Hermione's eyes fluttered open, and quickly came into focus. They were currently lying on the spacious double bed in their new Hogwarts accommodation, but somehow their limbs still managed to become entwined. Hermione sat up, and was relieved to know that Harry hadn't got up yet – yesterday had been an exhausting adventure, and Hermione new it had taken its toll on her baby. She slipped silently out of bed, and made her way to the kitchen area to make a cup of coffee – the house-elves had kindly left the ingredients in her cupboards, having a hunch that she'd need them. As Hermione stirred the granules into some hot water, she thought about her plan for today. 'Ron should get here, if,' she reminded herself with a note of irritation, 'he bothered to read my owl.' She took a warming sip of her drink and was sat down sleepily at the table. As soon as her body became comfortable in the alien chairs, a whimper from the bedroom signalled for her to get up again. She put her cup down, and swiftly moved back to the bedroom, where Harry was sobbing into a pillow.

'I d-didn't mean to, 'Mione I swear!' He sobbed harder, letting Hermione pull him into a hug. 'R-Remus… your son,' he cried to himself, trying to escape Hermione's grasp.
'God,' Hermione thought worriedly, 'its going to be a bad day then.' Harry sobbed harder, now screaming 'They tortured me! The cruciatus curse…'
Confidently, she looked into his eyes and told him 'Harry, its ok. It's going to be alright-'

'How can you say that?' Harry shouted, escaping her hold, and moving away from her so fast he slipped, falling over the other side of the bed and onto the hard wooden floor. He sat up and cried, like a child that had taken a tumble. Hermione moved around the bed and knelt in front of him. Rubbing his leg, she asked gently 'Don't you trust me?'

He stopped crying. His mouth opened like he was about to argue, but he stopped. There was a pregnant moment of silence before he whispered 'Yes, 'Mione.' He didn't say anything else after that. He didn't protest as she filled up the bath, he didn't fight as Hermione scrubbed him down, or when Hermione helped him into a scratchy fresh set of clothes provided by the house-elves. She set a plain bowl of cereal and milk in front of him as he sat, soundless and still, at the table. After she had showered and dressed, she found Harry hadn't touched his breakfast. Charming the heat back into her abandoned mug, she said emphatically 'You need to eat, Harry. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.'

Harry said nothing in response, but Hermione was thankful to see him pick up the spoon besides the bowl and stir hap-hazardously. She sat opposite him, staring at the locks of slightly wet black hair that fell casually over his eyes. He was staring intensely at the soggy cereal, which Hermione noted were encrusted with more sugar. She saw a little bit of milk spill down his chin, and she leaned over to wipe it away. Harry grasped her hand lightly, as Hermione gripped his chin and wiped it with her thumb. Still holding her hand from across the table, his eyes met hers. 'Why do you look after me?' Harry asked emptily, like he didn't fully understand what he was asking. 'Why?' Hermione repeated, wondering where this was leading. He said 'I'm responsible for so many bad things, 'Mione, but you're still here. Why?'

'Do you remember what I said yesterday? By the lake.'

Harry looked down and shook his head, despite the obvious smile that threatened to spread across his face. 'Because,' Hermione said truthfully, 'I love you.'

Harry blushed for a second, but then he frowned. 'How can you love me? I-I'm a freak, I can do magic, I talk to snakes, I-'

Hermione leapt across the table and planted a small but meaningful kiss on his sweet lips – whether from the sugar or his natural taste, she didn't care. 'Isn't that proof enough? You ask too many questions.' She said with a smile.

'Yeah.' Harry agreed hazily.

Harry and Hermione took a long walk around the castle grounds, before stopping by the Quidditch pitch. He would point at different rooms and portraits excitedly, pleasing Hermione with his curiosity. Ginny appeared down the track, walking next to another tall red head with muscular arms, freckles and a thin nose-
'Ron!' cheered Harry, running to greet him. Hermione raised her eyebrow as Ron tensed, though relaxed as Harry sprinted to hug him. Hermione caught up slowly, looking at Ron judgingly. He ruffled Harry's hair and asked, 'How have you been?'

'Fine. Where've you been?' Harry shot back, jokingly poking his arm. Ron didn't answer, preferring to ignore the question. They walked back to the castle, as Harry continued to ask questions, like 'Did you apparate to Hogwarts, or floo in like me and Hermione?', 'Have you been working? Or just playing like me?' and 'Why didn't you come to see me before?'

'Harry, that's a lot to answer in one day.' Ginny said smartly, saving Ron the trouble of answering. 'Hermione says I ask too many questions.' Harry said, repeating her very wording. The two red heads laughed as Harry smiled sheepishly. Hermione, on the other hand, was annoyed at Ron's dismissive attitude. Scolding, she complained 'You didn't answer or reply to any of my letters. We, Harry really wanted to see you.'

'I am sorry,' Ron said in a voice so sincere Hermione was unsure if it was real, 'I'll make it up to him I swear.'

'You'd better.' Scoffed Harry, mimicking Hermione's irritated tone and walking ahead of the group. Ron would've laughed if Harry didn't sound so serious. Harry reached the bridge to the grounds and turned around, calling 'Can me and Ron play chess when we get back?'

Hermione looked at him, and then replied 'First we have to get our things, remember? You don't want to have to wear orange jumpers like that forever, do you?'

'I guess not.' Harry replied thoughtfully as they caught up to him. As they walked, Harry had become more subdued and quiet, which was always a bad sign. Hermione took his hand to stop him running off and squeezed it in support, as Harry gave her a pained look. In a hushed whisper, he told Hermione 'I forgot to apologise to Ginny, for Fred-'
'It wasn't your fault Harry.' Hermione replied, rubbing his arm gently. 'If it makes you feel any better, she had forgiven you ages ago, not that there was anything for her to forgive you for anyway.'

'But I… now I'm scared Hermione.'

Having heard the exchange, Ginny tapped Hermione's shoulder, and gestured towards Harry. Reluctantly, Hermione let Ginny pull Harry aside, out of their hearing range. Harry seemed frightened at first, but Ginny's words soothed his discomfort, and he visibly relaxed. She gave him a tight hug, and they returned. As Ron and Harry went ahead, Hermione asked 'What did you say?'

'I told him that we – I mean, y'know, 'the Weasleys' – missed him and that he should come to the Burrow sometime.'

Hermione sighed in surprise. 'I thought he was going to have another episode, he told me he was scared to be around you.'

Ginny's eyes suddenly became watery. 'Its 'cause of Fred, isn't it?'

'I'm afraid. Maybe we should go to the Burrow. It might help him accept.'

Ginny wiped her eye, and nodded. 'I'll let Mum and Dad know. Mum'll start cooking a right feast – 'Oh look how thin and wasted you've become, Harry! I hope Hermione's been feeding you proper!' – and then she'll glare at Ron for never bringing him himself.' The two women laughed, turning the corner to find Harry animatedly telling Ron how he'd saved his life. '-and then I shoved the bezoar – odd little rock, wasn't it? – into your mouth, which was a bit weird, but I still saved you.'

'And I thank whoever's running this joint everyday that you were there.' Ron finished poetically, causing Hermione to raise her eyebrows again. 'I do!' Ron insisted, making Hermione grin. Harry gave Ron a small hug before bounding up the stairs, to their room that was one the seventh floor. Harry had to wait by the portrait for Hermione to catch up ('Ron, why would I give Harry the password? He could disturb the other teachers.') and he did so patiently – he looked at the other paintings with curiosity. He sat patiently by the steps, when suddenly the portrait swung open behind him. 'Harry m'boy!' Professor Slughorn greeted, clapping Harry firmly on the back. Harry couldn't help but smile, timidly replying 'Good day, Professor.'

'What's got into you? It's me, Horace.' Slughorn said, become slightly disturbed and confused. 'I-I'm not well.' Harry told him, just like he'd rehearsed with Hermione before. She had told him if anyone asked why he was acting the way he was, to say he 'wasn't well'. Harry wasn't sure why – he felt fine. 'Sick, eh?' Horace repeated, nodding sympathetically as Hermione, Ron and Ginny reached the top of the stairs. 'Hello, Professor.' The three said in unison, as Slughorn gave them a small bow. 'And hello to you, fellow saviours of Hogwarts. It's not often that one is graced with all three-' Harry moved towards Hermione, grasping her hand as Slughorn's words made him increasingly uncomfortable, '-of Voldemort's vanquishers.'

'Yes, well, we'd better get inside.' Hermione said awkwardly, as Horace moved out of the way. Hermione quickly led Harry through, as Ginny struck up a conversation with the potions professor about the effect of light-headedness potions on flying capability. When Hermione finally got their room door open, she forced Harry into a chair and knelt in front of him. Tears were forming again. 'Harry,' she started, speaking clearly to make sure her words were getting through to him, 'it was a good thing you, we, did that summer. Ok? A good thing.'

Harry took a deep breath. 'Good.' Hermione told him, 'Big breaths, ok?' She breathed heavily, rhythmically encouraging Harry to continue. He calmed down and sat back, slouching in the wooden chair.

'Is it ok if I stay here while you and Ron get your things?' he asked quietly.

'Our things,' she reminded, 'and yes. As long as Ginny stays with you.'

'Ok.' Harry said, looking up as Ginny entered, standing besides her brother.

'Yeah, Me an' Harry'll have a blast, no problem.' She said, making Harry smile.

Ron and Hermione quickly left for the Headmistress's office, where Hermione was sure they could get to Diagon Alley from. The walk was tense; with every turn to a new corridor, Hermione was sure Ron had another point he wanted to make against her life choices. She heard him take a slow breath and begin 'Hermione, I'm sorry for what happened last time. Really, I-'

'You don't need to say anything. Harry's got nothing against you, so it's under the rug.' Hermione said shortly.
'No its not, 'Mione.' Ron said, stopping in the deserted corridor on the first floor. 'You haven't forgiven me, and we're not leaving here till you do.'

'Ron, you're doing it again!' Hermione complained. 'Every time, you try to… dominate me, and I'm not going to have it. I don't care whether Harry can't remember that you hit him, or that you left us alone.'

'So it is still about that. I knew you'd never let that go – even when you told me to forget it.'

'What was I supposed to say?' asked Hermione, adding sarcastically 'Everything's going to be exactly the same?' She paused, before telling him 'It was those nights, in the forest of Dean, that I stopped loving you like that. You're a brother to me, but you weren't there when I needed someone most. Harry was there, he was sweet and caring, he looked after me-'

'But we kissed, 'Mione.' Ron said defensively.

'And I regret it every single day.' She finished, walking away from him. She turned around and sighed shakily. She'd wanted to say that for ages, but hadn't been able to bring herself to. 'Ron, can we just get my stuff and act like nothing happened?'

'Sure,' said Ron in a stubborn whisper, 'you've been doing that for months, right?' before following her out the door.

Diagon Alley was a hum of magical wonder and excitement. Without having to look after Harry, Hermione had a bit more time to appreciate the activities going on around her; People were still repairing shops, creating new signs and filling window spaces with fresh panes of glass. Families with eleven-year olds flooded the streets, entering Madam Malkin's and Ollivander's, getting their wands and probably their robes for Hogwarts. Ron and Hermione reached the Leaky Cauldron in silence. Hermione pulled her sleeve up, revealing a sweet charm bracelet, with many key-shaped charms littered from it, She tapped one charm several times, and from it sprung a larger brass key, rusted with age. 'I've always admired your practical magic.' Ron said, smiling optimistically in apology. Hermione raised her eyebrow at him, pushing the stiff door open. She didn't plan on staying long, quickly shoving all of Harry's clothes with hers into a large trunk. She transfigured a piece of parchment into a cardboard box, piling enough books to make a library into it. Filled to the brim, she told Ron to put it on top of the trunk. Muttering a quick spell, the trunk and box vanished, and Ron frowned. 'So what did you need me for?' he asked, like he'd been strung along for nothing.

'You're my witness.'

Hermione tiredly explained as they went to Gringotts. 'So,' she stressed, 'because I'm not a Potter, even though I'm Harry's sole beneficiary, I have to have a non-related, respected witch or wizard present to make sure I'm not doing anything illegal with Harry's money.'

'Which, he can't take himself?' Ron asked ignorantly.

'If the goblins think anything's wrong with him, all of his property and holdings will be seized, along with his wealth. We need it to survive, since neither of us work.'

'I see.' Ron said convincing her of his understanding, though still marvelling at the suggestion that Hermione deemed him 'respected'. They greeted the goblins with surprisingly few insults and objections – they had been, after all, responsible for the most recent break in to Gringotts Bank. It was with the head goblin that they discussed how much money Hermione was permitted to take out of Harry's account. She was both flattered and surprised by how much Harry had allotted her, and recovered the key to his vault from her wrist. 'I hate the way these dragons are kept, Ron. I really do.' Hermione said desperately, having always been disgusted by creature-cruelty. Ron merely murmured a response in agreement, though he was more comfortable with the dragons in the high security levels. Once the vault door was open, Hermione waited for the defensive magic to be 'paused' before shoving piles of galleons, sickles and knuts into her beaded bag. Happy with the amount, Hermione bid the goblins good day and left, Ron at her heels.

'…And then, Ginny took me to the great hall, and we played some chess, and Professor Sprout told the house-elves to bring me ice cream!' Harry told Hermione happily as he lay on the couch of their room, his head resting on her lap. 'Tired?' asked Hermione motherly.

'A little,' Harry admitted, 'but I can still stay up, right? I'm not ready for bed yet.' Harry thought for a moment, before adding 'Unless you are, 'cause I wouldn't want to leave you alone or anything.'

'Too right.' said Hermione, feeling her own blush expanding. Hermione let her hand feel his hair, and relaxed into the comfy couch. It was strange, to see Harry so open in front of others – Ron and Ginny were struggling to contain their laughter at Harry's last proclamation. 'Did you bring my stuff?' Harry asked, to which Ron answered 'Yep.'
'Awesome.' Harry replied, turning his head to look at Hermione. 'Can we go outside today?'

'I'm not sure Harry. It's getting darker outside now.'

'Don't worry, the Snatchers can't get us – we have so many Disillusionment charms on it'd be damn right hard to see us.' Harry said, making Hermione frown. 'Harry, the snatchers are gone. You helped get rid of them, remember?' She said, putting a hand on his shoulder

'I… I don't understand. 'Mione… I'm scared.' Harry said, frightened. He curled up his legs and shifted further to Hermione. 'I don't believe you, 'Mione. I'm b-bad, a killer, I-'
'Harry, no one blames you for anything, and you shouldn't either.' Said Ginny in an attempt to put Harry at ease. 'Yeah Harry,' agreed Ron, rubbing the boy's knee to show his support. Harry closed his eyes, as Ron continued 'you've got to accept that. Nothing that happened was your fault.'

As Ron said those words, Hermione felt a pang of hope. She half-wanted Harry to sit up, blink like he'd been asleep, and then act completely fine. But she knew that wasn't likely. Instead, tears had formed in his eyes and he was sobbing into her legs. 'I didn't mean to… the other spells in the book were harmless, I-'

'Shhh Harry, don't worry about it. Just concentrate on breathing.' Hermione instructed, kissing his forehead gently. He inhaled and exhaled, eventually relaxing and falling asleep.

'Sorry, 'Mione. I shouldn't have got him so exhausted.'

'It's fine. You can't really do anything to stop him from having a moment.'

'But still,' Ginny said, 'there's got to be something we can do. I hate seeing him like this.'

'Yeah. But telling him straight didn't work.' Ron pointed out, 'Maybe a healer at-'

'We're doing the right thing. Exposing him to everyone slowly – he's less upset nowadays, and I'm sure he'll get better over time. Do you think I let him rely on me too much?' Hermione asked, looking for an honest answer.

'No way, you're the perfect girlfriend.' Announced Ginny.

'He doesn't see me that way anymore Ginny. I'm his carer, his mother.' Hermione replied despondently.
'Well, have you shown him how much you really love him? Y'know, a good shag might help him-'

'Ginny!' exclaimed Hermione and Ron at her suggestion. They glared at her, but she coolly said 'What? He's a grown man, isn't he?' As if to prove her point, Harry groaned deeply in his sleep, his hand moving to rest on Hermione's leg besides his head. 'Ginny, listen here. I don't care how perverse you are, Harry and I are not going to have sex tonight!' Hermione averred with a small smile, and Ginny beamed. 'Well, the ideas out there now. That's my job done.'

'Sis, you can't possibly think they'd do that, not in his condition.' Ron assured.

'Hermione,' Ginny continued placidly, 'are you telling me you have no physical attraction towards Harry at all?'

Hermione brought her hands to her face, and groaned. 'Of course I do! We've slept together before, and we sleep in the same bed, and I see him naked what, every day? I'm his girlfriend. I want him to love me back is all, and he can't do that right now.'

'Ok, enough will Hermione's non-existent sex life.' Ron ended tiredly, changing the subject. In Ginny's direction, he threw 'Did you get back together with Dean or what?'

'You're still with him?' Hermione asked, shocked. Last she'd heard, Ginny and Dean were still arguing over his place in her heart, and whether it was truly permanent.

'That's the point. I'm not,' Ginny informed her, looking fiercely at Ron, 'but my idiot brother would rather have me date a long-time friend than a stranger.'

Hermione laughed. This reminded her of an easier time, when they were actual students at Hogwarts. Only Hermione would be the resident librarian this time (she had finalised it the day before with McGonagall). Ginny procured a bottle of Ogden's finest, a glass of which Hermione was more than happy to receive. She took a large gulp, which tickled the back of her throat aggressively. She began to fall asleep, in the warmth of the fire, not being helped by the fact that a sleeping Harry was like a sleeping cat, warming her lap. 'Ron, could you carry Harry to bed?' Hermione asked, and Ron gingerly picked Harry up. Carrying him off to bed, Hermione stood up and yawned. Ginny nodded, feigning understanding. 'That shag's coming a lot sooner than I thought, eh?' she joked, causing Hermione to laugh and wave indifferently, walking to the bedroom. Once Ron and Ginny had left, Hermione began to pull Harry's clothes off. Ginny's words had hit Hermione in a way she hadn't expected; she realised that it was something she did want, and hadn't had in a long time. 'Maybe when Harry's better.' She let herself think, as she pulled off her own clothes and climbed into the covers, wrapping her arms around his naked chest. Hermione decided that she loved Harry the person more than Harry, the reliever of sexual frustration. 'He needs me to be a good girlfriend.' Hermione decided, adjusting her own pillows so Harry's arm wouldn't be completely dead from her weight in the morning. Harry had become physically emaciated after the war, refusing to eat under the impression that he didn't deserve it. He had become so weak that he could hardly walk without Hermione supporting him. She had been the first to get him to eat, telling him that she would fast if he continued to. It worked well – Harry let her feed him and look after him, well after he had given up caring for himself. As she felt his heart beat in rhythm to the rising and collapsing of his lungs, she felt incredibly peaceful. She kissed his rough cheek one last time, made a mental note to shave him in the morning and closed her eyes. There was progress yet to be made.