Like Magic

Harry thought that Hermione's declaration that she join him the next time he met Meknikov had merely been a part of her rambling but it seemed as though the witch meant it. When he discovered she was serious about the intent, he panicked on the inside and launched into a verbal campaign to prevent that from happening. He had a hell of a time convincing her that her presence at the next appointment was unnecessary and he was doing a poor job of it. Hermione did not budge from the idea, no matter what Harry said or how desperate he sounded when he said it.

"Are you hiding something?" she would ask.

"N-No!" he would lie.

"Then why does it matter that I go?"

"Because it's not a big deal!"

"Your magic's unpredictability is a big deal, Harry! And the fact that it continues is why I'm going," she would counter.

Harry would have nothing to say after that and merely gawk at her, thinking of all the potential, disastrous outcomes that would come from her accompanying him to the Healer. However, this battle with Hermione did distract him from the sweeping idea that Meknikov may be right (which, admittedly, frightened him). He could not dwell on that if he was busy convincing the brunette that she did not need to tag along for his next session, which was a distraction he was glad to have.

Ultimately Harry lost the battle, although he fought until the very last minute, which happened to be the night before his appointment. Hermione assured him she would be at his apartment 30 minutes before his session time and she kept her word, showing up at 1:30PM and encountering a tense looking best friend. (Ron was helping Bill with some task or another and not home when she arrived). Harry rebuked himself for not sending an owl to Meknikov before this with a warning that Hermione might come with him, something he had considered before foolishly telling himself he would succeed in persuading her that her assistance was not needed.

The witch was brisk and business-like and made no mention of Harry's obvious reticence. This attitude carried over to Meknikov's office, and when the Healer opened the door to welcome the younger wizard for his 2 o'clock session, he was shocked to see two people on the other side. Hermione also made no mention of Meknikov's stunned expression and simply reintroduced herself.

"Hello Healer Meknikov. Hermione Granger. You remember me, yes?" she commenced.

"O-Of course. Ms. Granger… Ms. Granger!" the Russian wizard stammered. It was the first time Harry witnessed the other man be frazzled but he could not blame him.

"I thought it would be best if I joined Harry today. I have questions about his progress. Do you mind?" She looked pointedly into his office, conveying her desire and expectation for entrance.

"Uh... please!"

Meknikov moved aside and Hermione gave a resolute nod before marching inside. The Healer then gazed incredulously at Harry, who grimaced.

"She insisted. I've tried for two weeks to convince her not to come!," he hissed, "I thought I could. I didn't know she meant it!"

"I…" the Healer uttered.

"Please help me."

Harry threw him an anxious look before following Hermione inside. Meknikov took a moment to collect himself and smother his stark surprise before moving back into his office; he saw that the brunette was sitting primly on the left side of the couch, with crossed arms, while Harry was slumped into the cushions on the right side.

"Ms. Granger. I must say that I am rather surprised to see you here alongside Mr. Potter," he stated as he settled into his normal armchair.

"I'm sure. It's never happened before," she answered.

"Indeed."

"Harry was against it."

"Is that so?" Meknikov prompted, looking at the dark haired wizard. He was met with a disgruntled look from the younger man.

"I just didn't want you to waste your time." Harry grumbled, not giving her eye contact.

"You mentioned Mr. Potter's progress-" the Healer continued.

"Or lack thereof." Hermione interjected. Meknikov drew back his head and felt the twitch of a smile.

"This is why you joined him today, to inquire about the status- the prognosis- of his magic."

"Yes. Which is not a waste of time, Harry. Why are you so stubborn?"

Harry would still not look at her and instead folded his own arms. Meknikov felt that twitch again but said:

"Please- ask your first question, Ms. Granger."

"Gladly. Harry has been seeing you since November, Healer Meknikov- why are his outbursts not fading?" she questioned, fixing him with a determined look. The Russian wizard appraised his client for a moment before taking more time to gaze at Hermione. He considered how he was going to venture into this topic without compromising anything.

"I have a theory about the nature of your dear friend's magical instability, Ms. Granger," he began in a supple tone, "A specific hypothesis for its origin. I've shared this theory with Mr. Potter and we have discussed it at great length."

Harry's entire body stiffened and it did not pass Meknikov's notice.

"It would make sense for you to have a hypothesis, Healer Meknikov. That's why Harry started seeing you: so we could figure out what the cause was," the witch answered with evident snark. Her unwavering sass is what compelled Harry to finally peer at her. He was surprised by her treatment of Meknikov yet it only made the Healer give a low chuckle.

"Well, I believe the key to curing, so to speak, Harry's fluctuations lies in his belief in, and acceptance of, this theory," he offered. It was quiet as Hermione peered between the two men.

"What is the theory?" she inquired.

At her query, the air in the room seemed to shrink in on itself before pulsating dangerously. There was a strange noise and it took a few seconds for Meknikov and Hermione to realize that about half of the possessions in the office were rattling slightly. Two pairs of eyes shot to Harry. The brunette leaned towards him and quickly reached out, clasping his hand in hers.

"Harry?" she prompted. The burgeoning magic thrummed tenaciously for another instant before it subsided and then waned. The Healer watched the exchange intently.

"T-The theory?" posited Hermione, once the room's atmosphere was back to normal. Her hand remained in her best friend's while she looked at Meknikov.

"I think that is Harry's right to reveal," he relayed in a subdued tone. Her gaze went back to Harry and the young man frowned.

"It has to do with the Horcrux." Harry attested after a long pause. They all heard her subsequent inhale of breath.

"Is it bad?" she wondered, fingers squeezing his.

"Actually, Ms. Granger, I think Mr. Potter's uncontrolled displays of magic are the result of something good, something exceptional," Meknikov informed, "The Horcrux was concealing it."

"So, his outbursts are the… result of this something? Now that the Horcrux is gone."

"Yes."

"And since his magic is still wild, that means, according to you, he hasn't accepted your theory?" Hermione pondered.

"That is my belief, yes." Meknikov confirmed, smiling. She appeared reflective before turning back to Harry.

"Are you going to tell me what it is?"

The dark haired wizard's face was uncomfortable as he shifted in his seat, and he cleared his throat before declaring:

"I can't."

"Why not?" Hermione asked.

"It's… I just can't."

An expression that was a mixture of surprise and hurt overtook her countenance but Harry missed it as he had taken to avoiding eye contact once more.

"Do… do you not… trust me?" she posed. She began to remove her hand from his and Harry had an immediate reaction, one of alarm, to her words and movement. He peered swiftly at her with a drawn brow.

"Of course I trust you, Hermione! I trust you more than anyone!That's not it," he claimed, reaching to take her hand back, "I'm just not… ready to share it. Right now. The theory. I'm still working out what I think about it. It's… complicated."

Hermione slowly nodded as she looked away but let her hand rest in Harry's again. Meknikov watched their entire interaction rapaciously and purposely said nothing in order to allow the organic flow of their relationship play out before him; this lull now, however, seemed to invite him back into the fray. His professional self felt invigorated by what had just happened yet he did not let it show.

"I've had Harry gather evidence, so to speak, to support or disprove the theory since I proposed it in February." Meknikov remarked.

"February?," the witch uttered, gaping at both men, "You've been grappling with this since February? And the evidence hasn't pushed you one way or another?" Harry ran his free hand through his hair and choked out a laugh.

"Oh it's pushed me, all right!," he mentioned, "It was much less confusing when I didn't believe it at all."

Silence thundered across the office for a stint as the small group entertained the thoughts pushing against their minds, all the while Hermione and Harry remained attached by the hand. This was a fact of which the two may not have been aware and it warmed Meknikov, yielding his trademark smile.

"My work now is helping Mr. Potter put things into perspective, in light of my hypothesis. Help sort out his thoughts and feelings," the Healer explained, "Do you have other questions you want answered, Ms. Granger?" The brunette shook her head and, for the first time since entering the room, seemed somewhat docile.

"No. I think I'm satisfied for now, thank you." Hermione said.

"Wonderful. Now I ask if it would it be an imposition for you to wait half an hour or so while I meet with Mr. Potter by himself?"

"Oh, not at all! I can definitely wait," She started and got to her feet, finally releasing their hands, "I know you expected to meet with only Harry, as you always do. I, er, kind of intruded on that."

"But you did so out of profound care for him," replied Meknikov, smiling, "How fortunate we would all be to have someone like you in our lives."

She blushed some and then told Harry she would see him shortly before leaving the office in a hurry. He watched her go then took his time in looking at Meknikov, appearing trepid when he finally did so. They peered at each other for a moment in very loaded silence.

"So, that's Hermione!" Harry noted, giving a nervous laugh.

"It was a true pleasure," the older wizard mentioned, smiling.

To Harry's surprise, the rest of the session did not revolve around Hermione's unannounced presence. Instead, Meknikov probed him about his evolving feelings about the theory. Harry was grateful the Russian wizard did not seem smug or boast about his, Harry's, altered, confused state regarding Hermione but, then again, anything akin to superiority was far from the Healer's nature. Meknikov only directly addressed Hermione's intrusion once the session ended and Harry got up to leave.

"I have but one more thing to say before we depart, Harry," he attested, standing as well. He received a nod as confirmation to press on, "That Ms. Granger came with you today to demand answers from me is noteworthy in itself, but what I witnessed between you two in this office during the brief amount of time she was present?"

The dark haired wizard remained quiet as he dropped his gaze and his heart rate accelerated.

"That young woman loves you with an intensity that burns. It is obvious," Meknikov said following another pause, "Make of it what you will."

When Harry brought his head up again, he looked pensive and flashed half a smile.

"I'm trying," he claimed.

The Healer responded with his own, full smile and walked Harry to the door. He watched as the younger man approached his best friend and took her hand without hesitation, and Meknikov returned the tiny wave the witch sent his way before the pair disappeared from his sight. He chuckled to himself and let his smile widen as he retreated back into his office.

That session was a turning point.

The explanation Hermione received about the unpredictability of Harry's magic seemed to appease her for the time being and she went back to being fully supportive and understanding, believing that he would share the mysterious theory with her in due time. Harry, meanwhile, gave his all into dutifully considering his relationship with and feelings for Hermione. He thought about her when he was working at the Ministry, he thought about her when he was spending time with any given Weasley, he thought about her in bed, before he went to sleep at night, hell- he thought about her when he was with her! Not only that, Harry pondered what her feelings for him were, what they could be. Mekniknov said Hermione's love for him was obvious and bright enough to burn… was there more to that love than unyielding friendship? Did he want there to be more? The thought nearly always left him somewhat breathless and light headed.

It was constant. This internal inspection was constant and it gave Harry focus, oddly. His mind had years' worth of interactions and conversations with the brunette to rifle through so he was more than occupied. His preoccupation with contemplating was so engrossing, however, that it kept him from noticing an extremely important development, one that Hermione pointed out to him.

When she brought it to his attention for the first time one particular evening, buzzing with anticipation, the pair was at his apartment on the verge of meeting up with a handful of former Dumbledore's Army members. They had to wait for Ron to return from a quick errand that he had forgotten about; the red head claimed it was critical he tend to it and insisted it would not take long. Incidentally, the witch was talking about Harry's next appointment with Meknikov when her demeanor changed and mild mirth bubbled up.

"Oh, you'll have to tell him, Harry! He'll be so pleased!" she insisted, smiling.

"Tell him? Tell him what?" he inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"About your magic!"

"Er, what about it?"

"What do you mean? He'll want to hear the news!"

The dark haired wizard stared blankly at her, lost as to what Hermione was babbling about. She peered at him for a second and laughed once before questioning:

"Harry, haven't you noticed?"

"Noticed what?" he asked, feeling annoyed with how dense and repetitive he sounded.

"Your magic, your outbursts! They've decreased! You haven't had any since you last saw Healer Meknikov!"

Hermione beamed at him and grabbed one of his hands in both of hers, squeezing it. Harry felt blindsided as he processed her words. He thought about the number of incidents he had had since his last meeting with the Healer and came up with zero.

His magic was settling?

"I can't believe you haven't caught it! It's so encouraging!" Hermione exclaimed. Harry's eyes widened as he inhaled.

"I… I-I didn't notice!" he said.

"It's wonderful!"

His magic was settling! The witch's laugh tinkered around them, at the good news and his shock.

"You must be coming to accept the theory!" she remarked. Harry's breath caught.

The theory.

The theory that he had profound feelings for her that were as strong as tree roots and entwined in romantic love. Romantic love, for his best friend, the one who was literally bobbing with happiness for him. For him.

Harry was struck by how thrilled she was for his improvement. This was so characteristic of Hermione. She was unfailingly invested in him, his well being. His triumphs were hers and his struggles were also hers- hers to overcome with him. She stuck by him relentlessly. She loved him relentlessly. She had proven numerous times that she would do anything for him. And Harry knew as he gazed at Hermione's bright countenance that he felt exactly the same way about her. He was committed to her. He would never leave her of his own free will, he would never stop caring for her; in fact, he was positive it would only grow as they did. He would do everything in his power to get this witch what she wanted or help her get what she wanted. There was essentially nothing he would deny her.

A very sudden emotion then engulfed Harry. It felt equally unknown and familiar and it made him swell. It filled him completely.

"The theory," he muttered, eyes darting every which way over her lovely face. Because she had a lovely face!

Hermione smiled even more as he unconsciously pulled her closer. Harry then realized knew this feeling- it had been present when they were in the kitchen of Grimmauld and the faucet had gone crazy. The difference was that, then, it had not been as captivating. Or as clear.

In the following moment, every single source of light in the apartment flared. If it wasn't on, it turned on spontaneously, and if it already had been, its shine increased triplefold. The illumination was spectacular. Every light was burning as bright as it could until it became blinding and it happened in a matter of seconds. Hermione gasped out loud. Then, just as suddenly, the apartment was plunged into darkness.

The witch screamed as the sound of shattering resounded around them. She and Harry were still connected by their hands and this gave her some comfort because that had been downright alarming. What in the world had just happened?!

"Harry!" she said, looking around wildly.

"I'm here," he replied in a voice that was entirely too collected after something so unexpected.

"What-"

"Are you okay?"

"Y-Yes! I just…wh-what happened?" stammered Hermione.

How could he be so calm? Her nervous system was on high alert- anyone's would be after a surprise like that! What was more, there was something going on in the air around her. It was dark and they could not see, yes, but she could feel an energy that had not been present before. It was undeniable. It was all around her but it also seemed to be in her as well, like her molecules had been zapped with it. It was also intense. It was strange and a bit scary but also utterly enthralling.

It left Hermione breathless. Her pupils had dilated but this was unknown, especially as there was no source of light anymore. Harry remained silent while she took a little time to gather her bearings and level out her physiological reaction. When she did, a heavy inclination settled in her stomach.

"Harry," the brunette slowly commenced.

"Yeah?" he said.

"Y-Your magic…?"

There was a pause before the wizard gave a reply in the same unhurried tone.

"I suppose it's one outburst now. Don't know if Meknikov will be as impressed."

Hermione inhaled sharply. She stuttered out a shaky Lumos to break through the darkness and see their surroundings more properly but she was thrown through another loop by doing so. She was standing closer to Harry than when the lights had gone out. Much closer. In fact, they were only separated by a couple paltry inches, and his hand that was not sandwiched between hers in a death grip was holding her left side. No, not holding- gripping.

How had Hermione not felt any of that? Of moving so close to him, of his hand cradling her side? Additionally, the light from her wand showed that Harry was out and out staring at her, which did nothing to help usher steady breath back into her lungs. The gaze of his eyes was so acute, so concentrated… he did not seem the least bit concerned about the lights.

The energy in the air appeared to pick up and swirl even faster as they peered at one another. The brunette was still having trouble breathing and, now, looking away from her dark haired best friend. Harry's eyes were starting to darken and he erased another inch between them by moving forward, fingers curling around the part of her they held. Hermione gulped. She could not think straight but she had the pervasive sense of being totally surrounded by Harry.

"Bloody hell! What's going on?!" a voice then exclaimed, "Harry? Hermione?"

Hermione gasped and jerked back from him right as a thin stream of light careened around the room and then landed on the pair. It flickered between them for a moment.

"Ron!" the witch stated. He had been yet another surprise in the span of a handful of minutes.

"Why are you in the dark?" the red head asked with lit wand in hand. Hermione looked quickly at Harry and heard him mutter out a Lumos himself now that his hands were free.

"Hey, mate," he greeted, sounding unbothered.

"Why aren't the lights on?"

"Well, I may have blown them all out. Accidentally."

There was a beat of silence and then Ron was speaking again.

"Another outburst." He sounded amused and exasperated. Hermione put a hand on her brow and turned away from them, exhaling as she willed her heart to calm.

"Yeah," chuckled Harry, "Don't worry, though, Ron. Something tells me I found what I need to make them stop."

He said this and glanced at Hermione's back, feeling a pleasant ripple move throughout him. He believed in his heart that his statement was the truth. It had to be, for this outburst had stood out amongst all the rest. Throughout everything that had just transpired, even the lights extinguishing so savagely, Harry was amazed to realize that his magic had not felt at peace like this in nearly a year.

Hermione had been thrown off course. Violently. That incident with the lights at the boys' apartment left her reeling in the moment but its effect on her did not appear to be letting up following the event either! She had been turned into a flittering ball of nerves since then and it was terribly distracting. Terrible and distracting. Her brain was overthinking but not in a helpful way; it only served to give birth to more nerves.

Hermione loathed feeling this way and it was entirely Harry's fault. What was more, this was not the first time she had been in this head space- it just had not happened for a number of years. Since her fifth year at Hogwarts, to be precise. You are not 16 anymore!, she would shout at herself when she had one of her nerve induced fits. No, she was nearing 20 now but she had never really dealt with this matter when she was a teenager, opting to bury it in her mind instead, so it was only natural that it would resurface.

Hermione tried so valiantly to brush off Harry's last outburst as inconsequential but it did not work. That magical flare up of his had torn out buried thoughts and feelings from the recesses of her mind and shaken her. That outburst had been unlike any other. Normally, Harry was chagrined when they happened and somewhat frustrated, but he had seemed so unaffected and sure with this one. And he had directed all of his attention on her instead of acknowledging the outburst, staring at her, touching her… the recollection of it was enough to make the brunette shudder.

In fact, there had been other charged moments like that with Harry since Easter, where he had honed in on her very being, but none had been so powerful or prolonged. And isn't that what adolescent Hermione had wanted, to have him transfixed by her? To notice her in that way? The way he noticed exceptionally pretty, Quidditch playing witches? The way she had begun to notice him in fourth year and the way it bowled her over in fifth year? Was it possibly happening now?

Of course, this old desire was also terrifying for Hermione and it was why she had stuffed it into the aforementioned recesses of her mind. She had spent countless hours analyzing why it invoked so much fear and there had been other factors that contributed to burying this desire; they had been in a war, for example, and what business did she have having feelings for the symbol of this war? So buried it remained...

Until this past year when it peeked out from time to time, maybe sensing the threat of war was over along with Harry being in a relationship with anyone. And surely until Harry's most recent magical fit had yanked it out and exposed it in all its glory. She could not hide it away again, especially since Harry's behavior toward her had progressively changed since the start of the year and she questioned what it meant. What was going through his head? What had he been thinking that evening with the lights? What would have happened if Ron had not come home at that instant? And then there had been that energy around them!

This all fed into Hermione's nerves. It made her paranoid and critical of her actions and Harry's. It made her curious and wistful of her actions and Harry's. For his part, he appeared to permanently adopt that cool, sure demeanor he had exuded during the event with the lights. He smiled at her sometimes like he knew something she did not, like he was on the brink of exposing something big but was holding back. Or waiting for a sign. It intrigued her as well as drove her crazy. The witch felt like she was playing a game with him for which she did not know the rules.

But despite all of the convoluted feelings she had about the situation and about Harry, they were not enough to invite distance. Hermione knew that she did not like to be away from him for long. She had never liked it but now it just felt… wrong. Anything beyond two days did not sit right with her. She felt more settled when she was in his presence, like it soothed her. That had been the case for a long time but it was different now, somehow. She could not fully explain it but she recognized it.

The one time this feeling was disrupted was when Hermione and Ron had gone to Grimmauld on a Saturday afternoon during the second half of June. She bounded into the main sitting room ahead of the red head, calling for Harry in a happy manner and deciding she would try the kitchen next if he was not here. He was in the room, incidentally, and so was Parvati Patil. They looked to be in a good mood and were standing, and Hermione came up short upon seeing her old roommate.

"Hermione!" the other witch greeted with a bright smile.

"P-Parvati," the brunette replied, blinking at her.

"Oy. Patil!" Ron uttered, coming up directly behind Hermione.

"Ronald." Parvati said, arching an eyebrow.

"All right?"

She smirked at him but nodded kindly.

"What… what are you doing here?" Hermione asked, attempting to sound friendly and not accusatory.

"I'm helping her with Defense content for NEWTs, remember?" answered Harry.

"Oh, yes! The, the practical portion."

He had mentioned that and Hermione must have forgotten. While she had taken her NEWTs in January, other former Hogwarts students were taking their exams the following week, the Patil twins among them.

"I've been here since morning." Parvati supplemented, peering at the dark haired wizard.

"And you've got it. You have since school." Harry noted with a small grin.

"Just wanted confirmation from the Defense prodigy himself."

Hermione felt something in her face tick as she watched their exchange.

"Don't forget hailed Chosen One," quipped Ron, walking into the room and cuffing his best friend's shoulder. Everyone except Hermione chuckled.

"Well I should get going, then! I'll see you tomorrow, Harry?" Parvati wondered.

"We'll finish up what little's left," he said, nodding once and accepting the hug she bestowed on him. Hermione's mouth became tight at the sight.

"Good to see you lot, as always."

Parvati then walked to the entryway and gave the other young woman a quick hug as well, and Hermione felt some contrition.

"Good luck on Tuesday. W-We can celebrate when they're done!" she remarked.

"Lovely!" Parvati mentioned.

"I'll bring the firewhiskey." Ron claimed. Their once Housemate waved him off with a smile and left the trio to itself.

The red head continued speaking, starting up a conversation with Harry, while Hermione watched Parvati's departure for a bit, appearing caught in thought. When she finally turned to face the wizards, she saw that Harry was watching her while, apparently, listening to their best friend. She started yet she did not look away, although her face began to crinkle in uncertainty; in response, a smirk unfurled on his lips and he fixed her with that knowing look he'd had since the lights incident. Hermione froze in place as her heart beat faster. Why did he look like that?! They continued to peer at each other but now she wanted to scowl at him, at his perceived smugness.

She was about to do just that when Harry's countenance changed and a goodnatured smile took over. He patted the space right next to him on the couch a few times and she was surprised at his change in expression and the invitation to sit beside him. Right beside him. The brunette was moving forward in the next second and told herself she would sit on the opposite side of the sofa as payback for his haughtiness, but that feeling of rightness washed over her the closer she got to him. Without a second guess as to rebelling, Hermione perched right next to him on the cushion and instantly felt better. She thought she saw a flash of another smirk as Harry put his arm around her shoulders but he turned to Ron and commenced talking before she could be sure. It did not seem to matter as much, conversely, as she got more comfortable against his side and any previous disturbing feelings she had dissipated as she joined her boys in conversation.

Harry, meanwhile, partially felt like he was on cloud nine. He felt so content and had since destroying the light source in his apartment. It had been the single outburst he had not been upset to experience and he knew, innately, that the days of his random magical flare ups were over. It had been enlightening, literally and figuratively. Consequently, Harry had a session with Meknikov a few days after his last outburst and the very first thing he blurted out was:

"You were right!"

The Healer had looked taken aback so the younger wizard continued.

"You were right, Healer Meknikov. This whole time. About me, a-about Hermione. About my feelings for her."

"Tell me what happened for you to come to this conclusion, and tell me why you're certain of it." Meknikov directed after a long pause. He was wearing the most sincere smile he had shown to date, and he was doing cartwheels on the inside.

The session lasted as long as the one where Harry revealed the Horcrux information, and by the end of it his feeling of satisfaction had doubled. He now comprehended the extent of his feelings for Hermione and it created a sense of wholeness. Meknikov also shared that if Hermione reciprocated Harry's feelings, then there was a chance that her magic would respond in kind. He explained it as a gratifying push against Harry's own magical energy, as though attempting to connect. He noted that Harry would clearly recognize that it did not belong to him but felt welcomed regardless. A complementary energy that felt good.

And Harry had noticed this energy, the unseen push Meknikov described. He had. More than once, and it only happened when Hermione was around him, just like the outbursts. Her magic seemed to be answering his and this is what magnified his fulfillment. The implication that she had similar feelings for him! It was wondrous. Harry did not know when he would address or act on it but there were increasing moments that indicated he was getting closer to the right time. The biggest instance, perhaps, happened at the very beginning of July.

Padma and Parvati (and a handful of others) passed their NEWTs as everyone knew they would, and the young group of friends did celebrate their success but it had to wait until the seventh month of the year commenced. The group was large enough that the wizards and witches rented out The Leaky Cauldron on a Friday evening, making it was closed to everyday patrons. Ginny and Luna were home following their graduation from Hogwarts and were a part of the celebration as well, and it took the former two butterbeers, a shot, and two hours before she worked up the resolve to approach Harry about something.

Hermione was searching for her best friend because she had a firewhiskey infused butterbeer with his name on it when she came upon them talking, and she faltered for a second before veering off to the side and allowing them privacy. However, she was still close enough to hear their conversation if she purposefully blocked out all other stimuli- which she did (and felt somewhat guilty for it).

"I'm happy for you, Gin." Harry said, smiling at her and grasping her elbow.

"Yeah?" the red head pondered. She sounded and looked hopeful, which wiped out her prior nervousness.

"Yeah. Really," he assured, "You know, we… we never made a promise to each other. We were clear about that."

"Yes, we were. We said we'd see where we were in a year's time."

"And this is where we are, you are. And I'm glad you found something."

"Thanks, Harry," Ginny commented, grinning, "I'm glad we're so good with each other."

"Always," the young Auror remarked. She pulled on his hand and he must have understood her meaning because he bent down and allowed her to place a kiss on his cheek.

Ginny then merged back into the crowd and Hermione waited about a minute before she casually sidled up to Harry.

"Hey!" he uttered when he saw her approach from his left. She directed a lovely smile at him and held up the drink that was designated for him; he gently took it with a disarming grin. He inclined his head before taking two large gulps and closing his eyes, although the vision of Hermione's legs in that delightful skirt remained imprinted on his lids.

"So, Ginny just told me she's been dating someone since Easter." Harry relayed after taking his share. The brunette was rushed with various emotions.

"Yes. A Ravenclaw wizard who was in her year." Hermione replied.

"She mentioned she told you."

"I've only known for a week. Ron doesn't know at all."

"He won't ever know if she can help it." Harry claimed, snorting. Hermione laughed but silence then followed it, and she peered at him furtively while it was quiet. She had heard him say that he was happy for Ginny and she now knew that it was in relation to her moving on, which had been the cause for the rush of emotion she experienced. She wanted to know more.

"How do you feel about it?" Hermione softly asked. He glanced at her seriously for a moment before he displayed another attractive smile and grabbed her right hand with his left, swinging them. A small spike of excitement ran throughout her and that feeling of being settled returned.

"I told her I'm happy for her, which I am," Harry reported, "We were together so long ago now, it seems."

The Muggleborn nodded to herself and struggled to fight off the urge to smile. There was another pause in their dialogue and this time he was the one to look at her in a sly manner.

"Speaking of Weasley love lives… there is an Auror in our class who is rather taken with Ron," he revealed. Hermione looked at him sharply, surprised.

"What?" she said.

"Oh yes. Her name's Monica and she's been after him since him March."

"That long?! By God! He hasn't said a word!" To me went unsaid.

"I told him yesterday to stop messing about and just give her a chance. They already get on." Harry mentioned, drinking more of his butterbeer.

"And?" Hermione prompted.

"And I think he might do it."

"Good. We all need to move forward following the war." She said this following a brief stint of silence and had looked away from him but had a faint smile on her lips. Harry looked her over and then inquired:

"And how do you feel about it? About hearing this."

Hermione looked at him strangely and attested:

"How should I feel? Besides happy that my best friend may have found a witch."

"Does that happiness extend to all your best friends?" he smirked, sensing (and liking) the truth of her words.

"I don't know. Maybe it depends on the witch that wants said best friend."

"Well you don't know Monica."

"No, but I know my best friends," she asserted, "Are you trying to subtly tell me you're dating someone?"

"Would you not approve of her if I was?" Harry wondered.

"I'd have to meet her."

"You just said you know your best friends so I would hope you trust my judgment, any meetings aside."

Hermione felt taken aback. What turn had their conversation taken and what was Harry implying?

"Are you, then?" she asked, gazing at him.

"Are you?" he responded in a nonchalant tone.

"Harry, answer the question."

"Right after you."

"I asked you first!" Hermione asserted. She felt a real desire to bristle.

"And I asked last but I still deserve an answer." Harry declared.

"We're not talking about me! We're talking about you! You're the one hinting you could be dating someone!"

"And how would you feel about that? Me dating?"

All of the playfulness that had been present in the beginning of their conversation was abandoned by this point. They were staring steadfastly at one another and Hermione's heart was beating faster than it had been. Harry still had her hand in his but had ceased swinging them; now, he was squeezing it without either of them realizing. A surge of that energy had also engulfed them and the witch recognized it right away as the one that swirled around them during Harry's last outburst.

I wouldn't like it unless it was me, Hermione shouted at him as they looked into one another's eyes. I've had to witness it twice before; maybe it's my turn! She blushed at her brain's insistence and broke eye contact, worried her gaze would convey this message.

"I'd be happy for you. Just like Ron," she mumbled, sounding anything but convincing. The wizard watched her for a moment longer before turning away at last.

"Well I'm not dating but I do have a witch in mind," he casually revealed. Hermione felt her mouth drop open as she peered at him once more with her brow drawn in sad disbelief before she could stop it. Harry noticed and smiled slightly.

"No worries. You'd approve of her. I'm sure of it," he commented.

She did not have a reply but he did not seem to mind. He slowly started swinging their hands again while he looked out at the crowd and the brunette felt a calming sense of acceptance wash over her. It even turned into mild serenity when she felt that soothing sense unique to Harry return and coax a tiny smile out of her. He struggled to keep a giddy laugh from bubbling up not long afterward when he felt a tempting jolt he had labeled as Hermione's magic knock against his own, and he knew only so much more time would pass before he faced what was happening between them head on.

And he hoped the collision would be fantastic.

It commenced like most other Saturdays had within the past year, which was to say nothing eventful occurred at the onset. Harry and Ron slept in until 11:30AM and Hermione was over roughly an hour later, expecting to eat lunch within 30 minutes while the wizards had just finished breakfast. Harry idly thought of his 19th birthday in about two weeks time and considered what to do while he prepared for the day. The largest difference with this Saturday was that the members of the trio were not going to spend their time as a trio past 2 o'clock, which was the current time. The red headed member was gone and the remaining members were pilfering the library of Grimmauld at the female member's insistence before they saw to their own affairs.

"I remember seeing a book related to my project at work and I just want to make sure I wasn't imagining it!," Hermione informed Harry before she they left for the townhome, "You'll let me borrow it if it is there, yes?"

Her question had been pointless because of course Harry would let her have, and not merely borrow, any book she wanted, and he had joked that of course it existed because she had subconsciously cataloged every tome in the library long ago. As it was now, he was leaning against one of the room's window sills and watching Hermione flit about the space, searching for the book she wanted. They were going to visit Andromeda and Teddy at 2:30PM, a monthly visit from which Harry did not stray. Ron, meanwhile, was out on his first date with Monica, the Auror in their cohort.

When Hermione found out it was happening at the start of the week, it resulted in an awkward yet much needed conversation between her and Ron.

"I won't go out with her if you don't want me to!" he declared a bit wildly.

"What?! Ron! Why would I not want you to?!" she inquired, appearing flabbergasted.

Ron sighed and seemed to deflate a tad. He was quiet for a moment as he contemplated what to say next.

"You know, after the Battle, after that… after our kiss, we never did anything," the pureblood attested. The corresponding silence seemed to throb with gravity and Hermione wanted to blush. They had not spoken about that moment in a year.

"I know," she admitted in a low voice.

"Why don't you think we did?"

"I don't know... I suppose I was waiting on you, which wasn't exactly fair: putting the expectation totally on you."

"Were you scared?," Ron asked. She looked at him seriously and he met the gaze before dropping it, "Yeah. Reckon I was too." He kicked at nothing, his discomfort obvious.

"But... it's not a bad thing that nothing came after that, Ron," she offered.

"It's not?"

"We were both too afraid to make a next move, during our years at Hogwarts and after the Battle. I think that says a lot. Maybe it just wasn't meant for us, and that's why nothing further ever happened."

"Yeah. Maybe," he said after a long moment of reflection.

"Go on your date, Ron. Have a good time. If you like this girl, don't be afraid to make the next move." Hermione stated, smiling encouragingly.

"A chess maven like myself can't afford not to," the red head answered, finally smiling himself after one last pause.

The conversation had left both participants feeling lighter but Hermione felt invigorated as well. Any vestige of guilt she felt about Ron was now free to be gone, which of course invited any parallel guilt tied to her long established desire for Harry to also leave. Not that she was going to get together with Harry all of a sudden because Ron had his eye on someone else… and because Ginny happened to be occupied as well. It was simply nice knowing these were no longer factors as to why he was off limits! It added to Hermione's good mood for the week, a mood she still carried with her as she bounced around Grimmauld's library and her dark haired companion stood unobtrusively on the sidelines.

She was so caught up in her own musings that she did not register how quiet Harry was being. Oddly quiet. In fact, anyone observing him would have declared that he looked like a predator tracking his prey's- Hermione's- moves. He had felt Hermione's magic pulse against his own much more this past week and it had gotten harder to ignore; he even felt it in spurts right now in this library! Harry did not know what was going on for her or if something had changed, but, as he watched this lovely, brilliant woman prance around his inherited library, he decided it was a sign. It was time to act. After being knocked over by the truth of Meknikov's theory over a month ago, he was going to do something about it.

Harry's fingers clenched the sill before he pushed himself off and moved forward. He did not get to her before her attention switched to him.

"Harry!," exclaimed Hermione, crossing the distance to him, "I found it!" She brandished the book at him.

"Well done," he said, smiling a bit.

"Organizing the books by subject last summer was time well spent. Otherwise I would've still been looking!"

"Mmm."

"I can return it in two weeks, mostly likely," she notified, looking it over.

"Nah. Keep it." Harry remarked, looking her over.

"Harry-"

"Hermione, just keep it. You use this library way more than I do. You could have the library itself if you wanted..."

Hermione felt her face flush so she stopped looking at him and mumbled her gratitude.

"You're too kind, Harry," she noted. He shrugged before changing the topic.

"So, my magic hasn't acted up since last month," the wizard reported. Her face lit up.

"It's been a month already?! Oh! No outbursts in a month!"

"No outbursts in a month."

"Harry, this is huge!," Hermione attested, grinning and hopping once, "This is the longest you've gone without them!"

"And I don't expect them to come back." Harry added.

"Healer Meknikov's theory, then?"

"Yeah. I've come to accept it. And now that I have, it seems unbelievable that it took this long."

"What matters is that you do, that your magic won't be unpredictable any longer!," she stated. A sly look then molded her countenance, "Does this mean you're ready to tell me what the theory is?"

Harry's heart skipped a beat before it began thumping harder. He felt another magical push from her and fleetingly closed his eyes.

"You want to know?" he posed, peering at her once more. His jaw was set as if bracing himself.

"Of course!"

Hermione still sounded upbeat but she noticed the minor change in him and it caused her to hesitate for a second. Harry stared at her before nodding his approval; he took the book from her grasp and tossed it on a nearby chaise chair. She watched the book's journey in surprise with her mouth faintly open but it snapped shut when she looked at him again. He appeared so intense, like he had a few times these past months while interacting with her, but especially as he had the night he destroyed all the lights in his apartment. Hermione felt everything within her tense.

"The theory involves you, Hermione. Actually, it's all about you," explained Harry with an unwavering gaze. She tried to take in a breath but it was difficult because most of it had left her.

"Me?" she managed to get out.

"Yes."

"Wh… what… why..."

He took a step closer.

"Do you remember Meknikov saying the Horcrux suppressed certain, good feelings within me?" prompted Harry.

"Y-Yes." Hermione said.

"Well, he thought those feelings were for you. He thought my feelings for you went beyond friendship, even deep friendship. He thought I cared for you as something more," His hand had raised and lingered near her face, "And, with the Horcrux gone, I could see, and accept, those feelings."

His thumb brushed over her cheek and Hermione breathed much faster than normal. Her brain was spinning with the revelation of the theory and, more importantly, Harry's acceptance of it.

Oh God, she was going to pass out on the carpet.

"Harry-" she rasped out. But what was she even going to say?!

"I never had an outburst unless you were there, Hermione," he claimed. His hand was now holding one side of her face and he took another step closer. One more and there would be no space between them.

Hermione's eyes had gone wide and her mouth was gaping. She probably looked ludicrous as she stared up at him but the weight of the situation was still sinking into her brain.

"I think kissing you would be a great way to test the theory." Harry mentioned.

An unexpected warble left her throat but this is not what Harry took notice of. He paid attention to the sizable surge of magic that thrusted against his and this is what he took as her answer. Feeling exhilarated, he kept the one hand on her face while his other arm curled around her waist and pulled her fully into him. He then bent his head and placed his lips on hers.

It felt like magic exploded around them. Hermione recalled the energy in the air during Harry's last outburst and how stimulating it had been, but it was absolutely trifling compared to the atmosphere their kiss was creating now. It felt like their magic was simultaneously ramming into the other and flowing in synchrony. It was both outside and inside their bodies. The magical energy intertwined in a fascinating way and it heightened the sensations of the two people connected hungrily by their mouths.

Right right right right right! This is RIGHT! It was the only thought Hermione's mind could produce as the rest of it was preoccupied with how amazing it felt kissing Harry. She did not register they were moving until her back hit the wall; the jostle caused their lips to separate for a second and her body instinctively gulped in as much oxygen as it could. He was back on her in no time. His hands had already roamed everything they could reach in a frenzy but they demanded more. Her hands had initially clutched his shirt's front, as though it was a life jacket and she was stranded in the sea, but her arms were now snaked around his neck while she was pressed into the wall.

The only conscious connection between Harry's brain and body was the message to maintain how good this felt. He was not really aware of what his body was doing and his mind was only giving him garbled nonsense. He did not know, for example, that Hermione started moaning because he pushed his tongue into her mouth. He also did not know that his hands had gone under her shirt, which was the reason the tantalizing experience between them was brought to an end.

Hermione pulled away from his mouth. She said his name and tapped his chest where her hands still rested as she struggled to get her breathing back under control. Harry's chest was heaving and he was taking in gulps of air as he took stock of their physical states. That had gotten heated without intention…. He wanted to blame their magic.

"Sorry," he apologized. Hermione smiled at how scratchy his voice sounded.

"Don't be. I'm not," she breathed out. He gave her a magnificent smile in return.

"Well that was something."

"That it was." She laughed, looking nothing less than blissful. He moved some hair that had fallen in her face out of the way, appearing thrilled himself.

"I think the test went well. And I think the theory can be put to rest," said Harry.

"Oh?" Hermione wondered, hands still on his chest. He nodded.

"Definitely. As it turns out, you were the reason for my magic going crazy. But you also happen to be the solution."

The grins they gave one another were dopey but as loving as could be, and they only disappeared once Harry moved in for another kiss.

A/N: I didn't intend for this story to happen over a year's time. I suppose I originally imagined it would resolve in maybe half that time but I'm glad it turned out to be a year. A year feels right as far as Harry working through his feelings for Hermione in a post-Voldemort world.

I want to start writing my next Harmony brain child now that this one's finished but I'm denying myself that pleasure until I churn out a few more chapters of Years From Now. I've been neglecting that story too much.