Ethereal

Turns out Harry James Potter was nothing if not true to his words, so the very next day as promised, he vanished. this time, along with the usual pang of sadness and worry, Hermione also felt guilty. 

Last time, when they had ended on bad terms, Harry had come back with a huge gash along his torso, loosing gallons of his blood by the minute. She knows in the back of her head that his injuries were not a direct result of their argument. Though, she can't shake the feeling off. It's the single thought that has been keeping her awake even though Hermione has started going back home on time, and if Alex noticed anything he hasn't mentioned it. 

Along with that, the chaperon the streets have been increasing. Harry was right about the people seriously being upset about the new laws Hermione passed. 

They were to promote muggle-borns and give them an equal space in society in terms of employment. Pure-bloods have snatched each opportunity, with their connections or "hereditary rights". 

So now, all those pure-bloods have a hard time digesting this, much like they couldn't accept Hermione as their new Minister of Magic. 

The riots were something Hermione could easily handle. Dispatch a bunch of aurors who were smart enough to persuade people to go back home. No violence, and no controversies. 

However, now there were talks of some groups planning to directly approach her, harm her. This put her slightly on edge. 

Hermione isn't scared. No. She is confident in her abilities as a witch. After all, her knowledge of spells was almost unparalleled. Instead, Hermione is worries about her friends, her parents. 

Just how far could the rebels go just to get to her?

Though there is no solution out of this. Hermione has found changing people's beliefs to be the hardest obstacle in life. She is firm in her stance of helping muggle-borns and crushing under the pressure of some pure-bloods is just not the way she is planning to head this society. 

"Mione?" A blonde head pops, and Luna walks into her office. 

"I'm sorry I didn't knock, your secretary said you were free."

The blonde girl gave a polite, sincere smile and Hermione couldn't help but offer the same in return. 

"That's perfectly alright Luna. What brings you here?"

"Oh it's my turn. Wait no. I mean I was around the ministry so I thought I'd pick you up for lunch."

Right, of course. This was another addition to Hermione's schedule. Each day a friend of hers would pop up to check on her. The brunette is pretty sure that Ginny has a hand in this. Hermione wouldn't put it past that fiery redhead to force each of their friends to drag Hermione out of her office. 

Though despite their very transparent means to deceive her. Hermione finds the concern to be warming. So she follows the girl out of her office. 

"I see worry and guilt in your aura Mione," she says as soon as they take a seat. 

Ah alright. 

"It's nothing Luna, I've been doing quite fine these past few days. Maybe because of how many of our friends have been showing up at lunch."

Luna at least looks a little sheepish. 

"It's... I uhm really appreciate seeing you guys more often now," Hermione says earnestly and Luna all but gleams at the confession. 

"Well we love seeing you more often too. You and Harry have like disappeared in these past few years."

Harry's name makes her stiff, and Luna was quick to notice. 

"Has your aura been disturbed because of Harry?" Luna asked, and Hermione nodded slightly. 

Luna has always been so pure, so veracious with her thoughts that lying to her always feels awful. Like you are betraying the girl's honesty with your own dishonesty. 

"Ah I see... you know Mione. I have never understood if you both love each other, why aren't you together?" 

Hermione snapped her head towards the girl. 

"We... he doesn't Luna. You've deeply misunderstood. We're just really good... friends."

"You know we have all always wanted to see you two happy. Out of any of us, it seemed as if Ron, Harry and you always came across the worst of fates. So when we saw the two of you falling in love with each other, it made us happy. We know that nobody can offer either of you the comfort that you can offer to each other."

Hermione blinked, in disbelief. 

"We've watched you connect, we watched the two of you grow with each other. The way Harry spoke of you, supported your dreams. You know how happy he was the day you took over this position. Didn't stop singing your praises, talking about how this was everything you deserved."

Yes, Hermione knew that. 

All her friends had a small party for her, and Hermione recalls watching Harry take a few drinks. Yell everywhere that Hermione was the best Minister there ever would be. He stood on tables, danced for hours and least to say the Daily Prophet and all other magical paparazzi had a field trip the next day. 

"Life is short. No matter how long you live, it'll always feel less if you don't spend it right."

Hermione felt as though Luna was staring deep into her soul. Each word registered right where it should. 

No matter how long Hermione would live, how quickly she would move on. There will always be the guilt of not confessing. Of never taking a chance with the man she loves. 

"I can't risk my friendships. I can't risk the bond Luna. These friendships are all that Harry is, and he is so... so precious to me."

"But what if you gain so much more?"