A/N: Someone pointed out to me in a review that I had made a mistake in the time frame of things. This story takes place in the trio's last year of school.

Chapter 19: Goodbyes Can Be Difficult

The term had gone by quickly for everyone and summer break was slowly creeping up on everyone. Everyone seemed to get anxious to leave school but Hermione wanted to stay in the castle forever if she could. Going home meant that Hermione would have to face the reality of never seeing her mother again; it also meant that a lot of her mum's possessions would be packed up and put away.

So every morning Hermione would take the Daily Prophet and look through the houses and flats that were for sale or rent. She was of age anyway so maybe it would be time to move out after she finished at Hogwarts and that would mean that she would barely ever have to go home again and see the emptiness.

"What are you looking at?" Ron asked through his eggs one morning.

"Flats that I could rent." There had been a nice one in Diagon Alley that was in a nice area and close enough to the twins joke shop that she could see them often. There was also another in Hogsemeade but it wasn't as cheap.

Ginny sat next to the girl, "You know that you can always live at the burrow for a while. Mum and dad would be happy to have you close by."

A snorting sound came from behind them as Lavender and Parvati walked past. "Yeah I'm sure mommy weasel is going to be thrilled to have Hermione live in the same house with her boyfriend, that's just weird."

Having had enough Hermione slammed the Daily Prophet on the table. "Just shut up Lavender. You're bitter because you don't know who I'm dating and for once that means that you don't know everything. Well guess what, you're never going to know! So shut your bloody mouth about it and give it a rest, you're annoying EVERYONE!"

The tirade had caught everyone's attention and when Lavender looked around and saw everyone watching as she got told off by the "nerdiest girl in Hogwarts history" tears welled up in her eyes and she ran out of the Great Hall.

"She deserved it." Ron mumbled.

"I was wondering if I could use your floo this weekend," Hermione was in Bills room reading a book as he graded papers. "I want to go to Diagon Alley and look at a flat. I would only be gone an hour or two."

"No matter what Dumbledore is going to know you left the castle. You could ask him for permission and not just try to sneak out."

Bill had a good point, the headmaster would know she had left and he would know what floo she had used getting them both into trouble. It was only Wednesday so she would ask him tomorrow.

The next day Hermione approached Dumbledore's office before breakfast and with a solid knock on the wooden door she entered to see him reading the Quibbler behind his desk.

"Miss Granger, how may I help you this morning?"

"I was wondering if I could floo to Diagon Alley for a few hours this weekend to look at a flat. I don't want to rent it before seeing what kind of condition it's in first."

Behind his desk, Dumbledore chuckled. "You always have been very prepared Miss Granger. Of course you may use the floo."

With a smile and a nod the young woman left and returned to her studies.

"I don't know Bill, you just seem so….different." Charlie was trying to find the right word for it, but the only one that came to mind was 'happy.' "Grading papers and trying to keep students out of trouble must be a lot easier than being a curse breaker."

The boys chuckled. It was easier, but that's not why Bill felt lighter. It was Hermione. The girl challenged him, made him think in different perspectives and knew information about everything. It was amazing.

"I guess when you go from translating ancient runes and trying not to blow yourself up keeping Gryffindors and Slytherins apart isn't so difficult."

"I would feel the same way with dragons I guess."

Bill and Charlie had always been close, but it seemed difficult to explain why Bill felt so in tune with Hermione, their younger brother's best friend. It was odd to think about Ron fancying Hermione simply because Ron had liked her for very different reasons, but Bill didn't need his homework done or his life saved.

"You're spacing out again, Bill." Groaning, Charlie ran a hand through his hair. "You're really into Hermione mate. It's obvious."

Bill at least had the decency to blush. "I dunno, she challenges me."

Suddenly there was a roar and Charlie spun around. "I gotta run, catch up later."

The floo disconnected and Bill sat on the couch. I guess I really am into her.

The last week of school was very difficult for everyone. Hermione was going to be at her own flat in Hogsmeade, which Bill was happy about because he could visit her, but everyone else was returning to the Burrow.

Fred and George had made an appearance towards the middle of the week to set off fireworks on the grounds in an attempt to cheer everyone up and Lavender had stayed away from Hermione which made everything a little easier.

"At least we'll be able to see each other this summer." Bill knew she was worried about everything and he always tried to calm her down. "You've already gotten owls from several jobs as well, it seems like everything will work out splendidly."

All she could do was nod, her head resting on Bill's toned chest. The past year had been more than trialing for Hermione and she was just waiting for something good to come of it all.

"Hermione," Bill shifted around so he was laying on his side looking at her. "You know that I care about you a lot, and I've tried to be there for you through everything that's happened." Another nod. "You are the most amazing person I have ever had the pleasure to spend time with and be this close with."

"Thank you Bill, that means a lot." The girl worried her bottom lip feeling herself get nervous. "I'm really glad that we've gotten so close."

Pushing back a lock of hair Bill ran his knuckles down the side of his girlfriend's face. "I love you Hermione."

The soft kisses that followed her more intimate than Bill had ever felt. The pair of bodies pushed against one another and the gentleness of Hermione's soft pouty lips against his was almost more than he could have handled.

"I love you too."

A/N: Sorry this seemed like such a "fillery" chapter.