A/N - Sorry for the delay. Looks like I'll have to take another quick break from this story while I sort out the mountain of work I have. The bright side? We're nearly half-way through :D

Chapter 45 - Body of water and Diamond

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The stone in his palm felt as hard as a diamond. He flipped it once, twice, then paused as he studied the defined edges of the black stone. It was so small and so light. The mineral seemed to almost shine in the sunlight that was streaming through window at Grimmauld Place. Vaguely, he wondered if it would shine just as brightly had it been at the bottom of a lake; just like how the Sword of Gryffindor had given its location away because of its Goblin-made silver.

"Is that-?"

Despite himself, Harry fisted the black rock in his hand and prepared to hide it in his pockets. But the reflex felt useless. With a sigh, he opened his palm and tossed the stone onto the kitchen table he was sitting at, shaking his head at her incomplete question. "No. It's just a rock. I transfigured it."

She let out a relieved breath before she took the seat opposite him. "I thought you had brought back the Stone."

"I wanted to," Harry said thoughtfully, picking it up and studying the imitation. "I wanted to know what Sirius would say when I told him that we defeated Voldemort. And Mum and Dad," he added softly.

"I'm glad you didn't, though." Her eyes fell on the rock he had transfigured. "May I?"

Reluctantly, Harry held out his hand, letting Hermione lift up the rock with careful fingers and study it with eager eyes. "It looks exactly like it." She looked up at him. "To make an imitation this accurate takes a lot of skill, Harry," she said softly, her tone showing exactly how impressed she was by the level of magic he seemed to be exhibiting.

"Not really," Harry said with a wince before he pulled out the Elder Wand that he had pocketed earlier. Hermione watched him as he placed it on the table in front of them.

"You're using it?" she asked, in complete surprise.

"Not for that much. Small spells, here and there."

She handed him the stone back. "What's it like?"

"Easier. I don't have to concentrate that much."

She gave him an amused and somewhat reprimanding look. "Imagine if you had that during Hogwarts."

He grinned. "I would have been brilliant at Charms and Transfiguration. I might even have been First in the class."

Hermione snorted. "Don't get carried away, Harry. You would have still needed to beat me."

"Of course," Harry said with mock seriousness. "I'm saying I would."

She let out a light laugh, choosing to grab the stone he had placed on the table and tossing it at his head. "That would be a cold day in hell," Hermione stated smugly as she stood up.

Easily blocking the makeshift weapon, Harry grinned before he stood up himself, subconsciously grabbing her hand to stop her from leaving. "I knew you were always scared of a little competition. What would you have done if you were never 'Hermione, the bookworm'?"

"I wouldn't have had to worry about that," Hermione sniffed haughtily, her eyebrows rising the way McGonagall's did when she stated something obvious. "I would then be known as 'Hermione, the person who kept Harry Potter alive so he could save us all."

Harry scrunched his brows together in thought. "Funny. I don't quite remember you doing all that much."

"Really?" Hermione asked incredulously, her grin wide despite the insult that he had mockingly hurled at her. "And to think the saviour of the wizarding world is a right arse." She shoved his chest lightly.

Harry swayed backwards jokingly, keeping his free hand on his chest to fake pain. "But, still a saviour, no doubt."

She rolled her eyes. "Harry Potter, you are one of the most egotistical-"

He leant forward and kissed her. He didn't think about it. Actually, he'd rather not think about it at all. It was simply something that he felt like doing. It was a moment that felt right in the grand scheme of things. He found himself surprised when his lips met hers and she responded. A light meeting of the lips that ended quickly.

When his eyes rose to meet hers, their faces still close, he could practically feel the blush radiating off her flushed skin. She looked away from him. "That was-"

He didn't let her finish. Entwining his fingers with hers, he bent down until his lips met hers again. This time, the kiss was more than a mere meeting of lips. Hermione responded; hesitantly at first while a hand rose to the back of his neck and caused a slight shiver to traipse up his spine. This in turn made him step that much closer to her and circle his arm around her waist, making her backtrack until her thighs hit the table. It was unlike any other kiss he had ever experienced before in his life. It felt like he knew her; really knew her. This was Hermione, after all, how could he not?

It was the tiny sound of pecking against glass that made her pull away from him, her eyes travelling over his shoulder towards the glass window that his back was to. "It's that eagle again."

Harry reluctantly let her go so she could open the door and take the note from the leg the eagle pompously stuck out. Without waiting for a reply, it hopped on one leg, turned around and took to flight.

Hermione opened up the note slowly, her brows furrowing in thought. "Kingsley wants to see us in an hour."

"Where?"

She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his meaningfully. "The Burrow."

Harry felt his jaw twitch in annoyance. "Brilliant."

She shifted nervously before gesturing towards the stairs. "I should go get ready."

Harry simply nodded, watching her leave with the note in her hand. Once she left, he let out a breath he had no idea he had been holding.

That went splendidly, he thought sarcastically to himself.

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A/N2- A quick note to let you all know that I just uploaded the Nomination Rules as well as the Award Categories for the Harmony Awards (link to be found on my profile). Keep in mind, even though it's on LJ, you need not have an LJ account to nominate. Don't forget! The nomination period is from Sep 3rd to Sep 23rd! Hope you decide to participate :)