a/n: I officially love all the people who reviewed. Seriously, thanks guys - you make me so happy *tear*
*~* *~* *~*
Chapter 5: hot hermione
The first thing Harry noticed when he walked into the kitchen was that what looked like the whole Order of the Phoenix was present. The second thing he noticed was the fact that he was still wearing only his boxers and a shirt. Hermione was standing close by in her white shirt and shorts looking thoroughly embarrassed.
Molly Weasley's voice cut through the air like a whip. "Where on earth have you two been? Remus went upstairs to wake you up and what did he find? Empty beds! Do you have any idea of what went through our minds when we heard you two had disappeared? The whole Order was alerted of your disappearance; for all we knew you had been kidnapped! Killed! Held hostage by Death Eaters! Finally, at the crack of dawn, Hermione here comes into the kitchen practically dressed in her knickers with a smile on her face as if she had not a care in the world! And who's next to waltz into the kitchen? Harry Potter, in his bloody boxers! Now what in Merlin's name has been going on?"
A stunned silence followed Mrs. Weasley's words, during which Harry stared at Hermione with his mouth agape and Hermione studied the floorboards as if there would be an essay question on them in her N.E.W.Ts. When the silence had become quite painful, Hermione finally spoke up.
"We were outside by the creek," she said in a tiny voice with her eyes still trained on the floor, "Harry and I couldn't sleep so we sat outside for the night. We didn't mean to cause any trouble, honestly, it's just that…"
She trailed off, looking helplessly at Harry. He didn't know what to say either; in fact he wasn't really sure what they had done. Sure he and Hermione had talked a bit, but they mostly just sat together, enjoying one another's company. However, Harry couldn't deny that they looked awfully suspicious dressed as they were. He cleared his throat, and looked around the kitchen. Harry noticed even Professor Dumbledore had come to The Burrow. He saw the all-too-familiar twinkle in the old man's eyes and wondered what he thought of the whole situation. As if Dumbledore had read Harry's mind, he spoke.
"Well, as long as Mr. Potter and Miss Granger are safe and sound I believe we can all relax and continue with our business," he said in a light but commanding tone.
The members of the Order exited the kitchen talking amongst themselves. Harry caught his and Hermione's name mentioned a couple of times, but that was all. He turned to look at Hermione again and he noticed she didn't look all too embarrassed anymore. She caught his eye and grinned. Harry was forcibly reminded of the Yule Ball in their 4th year, when Hermione had caught his eye at the dinner table and flashed him that same brilliant smile that made his knees weak. Harry smiled back at her while staring at her lips and wondering what it'd be like to kiss them…
"Ahem."
Harry jumped and looked around to see Dumbledore standing in the middle of the kitchen with a slight smile on his face.
"I would like to have a quick word with the two of you, if that's all right."
"Of - of course, Professor Dumbledore," Hermione stammered out. Harry noticed she looked quite embarrassed once again and wondered why.
Harry nodded at the man and followed him into the lounge with Hermione right behind him. Dumbledore motioned for them to sit on the couch while he took a seat in an armchair nearby. Harry sat down in the middle of the couch and Hermione followed suit. He couldn't help but smile when he noticed she had sat rather close to him even though the couch was big. Harry felt a surge run through his body like electricity when her arm brushed his leg as she reached for a pillow. He whipped his head around to look at her but she merely gave him a quick smile then focused on Dumbledore.
"I am here to inform you of some training the both of you will undergo this summer in preparation for the coming year at Hogwarts," Dumbledore stated. He looked from Harry to Hermione and continued after a moment's pause. "The second war has begun, and I feel it is my duty to inform you that both of you are currently high on Voldemort's 'target list'. I feel, as do many of the other Order members, that you should both hone your Defense Against the Dark Arts skills and learn many vital survival tactics."
Harry wasn't very surprised to hear that he was on Voldemort's hit list, but he was caught off guard by Dumbledore's honestly with him. He stole a glace at Hermione, who was looking straight ahead with a determined expression. "I don't want her to be in any danger, ever. This is because of me, because she's MY friend, because she hangs around The Boy Who Lived-"
His thoughts were interrupted by Dumbledore saying, "I want to make it clear, Harry, this is not your fault. Voldemort has always been against Muggle born witches and wizards, and Miss Granger happens to be a very prominent Muggle born witch. She would be a target whether or not she spent time with you."
Harry looked into the man's eyes and figured he had a valid point. He noticed Hermione was watching him, waiting to see his reaction to Dumbledore's words. He cleared his throat and said in a clear voice, "I understand, sir, although knowing it's not my fault doesn't stop me from worrying about her. If I lose one more person…" he trailed off. A lump had formed in the back of Harry's throat as memories from the Department of Mysteries came crashing into his mind. He saw Hermione falling to the floor, Ron being attacked by a brain, Neville screaming in agony as he was tortured, and Sirus - he saw Sirus falling through the veil after Bellatrix Lestrange shot a curse at him. He felt a surge of anger as he thought of Bellatrix. His knuckles had gone white from gripping the edge of the couch so hard, and he could feel the blood pulsing through his veins.
"Harry," Hermione said in a soft voice very close to his right ear. Harry felt his anger dissipate as he looked into her eyes. His grip on the couch lightened but his heart rate doubled as he found himself unable to look away from her. Her gaze was absolutely piercing, and Harry knew she was aware of how she made him feel - he could see it in her eyes. All he could do was stare back at her as green met brown in a swirl of colour and emotion. Dumbledore broke Harry out of his trance-like state as he cleared his throat again.
"The two of you will be learning many important skills once you commence your training. I am asking you to put forth your best effort - it is extremely important you are able to protect yourselves. I have a feeling this year will not be an easy one." Dumbledore stood as he finished the last sentence. "Your training will begin soon; I will contact you with a precise date."
"What about Ron, sir? Won't he be training with us too?" Harry asked.
"Mr. Weasley and his family will be leaving tomorrow for Romania for two weeks. It is a surprise for Ronald, so I must ask the two of you not to mention it to him. If you are still training when he returns, he is most welcome to join you. Now, I must get back to Hogwarts. Stay safe, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger." Dumbledore gave Harry a small wink and disapparated.
Harry and Hermione were both silent for a few moments as they took Dumbledore's words in. Hermione took a step towards Harry and gathered him into a vice-like hug, however he didn't mind one bit. He hugged her back, trying to show her that he'd protect her and help her no matter what. Harry knew she understood and felt Hermione returning the feelings in her hug. He never wanted to let go of her or let her out of his sight - he would do anything in his power to protect Hermione and make sure Voldemort and his Death Eaters never laid one finger on the one he loved.
The sound of someone clumsily stumbling down the staircase broke Harry and Hermione apart. Harry looked towards the stairs to see a disheveled looking Ron glaring at Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, as it happily purred. He knew from years of sharing a dormitory with Ron that he was definitely not a morning person, and that a hungry Ron in the morning meant nothing but trouble. Actually, a hungry Ron at any time of the day meant trouble.
"Bloody cat, always slinking around the house looking for people to bother," Ron muttered to himself before catching sight of Harry and Hermione in the lounge. "Morning guys," he said in a gravelly voice that didn't sound all too different from Moody's.
"Hi, Ron."
"Morning, Ron."
Harry watched Ron walk into the kitchen and made sure he was out of earshot before turning to Hermione and saying, "I don't think we should tell him about the training yet, it might make him feel left out when he's in Romania. I want him to have a good time with his family, he deserves a holiday."
Hermione nodded, and they both walked into the kitchen after Ron. He was seated at the table wolfing down toast at the speed of light. Harry and Hermione sat at the table in silence, both thinking about what Dumbledore had spoken to them about earlier. Ron, who was thoroughly engrossed in eating, didn't notice the silence at all. When he had finally finished what must have been his 10th slice of toast, he looked up and said in a much lighter voice than before, "I had an idea last night before I fell asleep. That creek we were by yesterday looked pretty inviting, and I fancied we could go for a swim today - that is, if you lot are up for it."
Harry thought it was a brilliant idea. It was hot outside, the creek did look nice, and he'd always enjoyed swimming when he could. "Yeah, and I'll get to see Hermione in a swim suit," he thought and grinned inwardly.
"That sounds like fun, great idea, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed with enthusiasm.
"Definitely, I'm in."
Ron beamed at the two of them before excusing himself to get cleaned up and ready for the day. After a moment Hermione excused herself as well, and told Harry to go and get ready for the creek. Harry obliged and soon found himself upstairs in Ron's room, rummaging through his trunk looking for his swimming shorts. He found them after a short time and quickly changed into them before Ron came back. Harry took the time to check his appearance in the mirror before going back downstairs to wait for Hermione. He had on a pair of red trunks with gold lines down the sides - Harry thought they might be from that Muggle brand adidas, but really wasn't sure as these were just another item of clothing he had "inherited" from Dudley. Grimacing at the thought of Dudley in a swim suit, Harry grabbed a shirt off his bed and made his way downstairs into the kitchen to wait for his best friends.
It didn't take long for Ron to finish cleaning up. He flew down the stairs, nearly trampled Crookshanks as he rounded the corner into the kitchen, and smacked straight into a very surprised Harry, knocking him onto the floor.
"Ron!" Harry shouted angrily while massaging the back of his neck.
"Sorry, Harry! I'm just excited about this; I haven't been swimming in over a year now!"
"Yeah, well-"
Harry lost the ability to speak when he caught sight of an amused looking Hermione standing at the door to the kitchen watching him with a small smile on her face. Had he not already been sprawled on the floor, Harry would have been now. Hermione was wearing nothing but a bright red and white Hawaiian floral print bikini. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, and her hands were on her hips as she studied the scene before her.
"Bloody-freaking-hell," thought Harry as he continued to stare at her from his position on the kitchen floor. "She looks like a goddess…a bloody hot goddess with a body I'd sure love to…" Ron seemed to be thinking along the same lines as he gawked at her with his mouth slightly open in surprise. Hermione, however, either didn't notice the effect she had on the two boys or chose to ignore it.
"Well, if we're all ready to go now what do you say we head out?"
Neither Harry nor Ron made to move or speak; instead they continued to stare at Hermione as though they had never properly seen her before. She seemed to figure out what was going on at this point.
"Honestly!" she huffed, and folded her arms. "Boys..." She walked right out of the kitchen and into the backyard, all the while muttering to herself about "how she was not some toy to be gawked at" and 'how boys were incorrigible."
Once she was out of his sight Harry was able to recover and stand up, albeit with shaky legs. He turned to see Ron had shaken himself mentally as well and was now giving Harry a questioning look. Harry simply shrugged and smiled, then walked out of the kitchen. He heard Ron's heavy footsteps just behind him and soon he had caught up. They walked side by side until they saw Hermione striding along some 50 meters ahead of them. Harry gave Ron a wicked grin and whispered, "Stay quiet for a minute and watch this."
He sped up and silently made his was towards Hermione. As he got closer, he heard her humming a vaguely familiar Muggle tune. Harry continued to walk closer and closer to her, when he suddenly lunged out and grabbed her around the waist. She screamed and whipped around faster than a bullet, and soon Harry found himself face-to-face with a shocked looking Hermione.
"Harry!"
He burst out laughing and couldn't stop when he looked at the expression on her face - it was funny, memorable, and cute at the same time. Within a few seconds Hermione was laughing with him, and he could hear Ron guffawing nearby. Harry was still holding onto her waist; he noticed she hadn't made to move away. Truth be told, he couldn't let go even if he wanted to - he felt as though his hands were glued to her body - they just fit so perfectly. They finally calmed down after a good minute of laughter and fell into silence. Ron made his way over to Harry and Hermione. He raised an eyebrow at Harry, who was momentarily puzzled until he realized he was holding onto Hermione. He dropped his hands from her waist as though he had been burned and looked away blushing.
"We're close to the creek now, race you lot there!" Hermione exclaimed and sprinted down the hill towards the sound of running water.
Harry and Ron exchanged an amused glance then tore off after her. They caught up with Hermione just as she reached the edge of the water and wasted no time in jumping right in, effectively drenching her with the massive splashes they made. Hermione shrieked, but soon followed their lead and jumped in.
The trio laughed, swam, and talked for a good hour before they were startled by the appearance of a familiar face.
"Hello, Harry, Hermione, Ronald," said none other than Luna Lovegood in her trademark dreamy voice.
Harry had a brief vision of Luna flying through the air after being hit by a Death Eater's curse at the Department of Mysteries. He promptly shook his head and greeted Luna with Hermione and Ron.
"Fancy a swim, Luna?" said Ron, looking quite happy to see the girl. Harry wondered if things had changed between them since the events at the Ministry of Magic. He glanced over at Hermione (who was still looking gorgeous, he noted) to see her reaction. She grinned and nodded, understanding what Harry was thinking. He grinned back and found himself dangerously close to completely losing himself and jumping her right in the water. While that was an enticing idea, Harry figured Hermione really wouldn't fancy her best mate ambushing her like that.
"Of course, Ronald," she replied. Luna made quick work of removing her clothes and jumped into the water in a bright blue swim suit. She popped up next to Ron and was met with a wall of water from him. Laughing uncontrollably, the two were soon engaged in an intense water fight.
Harry watched the two of them for awhile before he was on the receiving end of a huge splash from Hermione.
"Bloody hell, Hermione!" he spluttered while laughing. He wasted no time in splashing her right back, and soon Harry found himself in his own water fight with Hermione.
The four students carried on like that all day, just being regular kids for once. Finally as 5 o clock neared, they figured it was about time they returned to The Burrow for a good dinner.
"Er…Luna…would you like to, ahem, come to dinner with us?" Ron said as he blushed furiously.
"I'd love to," she replied in a not-so-dreamy voice as she blushed herself.
This exchange was not lost on Harry; he caught Hermione's eye and grinned. He walked over to her and whispered, "I reckon our ickle Ronnikins fancies her, don't you?" She giggled and nodded. Harry found that he very much liked to hear Hermione giggle like that, and he wanted to hear it again. He leaned down and whispered, "We should probably leave the two lovebirds alone, I have a feeling Luna has had plans for 'Ronald' since last term." That earned another giggle from Hermione, as well as a light punch on the arm. Harry's stomach did a back flip at the brief contact and he grinned madly knowing he could make her laugh like that.
Luna gathered her clothes and the four of them made their way up the hill to the house. As Harry looked back towards the creek, he couldn't help but wonder with an inward grin if Hermione would ever go skinny dipping. He cast a furtive glance over to her and decided that he was lucky Hermione wasn't skilled in Legilimency, because if she could read his mind at that moment she might very well never speak to him again.