Note: Hello, hi!

How about a bit of drama? hehehe but just a little, I promise.

November 28th, 2005

At the Press Conference

She arrived early to get a feel of the place - a huge tent filled with rooms for the press, for the teams, for the interviews and an open space where the public will be able to enter - and observe the press. Her competition.

All papers and other magazines are there.

It's a fact that Hermione shouldn't have waited so long to include Quidditch in The Clever Owl. It is indeed something that people are passionate about. It makes money circle and the players are considered modern heroes.

And after scouting the place, she can only conclude that this is lasting the whole day, with probably a party at the end. There are many teams and consequently Coaches to give interviews. Not to mention that the main draw has to be sorted. This Championship is a big deal because there's a group phase and then it's do or die. And for the first time she discovered how much a Quidditch ticket costs. It astonished her. She never paid for one, Harry always invites her, so…

She takes a sip on her water while she allows her mind to wander to Harry for a little bit.

Hermione barely slept thinking about what they shared last night. It felt like they were connecting on another level, she even dared thinking that… maybe they were both feeling something more.

But she soon realized this emotion existed only inside her. Because he was more than eager to see her dating other men. She doesn't know his reasons, but in a way she imagines he's fed up with their whole agreement and wants her to see other people so she won't be left without sex when he finally call it quits.

Hermione sighs. She knows he's hooking up just as he used to before they started this and she has no idea what the fuck she was expecting. How many times she said he was incorrigible? How many times she thought that Harry had it easy because he was incapable of catching feelings for someone?

Too fucking many.

She's been seeing for four years how it goes for him. He screws around without one care in the world. And the truth is that he enjoys it. It's his life and he loves it. He doesn't want to commit himself to anyone.

Internally groaning, she tries dismissing the thoughts, failing. She has no idea when it happened, but… she thinks she might be in love with him. Which is idiotic from her. Hermione saw the rabbit hole and she dove into it head on. It was bound to happen. She knew from the moment they shared that kiss at the party.

She knew because she never felt so incredibly whole when kissing anyone else. Not Ron, not even Viktor.

With Harry everything is different. They do have a deep connection. Their friendship is strong and there's no way of ignoring it when they're fucking. That's why it feels so good and amazing.

And that's why it has to stop.

He'll never see her as more. His heart always was and still is Ginny's. And now that she's getting married, Hermione is sure that Harry will never get over it. He'll keep living his life like this, going from party to party and hooking up as much as possible.

Hermione, on the other hand, wants to get married. She wants to have kids. She wants the whole cliche. She always did.

It saddens her a bit that this future is impossible with Harry. But in a way she's doing an amazing job at pretending that she's fine with it.

These feelings… this love for him needs to go away. She needs to think of him as her best friend and nothing more. And that's why she sent him away yesterday. How in the world is she supposed to let go of him if she'd allowed him to cook for her after the mind blowing, earth shattering sex? It's ridiculous.

She needs to… put up some walls. Mind some boundaries-

Fuck, he bought me a sex toy.

It brings some hotness to her face and she's sure that now she's blushing. Watching him so excited about it was her complete undoing. It was excruciatingly sweet. She felt so in love with him in that moment that-

"What are you thinking about?" Luke asks, stopping by her side, drinking some champagne.

She raises an eyebrow. "Are you drinking alcohol in front of your boss while we wait for an important conference to happen? Or am I crazy?" She asks sarcastically.

"Oh, I need some, please, boss. My ex is going to be here and I feel like a huge pile of nerves."

"One glass, Luke. Come on, we can't screw this up."

He nods, "Okay. Deal. Now, why were you blushing?" He squints.

"I- I wasn't!" She waves a hand in front of her.

"Hermione Jean Granger." Luke says her whole name with a hint of warning. "Who is he?"

She clears her throat, drinking the water. "No one." She states, knowing that-

"Oh, no. You won't convince me. You know what? It's been a while since you told me about your sex life-"

"Luke!" She says a bit louder. "Not the place or moment for that!"

"It is! We still have fifteen minutes before the first interview starts and I'm bored, Hermione. Bored and nervous and you need to distract me, please!"

She rolls her eyes. But… if she can share this with someone, this person is Luke. She trusts him and he's not close to Harry. All her other friends are close to him and she fears they might accidentally tell Harry that she was talking about being in love and-

"Fine," She sighs, deciding that she needs to share. She raises a silencing bubble around them. "I'm having sex with Harry. Friends with benefits."

Luke widens his eyes, and then he opens a mischievous smile. "I knew it!" He exclaims. "After that day and what I said about the whole sexual tension, it was bound to happen." He's way too excited about it. "So, how is it? Is Harry Potter a sex God like most women say?"

Hermione presses her lips together. Indeed. This is one rumor about Harry that actually exists and it irks her. The notion of how many he's been with. It's silly to think that she might be special to him. She isn't. Even what they share in private, the few hints she gave him about sex, he uses with other women. He told her so. And it hurts. Like, really.

"He is." She states and Luke opens his mouth. "I'm not even joking." She gives him a pointed look.

Luke nods, drinking the rest of his champagne. "Oh, well, well, well. It seems like he has it all, huh? The savior and all that, handsome, a sex God. What's left?"

She sighs. "Yeah." It's the only answer she comes up with, a sadness taking over her.

Luke frowns. "What's wrong?" And then he understands, "Oh, no. You broke the one rule friends with benefits have, didn't you? You fell in love." She makes a face. Luke tilts his head. "Tell him, then."

"No." She states firmly. "I can't."

"Why?"

"Because it will ruin our friendship for real."

"What if he feels the same?"

She snorts. "Please. As if." She looks down. "He's only loved one woman his entire life and that woman is Ginny Weasley, Luke." She shakes her head. "He won't be able to deal with my feelings and things will get so awkward that we'll avoid each other completely. I just know. And I don't want that to happen. I need my best friend." She whispers the last words. There's no way of imagining life without Harry, and that's exactly what will happen if she tells him. "I'll just… start seeing someone else. Harry suggested I should do it while we were naked in bed." She raises an eyebrow to Luke. "He wouldn't do that if he felt the same, would he?" There's a whole lot of sarcasm in her question. Of course he wouldn't.

Luke clicks his tongue. "Yeah, well. I know I wouldn't." He gives her an apologetic smile. "If you think that's the best thing to do, I suggest you enjoy as much as possible the sex and then go a lot out to really find a man that wants to be with you, Hermione. You deserve it."

She smiles at him, taking his hand in hers. "Thanks, Luke. And this doesn't leave this silencing bubble, okay? I don't want people knowing about us."

He nods, kissing her hand.

And just then, a Conference organizer appears at the entrance announcing that interviews are ready to begin.

All journalists are guided through some hallway that Hermione knows will lead to an enormous room. She shares a few looks with Luke, both thinking the same about the many representing magazines and journals that are there. A lot of them hate Hermione. They hate The Clever Owl and the fact that she could have been anything she wanted to but chose this profession. It's well known that a petition went to the Ministry to try to stop her. They claimed she had advantages because she was Harry Potter's best friend. They claimed she would sell shitty magazines with exorbitant prices because of that. Because people would buy anything that came remotely close to the savior.

Which was absurd.

She remembers how much she cried on those months. And Viktor was by her side, comforting her and assuring her that things would work out. After excruciating weeks things actually settled and the magazine found its place among others, being respected by the public and most of the competition. But still hated in a way.

Exactly seven months later, Viktor asked her to move to Bulgaria with him.

She couldn't.

But she can't help wondering what might have been if she had said yes.

Wetting her lips, Hermione dismisses these thoughts, she has work to do. And when she settles at a chair with Luke by her side, she's more than ready for it.

Harry's team is the third one to give an interview and she smiles when he appears with the others. He looks good in his social clothes and hair pushed back. Their eyes meet the moment he settles down and Hermione is sure he'd already seen where she was sitting.

He opens a discreet smile and winks at her. Her traitorous body wants to blush and she looks down, clearing her throat and looking at the notebook on her lap. She already made countless questions and is getting a better feel on how this Sports World functions. Most players are cocky and they make fun of half asset questions, always finding a way of not answering. The Coaches are impolite, to say the least, and there's not even a doubt in their minds that they'll be the victorious team, which drags the interview. If the players are not cocky, they are monosyllable. Short and harsh answers.

To be honest, she's had enough. But after Harry's team - one of the few with real chances at winning this tournament - there's going to be a brief recession and she's glad about it. She and Luke already talked about what they're going to have for lunch-

The Coach announces questions can begin and Hermione focus on what's happening. Each player answers one question and then the Coach answers three questions. It should be fast, but she learned that she can't underestimate their need of attention and huge egos, what prolongs the interview with unfunny jokes and a lot of ass kissing.

She uncrosses and crosses her legs, tapping her pen on the notebook, impatient. Harry keeps looking at her and it's very distracting. She can't stop thinking about the way he held her last night. How he kissed her. How their hands squeezed each other's when they-

"You're not exactly being very discreet." Luke whispers to her and she widens her eyes. He leans to speak into her ear and Hermione can see the way Harry clenches his jaw. "He can't stop looking at you. And you're blushing again."

She snorts silently, shaking her head. She can see that Harry is definitely jealous, but Luke is gay, so… it's not like he's jealous because she'll go out with him. It's just because he feels like he should be her only great friend, which is a bit childish.

"I'll try to behave myself." She says into Luke's ear.

Just then a question for Mr Potter fills the room. Hermione perks up.

"Mr Potter," A man a few rows behind them is talking very loudly, "Are you confident with this year's results?"

Harry opens a dashing smile. "Very." He answers into the magical microphone. "I'm the best Seeker in the world, mate. Why shouldn't I be confident?"

Hermione rolls her eyes, but the reply from the journalist makes her heart stop beating for a second.

"Well, now that Viktor Krum is coming back, it's expected that you find yourself with a rival at your level, right?"

She blinks a few times, processing what she just heard. Hermione is shaking.

What? Viktor is coming back?

Harry looks at her, their eyes meeting. It doesn't seem like he's worried about answering the question since he can't stop observing her reaction. Hermione sets her jaw, swallowing hard and trying to hide any emotion from her face.

"Mr Potter?" The journalist prods and Harry finally looks at the man.

"I had no idea Krum was coming back." Hermione can see the lie on his face, on his tone. She fists her hands. "Regardless my rivals, mate, I'm still the best and that won't change." He winks at the journalist and the next questions are directed to the Coach.

But Hermione turns to Luke and says, "I need some air, take care of this."

She stands and walks out with firm steps. She knows Harry is watching. She can feel his eyes on her.

And she has no idea why she's so angry with him. But she is.

He knew Viktor was coming back but he said nothing to her. He didn't even mention. And Harry knows how much she suffered when Viktor left. He knows what she went through. Fuck, just recently she told him that she was going to marry Viktor and he-

"Hermione." Harry holds her arm and she stops, pulling it away from his grasp.

They're standing inside an empty room that will surely host another interview or sorting or whatever.

"Don't." She says, not looking at him.

"I didn't know-"

"You did!" She hisses, turning to face him. "You did, Harry, don't lie to me."

He runs a hand through his hair, sighing. "Fine, shit, fine. But it wasn't a certainty and I thought he wouldn't-"

"Since when do you know?"

He opens his mouth. "Hermione-"

"Since when, Harry?"

She's not sure what difference this information will make, but her heart is beating fast and she's furious. Furious because Viktor is coming back, furious because she's in love with Harry, furious because he doesn't feel the same way and now things seem a much bigger mess than-

"Since September 1st." He whispers.

Hermione snorts, shaking her head. Before we even kissed.

Her mind is going a million miles an hour, she's so confused-

"Fuck, why are you so angry with me? How am I the one at fault here? Shouldn't you be angry with him that decided coming back but never sent you a letter?!" He's exasperated.

"I don't wanna talk about this now."

"But I do."

She sighs, "Oh, you do? What do you wanna talk about? About how you never liked Viktor, Harry? How we barely saw each other when I was dating him? How you never explained why you couldn't support my relationship?" He seems taken aback by her words. "What? You thought I didn't notice?" She scoffs. "I told you, Harry. I told you that we were going to marry, I told you I felt like he was the one that got away and you said nothing! Already knowing that he was coming back!"

He tenses his jaw, opening his arms. "What do you wanted me to say?" His voice is a tone higher, just like hers. "He clearly wants nothing with you-"

"You're supposed to be my best friend!"

"I am your best friend!"

"It doesn't-"

Someone interrupts her words by walking inside the room and clearing their throat. And her heart stops again when she looks at the entrance.

It's Viktor.

Her eyes widen considerably and she feels a tug on her chest.

"Viktor." She says but her voice comes out low, almost a whisper. Her eyes are fixed on him, but she notices Harry straightening up beside her, pocketing his hands, puffing out his chest.

"Hermione." Viktor says and opens a smile. "I'm sure glad to see you."

He looks good, a bit older from the last time she saw him, but still charming. He's not handsome in the most obvious way, but it's something in the how he carries himself that she finds extremely attractive.

She finally manages to smile at him, and he winks at her. He always winked before they hugged. It was his way of greeting her.

That does it for Hermione.

She takes the four steps to him and they embrace tightly.

He still has the same scent and she inhales deeply, burying her face on the crook of his neck while he lifts her from the floor slightly, squeezing her waist, also breathing her in.

"I missed you so much." He says and she shuts her eyes, she can tell a few tears want to come out, but she stops them.

"I missed you too." Hermione moves back from their embrace, looking into his eyes.

He opens another bright smile.

Harry clears his throat.

Hermione raises an eyebrow and they turn to him. When their eyes meet, she feels the anger bubbling up again.

"Krum." Harry says, "Nice to see you." He extends a hand and Viktor releases Hermione to shake it.

"Potter." It's the only thing Viktor says and Hermione observes the utter discomfort in Harry's features.

"Harry," She begins, "If you don't mind, I want a moment alone with Viktor."

He swallows hard when he looks back at her, but Harry only nods and walks out.

She waits until he's out of sight to face Viktor.

"Are you back for real?" She asks, her tone a bit vulnerable.

"I am." He states softly. "I- the years I spent away from you were the worst, Hermione. The worst." He cups her cheek and she blinks, a few tears rolling down her cheek. "I made a huge mistake all those years ago and I hope you can give me another chance."

This is… shit.

Hermione gulps, looking into his eyes. "Viktor… it's- I-"

"You don't have to answer me now." He puts his arms around her waist again. "I'm staying. I'm single and I'll wait." He kisses her forehead, than he makes a face, "I- are you single?"

She laughs. Hermione truly laughs and he laughs with her.

"I am."

"Good."

They hug again and it's odd how it can feel simultaneously familiar and strange. He kisses her cheek.

"I have my interview now." He says, "Are you staying for the party? I do hope we get a chance to talk properly."

"Yes, sure. I would love that."

And with another hug, he leaves her there.

Hermione puts both hands on her waist, thinking. Her heart is still beating a little faster, and she tries slowing it down. Her emotions are all over the place…

But she decides it's not the time for that. She's here because of work and until the Conference ends, she shouldn't think about anything else.

With that in mind, she goes back to the interviews.

She can't express in words how fucking relieved she is that the interviews are over. Hermione had to sit through more thirteen, coming to a total of sixteen. It was exhausting. Even if she's trying to enjoy Quidditch a bit - because now it'll be a permanent part of her magazine - she does have a hard time being as passionate about it as many others.

So, she started drinking some alcohol the moment the press were allowed to move to the next room to watch live as the draw was being sorted.

All players and some public are also allowed on this part and Hermione couldn't help noticing that Harry kept looking at her from afar. While some fanatic fans kept looking at him instead. But not just at him… oh, no. Now, Viktor Krum is back in the UK and people are losing their minds about it.

Hermione wonders if Harry never liked Viktor because of some Quidditch bullshit. Maybe his ego has a hard time accepting that Viktor might be a better Seeker… she knows Harry never cared much about being the best when they were at Hogwarts and had the threat of Voldemort looming over their heads - a way bigger problem than being good at Quidditch.

But truth is… since everyone kinda of got over that awful battle and their loses, since life went back to some kind of normalcy, Harry slowly became a different man from that boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was finally free to fully embrace his wants and flaws. And having a huge ego is one flaw he can't deny.

So, she wonders… is his grudge with Viktor just because of Quidditch?

Hermione makes a face at the thought. Regardless his reasons, Harry's her best friend, shouldn't he want her happiness? Shouldn't he root for it? Like Ron does?

And Viktor was a huge chunk of happiness in her life, but Harry never acknowledged it. And he continues not to since he didn't tell her that the Bulgarian she almost married was coming back.

She grits her teeth, still very mad about it. This information was very well hidden since not one magazine or journal leaked it. Viktor was introduced today by his new team, the one that is neck to neck with Harry's at the Nationals - the only ones from the UK included on this Championship.

And she can't deny it'll be interesting in a way. To see Harry and Viktor competing against each other again.

"Finally." Luke says by her side when the sorting is over and the draw is complete. They're all looking at a giant magical screen showing it. "Uh, it looks like your two men might face each other in the Final."

She widens her eyes. "Don't talk like that!" Shit. She looks around them, trying to see if anyone else heard Luke's words, but they're all entertained in something of their own to be paying attention.

"Oh, sorry." He whispers. "So, are you staying? For the party?"

"I think I am." She considered going home, but- "Viktor wants to talk."

"I see…" Luke chuckles. "Well, I'm going. I've run into my ex once already and I don't think I can do it twice." He kisses her cheek. "Call me if you need anything, okay?"

She nods, smiling to her friend and watching him go.

And she feels it. Harry's eyes on her. Hermione searches him. Indeed, he's walking in her direction, his eyes set on her, his chest puffed out, his posture tense.

They do need to talk too. But maybe now is not the time. She needs to cool down a bit… but their eyes are locked while he bumps into people, going to her. She watches as a few women stop him, touching him, their hands on his chest without even one ounce of shyness. They smile and flirt openly with him. It's that easy.

But Harry barely looks at them.

He keeps coming to her and she can't deny that… it's hot. How he's striding firmly to meet her, not stopping for even a second. She can see the purpose on his face and she just wished it…

She wished he had the same certainty when it comes to them. She wished he felt something more for her.

But he doesn't. And he won't.

The only thing she can do is deal with it.

Harry finally reaches her and inhales deeply.

"Look," He begins, "I'm sorry."

She sighs. "I don't think it's the time to talk about this. I mean, there's a party starting and all press is here-"

"I don't fucking care!" He hisses, setting his jaw.

Hermione raises an eyebrow, looking around. Yeah. Now that Harry Potter is talking with Hermione Granger, people are paying attention. She immediately puts up a strong silencing bubble.

"Harry. Don't do this. Yeah, I'm hurt, but it will go away and maybe we can talk then, but now is not the time."

He gulps. "I won't be able to enjoy this party knowing that you're angry with me."

She snorts. "Oh? So you want my forgiveness so you can enjoy a party?" It makes her furious all over again.

He shakes his head, "No- I mean, it's not-"

But someone interrupts them. Poking into the silencing bubble and waving a hand to catch their attention.

It's a journalist. One Hermione hates.

Jill Anderson.

The woman is CEO of a traditional magazine that she inherited from her parents. She's a bit older - just turned thirty-five - but looks very young. It must be because she's a fucking snake that changes skins.

This woman did - and still does - her best to ruin Hermione's magazine and that's something she won't forget so soon. Or never.

If they weren't in the middle of a sea of people, Hermione would tell Jill to fuck off, but the red headed is smiling at them, and she can't be a bitch in this case, so, Hermione extinguishes the silencing bubble and squints at Jill.

"Harry Potter." She says, leaning to kiss Harry on the cheek, lingering. Hermione grits her teeth. The way Harry is so cool about it and-

She blinks. They fucked. It's crystal clear by the way he puts one hand on Jill's waist while greeting her. His hand also lingering.

The thought makes Hermione nauseous.

"Jill, how are you?" He asks in a friendly tone.

"I'm amazing. Better now that I'm talking to you."

Hermione is in shock. She has no idea when they fucked, but it's not like they haven't had many opportunities. Especially on these Conferences. It's the first time Hermione attends one, but Jill surely makes an effort to be there in each and every one.

"Granger." The woman says with disdain.

"Anderson."

Harry frowns, sensing the tension and clearing his throat, putting a tiny distance between him and Jill. Hermione complained to him about Jill countless times, but apparently, he wasn't exactly paying the utmost attention.

"I have to say, it's so strange seeing you here, Granger, amongst Sports and brilliant journalism."

Hermione clicks her tongue. "About brilliant journalism I can't be sure, Anderson, after all, you're here." She opens a smile.

Jill snorts. "Regardless, I'm not here to talk to you." And she fully turns to Harry, ignoring Hermione's presence. "You do remember you promised me your first exclusive interview, don't you, Harry?"

A hot anger - jealousy, fuck, she's so jealous - takes over Hermione at the way Jill says his name. As if they share a secret.

Harry blinks, looking from Jill to Hermione and finally reacting.

"I did?" He asks in a mocking tone. "I don't remember saying that, Jill."

And Hermione sure hopes he hasn't promised this to this bitch. Harry never gave an exclusive interview to anyone. All journals and magazines keep harassing him for it, but he repeatedly refuses. Because he knows they'll ask about his personal life and that's something he won't talk about.

So, whichever magazine gets this interview is going to totally blow off the charts.

"Oh, come on, Harry, we were in bed-"

He widens his eyes and cuts her. "Is that so? Well, I guess it wasn't that memorable, then." He shrugs.

Hermione barely listens to his words, she's still processing what Jill said. Indeed. They fucked. And now she feels like crap. It hurts and she wants to put some distance between her and Harry as fast as possible.

She takes one step back to leave the conversation that she's not part of anymore but Harry stops her, holding her arm. She lacks the will to protest.

"Jill, could you excuse us?"

And without waiting for an answer, his hand slides down to her hand and he takes it, guiding her out the room. No one stops them and Hermione is actually relieved when they reach the outside. The tent is in the middle of nowhere - as most wizards' gatherings since they can apparate - and there's no one there.

Harry stops a few steps away from the entrance and turns to her.

"Look, I-"

"When did you fuck her?"

Oh, well. She thought about being superior in this situation, but she just can't. The need to know is stronger than her.

He blinks. "I don't know. Does it matter? Who cares?"

"I care!" She snaps and he widens his eyes. "I care because I've talked with you about that bitch countless times, Harry! Every chance she gets she makes my life miserable! So, excuse me if I'm curious to know when my best friend fucked her and promised an exclusive he never even considered giving my magazine!"

She's furious.

Harry presses his lips together.

Their eyes lock. She can't read his emotions, but she knows hers are very clear. Hurt. Resentment. Anger. Jealousy - you're breaking a rule, Hermione.

"Last year." He says. "At a Conference after the Nationals' final."

Hermione snorts, wanting to cry. "I remember that final. And I also remember telling you that I was having troubles printing the magazine's last issue because Jill Anderson was trying to sue us!"

And the way he averts his eyes tells her that he remembers too.

"Some friend, huh?" She continues, not being able to stop. "You didn't tell me about Viktor and you fucked the woman who was trying to shut down my magazine. Nice, Harry. Very nice. Is there something else you want to tell me today?"

His eyes go back to hers. At least he looks ashamed.

"I'm very sorry. Really." He puts one hand over his chest and comes closer to her. She doesn't move. "Please, give me a chance of making it up to you. I'll give you the exclusive interview-"

"No. I don't want it." She shakes her head. He makes a face, hurt.

"Hermione." It's a plea. "I want to, please."

"I have had this magazine for over four years, Harry, and you never offered, you never even considered-"

"It wasn't a Sports magazine and you never asked-"

"That's not the point." She cuts him in a low voice. "Should I have asked for you to do something that I know you hate doing? What kind of friend would I be then?" He gulps, trying to put his hands on her shoulders, but she takes one step back, avoiding him. "I just- I need to be away from you for a while, Harry, I'm sorry."

"Don't. Hermione." He manages to take her hand this time and he pulls her to him, gently. He touches her forehead with his. His scent intoxicates her. She tries not crying. "I don't wanna be away from you. Please." He cups her cheek, his thumb going over her skin in a caress.

She would gladly stay there if things weren't so… messed up.

"I'm sorry, Harry." She moves from his personal space, gulping and giving him a final look before heading back to the tent.

He doesn't follow.

And her heart breaks a little at each step she takes.