To be honest with you, I'm not sure where this story is heading; if anyone has a suggested plot line they would wish to see with Hermione and this slightly damaged Harry, don't hesitate to let me know via review or p. message. My only ideas now are an emotional visit to the Burrow, and possibly the introduction of Teddy Lupin (being put under his godfather's care?). But even then I'm not sure how to play those, and this one took me ages to come up with. Hermione's in for a lot, but I guess you decide…?

Hermione sat up, and blinked into the darkness. Her eyes were sore and Harry was sound asleep besides her - it was still night time. Hermione lay back down, and rolled over to put her arms around Harry. He shifted a little, but unconsciously relaxed into her hold, his chest lifting her limb as he breathed. Hermione grimaced mentally, preparing for what her body knew was going to come; shouts, forceful turning and pushing, swatting arms - she'd had it all with Harry. A small whimper from her side and the increasing scent of sweat indicated the beginning of another nightmare. His breathing became laboured, and he turned to his side, so that he faced away from Hermione. She wrapped her arm around his waist more tightly, using her body to cocoon him. He whispered 'No...' fearfully, his trauma coming back to haunt him. She felt Harry's body fight against her grip, wriggling away from her. She held him closer, strengthening her touch and nuzzling his neck as he began to cry in his uneasy slumber. Tears were falling from his face, and Hermione's adjusted eyes detected the trembling jaw and clinging hair. Harry shook and turned in Hermione's arms, pushing away when with an imaginary flash of green light- 'Cedric, NO!' Harry sat up with a jolt, sobs immediately shaking his frame, and Hermione pulled him into a domineering cuddle. She kissed his temple and shushed him, giving him statements of encouragement and calming as he recovered. He sniffed and mumbled 'I'm such an idiot.' making Hermione hug him tighter. His head on her shoulders, she moved them both back into the comfort of the sheets, letting his own arms climb by her waist. In the darkness, she reminded matter-of-factly 'You are not-', Harry sighed sharply, '-an idiot.'
'Stop!' Harry yelled, pushing away from her, rather harshly. He sat up again and glared at Hermione (well, more in her general direction). 'Stop lying to me!'
Hermione was flustered and confused, for Harry usually never questioned her judgement. 'What are you talking about?' she asked hotly, before reaching out a gentle hand. He swatted her hand away like an irritating fly and asked, pained, 'Everything is my fault. Why don't you just say it?'
'Because,' she clarified as if it were the most obvious thing, 'you are not to blame for anything that happened. You're no dark wizard, Harry.'
'T-then why don't... w-why do I feel so responsible? I hate… me.'

There it was, the first admission. With a child-like, feeble gasp Harry promptly began to wail and ball tears of despair and more simply, confusion. 'Sometimes I feel like that too.' Hermione thought sadly, leaping at him from her side of the bed and closing the distance between them. She grabbed him in an envelope of heat and soothing, soaking up his tears and his fears. She felt him stiffen at first, but gradually relax. After a good half-hour, his weeping lessened and he became more tranquil. In the quiet of the early morning, Harry said 'Why won't you hate me? I deserve it.' Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but no sound escaped due to her lack of what to say. 'Don't I?' Harry added, a lot more hesitantly in a voice giving away his insecurity. 'No.' Hermione answered quietly. He nodded and allowed her, once again, to cover him in the duvet. There was a period of absolute silence, in which she assumed Harry had fallen asleep. So, it came as a surprise when Harry's voice caught her attention: ' Um, 'Mione?'
'Hmm?' Hermione sounded, her tiredness ebbed. She turned onto her side and felt him move closer towards her. She assumed that he found comfort in the familial touch of another person – a feeling she knew he'd been long deprived of.
'Th-thanks for not, er, hating me.' he sniffed softly with a yawn. Hermione's heart flushed with a strong love. Taking his hand in hers, Harry once again began drifting off into sleep. The aura of blue surrounding the curtained windows bathed the room, creating a peaceful air that aided the occupants' rest. The four o'clock sun was young, and gave a notice of the new morning that was now fast approaching. Hermione, in her desperate effort of excitement, found it difficult to keep her woken eyes shut. She felt much more at peace staring at the face of a contented Harry who lay calmly beside her for the first morning in a year and more.

Hermione's eyes fluttered open, and quickly came into focus. There were currently tangled in a way that confused her, as she wondered where the knot of limbs could have possibly started. She could tell from the abundance of sunlight that they had unintentionally slept in, not that she was wont to complain. As she shuffled to separate them, Harry groaned and turned, wrapping her back up and undoing her progress. 'Wakey wakey,' she thought reproachfully, extracting an arm to stroke Harry's hair out of his face. Harry's eyes opened slowly, and for the first time in almost a year he didn't sob as he awoke. He playfully grumbled 'A few more minutes 'Mione...' before burying his head back into his pillow and trying to take her with him. Hermione grinned widely despite herself; she couldn't help but feel good, knowing that at least somewhere at Hogwarts progress was finally being made. She tickled his ribs childishly, and received a joking, infantile response of regaled laughter. 'What the- Hey! 'Mione, stop-'
'Then get up!' Hermione ordered, and Harry quickly obliged. He shot out of bed, and quickly (though unsteadily) walked out the door and in the direction of the bathroom. Hermione rolled her eyes, and mumbled a short 'Finally.' As if to egg her on, he stuck his head back and jeered 'Coming?' Hermione chased after him, later filling the tub and beginning work on his hair. While Hermione was glad, and thankful, that Harry was opening up, she was chagrined by his incessant splashing – she had to charm her top dry several times. Harry, seemingly normal, also tried very hard to pull her in with him, though she managed to restrain him enough to wash the shampoo from his face when a little bit of soap got into his eye. Hermione became increasingly aware of her deprived lifestyle when they were in the bedroom getting dressed; Hermione bent over to pick up her cardigan, and when she looked up, Harry was stood right behind her – she knew because she bumped into his bare chest as she turned around. Harry took her startled arms by the elbows in his hands, and she instinctively leant forwards into his body, into an affectionate hug. He had kissed her head, let his hands wander up her back and with a smile whispered 'I owe you one.' before going back to his clothes as if it were nothing. Hermione sighed and couldn't stop smirking. 'Of course he loves me.' She assured herself once again.

The two of them, now dressed and fed, made their way to Gryffindor tower with the hopes of seeing Ginny again. Harry had given a disappointed groan when the Fat Lady informed them that the common room was empty. 'We climbed all these stairs for nothing!' he complained, leaving Hermione to conclude that Ginny must have woken early to practise some Quidditch. Harry insisted they go to the Great Hall, cleverly suggesting 'Maybe she went to get a late-ish breakfast?'
'Possibly…' Hermione replied in a thoughtful whisper, letting Harry take her arm and drag her to the enormous wooden doors stood at the front of the castle. They shared some laughter as they clumsily descended, making their way a lot slower when they accidentally knocked over a suit of shining armour with a loud clash. 'Harry, careful!' Hermione warned, when he didn't even let her stop to sort out the jigsaw of metal. She wondered whether their midnight chat helped to dispel any nerves or doubts in him, because as of then he was becoming quite rambunctious. Since the defeat of Voldemort, Harry Potter had never been so '…playful.' Hermione pondered, irritated. 'If I'd had know Hogwarts would be this good for him, I'd have got here a lot sooner.'
They had reached the bottom of the grand staircase, and were immediately hit by a cooling autumn breeze. A few sienna leaves floated in from the courtyard, dancing with a small twist before being shuffled into the corner by the wind. Hermione was inescapably reminded of the Yule Ball, where she and Harry were not partners, but had shared a clumsy dance. That was almost a completely fond memory – if not for Ron's rude attitude and stinging words. It was in the Great Hall that they found Ginny, sipping a mug of coffee over her Daily Prophet, a paper to which she used to contribute. Ginny smiled as she caught them approaching, giving Harry an innocent kiss on the cheek that made him blush profusely. 'Any important headlines?' Hermione asked, watching Harry as he played with some of the abandoned cutlery. 'Just some stuff about the Chuddley Cannons getting relegated, and Knockturn Alley getting cleaned up some more.' To spark Hermione's interest, Ginny added 'There was a small side-article published a couple days ago titled 'The-boy-who-reappears?', detailing a sighting of one Harry Potter in Diagon Alley.'
Harry looked up from his game and asked disbelievingly, 'I was in the newspaper? No way!'
'I'm surprised it didn't make the front page, knowing reporters like Rita.' Hermione said grudgingly. Ginny laughed, and said on a more serious note 'Well, he had so much publicity after the war…' There was a pregnant pause, after which Ginny asked Hermione when they were planning on visiting the Burrow. 'How's some time next week? Only I want to get Harry completely used to Hogwarts and other people again, and-'
'It's alright Hermione.' Ginny said casually, 'When he's ready.' Hermione thought that a week would be long enough, especially with the headway she'd made. They talked for a while longer, before Ginny playfully whispered to Harry 'Do you want to help me feed the Thestrals in a bit?' After the war, almost everyone could see them. Harry instantly looked to Hermione, asking 'Please?' like a child pleading for sweets. 'I don't see why not.' Hermione conceded, more surprised that he had asked her for permission first. Taking Hermione's hand, he led them to the clearing by Hagrid's hut, which was unoccupied due to the half-giant's holidaying in south France. The community of thestrals had grown, so much so that there was already a small group in their sight. Harry kneelt on the ground and laughed giddily as a smaller, baby thestral nibbled at the chunk of dry meat in his hands. 'Hey 'Mione, look! I think he likes me.'
'Well, who wouldn't?' Hermione retorted spiritedly, joining him and patting the leathery skin of the young creature. Ginny tried to feed it a piece of apple, and the animal fled back to its mother. 'Aww,' Harry moaned sadly as it disappeared into the bushes of the Forbidden Forest. Hermione watched thoughtfully as the herd vanished from their eyesight. 'If only Harry could have had a proper family like that. Together.' Harry sat in the dirt for a while longer, before proclaiming 'I'm bored now.'
Ginny turned in incredulity, saying 'But Harry, we basically just got here.'
Hermione looked at Harry's pleading expression and folded. 'Why don't we just leave the food out for them to eat at their convenience, and then we can to go do something else?'
Harry promptly leapt up with a cheer and laughed in Ginny's face. It was laborious to spread the mixture of meat and fruit by the edges of the Forbidden Forest, but Harry was more than eager to help and proved quite efficient. He was analysing a whole yellow-red-green apple in his hand when suddenly he said to the two women, 'What are they?'
'Apples, Harry?' Ginny replied, while Hermione supressed a smile to silently indicate to Ginny to ignore his episode. 'You can see them too?' Harry continued, only to then shudder and throw the apple into the tall trees. He rubbed his hand and then said 'Does anyone feel like camping? 'Mione will have to show us how, 'cause the Dursleys have never taken me…'
Ginny, having heard much of the trio's adventure leading to the climax of the war began 'But Harry, you went with Ron and…' but then trailed off. Harry turned to look at her expectantly, but then looked away again. Now engrossed with the movement of the flowers in the growing wind, Harry's attention moved away from the two. 'Don't worry too much about it,' Hermione told Ginny dejectedly, 'he's been getting better. Just this morning we had a little talk.'
'Oh? And how'd it go?'
'Great. I really think that the real Harry will be back soon.' Hermione cited happily. Harry came back to them and put a shaky hand on Hermione's arm. 'Can we go back inside now?'

Much to Hermione's relief Ron stopped by later in the day, engaging Harry in a throwing game using an old quaffle. Hermione had been glad for the distraction, taking the time to find her own leisure activity; reading all sorts in the Hogwarts library. More often than not, she would pick a random book and simply begin reading - becoming engrossed in stories and ideas helped her to deal with her own life. 'Harry didn't read much, now or before the war.' Hermione contemplated sadly. She wondered if reading to him might help, but decided against it. She was more than pleased with the morning's conversation. She had every plan to work on it, and helping him to accept the things that had happened. Mid-thought, she was miffed to hear a cry of 'Harry! It was an accident!' before Harry himself rushed into the library crying, followed by a red-faced Ron. 'Ron!' Hermione hollered, pulling Harry closer and hugging him as she inspected the blooming lilac on his cheek. To Harry, she asked 'Oh sweetheart, what happened?'
Ron quipped 'We were just playing with the quaffle, and then he missed it and-'
'Ron hit me!' Harry said, a childish anger growing in his features. He turned angrily away from Hermione and yelled 'Get lost, Ron!' before running off and shoving Ron as he went. Hermione raised an irritated eyebrow at Ron, who repeated 'It was an accident.' in a huff.
'You're really pushing it, Ron...' Hermione grumbled, before leaving the once peaceful library in search of her scorned charge. She hated losing Harry in Hogwarts more than anything, especially when the Marauders' Map was conveniently on the other side of the castle. She tried not to panic when she found the Quidditch pitch, the Great Hall and hospital wing all empty. She thought very carefully, and was made even more disappointed with the realisation that she hadn't even remembered to check by the lake.

And of course, he was there: curled up by the oak tree and brooding silently. The air of the afternoon was energetic, pulling the strands of grass into wonton directions and spreading fallen leaves around. Hermione strode up to him and knelt besides, putting her arms out and initiating-
'I didn't mean it 'Mione!' Harry cried suddenly, grasping Hermione in a desperate hug. His crying seemed to have abated, but she knew very well from experience that one couldn't make assumptions. 'Didn't mean what, sweetheart?'
'I don't want Ron to go away again! And I told him to! Now he hates me!' Harry bawled, shrinking into her hold. Hermione exhaled and stroked his hair, in an effort to calm him a bit. 'No one's going anywhere. Ron is as much your friend as I am.' Harry abruptly stopped whimpering. 'Oh,' he thought out loud, wiping his face with his sleeve. Meanwhile, Hermione was wondering just when she'd receive her OWL for childcare. She picked him up off the floor, and together they returned to the castle. The walk was quiet, but Hermione could hear Harry sniff occasionally as they climbed the stairs. 'Got a cold?' Hermione asked softly.
'No…' Harry replied, who was absent-mindedly watching a scantily clad woman in the portrait behind her head. She took his hand forcefully and pulled him away, up several flights, vexed by her irrational jealousy. 'I don't have anything to fear. Harry loves me… right?'
Harry spoke bashfully as he pointed behind them 'That lady in the painting downstairs was giving me funny looks.' Wondering angrily how she could be jealous of a painting, she mumbled back 'Maybe you should avoid her from now on.'
'Ok 'Mione'. Harry replied dutifully, squeezing her hand. Hermione looked back at Harry curiously, and thought 'Is he testing me? I must be losing my mind…'

'Harry! Hermione!' came a shout several levels below them. Hermione's mind instantly identified Ron, who Harry was leaning over the edge of the platform to see. 'Yeah?' he shouted back, waiting for the ginger to catch up. It took a while, before a wheezing Weasley made it to them. 'All these years, and a guy never get used to these bloody-'
'Mind your language, Ron!' scolded Harry in a tone not too dissimilar to Hermione's. Ron laughed, and Hermione smiled too. Harry raced ahead in order to get to their lodgings first, leaving Hermione and Ron to themselves. The air immediately became tense, and Ron wasn't that stupid not to notice. 'Hermione, about earlier-'
'You do remember what I said a while back about you making him upset, don't you?' she asked threateningly, making a point of drawing her wand and twirling it. Ron's face shifted to a look of annoyance. 'Oh c'mon, it was an accident. I didn't mean to hurt him. And look, he's fine now.' Across from the staircase, the glass windows rattled in their frames as the wind began to get riled. 'That's not the point, Ron!' Hermione stressed, her arms sailing over her head dramatically. Stomping up the next few stairs, she told him 'Harry was crying earlier telling me how afraid he was that you were going to hate him, though you hurt him,' and when he furrowed furious eyebrows added 'accidental or not.'
Ron, despite his ire, said nothing. It was too late to quell Hermione's own rage – Ron was the foremost expert in how to get her started. 'You're so irresponsible! You wonder why after the war I confiscated his broom, and then you get him hurt with that ruddy quaffle, and for nothing! If I had a knut for every time you've strung him on to something that gets him hurt I'd-'

'Hermione!' Ron shouted, interrupting her train of thought. He grasped her hand tightly, almost painfully, and yelled 'I'm not purposely going out of my way to hurt Harry! How much of an arse do you think I am? Just goes to show what kind of opinion you have of me…'
'It's not like you don't give me a reason to think this way, Ronald.' Hermione fumed, aghast as she ripped her hand away from his. 'You don't understand him-'
'What? Like you do? Oh, come off it Hermione.' Ron shouted as he climbed several more steps, his plans on hanging out with the two till later quickly evaporating in the heat of the moment. The two were oblivious to a listening Harry, who was frightfully cowering behind a suit of armour. Ron carried on 'Why would you know him more than me? 'PTSD' won't ever make him love you like you love him Hermione!' A window burst open from the force of the wind, and the pane clattered loudly. 'That is not what this is about!' Hermione insisted, her voice fraught. 'I've stuck by him every time, but never have you!' Her voice took on a more reprimanding tone and she shoved Ron as she furthered, 'Do I have to remind you what happened in fourth year, or near Christmas on the run? You left us! Honestly, you can be such a git I-'
'STOP!' yelled Harry, who had come out from his hiding spot and was clearly crying. Hermione's stern demeanour immediately softened, as Harry came towards her. Both were surprised at how frightened he was, almost reluctant to even go near them. 'Stop, please. I'm sorry- I'll be better next time, I swear!' he begged, bursting into a fit of tears. Hermione rushed to him, and gave him a bone-crushing hug to dry his eyes. Ron said softly 'Hey, buddy, it's not 'cause of you. We're really sorry. Especially me.' Ron tried his best to ignore the daggers Hermione was glaring at him from above Harry's shoulders. Harry sniffed, and then whimpered 'Ok.' At that moment, Hermione seriously struggled to refrain from sending a stinging hex at Ron, who Harry broke their embrace to hug. 'I'm sorry for what I said before, I didn't mean it, honest.' Harry apologised earnestly, as Ron nodded. 'Me too, mate.' Shell-shocked, the once intimate, now tense trio climbed the last few steps in silence, before Harry took Hermione's hand and walked her into their quarters. Ron stood in the doorway, before clearing his voice and muttering awkwardly, 'I'd better go. Mum needs me to get some gnome-repellent. See you, Harry. Hermione.'
Hermione made a point of not replying, but striding away into the bathroom, and slamming the door behind her. Harry quietly replied 'Bye Won-won.' with a smirk, before closing the portrait behind his exiting friend.

Harry didn't eat dinner, or go to bed, or anything. Instead, he slumped down by the wall across from the bathroom door and brooded for a long while. He could hear Hermione crying from inside, but there was nothing he could do outside. 'She'd be much happier without me…' Harry thought darkly. 'Maybe I should just go.' Harry concluded, truly believing that this would be what Hermione would want most. He had grabbed his coat and was about to make his way out when the bathroom door opened, and Hermione stepped out. Harry was pained to see her own watery, bloodshot eyes, and began to tear up for her sake. Weakly, she said 'Where are you going?
'Away. So you can be happy. It's all my fault.' Harry admitted, a tear now falling down his cheeks. Hermione padded forwards and snatched his coat, ordering 'Sit back down, you're not going anywhere.'
Harry sat down, with a well-behaved 'Yes 'Mione.', though he still felt like a child attempting to run away from home. He sat on the sofa and closed his eyes tightly, simply to avoid having to see Hermione so sad again. He heard (and heard) Hermione sit down next to him, and could feel her stern gaze breathe down his neck. 'Um, 'Mione?' he asked, only for a single finger to stop his lips from moving. 'Shhh, Harry. I need you to do something for me, ok? And actually, maybe keeping your eyes closed will make it easier.' Harry nodded in compliance. 'Just… follow your instincts.' Hermione whispered, before her soft, damp lips pressed onto his own. The sudden sensation Harry felt deep in his chest confused him; he felt a sudden raw passion awaken within him, but was scared of what it meant. He awkwardly kissed her back, his technique absent. Just when he was starting to enjoy the touch, Hermione broke away, and she rested her head on his shoulder. 'I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry.'
Harry couldn't answer. He was very confused – 'kissing lips only happens when people love each other, right?' he wondered. Hermione sighed deeply, before removing her head and standing up. She firmly took Harry's hand, and with his yawn, led him to bed. She could answer any of his questions in the morning, for now she – they – needed to sleep and think things over.