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dennisud: Thanks for your recommendation! I didn't want to make it a new edition, because I just edited the old story and added a few extra paragraphs. I did however change the description of the story, so it is more clear. (Most people who read this story were used to 7-8 chapters I believe) Let me know if you think this is sufficient or not! I also hope you're not too upset with the slow pacing, there are a lot of things I have prepared for the story. I'm not sure exactly how long it will be, but I can tell you it won't be short! I have over 90 pages on my word doc right now (That was the original story that I'm editing now!), so we'll see! I hope you're enjoying the story so far!

I'm procrastinating with the real world so badly right now, which is why I keep posting. I hope all of you lovely readers enjoy this next installment of Universal Harmony. Happy writing and reading

Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter. If I did, I probably would have a pet dolphin or orca along with my dogs.

Chapter 3:

"Harry," Hermione whispered as she shook him awake. "Harry, wake up!" Hermione raised her voice a little. She was kneeling beside Harry's bedside in the Burrow, trying to wake him.

Today was the day that they were to begin their journey to Surrey, and as of Hermione's watch, they were not going to be on the schedule she had drawn up unless Harry woke up soon. Hermione had returned to the Burrow the night before, and she and Harry planned on getting up early in order to beat the disapparation traffic. They also wanted to spend as little time away from their friends as possible, so the earlier they got going, the earlier they could get back. Hermione was a little disappointed that Harry hadn't packed his things for their journey when they had gone to bed, but she promised she would wake Harry up early, so that he could pack in the morning. Harry didn't want to wake up early seeing as it was Summer Holiday, but he agreed, knowing Hermione was right.

"He's a heavy sleeper," Ron said from behind Hermione, making her jump. Hermione noted that he was standing perfectly well without a slight struggle, proving that Hermione was correct in assuming Ron's leg was completely healed. Ron knew Hermione would be coming to get Harry, seeing as Harry and Hermione had told Ron about the conversation they had, but Ron didn't think she had a right to wake him up as well.

"Well, Hello to you too, Ronald." Hermione sighed as she stood up and turned to him. "You think you could be a little more considerate when talking to people in the dark? Maybe greet them first or something?" Hermione didn't see why Ron had to scare her half to death before she had even properly woken up. Due to the past year of hiding in the dark, Hermione was still a little jumpy when it came to the dark; why did Ron always seem to push her buttons the wrong way?

"Last time I checked, you were in my room at bloody six in the morning. What's this for? Sneaking out without saying goodbye were you?" Hermione was enraged by this; she and Harry had clearly explained her and Harry's plan last night. He hadn't listened to them, and it hadn't been anywhere near the first time. When would he start listening to her and treating her like she was relatively important in his life?

"Honestly Ron, could you be anymore rude? I was waking Harry to ensure that he packs before we head to Surrey; don't you recall? You and I both know that he hasn't had time with you pestering him to play wizard chess all night because you can't do anything else! Except, I see that you're standing now. You don't seem to have as much of a problem as you say." Hermione had been suspicious of Ron's injury from the minute he had been released from St. Mungo's, but now she finally had proof that he could walk without pain.

"I just wanted to see who the intruder in my room was." Ron scoffed as he turned and walked back to his bed. Ron hated the way Hermione felt that she could walk into his room. He wished she had knocked; what if he had been naked?

"Intruder? Is that what I am to you? I'm not welcome in your room?" Hermione was shocked and offended by Ron's words. How could he see her as an intruder? They were together for Merlin's sake. Ron just stared at Hermione and waited for her to say something else. "And why aren't you going? Your leg appears to be fine! Do you not want to come with Harry and support him when we go back to his aunt and uncle's house? Think of how hard that will be for him; he hasn't been there since he turned seventeen, just over a year ago. Don't you want to help him out? He's your friend."

"I'm not well enough to help. I would just be a burden to him and to you!" Ron threw biting words at Hermione as though he wanted to chew threw her. He knew he probably could make the journey with them, but he honestly didn't want to. He had never been able to keep his emotions in check when it came to things like this. He truly did want to be there for Harry; he just didn't want to make it worse for him. Hermione always had a more level head than he had; Ron knew Hermione would be all Harry needed when it came to something like this. Besides, he barely knew how to survive in a muggle-riddled world, and he might need some help blending in. He certainly didn't want to burden Harry with these thing during this trip.

"Ronald, how can you lie? You're fine! Why don't you go help out at Hogwarts? Harry sent an owl saying he was working on the new Quiddich Stadium; maybe you can finish it up? Do something to help it along?" Hermione detested that Ron thought he was a burden; he could never be a burden to neither her nor Harry. Harry would want the support from his two best friends, and Hermione knew at that moment that he would only be getting it from one friend.

"Sorry, but he can't do anything for it," Harry said as he reached for his glasses on the nightstand to the right of his bed; he had woken up to the all-too-usual sound of his two best friends arguing. And he didn't like it. "We finished the stadium yesterday," he added with a yawn as he sat up in bed and rubbed at his eyes before putting on his glasses.

"How long have you been awake?" Ron asked as he lay down in his bed and pulled the covers over his chest. Ron never paid Harry much mind when he and Hermione were arguing, but all of a sudden Ron became very aware of how much Harry had heard and what he had him say to Hermione.

"Long enough," Harry sighed as he got out of bed, revealing his maroon t-shirt and plaid pajama pants. Hermione looked down at the floor, wanting to give Harry as much privacy as she could and feeling immediate remorse for what she had said. She knew Harry would be strong enough to go back to his aunt and uncles house at Privet Drive, however she knew it would be easier for him with someone else their such as when she had gone with him to Godric's Hollow. She felt ashamed of the choice words she had used against Ron as well, and hoped Harry could forgive and forget quickly. "Again with the arguing? I thought we talked about this after the Battle."

"I know Harry," Hermione sighed as she stepped back allowing Harry to being to pack his things. It was true; they had talked about it. Ron and she had made up and gotten somewhat closer after the battle, but for some reason he was still annoying her to death. Hermione thought being with Ron was the solution to the teasing for the past seven years, but it turned out it had only gotten worse. It turned out Ron's teasing was just that, Ron's teasing. He certainly didn't show any love for her. "He is just so infuriating. It's a wonder you two are still such good friends. You're not opposites. You're not similar. You're just so strangely different."

"Are you saying you wouldn't be my friend if Harry wasn't friends with me?" Ron asked as Harry tried to busy himself with packing his suitcase. Hermione didn't know exactly what to say. It was Harry's idea to warn Hermione about the troll in their first year, but Ron had quickly agreed. Ron had always teased her about everything, while Harry never took a slash at Hermione. Harry always respected Hermione and protected her…made her feel warm. Ron never made Hermione feel that way; he was always just someone that needed improvement. And that's when it dawned on her that Hermione thought she could change Ron and make him a better person. At the moment, it didn't seem like she had changed Ron, nor would she ever be able to change him.

"I can't believe you'd even say such a thing!" Hermione whispered as she looked down, wondering if Ron really thought that little of her. "I'm actually saying that you two have a strange relationship. Ron, you're rude and lazy and hurtful. Harry is much more reasonable and sensible and kind." Hermione blushed as soon as those words escaped her lips, and she tried to avoid Harry's gaze which was now on her.

"Well fine!" Ron shouted as he turned away from Hermione. She sighed and sat down on Harry's unoccupied bed, praying Harry would be done soon so that they could make their grand get away. She didn't know how much more of this she could take. How could she have been so blind before? How could she have ever felt something for Ron? He never treated her with respect, and certainly wasn't as kind as Harry or even the rest of the Weasley family.

"I'm almost done, Hermione," Harry said as he flicked his wand, and a few more things went into his suitcase, which happened to be a backpack with the undetectable extension charm. Hermione smiled to herself, knowing that she taught Harry that spell and that he was actually using it. Harry was someone who really paid attention to Hermione's ramblings about new and exciting spells; some people could be changed for the better.

She thought back to the time where neither Harry nor Ron cared much to listen to her musings about new things she learned from her extensive reading. But at some point that had changed, and Harry began to pay more attention in the things Hermione cared about, especially the spells she learned. Perhaps it was for his love of magic or desire to learn more spells which could help him defeat Voldemort. Either way, Hermione enjoyed when Harry listened intently with his thinking face or when he asked questions that even she hadn't quite thought of yet.

"Wonderful," Hermione smiled at him as she stood up and began making his bed. She wanted to make sure everything was in tip top shape for Mrs. Weasley after all of her hospitality. Hermione had already made the bed she had slept in, causing Ginny to stir in the process. Due to the small space of the burrow, Hermione slept in Ginny's room instead of with her two good friends in Ron's room. Ginny didn't wake up though, thankfully; Hermione knew she would want to say goodbye to Harry which would delay their trip again. She was friends with Ginny, and she really liked Ginny. But whenever Ginny made advances on Harry it made Hermione feel alone and quiet, like Ginny was taking Harry away from her. This was absolutely untrue, which Hermione acknowledged and understood. She just couldn't explain her feelings.

"Hermione, you don't have to-" Harry said as he motioned toward his bed.

"I don't mind Harry. We'll be able to leave faster if I help out, won't we?" Hermione smiled at home, and then immediately scowled at Ron's snoring as she continued fluffing the pillows. She looked over to see that he had already fallen back asleep with Hermione and Harry about to leave. She looked over to him to see that he was facing away from her, making her frown.

"I'm all set," Harry said as he quickly cast a spell to change his clothes without revealing any skin. "We can go when you're ready, Hermione." Harry knew Hermione must be feeling a little more on edge after her fight with Ron, so he left it up to her when they would leave.

"Oh, I was ready ages ago." Hermione stalked to Harry who now stood at the foot of Ron's bed and smiled at him. "Hold on," she commanded as she held out her hand.

"See you later Ron," Harry said as he waved to his friend who was now watching the two.

"Don't forget about the movies, Harry!" Ron exclaimed, making Hermione sigh with disgust. He had played her yet again, faking being asleep. These were the type of things that made Hermione even more upset with Ron; however, it did solidify that she had no feelings for him as a partner…though she would always consider him one of her best friends for reasons fa beyond her understanding.

"Goodbye, Ronald," Hermione said, and then looked to Harry and nodded.

Within seconds, Harry and Hermione were in a light blue room, lined with cases and cases of books. The other furniture in the room included a small desk, a comfortable chair near the desk, a larger soft-looking loveseat by a big window, and bed with a dark blue comforter and white pillows. There were three doors to this room, and Harry figured one of the must lead to a closet with clothes as he didn't see any dressers or wardrobes. He guessed the other two doors must be to a bathroom and to the house.

"I'm sorry, Harry," Hermione sighed as she sat down on the bed. "Ron just makes me so infuriated." Hermione's hands curled into fists as she put them to her head. This was not the first time Harry was left to pick up the pieces after Ron's and Hermione's arguments; in fact, he generally helped the two make up afterwards. He didn't mind very much, but it always made him a little distraught when Hermione was upset or hurt about what Ron said to her. He never told her this for fear of making her feel even worse, but he wished she knew how much of what Ron said wasn't true. Ron just didn't think before he spoke, and Harry didn't believe Ron actually thought the things he said about Hermione. To be honest, he didn't quite know why Ron said the things he said. "Anyway, welcome to my room," Hermione smiled, wondering what her parents would say if they found out Harry was in her room. Her parents had never allowed boys on the second floor of their house, let alone Hermione's room, but due to the unusual circumstances her parents agreed to let Harry sleep in the guest room on the second floor next to Hermione's room.

"I know you read Hermione," Harry said as he walked over to her bookshelves and inspected the many books that lined the shelves. He noticed the books were alphabetized and both muggle and magic books were intertwined together, immediately smiling at how Hermione's room clearly reflected her personality. "But I didn't know that the extent of your collection was this large." Harry motioned to the walls covered in books. Harry was rather excited to see Hermione's private collection, and he began to peruse the shelves to see if there was anything he recognized.

"It's my favorite hobby; you know that," Hermione smiled as she stood up. "I'll show you to your room." She held out her hand, which he took, and led Harry out of her room and into a hallway. The second door on the right would be Harry's room for the night or two. When Hermione opened the door, Harry's eyes widened. The room was almost a clear replica of Harry's room at Hogwarts except that it only had one bed. "Sorry," Hermione said gingerly. "I hope I didn't overstep your boundaries. I wanted to make sure you would be comfortable here, so I replicated your room at Hogwarts…You always said you felt most at home there…" Hermione drifted into thought as Harry set down his backpack on the bed and went to inspect various aspects of the room. "Maybe I should have copied your room at the Dursley's…" Hermione wondered as she walked up behind Harry, who was now looking out the window. Instead of the Hogwarts' ground he saw a suburban neighborhood, not quite like the Dursley's, better.

"Hermione," Harry turned and faced her; they were only a few inches apart. Although he was only one inch taller than her, Hermione felt small and weak in the knees with Harry this close to her. All of her anger with Ron vanished, and she just focused on Harry at this moment as her palms became sweaty. She rubbed them together subconsciously, hoping to eliminate this problem. "This is the most thoughtful room anyone has ever given me," he smiled and leaned in for a hug. Harry's heart was pounding as he held her to him and nestled his head into her hair. Hermione smiled as she leaned her head against Harry. Neither of them felt like pulling away from the all too familiar embrace. "Thank you, Hermione," Harry said as she finally broke their connection.

"Of course," Hermione said as she looked down at the floor, feeling a bit chilly all of a sudden. She didn't know why it suddenly seemed very cold in the room; she also noted that Harry seemed to be the only source of heat she could think of. However, she resisted the urge to nestle back into the crook of his neck and wrap her arms around him. "Are you hungry?" She asked after a minute of silence.

"Yes, just a bit," Harry answered as he put his hands in his pockets.

"Well, I think my parents probably left something for us. They usually leave something for me in the mornings when I'm still sleeping in the summer," Hermione said as she walked to the door and turned back to find Harry staring after her. "Come on, Harry," Hermione woke him out of his trance and turned red at her voice.

"Coming," Harry said as he closed the door behind them. Hermione continued to lead him downstairs to the kitchen. "Hermione Granger sleeping in? What kind of world are we living in now?"

"Oh hush up!" Hermione smirked as she quickly turned around and hit Harry lightly on the chest. "It's only during the summer when I'm up late at night reading or studying."

"That sounds more like the Hermione I know," Harry smiled as they reached the kitchen.

"Now, I can't promise anything, but I'll bet they didn't leave us with donuts and pancakes," Hermione said she opened the refrigerator.

"Can I help with anything?" Harry asked, hating not knowing his surrounds and being able to help. He walked up behind Hermione, trying to get her attention.

"I'm all set, Harry. You can sit down; you're the guest. Guests don't help," Hermione smiled as she pointed toward a row of chairs at the counter's island. Harry grudgingly sat down in one of the chairs, and waited to see what Hermione would pull out for their breakfast. "It seems they've left us with two fruit parfaits!" Hermione placed two cups of yogurt, granola, and fruit on the counter. "Here, Harry," Hermione added as she handed him a spoon. "I don't know if we have pumpkin juice, but how about orange?" Harry nodded as he dug into his breakfast.

"Hermione," Harry didn't know exactly how to begin this conversation, but he had promised Ron he would speak with Hermione. And he thought it best to ask her about more sensitive topics sooner rather than later; he was dreading it, after all. Hermione placed a glass and filled it with orange juice in from of him, before returning the jug to the refrigerator.

"Yes Harry?" She asked as she began brewing coffee on a Keurig machine.

"How much do you…Ron is your…What I mean to ask is if…" Harry continued to struggle with how to ask his best friend if she loved his other best friend, when he knew at least one of them wasn't happy. "Are you happy?" Hermione laughed as she placed her coffee next to Harry's orange juice and walked over to sit next to him.

"Well," Hermione began as she dug into her parfait. "I like to think I am happy. I mean, now that my parents remember who I am, and I have my friends, and we're going back to have a proper year at Hogwarts…yes; I'm happy."

"Well actually Hermione…you didn't mention having a boyfriend or someone you care a lot about…and I was wondering-" Harry began to get to his question, but was stopped by Hermione.

"Ron was wondering, you mean." Hermione smirked as she began mixing her parfait, and in response Harry squinted and smiled sheepishly. "He asked you to find out if we're together or not?"

"Well actually to find out if you love him or not." Harry blurted. Hermione sighed and set her spoon down.

"No. I don't think he has my heart," Hermione answered. Harry relaxed a little bit after hearing her answer and smiled at her. "I thought I fancied him for a little while, but after being with him more and more, I know we are not compatible. I couldn't imagine marrying him, or settling down and having a family with him." Hermione laughed. "Goodness, Harry can you imagine, the two of us having children? All we'd ever do is fight in front of our kids, and I certainly don't want that."

Harry didn't know exactly how to respond to that, but he settled on smiling and agreeing with his best friend.

"I don't think my heart ever belonged to him…" Hermione mused as she thought back to her previous years at Hogwarts. "Merlin, he probably thinks it was hormones or some other lousy reason. Am I right?"

"Hormones," Harry affirmed, nodding his head.

"Oh, I sound like a silly little girl who doesn't know what she wants," Hermione huffed, frustrated with herself. "That's not me, though! I'm not emotional and hormonal like those other teenage girls, Lavender or Romilda. Am I like those girls, Harry? That's not me; is it?" Hermione began to doubt herself, and Harry could see it in Hermione's eyes. It was very slight, and only someone as close to Hermione as Harry was would be able to pick up on it.

"Of course it's not, Hermione," Harry added as he put a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Ron can get over excited sometimes. Maybe he just read the wrong signs…Did he um…did he kiss you first?"

"Oh what does that matter?" She asked with a breath, and then she looked at Harry who raised his eyebrows as if to say 'you know it's important information.' "Yes," Hermione finally answered as she moved her spoon around in her bowl.

"Well, then he can't blame you; he instigated it. It was a crazy day, and wars make people do crazy things." Harry added as Hermione leaned on his shoulder.

"He was a bit off; now that you mention it…you don't suppose Voldemort had control of him? Made him do it?"

"Doubt it," Harry answered as he took another spoonful of yogurt in his mouth. "Probably didn't eat something that day or had a little of a horcrux stuck to him."

"And between you and me Hermione, I don't think he blames you." Harry smiled warmly at Hermione, making her smile as well.

"Really?" Hermione asked, hopeful. "As much Ron may pester me, I certainly loved him as a friend and want to keep him as one."

"I think he thinks of you as a friend." Harry answered Hermione's statement.

"You're so calm about this Harry," Hermione noted as she sat up straight and took a mouthful of yogurt.

"I just want you both to work it out together. You're my two best friends," Harry smiled a sad smile. Hermione knew what he was trying to say. He meant they're just about all Harry had. They were the only ones to write him, send him Christmas presents, and remember his birthday, besides Hagrid of course. But Hagrid had his own Hogwarts family to be with.

"I'm sorry we fight so much; it's disgraceful." Hermione added to try and make Harry feel better. "Sometimes I think Ron just enjoys having a go at me. I'll try not to let it escalate on one condition."

"What's that?" Harry asked as he shifted in his chair so he was facing Hermione. Hermione did the same so that their knees almost touched.

"Promise me that no matter what happens between Ron and me, you'll stay friends with me."

"Hermione," Harry said as he raised an eyebrow. "I think you two will be able to work it out."

"Please, Harry, Promise me?" Hermione asked again.

"Why are you going that-"

"I'm just trying to ensure that we'll always be friends. I know I said I won't fight with Ron, but he might fight with me. You know I must defend myself, so if it comes to it, I won't be friends with him any longer." Hermione looked at Harry's face, noting the slight change in his smile and the spark that left his eyes. He quickly looked down at his legs, realizing that Hermione knew what he was thinking. "I want you to promise you won't pick a side if Ron and I aren't friends any longer. Promise that you can be friends with both of us or just me; I don't care which. But I don't think I can bear the thought of losing you."

"Never, Hermione. You'll never lose me." Harry said, looking up at her and taking her hand. "Never."

A/N: I hope you liked it guys! This is the last chapter I had partially written, so it might take longer for me to update next time, but please be patient and stick with me! Happy reading, lovelies

I hope ya'll enjoyed the update! Hopefully I'll get the next chapter up later today! Please, please review! As you'll see I do generally respond to reviews, so let me know if you have any questions, comments, etc!

Love, hearts, and happy reading!

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