Hi everyone, I am back, hooray for uni holidays, only a month, but it's a month of writing, LOL.

Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of my writing, you guys are awesome.

Hope you enjoy the next installment.

Sirius xoxo

PS Same yada yada still not J.K. Rowling

Chapter 6

Hermione watched Harry's face and saw the emotions running over it, she hoped he would tell her something, anything, that would help her to make sense of things.

"Harry" he looked at her and smiled a small smile.

"Can I ask you a personal question Hermione?"

"Yeah sure, but do I have to answer it?" Hermione tried to laugh but it came out as more of a snort.

"No of course not," Harry was quiet for a few minutes and Hermione thought he might not say anything.

"Are you dating my brother?" Hermione's eyebrows raised, she hadn't expected that question.

"Umm, why do you want to know?"

Harry turned and looked at her and just nodded his head. He sat back down on the lounge and kept drinking his coffee. Hermione was torn, she didn't know whether to leave it at that or tell him no they weren't dating because they actually weren't. So she waited for Harry's answer.

"Harry, why do you want to know?" Hermione leant back in her chair and crossed her legs. She placed her hands on the arms of the chair and waited. She looked very patient and Harry wanted to wipe the smirk of her face with a passionate kiss. He shook his head to clear away those thoughts and stood up to walk over by the window.

"I shouldn't have asked, it's none of my business."

"OH No you don't Harry, you can't get out of it, I asked you a question and I want an answer."

"Well, you didn't answer mine."

"No"

"No what?"

"No, I am not going out with your brother, we are only good friends." The look on Harry's face was priceless and Hermione had to laugh.

"Now, I want an answer."

"I was just worried that if anything went wrong, you would leave your job and good PA's are hard to find" Hermione looked at him with utter disbelief on her face. Boy was she an idiot to think he thought anything of her. It was purely a business relationship, that's all. Well, didn't she feel like a fool.

"Ok then, I am going to get this food unpacked and hopefully Jake and Ginny will be back" Hermione stood swiftly and walked into the kitchen. Harry looked at her and couldn't believe he could be so stupid. He finally had a perfect opportunity to give her an idea that he liked her but he blew it. He had absolutely no idea how to fix this but thought it would be best if he tried to talk to her in the kitchen.

He walked in and found her leaning against the sink sniffling. He couldn't believe he had done that, he knew he mad her angry, but crying, that was something else.

"Hermione, I am sorr....."

"We're back" Jake and Ginny apparated into the lounge room and were laughing at something that had happened. They walked into the Dining room to see Harry standing there looking a little lost.

"Where's Hermione bro?" Harry pointed into the kitchen but by this time she had charmed her face to look like nothing had happened.

"Hey guys how about we catch a movie and then some dinner, my shout?" Jake was leaving in the morning and wanted to stretch out his time with them but he sensed something was wrong with Hermione.

"Hermione, can I have a word?" Jake motioned for her to come with him and she plastered a fake smile on and followed him into the spare room.

"OK spill girl, what did my stupid brother do now?" Hermione knew she could get out of this.

"Jake don't be silly, it's probably the first time we have sat in the same room without biting each others heads off. I am just a bit tired that's all."

"Are you sure, we can postpone tonight if you like?"

"No, actually I feel like going out to a movie and dinner, it will be fun."

"Ok but only if you want to?" Hermione nodded and smiled. Jake wasn't completely convinced but he didn't push the issue either. Harry watched them come out of the room and at least had the decency to lower his head.

"I think I might give the movie a miss, umm thanks for a nice day though." Harry walked over to Ginny to shake hands and did the same to Hermione. He gave his brother a friendly slap on the back and walked out the door without any complaints from anyone.

"OK, what movie are we going to see?" Ginny was bouncing on the balls of her feet, she was so easily excited.

"Actually, you know what guys, I might give it a miss tonight, Jake I am so sorry, I know it's your last night, but I am really tired so I might hit the sack early." Hermione tried to sound convincing but neither Ginny or Jake were buying it.

"OK we won't go either, lets stay in then?"

"No Ginny, really I am going to go to bed, please go with Jake, it's his last night!" Jake was shaking his head but Ginny knew better than to push her when she was like this.

"OK let's go Jake, if you don't mind my company?" Ginny blushed slightly and Hermione wanted to giggle, but didn't.

"No, I would love to watch a movie with you, but Hermione, are you sure you're ok?"

"Yep absolutely, I will talk to you when you get a chance to call anyway, and good luck with the tour." Jake and Ginny left and Hermione turned around to look at the mess her unit was in. She spent an hour cleaning up, which was a lot considering her wand did most of the work.

She actually did go to bed early and had a restless night's sleep. After tossing and turning for most of the night, she finally fell into an exhaustive sleep about 4am. She slept in till midday and woke up feeling worse. She spent the weekend relaxing and was ready for work Monday morning.

She apparated into work the following week progressed along nicely. Harry had been very sheepish at first but after a few hours, he was back to normal. Hermione had a great morning organising Harry's dates and had all the events he needed to be at booked and confirmed, and the other events he didn't need to be at, rejected. Hermione had a great system running and before she knew it Friday had rolled around and Jake had been gone for a week already.

The weekend was quiet and Hermione had decided to take Jake's car home on Friday to give it a run. She walked outside and was getting ready to hop into Jake's car when Harry walked out behind her.

"Hermione, where are you heading this weekend?"

"Oh, nowhere really, Jake asked me to take his car out for a run so I thought I would do him a favour, why do you ask?"

"No reason, I am free tomorrow and wondered if you would like to catch up?" Harry was really nervous, as he had put himself out on the line like this for anyone.

"Umm well I was planning on picking up Mum and taking her for a drive, but I am sure I can postpone if you like?"

"No don't postpone, I would love to take you and your mum for a drive" So the 'date' was set.

Harry arrived at 10am, per Hermione's instructions, and found she looked very lovely. She had a light blue jumper on with Navy cargo pants. Her hair was floating down around her face freely. She had prepared a picnic basket and then left to get her mum.

They picked up her Mum and took her for a drive to the country side to have a picnic. They talked in the car and Ellen was enjoying the countryside.

"Hermione, I know a nice place further up the road, would you like me to go there?" Harry had been very nice all day and Hermione found that the nerves she was experiencing earlier that day, had gone. The sun was streaming through the light scattering of clouds and the day seemed perfect so far.

"That's great Harry, lets see what you think is nice, shall we?" Ellen laughed and Hermione giggled. Harry did a pretend laugh, "Ha Ha Ha you're so funny Miss Granger"

The place Harry had stopped at was nothing short of beautiful. It was a quiet, off the road, clearing that was covered in wild flowers and scattered trees for shade.

"Oh my Harry, this is absolutely beautiful" Ellen was getting out of the back of the car and Hermione followed her out.

"Harry this is gorgeous, how did you find this place, it's so out of the way?" Hermione was gazing around the beautiful landscape.

"Dad used to bring us here when he wanted to get away from all the fuss, we spent lots of time here with Sirius and other family members." Harry was helping Hermione take everything out of the boot and settling all their belongings near some seats.

"This is so beautiful, thanks Harry, Mum loves it" Hermione motioned her head over to where Ellen was looking over the grounds.

"Yeah, Beautiful", Harry whispered, and even though Hermione didn't look at him, she knew he was looking at her and not the scenery. She refused to think anything of it, as he had made it perfectly clear last week, when he said all he was concerned about was his employee.

Hermione set the park bench for lunch, while Harry took her mother for a walk. He showed her where the river was, and told her the many stories from his childhood. Hermione could see them walking back and took a second to admire him when he wasn't being so guarded. He was leaning in close to her mum, listening intently on what she had to say. He threw his head back in a hearty laugh, and Hermione found herself laughing quietly too. Harry was such a complex person, on one hand he was so difficult and on the other he was so... normal. Hermione thought that maybe it had to do with Jake being away, and thinking of him brought some other memories close to the surface. Jake was so kind, loving, loyal and predictable, yes predictable. Hermione knew how Jake would react and more importantly what mood he would be in whereas Harry was very hard to predict. Anyway it didn't matter, as Harry was her boss and nothing more, even though she would have, very much liked to see, if there could have been something more.

"So how was your walk?" Hermione was setting out a place for her mum and Harry as they arrived back.

"Oh Hermione it is beautiful here, and I think it is wonderful that Harry shared this special place with us, don't you dear?" Oh here we go, mum is up to her old tricks again.

"yes, it is lovely, but I am sure Harry has shared this place with plenty of people mother, Harry would you like some pumpkin pie?"

"Thanks that would be great" Harry was looking at her with a look in his eye that could only be described as ' we are going to have this out look'. Hermione decided it was best not to make eye contact for a bit and it was easier as her mother dominated most of the conversation. Once they finished eating, Ellen told Harry to take Hermione down to the river and even after some strong opposition, Hermione found herself wandering along side Harry at the river bed.

"You really are strange, Miss Granger." Hermione looked at him aghast.

"Strange, how so?" Hermione had stopped walking, while waiting for his response.

"Umm, let's see, you ask me to come on this picnic only to avoid any contact with me all day, your mother practically had to force you to come for a walk."

"Yes, well I see you have made an ally quickly." Hermione turned and continued walking down the rivers edge.

"Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Again Harry?" Harry laughed. "What do you see in my brother? You seem so happy and at ease with him, yet with me you are so tense?"

Hermione stopped and looked at Harry, she wanted to answer truthfully but in all honesty, she didn't think she could voice the truth, even to herself.

"Harry, you're very …. shall we say... unpredictable"

"Oh really, how so?"

"I never know what mood you're in, one minute, you are so sweet and fantastic, the next you are biting my head off. I can't pick your mood, its all over the place. Unlike ..." Hermione stopped, she didn't want to turn this into a competition between the two brothers.

"Unlike, Jake?" Harry seemed hurt and saddened but did not take it out on her.

"OK let me ask you a personal question Harry, why do you care if I am interested in your brother or not? I am sure you know by now that I am a professional and I would never let my personal life interfere with my work life. So what is it?" Hermione had stopped and was standing with her hand on her hip. Harry picked up a rounded stone and skimmed it across the river. He took his time answering and when she was finally about to give up she heard it.

"I honestly don't know." he said it was such conviction, she knew it was true.

Hermione was quiet for a while, she didn't know what to say. Harry broke the silence with a sentence that probably wasn't the best for this time.

"Better get back, I have work to do and I also need your presence at a meeting tonight at the Ministry." He was so business like, she raised her eyebrows and then just shook her head. Hermione turned and walked back to where her mum was, without waiting or thinking about Harry.

Ellen had put out some desserts and coffee, she could sense something had happened on their walk as Hermione arrived back with Harry quite a few steps behind her.

"So Hermione, I haven't seen you for a while, been busy with work?" Ellen smiled graciously at Harry and he smiled back.

"Yes Mum, but work hasn't been keeping me as busy as Harry's brother has actually." Hermione giggled and then shot a glance over at Harry, if she was looking for a response, she definitely found it. Harry was fuming so this inspired Hermione to go on some more.

"Oh Hermione, you didn't mention you were dating again?"

:I am sure I told you about Jake, Mum." realisation dawned on her mothers face, "OH THAT Jake, is he really your brother Harry?" Ellen had absolutely no idea of the hornets nest she was opening up.

"Yes, yes he is" Harry said through gritted teeth.

"Oh isn't that nice, you must bring him over for dinner Hermione?"

"Yes Mum I will, he is really busy at the moment, but when he is back, I will call you."

"Harry, dear, you will come too, won't you?" Harry smirked a smile at Hermione's obvious distress over this new development.

"I would love to Mrs Granger."

"Well I think it's time we called it a day, don't you Harry?, I believe you have a work function to attend."

"Yes, as do you Miss Granger." Hermione stood and started taking things back to the car. Harry followed closely behind her. She turned around and whispered furiously at him "What the hell are you playing at Harry?" Harry reached across her and placed the shrunken bags into the boot trapping her between the boot and his body. He stepped in very close to her and whispered back, "I have no idea what you are talking about." His breath puffed onto her face and she found her head was spinning from his close proximity. A considerable amount of time passed by in silence. Harry had not moved, except for his hand reaching up slowly to brush a strand of her away from her face. At his touch, her eyes fluttered closed and she felt the electric sparks shoot through her body, starting at the point where they were joined. Harry leant in closer and waited till she opened her eyes to look at him, she slowly opened them and stared into his large green orbs. They were standing so close now, it would only take a gush of wind to push them together. Hermione's heart was beating so loudly she thought he would be able to see it pounding out of her chest. Harry stepped forward in between her parted legs, but did not connect his body with hers. This movement just gave him easier access to her lips. He searched her face, and then leant forward to gently touch his lips to hers. He kissed her slowly and waited for a response from her and he didn't need to wait very long. He felt her small, gentle hands slowly slide up his body to rest on his chest. Harry felt bold enough to attempt to deepen the kiss and just when he was about to turn his head to the side, they heard Ellen mumbling on her way to the car. Hermione pushed Harry back and he jumped back. They were both flushed and just stared at each other. Hermione touched her fingers to her lips and was the first to step away from his body and she felt the immediate loss.

Oh my freakin Merlin, what did I just do. Hermione's thoughts were everywhere, how could she kiss her boss, was she completely stupid or what?

The drive home was, understandably quiet. They dropped off her mother first and it was quite obvious she thought the world of Harry. She invited him over for dinner on Wednesday night and after lots of hugs and kisses, Harry and Hermione drove to her place.

Harry attempted a conversation but to no avail. He pulled up in front of her house and she got out without even saying goodbye. Harry got out and walked around to the back of the car where she was shrinking her picnic basket. She took a deep breathe and turned around to face Harry. He was standing much closer than she would have liked.

"Harry, thank you for a nice day, what time is the meeting tonight?" Harry watched her and could see the distress in her body language, but it made him want her even more.

"Umm, it's at 7, I could pick you up, if you like?"

"No, I will meet you there."

"Umm Hermione..."

"Goodbye Harry, see you later." He watched her walk inside and with the close of the door, she was gone. He let out the deep breathe he didn't even know he was holding and for some reason he seriously doubted she would show up for the meeting tonight, let alone work on Monday.

OK so what did you think?

Thanks for being so patient with me, you guys are awesome. Hopefully we should start to see a nicer Harry now. ;-)

Remember, review if you like!!!

Sirius xoxox