After all this time

Going home

Hermione's point of view

I had gotten to work just fine. Seated at my desk, I stared at the black wall for Merlin knows how long. I couldn't focus. No matter how hard I tried, my mind kept wandering back to Ron and our conversation. I felt awful, I hadn't seen him in five years and all I did was pester him and stutter.

Yet, even though I felt, well, I had no idea, I couldn't help but notice the familiar, warm, fuzzy feeling that I hadn't had in such a long time. It reminded me of the way I felt when I was back at the Burrow. Surrounded by the people I was so lucky to call family.

I can't help but to wonder about what would've happened if I had come back when I was supposed to. I know that I'm with Jacob now and he makes me happy, but a part of me lit up when I saw Ron today. It was like all the old feelings and memories came back as soon as I saw him.

I can't be thinking about this though. I have a job, an amazing boyfriend, and a completely new life.

"Earth to Hermione!" My best friend Emily was standing in front of me waving her hand in my face.

Snapping out of my trance, a little embarrassed, I looked up and saw a stack of papers being shoved in my face.

"Oh sorry." I said taking them from her.

"What's up with you? You've been out of it all day, like you're not even you." She asked, a concerned look on her face.

"I'm fine." I lied.

"You're not fine. What happened?" She was obviously not buying it.

"It's just been a really long morning." I said trying to drag my mind away from Ron and back to the task at hand; getting through these stacks of papers.

"You look like you need a girl's night. Want to come to my place tonight and talk?" She asked me

It's times like these that I am so thankful for friends like Emily.

"Yes, that actually sounds perfect." I smiled up at her.

"Okay, good. Now finish your work so we can get out of here and into some chocolate." She said with a big grin.

"Yes ma'am." I said and I couldn't help the smile on my face.

The rest of the day wasn't bad since I had something to look forward to. Maybe this was going to be a good day after all.

I got off work around four o'clock and told Emily that I needed to go see Jacob before I came over. I arrived at my flat to see Jacob sitting on my front porch with flowers.

"Hi beautiful," He said while smiling.

"Hi!" Before I could continue he pressed his lips to mine. Again, I found myself forgetting about life's worries and melting at his touch.

When he pulled away, I was shoved back into reality once again.

"Hey, uh, I know I said I was all yours tonight, but Emily is having a mental breakdown and she asked if I could come over for a girl's night. Would you mind if I postponed our night for tomorrow?" I mumbled quietly.

I know that wasn't completely true but I needed to talk to someone. I didn't know who, but it couldn't be him. I wasn't even sure if talking to Emily was a good idea.

I noticed him staring at me. I felt my face warm as a blush crept its way onto my cheeks.

"Fine, I guess what I need to tell you can wait until tomorrow night." He said sighing, pouting like a five year old. I wouldn't tell him this, but I thought it was adorable.