Disclaimer: Other than the plot, I just don't own it. Go JKR!

A/N: Well, I had planned to post this on Wednesday, but didn't really have the opportunity to sit at my computer and edit and post this. I only had access to my phone, which I could only write new bits on, not fix already written stuff.

That being said, I do believe this is what you've been waiting for...well, minus declarations of love and certain *ahem* physical activities.

Also, I would like to take the time to say I've started posting a new story, Darkness Beckons. It's one of my babies (meaning some serious, headache-forming plot developing went into writing it). It's another H/Hr. Please go check it out. :)

Chapter Five: Explanation

Hermione liked to think that she was very patient and had gained control of her nagging over the years. However, the previous night had been very hard for her. Sure, Harry had promised to explain everything the next day, but that didn't stop her insatiable curiosity. She had to stop herself several times from nearly begging him to start explaining. Harry watched her internal struggle in amusement before he suggested they both turn in early.

Her mind was racing as she climbed into the bed. Her anxiety over finding out the truth after all these years was slightly overwhelming. Add in the fact that she did indeed nap on the beach for a few hours earlier, and she knew it was impossible to fall asleep. So, she lay there, staring at the ceiling for an hour before finally retrieving a book from her bag.

She had made it through half of the thick book before she decided to stop. It was still dark outside when she climbed out of bed and headed straight for the shower. She caught a glimpse of Harry still sleeping face-down on pullout bed as she passed by the door. She was up way before he usually woke to go on his run, but that's what she wanted. There was no way he'd be escaping today.

She showered quickly, not wanting him to be able to sneak out. She dressed in a pair of shorts and t-shirt and pulled her hair back in a braid. When she stepped out of the bedroom, she was satisfied to see that he was still stretched out on the bed. Sparing a glance at the clock, she belatedly realized that four in the morning may be a tad overcautious, but she wasn't going to stop now that she was moving. She headed to the kitchen and quietly began to make breakfast.

By the time Harry drifted awake, the aromas of breakfast had his stomach growling rather loudly. He groaned and rolled over, scratching at his chest. Hermione had yet to realize he was stirring as she was focused on flipping pancakes. Expectedly, she was startled when his voice broke her concentration, causing her to jump and emit a squeak.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?"

She looked up to see him sitting up and staring at her with a sleepy gaze. "Umm…it's almost five."

He groaned again, running his hands through his hair. "Hermione, that is too damn early."

She focused on the pancakes once again. "I just thought I'd get an early start this morning."

He snorted, seeing through her façade. "Whatever. Wake me when the food is ready." He flopped back on the bed, rolled over, and firmly placed a pillow over his head.

She rolled her eyes at him and finished breakfast. Fifteen minutes later, she was placing food on her plate while trying to get Harry to stir again. "Harry, get up!" She heard him mumble. "Oh, for heaven's sake, it's not that early!"

He sat up quickly and glared at her. "I haven't woken up before six in six years, Hermione."

"Well, it's not my fault you're so lazy."

"I'm not lazy," he said as he stood up. With a wave of his hand, the bed started making itself and converting back to the couch. "I'm just not insane enough to get up before the sun like you do."

She chose to ignore his comment. "Just get your breakfast."

He let out a low grunt, but moved to grab a plate. For a few minutes, there was silence between them, but Hermione was unnerved. Harry was standing closer to her than normal that morning. His elbow would bump hers as he piled food on his plate. She nearly jumped out of her skin when his arm basically wrapped around her waist so he could grab a napkin from the other side of her. She was so occupied with getting rid of her blush and avoiding his eyes that she missed the smirk that graced his face.

A moment later, they were both on the couch, eating away. Hermione tried to catch Harry's gaze, but he was busy shoveling food into his mouth. Finally, she sighed, sipping at her water as she watched him.

"So, are you going to start talking?"

Harry looked up, startled. He swallowed his current mouthful before speaking. "Can't it wait until after breakfast and a shower?"

She tapped her foot causing the plate in her lap to jostle. "You said—"

"I remember my promise, Hermione. But, seeing as how it may take some time, I'd like to be refreshed."

She nodded. "Okay, but right after you finish…"

He waved her off. "I know, I know." He proceeded to inhale the food.

Forty minutes later, Hermione was growing very impatient. Harry had started the shower twenty minutes ago. She had already finished cleaning the kitchen. He wasn't showing any signs of emerging any time soon and she knew he was doing it on purpose just to annoy her. She was just thinking of going in there and dragging him out when the shower turned off. It was still another fifteen minutes before he emerged from the bathroom and by then, she was ready to throttle him.

Harry took a seat next to her on the couch where she was waiting with arms folded across her chest. "Okay, where do you want me to start?"

"The beginning would be nice."

He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Alright. I suppose I should start with our last year at Hogwarts. I honestly hadn't wanted to return to school after the war, but I figured it was as good a place as any to spend my time while I decided what I wanted to do. I was glad McGonagall had given me my own room, and you know I spent most of my time there. You and Ron were mostly off on your own and Ginny...Well, we grew distant over the year. She wasn't at all happy that I had gone with you and Ron to get your parents the summer before, and I think that's where the trouble began. We tried to make it work and seemed happy to everyone, but honestly we were grasping for something to hold onto. After my talk with you at the end of the year, I realized I needed to get away and decided to travel a bit.

"For awhile, the trip was good. I had spent most of my time in the States with a few trips to Italy, Germany and Australia. I sent letters while I was away, if you recall. Ginny was upset that I had left, though I'm not entirely sure why. She still had a year left of Hogwarts, so it wasn't as if we could spend time together. I had told her I would come back for her once she was done so she could travel with me. She said she would wait..." He paused. As he had been talking about Ginny, a scowl had been forming on his face. When he stopped, he was openly glaring at the floor.

There was silence for a moment. Hermione reached forward and placed a hand on his arm, drawing his attention. "What happened, Harry?" She asked softly.

"In November, I was in New York when I received an anonymous owl. There were pictures of Ginny snogging random guys. I didn't think much of it, figuring it was some trick by some random fan. I missed everyone and had decided to drop in at the Burrow and surprise everyone and stay a few weeks for Christmas. Luna had sent me an owl and mentioned the last Hogsmeade trip before break. I thought it would be nice to surprise Ginny there. I had apparated in by the Hog's Head and didn't have to walk far to find her. She was snogging some guy in an alley." Hermione gasped. "They were really going at it, so she didn't see me. I didn't waste a moment in apparating to the airport and taking the first flight back to New York.

"I sent my last owl from my hotel in New York. It was two words: it's over. I tossed in one of the pictures I had received and sent it straight to Ginny. I cut everyone off after that and spent the next couple of months a bit depressed. Then I saw an ad for the island. I had to go through a few hoops to get this place, but when it was finally approved, I booked my spot on a cruise and came here."

"I can't believe Ginny would do that to you. She had us believing that you had just broken up with her for no reason."

Harry snorted. "I won't lie. It had crossed my mind. We were both clinging on to the relationship, and I was happy to find a valid excuse to break it off. I just wish it wasn't that.

"After the thing with Ginny, I realized I needed to take time away from everyone the focus on myself. I just never gave myself time to let everything really sink in after the war. It was a much needed isolation and has given me plenty of time to think. I've resolved so many things since I've come here."

"Okay, I can understand that...But, why didn't you come back?"

Harry sighed, leaning forward and resting his arms on his legs. "I don't really know. The first time I even thought about it was three years ago. At the time, I think I was afraid or worried about what I would find and how everyone would react. I also wasn't ready to be tossed in the spotlight again. I've enjoyed having my privacy."

"What about now?"

He leaned back, turning his head to look directly into Hermione's eyes. He could see the anger in them. "Now...I don't want to disrupt anyone's life. I've been gone so long that I can understand that I would no longer belong. Coming back would probably do more harm than good."

There was a pause before Hermione spoke. "Those are lame excuses, Harry Potter." Harry watched her get up, go around the couch, and begin pacing the floor. "You are practically a Weasley! You are Ron's best friend, my best friend. We needed you and you basically ditched us. Of course, we're angry, but we'd rather have you back! I didn't think you'd be such a coward."

"I'm not a coward. Everyone had built a life without Harry Potter. There just wouldn't be a way for me to fit in anymore."

"You-you-you idiot! Bloody hell, Harry! For six years, we've all been worried about you! Mrs. Weasley still stares out the window sometimes looking for you! The poor woman feels like she's lost another child. Ron and I could have both used our best friend through everything that's happened. Hell, the entire wizarding world would be doing alot better if their savior hadn't disappeared!"

Harry threw his hands up. "Oh yes, because the fate of the entire wizarding world is my responsibility!" Harry stood up. "I did my part. I took out that bloody idiot. It's time everyone stepped up and realized that their fates no longer rest on some kid and a bloody prophecy that's already been fulfilled!" He was breathing deeply as he tried to rein in his anger.

Hermione had stopped and was staring at Harry. She took a deep breath before she said softly, "I didn't mean it like that, Harry. It's just that...well, most need someone to look to and, with Dumbledore gone, that someone is you. They just need to know that someone is out there if dark times come again."

Harry sighed as his anger vanished. He sank back to the couch and slumped forward. "I can't protect everyone for the rest of my life, Hermione."

Hermione came around and sat next to him on the couch, placing a hand on his shoulder. "No one is expecting that of you, Harry. But with the war just ending, everyone feels a bit vulnerable and knowing you're around just makes them feel safer."

He shook his head before looking up to meet her eyes. She could see the helplessness in his eyes. "I didn't ask for any of this."

She pulled him to her, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. She rested her head on his shoulder as she felt his arms come around her. "I know," she whispered.

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Please R&R!