A/N: I can't express enough how grateful I am for all the sweet encouragement. I'm glad this is actually enjoyable for folks! I'll keep trying. :)

July 19th

I frantically prepared for your arrival all morning, pacing and endlessly fussing with everything you might lay eyes on.

You entered my studio slowly. But your eyes went everywhere. I watched you taking in my life. You walked towards the glass doors. They were opened to the garden.

You inhaled deeply. "Lilacs. My favorite, Hermione."

I smiled. "Mine too."

I wanted to run at you. I wanted to apparate away. And yet another part of me wished I could scream at the top of my lungs that my love had finally come.

I offered you tea. Surely there were better answers to my awkwardness. But tea was familiar, normal, expected even. So, we drank our tea in the garden under a precarious guise of normality. Meanwhile, below our ordinary words, a great swell was building between us. My garden of gentle flowers became overtaken by your powerful undertow. Your summer smile and lashes.

"You painted my portrait, Hermione."

"I did," I replied. Not the most revealing of statements. But I never gave you many words. My mind flashed back to the night at shell cottage. Were you testing my Gryffindor bravery again? I've never been brave in love.

You didn't push the subject and we returned to casual topics. When it was time for you to go, I walked you to the door. You kissed my cheeks and took my hand like before. Your fingers pressed gently against my palm. I felt it everywhere.

"Hermione, would you paint my portrait again? It seems the other one is not for sale."

Your words forced all the air out of my lungs. But who needs air when there is you to paint?

"Fleur, I'd be very grateful to paint you. How much time do we have? I mean,when are you leaving town?"

"I don't have to leave town, Hermione. We have time."

You slowly laced your fingers in mine. As I closed my eyes to bask in the feeling, you gave one last squeeze before releasing my hand and apparating.

Yes, you are braver than me. Much more brave.