What's Love Got to Do With It?

CHAPTER ONE: "Someone's Changed"

"Everyone come to the door! Harry has just arrived!" exclaimed a very excited Mrs. Weasley. She had grown to become even more attached to her family ever since Voldemort had re-emerged with more power and followers than ever before.

"How're you, Mrs. Weasley?" asked a very worn out Harry. All of the traveling that was required in order to help keep the young wizard out of the Death Eaters' reach had finally begun to catch up with him. It would be quite nice to spend the rest of the summer holidays relaxing with his friends. Dumbledore had finally enchanted the Weasley house to make it completely safe.

"Why I'm just fine. My, do you ever seem tired... I'll make it my duty to ensure that you regain your strength while you're staying with us. Everyone is so excited that you've finally arrived. Now how about some breakfast? You're looking skinnier than ever!" said Mrs. Weasley with a truly concerned look on her face.

"Sounds like just what I need," replied Harry.

"Harry! Why it's been ages!" exclaimed Hermione. And with that she quickly embraced him in a tight hug.

"Hey Hermione. Wow, you look great," stuttered an astonished Harry as he pulled away to examine his old friend. And she truly did. The time spent vacationing in Aruba had been good to Hermione. The tan was slowly fading, but there was something different in her presence. Over the summer, Hermione had indeed done a lot of growing up in a short amount of time. Her new figure was more womanly, and embarrassingly enough, Harry had noticed some new *assets*, which had definitely not held prominence before. He now saw makeup on that familiar face, and it just reinforced the fact that she had matured.

"Harry! How're you doing?" asked Ron. It seemed as if he had grown yet another half of a foot over the course of a couple of weeks. Ron seemed less wiry than he had been. While Harry had grown thinner, Ron had filled out a little bit. There was now more muscle to his physique.

Ron then approached Hermione and slid his arm around her slender waist. Harry was a little taken aback. He'd always known that Ron and Hermione had secretly like each other, but seeing their feelings become actions rather surprised Harry. It was, after all, a little odd to see his two best mates now so at ease with expressing their fondness.

"Are Fred, George, or Ginny here?" inquired Harry.

"No dear, Fred, George and Ginny are al staying with friends for a couple of weeks," answered Mrs. Weasley, who was scampering about trying to put together a meal.

Ever since Harry and Ginny had split, Harry had felt a little lonely. It had been sort a mutual agreement, with both deciding that it would be too difficult to keep a relationship going because Harry was away all the time. Ginny was, after all, a budding socialite. She was well liked by her year, and had no trouble attracting boys. Ginny didn't want to wait around any longer for the time when they could be together. Harry had secretly looked forward to his stay at the Weasleys', which might have brought about a possible Harry-Ginny reunion.

"Ron, why don't you show Harry to your room?" suggested Mrs. Weasley. "Hermione, would you mind helping me with the cooking?"

"Of course not," replied Hermione.

Ron released his grasp on her and began heading upstairs. Harry gathered his things and proceeded to follow.

"Would you like some help with that?" asked Ron.

"No that's alright. I've got it."

"Just let me help. It'll be no trouble," and with that Ron took some of the load away. He carried it with such ease that Harry became a little envious of his old friend.

As they approached Ron's room, the two boys became eager to share the stories of their travels and experiences. Harry especially wanted to know what was going on with Hermione.

"So what have you been up to?" said Harry, as he began to unpack.

"Well I've been helping around the house quite a bit. Other than that, not much," replied Ron, who had taken a seat on his bed.

Harry sensed that this was not the full truth, but did nothing to acknowledge this.

"What's going on with you and Hermione?" further inquired Harry.

"To tell you the truth I don't really know. Did you see her? Did you notice how much she's changed? I mean, she was pretty before, but now it's just like wow."

"Are you two together?"

"Well, we've been getting along pretty well, if you know what I mean. There's definitely a flirtier aspect to our relationship. I'd ask her out, but I just haven't got the nerves for it. I'm hoping things fall together and that I never really have to."

At this point in the conversation Ron turned towards Harry, searching his face for a reaction. Harry plastered on a grin.

"That's great man. Just great. She seemed to really like you downstairs." Truth be told, Harry had no idea how to respond to all the new information that was being presented to him. He liked the idea of Ron finding a girl, but Hermione? And he couldn't deny that he himself was attracted to her as well...

"Boys! The food's ready!" shouted Mrs. Weasley.

They headed downstairs and proceeded to feast on omelettes, pancakes, and sausage.

"So Hermione, how was your trip?" asked Harry.

"The beaches were beautiful and I never wanted to leave. The parties weren't so bad either..." she said with an air of mischief.

In the mean time, Ron had turned to argue with his mother over whether he could get a new broomstick or not.

"But Mum it's so outdated... I'll never hold my position on the quidditch team if I still have to fly on that ratty old thing."

"Excuse me but that "ratty old thing" cost us a fortune."

With Hermione's attention all to himself, Harry took advantage of this opportunity to further learn of her and Ron's courtship.

"So have there been any new men in your life Hermione?" inquired Harry.

She started to giggle. "Any new men in my life?"

Harry's face grew scarlet and he started to rephrase, "I mean, it seems as if you're getting along with Ron quite well and I was wondering what was going on..."

She leaned in and whispered, "If I were you, I wouldn't be too concerned. It's not like we're dating or anything..."

Hermione then placed her hand demurely atop Harry's knee and rested it there. This "under the table action" had caught Harry off guard, and he once again turned scarlet.

"It's alright," said Hermione with a devious air to her voice.

After breakfast, Ron had gone to help out his mother in the garden.

"The only reason I'm doing this is so that she lets me get a new broom..." he had muttered on his way out.

Harry and Hermione were now left to do as they wished for the rest of the day. The departure of Ron and Mrs. Weasley had left an awkward silence. Harry pulled away from Hermione's hand, which had still been resting upon his knee.

"Umm... I think I'm going to take a walk. I'll be out in the garden," Harry said shakily.

"Alright then. I'm going to go call up some of my muggle friends. I'll catch up with you later," replied Hermione as she too stood up from the table.

Harry made his way out the door and started upon the familiar path that he always followed when he was in need of a good think.

"I always used to like Hermione... But that was before and she's just so different now. But then again, hasn't she just gotten better? But what about Ron? He hasn't got a clue that she doesn't return his fancy," Harry thought to himself.

It was a beautiful day, with the sun high above his head. Harry stopped under a giant tree and sat upon a large rock. The shade it gave him created a safe and dark haven, perfect for pondering.

"It's not like Ron's asked her out or anything, so technically she's fair game, but surely if I make my move, then that would ruin mine and Ron's friendship..." considered Harry. He decided that the best thing to do would be to talk to Ron about this dilemma. Maybe they could reach an agreement. But for now, Harry laid back and started enjoying the day.

"Harry, wake up!" said Hermione excitedly. She had begun shaking him.

"What? What's going on?"

"You must have fallen asleep."

"Oh. So what's going on?" asked Harry. He looked at Hermione, but more specifically his eyes fell upon her miniskirt, which he assumed had been purchased not too long ago. It seemed way too short to actually be functionable, however, it did her legs justice. The old Hermione would never have dressed like this. It seemed as if she really was turning over a new leaf.

"Well, I've just gotten word from a friend who lives in Florida that her parents have rented two beach houses in South Beach. I met her when I was vacationing in Aruba. Her name is Rachel. She's not a muggle but her parents are, sort of like me and my situation. She's invited all three of us, me, you, and Ron, to come stay with her for a week. Her parents will be in one house and the kids get the other. She'll be bringing some other friends as well. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? I've already asked Mrs. Weasley and she said it's okay. Pack your bags!"