Hello again!

Last week I had intended to add this but was side tracked by that pesky little thing called a summery. A couple of times during this fic characters will go to different countries. And although I do have an awesome passport stamp as proof that Canada is one of 3 overseas country's I have been lucky to enter in my life, sadly 2 days on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls does not make adequate experience. Anything I write is based on ether my Mums travel experience or Google. If anything is wrong, please tell me. I will change it straight away!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, J.K Rowling is the creative genius of amazing characters that are very fun to play with.

Also another massive thank-you to blue artemis who kindly beta'd!

Chapter 2

Sunday 12th November 2001, Hotel room, Vancouver, Canada, Hermione Granger POV

Regaining consciousness Hermione became aware of two things: First, her head hurt like hell, really being stomped on by a Hippogriff would probably be less painful. Her second thought involved questioning how firm the pillow under her head was. What type of hotel supplies such hard pillows and why is England's Quidditch Team so stingy to allow its employees access to such a place? She was sure the pillow hadn't been so hard the last few days, and what on earth was between her legs? What on earth was between her legs! Eyes snapped open as Hermione struggled to ignore the pounding ache at the base of her skull. With well-honed war skills she wandlessly whispered the Accio spell, causing her wand to zoom into her out stretched hand from somewhere near the foot of the bed. Grasping the comforting wooden handle while feeling the familiar tug of magic, Hermione moving away from the well-muscled chest that had served as her pillow the previous night. Holding her back straight and fully alert she placed her wand into the jugular of the obviously naked man she had just untangled herself from. The man, who Hermione recognised with a shocked exhale of breath was Marcus Flint. Clearly he didn't have any pronounced defensive skills as he blissfully slumbered on unaware of the wand trained upon him. What in Godric's name was going on? As her heart rate decreased and the events of last night came back to her, Hermione slowly lowered her wand, cheeks ablaze with embarrassment. She shagged Marcus Flint! Sweet Merlin! Ginny was never going to believe this! But why did she shag a man she barely even knew, it seemed a little out of character. Oh that's right; Ron the twit got caught with Lisa Turpin of all people. Her heart constricted painfully for a brief second before Hermione battled it away with her logical streak which advised her she shouldn't be surprised. When one half of a relationship spends more time working out of the country than at home- first as the Supreme Mugwump of Great Britain, before taking on a second temporary job as the International Magical Communication Representative at the World Cup, things were bound to become strained. She had known this was coming for a long time as her and Ron's relationship was marred by arguments or issues they blatantly ignored. But that didn't change the fact he could have officially broken up with her before jumping into bed with another woman! The press was going to have a flipping field day with this! She remembered how Ron had apologetically informed her via Floo last night that he had cheated; revealing he had been advised that there were photos and it would be in the Daily Prophet the next day.

Bringing her wandering mind back to the present, Hermione scolded herself for getting off track. However inconvenient this entire drama was destined to be, it was not the issue right now. First she needed to leave this bed before the other occupant woke up. She assumed last night's… activities must be horribly awkward the next day and Hermione did not feel up for awkward. Before leaving however it would be beneficial to find a hangover potion, since using the Floo with her head pounding would probably make her sick.

Once safely alone in her room, the Floo warded against trespassers, Hermione collapsed onto the hotel bed. As her curls splayed out against the blessedly soft pillow she considered her situation. Accioing the copy of the English paper from the breakfast table, while manoeuvring herself so a pillow was behind her back. Hermione leant against the wall curious to see what Susan Bones made of the affair. Glancing at the front cover, she was unsurprised to see a large picture of herself and Ron breaking in half for the entire Wizarding World to see.

Trouble in Golden Trio Paradise! Exclusive photos of Weasley Affair!

By Susan Bones Head Gossip Columnist

In surprising news which will no doubt shock the Wizarding World, war hero Ron Weasley 'Order of Merlin 1st Class' (age 22) has been caught in the arms of a woman who is not long time fellow war hero girlfriend Hermione Granger 'Order of Merlin 1st Class, Supreme Mugwump of Great Britain' (age 23). As these incriminating photos exclusively obtained by us at the Daily Prophet prove. The woman who has been identified as fellow Hogwarts classmate of the Golden Trio Lisa Turpin (age 22), a former Ravenclaw, clearly shows Weasley has a favouring for smart girls; Granger of course being famously known as 'the brightest witch of her age'. We can only wonder at whose side the defeater of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Harry Potter 'Order of Merlin 1st Class' (age 22), will take regarding the affair. At this time it is unsure if either Weasley or Potter has been in contact with Granger, all being unavailable for comment. Granger herself is due back in the country today from Canada where she has been working with the English Quidditch World Cup Team. Her reaction to the news is also as yet unknown. We at the Prophet assure the Wizarding Community we will stay on this breaking news and keep you informed. Story continued in The Full History of the Weasley-Granger Relationship; Friendship to Breakup pg. 4-5.

A sigh escaped her as the full implications of the article hit. Lisa Turpin clever, ha! She remembered back in Hogwarts that everyone wondered how the girl made Ravenclaw! That small issue aside, everyone in the Wizarding World was going to know about this, everyone was going to be interested. In the post wizarding war society, war heroes were the new celebrities. This definitely wasn't the first article written about her or Ron or their rocky relationship- it was however the first totally factual story and the most explicit. Although Hermione speculated as she watched photo Ron snog Lisa Turpin on his balcony, it really didn't hurt as much as it probably should. She felt detached, and a twinge of guilt pierced her stomach at this realisation. The reason they had stayed together so long was the fear of losing each other as friends, at least on Hermione's part. They had been through so much together that Hermione was having trouble staying mad with Ron, because deep down she knew exactly why he had done it. Could you stay friends with a man who publicly got caught shagging another girl while still technically in a relationship with you? Were he and Lisa going to be together now? If so Hermione doubted Lisa would be happy to have her new boyfriend hanging around his ex-girlfriend. What about Harry and Ginny, would they throw Hermione aside? No! Harry would never do that to her. She was just over-analysing everything and despite being Ron's sister, Ginny was Hermione's best girlfriend. Wasn't that somewhere in a best friend code- Friends before cheating boyfriends, even if said boyfriend is best friend's brother? What about the rest of the Weasley's? Would they blame her? Hate her? Say it was all her fault for always working?

Oh my! Hermione felt the pressure and worry build within her chest, a gripping pain threatening to take over. She really needed to stop thinking. Or maybe she needed to cry. A good cry was probably the correct protocol during times like this. She could Floo Ron, Harry or Ginny. Hell, she should Floo Ron to yell at him. Tell him it was his fault she got drunk last night at a Muggle bar. It was his fault she had sex with Marcus Flint... really amazing sex with THE Marcus Flint. As hypocritical as it would be, she was sure Ron would react badly to that news.

Hermione decided what she needed was a shower. Everything would feel better after a shower. Then she would pack and it would be time to face the Wizarding World when she met up with the rest of the Quidditch team to take Portkey's home to England. Oh my bloody Godric! Flint will be there! Hermione felt her eyes widen and her heat rate accelerate. Of course he will be there; he was the bloody star chaser- he needed to get back to England as well. Shit, shit, shit! How on earth was she meant to face Flint? She would rather face Ron! How do you face the man you had a one night stand with? Fight a Death Eater- not a problem, stand in front of the entire International Confederation of Wizards as the first Muggleborn member in history- child's play! Face Marcus Flint after a night of shagging, please no, anything but that! It took a few minutes of toe curling panic, but at last Hermione was able to continue getting ready.

She showered and dressed in a cute floral, cap sleeved sundress. Hermione surmised that if she was going to encounter men who have seen you naked, it would be best to look presentable. She finished the last of the packing before entering the Floo, calling out the address to the English Wizarding Embassy in Toronto, where the Portkey's to England were organised.

The Portkey Office was a large, old fashioned room ornately decorated with mahogany wood panels. The cream wallpaper featured small intricately twisted flower stems in various red and blue shades. As was common in the Wizarding World, there were moving portraits of important witches and wizards from history adorning the walls, generally ignoring the living people as they slept and gossiped amongst each other. The furniture included an eclectic assortment of high backed armchairs of varying upholstery types and colours, in neat rows. Through experience Hermione knew the chairs became the Portkey's back to England and had always thought it was like the Wizarding World's version of an Airport.

Upon entering the office, Hermione became acutely aware that the room had gone deadly silent as people realised she was there. Suppressing a sigh at how obvious everyone was being, she attempted a general smile to the room at large before walking over to the help desk to check in. The young blond help witch behind the desk appeared flustered at Hermione's arrival, which in any other circumstance may have been humorous.

"Oh Miss Granger, let me check... your Portkey has been arranged for 11.45, right after that of Mr Flint". Hermione barely held back a pathetic whine of discomfort knowing that due to Portkey protocol she would have to sit next to him while she waited. The women continued, "Your Portkey chair is number P16, and here is your ticket to hand in once you are back in England." She handed over a piece of parchment containing Hermione's name and other relevant details. Desiring a quick exit, Hermione was just turning around to find her allotted seat when the blond spoke up again. "I'm sorry to hear about you and Ron Weasley's break up. I was so shocked when I read about it! You two seemed like such a perfect couple! Just like Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley... You don't think they will break up as well? Imagine a single Harry Potter! He's so handsome!" This last part was uttered with a dreamy expression on her face.

Disgusted and having trouble keeping her feelings neutral to the stupid bint, Hermione couldn't help but snap. "Harry and Ginny Potter are very much in love, nothing will break them apart." With no interest of continuing the conversation Hermione turned and headed toward her chair, not caring if her abrupt tone offended the woman.

Looking across the room to where Hermione was positive her seat would be located, her heart skipped a beat after spying the fine looking Quidditch star she was currently determined to not think about. She wondered in hindsight if she should have continued the useless conversation with the silly chit. Pointless conversation would mean less time sitting next to one very delectable Marcus Flint. Her breath caught in her throat as she eyed his muscular torso, being shown off in well-fitting Wizarding robes. Still, his use of such obviously expensive, tailored, traditional robes for weekend use only sought to highlight how wrong last night was. Who wears robes like that on a day off? It was easy to forget in a Muggle bar while he wore Muggle clothes that he was one of the Pureblood elite she seemed to forever battle against. Defiantly straightening her back Hermione began the walk toward her seat, noting the area had no one but Flint in the vicinity. She smiled at a couple of co-workers from her Department trying to ignore their rather sympathetic return smiles. The closer she got to Flint, who had by now noticed her and was watching with a smirk across his face, the more she had to fight the instinct to turn and flee. She was never drinking alcohol again. A stupid evil substance that is nothing but trouble! Her eyes unconsciously locked to his as she walked closer, and she sighed as she reached her chair "Flint".

He smirked, "Granger," watching with evident amusement as she grimaced before taking a seat in her allotted dark blueand crimson jacquard upholstered armchair. Once settled into the squishy, comfortable chair she mustered her courage to look up toward the man on her right, almost regretting it instantly after locking eyes with the attractive wizard.

"How are you feeling this morning? I hope the hangover potion worked well."

Smarmy bugger! Damn it she should have left some gallons next to the empty vial- rule number one: never be in debt to a Slytherin.

"Yes, thank you; you must inform me as to the cost so I can repay you. Never having used that potion before whilst travelling I am unsure how much hotels charge." Why was she talking so formally? What was wrong with her? Flint for his part seemed generally amused at her speech.

"Don't worry about it- my treat."

"Thanks, I guess." She decided it was best to look anywhere but him. Her eyes darted around and she again noticed how people kept glancing her way and felt conflicted. Continue to meet everyone's sympathetic gazes or converse with Flint. Oh this was painful!

"Bloody bastards should mind their own business." She had not realised the words had been spoken out loud until Flint coughed in surprise.

"Um, true, but you should know by now that they won't...sorry to hear about it by the way." Although his tone conveyed genuine sympathy and even concern, she had no idea of his expression since she refused to look at him.

"Thank you, it has been coming for a while...well not the cheating bit with photographic evidence obviously... that's really inconvenient... but the break itself..." She broke off the sentence unsure of why was she telling him this. She needed to stop talking now before she made more of a fool of herself. Peeking a look at him from the corner of her eye, she noticed his face held a shocked expression.

"Sorry, you really didn't need to know that," she continued.

"That's fine," he fidgeted in his seat clearly uncomfortable making Hermione feel bad for burdening him, "I am sorry if it looked like I was taking advantage last night."

A surprised chuckle escaped her lips and once again he seemed shocked.

"I think it was the other way around. I should apologise to you...for taking advantage."

At this he gave her a true smile, showing rows of perfect teeth. "Maybe we should conclude nether took advantage of the other." He winked.

"Ok, let's do that," was her confused reply, face flushed scarlet.

They were unable to continue their discussion safely from eavesdroppers, as the Keeper for England's Quidditch team, Jackson Preston, sat in the Portkey seat beside Hermione. He also gave her a sympathetic smile and expressed his condolences for her failed relationship. She thanked him as graciously as she could, since Preston was a good man. However that did not stop her from retrieving a book from her bag in an effort to appear busy and avoid any further conversations.

Hermione arrived back in England shortly after her Portkey activated. Returning the parchment ticket to the bored looking witch at the counter Hermione felt flutters of apprehension in her stomach as she left the safety of the return Portkey room. Her eyes, almost with a will of their own looked around for Flint much to her internal frustration. She found him looking right at her. It appeared like he wanted to say something until his attention was diverted by something behind her.

As she turned Hermione exhaled her breath in relief at a very welcome sight, "Harry."

There standing with a small smile was her best friend. Tears in her eyes, she walked to him throwing her arms around his neck whispering her thank-yous Flint temporarily forgotten. By the time she felt composed enough to look around the room Flint was gone and she found herself begging Harry to quickly take her to the Disapparition area.

Sunday 12th November 2001, Hermione's Apartment, London, Ginny Potter POV

Ginny was nervous as she waited for Harry and Hermione, she was also very angry. That idiotic brother of hers, how could he do it again? Even if Hermione had no idea about Ron's other indiscretion, because Ginny, Harry and Ron had made sure of that. But still, after all the guilt she and Harry had suffered keeping Ron's secret, he went off and did it again! He swore he loved Hermione, swore to protect her and look after her after his first 'mistake'. Harry had trusted him with Hermione and she was like his sister.

Not that the inevitable breakup about to happen was a surprise. Hermione was always working and she was already a major player within the Ministry. Harry and Ginny had their suspicions why the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shackelbolt had asked Hermione to be the Britain's Supreme Mugwump right after she completed her NEWTS. There was more to Kingsley's planning than the post-war publicity he spread among the Wizarding Community. Kingsley adored Hermione and he respected her intellect. Ginny was convinced Hermione had been made Supreme Mugwump in order to gain valuable worldwide contacts which would benefit a future Minister of Magic. Although only two years later, after study and research of international law Hermione had declared even a trained peacock could be a Mugwump part-time and she wanted another challenge. Harry and Ginny even had bets between each other over the next position Hermione would be 'offered' as a 'favour' to Kingsley after the Quidditch World Cup in August. Ginny believed Department of Law Enforcement, while Harry thought Senior Undersecretary to Kingsley. Ron by comparison was not ambitious at all. He worked with George and Lee Jordan as the manager of the Hogsmeade branch of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes. He never understood Hermione's love of work.

Ginny was pulled from her thoughts by the Floo activating and the arrival of her husband and best friend. Harry stood awkwardly beside the fireplace clearly unsure what to do or say. Poor Harry, she could see the concern in his eyes as he gazed at his best friend. Hermione sent him a reassuring smile.

"It's OK Harry, I'm not going to break down. You look terrified."

He laughed without any trace of humour, "It would be fine if you do. You deserve it."

Ginny wholeheartedly agreed with Harry, turning to observe Hermione for any signs of obvious distress.

"I don't want to. I don't feel I deserve it- this is as much my fault as Ron's."

"Bullshit,"Hermione turned to face Ginny in shock at the outburst. "My idiot brother is an arse! I am so close to hexing him within an inch of his life!"

"Gin-," Hermione began, hands raised as though calming a distressed animal.

"Don't 'Gin' me Hermione. This is not your fault! Sure you and Ron have had some issues everyone could see that- but have you seen the paper? There are pictures! The git got caught with his pants down humiliating us all."

Harry tried to calm her down as well. "Ginny, love-"

Her ferocious gaze snapped his way, before softening her expression slightly at his wary glance. Still, her tone and words were full of fight.

"Don't 'Ginny love' me Harry Potter! How dare he hurt my best friend like that!"

"Ginny!" Now it was Hermione's sharp tone which caught her attention. "I'm OK. I think in a way this is for the best. I'm very sorry for how it happened but truthfully my biggest concern is losing all my friends," her voice wavered.

Ginny was stunned, she couldn't be serious? "You will never lose us Hermione."

Harry also looked surprised at Hermione's apparent fears. "Never Hermione, you are like a sister to me." A relieved sob escaped the brunette, and Ginny realised just how worried she had been.

"Come here silly," Ginny walked over and pulled the girl into a crushing hug. "You won't lose any of my family, they are so angry at Ronald. Even Mum and you know how much she mollycoddles Ronnikins." Ginny felt Hermione smile into her shoulder.

"Where is Ron?"Hermione asked in a whisper.

It was Harry who replied, "Our house, he stayed last night and wanted to give you some time to settle back in before coming around to talk."

"How surprisingly considerate of him," Hermione laughed but the sound seemed forced. "Go get him Harry, and bring him back here. There's no point putting it off." Harry looked alarmed and Hermione laughed again, only this time the sound was more realistic."I am not going to hex him. I just want to talk."

Ginny noticed Hermione was sending looks between Harry and the fire place, as though trying to subconsciously force Harry to leave. If Hermione really wanted Ron they could just send a Patronus, or Floo call. There was no need for Harry to go himself but it seemed to Ginny like Hermione was trying to get rid of Harry.

As soon as Harry was gone Ginny turned to Hermione who began to look incredibly nervous, bitting her lower lip. Ginny knew her first impression was right. Hermione purposely got rid of Harry for a reason. "Why did we just get rid of Harry?"

"Nothing gets past you Gin." Hermione abruptly stood up and began to walk toward the kitchen area Ginny trailing behind. "What I am about to tell you- not even Harry can know, alright?"

"Of course," This was interesting, there wasn't much Hermione wouldn't tell Harry.Ginny lent her elbows against the granite island bench and stared at Hermione. Hermione continued to look nervous as she leaned against cream cupboards fiddling with the fabric of her floral dress.

"I did something last night- something I can't stop thinking about... even though I should be more preoccupied with my failed relationship." Hermione eyes expressed worry and guilt, "Gin I think there is something seriously wrong with my priorities."

"What did you do?" What on earth could Hermione have done?

"I... shagged Marcus Flint."

"..."

If Hermione had run through the great hall of Hogwarts naked during dinner, chanting better rights for Nargles, Ginny would have been less surprised. Her mind flicked to recent images of Marcus Flint. Despite his unfortunate pedigree, he had become a very good looking man since leaving Hogwarts. So all she could reply was,"What was it like?"

Hermione's mouth gaped open. "I tell you I had intimate relations with Marcus bloody Flint. When I haven't even officially broken up with your brother and the first thing you want is a description?"

Sending Hermione a saucy grin Ginny couldn't help but add, "Yep!" Remembering the magazine she had brought around to read while she waited, Ginny rushed to the lounge area of Hermione's open plan apartment returning momentarily with the copy of 'Quidditch Weekly'. Flipping pages quickly until finding the picture she was after. Slamming the magazine down on the table so a full-page moving photo of Marcus leaving some change room was displayed. His short hair was wet and he had on faded Muggle jeans and a fitted black T-shirt, highlighting both his torso and arms. "You shagged that Hermione." Ginny tapped the picture for emphasis as she spoke. Picture Marcus was looking characteristically buff, brooding and ominous. Yet this only enhanced the sexy bad boy image. He did look bloody attractive with that unique mixture of a smirk and a sneer Ginny was certain only Slytherin's could accomplish. Marcus Flint had the haughty Pureblood look down to perfection, even dressed in Muggle clothes.

Still in shock from Hermione's revelation Ginny couldn't help but add, "As your best friend you have a duty to tell me what he was like. I will sleep with one man for my entire life! You have shagged two. Hermione- you are now the more experienced of us." A short silence followed this surprising revelation before both girls fell into a fit of giggles.

Hermione sighed, her eyes closing perhaps in memory. "It was, words can't describe...and it wasn't just the sex, although that was amazing! He was really nice and surprisingly easy to talk too." Ginny's sent Hermione a sceptical look. "I know it sounds ludicrous. He really doesn't look very friendly, but we had a great time! Still that doesn't change the fact I technically cheated on Ron-"

Ginny cut her off, "after he cheated on you."

"Still..."

Before Ginny once again rebutted, "Doesn't matter, you have nothing to feel bad about! But I agree Harry and Ron can't know about this." Ginny tore her eye away from the magazine picture to look at Hermione, "Are you going to see him again?"

Hermione shook her head very slowly a few times, "I doubt it, we were both very drunk- and it just happened."

They were unable to continue the conversation as the Floo once again activated. All previous humour was lost as Ginny hurried to close the magazine. Hermione sent Ginny a panicked look and Ginny gave her hand a squeeze of solidarity. Together they walked to the living area which now contained a very ashamed and worried looking Ron. He stood fidgeting next to Harry eyeing Hermione as though she was might to attack him.

"I'm not going to hurt you Ron". Hermione looked a little amused at Ron's evident fear.

"Shit, Hermione, I am so sorry. I don't know what happened."

"Sure you do, I was again out of the country and you went out for a drink. Met up with Lisa Turpin who recognised you, she wanted a piece of war hero and you obliged her."

"Ummm, something like that, I guess..." He was clearly uncomfortable that Hermione had hit the nail on the head. "Did I mention I was drunk?"

"No but I guessed, trust me that part I find the easiest to forgive." Ginny snorted at this earning an alarmed look of caution from Hermione.

"Harry and Gin could you leave Ron and I alone for a bit please? We need to talk." Ron's panic increased, his face and ears turning a vivid shade of red and he shot a pleading look at Harry who ignored him."I'm not going to hurt you Ron! I just want to talk". He nodded slowly but didn't look relieved as Ginny followed her husband to the Floo. Harrys gaze met Hermione's calm eyes.

"Are you sure you will be ok?" Hermione smiled reassuringly at her best friend and nodded. He sighed and left Ginny entering the Floo after him but not before sending Hermione one last encouraging smile and Ron a look of contempt.