A/N: We are pleased to inform the masses that this is a GORDON FREE CHAPTER! WOOHOO!
Really though, this chapter is really just one big fluffball. It's so sweet you'll have a cavity after reading it. Make an appt with your dentist now and get your toothbrush handy.
Oh yeah- and enjoy ;) And review of course. Can't leave that out. ;p
Cho sat in a coffee shop flipping through a magazine. Today was the big day as Neville had told her when they'd woken up this morning. It was Valentine's Day and he'd been planning for the past few days. Despite her every attempt to find out what exactly, he'd hidden it quite well from her. He'd even told her to get out of the apartment for a couple of hours while he prepared her surprise. He'd promised to meet her with Chiaki and they'd both take her to his Gran's.
She was a little apprehensive about being away from Chiaki. She'd never been away an entire night before and Cho felt a wave of guilt wash over her. What if Chiaki awoke in the middle of the night and needed her? But, she told herself, she wanted to be with her husband and he'd been more than patient.
She looked out the glass window of the coffee shop to see Neville coming toward her. He was pushing Chiaki in the pram and her diaper bag was slung over his shoulder.
"Hey gorgeous," Neville grinned at his wife.
She arose from her chair and kissed him softly before leaning in to get a glimpse of her daughter, who was fast asleep. "Did you wear her out with all your secret preparations?" she asked softly.
"Aye," Neville replied, kissing her again. "She's ready for her great grandmother and I, Mrs. Longbottom, am ready for an evening that's just the two of us."
"Are you sure we're doing the right thing leaving her like we are?" Cho asked, frowning.
"She'll be fine," Neville assured his wife. "Besides, if anything DOES go wrong, not that anything will, Gran will owl us. It's not like we're going out of town."
"Right," Cho said, relaxing. "And it's just for one night. Not to mention the fact that we've been waiting for this night for quite some time, haven't we?"
"Yes we have," Neville was really looking forward to the evening and their flat was also ready. "Shall we get going?" he asked.
She nodded, but stopped before she put her on her cloak. Grabbing Neville's arm, she shot him a stricken look. "You don't think your Gran knows what we're going to do, do you?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper.
Neville snorted. "I don't know, and frankly I don't care if she does," he replied.
"This isn't funny!" Cho said, hitting him on the arm. "I bet she does know! Merlin, what she must be thinking of me!"
"Because you're my wife," Neville said as they started walking, "She won't think any less of you. Honestly... most of our friends think we've already been intimate," he turned a bit red.
"They do?" she asked and then laughed herself. "Well, of course they do, we are the only married ones."
Neville grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. "Aye, for now." he grinned.
"Yeah, I think a few of them will be joining our ranks soon enough," Cho said with a smile as he helped her on with her cloak.
"Who do you think will walk first?" Neville asked thoughtfully.
"I know they haven't known each other for very long, but I honestly think it'll be Harry and Hermione," she said seriously.
"I agree," Neville replied. "Harry's so crazy about her. Don't tell him I told you this, but during training sometimes when Thackeray is really getting on our case, he'll pull her picture out of his cloak and look at it to calm himself down."
"He does?" Cho asked surprised. "I would never have guessed that. That's so sweet."
Neville grinned. "That's why you can't tell him. I don't think he knows that I know about it. He tries to keep it a secret."
"I promise not to say a word," she said. When he looked at her with a raised eyebrow, she hit him again. "I'll try and not say a word."
"Guess that's the best I can hope for," Neville joked.
As they walked down the sidewalk toward Mrs. Longbottom's house, Cho couldn't help laughing at the pleased look on her husband's face. "You look pretty proud of yourself," she asked. "Care to give me a hint of what you have planned?"
"You'll see in just a little while," Neville grinned.
"Not even a teeny, tiny hint?" she asked.
"Well..." Neville leaned close. "Our place looks a wee bit different... Harry gave me a few ideas yesterday at the end of training."
"Which I'm sure he was all too happy to provide," Cho said with a smirk.
"Of course," Neville replied.
"Okay, so my hints are that our flat looks somewhat different and you had some input from Harry," Cho said thoughtfully.
"That's it," Neville wheeled the pram up to his Gran's front door. As if sensing the separation that was about to take place, Chiaki awoke and began to cry. "Oh no," Neville picked her up. "Come on baby girl..." he cradled her close as Cho rang the doorbell.
"It's okay, sweetheart," Cho said soothingly, patting her daughter's back as Neville bounced slightly to calm her.
Neville made soothing noises as Chiaki began to quiet down. "There, there..." he said softly.
Mrs. Longbottom opened the door and smiled at the sight of her great-granddaughter. "I was beginning to think that you weren't going to show up," she said.
"We're sorry Gran," Neville replied. "I was running late and Chiaki just woke up."
"I can see that," Mrs. Longbottom said, reaching out her arms to take the baby. "No wonder she's crying. It's quite cold out here. You had better come on inside. We don't want her catching a cold."
Neville smiled at his wife as he folded the pram and ushered her inside. "Thanks again for taking her tonight Gran. We really appreciate it."
"It's my pleasure," she said softly. "I get to spoil my great-grandchild."
Cho couldn't help but marvel at what a change Chiaki had brought about in Neville's Gran.
"We packed some nappies and a few bottles in here," Cho said, setting the bag down on a table. "And I packed this music box we always play for her before she goes to sleep. She really likes the melody."
Neville smiled. "We shouldn't be too late tomorrow," he slid his arm around his wife.
"Maybe we should stay until she falls back asleep?" Cho suggested. "I could-"
"Nonsense," Mrs. Longbottom replied. "It's Valentine's Day and I know you two are eager to have some time to yourselves."
Cho flushed. "We were just going to watch some television maybe and have some dinner. That's all, really," she stammered.
Neville squeezed her shoulders. "Have a good night Gran," he sent her a smile.
"Thank you again," Cho said avoiding meeting her gaze. "We really appreciate it."
"It's my pleasure," Mrs. Longbottom was looking forward to spending an evening with her great granddaughter. She kissed her grandson and his wife goodbye and ushered them out, knowing exactly what they planned on doing that evening. After all, it WAS Valentine's Day.
*** *** ***
Hermione laughed as Harry led her along. "You're Mr. Surprise tonight," she joked. "Can't you even give me a hint about where you're taking me?" she asked.
"No," he said with a laugh. "You sure you can't see anything under there?"
"If I could would I be asking you where we are?" Hermione asked, turning to the direction she heard his voice.
"Right," he said, leading her along down the path. He held on to her with one hand and with the other he held his lit wand. "It's just a little bit further. Watch your step."
Hermione bit her lower lip as she stumbled a bit. "Goodness... are we in the mountains somewhere?"
"Not exactly," he said, smiling as he saw the familiar wooden cottage come into view. "Okay, we're going to walk up some steps. Just hold onto me, alright?"
"Okay," Hermione replied as his arm slid around her middle.
Harry pocketed his wand into his trousers pocket and then swung open the door. "Step, step."
Hermione giggled self consciously. "Okay can I take this bloody thing off now?"
"Yes, you can," he said, closing the door behind them.
Hermione eagerly whipped off the blindfold and gasped. "Harry we're in your cabin at Hillsdale!"
"I was hoping you'd remember," he teased.
"How could I forget this place," Hermione grinned at him. "Silly."
He helped her off with her cloak and couldn't resist whispering in her ear, "Tomorrow morning just remember that you don't have to sneak out of here."
Hermione laughed. "Is this place all closed up for the winter?" she asked.
"Aye," Harry answered, smiling as he watched her take in the sights around her. He'd made sure to decorate it just as she'd remembered with a few special touches like candles and of course he'd added a fireplace. "But I happen to know the security guards Vernon pays to watch the place and they did me a favour."
Hermione laughed. "It's a very good surprise," she said in a sultry voice.
"So you're pleased?" he asked, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Of course I am," Hermione replied, leaning back against him. "Our first Valentine's Day together in the first place we made love..."
"And where I told you I loved you," he said, kissing her neck.
Hermione turned around with a grin. "So does that mean we need to go to the dance studio? Because if I recall correctly, that's where I first told you that I loved you too."
"Yes, it was," he said grinning. "But Dursley uses the studio to store furniture over the winter. And the lake is out too, unless you want to freeze to death."
"Darn," Hermione wound her arms around his neck. "Guess we're stuck here then," she said softly, her face nearing his.
"Guess so," he said before bringing his lips to hers. "I love you so much, Hermione."
Hermione kissed him back eagerly. "I love you so much too, Harry..." she whispered. Tears came to her eyes as she ran her fingers through his hair. "I don't know what I'd do without you..."
"Hey," he said, brushing a tear from her cheek. "You're never going to lose me, Hermione."
"I know," Hermione pressed her face to his shoulder as his arms hugged her tightly. "It's just a bit overwhelming at times how I feel about you."
He smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Is that good or bad?"
"Very good," Hermione held him closer.
"As much as I'd like to hold you like this all night, I had a great dinner prepared for us," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"You made it?" Hermione asked, kissing him gently before pulling away.
He shook his head. "No, but catered by your favourite Italian restaurant and mine."
Hermione laughed. "You know me too well by now," she replied.
It was taking all he had not to take her right now. He hadn't seen her dress before they'd left their home earlier. She'd been wearing her cloak when she'd come downstairs. Now that he'd had the chance to see her properly, he was finding it a little hard to string together the right words for a coherent sentence.
Hermione was wearing a pale pink slip dress, it had been cold wearing it as they walked to Harry's cabin but as she saw the look in his eyes she knew it was worth it. "What are you looking at?" she asked in a low voice.
"You," he said huskily. "You look...wow."
Hermione smiled. "Your reaction says it all," she laughed softly.
"Good thing I didn't see you in that before we left," he said with a laugh. "We'd never have left the house."
"Letch," Hermione replied, sitting down. "You act as if you're sex starved."
"I meant that as a compliment, Hermione," he said grinning at her. "And it has been...two days, I believe since we have..."
"Oh..." Hermione straightened up. "Well... if you put it that way..."
"I accept your apology," he said taking his seat.
"Apology?" Hermione tipped her head to the side, letting her long hair swing over her shoulder. "I didn't hear any apology."
"Oh well, I guess I was a bit presumptuous," he said grinning wickedly at her. "You can go ahead and apologise for calling me a sex-starved lunatic."
"If you're a sex starved lunatic then so am I, Potter," Hermione replied archly.
"So I guess we deserve each other then?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head with a smile. "I guess you could say that," she teased.
"Okay, okay," he said, smiling across the table at her. "Ready to eat?"
"Sure," Hermione agreed, giving his hand a squeeze.
He was staring at her as the light from the candle on the table illuminated her features. "Um, what was I going to do exactly? I sort of forgot."
Hermione laughed. "You were talking about dinner," she said.
He nodded. "Right, right. Okay. Dinner for two."
He retrieved his wand and tapped each of their plates and magically their two entrees appeared before them. "I hope you don't mind, but I assumed you'd want the manicotti."
"That's perfect," Hermione leaned over the table and gave him a kiss.
Harry poured them both glasses of wine. "Do you think we should toast?"
"Of course," Hermione picked up her glass. "To us," she said.
"To the most important person in my life," he said, raising his glass to her.
"And the most important person in mine," Hermione brushed her glass against his.
They tucked into their food and enjoyed the meal, the wine and each other. Harry had just poured himself another glass of wine when he felt Hermione's foot inching up and down his leg. "You're not making this very easy, you know."
"Making what easy?" Hermione toyed with one of the straps of her slip dress.
"Are you saying you're not trying to drive me wild by toying with your straps there or doing what you're doing with your foot right now," he answered.
Hermione licked her lower lip. "Maybe," she answered coyly.
"Maybe my arse,'" Harry said with a laugh. "You know exactly what you're doing!"
Hermione grinned. "Are you saying you don't like it Potter?"
"I definitely didn't say that," he said as her foot again travelled up his leg. "I'm just saying that I had this evening all mapped out for us and if you keep doing that it'll ruin the whole schedule."
Hermione began to laugh. "You have our Valentine's Day evening scheduled?"
"You rubbed off on me a little," he admitted.
Hermione leaned forward. "Well tell me then, what's next on your master plan?" she asked, keeping her voice husky.
"After dinner, I planned on dessert...tiramisu. And then I was going to give you your present and then I thought we'd listen to some music..."
"You bought me a present?" Hermione asked, turning red. "I didn't know we were doing presents Harry!"
"I guess this means you didn't get me anything?" he asked, pretending to be hurt.
"I'm sorry!" Hermione was ashamed. "Harry if I'd known--"
"Easy, love," he said quickly. "It's okay. Being with you is present enough. Seeing you in that dress...well that's all I needed tonight. Really."
"I feel just awful," Hermione looked down at her hands. "Honestly..."
"Maybe this will make you feel better," he said, standing up and walking over to the bed where he'd laid both their cloaks. He pulled a small, wrapped package out and handed it to her. "Happy Valentine's Day," he said, taking his seat again.
Hermione took the gift and carefully ripped open the paper. She opened the small jewellery box and gasped. "Oh Harry it's gorgeous!"
He smiled, pleased that she liked the gift. "It's a match for your earrings and necklace I already gave you."
Hermione teared up again. "That's so sweet of you," she lifted the diamond bracelet out of the box. "Harry you're spoiling me with all this jewellery."
Harry smiled again. He thought briefly about telling her of what Ron had said when he'd shown him what he'd bought for Hermione. Ron had teased that with the necklace, bracelet and earrings, Harry must be working his way up to the inevitable ring. He decided not to mention that just yet, because in a way that was true.
"I absolutely love it," Hermione held her wrist out so he could help her fasten it. "Thank you so much."
"You're very welcome," he said softly, holding on to her hand. "Um, I know I said dessert was next, but I was wondering if you'd dance with me?"
Hermione smiled at him. "I'd love to," she replied.
He stood up from his chair and walked around the table. "How about you choose the music? I brought along some CD's," he said offering her a hand to help her from her chair.
"You mean you don't have the songs on schedule?" she teased.
He laughed. "No, I'm not that organized yet."
Hermione giggled. "Guess I need to rub off on you some more," her double entendre was not missed.
"I'm all in favour of that," he said winking at her.
Hermione was still smiling as she looked through the CD's. She picked one that had some Latin salsa beats on it, as that was her favourite music to dance to. "Okay," she replied.
"Good choice," he said taking the CD from her and placing it in the player. "Ready?"
"Always," Hermione replied.
As the music filled the room, Harry pulled Hermione to him and they began to move.
Hermione wound her arms tightly around his neck. "You want to know something funny?" she asked.
"Sure," he replied.
"That first time I danced with you..." Hermione smiled at the memory. "You were pressing against me just like this..." she began to giggle.
"Yeah...?" he asked confused. "You're killing me, Granger."
"Let's just say I thought you were very well endowed," Hermione grinned at him. "And then I got to find out just a few short weeks later..."
Harry laughed. "So, I guess that played a part in your agreeing to help us out?"
Hermione swatted his shoulder. "No, because by then I thought I'd blown any chances I had with you."
"You did?" he asked surprised. "I'll have you know that you had me intrigued from the first day I saw you. I'm sorry that I acted like such a prat to you then. I don't know why you put up with me sometimes."
"Hmmm..." Hermione put on a pensive face. "I'm not sure either..." she laughed
"You scared me for a minute!" he said laughing as he decided to tickle her in retaliation.
"Hey!" she squealed. "Harry!"
"Is this bothering you?" he asked, grabbing her waist and as he did so, they tumbled onto the bed, both laughing hysterically.
"This isn't," Hermione said coyly.
Harry reached a hand up and slowly pulled one of her straps down and caressed the soft skin of her shoulder with his hand.
"Kiss me," Hermione said, her fingers tracing over his face.
He put a hand to the nape of her neck and brought her down on top of him and nipped at her bottom lip before kissing her soundly. "I guess we're going to have to move some things around on the schedule," he whispered when they broke apart.
Hermione grinned. "I'm definitely not leaving this bed anytime soon," she guided his hands to her other strap.
"Good," he said, pushing her strap down and planting kisses along her neck and shoulder. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?"
"How about you tell me," Hermione purred. "And after that I'll show you how handsome I think you are..."
"Oh will you now?" he asked, grinning at her. He caressed her cheek with his hand. "You are beautiful and wonderful and you have way too many clothes on at the moment."
"Well then it sounds like the handsome, charming man on top of me needs to take them off." Hermione replied, arching her back.
Harry obliged, reaching around her back to unzip her dress. Hermione helped him pull it off her and then reached up to unbutton his shirt. Not able to wait for her to finish, he leaned down and kissed her again.
Hermione managed to pull off his shirt and work on his trousers as he slipped her dress down. She was only wearing knickers and Harry had only his boxers on within the next few minutes.
"Sometimes I wonder why we even bother with clothes," he said, tracing circles on her stomach with his finger.
"So the rest of the world doesn't get jealous?" Hermione joked.
He laughed. "Good point."
Hermione brushed her lips over his again as his hands wandered over her body.
"And you said you didn't get me a present," he said softly.
"I didn't," Hermione was confused.
"You're about to," he grinned cheekily at her.
Hermione laughed. "Don't ever change Harry,"
"Okay," he said, smiling at her as he slid out of his boxers and then worked on sliding her knickers off as well.
Hermione moaned in pleasure as Harry moved back on top of her, kissing over her body. Her hands slid into his hair again as he pushed his way inside of her.
"Happy Valentine's Day," he whispered.
"Happy Valentine's Day Harry..." Hermione breathed.
*** *** ***
Luna had almost missed her portkey home, but luckily managed to make it just in time. She and Ron had planned on using their free weekend at the Bed & Breakfast for Valentine's Day and she was looking forward to some alone time with him.
They'd just checked in and were settling into their room. She was quite tired from a busy week, but she wasn't going to let that ruin their weekend.
"Hey did you see this great menu?" Ron was already busily checking what food was available.
Luna giggled. "See anything you like?"
"Everything looks good to me," Ron replied, his eyes bigger than his stomach.
Luna shook her head in disbelief. "This from the man who ate the entire box of chocolates he gave me just a few minutes ago."
"I'm a growing boy," Ron grinned.
"Still?" she asked, coming up behind him and putting her arms around his waist. She peered over his shoulder at the menu. "Oh! They have chocolate cheesecake!"
Ron licked his lips as he continued to peruse the menu. "I don't know how I'm supposed to pick only a couple of things," he moaned.
"Well, this is all expenses paid," Luna said. "Remember? You don't have to pick just a couple of things."
"That's right," Ron's eyes lit up. "I can have the whole menu and it comes out of Harry's vault."
"Not going to go easy on him, are you?" she teased.
"Of course not," Ron finally set the menu down.
Luna laughed as she resumed unpacking her things again. "You want to hear something funny?"
"Sure," Ron replied.
"This is the first Valentine's Day where I've had a boyfriend," Luna said winking at him. "Unless you want to count little Christopher Keller who kissed me on the cheek when we were five. Of course, he just wanted to look up my skirt."
Ron laughed. "Well we'd best make this memorable," he pulled her onto the bed. "I'm glad we were finally able to sneak away."
"You and me both," she said happily. "I've been thinking about this all week."
"Me too," Ron replied.
Luna smiled and kissed him. "So...what all do you have planned for us? Other than eating everything on the menu, of course."
"Hmmm..." Ron kissed her back. "Just being together. I hope we won't have any bloody interruptions."
"I don't think we will," she said. "And as a special present to you, I've shut my mobile off. Any calls will go straight to voicemail."
"Perfect," Ron leaned in and kissed her thoroughly.
"I guess I should shut my phone off more often then," she said breathlessly.
"I agree with that Ms. Lovegood," Ron stroked her hair.
"I wish we could have brought Paddington along," Luna said sadly. "My own dog and I haven't seen him in so long."
"He's good," Ron replied. "He's gotten so big, I can hardly lift him anymore."
"If I keep sending him off to your mum's, one of these days, she's not going to let me have him back," Luna said.
Ron laughed. "If he eats any more of her plants out in the garden then I might not be able to bring him there anymore."
Luna turned on her side and sat up. She placed a hand on Ron's chest. "Oh, no! Is he really doing that?"
"Yeah," Ron replied. "It was hilarious- he scared off all the gnomes."
"Your mum wasn't terribly upset was she?" Luna asked concernedly. "I want her to like me and if my dog is eating all her plants..."
"No she wasn't too mad," Ron replied.
Luna relaxed. "Good, I don't know what I'd do if she didn't like me."
"She loves you!" Ron replied. "Almost as much as I do."
"You love me, eh?" she asked teasingly.
"Just a little," Ron smirked.
"A little?" she asked, punching him in the stomach.
"Okay... I love you a lot," Ron laughed. "You know that, Loony."
"You call me that again, I'm going to start calling you Ickle Ronniekins, which I know you adore," she said with a smile.
"Coming from you it sounds fine," he said. "You can call me anything you want as long as it's not late for dinner."
Luna winced. "Oh that was bad, Ron. Even for you."
"I'm working on an empty stomach," Ron replied. "Plus I haven't seen you all week. So give me SOME credit."
"Okay, okay," she said, sitting up and retrieving the menu from the bedside table. "What should we start with?"
"I don't know," Ron kissed the side of her neck. "You choose for both of us."
"Okay," she said, looking at the menu. "Hmmm... how about beef stew and vegetables? And look at this...they have fresh sourdough bread, Ron!"
"Sounds great," Ron murmured, his lips still attached to her skin.
She smiled and decided to have some fun with his obviously distracted state of mind. "How about this...spiders covered in cranberry sauce with a mint garnish?" she asked.
Ron jerked away. "Where are the spiders?" he demanded, nearly falling off the bed.
"You were listening!" she said laughing. When she saw the stricken look on his face, she patted his arm. "Oh, quit being such a baby! There are no spiders in here!"
"Not funny," Ron was less than amused. "You aren't the one who had dreams of spiders making you tap dance!"
"W-what?" she asked, trying not to laugh. "You never told me about that!"
"Well it was horrible," Ron said sourly.
"I'm sorry," she said sincerely. "I didn't mean it." Scooting closer to him on the bed, she ran her hand down his arm. "Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"Hmm..." Ron pulled her as close as possible. "I'm sure there might be something..."
"How about this?" she asked, kissing him softly as they both fell back onto the bed. "Or this?" she asked, sneaking a hand under his shirt.
"It's working Lovegood," Ron laughed.
"Is it?" she asked, kissing him again.
"Mmhmm..." Ron replied, letting his tongue wander into her mouth. "I'm so glad we're here right now," he said softly, his fingers tangling in her hair.
"Me too," she breathed. "I've missed waking up next to you and going to sleep with your arms wrapped around me."
"Soon enough we can do that whenever you're home," Ron replied. "We're so close to getting that flat."
"Just another month, right?" she asked dreamily.
"That's all," Ron grinned at her. "And we'll actually have our own place. I can hardly believe it myself..."
"Our own place," Luna repeated. "Yours and mine...and Paddy's of course."
"Of course," Ron replied. "Wouldn't be home without that little devil there."
"Who would have ever thought that you would be about to move in with me?" she asked him. "Merlin, you never spoke more than 10 words to me at Hogwarts and look at us now."
"I know," Ron turned on his side as she moved off him. "I'm really glad you and I got together. You're the best part of my life, you know that?"
"And you're the best part of mine," she said shyly. "The girls in the office roll their eyes every time I bring up Ron this and Ron that..."
He laughed. "You talk about me that often aye?"
"Just a little," she admitted, blushing. "I promise not to mention the spider thing though."
"That's good," Ron teased. "Wouldn't want to have your friends thinking you're dating a Hufflepuff."
"Yeah...they might wonder why you were sorted into Gryffindor...Mr. Brave," she teased back. "Spiders really tried to make you tap dance?"
"Don't ask," Ron said gruffly, pressing his mouth back on hers.
*** *** ***
Seamus leaned back on his sofa and groaned. "I can't believe of all weekends I had to be sick on this one," he whined. "Stupid bloody Wizarding flu!"
"Chicken soup coming right up," Lavender called from his small kitchenette. "Uncle Robert made it and told me how to heat it up for you."
"Great," Seamus said glumly. He'd been looking forward to this evening- it being Valentine's Day and he finally had a reason to celebrate, and he was sick. "I have the worst luck." he moaned aloud.
"Seamus," Lavender called out brightly as she placed two bowls of hot chicken soup on a serving tray. "It's okay. We're still spending the holiday together." She walked into the living room carrying the tray. She set it down on the coffee table. "Besides, you look rather cute in your dressing gown and your hair all mussed up and those flushed cheeks. Kind of turns me on," she teased.
Seamus attempted a smile. "Well at least one of us feels good enough for that," he replied.
Lavender giggled. "Okay, I took a chance that you'd want soda. It sort of goes better with soup than pumpkin juice."
"Thanks," Seamus replied as his girlfriend passed him the bowl of steaming soup. "Your uncle is a great cook." he said after he'd eaten a few spoonfuls.
"If it wasn't for him, Aunt Elinore and I'd go hungry," Lavender said.
Seamus's smile was more genuine this time. "Well... the evening isn't a total loss right? Like you said, we're still here together."
Lavender smiled. "Right and Valentine's Day is just another day really. Why is it more important than any other? Who needs to go out to some posh restaurant and exchange silly presents? Not me, for one."
"Well if you're going to put it that way then I'll just take the gift I bought you back to the store..." Seamus began.
Lavender had a spoonful of soup at her mouth when she froze. "Gift?" she asked, trying to curtail her excitement. "I mean, you got me a present? How? You've been sick!"
"I bought it back in January," Seamus replied, hiding his smile. "You know... just trying to be prepared for what I thought would be a very romantic night." he coughed. "And then I got sick..."
"Seamus," she said softly. "It's not your fault. You didn't mean to get sick, did you?"
"Of course not," Seamus replied. "I blame it on those wankers at school really..."
"How is it their fault?" she asked.
"It just is," Seamus replied. "They're the idiots who flooded my set and I had to walk around in wet clothes, which is probably how I caught this."
"Oh," Lavender said, nodding. "Well, it has been going around. Hermione had it, too."
"Yeah, who could forget that?" Seamus shook his head. "Well..." he reached back on the table and handed her a flat, wrapped package. "Tell me what you think of that."
She beamed at him. "I'm sure whatever it is, I'll love it."
Gingerly, she took the package from him and opened it slowly. When she pulled the wrapping paper back, she gasped. "Is this what I think it is?"
"One of those new sketchbooks," Seamus said. "It's charmed for you designers..."
Lavender cupped her hand over her mouth. "You don't know how long I've wanted one of these!"
Seamus smiled thinly. "Guess I did good then aye?" he asked, laying his head back on the pillow.
"You did great!" she said, kissing him on the cheek. "I wish I could kiss you properly."
"Sooner or later," Seamus replied. "At least I'm not contagious or you wouldn't even be here now."
Lavender set her sketchpad down. "I have something for you, too."
"You do?" Seamus struggled to sit back up as he put the bowl of soup on the table behind him.
"Yes, I do," she said, getting to her feet and walking to the door where she'd set down her bag. She picked up the wrapped canister and walked back over to the couch. "You wouldn't believe how long it took me to find this."
Seamus unwrapped the gift. "You gave me a cardboard roll?" he teased.
"No, silly," she said scowling at him.
Seamus pulled a poster from inside the roll. "You got me a poster from Psycho?" his jaw fell in disbelief.
"I know how you're into that Hitchcock bloke and I thought you'd like an original poster," she replied. "I found this old shop in Surrey that specializes in them. You'll have to come with me sometime so you can check it out."
"This is fantastic!" Seamus was in awe. "You're the absolute best you know that?"
She grinned. "I am pretty great, aren't I?"
Seamus laid back as Lavender took the poster and put it back in the cardboard roll. "You're certainly being great tonight," he said.
"You'd do the same for me if I was sick," she said, fluffing his pillow.
"I would," Seamus pulled the soup around on his lap again. "We'd be right here, except you'd be on the sofa instead of me."
"I'd be the one moaning instead of you," she teased.
Seamus chuckled as he finished off his soup. "What do you want to do for the rest of the night?" he asked, blowing his nose with a tissue.
"Your choice," she said. "If you'd rather just rest don't let me stop you."
"I want you to stick around," Seamus replied.
"I'd still stay," she said, patting his arm. "I'd just watch some telly or do some sketches while you rested."
"We can watch a movie," Seamus said. "I just bought some new ones. You pick whatever you want."
"Okay, but you should probably rest," she lectured. "You're supposed to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest."
"I can rest and watch a movie," Seamus said defensively.
"Okay," she said quickly. "I just want you to get better is all."
"I'll be all right soon," Seamus said. "And then we're going to celebrate this holiday properly."
"You've got yourself a date," she said
Seamus smiled as he lay back again on his pillows. "What movie are you picking?" he asked.
She scanned through his collection. "You have so many, Seamus!"
"I know," he replied. "Just pick one."
"Okay, okay," she said, turning back around to look at the DVDs again. "You know you're kind of a grouch when you're sick."
"I'm not being grouchy!" Seamus protested.
"You are so being grouchy," she said. "All blokes get like this when they're sick."
"You girls get the same way," Seamus replied as she stood back up.
"We do not," Lavender protested. "Blokes can have something as simple as the common cold and they act as if they're dying."
"Yeah well the Wizarding flu packs quite a punch," Seamus grumbled.
"I know it does," Lavender said as she finally chose a movie and placed it in the DVD player. She settled back down on the sofa and took a spare pillow and placed it on her lap. "You can rest your head on my lap if you want."
"Okay," Seamus laid his head down and she began stroking his hair. "That feels good," he said, closing his eyes.
She could tell he was going to fall asleep soon. "Hey, Seamus?" she asked softly. "I just want you to know that this may not have been what either us had planned for this evening, but I can say without a doubt that this was the best Valentine's Day I've ever had."
"Me too," he mumbled, stifling a yawn. "I really love you." he reached back for her free hand.
"Just rest, love," she said, taking his hand in hers. "I'll be here."
*** *** ***
Neville felt quite nervous as he led Cho up the staircase to their apartment. The moment he'd been waiting for was going to happen tonight and he felt quite apprehensive about it. Not because he didn't want to be with his wife---because he did, more than anyone could imagine. No, he was nervous because he was worried that he wouldn't know what to do. What if he messed up and Cho laughed at him?
She'd been talking most of the way back, mostly about the baby and how worried she was leaving the baby for the first time. He hadn't said much to her, only a few words of encouragement. He wondered if she could sense how nervous he was. He hoped not.
"Here we are," he said as he pulled his keys from his cloak pocket. His hands were shaking as he opened the door.
Cho peered inside. "Show me what you did," she smiled at her husband. "I can't wait to see it!"
He held the door open for her and hoped she wouldn't think he'd gone overboard. He'd wanted their first time together to be special. He'd set up a table in the living room with her favourite dishes, kept warm by a special heating charm. The lights were dimmed and the apartment was mostly lit from the tapered candles he'd scattered here and there. Neville closed the door behind them and he felt a pang in his stomach when he realized she hadn't said anything yet.
"What?" he asked. "You don't like it?"
"This looks amazing," Cho breathed. "Neville I can't believe you did this all for me!"
He smiled. "It's our first Valentine's together. Well, it's the first for a lot of things, actually."
"Yes it is," Cho teased, giving him a kiss. "I've been looking forward to this evening for the past few weeks."
"I've been looking forward to this since we were married," he said with a wry grin. He helped her off with her cloak.
Cho turned around with a sly smile. "Have you now, Mr. Longbottom?" she asked, letting her hand creep up his chest.
"You have no idea," he said huskily.
Cho kissed him again, more passionately this time. "I love you," she whispered when they pulled apart, her arms sliding around his neck.
Neville grinned goofily at her, having momentarily forgotten how to speak. "Um...uh...well..."
Cho laughed. "Come on now... what else have you got planned for this evening?"
He took her hand and led her to the table. "I thought we'd start with a romantic dinner and then..."
"You made us dinner?" Cho asked.
"Yes, I did," he said, helping her with her chair. "I know you're on a diet, but I hope that you'll indulge tonight because I made your favourite bruschetta with grilled vegetables."
"You are absolutely fantastic!" Cho sat down and spread her napkin over her lap.
"I nicked the recipe from this restaurant I went to Florence," he said smiling at her as he took his own seat.
Cho waited until he had served her and took a bite. "It's delicious!" she said. "I didn't know you were such a good cook!"
"I've been holding out on you," he admitted. "I promise once training lets up, I'll cook more often."
She laughed again. "All right," she agreed. "But in the meantime perhaps I can learn a thing or two in the kitchen."
"Cho, sweetheart...I love you, but you can't even make toast without nearly burning the house down," he said trying not to laugh. "You do remember the great birthday cake debacle?"
"You and Harry are always reminding me about that," Cho glared at him. "And if you don't watch out I'll make you some toast and make you eat every last bite!"
"Okay, okay," he said quickly. "Would the lady fancy a glass of wine?"
"I think I would," Cho said. "I've missed the taste of wine."
Neville grinned as he poured both of them a glass. "You can have all you like. My plan is to get you pissed so I can have my way with you."
"You don't need wine for that," Cho began to laugh again.
"So you're basically saying that you're a sure thing?" he asked, teasingly. "And I went to all this trouble..."
Cho gave him a look. "It makes me feel nice to know you did all this for me," she replied.
"I'd do anything for you," he said softly, taking her hand. "I hope you know that by now."
"Of course I do," Cho replied. "I don't know any other man who would willingly take in a pregnant woman and marry her, let alone adopt her child."
Neville smiled adoringly at his wife. "I still can't believe that we're actually married. I wake up everyday and think what did I do to deserve such a family."
"I'm the one who should be thinking that," Cho replied. "Honestly Neville, if it weren't for you Chiaki and I would probably be living in that horrid room at The Leaky Cauldron still."
"Harry wouldn't have let you," Neville said. "You and I know very well he would have taken you in."
Cho toyed with her last piece of bruschetta. "I know," she said softly. "He and Hermione were so good to me before you and I got married. You all have been so good to me. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such amazing friends... and the best husband in the world." she smiled at him.
Neville's cheeks reddened. He looked down at his plate and noticed that he hadn't eaten much. Truth be told, his stomach was in knots.
Cho got up from her seat and moved next to him. "You have no reason to be embarrassed," she said, her voice still soft.
"I'm not really," he said looking away from her. He didn't want her to know that he was nervous about the rest of the evening.
Cho wondered why he was suddenly being so quiet. "What is it?" she asked.
"Nothing," he said quickly, pushing back from his chair. "I should probably put these kitchens in the dishes...I mean, put the dishes in the kitchen." Without looking back at her, he picked up both their plates and silverware and walked into the kitchen, silently cursing himself for being such a moron.
Cho followed him in. "Neville..." she began. "What's wrong? You can tell me you know that right?" she placed both her hands on his and was surprised to find that he was trembling slightly.
"I, um," he began, looking down at his feet. "I'm--I'm...I have no bloody idea what I'm doing."
Cho's eyebrows knitted together. "What do you mean?"
Neville ran a hand nervously through his hair. "I've never done this before, Cho," he finally said.
Cho shook her head. "Do you think that matters to me?" she pushed her long hair over her shoulder.
"It matters to me," he said finally meeting her gaze. "Cho, you've been with Harry and with Malfoy. How in the world could I possibly compete with either of them? Well, Malfoy's a wanker, so I guess we could throw him out."
"And I married YOU," Cho said. "I love you, Neville; whether or not you're good at lovemaking." She laughed. "And may I just say, and I'm not trying to spoil our mood here, that Harry was NOT very good when he and I... did that?"
"He wasn't?" Neville couldn't stop himself from asking.
"Goodness no," Cho replied. "It was quite awkward and it only took about five minutes. I'm sure he's gotten better since then; I mean we aren't hearing any complaints from Hermione."
"How could we?" Neville asked with a laugh. "The two of them hardly come up for air."
Cho laughed as she wound her arms around him. "Well... think of it this way... I was with Harry as a friend- there was no romantic attachment at that point, and Malfoy... I thought he was with me because he loved me but we know how wrong I was about that." She rested her head on his chest. "Now I'm married to you and I want to be with you because you want to be with me."
Neville hugged her tightly to him. "I just wanted everything to be perfect for you, Cho. And I'm afraid that I'm going to mess everything up...that I already have messed everything up..."
"That's impossible," Cho replied. "Everything IS perfect to me Neville. Just being here with you is all I want."
He tilted her chin and kissed her softly. "Being here with you is all I want, too."
"That's good," Cho said, her lips barely a scant inch from his.
He kissed her again, this time more intensely. His hands snaking around her waist, pulling her closer.
Cho returned his kiss her fingers sliding up into his hair. "Come on," she panted after she pulled away several minutes later.
"W-where are we going?" he stammered.
"In the bedroom silly, unless you have something else planned," Cho smiled.
"No," he said with a nervous laugh. "The bedroom would be quite nice."
"Good," Cho pulled him along and once they were in their bedroom she closed the door behind her. Returning her mouth to his, she began to pull at his shirt, untucking it from his trousers.
As Cho made quick work of his shirt buttons, the nervous feelings he'd experienced early ebbed away and he felt as if he couldn't get close enough to her.
She could feel his hesitation start to wane as his hands moved over her abdomen, caressing her skin beneath her jumper. "Neville," she whimpered softly.
He smiled at her as she lifted her jumper over her head and tossed it to the floor. He stared at her admiringly before pulling her close again.
Cho pushed her husband back towards their bed. He fell on it, bringing her on top of him. Her long hair fell like a curtain as they kissed passionately, hands running over each other's bodies.
"You feel so good," he breathed.
"So do you," Cho replied, realising how much she missed being with someone as he tucked her hair behind her ear.
"You're so beautiful," he said, his hands lingering on her cheek. "So incredibly beautiful..."
Cho smiled at him. "I tell you, the only reason I believe you is because you kept telling me that even when I was nine months pregnant."
"That's because you were," he said, lifting his head from the pillow and kissing her. "And you are. And you always will be."
Cho giggled. "Well I think you're very handsome as well," she caressed his cheek. "And you will always be the sweetest man I've ever met."
"Flattery will get you everywhere," he said grinning mischievously at her as he toyed with her bra strap.
"Yes I know," she purred, moving her hand down to the zipper of his trousers.
This was it, Neville thought as she unzipped his trousers and slid them down his legs. He wasn't nervous, though. He knew he was in capable hands, so to speak. He trusted her and he knew by the look in her eyes that she trusted him, completely.
"Are you ready?" Cho asked, a seductive glint in her eye.
"Yes," he said huskily.
Cho kissed him again as she began to guide him through the act of lovemaking. She had meant it when she said it didn't matter if he was the best at it- it could only get better with time.
He couldn't believe this was actually happening. For the past few months, he dreamt of what this would be like, but the dreams paled in comparison to the real thing. He loved her so much and he was finally able to show her.
Their bodies moved together as their mouths fused as one, kissing and holding one another until they both cried out at the extent of their passion.
When it was over, they lay cuddled together on the bed, both trying to catch their breath. For the longest time, neither of them spoke.
Making love had always made Cho sleepy, and she moved closer to Neville as his fingers played in her hair. "You were fine," she said, stifling a yawn.
He smiled drowsily. "That was amazing," he said softly.
"Yes it was," Cho curled in even more as her arm snaked across his chest.
"I love you," he said, kissing the top of her head as his eyes closed shut and sleep threatened to overtake him.
"I love you too," Cho said, the last thing she remembered before drifting off to sleep.