A/N: Since I got this chapter done quicker than I had hoped, I am posting it a day or two before I was going to. In the reviews, many of you felt that I would stop writing if I didn't get too many reviews. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I promised that the chapters would get longer, and this one is considerably longer than the previous ones.

P.S. I'm looking for a beta, so if anyone is interested, tell me.

DISCLAIMER: As usual, Harry Potter and Co. belong to JK Rowling alone and not me.

********

Harry apparated near the Burrow's broom shed. Looking at the old wooden shed, he couldn't believe that just that morning he was dreaming about him and Hermione making out in there.

The battle still raged in his head about his feelings for Hermione. He knew definitely after seeing her today that there was something more than just a crush. He really liked her, or maybe even…loved her.

Ahh! STOP IT! STOP IT! SHE—IS—YOUR—BEST—FRIEND!!!

But maybe she feels the same way about me

But maybe she doesn't and no way are you risking your friendship with Hermione.

Harry was awoken from his thoughts by a crack and a second later Hermione was standing next to him. She smiled at him and said, “Thanks a lot Harry for convincing my parents Harry.”

Harry smiled back at her and replied, “Don't worry; Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without you. How would I pass potions?” He looked at her innocently, holding back his laughter.

Hermione shot him an indignant look before she saw that playful glint in his eyes and burst into laughter along with Harry. Then Harry stopped and spoke seriously, “I meant every word of what I said Hermione. I'll always be there to protect you.”

He received a smile and a tight hug from Hermione, “I know you will Harry. I know you will.” She said, as they broke apart. Harry nodded his head to the Burrow, silently asking her if she was ready to go; Hermione nodded. They both began walking towards the door and Harry knocked at the door.

Half a minute later a worried voice behind the door asked, “Who is it?” Harry immediately recognized it to be Mrs. Weasley's. He replied, “It's me Mrs. Weasley, Harry. And Hermione is with me as well.”

Molly opened the door and quickly ushered them inside the house, as if there was a thunderstorm outside. “Where have you two been?” she asked anxiously. Not giving them a chance to speak she continued, “I was worried. Oh, and Happy Birthday Harry dear.”

“Thanks. Oh…eh…McGonagall had called us to Hogwarts.” Harry replied truthfully. “Oh really? Why?” Molly asked. Harry looked at Hermione questioningly, who nodded and he continued, “Well, they're re-opening Hogwarts.”

“What? After Dumbledore…why…how…I mean, nobody's going to come.” Molly replied.

Harry cut in however, “It was Dumbledore's wish, and they are respecting that. And, because they couldn't find any DADA teacher, Hermione and I are going to fill in.”

Mrs. Weasley's eyes widened and she was opening her mouth to disagree, before closing it again. It seemed she realised that the two teenagers in front of her weren't little children anymore. Then she said, “Well, Ron and Ginny are going. Hogwarts is quite safe even without Dumbledore, probably safer than the Burrow.”

Harry nodded and said, “Professor McGonagall said that more people would come back if I taught.”

“I expect that's true. I think Arthur might know more about this though.”

“Yeah, I think they're sending the letters today.” Harry said. “Where's Ron Mrs. Weasley?”

“Oh, he's just gone to visit Fred and George since you were late. I expect him to be back any minute. I have to go to the kitchen now. Why don't you go upstairs to your rooms? Your trunks arrived in the morning, which is why I was a bit worried.”

Harry and Hermione nodded and made their way up the stairs. In one room, a certain red head and an angelic female with silvery hair were kissing furiously. Hermione blushed crimson and Harry called out, “Hey Bill! Get a room!”

The man broke apart and looked at Harry. His face broke into a grin. His face was still scarred, but otherwise he seemed normal. “We had one until you came by! When did you arrive?” Fleur waved from her spot beside her fiancé.

Harry and Hermione waved back and Hermione asked, “When's the big day?”

“August the 20^th.” Bill replied simply and Harry said, “Well, we'll leave you two here so. And some advice, close the door.” He grinned at Bill who grinned back. Fleur just looked eager to get back to what they had been doing. Harry and Hermione continued their trek upstairs. “Well, this is my stop.” Hermione announced outside a door. She opened it and inside a pretty red haired girl was reading a book. She looked up at Harry and Hermione and smiled. Practically jumping from the bed, she jumped at the two newcomers.

“Hey, how are you two?” she asked. She gave Hermione a sisterly hug and then went up to Harry. She stood on her toes to kiss him but Harry quickly turned his face so Ginny only got his cheek.

There was a second of awkwardness between Harry and Ginny and Hermione was feeling quite uncomfortable but thankfully Ron came bursting inside. “Harry! Hermione! How are you? And Happy Birthday mate! You made it to seventeen alive!” the last comment earned him a scowl from Ginny and an angry glare from Hermione.

“Thanks, how are you?” Harry asked grinning.

“Good, good. So, you got any news?” Ron asked.

“I'll tell you later.” Harry replied grinning. The four sat there and chatted for a while. Ginny and Ron were quite surprised when Harry revealed that Hogwarts was going to stay open and were even more surprised when Harry said that he would be going back. Then Ginny excused herself and the trio went up to Ron's room where Harry's trunk and Hedwig were.

Ron turned to Harry and Hermione and asked, “So what exactly happened at Hogwarts? I know you two were hiding something from Ginny.

Harry looked at Hermione awkwardly. Taking a deep breath he thought that direct-approach would be best. “Dumbledore is alive Ron.”

“Huh?!” Ron exclaimed. “But…he…didn't he…” he stuttered.

Harry shook his head and said, “Sit down, we'd better tell you everything.”

Over the next hour Harry and Hermione told Ron what happened during their visit in Hogwarts. Ron's face grew from surprised to astonished, to completely flabbergasted by the end of the explanation.

“So you can't tell anyone at all. Only seven people now know that Dumbledore is alive.”

Then Ron asked, “Of course, but I still don't understand. Why were only the two of you called?” At this Harry and Hermione felt really uncomfortable. They had purposefully kept the information, that Harry and Hermione were teachers, out. They knew Ron could easily get jealous and feel left out at the very least. However at that instant an owl came fluttering in the window. It dropped a letter in Ron's hands and then left.

“It's the letter from Hogwarts.” Ron informed them, “Where are yours?”

“We already got them from McGonagall.” Hermione said, “Ron, I think there is one more thing that you need to know, actually two- Harry and I are Head Boy and Girl.” They waited for Ron's reaction and were somewhat surprised.

Although a glint of jealousy was clearly visible for a second or two, he got over it quickly and replied, “I guess I knew it was going to be you two. Even though Harry wasn't a prefect. Ha, this means you guys give me orders! So, what`s the other news?”

Harry pretended to look away at something outside the window at this. Hermione took a deep breath and started, “Ron, Harry and I are also the Defence Against The Dark Arts teachers this year.” This time the effects were not suppressible. Ron's face slowly grew miserable and then changed to anger. Harry sighed; he had known that Ron would not like the changes that had occurred this year.

Hermione continued, “They didn't have any applicants so they chose Harry and me to teach.”

“What's this about you two teaching? I did as much as you guys in the past. What? I'm not good enough now?” Ron asked his voice getting a bit louder with every syllable.

“Ron… please calm down. We didn't ask for this.” Hermione pleaded.

“I'm sure. Just leave me alone you two. I bet you were having a great time together, weren't you?” Ron snarled furiously. “Maybe getting in a few moments snogging each other as well.” Hermione visibly blushed and Harry blew up.

“RON! Would ever calm down? You don't understand! We didn`t ask for this! And you know there's nothing between Hermione and me!” Harry asked going over to him. Due to his position, he never saw the slight fall in Hermione's face.

“Oh! Poor Ronnie, he doesn't understand anything. Always following the great Harry Potter as his trusty sidekick. Leave me alone Harry. I need some time alone. Not that you two need me anyway. Have fun shagging!” Ron exclaimed and he stormed off.

Harry sighed and kicked the wardrobe in the corner of the room in fury. Hermione watched him as he sat on the bed and buried his hands in his face. Anger started to boil in her head towards Ron. As if Harry didn't have enough to worry about. Then she went outside to find a certain pissed-off red head.

She went into the kitchen where a confused Molly Weasley was standing. She had obviously encountered Ron and saw in surprise as Hermione followed his footsteps to the basement.

She found him sitting on a barrel, face in arms, and muttering insults towards Harry and her. Thinking she should try the calm approach she called, “Ron?” She went up to him and put a hand on his shoulder, “Leave me alone Hermione,” came the muffled reply.

“Look, Harry didn't ask for those things to happen you know and neither did I.” Ron looked up and said, “No, you're okay Hermione. It's just him. He always gets everything. I'm just a poor sidekick. The one who always helped him but always falls into the shadows. I'm nobody. It's always Harry this and Harry that.”

At this Hermione was starting to get a little angry. Ron was so stubborn and green-eyed. “Open your letter Ron.” Hermione said firmly thrusting it into Ron's chest.

He looked at it briefly and then unsealed it. Ron gasped as a badge fell out first thing, a crimson one, the one Ron had always seen Charlie wear, the one he had always dreamed about, the one which had the gold letters spelling “Gryffindor Captain” on top of it.

Hermione smirked at the surprised expression on his face. “Yes Ron. Harry does care about you, why do you think that's there?” Hermione said, “Harry gave it up for you, because he knew this might happen. Too bad he never truly recognized you. You're always jealous of Harry because he has the spotlight. Well, open your eyes, have you ever seen him happy, smiling like he used to before Sirius died or before Voldemort came back. He's always worried. Would you like the weight of the prophecy on top of you, because I'm sure he would instantly give it up if he could. Harry has more problems than you'll ever have and for that you should be thankful. But you have something he always wanted - a big and loving family. You have a mother that loves you, brothers to call your own and even a little sister. The only living relatives Harry has are a bunch of idiots who force him to live cupboards and mistreat him. I'm just sorry you don't appreciate what you have Ron.” And with that said Hermione got up fully intending to go up to Harry's room to be with him.

However, Ron's voice stopped her; “Hermione?” he called out, She stopped at the stairs leading up. “Do you like him?”

Hermione's hand on the doorknob froze. “Do you like him Hermione?” Ron repeated firmly. Millions of thoughts went through Hermione's mind at that instant. Hermione, who could always produce an answer with a three-foot essay and a diagram, was stumbled for an answer. Not that she didn't know what the truth was, no, she was scared of what could happen if it was revealed. The trio could very well split up on this decision, but she couldn't shamelessly lie to one of her best friends. As the panic took control of Hermione's mind, she just opened the door and ran out of the basement. Ron was sure he heard a sob before she left.

******

Hermione ran upstairs to her bedroom. As she did so, she vaguely heard some moans coming from Bill's room. However, she could barely hear them as her head was pounding with thoughts of what had just happened. It was never meant to be this way, ever. This secret, this secret that had been kept buried for over a year now had just come out to the last person that Hermione wanted it to; other than Harry of course.

It was true, it was true! Hermione loved Harry and had been doing so for the past year and a half. She discovered her true feelings for the raven-haired hero when she saw him gazing fondly at Cho Chang.

Jealously had sprung up in her heart like a sleeping tiger having been rudely woken up. God, she had wanted to hex Cho so bad, even considering using a Confundus charm on her so that Cho would make a fool of herself in front of the whole school but more importantly Harry. But no, she refrained from stooping so low. If Harry and she were meant to be, Harry would realize it himself.

Hermione had nearly jumped for joy when Cho broke up with Harry, and even more hilarious was that it was because of her, however unintentional it might have been. She had almost gone and told Harry her feelings but she waited, she waited for him to figure it out for himself, not those thoughts being hammered into his brain after a major break-up.

Then came sixth year and Hermione went to Hogwarts with high hopes, thinking that she might finally break the news as it was getting too long and Harry was an extremely wanted guy in the school. But her hopes and dreams were shattered again; this time by none other than her best friend-Ginny Weasley.

As the year progressed, it was clear to Hermione sharp eyes and mind that Harry and Ginny were harbouring unspoken crushes on each other. Her heart broke up into a million pieces, again. Now thinking that she had absolutely no chance at all with the man of her dreams, she turned to her other best friend.

You see, Hermione believed that the most important part in a relationship was a strong friendship. And that ruled out everyone except for Harry and Ron. Guess who was the lucky one? Yes, Hermione tried to grab the attention of Ronald Wealsey. She knew that Ron liked her a bit at least, as everyone knew that Ron liked Hermione and Hermione liked Ron. That would have been and in some effect still true.

Then came the `Lav-Lav fiasco' as Hermione put it. As she remembered the tale of events last year, she couldn't help but let out a small and sarcastic laugh. She couldn't believe it. Her last hope was gone as well. She was so upset that even Ron didn't like her that she had made a really good impression of being jealous of Lavender. Secretly, Hermione knew that she wanted to date Ron to make Harry jealous. However knowing that it was wrong, Hermione used her last option. She tried to cut herself away from Harry, that was the only way to get over him. Focus a lot more on her studies was what she was going to do. However as fate would have it, she ended up getting closer to Harry than ever before as a result of Rona and Lavender taking `snog breaks'. But then, as earlier mentioned Harry got together with Ginny and Ron broke up with Lavender. And to the end of the last year, Hermione could feel her heart get swallowed in the sea of despair, as getting together with Ron was what was expected of her. It had always been `Harry and Ginny' and `Ron and Hermione'.

“Great, my life sounds like a soap opera!” Hermione muttered as she buried her head deeper into her crossed arms. Tears that had stopped were spilling out again and Hermione felt sleep overcome her…

And then…

A knock. Hermione ignored it.

Another knock. She ignored it again.

Finally someone came inside the dark room. Hermione knew instantly without even looking up, that it was Harry. There was something about him, probably his smell that was second nature to Hermione now.

“Hermione?” Harry questioned. “Hermione are you alright?”

“Go away Harry.” Hermione muttered.

“No, what did Ron say? If he laid so much as a finger on you, I swear to god, I will kill him.” Harry growled. Hermione couldn't help but smile at the fact that Harry cared that much for her.

“No, it's alright. Just got caught up.”

“Stop. You know you can't lie to me Hermione. Look at me.” Harry slowly raised her chin so that she was staring directly into his emerald orbs that had captured her heart years ago. She forced a smile and replied, “Don't worry about it Harry. It's nothing.”

“Hermione!” Harry exclaimed frustrated now. “Just tell me, what's the matter? I'm your friend dammit!”

That sentence flared the bottled up anger in her heart, even though her brain was frantically trying to stop her. Before it could have any effect Hermione replied menacingly, “ALRIGHT! You want to know the truth Harry? I'm sick of being your friend. I'm sick of having to give you advice on girls and helping you in potions and what not. I'm sick of it Harry! I'm sick of it!”

Harry's eyes grew wide as her tone grew louder. When she finally did stop, anyone could see the hurt in the boy's eyes and she felt pathetic. If there was one thing that's she never did, or at least tried not to do, it was fight with Harry. “I'm sorry Hermione. I understand; you don't have to…” he spoke softly and got up to leave the room.

As Harry's hand turned the doorknob, he felt a soft and delicate touch on his shoulder. He turned around to see Hermione looking at him with tears in her eyes. “All I ever wanted was something more than friendship Harry….that's all I ever hoped for.” she said softly, “because, I'm hopelessly in love with you. I can't eat, sleep or do anything without thinking about you. I'm sorry.” she muttered and her gaze dropped.

Harry's eyes widened and he looked as if he had been hit by a bullet. “You're ki-kidding right Hermione?” he asked, but one look at her face and he knew she wasn't.

Putting a shaking hand to her cheek, he pulled her eyes towards his own and shakily started talking, “I'm really sorry I made you feel that way Hermione. I'm so sorry Hermione, I'm really very sorry. But you know how I feel about Ginny, Hermione I think I'm in love with her. I just want to keep her safe from Voldemort. Please, I hope you understand…”

Hermione closed her eyes and felt fresh tears warming her cheeks. Sobbing she put up her hand telling him to stop talking. “Just stop. Go, Harry…j-just leave me alone.” she replied.

“I'm sorry Hermione.” Harry muttered and left the room.

Hermione closed the door behind her and fell to the floor, crying and sobbing profusely. She ended up in the same position as some time ago. There, it was clear. Any hope her heart had been shattered now. As she cried she felt her swimming and her mind go blank until…

“HERMIONE!!” someone was shouting outside the door. It was Mrs. Weasley calling her for dinner. “Coming in a bit.” Hermione replied. She got up and looked at the clock, 8:00, she had slept for hours and then reality hit her in the face. Letting out a small laugh in relief she whispered, “It was a dream. IT WAS A DREAM! Thank god.” Getting up, she noticed that her hair was all crumpled up and long stains of dried tears marked her face. After stopping at the bathroom to clean up her face, Hermione skipped downstairs for dinner, she was famished and thanks to her relief, had momentarily forgotten her sorrows.