A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series. This story is a product of my pure imagination.
And I know you could fall for a thousand kings.
And hearts that could give you a diamond ring
When I fold, you see the best in me.
The joker and the queen
And I know you could fall for a thousand kings.
And hearts that would give you a diamond ring
When I folded, you saw the best in me.
The joker and the queen
The joker and the queen
Joker and the Queen by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift
*~*~* April 7, 2000 *~*~*
"How was this month?" Maria asked.
Hermione put her hands under her legs, looked at her from her spot on the couch, and smiled, "I feel better."
"Did you go to England last month?" Maria asked.
Hermione sighed, crossing her arms, "No, I didn't. I wasn't ready yet. George, Ron's brother, came last week and spent the weekend. We went to the MET museum and finally the Statue of Liberty."
"I'm glad you had fun. Have you tried running like I suggested?" Maria asked.
Hermione nodded, "It has helped me clear my head. Harry doesn't like that I am running, though."
Maria looked up at her, "He doesn't?"
Hermione shook her head as she bit her lip, "He says I am getting too skinny."
"Do you feel too skinny?" Maria asked her.
"No, but I've never been comfortable in my own body either," Hermione admitted, "I had huge hair that I've finally learned to tame a bit and buck teeth that are smaller now that a classmate cast a spell that made them grow so long they touched my chest. My parents were mad when I came home with shortened teeth. My nose has always been too big and my breasts too small."
"What do you like about yourself, Hermione?" Maria asked.
"I… like that I'm intelligent," Hermione told her.
"Next month, we will get more into this. You are a very beautiful witch. I want you to say that in front of the mirror every night. That is your homework for this month," Maria told her as she pulled out two tickets from her purse. "I have a question for you. I have two tickets for the new Broadway musical Aida. Would you be interested?"
"When is it?" Hermione asked.
"Tomorrow, I know it's short notice, but my husband and I were unable to find a babysitter," Maria told her.
"Does New York musicals mean anything different than London ones? Is it dressing up to go to the play, too?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, I figure you can take Harry if he can," Maria told her.
Hermione nodded, "Thank you."
*~*~* April 7, 2000 *~*~*
Settling into their seats, Hermione looked around at the theater, "I'm dressed up, and I still feel underdressed."
Josh leaned over and kissed her cheek, "You look amazing."
"Thank you," Hermione said, smoothing down her dress as she looked at the Playbill, "Elton John wrote the music for this."
Josh flipped through his Playbill, "Did you know they think that some of the first wizards were from Egypt?"
"I'm not surprised. Think of the pyramids. The sheer manpower and ingenuity that they would have had to use without magic," Hermione stated.
"Not that I'm not glad that you asked me, but why did you ask me to come with you tonight?" Josh asked.
Hermione sighed, "I figured you'd enjoy this more than Harry, but Harry was also working tonight."
Josh bumped her shoulder, "Are you two okay? You've seemed a little off lately."
"Maria and I have been working on things. I feel I've become too dependent on Harry, so I don't want him resenting me. So I'm trying to work on some distance," Hermione explained.
Josh laughed, "Good luck on that. If you two don't end up together, I'm not gay."
"Well, better start looking for a woman, honey," Hermione joked as the lights in the theater flashed.
*~*~* April 15, 2000 *~*~*
Hermione closed her eyes, relaxing and listening to the quiet of the night from the rooftop, when it was interrupted by someone lying down next to her and covering her with a blanket. She didn't open her eyes as his scent gave him away, "Thanks."
"No problem. What are you doing up here?" Harry asked.
"My brain is going too crazy right now, and I can't go running at night, so I came up here for some peace," Hermione explained.
"Want me to leave?" Harry asked.
"No, you don't disturb me," Hermione told him honestly.
Harry wrapped his arm around her, and she froze momentarily before embracing him. He ran his hand down her arm, "Are you coming home with me this month?"
Hermione sighed, "I don't know. It's the Victory Ball, isn't it? We also have finals the week after it."
"That's right, you don't know. They moved it. It's not the 2nd this year," Harry told her as she looked up at him, "It's on May 29th. Kingsley is moving it to the Ministry in the atrium this year. He wants to separate it from Hogwarts."
Hermione nodded, laying her head on his shoulder, "That's a good idea."
"Honestly, he told me the only reason they did it at Hogwarts last year was to guarantee we'd be there," Harry told her, "And by moving it to the end of the month..."
"He knows our classes are over. Well, yours, I signed up to take courses at NYU London," Hermione told him;
"Why?" Harry said as she felt his frown against her scalp.
"I am trying to finish my undergraduate degree in political science in two years, so I can work on my Masters in law and Juris Doctor hopefully finish it before you graduate," Hermione explained.
Harry laughed, "Always trying to go the extra distance."
"I don't want to start at the Ministry just filing papers if I can help it. I want to help people and magical creatures," Hermione stated.
Harry started moving his hand up and down her arm again, "And you will."
"I'm not sure I'm ready to face Ron, Harry," Hermione admitted.
"He avoided me last month," Harry admitted, "He is still seeing her. She looks like she is in her fifth year. Supposedly, she is in the Auror program with him."
"Mum told me that I was better off without him, and I know that on some level, but it still hurt," Hermione admitted.
"If it makes you feel better, Andromeda and Molly got together and are having a combined birthday party for Teddy and Victoire. Who can say no to spending time with our godson?" Harry told her.
"That was so low, Harry James," Hermione sighed, "Fine, I'll go back, but I'm bringing all my study books with me."
"I don't expect anything less," Harry told her as Luna sat beside them, "Hi Luna."
"What are we staring at?" Luna asked, turning her head from side to side and squinting, "I don't even see any stars."
"Just came up here to relax," Hermione told her as Harry held out his other arm and Luna curled beside him.
"I'm one lucky wizard. I have a beautiful witch on each arm," Harry said as Hermione and Luna poked him. "Hey!"
*~*~* April 30, 2000 *~*~*
Hermione opened the front door and took in the brighter colors that Andromeda had painted on the walls. She took her shoes off at the door and walked into the kitchen at Grimmauld Place, "Need any help, Andromeda?"
"No, just about everything is already done," Andromeda said as she looked back at Hermione, "I was surprised to see you."
Hermione sat at the new kitchen island, "Like Harry said, it was for Teddy and Victoire. I'd do anything for that little boy."
Andromeda smiled, "I know that."
Hermione took in the kitchen, "I can't believe how good this kitchen looks."
Andromeda dried her hands and set the chopping to continue with her wand, "When Harry came to me and told me that you both had cleared this place out, I never thought I'd come back here. It's my family legacy, though, and I will improve it. If Sirius was still alive, he would agree. My sister even reached out to me lately."
Hermione looked at her, confused.
"Narcissa Malfoy is my sister," Andromeda explained as Hermione's jaw dropped and Andromeda laughed, "She isn't as bad as you think. Lucius was a bad influence on her. Our father arranged their marriage, you see, after our arrangement failed. Lucius was the typical Pureblood, and our father was so proud. Narcissa never joined the Death Eaters; while she did aid Lucius, she never carried out a task herself. Part of the reason she was never put in Azkaban with him. She tries to keep Draco out of it, but Lucius is a master manipulator. Always was."
Hermione bit her lip, "Draco was scared for his life. While I try my best to forget about what happened at Malfoy Manor, it was obvious that he was terrified."
"Narcissa is thinking about breaking their bond. Lucius has been in Azkaban for a long while and will continue to be. There was never love shared between them in the first place," Andromeda said as she looked at Hermione, "Another reason why I'm glad you didn't settle for Ron, by the way, and that is exactly what that would have been, too. You settling."
Hermione grabbed a carrot and took a bite, "I know, he was just… comfortable."
Andromeda sighed, "There is a difference between comfortable and settling, Hermione. With Ron, I think you were just settling. While I did not see you other than once, you coexisted together. You need someone who is your equal, challenges, and strengthens you."
Hermione sighed at the kitchen island, "I'm not ready to settle down."
"And that right wizard, Muggle, or witch, if you want it, will wait for you if you find the right one," Andromeda told her as Harry walked into the room holding Teddy's hand, "Is our big boy awake?"
"My-knee!" Teddy squealed when he saw her, "Ups!"
Hermione smiled as she picked him up and put him on her hip, "Who is this big boy I have here?"
"Teddy! I Teddy!" He giggled as she kissed his cheeks.
Hermione looked at Harry, "Did you wake him up?"
Harry tickled Teddy's belly, making him laugh, "Never would I awake the beast before it's ready. No, I was sitting in the chair watching him sleep, and he opened his eyes and saw me," Harry explained innocently, "And I couldn't say no to that face."
"You are going to be such a pushover as a Dad," Hermione said with a grin.
Harry nodded, "Probably, I want to spoil my kids rotten since I never was. Until then, I get to practice with this guy," Harry pulled up Teddy's shirt and blew on Teddy's belly.
Teddy babbled a bit, with only a few words being clear.
"Strawberry?" Hermione asked, holding one out to Teddy off the tray.
Teddy took it and smashed it into his mouth, "Fawberry."
"Did you like that?" Harry asked.
"More?" Teddy asked clearly.
Harry grabbed a smaller one and held it out for him, "There you go."
"Yum," Teddy said as he ate the halved strawberry.
Harry grabbed a piece of broccoli and put it in his mouth. Teddy dove for Harry, screaming, "Mine!" Harry laughed as he took Teddy from Hermione and offered Teddy a bite. Instead, Teddy screamed and hit it away from Harry, and thankfully Hermione caught it. "I thought you wanted it, silly," Harry said as Hermione handed it back to him, and Teddy took a large bite.
"Has to be his idea," Andromeda said, shaking her head, "I forgot how frustrating this phase is."
"I could just imagine how Tonks was at this age," Hermione said with a smile.
"Much more independent, but much more clumsy. We could have had stock in bandages," Andromeda remembered fondly as the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Harry told her as they heard the front door open.
"It's us!" Molly yelled as she walked in, "I'm so glad I don't have to worry about that woman screaming at me any longer," Molly said as she walked in holding a cake, "Harry and Hermione, I wasn't expecting you both here yet."
"We came early to help Andromeda with everything, and Teddy too," Harry informed her as Teddy rammed his strawberry-covered hands into Harry's mouth, "Yumm, Teddy fingers!"
"No!" Teddy giggled.
"Hermione."
Hermione jumped as the person she had been trying all afternoon to ignore finally cornered her. "Ron, don't come up behind me like that."
"I had to because you've avoided me since I got here. Can we talk?" Ron asked her.
Hermione looked around the room and spotted Harry sitting with Ginny, laughing at something Mr. Weasley said. Looking back at Ron, she swallowed hard, "I guess."
Hermione followed Ron to the back garden, "What is it, Ron?" Hermione asked, pulling at the arms of her jumper.
"I'm sorry, Hermione," Ron said awkwardly as he sighed, toeing a rock on the ground, "I messed up. I'm sorry and wish I could take it back, but Merlin Hermione, you drive me crazy."
Hermione scoffed, "Don't blame this on me."
"I'm not, it's all my fault, but you always have me so wound up all the damn time, and after training one day, we had an argument, and I just snapped. Jenna was there, and we got drunk. No excuse, but I felt good," Ron said as he swallowed hard. "Then I felt so awful afterward that I came up with the horrible idea of improving it. I had to propose."
"Glad I make you feel so bad about yourself," Hermione told him bitterly.
"I'm screwing this all up again," Ron groaned, running his hands through his hair, "I'm sorry, so sorry. Sorry, will never be enough. I just… I've realized that we just… will never work."
Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she looked at him, "How so?"
"Well, the whole fact that we had to be drunk or completely angry at each other to have sex that was remotely, okay, and twice, I barely was able to … rise to the occasion," Ron sighed as he leaned on the back steps, "I don't want to lose you as a friend, Hermione, because I love you I do, but I don't love you like you should be loved."
Hermione bit her lip, "Andromeda said I was settling because you were comfortable. We were the safe choice for each other."
Ron sighed, "I did like you, Hermione and I could have imagined us getting married and having kids. I started having feelings for you in our sixth year. The whole time we were on the run, I felt this tension between us, and in the Chamber of Secrets, it just hit that point where I couldn't wait."
"But things changed," Hermione stated.
Ron shrugged, "We grew up. You went to Hogwarts and then New York. I started the Auror program, and suddenly, we were adults, and I recently realized that we had a teenage romance. We got off on arguing with each other, not being together," Ron told her.
"Very adult of you," Hermione told him with a smile.
"I have my moments," Ron joked, "Can we be friends again?"
Hermione looked at him, "Ron, you hurt me. You brought back all my insecurities that I'm never good enough."
Ron took her hands in his, "You are good enough, Hermione. Don't ever think you aren't, and I don't want you to think less of yourself because I'm an idiot," Ron told her as the back door opened and Harry peeked out the door.
"Everything okay?" Harry asked.
Ron looked back at Hermione, "What do you think?"
"It will be, I'm not ready for things to go back to how they were, but we will get there," Hermione said as she walked past Harry and went back inside the house, "Is it time for cake?"
*~*~* May 12, 2000 *~*~*
"How do you feel about how you did with your finals this semester?" Maria asked.
Hermione picked at the cardigan she wore and sighed, "I always feel like I could have done better, but I think I did well."
Maria tilted her head and looked at Hermione, "Why do you feel that you could do better?"
Hermione cleared her throat, "I have always felt that I could be better. Better at school, a better friend, or girlfriend. Even before Hogwarts, I didn't have friends, so I used learning and books to experience other worlds where I fit in."
"When you made friends at Hogwarts, did it help you?" Maria asked.
Hermione chewed on her lip and looked up at her, "That was what Ron picked on me for a long time. Harry didn't understand, but he didn't belittle me for it. Ron would use me to help with his homework, and I let him because I didn't want to lose him as a friend."
"Did Harry?" Maria asked.
Hermione thought back on all their years at Hogwarts, and there was not one time that she could recall when Harry asked her to do his homework. There were instances where she volunteered to proofread or spell check, but he never asked her directly. Ron had only asked her a few times, but he had asked her while Harry hadn't, "No, Harry never asked me. I often volunteered to check their work, but Harry never asked once."
"Why do you think that is?" Maria inquired.
"Because Harry, while afraid to do well, wanted to learn and do well. He just couldn't," Hermione told her honestly.
"Why do you think he couldn't?" Maria asked.
"Physically, he couldn't. He had so much going on with Voldemort and the pressures of home and everyone else," Hermione told her, "His awful relatives didn't do him any good either."
Maria looked at her, "Why do you call them awful?"
Hermione sucked in a breath, "Because they are among the most awful people on this Earth. Awful isn't enough of a word for them." Hermione looked up at the ceiling as tears started pooling in her eyes.
"I can see you getting emotional about it," Maria stated.
"It's not my story to tell, but when people see Harry Potter, the defeater of Voldemort, the Man that Conquered and before that the Boy Who Lived, they don't see the scared little boy who was neglected and abused, who didn't know love if it hit him in the face because he has never known it," Hermione told her sadly.
"Because he doesn't see that you love him," Maria said.
"Yes," Hermione said as she froze, "No, I mean…"
"Hermione, this is something you have been teetering on since you started coming to me," Maria told her.
"I can't love Harry," Hermione swallowed, feeling small suddenly.
"And why not?" Maria asked.
"Because it's Harry, and I can't wreck that between us," Hermione told her as tears fell down her face.
"Why would it wreck it?" Maria asked.
"I can't risk losing Harry, and having feelings for him would ruin it," Hermione told her, "He is with Ginny anyways."
"Do you think he loves her?" Maria asked.
"No," Hermione said honestly, "But he thinks he does," She wiped her eyes, "He may love her a bit, but they just exist together. They don't ever talk about anything other than Quidditch, and yeah, they have sexual chemistry, but is that enough?"
"Do you think it's enough?" Maria asked.
"No, love shouldn't be about sex," Hermione told her honestly, "Love should be about wanting to be with a person, thinking about a person all the time. Never forget them or try to change them. Love is about the silence as much as it is the conversation."
"You are right, but did you have that with Ron?" Maria asked her.
Hermione closed her eyes, "No."
"But you have that with Harry?"
Hermione opened her eyes, "Yes." Hermione held her head and started sobbing, "Oh God, I'm in love with Harry, and there is nothing I can do about it."
Maria looked at her watch, "Our time is up, and I know you have an appointment to get to, but since you are heading home for the summer and we just had this large realization, I want to give you my number. Feel free to text me to schedule a talk whenever you need me. I want to continue our monthly sessions if possible," Maria opened her scheduling book, "Our 4 pm slot on the 2nd Friday of every month is a date I will keep available. What time is that in London?"
"9 pm," Hermione stated, wiping her eyes, "I can do that."
"Good, because I want to keep expanding upon this realization," Maria told her as she sat forward in her chair, "How are you going to take this realization?"
"It's been there for years, but I haven't let myself think about it," Hermione told her honestly as she stood up, "Thank you. I feel…relieved."
"Make sure to journal your thoughts tonight," Maria said as she led Hermione to the door.
"I am sorry, but your application will be denied."
Hermione looked at the woman on the other side of the window from her in the student housing department, "Why?"
"Joint housing dorms are only for married couples or couples of a domestic partnership," The secretary told her.
"Domestic partnership? Meaning gay and lesbian couples?" Hermione stated.
"No, you and your partner could file for a domestic partnership in New York. The qualifications are having a joint banking account, joint car ownership, being the primary beneficiary in a will, or even the health care power of attorney for each other. As long as you are over 18, unmarried, in a close and committed personal relationship, have an identical residential address, and live in New York, you can file," She told Hermione.
Hermione sighed, putting the pen down to the application, "But I'm just a student of New York here on a student VISA."
"Are you going home for the summer?" She asked, "I assume by the accent, England."
"Yes, we are," Hermione told her.
"Then apply there. New York will honor it."
Harry looked up as Hermione entered his room, "How did the student housing appointment go?" Harry asked, going back to packing his dorm.
"We were denied," Hermione told him as she sat on the couch and folded her legs under her, "We aren't eligible for joint housing because we aren't married or domestic partners."
"Not even engaged couples qualify?" Harry asked, surprised as he magiced a box shut.
"Oh, they can apply for domestic partnership. Any couple can. It's not just for gay couples," Hermione told him, pulling a pillow onto her lap, "It just means that there is someone in the state that has decision-making power for you."
Harry glanced over his shoulder at her, "That simple?"
"A little more complicated than that," Hermione said, taking the pamphlet out that she had been given, "You have to have some of the following: a joint bank account, joint ownership of a car, the primary beneficiary in a will-"
"We have that, at least," Harry said, grabbing another box.
Hermione stared at him, "What?"
Harry threw his books into the box on his bed and turned to look at her, "When we were going on the run, I talked to Lupin. He told me that while I was still only 17 if something did happen to me, the small fortune that I did have would be taken by the country if I died. He suggested I write a will with Gringotts and put someone down as a beneficiary. I picked you."
Hermione's heart skipped a beat, "Me?"
"Of course, it would be you. Who else could deal with all the complicated shit if something did happen to me? Not that I have houses and a ton of bills, but I know you'd use the money for what is right. Ron is in my will, and so are the Weasleys and Ginny, but I knew you would do what is right," Harry admitted.
Hermione swallowed hard, "Oh."
"What else is there?" Harry asked, shrinking the box and putting it into his trunk.
Hermione cleared her throat, "Health care power of attorney, a person that, if you are incapacitated, can make health care choices for you."
Harry stopped and sat on his bed, "Probably a good idea to put you down for that too. So that would qualify us for joint housing?"
Hermione sighed, "Yes and no, we can't file here. We aren't New York residents. They will honor England's declaration if we get it, though."
Harry nodded, "We will talk to Kingsley about it tomorrow when we land."
"Are you sure?" Hermione swallowed hard, "Not Ginny?"
Harry shook his head, "It's not like we are getting bonded for life. You are here, and she isn't. If I walk in front of a bus by accident, you are here to decide to end it."
"Or do anything possible to save you," Hermione corrected.
Harry smiled, "And bring me to the closest magical hospital to have them save me."
"It is two miles away. It's called St. Sebastian Hospital," Hermione told him.
"See, you already know where to take me," Harry told her, "Is your dorm packed up?"
"I didn't have much left there," Hermione nodded as she looked around the room that had become home, "I'm going to miss this dorm."
"I wonder if they get Sabrina and Boy Meets World back home," Harry wondered.
"I never looked," Hermione told him honestly.
"Knock, knock," Josh said as he came to the door, "How is packing going?"
Hermione patted the couch next to her, "I'm all packed. Are you ready to go home?"
Josh nodded as he sat down, "Yeah, I can't wait to see Dane. Summer is too short, and we have so many plans," Josh looked at them, "What exciting things are you doing this summer?"
Harry looked at him, "Planning on spending a lot of time with Teddy, our Godson. Going to Ginny's games. Hermione taking classes this summer, though."
Josh looked at her, "Honey? Really?"
"I am trying to finish my undergraduate degree in two years," Hermione stated, "I'm already eight credits up on Harry, and I'll get another twenty this summer."
"Twenty?! How many credits did you take this semester?" Josh asked, surprised.
"20," Hermione told him, "I took 20 our first semester too."
Josh frowned, "How the hell did you do that and work?"
Hermione shrugged, "I was able to study while working in the library."
"It's not the first time that she took too many classes. She is used to it, Josh. She had to use a time turner our third year to get to all her classes because she had to take them all," Harry explained.
"A time turner? A real time turner?" Josh asked, surprised, "I didn't think those were real."
Hermione glared at Harry, "They are highly guarded and secretive. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone about it."
"So you just went back into the past to go to two classes at once?" Josh asked, surprised.
"Three," Harry told him as he sat on the bed, "She was in three places at once."
"Shit, Hermione. You need to learn to relax," Josh told her.
"I can relax when I am making positive changes in our world," Hermione told him with a huff.
"So when do you guys and Luna leave?" Josh asked, changing the subject.
"Luna leaves tomorrow. Her research group is going with her to explore the Forbidden Forest, where we went to school. Tuesday, we have an appointment with MACUSA for a Portkey right to the British Ministry," Hermione told him, "When are you leaving?"
"Sunday, I have a ticket on the ME to go straight home," Josh told her, "Classes are over, and finals are done. You guys should take the ME up north or even out west."
"I have to work through Sunday," Hermione told him as she looked at Harry, "When is your last day at work?"
"Tomorrow," Harry told her.
"We could always go somewhere for a day," Hermione stated, looking at Harry, "Leave after I get off work Sunday. I am working the early shift for all the last-minute returns."
Harry thought about it for a minute, "Where would we go?"
"Go to Washington DC," Josh suggested, "There is a lot to see, but the ME would take you there in an hour. There are a lot of famous locations you can explore, then you'd make it back in an hour. Get a hotel and stay there Sunday night. Come back on Monday night."
Hermione looked at Harry, "Sounds interesting, it is the capital of the United States. I'll check out of my dorm tomorrow, and while I'm at work Sunday, you can check out yours. We can stay in Washington DC, until we go to MACUSA. It would be a great cultural experience."
"How about it would be fun?" Harry stated.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "And it would be fun."
*~*~* May 17, 2000 *~*~*
"Say that again?" Kingsley's deep voice asked.
"What are the procedures for filing for domestic partnership in England?" Hermione asked Kingsley.
Kingsley looked at Harry and her. "You want to apply for a domestic partnership? It's not called that here. It's called a civil partnership here. It's a legal relationship recognition. It gives you the right to make decisions for each other."
"We tried to apply for joint housing on campus and were denied. They said we had to have a domestic partnership. Can you help us get one?" Harry asked.
"Aren't you with Ginny and Ron?" Kingsley asked them.
"Ron and I broke up, but Ginny and Harry are still together. This doesn't mean we are married. It just means that while we are in the US, we can make choices for each other if needed," Hermione explained, "It's not like we are magically binding ourselves together."
"No, it can easily be ended. Are you serious about this? If so, I'd file it with the Muggle authorities. If the Daily Prophet got wind of it, imagine what Rita would do," Kingsley told them.
Hermione looked at Harry, "It's the truth. Is it worth it?"
"I'm tired of you being belittled by roommates and me having to hide that you were staying with me in my dorm. No, we are doing this," Harry told her as he looked at Kingsley, "Where do we need to go?"
"You need documents. IDs, passports, and birth certificates. Then, it will be public record for 28 days. After 28 days, you can file for partnership," Kingsley told them.
Hermione asked Harry, "Do you even have your birth certificate?"
"Dumbledore gave a copy to Aunt Petunia when they dropped me off," Harry told her, shrugging, "When I was leaving, she gave it to me, so I have it. Thank goodness I don't want to go to Gringotts unless I have to."
"Have you been back since you destroyed it?" Kingsley asked him.
"We were escaping because they were trying to kill us," Hermione clarified, "I haven't."
"I was once, but they wouldn't let me go past the tellers. I just have Kreacher go for me," Harry told him.
"Have you gone to accept your inheritance yet?" Kingsley asked.
Harry frowned, "What?"
Kingsley looked at Hermione, who shrugged, "Whatever your parents left you that wasn't in your vault, at 18, you can accept your full inheritance."
"They've never said anything to me. I don't think there is anything else besides my vault," Harry told him.
"Just look into it soon," Kingsley suggested.
*~*~* May 18, 2000 *~*~*
"Is there anything in there?" Hermione asked as she walked into the kitchen of her house to see Harry reading the Daily Prophet.
"About us? Yes, that we were spotted at the Ministry. About filing a Civil Partnership? No," Harry told her as he handed the Prophet to her and got up, "Are you ready?"
Hermione looked up over the paper at him, "For what?"
"Mrs. Weasley is making lunch for us all. I swear I told you about it," Harry told her, "Ginny mentioned it to me."
"No, you didn't tell me," Hermione told him as she looked down at her cutoff shorts and long jumper, "I guess I'm ready. Will Ron be there?"
"Yeah," Harry said, looking back at her as he stood up, "Will that be a problem?"
"No, I was just wondering," Hermione stated as she got up, "Ron and I talked some things out. We decided that we just don't work in a relationship."
"As much as I hate it for you both, it's true. All you two did was fight," Harry told her as he slipped his trainers on.
Hermione put her shoes on and tied them, "Honestly, I had feelings for Ron, but there was a layer of pressure on us to be together. We both talked about it; you and Ginny were together, and us being together was just like this one big happy family. It was a stupid concept that having two male friends, I had to end up with one of them, and by default, since you are with Ginny, it was Ron. Ron still has too much growing up to do." She grabbed her keys and looked at Harry, "Alright, let's go."
Locking the house up, they stepped into the back garden then disapparated. Apparating into the back garden of the Burrow, the back door almost immediately opened as Mrs. Weasley appeared at the door.
"Harry and Hermione are here!" Mrs. Weasley yelled as she greeted them, "I'm so happy to see you both!" Walking up to them, she patted Harry's face first, "Looking so grown up, but so skinny."
"I'm alright, Mrs. Weasley," Harry told her as she hugged him.
"It is Molly now. You are both family," Mrs. Weasley stated as she looked at Hermione, "Oh, Hermione, I am so sorry."
Hermione patted Molly's back as she hugged her and then put Hermione's face in her hands, "I'm okay, Mrs… Molly."
"You are even skinnier than Harry. Did they not have food to feed you?" Molly frowned.
"They did. I've just started running for fun," Hermione told her, "Helps clear my head."
"Running means something different for me," Ron said as he came out of the house, "Mum, let them come in the house at least. We just saw them two weeks ago."
Molly walked into the house, and Ron rolled his eyes, "Just a forewarning, she made enough for the whole family, and it's just us and Ginny. Dad is at work. So is everyone else, but Victoire is here."
Hermione followed Harry and Ron into the house. Ginny ran down the stairs to Harry, throwing her arms around him and jumping into his arms. Hermione swallowed hard as Harry hugged Ginny tight.
"So, passed all your million classes?" Ron asked, poking Hermione.
"Yes, I got a 4.0," Hermione told him, "It was only 20 credits."
"You are taking summer courses, right?" Ron asked.
Hermione nodded, "Class starts Monday and goes through the 15th of July."
"Good! If we make it to the Quidditch Semi-Finals, you can go," Ginny said excitedly, "I have some news too."
They all sat at the kitchen table, "What is it?" Harry asked her.
"Coach decided that I am starting this weekend!" Ginny shared.
Harry's face lit up, "Seriously?! That's amazing, Gin!"
Hermione looked away as Harry pulled Ginny in for a kiss to see Mrs. Weasley bringing food out, "This looks amazing."
"Dig in, everyone," Molly told them as she returned to the kitchen after setting the Shepard's Pie down.
Molly walked into the room holding Victoire after everyone had finished lunch and was sitting around talking, "I have to bring Victoire to Bill and Fleur. They should be getting off work soon."
"Go ahead, Mum, we will clean up," Ginny told her.
"If you are sure, you know where to find me if you need me. I will make dinner for them, but there are plenty of leftovers if you get hungry," Molly explained.
"Go, Mum, we are fine," Ron stated.
Molly stepped into the Floo, shielding Victoire's face, "Shell Cottage!"
Hermione stood up and stretched her legs, "Do you think Luna is home? I wonder what they found in the Forbidden Forest?"
"Want to go find out?" Ron asked her, "It's just over the hill."
"Sure, let's help Ginny and Harry-" Hermione said as Ginny waved her wand. The food wrapped itself, then went into the ice box, and the dishes started washing themselves, "I guess you have it handled."
"Have fun!" Ginny told them as she and Harry continued their conversation about the last game as they played the Falcons.
Hermione removed her jumper and left it on the chair, "Want to race?" Hermione asked Ron with a grin.
"Let me put something better on," Ron told her as he ran upstairs.
"I can't believe all these are in the forest," Ron said, looking at Luna's pictures.
Hermione bit her lip as she looked at the clock, "I'm going back to the house real quick and get my jumper. It's getting a little chilly."
Ron nodded, "Did you happen to see a car in the forest?"
Hermione stepped out of Luna's house and apparated into the Burrow's garden. Opening the backdoor, Hermione walked into the house and froze. Lying on the floor covered in cake icing were Ginny and Harry.
"Fuck Ginny," Harry's voice moaned as a naked Ginny moved on top of him as he lay on the floor where Hermione couldn't see anything but his legs.
Summoning her jumper, she ran out the door. Ginny gasped when Hermione slammed the door behind her.
Rushing over to Mr. Weasley's building, she opened it and grabbed onto the table to catch her breath. Her body tingled as her magic and emotions reacted to what she had seen. She could almost feel Harry's magic from where she was.
"Everything okay?"
Hermione turned around and grabbed Ron, pulling him in for a kiss.
"Mmm, what is that about?" Ron asked as they separated.
"You and Jenna are still broken up, right?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah," Ron said, confused as Hermione fumbled with his buckle.
Ten minutes later, Hermione pulled her shorts back up after jumping off Mr. Weasley's workbench.
Ron pulled her into his arms and kissed her neck, "Merlin Hermione, why won't you marry me? Please say yes."
"No, Ron," Hermione said, pushing him away.
"Fine, what was that about?" Ron asked, buttoning his shirt back up, "Not that I didn't enjoy it because that was fantastic."
"Nothing, it was nothing… I just, I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me," Hermione sighed, "I walked into the house to get my jumper, and I caught Harry and Ginny shagging on the kitchen floor-"
"Ew, we eat in there!" Ron said as he looked at her, "Then you just couldn't resist me?"
"Like I said, I don't know!" Hermione said, aggravated.
"You have feelings for Harry, don't you?" Ron asked wide-eyed.
Hermione stared, then sighed, "I don't know," She told him honestly.
Ron walked over to her, "How long?"
Hermione swallowed hard and looked at him, "It's always been there in the background. I've never acted on it. It's more than feelings, Ron," Hermione admitted, "Do you know what magic compatibility is?"
Ron's eyes got wide, "Merlin's Beard, seriously?" Ron chuckled, "Suddenly, everything makes sense! Shit, you got off on his magic getting off."
Hermione looked at him, "Being Muggle raised, neither of us know about it, well knew. McGonagall told me about it."
Ron took her hands in his, "How bad is it?" Hermione looked at their joined hands, "Mum told us about it, and she and Dad are compatible. She said their magic pulled on each other, and she knew he was the only one for her because of the sparks and feelings in her chest. Do you have those?"
"Yep, all of that," Hermione sighed, "Either Harry doesn't feel it, or he doesn't understand it. Plus, he is happy with Ginny. I don't want to force the situation on him."
Ron pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head, "You are a saint, Hermione."
Hermione mumbled into his chest, "I'm sorry I used you."
Ron laughed, "Well, I'm here if you ever want to use me again, ow!" He said as she hit him, "Abuse!"
"No, seriously, Ron, this was the last time," Hermione told him as she burst into tears, "I'm such a mess."
Ron rubbed her back, "Besides Harry, is anything else the matter?"
"I'm just so tired, Ron. So tired," Hermione mumbled, curling into his chest to listen to his heartbeat, "I feel like I am being pulled in so many directions. I'm in love with you, and I'm in love with him, but it's different."
"Because you two are connected in a way that we could never be," Ron said sadly, "I knew I could never compete with him. But Hermione, what about Ginny?"
"I'm not going to split them up. They are happy, and I'm not going to be the one that breaks them up," Hermione insisted.
Ron looked down at her, "Even if we aren't together, will you be my date to the Victory Ball?"
Hermione nodded as she laid her head back on his chest.
*~*~* May 28, 2000 *~*~*
"Miss Granger!"
Hermione turned around to see Professor Slughorn, "Professor Slughorn, it is a pleasure to see you."
"Tell me about everything you have been up to since last year, blazing your way through the Ministry already?" Slughorn asked.
"No sir, I went to Uni in New York to study with MACUSA. Harry and Luna Lovegood went with me," Hermione informed him.
"Continuing your education past Hogwarts, very few, very few do. You will do well, Miss. Granger, always the intellectual," Slughorn said as Harry walked over with Ginny, "Harry! Blimey son, how are you?"
"Good sir, do you remember my girlfriend Ginny Weasley? She is the new starter for the Holyhead Harpies," Harry informed him.
Slughorn started talking to Ginny about the league, and Harry grabbed Hermione's arm, leading her away.
"Did you just sacrifice Ginny?" Hermione asked in disbelief.
"Yes, I'm horrible, but I had to get away from all the questions," Harry said as he pulled her in for a dance and Hermione's heart raced as his hand touched the small opening in the fabric of her dress on her back, "Where is Ron?"
"Dancing with Luna, Neville had to leave," Hermione told him as she nearly stumbled on her heels, "I hate wearing heels."
"Then why did you?" Harry asked.
"To look taller by Ron," Hermione admitted as Ginny approached them.
"Thanks a lot, Harry," Ginny said as she looked around, "Where is Ron?"
"With Luna," Hermione said as Ginny nodded and walked off, "I figured she was going to get jealous."
"She is growing up too," Harry told her as the song stopped and everyone separated, clapping. As Harry let go of her, she felt a strong spark between them, "Shit, I'm sorry, I must have horrible static."
Hermione swallowed hard, looking at her hand where the spark had just hit then up at Harry, "You felt that?"
"Yeah, pretty big one," Harry said as Ginny walked back over.
"Thanks for saving him for me," Ginny said as Harry took her back to dance.
"No problem," Hermione said as she walked over to Ron, "Ron, I need to talk to you."
Ron let her lead him away from Luna to a more private area, "What's wrong?"
"He felt it. He felt the spark. It was like nothing to him," Hermione told him sadly.
Ron pulled her into a hug, "I'm sorry."
Hermione sighed, "I think I am just going to head home."
"I'll come with you," Ron told her, taking her hand and leading her through the crowd.
*~*~* May 29, 2000 *~*~*
Hermione came downstairs in her camisole and pajama shorts to walk into the kitchen. She started making eggs and sausage when a pair of arms wrapped around her waist.
"Good morning," Ron said as he kissed her bare shoulder, "Sleep well?"
"No, you kept me up all night," Hermione told him as she felt him grin onto her shoulder.
"Oh, I know, I am just too sexy-" Hermione turned and glared at him, "With your awful snoring."
The back door opened, and Harry walked inside, freezing when he saw them, "What is happening here?"
"Nothing," Hermione sighed, "I figured you and Ginny wanted privacy, so I told Ron to stay here last night. Nothing happened between us. That ship has set sail."
"Ok, just making sure. I'm going to shower," Harry told them as he rushed up the stairs.
Both Hermione and Ron sat down at the table to eat. Hermione looked through the Daily Prophet as Ron looked through the sports section, "Oh, did Luna talk to you last night?" Ron asked.
Hermione set the paper down, "No, about what?"
"She and Neville decided to part ways, as she put it. They still love each other, but Luna has decided not to return to New York in the fall. She is planning on traveling with her research group," Ron told her.
Hermione frowned, "She told me about not applying for the Fall semester. I wonder why she and Neville broke up."
"He told me that he is on a different journey than she is, and it was time for them to part to explore new adventures," Ron told her as he frowned. "Who knows what that means with Luna?"
Hermione sighed as she sat back, "The battle and surviving pushed us and them both together more than naturally I think we would have." Hermione looked at her watch and got up, "I need to get to class. Feel free to wait here for Harry to come down."
Ron got up and followed her towards the front door. Throwing himself onto the couch, he picked up the remote, "I think I'll watch some telly."
"Enjoy yourself," Hermione said, picking up her bag and then opening the door to the garage.
*~*~* June 3, 2000 *~*~*
Hermione squinted as the sun shone in her eyes as she, Harry, and Ron entered the Holyhead stadium to watch Ginny play against the Pride of Portree. Ron held one of her hands while Harry held the other as they navigated through the excited crowds. As they climbed the stairs towards the suites, Hermione spotted a banner with Ginny's face, "Look!"
"I still can't believe she is now the starter," Harry said as he tapped his ticket to the door to their suite, and it opened. Inside the owner's box, the atmosphere was crackling with anticipation. The crowd's roar was more muted but was still loud enough that people had to talk louder than normal to hear each other.
Ron got up to get food as they settled into their seats at the front of the box. Hermione rolled her eyes as she looked over at Harry, "What are their chances today?"
"Pretty good. Gin was excited about the game," Harry said as he looked at her, "How did your test go yesterday?"
"I struggled a bit. I'm glad these classes aren't on campus while I am working. They are the most difficult that I have taken yet," Hermione admitted.
Harry frowned as he squeezed her hand, "Don't stress yourself out too much, Hermione. The last thing we need is you having another mental breakdown."
"I'm fine. It's just a full course load and then some," Hermione sighed, "A lot of busywork, and it's a shorter time for summer, being only eight weeks."
"Biting off more than you can chew?" Ron asked as he bit into a hot dog and sat down on the other side of her.
Hermione frowned, watching him chew, "Not as much as you just did."
Ron looked at her, "I'm a growing boy. They put a cardio workout for us in Auror training now. I feel like I've been hit by the Knight Bus."
"I did think your endurance was a little better," Hermione nodded.
"Ugh, I don't want to hear this," Harry said, covering his ears.
Hermione hit him, "We went running! Get your mind out of the gutter, Potter."
Ron looked across her to Harry, "Although that was better recently, too."
Hermione hit him too, "Boys!" She stated as she got up.
"So, you and Ron are back together?" Harry asked, coming up behind her at the buffet.
Hermione sighed as she looked over her shoulder at him, "No."
Harry frowned, "But Ron said-"
"Momentary lapse of judgment on my part, and that idiot even proposed again afterward!" Hermione told him, exasperated.
"So you and Ron…" Harry asked, staring at her.
"Never again," Hermione admitted, "I just had a moment of weakness, and he was there. I'll admit the lack of us being in a relationship helped, but-"
Harry covered his ears, "Ah, I don't want to hear about it."
"Better than walking in on you and Ginny!" Hermione spit out in a quiet tone.
Harry looked at her wide-eyed, "When did that happen?"
"On the floor of the Burrow is not a great place to do it, Harry," Hermione said as she shook her head and walked away. Harry grabbed her arm, "What?"
"I'm sorry you had to see that. Honestly," Harry told her.
Hermione shook her head, "I'm a big girl, Harry. I've seen worse," Hermione said, getting up on her tiptoes and kissing his cheek. "Let's go watch the game."
They sat back down to see Portree was up by 50 points.
"You missed Ginny scoring a goal," Ron said as he looked at Hermione, "I thought you were getting food."
"I lost my appetite," Hermione admitted as a flash nearly blinded her.
"Bullshite," Ron said as he went to get up, and Hermione pushed him down.
"Don't make a scene," Hermione instructed as Ginny got possession of the Quaffle and scored a goal. Their suite, as well as the crowd, erupted in cheers.
In only twenty minutes, the Harpies had won. The trio tried to slip away as the match ended, but the press quickly found them and swarmed them. Ron and Harry had led her through the crowds and reporters who were yelling out questions as they passed through. One reporter even made the mistake of reaching out and grabbing Hermione's arm. Harry's temper had flared, and the reporter ended up blasted away from her. Ron put his arm around her waist, and Harry put his arm around her neck as they headed towards the disapparation zone.
"I can't believe them!" Harry yelled as a glass broke in the kitchen of Hermione's parents' house.
Hermione went over to him and ran her hands over his arms, "We are okay, Harry. We are home and safe."
Harry took her arm in his hands, "I should press charges. Your arm is red!"
"The worst thing would be maybe a citation," Ron told Harry sadly, "He was trying to get a picture and just got too excited."
"I am so tired of this!" Harry said, aggravated as he kicked his shoes off, and they flew across the room, "This is why we left England!"
"Harry, take a deep breath," Hermione said as she threw her arms around him and pressed her chest against him, "Follow my breathing."
After a few minutes, Hermione felt him relax into her embrace and rest his forehead against her head, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, I've had worse than this. A little bruise paste and all redness will be gone," Hermione said, stepping back and rubbing his arms, "Harry, we have been gone for a year overseas. Ron has been here, but we haven't. Suddenly, the golden trio is seen together. They had a feast in front of them and couldn't help themselves. Should they have reacted that way? No, but we move on. There is nothing we can do except be more prepared next time."
Harry sighed and looked at Ron.
"She's right," Ron told him with a sad smile, "They sadly have all the right in the world to report. Grab her, no, but we will be more careful next time."
Later that day, an owl tapped on the window, and Hermione opened it to let the owl in, "It's the Prophet," Hermione said, surprised.
Harry looked over at her from his and Ron's spot on the couch, "Didn't we get the Prophet this morning?"
Hermione nodded as she unrolled it and gasped, "That bitch!"
Ron jumped over the back of the couch and walked over to her, "What did Rita do now?"
"Exclusive breaking news: Love Triangle alert! The Golden Trio Caught in a Scandalous Affair at Quidditch Match!" Hermione read as she threw the Prophet, "That's bitch! I will put her back in a jar!"
Ron picked up the paper as Harry walked over to them, "In a sensational turn of events, the Wizarding World will be ablaze with gossip after witnessing the extraordinary reunion of the Golden Trio: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, at the recent Holyhead Harpies versus Pride of Portree Quidditch match. After Harry Potter and Hermione Granger returned from overseas studying, what seemed to be a joyous reunion took a scandalous turn, leaving hearts racing!" Ron turned up his nose, "Did anything remotely happen other than us watching the match together?"
"No," Hermione said indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest.
Harry sighed as he leaned against the back of the couch, "Continue."
"Eyewitnesses at the match could not believe their eyes as the Golden Trio were spotted huddled together in the owner's VIP box, their interaction full of tension and intrigue. Whispers swept through the stadium as onlookers attempted to catch every word between the three beloved heroes. Tongues were set wagging with a shocking revelation overheard by a keen-eared witch… shit," Ron groaned as he looked at him, "Did you guys say that I proposed?"
Hermione snatched the paper from him, "Ron Weasley, the loyal redhead, popped the question to Hermione Granger, the brainy witch of the Golden Trio. In a twist worthy of the most magical romance novel, the same witch saw Hermione Granger plant a kiss on none other than Harry Potter himself and leave Harry with a look of undeniable jealousy." Hermione looked at Harry, "All I did was kiss your cheek!" She looked back at the paper, "Could it be that our beloved trio is entangled in a love triangle of grand proportions? Is Hermione torn between the two best friends? Will Hermione break Harry's heart once again?" Hermione threw the paper down, "Why is it always me?"
Ron picked it back up, "Oh, even better, adding fuel to the already blazing fire of speculation is the presence of the newest Queen of Quidditch, chaser of the Holyhead Harpies, Ginny Weasley. Harry's long-time love interest has been spotted with Harry since his sixth year to the most recent weeks. How does Ginny fit into this tangled web of emotions and love? Could she be caught in the crossfire of her brother's love triangle? Stay tuned to the Daily Prophet as we unravel the scandals lurking beneath the surface of our favorite Golden Trio's lives."
Hermione sighed, "We aren't going to catch a break for a while, are we?"
Ron threw the paper on the table, "They printed a special edition just to show this picture of us all holding hands leaving and this article."
"Slow news day, obviously," Harry sighed as he pushed himself off the couch, "We ignore it. There isn't anything we can do. Let it die down. Maybe I go out with Ginny more. This is the first time we've been mentioned connected together. We know they saw us together in Hogsmeade last year."
Hermione looked up at him, "There has to be something we can do."
"It's all speculation," Ron stated, "Nothing in our laws prohibits her from doing these articles. Do they suck? Yes, they are awful and wrong. She can do it, though, and she knows it."
*~*~* June 29, 2000 *~*~*
Harry pulled the curtain back to glance out the window of the Granger's house, "For fucks sake!"
Hermione looked up from the dining room table where all her study materials were spread out, "What?"
"There are reporters out front!" Harry said, shutting the curtains, "They are dressed Muggle, but they have the Wizard cameras, so they are obvious!"
Hermione got up, walked over to the window, and glanced out, "They chased us through Diagon Alley twice now. Grimmauld isn't safe, and now they found us here," Hermione stated as she looked at Harry, "What do we do?"
Harry ran his hand through his hair, "When are your classes over?"
"Not until finals are over on the 14th," Hermione told him as she bit her lip, "I can talk to my professors and see if there is a way that I can do my classes here from New York."
"I hate this!" Harry yelled, "Why don't they leave us alone?"
"What should we do, Harry?" Hermione asked honestly, "Not that they are threatening us at all, but I don't feel safe anymore."
Harry sighed, "We go to the Burrow. We stay there until your classes are over. After that, we will go back to New York."
"We can't live on campus yet," Hermione told him.
Harry started pacing, then stopped. "We will explore all the wizarding towns of the United States, like Josh suggested. We ride the ME from town to town and stay a few days in each place."
"That does sound like fun," Hermione stated as she chewed her lip.
Harry hugged her, "I think it's the safest choice right now."
a/n: The story will start moving a bit soon. My original plan was two chapters per year, events changed that in the story obviously. It may be three chapters per year in the story for each year soon. Hermione and Ron are done now, but they are civil. Still friends. I hate the Ron bashing after breakup.
Check out the short of the fight between Ron and Harry from the last chapter. Bad Blood, now posted s/14351131/1/Bad-Blood
Preview of Chapter 18- I Know Places
Quickening her pace, she was determined to reach the safety of George's shop when a flash blinded her. Suddenly, four reporters jumped out, screaming questions, and they were quickly joined by more.
Their presence was becoming suffocating when she felt someone grip her arm and pull her into a doorway, shutting it behind them.
Hermione gasped when she saw who it was, his grey eyes scanning the area out the door, "Malfoy?"
"How stupid can you be, Granger? Here in Diagon Alley on your own? It's not safe for you right now," Draco told her, his tone serious.