I was not going to continue this Story but my fellow writer Mathus J. Donovon ( brilliant writer of the story Variant - The Arc Cell Cycle ) encouraged me and I hope it is upto the expectations. I am open to ideas regarding this story :) Please read and Review.

The death of Dobby was still raw in Harry's mind. For few moments of the day he sat on the shore just staring at the vast ocean thinking of nothing in particular. He needed his mind and body to relax. Too much had happened in the past few days that he was always on edge. His nerves felt open. The sound of the waves were soothing. Eventually, he heard or rather felt someone behind him and her shawl brushed lightly against his neck as Hermione came and stood silently behind him. He closed his eyes at her presence and felt momentarily blissful feeling her warmth

Hermione was recovering, albeit at a slower rate. She had become quieter over the past few days and she flinched little lesser when someone touched her now. Harry looked up at her and smiled and she gave him a small one in return. They held their gaze for few seconds and Hermione looked away at the sea. Harry gently took her hand so as to not scare her and made her sit beside him. "Did you eat 'Mione..? Fleur made your favourite soup" She just shook her head and Harry frowned. "I don't feel like eating. Will eat later." Harry had never seen Hermione this distant and weak. The fire in her eyes was gone. Replaced by a dull out of focus gaze. Hermione was always bit happier when Ron was around. And Harry was glad for that. Seemed like Ron of all people was the only one who could bring out a smile in her. He made a note to tell Ron to make Hermione eat as he had a knack of making her listen to him.

Harry felt very unsure around this fragile Hermione. He was never in a situation where he had to take care of her. More than physically, Hermione needed the mental strength. Harry started speaking quietly.."When all this is over , I am coming with you to get your Parents back.". Hermione looked up and searched his face and nodded smiling slightly with a sad tinge. Suddenly in a rush Harry started to speak.."'Mione..what you did..I mean your bravery..I just ..I don't know how to thank you..I.." He felt his throat choke with pain and just stared at his feet..She gently took his hand and squeezed a little. "I know." And after a thought hugged him.

Harry held her close. Tightening his arms around her. He rubbed her back to infuse some warmth and his hands settled for running his fingers through her hair. While hugging her , he remembered telling Ron that Hermione was like his sister and winced slightly. These tingles over his body were NOT something someone felt when they hugged their sisters..and he gave a small snort at his stupidity. Harry didn't dwell too much on the fact that these feelings were suddenly surfacing or maybe they were always there beneath the surface..

After what felt like ages they broke apart. Hermione gave him a confused tentative look and quickly rushed inside the cottage. He still felt remains of her fingers tightly clutching his collar. Oh man.. he had messed things up with Ron , Harry thought tiredly.

Hermione almost ran inside , her heart thudding loudly. Blood was roaring in her ears and she felt with increasing step her face heat up. She had not expected this. Not with Harry!

He was Harry for merlin's sake, she thought furiously, as she rushed upstairs to her room. They had grown up together. Seen each other in various awkward phases. She held zero feelings of attraction towards him. Her beating heart thought otherwise.

Another wave of shivers passed through her as she remembered his fingers through her hair. He had never ever been this affectionate towards her if her memory served right. Sure he had returned her hugs and blushed when she had praised him. But this..this was different. Felt different. His stubble had prickled her cheek and for the first time she had noticed his scent. Hermione had always been Harry's shield. But now she had felt HIS protection as he had enveloped her. And when he had offered to go with her to Australia , her heart had soared. Her sadness slipping away.

Hermione did not flinch anymore when someone touched her now. She felt safe. As they sat in the living room, planning the trip to Gringotts , Harry and Hermione stole long glances at each other, eyes burning.

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