A Change Of Scenery

A/N: JKR owns all! Thank you so much for the reviews and follows! They are appreciated! Enjoy!

Chapter 2

Hermione folded her clothes, packing them into her suitcase. She wasn't sure what the climate was like in Bulgaria, so she was sure to bring a little bit of everything.

She heard her Floo activate and someone step into her living room. Hermione sighed, knowing exactly who it was.

"Knock knock," the male voice said, lingering in her doorway.

Turning, she smiled sadly when she saw her best friend, Harry James Potter, standing there.

"You can't change my mind, Harry," she said, returning to her packing. She knew Harry well enough to know he would advocate her relationship with Ron. They had decided it would be the four of them, just as always. Hermione just realized it wasn't meant to be.

Harry sighed. "I'm not here to change your mind. I just want to know why."

Hermione turned around, sitting on her bed. She patted the spot next to her, motioning for him to come over.

Harry did. He sat down next to her, taking her hand. "I'm just concerned. It's so out of the blue, Hermione."

"Not for me," she answered honestly. "I love Ron, I really do, but I'm not in love with him anymore. It's like kissing my brother and when we have sex, it's-"

"I don't need to know about your sex life!" Harry interrupted, his face turning red. "I just wanted to make sure that this was really what you wanted."

Hermione nodded. "It is. I want to go out, Harry, and see the world! Between the war and everything that's happened, I haven't had time to be myself… you know?"

Harry nodded, understanding completely. He was happy with Ginny but always wondered what would be different if he had taken some time to travel or get away before settling down. "Where are you going?"

"I've written Viktor and he's agreed to let me stay with him," she replied, curious as to what Harry's reaction would be.

"Viktor? Really?" he asked, surprised.

Hermione nodded. "We've kept in contact over the years and I got his letter yesterday and it just seemed right to contact him and ask."

Harry nodded. "Are you two… er… romantically involved?"

Hermione shook her head, laughing. "No! Viktor's one of my closest friends. I had a crush on him when I was younger, but that was then. I was too young to really understand what love was. Sometimes I think he wants more than friendship from me, but I just can't tell."

Harry gave her a grin. "Maybe he's what you're looking for?"

She shook her head. "Don't be silly, Harry. I'm sure Viktor has his share of pretty women."

"You didn't answer my question," he pointed out.

"And I won't be," Hermione retorted, grinning at him.

The two of them smiled for a moment before Hermione sighed. "Is Ron terribly upset?"

Harry frowned, nodding. "I think he's known all along that you wouldn't last, but he's held on tight to you. I'm sure he'll be okay with time though."

Hermione felt a tear slid down her cheek. "I do love him," she whispered.

"But not that way," Harry finished for her. "I understand, Hermione, and I know Ron will too in time."

She wrapped her arms around Harry, hugging him tightly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Now I'll get going, but I want you to write me as soon as you arrive in Bulgaria!"

She nodded, smiling. "Of course, Harry! I'll keep you posted!"

"And please remember to have fun! You're going there to get away from all of this, so please, actually let it go."

"I will," she promised.

"Don't think of Ron or anyone else, just think of yourself."

Hermione smiled. When did her best friend get so smart?

Harry gave her one last hug. "Have fun!" he said, before leaving.

Sighing, Hermione returned to her packing. She was excited to get away and see Viktor. She needed some time with a friend, but with Harry's words lingering in her mind, she couldn't help but wonder what if.