Acronycal, Part Two
When Harry awoke, he was disappointed to find that he was in his bed alone. He sat bolt upright and blinked against the sunlight that flooded into the room. Last night… he smiled sleepily as he stood and stretched. It hadn't been a dream, had it? He went into the bathroom that adjoined his bedroom and turned the water on. He stepped under the warm spray and found that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't wipe the stupid grin from his face.
He toweled off and dressed, then grabbed his glasses. When he got downstairs, he wasn't at all surprised to see Hermione at the table, neatly dressed and reading the Daily Prophet over her cup of tea. He crept up behind her and made to put his arms around her. When he did, however, he caught her off guard, and she raised a fist automatically into the air. Unluckily enough for Harry, it caught him square on the nose. He groaned and cupped his now bleeding nose with his hands, and she jumped up, wearing a horrified look.
"Oh, Merlin, Harry, you scared me to death!"
"That's obvious," he said sarcastically, though he smiled at her. She pulled her wand out and pointed it at him, muttering a spell that stopped the bleeding. When she'd done that, she muttered "Evanesco!" The blood disappeared from his face and hands, and he massaged the bridge of his nose. "Where did you learn how to do that?" he winced. The spells had stopped the bleeding, but his nose still hurt.
"I took a self defense class last summer," she said, stepping towards him. She stopped in front of him and gently pulled his hands away from his face, examining his nose. She arched an eyebrow at him. "Serves you right for sneaking up on people, you know."
"Hey, it's my house," he protested, his eyes twinkling. "Who else did you think it was going to be?" She leaned forward and planted an impetuous kiss on the tip of his nose and smiled.
"All better, drama boy?" she teased. He pulled her close and planted an intense kiss on her lips, then pulled away slightly.
"Now it is." She blushed, and he winked at her, slapping her bottom playfully as she turned to go back to the table. She turned surprised eyes to him, and he shrugged innocently. "What?" She rolled her eyes and sat back down, and he had to fight the urge to laugh.
She had been worried about his reaction to last night. It had been the best night of her life, and she was terrified that he was going to wake up and tell her it had all been a mistake. She had awoken in his arms feeling languid and deliriously happy. She didn't know if he'd want her to be there when he awoke, so she'd gathered her things and crept back to her own room. She looked up when he sat down across from her, and folded the paper neatly.
"You weren't in bed when I woke up," he said softly, as he took a bite of toast. The heat rose in her cheeks, and his heart twisted. Merlin, how beautiful she was when she blushed…
"No," she said quietly, staring down at her cup of tea. "I wasn't sure if you'd want to wake up to me or not." She braved a look up at him. He was staring at her as though she'd just told him she was a blast-ended skrewt.
"Why wouldn't I?" he demanded.
"Well, I thought perhaps… I wondered if you might… think that last night was a mistake," the words tumbled out on top of each other, and he stared at her. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, and narrowed his eyes at her.
"Did you think it was a mistake? It is something you regret?"
"No!" she almost shouted. He relaxed and smiled weakly at her.
"Don't scare me like that, Mione," he said, shaking his head. He ran his hand through his already ruffled hair. "I thought you were going to tell me you never wanted to see me again." Her eyes widened.
"Why would I do that?"
"Well, to be perfectly honest, I was starting to think last night was a sympathetic gesture on your part." He paused, then looked cautiously at her. "It wasn't, was it?" the uncertainty in his voice touched her, and she shook her head slowly. He exhaled with relief.
"It wasn't out of sympathy, I promise."
"And you swear you don't regret it?"
"Only if you swear you don't." He grinned.
"Agreed. So," he said, watching her lift the china cup to her swollen lips. "Am I a good kisser?" she spit out the mouthful of tea in surprise, and it sprayed straight into his face. He laughed as she grabbed her wand and cleaned him off.
"What?" she shrieked. He held up his hands in mock surrender.
"I was only kidding! Yeesh, how am I supposed to make it through the day with you around? You're lethal! Already broke my nose, and now this," he muttered good-naturedly. She giggled.
"You brought it on yourself, you know." She stuck her nose up in the air, and he arched an eyebrow.
"Is that right?" he murmured, eyeing her lips. They were swollen from his kisses, and at the moment he wanted nothing more than to claim them again. Unfortunately enough for him, that was the moment when Ron clambered through the kitchen door, looking groggy. Hermione bit her lip and exchanged an amused glance with Harry, who was used to seeing Ron in the mornings. Ron glared at her.
"Don't we look awfully chipper this morning?" he asked grumpily, sitting down at the table. Hermione waved her wand, and a plate full of food appeared in front of him. His eyes widened, and he gave her an appreciative look as he began to eat.
"So what are our plans for today?" Hermione asked, absentmindedly twirling a loose strand of hair around her finger. She'd used a braiding charm on her hair, and tiny tendrils framed her delicate face. Harry's stomach lurched pleasantly at the sight of her.
"We're going to go to Hogsmeade, remember?" Ron asked. She nodded and sipped at her tea again, and Ron turned his eyes to Harry. He watched as Harry continued to stare at Hermione, giving her strange, cloudy looks. Something was different between them, but he couldn't put his finger on it just yet. "That is, if Harry can tear his eyes away from you."
"What?" she asked, her eyes widening. She blinked at Ron, who sniggered at her.
"He's making puppy eyes at you," he said. Harry chose that moment to snap out of his reverie, and shot a glare at Ron through narrowed eyes.
"You know, I've had a hell of a morning," Harry said, unable to maintain his glare. "First Hermione effectively breaks my nose when I try to hug her, then she spits on me, and now this." Ron's head turned so quickly to Hermione that she could have sworn she heard his neck snapping.
"Why'd you try to break his nose, Hermy?" she flinched at the name and sighed.
"I didn't," she said, half-laughing at the face Harry was pulling at her. "And even if I had, he would have deserved it! Fancy sneaking up on a person like that!" Ron turned his eyes back to Harry, missing Hermione poke her tongue out. Harry's jaw dropped in mock surprise, and he gasped.
"Why, Hermione Jane Granger!" he protested, winking slyly at her. The color crept into her cheeks, and Ron arched an eyebrow. Oh, yes; something was definitely going on here. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were implying that I did something wrong!"
"And whatever in the world would have given you that idea?" she asked sourly. Harry laughed, and Ron's mouth dropped open.
"What did you guys do last night?" he asked. Their laughter died, and they both turned wide eyes to him.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"When we got here yesterday, you were Mister depressed," Ron said, an idea occurring to him. "But this morning, it's like, poof, the old Harry is back with a vengeance!"
"It was an excellent night," Harry said softly, shooting a clandestine glance at Hermione. She blushed furiously and refused to meet Ron's eyes. "Best night of my life, actually." He finished his forgotten piece of toast, and looked up when Ron's fork clattered to the floor.
"You guys did it!" Hermione sputtered; Harry simply grinned wickedly. "You did! You did it!"
"Ron-" she started. Her voice died at the grin that spread across his face.
"You randy bastard," he said to Harry, a hint of admiration in his voice. "A good shagging was all it took to snap you out of your funk? Crikey, Harry! If I'd have known that was the problem, I would have bound and gagged Hermione and left her on your doorstep!" The thought of a bound and gagged Hermione made Harry laugh.
"Well, I like that!" Hermione huffed indignantly. "Just throwing private things out into the open like that! What makes you so sure that that's why he's in a good mood this morning?"
"Because it is," Harry said, smiling warmly at her. Her insides began to feel very much like melted butter.
"Oh," she squeaked. Ron set into his breakfast with renewed fervor.
"Bout damn time you two did it, too," he mumbled through his food. Hermione rolled her eyes and headed towards her room. Just before she got there, she felt a hand on her arm. Harry spun her around to face him and pinned her against the wall, then crushed his lips against hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck, inhaling his musky scent deeply. When he pulled away, his breathing was ragged.
"I think Ron's okay with the idea of us," he whispered, his breath tickling her lips. "How about you?"
"What about me?" she asked, her pink tongue darting out to moisten her lips.
"Was last night just a one night stand?" he asked, his eyes meeting hers and locking them with his gaze.
"Was it for you?"
"Don't answer a question with a question, Mione," he said, a smile playing at his lips. She smiled back.
"It wasn't for me, no."
"Good, because I was thinking I'd just lock you up in my closet…" he laughed as she rolled her eyes and shoved his chest playfully, then caught her in his arms. He pulled her tight against him, and her breath caught in her throat. "I wasn't lying down there, you know. Last night was the best night of my life. After you came into my room, I was able to sleep. Without nightmares. That was the first time in two years."
"You were just tired," she said, reveling in the feel of his hard body against hers. He was so warm, it made her want to forget their plans for the day and drag him into her bed.
"I was tired, but that wasn't it. You soothed me."
"I only did what any friend would do." He gave her a funny look.
"I'm sorry, but I wouldn't want Ron sneaking into my room at night and holding my hand." She blushed.
"And you won't catch me doing it, even if you ask," Ron said, walking past them to get to the bathroom. "Take it in the bedroom, you two!" Harry laughed and Hermione blushed.
"You're just jealous!" Harry called.
"I'm going to be in the shower for exactly twenty minutes, and then I'm going to be in my room for another twenty! You've been warned! Get it out of the way so I don't lose my breakfast watching you make goo-goo eyes at each other all damned day!" The door promptly slammed shut.
"I would say he's more than accepting," she said dryly. Harry chuckled.
"I've missed the two of you, more than you know," he said softly. Her expression softened, and she smiled.
"I'm sorry it's been so long since we came for a visit. Next time we won't stay away so long."
"I don't intend on letting you," he said firmly. "I want to start taking you out." She blinked at him.
"Taking me out?" she echoed dumbly. He nodded.
"You know, as in dating you? You do date, don't you?" she blushed.
"No, not since - " she'd almost said Bill's name. "Not since I got pissed one night and went home with someone I barely even knew."
"We've all done stupid things like that," he said, shrugging. "So is that a yes? Are you accepting my offer?"
"On what conditions?" she asked suspiciously. He grabbed her hand and began pulling her in the direction of his bedroom. She didn't realize where they were until he'd pulled her inside and locked the door behind them.
"On the condition that you date me exclusively, and I get to wallop anyone who even looks at you funny." She laughed. "And on the condition that you occasionally spend the night with me."
"Oh, is that so? And if I don't agree to those conditions? What then, Mister Potter?" He pulled her close and kissed her roughly.
"Then I'll be forced to lock you in my closet, as originally planned." She laughed, and he caressed her cheek gently. "I have missed you, Hermione. More than I realized."
"It's good to see the old Harry back," she admitted, leaning her cheek into his palm. "He's been gone for too long."
"You brought him back," he whispered, leaning forward and touching his lips to hers. She shivered as his hands dropped to her shoulders, then caressed her arms lightly, before coming to rest on her waist.
"Oh," she whispered. His mouth dropped to her neck, and his tongue began tracing tiny circles on her skin. His hot breath was caressing her neck as he kissed, and she shivered again.
"Would you object very much if I wanted to use Ron's time away to my advantage?" he murmured, nuzzling her ear. She closed her eyes and shook her head slightly.
He continued kissing her as he pulled her back towards his bed, then pushed her down gently. Her heart was jumping around inside her chest like a crazed snitch on the loose - was this really happening? Was Harry about to make love to her again? She began to lose her ability to form a reasonable thought as Harry removed his shirt, then hers. His lips dragged across her collarbone, and a gentle hand raised to lightly stroke her breast through the fabric of her bra. A small moan escaped her lips.
He pushed the fabric of her bra aside slightly so that the creamy flesh of her breast was exposed. He covered it with his mouth, licking and nuzzling gently. She arched her back, pressing herself into him, and he groaned. He stood and quickly removed his pants and boxers, and helped her out of her jeans and panties. He positioned himself on top of her and she gasped at the feel of him; his hardness was pressing into her thigh.
"Harry, please-" she whispered, the ache between her legs becoming quickly unbearable. Without another word, he forced his way roughly inside of her. She moaned, and he began to plunge in and out recklessly. Her sharp nails dug into the smooth flesh of his shoulders, and she uttered a soft cry. He lowered his head to kiss her insistently as he continued to push himself deeper inside of her.
She began to move her hips in rhythm with his, bucking and matching every thrust. She gasped; she was getting closer and closer to release. His thrusts were getting shorter and shorter, and she knew he was close. Before he could release, though, she felt warmth spread through her like a wave rolling over the sand. She'd never had such a powerful orgasm before; not even last night. She was still shaking uncontrollably when she felt his release inside of her.
"Merlin," he whispered softly, burying his face between her neck and shoulder. She nodded, her eyes still closed. They were both gasping for air. Finally he pulled away from her and shot her a very drowsy post-coital smile. He beckoned for her to come closer to him, and she obliged by scooting close and nestling her head on his bare chest.
"And here you thought that I only thought about Quidditch around you," he teased. She giggled softly.
"You mean you don't?"
"Ha, ha," he said sarcastically, although his smile remained in place. "Wow. That was just… wow."
"Mmm," she agreed, resting her hand on his chest. He reached up and grabbed it with his own, then sighed contentedly.
"How long do you suppose it's been since we left Ron in the hallway?"
"Twenty minutes?" she offered weakly, not really knowing or caring at the moment. He gave her a wicked grin.
"Time for one more."
"Harry," she chided, smiling. She sat up and began gathering her clothes, and he watched her appreciatively as she dressed. She turned to see him still lying in bed, naked, and laughed. "You'd better get dressed, before Ron starts demanding to know where we are." He shrugged and stood, then slid into his jeans.
"Had you guys planned on staying here tonight, too?" he asked, his heart racing. He didn't want Hermione to leave - now, or ever. She'd snapped him out of his pathetic state with her loving glances and burning touches, and he didn't want to lose that. He didn't want to lose her.
"I'm not sure," she said honestly, smoothing stray hairs away from her face, and trying not to stare at Harry's bare back as he pulled his shirt over his head. "We just decided to keep you company for Halloween. We didn't want you to be alone."
"I'm glad you both came," he said, running his fingers through his hair. She smiled at him. "You guys have always been good at cheering me up. The movies and popcorn were a welcome distraction."
"I thought they might be," she nodded. "Watching dumb movies always helps me feel better."
"Dumb movies?" he asked, mock indignancy in his voice. "I'll have you know that Billy Madison is one of the best movies ever made!" She laughed and rolled her eyes playfully.
"Okay, sure," she said, waving her hand in the air. Before she knew what had hit her, he'd lunged across the room and plowed her over, tickling her mercilessly. She laughed until she couldn't breathe properly, and tears blurred her vision. "Uncle! Uncle, Harry!" He stopped tickling, but didn't move to let her up.
"You gonna take it back?"
"Take what back?" she gasped.
"What you said about Billy Madison."
"No." The tickling began with renewed fervor, and she screamed with laughter. "Alright! I take it back! I take it back!" He stopped.
"Now say that Billy Madison is the best movie you've ever seen."
"I won't do it, either! I cannot tell a lie!" He raised a wiggling finger into the air menacingly, and she squealed. "Alright! Alright! BillyMadisonisthebestmovieever!" she said quickly.
"That won't do, it won't do at all!" he said disapprovingly. "It doesn't count." The wiggling finger began to head towards her belly, and she screamed.
"Alright! Stop! Billy Madison is the best movie you've ever seen." He tickled her again, and she squealed with laughter. When he stopped, the tears were flowing freely down her cheeks. She smiled at him. "Whoever knew you could be so cruel to your best friend?"
"My best girl," he corrected her. She blushed, and he kissed her gently. When he pulled away, his cheeks were bright pink. She gave him a curious look.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I just - I wish that I hadn't spent this time tickling you, because now I-" his voice died, and she realized that his hardness was pressed into her stomach, where he had pinned her down to tickle her. She gasped slightly, and his blush deepened. "And you're going to leave tonight, aren't you?" he asked, looking slightly dejected.
"Do you want me to stay?" her voice was quiet and smooth. He nodded.
"Very much so."
"I'll stay, then." He leaned forward and hugged her tightly. They jumped apart when a loud knock sounded on the door.
"It's been forty three minutes, guys! Wrap it up and come out here!" Ron's voice was loud and commanding. Harry grinned at her, and she laughed. He stood and helped her to her feet, and watched as she tried to smooth the wrinkles out of her jade tank top.
"How am I supposed to keep my hands off of you today?" he asked, only half teasing. She blushed again, and he gave her another tight hug before turning to head towards the door. As soon as his back was to her, he felt a light slap on his bottom. He turned and looked at her in surprise, but she was concentrating very hard on the carpet. The crimson of her cheeks was the only thing that gave her away, and he laughed.
"I'm not going to wait much longer," Ron's impatient voice called from behind the door. "I know how long it takes!"
"We're coming, I swear!" Harry called, laughing as he moved towards the door.
"Too much information!" Ron called back. Harry stopped and doubled over in laughter, and Hermione turned an impossible shade of red as she strode forth and opened the door. Ron had clamped a hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh. She glared at him; one of her famous `I'm-going-to-kill-you-if-you-don't-shut-up' looks. He sobered up immediately and raced down the hallway. Before she knew what she was doing, she'd followed him. When he got to the bottom of the stairs, she jumped on his back, effectively tumbling them both to the floor. They were laughing when Harry joined them.
"Are you-" his voice died when he saw their limbs tangled together and the joyous looks on their faces. Hermione disentangled herself from Ron and stood to smile at Harry.
"We're fine - Ron was just being a prat, as per usual." Ron pulled a face at her, and she poked her tongue out.
"Wench."
"Git."
"Know-it-all."
"Prat."
"You already used that one," he said, looking triumphant. Harry's raging jealousy faded, and he laughed. He would have to keep in mind that Hermione and Ron were close, and he'd have to get used to their little games. He stepped forward and positioned himself behind Hermione, wrapping his arms around her waist. She sighed and leaned backwards into him, erasing all of Harry's doubts. She might be close to Ron, but she'd slept with him.
"Ugh," Ron said, wrinkling his nose. "Don't do that in front of me, guys! I'd prefer to keep my breakfast down, if you don't mind." Hermione laughed, but Harry was pleased to notice that she didn't attempt to pull away from him. His heart swelled with emotion.
"Alright, well, let's get this day over with then," she said, rolling her eyes playfully. "But we're going to the bookshop first, so I'll at least have a book to read while you two bore me to death with your Quidditch talk." Harry laughed.
"It's nice to have you back, mate," Ron said, grinning at him. "I'll have someone to talk Quidditch with again. I tried explaining things to Hermione, but she didn't understand." She huffed at this.
"I understand the game perfectly."
"You mean sport," Harry corrected her. She sighed.
"So it begins."
"You'd think that after dating Vicky and hearing all of his Quidditch talk, you'd have some respect for the sport." Ron arched an eyebrow at her, and Harry stiffened. He hadn't known that she'd dated Krum.
"Ron, if I recall correctly - and I do," she said, putting her hands on her hips. "That was precisely the reason I broke things off with him. A girl can't go through a relationship and survive on Quidditch alone!" Harry relaxed by degrees, and gave her a quick squeeze.
"I'll keep that in mind," he said, grinning. Ron made a gagging sound from across the room, and Harry laughed. He finally released Hermione, who went straight into the kitchen for a drink. Ron grinned at him.
"I'm happy for you two, I really am," he said quietly, shooting furtive glances towards the kitchen door. "I've never seen Hermione so happy, you know. After all that business with that prat Terry, she was right depressed. She was getting pissed every night and actually went home with someone one of those nights."
"Terry?" he asked, confused. "And she only went home with one guy? That's chaste, compared to what I've done."
"Don't you know about Terry?" Ron asked, frowning. Harry shook his head. "Terry Boot asked her out right after she broke things off with Vicky, and she said yes. They dated for about four months, and then she finally gave in and slept with him. He went around bragging to everyone that he took the pure, wholesome Gryffindor's virginity. The smarmy bastard was right proud of it, too." Ron's expression darkened, and Harry felt his temper spike.
"He'd better hope I never see him again," he breathed angrily.
"He's been taken care of, Harry," Ron said, nodding.
"By?"
"Bill." Harry's eyes widened, and Ron nodded. "Hermione doesn't know, so don't tell her, please. Bill's always had kind of a crush on her, you know. She came to the Burrow after the whole thing with Boot and cried on my shoulder. Neither one of us knew that Bill was listening, and he went out immediately and beat the tar right out of him. Put him in St. Mungo's for a week."
"Wow," Harry said, feeling more respect for Bill. Ron's face screwed up, and Harry knew he was holding something back.
"Anyway, don't tell her about that, okay Harry?" Harry nodded.
"I won't." He gave Ron a curious look. "You guys are really close, aren't you?" Ron nodded. "Why didn't the two of you ever go out?"
"We did." He said simply. Harry blinked.
"You did?"
"It just didn't work out. She's too good of a friend. It felt weird to kiss her." Harry's eyes widened.
"You kissed her?"
"Well, yeah," he said, not meeting Harry's eyes. "Just once, though. And no tongues, just kind of a trial peck. Things were just too weird." Harry relaxed visibly. "You know, for having been with her less than twenty four hours, you sure are jealous." Harry grinned.
"I haven't had much to hold onto in the last two years, Ron. Hermione is so amazing. I can't tell you what it felt like to have someone looking at me like she did last night - like I was the only other person alive besides her."
"Well, all I can say is that it's about time one of you acted on your feelings for each other." He thought for a moment, then turned a questioning glance to Harry. "You do have feelings for her, don't you?"
"Of course I do!" he said quickly. Ron looked relieved.
"Good, because if you didn't, I would've had to kill you." Harry grinned and Ron turned as Hermione came back into the room.
"Are you ready to bore me to death?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest.
"As if we're good for anything else?" Ron asked, exchanging a knowing glance with Harry. Hermione sighed.
"You have a point."
"I'm good for something else!" Harry protested playfully.
"Yeah, you're Hermione's eye candy," Ron said, grinning wickedly. Hermione sputtered and her cheeks turned pink.
"Ron Weasley!" she shrieked.
"Better to be her eye candy than her punching bag," Harry retorted, as Ron ducked to avoid the pillow she'd chucked at his head.
"Oh, like she can hurt me? She hits like a girl!"
"And what exactly did you think I was?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Uhm… er…" Ron fumbled for a witty retort, but came up painfully empty. He stuck his tongue out at her, and she laughed.
The whole afternoon in Hogsmeade, Harry wanted to hold Hermione's hand. He just hadn't gotten close enough to her to be able to do it. He'd tried when she went inside Flourish and Blotts, and he'd tried in Quality Quidditch Supplies. She'd managed to skive him off several times (without intending to), and he was feeling increasingly edgy. He had to touch her; he had to. He wanted to make sure she was real and warm and alive, and not just a wonderful illusion created by his addled brain.
His opportunity arose in the form of a trip to the Three Broomsticks for dinner. He hadn't been there in ages, and Ron had wanted a butterbeer, despite Hermione's protests that he drank enough at home already. They slid into a booth, with Ron on one side and Hermione and Harry on the other. When they'd ordered, Harry slid his hand over to touch Hermione's thigh. When his warm hand squeezed her upper thigh gently, she choked on a sip of her drink. Ron eyed the two of them suspiciously, but as he couldn't see anything going on, he was forced to disregard it and continue talking.
"Well, if it isn't Harry Potter!" a male voice boomed from across the room. Harry groaned inwardly, then forced a smile and looked up. This was one thing he hadn't missed - the attention. He scanned the room to see who had addressed him, and was thunderstruck to see none other than Terry Boot headed his way. He glanced at Ron, who had gone deathly pale and pursed his lips into a fine line.
Hermione recognized the voice immediately as well, and had gone completely rigid. Harry could almost feel the tension in the air as Terry moved towards their table. He obviously hadn't seen Hermione - Harry was blocking his view. When he reached the table, however, his smile faltered at the sight of her.
"Well, it's good to see you out and about, Potter," he said, his eyes fixed on Hermione, who was staring a hole into the table. Harry squeezed her thigh reassuringly, but did not move his hand.
"Good to see you, too," he said smoothly, forcing his voice to remain calm.
"How have you been?"
"Better since last night," Ron blurted, unable to contain himself. Harry and Hermione both shot him surprised glances, which shut him up promptly. Terry raised his eyebrows and looked back to Hermione, who was now openly glaring at him.
"And how are you, Hermione?" he asked, trying to sound pleasant.
"You know damn good and well how I am," she spat. "Now, if you would do us all a favor and leave, we'd appreciate it, I'm sure."
"I wonder if I might have a word with you in private?" he asked softly. Harry felt her begin to shake.
"Absolutely not." Harry took the opportunity to raise his arm and wrap it possessively around her shoulders, and Terry's eyes widened slightly.
"You're with Potter now?" he asked, almost incredulously. She didn't respond; she tilted her chin up defiantly. Harry bristled.
"Hermione is my girlfriend, if that's what you're asking." Hermione's bones melted inside her body, and she felt a burning sensation in her stomach. She'd always wanted this with Harry, but hearing him say the words made everything so much more… real. Terry saw her soft look directed at Harry and rolled his eyes before stomping away. Harry turned and caught her look, and his heart began to race wildly.
"Alright, enough with the goo-goo eyes already," Ron said, laughing. Hermione giggled and Harry grinned. Ron stood up. "I have to be getting back. Mum said something about Charlie and Fleur bringing the kids over, and she wants everyone to be there." He rolled his eyes. "I just wish that Fleur could wear a veil or something when she comes over. Not only do I keep getting burnt, but then Charlie wallops me good, too." Harry laughed.
"Don't stay away so long next time, mate," he said, shaking Ron's hand. Ron nodded and winked at Hermione, who blushed.
"I won't bother asking if I should call you tonight, Hermy," he said, fighting back a laugh. "I have a feeling you'll be in good hands." Before she could throw a retort at him, he was gone.
"He's horrible," she said, paying the check. Harry laughed and reached for her hand. When they got back to Grimmauld Place, Hermione felt strangely expectant. She excused herself to make a trip to the loo, and as she was about to head inside the bathroom, Harry spoke.
"Hey," he said gently. She turned and looked at him. "When you're finished, would you come to my room?" she blushed and nodded, then went inside the bathroom. She didn't know why, but she felt like a fumbling schoolgirl next to him. She refused to overanalyze her love for Harry, snapping off the light in the bathroom, but she couldn't quell the growing excitement she felt as she neared his bedroom door. It was shut, and she raised a hesitant hand, knocking once very lightly.
"Come in," he called. She pushed the door open and her eyes flew open in shock. Candles were everywhere, creating a soft glow in the room. Classical music was playing from a radio on the dresser, and she thought she could detect the warm and inviting smell of cinnamon. She shut the door behind her and turned to find herself face to face with a grinning Harry.
"Wow," she breathed, looking around. He nodded, his smile fading.
"It's all for you." His words had a double entendre, but she didn't catch it. She was so caught up in the romance of the moment that she hadn't paid any attention to that note in his voice.
"It's beautiful, Harry," she said, her heart thundering in her chest. He gave her a strange smile before offering his hand to her.
"Would you like to dance?" She was surprised, but nodded. The entire thing was so wildly romantic that she couldn't help getting caught up in it. No man had ever gone to this trouble to show her a good time, and it almost made her want to cry. She could expect nothing less than total devotion from Harry, she knew. And it looked like he was thinking the exact same thing.
His arms slid around her waist, and she laid her head against his chest. She closed her eyes and bit her lip as they swayed gently to the soothing music, keenly aware of his warm hands caressing her skin just beneath the hem of her shirt. She looked up at him through the heavy fringe of her lashes and smiled. He smiled back before lowering his head and pressing his lips gently to hers. She grabbed handfuls of his shirt and kissed him back, hoping that she was conveying her love for him with every second that passed.
He pulled away slightly and looked at her, memorizing every inch of her radiant face. She blushed under his intense scrutiny, but didn't look away. The moment was too perfect. He kissed her cheeks, then her closed eyelids, then her forehead, and then her lips again. By the time he had finished his gentle ministrations on her face, he had somehow guided them both towards the bed. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap, where she straddled him. He kissed her neck, gently sucking here and there, until he got to the sensitive spot just below her ear. His tongue darted out and tasted her skin, then swirled gently over it. She moaned softly and tilted her head back to allow him more access.
He caught her earlobe gently between his teeth, then sucked gently on it. She could feel the burning sensation growing between her legs, and was glad that he'd pulled her into the straddling position - at least she could get some measure of relief by feeling his hardness pressed against her. He reached down and grabbed the hem of her shirt, then tugged gently. She got the idea and lifted her arms above her head, and he pulled the shirt off. He tossed it on the ground and reached behind her. She thought he was going to unhook her bra, but instead he pulled the tie out of her hair. She waited patiently while he ran his fingers through the strands, carefully unbraiding it. When he was done, her hair hung down her back in long, wavy strands. He nodded approvingly.
He leaned forward and buried his face in the valley between her breasts, breathing in her soft scent. He removed his glasses and tossed them on the floor behind her, then began to kiss the flesh that was not covered by her bra. She shivered and gripped his shoulders as his tongue swirled against her skin, wanting more. When he finally reached behind her and unhooked her bra, relief flooded over her. She slipped it off over her arms and dropped it to the floor.
He was teasing her and drawing this out. She felt a palm brush an already hardened nipple, and almost cried out when the hand moved away. His tongue seemed determined to taste every inch of her; he was licking and kissing all the exposed skin he could reach - except, she noted painfully, her breasts. After several moments, he finally touched his fingertips to a nipple, gently working it back and forth. A small mewling cry escaped her lips, and it sent shivers through him. He covered the soft flesh with his warm mouth, and she began squirming on his lap. She rubbed herself against his erection, and he groaned.
He switched back and forth between her breasts, flicking each hardened nipple gently with his tongue. He was going to have to stop and move things forward soon, or he would explode from his own need. She seemed to have been thinking along the same lines, because she moved off of him and stood in front of him expectantly. He licked his lips to moisten them, not missing the trembling the gesture incited in her. He unbuttoned her jeans, then unzipped them painfully slowly.
He reached his hands behind her, gently skimming her waist with his fingertips as he did, then pulled down on her jeans. When they had dropped to the floor, he blinked. She was wearing those red lacy panties again; the ones he'd seen last night through her pyjamas. They were high cut and accentuated the curve of her slender hips, and were only held up by two of the tiniest strings he'd ever seen. Without thinking, he lifted his hand and slid a finger against the crotch of her panties, and was surprised to find her already wet and ready for him. He hooked his fingers beneath the strings on her hips and yanked down on them, watching as she stepped out of them and kicked them aside.
He stood and began to take his shirt off, but she was faster. Her fingernails scraped gently against his stomach as she grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled up on it. She let it drop to the floor, then began kissing his chest. He closed his eyes to savor the feeling, not noticing that as she kissed him, she was slowly working her way downward. When her face was in front of his navel, she reached up trembling fingers and began to unfasten his pants. He gasped and watched as she unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, then slid them off. She slid his boxers off, and he kicked the clothing aside.
She kissed the tip of his erection, eliciting a groan from him. Her tongue darted out and she tasted him, barely aware of the fact that he was drawing increasingly shallow breaths. She ran her tongue down the length of him several times before closing her mouth over him. His fingers tangled in her hair and a loud growl escaped from his throat. She began moving her mouth on him, taking him in as far as she could. Her tongue moved continually over the head of his shaft, and just before he could release, the warmth of her mouth disappeared. He was disappointed but glad at the same time; if he waited, his climax would be so much more satisfying.
He pushed her gently back onto the bed and kissed her wildly before snaking his way down. He planted soft, teasing kisses on her stomach, and dipped his tongue into her navel as he moved across it. When his tongue reached her pink folds, she moaned and bucked her hips against him. He took his time, enjoying the salty taste of her. Her fingers were buried in his hair as she gasped. His random lapping became rhythmic, and she could feel the tension building. When her orgasm washed over her, she uttered a soft scream. He licked her long and hard one final time, causing her to shudder, then lifted his head.
Her eyes were closed and she was trying to catch her breath, but he had no intentions of letting her do that. He touched her sensitive bud with the tip of his erection, and she moaned. He teased her, plunging the tip in and stopping, then withdrawing and going in a little deeper. He did this until he'd pushed her over the edge, and she wrapped her legs around him, forcing him to plunge deep inside of her. She cried out and he moaned.
He began moving slowly inside of her, savoring the feel of her fingernails digging into his flesh. She was gasping with the force of each thrust, wanting him to go faster, deeper, harder. She began to move her hips, meeting every movement of his with one of her own. He began to plunge in and out of her faster and faster, encouraged by her cries of his name over and over. He felt her tighten against him, and released a cry of his own when he climaxed, shaking violently as his seed spurted into her.
He collapsed on top of her, kissing her moistened skin as he lay there. She was still struggling to steady her breathing, and wondered what had inspired the seduction scene. Surely he'd known that she would have come willingly to his bed even without the aid of candles, incense, and music? He moved and pulled out of her, then laid on his back, staring up at the ceiling. Her legs were still weak, and she didn't trust them enough to move just yet.
"I love you, Hermione." Her head snapped quickly over to look at him. He licked his lips and smiled. She wanted to voice the same sentiments to him, but didn't trust her voice. Before she could open her mouth, he continued speaking. "You don't have to say it back to me if you don't feel that way. I just…I thought I should let you know."
"You love me?" her voice was shaking audibly as he nodded. He inched closer to her and kissed her gently, bringing a hand up to caress her cheek as he did.
"I love you." Three simple words, but she was amazed at how quickly they shot through her and went straight to the very core of her being. She sucked in a deep breath and met his eyes with her own.
"I love you, Harry." His eyes widened in mild surprise, but he looked pleased. He kissed her again softly, then wrapped her in his arms. The last thing he remembered thinking before drifting into his first dreamless sleep in two years was how good it felt to come home to the circle of her arms.
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