Disclaimer: All characters belong to JK Rowling. No infringement intended.

Chapter four

Between Bicorn and Braxton Hall

The rest of days dragged slowly over the week, Harry didn't bother himself anymore because of his anxiety, which at that point, it had become a very familiar and natural feeling. There wasn't a hour or one minute in which he doesn't recreated in his mind the trip to Parkins Valley, what he would say to Hermione when the time arrived or even if none of that happen, if all these expectations remain only in his mind and nothing else. And if nothing happen? If, in the end, everything comes down to a strangely normal trip? Harry didn't complain to ask such questions to himself, he decided that no matter what happen, he would be happy just to be able to spend time alone with Hermione, even though they wouldn't be as alone as he would like.

Once he found her in the Ministry, Harry told her that Ginny had refused the proposal because she was too busy with work and the invitation was still standing. Hermione was a bit reluctant but she accepted in the end, making Harry perturbatively happy. The two spent some time at the Harry's office, all because he wanted her to help him work out some possible speech, if it were necessary, Harry would have to be prepared and he really hated public speaking. Six years ago, when he had just defeated Voldemort, the speeches were constant, the interviews were endless and the homage, well... Harry had lost count of how many he had received. For his luck, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna, George and many others who helped in the victory over the Dark Lord, always accompanied him and helped him in interviews and even after all these years, he still felt a little uncomfortable.

Aberle's appearances in his office have also intensified in the passing days, he wanted to check and note down the final details of the trip and he told Harry that wouldn't be possible apparate in the city, for a recommendation of the hosts and founders were established boundaries around the city, because the flow of people on the streets was intense and besides, there could be a tumult if someone recognize him on the way to the hotel. So, he and Hermione would have to use the Floo network connected to a fireplace that was in a private room at the hotel. There, they would be greeted by a few people who will accommodate and provide the necessary security to them. Harry listened in silence, everything was perfect, even Aberle noticed that Harry was very smiling in recent days.

With the weekend coming, Hermione hurried in the affairs and arranged a time to pack her bag with calm. She chose very different clothes from what she was used to wearing lately, since her fight with Ron she was wearing dark clothing and she knew that she wasn't caring about the appearance of her hair, most of the time, you could only see her with her hair in a messy bun. Now, she wanted to wear clothes with bright colors and decided to get a new look before she go, after all, she would meet Braxton Hall, and if he saw her like that? No way. Harry, on the other hand, had to observe Ginny packing his bag and this was a real nuisance to him, since she never let him take his favorite clothes with the argument that some clothes were old and torn up.

"You don't need to take a winter coat! I heard this city is hell itself, it's hot almost all year. But don't worry, I'll put a long sleeve shirt and don't argue with me." - she said, bossy.

Harry just nodded, he wouldn't allow Ginny spoil his good mood.

When the day of the trip arrived, Harry was so excited, he woke up early, took a shower in the company of Ginny against his will and went to the kitchen where he prepared a really strong coffee. He said goodbye to Ginny, he didn't want to prolong this moment and he couldn't be late. Harry had agreed to meet up with Hermione, Aberle, Anna and Sirius in the Ministry, luckily, Ginny wasn't in the mood for some drama and she was very quick in the goodbye kiss. Harry grabbed his bag and a few seconds later disappeared into the fireplace.

Everyone was waiting for Harry when he appeared in the main room of the Department of Magical Transportation, it's from there that Harry and Hermione would use the Floo network to reach Parkins Valley.

"I'm not late, right?" - Harry asked, worried.

"Be calm, you're not," - Sirius said approaching the godson, patting his back. "Harry, are you sure you don't want Anna to go with you? Just in case! You two will be okay?" - he winked at Harry without anyone seeing. Harry could feel his cheeks burning with shame.

"Oh yeah, have you forgot that you're talking to the person who defeated Voldemort? Frankly, Sirius." - Anna, who missed the provocation of Sirius to Harry, joked.

"You all have to stop treating Harry as if he were immortal. Yes, he defeated Voldemort, but he will eventually die, like all of us in this room someday, let's hope this day is still far, but either way"- she took a deep breath, "We'll be fine," - Hermione said turning to Sirius, "I promise that I bring some acid pops for you, well ... if I find it."

"This is bad, Hermione. You are feeding his addiction." - Harry warned, making everyone laugh.

"Enough talk, come on..." - Aberle manifested, clapping his hands to rush them.

Harry and Hermione said goodbye to their friends and then, they entered into the fireplace and reappeared in a pretty large room. They saw three unfamiliar faces, smiling and elated when they appear in the fireplace.

"Welcome, my friends! It's an honor to welcome you in our city! "- said the taller man of them, approaching Harry and reaching out to greet him. "Nice to meet you, I'm Briggs. Briggs Griffiths, one of the city managers and you well, you're Harry Potter... our beloved minister and I always knew you were more handsome in person."

Harry wanted to say something, but this seemed impossible since the man was frantic. Harry glanced at Hermione, who luckily was also looking at him with an embarrassed smile, he got a little uncomfortable, but decided not to interrupt the man.

"What do I see here? Mrs. Weasley is a great pleasure to see you in person, how's your husband?"- she opened her mouth to answer him, but it was in vain, the man continued to talk. "He is a splendid keeper, the best, I dare to say. Who knew that Chudley Cannons still had a chance, huh? But he managed to make the team revive, if I remember correctly, I think I witnessed one of his games..."

"For God's sake, Briggs! Let them breathe." - exclaimed a woman, with an unusually low height and long blond manicured hair, who was visibly irritated with the reception of her friend, "My name is Seely, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm also a city manager along with Mr. Briggs, as you have had the opportunity to meet," - she threw a furious glance at Briggs, who returned with a grimace, "...Pearce, he is already at the center of the city waiting for us, and of course, that's Leverett, the hotel owner."

"Oh, it's an honor, Minister... Mrs. Weasley." - he greeted Harry and Hermione quickly, and they could feel his trembling hands, "Welcome to Bicorn Hotel. The best in town!"

"My pleasure, I'm sure we'll love your hotel, seems to be very beautiful." - Hermione smiled.

"Yes, it's very beautiful indeed. This room is quite... peculiar." - Harry said smiling, his eyes looking at the room where they were.

It was totally strange, but in a good sense of the word. The room was so bright that made whoever was present there get the color of the lights, and the walls were covered with pictures, there was no empty space, each picture was in a different mold and colorful. Harry realized from the pictures he could see, that everyone seemed very happy but the funny thing was that he was happy in that room too, as if the day was perfect and everything was possible. But one object in particular in the left corner of the room caught his attention, upon a small altar, he saw an object with a familiar format, it was a shallow basin made of stone.

"Wow, that's a..."

"Pensieve?" - Leverett smiled, "Yes, it is. A rare artifact, don't you agree? I guess that makes me a lucky man."

Harry nodded with a smile.

"But I'm afraid I have some bad news..." - Leverett said, apprehensively. "I was told you would be accompanied, Minister, but... I thought it was your wife, I booked the best bedroom, but now..." - he pointed to Hermione, with an embarrassment in his voice.

"Oh no, no, no." - Harry said, "No problem, it clearly was our mistake. Aberle, my assistant, should have told you that Hermione would come with me, he probably forgot that detail. We don't mind staying in the same..." - he interrupted his speech when he realized he was making decisions without consulting Hermione, "Oh... sorry! Hermione, it's okay to stay in the same bedroom?"

"Of course not! Don't worry, Leverett. We'll be fine. I'll put him to sleep on the couch." - she raised an eyebrow.

Harry scratched his head while everyone laughed at Hermione's joke.

"Relax, Minister! I will provide until the end of the day a bedroom as good as this one!"

"Excellent!" - Hermione said, excitant.

"Follow me, I'll show you your suite."

Leverett led them through the hotel and on the way, Harry notice the funny way he walked, he seemed to bounce off the ground. The man walked by the hotel pointing to some objects and telling stories about them and their ancestors, as was expected, many people was passing through the hotel lobby, they recognized Harry and Hermione, and waved excited and curious to them, Harry nodded sympathetically.

"Do you know if Braxton Hall is in town?" - Hermione asked Seely, who walked beside her.

"Of course! He was born here and every year he comes to the city's anniversary. It's the home of his family, loved by everyone here I must say, you will know him, he will sing some songs for the population at dusk. "

"Really? I cannot wait, I'm a big fan." - Hermione said with some excitement.

"And who isn't?"

Harry, who had stopped paying attention to the Leverett's stories, heard Hermione ask about the singer and observed the two women laughing. "Me." he mentally answered to the Seely's rhetoric, feeling jealous.

xxx

A sigh. It was Hermione's reaction when she entered the bedroom specially reserved for them. It was immense and delicately decorated, there were several paintings scattered through the walls of the room, all brightly colored and without any recognizable figure, only random brush strokes. It had two rooms, but no wall separating them, an arrangement of flowers was onto the huge bed and noticeably comfortable, there was also a small coffee table positioned in front of the window, catching the sight of a small part of the forest and the Morme lake, wich surrounded the median city. Hermione giggled when she saw the couch in the corner near the fireplace and turned to Harry.

"I see that your bed is ready." - she said.

"As much as Mrs. Weasley wants you to sleep on the couch, you can be sure it will not happen, Minister. I will provide the other bedroom!" - Leverett said as he picked up the flower arrangement on the bed, taking it to the table where he left there. "A small welcome gift."

"Thank you, it's very nice of you and Leverett, you can call me Harry..."

"Sure!"

"Well... we'll be waiting for you in the hall. Everyone is very anxious, don't be late." - Briggs was pushing slowly Seely and Leverett out of the room and Harry could hear the protest of the two.

"It's a lovely room." - Harry heard his friend said as he opened his suitcase on the bed and with the help of his wand, he deposited his clothes, all well folded by Gina, in the closet.

"Harry, I don't believe you're using magic to do that." - Hermione shook her head.

"You heard Briggs, we can't be late, so it's easier."

"Oh, in that case" - she said, opening her bag and doing the same thing with her wand. Harry watched from the corner of his eyes and smiled without her noticing. "When they said Parkins Valley was too hot, I thought they were exaggerating." - she continued, taking her winter coat and putting it in the closet.

"It's not so hot like that." - he took off his coat and then his tie, "I heard you and Seely talking... you're prepared to meet the famous Braxton Hall?"- he said, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. Hermione could feel the disdain in Harry's tone.

"Super!" - she replied.

"Hm... then, shall we?"- Harry changed the subject.

"You can go first, I'll put another blouse otherwise I will cook myself on the way."

"You think I have to change this shirt too?" - Harry looked at his shirt and then looked uncertainly to Hermione.

"No, I love that shirt on you, in fact, you look very good in blue!" - she said, staring at him. Harry saw a smirk on her face. Hermione suddenly blinked and turned quickly to the closet, looking for a blouse.

"Ok..." - Harry frowned and smiled warily. "I'll be downstairs, hurry up..."

Harry watched from afar Seely checking her watch every second, as he walked up to them.

"Am I in trouble?"

"What?" - Seely was shocked to realize that Harry saw her looking at her watch, "Oh no, no, Harry... I have this habit of, ah ... you know."

"I'm just kidding." - Harry gave a slight squeeze on her shoulder, while he laughed. "Wait just a minute, Hermione said she wouldn't be late." - he said, turning to Briggs. Harry's eyes crossed the hall, he was now staring at the door of the room where he and Hermione came to Parkins Valley. A strange feeling grew in him, like something was pulling him to that room, he felt attracted to it.

"I'm noticing that you liked that room." - Leverett interrupted his thoughts.

"Ah... yes, I liked... it's very... different!"

"It would be strange if you didn't like it, Harry!"

"What do you mean?" - Harry looked away, which until then was fixed to the door, to Leverett.

"My late wife created that room, it's called the 'The Happy Room', though the reason why it was created doesn't make justice to the name," - Harry saw the man's expression changed to a melancholy and tearful look. "For many years we tried to have children, one day she finally got pregnant and she gave birth to this little baby... so beautiful... Amanda was her name, but she got very sick and there was nothing we could do but wait for the worst. Virginia, my wife, was helpless when our daughter..." - he couldn't complete the sentence, "Well, she was tired of feeling sad and all she wanted was to have a place where she could feel happiness again. So she built that room and cast a spell. It evokes the best feelings in you, the best memories, everything that makes you feel happy. That's why everyone who has visited wants to go back there," - the man approached Harry, "All those portraits on the walls are from people who visited my hotel or the city..."

"And the Pensieve?" - Harry asked.

"It's for visitors. You deposit the best memory you had while you were here. When your visit is over, you can also leave the happiest memory you lived here in the Pensieve."

"Definitely, I will and Leverett..." - Harry said, shaking the man's shoulder, "I'm sorry for what happened... with your daughter, I know exactly what you went through." - Leverett lowered his face and nodded silently.

"Finally, there she is." - Briggs said relieved, making Harry and Leverett turn to him. Hermione came hurrying toward them. Harry put his hands in his pocket and stared the changed look of his friend, who now wore a purple blouse that "emphasized" her bust, her hair was loose and neat. Harry waited until Hermione was around and whispered, "Please tell me you're not dressed up like that just because of Braxton." Hermione, however, didn't bother and simply smiled at him, which angered him even more.

They followed by one of the streets that was strategically interdicted, because at the end of it they would have access to the fund of the symbolic stage set up in the town square. You could hear, coming from all corners, trumpets, shouts, laughter, mixed music and echoing through the streets. Hermione admired the decoration of the city, bright ribbons and flags were everywhere, all of them were orange and purple, the colors of the city. She listened Seely telling gladly, the story of the place, traditions and the changes over the years. Harry, on the other hand, walked with Leverett and Briggs a few steps behind, listening to them talking, but he wasn't paying much attention, his eyes were watching Hermione. She was so beautiful, her hair sliding from one side to the other in every step, her blouse mingling with the purple flags scattered around the street, he can't help but notice the way her hips move, he let his mind sink in dirty thoughts about Hermione, but his reverie only lasted a few seconds because a name came up in Harry's mind: "Braxton Hall." Harry rolled his eyes and breathed, whatever was Hermione's reaction, he knew there was nothing much to worry about, soon they would leave and Hermione would never see him, at least, not soon, and what the hell was he thinking? Hermione was married, now this. "As if Ron were not enough!" - he complained and regretted at the same time for the horrifying thought.

"We have arrived! Stay here a minute, we're going up and Pearce will announce your entry" - said Briggs, and was climbing up along with Seely and Leverett.

"You'll hurt your hands if you keep doing that!" - said Hermione, who noticed the nervousness of Harry and was trying to separate his sweaty hands. "I don't know why you still get nervous about these things, besides, I'm here with you, everything will be okay." - he took a deep breath and calmed down, those words were so true, no matter what he had to face, if Hermione stayed by his side, everything would be fine.

It didn't take long when Harry heard the unfamiliar voice, probably the man named Pearce, inviting them to go up on stage. Hermione grabbed Harry's arm and onstage, they had a vision of how beautiful the city really was. They looked together, the square almost crowded with hundreds of ecstatic faces, most of them were waving small flags of Parkins Valley, some had their faces painted, others shouted and waved to them. Harry gave a quick glance and could see hundreds of food stalls on the east side of the square, on the other side he could see tables all over the place. He looked perplexed at Hermione, who looked back and smiled at him, "They are waiting for you...", she encouraged him. Harry pressed his wand into his throat and muttered: "Sonorus!"

"Good morning, residents and visitors of Parkins Valley! It is an honor to celebrate with you this day so important to everyone here, it's an even greater honor to be honored. I never know exactly what to say in my speeches and you, well... I think you already know this, right?" - Harry heard the laughter of the crowd, he wasn't only known for being the boy who survived and defeated the Dark Lord, but also, as the Minister who had committed some gaffes in his speeches. "I thank everyone who was in the fight for days like this come true, days of joy and splendor. I appreciate all the support that the wizarding community has given the Ministry and I guarantee that while I remain in this position, I will do everything in my power so we can continue to live in peace. The city is wonderful, I confess that the combination of purple and orange has never been so loved by me as now and also, I hope that the food is as tasty as it sounds because I intend to pass on all the stalls," - he smiled, waving away to people who were in the stalls, "… and Happy Birthday, Parkins Valley!" - Harry turned to Briggs, Seely, Pearce and Hermione, giving a sign and together, they pointed their wands to the center of the square, where were located several piles of boxes, wich at their command, released dozens of fireworks, exploding in the form of bells, hearts and stars of all colors, shining through the sky and reflecting in the eyes of every one present there. The party had officially begun.

xxx

"Come quickly, here." - Harry could hear Seely from afar and when he saw her, he noticed she was dragging a man by his arm through the cluster of people. Hermione, who was facing Harry turned to see what would have diverted his attention and she froze at the same moment. "Braxton, let me introduce, this is Harry Potter." - the man reached out and Harry returned the gesture, politely. He could feel a gloomy air coming through those huge black eyes for a second, Harry thought he was in the presence of a Death Eater, after all, Braxton was all in black, making Harry have a brief monologue of how the singer was surviving in that heat, with that jacket. Braxton's hair reminded him of Snape but much shorter. "And Hermione." - the woman continued.

"So you're the famous Hermione? I read a lot about you, you..." - he pointed to the two, "... on the newspaper and about the other one too... your husband, right?"

Harry felt sleepy, Braxton's voice was very quiet and you could hear a snobbish tone amid the British accent more accentuated than Hermione's.

"Me? Not at all," - Hermione let out giggles among the words, she didn't wanted to show her nervousness but she felt it was impossible, "... and yes, my husband, Ronald Weasley!"

"Oh my God, the Chudley Cannons keeper! He is a good one, I dare say that if it weren't for him, the team probably wouldn't have won the League Cup, you agree Minister?"

"Absolutely!" - Harry replied, not very interested.

"Where is he now?" - Braxton gave some sideways glances.

"He couldn't come, he is in training." - Harry noticed the sad tone in her voice.

"His bad luck, right? How could he change the company of a beautiful woman to get sweaty with a bunch of men?" - the singer joked, making Hermione smile. "I must confess that reading all the stories about you... I thought you two would be together, let me know if I'm wrong Minister, but I heard that you'd be totally lost without this beauty."

Hermione blushed, arranging her hair behind her ear, but Harry didn't know if she was embarrassed by the praise or by the comment on they get together.

"Many people thought that... but we are only best friends." - Harry answered, hesitantly.

"Whatever! Now... hmm, I'm hungry." - Braxton closed his eyes and smelled the aroma in the air, "This smell, I can say that the kidney pies are delicious." - he turned to Harry, "You don't mind if I steal your best friend for a while, right?"

Wrong, you'll not take her anywhere. That's what Harry thought of saying. He looked at Hermione with the hope that she made any sign of rejection but instead he found an eager and happy look in her eyes.

"No! As long as you bring her safely to me." - Harry faked a smile.

"Don't worry, we'll just eat something and we'll be back."

"Harry, you'll be fine?" - she asked, getting closer to Harry.

"Yes, I will. Go have fun, I'll take a walk with Seely and Leverett... just be careful, ok?"- and his hand involuntarily gripped Hermione's hand.

Hermione nodded quietly and smiled at him. Then she walked over to Braxton and they disappeared into the crowd. Harry just took a deep breath and turned to meet Leverett and Seely, they were talking a little further back. Harry decided that he wouldn't get carried away by jealousy, after all, who was he to be feeling jealous of her? This is ridiculous. He thought. And at that point, his hope of applying Sirius's advice was already fading away.

Harry spent the rest of the morning in the company of Seely and Leverett, going from one agglomerate to another, talking to some people that stopped halfway. He chose not to eat, so he could fulfill the promise embedded in his speech and visit all the stalls, but he only gave a pinched at every meal, so therefore he could prove a bit of everything. When he faced several acid pops in one of the stalls, he remembered that Hermione had made a promise to Sirius, he bought some and kept the little package in the back pocket of his pants, he would hand to her as soon as they met again. Harry looked around quickly, hoping to find her in the crowd, hours had passed since he had seen her near the stage and so far no sign of them. Harry started to get worried and asked Seely about their whereabouts, the witch immediately calmed him down, saying that there was no reason for his concern, given that Braxton was a great guy, despite his appearance, and that he soon would perform with his band, then they could be so far. He knew that Hermione could defend herself if anything happened but what bothered him most was knowing that she was out there doing who knows what in the company of the this man.

The day continued quite turbulent and now it was time for Harry talk to the children who surrounded him, some of them was pulling the hem of his shirt in an attempt to get some attention, the most astute ones wanted details of how he defeated Voldemort. Harry bent down to take some pictures with them and one of the children caught his attention, it was a little girl, her hair was wavy and red, her green eyes bulging in amazement at the sight of Harry, she showed him, very proud, the small scar on her chin but unlike Harry (and to his relief), it wasn't linked to forces of darkness, but only a consequence for wanting to fly on hers brother's broom without permission. Briggs and Pearce came rushing and they tried to dispatch all the children, who were now hanging on Harry.

"So sorry, Minister! These children of today, you know..." - said Briggs, taking a handkerchief from his pocket and wiping the sweat on his forehead.

"It's okay, I love children, hope someday I can have many little monsters like these." - Harry laughed as he packed his clothes all wrinkled.

"How was the tour? Too bad we couldn't go with you." - said Pearce.

"It was great! I proved that old saying 'grain by grain the hen fills her belly.'"- Harry rested his hand on his belly.

"I'm sure that you still left a space for dinner." - Seely teased.

They laughed as Harry grimaced upon hearing the comment.

"Well, well, look what we have here. I heard your voice and I came running, Minister!"

A shiver ran down his spine. Harry would recognize that voice even if he was partially deaf, he turned to face her, the same red nails, the same fancy dress, the same curly hair and of course, glasses.

"Good afternoon to you too, Skeeter!" - said Harry in a cynical tone, "It's a pleasure to see you here."

"It's a pleasure to see me anywhere, in fact." - a small notebook opened in the air and the Quick-Quotes Quill quickly began to write incessantly. "But let us leave aside the formalities, Minister! Tell me... the party of this, let's say, interesting city, have what it takes to receive the unique Harry Potter? Or... "

"Skeeter, you better stop it." - Harry said, pointing to the Quick-Quotes Quill.

"Do you regret coming to this ho..."

"Stop now!" - he said between his teeth, giving a slap in the quill, "You're not welcome here. You should be grateful that I've left you working at the Prophet, even after everything you've written..."

"But I'm not in the headlines!" - she interrupted, sharply.

"BUT YOU HAVE A JOB!" - Harry took a deep breath, trying to find some remnant of patience, "Look, the only reason you still have this job it's because of your family... and I'm still trying to figure out which spell you used on your husband who seems to be a good man and he married with this..." - he pointed indignantly to her, "You have a daughter, I hope she hasn't inherited the traits of her mother. Have some respect, Skeeter!"

"Harry!" - he felt a hand squeeze his arm and when he turned, he saw Hermione.

"Hey, I was worried... where were you?"

Skeeter laughed and they stared at her at the same time.

"Why is that whenever I see you, you're accompanied by the flower of Hogwarts?" - the reporter approached Harry, putting her hand in her mouth and whispering, "Your wife accept that she never will be your favorite?"

"Ugh, you disgust me, Skeeter! How a woman can be as petty as you? "- Hermione snorted.

"The truth is a funny thing, isn't? Always cause conflict and let people... nervous, I don't know why..." - she continued with a pleasant smile on her lips. "But since you show up, darling, answer me one thing: when will you finally accept the request to teach at Hogwarts, huh? It wouldn't be a problem spending a few months away, given that your husband does the same with you. Don't you agree, Harry?"

"That's enough, Skeeter!" - Harry stared at the reporter closely, with fury in his eyes, making Hermione jump quickly, grabbing his arms and pull him back.

"Go away!" - Hermione screamed.

Rita turned and walked away, but they could still hear her laughter as she walked.

"She's like a Dementor."- said Harry, realizing the look of sadness on Hermione's eyes. "Don't be sad, Hermione. You know how she is..."

"I know... I'm fine, I swear! And you? Survived without me?"

"For the first time, yes. Where were you? I thought you'd never come back." - Harry tried to keep his voice casual in the more convincing way as he could.

"Oh Harry, it was so nice! He is a totally different person than he seems, he introduced me to his family... I didn't know he had a little sister, very lovely, I wish you had known her, then we had lunch and he told me about his inspirations and music and..."

"Okay, okay. I think I understand. As for the little sister, I think I already hit my share of children today." - he laughed, pointing to a scratch on his neck that he has won from one of the children while they tried to climb into his lap.

"What animals." - she joked, approaching to better see the scratch, "Oh, and I can also see that they have done a little damage to your glasses, huh?" - she pointed to the small crack in the corner of the lens

He was squinting, trying to see the damage. "I hadn't even noticed!"

"I think I know how to fix this..." - she drew her wand and pointed to the glasses, "Oculus Reparo!"

And in an instant, the crack in the lens is gone, but he felt a crack in his heart. So many years had passed since Hermione had said the same spell on the Hogwarts Express for the first time, he looked at her and he could see that same girl who went into his cabin, full of attitude and with a snobbish look, who would say that she would become his best friend, the best person that he ever met, the woman with a heart of gold... the love of his life.

"Harry!" - Hermione snapped her fingers in front of Harry's face, awakening him from his brief reverie. "Wake up!"

"Huh? Ah... Yes, sorry, I just... you know, memories..." - he said, flustered.

"I know what you're talking about, I remembered too!" - she smiled at him, tenderly.

"Hermione... if you don't mind, I'm going back to the hotel, you can stay here if you want, the show will start in a few minutes."

"So I guess I'll have to get back with you, right? After all, you really think you will sleep in the bed? "

Harry laughed.

"I had forgotten this great little detail. But seriously, you don't need to go."

"I want to. I've spent all day with my idol, now I want to spend the rest of the night with my hero and my best friend." - she put her arm through Harry's arm and together they started walk in their way to the hotel.

"Your hero, huh?" - Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Of course you are, you are everybody's hero."

"In this case you're the heroine in this story, because let's face it, how far I would have gone without your help?"

"Not so far..." - she said, posing.

"You're so full of yourself!"

"You said first."

"You won. You know, I was thinking... we didn't have a proper teenager time, right?"

"If by 'proper' you mean normal, I agree! All the young people concerned about the grades and parties and we were..."

"Trying to find a way to defeat Voldemort! Do you regret, Hermione? Because you know, sometimes I feel that I took your and Ron's youth."

"I'll never regret it, Harry! It was hard, we lose many loved ones but we had an adventure, I met you... and Ron, and you know very well that I wasn't the popular type, we have never been, I think..." - Harry glanced discredited, making Hermione laughed, "Ok ok. We were a little bit famous, Ron and I took the boat, you were the famous one, but I never saw you as the famous Harry Potter, I don't know, to me you were just Harry. What I mean is... I feel like I've been part of something, something important and that made worthwhile."

"You did and if it weren't for you, I don't think I would have been able to defeat Voldemort. Seriously!" - he exclaimed, already premeditating her look of disapproval. "But who says we are no longer young?"

"Yeah, who said? We are the living representation of young and beautiful people."

"Wait." - he stopped in the middle of the street, "Let's do this."

"Do what?" - Hermione asked, stunned.

"Being young, at least once in our lives, I don't know... let's do something crazy." - he was totally excited.

"NOW?" - she started laughing when she realized that Harry was serious.

"Yes, now! Wait..." - Harry looked at her, "You're scared, Hermione Granger? You're so girly." - he said, teasing her.

"Me? Never, and get ready because today we will know how much you can drink mead, if you don't get drunk in the first cup."

"What? I NEVER got drunk drinking mead, Hermione. There was that party in Neville's house but... come on, let's go."

He grabbed Hermione's hand and went racing down the street. Destination? The first pub they could find open.