Title: All This Time

Summary: Hermione and Harry share an intimate moment in the tent following Ron's absence. With Ron's return, however, Harry pushes Hermione away in an effort to save her heartbreak and she is forced to return to Ron. In the months following the war and with Harry's life no longer in danger, Harry is not willing to let Hermione slip through his fingers again. The question is: Can he win her back?

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is being made from this work.

A/N: Thank you so much for all your responses to the last chapter. Your support has given me the drive to finish this story. It meant a lot that you all want this story completed and look forward to the rest of Harry and Hermione's journey. Thanks once again and enjoy!

"How do I look?" Harry asked as he secured his tie around his neck.

Andromeda smiled as Teddy clapped excitedly and screamed, "Grrrrreat!"

"If Hermione walks away it'll be her loss," Andromeda stated, walking over and smoothing down the mess atop Harry's head. "You've grown into a fine young man."

"Thanks," he answered. "Are you sure you two will be okay for the night?"

Teddy laughed. "I love it at Grandma Dromeda's!"

Harry walked over and ruffled the small boy's hair. "I know you do," he answered. But all this praise and assurances still did nothing to quell the rising nerves working through his system. Sure Hermione and him had slept together and had a closer friendship than anyone he knew, but dating was something different entirely. He had to prove that their connection still existed. That somewhere, beneath all her hatred and confusion, existed that spark that had made him throw caution to the wind and press his lips to hers. Trust had always been an integral part in their relations and so it was their trust that he would have to rebuild.

"Harry," Andromeda spoke, "what has you all flustered?"

His face fell. "What if that connection that I'm hoping for doesn't exist anymore?"

"Do you feel it?"

He nodded. "Yes."

"Then there's nothing to worry about. When it's the right person… you know."

Teddy walked over to her and tugged on her skirt. "Were my parents the right persons, Grandma?"

A tear filled the woman's eyes as memories flooded her mind. When Tonks and Lupin had first announced their engagement she had been wary. It was natural, after all—her daughter was in love with an older man and a werewolf none the less. Lupin had turned out to be a perfect match for her unique daughter. In a way, the two calmed each other. They brought out sides to each other that had not existed before their meeting.

"Yes, Teddy," she whispered. Andromeda then picked up the boy and held him to her hip. "They were perfect for each other."

Teddy looked away as his solemn voice filled the room. "I dream about them sometimes."

It was then that Harry stepped forward and pushed a lock of hair off the boy's forehead. "That's good. Hold them close to you, Teddy. They live on through you." He then placed a finger on Teddy's chest. "They'll always be right here. When you need them."

Andromeda smiled through her quiet tears at Harry's statement. She added, "And we'll always be here to answer any questions you have about them."

Teddy smiled and then turned to look at Harry. "'Mione and you are perfect just like my mommy and daddy are."

"Thank you, Teddy." Harry smiled and continued, "I think so, too."

Harry appeared near to Hermione's condo. He made his way up the walkway in the moonlight and knocked on her door. After a few moments, Hermione appeared in a disheveled state. Her hair was in its usual disarray and she had no shoes in her feet which were currently in a pair of fluffy blue socks. To Harry she had never looked so beautiful.

"Sorry!" she yelled and ushered him inside. "Running a bit late. Had a bit of a flare-up at work."

"It's okay," Harry stated, truthfully. Hermione told him to make himself at home as she skipped over to a room down the hall that he assumed to be her bedroom. A fluffy cat trotted out of room and over to Harry. It purred against his leg and Harry petted Crookshanks head before it leaped onto the couch and nestled with a mouse toy. Harry looked around the house, admiring the comfort Hermione had put into the small space. "This is a nice place you have here."

"Thanks!"

He looked around the spacious living room. Every wall was covered with bookcases that were stacked with various books. On the tables were photographs of Hermione's family and friends. As Harry browsed he caught a familiar moving picture right next to Hermione's favorite book, Hogwarts A History. He picked up the frame watching the figures laugh as they attempted to practice for the Yule Ball.

"I remember this," Harry called out.

"What's that?" Hermione answered. Harry turned towards her. She was dressed in a cut out dove gray frock with a full skirt. The patches of skin that were shown through the cut out on her waist drew in Harry's eyes and he had to refrain from dropping his jaw to the ground.

"Uh… this photo."

As Hermione walked towards him she fastened her earring in her ears, her hair now falling in soft waves. She approached him and took the photo from his hand, her perfume engulfing his senses. A smile crossed her face as the memory flooded her mind. "This is when we were practicing in the dorm room."

"Sorry for stepping on your feet."

She laughed. "You didn't… a lot."

"You looked beautiful that night. At the Yule Ball." Harry whispered as he remembered the first time he saw her in the elegant pink dress. He had just found out he would be forced to dance before everyone attending the dance when he had turned and seen her descending the stairs. It was the first time he had seen her dressed up and it suited her. A part of him wanted to succumb to the idea of tearing her from Krum's arms but that had been before he had admitted his feelings for her.

A rosy blush crossed her cheeks. "Thanks."

"You look beautiful now."

"You're surely buttering me up tonight."

Harry nudged her with his shoulder. "I only have four weeks."

"Are you as nervous as I am?" Hermione asked in a shaky voice.

Harry nodded. "Yeah. But only cause we haven't explored this." At her responding nod, he continued. "You ready to go?"

"As I'll ever be."

Together they walked out of the condo and Harry held out his hand palm up. Hermione looked at it curiously, not quite ready to have the experience of his touch yet. His touch did strange things to her. Things she wasn't quite ready to evaluate after she made the unfortunate decision, or lack thereof, of letting her hormones get away with her in response to his touch. "We have to disapparate," Harry pointed out with an amused look. "Once we're there I'll keep my hands to myself. Unless you want me to be handsy."

"Harry…" she warned and then took ahold of his outstretched hand.

Within moments the area surrounding Hermione's home disappeared and they were transported to a busy street in which people were gathering. Music could be heard as it vibrated from the nearby building in which people were filling in. Harry went to remove his hand but smiled when Hermione only gripped it tighter, tucking her body closer to his. It was then that he was aware she forgot her coat.

In a gentlemanly move, he removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. She smiled and whispered thanks with a small smile lifting her full lips. Taking hold of his hand again, Hermione asked, "Where to?"

Harry pointed the crowd filled building. "Care for some dinner and dancing?"

"Are you thinking you'll get me to want you through your dance moves? Cause last I remember they weren't that great." Hermione laughed.

"Oh, I don't know. They worked pretty well for me the last time." Harry winked at her just before she slapped his shoulder with her free hand.

"Harry!" she scolded in a tone he had heard a thousand times before. The familiarity of her tone brought him more confidence to his plan. At first he had thought of a simple dinner date but last minute he had decided to add dancing. Sure the two of them would certainly be perfectly fine conversation wise, but the added mix of dancing would add activity to their date and help lessen the tension. Familiarity and comfort were to be his ally and he would certainly work it to his advantage.

Together they walked to where the line had formed. Harry asked her about her day at work and she filled him in on her need to get house elves more rights and the Ministry's neglect of them. Seeing the fire in her eyes was something Harry would be happy to see for all time. She was so passionate about the rights of those who couldn't fight for themselves that he knew within time she would move up to a higher position within the Ministry of Magic.

When they reached the door, Harry paid for entrance and hand in hand they walked into the dim lighted place. Upbeat music reverberated in their ears and Hermione's delightful laugh was all Harry heard. She shimmied as they made their way to a table near the dance floor. Harry ordered them both a glass of wine as Hermione watched the dancers on the floor.

"Where did you find this place?" Hermione asked.

Harry leaned back in his chair. "Someone recommended it."

"It's amazing," she stated in awe. "And we haven't even eaten anything yet."

"Any idea what you wanna eat? Soon as you pick we can make our way to the dance floor. If you want."

She didn't hesitate in grabbing the menu and choosing something delicious. When the waiter returned with their wine, they ordered. Then Hermione jumped up, taking hold of his hand and pulling him onto the dance floor. He couldn't help but laugh at her eagerness. As soon as they were on the floor, surrounded by grinding bodies, she began to move. Harry watched as Hermione lost herself in the music. He had honestly only seen her this free one time before: when she had been writhing beneath him.

I know you want me
I made it obvious that I want you too
So put it on me
Let's remove the space between me and you
Now rock your body
Damn I like the way that you move
So give it to me
'Cause I already know
What you wanna do

Harry watched on as her hips moved in hypnotic circles and her fingers danced up the sides of her body to run themselves through her hair. He was completely lost in the movement and couldn't help himself but to pull her closer to him. Hermione didn't push him away; instead she turned around so that her back was to his front. She moved against him as she let his hands roam her body. All thoughts of not being handsy went out the window as Hermione let Harry's touch consumer her. The sparks worked their way through her body setting it on a live wire. She felt every touch on her skin, every breath that was hot against her ear.

And then it all stopped.

A hand grabbed hers and wound her body close before twisting it out, watching as her skirt flared out around her body revealing her thighs. Harry needed distance from her body and the heat that encompassed it. He wanted to take this date slow and not let himself get caught up in the moment. The feeling of her body pressed against his and moving so sensually was causing predictable reactions and that's not what this night was about. It was about rebuilding their relationship and he couldn't have any distractions.

When he body crashed back to his, she giggled and then shy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Do you think the foods ready?"

Harry nodded. "Probably. Let's go check."

He held his arm out and Hermione walked ahead. They reached the table just as the waiter placed their dinners on the table. The night carried on with easy conversation. With the sexual tension removed, they had returned to the root of their relationship. They talked over everything from work to family. Hermione had asked tons of questions about how Harry had raised Teddy. Interest in the turquoise hair boy only furthered his opinion that she belonged in his life. Images of the two of them raising Teddy and sharing holidays passed through his mind like a slideshow. He could see it all perfectly: the laughter, the fights, the love.

When dinner was finished he placed his jacket on her shoulders and they made it out of the restaurant. Quietly they walked to a dark corner and grasped hands as they disapparated back to Hermione's place. Harry walked her to her front door and she removed his jacket, handing it back to him.

Awkwardly, she shifted on her feet. "You can come in for some tea, if you want."

"Maybe next time," Harry answered. "I have to pick up Teddy."

"Oh," Hermione replied. "Right. So, you planned on not staying over?"

Harry stared into her eyes. "Well, I just figured… We're taking it slow."

"Right. Yes, we're taking it slow." Hermione nodded, unsure.

"You don't seem to believe that…"

Hermione took a deep breath. "No. Slow. Right."

Harry took a step towards her, effectively entering her personal space. He was so close to her face that they were sharing one breath. "Is this okay?" he asked. Hermione nodded as her eyes became lidded and her lips parted. Harry pressed a soft, chaste kiss on her lips and backed away before they could deepen it.

"I had a really nice time tonight," he whispered.

"Me too."

He kissed her forehead. "See you next week?"

Hermione nodded and Harry stepped back and disapparated. But he didn't miss the smile that crossed her face and the way her hand reached up to touch the spot where his lips and touched hers. There was hope and that was enough to last him until the next time he saw her.