A/N: Hello my lovely readers, and welcome to any new readers! As I was writing it, I really fell in love with the direction I went with this! You know when you're writing and something just comes to you and you feel warm and fuzzy inside? Well yeah, that's how I felt about this chapter! Before I get on with the story, I want to thank everyone who reviewed! It's because of you guys that this chapter came out so quickly! (Maybe if I get even more reviews I'll continue using FanFiction as a way to procrastinate studying for my exams again!)
PLEASE READ: I'm debating on whom to pair Ron with…we've all seen him with Lavender…but they weren't my favorite pairing. I've seen FanFics with RonxLuna, but that seems a little weird to me a well. If anyone has a suggestion for a mate for Ron, please review and tell me!
Anyway thank you to the Guests who made suggestions for me and pointed out that my last chapter was all messed up! (Don't worry, I fixed it!) I wish I could thank you by name, but I don't know them! You should sign in next time so I can thank you!
ElizabethAnnSoph – Thank you for reviewing! I hope you like this chapter! Let me know what you think!
pawsrule – I hope this update was quick enough for you! I can't promise it'll be this fast every time, but I hope you stick with me! I know exactly where I want this story to go! I even have an idea for a sequel!
RedPandaPatronus – I know! Isn't it exciting? I hope it's not too obvious! I almost didn't want to put it in the summary because it gives away the plot a little…you know it's gonna happen eventually, but there's more that I want to put in the story to give it a twist! I hate when Ron is heartbroken too! In my opinion, Harry and Hermione are just so much more of a better couple. I can see them having a long healthy marriage. Of course they'll have fights, but those fights won't tear them apart. I think Ron and Hermione would have too many arguments and would end up getting a divorce. I feel so bad for Harry! Just stay tuned! There will be more of a happy ending, but that's all I want to say
lozzy035 – I'm glad you like it! I can't promise how soon it will be! I have the general plot in mind and I know when I want Harry and Hermione to get together, but I don't know when that will be! It depends on if I add more stuff in between now and then. I'll try to make their closeness increase though and hopefully add more fluff! I don't think there will be lemons in this story though…maybe I'll reconsider if I get a lot of requests for it.
Suzululu4moe – First off I just want to say that I love your penname! It's so fun to type I think Harry and Hermione are so destined to be together! They are adorable; the dancing scene in DH Part 1 just made me cry I was so happy! I agree about Ginny…I also don't think we know enough about her as readers to pair her with Harry…I really feel like she's just kind of there and their relationship is too sudden. Yes, finally Ronald is growing up hopefully you'll agree that he has continued to grow up in this chapter! As I mentioned to RedPandaPatronus, I think Ron and Hermione would rage war on one another as well I know…the bro code is annoying, but I just feel like Harry is someone who would want to follow it, especially cause Ron is his best friend. I would try to follow the same code if I liked one of my best friends' ex. Just hold tight with Hedwig…I don't want to give anything away though… ;)
Dennisud – thanks for continuing to review! I know, I'm still not quite happy with how that turned out…maybe in the future I'll delete that entire topic from the chapter, it wasn't really necessary. Hope you like this chapter and continue to review!
Anyway, please continue to R/R! It really helps me get motivated! (Hence this quick chapter!) Please continue with comments; I love responding to you guys! If you think there is something I can do better, let me know, but please no fire! It makes me sad *tear*
Disclaimer: Obviously if I owned Harry Potter I would not have to write an alternate ending as I am doing so right now…So that pleasure goes to JK Rowling.
Here's the chapter!
Chapter 5:
Once again, Both Harry and Hermione were on Harry's broom, Hermione in the front holding on for dear life and Harry in the back steering and holding on to Hermione. This flight was a lot longer than their previous one because they were headed for West County. The last stop on their journey was Godric's Hollow to visit James and Lily Potter's graves. Harry wanted to visit them now that there was no threat to go there, and Hermione certainly didn't object to this. She told him she wanted him to visit his parents as much as he pleased and promised to go with him for support if he so desired. However, Hermione had other motives for going; she planned to thank Lily and James over and over again for comforting him in the Forbidden Forest before he faced Voldemort, when she could not.
By the end of their trip, Harry and Hermione were so used to riding together that they didn't want the journey to end. Harry wasn't surprised by this; he had always been comfortable being so close to Hermione. It just seemed natural to him. But for Hermione on the other hand, she grew to love riding with him; in fact, she didn't want to ride with anyone else. Harry made her feel so comfortable that she didn't want the ride to end.
"Here Hermione," Harry said as he offered his hand to her helping her off the broom. She took it and smiled at Harry as she put her feet on solid ground, but she frowned at the lack of contact as Harry dropped her hand to allow himself to get off the broom. "The bag?" Harry's voice snapped Hermione back to reality and she held out the bag for Harry to put his broom in. "I can't Believe it's only been half of a year since we were here last."
"I know it feels like a lifetime," Hermione sighed as they began walking toward the cemetery. "I like this town though; it feels like nothing has changed."
"It does; doesn't it," Harry nodded as he put his hands in his pockets.
"And of course it also was home to some of the greatest wizards in history," Hermione smiled referring to Dumbledore, the Three Brothers, and Harry himself.
"I guess…" Harry mumbled as he looked at the ground as they continued walking.
"It doesn't have to be a place of pain, Harry," Hermione said as she linked her left arm through his right. "You know they're at peace now. You spoke with them; remember? They're not hurting, and they're always with you. Hey who knows; maybe someday after school you'll move back into the Potter House and pick up where your parents left off."
"I don't know Hermione…"
"Well, you have plenty of time to decide…but if you do choose to live here, I better see you at least once a week. We'll be so far apart!" Harry laughed at Hermione, earning himself a scowl from Hermione.
"Hermione, of course we'll see each other! I couldn't lose you either!" Harry answered with a smile. "And what do you know, you might end up living here yourself!"
"I would certainly consider it." Hermione smiled warmly at Harry as they approached the entry to the cemetery; Hermione released Harry's arm and they stood in silence for a minute. "Shall we?"
"We shall," Harry responded as he held out his hand, waiting for Hermione to take it. She smiled back at him, and the pair walked to the Potter's graves.
When they approached the graves Harry became very stoic and closed off. Hermione noticed this, and immediately squeezed Harry's hand trying to reassure him. Harry began to sink down and finally crossed his legs, wanting to sit near his parents; Hermione followed Harry's example and kneeled next to him. Harry rested his head on her shoulder as his lips became a tight line.
"Hi Mum and Dad," Harry whispered. Hermione saw that his eyes were glossed over and took a deep breath.
"Hi Mr. and Mrs. Potter," Hermione added shyly. Harry was a little startled that she spoke to his parents, but he didn't stop her. So Hermione continued. "I just wanted to say…Thank you. I don't know if we could have won this war against Voldemort without Harry. He's a great person and despite where he grew up, he has become a very kind, compassionate person."
"Hermione, you made me sound like a chum," Harry whined as he turned his head toward Hermione's arm so she couldn't see the blush creep up on his cheek.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione rolled her eyes. "You didn't let me finish." She waited for Harry to respond, but he didn't. So she cleared her throat and continued. "As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted, Harry is brave. As you know he went to die alone to save the rest of us. He is strong. He defeated Voldemort. He is a pretty good Quidditch player as well…a Seeker, which you probably already know, Mr. Potter. So many people have said he looks just like you; except he has your eyes Mrs. Potter. From what I've seen, that's true. I'm sorry I couldn't meet either of you in person." If I had one wish, I would wish for you both to be alive for Harry, Hermione concluded her thoughts inside her head, because she didn't know how Harry would react to her last sentence. "It feels better sometimes if you speak to them," Hermione told Harry as she looked over at him. He was staring straight ahead at their tombstone now, but he nodded to acknowledge that he heard Hermione. "I can wait by the entrance if you want to be alone."
"No," Harry answered as he wiped a tear from his eye. "Hi Mum. Hi Dad…I miss you." Harry simply said. "I wish I could show you everything about my life now. I wish I had been able to get to know you…and Sirius…and Lupin. I kept thinking that if I killed Voldemort that maybe, just maybe, you could find a way to come back. It doesn't seem right that he can take a life from someone who didn't deserve to die." Harry forced a smile to stop himself from crying, and Hermione took Harry's hand and squeezed it again, wrapping her other arm around him. "I just wish you were here. I love you." Harry said as he stood up and then pulled Hermione up. "I'll visit soon."
With those parting words, Harry led Hermione out of the cemetery and they flew back to Hermione's parents' house, per Hermione's request. She couldn't see Harry aparating after this interaction with his parents; she thought he needed some time to clear his head.
"Oh James," Lily smiled a dreamy smile to her husband as she leaned on their tombstone. "They've come to visit." Lily was referring to her son, Harry Potter, and his friend, Hermione Granger, who were walking toward the Potter tombstone.
"I don't see why; we follow him around everywhere!" James shouted as he paced back and forth behind Lily. "We even told him so, just a few weeks ago!"
"I think it's a sweet gesture…he misses us," Lily sighed. "I miss him too."
"I miss him every day, Lil-"
"Oh shush, James! They're almost here!" Lily said excitedly as Harry and Hermione approached the grave. "Oh he looks wonderful! And so does Hermione."
"Much better than in first year," James laughed.
"Oh hush up! As I recall, I was somewhat unattractive when I was a first year," Lily defended Hermione with a stern look at her husband. She certainly didn't invite snide comments of her son's friends, especially someone as close to him as Hermione.
"No, you were always beautiful," James smiled as he wrapped his arms around Lily and kissed her cheek. "I remember when I first saw you during the sorting ceremony first year. You were beautiful, even after that long train ride from Kings Cross."
"Always the charmer, you are." Lily smiled as she melted into James' embrace. "We're lucky our son doesn't take that after you."
"No, he's much better than I am." James mused as he peppered Lily's cheek and neck with kisses. "He take it after his mother."
"Here they are," Lily said as Harry and Hermione sat on the ground, and James smiled into Lily's neck then pulled away from her to see his boy.
"Hi Mum and Dad." Harry's voice was almost inaudible.
"Hi honey," Lily said as she bit her lip, tears coming from her eyes.
"Hey son," James added with a tight smile.
"Hi Mr. and Mrs. Potter," Hermione greeted the two apparitions.
"Oh, Hermione should call me Lily. 'Mrs. Potter' makes me feel quite old," Lily smiled at the respect Hermione held from Mr. and Mrs. Potter.
"Lily, just let her do as she pleases," James laughed as he released his wife and stood next to her; the elder couple anxious as to what Hermione would say.
"I just wanted to say…Thank you. I don't know if we could have won this war against Voldemort without Harry. He's a great person and despite where he grew up, he has become a very kind, compassionate person." Hermione smiled at the grave.
"Oh, Hermione," Lily smiled as she walked toward the younger woman. "You're so sweet and kind."
"I wish Harry didn't have to grow up there," James scowled as he stood next to his son. "Your sister was always just jealous of you, Lily. She took it out on Harry, and it wasn't right!"
"James! You should recall, you were quite up front with your wealth with the Dursleys…I believe that contributed to the riff."
"Yes, but it only furthered Petunia's hatred for magic and her jealousy of you…she had no right, and she didn't deserve your love, Lily love."
"James listen!" Lily said as Harry was about to speak.
"Hermione, you made me sound like a chum," Harry responded to Hermione's compliment.
"Harry!" Lily scolded him.
"He is somewhat right…" James tried to reason with his wife.
"James!" Lily chided her husband.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione rolled her eyes. "You didn't let me finish." Lily laughed and James rolled his eyes.
"See; she had more to say!" Lily smiled, hoping Hermione would say something that both Harry and James would approve more of.
"She made that up so he wouldn't feel so bad!" James complained as he slapped his leg making Lily shake her head.
Hermione cleared her throat and continued. "As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted, Harry is brave. As you know he went to die alone to save the rest of us."
"He was so brave then." Lily smiled, remembering the moment she watched her son die and come back to life. It killed her as a mother, and she hated that Harry even had to go through it.
"He is strong. He defeated Voldemort."
"Pretty Bad Ass kid we got there, Lily," James added as he walked over to Lily and put a hand on her shoulder.
"He is a pretty good Quidditch player as well…a Seeker, which you probably already know, Mr. Potter."
"Oh course I know, silly Hermione. I go to all of his game and watch unlike you." James smirked, teasing Hermione.
"Oh James, she watches!" Lily interjected.
"No she doesn't!"
"Well she watches Harry."
"So many people have said he looks just like you; except he has your eyes Mrs. Potter. From what I've seen, that's true. I'm sorry I couldn't meet either of you in person."
"If only you and Harry could know us the way we know we know you," Lily sighed as she focused her eyes on the ground and began to tear. James pulled her into a hug, trying to comfort her.
"It feels better sometimes if you speak to them," Hermione told Harry as she looked over at him. "I can wait by the entrance if you want to be alone."
"No," Harry answered as he wiped a tear from his eye.
"Oh, he doesn't want her to leave him," Lily smiled as another tear fell from her eye. "James, he's so in love."
"Lily, he just needs some support."
"He's in love."
"Hi Mum. Hi Dad…I miss you." Harry simply said. "I wish I could show you everything about my life now. I wish I had been able to get to know you…and Sirius…and Lupin."
"I am keeping an eye on you, Prongslet!" Sirius shouted as he appeared behind the Potter gravestone. "Don't you worry!"
"Padfoot!" James shouted with a smile. "I'm glad you made it! Harry's here!" He released Lily and went to embrace his ghost friend.
"I can see that. I wouldn't miss him for the world…Great pair these two make," Sirius smiled as James walked back to Lily and wrapped his arms around her.
"Now will the two of you hush up? I would like to hear what my baby boy has to say!" The two men recognized the anger in Lily's voice and immediately became silent.
"I kept thinking that if I killed Voldemort that maybe, just maybe, you could find a way to come back. It doesn't seem right that he can take a life from someone who didn't deserve to die." Harry forced a smile, and Hermione took Harry's hand and squeezed it again, wrapping her other arm around him.
"Harry. I hope someday we will be able to meet again. I want to hold you in my arms like I used to do," Lily whispered with tears in her eyes.
"I just wish you were here. I love you." Harry said as he stood up and then pulled Hermione up.
"Me too, champ. Me too." James sighed.
"I'll visit soon." Harry and Hermione walked away after that, leaving Lily, James, and Sirius by the Potter gravestone.
"He's in love," Lily repeated with a smile, sure of her assumption. Not only had she been watching Harry his entire life, but she and James were present when he and Hermione spoke with the Grangers just a few short days ago. And now, she knew for sure that her son had fallen in love with his best friend, Hermione.
"Yes, I believe he's with Ginny Weasley now," James added.
"I never liked that girl…from what Harry told me she always followed him around when they were kids," Sirius added.
"Oh not with Ginny!" Lily sighed at the men in her ghost life. Honestly, these men are as clueless about love in the afterlife as they were in their living lives, Lily thought as she rolled her eyes. "He's in love with Hermione."
"Ah, I've always like her," Sirius nodded his head in approval with a smile.
"Really? How can you tell?" James asked Lily.
"Well, the way he looks at her is a huge clue. He also didn't want her to leave when he spoke to us. And this is the second time he brought her to our graves." Lily smiled sweetly as she saw Harry and Hermione approach the entrance of the cemetery. They would soon be gone. "I think she is in love with him as well."
"She's one smart cookie," Sirius smiled as he turned to James and grinned brightly. "I'm glad she really turned out to be quite a catch! When I first met her, she was not too-"
"Honestly! Are looks the only thing that men care about?" Lily asked with an exasperated expression. James and Sirius looked at each other and turned to Lily.
"No!" James said as Sirius laughed, "Of course!"
"When will you two learn?"
"Never!" Sirius laughed. Lily's face turned sour.
"So what about Ginny?" James asked. "What will happen to her?"
"I don't' know…I think she and Harry are together." Lily answered. "I don't believe either of them truly knows, to be honest with you, James."
"But he's avoiding her! He's doing exactly what we would have done." Sirius smiled nostalgically as he put an arm around James. "I probably taught him that…I remember doing the same thing to poor old Amelie Helling." Sirius chuckled.
"Well, all there is to know is that Harry will be with whoever he is happiest with." James smiled as he walked toward Lily and put an arm around her. "He'll know what to do."
"I'm not so sure…I think this is more complicated than either of you think."
After returning from their adventure, Harry and Hermione decided to stay at her parents' house so that they could be closer to Diagon Alley in order to help with any repairs that their favorite shopping district might need. A few days later, Harry returned to the Burrow to teach Ron how to use a DVD player and DVDs. Ron was amazed that there were little people in the skinny box called the 'television.' However, Ron learned quickly that the people weren't actually in the television, but he still couldn't understand why they didn't respond to questions he asked them. Harry promised to return often, and Hermione even visited Ron along with Harry.
However, the two 'love birds', Ron and Hermione, weren't very warm to each other. Neither Ron nor Hermione broke up with one another for some unknown reason. Harry was quite unsettled by their lack of action as he was sure he had clearly told Ron how Hermione felt. He also felt he had explained to Hermione that Ron didn't quite fancy her either. Neither of them had any reason to stay together, so what were they waiting for?
About one week before the start of their seventh year at Hogwarts, Harry and Hermione returned to Diagon Alley not to help mend the alley, but to purchase their school supplies. After a lot of hard work, Diagon Alley and Hogwarts were completely restored, although there was still emotional damage to everyone who participated in the war. Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna were supposed to meet Harry and Hermione at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor around one in the afternoon so they could all get the supplies they needed for their final year and Luna's and Ginny's sixth year.
After taking some money out of Harry's Gringotts vault and exchanging muggle money for wizarding Money for Hermione, the pair arrived to the ice cream parlor exactly ten minutes before one as per Hermione's request; she always wanted to be punctual. The two wizards grabbed some ice cream and sat down at a table to wait for their friends.
"Harry?" Hermione asked as he took a large spoonful of his Honey Jalapeño Pickle ice cream. He looked up at Hermione and raised his eyebrows, telling her to continue. "I think I'm going to break up with Ronald." Harry almost choked on his ice cream, but he was immediately excited and a bit curious as to her reasons.
"I didn't even know you were still together," Harry mumbled, "Why?" He asked feigning interest.
"I already told you; he doesn't have my heart…I don't love him," Hermione smiled shyly as she licked some of her Rosewater ice cream.
"Well…congratulations?" He said with a shrug, causing Hermione to laugh, but Harry didn't know what else to say. He was glad Hermione was finally defining her relationship with Ron, and he knew Ron didn't want to be with Hermione. Maybe he would finally have his chance to ask Hermione out; they could go to Hogsmeade together perhaps.
"That's a funny thing to say when you find out two people are breaking up," Hermione giggled.
"I mean, neither of you want to be together…isn't it a good thing one of you is finally taking action?" Harry asked with a curious look.
"Aww, you two already got ice cream!" Ron complained as he walked up behind Harry. "You're just gonna have to wait for us then! I don't know what flavor to get today…it's between Creamed Cod and Salt Licorice."
"Honestly Ron, do you still need help picking out what flavor you want?" Ginny asked as she rolled her eyes. Harry frowned at her and she immediately smiled back at him. "Harry! I missed you. You haven't been back to the Burrow in such a long time!"
"Ginny, he was there two days ago…" Ron shook his head at her as if it were obvious, Neville and Luna took seats at the table Hermione and Harry were sitting at.
"Well he didn't stop in and see me!" Ginny protested at Ron with her hands on her hips, and Harry immediately felt the heat coming to his cheeks.
"He was in a hurry that day!" Neville interjected for his friend. Over the past summer most of Harry's friends had become aware of his feelings for Ginny, which were apparent that they only existed for her as a friend. This summer, Harry had visited Neville quite a bit and seen him at the Hogwarts restoration, and consequently Neville and Harry spoke about their lives, more so than they had before. Harry had told Neville about not having feelings for Ginny, and Neville told Harry of his increasing fascination with a friend and roommate of Hermione's, Elspeth, a Gryffindor at the top of their class. "He came to visit me after and help Gran and me fix a balcony that was destroyed in our house." Neville continued to cover for Harry.
"Oh, well very good Harry," Ginny smiled, satisfied with Neville's lie. Harry smiled gratefully at Neville who nodded in return. "Hermione, Luna, why don't we let the boys have some ice cream while we go get some new robes! I hear there will be a dance at the beginning of the year to celebrate the resurrection of Hogwarts!"
"Oh, well if you're sure," Luna sighed. "You did ask for help in find something to make your waist look smaller." Ginny immediately reddened at the revelation of one of her insecurities and the rest of the group giggled at Luna's lack of discretion.
"I actually wanted to speak with Ron," Hermione changed the subject to Ginny's pleasure, she smiled gratefully at Hermione. Although Ginny also had no idea what Hermione was planning to say to Ron; perhaps she would not have been as thankful if she had known.
"Oh, alright," Ginny winked at her as she pulled Luna up from her chair. "We'll be at Madam Malkin's when you're finished with your talk." Ginny said as she and Luna walked away.
"Well what?" Ron asked as he tilted his head and glanced at his guy friends around him and then at the ice cream line.
"Um, I'd like to talk in private," Hermione whispered to him.
"Oh," Ron nodded with understanding.
"We'll uh," Neville said as he and Harry stood up. Harry left his ice cream on the table.
"Go check out the new Quidditch supplies?" Harry suggested to Neville.
"Yeah," Neville said as they started to back away. Although both Hermione and Ron knew Neville had no interest in Quidditch supplies; that was more up Harry's alley. Hermione caught Harry's eye as he left and he winked at her, making her feel like everything would be alright.
"Ron, we'll wait for you there," Harry added, and with that Hermione and Ron were alone.
"So?" Ron asked again. He was getting impatient. At this point he had no ice cream and his best friends were off to look at the new Quidditch products, something he'd longed to do for the entire summer.
"Well, Ron…I think there's something I need to be honest with you about," Hermione said carefully. He raised an eyebrow. "It's about us."
"Oh good. I thought it would never happen."
"What?"
"This!"
"What do you mean this?" Hermione asked with a confused expression.
"You're breaking up with me, aren't you?" Ron asked as took Harry's abandoned ice cream and began eating it. "I don't know how he can eat this stuff without crying…it's so spicy," Ron acknowledged as beads of sweat began to form on his forehead.
"Don't change the subject!" Hermione scolded him as she took the ice cream out of his hands and set it on the table again. "This is serious! I've been thinking about us for a while…and I just don't think that I love you Ron…I'm sorry."
"Eh…whatever," Ron said as he grabbed the ice cream back from Hermione.
"What do you mean 'whatever?'" Hermione asked as she furrowed her eyebrows.
"Well…I was gonna break up with you a while ago; I just didn't…I don't really know why. Harry told me you didn't fancy me anymore, but I just didn't want things to get weird between us…"
"Ronald. You should have ended it if you didn't feel anything for me!" Hermione raised her voice a little. "I've been struggling with this for a long while thinking you still have feelings for me, and for what? You say you knew you didn't have feelings for me, and yet you still didn't feel the need to tell me? You tell Harry, but not me?" Hermione crossed her arms in rage as she turned her head away from Ron in disgust.
"But I do have some feelings for you. You're one of my best friends Hermione! I never want to lose you as a friend!"
"Well…" Hermione was silent for a minute pondering if anger was the really the best option for her. "I guess I understand…just promise that next time you'll just tell me what's going on. You can tell me anything, you know."
"Alright, Hermione," Ron said with a crooked smile. "So we're good?" he asked as he raised as eyebrow.
"Of course, you idiot," Hermione smiled and Ron reached out his hand to shake Hermione's. She grabbed it, and they shook on their deal.
About a week later the trio was on their way to Platform 9 ¾.
A/N: Alright! Hopefully you liked the James, Lily, and Sirius part! I hope you know that I will definitely bring Harry's parents back now! I know I haven't really mentioned it before; I'm trying to leave little hints or 'foreshadowing' as my English teacher would say…but yeah I don't want to make it too obvious other than what I said in the summary. What do you guys think? Let me know! Do you think I should bring Sirius back? Dumbledore? Snape? Hedwig? I know who I'm bringing back, but I want to know who you want back! So please R/R 3
Love and hearts and happy reading
xoxo