The Promise

Hermione stood in the doorway unable to move, barely breathing. She could feel her heart tighten at the sight of Harry. Hermione's thoughts instantly drifted back to that final day at the train station:

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That was the last time she had saw him. While he still had the same features, he had matured greatly since that last train ride. He had broad shoulders and his skin was darker, like he'd been working in the sun. and his eyes were a darker green than they had been when they were children. More than just his physical appearance had changed. Harry seemed filled with wisdom beyond his years, you could see it in his emerald green eyes, which looked so intense.

"Hermione...", was all Harry said and she couldn't tell by his paling face if he was glad to see her or terrified she had come back.

Harry felt weak in the knees. Hermione was standing at his door. The same Hermione who he had left ten years ago, his best friend... his love. Harry had dreamed of this day, longed for it... so why was he speechless?

"Hermione, I...I...I..." he stuttered. Hermione smiled at him, despite his lack of words.

"Hermione, I'm sorry I just... I can't believe it's you. You look amazing." Amazing, beautiful was more like it. Her appearance had change drastically over their time apart. She had now tamed her locks which wound down to her shoulders in gorgeous honey brown twist. She wore a light yellow sundress which undoubtedly showed off her much developed figure. She also had an air about her that made her seem as though she ruled the world, yet Harry could tell she still had the fun, kind heart he fell in love with.

"And you," said Hermione remembering her early thoughts, "you look so handsome and mature. Are you sure you're still the same Mr. Potter who got me into the worst kinds of trouble?"

"Guilty as charged"

There was an awkward pause. Hermione quietly laughed at the irony of it all. She looked up at Harry, tears forming in her eyes, despite how hard she tried to fight them.

"I've really missed you, you know?" Regardless of their distance over the years, something about being together pulled them closer. There was a passion, though now smothered, waiting to be fanned into the roaring flames it once was.

With that, Hermione stepped forward, slowly putting her arms around Harry's neck. As they closed the space between them, she could feel his strong hands at her waist pulling her close into a hug

As they tightened the embrace, tears continued to fall from Hermione's eyes. It felt so good to be back in his arms, she had dreamed of it for many years. There was such power and protection in those arms yet an equal amount of love and kindness was present.

"I've missed you too" Harry replied, pulling her closer, soaking in her smell and touch and all the things he had longed for with every fibre of his being for the past ten years.

As sudden as Hermione's memories of her days with Harry entered her mind, they were clouded with the thoughts of her family, particularly Charles. She was ready to giver her life to him, yet why was she here with Harry after so long? Saddened and confused Hermione stepped back from the embrace and stared at him.

The two stood there just looking at each other for what seemed like an eternity before Harry spoke. Being with her felt both awkward and right at the same time and Harry wasn't sure he was about to do the right thing. Then again, he though, I swore I would never lose her again, not after the last time.

"Hermione, please come in, we have so much to catch up on and I was just getting ready to prepare lunch, I'll make you something. You'd really be surprised, I'm quite a good cook." Harry smiled hopefully at her.

" Oh no really I can't. I need to be going. I'm dreadfully sorry." With that Hermione turned around and began to walk quickly down the stairs.

Just as she turned, Harry placed his warm hand on her bare shoulder.

"Hermione, I know you didn't show up after ten years of silence just to say 'Hello'".

Hermione froze. Harry knew her too well, but was she ready to face the consequences if she stayed...even just for lunch?