HI my wonderful readers,

So glad you all like this one so far, I just have one thing to say, I will always ship Harry and Hermione as I believe they belong together. I have had a few reviews asking whether it will be Jake and Hermione. At first yes, but that's only to get Harry where I want him. Thanks to all my awesome reviewers too , you guys are the best.

Disclaimer: Yet again I tell you I am Not J.K. Rowling, she is too wonderful to be little ol me.

Sirius xoxo

Chapter 3

By 6pm on Saturday, Hermione had not heard anything from Jacob so she presumed everything was still on. She was meant to meet him at the pub but as she walked downstairs to hail a cab, the pub wasn't too far from muggle London, she saw him leaning on his car waiting for her. She looked up and laughed, not a big loud laugh, just a sweet laugh. Jacob smiled brightly.

"Well, hello there!"

"Jacob, why am I not surprised to see you here?" Hermione had reached him and he leant in to give her a friendly peck on the cheek. She was a bit surprised but since he didn't make her feel uncomfortable, she let it go.

When they arrived at the pub, she was surprised to see all his team mates there. Oh no this is going to be bad Hermione thought, but in no time at all, they were all laughing and having a great time. Like she suspected, everyone thought she was Jake's girlfriend but he told them they were just good friends and it made Hermione feel a bit more comfortable.

They all made her feel at ease and she was so surprised that they were all very down to earth. They talked about the latest Quidditch game, which Hermione just listened to, as she didn't have very much knowledge on the subject. She found that she had other things in common. They talked about Italy a lot, since they had played quite a few games over there. They had drinks and danced all night long, all the girls made Hermione feel very comfortable and the guys seemed to treat her like she was one of the guys so she was wrapped.

The time flew by and Jacob started to say bye to a few mates since it was already 2am. Hermione was deep in conversation with Alicia, she was the chaser for their team.

"Hermione, are you ready, the pub is closing in half hour"

"What are you talking about.....oh my God Jake, it's after 2, it's so late" Hermione was shocked when she looked at her watch.

"We had better get going, sorry Alicia, can we catch up next time?"

"Absolutely Hermione, looking forward to it" Alicia leant in to give her a hug. Hermione then started shaking hands and saying bye to everyone else.

"So, did they bore you to death?" Jake had his arm over her shoulders and was laughing while they were on their way back to the car.

"Are you kidding? It was absolutely fantastic, I have never had such a great night with a bunch of strangers in my life" They arrived at the car and Jake opened the door for her. Hermione climbed in and reached over to unlock his door. Jake started the car and reached over and took her hand, "I hope I am not a stranger."

"You know what I mean, don't tease" Hermione was lost in thought for a second,

"Penny for your thoughts"

"Oh I was just thinking the only real friends I have are Ginny, Ron and you"

"Really, Jeez I thought you would be the most popular girl out there, god knows you're so easy to talk to and everyone back there loved you."

"Oh come one Jake you ARE kidding, aren't you?"

"No Hermione I am serious, you have a great personality, you are fun to be with and you blend in so quickly" Hermione stared at him, no one had ever said such nice things to her before, well Ginny didn't really count.

"Thanks Jake, that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me."

They arrived at her house and she was going to offer him a coffee, but didn't know whether he would take it the wrong way. She liked him, a lot, but was she romantically interested, she wasn't sure yet. She still had this nagging feeling that he should meet Ginny, for some reason she thought they would click.

"Man if I keep handing out these pennies, I will be broke" Jake stood with a his eyebrow raised looking at her,

"Sorry, umm oh what the hell, do you want to come up for a coffee?"

"Hermione, you don't need to ask, it's OK" Jake laughed at her obvious distress.

"No I would like it if you did, I just don't want to do something, well, you know what I mean"

"Hermione, just friends OK" He held out his hand to shake hands with her, she looked at him and smiled. She felt a slight feeling of disappointment but she squashed that down.

"Friends, and I say let's get some coffee into my friend, hey" They walked upstairs and had some coffee and continued talking for a while, again Hermione was shocked that the time had once again escaped them and Jake got up to leave at 4am. They said their good nights and Jake gave her another kiss on the cheek and this time Hermione leant into him and hugged him.

That night or should I say morning, she went to sleep with a smile on her face.

*******

Monday morning arrived and at 7am Hermione was showered, dressed, had breakfast and was at this moment, reading the society pages of the papers. This was usual for her, it's good to keep on top of news as it may involve the people she had to work with. She was engrossed in her reading when she heard a car horn. She looked outside her window and wasn't surprised to see Jake waiting by his car. She looked at the time and it was only 7.30am. She opened the front door and Jake opened the car door for her.

"Good morning, Miss Granger" Jake had a sweet smile on his face. Hermione asked him why he was there,

"Why, to escort you to work of course" Hermione giggled and went inside to get her briefcase. They chatted all the way to work about Saturday night and they had a few laughs about it and she told him he shouldn't be spoiling her. She was quite capable of getting to work on her own. He assured her that he knew she was more than capable and this was only for another week because he would be off on tour. Hermione felt a bit sad at this news but let it go for now.

Hermione had found out that Mrs Potter, Lily, had requested Hermione's presence for breakfast, so she could meet her husband. Jake was very clever not to mention this detail until he was just about to enter the dining room. He pulled Hermione aside and said to her,

"Now, Mum wanted you to come for breakfast to meet Dad." Jake grabbed Hermione's hands as he could see she started shaking.

"Oh no, Jake, you could have told me at home, I would have dressed better, or something" Hermione was always like this when she met new people. Once they knew her, she was fine. What she was amazed at, was how Jake knew her so well already.

"It's OK, he won't bite, anyway you know me, and I am right here next to you, friends remember"

"Ok Jake, thank you, I just like to have notice of these things"

"Yeah so you can panic all morning!" Jake let out a hearty laugh at Hermione's dirty look she threw his way. Jake put one hand on the small of her back and led her into the dining room. Hermione leant into his embrace and walked in and was grateful she had Jake with her. It helped that they were more comfortable with each other. Even though she had worked with the Minister of Magic in Italy, he had been elected while she had already been working for them for quite sometime. She already knew their family and the work contacts. Nothing had really changed for her in her position, except that she was busier but this suited her perfectly. The only reason she left Italy was because her mother was getting older and was alone. Hermione also missed Ginny and Ron so much that she couldn't even put it into words.

So here she was, getting introduced to Mr James Potter, the Minister of Magic in London. This was so surreal. Hermione was again thankful for Jake and was concentrating on his hand which had now moved around to her waist. but it gave her such comfort, she didn't worry about it. Mr Potter was so nice, he seemed so busy but he was polite and had a gentle nature where his family were concerned.

Harry came down stairs and since it was Monday morning, and Hermione was starting today, he wanted to be ready. He had a smirk on his face until he entered the dining room. There, in front of him, stood the one person he had just been thinking of, with his own brother and that said brother had his arm around her waist. What was going on? Harry actually felt something inside of him and he wasn't sure if he liked it. He walked up to them and cleared his throat, Hermione jumped at his voice and Jake ran his free hand through his hair, he knew his brother all too well.

"Good Morning, Miss Granger, did you forget the starting time?" Hermione looked at him and felt embarrassed that he insulted her in front of his family.

"Not at all Mr Potter, I was invited to breakfast by your parents, and your lovely brother was so kind as to pick me up from home and drive me in to work." Hermione stared him in the eye and did not break her eye contact. She was aware of Jake's hand still on her back and she deliberately leant into him, so his hand moved around her even more. Harry stood rooted to the spot and the only come back he could think of, was a bit below the belt.

"Nice to see you're not drunk" Hermione's eyes and nostrils flared up and she was just about to make a comeback but thought better of it, only to have Jake stepped in.

"Oh come on Harry, I think you might owe Hermione an apology?" Hermione looked at him and suddenly realised how close he was. She was thankful that he stood up for her, but she was worried she was causing problems between the brothers. What she could not see, was the huge smile on Lily and James' faces and the smoke coming out of Harry's ears.

"Well Lily my love, looks like you know something I don't, so I will trust you know exactly what you are doing, I love you" James whispered to his wife.

James stood and got his children's attention as well as Hermione's.

"As much as I would love to see where this conversation will go, I must go to work. Harry and Jake, behave and Hermione, welcome, our home is yours, please feel free to make yourself comfortable. I am sure Jake will help you settle in or he already has." James gave her and Jake a wink and Harry a raised eyebrow.

Hermione sat down in front of Lily as she had been instructed to, and Jake sat on her right and Harry sat next to his mother. She noticed the time was now 7.55am and she only had 5 minutes before she started work. She only asked for a cup of tea, which was fine since she ate breakfast at home. When 8 o'clock came, Hermione stood up and looked Harry in the eye.

"Mr Potter, where is your office, it's 8am and I believe I start work now." Lily looked at Harry with a confused look on her face, all the Pa's started at 9.00am and Harry's usually started at 9.30 because he slept in on most days.

"Sorry Hermione, but all the Pa's start at 9am as we have breakfast at 7.30am then spend the morning catching up." Lily thought maybe Hermione had gotten confused, but she did not take her eyes of Harry while Lily was speaking.

"No, Mr Potter made it very clear Lily, it was 8am"

"No I didn't say that."

"Actually, yes you did Mr Potter, it was after midnight on Friday when you dropped off my letter, and I am sure my neighbours heard you yell out, it was an 8am start, I know my best friend definitely heard it" Harry knew he was caught out and there was no going back.

Jake looked at Hermione and was confused as to why Harry was at her home at midnight.

"Hermione, you didn't tell me about this on Saturday night?" Jake leant in and whispered to Hermione. She shook her head, and said they would talk later. Harry looked at his brother and saw that he seemed genuine, at first he thought he was having a go at him, but it didn't seem to be the case.

Lily was furious as she realised straight away what had happened. She knew her son all too well. She excused herself and Harry and walked into the kitchen. Lily was not happy with him as she had told him to send her an owl at lunch but he wanted to go and see her. Harry made excuses that he was busy, but this wasn't sitting with Lily. He knew he was caught out and when she asked him why was he being so antagonistic towards her, he couldn't answer.

"I have no idea, Mum, she just pushes my buttons for some reason."

"Son, I think it has more to do with the fact that Hermione seems interested in Jake and not you, am I right?" Harry just looked outside to the pool, choosing not to answer his mother.

Hermione was obviously getting closer to his brother and Harry wanted to know why. Lily advised him to leave it be, but with Harry being Harry, that was too hard.

Lily was pleased that Hermione had argued with him and Lily told him she agreed with Hermione on this one. Harry was acting like a spoilt brat and he needed to snap out of it. He walked back into the kitchen to hear Jake and Hermione speaking. Jake was offering to show her the stables since she still had time before work. Harry's skin crawled, but he wasn't going to let it get to him.

Harry cleared his throat and Hermione turned towards him and she noticed he actually looked sorry for his behaviour.

"Hermione the starting time will be 9am from tomorrow, so if you have something else to do for now it's fine" Harry looked at his brother when he said the last part.

"No it's Ok Mr Potter, I can start now." Hermione reached down and got her bag, and when she stood back up, Jake whispered something in her ear. Hermione nodded and turned to follow Harry out to his office.

It was the office where Hermione had been for the second interview. She was surprised that Harry had a small office, compared to the first one. The room had beautiful views out over the front garden and was filled with sunlight. There was another door in the room which she did not notice the other day.

"OK this is your reception room, Hermione" Hermione looked at him, the room was small for an office but huge for a reception room.

"My office is through that door next to your chair. If you need anything, just knock once and come in. Otherwise there is an intercom on the phone where you can transfer calls or call me."

Hermione was taking it all in and was getting excited. She had been out of work for a couple of months and her funds were getting low. She loved this type of work as it meant getting someone organised. Harry showed her around her office, the filing cabinets, the book shelf etc. He also showed her around his office and she wasn't surprised to see how huge it was.

Harry gave her a quick tour of the house, just in case she should ever need to find him, use the bathroom or make a cup of coffee. Hermione was taking it all in and the argument from the morning seemed a lifetime ago.

The day progressed along quite nicely and Hermione was well and truly into her job when Harry came out of his office and told her it was 5pm and her day was done. She looked up to him and he laughed at the look of disbelief on her face. They had actually had quite a few chats during the day and maybe Harry Potter wasn't as bad as she had thought. One particular conversation happened after lunch.

"Hermione, could I ask you something?" Harry was sitting on the corner of her desk while they ate some sandwiches the house elves had prepared.

"Yes, sure Mr Potter, what is it?"

"Why do you call my mum Lily, my brother by his nickname, Jake, but me you call Mr Potter" Hermione looked into his eyes and could see he was being honest not just looking for another fight.

"Well basically you haven't asked me too?" Hermione said it so calmly that Harry laughed.

"OK Miss Granger, Hermione, would you please, do me the honour of referring to me as Harry and not Mr Potter, I keep looking for my dad" Hermione giggled and Harry found it so endearing, this girl was something else.