September 19th 1999, my 20th birthday. Hermione thought solemnly and kicked a loose stone that was under her feet. It was her first birthday since being away from her parents, it felt odd that she would be thinking of them, even when she was an adult, but her parents were now in Australia, Hermione doubted that she would ever see them again.

It was as if a dark looming shadow was encompassing her, as if death itself was waiting for her around every branch, ever stone, inside every shadow. It was a harrowing feeling, one that seemed to be all consuming.

Hermione realised that Harry probably had too much on his mind to remember the little things and she didn't hate him for that, she found that there was probably nothing that could make her hate him, even if he deserved it. Hermione had learnt not to expect much from the men in her life, her last birthday, the memory brought a sad smile to her lips, Ronald had actually forgotten and Harry at the last moment had given Ron his present so that the red head wouldn't look like a complete insensitive jerk. Too late for that. That day had also been the day that Ron started pressuring her for sex, it wasn't Hermione's fault that she didn't find him the least bit attractive, it was her duty to be with him and she wasn't about to give up her virginity to a man who would most likely fail to perform rather than provide any pleasure.

Hermione was glad she was free of him, but knew with a sinking feeling that it must have hurt Harry deeply. She bit her lip whilst following him, he had used magic last night to escape what he thought was a werewolf. Hermione rubbed her eyes, she hadn't slept in almost twenty hours and her feet were slowly beginning to drag beneath her, almost tripping on the smallest things that littered the forest floor.

Harry looked up cautiously to the sky and grimaced when the cool twilight air began to beat against his skin. He grabbed Hermione's hand and he moved quickly toward an opening through the shrubbery. They burst through and found themselves on the side of a road, Harry smiled thankfully when he saw the motel sign about a kilometre up the highway. He pulled her back into the cover of the trees and they walked along the motorway and in what felt like moments they were standing outside a small office, an elderly woman with hazel eyes and grey hair which stuck up in odd places greeted them with a cautious look.

Harry smiled inwardly when Hermione past him muggle money. She pointed to a room that faced the road with the number 6 on the front of its freshly painted surface. The moment they entered the room and locked it behind them Harry collapsed onto the bed. Hermione raised her wand and began casting her wards and silencing charms around the room. Harry looked up five minutes later to see Hermione pocketing her wand and pulling her long hair from its secure binding and letting it cascade down her back in flowing waves.

She rubbed her temples slowly; eyes closed and begun walking towards the only other door which she assumed was the bathroom. Hermione left the door slightly ajar, she found this was most effective when either Harry had a nightmare or something of the likes, she could come to his aid immediately without a door hindering her assistance. She flicked the light on and the golden glow cast a single strip of light over Harry's face and he groaned, squinting slightly. He watched Hermione as she brushed her hair, pulling many unwanted souvenirs from her curls in the process. She set her brush down and his eyes widened when she bent over to pull her trousers down her legs. He swallowed heavily and turned away, staring at the off white ceiling. Harry immediately leapt to his feet, September 19.

He entered the bathroom with his eyes closed heading straight for the sink where he knew she had left her beaded bag. Her small squeal forced him to open his eyes and stare at her, a towel had been haphazardly placed infront of her to hide herself, her cheeks glowing scarlet at the sight of him in the bathroom.

"Henry… Harry what's w-wrong?" she gasped and he ran his fingers through his hair nervously.

"Um, I just needed the bag for a moment." He came up with a lame excuse, but she seemed to accept it, despite the questioning look in her eyes. Steam had begun to fill the room and Harry turned to leave, his heart pounding erratically in his chest. He turned back to apologise, but smiled when he saw her reach out to test the water, her towel slowly slipping from her grasp. Harry immediately exited and leaned against the opposite wall, his mind picturing her slim body lathered in- stop! He thought angrily, pulling on his hair. He sat down and dug into the beaded bag looking for a package he had placed in it six months ago.

He smiled when the brown paper wrapped package came out, only slightly damaged. He bit his lip and waited for her to exit the bathroom which was surprisingly quickly. Ruby seemed to stain her skin in embarrassment when she came up to him. Harry smiled shyly as she walked forward and reached for the beaded bag. He quickly reached out and held her wrist gently. Hermione turned, curiosity evident in her eyes as he brought her down to sit beside him.

"Happy birthday Hermione." He whispered nervously handing her the package. Hermione stared at the package and then at him, her mouth wide open in shock.

"You remembered? How?" Harry scratched the back of his head in discomfort at the questioning look.

"Um, well I always remember… I mean… I placed this inside the bag six months ago, before we left. If you don't want it-"

"No it's just… I wasn't expecting anything." Hermione stammered and Harry nodded towards the package.

"Open it." He whispered and stared intently at her nimble fingers worked the tape carefully away and he watched on in fear that she wouldn't like his gift.

Hermione smiled the moment he passed her the gift, happiness seemed to consume her as she opened it and gazed curiously upon the small black box before her. She looked up at Harry an unsure smile on her face but saw that he was staring at her hands, waiting for her to open the box. She slowly pulled the box open and gasped when the silver chain winked up at her. The necklace had a single pendent on the end. A phoenix gleamed up at her with a scarlet eye which she knew was a ruby, the bird appeared to move with life and Hermione felt a tear roll down her cheek. Harry reached forward and removed it from its casing, fastening it around her neck so that the phoenix rested between the valley of her breasts.

Harry reached out and brushed her tears away a worried expression on his face. "Thankyou so much." She said in a voice heavy with emotion. She threw her arms around his neck and sobbed into his collar. Harry had no idea what to say so he merely placed his arms around her waist and lifted her so that he cradled her on his lap, his arms around her waist. She smelt of honey mixed with buttermilk, it mixed well with the jasmine scent coming from her hair and Harry felt more and more intoxicated with each breath.

"Your welcome." He whispered into her wet hair and she chuckled. She reached for her bag without answering his questioning look and walked back into the bathroom to change.

Hermione lay in the middle of the bed her eyes locked on the phoenix that seemed to be staring back at her. She smiled and kissed the pendant before placing it back on her chest and closing her eyes in exhaustion. Hermione wasn't sure when she had fallen asleep, but knew that she felt extremely warm, she had been moved under the covers of the large bed and looked around the still dark room frowning slightly.

"Harry?" she whispered and watched a figure sit bolt upright from the floor looking blindly around the room, wand raised. He groaned when he saw no danger and rubbed his neck which was aching from his awkward position on the floor. "Harry, share the bed with me, I don't want you hurting yourself." Harry looked up surprised, his eyesight blurry due to the fact his glasses were resting on the bedside table. What surprised him about her offer was that Hermione blatantly refused to share a bed with Ron, whilst he had been her boyfriend no less! Harry knew it was because Hermione didn't trust him to not take advantage of her. The question is can I trust myself not to? Harry thought as he stood and grimaced at the pain running down his back.

He didn't need light to know that Hermione was blushing when he approached. She shifted so that he could easily slide in beside her. He sighed when the warmth encompassed him. Turning his head he saw Hermione curled into a ball her back to him. He knew better than to disturb her, she would probably have his head.

He closed his eyes the moment her breathing slowed with slumber and smiled when he felt her small body seek out his warmth and nestle her head on his chest.

Hermione watched the older pair exchange glances and then look back at her. "Have you heard any news of where he is?" Hermione asked once more, her patience growing thinner with each passing moment.

"We know where he has been from 2002 til 2007. We are trying to distinguish where he was moved to. We are searching Hermione, but it is difficult when yourself and Harry hid him so well." Hermione smiled at this, at least they had protected him.

"Thankyou Albus, Amelia. How is Minerva?" Hermione asked cautiously and watched the wizened headmasters face fall once more. She watched as Albus reached into his pocket and withdrew a letter from St. Mungos.

"I am having her transferred to Hogwarts to be under Poppy's care. I believe she will prefer it." Hermione nodded sadly and stood seeing the beginnings of dismissal in the mans eyes.

"I must go." Hermione nodded and left as fast as her legs would carry her thirty year old body. On her way out into the atrium she groaned when she saw a flash of red hair ahead of her. The once vibrant red hair was greying and almost gone as Arthurs age increased. It took him a moment to recognise her when she passed him, however when he did he called to her.

"Hermione? Hermione Granger!" he called loudly, loud enough for many in the busy entrance to hear him. She froze when the whispering begun and turned dangerously around her eyes conveying despair. Arthur met her gaze and his eyes widened, Hermione heard the sound of reporters running towards her and raised her wand, apparating on the spot.

"…And today has seen the first real public appearance of the famed heroine Hermione Granger in almost three years, her health, sources say, has been deteriorating and the reason for Miss Granger's appearance today, it is rumoured, is because she is finalising her affairs before her very tragic and untimely death…" Ronald Weasley looked up from his three year old son and stared at the radio, shock evident on his face.

"Lavender, has she answered any of my letters?" he asked solemnly, already knowing the answer. Ron Weasley had lost his two best friends due to his stupidity and now the last one was about to be taken by death.

"No." An answer rang through the small house and he grimaced looking back to his son.

"I am a truly horrible man." He whispered and smiled sadly when his son tugged on his shirt.

AN

Your thoughts?