The new face of evil - 8 years out

"Fine, let's talk," Harry said and Hermione started to walk outside but was stopped. "No. I don't want them to see us leave. Too many questions." Harry held out his hand and as soon as Hermione touched it they were down by the lake. Harry quickly let go of her hand and waited for her to say something.

"Is it ever going to get any better between us?" she asked still stunned at being taken away suddenly.

Harry thought for a second and said, "I don't see why it should. We don't make a scene the little time we're together so no one is bothered."

"I don't understand why this got so bad. Why did what happen cause all of this?" she asked.

Harry looked like he was choosing his words carefully. "You obviously never knew me Hermione and I must not have ever really known you."

"Harry I really don't know what was so bad. I don't regret what we did, I thought it was wonderful."

"I regret losing my best friend Hermione. That's what I regret," Harry replied quickly.

"You didn't have to lose your friend Harry. We could have still been friends."

"Now that's a common line. We could still be friends. Isn't it the guy who usually says that just after he screws someone and leaves town?" Harry said a little more sarcastically than he meant.

"That's not nice Harry. You knew I was going to Venice. That wasn't a surprise."

"But, I didn't know that you were going to tell me not to come with you. Why did you leave that little piece of information out?" he asked.

"I just needed to do this on my own."

"Then you should have told me that before. You used me Hermione. Plain and simple. You hid information from me and used me to get something you wanted. Then you just threw me away," Harry said sadly.

"That's not true. Maybe I should have told you before. But I never threw you away. You knew how important that job was to me. You knew I wouldn't stay..." she was saying but Harry cut her off.

"Don't talk to me about that job. I wanted you to get it. I was happy for you. I always encouraged you to go do whatever you wanted. I always supported you with your career. And you screwed me and left. I'm done talking." Harry grabbed her hand and they were in the kitchen the next second. "I think you need to learn a couple little words before you ever speak to me again." Harry quickly turned and went outside and announced, "I need to be leaving."

They all tried to get him to stay but he turned to face the kitchen and said, "I'm sorry but I can hear the monkeys calling my name now."

Ginny asked, "When will you be back?"

Harry glanced at Mr. Weasley and then just said, "Hopefully before long. Thanks again Mrs. Weasley," Harry said and then was gone.

Ginny went in to find Hermione crying in her bedroom. As soon as Ginny walked in, Hermione hugged her and cried, "He's so cold to me. He's gone." Ginny got Hermione to tell her everything about the conversation.

In the end, Hermione didn't get the comforting she thought she deserved. "He gave you a chance just then Hermione." Hermione looked confused. "Did you even listen to what you were saying? Everything was you and your job and how you felt," Ginny continued.

"I should have known you'd take his side," Hermione said angrily.

"If I thought you were right, I'd take yours just as quick. Think about it from his point of view. Say you had volunteered to come someplace with him and he didn't object. Then, a few days before you both were leaving he would have seduced you into making love for the first time and then told you the next day that he didn't want you to come with him. How would you have felt? Would you at least expect an apology from him?"

Hermione started to open her mouth but Ginny said, "Think about it. Have you ever even once apologized to Harry for treating him like a whore? Because that's how you treated him. Maybe that university changed you because all I see is someone who only thinks about what they want. And I'll be honest. Unless I see a change I'll do everything I can to make sure Harry stays away from you. He's nothing but kind and caring. He cares more about other people and their feelings than his own every time. You saw how he looked tonight. He could have been trying to get some rest but instead he came half-way around the world because he knows we like to have him here."

"I can't believe your saying this to me Ginny," Hermione said.

"You know; me either. You used to be one of my most favorite people in the world and now I see a self-centered woman who doesn't realize yet what all she's thrown away," Ginny added.

"I can tell coming here was a mistake. Tell your mom I appreciate her having me," Hermione said before apparating away. Hermione spent the next day crying alone in her apartment. How could Ginny know what she was feeling? She doesn't know how hard things are for me? Why should I apologize to Harry? He acted like he enjoyed that night.

Later in the day after more thinking Hermione's thoughts softened. Ginny did start her own design business and it is doing well, so she does know that sacrifices need to be made. Harry must be busy and he took time for them. If Harry had made love to me and then told me not to come with him I would be upset as well? Upset? I'd curse him into next week. She thought back to the warmth she felt when Harry was hugging Ruth. God I miss that. "I've just dug myself a deeper hole," she said out loud.

A couple weeks later, wizarding papers all around the world were talking about a huge sting operation.

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Brazilian Task Force Destroys Illegal Potion Smuggling Organization

In a brazen raid, the Brazilian Task Force stormed a camp used by smugglers. These worldwide smugglers were trading illegal potions. These potions have been used to torture wizards and muggles alike throughout the world. Thanks to the effort of the authorities in Brazil who traveled deep into the Amazon Jungle, some major players in this smuggling outfit are now in custody of the authorities.

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Harry and Sirius were having lunch when they read the paper. "What would we do without the Brazilian authorities?" Sirius joked.

"Yes, it's amazing how they were able to locate that camp and take it over so deep in the jungle," Harry joked back. "We did get paid, didn't we?"

Sirius smiled, "We don't get the credit, but we do get the cash."

"It would be simpler if everyone just did the right thing and we didn't have to spend so much money to get these people," Harry said.

"You know this is just the small fish. We've got to get the ones creating this stuff," Sirius said.

"I know; it's just not something I look forward to," Harry responded.

Sirius had been a huge help over the years. He had been the main thing that kept Harry sane through all the craziness. Sirius was very smart when it came to catching criminals. Marauders Inc would not have worked without Sirius calling the shots. He and Remus could almost anticipate what was going to happen. Sirius had even gotten better about not worrying when Harry went out on missions. More than a godfather, Sirius had turned into one of Harry's best friends. What was ironic was that Sirius was Harry's godfather and Harry was Sirius' son, James' godfather.

When Hermione read the paper that evening at home, something about it made her think back. Harry had been in the Amazon and was looking very tired. The way he and the Minister of Magic were talking made it seem like something going on. Come to think of it, over the past couple years there had been quite a few of these crime busts around the wizarding world. She really wished she could talk to Harry about this.

How did things get so out of hand for her? She had started her job with such high hopes. The fact that Harry was upset with her had caused her to work even harder and she rose up in the company quickly. Even that didn't make her happy. She always wanted more and put everything she had into the job. Now she's well respected and controls much of the research but it's not research she would like to be doing. Hermione was very successful in the company she always dreamed of working in but now the company doesn't seem like such a dream. She had the career and respect she always wanted but couldn't help feel that the price was too high. Even her parents had told her to slow down and to enjoy life but she wouldn't listen.

She looked down and reread the note that Ginny had sent last week.

Hermione

I'm sorry things ended badly when you were here. We've been friends too long for me to lie to you. Maybe I shouldn't have said some of the things I did, and I really do want to keep in touch more than we have in the past. If you come back, it may be better to either talk to Harry in private, away from the rest of us or to just go back to making small talk. I really wasn't trying to take his side and I promise that I would stand up for you when I think you're right, even against Harry. I don't think that would be necessary, he has never said a bad word about you.

Everyone enjoyed seeing you and I hope you can come back again or maybe I'll come there when you're not working so much.

How about you try coming over when we're not around all the family. There is a party being held for the opening of a new ward at St. Mungos Hospital. Ron and I are invited (Harry of course will be there). It would be nice to see you outside of a family gathering.

Love.

Ginny

Harry had been able to stay in town for a few weeks and was enjoying watching Ron play Quidditch. Harry would have quit coming to the matches, but since the coach had allowed him to start staying in the team box so he didn't have to deal with the press and people always wanting to talk to him. In this respect, he and Ron were complete opposites. Ron loved the attention and spent a lot of time talking to all the reporters. Harry hated talking to the press and just tried to ignore people wanting an autograph or even more annoying, people wanting to just touch him. Ron and Ginny just laughed when people would get so nervous and even faint when Harry was around but it annoyed him. After the defeat of Voldemort, Harry was billed to be the most powerful wizard in ages. At first Harry laughed it off but it kept getting worse. Every little thing Harry did got blown out of proportion so much that for a while, Harry hated using magic in public. Then being billed as the best Quidditch player for four years straight had also added to his mystique. Harry had thought by quitting Quidditch and basically going into hiding for a while that it would die down but it only made things worse. Sirius had finally convinced him to just ignore it and to live his life the way he wanted.

Hearing the crowd cheer brought Harry out of his daydream and he saw that the Puddlemere seeker had caught the snitch and was taking a victory lap. He laughed at how Ron went from one reporter to the next answering the same questions. Finally Ron made his way over to Harry. "I think you'd give up the money as long as they made sure you got to talk to at least five reporters after every match," Harry joked.

Ron went a little red and said, "No. I want the money but I'd quit if they took the reporters away. I still don't get why you don't like it."

"Maybe if it was only Quidditch, I would feel the same way you do. So are you going to the celebration?" Harry asked.

"Of course, and you're coming too. We won't be too late."

Hermione had seen their picture in the sports section of the Daily Prophet a few days later. It showed a jubilant Puddlemere team and she could make out Ron in the group. She also saw Harry standing off to the side smiling broadly for his friend and could tell he had no jealousy whatsoever. Hermione wanted her friends again. She wanted to be there celebrating with Ron as well. She wasn't about to give up her career but wanted all of her friends back, not just Ginny.

Hermione had arrived at Ginny's the morning of the party and the two friends spent the day shopping and getting ready. Ginny had purposely not invited a date so she and Hermione could spend time talking. The party was in the entrance hall of a new area of the hospital. There were tapestries covering areas of the wall where it looked like the name of the new ward would be. The two women were shown to a table in the middle of the room that had a reserved sign on it.

Reserved G.W. Designs

"My Ginny, I didn't know you had such pull," Hermione said smiling.

Ginny laughed. "Oh, I don't. Harry does this all the time so his name isn't on things. I don't mind, it helps my business whenever the name is on something."

Yet another thing that Hermione didn't know about this Harry. "How is it working with Harry? I know your business has been taking off, but is he still an investor?" Hermione asked, hoping to get more info about him.

Ginny brightened noticeably. "It's great; I couldn't have done it without him. He introduced me to people and helped convince some of his dates to wear my clothes, which helped a lot. We really only started making money last year but he never once said anything about the amount he's put in, or the way I want to do things. He says we're equal partners but I think he should have about 75% of the company."

"Why didn't you and he ever get together?" Hermione asked honestly.

Ginny got a sad look on her face but just then they saw Ron and Parvati come in so she didn't get to answer. "Hermione. We didn't know you'd be here," Ron said giving her a quick hug.

"Oh. It's not a problem is it?" Hermione asked a bit concerned.

"No... Of course not. You know Harry's going to be here, right?" Ron asked.

"Yes Ron. Harry and I are capable of acting polite in public thank you," she replied more than slightly annoyed.

The hall was beginning to fill up quickly and the friends were moving around talking to various people. They heard a change in the crowd and saw people look to the entrance. Hermione noticed Harry and Steffi, followed by Sirius and Kelly, and then Professor Lupin and a pretty witch Hermione had never seen before. Harry and Steffi went in one direction and the rest of the group went in another. Hermione watched for a bit and was surprised at how well Harry was working the room. He easily moved from one conversation to the next and always kept his date involved in the discussions. It hurt her a bit to see how good of a couple they seemed to be.

It took nearly an hour for the two to make their way to the table and the rest of their friends. Harry greeted everyone and didn't even flinch when he came to Hermione. He had hugged Ginny, Ron and Parvati tightly but had lightly shook Hermione's hand, just how she had seen him do to the various witches he greeted on the way in. Steffi lightly shook everyone's hand at the table and again didn't flinch when she came to Hermione.

"Where's your date Ginny?" Harry asked.

"Just wanted a break to spend more time with Hermione," she replied and Harry just nodded in return.

Steffi leaned in and whispered something to Harry who kissed her on the cheek and leaned over to Ginny. "Ginny. See that woman near the statue over there?" Ginny nodded. "She's the new editor of Modern Fashion Magazine. Let me introduce you to her."

Ginny looked nervous for a second before standing up and asking, "How do I look?"

Harry kissed her cheek and said, "Gorgeous as always, come on." Harry put his hand on the small of her back and directed her to the woman.

Back at the table, the remaining four tried to have light conversation. "What brought you back this time Hermione?" Steffi asked in a tone that sounded like just polite conversation.

Hermione wasn't sure how to take this but was giving the witch the benefit of the doubt. "I'm trying to take my parents advice and to spend more time with friends. They think I've been working too hard."

"But that's normal for you Hermione. Man I remember how you used to get mad at Harry and I when we wouldn't study as much as you," Ron joked.

"Then you'd go storming off to the library and Ron and Harry would slink into the corner and keep studying so you wouldn't be mad," Parvati added.

"I didn't know they did that," Hermione exclaimed obviously hearing this for the first time. "I thought they would go play chess or exploding snap."

"You never asked us what we did now did you?" Ron said and the three of them laughed.

The conversations went on about things that happened in school until Harry and Ginny got back with Ginny beaming. "She's noticed my stuff, and she's going to come to the studio next week to see some of the new work." Ginny hugged Harry again. "Thanks again."

"Hey, Steffi was the one who introduced me to her. Besides, she had already seen your work and liked it," Harry said.

"Thanks Steffi, I really appreciate all you've helped me with," Ginny said honestly.

"No problem. Your designs are better than most of the stuff we wear lately. And, now Harry owes me one," Steffi said kissing Harry's cheek.

"Harry. Hermione thought you and I were playing games after she would yell at us and storm off to the library to study. She had no idea we were studying," Ron joked.

Harry looked straight at Ron and said, "That was a different world Ron." He then stood up and took Steffi's hand. "Let's go mingle."

Ginny quickly got the atmosphere at the table pleasant again. Hermione kept seeing Harry and Steffi talking to many people. The couple didn't come back until someone tapping on a glass got everyone's attention.

A tall important looking man was standing on a small platform so every could see him. "Thank you all for coming. We are here to celebrate the opening of the new Dumbledore Children's Care and Research Ward." The tapestries vanished and the names were unveiled. "This ward would not have been possible without the support of many of you here. While everyone who contributed played an important part in the success of this project, there is one person we would like to recognize for going well above what we expected in terms of support. This person also suggested the name, which the board immediately recognized as one that identified the qualities we hope to uphold. Before we start on the wonderful meal, would you all give a round of applause to everyone who contributed, and especially to the president of the Lilly & James Foundation, Mr. Harry Potter."

Hermione felt something just drop in her stomach. She had been the one so obsessed with her career and what could she show that she's actually done to help people? Now Harry who had almost always done things for fun had helped three people start successful careers of their own and was actually doing things that made a huge difference to the community. Hermione came tonight to try and get back her friendship and has just had another kick that showed her how big of a mistake she had made.

Harry stood up and listened to all the clapping. He caught Sirius' face through the crowd and could see the look of pride. Steffi stood and gave him a big hug. Harry sat back down blushing badly. "Why didn't you tell me the name?" Ron asked.

"I wanted it to be a surprise. Don't you approve?" Harry replied, still red from embarrassment.

"Better than Potter's Pediatric Ward or something like that," Ron joked back.

Harry didn't notice the man behind him until he felt the hand on his shoulder. Turning, he saw Sirius there and immediately stood up and hugged his godfather. "I can't tell you how proud I am of you making this happen. Dumbledore and your parents would be amazed."

"Thanks Sirius. You had a big hand in this as well, don't forget," Harry said.

Sirius was still smiling at Harry when he heard, "Hi Sirius. I haven't seen you in a long time." Hermione had stood up and was next to him.

Sirius glared at her and said, "Hermione," as nicely as he could force out before taking Harry's arm and saying, "If you would excuse us for just a minute, I have some ---business--- to discuss with Harry." Sirius led Harry near the bar and starting saying something. From the table it didn't look like a happy conversation but suddenly Harry took Sirius' arm and they vanished.

"Will you ever get used to him doing that? I had forgotten how weird it felt to suddenly be somewhere else." Hermione asked.

"When has he done that to you lately?" Steffi asked quickly.

"He did it at the Weasley family meal to me when I wanted to talk to him," Hermione answered.

Steffi gave Ginny a hurt look but turned and said nicely, "I like the spontaneity when he does it to me. Not to mention the rush of power."

Ron quickly picked a new subject. A few minutes later, Harry walked back up to the table. "Sorry about that. When Sirius wants to talk, he talks."

The meal was nice and there was a lot of small talk during it. Afterwards music started and there was some dancing. Ron and Parvati were one of the first couples up. Not long after them, Harry and Steffi danced a few songs and then danced one with other people before going back to the table. Ginny asked Harry to dance next so the two of them went to the floor leaving Hermione and Steffi alone at the table.

"I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable. I am really just trying to see my friends more," Hermione said.

"Oh, you don't make me uncomfortable; I just don't want to see Harry uncomfortable," Steffi replied and the two women became quiet again.

Harry had taken Steffi back to the dance floor just as Remus Lupin came to the table. "Hello Hermione...I mean Dr. Granger, It's good to see you again."

"Professor Lupin. It's so good to see you," Hermione stood up and shook his hand.

"It's just Remus, I'm not a professor anymore," Lupin joked.

"And I'm just Hermione. What are you doing now?" Hermione asked.

"I'm over at Marauders Inc with Sirius and Harry. Speaking of Sirius, he didn't cause you any bother did he? Come and tell me while we dance." Lupin took her hand and led her to the floor.

"No, but it was clear I'm not his favorite person anymore. I'm getting used to how my friends treat me but it's still a shock meeting someone I haven't seen in a few years. Except you of course. You must be one of the only people that knew us back then that hasn't looked like they wanted to hex me from the start."

"I'm sure it's not that bad Hermione. I take what Sirius says with a grain of salt and Harry won't say anything of course. You know Harry actually stunned Sirius a couple years ago when Sirius said something about you. Sirius is very protective of Harry, which is kind of funny since Harry could blast Sirius into next week. But, enough about that, how have you been?"

Hermione described her job and how much responsibility she had everything had been positive until. "But seeing how Ron, Ginny and Harry are around each other, I'd like to have those friendships back."

"If that's what you really want, then do it. You can find something less stressful around and still have plenty of opportunity to make up for lost time. They're all good people and would love to have you around more."

"I don't think all of them would love that. I tried to talk to Harry at the Weasley's a while back and I don't think it went well. You know not having close friends has made me out of practice for talking about things."

"Then try again if that's what you want. I can tell you one thing honestly, Harry cares a great deal for you but I don't see him ever making the first move to reconcile with you. He didn't take things well when you left and even though he would probably risk his life to save you, he won't make the first move. He can be even more stubborn than his father was and that's kind of scary. That's just my opinion though; take it for what it's worth." Lupin smiled.

They were near Harry and Steffi when the song ended. "Ah Steffi. Good to see you. Any chance I could have this dance?"

Steffi looked at Hermione and then Harry and answered cheerfully, "Of course Remus."

Harry started to walk past Hermione to get to the table when she said, "Will you dance with me Harry?"

Harry turned and for an instant, Hermione thought he looked like he wanted nothing more than to run away but he answered politely, "Of course Hermione." The two danced but Harry held her no closer than was absolutely necessary and didn't say a word. Finally Hermione spoke, "Can I talk to you in private before I leave tomorrow?"

Harry looked into her eyes and said, "Do you think it will turn out differently than last time?"

"I hope it will. I want it to."

"Fine. How about lunch tomorrow? I can pick you up at Ginny's."

"Sounds good. I can't believe you helped build this place."

"I didn't help build it," Harry quickly replied. "I raised some money for them, that's all. A lot of other people raised money as well."

"If you say so. You know, I saw in the paper some big organized crime bust in the Amazon right about the time you were there. You wouldn't know anything about that would you?"

Harry gave what Hermione almost thought was a smile and for an instant, she felt some of the warmth she used to feel around him before it suddenly went away. "The Amazon is a big place, I'm sure it wasn't close to where I was. How is the world of corporate ladder climbing? There's not much higher you can go without starting your own company is there?"

Hermione gave him a questioning look but answered, "It's different than what I expected in the beginning. There are more restrictions on what we work on than I expected."

"But aren't you close to a breakthrough on a potion to help people like the Longbottoms?" Harry asked calmly.

Hermione stopped dancing and just stared at Harry for a second but picked it up again. "That's our most classified project. How do you know anything about that?"