Where I Belong (Dramione Fanfiction)

Chapter 1: The First Meeting

"You ready to go, Hermione?" Harry asked as he entered Hermione's room.

"Yes, Harry. Just give me a minute." Hermione looked at herself in the mirror once again as she took a deep breathe and let it out slowly.

"We can always reschedule if you're not ready for this," Harry said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"No, Harry. I am ready. It's just been a long time and....." Hermione trailed off. She shook her head and said, "Let's do this," faking confidence.

Harry could sense the uncertainty in his best friend's voice but let it go. This day was inevitable and they both knew that there was no point in avoiding it any longer.

Harry and Hermione apparated to the leaky cauldron and heard a familiar voice call out to them.

"Harry! Hermione!"

They both turned around at the sound of his voice and were pulled into a bone crushing hug.

"It's good to see you, Ronald. It's been a long time," Hermione said with a smile.

"Good to see you, too. And yes, it has indeed, been a long time," Ron said sincerely.

"Why don't we sit?" Harry said, gesturing to a table nearby, interrupting the slightly awkward conversation.

"Would you mind if we dine at a muggle restaurant? I don't want to face the press tonight. I just got back and i don't want the whole  wizarding world to know about that yet," Hermione said.

"Of course, 'Mione," assured Ron.

"So, did you enjoy your vacation? I haven't seen you in what, 2 years?" Ron mumbled through a mouth full of food.

"You of all people Ron, know that it was not a vacation," Hermione said sternly. "You know i didn't go away for fun or enjoyment. It was my job to--"

"But what took you so long?" Ron enquired.

"If you want to fight or question my judgement, Ronald, don't bother because I'm out of here," Hermione stood up and was about to leave when Ron took a hold of her wrist.

"I'm sorry, 'Mione. I didn't mean to sound inquisitive. I am just worried about you. You are my best friend and i don't want to lose you. You have changed quite a bit, you know."

"For the better, too. I just thought it was time i got rid of my old self that no one liked so that's exactly what i did," Hermione said, shrugging it off.

"Everyone here likes you. Don't ever feel that way because it's not true," Ron said looking into her eyes.

Harry saw the conversation turning to a topic that would surely end this night in disaster so he changed the topic, "Guys, don't forget i am here too. How can you forget the boy-who-lived?" He asked with a chuckle.

"Sorry Harry. So tell us, how is Ginny?" Hermione winked suggestively.

"Hey, that's my sister you're talking about! I already have to cope with the two of them being together, I don't want all the details," Ron cried.

"Don't worry, Ron. No details for you. Hermione, Ginny can tell you all of that during one of your girl talks. You guys also have a lot of catching up to do, probably more than we do," Harry said, laughing.

"Yes, we do. I'm glad I'm finally home," Hermione smiled at her two best friends.

While walking out of the diner, Hermione thought, Well, that was not so bad after all and smiled to herself as she apparated to her house.