasty accident in the Potions' lab he had been ordered bed rest for a week.

So here he was, Ron out, Ginny away with the Harpies for their first road trip and Hermione…Hermione wasn't doing anything that he knew of. Maybe I'll give her a ring and see if she wants to come over, attempt to make some dinner and watch TV.

Harry grabbed a pinch of Floo Powder and tossed it into the waiting flames, roaring to life and changing to a vivid green he made the call, "Hermione Granger."

After a couple of seconds of poping and crackling her face pushed through, "Hello?" She answered breathlessly.

"Hey, it Harry, you ok?"

"Oh, hey Harry yeah, I was just in the living room doing some reading when you called."

He laughed, "That doesn't surprise me. Anything good?"

"Haha, well each book has its own merits…but no not really its' work stuff. I don't have too much time to read for just pleasure anymore." She told him a hint of regret in her voice.

He grinned, "Well if you want to take a break I was starting to get hungry and bored...you want to come over and have a bite to eat?"

There was silence for a moment before she answered, "You know, I didn't have lunch today and some food and company sound great. Anything you want me to pick up?"

Thinking for a second he decided on the easiest meal he knew how to cook that tasted decent, "If you could grab some fresh onions and peppers I will make us some stir-fry, how's that sound?"

"That sounds absolutely perfect." He could almost see her salivating in the flames.

"Ok then, I'll see you in a couple of minutes."

"Ok, see you soon." She replied, disconnecting.

Watching the flames simmer back to homey orange glow he turned and hurried to the kitchen, trying to remember where he put the rice and all the spice had sent over with Ron when he first moved in.

"You ready Ron?"

"Yeah mate, let's go."

Ron and three other Aurors where posted just outside a small cottage on the eastern coast of Britain; they had received word a week earlier that a suspected Death Eater had been hiding out here and when a local muggle girl from the nearby village died of "unexplained" causes they had decided to move.

The fog was drifting in off the ocean, softening the edges of everything and giving decent cover for their approach. Jones, the team lead looked over the other three and seeing they were ready to go nodded and began to probe the house for repelling curses, jinxes and detection charms. A confused look passed over his face when his probe came back clean. Mouthing "scan" to Phillips, wanting to double check his findings he quickly went over what he knew.

The man alleged to be here had joined the Death Eaters during Voldemort's second rise to power and had not been involved in the major battles but was more of a lackey. Still the Ministry wanted at the least to bring in people suspected of being connected to Voldemort for questioning. So when the report of the dead muggle had come across their scope it was standard procedure to bring the suspect in.

Phillips caught his eye, raised his eyebrows and nodded. It was all clear, odd but it made things easier. They would make it quick; they didn't expect any opposition but were prepared for it.

Turning back to his team he whispered. "Ok, no protection around the house; be ready in case he tries to fight but it should be fast, get everyone home in time for dinner with the family. Let's go."

Jones leapt to his feet and sprinted the fifty yards or so from the bushes that lined the driveway to the front door. Placing his back against the frame he stopped and listened. Not hearing anything other than the gentle wind slipping through the trees he motioned with a hand for his team to surround the doorway; after they had he gently tried twisting the knob. To his surprise it turned easily; an uneasy feeling settled into the pit of his stomach, something wasn't right about this. Looking at his team one more time he nodded and quietly opened the front door to a hallway of inky blackness.

Motioning for Phillips and Waters to clear the left side of the house they sped past him, eyes alert and hard, wands drawn and ready to battle. Glancing at Ron he tilted his head to the right, they would make their way down the hall and into the kitchen where they would meet the other two and proceed up the stairs.

Ron nodded his acknowledgment and followed his boss; his heart racing and blood thrumming in his ears. He was excited, scared and anxious; it was only his third time in the field and it felt wrong not to have Harry by his side.

He might ask Harry for favors more than he should but when it came down to it he knew Harry had his back and he could never express how much that meant to him.

So now, feeling vulnerable he followed Jones who stopped and motioned for him to open a closet, he did so finding only robes and shoes. They quickly came to the kitchen and after a brief glance they both stepped into the room cloaks flapping as they stood back to back sweeping the area for threats.

Nothing but appliances, slightly dusty counters and shadows greeted the two aurors, Ron's heart beat slowed even as his brain kicked into overdrive. It's too quiet, and too easy.

Phillips and his partner passed into the kitchen nodding that the first floor was clear. "Something is off about this; be extra cautious upstairs and if we don't find anything I want us out of here quickly." Jones ordered.

Phillips opened his mouth to acknowledge when a stream of green slammed into his partners back dropping him to the floor with a rustle of cloths and a dull thud.

"Cover the door and watch the windows!" Jones yelled as they dived away from entryway and found cover against the cabinets.

Bolts of green, blue and yellow crashed through the opening and blew wood apart, appliances and silverware flying through the air, spinning and bouncing around the room.

"Where did they come from?" Ron yelled over the ruckus, "Were they upstairs?"

"I don't know, maybe, they could have apparated in just after we entered." Phillips replied over the noise, trying to time the blasts so he could reach out and drag his partner from the doorway.

Ron angled his want and shot off an Incarcerous spell, knowing it was probably pointless but hoping it would just catch someone and bind them.

"We have got to get out of here." Jones told them darkly, "But were not leaving Jackson behind, Weasley cast a Confringo at them, try to get a wall or something so it'll spread shrapnel around. Phillips, when he does grab Jackson and pull him to you, as soon as he is clear apparate back to the Ministry, Weasley and I will be right behind you."

Ron's head was pounding, his heart trying to leap through his ribs as adrenaline sharpened every sense. He hadn't been in a situation like this since he Harry and Hermione had been hunting Horcruxes. Hermione, damnit. When I get back it going to be different, I'll be better, what she deserves.

"Ready Weasley?" Jones asked, his eyes scanning for additional threats.

Ron nodded, steeling himself he coiled his legs under him, preparing to spring across the doorway and cast the spell. "Ready."

"Go!"

Putting all of his strength into his long legs Ron leapt, his feet left the floor and from the corner of his eye he saw a figure pop into the back of the room. Lining up with the doorway he spied a cloaked head peak from the living room, casting the spell he aimed just in front of the shadowed head right where a mirror hung. His momentum carried him past the line of sight but he grinned wickedly when he heard the glass shatter and a scream echo from the hall.

Crashing to the ground he skidded into a cabinet and twisted his body to face the rest of the room. Jones and Phillips were lying limply on the floor, two dark figures standing over their bodies. He raised his wand when he heard Stupefy and everything went black.

"That smells so good Harry! When did you learn to cook?"

Harry grinned, "It took a fair bit of practice and plenty of burned food in the waste; the Chinese place around the block got to know me pretty well."

"Well you seem to have improved." Hermione replied with a giggle. Continuing to dice the onion she glanced over her shoulder to see him mixing the meat with the rice. I wonder if he cooks for Ginny.

"So what exactly happened that got you on bed rest? Ron mentioned something about an explosion in the Potions lab."

"Yeah…" Harry started, stirring the meat into the rice and turning the heat onto low to let it simmer. "About that, let's just say that I should have paid more attention to what I was pouring into my cauldron than listening to Ron talk about last nights quidditch match."

"Harry Potter!" She scolded him, turning and cocking her fists on her hips, knife still gripped tight, "Maybe you should have paid more attention to Professor Snape too!"

Groaning he looked over at his friend, that familiar "I'm disappointed in you" look on her face, "Ugh, Hermione I know that. You think I don't regret sitting in that dark dungeon and brooding instead of just doing what he asked?"

She raised her eyebrow, "Really? Or are you just saying that to get me off your case?"

"Really," he replied, rolling his eyes purposely. "Your right, I'm wrong, and that is that."

"Haha, it did always take you a while to see that." She said, before sticking her tongue out at him.

"Oh sure rub salt in the wound of the bloke on bed rest." He teased, "Speaking of bed rest shouldn't you be the one cooking me dinner since I'm recovering and all?"

"You're the one offered to cook, don't be going back on it now." She said scrapping the pile of diced onion into a bowl. "Besides, at least you admit that you're wrong…"

"Hmm, what's that mean?" He questioned.

"Oh, nothing." She evaded, grabbing a red pepper and slicing it in half.

"Hermione-ok. I won't ask but you know you can talk to me." He replied, turning back to the stir-fry and adding spices to the mix.

Tossing some frozen rolls in the oven while Hermione mixed a salad, they cooked in silence, each lost in their thoughts.

"You done with the veggies yet?" He asked.

She grabbed a bowl with the peppers and onions already mixed, twisted her body and stretched out to hand it to Harry, "Here you go."

"Thanks."

While he was sprinkling the vegetables into the mix the timer on the over went off. He dumped the rest of the bowl into the pan and set the dirty dish in the sink, stepping over to Hermione he wrapped his arm around her waist and gently pulled her to the side so he could open the oven.

"Oh!"

"You ok?" Harry asked, dropping his arm from around her and opening the oven door.

"Oh, um, yeah you just startled me." She said, a light flush coloring her cheeks.

Harry flashed a lopsided grin. "Sorry, just didn't want the rolls to burn."

"Mmhmm. I see how it is, the cats' away so the mice will play is it?" She teased, her brown eyes twinkling.

Grabbing his wand from the table he levitated the hot pan to the counter. "You caught me. I invited you over to seduce you with a semi-decent dinner and sporadic conversation."

Hermione started laughing, long and hard, the kind that comes from your gut and leaves a pleasant ache afterwards. Once she was able to speak again, wiping a tear from her eye she said, "Well then Harry Potter, if that is the criteria I must say that you are failing horribly."

"Am I now? Horribly huh?" He asked, feigning hurt and leaning back against the counter arms crossed over his chest.

"Oh absolutely, the conversation has been decent and dinner smell wonderful." She explained with a smile, stepping close and laying a hand on his arm. Why do I have butterflies?

"Well then, I shall endeavor to try harder." He leaned forward and brushed his lips over her forehead, "I don't want to have to call tonight a failure."

Stepping back around her he picked up the wooden spoon and stirred the simmering mix. Why did I do that…I don't do that with Ginny.

Hermione had gone back to tossing the salad absently, her mind working furiously. What was that? We've always been close but…stop it Hermione, it didn't mean anything. Your just missing Ron is all.

They finished making dinner quietly, Harry setting out two plates and silverware at the table. "What would you like a drink? There is some milk and I think a beer or two in the fridge."

Hermione turned and opened the icebox, "There's a couple of beers, would you like one to?"

"Yes please." He replied floating the stir-fry and setting it on the table next to the salad.

She grabbed two bottles and the opener from the fridge door, popping both caps expertly.

"When did you get so good at that?" Harry asked her smiling, "The studious Miss Granger a pro at opening beer bottles."

She smiled, "Ron likes to have a couple of drinks after work and I just started keeping some at my place…so I would get him one whenever we decided to be there."

"Ah, that makes sense. Ron did always fancy a drink." Harry replied scooting her chair out from the table.

She gave him a quizzical look, "What are you doing?"

"Oh, sorry, it's just a bad habit. Ginny hates it when I do it." He said looking embarrassed.

"Ginny and her independence." Hermione said rolling her eyes and taking the offered seat. "Well thank you, I don't mind it at all."

Harry moved around the small table and sat himself. "You're welcome."

"Don't get me wrong, that's part of why I love her is her independence, but sometimes it would be nice if she acknowledged that I was doing it because I love her." He elaborated.

Hermione set his bottle of beer to the side of his plate and responded. "I get it, having her brothers and all, but have you tried explaining that to her?"

After a moment Harry explained as a blush crept up his neck, "Sort of, but she doesn't like to talk, she likes to do."

Looking confused it suddenly dawned on Hermione, her own face tinting pink, "So she interrupts you when you try to have a serious conversation?"

"You could say that." He said scooping a heap on stir-fry onto his plate, "Anyhow, how much would you like?"

She grinned, "Hint taken, I'll take two spoonfuls please I'm starved."

The crowd was deafening, but that never got to her. Her concentration had always been on the game and tonight was no exception.

Gwenog flew alongside her, "We've almost got this Gin, keep your eye out for that Snitch!"

Ginny nodded, not taking her eyes from the field or sky as she constantly scanned it for a glimmer of gold.

Jones patted her on the back and flew off to cause havoc. Just watch Gwen, tonight is my night.

The Harpies were in the lead by 30 but that could be turned around in a matter of moments, the only sure way was to get the snitch and Ginny was determined to make it hers.

Just then against the dark green of a Harpies banner along the stands she noticed a flash gold, turning her broom she sped off in pursuit. The crowd knew something was up and reached for her, cheering her on as the wind blew through her hair, whipping her ponytail wildly.

She felt a presence beside her and from the corner of her eye the Arrows own Seeker dropped into position to her right. Narrowing her eyes she focused and caught sight of the small twitchy ball fifty or so yards ahead. Putting on a burst of speed she juked to her right trying to throw her opponent off, but failing to do so and taking the advantage she bursts around her, gaining ground on the snitch.

Ginny gritted her teeth and hugged her broom, sliding in behind the other seeker and waiting for her moment. A second later it came as they turned a corner and dived down; sling-shotting out Ginny leapt ahead and inched forward on her broom. The snitch was only a few feet in front of her now. Stretching every muscle in her body and willing her broom to move she gained ground second by second until she felt the furious wings buffeting her fingertips. Everything around her went silent, her vision tunneled until all she can see is the snitch and she shoots her arm out feeling her tendons and muscles in her shoulder scream in protest; but it is all worth it when she palmed the tiny ball and gripped it tightly.

The crowd erupted and she was buffeted by their cheers. "WEASLEY, WEASLEY!" A grin spread across her face as she made a victory lap around the stadium, fist held high. Skimming the crowd, just feet from their outstretched hands she sees a blinding flash in front of her and everything went dark.

"Harry, I don't know if it was that practice you were talking about or Ron's Mum rubbed off on you but that was really, really good." Hermione said with a satisfied smile.

"Either way I am glad you liked it." He replied taking a sip from his beer.

The pan of stir-fry was mostly empty; a few leaves of salad stuck to the bowl and the rolls that Harry had been so worried would burn, had been a deep golden brown and were long gone.

"I certainly did. You know…" She said a thoughtful look in her eyes, "I think this is the first time it's been just you and I since, well since the war."

Looking back Harry realized, as per usual she was right, "Yeah, it is. Guess life got a bit busy huh?"

"Something like that, I kind of missed this." She said quietly, "Not to say I mind hanging out with Ron but he is always so restless. It nice to just have a quiet evening."

Harry chuckled, "I know what you mean, Ginny always wants to do something, catch a Quidditch match, popping over to the Burrow or grabbing a drink at the Hogshead. Probably has to do with having a large family and a house that was never silent."

Hermione smiled, "We do see things a little different, growing up muggle don't we?" She mused. "My life was normal until I got the letter from Hogwarts and you, well your life wasn't normal but it wasn't full of magic either."

He gave her a lopsided grin, now that the years had passed he wasn't angry with the Dursleys' just sad at how small and sheltered their lives were. "No not full of magic-you think that Ron and Ginny will ever understand that part of our lives?"

It was something he had been thinking about recently. There were a lot of things that he and Ginny had in common but others that they didn't see eye to eye on at all. As much as he hated being forced into this house arrest, he also coveted his privacy. Ginny understood that but she didn't have the experiences he had, she wanted to get out and live life away from her parents, taste every flavor life had to offer.

This, right here with Hermione was something he had craved all his life but rarely allowed himself to dream of. A warm home, a simple dinner and time spent with someone he cared about. He looked up and saw Hermione's eyes soften; she knew exactly what he was thinking. How does she always know my mind?

"I don't know, Ron tries but he just can't fathom doing anything without magic. He gets upset sometimes when I do the dishes by hand…" She said, her deep brown eyes losing focus. "I remember eating dinner with my parents when I was little, listening to them talk about work and watch them doing dishes together afterwards." She said, "They always touched each other, just small brushes or my Mum resting her hip against my Dad's, that's how I wanted my life to be like."

By the end Harry noticed that her voice had changed, going from wishful to almost sad. "I'm no expert, but that's something that you grow into I think. You and Ron will make it there it will just take some time." He said hating how down she looked.

"You think so?" She replied looking back at him, "I get the feeling sometimes he expects me to be like his Mum, stay home and raise the family while he goes off to work."

Harry laughed and quickly cut it off when he saw the hurt look on her face, "Hermione, Ron might be thick sometimes but I seriously doubt he would ever ask you to not be yourself."

She smiled, "I know, he really does have the emotional range of a tea-spoon though. He's either happy, angry or hungry."

"That's just Ron though; at least you don't ever have to wonder how he's feeling." He said, picking up their dishes and piling them next the sink.

"True but sometimes I would like to talk about what book I am reading, or a new law that I would like to see passed. Every time I do though he just nods his head and comes up with some excuse to change the subject." She huffed, grabbing the salad bowl and pan.

Harry moved over to allow her room to place the dishes onto the counter, "Have you talked to him about how you feel?"

She shot him a dirty look, "Really Harry? You're giving me advice on talking about my feelings?"

"Ok, ok so I am not the most qualified bloke to say anything, but still, have you?" He replied with a sheepish shrug of his shoulders.

He turned the water to hot in the sink, grabbing a bottle of soap and squeezing a fair amount in; he grabbed their plates tossing them into the quickly filling tub.

"Well, no I haven't but it's not like he would sit down and have a discussion about our feelings." She said blowing a strand of hair from her face.

Harry turned the water off and began scrubbing the plates, "Maybe you ought to try."

Hermione harrumphed and slid the pan into the warm water, using a rag to wash it. "I should have figured you would take his side."

"I am not taking his side Hermione; I am just telling you the truth, something we have always done." He sighed. "I know you're frustrated but you don't need to get snippy with me."

She slumped her shoulders, "I am sorry Harry, I don't mean to it's just Ron frustrates me so much sometimes." Looking up at him she blew another strand of hair from across her face. "But isn't it me who usually tells you to stop being snippy?"

"Apology accepted." He told her with a grin, drying the plate with a hand towel he set it to the side and stepped behind her. "Hold on a second."

Harry reached up and pulled her thick mane from the scrunchy holding into a loose pony tail. "What are you doing?" She asked him, her voice squeaking slightly.

"Just a second." He said placing his hands around her temples and pulling the mass of her hair back, holding it with one hand he guided her brown locks through the elastic band with the other. "There, better?"

He stepped back around her to the sink and plunged his hands back in grabbing another plate.

"Ye-yes it is, thank you." She replied softly. "Where did you learn to do that?"

He looked over to her to find her blushing. "Oh, just watching Ginny and you do it over the years, did I do it right?"

"Yeah, you did it fine, thank you." Get a grip on yourself! He was just being thoughtful; he saw you trying to get your hair out of your face and decided to help.

"You're welcome."

They finished the dishes in silence, clanking pots and plates filling in for conversation. Soon everything was done and drying on the counter, "Do you have any tea?" She asked.

"I think so, in one of these cupboards." He replied turning in a circle trying to remember which one.

"Accio Tea."

Harry turned in time for the cupboard door to just miss his nose by inches. "Hey!"

"Whoops, sorry Harry, thought a little magic might help." She said a mischievous grin on her face.

He returned her grin and pushed his glasses up. "Next time just make sure you don't brain me."

Turning with a chuckle she quickly filled the pot with water and set it to boil with a flick of her wand. In moments she held two steaming cups.

"Thanks, you want to head to the living room?" He asked taking his cup from her.

"Sure." She followed him into the fire lit room, the flames bathing everything in a gentle wavering glow.

They sat, Hermione curling her legs under her and settling into the corner of his couch. "This is nice, it reminds me of Hogwarts."

"You're right, I never thought of it like that but yeah, probably why I feel so comfortable here." He replied with a smile.

She returned his smile and took a sip of her tea. I miss this.

"I kind of miss those days, they were crazy but we had some good times too." He mused.

"Yea, you remember when Neville lost his frog on the train?" She asked giggling.

"How could I forget, it was the first time I realized a girls hair could be so wild."

"Harry!" She cried, indignant.

He laughed, "Actually I always liked that you didn't do anything to it like all the other girls. It suited you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it gave you your own look, besides everything else that made you unique." He explained looking into her eyes and watching the fire flicker in them.

She blushed and took a sip of her tea to hide it, "It's not like I didn't want to, I just never had time."

"To busy saving us huh?" he said, turning his body to face her.

Hermione laughed. "Something like that."

Harry turned serious, "I meant what I said the other night, we really couldn't have done it without you. All our half-cocked ideas would have killed us if not for you."

"Stop it Harry, you're the one who stopped Voldemort."

"And I never would have gotten that far if you hadn't been by my side. You never left me…not once. I can't tell you how much that meant to me." He told her.

Hermione ducked her head, cloaking it in the dancing shadows. "Harry…I, I stayed because you needed someone, it could have been anyone."

Harry set his cup on the floor and reached out, taking her chin in his hand he raised her head to see her eyes watery with unshed tears. "No, I needed you, not Ron, not Neville, not even Ginny."

"You don't mean that, you would have taken Ginny over me if you had the chance." She said softly, her breath catching in her throat.

"Yes I do, you're my best friend, you get me like Ron or Ginny never could. Don't sell yourself short Hermione." Your worth more than you think.

He sat back and took his hand away, watching her intently.

"Damnit Harry, you have got to stop seeing me like this." She told him, wiping a tear that escaped from her eye with the back of a hand.

He laughed and was about to tease her when the fire turned a bright green and Robards face came into focus. "Potter? You there?"

"What the hell." Harry mumbled and stood, walking to the fireplace, "I am here, what's up sir?"

Robards voice was strained, "I need to you get to the ministry immediately, and if you can get a hold of Hermione Granger, she isn't home and needs to come in also."

"She's here with me, what's this about?" He asked, the pit of his stomach suddenly rolling.

"Good, bring her along then, I'll tell you when you get here." He replied quickly. "I'll see you in a minute."

With that he popped out and the fire returned to its pleasant red and yellow glow, though seemingly smaller and less warm.

Harry turned around to see Hermione standing just inches behind him; she reached out and took his hand, "Whats going on Harry?" She asked, her voice a mix of dread and curiosity.

"I don't know but I don't like it. You ready?"

"Yes." She replied patting her back pocket where her wand was tucked.

Harry grabbed a handful of Floo power from the mantle and tossed it into the fire, again forcing it to turn colors. "You go first, I'll be right behind you."

She squeezed his hand and enunciated "The Ministry." She stepped into the flames and disappeared.

Harry looked around his quiet house one last time said, "The Ministry" and stepped into the flames.