Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters or plots that are in the original book series; those belong to J.K. Rowling, although she totally fucked up the last two books. But that's neither here nor there. I don't own the songs I use those belong to those artists; I am making no money from this.

A/N: I'm so sorry for the huge delay. I know I promised chapters more often over the summer but I ended up working at a summer camp and I didn't really get to use my computer. But y'all should thank a good friend of mine, Carlotta, for inspiring me to write again. So November 19 is just around the corner, and I am so excited yet sad. I've grown up on Harry Potter and now this is the beginning of the official end. Oh and Vash I know you're gonna read this, I hope the Phillies win it all. So let's continue on.

Chapter 9: This. Here and Now. With You

Back in England

Ron Weasley was furious. He had been stalking Hermione for the last five years and now he had no idea where she was. He always knew where she was. He knew Ginny was in Houston on a conference trip, but Ginny hadn't said anything about Hermione going as well so he assumed that she hadn't. That's why he was at the Ministry now, to talk to Kingsley and find out where she was.

"I need to speak to the Minister", Ron told Kingsley's secretary.

"Do you have an appointment?" she asked without looking up. When she did not get an answer she looked up and saw who it was and thought 'Oh crap'. "Mr. Weasley, you know that you are not supposed to come see the Minister unless it is on Auror business."

Ron had become an Auror after the War, not a very good one though. He was assigned basic assignments such as protection for important dignitaries and the such. He didn't have the brain power to do much else. "Do you know who I am? I am Ron Weasley one of the heroes of the War!" he said to the secretary.

The secretary rolled her eyes. Ron had does this many times. "Of course I know who you are Mr. Weasley but you are under strict instructions not to speak to the Minister unless it is for Auror business. And even then you need an appointment."

Just as Ron was about to answer her, he saw Kingsley walking out of his office. "Minister! So nice to see you. May I have a word?" he asked.

Kingsley immediately regretted leaving his office; he knew what this was about. Ron always tried to ride on his coattail after the war and had done this many times. "Actually I'm on my way to an important lunch meeting" he told Ron, lying through his teeth.

"I promise it'll be quick. C'mon you must have time for an old friend" said Ron.

Kingsley hated when Ron said they were friends, nothing could be further from the truth. But he gave in. "Very well. What is it?"

"I need you to tell me where Hermione is" stated Ron.

"What makes you think I know where she is?" asked Kingsley. He was definitely not gonna tell Ron where she was. He already knew that she was gonna stay in Houston, but he didn't know the reason why. He assumed it is to do some sight seeing during her vacation.

"You know perfectly well Hermione never misses work and she's been gone for three days, she would only miss if you told her to" said Ron. He was starting to get mad. "So you better tell me where she is!"

"Don't you threaten me Mr. Weasley! I am the Minister of Magic. Even if I knew I wouldn't tell you where she is. Now if you ever come to my office again without an appointment for the Auror department or bother Ms. Granger again, you will be dismissed. Understood?" asked Kingsley with a fury in his eyes that would scare almost anyone.

"Understood. I should be going" and with that Ron hurried out of the room and to the bathroom down the hall to scourgify his trousers and boxers.

Houston, TX

Harry was on his way to pick up the girls to take them to the International Portkey Terminal. He couldn't believe that in a few hours his month alone with Hermione was going to start. But he couldn't help but worry about how things were going to work when Hermione's vacation time was over. He couldn't ask her to leave her job and life in England behind for him. She had already sacrificed a lot for him. But he also didn't think that he was ready to return to England. He enjoyed his life in Houston. He wasn't gawked at whenever he went out, he had good friends, and he could watch baseball basically whenever he wanted. He knew he had to make the most out of this month because he didn't know what was going to happen after.

When he got to the hotel, he went up to the room and knocked on the door.

Hermione answered but before she could greet Harry, he captured her lips with his. They broke apart when they needed air.

"Well good morning to you too Mr. Potter" Hermione said still a bit flustered from the kiss.

"It's always a good morning when I get to see you Ms. Granger. Are Ginny and Susan ready?" asked Harry. The girls' portkey left at 10 and it was now 9:15.

"Just about. They're just getting their toiletries gathered" said Hermione as she led Harry to the couch. "Do you want anything to drink?" she asked.

"I'll take some water" he answered. "Thanks" he said when Hermione gave him the glass of water.

"Alright we're ready. Hey Harry, having a good morning?" asked Ginny when she walked in.

"Yes I am. Well we should go so you and Susan won't be late for the portkey" said Harry and with that they left the hotel.

The ride to the Terminal was quiet and took about thirty minutes. Harry was to stay in the car, so no one in the Terminal could recognize him. So he said his goodbyes to Ginny and Susan, with promises to keep in touch now that they knew where he was. Also he asked them to not tell anyone where he was until he told them it was okay. Ginny protested a bit but in the end agreed, on the condition that either Harry visit for Christmas or she would tell her family. Hermione walked out of the Terminal about ten minutes later and hopped in the car.

"Well are you ready to start our month together?" asked Harry.

"Of course. Ginny is going to send some of my clothes via Magical Postal Service. The magical side of UPS" said Hermione.

"Good. Well what do you want to do first? Are you hungry? We could go get brunch" said Harry. Truth was he had overslept and didn't have time to eat breakfast so he hoped that Hermione would agree.

"That sounds great. I'm starving" replied Hermione. She hadn't had time to eat breakfast either between getting ready and helping Susan and Ginny pack their stuff up.

With that they started what would be one of the best, yet difficult months of their life. With decisions looming that they both knew would have to be addressed.

A/N: I know it's a short chapter. But I promise to get a bigger one up in the coming days maybe about a wk. I have some midterms this week so I'm pretty busy. This chapter inspired by This. Here and Now. With You by The Cure. As always please read and review. It motivates me.