Chapter 7
Solonge was relaxing in a very comfortable chair in a room she had just converted into a home theatre. Crookshanks was
sleeping soundly at her feet and she was looking around the room admiring her work. Instead of jumping right in on her
next project she made a decision that shocked her entire department. She asked to take some vacation time...for the
first time...ever. Not only did they grant her request, they begged her to take as much time as she wanted because they
didn't know when she'd ever get the urge to take a vacation again!
Over the past week or so she had actually read works of fiction and listened to music. One day she even spent some time shopping on Diagon Alley and got a hair cut and purchased some new clothes. A few years ago, she had been disappointed that her hair had turned totally grey at such a young age, but at least it was a pretty grey. It was soft and silky with a silvery tone and didn't have the brassy look that some grey hair did. It was also very flattering to her skin color and she wore it shoulder length. Her hair color was the only thing that betrayed her age. She had the stereotypical creamy smooth, "we don't get much sun in the UK," complexion and since she never had a lot of sugar growing up with dentists for parents, she never developed a sweet tooth so she didn't have a weight issue. She became one or two sizes larger than her old teenage self as she matured and that seemed to be just where her adult self should be.
The new theatre room was fun. She had to shield the room to make sure she didn't damage the equipment when doing powerful restoration spells in her office. She had picked up most of her favorite old movies in the latest digital format and vowed to spend time on herself reading by choice or watching a movie even after her vacation was over. Crookshanks woke up for a moment to give a loud purr and stretch. She scratched behind his ears and then heard an owl tapping at the window.
She stood and walked to the window and froze for a moment when she saw the rose. Her first thought was, "He found me." She didn't know how she knew. It could have been someone from work hoping she was enjoying her vacation. She opened the window and took the rose and the note from the owl. She started to get some coins for a tip and maybe some water and crumbs for the owl, but it flew away before she even turned around.
She figured that whatever this was, she had better sit down. The white rose had been protected in flight by thick clear plastic. When she removed it, she saw how perfect it was and how beautiful it smelled. There was a small envelope without a name on it, but it did have her address. She took a deep breath, opened the envelope and took out the card and read.
"Please forgive me if this is just wishful thinking,
But I believe that I have just discovered who you really are.
I can't tell you how much I want to see you again.
I have to so much to tell you that I'm not sure how to start,
But once I start, I don't know if I'll ever be able to finish.
If this means nothing to you, then please forgive me for intruding,
You are most likely not who I think you might be.
If this does mean something to you,
Please meet me at the coffee shop in front of Kings Cross today at 4pm.
I'll wait until 5 pm.
In case you get this too late for today,
I'll also be there again tomorrow between 4 and 5 pm.
H.P."
She became Hermione to herself again. He knows, she thought. How and why did he find out now and not some other time? That's his handwriting. She read through the note looking for any sign of anger or any sign that he didn't really want to see her or other motives. She couldn't detect any. A white rose. Innocent love...friendship. She frowned. Or was it Pure Love? She didn't remember. She walked to the kitchen to put the rose in a bud vase and checked the time. It was 3:30. Kings Cross was only a 20-minute walk; she needed to hurry.
Freshening spells sure came in handy. She decided to wear one of her new outfits. This one was light blue with a full skirt and light blue and white top and was very feminine. She took the time to brush her teeth and hair the Muggle way, and then headed out. The neighborhood busybodies were surprised. They didn't think they have ever seen the crazy cat woman outside before. She didn't look all that crazy walking down the street, though she did look quite happy. They figured they'd mark this day on the calendar just in case something strange happened.
It was a few minutes before 4 pm and Hermione was just about to turn the last corner to Kings Cross. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she hadn't been this scared since she had to pass her French interview at the Ministry. No, this was worse. She could stop and go back, sleep on it and meet him tomorrow instead. That would give her some time to think. But of course, it would also give the bloody "Ghosts of Gryffindors' past" time to visit and haunt her dreams asking her tauntingly, "Where's that Gryffindor Courage, Hermione?" No, Thank You! She turned the corner and continued walking.
She wasn't sure who saw whom first, but Harry was waiting for her outside the coffee shop. They caught each other's eye and smiled as they both walked to meet half way. Hermione had the exact same instinct Harry did. They greeted with a hug that ended up lasting much longer than expected. Harry pulled her close and marveled at how her body seemed to fit his, and how good she smelled, and how soft her hair was, and that she was real, and alive, and she had become such a beautiful woman, and that she was in his arms. Hermione cuddled and felt like she was melting to Harry's body. She loved the way her head seemed to fit just right in Harry's shoulder, then there were tears in her eyes as she felt Harry stroking her hair. He smelled so good. He started to caress her back.
After a few minutes, he pulled away from her slightly, just enough so he could look into her eyes. He wiped away her tears with his fingers, and then softly asked, "Why?"
Hermione blinked for a moment and started to answer as best as she could, "I...I..."
At the exact same moment, they both decided to answer the question together in a different way. Their lips met with a gentle, sweet kiss. Harry's lips were so soft. Hermione had always dreamed of a day when she could let him know she was still here, but even her wildest fantasies didn't include her ending up in Harry's arms so quickly. She ran her fingers though his still messy hair like she had always dreamed of doing. It was so soft. She felt his arms holding her so close and his hands caressing her back and then her neck, then her hair. Their lips parted and their kiss deepened. It was as if both Harry and Hermione were trying to use that kiss to explain a secret; what each had felt for the other a lifetime ago.
Harry wanted to pick her up and swing her around with happiness. He didn't know how else to put what he was feeling as he kissed her into words. Maybe it was her feminine clothing, but kissing her made him feel so 'male.' This was ironic because as they ended the kiss to come up for air, this time, he was the one with tears in his eyes. He looked around, and gestured to a nearby bench and still arm and arm, they walked together to it.
They sat close together on the bench and looked into each other's eyes. Hermione reached up and dried his tears. She took a deep breath and thought about answering him. "The question you asked can be answered in so many different ways. I can just stick to the facts as I knew them, or I can add in feelings. I think I could come up with a quick 'executive summary' version or..."
Harry interrupted her with an impish smile and a quick kiss.
Hermione laughed, "OK, you get the point. In any case, is it really something you want to talk about on a public street?"
Harry laughed and teased her, "Is that just a quick way of getting to, 'Your place or mine?' Miss Granger?"
Hermione's eyes widened with embarrassment. She decided to tease right back, "Well, Mr. Potter, if just a kiss from me made you start crying like a little boy, forgive me if I thought you might want some privacy for my tale of unrequited love and woe."
Harry had been ready to verbally spar with her, but then stopped when the words 'unrequited love' sunk in. After that kiss he didn't think her story would have a surprise ending, but he was interested in the path and the journey and he had the feeling she was correct about privacy. "I'm sure you're right. My kids Floo into my home unannounced all the time, so that's out. How about your home, it's a nice walk from here."
Hermione agreed, "Yes, but let's apparate." She noticed the strange look on Harry's face. "I
agree about it being a nice walk, but you'd have to know my neighbors to understand."