The story will be in sets of three PoVs for each character.
In each set I will be exploring Harry and Hermione's relationship from the eyes of those around them.
I chose to do this because in my headcanon Harry and Hermione are the last to catch on to what they feel for each other.
I wanted to explore how their obliviousness impacts those around them, both positively and negatively. I believe that post war Harry and Hermione must have developed a heightened sensitivity to the needs of others, leading them to prioritize the well-being of others over their own, and inadvertently delaying acknowledgment of their own deeply buried desires.
A bark of laughter broke Ginny out of her reverie, a smile tugging at her lips as she recognised the sound belonging to Harry, her eyes searching for the familiar mop of black hair amongst the crowd.
Only to promptly fade as she found him.
He was leaning against the counter in the kitchen, holding his glass against his other arm crossed on his chest, his face relaxed into a gentle grin as he listened to Hermione, who was gesturing animatedly.
Ginny's heart ached at the look in Harry's eyes, the casual tenderness displayed there, a look only ever aimed at one person, his best friend of almost 13 years, the brightest witch of her age.
Looking away from the familiar sight, she couldn't help smile ruefully, already playing out the conversation that would follow if she brought this incident up to Harry, the utter shock on his face, the pure innocence reflecting from his eyes and the earnest apologies which would only break her heart.
For Ginny knew Harry never wanted to hurt the people he loved, she knew if one day she asked him to stop talking to Hermione, that it was damaging their relationship, he would do it. It would shatter him to pieces that she would never be able to put together but he would do it. That's who Harry was. The best man she knew, the man who would always put the needs of the people he loved above his own, the man she loved with all her heart…
the one who was never hers to begin with.
"Hey, you okay?"
Ginny flinched internally, bracing herself before looking up at the object of her ruminations. Harry had placed a gentle hand on the small of her back, looking down at her with those beautiful green eyes, now searching her own with concern.
Ginny felt her face soften into a smile as she looked up at him, marvelling again at what she could have had, "Yes, of course. Just tired I guess',she replied with a shrug, looking down at her own glass, unable to withstand the full force of Harry's attention quite right now.
"Ginny…," said Harry, now holding her from her elbows, turning her to face him,"You don't look okay. Do you want to go home? We can leave if you want."
Ginny felt a rush of annoyance rising up, burning her insides,"I said I'm fine Harry,"she snapped.
Followed by a wave of guilt, as Harry flinched back as if from a physical blow.
She sighed, running her free hand through her hair, "I'm sorry 're right. I don't think I'm feeling well. Maybe I'll go home.",
Harry's face softened immediately. And the guilt threatened to drown her under.
He bent down and gave her a soft peck on the lips,"I'll go with you. Let me say goodbye to Neville and I'll join you," he said, turning towards the sitting room where Neville and Hannah were chatting with some other guests.
"No,you don't have to…,"her protest petered out, arm half raised to stop him but Harry was already halfway across the room.
Ginny set her glass down on the dining table behind her, putting both her hands on the edge and leaning against it, suddenly feeling unbelievably drained and not a little frustrated.
Ginny sighed again, throwing back the rest of her firewhiskey and putting down the glass just in time to hear Harry's footsteps approaching.
She forced a smile back on her face and turned around to see Harry holding out her coat, which she put her arms through with a soft thank you.
A few steps out of the house and with an affectionate squeeze of her hand Harry apparated them home.