Hey all you lovely people who wait for long periods of time for me to get my ass in gear and publish another chapter! Thank you for waiting patiently. I feel bad because I write one chapter and then my muse for the story dies (or she fakes her death) and then I find another muse for another story, write that and then magically my muse for this story goes "Oh hey! I'm not dead. Here's some inspiration!" Anyway, long-winded apology. I'm really sorry. I hope you like this!

Hermione

After Harry left, she and Ron stood gazing into the fireplace, wondering how this would all play out. As if Ron was reading her mind, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Maybe it would be best if we played the neutral party here 'Mione. Gin, she's my sister but Harry's my mate. If I were to side with Gin, Harry wouldn't have anyone because your loyalty would be with mine, am I right?" He touched his head to hers.

"Yes, my loyalty lies where yours would in this case. But I can't stand the thought of leaving Harry alone. He's been alone for most of his life. And I think this would destroy our relationship with him and his children. Neutral party seems like the best way to go…" Hermione rubbed her arms. "But do you think Ginny would –"

"See this as us siding with Harry?" Ron finished for her. "Yes, probably. She's kind of nutty that way. You're either totally with her or totally against her, there's never been a middle for her." Ron sighed and started to walk up to their bedroom. "We should probably finish dinner and put the kids to bed, yeah?"

"Sounds like a good idea." Hermione agreed, her tone as heavy as her heart felt.

Harry

When he got home, his kids asked why he left so suddenly. How was he to answer them? How was he to be the one to destroy their family? The weight on his shoulders was suddenly impossible to bear and he slumped in his chair. He wanted to cry, the despair he felt was immeasurable. But it wasn't because he Ginny was leaving him. It was because his children would be put through hell watching their parents fight and leave each other. It was going to destroy them.

That night, Harry sent a letter to Ginny stating he would agree to the divorce but he wanted to wait until she came home to start anything. He wanted her to explain to the children why she was leaving. He thought it would be best if they presented a unified front to the children, to be as amicable as possible toward each other in front of them. He didn't want them to worry or hurt any sooner than necessary.

Since Ginny wasn't due home for another two months because of her tour, Harry tried to make everything as normal as possible for his kids. He did give them extra treats more so than normal but his children were not ones to complain, they took every treat with large smiles.

Aunt Hermione also made plenty of visits. Almost every day after work, she was over, making sure the kids were ok.

Hermione

She knew Harry would never do it, not intentionally of course, but she wanted to make sure there was not anger or hatred towards their mother. In fact, when Harry talked about her, he was always positive, saying "Mummy loves you," or "Mummy misses you," before the children went to bed.

But every night, Harry slumped into an overstuffed chair, looking so defeated, it was all Hermione could do to not find Ginny and slap her in the face. Her heart ached so badly and the only way she could think to express comfort to her best friend was with hugs and small touches here and there. She knew he wasn't one to vocalize his need for comfort and she didn't want to embarrass him by saying anything.

As the weeks progressed, Harry and Hermione became more comfortable being physical with one another. At night, when they were sure the children were asleep, they would cuddle on the couch.

Harry

Harry knew it was wrong, to be so physical with his best friend's woman. But eventually he numbed out the guilt and just enjoyed it. They became dependent on one another for comfort. And some nights, given that Harry would be single soon, it was all he could do to not kiss Hermione. All of his suppressed feelings were returning and he wondered how his life would be if he hadn't chosen Ginny when they returned home from the battle.

He wondered if they would cuddle and read books together.

He wondered if they would make love instead of the farce he and Ginny had been doing for so many years.

He wondered if he would've been able to handle his nightmares better.

But then he realized he wouldn't have his children and that was enough to stop his wondering, if only momentarily because he would imagine the children he and Hermione could have together.

Hermione

Hermione started pulling away from Ron unintentionally. She knew Harry needed her and was always there for him. But every night she came home to her husband and gave him all her love, in every way possible. It didn't help that she felt guilty, giving all her spare time to Harry, but he needed her. And if she were honest with herself, she needed him too. She couldn't give him up and she couldn't give Ron up either. They had a family! She couldn't do to Ron what Ginny was doing to Harry. She would never intentionally hurt her family. She just couldn't fathom the idea.

Ron

While Hermione wasn't aware of her actions, Ron certainly was. And he wasn't upset at either of them. He knew Harry needed Hermione. He also knew Hermione needed Harry. And he also knew he was one lucky man. He knew this because if he hadn't interfered and "laid claim" on Hermione all those years ago, she and Harry would be together. He was grateful that, at the end of the day, he got the girl, but was she really his girl to keep?

He had read somewhere "if you love someone set them free. If they come back, they're yours to keep, but if they don't, they were never really yours." He didn't really want to let Hermione go. But he knew she would be happy.

His whole life, things had been relatively easy, being the youngest male Weasley and all. His mother always made the hard choices for him. But after the war, he grew up and learned to make hard choices on his own. And sitting before him was a really, really hard choice.

Let her go or not?

Alright people, review if you feel I've earned one. I don't have a beta, so all grammatical mistakes are my own. Feel free to let me know about them and I will correct them when I have time. I appreciate all your lovely reviews. They make me so warm and happy inside!