Title: Perfect Mistake
Author: Cheryl
Disclaimer: I own nothing, not the characters (Joanne Rowling) nor the plot (MysticalFaery05), though I have managed to stray quite far from the original plot. The original character is my own creation, yay for the Evil!Ex-wife!Sue. The title is borrowed from Sheryl Crowe and is not in reference to her song.
Pairing: Hermione/Charlie
Rating: Teen
Summary: Career minded Hermione Granger has a one-night stand…or so she thought.
Warnings (if applicable): AU but mostly HBP compliant
Genre: Romance
Author's Notes:
The plotline is borrowed from One Night Can Change A Life Forever written by MysticalFaery05 – who has generously given her permission for me to use her plotline.

I have read and been influenced by so many stories. If you recognize something belongs to you let me know and I will acknowledge you accordingly.

My intension was for Oliver Wood to be the male protagonist in this story (as he is in the story I am borrowing), but the muse has other ideas I even toyed with the idea of trying to make it Hermione/Harry but Ginny kept getting in the way). This story was started over a year ago and was inspired by the Hermione/Charlie pairings at the RPGs Big Wizard Afterglow and The Leaky. To those amazing players, I say 'thank you.'

Thanks, love and devotion to my amazing and talented beta jenocclumency. The story has been re-worked a little; all errors are mine and mine alone.

---

Part One

Hermione Jane Granger smiled at her reflection, in the uncharacteristically quiet mirror, hanging from the back of her bathroom door. She surveyed her twenty-four year old frame and thought to herself, "Not bad…not a raving beauty, but not bad at all." Her hair was still a challenge, though she was thankful that she had secretly paid attention to Lavender and Parvati when they performed hair management spells during her Hogwart's days. On this particular evening, Hermione decided to wear her waist-length wavy brunette hair down, but partially held back with an antique silver clip. She cast a subtle beauty charm and finished with a light spray of musk body mist.

"You look lovely dear," the mirror finally offered.

"Why thank you," replied Hermione, blushing slightly.

"Have a good time tonight," said the mirror.

"I hope so," replied Hermione, as she cast the light off and exited the bathroom.

--

Grabbing her wand and throwing her travel cloak over her shoulders, she bent down to scratch Crookshanks behind the ears, "I don't think I'll be too late Crooks." Hermione said. She took one last glance around her room and headed out the door.

After finishing school, Hermione refused to share a flat with Ron and Harry. Although her one-year relationship with Ron had ended amicably, living with him while she and Harry…were doing whatever it was they were doing just didn't seem right. It probably would have been fun, but she feared that she'd wind up becoming a surrogate mother to those two. She enjoyed her independence and relished her private time.

The defeat of Voldemort took so much out of Harry; initially he withdrew into himself turning everyone away, including Ginny. Eventually, Hermione managed to break through his hardened shell. She offered him an ear and friendship, he reached out to her and before she knew it she was in his bed. She loved Harry, of that, she had absolutely no doubt, but sleeping with him had complicated things. Everything changed that night, Harry finally rejoined the living but somehow, in the process, Hermione allowed herself to be locked away.

For an entire year they kept their intimate relationship a secret. Harry was a very private man so she went along without question. When Harry pulled out a ring on her twentieth birthday and proposed marriage, Hermione didn't know how to react. It never occurred to her that Harry was that serious about their I relationship. /I

At twenty, and Harry only just turned nineteen, marriage was the last thing on Hermione's mind. She wanted a career not a family, not yet at least. She was only one year into her two year Arithmancy apprenticeship. She wanted to concentrate on her studies not a husband.

As gently as she could Hermione turned down Harry's proposal. He, in turn, was devastated and handled her rejection badly. She was desperate to make him understand, but she watched helplessly as he started to shut down again. She called on Ron to help, knowing he would be shocked, and probably angry, to find out that Hermione had been shagging Harry for over a year and hadn't bothered to mention it to their best mate. However, Ron had matured considerably and as a true friend would, he was there for Harry, as much as he'd let him.

Hermione had to be the rational one. Harry told her that he needed some time away, away from everyone, but mostly away from her. She understood, she didn't like it, but understood. He decided to travel abroad. She wasn't surprised. She had tried on several occasions to get Harry to take a trip. He'd always refused. She knew he needed a change of scenery, even if it was for just a short while. Hermione was relieved when Ron agreed to travel with Harry and she was happy to send them off on an adventure together. Harry needed this. They all needed this.

Four years had past and Hermione still hadn't spoken with either of her best friends. She hadn't seen either of them since their fingers had made contact with the Portkey.

-

Hermione made her exit from the very nice house she called home. Located in Muggle London, it was within walking distance to Diagon Alley, plus she had the added convenience of being close to her parents. Viktor Krum was the owner and he made for an excellent flatmate, as he was always travelling with either of his Quidditch teams, Puddlemere United or Team Bulgaria. He still maintained his family home in Bulgaria while making the London house, home base.

After their very short-lived romance Hermione and Viktor maintained a friendship via Owl post. He would occasionally hint at wanting a more serious relationship. Hermione, however, could only offer him friendship.

When Hermione finished school and was looking for a place, Viktor quickly offered her a room in his house. He had purchased the house as an investment after being drafted by United and lived in the large rambling home several years with only his house elf Muffy for company. Hermione was grateful for the invitation and accepted without hesitation.

When he was around; Viktor he was always pleasant and easy going, a far cry from his Quidditch player persona. Muffy and Hermione, on the other hand, were usually in some kind of conflict. Hermione vehemently objected to the elf's enslavement and she and Viktor would row over freeing Muffy. However, Viktor flatly refused to even consider it; stating that freedom would kill her. Hermione could talk Viktor into just about anything, house elf rights was their only argument in an otherwise amicable flatmate situation.

Muffy was a good elf. She always obeyed her Master, Viktor. Hermione had asked Viktor to ask Muffy not to do things for her, but Viktor had just laughed and told her that she was crazy. Hermione had to admit when Muffy did her laundry it was clean, ironed and put away properly. She also had to admit that on those nights when she Flooed home late, a good hot meal, under a stasis charm, was a great deal better than what she would have prepared for herself.

On a few occasions, Hermione had tried to pay Muffy for her hard work. Muffy in turn would look at Hermione horrified and run away in tears. With four years of dealing with each other behind them, they had reached a sort of compromise. Hermione stopped trying to pay Muffy. Muffy accepted birthday and Christmas gifts from Hermione as long as they were not clothes.

Hermione's room, rooms actually (and private bath) were located on the third floor in the northeast corner of the house. Being an early riser she loved the morning light and was content in her surroundings. Viktor had converted the comfortable nursery, attached to the bedroom, into an office/library. Affording Hermione a place to house the many books she had collected over the years. The walls were painted a light taupe that complimented the dark wood flooring and furniture. Her bed was dressed with a rich cream coloured duvet in pleasing brocade pattern. Also adorning the room was a small fireplace that Viktor had connected to the Floo Network separately to afford her some privacy.

--

As her home faded in the distance, Hermione's nerves caught up with her. She felt a little foolish about having anxiety over seeing Harry and Ron again. Giving her head a good shake, she smiled in anticipation as she turned on to the street that led to the entrance to the wizarding world. Hermione looked up at the fading, crooked sign marking the "The Leaky Cauldron" and took in a deep breath, she was excited to get inside and see everyone again. Smoothing down the front of her plain yet tailored robes, she adjusted the single strand of pearls that hung around her neck, hesitating for a moment, before taking a step toward the worn building. Once she reached the door, her heart started pounding hard in her chest. She opened the door and looked expectantly around the nearly empty pub. There were only a few people seated here and there. Hermione's eyes rested on an old hag devouring what looked like raw liver. Hermione grimaced and walked over to the bar where Tom, the old innkeeper, stood wiping down goblets. He looked up and gave her a toothless smile.

"Good afternoon, Miss. What can I getcha?" Tom asked.

"Could you please tell me where the Weasley/Lovegood Engagement party is?" Hermione asked.

"They've not arrived yet, but you sit yourself down and they'll be along right quick, I'm expecting them any minute," Tom suggested. Hermione smiled and chose a seat at the bar.

"May I have a glass of water, please?" Hermione asked. Tom looked had her in confusion. Eventually he shrugged and got her a glass of Gillywater. Hermione chose a table near the entrance and sat down. She slowly sipped her Gillywater; it wasn't really her drink and waited for her friends to arrive.

She pulled out the Owl invitation for tonight's party, happy and surprised that Ron had made the gesture to invite her. She still couldn't believe Ron was actually getting married and settling down with Luna Lovegood of all people.

Dear Mione,

I know its been a while but sod it all I miss you.

I've asked Luna Lovegood to be my wife and the loony witch has agreed. I need you to be there, it wouldn't be right if you weren't and no worrying about Harry. He agrees. Yes, you read that right.

We're having an engagement party and I'd like you to come. Be at the Leaky Cauldron next Friday. I think Luna plans on asking you to be an attendant. Consider that a warning.

Ron and Luna

Hermione felt a very small pang of jealousy flow through her; a fleeting thought of what might have been. She was truly happy for Ron and grateful for his effort to rekindle their friendship. She missed her best friends too.

Hermione was grateful for Ron's mention that Harry wanted her there too. She wasn't sure of the reason why they hadn't been in touch upon returning from their trip and was hoping for some answers tonight. Their trip had lasted just over a year and in that time Hermione received a total of two Owlcards from Ron in the early stage of their trip.

She'd actually found out about their return when she saw Harry and Ginny's wedding announcement in a late edition of the Evening Profit. She wasn't surprised and quietly felt relief rather than dismay that Harry was able reconnect with Ginny. Hopefully, now enough time had passed that Ron's wedding could help to rebuild the friendship between them.

Hermione was roused from her thoughts when the door to the Leaky Cauldron burst open. A group of exuberant people entered and she smiled. Ron with his arm slung possessively around Luna passed through. Ginny hand-in-hand with Harry followed. Several other classmates from their year also passed through the doors and more than a few she didn't recognise; Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Ron's former girlfriend Lavender Brown as well as most of the Weasley family. Lastly a tall man, who must have been Luna's father, stumbled in carrying a large package. Hermione stood up to greet them, but the crowd walked right past her without even saying as much as 'hello'. Hermione frowned.

Tom came out from behind the bar to greet Ron and Luna. "Well, well, the happy couple has arrived. Right this way, room's all set." He clapped his hands together and motioned for Ron to follow.

"Thanks Tom," responded Ron. The crowd followed Tom to the private dining room. Feeling awkward and out of place, Hermione followed behind.

Mrs. Weasley was bustling around the private room as the partygoers arrived. She looked up as Tom opened the door. She immediately ran over to Ron to give him and Luna a big hug. Tears were streaming from her eyes.

"Oh Mum, not again, I'm just getting married-" Ron started to moan.

"Ronald, be nice." scolded Luna, "Thanks Mum, the room looks lovely.

"Thank you dear, I'm just so happy. All my babies will soon be married. Except for…well never mind that. Tonight is for you two." Mrs. Weasley said as she wiped the happy tears from her eyes.

Hermione slipped in just behind Fred and his wife, whom she recognised as Angelina Johnson from school. She laughed when she heard Fred immediately ask, "Right then, where's the bar?" as Angelina playfully socked him in the arm. Curious that Fred didn't seem to recognise her, as a matter-of-fact, no one recognised her. She hadn't changed that much in four years? Had she? A few things were different, she wore glasses and her hair was definitely tamer and longer, but nothing that would render her completely unrecognisable.

Making her way over to Ron and Luna's table, she cleared her throat and they all stopped talking and looked up at her.

"Do you weesh to take ar ordair Mees?" Fleur asked, holding Bill's arm. Hermione gawked at them. They really didn't recognize her!

Placing her hands on hips, "Oh really? Are you telling me that I look that different, that my best friends don't even recognize me?" Hermione said trying not to burst out laughing.

"Hermione?" asked Ron as he jumped up from his seat.

"Hermione?" asked Harry, at the same time as Ron. He too jumped up from his seat.

"Yes…" responded Hermione with a big smile on her face. Before she knew it her two best friends were holding her in a tight hug as Luna looked on with watery eyes. Ginny on the hand, stared at the three and scowled.

"You look so deef-rent! Your 'air eez…" Fleur commented. Hermione laughed as she untangled from Harry and Ron's embrace.

"Really? I'm still the same Hermione," she said.

"Oh yeah? You must be a major investor of Sleek Easy's." Ginny stated coldly, "And the glasses, how very librarian." Hermione held back a sigh; she hadn't anticipated such a frosty response from Ginny though truthfully she deserved it.

Hermione knew that Ginny had desperately tried to reach out to Harry after the war, having spent many hours consoling and worrying with Ginny over Harry's state of mind. She knew full well that Ginny was hoping that she and Harry would pick up where they had left off at the end of 6th Year.

At the time, the guilt of betraying Ginny's friendship ate away at Hermione, but she rationalized that Harry needed her more. It was a choice and Hermione made the one she thought was right at the time. She'd missed Ginny terribly over the years. However, her self imposed penance was to stay away rather than attempt to extend an olive branch.

"My glasses?" Hermione remarked, ignoring Ginny's jibe and continued in what she hoped came across as friend, "Oh, I got them a few years ago now. Too many nights spent reading by candlelight."

Ron gave Luna a look and it appeared as if they were using Legilmency. Luna nodded and then Ron turned to Hermione and took her by the hand. Harry had a quick word with Ginny. There was some whispered squabbling between the two and then Ginny let out a curt, "Fine." Harry took hold of Hermione's other hand and the men led her away to talk more privately.

Harry spoke first, "Hermione. I'm sorry. I was a complete prat. I shouldn't have let things go for so long. Will you forgive me? I miss you. I miss my best friend."

It was surreal, just like that, Harry apologised and the last four years washed away. They'd all made some poor choices, but time had healed old wounds and Hermione was very glad. Unable to hold back the tears, she threw her arms around Harry and held him tight. Not one to be left out Ron then wrapped his arms around the pair giving them a tight squeeze.

"Oh Harry, I'm just…Ron…both of you. I've missed you so much, but I didn't want to…I was afraid. Oh, I'm so happy right now," Hermione blubbered incoherently.

"Hermione, I'm sorry too. I have no excuse. Luna helped me to realise that I needed you," said Ron, as he laughed, "She insisted that it had to be me. I had to make the first move. I'm so glad I did. I've missed you so much 'mione."

Hermione gave Ron a water smile, his words touching her, but then she grimaced when he used that dreaded nickname. Holding back her sniffles, she said with mock-scorn, "Ronald Weasley. You know I hate that name-"

"Oh, she's back," said Harry. It was almost laughable how easy this was. They were back; it was a new beginning.

The door opened again and a stalky, very handsome, red-haired man entered the room. Hermione watched as Ginny's eyes lit up at the sight of him and bolted from her chair, jumping into his open arms. The new arrival wrapped his arms around Ginny and hugged her tightly.

Ron's face broke into a huge smile as he moved away from Harry and Hermione to greet his older brother. "Glad you could make it Charlie," greeted Ron, as he one arm hugged his older brother.

"Yeah, I wasn't sure if I could get away, but it worked out, I'm here for the weekend," Charlie explained, "Have some paperwork to turn in on Monday. Then I'll be heading back to the Reserve."

"Charlie! You're here!" shouted Mrs. Weasley from buffet table. She was still organizing the loads of food, but stopped to run over and give him a big hug. With a firm push, she then ordered him over to the table to join the others.

"Oh Charles, I'm so glad you were able to get away," said Luna, as Ron sat down beside her. Harry returned to the table and took his seat beside a more chipper Ginny while Hermione took the next available seat to the left of Harry.

"Luna, love, I wouldn't miss ickle Ronnie's engagement party for the world. Are you really sure you want to marry this wanker though?" said Charlie.

Luna gazed dreamily at Ron and then turned back to Charlie. She answered to rousing laughter, "Oh, yes! I really do."

Bill motioned for Charlie to sit beside him. Hermione moved her chair over to make room. She smiled as Charlie accidentally bumped into her when he sat down. Hermione barely remembered meeting him during the Triwizard Tournament, she was so worried about Harry dealing with that Horntail, she'd not noticed how handsome he was, and strong looking and muscular. She gave herself a mental kick for thinking like a silly schoolgirl though he was certainly intriguing.

Bill spoke up, "Charlie, you remember Ron's friend Hermione, right?"

Striking blue-green eyes looked into warm brown ones. The attraction was undeniable.