Disclaimer: I sadly don't own the Harry Potter world that belongs to J.K. Rowling. All other ideas are mine.

The night was still. Too still Harry thought as he began to survey the land. Eyes lingering on the forest at the edge of the Burrow he felt someone come up behind him. His muscles tensed as he got ready to spin around and face whoever it was.

"Easy Harry it's just me" Hermione said holding her hands up in surrender. Harry relaxed but kept his face steely. "There's someone out here Hermione. I can feel it. I feel eyes watching me." Harry said again surveying the area. With Hermione next to him he frantically searched for whoever it was possibly posing a threat.

"Relax Harry no one can hurt us here not with all the wards around" Hermione said placing a soothing hand on Harry's arm. A lot had changed since they had arrived at the Burrow the night Harry had been transported from Private Drive. They had been betrayed and had paid the price. Mad Eye was dead and George had lost his ear. Many had been injured but thankfully survived.

When Harry had gotten to the Burrow first panic had engulfed him. He worried that the rest were either dead or captured. He had frantically tried to make plans to go out searching for the others when he heard a thunder as someone crossed boarder into the Weasley's charms. Lupin came into sights carrying a bleeding George and Harry feared the worst. As they got George inside for Mrs. Weasley to tend to him Harry got an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't explain it but he felt restless like a caged wolf. He heard another crack of thunder. Tonks and Ron came into sight. Next came Mr. Weasley and Fred. Bill and Fleur came not long after. Only Kingsley and Hermione were left but they should have been there already. Bill and Fleur were to be the last ones. Bill had brought the news of Mad Eye but Harry was too worried about Hermione. Lately he couldn't get the girl out of his head. He dreamed about her, he thought about her; it was more of an obsession really. At that time he didn't care what it was as long as Hermione was safely by his side.

At last a crack of thunder was heard and Harry watched the thestral land limping slightly. Kingsley was battered and bruised but alive. Harry quickly made his way over to him searching for Hermione. Then a sight he never thought he'd see came into view. He got to the thestral right as Hermione went unconscious. Harry caught her and quickly took her inside laying her in a chair as George was currently occupying the couch. Everyone crowded into the room watching as Harry tried to revive the unconscious girl.

"Hermione please wake up. Please you have to wake up." Harry said softly moving the hair from her face. Kingsley came up the two teenagers placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"She's just tired Harry. After we left Private Drive Death Eaters were on us instantly. There were too many to count and I got hit with a stunner, but Hermione took control and gave it her all. Not only kept me on the thestral but she kept me alive. She must have fought off about eight Death Eaters all on her own. It must have taken a great deal of power to do something like that. Threw every spell she had in her arsenal and we all know how she likes to read." A soft chuckle could be heard around the room. Harry thought was too preoccupied to pay any attention as he noticed Hermione had woken up.

"Hey there sleepy head I heard you had quite a trip. I'm so proud of you." Harry said softly caressing her cheek.

"Had to make sure I came back to you didn't I" Hermione said softly closing her eyes and leaning into Harry's hand. Everyone in the room had quietly retired to the kitchen to give the two kids some space. Fred helped George up to rest in their room while Bill and Lupin had to practically drag Ron out. "'Mione I was so scared that I had lost you when everyone else got here and you didn't I felt like a part of me was missing." Harry said looking deep into Hermione's eyes.

" Oh Harry the whole time I was fighting those Death Eaters all I could think about was that I had to get back to you. No matter what, I had to see your face one more time. Harry I never told you this but I have liked since fourth year. When you competed in the Tri Wizard Tournament I was so scared for you, scared that I was going to lose you. "

"Hermione I feel the same way. I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you." Harry said. Hermione edged her way towards Harry, her eyes searching his face and rested on his lips. Harry closed the gap and brought his lips softly to hers. Neither one noticed the light that enveloped them or the surge of power that filled the room, though it was definitely not lost to everyone in the kitchen. With a solemn expression Remus excused himself sharing a glance with Tonks. They both knew what this would mean.

The next couple of weeks Harry and Hermione had decided to take it slow, they didn't want to rush anything and both wanted to get used to the idea of the others feelings. By no means were they avoiding each other like the plague, but they weren't all over each other every second either. The wedding had been a couple of days ago, everything was beautiful, but when Harry saw Hermione in her dress everything had melted away. He know then that the search for the Horcuxes would have to be an ongoing process around their daily lives; in no way shape or form was he willing to put Hermione in that kind of danger, leaving her behind just wasn't an option either. The trio would be returning to Hogwarts. Harry was now seventeen and the trace was no longer on him. He felt a sense of freedom but above all else a new found power. He talked to Remus about it. The discussion had been easy enough but it was the answer and the result that had shocked Harry the most.

A/N: there you have it the first chapter of my story. I hope you enjoy! Remember click on that button below that say review and Harry will bring you cookies!