Okay, so at work it was really slow, so I wrote some more and then just e-mailed it to my laptop at home so it would be ready for me to update as soon as I got here. It's pretty long and has three different ships. And for those who are wanting more Ginny/Draco, don't worry I haven't forgotten them!
Chapter 30
Dobby couldn't have done it any better. He set up a table for four by the window so they could watch the newly fresh snowflakes fall from the sky. The four laughed and talked rapidly as they munched on hot crescent rolls, creamy mash potatoes drenched in gravy and of course for the final touch, delicious pumpkin pie topped with whip cream; one of Harry and Hermione's personal favorites since earlier that afternoon.
After dinner the empty plates magically disappeared and hot fresh coco appeared with marshmallows. They all made a cup and retired to the den by the fire where Harry and Jayce started to strike up a conversation about Quidditch. "You were awesome during the last match," Jayce said with his eyes wide in excitement. "That was so cool when you fell in the crowd! I was the one who gave you your broom back."
Harry laughed. "Well, thanks. Who's your favorite Quidditch team?"
Hermione rolled her eyes at Emma. "I'll be right back. This Quidditch talk is driving me crazy."
Emma giggled and nodded her head. The guys didn't notice since they were now talking about the Quidditch cup a few years ago, which Jayce did participate in with his family. "I was eight then and my brothers and I waited for autographs after the game. I got Victor Krum's autograph!"
Harry chuckled. "You need to tell that to Hermione. She's good friends with Victor."
"Really? Wow. Best friends with Harry Potter and friends with Victor Krum! She's lucky!"
"Girlfriend," he corrected with a grin. "Harry Potter's girlfriend."
"Oh, right," he said slightly blushing. "I forgot."
"That's all right," he laughed. "Honestly, I'm not quite use to saying it myself."
"Okay, I'm back," Hermione said as she strolled into the room with a thick book in her arms. "Come over here, Emma."
Harry watched Hermione sit down in the love seat and Emma sat next to her. "Your photo album? Hermione, why do you have to show her that?"
"I thought it would be fun for her to see pictures of us during our years here," she said opening the first page. "Oh, there's Harry and Ron during first year…"
Harry sighed as he looked at Jayce. "Hermione kept a photo album since first year and we didn't even know until last year. Where did you even get the photos first year, Collin wasn't even here yet."
"From around. A few people had cameras and I just got copies. This one was taken after Harry won his first match. Remember, Harry?" she asked holding it up.
Harry got up and sat on the arm of the chair so he could look properly. He motioned for Jayce to do the same and he settled on the other armchair next to Emma. He looked at the picture of himself and Hermione someone had taken randomly. He barely remembered it but they were sitting on the couch and he and Hermione were discussing something, probably what happened after the match. At the time they thought Snape was trying to jinx his broom. During their discussion, someone had told them to smile and Harry looked up as well as Hermione, who leaned into Harry just a bit as it was taken. Their smiles were both quick and nervous, but it was a smile nonetheless. "How did you get a copy of this?"
"A seventh year girl took it," she said with a smile. "I timidly asked her if I could have a copy and she told me I could have the original. She was very nice. She's whom I got most of the pictures from. Her name was Jackie something…she actually takes pictures for Witch Weekly last I heard."
"You all look so young," Emma said as she looked at the pictures. "When was this taken?"
Harry and Hermione looked at the picture of them and Ron sitting under a tree. They had books lying out in front of them and they stopped studying long enough to smile and wave at the camera. "That was second year. A few days before I got petrified."
"A memory I do not wish to remember," Harry said grimly.
"Petrified?" Emma asked.
"Long story," Hermione said with a small smile as she reached up to grab Harry's hand that was resting on his leg.
He squeezed it but kept his eyes on the album as she turned to the next page. "Oh look! It's me riding Buckbeak during third year. Who took that?"
"Collin did. He saw you flying on him so he took a picture. He gave it to me."
"What is that?" Jayce asked.
"It's a Hippogriff isn't it?" Emma asked looking at both Harry and Hermione.
"Yep, that one is named Buckbeak. It belonged to Hagrid. Hermione and I went back in time to save his life." Emma and Jayce's jaw dropped. "Another long story."
They spent the next thirty minutes going through the album, looking at pictures all throughout their years at Hogwarts. There were pictures of the Yule Ball where Jayce got excited when he saw one of Victor and Hermione. Hermione blushed when Harry commented on how beautiful she had looked that night. "My jaw literally dropped to the floor…no lie."
They saw pictures of fifth and sixth year, which were mainly Harry and Hermione pictures since fifth year was the start of when their relationship became stronger. "This one is one of my favorites," Hermione laughed as she pointed to one of her and Harry. "It was taken fifth year, Harry, after one of our D.A meetings. We had stayed late to clean up a bit."
"And Collin took a picture of us, I remember," he said looking at the picture of him and Hermione who had surprised him by leaping up on his back to pose for the picture. He saw himself stumble forward slightly and immediately grabbed her legs to keep her from falling. He looked back at her completely baffled then saw himself start to laugh at the situation. He remembered being totally shocked she did that, but once he saw her beaming face he couldn't help but laugh. He then noticed someone in the background of the picture standing outside the room and she did not look happy. "Is that…Cho?"
"Yeah," Hermione giggled. "One of the many reasons why I love this picture. This was right after your disastrous date with her."
"She looks furious," Harry laughed. "I love it!"
"Aww, look at that," Emma said with a smile at the picture of Harry and Hermione sleeping together on the couch.
Harry squinted his eyes to study the picture. "Is that of us that night when you and Ron had a fight?"
"Yeah, Collin took it of us while we were sleeping. I woke up as soon as he took it and he was so embarrassed he got caught. He kept apologizing to me in a rush whisper so he wouldn't wake you, but he finally shut up when I told him I wanted a copy."
"Why didn't you tell me you had it?" Harry asked.
She shrugged. "I didn't want to embarrass you I guess."
"It wouldn't have. I'd have asked for a copy. I still want one." He then gave her a quick kiss on the lips before returning his attention to the album. "Oh, look at that! A picture of the D.A." He leaned over Hermione to get a closer look. It was a group shot of everyone from the D.A. taken at the end of their sixth year. "Hermione, this is great. We need to enlarge it and put it up at the Room of Requirement."
"You should take one at the end of every year, to keep it updated," Emma suggested. "I also think there should be a picture of the three of you with Dumbledore. You guys are the founders after all."
Harry and Hermione smiled. "That would be kind of a cool idea," Harry said with a smile.
"Well, that's the last of it," Hermione said as she closed the album.
"Can we look at it some more?" Emma asked.
"Sure," she said as she handed the book to her. "Knock yourself out."
Harry helped Hermione out of the chair and Emma scooted over to give room for Jayce as they started from the beginning. Harry led Hermione to the other side of the room and sat down on the couch pulling her down on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist and settled his hands on her stomach as she placed her hands over them and leaned back against his chest. Hermione sighed in content as she nuzzled her cheek against his and Harry placed his lips against her temple as they both gazed into the fire.
Harry felt her shiver so he moved his hands from hers long enough to pull the blanket that was draped over the couch across them both so they could keep warm. Harry grinned against her temple as his hands started to wander under the blanket since they were now hidden from Emma and Jayce's view.
Hermione blushed as she shyly buried her face in his neck. "Harry," she said stifling a giggle.
Since his hands were occupied he nudged her head with his own, silently telling her what he wanted. She got the hint and found his lips with her own and they kissed softly as the fire started to dwindle down. The kiss was innocent and sweet as their tongues and lips made slow lazy love as they both whispered each other names and sweet endearments between kisses.
"Hermione," Harry whispered against her lips and then gave them a nip. "Let's go upstairs."
Hermione trembled as she reached up and touched the side of his face. "Harry…"
"I'm not pressuring you to do anything," he said as he reached up and grabbed her hand. "I just want to be with you, that's all."
Hermione smiled when he started to toy with their linked fingers. "I want that too." She bit her lip and rested her forehead against his. "And I want…to be with you, too…one day, but…"
Harry kissed her before she could continue. "Don't worry about that. It will happen when it's meant to happen. For now…let's go to sleep."
Hermione nodded in understanding and let him pull her up from the couch. They turned to tell Emma and Jayce they were heading up, but were astonished to see the two of them sound asleep. The album was across Jayce's lap and his head was tilted back against the seat, while Emma was leaning against him and her head had slumped to his shoulder. "Oh, Harry…talk about a picture moment."
"Why don't we make them a pallet on the floor," Harry suggested with a smile. "They are already in their pajamas anyway and I don't have the heart to wake them up."
"I think that's a perfect idea," she said and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll go get some extra blankets and pillows and you push the furniture aside to give them room."
Hermione ran off up the stairs while Harry moved all the furniture aside with a quick wave of his wand. When Hermoine returned they both made a pallet for Jayce and Emma to sleep on. Hermione even used a cushioning charm on the blankets so the floor wouldn't be too hard for them.
When they were done they both grabbed a child and picked them up from the couch. Harry grabbed Jayce and Hermione easily lifted Emma in her arms since she was light as a feather. Neither of them stirred while they placed them on the pallet and they both snuggled into their pillows when they put the blanket over them. Harry couldn't help but notice that this was what it would be like if he and Hermione ever had kids. Harry looked over at her and when she smiled he knew she was thinking the same thing.
Harry stood up from his kneeling position and so did she, then he offered his hand and she took it. Together they walked up hand in hand, neither of them saying a word as Hermione led Harry into her room. She went to the bed immediately and drew down the covers before crawling inside and scooting over to give him room to join her. He slid in beside her and turned off the oil lamp that was burning by her bed and Hermione reached for him.
He pulled her close until the entire front of his body was pressed up against hers and leaned down to kiss her good night. It lasted longer than he planned, but he couldn't help it. He could get lost in her kisses if he chose to. And that would be dangerous. He promised her he wouldn't push her so he finally pulled back and gazed at her through the darkness. "Good night, Hermione."
"Good night, Harry," she said and kissed him one last time. "Happy Christmas."
"Happiest Christmas I ever had," he said with a smile then gave her another kiss, before motioning her to turn around. She did so and he spooned her, bringing her back against his chest. He buried his face in her hair and took in a deep breath as he felt his whole body relaxed. He knew before he even fell asleep that he wasn't going to have one single nightmare tonight. As long as his Hermione was with him, he could do anything.
XXXX
Ron paced nervously in his room as he waited impatiently for midnight to arrive so he could go meet Luna in the drawing room. Merlin, he couldn't wait to get his hands on her, she was so vibrant and full of energy he couldn't fathom why he didn't notice her sooner. When he had kissed her she practically melted in his arms and he couldn't remember any girl responding to him as well as she did.
At five minutes till midnight, Ron took a breath and walked to the door. He wore a pair of jeans and a simple blue cotton tee shirt he pulled on just after his shower. He nervously ran his fingers through his hair and slightly noticed it was still a little damp. He finally opened the door and walked into the hallway and nearly ran into Luna herself who was coming out of the girl's room that was across from his. "Oh…hey," Ron said as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. She looked so cute in her light pink pajamas and her long blonde hair flowed freely around her face.
"Hi," she answered back as she took a step closer to him and caught his scent. He smelled wonderful. He smelled a mixture of aftershave and peppermint.
He took another step and before he realized it they were only inches apart. "I've been a nervous wreck for the past two hours."
"Me too," she sighed dreamily as she looked up at him. "You smell really good."
Ron's heart notched up a beat and his breathing started to get heavy. "You look really good," he murmured and then swooped down to kiss her.
"Wait," she whispered as she pulled back. "We shouldn't…we need to wait until we get to the drawing room."
"Well, then let's hurry because I've got to kiss you," he said as he held her hand and pulled her down the hall. As much as he'd love to run down the stairs, he knew they had to be quiet so they took it slow. Once they were downstairs they started down the hall that led to the room, but Ron suddenly stopped and motioned her to be quiet.
They both stood there in the shadows as they watched Remus walk over to the drawing room and open the door. "Took you long enough," said a familiar female voice from inside.
Puzzled, Ron and Luna shared a look before quietly making their way over to the door, which had been left cracked
open. They peaked through to see Remus standing by the love seat and saw the back of Tonk's head as she stood by
the window. She had her normal hairstyle today, something she wore quite often now that Ron realized it, and she too
was dressed in her pajamas.
"Tonks," Remus said with a slight smile. "Are you going to waste the little time we have together sulking or are you going to come over here and give me a proper welcome?"
Tonks was silent for a while, than finally turned to look at him. She had a serious look on her face, but then her slight pout of her lips turned into a beaming smile. She then ran over to Remus and threw herself up in his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. Lupin laughed as he caught her and continued to smile as she started to assault him with frantic kisses all over his face. "I've missed you," she said right before giving him a long smacking kiss on the mouth.
Remus chuckled against her lips. "Tonks, I've only been gone twenty-four hours."
"Twenty-four hours too long," she said as she continued on with her kisses, every once in awhile she'd deepen the kiss causing them both to moan in pleasure.
At this Luna silently tugged Ron away from the door to give them some privacy and they silently went back up the stairs unnoticed.
Remus and Tonks collapsed onto the couch with Remus falling flat on his back and Tonks was now straddling him. Remus sat up and hugged her around the waist, bringing her as close to him as possible. He kissed her long and hard, loving the feel of her fingers running through his hair as his mouth battled with hers. "I missed you too," he finally said slightly out of breath from their kiss. "I adore you, Nymphadora."
Her eyes softened as she touched his face. "Remus…"
He leaned up and kissed her again and the kiss turned desperate as they clung together. He felt her slip her hands under his jumper and shivered at the feel of her hands running across his chest. He didn't protest when she started to tug at it and pulled away from her mouth long enough for her to yank it over his head. During that brief time where his jumper was over his face she took advantage and ran her lips along his chest causing him to loose his mind. He groaned her name again as he attacked her mouth with his own and tugged at her own clothes.
"Remus," she sighed. "Please, I need you."
"Merlin…this is crazy, someone could walk in," he protested even though he was already halfway done unbuttoning her top.
"I don't care," she groaned as she started to unbuckle the belt of his pants. "We've waited too long. I need this. I need you."
He groaned as he buried his face against the valley of her breast, thrilled she wasn't wearing a bra. "How can I say no to that?"
XXX
Once Ron and Luna were safely inside and Luna performed a proper silencing charm, Ron finally spoke. "BLOODY HELL! TONKS! And…and…LUPIN?!"
"Yeah, that's what it looks like to me," Luna said with a sigh. "This is unbelievable."
"I know! They stole our make-out spot!" Ron yelled.
"Ron, I'm not joking!"
"Who's joking??" he asked still talking above the normal talking level.
She sighed as she rolled her eyes. "I think it's sweet."
"Yeah, well I think it's weird. Crap. And now I'm all frustrated because we can't meet down there anymore and…"
"Ron," she said with a laugh. "Are you forgetting something?"
He blinked at her. "What? No, I'm not forgetting anything. I want to kiss you right now and…"
"Well, why don't you, you git!" she yelled. "If you haven't noticed we are in your room which you share with Harry. Your friend who isn't here!."
Ron stared dumbly at her for a second and then looked around his room to find that it was indeed empty and they were in fact alone. "Oh," he said and then looked over at her and grinned. "Well in that case…"
Luna giggled and ran to him jumping into his arms just as Tonks did to Remus moments ago. "That looked fun, I wanted to give it a shot."
They both grinned foolishly at each other before they finally met mouth to mouth and laughed as they fell on the bed in a tangle of limbs.
XXX
Remus groaned as he rolled off of Tonks collapsing onto the floor in complete exhaustion. Somewhere in the middle of their frantic lovemaking they moved onto the floor and he had no recollection of it at all. "Tonks, you're going to be the death of me," he moaned as she happily snuggled up against him running kisses along his chest. "What did you have for breakfast?"
"The pleasure of knowing you'd be home tonight and the excitement of knowing I was going to seduce you."
He lifted his brows and looked down at Tonks who stopped her kisses long enough to look at him. "Did you now? So this was planned?"
"You bet," she said with a wink.
Remus grabbed a handful of the blanket that was twisted around them and pulled it up over his chest. "I feel so used."
Tonks giggled as she shifted up and sat on his stomach. "Well get use to it, Remus Lupin because that won't be the first time I seduce you."
Remus grinned up at her as he ran his hands up and down her bare thighs. "Promise?"
Tonks smiled and leaned over him until her lips were inches from his. "Promise," she said and then kissed him to seal it, moaning against them as she felt his warm hands run up her naked back. "Mmm…well, now that I had you…"
"Twice," he added.
She grinned against his lips. "Twice," she corrected herself and then nipped his bottom lip. "I should probably ask you how it went. With Dumbledore."
"Well," he started as she ran her lips down his neck and over his chest. "The potion will be ready for testing by the next full moon."
Tonks froze and her head shot up. "What?" Remus responded just by grinning. "Are you serious? Oh…oh, Remus."
Remus panicked when he saw tears in her eyes. "Now, there's nothing to cry over."
"Oh, you silly git," she cried as she framed his face and rain kisses all over it. "I'm so happy for you."
"It's just a test," he reminded her and framed her face softly as he let her continue to kiss him. He loved her adoration to him. It was so heartwarming to know she cared so much.
"But a test is the first step," she said and then continued her assault by moving to his chest again. "We need to celebrate."
Remus groaned when he realized how she wanted to celebrate. "Honestly, Tonks. We've already celebrated."
"Yes, but I didn't know about this then, so it's different."
He groaned out a laugh when her head disappeared under the blanket. "This is what I get for falling for a younger witch," he muttered looking up at the ceiling. He then yelped and jumped when he pinched him in an inappropriate place. "Did you just pinch my bum?"
Her giggle muffled under the blanket and smiled as he rolled his eyes. "You're a handful, Nymphadora." He hissed out a breath when she took him into her mouth. "A quite appealing handful I don't mind having." He then sighed as his head thumped back onto the floor closing his eyes as he took deep breaths. Merlin…he was absolutely head over heels in loved with this witch and he had no idea how to handle that.