Hi everyone, I'm sorry for the delay but life has been a wild ride for me lately. But now I finally managed to have some time to write and I am back!
So here's the next chapter, and thank you for patiently waiting.
Much apologies for any mistakes.
Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.
PS: There'll be the Australian nationals quidditch championship (QUAFL) this coming 9-11 December 2016 in Canberra, in the AIS. If your weekend is empty, please consider dropping by to watch and support the local quidditch teams. Entry is free!
Hermione was awoken by Fleur's snoring. It was not loud or annoying, but it woke the brunette all the same. Hermione looked at the blonde's sleeping face and watched her chest's slow and steady rhythms. The exhaustion on Fleur's face was erased slowly by the power of sleep. On an impulse, Hermione kissed Fleur's lips gently amidst the snoring.
Fleur's not snoring – she's purring! The brunette stifled a giggle. It would not do to wake the blonde.
Slowly and gently so as to not awaken her beloved, Hermione tilted Fleur's chin upward, away from the blonde's chest. The purring – snoring – stopped. Mission accomplished. Hermione resisted the urge to punch the air with her fist. Any sudden movement might disturb Fleur's slumber. Noticing the lack of blanket on the blonde, Hermione pulled half from her side and covered Fleur with it. The brunette marveled at Fleur's determination to withstand the cold instead of just pulling the blanket from Hermione's side. If there was one bad habit that the brunette had, it was hogging the blanket. Was that the reason why Fleur always wore one layer too much for bed? Hermione kissed Fleur again in silent thanks.
The brunette slowly rested herself in Fleur's arms again, head on the blonde's chest. Hermione closed her eyes, letting Fleur's scent and warmth enveloped her. Her mind idly turned to recent events. Without realizing it, she frowned.
The past few days the both of them had been doing nothing much aside from sleeping and eating. The latest attack left the both of them exhausted, both physically and mentally. While Hermione was unconscious, Fleur stayed by her side, refusing to even take a wink. The blonde took several Stamina Potions to keep her wide awake. Now Fleur was paying back the sleep hours she stole from her own body. Hermione had been mad at her lover when she found out but a long, steamy kiss made her forget what she was mad about (that sneaky Veela!).
Mildred's words played in her mind. Hermione was not keen on involving Harry, of all people, in this issue. Knowing him, Harry would immediately forgive her but he would insist on her telling Ginny the truth. Not only that, Hermione had a hunch that both Harry and Ginny would try to get the brunette to make up with Ron in the process. Hermione was nowhere near ready to confront Ron and mend their friendship. And even if the three of them would be on board and support her, Hermione had a feeling they would try to get her to involve the rest of her old friends such as Neville, Luna, and George. At that stage, Hermione might as well let Rita Skeeter interview her and publish an article about the brunette's struggles on the Daily Prophet. No. To prevent a horrifying snowball effect, Harry should not know anything about this at all.
But then again, how would Hermione be able to locate Umbridge? The old Hermione would be able to do it alone without any support. But the current Hermione, needing as less stress as possible, would not be able to do so. There was Fleur's contacts but Mildred was right: was Hermione willing for strangers to know of her issues?
The brunette sighed. As if knowing Hermione was still awake, Fleur unconsciously rubbed and patted the brunette's back gently, making noises one makes when trying to convince a baby to sleep. Hermione, once recovered from her surprise at the random movement, giggled quietly. Fleur was so adorable, even in her sleep.
Slightly cheered by Fleur's cute behaviour, Hermione closed her eyes again and within moments, fell into a deep sleep.
"A knut for your thoughts," Fleur's gentle voice pulled Hermione out of her reverie. "Or in your case, a galleon for your thoughts."
Hermione looked up from the lake and smiled at the approaching blonde. The sun's rays on Fleur's golden hair made her looked as if sparkling, making Hermione's heart skipped a beat. The brunette never tired of gazing at her lover.
"Why a galleon?" Hermione watched Fleur sat next to her on the jetty, offering the brunette a cup of steaming hot chocolate. Hermione was pleased to find marshmallows inside. Lovely.
"Because you're very precious to me, Hermione." Fleur's eyes danced with warmth.
Regardless of the frequency of the blonde repeating that particular sentence, Hermione still blushed hearing it. The brunette busied herself drinking the hot chocolate, ignoring Fleur's chuckle. One day, Hermione promised to herself, she would be the one constantly causing Fleur's face to blush.
Hermione leaned her head on Fleur's shoulder, inhaling the blonde's scent.
"I'm not sure what I should do, Fleur," the brunette admitted. "Everything still feels quite surreal. On one hand, I doubt the existence of soul killers. On the other, my experience tells me to do what Mildred said." She sighed.
"But?" Fleur prompted gently.
"But I don't want to involve anyone else. I mean, what should I tell my friends? They once thought I was slowly becoming insane – well, they're not that far off the mark; it's just that they don't know the full story of why I'm turning insane. What if they don't believe my story? I mean, I've been lying all this time to them, there's no way they'd believe this whole mess. The only one who'd believe me is most probably Luna. But who takes Luna seriously?"
"Luna is quite an insightful girl," Fleur said quietly, staring off into space. "Yes she is an oddball but she's always the first to figure out things. Did you know that she's set up a private consulting firm and that the Ministry frequently contracted her to advice on numerous cases for both the Aurors and Department of Mysteries?"
Hermione raised her eyebrows. No, she did not know and yes, that was an interesting piece of information. When and how the heck did that even happen?
"I believe people are starting to look past her eccentricities and take her seriously, Hermione," Fleur continued. "If you do plan on telling your friends, you might want to talk to Luna first. When they see that she believes you, they will follow suit."
Hermione smiled wistfully. In the past, if she was the one that believed something to be the truth, everyone else would follow. But now, with the pile of lies she had been dishing out, she needed Luna, of all people, to convince the others.
"But is it necessary to tell everyone?" the brunette thought out loud.
"Your friends deserve to know something, Hermione," Fleur said gently. "All they want is for you to be happy. They're concerned about you. They care about you. But they can't help you unless you tell them what kind of help you need exactly. I think had they known what's going on, I believe they wouldn't have thought you were turning insane."
Hermione was quiet. There was truth in Fleur's words. Would things be different had the brunette told the truth right from the start? Would they believe her? Would the whole thing be solved immediately? Most likely yes, considering Umbridge was still in Azkaban at that time and they could easily access that pink woman. Hermione sighed.
"I will be there with you, Hermione," murmured Fleur. "Unfortunately, I can't be the one who tell them. They deserve to hear it directly from you."
"What if we hunt for Umbridge ourselves, Fleur? Just us both?"
"No can do, sweetheart," Fleur shook her head. "We're pressed for time. There'll be too many dangers and I doubt we can deal with those as well as the soul killers at the same time. Well, there's always Patel & Associates if you want? I'm pretty sure I can offer them an amount they can't refuse to keep quiet about the whole situation."
"No, don't do that, Fleur. Don't waste your money unnecessarily just because I'm a coward and a liar."
"It's not a waste if at the end of the day you're safe and happy, Hermione."
"No Fleur, that's alright, I'll talk to Harry and Ginny soon." Knowing Fleur's stubbornness, Hermione made her decision there and then before the blonde decided to march to Patel & Associates. "I'll tell them the truth."
Fleur gave her a worried look. "Are you sure? I really don't mind to hire Patel & Associates for this."
"Yes, Fleur," Hermione nodded vigorously, hoping to dissuade the blonde. "I am very sure. In fact, let's drop by tomorrow, what do you think?"
"We're pressed for time, Hermione. Let's just do it now while the brownies are still warm, shall we?"
Hermione groaned internally. She looked at the grinning blonde and knew that Fleur managed to push her into taking action.
"You're so manipulative," the brunette grumbled, heading inside to change her clothes. She grudgingly admired Fleur's skilful way of handling her. It was quite frightening. But at the same time, Hermione felt slightly turned on by that. She shook her head and grabbed a grey sweater. Now was definitely not the time for that.
When Fleur took Hermione's hand and turned on the spot, the brunette was not expecting to arrive in front of a very familiar red telephone booth. Hermione groaned.
"Come on, we might be able to catch Harry before he goes for lunch," Fleur said as she pulled Hermione into the booth with her.
"Can't we just wait at Grimmauld Place?" the brunette whined. She was not looking forward to see her ex-colleagues.
"We don't know whether Harry will be working late tonight or whether Ginny will be home at all. It will be fine, Hermione. I am with you."
The brunette sighed, defeated. Fleur would do what Fleur wanted to do. Hermione had a feeling if she insisted on not wanting to go, Fleur would give in. But the blonde had been looking after her all these while. Letting Fleur had her way from time to time was a small repayment Hermione can more than afford.
Sure enough, when they arrived at the Atrium, they became the centre of attention. Nearly all eyes were on them. Instantly whispers and murmurs spread out, with Hermione's name the common word. Hermione hated it. She wanted to yell at them to look away, wanted to run away and hide. Coming here was a big mistake.
Just as she turned to run off, Fleur held her hand firmly and stepped in front of the brunette.
"I wonder, where could Mr Potter be?" the blonde said loudly in an alluring and seductive voice. Hermione stared at her lover. What was Fleur up to now?
"I've come so far just to see him but I'm afraid I will get lost," Fleur continued, sighing. To Hermione's amazement, more than half of the Atrium sighed as well. The brunette frowned.
"Is there anyone who can show me to him?" Fleur asked in that voice that started to annoy Hermione.
As if entranced, nearly everyone in the Atrium rushed toward the blonde, raising their hands and yelling 'Me! Me!', pushing each other out of the way, trying to eliminate competition.
"Ah." It dawned on Hermione that Fleur was using her Veela thrall at full blast to shift the focus to the blonde from the brunette. Hermione was grateful for that and squeezed Fleur's hand once to thank her silently.
"What's with the ruckus?"
A grumpy voice from behind Hermione startled the brunette. She was not expecting it. Hermione turned around and immediately jumped the man.
"Harry! I am so glad you are here!"
Immediately, the mob pointed at Harry and yelled, "There's Harry for you, Miss!" A scuffle broke out between three men who each claimed that they were the first one.
"What's going on, 'Mione?" whispered a confused Harry.
"Fleur happened," was Hermione's simple explanation.
The blonde in question raised her hand, demanding silence. It was instantly obeyed.
"Thank you for your kind help, beautiful ladies and brave gentlemen," Fleur said loudly, as seductive as possible. The Atrium sighed in longing collectively. Hermione had to stomp on Harry's feet to clear his head. "As Mr Potter is here now, I shall be taking my leave."
Harry, with Hermione nudging at him, led the brunette and the blonde away from the mob. As a parting gift, Fleur blew the throng a kiss, which resulted in another collective sigh. Hermione stared daggers at each of them (not that they were paying attention to the brunette).
"Not that I am unhappy to see the both of you here but why the sudden visit?" Harry asked when they reached his office. Hermione noted that Team Captain was inscribed on his door.
"Congratulations for the promotion, Harry," the brunette.
Harry beamed. "Thanks, 'Mione. If I work hard enough, I'll be department head within seven years. Ten years top."
"And to think you were this shy, scrawny kid," mused Fleur, taking a seat across Harry.
"Well I – " Harry was interrupted by a knock on the door. A moment later, without waiting for Harry's approval, the door was opened, revealing a grinning Ernest Maximillian.
"Hermione Granger! I have not seen you for a long time, how have you been?" Ernie was still as pompous as Hermione remembered him. She shook his proffered hand.
"I've been well, Ernie. I never knew you're an Auror now." Hermione tried to be as polite as possible.
"I believe that it is my duty to fight the good fight," Ernie beamed. "This job fits me well, don't you think?" He puffed out his chest proudly. Hermione had a feeling he was referring to the uniform, not the job itself.
"Ernie, why are you here?" Harry asked.
"Oh, I'm just here to catch Hermione," smiled Ernie pleasantly. "I have not seen her for quite some time and this is such a rare occasion I could not help myself barging in. My apologies, Harry."
"Hermione and I are here for a government matter," Fleur interjected, calmly taking Hermione's hand in hers, giving it a kiss. The brunette was aware that Ernie was staring in shock. "While I understand that you're Hermione's friend and would like to chat with her for a bit, I'd like to request you to leave. This is a highly-sensitive case and you're not included in my clearance list."
"Oh. I see." Ernie looked crestfallen. "My apologies for barging in uninvited. Have a pleasant day, ladies and gentleman." He closed the door quietly, not looking at any of them.
"By this evening half of Britain will know you guys are dating," Harry commented, amused.
Hermione groaned. "Just what I need."
"I'm sorry, Hermione, I shouldn't have done that," Fleur apologised immediately.
"No, Fleur, there's no need to apologise," Hermione shook her head. "Regardless of who I date, it will be a hot topic anyway. It's just that I am not looking forward to the media and hate mails."
"Hate mails?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Fleur's hot and has an army of fans," the brunette explained. "I'll be the most hated person in Britain by the end of today."
"On the bright side, everybody knows you're mine so they should back off," Fleur grinned.
Hermione just sighed and rolled her eyes.
"At any rate, how can I help you two ladies?" Harry asked. He pointed at the door and muttered the locking spell and Muffliato charm. Now nobody could enter without permission and no eavesdropper could hear anything. "And how are you, 'Mione? I'm so sorry with how Ron was acting up, that dolt is just being a stubborn ox. He just doesn't understand your situation. He's also doing the same with me. Sometimes he gets angry at me for not telling him much but he's not an Auror anymore, there's no way I'd just tell him classified things."
"Well," Hermione hesitated. Fleur squeezed her hand in encouragement, "I am here because of that. Ron. Plus a lot of other things I should've told you from the beginning. it's like this Harry. It's a long story. Wait – are we disturbing you? Do you have any meetings or interviews or whatnot?"
"By now the news of Hermione Granger walking into my office will already reach the Minister, 'Mione," Harry said gently. "They can take care of whatever I'm supposed to have. You're more important. Besides, I bet Ernie would blab about this 'top-secret government meeting' we're having right now. Nobody in their right mind would dare to bother us. So yes, I have time. What's troubling you, 'Mione?"
"Well, uh, it's a long story Harry," Hermione said nervously. She glanced at Fleur who smiled encouragingly at her. The brunette took a deep breath. This was it. Fleur was here, it would be alright. She was not alone. "Do you remember that night in Leaky Cauldron when all of us were gathering and having a mini celebration?"
Harry nodded slowly and leaned forward, fingers entwined. The serious and solemn expression he made encouraged Hermione. Harry would not immediately lose his temper – he would actually listen and try to understand her, no matter how hurt he would be feeling. So Hermione told her story, letting the words rolled of her tongue while her memories resurfaced. She described the events in a chronological fashion, as if reciting facts for a history test. While Harry's expressions alternated between shock, sombre, grave, angry, and disbelief, he did not interrupt Hermione, staying quiet.
When Hermione finished her tale, she looked at Harry with a fearful expression. He did not say anything, deep in thought, digesting her words. Had it not for Fleur's calming presence, Hermione would be running out of Harry's office and go into hiding. The brunette wished Harry would say something but did not dare to break the silence, for fear of harsh retorts.
Harry then stood and walked over to his cabinet, opened it, and, to Hermione's surprise, brought three cans of Pepsi, offering them to the two witches.
"As weird as it sounds, yes, I do prefer Pepsi," he gave them a wry smile.
"What's this?" Fleur asked, confused.
"It's a muggle unhealthy drink," Harry answered, popping his can open and took a gulp. "Drink it slowly, it's fizzy."
Hermione took Fleur's can, showed her how to open it, and told her to take a sip first. "Not everybody can gulp it at once like Harry." Turning to the wizard, the brunette remarked, "Wasn't expecting you to keep Pepsi in your office, Harry."
"It's kind of a luxury item for me, 'Mione," he leaned back on his chair and closed his eyes, savouring the taste. "Uncle Vernon rarely allowed me to have some. Now that I am a grown man and I can drink whatever I want to drink, I keep plenty of Pepsi around."
"It's…an odd taste," Fleur commented, face scrunched up and shook her head, trying to get rid of the fizzy taste. "But it's quite nice. I don't know how to describe it."
Harry laughed. "You should've seen Neville's reaction when he tried it for the first time. He spat it out and thought it's the muggles' weapon of destruction and that I was showing him a highly classified Auror matter."
Hermione chuckled. She could imagine Neville's earnest and serious face while saying those words.
"Hermione, can I try to open yours?"
Hermione looked in amusement as Fleur, with deep concentration, opened the can carefully. The blonde triumphantly handed the brunette the now-opened can. "Here you go, milady."
"You did considerably well compared to Ginny," chuckled Harry. "She shook the can around in excitement and well, the can turned to a volcano when she opened it the next minute."
"What – "
"Just don't shake a can of cola before you open it," advised Hermione. "It's dangerous."
Fleur took note of it seriously. Muggles could destroy the world easily if they want to.
"But back to the topic at hand, why did you not tell me earlier, 'Mione?" there was hurt in Harry's eyes. Hermione looked away, feeling guilty.
"I didn't want to lose you, Harry," she sighed.
"Why would I walk away from you? After all we've been through? After all the times you saved my neck?"
"I'm sorry Harry, I know you're angry but – "
"Of course I'm angry! You could've died, you know! We did not go through all those hardships just so you can suffer alone and rot away quietly. You're my best friend. You've stuck with me since I was eleven, even when everybody else deserted me. Why would I leave you now, 'Mione? I'm not afraid to protect you."
"I'm not saying you're a coward Harry but I'm half-mad. Why would you still be my friend?"
"Said the person who stood by me when everyone else thought I put my name in Triwizard Cup," Harry raised an eyebrow. "Also said by the person who stood by me when Ron walked out when we were hunting for Horcruxes."
Hermione had no idea what to say to that.
"Look, I can go on and on, but my point is, no matter what kind of situation you are in, I'll always be there for you, 'Mione," Harry continued gently. "If you're insane, let's be insane together. If you've decided to break into Gringgotts again, I'll help you carry the gold. The only thing I won't do is if you decide to become a nun – I love my sex life, thank you."
Hermione wiped away the tears that started to fall unbidden. "That's sweet of you, Harry," she chuckled.
"Why would you even think that, 'Mione? Have I ever given you any indication that I'd just walk away from your life at the slightest hint of trouble?"
"Well," the brunette hesitated, "it's not you per se but… On your birthday a few years back, I… I had the 'migraine' again and I saw how people looked at me, Harry. They thought I was insane. I overheard them talking about convincing me to go to St. Mungo's. I am not crazy. So I – "
" – thought that I would share their opinion as well," Harry finished her sentence, nodding in understanding. "I can't speak for the rest because I don't know what they think of it, but I certainly do not care whether you are actually insane or not. I mean, I do care and want you to be healthy always, but if it's unavoidable, I'd want to stand by you until the end, 'Mione."
"You're not…afraid?" Hermione asked in a low whisper.
"No, why would I?" Harry got off his chair and knelt in front of Hermione, looking into her eyes while firmly saying, "Hermione Granger, you stood by me all my life. I would like to support yours as well."
"Oh, Harry!" the brunette threw her arms around him, sobbing. A huge load was lifted off her chest.
"While I am afraid of your abilities – you're quite scary when you're angry – I am not afraid of you, 'Mione," he added. "You've helped me all my life – this time, let me help you, okay?"
Hermione nodded, whispering a thank you in his ears.
"And no more lies or hiding things from me, 'Mione," added Harry. "Please tell me whenever you feel hurt, or sad, or angry, or down, or just anything."
"Trying to take my job, Harry?" Fleur jokingly said.
Hermione laughed and wiped her tears away. She released her hold on Harry, who was smiling kindly at her.
"If you're not doing your job properly, then yes Fleur, I'll be taking it," Harry replied with a grin.
"Thank you for not yelling at me, Harry," Hermione said gratefully. "Even though you have every right to do so."
"Nah, that's Fleur's job, not mine."
"Hey! Why would that be my job?"
"Because you can have make up sex with Hermione later on, while I can't." Harry avoided Fleur's attempt at swatting his head. Hermione blushed.
"But in all seriousness," Harry's voice turned somber, "who sent those soul killers, 'Mione? Do you know the person? You haven't told me yet."
Hermione exchanged a glance with Fleur. Harry would not like this at all.
"It's Umbridge, Harry," the brunette answered.
As predicted, Harry went into rage mode.
"Umbridge? Dolores fucking Umbridge?" he growled. "I told Kingsley to just let her rot in Azkaban till she dies but no! He actually agreed to release her early!"
"Wait – Kingsley allowed that?" Hermione was horrified. Kingsley was there when Umbridge went on a rampage in Hogwarts. What was the Minister playing at, releasing that hideous demon?
"Yes," Harry answered unhappily. "He didn't really want to do it either but he's being pressured by many sides. He said his hands are tied. I wasn't really paying attention to the whole shenanigans because I didn't want to get angry all the time. So I ignored the whole thing. I'm sorry, 'Mione, had I known she's the culprit, I'd have pushed Kingsley harder."
"Who's cornered Kingsley?" Fleur asked, curious. The Minister was not one who could be cornered easily.
"I don't quite know, it's dirty politics," Harry sighed. "I do know there are some who wants him to step down and pass the baton to someone else who is controllable but I don't really know the specifics. I assume Umbridge has influential friends."
"Faeces are poisonous if not flushed properly," murmured Fleur.
Both Harry and Hermione stared at her.
"It's a phrase my mother likes to say," the blonde shrugged.
"A very apt phrase for this case," Harry remarked.
Despite herself, Hermione chuckled.
"Harry, I don't mean to add you unnecessary burden but are you able to help us to locate her? We need her physically so that we can bind the soul killers to her," Fleur said.
"But please, don't tell anyone else," Hermione added, anxious.
"Don't worry, 'Mione, I'll keep this quiet," he promised. "But I can't do it alone and no, you can't help me, 'Mione." He was stern. "Your own story said the more emotionally distressed you are, the more frequent the attacks are."
Hermione was crestfallen. She did not want her best friend to jump into danger alone for her sake. The least she could do was to help him out.
"I was thinking along the line of getting the good ol' troop to help," he continued. The brunette stared at him. Surely he did not mean…
"Yes, 'Mione, I was thinking to get help from our friends," Harry emphasized the word 'friends'. "Starting from Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna."
"No," Hermione shook her head vehemently. She did not want that. She was not capable to withstand their frightened looks again. "Not them, Harry. No."
"They will help you, 'Mione," he insisted. "Look, Ron is angry at you because he's hurt because he's being his childish self. But he does care about you and is worried about you. So are Ginny, Luna, Neville, and even Pansy."
"No Harry, they will run away from me. They think I am insane like Bellatrix," the brunette whispered.
"You've never gave them a chance to listen to your explanation, did you?" he asked, spot on. Hermione never even tried to explain about her condition to them. "'Mione, trust me, they will not leave you. If they do, then good riddance, I'd say. But they won't. They know how much you've sacrificed for them – for all of us. They miss you and would like to be a part of your life again. They don't even know why you disappeared. Nobody knows. Well, only I know now. And Fleur, of course."
"Hermione, Harry is right," Fleur said gently. "I believe the soul killers are the ones making you feel that you're all helpless and alone. They want you to be cut off from your support system, to make it easier for you to give up life."
"If you're uncomfortable in facing them, I can summarise it to them before you meet them," suggested Harry.
Hermione looked at Fleur. The blonde's eyes were filled with emotions that Hermione grew to like: encouragement, support, kindness, acceptance, and warmth. Part of Hermione was rebelling against the idea while part of her knew that both Harry and Fleur were right. She was conflicted and confused. But the more she thought about Fleur's words, the more it made more sense to the brunette. She recalled the times she went to hang out with her friends previously, when the attacks had started. Each time she was going out, there was this sinking feeling of dread, making her try to come up with a million excuses for not going. Each time she was enjoying herself surrounded by friends, there would always be something that made her took steps to isolate herself. Even having a girlfriend was nothing short of a miracle – it was purely Fleur's stubbornness that led to a chance at romance.
"While I am not keen on explaining myself all over again, I do know and I do understand why I should tell them," Hermione said quietly. She sighed. "One moment I'd tell myself that yes, my friends deserve the truth. The next moment I'd go 'why do they need to be told anything?'. It's maddening. But involving them would be dangerous, Harry. Not everyone went through Auror training."
"But they did fight against Voldemort and his Death Eaters, 'Mione," Harry reasoned. "I'd say they're more than well-trained."
Hermione mulled for a moment. "What if I say no?"
"Then I will still help you but I will give you the silent treatment," Harry said seriously. "And the next time you come 'round my place I will tell Ginny that you've been extremely mean to me. You know how protective she can be."
"That's not fair!" the brunette protested.
"All I'm asking – no, demanding – is that you come clean to all of us and let us back into your life so that we can help you and watch you be happy again, 'Mione," Harry pleaded. "They might yell at you for the first few minutes but I promise you they will not walk away from you. If anyone does, I will murder the person myself."
Hermione chuckled. She took a deep breath. Should she take this chance?
"I don't have enough courage to face them, Harry," the brunette said. "However, if it's not too much trouble, can you show them your memory of me telling you my story?"
"Are you sure, 'Mione? Because er I did see the both of you holding hands and stuff and I don't know how to block them from my memories so they cannot see it."
"Thanks to Ernie, I bet they'd know by now I'm with Fleur," Hermione shrugged. "If they have issues with me dating another witch, I don't want them getting involved with helping me."
"Very well, I'll gather them soon and I'll show them my memory," Harry said. "Once I've done that, I'll let you know how it goes and then we can plan for the next step. But how do I contact you?"
Hermione looked at Fleur for help. The brunette was not ready to be easily reached by people, even if it was Harry.
"Send an owl to my apartment in London," Fleur answered. "I'll check the place once a day."
"I'm sorry Harry, it's not that I don't want to show you my house," Hermione apologised. "It's just that – "
"Don't worry, 'Mione, one step at a time," Harry smiled kindly. "I'm just thankful you've finally told me the truth. I've missed you so much."
Hermione pulled him into a hug, grateful that she had one of the most wonderful men in the world as her best friend.
"But I have to bring you to see Ginny, though," Harry said apologetically, releasing the brunette's hug. "She's been so worried about you. She nearly hexed Ron into oblivion for what he did."
"And I did bring some brownies," Fleur announced.
Harry chuckled. "I see you've come prepared. Well then, shall we?"
Hermione nodded.