The plane ride was fairly decent. Though Y/N would argue that the plane food was in need of improvement, no, scratch that. A complete overhaul, especially on the breakfast menu.

'Yuck.'

But all in all he couldn't complain. The plane turbulence was minimal to which he was thankful for, as was Hermione and the rest of the passengers. The two hour and a half flight was more or less what you'd expect, borning in all aspects.

However, with Y/N sat at the left end near the window, his father on the right, close enough to the path of the plane straight to the front, and with Hermione sandwiched in-between. (Luckily for them) The two males had yet to speak a proper conversation other than exchanging a couple of words at the airport; getting on the plane and that was it.

To which Y/N was grateful, though Hermione could tell something was up. But she said nothing, suspecting that whatever they had going on was something they had to fix, which she was right of course. Only they could figure out their differences. However, she guessed it would be awhile before they'd be shaking hands and giving compliments before then.

Groaning from the long sitting of the terrible conditioned plane seats, Y/N followed his father out, with Hermione clutched beside him, off the plane along with the other passengers. It didn't long for them to be checked out, showing their passports and grabbing their luggage. Before they knew it, they were on the road after flagging a taxi down. Not bothering to take the company buses, since the drive to his grandmother's house was only twenty minutes away from the airport.

For them, magic wasn't the norm. Y/N's grandparents had preferred the standard muggle lifestyle instead of the magic side of their world. To which they were accustomed to. (Having being students at schools of wizards and witches themselves) Much like their only son. Y/N understood why, hell, he quite liked the muggle world himself, after living in it for so long before being dragged into the magical world just nearly three years prior.

It didn't take them long to get there. The traffic was bearable. With a hesitant sigh and a shudder (though not from the lack of heat) mostly nerves, he peered through the window of the car. He hadn't seen his grandmother in a couple of years, and so much had changed already.

He looked to his left to see Hermione, dressed in her attire. Blue denim trousers, and a light summer pink blouse, that Y/N thought fit her well. Nothing too fancy yet not something overboard. He guessed she wasn't much interested in flashy designs.

"You okay?" At first he didn't know it was her. He had been too distracted looking at her choice of clothing to realise.

Y/N flustered, averting his eyes from the direction of Hermione's curved hips of her clothing wear. (Not what you're thinking, you perv) He changed his attention to the outside, to see a quick glance of his father exchanging the taxi fare with the driver. He looked up to the house once more, and sucked in a deep breath. Before turning back to Hermione, her eyes watching him with a curious gaze.

"I'm fine." He assured her, flashing her a small smile. But it faltered when a frown appeared across her face, making him avert his eyes yet again.

Hermione brought up her hand slightly, enough for it to brush across his own that was sat lazily against the leather seating. His hand tingled at the slight sensation of her warm feeling against his, and exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding.

He finally brought up his eyes to meet her and nodded his head forward slightly to her, as if to assure her. "Just... a bit nervous." He told her, and the frown across her face softened, and a sad smile graced her lips.

"It'll be alright." Hermione said, not bothering to remove the hand almost brushing against his. She said nothing, and neither did he. He liked it, the warmth of her hand against his, and it looked like she did. Though, why? They couldn't tell.

And oh she did, it made her heart beat a little faster. She felt the need to assure him that everything would be fine, having not seen his grandparents in so long, and now having to bury one of them. She couldn't help but sympathy with what her best friend was going through.

Y/N nodded slowly, retracting his hand from hers; for a second he thought he saw her frown at the loss of contact but shrugged it off. But he immediately started to miss the warmth of it, though a small part of him was grateful for that. After everything had gone down in the chamber he didn't know what to think. Everything in him was telling him to run, to just avoid his friends, to block them out to protect them. Huh, much like what his father had done in the past. Were they really alike? He hoped not.

Speak of the devil.

"C'mon, let's go." His father's voice interrupted the two, lightly stepping against the car window with his hand from the outside.

The two thirteen-year-olds shared a glance before exiting the vehicle. Each shutting the doors with ease before turning to follow Y/N's father, who had already started towards the house.

Everything was like it had been the last time.

You would've hardly noticed anything different or out of place. Yet the air felt different, not filled with the bubbling smell of blueberry pie, or the sound of elderly laughter. Now it was quiet, deserted almost. Though the front of the house looked the same.

The garden was still in use, fresh flowers of roses, sunflower, and other kinds of flush shrubbery; even a patch of lavender growing further away from the rest of the pack. He caught Hermione checking them out as they walked up the gravel path, the sun bearing down on them. It was hot, but cool enough for them British islanders to handle it.

They knocked on the door twice, and waited. Soon enough the door opened and revealed an older lady, her ageing grey hair tied into a bun at the back of her head.

"Ah, you're here. It's so good to see you again." The older woman said with a bright smile.

Daniel stepped forward and the woman pulled him into a hug, and he hugged her back.

"You've gotten old." She chided as they pulled back.

Daniel rolled his eyes and walked past her. "And you haven't?" He muttered under her breath, smiling.

Immediately her eyes landed on Y/N. "Oh, my favourite grandson." They embraced in a hug, and she planted a kiss on his cheek causing Y/N to squirm a bit, which Hermione found a amusing to say to the least.

"I'm your only grandson." Y/N said as they pulled apart.

"Yes, unfortunately!" The older woman raised her voice so her son could hear her from inside. In response, came a mutter and a huff from Daniel. She chuckled before turning her attention to Hermione, who smiled shyly.

"Grandma this is, Hermione." Y/N told her, as he did, Hermione walked up to her with sheepish grin.

"Ah, yes. I remember, you couldn't stop writing to me about her." She said sweetly, and the two thirteen-year-olds flustered bright red before the she pulled Hermione into a soft hug as well. "It's nice to finally meet you."

"Thank you." Hermione blushed slightly. They pulled back, and she smile softly "It's nice to meet you too. Y/N has told me much about you as well." The older woman grandma guided the two inside, shutting the door behind them.

"All good I hope?" She asked with a watery smile, which made Hermione giggle.

"Yes," Hermione teased. "The best."

When they finally entered in. Y/N's grandma (who Hermione had learned her name to be Gabriella) gave her the tour of the place. Showing where she would be sleeping, as they'd all be having separate rooms. Her room was a decent size, colourful, fitting her taste, and a single bed for her. Accompanied with the bathroom just two seconds walk away from her bedroom door outside.

Hermione couldn't help but wander the place. The rooms were beautiful compared to that of Y/N's house that she had seen just this morning.

'No offence, Y/N.'

The place really felt like a home. Kitchen was built up nicely, marble tile flooring, excellent and elegant design of kitchen area, carved wooden furniture, all done by Gabriella's husband. Y/N told her that his grandfather had been a carpenter before he died, both for the wizarding world and that of the muggle one. Helping people out with jobs and even his own craftsmen.

The rest of the house was just as well grand. Living room and dinning room were furnished with a soft lingering scent of roses from the garden, the walls were covered with stylish wallpaper, and again, the furniture was of elegant craftsmanship, the same quality work Y/N's grandfather had made decades ago.

Hermione decided, she really liked the place. And she couldn't wait to explore everything the place had to offer. Though she had to remind herself it wasn't necessary a holiday, as much as it was a funeral. Still, they could still have fun. Well, at least she hoped they could. She wanted to cheer Y/N up. Something she always enjoyed doing. But now, especially.

And before she knew it, they were settled in.

—

The next day was the funeral ceremony. It was small but worthy. A nice planned out session. Hermione could tell Y/N was nervous, perhaps even frightened. So she stayed by his side the entire time there.

The group (that consisted of Y/N's father, grandmother, Hermione and Y/N himself; along with some long time friends) were huddled together, waiting for the inevitable.
It was quiet. The group mourned the loss of a family member. Throughout the funeral, Hermione held Y/N's hand, squeezing his in her own to assure him, that everything would be okay, and he would squeeze back. Signalling his thanks without words.

Gabriella had shed tears when they finally lowered the coffin into the ground, her emotions getting to her. However, Daniel and Y/N shed none. Hermione supposed they had shed them along ago, when they had finally heard the news. Yet the two of them said not a word. They merely stared eyes at the coffin as it was lowered, in silent despair. Their faces masked with a strong will, but inside they were heart broken. Hermione's own heart ached as well, but for Y/N's. It hurt her to see him this way, just so silent and lost. And again, not being able to know the man that had inspired Y/N so much, the man that made Y/N who he was.

Like everyone else, she mourned in silence.

After the funeral was over, and words were said. The group left, and drove back home to the house. A dread silence of gloom overtaking them. Like it hadn't fully settled in, even though they had seen the body, they had seen the coffin, yet their brains still couldn't realise he was gone.

It was late evening when they finally arrived back to the house, and wordlessly they went into the dinning room. It wasn't long before Gabriella broke the ice, and began preparing dinner, to which Hermione even helped her do so. To which the older woman thanked her, for being so kind.

Before long, dinner was done and ready. A meat risotto. Which, Hermione found herself absolutely loving. Y/N hadn't exaggerated when he said his grandmother was the best cook around.

The group went through the meal. Gabriella making small talk now and then. But Y/N was barely registering it. He only got half way through the meal before he pushed it away, placing his cutlery on the table.

Everything that had happened these past couple months were beginning to really affect him. From then on he was on auto-pilot. But now he really had the chance to take everything in, and it just made him sick. From what he learned in the chamber, how he almost died, and now up to the point of his grandfather's funeral. That he could actually process it. It made him sick to his stomach, so much that he couldn't continue to eat anymore. Before he could even utter a word, he felt bile rise in his throat and the immediate need to vomit was all he pictured at that point.

He suddenly lurched out of his seat, faster than he had ever done before and rushed out of the room. But not before catching the worried glance of his best friend, Hermione, as he ran up to the stairs, towards the bathroom toilet. He rushed into the room, and emptied what was left of his dinner into the toilet (thankfully the lid was already up) and stayed there for a minute, waiting for it to end.

Downstairs, Hermione's gaze watched the staircase, she waited a few minutes. Daniel made a motion that looked like he was getting up, but was stopped by his mother, who placed her hand gently on his shoulder. She turned to look at the seat where Hermione had just sat, as did Daniel. Hermione had already took off to make sure her friend was alright.

Back up stairs, Y/N's arms were laid against the toilet seat, his breathing was coming faster and he huffed. Breathing in slowly this time, he got up from the floor and huddled by the toilet, before reaching for the sink. Having already finished puking his guts out. He lifted his head up to look at the mirror. His face was paler, and his eyes were almost tired. With a heavy sigh, Y/N turned on the sink and began cleaning himself up, splashing clean water against his face.

When he was finished drying himself, he placed the towel back, before lifting his head up to look at the mirror.

But before his vision even reached his eyes. He gasped, and yelped backwards, panic in his eyes at what he saw. His hand immediately grabbing to the back of his neck.

'Surprise.' The voice said back at him. Though Y/N's mouth didn't move.

It was Fenrir, or technically himself. Either way, it was him.

Y/N's face looked a lot different. A gust of black smoke or mist trailed around him, engulfing him. His eyes were a darker shade, and amber, that blasted colour. He had black scorch marks running down from his eyes to below his cheeks. It shocked him, even scared him slightly, but Y/N breathed in slightly, averting his gaze to calm himself. Before looking back into the mirror. It looked nothing like him, sure it was his face but everything about it was different, it was like he wasn't even himself anymore. Was that his fate? To be forced to be someone he's not? But he didn't want to be anyone else, he didn't want this power, this curse that would ruin him. He just wanted to be himself. Could he still be that guy? Even now, after everything he's learned, and endured?

'The lyrics: "I used to recognise myself. It's funny how reflections change." Comes to mind.'

'I must be losing my bloody marbles...'

"What are-" But before Y/N could say anything more, he heard the sound of Hermione calling his name, causing him to lurch away from the mirror and look behind him.

"In here." Y/N called out to her after a moment of silence. He finally heard the sound of her footsteps approach. He could feel his hands begin to shake, so much that he had to tighten his grip to stop them. Y/N turned to the mirror and saw that he was gone. All that was there was his own reflection- well the one that wasn't dark and full of black mist- and he sighed, letting his hand fall to his side, before splashing his face with water again to freshen himself up.

Seconds later he finally heard the door behind him creep open and in came Hermione, peering out from behind it. Her eyes were wide and full of concern. He nodded slightly, giving her silent permission to enter and so she did, closing the door behind her. Y/N turned around again, to fully face her. Her eyes were calmed on seeing him, but the concern, nor the worry, never left them.

"Hey." Y/N said, said voice strained, and he chided himself for opening his mouth.

"Hey." Hermione repeated. She took the time to observe, she wasn't blind. She saw that he was hurting, that everything was beginning to overload him. Anyone would feel the same if they were in the same shoes as him. After a moment of looking him over, she spoke.
"You okay?" Hermione asked him as she stepped closer, their feet almost touching. She watched him carefully, he looked spooked, though why she couldn't tell.

"I'm... fine," Y/N said, averting his eyes downwards, avoiding her gaze. Before sighing and turning around to look at the mirror. In order to hide his own despair from her.

Hermione frowned, bitting her lip. She walked ahead, pulling to a stop when she reached his left side, shoulders almost touching. The bathroom was big enough to house three people. So they fitted in. She looked at him through the mirror, before looking at her right, to fully look him in the eyes.

"Y/N." She said his name, and it worked. He followed the sound of her voice, and looked her in the eyes. But it seemed too painful for him to do. So he averted them yet again.

"I'm fine, really, Hermione." He assured her, but she didn't believe him.

Ever since he was taken, even after he had been rescued from the chamber, he had been acting slightly different. Nobody would of noticed it if they didn't really know him. But she did. It was in the way his eyes would gloss over everything he watched, as if he was expecting something to jump out at him.

She only began to notice when Harry told her about the chamber, when she had gotten out of the infirmary and the guys had the chance to talk. Hermione could tell Harry was holding back on something, that he was hiding something from them. And with the way Y/N was acting, she could only assume it had something to do with him, and that, scared her, more than she was willing to admit. Because whatever had happened, was enough to for Y/N to hide it from her, his best friend. The person he would tell everything to.

Hermione moved back slightly, only taking a step. And breathed in slowly before moving forward again. She reached down with her hand to cup his own in hers, grabbing her soft fingers around his own. The sudden contact made Y/N tense up, almost flinching. But after a second he composed himself, before squeezing her hand with his.

"What happened in the chamber?" He didn't say anything, he couldn't tell her. Could he? He didn't want her to worry over him, especially now with everything going on. He hated having to keep things from her, but it had to be done, right? At least for now, of course he wouldn't keep it from her forever but for now, he had to. God, even himself didn't know what it was, how to fully comprehend it. But it scared him, he... He was scared of himself, and what he could do. God knows how Hermione would feel. "Did..." She gulped slightly. And her eyes showed into his. "Did something happen to you...?" And suddenly his gaze snapped towards her, his eyes looking over hers. Before sighing, returning to the mirror in front.

He didn't give her an answer. He kept quiet, which Hermione took notice of, confirming her suspicions. She took the time to look him over, to really look at him. His eyes were tired, as if I hadn't slept at all. Like something was keeping him awake. She was about to ask him what was really bothering him but before she did, however, she noticed something to her right out of the corner of her eye, something small on the back of Y/N's neck.

A scar.

'What?' But Y/N never had a scar, he would've told her if he did. And surely she would've noticed it beforehand, she really would've. It hadn't been there before she was petrified. No, that much she knew. It was a small one, not something you would normally find on the back of a person's neck. It wasn't like Harry's, definitely different, yet it was familiar in the content. How had he got it? She didn't know.

For a reason unknown to her, she felt herself slowly being pulled towards it. The thing itself like a magnet. Slowly, she lifted her hand up from her side, but before she could even reach towards his neck. Y/N lurched around, quicker than she, and even himself, realised. He grabbed her hand like lighting, stopping her before she could move. His hand grabbing at her wrist, shocking them both.

His eyes were wide. Perhaps just as shocked as her at his fast reflex. What was happening to him? But something deeper in his eyes was something else, a deep shade of sadness. As if the mark or scar, ashamed him. He didn't want her near it, and in a way, near him. For her own safety. But he knew that would be impossible, for the both of them.

So, Y/N lowered her wrist, to her side and he let go. His eyes still piercing into her own. "Please," He said in a vulnerable voice, something Hermione took notice of. "Don't..." He really didn't want her touching it, he didn't want him touching her. Not because he hated her touch, no quite the opposite. He loved the feel of her soft skin against his. But because, he didn't know what would happen, and he simply didn't want to hurt her.

"Y/N..." Hermione said in a soft, small whisper. Her eyes showing concern, she just wanted to help him. That was all. Did he not want her help? That's what she thought, but she notice the sad, and frightened look in his eyes, quietly chided herself for being so impulsive, for reaching out to touch him without permission. "I..." Had she done that before? Willingly touching him without his approval? How did he feel about that, did he hate her for doing so? Many questions rang through her head.

"I'm sorry..." She said in a saddened voice, as if her affection was off putting to him. That she had misstepped. But that wasn't it. Y/N shook his head, as if to say 'No, it's not that.' But the effort died away, as he looked away. He took another look at her, before exiting the bathroom and left her there. With Hermione wondered, what had happened to them both to get this low?

—

The rest of the night passed relatively fast. However, the two friends hadn't spoken a word since yesterday late evening, after their talk in the bathroom. The two just didn't know what to say for the rest of that day, so they slept on it. They ended up staying up late, just thinking about it. Y/N felt angry with himself, for making Hermione feel that she had done wrong. She hadn't, she had merely misunderstood his intention.

And Hermione, well, she felt regretful. Like she had been overstepping him, that perhaps she pushed him about it so soon. It was clear something had upset him the weeks before. Back at Hogwarts. At first she assumed it was to do with her, and the fact that she asked him- no, practically begged him to make a promise that he wouldn't be able to keep, well at least fully. It was naive of her, and she mentally kicked herself for doing so.

So when they woke up the next morning, the two sat at the kitchen table, eating a decently sized breakfast that Gabriella had prepared them all. While eating, they wondered what the hell they were going to do for the day.

Well, Y/N had an idea, a place he wanted to go to, and explore, as he no doubted, that Hermione would love to as well. Since today would be their last proper day to spend together. They had only booked to stay four days. Instead of the original one week idea before since plans had changed. But they still made the most of it.

So when the four finished their food, Daniel joined Gabriella in the kitchen to help clean away. While Y/N and Hermione had remained seated, the tension so thick and awkward that it could be cut with a knife.

"Soooo, how did you sleep?" Y/N asked as he drummed his fingers against the table cloth. Not before he immediately felt like kicking himself in the gut.

'You're a real conversationalist aren't you?' Fenrir said sarcastically.

Y/N ignored him, and awaited Hermione's response. Who had her elbow propped up on the table. She startled at his voice, obviously not expecting him to talk.

"Good," Hermione said, though her words lacked any conviction. When she realised how pathetic she sounded, she tried again.
"I mean, really, really good." She said this time in a more brightly voice, her eyes roaming over Y/N. "You?"

"Good." Y/N nodded awkwardly.

Why was it so tense?

'Jesus Christ! I've spoken with sewer rats that were braver than you two.'

Y/N gulped nervously before laying his hands out on the table, looking at Hermione. "I err, I wanted to ask if you wanted to go see the city with me?" He asked her, and a glint if hope made its way to her eyes that made him almost smile. "Would you like to go out with me?...-" Oh no... "I- I mean," He, stammered, and Hermione flustered bright pink at his question.

'Ah, you definitely don't get your charms from me, do you Casanova?' Fenrir said, and for a second. He revealed himself, propping himself into a chair beside them. Luckily Hermione couldn't see him, nor could Y/N. For now. Fenrir had a way of showing himself in the real world, but could hide himself from certain people, both magical and muggle.

Ignoring him, Y/N continued. "I mean, I'd like to show you around, like friends. Yeah." He chuckled nervously.

For a second, Hermione said nothing. Which really frightened Y/N. He just had to screw it up—

"Yes." Hermione said quickly, breaking Y/N out of his panicking trance state of mind. Y/N sighed in relief. "I- I... If you don't mind?" And her cheeks dimmed, yet her eyes were wide, and surprise occupied them. She honestly didn't expect him to ask her to do anything with him after yesterday. Had she overreacted? Mistaken him? Maybe. 

"I don't mind." Y/N was quick to reassure her, far too quickly too. Reaching out to grab ahold of her hand that laid against the table, as if to stop her from pulling away, from thinking such. He hadn't even realised.

He really wanted to show her around, but he decided he just had to be careful. He still felt a bit reserved, after yesterday's slight awkward confrontation or whatever it was classed as. She knew he wasn't being completely truthful in that convo, yet she understood that he couldn't just outright say it. He had to have some time. Though she could help him? Couldn't she?

"Then," Hermione began, biting her lip. She brought up her left hand from her side and placed it softly over Y/N's own that was pinning her right, sending sparks through their touch. "I would love to go with you." The two stared into each other eyes with something completely new. Was it relief? Happiness? No, it felt different, but definitely the exciting kind of feeling.

The two looked down at their hands that were almost intertwined. And yet neither moved.

'Oh my god!' Fenrir exclaimed, sitting across from them with a face full of content yet a slight sickening snicker at the sight. 'You two are soooo adorable!' And immediately Y/N broke the contact and pulled back at the sound of his voice, and so did Hermione, however unsafe of Fenrir speaking such.

Y/N shook his head to rid the affects of Fenrir's words. And turned to look Hermione in the eyes, and smiled, which he hadn't done since yesterday. It caused her to share the same.

"We better get ready then." Y/N said jumping out of his seat. "Grandma warmed me its hot out there today, so I'd dress light." And she nodded and left to go get changed from her pyjamas to summer clothing. While Y/N had to let the two adults know.

He walked into the kitchen to see his father slumped into a bar stool at the kitchen counter, reading a newspaper. His grandmother was drying and placing away the dishes. She noticed him come in and smiled softly. "Enjoy your breakfast?" She asked him.

"Oh, Yeah, it was bloody great." Y/N exclaimed in glee. She was truly a magnificent cook. She had to teach him sometime.

Daniel brought down his newspaper to look a his son. "Watch your language." He warned him before lifting his newspaper back up to search the Daily Prophet News.

Y/N merely rolled his eyes before setting them on his grandma, who secretly hid a grin at her grandson's antic. "Me and Hermione are gonna head out. Show her around the city." The much older adult smiled at the notion. She enjoyed seeing the two friends together.

However, Daniel didn't feel all that supportive. He shifted in his seat uncomfortable, and his face did a slight grimace. "I don't think that's a good idea." And Y/N rolled his eyes more than he had ever done before.

"Of course you'd say that." Y/N muttered. "We won't be out long, I promise. You see, I take my word seriously?" He said cheekily. And Daniel's eyes narrowed slightly.

"I still-"

"Oh hush Dan." Gabriella said, hitting him lightly on the back of the head with a tea towel that she had been using to dry her cutlery. "They'll be fine out there. Won't you?" She turned to look at Y/N with a fixed hardened look that said 'if you don't return at the appropriate time, then I'll make you go to bed early, or read all of Lockhart's books for the next two months. Something horrible.' Y/N gulped, before nodding.

"See?" Gabriella said, eyeing Daniel. "They'll be completely safe."

"Fine." Daniel huffed, and made a face that almost looked identical to grumpy face Y/N would usually make. Weird.

"I'm ready!" Hermione announced as she walked into the kitchen. Unaware of the conversation that had happened just before.
Y/N shifted to look at her and almost felt his jaw drop.

She looked as beautiful as she always was. Her hair was brought up into two little hair clips at the back of her head, in order to keep her long bushy hair in check, which made her look adorable. And her clothing was a light yellow summer dress that reached down just mid-way at her knees, which matched her complexion. And she wore some wood oak style sandals for the summer weather. Truthfully, she looked elegant. Y/N eyes were wide and glossing her over, which she noticed and smiled shyly, her cheeks tinting with red.

"R- right." Y/N stammered slightly before composing himself. "I better go get dressed." He muttered, more to himself, as he left and went to his room.

While Hermione felt herself puzzle at his behaviour. "What?" She asked, as she noticed the two adults sharing a knowing look, and then turning their gazes to her.

"Oh, nothing dear." Gabriella said with a slight grin, which she managed to wipe away after. "You look lovely." She smiled encouragingly.

"T- thank you." Hermione murmured, before turning around at the sound of Y/N footsteps. He finally returned to them. Dressed in tacky shorts, a pair of dark blue sandals of his own, and a white t-shirt that reached just below his forearms.

"Ready?" He asked her, grinning slightly.

Hermione grinned too, flashing her usual smile that would make Y/N's stomach churn, in a good way.

"Ready."

—

If Hermione had to describe the city in one word, it would be 'phenomenal.' It really was. They spent the first hours traversing the commercial area of the city. Visiting and exploring different shops. Sure, it wasn't anything like the wizarding world, nothing too fancy. Yet, here, it had a sort of tranquil feeling to it. Cobble stone pathways, water fountains and luxurious establishments that they passed by were something of truly magical.

Y/N showed her around the entire place, pointing places he had visited when he was younger. Throughout the tour he couldn't stop smiling as he walked into familiar people he had known, and shop owners that had almost didn't recognise him. It was moving, for mere strangers to remember you. Hermione could practically see the happiness glowing off of him. 

But after hours of touring, Y/N had something to show her before the end of the stay. A place he had visited every time he had ever been over. A special place in his heart.

"Thank you, come again." The shopkeeper of a book store they had been in waved to them as they exited, Y/N almost pulling at Hermione to leave, an eagerness on his face causing her to giggle at his enthusiasm. The two had been engrossed in the wide selection of books the shop had to offer. They were already close to midday and Y/N wanted to show Hermione one more place.

"Y/N, slow down." But her voices were muffled with giggles as the boy practically dragged her down the street, his face etched with eagerness
"Y/N." She said again, this time louder as she pulled on his arm for him to stop. "You're gonna rip my arm off."

He immediately stopped at the sound of her voice. He looked back to see her wearing a bashful grin, her hand covering her mouth to stop any more giggles that threatened to leave her. He flustered in embarrassment, obviously being, maybe too excited.

"Sorry." He apologised as he let go of her arm. Rubbing at the back of his neck out of nervous,  chuckling.

Hermione let her hand fall and she laughed at his sheepish expression. Not bothering to take in the sight of other people passing them by with funny looks. He was acting quite adorable, like a little kid going to candy store, and it made her aww in content,bin the way he acted so... different than the sarcastic boy she had met two years ago. "It's alright." She said, her smile widening. "It's just nice to see you acting this way."

"What way?" Y/N asked with a raised eyebrow, as they started back up again, crossing the street ahead before the traffic lights had a chance to change green.

"Like a kid." She teased him. They were kids, well, newly turned teenagers really. Some would call his behaviour childish, or pathetic for a boy his age. Yet Hermione disagreed. This was just her getting to see another side of him, the younger version, what she would of expected him to be like years before. Fortunately, she got to see that now.

"Yeah," Y/N chuckled again, as they headed down the street, a block of buildings to their left. "I tend to go a little overboard when I'm here. It was the only place I got to really act my age, you know?" And at that confession, her smile disappeared and was suddenly replaced with a curious gaze. Did he not experience this sort of thing back home?

"Did you not visit places like this back home?" Hermione asked him to which he shrugged.

"I didn't really get time for this sort of stuff. Dad was always away and well, my mum wasn't around to do so. And the people who took care of me weren't inclined either. So, I guess not." He frowned. "So, no. I take what I can get."

"That must of been awful." Hermione said quietly. Had he really been so detached from those small luxuries? Something Hermione practically took for granted on a daily basis? It begged to wonder what Y/N actually did in his free time back then before Hogwarts?

"Not really..." Y/N said, but she heard some small denial in that voice of his. "It got better as I got older though. Dad became more involved."

After that they said nothing, continuing down the street before he decided to speak again. "I remember one time when I was five, my dad took me to this bookstore near Covent Garden, in London." He chuckled at the memory. "My first real time seeing the city. Dad had left me in the company of the owner, so he could explore the upstairs. While I stayed down, looking at all the colourful kid books. And I remember I used to go to every isle I could, and start dragging out all the books, and arrange them to my liking... Made a right mess of the place."

Hermione faked a gasp, pretending to be outraged. "You didn't!?"

"Yeah that's what my father said when he came back half an hour later. After I confessed to nearly wrecking the store." The two giggled. "I'll tell you, the store owner wasn't too happy."

"I can't imagine he was." Hermione chuckled, staring at Y/N with a smile. "You must've been quite a handful."

"Oh I was." Y/N said, his own smile brightening. "I still am." He said cheekily.

Hermione smirked. "You're far worse than a handful." She muttered sarcastically under her breath. Though the statement held no bite, it was all fun.

"I heard that!" Y/N called out to her amusingly as they rounded a corner. They were close to their destination now. Well, only Y/N knew where they were going. And what it was he was looking for.

Hermione followed after him, and then she saw it. What Y/N had been so excited to see. She would have laughed, if not for the cute, adorable and most excited look she had ever seen, was planted on Y/N's face. Though she still had to ask.

'An ice cream parlour?"

Y/N turned to her with a sharp look, though not completely serious. More jokingly. "Woah, woah, woah." He held up his hands with a defensive gesture. And pointed towards the shop. "Hermione, this isn't just any regular ice cream parlour. This is literally the best ice cream parlour in the COUNTRY." He exclaimed dramatically as he headed towards the place. Hermione playfully rolled his eyes at his behaviour but found herself smiling. So she decided to tease him.

"An ice cream parlour?" She raised her eye brows at him. Y/N made the place out to be the Chocolate Factory from Willy Wonka by the way he was looking at it. Something marvellous and mind blowing.

"Hermione... Hermione." He said slowly with a shake of his head, turning to face her. "This is the king of ice cream makers, every ice cream lover's dream. The best ice cream anywhere around. You want good ice cream? You come here." He waved his arms at the place to gesture how serious he was. "Now, I don't know about you. But I freaking love ice cream."

"I'm beginning to think that." She grinned.

"Ah, there's nothing like a good ice cream sundae to cool you down." Y/N could practically smell it from here. The cold, delicious smell of his favourite treats.

"Hmm, I've never had a ice cream sundae before." Hermione said in a mere thought out loud. As she stepped forward, expecting Y/N to move but he didn't, and she accidentally bumped into him. Pulling herself back, Y/N jumped around to face her with a horrified look.

"Ohhhhh, please be joking?" Y/N said, his face showing great horror. If she didn't know better, she would of expected that sort of look from him from failing a test or losing at Quidditch. Yet here he was, horrified that she hadn't had a sundae before. Either way, he looked scared.

"No, seriously. I've never had a sundae."

Y/N made a slight pout that made Hermione laugh. "I said please..." He trailed off, looking away before finally settling his gaze back on her. "But you have had ice cream before, right?" He felt the need to ask. Though he couldn't be held responsible for anything if she said no.

"Of course, Y/N." Hermione rolled her eyes, and almost scoffed at his look. "I'm not a complete savage."

"I don't know." Y/N replied, looking slight out of term. "Someone who's never had a sundae could be pretty savage."

"Because I've never had a sundae?"

'Oh here we go...' Fenrir said, sensing the boy's ramble coming along,

"No." Y/N frowned, and began, completely serious. "Because you refuse to acknowledge the fine arts of the ice cream sundae. A subtitle art of passion, something that takes years to perfect. A great delicacy in-" But she interrupted him with a burning ire.

"Oh, my god, you're unbearable." Hermione sighed, grumbling at how off tracked they had gotten, her patience running thin. She grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the shop. Taking Y/N into laughing fit along the way to the parlour, that funnily enough, had the name:

"Sunday Delights."

Though why? She didn't know, considering it was a Thursday. They both entered into the place, a bell clinked at the sound of the door being opened. And the two stepped in. It was a surprisingly small place. It was setup more like an American diner, red leather booths and tables, and the counter at the head of the business, hundreds of ice cream flavours surrounding by glass casing where three employees stood waiting. The place was about half way full of people, some locals and tourists.

"Ah, I'm finally home." Y/N breathed in the air. Savouring it. Which made Hermione snort loudly. How could he make her her ears grind one moment, then the next, make her laugh like nothing had happened? Was that friendship? Or something more? The two hurried up to the counter, Hermione less enthusiastic as Y/N, but still enough to want curiosity.

"Hello, welcome to Sunday Delights." An older man in a white and red uniform answered, his heavy accent masking in the English swords. Eyeing the two teenagers. "Where all your delights are our specialties." The older man smiled. who Hermione spotted a name tag that read: Marlo. "How can I help you two?"

Y/N practically jumped with excitement causing Hermione chuckle. "Ice cream, the best in the country."

Marlo chuckled at the youth's enthusiasm. "Of course, what kind would you like, young man?"

'Come with me, and you'll be
In a world of pure imagination,
Take a look and you'll see,
Into your imagination...'

Fenrir whispered in a sing-like voice. As Y/N eyes looked over the ice cream selection like it was new stack of DATDA books for him to read. He really loved that subject. But he already knew what he wanted, hell, even Hermione knew.

"I'll have an ice cream sundae, please." Y/N smiled, and he turned to see Hermione bidding a grin. As she also looked over the wide selection. "So, uh, what would you like?"

Hermione thought for a second, before turning to Y/N, this time the grin visible."I'll have a sundae too."

"Oh thank god, I don't know what I would've done had you said anything else." He joked. Yes, Y/N had a weird fascination with ice cream. Something he had from his early childhood. And still had now.

The old man nodded, and began preparing it right away. The got to watch as he prepared it, adding every ingredient, and watching it build up was more than mouth watering. It was spectacular to see how they created it up front. All from their own stores. It was like paradise.

Meanwhile, in the background, Fenrir simply couldn't help himself as he watched Hermione and his ego self watch in awe. It seemed, there truly were two sides of the same coin.

'If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Want to change the world?
There's nothing to it...'

Shortly afterwards, the two teens went over and sat down at one of the booths, one by the window. And not even a minute later, their order came. Y/N paid the owner beforehand and the man smiled in thanks before leaving them in peace. The two sundaes places in front of them. They were big, to say the least. A mouth watering treat of vanilla ice cream smothered with strawberry dribble, flakes, sprinkles and even a cherry on top. Two spoons placed for them to eat.

The two dug in quick, scooping up the delicious desert into their systems. Y/N practically moaned in ecstasy as the shivering cold treat slipping through his throat and into his digestive system. Seriously, he wasn't lying. He loved ice cream more than anything.

Hermione stopped her spoon mid-bite as she looked up at him with wide eyes. Luckily for him, the pure coldness of the treat masked any heat that had reached up to his cheeks or neck. He smiled nervously before digging back into his.

Hermione, while taking her time with hers, instead of rushing like Y/N was more half way done. Was enjoying hers. She had underestimated Y/N. It seems he was right. And here, Hermione was wondering where the hell this delicious treat had been her entire life. She defiantly would be having more of this when she returned home to her parents.

Home.

They would returning to England tomorrow. The time had been short. But worth it. And she definitely would not oppose to go again, if Y/N ever offered. Which she was sure he would. All in all, she couldn't complain about the trip. She enjoyed spending time with Y/N, she usually found herself around him more than anyone in her life, and him too. They were best friends, BBF really. From the day they had first met in Diagon Alley. How he had knocked her over, and her books, on the floor. Still a memorable moment for her.

And now, almost two years later, she sat opposite of the boy, who was currently devouring ice cream out of the glass holder with his tongue, causing her to giggle. And she honestly wouldn't change it for the world. She cared about him, worried about him, enjoyed his company, and sometimes even nervous around him. But why? She didn't know. Though, in the diner of ice cream, she began to notice how normal it was, for them. That it almost felt like it was a date, some sort of intimate moment. Something a guy and girl would choose as their date night. Was it so for them? But they were just friends, surely, Hermione thought.

(But you guys :) know why)

Y/N felt the same, in a similar fashion. Watching her, it was normal/weird for him to do this. She had been his first friend. Someone to really open up to him, and to help him. Someone who he could really, really talk to. No matter what it was, she would listen. He enjoyed spending time with her, her bossy, and even funny side (that they hardly saw) was a big thing about her that he found so likeable. How caring she was to him, a way her eyes would shine with that worried concern that almost split his soul in half. And now they were two friends enjoying ice cream together, alone.

The two of them simply liked being in each other's presence. That's what they classed it as.

Y/N finally finished his ice cream sundae, literally licked it clean while Hermione was 3/4 of the way through hers. He looked at her with a considerable smile, and she smiled back.

"Enjoyed that?" She teased him, that boyish grin that he had only proved her right. And the fact that there was left over ice cream on the side of his cheek.

"I did," Y/N said. "I told you, best ice cream in the city." He was right, Hermione loved it too, more than she thought she would.

She felt like correcting him on the ice cream on his cheek but simply let it slide, for now.

"I came here with my grandpa, you know?"
Y/N said after a moment, though Hermione had to wonder how Y/N wasn't suffering from brain freeze. Unknown to either of them that Fenrir was feeling the full blast of it.

Hermione raised her eyes up to him, having just finished the last of ice cream, managing to not get any on her unlike her friend. "Really?" She asked him. So that's why he had wanted to come here. It reminded him of the good times. "Your grandpa bought you ice cream?" She smile gently, that smile that made Y/N's stomach flutter with butterflies.

"Yeah." He smiled softly. "Whenever I came over for the summer, when my dad would drop me off, he would bring me down here. The owner, Marlo, is an old friend of his." He smiled sadly at the old long memory. "It was one of my favourite times with him, of the whole holiday." And Y/N eyes began to glass over slightly, a tear almost threatening to escape.

Hermione moved from her seat opposite and moved to sit next to him, he moved aside so she could and she sat next to him. Placing a gentle hand on his.

"He was the best." Y/N continued, eyes looking down at the table booth. And he clenched his hands slightly, and Hermione tightened her hold. "And I didn't even get to say goodbye to him, to tell him how much those memories meant to me..." He stiffled, and Hermione lifter her hand from his, and touched his shoulder, and guided him down to her, so that his head was cradling against her shoulder. Him being a couple inches taller than her, it was an okay fit.

"No." Hermione whispered, agreeing. "He's not." She said, smiling sadly at him. "But he's in still in here," She brought up her left hand to point at his chest, more importantly his heart. "He's still alive in there, in your heart, and in memory." And Y/N lifted his head to meet her eyes, and nodded. A strange tightening in his chest. "And as long as he's in your heart, he's still around, watching."

Hermione wasn't a very religious person. But it didn't stop her believing that love ones could still watch over those that they held dear to their hearts.

After a few minutes of silence, Y/N lifted his head from her shoulder and gave a saddened smile. He was grateful she was there to help him. Honestly, he didn't know where he'd be if Hermione wasn't there calm him.

"Thank you, 'Mione." Y/N said. "I know, I don't say this a lot, but... thank you... for just, being here." She didn't realised how much her soothing voice, her support or even her shoulder to lean on helped him so much.

After everything that was plaguing him. Hermione was his light to his shadow. A bright bulb of salvation in his dark mist.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else..." Hermione murmured quietly, enough that Y/N had to strain harder to hear it. "And... you're welcome, Y/N."

The two separated, and Y/N moved further right to allow her more room. They turned their attention to the empty glasses of ice cream in front of them, and frowned. They had eaten it all.

Y/N turned and looked out the window, it had already been past midday when they had arrived at the parlour, now the sun was beginning to set, they would have to get back soon.

"Looks like it's time to leave." Y/N said sadly, and Hermione giggled at his sadness. Obviously hoping to have more ice cream, though Fenrir would argue he's already had enough. "Guess we should get going?" Hermione nodded her head, and the two got out of their seats. They headed past booths and thanked the employees for the wonderful experience. Even looked at him funny, noticing the ice cream smudged to his face, however did not comment, merely chuckled lightly, much to Y/N's confusion.

The two exited the parlour, setting out into the warm weather. It was then Hermione looked at Y/N, the smudge of ice cream on his cheek, and had a thought, a dangerous and breath taking one.

"Y/N?" Hermione said, stopping before they even left the premises of the shop. Y/N turned to face her, his gaze questioning. But before he could say anything. Hermione reached up, and, boldly, planted a quick, yet sweet soft kiss on his cheek, something she had wanted to do again. Ever since she had done after he had saved her from the troll in the first year, then the few months before. When she had woken up to familiar tingle across her cheek in the infirmary.

Y/N felt the ease of her lips against his cheek, a strong sense of vanilla and strawberry. The smell intoxicating. And the action stunned him, so much that when she pulled away, he secretly missed the unusual sensation of her soft lips on his skin. Frozen in place, he slowly looked at her, before a small smile made its way to his own lips.

Hermione averted her eyes for a second, before raising them to meet his. And quipped in an excuse.

"You had ice cream on your cheek."

And the two joined in laughter, as they walked back to the house, to where they would be returning back home tomorrow.

And, sadly, where their unusual/normal reality would begin to set back in. Back to the troubles of the wizarding world, instead of that of the uncomplicated normal muggle life that they enjoyed so much.

A place where they felt like normal kids, instead of the dangerous yet exciting ones of the wizarding world. Where, undoubtedly, their lives would only get more complicated. Along with their own friendship, and perhaps? Something more, waiting, hiding in the shadows...

Ready to split their hearts wide open.

A/N: Omg! This is the longest chapter I have ever written ever in my entire life for a story! I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Now next Prisoner Of Azkaban. But before that.
I have some ANNOUNCEMENTS to give out. Now first, I wanted to thank you all for being so patience with me and this story! You guys mean so much to me, and without you, this story would be nothing. Now second. Regarding the story. There's going to be two changes to the plot from the first and second book. Nothing major, they're really minor. First one, which I'll update and change before releasing chapter 34. Is Y/N's Quidditch position.

He's now going to be a chaser instead. Now, because I felt that Y/N being a reserve seeker was just plain, and it meant he would hardly get to do anything. But with him being chaser, that means he'll have so many more Quidditch time.

Second. You may notice in the poly juice chapter that Y/N couldn't change into another person. Well I had a plot for that but I decided it was stupid. So that'll be changed so he actually can change into another person with the potion. Because, the first chapters (when Y/N goes to see Harry. Will definitely play out with a poly juice potion. Let's just say, a certain Giant in disguise needs to have a talk with good ol' prune Dursley.

Now that's all folk! I can't wait to see II guys in the next one! Peace out!