Falling Twice [Harmione]

I'll be your Sam

Past

July 2002

Harry sat beneath the shade of a large tree in the park. Hermione was cuddled against his side while they watched Teddy do loopy figure eights on his baby broom. Hermione's hand lightly clasped a bit of fabric from his shirt as if to make sure he wouldn't move. The warm sunlight dappled through the tree branches to highlight the lighter golden tones in the dark brown of Hermione's curly hair.

Harry reveled in the happy quietness of the moment. In the affectionate weight of his best friend pressed against him. In the occasional giggles that drifted from Teddy as he made his circles barely two feet up in the air. A summer breeze ruffled Harry's hair and the scent of vanilla and books enveloped him comfortingly.

He wanted to bury his nose in her hair, but he restrained himself. Not yet. But maybe soon he could. There were less of those moments where Hermione pulled away from him. Where she made a sad, pensive face and refused to admit anything was wrong. It had been a slow, difficult process, getting Hermione as comfortable with him as she had been during their school years.

Before the war and Ron happened.

Before Ron had ruined everything coming back. Before Hermione had turned away from him in favor of Ron. Before Ron had done something to break her, making her timid and afraid. Hermione was different now than she had been before everything, quieter and strangely softer. The exuberant affection and flashes of anger she had shown Harry so easily before the war were much rarer. The times when she would wrap her arms tightly around him at the least provocation were a thing mostly of the past. Now her physical affection was softer, more hesitant, and Harry treasured every time she curled up near him, her side pressed against him.

Because now Harry knew exactly how it could be between them. How easily friendship and intimacy crossed the line into love. And Harry intended that this time he and Hermione would go about it the right way. It was almost like magic in the air, a buzz of anticipation. Like destiny. As if everything in his life had been driving towards happily ever with her even if he hadn't realized it at first.

All hardship and the grief of his childhood and teenage years, it had all been so fucking worth it. It was worth it to be in this moment sitting in the sunshine with his best friend, listening to the childish giggles of his godson playing near them.

"What are you thinking about?" Hermione asked quietly.

Harry knew better than to admit what he was thinking, so instead offered, "Andromeda. Even with her saying it was just a cold, she just looked so tired when we picked up Teddy."

Hermione made a sound of agreement. "Life took a lot away from her."

"The war did, you mean." Harry restrained a sigh when she stiffened. After several long moments, Hermione still didn't respond or look up at him, her gaze fixed on Teddy making his loops. Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulders, giving her a squeeze. "Did I upset you?"

"No."

Harry lowered his head to press a quick kiss to her forehead. "I want you to be happy."

Hermione finally looked at him, her eyes shadowed. "I am happy."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Harry looked at her, and she held his gaze for only a moment before looking away towards Teddy still playing. "You're not happy enough yet, though."

A small smile curved her lips. "You're being a bit silly, I'm plenty happy."

"Let's see we could watch one of those terrible romantic comedies you love."