A/N: I'm sorry to have neglected you all for so long. Summer term was hideous! Why on earth did I take anatomy when I didn't have to? I'm scarred for life. I hate science almost as equally as math now. Anyhow, I am DONE! Which means update galore! I have missed writing and receiving your wonderful reviews. I will try my hardest to upload as many chapters as I can before I start fall term in late august. In the meantime please enjoy this chapter and review. I do hope it's worth the wait. The next chapter will be up shortly, it's been almost done for weeks! As for "Journey to the Aisle" please bear with me, as I am completely stuck on where to go from where I left off. If you have any suggestions, please send them in =) thank you and on we go!

Something 'bout the way you looked at me

Made me think for a moment,

That maybe we were meant to be

Living our lives separately

And it's strange that things change

But not me wanting you so desperately

Oh why can't I ignore it?

I keep giving it in but I should know better

'Cause there was something 'bout the way you looked at me

And it's strange that things change

But not me wanting you so desperately

-"Desperately"- Michelle Branch

Hermione remained seated in the same way she had been before Ron had shown up and dragged Harry along with him. She couldn't help but feel flustered at the thought of what would've happened if Ron hadn't shown up. The feelings she had been experiencing as of late were unsustainable. Just when did her love for Harry turn into the romantic kind? She felt uneasiness in her stomach whenever they touched. Just the slightest brush caused a rush of excitement like never before. The simple act of looking at Harry in the eye while she spoke to him was proving difficult every day. Was Harry feeling it too? Why was he so jumpy when Ron showed up? She was so focused on her thoughts that she had almost missed a teary-eyed Ginny walking towards her, to Ron's room.

"Ginny?" Hermione asked as she stood, hearing the red head sniffle. "Are you okay?"

Ginny seemed surprised that Hermione was there. Wide-eyed, she turned on her heel and sprinted the opposite way.

"Ginny wait!" said Hermione speeding after her.

"Leave me alone Hermione!" Ginny complained.

"Ginny please, we need to talk."

Ginny turned around unexpectedly. Her fiery red hair swiveled around her and clung to her wet face as she stopped. She looked more hurt than angry, despite the distinctive red color of her face.

"No offense Hermione, but you are the last person I want to talk to right now!"

"Ginny, I don't want you for one second thinking that Harry and I have anything going on." Hermione insisted. "We're just really close friends. That's all we are."

Ginny looked back at her in disbelief.

"Yeah, close friends " She repeated mockingly. "Close friends only they're too scared or clueless to see what the rest of us see. If you two really want to make the whole friend thing believable, why don't you stop telling each other everything!"

"Ginny—"

Ginny held up her hand, silencing Hermione.

"You may be good at hiding your feelings from others–" she continued. "Harry and Ron may not have a clue… but you're dealing with a girl here. You and I know that girls are much more aware of things than boys are."

"I know what love looks like. When you love someone… you can read their mind without a word, their mere presence can brighten up and otherwise dreary day, they are all you ever talk about" said Ginny "You can see past the lie when they tell you they're okay because you know better than to believe them."

"Ginny, I don't-"

"Why do you want to keep lying, Hermione?" Ginny asked impatiently. "I saw it."

Hermione was confused. She had no idea what she could be referring to.

"Saw what?"

"The change, between you and him…once he and I started dating."

Hermione could only open and close her mouth, like an Asphyxiating fish out of water. She wasn't going to deny that something strange occurred in their sixth year. They weren't the same people they had been the year before. She was definitely not happy to see Harry with Ginny, but for the first time in ages, Harry was genuinely happy. That was worth more than anything to her. However, she did not think it was fair for all the blame to fall on her. Harry could've done his part too. For some reason, he had distanced himself from her that year. It was something that had gotten the best of her, making her spend most of the year in a foul mood that made her do unusual things. Things like her intense focus on Ron, and her ridiculous attempts to get him to notice her. Of course, she cared for Ron. He was her best friend too. Yet, that's where it all ended. She had developed a crush on Ron. In her younger years, when the hormones were at their peak and it seemed typical to like someone you always fought with.

Now, as a wiser young woman, she knew that wasn't a healthy foundation for a relationship. She loved Ron. How could she not after spending so many years as friends? but that did not ever mean their fights got any more certainly didn't mean she was IN love with him. The only reason why she even considered him romantically was that who she really wanted was taken, and he was the only better option left. As horrible as it sounded even in her own mind, it was exactly how it came to be. Ron was a distraction–albeit a messy one– but a distraction nonetheless of how she really felt for her other best friend. She didn't exactly know when she had developed romantic feelings for Harry all she knew, was that it was a secret she would have to take to the grave because nothing could ever come of it.

"I know you tried your best to hide it" said Ginny, smiling despite herself. "but there are just some things you can't hide."

Hermione looked at her, almost apologetically. She was right. Ginny had noticed it straight off the bat. Still, it didn't change anything. There was an imminent war raging, it was hardly time to think of romance. Also, just because she had feelings didn't mean Harry reciprocated them. He had years to show interest, if it hadn't happened then it was certainly because he didn't see her that way.

"Ginny, you're the closest female friend I have, he and I never—"

"I know !" exclaimed Ginny."I know…"

"I just…I know what I see when you guys are together. Everyone does…" Ginny added wretchedly.

"We're friends." Hermione repeated. "That's all we've ever been. I promise."

Ginny shook her head in frustration.

"One day you two will finally drop this act." she said bitterly, wiping the final tears that escaped her. "And when you do, Merlin do you have to apologize to a bunch of people!"

"I'm really sorry if our bond ever caused any problems between you two." Hermione said softly. " It wasn't my intention…I wish I knew why everyone is under the impression there's something more. All I can say is the truth, that's all I can offer."

Ginny surveyed Hermione closely.

She could not believe that 'The-Brightest-Witch-Of-Her-Age' was still so oblivious. Was this an act? Could someone that brilliant really be that clueless when it came to matters of the heart? The inconceivable part was that despite what Ginny already concluded, she could also believe that Hermione meant everything she was saying. As angry as she felt, Ginny knew that neither Harry nor Hermione would intentionally hurt anyone. They remained blissfully unaware of just how menacing their relationship was to any outsider that dare enter their lives. Who could honestly compete with that?

"You know Hermione…as crazy at it seems," Ginny said thickly. " I believe you…and I believe Harry too. Still…I know I'm right as are many others. An impending war is the perfect setting to reevaluate how you truly feel. You don't want to come to that conclusion when it's too late."

Hermione felt her heart drop at Ginny's last comment. She had a point. At this time they were all living on borrowed time. The last war had interrupted so many lives, so many families, so many stories…How long would she continue to sacrifice the last sliver of happiness that she had? How long would she put the wants and needs above her own? How much longer could she handle touching Harry the way she was used to without wanting to kiss him desperately?

"That being said, we should really start getting for the wedding…" Ginny muttered.

Without another word, Ginny walked past her and up the stairs and up to her room.

In spite of the heavy scene that had just unfolded minutes before Hermione couldn't help but admire how put together, Ginny appeared to be. Even though the tension in the room was so thick that it was suffocating, Ginny had enough comradeship to help Hermione in one subject she had never mastered as a girl: getting ready. Never speaking a word, Ginny applied Hermione's make-up and did her hair as if they were the best of friends, though now it was more than obvious-would never be the case. Unbeknownst to them, the two girls continued their preparations lost in thought over the same boy.

Harry was sitting in the window seat in Ron's bedroom, the Snitch in hand and his eyes absentmindedly surveying the preparations of Bill and Fleur's wedding. There were objects levitated, flying themselves into place. Chairs were arranging themselves into neat rows as pieces of airy fabric unfurled from the top of a giant canopy that would shelter the guests. The dance floor was set immediately outside it, and the band's group members were setting up their instruments. Last-minute centerpieces and ornaments were flying back and forth to their destinations. He couldn't help but feel a little pleased he was about to partake in something as normal as a wedding. Probably one of the last ordinary things he'd be able to do. He looked absentmindedly at the heirloom Dumbledore had given him. Neither the snitch nor any of the other stuff Dumbledore left him, Ron, and Hermione made any sense. He couldn't help but feel disappointed. He was sure that once they examined all the items, help would be hidden inside. Yet, they were just as clueless and unprepared as they had been before receiving them.

"Hey mate, you ready?" said Ron, coming into the room for one last check in the mirror.

"I guess," Harry shrugged. "Have you seen Hermione? I want her to pack the snitch, I don't think I'm going to be able to get anything thing out of this anytime soon."

"Nah, I reckon she's still in Ginny's room." said Ron patting down his dress robes. "You know how long girls take."

"Yeah."

"Speaking of Ginny," said Ron turning to face Harry "I saw her a little upset earlier today…"

"Yeah, we had to clear up some stuff." said Harry sheepishly.

"Like?" Ron asked inquisitively.

"If we were officially over and stuff…I think she finally accepted it now."

"How did she take it?" Ron asked curiously flipping down the collar of his dress robes. "Did she make a big scene?"

"No. Actually, she took it pretty well. The only thing she brought up was the famous 'something-going-on-between-Hermione-and-I' scenario." said Harry. " I'm used to that bit. Otherwise, I'd say it went better than I was expecting."

"Wait…what about the 'something-going-on-with-Hermione' bit. What do you mean by that?" asked Ron confusedly.

Harry felt his face burning with embarrassment. Mentally kicking himself for not having kept that part to himself.

"Oh..." said Ron, his eyes narrowing as he was catching on. "She walked in on one of the famous Harry and Hermione therapy sessions did she?"

"What?" Harry asked amused.

"That's what I call them. You two can always be found comforting each other for one reason or another." said Ron snickering. "It's a bit annoying actually. Now I see why so many people assumed there was always something between you two."

"If I didn't know any better I'd say they're probably right."

"Apparently a guy can't be close to a girl without it being assumed something's going on." said Harry feeling annoyed.

Ron eyed him suspiciously

"Why are you getting all defensive for?"

"I'm not being defensive!" Harry exclaimed.

"Right…"

Harry walked across the room to distance himself from him. Now Ron was joining the annoying group of people who thought he and Hermione were together. It was all really starting to annoy him.

"Why do you keep looking in the mirror?" Harry asked, turning the tables on him. "Making sure you look crisp for Luna?"

"Hey!"

"Now who's being defensive?" Harry said chuckling.

Harry stood outside with Ron, in the yard helping in any way he could. They ended up being assigned to sit people in designated areas, along with help from Fred and George. Fred however was much more interested in helping a group of French girls, which were more than likely relatives of Fleur because the family resemblance was clearly visible. He had yet to see any sign of Hermione. Every time he heard the door open, he craned his next to see if it was her.

"Who are you looking for?" Ron asked curiously.

"I'm not looking for anyone, I'm just looking around." Harry sassed.

"Right…" said Ron jokingly. "Well if anyone is a code for Hermione, you're going to get a sore neck for nothing because she's still upstairs getting ready."

"Why do you keep trying to imply things? You keep doing it!" asked Harry impatiently.

"Oh hey look!' said Ron completely disregarding Harry's question. "The Lovegood's are here!"

Sure enough, a few feet ahead, Harry spotted Luna. She was sporting a bright yellow dress, which lost out the competition with the big sunflower in her hair. It was a very bright dress, but once you got acquired to it, it wasn't all that bad. It was a dress only Luna could be able to pull off without looking insane. Harry was used to her eccentricities, he was fond of her even though she didn't make sense at times.

"Hello Luna." Harry said brightly.

"Hello Harry, Hello Ronald. This is my father." said Luna pointing unnecessarily at the blindly dressed man standing next to her.

He was wearing dress robes of a similar shade to Luna's only more blinding…if that was even possible. He had thin, shoulder-length white hair and a cap with a tassel on the top as a hat. What caught Harry's attention was the long necklace hanging off his neck. It had a triangular-looking eye as a pendant. No doubt a symbol only Luna's family would know and understand.

"Xenophilus Lovegood." He said shaking Ron's hand. "We live just over the hill, though I'm sure you know that. I've talked to your dad a few times over the year. Really nice of you all to invite us."

"Oh no problem." said Ron dismissively. "Besides Luna here is like a family friend. We had to invite her and her family."

Luna beamed at Ron.

"Am I really a family friend?" she asked in shock.

"Yes, how could you not assume that already with all the time you've been spending here this summer?" Ron joked.

Harry sensed Ron wanted to talk to Luna so he discretely made his way to the other side of the yard, closer to a table filled with refreshments for those helping out.

"Hey Harry." said Hermione's voice.

Harry whipped immediately around. She looked stunning. She was wearing a light lavender dress, which was very flowy at the bottom. Her hair was shiny and slick, very unlike the slightly frizzy curls she usually wore. It was almost the same reaction he had when he saw her in her Yule ball gown three years ago. The only difference now was that she was clearly not the same young girl anymore. Somehow, unbeknownst to Harry, she had become a woman. Her dress was very form-fitting, something Hermione usually tended to shy away from. He couldn't understand why. From what he could see, she had a svelte body.

'Why am I noticing this?' Harry asked himself frantically.

"Hey Hermione, you look amazing," said Harry after recuperating from his shock.

"Thank you." Hermione answered blushing. "You don't look so bad yourself."

"Thanks."

"Where's Ron?" she asked.

"Oh…er he's with…Luna." He said trailing off uncertainly, pointing in Ron's direction.

Ron had a broad grin on his face as Luna was talking with him. It was an expression Harry had only seen once when Ron had unwittingly taken a love potion in their sixth year. He was too afraid to see Hermione's reaction to the scene.

"Well…nice to see there's someone who he isn't a complete git with." said Hermione without a hint of resentment.

"You're okay with this?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded.

"Yeah, I was after all the one who broke it off."

"I thought you'd be upset…"

"No," said Hermione dismissively. "I used to get uneasy around things like this, back when I was blissfully unaware of the mismatch we would make. Now, as friends, I'm okay with it. I like Luna, she might mellow him out".

"Well that's good." said Harry genuinely. "I never would've thought anything would happen with Luna though, not after all the time he's spent making fun of her."

"Well you see," said Hermione matter-of-factly. "That's the thing with Ronald. That's how he deals with the ones he fancies, by making fun of them. Or fighting with them, like in my case."

"It's a good thing he got that book then right?" Harry asked musingly.

"That book is absolute rubbish if you ask me." said Hermione genuinely. "Honestly, understanding us isn't that hard! Boys on the other hand…"

"We're really easy." said Harry defensively.

"Right." Hermione scoffed.

Together they laughed, unaware of a presence behind them.

"Hello Herm-own-ninny." said a grave voice behind the pair of them.

Together they swiveled around and found themselves facing a familiar foreign face.