A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series or agree with her comments. This story is a product of my pure imagination.
There I was again tonight.
Forcing laughter, faking smiles
Same old, tired, lonely place
Walls of insincerity, shifting eyes, and vacancy
Vanished when I saw your face
All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you
Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?"
'Cross the room, your silhouette
Starts to make its way to me
The playful conversation starts.
Counter all your quick remarks.
Like passing notes in secrecy
And it was enchanting to meet you.
All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you
This night is sparkling. Don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home.
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew.
I was enchanted to meet you.
The lingering question kept me up.
2 AM, who do you love?
I wonder 'til I'm wide awake.
And now I'm pacing back and forth.
Wishing you were at my door.
I'd open up, and you would say, "Hey."
It was enchanting to meet you.
All I know is I was enchanted to meet you
This night is sparkling. Don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home.
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew.
That this night is flawless, don't you let it go.
I'm wonderstruck, dancing around all alone.
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew.
I was enchanted to meet you.
This is me praying that.
This was the very first page.
Not where the storyline ends
My thoughts will echo your name until I see you again.
These are the words I held back as I was leaving too soon.
I was enchanted to meet you.
Please don't be in love with someone else.
Please don't have somebody waiting on you.
Please don't be in love with someone else.
Please don't have somebody waiting on you
This night is sparkling. Don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home.
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew.
This night is flawless. Don't you let it go.
I'm wonderstruck, dancing around all alone.
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew.
I was enchanted to meet you.
Please don't be in love with someone else.
Please don't have somebody waiting on you.
~ Enchanted by Taylor Swift
*~*~* March 2, 2008 *~*~*
Hermione looked at her journal, turned to August of the previous year, and then looked up at Luna. "I cannot believe that we are nearly done. So much has happened since last August."
"Good things, at least," Luna told her.
"Very good things," Hermione stated, "It all started snowballing after our girls' night that month."
*~*~* August 11, 2007 *~*~*
The art studio was filled with laughter and chatter as Hermione, Luna, Lavender, Daphne, Pansy, and Hannah gathered for Girls' Night at a painting studio. The walls were covered in various projects, and the scent of paint filled the air. Hermione couldn't help but smile as she painted her flower vase pale pink. Each of her friends had a different project in front of them and could paint it however they wanted.
Lavender turned to Hermione, "So Hermione, have you thought any more about wizarding blind dating?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, dipping her brush into vibrant blue paint to paint blue flowers on her vase. "Fine, I'll do it, just once. What do I need to do?"
Lavender's eyes lit up, and she got up, walked over to her handbag, and pulled out a stack of papers.
Hermione's jaw dropped, "Did you seriously just have them sitting in your handbag?" she asked in disbelief.
Lavender laughed, "Yes because Parvati and I really want you to do this. All right, while I wait for the paint to dry, let's review your preferences. What qualities are you looking for in a guy?"
Hermione sighed as she thought momentarily, "Intelligent, employed, confident, independent, open, honest, has a sense of humour, a stable career, is attentive, and… wants children."
"I'll send your initial paperwork in with your preferences. They'll contact you about the background check and compatibility," Lavender told her, folding the paper.
Returning home after leaving the painting studio, Hermione found Harry lying on a blanket under the starry sky in their backyard. He picked his head up when he heard her, a smile spreading across his face.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
"There is supposed to be a meteor shower tonight," Harry told her as he patted the blanket next to him.
Hermione lay down beside him, looking up at the sky. The cool night air was refreshing after the warm day, and the stars glittered like diamonds over their heads.
"Did you have fun tonight?" Harry asked.
Hermione sighed, smiling, "They can be annoying, but I love them anyway. I made a vase. It's too dark to see, but I think it's pretty."
"I'm sure it looks amazing," Harry said as she shivered slightly in the cool breeze.
Without hesitation, Harry placed his arm around her, pulling her closer for warmth.
"Ooh! I saw one!" Hermione exclaimed; her eyes widened with excitement as a meteor streaked across the sky.
"Make a wish," Harry told her.
Closing her eyes, Hermione silently wished all her dreams would come true. When she opened them again, she found Harry staring at her. "What did you wish?" He asked.
Hermione smiled, "It might not come true if I tell you, and I really want it to."
Harry laid back, his gaze returning to the sky, "I hope it does for you."
*~*~* August 17, 2007 *~*~*
Hermione and Luna arrived in the building where Lavender had set them up for Wizarding Blind Dating, and Hermione's nerves were all over the place.
Luna smiled, "This will be fun, Hermione. You never know who you might meet."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "I don't understand why you are doing this. You are with Ron."
Luna shrugged, "You need a friend. So, I'm here."
Swallowing hard, "Thanks," Hermione squeaked out as they entered the building.
A friendly witch with a clipboard greeted them. She pointed them toward a room, "Head in there for your personalized glamour spell, voice alternation, and compatibility card."
Hermione and Luna went into a small room. A young wizard stood ready with a wand. Smiling, he looked at them. "Alright, Ms. Granger, here is your card. Just relax; this will be quick," he assured them.
With a few flicks of his wand, Hermione's appearance changed. Her hair darkened and straightened, her eyes turned green, and her voice was softer.
Luna came up next to her after she was finished, and she looked more like Ginny than herself. Giggling, Luna stated, "You look mysterious."
"Thanks, I think," Hermione said, adjusting to her new voice as they headed into the hall where tables were set up.
"Alright, ladies, make sure you have your cards. They will change for each participant, showing your compatibility score. You will have five minutes with each man. There is parchment at the table for you to write which men you prefer. At the end, you can rank which men you enjoyed the most. If you choose each other, we will contact you to let you know," The witch explained, "Enjoy yourselves and have fun!"
Hermione found her table and looked around the hall, which was filled with small, intimate tables set for two in a large circle. The women wouldn't move, but the men would rotate around. Looking up as the men came in. Hermione smiled as the first wizard sat before her, and her compatibility card lit up 54%.
"Hello, I'm Howie," he said.
Hermione smiled, "Jean."
One by one, the wizards rotated to her table. Each man never had a compatibility score above 60%, and each one had a more tedious conversation than the last. They talked about mundane things that didn't interest her, such as work, hobbies, and Quidditch matches, but no sparks were between them.
As the evening wore on, Hermione found herself increasingly bored. She tried to stay engaged, but the connection felt forced with each wizard. Finally, the event came to an end.
Walking over to her, Luna looked cheerful and approached Hermione, "Any luck?"
Hermione laughed, shaking her head, "No. My highest score was 60%, and no one seemed interesting."
Luna smiled, "Then you'll have to do it again."
Hermione shook her head, "I don't think so. This was enough for me."
Entering the house, Hermione kicked her shoes off and looked up as Harry walked into the room, "Hey."
"How was your girl's night with Luna?" Harry asked.
"Exhausting, I'm going to bathe," Hermione told him.
"I was thinking of putting a movie in. Want me to wait for you?" Harry asked.
Hermione smiled, "Thanks. I'll be quick."
After a quick shower, she descended the stairs and heard Sirius talking to Harry in the living room. "So, I hear Hermione made a date with a healer with St. Mungo," Sirius said, "What do you think about that, Harry?"
Rolling her eyes, Hermione walked into the room, pulling her wet hair up into a bun, "All right, Rita Skeeter," she quipped, "I'm not sure where you got your information from, but it was false. No one stood out to me during blind dating, and I'm NEVER doing that again."
Sirius looked sheepishly at her as she moved toward the couch next to Harry. She curled up next to him. Harry tossed the remote onto the table, then casually grabbed her feet, pulling them into his lap.
"Bad night?" he asked as he started massaging her feet.
Hermione nodded, leaning back against the couch, "Terrible. I'd rather duel a Hungarian Horntail than go on another one of those dates."
Harry chuckled as he pressed play, and the movie Lilo and Stitch began playing on the screen as Teddy entered, carefully balancing a tray with cups of milk.
"Would anyone like a cup of milk?" he asked concentrating on setting it down on the table, trying not to spill.
Hermione smiled, slightly sitting up. "I will take one. Thank you, sir," she said playfully as Teddy handed her a cup.
Sirius frowned as he watched her and Harry sipping their drinks, then let out a dramatic sigh: "You two already act like an old married couple. Just admit it and put me out of my misery!" he huffed as he stood up, storming out of the room.
Harry stared toward the kitchen, confused, "What's wrong with him?"
Hermione just shook her head, "No clue."
*~*~* August 20, 2007 *~*~*
Hermione was deep in paperwork in her office, the soft glow of her lamp casting a light on the documents on her desk as the quiet scratch of her pen on parchment started to annoy her over the quiet hum of the Ministry outside her office. She was so engrossed in her task that she nearly didn't hear the knock on her door.
"Come in!" She called, not looking up until she heard the familiar cadence of Harry's footsteps and looked up.
He looked unusually tense as he shut the door behind him, his face worried, "Hermione, we need to talk."
Hermione put her pen down and stood up, "Is Teddy okay?"
"Teddy is fine, for now," Harry sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair, "I've already screwed up being Head Auror, and I've barely just got the job. Fuck! Draco's team went to get Greyback from prison for his parole hearing. I put two rookies with him, and somehow, he escaped."
Hermione's heart skipped a beat, "Escaped? How?"
"We don't know the details yet," Harry told her, frustrated, "But for your and Teddy's safety, I need you to stay with Kingsley. He said it would be fine."
Hermione frowned, "Okay, fine. I'll have to head home and get Crookshanks and Hope. I'll tell Holly, Swift, and Harmony over there, too. Are you going out searching for him?"
"I have to," Harry told her.
"Be careful, and please don't do anything reckless," Hermione told him worried.
Harry stepped closer to her and gently kissed her on the top of her head. "I won't."
As Harry left, Hermione started gathering her things, her mind racing.
"Holly!" Hermione yelled.
Holly appeared before her, "Hermione, what's wrong?"
Hermione swallowed hard, "A very dangerous creature has escaped. A werewolf that Teddy's father, Harry, and I are connected to. I need you to gather some things to stay at the minister's house for about a week. Have Swift bring Crookshanks and Hope. I need to go after Teddy."
Holly frowned, "Will it come after us?"
Hermione looked at her, "I don't know, but honestly, I don't want to give us the chance to find out."
*~*~* March 2, 2008 *~*~*
"Harry was gone for two weeks, and their trails all ran cold. He was in the wind," Hermione said sadly, "But he at least was maintaining a low profile. No attacks, thank God. So, we all went back home. He wasn't like Carrow. He wasn't being seen."
*~*~* September 7, 2007 *~*~*
As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the back garden, Hermione lit the last of the candles in the backyard as Teddy kicked around the football. Setting out plates on the table, Hermione called Teddy over. They were settling in when Harry apparated into the yard.
"Harry! Welcome home," Hermione said as she got up, "Let me get another plate."
Harry sat with his eyes closed on the outdoor lounger as she came out the backdoor.
"Hard day?" Hermione asked, setting the plate in front of him.
Harry sighed, "Yeah. Chicken, potatoes, and green beans?"
"Mum helped me with the recipe," Hermione told him as she sat down, "Teddy! Come eat!"
Teddy sat down happily, chatting about his day, "We were learning maths, and Robin dropped his whole pencil case, and they went everywhere!"
"I hope you helped him pick them up," Hermione said as Teddy nodded. Then Hermione looked at Harry: "Harry, I just wanted to say how much we appreciate you. You've always been there for us. I cannot help but wish that all guys were like you."
Harry looked at her confused, "I screwed up putting so many rookies on the detail. You don't have to make me feel better, Hermione."
Hermione's heart sank at his reaction, "I mean it, Harry. You are kind, brave, and selfless."
Before Harry could respond, his badge went off. An urgent, sharp tone pierced through the air. Sighing, he ran his hand over his face, "I must go back in. One of the Aurors must have found something."
"Be careful, Harry," Hermione told him as he stood up.
Giving Teddy a quick hug, he looked at her, "I'll be back as soon as possible. Thanks again for dinner, Hermione."
After Harry left, Hermione cleared the table and took Teddy inside.
"Will Dadda be back tonight?" Teddy asked, drying the dishes after she washed them.
"I hope so, honey," Hermione said, kissing his head.
*~*~* September 8, 2007 *~*~*
Hermione left her slot machine at the casino where she and the girls were hanging out. Glancing at the table, she saw Luna, Daphne, Pansy, Lavender, and Ginny were back at their table, so she decided to return to it. Walking over to them, Ginny turned and saw her, "Hermione! I need to ask you something."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"
"Would you try Wizarding Blind Dating one more time? I know you didn't have much luck last time, but I need a favor," Ginny told her.
Hermione frowned, crossing her arms over her chest, "Why? What happened between you and what's her name?"
Ginny sighed, "We broke up. She wanted to go public, and I wasn't ready. Now I want to try Blind Dating, but I don't want to do it alone."
Hermione hesitated, "Ginny, I'm not sure. Last time wasn't exactly great."
Ginny took her hand, "Please, Hermione. I need this."
Finally, Hermione sighed, "Fine, alright. I'll do it."
Ginny's face lit up, "Thank you, Hermione. You're the best!"
Feeling the need for a drink, Hermione approached the bar and motioned for the bartender to bring her some wine. Luna sat on a stool beside her, "Are you okay?"
Hermione paid for her drink and took a sip, grimacing at the taste, "I'm good, Luna. So good, that this tastes awful. Just make sure I have no more than three glasses tonight." Hermione sighed, "I tried making a romantic dinner for Harry. It didn't work, and he got called out."
"I'm sorry, Hermione," Luna frowned.
Hermione sighed, taking another sip. "Maybe I should at least try the blind dating thing again," she stated as she looked at her glass. "Ugh, this is awful."
"That's a good thing. It means you're not drinking it for the taste," Luna told her.
Hermione smiled, "You are right."
Returning to the tables, Hermione tried a round of poker and made 75 euros. As the night wound down, Hermione sat beside Luna, sipping her complimentary champagne as she put her cashed-out winnings in her purse.
"How much did you end up with?" Luna asked.
Hermione grinned, "350."
Walking through the door of the house with a bottle of fine wine in her hand, thanks to her winnings from Girls' Night at the casino. Shutting the door of the quiet house, she walked into the kitchen and grabbed a wine glass. Walking into the sitting room, she sat down, looking out the bay window as she opened the bottle.
Pouring herself a glass of wine, she closed her eyes, savouring the rich aroma before taking a sip. She had a slight buzz from the champagne at the casino, but it was nothing like this. It was exquisite compared to the cheap wine earlier. Settling back on the couch, her thoughts wandered as she finished her first glass and poured herself another.
The door creaked open, and Hermione glanced over to see Harry come into the house. Throwing his go bag on the floor, he looked tired. Glancing over at her, he saw her sitting with her wine and walked over to her.
"How many of those have you had?" Harry asked, concerned.
Hermione looked at him, "Only one of this one. This stuff is good, though. Better than the stuff at the casino for sure," she said with a slight smile. Sighing, she took another sip, "Harry, you'll be honest with me. Is there something wrong with me?"
Harry frowned as he sat beside her on the couch, "What do you mean?"
Hermione stared at the ceiling, "I want to find someone who will love me. Not make me change into what they want me to be or have them have to change who they are for me either. I know I'm a little weird. I'm bookish, I love my books, I love my friends. I would do anything for you guys. I want someone who will do anything for me, too. I don't want them to make me change my routine. We have such a good routine," She hiccupped as she rolled her head to look at him, "Yes, I know, I just will have to change some things if I'm really in love with someone, but I want someone who will go to a museum with me. I want someone who quietly reads books in the candlelight with me."
Hermione pulled at her hair, "I don't understand it! What is it? Is it me? Is it that I'm just broken? I don't think I will ever find someone who doesn't want to change me," She said, exasperated as her wine sloshed in her glass, "Why won't people just let me be me and be okay with that?"
Harry gently took her wine glass from her hand, "Hermione, I love you."
Hermione's heart raced at his words.
"All your friends love you, and I would never want to change you," Harry told her.
Hermione snorted, "You must believe you are my best friend. You are my safe space, and of course, I'm safe and happy with you."
Harry grabbed her hand, "I mean it, Hermione. I love you for you, and I would never want to change anything about you. You are more than your books and your cleverness. Isn't that what you told me in our first year? Friendship, bravery, books, and cleverness are what make you, you, and I love you for that. I wouldn't be alive without that; no one should change it. Don't let anyone kill that spark in you. It's amazing and unbelievable, and I love every bit of you for that."
Hermione laughed as she laid her head on his shoulder, sighing, "Too bad you just love me as a friend."
"I never said that."
Hermione looked up at him in disbelief, "What do you mean? You never said what?"
"I never said that I only loved you as a friend. I love you so much more than that, Hermione. You are my home, and I would jump in front of a spell for you. Jump in front of a bullet for you. You know that." Harry told her.
Hermione stared at him, her heart pounding, "But you don't think I'm attractive?"
Harry stood up, and his frustration was evident, "Merlin! I don't want to have this conversation with you being drunk! I never said that. I've never said I didn't find you attractive because it's untrue. You are usually the most perfect, most beautiful woman in the room. Don't let anyone tell you anything different. You are beautiful inside and out."
Hermione blushed, "I'm talking about more than friendship here."
Harry stared at her, "Me… fuck!" Harry pulled his badge out, which had started to glow and emit its alert noise, "Shit, Greyback was spotted. I have to go."
Hermione swallowed hard as he grabbed his go bag. She watched as he stepped towards the floo, "When I get back, we will talk," Harry told her as he stepped into the floo.
A wave of nausea hit her, and Hermione leaped up and ran upstairs to the loo. Kneeling next to the toilet, her mind raced as Harry's words played in her head.
*~*~* September 13, 2007 *~*~*
Feeling her bed sag beneath her, Hermione opened her eyes and saw Harry in her bed beside her with his eyes closed. Reaching over, she cuddled into his side and sighed in relief that he was home. Minutes later, she returned to sleep to the soothing lullaby of his heartbeat.
Opening her eyes early in the morning, she rolled over and saw that Harry wasn't there. Groaning, she realized that she must have dreamt of him sleeping next to her. Pushing herself up, she started to get ready for her day.
*~*~* September 14, 2007 *~*~*
Hermione fidgeted with her glass of wine, her new blonde hair falling in soft waves around her newly tanned face. Ginny said the transformation was far from her usual bushy brown hair and fair complexion. Beside her, Ginny's now black curly hair and pale skin were equally unrecognizable. The glamour spells worked wonders, but Hermione couldn't shake the feeling of unease when pretending to be someone else.
"Last time, my compatibility score wasn't over 60," Hermione whispered to Ginny.
"Better luck this time," Ginny replied, reassuringly smiling before wandering over to her table.
"Witches, if you could please take your seats! We will be opening the doors for the wizards soon!" The organizer announced.
Hermione took her seat and glanced around. The girl at the table beside her smiled, "Best of luck."
"You too," Hermione replied, her voice deeper than usual.
She noticed other witches practicing their fake smiles and adjusting their appearances in mirrors. With a sigh, Hermione nearly decided to forget the event and tell Ginny to stuff it when the doors opened.
Slowly, twenty-five wizards of various ages and heights entered the room. Each wore their own glamour masks, their faces shimmering slightly if one looked close enough.
"Hello," A blonde wizard about Neville's height said as he sat across from her.
"Hello," Hermione responded, "What's your name?"
"I'm..." The man glanced at his card, "Wesley, sorry, I'm a little nervous."
Hermione checked her card and saw 'Wizard 43- Wesley- 65%,' "I'm Willow. Is this your first time doing this?"
He nodded, "I wasn't going to do this, but my mate dared me and a friend to do it just to get my mate out of his head. He's around here somewhere," Wesley said, glancing around and nodding to someone.
Hermione followed Wesley's gaze and locked eyes with a wizard who had to be Wesley's friend. Instantly, she felt a strange pull towards him, like a portkey drawing her in. They didn't break eye contact until his date snapped her fingers in front of his face.
Wesley chuckled, "Of course, he isn't even himself and still pulls the witches to him."
Hermione looked back at Wesley, "I'm sorry, it's rude of me to stare at someone else. It just feels weirdly like I know him or something. Impossible, obviously, with these glamours. This disguise must remind me of someone else it's based upon."
Wesley looked thoughtful, "Do you think these faces are real people?"
Hermione thought, "I honestly haven't looked in the mirror much to know, but I also had a friend that came with me. She said that my features are different besides my hair. I naturally have curly hair," she told him, picking up the ends.
Wesley laughed, "I guess. They may have some likenesses of people they can use," He said, glancing around, "Like that guy over there. Doesn't he look like Prince William?"
Hermione looked at him, surprised, "You know who Prince William is? Are you Muggleborn?"
"No, but who doesn't know if they know anything about the world?" Wesley replied, "It doesn't matter to me either way, but are you?"
"Yes, well… it's complicated," Hermione told him, grabbing her glass of complimentary wine. She cursed herself when she saw ink stains on her hands just as the buzzer went off, signaling that it was time to switch, "Nice to meet you, Wesley."
"Nice to meet you too, Willow," he said with a smile as he got up.
Flipping her card over, Hermione wrote '43-Maybe'. Glancing over at Ginny, who gave her an encouraging thumbs-up from across the room. Hermione sighed as the next wizard sat down.
Four more wizards came by, and she quickly wished for Wesley to return. She listened to a wizard named Kenneth go on about his job at the Ministry.
Hermione heard herself fake a laugh as she looked over at the next table and felt her heart skip a beat. HE was next. As if he knew she was looking, their eyes met. He flashed her a smile, and her breath caught in her throat.
She thought of Harry instead of the tall, dark wizard approaching her next, with brilliant blue eyes and a dazzling smile. She knew it couldn't be Harry as he was off on the hunt for Greyback and would not have been caught dead in this mental situation in the first place.
Grabbing her glass, she downed the rest of her elf wine, feeling the buzz thankfully starting to kick in. She tried to tune back into what Kenneth was telling her.
Saved by the buzzer, she sighed in relief as Kenneth held his hand out. She shook it, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Willow."
"You too," Hermione said as he went to the next table, and the mystery man walked over to her own.
"Hello, I'm Stephen," He stated as he held out his hand, and she shook it. Flipping her hand over, he pressed a kiss on the back, causing her to blush as her magic zinged at him.
"He… hello, I'm Willow," She stammered, cursing herself for sounding like a hormonal teenager.
"So, tell me about yourself," Stephen stated as he sat beside her.
Hermione looked at him, surprised as every other wizard had gone on about themselves first before even letting her have a chance to speak, "Well, I work at the Ministry of Magic. I would tell the office I work at, but it's classified. I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you," she said with a straight face.
"So, either you are an Unspeakable, or you know muggle movies," Stephen stated.
Hermione looked at him, surprised, "You know Top Gun?"
He leaned in towards her, "I can see it's dangerous for you, but if the government trusts me, maybe you could."
Hermione swallowed hard and grabbed the refilling charm on her wine goblet as she drank, "It takes much more than just fancy flying to charm me."
He chuckled as he sat back, "I'm counting on it."
"Not that it matters status-wise, but I'm a Muggleborn raised," Hermione told him.
Shrugging, he shook his head, "Doesn't matter a thing to me. The brightest witches our age are Muggleborn, and the dumbest wizards are Pureblood."
Hermione glanced around as she took a slow breath and saw a few wizards wearing the traditional wizard hat that had gone out of fashion years ago, "You know, I always wondered why wizards had the pointy hats. Was it a fashion statement long ago, or did they have bad hair days?"
Stephen laughed as he drank his beer, "Age-old mystery of the pointy hats. In school, it was more for putting out potion fires than anything. They quit making them mandatory after our second year, or we just stopped wearing them. Although, it could have been about aerodynamics and Quidditch possibly."
Hermione swiveled back to look at him with a raised eyebrow, "Aerodynamics, you say? I thought they would give you guys a taller advantage in crowds."
"Witches wear them too, you know. I'm sure you've heard of McGonagall. I wouldn't mess with her hat, that's for sure," he told her, taking another drink of his beer.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "So, Hogwarts?"
Stephen grinned, "Maybe, maybe not. A wizard can't reveal all his secrets on the first date. That's reserved for the more magical moments," Stephen told her.
Hermione put her hand on the table, "How mysterious."
He placed his hand on the table near hers, and Hermione saw two sparks jump between their hands to each other. She looked up at his face, surprised.
"I must say, you are bewitching, Willow," Stephen admitted.
Hermione swallowed hard, "Well, you know what they say, if the wand fits."
Stephen laughed, "I believe it's if the shoe fits, but I appreciate the magical twist to throw me off. Speaking of footwear, I've been working on a spell to make my socks match themselves. Care to join me on a quest to have perfectly paired socks?"
Hermione grinned over her wine, "I know a more pressing matter, the elusive disappearing remote-control spell."
Stephen sat back, "Easy, accio."
Maybe it was the wine or her feelings towards him, but when the timer went off, Hermione nearly grabbed him and disapparated.
Stephen got off the stool and walked over to her. Kissing the back of her hand, he ran his fingers over the ink stains on her hands, "I hope the rest of your night is filled with laughter and uncovering the secrets of the wizarding world. I bid you goodnight, my lady."
She glanced at her card and saw, 'Wizard 38- Stephen- 98%.' just before it switched to the next wizard. Gasping, she looked up and tried to catch his eye. She saw the woman next to her pouting, "Where did the wizard that was just with me go?" Hermione asked.
The woman pouted, "He was gorgeous, wasn't he? He said he got a call and had to leave."
Hermione barely remembered anything about the final 10 wizards sitting in the chair across her. The remainder of the session consisted of fake laughter, fake smiles, and insincere conversation as she glanced around, watching for Stephen to come back.
Ginny bounded over as the session ended, "How'd it go?"
Hermione watched the wizards file out, "Well, there was one that stuck out."
"Just one?" Ginny asked, "What happened?"
"He was… different," Hermione told her, "His name was Stephen, and he was funny, charming and…" She glanced at her card, "We had a 98% compatibility score."
Ginny's eyes widened, "98%? That's amazing! Did you get his contact information?"
Hermione shook her head, "He had to leave suddenly. Some kind of call."
"That's a shame," Ginny said, "But hey, at least you had a good date."
Hermione smiled weakly, "Yeah, but I can't stop thinking about him."
"Fill out your card, and maybe you'll run into him again," Ginny suggested.
"Maybe," Hermione said as they exited the building. Ginny chattered about her own dates, but Hermione's mind was elsewhere. She tried to shake off the feeling as she thought about Stephen, wishing she knew his real name.
*~*~* September 15, 2007 *~*~*
Hermione tossed and turned all night, unable to get comfortable and turn her brain off. Every time she closed her eyes, Stephen's face swam in my memory, his laugh echoing in her mind. Finally, she gave up on sleep and sat up. Glancing at the alarm clock, she saw it was 2 a.m.
With a frustrated sigh, she threw the covers off her body and swung her legs over the side of her bed. The room was cool, making her shiver as she walked to her window to look outside. Pulling back the curtain and looking at the stars twinkling in the clear night sky.
"Please don't let him be in love with someone else," she whispered, her breath fogging the glass. "Don't let someone else be waiting for him."
The stillness of the night offered her no answers, and Hermione felt a pang in her chest. Turning away from the window, she went downstairs, making sure to be quiet, walking past Teddy's bedroom. Harry was still away, his bedroom door wide open.
She reached her desk downstairs and picked up the response card from the blind dating event. Staring at it momentarily, she took a deep breath and wrote, 'Wizard 38- Stephen' on the card.
Walking into the kitchen, she called for Athena, her owl, who fluttered down from her perch. Tying the card to her leg, she ran her hand down her tan feathers, "Take this to the coordinator. Hopefully, it will find him too."
Athena hooted and took off into the night, disappearing into the darkness. Watching until she was out of sight, she closed the window and leaned against the sill.
*~*~* September 16, 2007 *~*~*
"Ginny, have you ever felt in love with someone just after one date?" Hermione asked.
Ginny looked at her, surprised, "What do you mean?"
"I swear, I felt my magic pulling me to one of the wizards the other night," Hermione told her, "Like it does with Harry."
"Do you think you've met him before?" Ginny asked, sitting down next to Hermione on the Burrow's couch.
Hermione shrugged, "I don't know if I've met him. I don't think I have. He seemed familiar, but I don't know. We all looked different and sounded different."
"What does it feel like?" Ginny asked, "The compatibility or pull on your magic?"
Hermione momentarily thought, "It felt like my magic had to be with him, that he was why I was there. Almost like Harry is the reason I'm a witch. Is it weird to say I've never been surer with this guy? I've never met this guy officially, yet my magic needs him so much, and he just left. I don't know. I'm so confused between him and Harry. Harry left, and we had a big moment, and he said when he came home, we'd have a talk. He hasn't been home since. With this mystery guy, what if he did not have that connection that I did?"
Ginny shrugged, "Did he seem like he was really into you?"
Hermione nodded, "Of all the dates that I had, he seemed to be the most into me. I mean God, Gin. I felt something when our eyes met across the room when he walked in."
Ginny sat back, "Wow, so how does this work? The whole blind dating thing. I wasn't interested in any of them, so I didn't pay attention to any of it."
Hermione held up her copy of the card she had made, "All I have is a number. He's just a number and a fake name. I put his number on my card, and the Wizarding dating people will let him know that I did, and if he put my number on his card, they'll let me know for any of my matches. So literally, I might… he might not have been into me, and he might not be interested. What do I do if he's not?"
Ginny looked at her, "What can you do? You don't know his real name. You don't know anything about him."
"Wizarding blind dating goes too far into the inconspicuous thing," Hermione pouted.
"Does the muggle world do blind dating, too?" Ginny asked.
"Real Muggle blind dating is just you don't know who it is until you're there, but no Wizarding people have to take it farther," Hermione said, exasperated, "All I can think about is him. What if, what if he has someone else? If he chooses someone else?"
Ginny slapped her, causing Hermione to gasp, holding her cheek, "Are you, or are you not Hermione fucking badass Granger? You are acting more like Lavender Brown right now. We need some alcohol."
Sitting on the couch, Hermione enjoyed the quiet as Teddy and Sirius went out to get ice cream after dinner. Hermione looked up from her book as she heard the front door open, "That was quick. Did you two change your minds?"
Harry came into the sitting room. In his hand was her wizarding blind dating response card.
Hermione glanced at it and groaned, "Oh God, they sent my card back to me," Hermione said, embarrassed as she got up to take it from him, "Please don't look at it! I can't believe Athena gave it to you!"
Harry held his hand over his head, "You picked match 38?"
Hermione looked at the card to see it was in her handwriting. "How do you have that card anyway? Athena shouldn't have given it to you!"
"Hermione, look at me!" Harry barked, and Hermione looked at him surprised, "You picked match 38?"
Hermione looked confused, and then it dawned on her, "Harry, did you go to the Wizarding Blind dating?"
Harry looked at her with a slight grin, "I knew it was you. I didn't think you knew it was me, but I knew it was you."
Hermione gasped as her knees gave out, and she had to sit atop the coffee table, "You were him. Stephen is you. How? Why didn't you say anything if you knew it was me?"
Harry laughed bitterly, "I figured you didn't want it to be me. I knew it was you when I saw the ink stains on your hands. Glamours couldn't cover those," Harry said as he sat down next to her, "I haven't filled out my card yet, but do you know who I was going to pick? But I didn't know if I should."
Hermione felt her heart skip a beat. "But at work, Athena brought me your card saying you picked me," Harry told her, shaking the card in his hand, "But Merlin, Hermione, you can't do this to me!"
Hermione looked at him, shocked, "Do what? I'm not doing anything!"
Harry scoffed, "Would you have picked me if you knew it was me? If you had no doubt it was me, would you still have picked my number?"
Hermione shook her head, running her hands down her face, "Yes, Harry! You don't realize? God, I just," Hermione trailed off, putting her head in her hands, "I'm so tired. I'm tired of fighting it. I'm tired of hiding it."
Harry looked at her in disbelief, "Hiding it? Hiding what?"
Hermione looked at him, "Would you have picked me if you didn't know it was me? If you didn't see my ink stains?"
Without any hesitation, Harry said, "Yes."
Hermione looked at him quickly, her eyes wide, "Seriously?" Her voice breaking.
Harry smiled at her, "Yes, because I guess you've been fighting it, but so have I. It's always been you, Hermione," Harry said as he knelt before her.
Hermione swallowed, looking at him. "Harry, if I am being honest, it was you before Ron."
"Ron? What do you mean it was me before Ron?" Harry asked, surprised.
Hermione laughed, "God, Harry, it was you before everything. Before Ron, Ginny," she said bitterly, "It's been a long time since I've started having feelings for you."
Harry looked at her, "You've… loved me since before I was with Ginny?"
"Since we were first years on some level," Hermione looked at him as she ran her hand over his head, playing with a small hairs at the nape of his neck, "Harry, do people like me go breaking the rules for others when they never broke a rule in their life if they don't really feel something for someone?" Hermione swallowed, "And I know in the past, you told Ron that I was like a sister to you, so I figured that that's all it was. But you were never like a brother to me. It was always you. It's always been you. When you first kissed me, it was over for me from that point."
"When I kissed you?" Harry asked, confused.
"When I was petrified. I was aware of it. How much you tried to visit me and then when you kissed me. I felt it, I couldn't react, but I felt it," Hermione told him.
"I thought maybe it would be like a fairy tale, you'd wake up by a kiss," Harry trailed off, "God, I've been so dumb," Harry said, looking at her, "Fuck it," as he pulled her head down to his, and their lips met.
Hermione moaned as the fire burned within her chest and the invisible string in her chest that was always pulling her towards Harry wrapped around her, squeezing her tighter towards him as she threw her arms around his neck.
Falling into his lap, Hermione rested her forehead against his as they separated once their lungs demanded air, "Can you feel this?" She asked, pointing to her chest.
Harry laced their fingers together over her chest, "That means we're both idiots," Harry said laughing, "Because I've felt that pulling in my chest for years, and it always got stronger around you. Only in the last year or so, did I realize what it was."
Hermione closed her eyes, "How have we been so stupid?"
Harry smiled as he kissed her again, "I was afraid to hurt you. Voldemort was in my head, and then I was with Ginny. I thought I was meant to be with Ginny. I got the answer to that before the wedding, though."
Hermione frowned, "What do you mean?"
"I went overseas, and a spell hit me. I'm okay, but when they were checking me over, they found a weakening compulsion charm on me. The healer that tested me said it had been on me for a long time and had to be cast by a powerful wizard."
"Dumbledore?" Hermione asked as Harry nodded.
"They helped clear it from my system, and suddenly, it was a month before the wedding, and I didn't love Ginny as I had felt before. Only one wizard was powerful enough to want me to stay with Ginny. So, I went to Hogwarts to confront Dumbledore's portrait, and he did it because he didn't think I would survive."
Hermione grabbed his hand, "What?"
"He hoped that with a strong compulsion charm, I would get together with Ginny and have an heir. After Grindelwald, Dumbledore was in love with Ron's grandfather. When he died, he made Dumbledore promise to take care of his family. He had made some bad financial decisions, and it affected the family. So, if I died and had a child with Ginny, the fortune I had would go to them," Harry told her, "So when Dumbledore died, the compulsion charm was keyed to Ginny's core. It was keyed to her to compel me to be with her if she was alive." Slipping her fingers in his, "But I was stronger than he realized, WE were stronger than he realized. Like I could easily fight the Imperius curse, I could fight the compulsion charms. When we hunted for the horcruxes, we went back to Hogwarts, then to New York, and lived near each other. You kept me strong enough to fight against it." Harry said, rubbing her arm, "What do we do now?"
Hermione ran her hands over his chest, "I am just in disbelief that this is finally happening."
Harry laughed, "I am so fucking glad Neville talked me into going there."
Hermione gasped, "It was Neville! Even with a glamour, he reminded me so much of himself. I could feel you though from across the room. Your magic, your presence."
Grabbing her head between his hands, he kissed her again. Parting her lips, they both sighed in between kisses. Harry pulled her closer to him and then drew back. Wiping the tear from her eye, he stared deeply into her eyes.
"There is no one else more important than you in my life," Harry told her, cupping her cheek. "You've always believed in me, always been there for me. I am so sorry that I fought it for so long and that it took me so long to act on it. I'm stronger at your side and cannot wait to spend the rest of my life beside you."
Hermione sobbed, "It's been so hard, Harry. Do you know about magical compatibility?"
Harry pulled her closer, "I found out from my grandparents. I took Sirius to see their portraits before I left for the mission. Is that why you wanted me to talk to them?"
Hermione laid her head on his shoulder, "No, but I'm glad they said something. I never wanted to take your choice away from you. Even if we are magically compatible, Andromeda said we could move on and be with others. I tried, but Ron and I… it just felt weird. No one else was someone I ever wanted to get close with. I tried with Neville, but my magic pushed him away. Draco, of course, I thought I felt those same things for him, but it was a curse. Our Black blood was trying to push us together."
Harry kissed her cheek, then kissed down her jaw, "I don't care who you've been with."
Hermione grinned, "It never felt right with anyone else. Ron and I never connected, and despite our blood trying to force us together… Draco and I ended… Harry, do you know why Draco and I broke up?"
Harry looked at her, "Why?"
Hermione bit her lip, "I said your name the night of your birthday."
Harry frowned, "At my birthday? Why would that be weird or awful?"
Hermione sighed, "I said your name during sex."
Harry stared at her wide-eyed, "Oh my god!" He said as he laughed, running his hand over his face, "Barbie and I broke up for the same reason! I said YOUR name."
Hermione laughed as she sighed, snuggling up to him, and heard a car pull up in the driveway.
Harry looked at her wide-eyed and grabbed her hand, "Come on!"
Hermione followed behind him as they raced upstairs to her room. They shut the door behind them, and Hermione looked at him, her chest heaving, "What?" Hermione asked.
Harry ran his thumb over her cheek, "I have this crazy idea. If you don't like it, we don't do it. Sirius commented to me after my grandparents told me about our compatibility. He told me I needed to ask you out; it wouldn't change much. We were practically dating each other already. Looking back on it, I think he's right, Hermione. How many times have people thought we were together over the years?"
Hermione chewed her lip, and Harry kissed her, "Quit that. You'll make yourself bleed."
Hermione smiled, shaking her head, "Cho, Ginny, Ron, Josh, even for the longest time… oh shit, Josh!"
Harry grinned, pulling her to him. "Want to be my plus one at his wedding?"
Hermione nodded, "Of course, but Harry, what is your crazy idea?" Hermione asked as Sirius yelled her name downstairs.
"People have thought we are dating for years. Why not get up to a little mischief?" Harry asked, "Other than not kissing around others, we date. See how long it takes others to notice that we are together? By the time everyone knows, Greyback will be caught. You'll be safe."
Hermione stared at him, "You ARE your father's son."
Harry grinned, "That's what I've been told. What do you think?"
Hermione kissed him, "Let's do it. It will also keep Rita off our backs. Who do you think will know first?"
"I'd think Sirius or Teddy. I mean, we live with them," Harry told her, taking her hand.
Hermione looked at him worried, "Maybe it is good that we are keeping this quiet for a while, too. What if it doesn't work out?"
"Hey," Harry said, taking her face in his hands. "Don't doubt us now. I'm going to love you until we are old and gray. I'll let you know that Luna told me I would be with my wife until I was 140."
Hermione stared at him, "140? Who said I wouldn't get tired of you by then?"
Harry laughed, and they both jumped when someone knocked on her bedroom door.
"Hermione? Is that Harry in with you?" Sirius' voice asked.
Harry winked at her, then opened the door, "Hey Sirius, I was just talking to Hermione."
"Dadda!" Teddy yelled as he ran in and hugged Harry.
Harry kissed the top of his head, "Hey, Bud. Oh, I missed you." Harry said, hugging Teddy to him.
Sirius glanced at Hermione, "Everything okay?"
Hermione smiled, "Of course, everything is perfect. Why?"
"Just wondering," Sirius told her.
*~*~* March 2, 2008 *~*~*
Luna stared at her in disbelief, "Wait?! You two have been together since before your birthday?!"
Hermione laughed, "Yeah. We did a better job hiding it than we thought, but that's the sad thing. We didn't hide it. We didn't kiss in public. Even now, we don't do many public displays of affection. It started as a game to see who would notice first. Harry and I realized that it would be all over the papers if Rita smelt anything close to us being together. Until we knew we were solid, we wanted to keep it to ourselves, but jumping from friends to more for us wasn't hard. Being physical was nothing new to us. We touched, hugged, cuddled… even when he was with Ginny. Sleeping in the same bed again was nice, even though he had to sneak into my room. Never failed, though; Teddy had radar for every time we wanted to try to be together."
Luna laughed, "So Harry had to sneak into your room?"
Harry walked back into the room. "Yes, I did. I would make sure Teddy was asleep, then at 11 p.m., I'd sneak up to Hermione's room with the baby monitor charm on Teddy's room, and I set the alarm for 6 in the morning to go back to my room." Harry sat beside Hermione and took her hand in his. "It came easy, though, to be together. Suddenly, everything felt right."
"What was your first test?" Luna asked, "As a couple, I mean?"
"When I released The Golden Trio and the Chamber of Secrets," Hermione asked.
*~*~* September 25, 2007 *~*~*
Standing talking to people who had come for the release of The Golden Trio and the Chamber of Secrets, Hermione was under the large banner displaying the book's cover. Dean had drawn artwork of the three of them sitting in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom sitting around the Polyjuice potion for the cover.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Harry slip in through the side entrance, trying to remain unnoticed.
Her publicist came over to her, telling her it was time. Hermione took the stage, the book clutched in her hand. Smiling at the sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces looking at her.
"Thank you for coming," Hermione stated, looking out towards where Harry stood, "This book is not just a tale of what happened in our second year at Hogwarts. It is a tribute to the friendship, bravery, and power of standing up for what is right. Harry, Ron, and I faced many challenges that year, but we always had each other."
Her gaze found Harry's briefly, "Let me read a portion of the Chamber of Secrets," Hermione said as she opened the book and flipped through to the sixth chapter. Looking out at the crowd, "Chapter Six: Gilderoy Lockhart. Hermione could hardly contain her excitement as she walked through the bustling corridors of Hogwarts. The second week of the term had just begun, and today was the second year's first Defense Against the Dark Arts class with the famed Gilderoy Lockhart. Clutching her brand-new copy of Gadding with Ghouls tightly to her chest, she turned to Harry and Ron, who were walking alongside her, "Can you believe it?" she asked, "We'll be taught by Gilderoy Lockhart! He is so brave and accomplished."
Ron groaned, "If I had to hear one more word about Lockhart, I think I might be sick."
"Don't be such a spoilsport, Ron," Hermione said, rolling her eyes, "He's done amazing things! Just read his books!"
Hermione looked out at the crowd, "Little did we know." This caused everyone to laugh as she closed her book, "Our second year was eventful, and most of this book is from Harry and Ron's point of view as I was incapacitated by an accident and a basilisk attack, but we hope you enjoy this book. Thank you everyone for coming."
After her speech, Hermione descended from the stage to sign copies of her book. Harry suddenly appeared beside her, "Hey you."
Hermione turned to him, smiling, "Harry, I'm glad you are here."
"I wouldn't have missed this for the world," Harry said, stepping closer to her, "I'm proud of you."
"It was a group effort, you know that," Hermione replied, blushing.
Another group of fans came over and interrupted them, so Harry slipped back into the crowd. As the event ended and the last few guests began leaving, Hermione spotted Harry sitting at a table talking to people. Hermione caught his eye and motioned to the back. Walking to the back room, she looked around at all the boxes of books around her as the door opened and Harry came in.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked at him and pushed him back so that his back hit the wall behind him, "Thank you."
"For wha-" Harry said as she cut him off by kissing him. Smiling against her lips. Harry pulled back and rested his forehead against hers, "I can't get enough of finally being able to do that with you."
Hermione kissed him again, "Me either."
a/n: The wait is finally over! I hope everyone is happy with how it happened. It will just get better from here. Some were afraid that the story would be over as soon as they were together, and no worries, I am writing chapter 43 with no end in sight.
Thank you for the new followers: Wang En Pa, doctorwhodapol, sciencegirl22, and P4nd4L0v3R
To the reviews:
Hudy Leak613: Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Preview of Chapter 38- Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus (2007)
A pair of arms wound themselves around Hermione's waist as she stared at her reflection in the mirror on Dane and Josh's wedding day. Placing her hands over his, Hermione turned in his arms and put her arms around his neck, "Well, hello, sir. Fancy seeing you here. Is everything all set up for them?"
Harry pulled her closer and breathed in Hermione's unique scent. "Yeah, God, why do you always smell so good?"
Hermione kissed him, "You haven't smelled me when I'm at my sweatiest yet."
Hermione watched his irises darken and swallowed hard as he captured her lips in his own, making her moan, "Just wait," Harry growled, making Hermione gasp.
Harry groaned, his forehead resting against hers. "How is it that we always keep getting interrupted in some way? First, Teddy interrupted us back at home, and we came here, and we were so exhausted with jet lag. Last night, we were exhausted helping them get everything set up."
Hermione looked up at him, "Tonight. Dane said that they got a hotel in Charleston tonight. We have the house to ourselves."
Harry grinned. "Now, I don't want you to think I'm pressuring you," he said as she kissed him, shutting him up.
Hermione swallowed hard, looking into his eyes, "I cannot wait to fuck you, Harry James."
Harry cupped her cheek, "No, Hermione. I refuse to fuck you." Hermione's face fell, "No, no listen. It will never just be fucking with us when I love you so much."