Harry observed himself in his bedroom mirror, deciding with a huff he didn't like the shirt he was wearing. He hastily removed it, throwing it on the floor to join an ever growing assembly of other shirts he found just as ghastly. While his trousers only took minutes to decide on, the task of finding a perfect shirt had become relentless. Harry walked back to his wardrobe grunting in frustration. After staring at his vast collection of shirts, he finally closed his eyes and allowed chance to decide for him.

"This will have to do," he muttered to himself, flustered and rather sweaty from the simple task of selecting a simple article of clothing. As he reached the last button on the nicely fitted chambray shirt, he took one last look at himself finally deciding he was done. He had even tried to tame his hair, but even the use of Sleekeazy's didn't do the trick. Wisps of ebony strands still stuck out in every direction. "I bet Malfoy will have perfect hair tonight." Harry's own comment struck him off guard. Since when did he give two Knuts about Malfoy? The scene of Malfoy's hand on Hermione's lower back came returned to his thoughts. He knew that was the true cause of his irritability. "Stop, Harry," he chided himself. "This is for Hermione and Ginny and all our other friends. Don't make it about your feelings, for Merlin's sake!" Harry walked to his nightstand, grabbing his wand and a black velvet box tied with a cream colored ribbon. He had found the perfect graduation gift for Hermione months ago when walking around Muggle London one day. When he saw the piece, he knew she would find it utterly ridiculous, but love it just the same. With one last glance towards the mirror, he took a deep breath, then Disapparated into the Burrow's garden.

"Finally! You're here," breathed out Ron, as he approached Harry.

"Everything okay, mate?"

"Yeah, just needed a break."

"From a party that just started? Who are you avoiding?"

"No one!" Harry tilted his head to the side and raised an eyebrow. "Just...I haven't had to speak with Hermione face to face. I'm not sure what to say to her."

"Sorry, I've been a total prat and even though you've forgiven me about the Howler, I thought it best I tell you in person." Ron stared at Harry dumbfounded. A few seconds later, he nodded his head in agreement.

"That should do it. Good thinking mate." Harry shook his head behind his friend's back as they made their way into the kitchen.

"Harry, dear. Glad to see you!" Harry went directly to the Weasley matriarch, giving her a tight hug.

"Hello, Molly. How are you?"

"Oh, fine, dear. Just fine," said Molly cleaning her hands on her apron. Harry could tell Molly seemed a bit out of sorts, at least more than usual from her party planning mood.

"Are you sure, Molly? Is there anything we can help you with?" At this, Ron silently stepped around Harry and left the kitchen to the party.

"Thanks for asking, Harry. That's very kind of you, but Arthur will be down soon. Now, go on. Join the others in the drawing room. I have more food heading out so be ready to eat. I even made a treacle tart for you. I know it's your favorite."

"Thanks Molly," replied Harry, entering the drawing room that was filled with familiar faces. The laugher and many conversations filled the room as waves and smiles were sent in his direction.

"Hello, Harry!"

"Harry!"

"Harry!"

"Hello!," shouted Harry above the chatter. His greeting not going to anyone particular as his eyes scanned the room.

"She's not here yet." Harry turned his head to see Ginny standing next to him. She raised her hand, offering him a bottle of butterbeer. "I'm sure she'll be here soon. Come on, looks like Ron found a distraction." Harry could see Ron sitting across from Dean Thomas, as he setup a game of Wizard's Chess.

"Your mum?" Harry asked the younger witch.

"Yeah, I'm afraid that's my fault," said Ginny, while shaking her head. "I told her and Dad that I'm moving out. Seems mum isn't happy about that."

"And Arthur?" Ginny smiled at the question.

"He's insisting he helps me find a suitable flat. Hence why he and mum aren't talking right now."

"Sorry, Gin"

"Don't be. I was going to let her know, just not this early in the summer."

"Now, you're-"

"Just going to hear it all summer long." Ginny looked at the bottle in her hand. "I need another drink. Need a refill yet?"

"Nope, still good." Harry raised his bottle indicating it was still full.

"But I'll take one." Harry and Ginny turned to the side to see Hermione standing there.

"Where did you come from?" asked Ginny, a surprised expression on her face.

"I've been outside for the last thirty minutes. It seems your father is quite interested in telephones without cords," said Hermione. "Luckily for me, the phone at my parents' home still has a cord, so I couldn't explain in much detail how a cordless phone works."

"That's my queue," moaned Ginny. "I need to fix this as much as I can. I'll catch up with you two later. I don't want dad cornering everyone to avoid mum." Harry then focused on the witch next to him.

"I know you just got here, but would you like to join me outside?"

"Lead the way," she said, happily locking her arm around his. Harry felt warmth from her touch and was excited to spend some time alone with her.

"But first," Harry lead Hermione towards a table filled with food and drinks. A mini version of the Hogwarts' table during meal times. He grabbed her a butterbeer and lead them out the door. They made their way to the orchard in silence, enjoying the warm breeze as it pushed through the trees, sending a sweet scent of apple around them. Hermione stopped, then leaned her back against the truck of a large tree.

"Ask away, Harry," she said, taking a drink from her butterbeer and focusing her brown eyes on his. He could tell by the look on her face she was trying the prepare herself, like the many times she had before they were scheduled to take an exam. "I know it's been a while since I've seen you and I'm extremely sorry for that. But with my parents, school, and trying to figure out a career or even where I want to live, everything just happened so quickly." Harry nodded his head in agreement, but when he opened his mouth to speak, Hermione continued. "I know, trust me, I do. That those things are just excuses. We shared something together that was special and...a bit awkward. I'm not sure if I was embarrassed or scared or just didn't know how to face you. I chose to let all those other things consume me because it was easier. Perhaps, I was tired of fighting whether it be physical or emotional. I just wanted to find my parents and go to school. Read for the sake of learning and for the sake of trying to stay alive and worrying if my friends are going to die. However, you becoming an Auror doesn't help that one bit! I just…wanted to read fiction for Merlin's sake!" Hermione took a deep breath, then ran her fingers over her tiny strands of hair. "Do you have anything to say?" Harry stared at the witch before him, her monologue also causing him to exhale deeply. Yes, he had a lot to say, but tonight wasn't the time. He wanted to desperately tell her that, that night was special and that only solidified what he had been feeling for her since her head rested on his shoulder that Christmas Eve in Godric's Hollow. He loved her and not in the way a brother loves a sister or even a friend loves a friend. But he had time. They're still young and nothing could come between them.

"So...how did it feel cutting off that nest of yours?" Harry said with a grin. He watched as concern fled her eyes and was replaced by with unleashed tears and a smile.

"Liberating." Harry stepped closer to Hermione and wrapped his arms around her. He could feel her arms squeeze his body, the feeling felt right. "Thank you Harry." He pulled slightly away from her, wiping away a tear that fell down her cheek.

"For what?"

"For taking it easy on me. I know you have a lot more to say, but-"

"Tonight's not the night, Hermione. All our friends are waiting for us and we're here to celebrate."

"Yes," she said with a nod. Harry placed his arm around her shoulders as they made their way back to the party.