Ye Old Disclaimer:Harry Potter and associated milieu, characters, and situations are owned by J.K. Rowling and her licensees. This is a work of fan fiction, produced solely for enjoyment. No infringement of rights is intended. J.K. Rowling owns it all, I am just playing with the Story. No money is being made by me in any way shape or form.

Beta's:

My name is Solo and I have you surrounded!

Hermione stirred from her uneasy sleep groaning. She did not want to wake up from her dream. In it Harry was kissing her lips and stroking her hair telling her he loved her. In her dream Harry hadn't been attacked by Greyback and bitten after he killed Voldemort. Harry wasn't in a coma. He was whole, healthy, and loved her the way she loved him.

Reluctantly she slowly opened her eyes and realized it was still sometime in the night. Her head rested lightly on Harry's shoulder. Hermione allowed a slight sigh to escape her lips at how right it felt to be with him this way. It was like their bodies were made for each other. Tears gathered within her brown eyes before spilling down again. Sadness and heartbreak crashed down on her as all her hopes from the dream were crushed once again. She looked into his face and felt every muscle in her body tense. A pair of piercing emerald eyes shown in the faint moon light that penetrated the gloom of the Hospital Wing. They stared directly into her red swollen ones with and intensity that caused her breath to catch and freeze.

His gaze petrified her more than the basilisk did in her second year. It froze her to her core. In all their years together as friends never before had she seen them so open. It was freighting in a way. It reminded her of an old poem that described how eyes were windows to the soul. Looking into his eyes at this moment she certainly felt like she could. She felt his hand come to the side of her face to lightly wipe the tears away. When he spoke her heart felt like it would burst. It had been ages since he was able to speak.

"Hermione…" That was all he said. His voice was gravely from disuse and his affliction. Emotions she could see but he barley understood played across his face. Fresh tears fell as she began to hope this was not a dream. If it were it waking would be cruel and unforgivable. If this was a dream, she never wanted to wake. Ever. With a shaky hand she reached out to touch his face herself. She needed more than just her eyes to tell her he was really awake after the last few weeks of his coma.

"Harry…don't be a dream. I couldn't take it if I wake up and you are not really awake." Her voice shook with such emotion his eyes began to fill with tears of his own. In response he slowly leaned into her and gently kissed her forehead. The kiss was hesitant, like he could not believe she was really there anymore than she could believe he was awake. Her eyes fluttered closed at his touch and a moan rumbled in her throat. The soft kiss was something that made her toes curl, her body shake, and her mind to completely fracture preventing her from thinking about anything other than his tender lips on her. No, she never wanted to wake again.

She cried into his chest in relief that he was finally awake, finally back. He held her and stroked her hair tenderly whispering to her it would be okay, he was here for her, he would protect her. She cried even harder thinking how typical it was for Harry to comfort her, when he was the one who almost died.

Harry spent the next week recovering. Thanks to Madam Promfrey's potions ehe was able to maintain his half starved body while he laid in his coma. He worked out as he normally did but slower to build up his strength, and since he was awake and could feed himself, he got better in leaps and bounds. Hermione never left his side through all of it and each night they held each other crying their pain to each other, slowly healing.

By the end of the week Harry was finally ready to leave. It was only a week until the moon. He did not speak much to anyone but Hermione during this time, still very fragile in his own mind from his experiences. Those who knew where he was never pushed the issue only saying when he was ready to come visit.

For his part Harry felt they needed to do a few things. First thing he decided he wanted Sirius's bike back. He knew Mr. Weasley had it in his shed and planed on rebuilding it, but he did not know what condition it was in. He and Sirius had worked on it together before he died so he felt reasonably sure that with the manual he could finish what Mr. Weasley started. Then Harry wanted to take Hermione to find her parents. He felt very strongly that they should go as soon as the bike was ready; she was there for him, now he needed to be there for her. Hermione wondered why the bike mattered so much since Harry couldn't drive it, which rewarded her with one of the few laughs she had heard from him since he woke.

He explained that Sirius had snuck him out quite a bit that Christmas for joy rides and he rode very well. Even had a muggle license for it. Harry told her there was nothing like riding a bike, and the longer the journey the better according to Sirius. If Mr. Weasley would be willing to restore the old charms and enchantments, they could ride the bike across the country and fly over the ocean together to Australia, jumping off from India maybe. That or take a cruise which was popular in the summers. Just the two of them. A get away from Britain and the war. Give them time to clear their heads and just be a guy and girl, Just Harry, Just Hermione. She thought it was romantic and agreed to it if they could get the bike to work. For her part Hermione could never bring herself to admit her feelings for him while he was awake.

She hoped she might find the courage to do so during their trip. Harry's mind was still very fragile to her. He would space off at strange times reliving painful memories. She knew she loved him. Truth be told, and it was if only to herself, she had or ages. The last thing she wanted thought was to put emotional pressure on him with everything he had going on in his mind and life. It would just be too much. She would wait, however long it took until he was ready.

Harry laughed again when she started planning their trip, including a lot of cultural stops where they could gas up, see a site, or spend the night. She worried about the expense but Harry down played it. He had plenty of money and since she spent all hers trying to keep them fed and alive while on the run, he would repay her by taking her on a world tour. The first stop though was the Burrow.

Hermione decided that it would be for the best if she sent a letter a few days ahead so that they had an idea on Harry's state. Despite his good cheer around her he would not talk with others around him much. Madam Pomfrey told her his mental status was delicate though she was not sure if it was from the war, injuries, or his past. Either way she cautioned Hermione that what he needed was plenty of rest and plenty of things to keep his mind occupied. Her letter consisted of telling the Weasleys that he wanted the bike and hoped to get it running during his visit. Most importantly though to keep things light around him, no questions, no badgering and no forcing themselves on him. Once she got the reply that they would do as Madam Pomfrey suggested she apparated them both to the outskirts of the Burrow. Once they arrived Harry slumped into her almost completely exhausted from the transit.

"Sorry, just…just give me a moment. Even slide along made my bones ache." Harry leaned into her embrace trying to catch his breath.

Hermione held him steady, "I got you. Take as long as you need." She watched his face as he slowed his breathing before opening his eyes. The fog that clouded them cleared finally and he stood somewhat unsteady and they approached the door to the Burrow. She was a bit worried about the fall out that was coming but hopeful things would be alright. She bit her lip as they waited for the door to open. When it finally did it was George who stood there. One look at them and he ducked under Harry's other arm and helped him into the kitchen to sit down.

"There you go mate. You look like hell Harry. It's a good thing Hermione looks good enough for both of you eh?" He quipped.

It brought a smile to Harry face. "Keep it up Weasley. I bet I could still out duel you for her honor."

George barked out a loud laugh and raised his hands. "No way mate, not even going to take that bet." Hermione sat down nervously next to Harry pouring him some pumpkin juice. He whispered his thanks and started to drink.

She asked George, "Any one else home?" George gave her a shrewd look reading far more than she liked into her question.

"No. Dad sent everyone else out the day after he got your note though he did say he would be back before noon and that's anytime now. He said that if you wanted he has the bike in the shed and its mostly put back together. Going some where on it mate?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I am going to take Hermione to Australia to get her folks. Mostly no magic. Just a couple of kids out seeing the world you know?" George nodded his head.

"Yeah Harry, I think I do. I don't know anything about bikes but I could give you a hand if you like."

Harry nodded gratefully. He always got along well with the prankster. "Sure if you give me a hand over, I think Hermione would appreciate the rest. She's been lugging me all over."

Once they made it to the shed Harry wasted no time taking out the manual going over every inch of the bike. Hermione found herself a bit intimidated by the large bike. "Harry, what kind of bike is this?"

He had just managed to track down a few of the parts Mr. Weasley had not yet gotten to. "Harley Davidson Big Twin I think Sirius said. Nineteen seventies model. One of the first or so. Well need a saddlebag for it and some gear before we hit the road. Do you think you can find someone to do some custom orders for it? Sirius always said that if you hit the road on a bike, do so in style." He smiled up at George who nodded his head.

"I always like good old Padfoot. Made more sense than anyone I know." The boys chuckled.

"Well, probably Harry… I don't know though, are you sure it safe?" Harry looked at her and noticed she was biting her lip. He almost moaned. She had no idea how sexy she was when she was thinking.

"Perfectly. Especially once we put on a few charms and enchantments to help out. Don't worry so much Hermione, it'll be fun." He smiled at her clearly excited by the prospect of the ride ahead. "Day, maybe two with Georges help and she will run fine. Mr. Weasley already did a great job with the main bodywork so that just leaves making sure the parts are all right. Its American so we are better off fixing than replacing."

Several hours later Harry managed to put together a list of things they would need. A saddlebag, gloves, jackets, helmets, chaps, vests, and jeans fitted to their measurements. They discussed spells to use, enlargement charms for the bags and safety spells for the bike itself. Harry though insisted that it be repainted mirror silver because Sirius mentioned once that he thought it would look good. Harry trusted Hermione to take care of getting their goods, mostly because travel still hurt while he setup working on the bike to get it running.

Harry for his part stayed in the shed with Mr. Weasley or George. Hermione never left his side unless it was for loo's or when she placed the orders for their traveling gear. Harry enjoyed himself immensely laughing and joking George or trying to explain what he was doing to Mr. Weasley. In the evenings when he was to tired to continue Harry and Hermione spent their nights together in Percy's old room where they held each other simply needing to be close together.

Hermione smiled brightly through it all. She had never seen him so happy. It was like a different Harry. Carefree and loving. It was the second day of their stay when he pronounced the bike ready for travel. During the entire time he was working on the bike neither Ron nor Ginny showed themselves to Harry. Ms. Weasley for her part simply ignored him and Hermione when she happened to see them. For Hermione it seemed that all three of them had things to say but no one wanted to push Harry at the moment, which she was thankful. Harry grew stronger each day fed on laughter; light hearted banter, and his work on the bike.

Being at the Burrow however was not the best idea for other reasons. Ron and Hermione where constantly fighting about one thing or another. Ginny would not even look at him half the time. Harry noticed the distance from both the younger Weasleys but tried not to let it bother him.

His wounds were taking a very long time to heal but he was at least he was able to get around with out someone's help. Harry still tired far to easy for her liking but took it all in good stride. Mr. Weasley set up a small table for a workbench, which Harry appreciated. Having Mr. Weasley's help was fantastic, though it ended up with long discussions about proper names for things and what they did. When he got frustrated Harry would simply handed the repair manual to him.

Bill had been a big help with Harry's adjustments. He arrived a few days before the full moon. Having someone like him helped him come to terms with the curse. Hell, Harry spent more time with Bill than anyone other than Hermione. Harry confided to her one night he missed having Ron and Ginny as friends but really, what can you say after everything was done?

xxxxxxx

Harry had taken to walking around during the day and night after the bike was fixed. Most of the time Bill joined him, or Hermione when she and Ron had a row. Strange though, Ron use to be his best mate but he could not bring himself to be around Harry anymore. Fred's death truly had different effects on all of the Weasleys

At the moment Bill and Harry were leaning against the rock wall that ran along the backside of the Burrow. He took this moment to look over at Bill when he asked him, "Hows the hearing and smells? Getting any better?" Harry was looking over the hillside and nodded his head.

"A bit yeah. It's taking some getting use to, some of them I don't understand very well yet at the same time I seem to. It gets confusing at times. When Ms. Weasley's cooking there are so many smells I have to leave until she's done. Hearings pretty much the same. Some sounds ring far too loud and some not so much. I think its something to do with decibels but I don't know enough yet to be sure. I know there is rarely a conversation not protected by magic I can't hear, which gets annoying especially when I try to sleep. I have noticed that it's starting to go back to normal. A couple of weeks maybe and it shouldn't be so bad."

He heard Bill chuckle at him. "Took me a while too, though Fleur helped a lot. Having a woman in your bed at night is a wonderful distraction. Among other things." Both of them smiled twin wolfish grins.

"Maybe one of these days. Ginny…I don't know. She had Patrick while I was at war. Though she said she still wanted to be with me. I…just don't think that is going to work. Besides, there are other reasons…" He noticed Bill raise his eyebrow at him. "Sorry mate, I know she's your sister and all. Forget it."

Bill shook his head and continued to stare at Harry. "Listen, I know my sister, almost as good as any of her brothers. She's a slag Harry, you can do better than her." Harry was surprised as he looked over at Bill. "I know its not something we are suppose to talk about, but seriously, she is not for you. She only wants you because you're Harry Potter. O, I'm sure she would warm your bed nicely at night but, I don't think she would be great for long term relationships. She's a bitch." Harry could not help but smile at that. It had new meaning to him when Bill said it.

"You understand. I knew you would, its all there is for her until she grows up. You need someone smart, someone who won't leave you or hurt you. One you can trust with your life and would trust you with there's. More important, one who will pull on the collar when you get out there. Lets be honest, if not for Fleur, I would be in a bad way."

"She may have come in last in the Tri-Wizard, but she was tough. I see your point. Though it surprises me to hear this come from you of all people, you're her brother."

He grimaced. "I don't like it, but I have to accept her for what she is. You've been through too much and I respect you too much to let you fall into that trap." Bill changed the subject that was getting a bit uncomfortable for both of them. "Any other symptoms?"

Grateful for the change in topic Harry thought for a moment. "Hermione says I growl some times. It's deep in my chest but I don't often know I am doing it. Tastes are a bit different. If meats are cooked too well I don't enjoy eating it as much as I use to." Bill nodded as Harry talked.

"Sounds like its pretty standard then between us. I am the same way, though Fleur thinks its cute when I growl." Both of them started barking in laughter, which reminded him of how Sirius and Lupin use to laugh together.

After a moment Harry broached a topic that was very much on his mind. "Moon's in a couple of days. What's that like?" He looked over at Bill who was frowning a bit.

"If you don't change, it will likely be like mine. There is no guarantee though. For me it feels like my bloods boiling. My joints hurt quite a bit like they want to change but don't. Now a day I don't notice it as much as the blood. Everything gets heightened. Smells, sounds, taste. It's…difficult to control for a while and even then you learn to just sort of wing it. It helps if someone is there to calm you down. Fleur does so for me, though we shag most of the night. Normally I would say we make love but on the moon it's different. It's primal, a bit brutal really but she does it for me, which means a lot and it helps."

Harry ran his hand through his hair and let out a sigh. "Slag or not I better make myself scarce from her, I don't want to use her like that. The way you are talking the first time I am not going to have a lot of control. I don't want to bind myself to her if I can't control it." Bill shakes his head.

"It takes a couple of moons before you start getting the hang of it. If you like, I can be here this time. I don't know how much I can help you but I don't mind trying." Harry let out another sigh, this one of relief. He really didn't fancy the idea of spending his first moon alone. "I would appreciate that. I'd hate to embarrass myself or bite someone while under the effects."

The sun was setting and Bill clapped his hand on Harry's shoulder. "No problem Harry, its getting late for me but if you need me, fire call and I'll get here as fast as I can." Harry thanked Bill for the talk and took a long walk around the Burrow.

It was getting late in the evening when Harry found himself standing at the top of a hill near the Burrow looking at the stars. Since he arrived here the reporters swarmed all over the place trying to get a peak at him. Because of all the attention he and Hermione had strengthened the wards and extended them a bit but that did not keep them from trying to get in. Another reason for the trip.

The peace and quite, aside from all the noise nature threw at him, also gave him the time to trying to untangle inner turmoil. Said turmoil didn't revolve around the coming moon, as most would have expected. No, it revolved around his feelings for Hermione. During their time on the run after Ron had left they had grown…quite close. Before then Harry noticed they would often whisper close and sneak off together. Looking back he easily saw his jealousy but at the time it wasn't something he could have put to words.

He'd always had strong feelings for Hermione. How could he not have? She was brilliant, beautiful, and true. When Ron left and it was just the two of them against the world he began to see things a lot more clearly. Like all good things however, it ended when Ron came back. Their closeness was lost leaving him with the feeling that half of himself was missing. They had only ever put words to it once and that was the day after Ron came back. They had agreed it was best to end it and put it behind them. So desperate for help even Ron looked good. No need to rock the boat.

Harry just didn't know what to make of his feelings now though. He knew how he felt but he didn't know how Hermione felt. True she was there when he was in his coma. They also shared the same sleeping space even now but after all they'd been through did it mean anything more? Hopefully he could divine something about her feelings during their trip together.

He had been out here for a few hours mulling over these things when he heard a faint door slam. He turned to look down at the Burrow and noticed a figure running out into the night. Instinctively he started making his way toward it. It took him several moments before he could finally track it down, which became easier once he heard the sobs. He sniffed the night air catching a slight sweet honey like smell. The delicately floral smell was easily recognizable as Hermione's perfume. He sighed, she and Ron must have had another row. He eventually found her sitting by a creek with her knees tucked under her chin. He looked up at the moon which shown brightly over them through the trees embrace. Harry idly noted he only had a day left before the moon as he walked over to her walking like a ghost through the leaves. He knelt beside her and placed his arm over her shoulders. She did not even look up at him as she put her head the crook of his arm and wept into him.

"That bad?" He waited for her to calm down some but she nodded into his arms. He felt himself growl deep within his chest thinking of how much Ron had hurt her over the last week. The more he thought about it the more angry he got. The angrier he got, the deeper and louder his growl.

"Harry, stop that…" Hermione choked out. Harry surprised looked down at her.

"Stop what?"

"Your growling." He shook his head and tried to think of something else. It took him a while before he was able to calm down enough so that he was no longer growling. "Sorry."

"Don't be, its just…with me sitting this close to you it rattles my bones when you do that." Her voice was very quite which he appreciated. With his hearing sharpened some loud noises made his ears ache for a while. Didn't Ron know what a great person she was?

"What where you guys fighting about this time?" He started stroking her hair hoping it would calm her down. She chucked weakly.

"What else? I don't understand what he's going through. After you got hurt I stayed at Hogwarts, I wouldn't leave you there, alone with no one. He started talking…like he did when he…left." Harry sighed.

"I could bite him for you." He looked down at her placing a kiss on the top of her head. "He deserves it you know." She chucked at his joke.

"I know he's just hurt. Doesn't mean it. I told him we were going to leave in a few days." Harry raised an eyebrow at that. Both for how he must have reacted to their plans and for the fact she was making excuses for his behavior. Still looking at him she asked, "What about Ginny?" Harry almost told her to talk to Bill. Almost.

"I talked to her the other day. A heart to heart if you will. She told me that she had a thing with a guy she met in the D.A. while we where on the run. Would not tell me who, though I know. Anyways, she wanted some time to think things out. Wanted some space with every thing going on. I suppose now that I am cursed, I am no longer the hero she use to love so…" He felt Hermione's finger on his lips, which stilled his words preventing him from telling her about how he had watched her dot on the map. How Patrick's dot was always close.

"No Harry, don't say that. There is nothing wrong with you." He nodded his head and tightened his hold on her. Ever since he woke up she had been a constant reassurance about his curse. He took a deep breath which aggravated his healing wounds and allowed him to take in her scent. Her scent always helped to calm him down. She smelled of books, parchment, Heather and something that was uniquely Hermione. It made his pulse race though he did not understand why. They where quite for some time before she spoke again.

"Anything you need, I am here for you." They where quite again watching the water in the still night before he felt her shiver. He stood up taking her with him and removed his robe draping it around her leavening him in only a t-shirt. Ever since he was cursed he noticed the weather didn't seem to affect him as much as it use to. He took her back into his arms and started walking back to the Burrow. She smiled her thanks to him as they walked.

"Kreature." With a pop the house elf appeared before them giving him a bow as he did so. Harry smiled at him warmly. "Its good to see you my friend. Have you been well?"

Harry noticed Hermione's smile at how he talked to him. "Yes master, I am doing very well. Will you be coming home soon? I have the house ready for you." Harry shook his head.

"Not yet Kreature. I need you to please go to my vault in Gringotts and withdraw a small pouch of Galleons and bring them to me in a few days when I call for you. I would also like you to pull enough galleons to change into muggle currency for England in the amount of one thousand pounds, and Australia for the same. What ever that is. I am sure the goblins would be able to work out the details." The house-elf bowed again.

"Of course master, I will see to it at once." With a crack he was gone.

"Why did you send Kreature to your Vault Harry?"

He chucked deep in his chest. He had forgotten she wasn't there a few days ago when he summoned the old elf the last time. "You may have forgotten, but I don't think the goblins did. We broke into the Lestrange vault and then through he floor. It's only been a little while and I don't really know where we stand with them yet. Its entirely possible there is a price on our heads for it." He felt her tense up and it made him chuckle again. "I am sure they will forgive us, or at least the ministry will take care of it. They owe us."

When she started relaxing again she looked up at him. "You don't have to pay for it all Harry, I have a little left for me." He shook his head

"I don't think so, after everything you have done for me, it's the least I can do." By this time they finally found themselves close to the Burrow.

"What about our passports?" Harry shrugged.

"I will check out the Ministry tomorrow and see if I can set us up with a set or find out what we need to do. Try to relax and let me do something for you for once alight?" She nodded smiling at him.

Authors Note:

Thank you all for reading and Please Review. I originally wrote this fic over a year ago but never got around to posting it. At the time I was quite obsessed with the Marauders Vanguard. Its pretty much a complete story and not part of any of the Shades. Hopefully I can rekindle my muse for my other stories by posting this one. Looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks. Cheers.