Hermione Jane by Oro4

"Harry, don't you love me?"

Harry nodded but he really wanted to shake her senseless. Of course he loved her! He wouldn't be living with her if he didn't love her! Why did she insist on asking such stupid questions? Harry turned to his girlfriend and embraced her.

"Of course I love you," he said. "But it's been the third time this week you've been to lunch with Dean. Why can't you have lunch with me instead?"

Ginny Weasley huffed.

"Harry I don't see why it's such a problem!" she said. "You go to lunch with Hermione all the time!"

"Every time I go to lunch with Hermione, Ron is with us," Harry replied. "Why can't you see that I'm just a little uncomfortable with this?"

Ginny sighed and pulled away from Harry.

"I'm not sixteen anymore Harry!" Ginny said angrily. "I don't need your constant protection!"

You don't do you? Harry thought bitterly.

"Fine!" Harry muttered. "Go with Dean!"

Ginny smiled and gave Harry a big hug.

"Thanks so much!" she said. Harry sighed and slumped into a chair in the kitchen as Ginny started going around the house collecting her things.

"I'll be back around five!" she said as she flooed to Diagon Alley.

"Lunch huh…" Harry muttered. He rested his head in his hands and sighed in frustration. When did things start to change? Why did they change? Harry rested his head on the counter. He was the wealthiest bachelor in the wizarding world. He had the girl of his dreams and his greatest threat was defeated. He was happy… or supposed to be. When did his 'happily ever after' change? Harry looked around the kitchen in Grimmuld Place and sighed. This was now officially his home. His own place to start his family and make it his own.

He wanted to start a family with Ginny… didn't he? He did, but she didn't. She said she wasn't ready to settle down and get married. That's when it all started going a little downhill. He wanted something she didn't want… and it hurt him a little inside. Harry heard a knock on the front door and he got up to see who it was.

"It's bloody freezing you git! Hurry up and open the door!"

Harry laughed and opened the front door. A snow covered Hermione was standing in the doorway with three bags of black luggage.

"Staying somewhere?" Harry asked as he helped Hermione out of her coat.

Hermione grinned and pulled her stuff in.

"I hope you don't mind," she said grabbing the last bag and then shutting the door.

"Wouldn't matter if I did, now would it?" he asked. Hermione smiled gave Harry a tight hug. He hugged her back smiling widely.

"Thanks Harry! You're the best!" Hermione said. She pulled away and Harry noticed she was still wearing black. She'd been wearing it for the past year.

"Would you like something? I have tea ready, if you'd like," Harry offered.

Hermione nodded.

"Tea would be lovely," she said. She followed Harry into the kitchen and sat on the stool there. After a few minutes of comfortable silence Harry handed Hermione a cup of steaming tea. She smiled.

"So how's the world's wealthiest bachelor?" she asked. Harry grinned.

"Been better," he replied. "How's the world's most intelligent and wealthiest witch?"

Hermione laughed.

"Well… I'm okay. I turned it down you know… so I'm just the smartest witch now," she replied.

Harry looked at her curiously.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because I felt bad using it… and not being able to give something back to him," Hermione replied quietly.

Harry shook his head.

"I think your using the money would be giving something back to him," Harry said softly. "I mean he gave it to you and you won't use it. Isn't that a little insulting?"

Hermione looked away hurt.

"Look, I'm sorry," he said softly. "I know it isn't my place to say what to do with your money."

Hermione nodded.

"You probably right," she said sighing. "I… just feel so horrid because I wasn't the best I could be for him when he was alive…"

Harry placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder comfortingly.

"You were with him before he died and that was good enough for him, I can guess," Harry said. "You loved him, which was even better and opened up to him, which was the best. So stop thinking that you didn't do anything for him…"

Hermione looked at Harry with watery eyes but didn't reply.

"I don't think I could have gone without fighting him if you hadn't changed him so much," Harry said smiling a soft smile. "I still think he was a conceited ferret though."

Hermione smiled and chuckled.

"Okay," she said smiling. "I guess… I know you're right."

Harry nodded.

"That's really why I'm here…" Hermione said slowly.

Harry tilted his head in confusion.

"I'm sorry?" he asked.

"I want to move on…" Hermione said wiping a tear away. "I want to move on and be happy… like you are with Ginny."

It was Harry's turn to look away now.

"Nevermind," Hermione said quickly. "What's wrong this time?"

Harry sighed and placed his head on the table in a childish manner.

"I have no idea why we're fighting," Harry said truthfully. "I mean on minute we're happy and then the next I ask why she's always with Dean and then we get into a tiff. I'm just so bloody frustrated!"

Hermione looked thoughtful.

"Have you asked her about marriage and that you want to get married soon?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded.

"I did and she said she wasn't ready to settle down yet," Harry replied.

Hermione looked incredulous.

"Really? The only thing I've been thinking about is settling down! I find this funny," she said. "Seriously though Harry, she really didn't want to settle down?"

Harry shook his head.

"She pressures me for a shag though," Harry said sighing.

Hermione looked sympathetic.

"You told her about your standard right?" she asked.

Harry nodded.

"Naturally," he replied. "It's something she doesn't really fancy."

Hermione shook her head and sighed.

"If she can't respect your decision then…"

"Oh she has! I just think she is getting a little restless…"

Hermione smirked.

"Speaking of her, where is she?" she asked.

Harry rolled his eyes and didn't reply.

"Oh…"

"Yeah…"

"Harry if this really isn't something you want, tell her!"

"I have! That's why we get into arguments!"

"Well she needs to respect your wishes or leave."

Harry sat up straight looking upset.

"How can you say that Hermione?"

Hermione looked apologetic.

"Don't get me wrong Harry, but she isn't the only one who deserves to be happy," she replied. Harry understood. He knew that but he didn't want to lose her. He sighed.

"I know," Harry said. Hermione grinned.

"Now, show me to me room, Master Potter," Hermione said. Harry's eye twitched.

"If you call me that one more time…" he threatened.

Hermione laughed and shook her finger.

"You'll what?" Hermione taunted. "Last time I checked, I beat your arse in a duel and you haven't asked for that rematch. Ron still thinks I cheated…"

Harry laughed and got off his stool.

"Come on, Mistress. I'll show you to your room," Harry said. Hermione smiled and followed Harry to the second floor. Her bags levitated after her. Harry opened a door and followed Hermione in.

"I remember this one!" Hermione said smiling and flopping onto her bed. "I think I've been in this room since fifth year at Hogwarts."

Harry nodded.

"That's right," he said. "I had to save it for you. And I'll have you know I cleaned it myself. No house elves."

Hermione beamed.

"S.P.E.W. got through to you! I'm so proud," she said wiping way a fake tear.

Harry chuckled and a soft silence descended on them both.

"Hermione?" Harry asked softly.

Hermione looked up.

"Yes?" she asked.

Harry looked uncertain.

"What will I do if this all doesn't work out?" he asked in a whisper.

Hermione smiled and stood up. She walked to Harry and embraced him.

"I'd tell you…if she weren't about to apparate into the house," Hermione replied and a second later a pop was heard on the third floor. There was only one room that could be apparated into and it was on the top floor at the end of the corridor. That way no one could sneak in without being heard first. All sounds were amplified.

Harry stared at Hermione in awe.

"You're scary," he said smiling and pulling away. Seconds later Ginny came down the stairs.

"Harry, I asked Dean for a rain check," she said walking over to him. She noticed Hermione.

"Hermione what are you doing here?" Ginny asked.

Hermione shrugged.

"Keeping Harry company," she replied.

"She has to stay here for a while," Harry added quickly.

"For how long?" Ginny asked.

Harry shrugged.

"For however long it takes," Harry replied.

Ginny raised and eyebrow in question.

"What does that mean?" she asked.

Hermione clapped Harry on the back and he jumped.

"I'm going to stay here until Harry kicks me out," she replied.

Harry turned soft eyes to Hermione.

"You know I'd never kick you out," he said tenderly.

Hermione smiled.

"I know," she said and then giggled.

Hermione turned to Ginny who looked a little peeved.

"I hope you don't mind," Hermione said. "We are all friends after all. Oh Harry! Did you hear about Ron and Luna?"

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"Hermione I'm going to go shopping. You want to come?" Harry called from the bottom of the stairs. In a second's time Hermione's face was at the top of the stairs and she was grinning. She was still dressed in all black and Harry frowned. He was hoping that she would were something less severe.

"Of course I want to come!" Hermione said walking down the stairs. She offered Harry and questioning gaze.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Hermione asked as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

Harry shrugged and walked to the coat rack.

"Because you're still wearing all black." Harry replied. "…I bet even your knickers are black."

Hermione grinned.

"You want to take a look?" she replied smartly.

Harry laughed.

"You're going to get me in trouble." Harry said helping Hermione into her coat.

Hermione jammed a hat on her head and grinned.

"You're already in trouble." She said.

"Harry!"

Harry cringed and looked toward the staircase. Ginny was glaring at him wildly while walking down the stairs.

"Hey Gin." Harry said smiling.

Ginny glared.

"Don't 'hey Gin' me! Where are you going?" Ginny asked angrily.

"To the market…?" Harry inquired carefully.

Ginny's eyes turned to Hermione.

"Why are you going?" she asked her.

"Because you don't like to go…?" Hermione replied slowly.

Harry felt another argument coming on and spoke up to avoid it.

"You've told me before, Gin, that you don't like to go grocery shopping. But if you want to come with us you can." Harry said smiling.

Ginny smirked.

"Of course I want to go Harry!" she said. Harry helped her into her coat.

"Thanks." Ginny said kissing Harry on the cheek.

Harry nodded and turned to Hermione with a mildly surprised expression on his face. She was holding up his coat and helped him into it.

"Your coat is black…" Hermione muttered.

Harry grinned.

"But my knickers are blue."

"Harry!" Ginny said shocked.

Hermione laughed and gave Harry and playful smack on the arm.

"Well you can buy me some new ones then." Hermione said grinning. "I have gained and affinity for lace."

Ginny's eyes bulged.

"Hermione Granger!"

Harry laughed.

"Well, I guess I can let black slide in that case."

Ginny whipped around to Harry.

"Harry Potter what are you saying?!" she gasped.

Harry and Hermione looked at Ginny with grins on their faces.

"…I think it's time for us to go." Harry said. "I don't want it to be too busy."

"Right, too many reporters." Hermione grinned. "I bet they would have a field day if they saw you in Madame Malkin's looking for black lacy lingerie."

Harry grinned and opened the door.

"I think everyone would. But it is pretty funny." Harry said. "Alright ladies, out please."

Ginny, still shocked and angrily left first. Hermione followed.

"I thought you said that you would not kick me out." Hermione smirked.

Harry grinned and walked out the house and locked it tightly.

"I wouldn't." Harry said. "You're leaving of your own free will, love."

"I don't have free will in this case." Hermione said grinning.

Harry chuckled and locked up his home. Ginny took his hand and the three of them walked to a portkey a few blocks down from Grimmuld.

"Why were you flirting with her today!" Ginny yelled angrily. "It's not as if I was not standing right their either!"

Harry had already placed a sound blocking charm on the room so Hermione would not over hear their conversation. Still he was about to lift it because he wanted Hermione to hear. Maybe she would rescue him if she did.

"It was just a little joke, Gin." Harry said. "We are friends Ginny. Hermione and I just wanted to joke around for a bit."

"About your knickers?" Ginny glared.

Harry looked out his window and sighed deeply.

"Look Ginny. I'm tired of her being depressed. Can't you see that?" Harry asked. "I thought that it was something Hermione would laugh about. I'm sorry, it was inappropriate though."

Ginny nodded and then looked sorry.

"It's alright Harry. I'm sorry for yelling." She said. "You know how much I love you, I just want you to pay a little more attention to me."

Harry looked at Ginny incredulously.

"Pay you more attention?" He said. "When I ask the same of you, you pay me no mind!"

"That's because you're unreasonable!" Ginny retorted. "Why can't I go out with Dean for lunch every once in a while?"

"Why can't I joke around with Hermione?" Harry said raising his voice. "Is it unreasonable to want to be with you too? Why can't I have lunch with you once and a while?"

"Don't get off the subject!" Ginny said. "We're talking about Hermione here!"

"Hermione?!" Harry roared. "No Ginny! We're talking about our relationship!"

There was a tense silence. Harry turned toward the door when Hermione knocked on it. He opened the door and smiled. He was relieved to be out of the tension.

"Hermione." Harry said.

Hermione smiled.

"I wanted to thank you for my… black lacy lingerie." Hermione giggled. Harry was mouthing "save me" while Hermione was speaking.

"No problem." Harry said. "You're going to have to model them for me."

Hermione laughed loudly and held her side as she fell to the floor.

"M-model them?" Hermione gasped for air. "Oh that was good. Curse you Potter, now I have images in my head."

"Why'd you come?" Ginny said snappishly from the inside of the room.

Hermione was helped off the ground and a watery smile was still on her face.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to show Harry something. Give me a few minutes and I'll hand him back to let you finish your fighting."

"How dare you Hermione!" Ginny growled. "You're lucky you're even here!"

Hermione glared back.

"Last time I checked my luck is owed to Draco and Harry. You have no part of it. And until you are mistress of this house, I think you will find that my luck is very strong." Hermione said angrily. "I will not stand back and let you step all over Harry as if I'm blind!"

Ginny, in a huff, left the room and slammed her door shut. Harry was a surprised but a little hurt.

"You were a little rough on her." Harry said in a low voice.

"I am because you are not. You are my best friend and if I have to hurt her to stand up for you, I will. Because to me Harry, you're first."

"I'm flattered."

"You should be."

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Ginny was furious! She was loosing Harry to- Ginny let out a cry of frustration. The Slytherin-shagging bookworm had no right to take Harry away from her! Ginny stomped around her room trying to figure out a way to keep Harry hers.

"Damnit if only we'd shag then this wouldn't be so difficult!" Ginny growled.

She flopped onto her bed. So she let her passions take over every once and a while- Harry did not know… and would never find out. Besides, Ginny was convinced he loved her no matter what.

A grin slowly spread across Ginny's lips. She still had Harry and nothing would change that. Hermione was not competition. Ginny looked up into the mirror and saw her pretty reflection. Hermione was not good enough for Harry anyway.

A/N: Chapter one done! I hope you like it!