Author's Note: I am sorry this update took so long to come out I had finals. Updates will be more steady now. Thank you for all your reviews, favorite and follows!

I tried to not be to dialogue heavy, but if you think I am let me know guys!

PS I will try to get all the background of how Voldy was defeated in the next chapter.

Disclaimer: Nope I don't own Harry Potter.

July 29th 1998

Harry aimless moved around his bedroom he had written another letter to send to his best friend Hermione, who was spending some time with her boyfriend, Viktor Krum in Bulgaria. Much to his displeasure he seemed almost perfect by sending her roses or other small gifts during the week at school or the fact that her usually no- nonsense and almost strict parents rather adored him. He was even a professional Quidditch player for his country and placed second at the tri-wizard tournament.

Not that Hermione cared about all that. She always saw the deeper than the average person and that's the thing he almost loved about her but saying the 'L' word would mean he was in 'L' with her. Harry had only admitted to himself and God-Father the crush he harbored for the brunette, although he suspected his mother knew. Despite his intense crush on his best friend and out of jealously and spite Harry had entered a relationship with Padma Patil a girl, an Indian girl who his parents seemed to like.

Harry sighed and looked at his snow white owl; Hedwig his parents got him when he entered Hogwarts. She was excited with the prospect to go on a trip but Harry kept delaying her trip. "Oh girl this might be a long trip, are you up for it?" He asked as he gently petted her and she hooted in agreement. He tied the letter to her feet and then she flew off into the sky.

Harry kept watch of her until he couldn't see her anymore and went down to join his family who was in the living room all talking and having drinks, not his little sister though. Although he was sure his god-father Sirius laced her orange juice with something a little strong.

As he made his way down to the living room he heard talking it was in hushed tones. He immediately thought it was a surprise for his birthday which was just a few hours away. The closer he got he realized it didn't sound as jovial as he expected.

"Do you think he knows yet?" Sirius whispered.

"No he doesn't he would have come to one of us already." Remus replied just as softly.

"Guys relax! Anubis said he will find out when he is of age not before he will find out soon so just wait." James said.

"Who is Anubis?" Harry asked causally as he entered the room.

His parents both wore shocked expression along with his god father; Sirius and his sister's god-father Remus. They all opened their mouth to answer but no words came out.

"Well?" Harry asked as he took a seat near Remus on the couch.

"Well I wanted to wait till tomorrow for me to tell you," Lily said receiving looks of worry from the other men in the room. "It's the code name we have for someone you will meet tomorrow."

"Are you giving me a girl for my birthday?" Harry asked with a cheeky grin.

"No!" Lily replied. "Young man you have a girlfriend I suggest you stop this disgusting behavior!"

"Oh mum relax! Harry only says things like that to get a reaction from you." Rose the youngest Potter said. She had her drink in hand filled to the brim of the cup. Harry smirked at her knowing she laced it with fire whiskey.

She carefully moved to the couch to join Remus and Harry. She sat between them and took a sip of her drink and placed her drink down and rested her head on her big brother's shoulder.

"Are you ready for your big party ?" James asked Harry.

"Hermione isn't going to be there I don't think he cares much for it." Sirius joked receiving a cushion thrown at him.

"Padma will be!" Rose said suggestively.

"I will remember to charm the doors of the rooms to stay closed at all times then." Remus encouraged his god daughter.

"It's going to be like any other party we have here. The only good thing is this year I can go out with the guys after."

"Oh Harry I'm sure you will find that the party will be a lot more exciting than you expected." Lily told her son.

"Along with your birthday." Sirius said knowingly leaving the teens in confusion and receiving a look of disapproval from Lily and James.

The doorbell rang and everyone lips expect Harry's curved into a smile though they all tried to hide when he looked at them.

"You should get the door." James suggested to Harry. After sending a look of confusion to everyone in the room he got up and made his way to the door. He slowly opened the door relieving his best friend and the girl who was on his mind for the whole night.

She looked beautiful her long brown hair was in a messy ponytail and she was in a simple pair of jeans and green t-shirt that matched her eyes and she had her best feature on full display; her smile. She was breathtaking. Realizing he was standing there looking at her for a while he smiled and pulled her into a hug.

"Hermione! What are you doing here?" Harry asked in shock.

"I couldn't miss your birthday now could I?" She laughed and walked into the house Hedwig following behind her. She stopped in the foyer and turned to look at harry who was still facing the door. He turned to look at her realizing she wanted a few moments alone he stood and looked at her. The silence over took them.

"But you're not expected back for another two and a half weeks." He stated awkwardly breaking the silence.

"That's what I told you so I could surprise you! Honestly think I wouldn't be here for your coming of age party?" Hermione gave him a look that read I thought you knew me better.

"What are you doing here then?" Harry asked and then realized he sounded incredibly rude. "I mean my birthday is in two days."

"I came to pick up your sister. See Ginny, Luna and Lavender will foo over here tomorrow morning and I will take them along with your sister to my house and then we will come back here for your party." She explained.

His mouth formed an 'O'. He then realized she was spending the night. His mind drifted to her and the thoughts of her sleeping in the guest bedroom right next to his.

"Hermione!" Rose screamed and ran to hug her. "I've been dying all day with excitement it was really hard to keep this from Harry you know."

"Hi Rose!" Hermione hugged her back. "I hope you finished all your homework missy."

"I did. Uncle Sev helped me finished it." Hermione nodded and placed her arms around her neck and Rose placed her arms round Hermione's waist. "Come mum and dad can't wait to see you."

Hermione and Rose walked out of the foyer and to the family room with Harry right behind them.

Harry smiled at the scene before him. Rose was like a little sister to Hermione. He loved the fact that Rose looked up to her. It was another reason why he found her so perfect.

"Mr. and Mrs. Potter, it's so good to see you again and thank you for letting me stay here tonight." She said and embraced James in a side hug and Lily in a full hug full of warmth.

"Still so formal with us, I told you Hermione, Lily is quiet alright and no problem dear, it's always a pleasure to have you, you're family." Lily whispered in her ear.

"Professor Lupin and Sirius! It's good to see you guys!" She said and gave them a quick hug.

Somehow Hermione just fitted perfectly with his family and friends, well Ron and Hermione's friendship was questionable but he knew a friendship was there none the less.

"Did you get your mother's car Hermione?" Lily asked as the all took their seat again.

"Actually mum and dad got a really good deal on a second hand car and bought it for me, so I came with my own car."

Rose glanced at Hermione with a looked that spelt trouble was in the making.

"Hey I could help you add some magical features if you would like." Sirius offered.

Hermione shared a look with Lily asking for an easy way out of this. "Why don't we leave the kids in here, there must be a lot of catching up to do. Rose come darling let's see what you've packed."

Harry glanced nervously at Hermione. Everyone in the room cleared out. The men went to the back porch leaving the glass door slightly ajar and Lily and Rose went upstairs to Rose's room.

"So how was Bulgaria?" Harry asked as he moved to the chair Hermione sat on and grabbed a cushion and placed it on his lap.

"I'd rather not talk about it." She whispered.

Harry clenched his jaw. That son of a mountain troll hurt his Hermione. How dear he. He started to grow angry. "What did he do?" He asked awkwardly. "Did he force himself on you?" He asked even more awkwardly.

Hermione eyes widen at the question. "Oh no! Viktor would never." Hermione reassured Harry.

"Then why don't you want to talk about it?" Harry asked in concern. Clearly something was wrong and she didn't want him to worry.

Hermione opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again. She did this several times before he noticed tears were forming in her eyes. He quickly leaned over and embraced her in a side hug. "We broke up Harry." She managed to say softly and with pain.

Her tears rolled down her cheeks. She cried silently no extra noise just tears. Harry felt his heart break. A sharp pain in his chest and then the pain through his body he hated to see her like this. She was stronger than this.

"Why? What happened?" He asked softly.

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath in after moving away from his embrace. She shook her head but Harry asked again what the reason for the breakup was.

Hermione took another deep breath and then softly said; "He wanted me to accompany him to a state dinner tomorrow as his fiancée, but I told him I couldn't make it because I was scheduled to fly home today so I could be at your party. Naturally he was very upset I chose you over him so he said it was for the best if me and him didn't continue our relationship. And to be honest mum and dad would have killed me if I came home engaged. I'm only seventeen I'm not ready for marriage."

Harry didn't say anything to her confession of choosing him over Krum and the room grew silent.

"How is Padma?" Hermione asked. Harry could tell she was desperate to get the conversation away from her. She hated Padma, although she never admitted it to him.

"Well she's fine, I guess. We haven't spoken much. She got an opportunity to work at Madame Louis Bridal Robes for summer and she's been busy. You know how much she wants to design wedding robes. "Hermione nodded pretending to be interested. "But we're fine."

"Oh! That's great! Rose likes her a lot more than Cho or Romilda." Hermione said and giggled.

"I know, everyone likes her but I get the feeling mum and dad, Sirius and Remus don't really like her. They all tolerate her."

Hermione shrugged. "Just give them time to really get to know her they will come around."

"Maybe." Harry said and the silence in the room grew.

Hermione eyes widen and Harry looked at her in confusion, she quickly grabbed her bag and then dug into her bag, her entire arm disappearing into the bag.

"Undetectable extension charm." She explained as he watched her in amazement. "I got you this for your birthday. I know it's early but it's special and I wanted to give it to you before the party." She said and pulled her hand out of her bag relieving a small gift silver gift box.

Harry watched the box as she extended her hands to him.

"Open it." She instructed and then Harry did as he was told.

Harry opened the box and saw a gold ring with a stag in the front. "Got the idea from your patronous." Hermione explained.

"Thank you!" Harry said and embraced her in a hug. "You didn't have to."

"But I wanted to." She said softly. Harry smiled and put the ring on and felt a small pulse from the ring. He looked at the ring with curious eyes.

"Remember last year when you thought I was missing cause you couldn't find me on the map, but I was just in the room of requirement and you almost had a panic attack?" Hermione ask and he nodded his cheeks turning pick. Harry put the ring on and felt a small pulse rhythm and looked at the ring with confusion. "Well that's my heart beat; once I'm alive you will feel it. The same way I will feel your heart beat on this." She said and showed him her prized locket pendant. It was from her grandmother and when she started school she kept a picture of her mother on one side and her father on the other. Now she had her parents on one side and a picture of Harry and Rose on the other. "Plus it's our last year at Hogwarts and we will both be starting careers and we won't find time to be friends so, it's like remember me no matter where life takes you."

"In my defense I thought you got left at Hogsmeade." Hermione giggled and allowed Harry to continue. "But you're wrong you will always be in my life, even if I don't want you in it. My family loves you like their own child." He said with a large reassuring smile. "Not that I will ever let you stop being my friend. You're in this for life." He knew what she meant with her statement. He had been her first friend.

Hermione Granger and Harry Potter met on the train to Hogwarts while sharing a cabin with Neville and Ron. She was already dressed in her robs and had a very snobby attitude but he promised his mother he would be nice to everyone he met and that included her.

He wasn't very fond of her for most of the first semester but tolerated her. She really earned his respect and trust when she covered for him and Ron who was pulling a prank on Draco Malfoy and his friends from Slytherin.

She later in their friendship explained that she didn't have many friends at home and was bullied at school and that she was thankful for his friendship. Harry didn't know why but in that movement he vowed to never let anyone hurt her again and everyone at Hogwarts knew better than to try and so much as look at Hermione wrongly and not be pranked by Harry or worse hexed.

"So…" Hermione finally said breaking the awkward silence between them.

"So, wanna go out?" Harry asked and pulled her up with him so that they were both standing.

"Uh, where too?" she asked and pulled up her jeans.

"I don't care just let's do something. Maybe ice cream?" He asked and she gave a small nod and smiled at him. He took hold of her hand once more and moved towards his father and his unrelated uncles.

"Hey dad we're going for ice cream we will be back before 12." Harry said easily.

"Sure just make sure your mother knows. You guys need money?" James and his friends smiled knowingly.

"Yes." Harry said before Hermione could decline. James pulled out his wand and summoned his wand and gave Harry a few pounds.

"Thanks dad. See you guys later." Harry called and lead Hermione away from them.

"I'm going to tell mum. Give me a few minutes." Harry said quickly and then ran up the stairs to his mother. He ran past his sister's room and straight to his parents. He found his mother looking for something in her draws.

"Hey mum, can Hermione and I go get some ice cream?"

"I don't see why not, just be back before 11:00."Lily

"Mum I'm almost seventeen, midnight is a much better curfew." Harry argued.

Lily gave her son a stern look. "11:30 Harry no later and that's only cause I trust Hermione."

"Deal! See you later!" He said and moved to give her a quick kiss on the cheek and then ran down stairs to get hold Hermione and then head out to the car.

Her car was a red coupe and looked very well kept despite being a used car. Harry was impressed. "I wish my parents would get me something like this for my birthday." He said in envy as he got into the passenger seat.

"Well lucky for me it's both a Christmas and birthday gift! Not that I'm not thankful for this gift." She grinned and started the car and then they were off.

Harry took a moment to really look at her. She hadn't changed much over the summer but there was defiantly something different about the girl next to him. She carried herself with a new found confidence and moved just a little more gracefully. Harry Smiled at her as she moved her head to the song on the radio.

"What?" she asked quickly glancing at him.

"Nothing, you just seem different." He smiled and turned to look at the road in front of them. He could sense Hermione was unsure with what he meant. "I don't know, maybe it was too much time apart." He joked.

"Is that your way of saying you missed me, Mr. Potter?" Hermione teased.

"I believe it is." He smiled shyly.

"I missed you too." Hermione whispered.

Harry felt extremely glad she wouldn't see the flush that overtook his face at the moment. "I know you did. I mean I am Harry Potter." He said trying to be funny.

"Get over yourself Harry! The only thing impressive with you is that you've been Quidditch captain for the past three years; and I don't even think that's amazing. You're average." Hermione said trying hard not to laugh at the face she knew Harry would be giving her after saying that. He had his best I'm offended face on and then a smile appeared.

"And this is why Ladies and Gentlemen, I- Harry Potter- am not an egotistical arse like Malfoy." He replied.

"Language Harry!"

Harry muttered an apology and just looked at her as they drove. It wasn't long before they finally came to a small Italian Ice Cream Parlor. Hermione parked and the pair got out of the car. The warm air of the night stuck to them instantly.

"The weather is lovely tonight." Harry commented. Hermione gave him a nod and Harry continued; "You will love their frozen yogurt selection Hermione. Mum and Dad come here all the time."

"Sounds good." She replied and looked at the small ice cream parlor with large glass windows and a large display of frozen treats. The white walls was decorated with splatters of vibrant colors. There were a few teen milling around but seemed bored with the small ice cream parlor. When they arrived to the door Harry held it open for Hermione and she said a quick thank you and the pair made their way to the display to decide what they would get.

Harry immediately noticed his muggle neighbor Collin Reigns. Collin reminded Harry very much of his cousin Dudley, he was a spoilt, fat, bully who always wanted to get his way. Harry hoped there would be no confrontation with Hermione being with him and kept looking at the selection.

"Oh my Harry they all look so good! How will I ever decide?" Hermione questioned.

"My favorite is the blueberry frozen yogurt, but you could ask for a sample of a few of them if you want."

"Are you going to get that?" Hermione asked.

"Nope. Not tonight. I think I will go for a chocolate vanilla swirl on a cone."

Hermione looked disheartened and quickly called an attendee to get a few samples so she could make her choice. Eventually she settled for strawberry frozen yogurt. Harry paid for their order and the pair made their way to an empty table.

"This is so good! Why haven't we ever come here before?" Hermione asked taking small savoring amounts of her yogurt into her mouth.

"Because we would have had to walk and Rose would have wanted to join us." Harry explained and Hermione rolled her eyes.

"If I didn't know better Potter I'd said you only want me to yourself." Hermione teased.

"You have no idea." Harry said before he even realized the words were out his mouth. "If you weren't with Krum for so long you would have been all mine Granger." Harry said jovially hopping she would think he was just joking.

"Yeah right! I'm not your type anyways, you get with carbon copy the same kind of girl over and over again." Harry looked at her curiously. "Quidditch players or girls who assume they are the center of the universe and with their head stuck in the cloud with no real idea of the world they live in."

"I wouldn't take those girls on if you would take me on." Harry said at her and smirked.

"I'd only take you on if you don't take on those girls."

"But Hermione I need someone to do to keep me busy while I wait for you."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "This is why we are meant to be friends Harry."

"Oh relax Hermione; you take these things so seriously just like my mother." Harry teased.

"Whatever." Hermione retorted.

The evening went on without much of a glitch much to Harry's happiness. Collin didn't approach them and Hermione was all laughs for the most part. "Oh how I've missed this." he thought as they arrived at his house.

It was eleven and although he didn't want to be home so soon Hermione wanted to get to bed early so she could get up early and leave early with the girls. After Hermione magically locked the door the pair slowly climbed the stairs and made their way to Harry's room. Everyone had already retired to their rooms and Remus and Sirius had left the house, to return bright and early in the morning.

"I need a t-shirt please." She asked with a bright smile.

"When will you bring your own sleep wear to my house?" Harry joked and pulled out his third year Quidditch t-shirt and pulled out a pair of black boxers and tossed them at her. He would never tell her but he kept a lot of his t-shirts from when he was younger for nights like this.

"Thank you for the bottoms." She blushed.

"Welcome." He smiled.

"Good night?" Hermione asked but asked it sounding almost like a statement.

"Good Night Hermione." Harry said with a smile. "Sweet Dreams."

"You too." Hermione replied and moved away from his room and to the guest bedroom.

July 30th 1998

The next morning Harry woke up and sleepily made his way to the bathroom attached to his room. He had been having the same dream for the past few days that he was hit with a killing curse and would then be in this white room. He made a mental note to ask Remus about it later during the day.

After freeing his bladder and brushing his teeth Harry moved downstairs to the living room where he met his family and Hermione. His parents were already dressed in their professional robes while Hermione and his sister were in their sleep clothing helping themselves to pancakes and tea.

"Good Morning!" Harry said and took a seat at the table. Everyone mumbled their replied.

"Hermione dear, do you know what time the girls will foo over?" Lily asked as she poured someone tea for his father.

"We all agreed on nine but if I know those girls they will be here for 9:30." She answered Lily nodded understandingly.

"Well it's almost eight that mean Sirius and Remus will be here soon and I have to get to St. Mungos." Lily said. "Be good! I'll see you tomorrow Rose. Have a good time girls." She said giving the three young children a kiss on their cheek and then a quick peck to her James' lips.

"Have a good day sweetheart." He instructed just before she left with a pop.

Everyone ate in silence, until Remus and Sirius arrived.

"Rose, have a good time and no boy, Hermione. I expect you both to be on your best behavior. " James said sternly to the girls at the table before the new house guest made it to the kitchen.

"Dad!" Rose said between clenched teeth.

"I'll keep them in line Mr. Potter." Hermione reassured.

After exchanging greetings the trio was off to another day at the Ministry although Remus was a professor at Hogwarts, he work with Sirius and James in the auror department.

"I'm going to shower I'll see you guys in a bit." Rose said and left the table.

Hermione got up and started piling the dishes into the sink to be washed.

"You should use a cleaning charm." Harry suggested.

"Hm. I should but I don't mind doing it this way." Hermione replied.

"Well let me help, if mum found out I left you clean up after breakfast she will kill me."

"Thank Harry."

"Are you alright?" He asked as he continued to clear the table.

"Yes! Why do you ask?"

"Cause I know you." He said and looked her dead in the eye.

"I just miss Viktor." She said and turned away and started to wash the dishes.

Harry sighed and grabbed a towel. "Wash I'll dry and put the dishes away."

She nodded and the pair work silently until the dishes was done. They both made their way upstairs to have a shower and get ready for the day ahead of them.

When Harry was done dressing he moved downstairs to await the rest of the clique. Much to his dismay on his way to the family room he heard giggles and knew the girls started to arrive.

In the Family room he found Lavender, Luna, Ginny and his sister all giggling and waiting for Hermione. "Ladies." Harry greeted with a smile and nod. They all greeted him back with hugs.

"Hermione will be down shortly." Harry told the girls all clutching their overnight bags that more looked like week-long bags.

Harry was right and Hermione came down the stairs in the same jeans from last night and another shirt, much more fitted and girly. Her hair was pulled back and she beamed when she saw the girls in front of her.

Harry jumped when the girls embraced each other in a large group hug and started to giggle.

"Well we better get going." Hermione said and shrunk all their bags down and placed it in her bag. "I'll see you at the party Harry." She said and gave him a quick hug. "I left you clothes on your bed. Thanks again." She whispered quickly in his ear.

All the girls wished Harry goodbye and started to make their way to the car outside.

"Bye ladies." He said as they all went into the car and he stood in the door frame. He watched as the car drove off and then closed the door and went to his room to find his clothing neatly packed on his bed. He smiled and tossed them into the laundry basket, he loved when his clothing smelt like Hermione.