About Last Night
Hermione woke very early Saturday morning, half past five to be exact, and she hadn't slept well. She had even been crying in her sleep. Rubbing her eyes clean and opening them wide, Hermione shuffled over to her dresser. She looked in the mirror hanging over it and frowned. Her eyes were red and puffy, apparently Harry's secret keeping had affected her more then she thought. But that little annoying voice in the back of her head was right - she had overreacted. She had completely ruined their perfect date, well nearly perfect date, because she overreacted. What would happen between them now - she had no idea.
Hermione opened the bottom door of her dresser, pulled out three books, and walked down to the drawing room on the first floor. She sat down on one of the large over-stuffed couch, spread the books out in front of her, and flipped all three of them open. The two directly in front of her were James and Lily's baby books, detailing the early years of their lives. The book above them was the large photo album that had every decent picture of the twins ever taken. Looking at these books, Hermione realized even more what she had kept from Harry. Keeping his engagement from her had been nothing compared to what Hermione had kept from him. Just as she was deciding she needed to make things right with Harry, she heard a soft knock on the door. Hermione looked over to see him standing in the doorway with two cups in one hand.
"Mind if I join you?" Harry asked from the hallway.
"Of course not. How did you know I was up?"
"I was down in the kitchen - heard you moving around."
"Haven't you slept yet?"
"Yeah I've only been up for about ten minutes. So anyway, I wanted to talk to you about last night," Harry said walking across the room and handing her one of the two cups. "It's tea by the way."
"Oh, right thanks. I wanted to talk to you about that too. Harry I'm so sorry I overreacted - I shouldn't have gotten mad at you. It's just that I've only just realized how I feel about you and it made me mad to realize that I came so close to losing you."
"You have the right to be mad at me Hermione, just like I had the right to get mad at you about the twins."
"Harry don't be nice - I'm trying to apologize. Keeping your engagement from me isn't all that bad, it was your life - you didn't have to tell me."
"You don't need to apologize - I understand how you felt last night."
"Why are you being so forgiving? I completely overreacted."
"Because Hermione," Harry said settling on the couch behind her and putting his tea down on the floor, "I know that is the only way I can get you to stop completely blaming yourself. It's a bit my fault too. I shouldn't have told you about Jenna the way I did or when I did. I should have picked a better time, but dinner had been so perfect, I just didn't want to be keeping anything else from you."
"No, Harry, you didn't do anything wrong."
"Yes I did Hermione. Just because you kept the twins from me doesn't mean I'm not wrong for keeping things from you."
"Why did you keep her from me?"
"Because I knew if you came to my wedding I would want to marry you not her."
Hermione looked over her shoulder at him. "Do you mean that?"
"I would never say something like that if I didn't mean it. Hermione, I have known that I loved you ever since the day I watched you walk out of my life. I wasn't marrying Jenna because I loved her - I was marrying her because I had giving up on ever being with you. That's why we called off the wedding; because I realized that no one but you could ever make me truly happy. And that she and I could only ever be friends." Hermione smiled at him as he kissed her.
"You love me?" Hermione asked when Harry pulled his lips off hers and rested his chin lightly on her shoulder.
"I do."
Hermione thought about it for a split second before whispering softly in his ear. "I'm pretty sure I love you too."
"You pretty sure?"
"I'm sure."
"So how about you say it - just for fun."
"Harry James Potter - I love you."
Harry's smile widened and he wrapped his arms possessively around her waist. "Can we forget that last night happened and try our first date over?"
"How about we just forget the fight ever happened and have our second date?"
"Hey, that's better then what I thought of."
"I know."
"What are we going to do on this second date of ours?"
"I was thinking we can ship the kids off for the night -"
"I like this plan so far."
"Keep your pants on - I'm not that kind of girl." Harry snorted, which earned him a slap on the arm. "Anyway so we ship the kids off and the two of us have a romantic dinner alone, but no dancing."
"That sounds nice."
"I'll even cook for you if you behave."
"Well then, I promise to behave - so what were we looking at?" Harry asked looking over her shoulder at the books.
"I was looking at James and Lily's baby books and this photo album of them." Hermione could almost feel Harry's excitement.
"Why have I never seen these?"
"I meant to show them to you. In fact I was going to show them to you when I first told you about James and Lily, but -"
"But plans went awry. Will you show them to me now?"
"Of course I will." Hermione put her cup of tea down, pulled the photo album into her lap, leaned back into Harry so that he could see over her shoulder better, and started showing him the pictures.
They quickly became so involved in the photo album and then the baby books that they missed the sun rising at seven and the kids stirring around nine. The words, "Mum, where are you?" echoing through the halls brought them out of the trance.
"You stay here - I'll go fix them breakfast." Hermione said, reluctantly pushing Harry's arms off of her. "I'm going to take these cups." Hermione picked up the still full cups of tea and started to head out of the room.
"Hurry back." Harry called after her.
"I'll try."
"Mum!" James and Lily yelled
"I'm coming - I'm coming." Hermione called back as she started down the stairs towards the kitchen.
"Where were you?" James asked impatiently when Hermione pulled open the door to the kitchen.
"I was in the drawing room with your father." Hermione said putting one of the cups of tea down and mussing up James' hair. "Did you even bother to look for me?"
"Well we did look in your room." Lily said.
"But calling for you is easier." James said trying to flatten out what his mother had ruffled, but his efforts were in vane, since he had inherited his father's messy hair.
"So I guess you kids want me to make you breakfast," Hermione said walking over to the refrigerator and pulling out some eggs and sausage to fry up for the kids. Once that was going, Hermione poured the ice cold tea down the sink, put on some coffee, and started to make toast.
"How was dinner with Dad?" Lily asked.
"Dinner was nice," Hermione said putting a full plate in front of both James and Lily. "Now eat up - I need to talk to a couple of people."
"So are you two dating now?" Lily asked ignoring the food in front of her.
"Eat." Hermione ordered as she walked over to the kitchen fireplace and threw in a handful of sparkling powder. "The Burrow" She called sticking her head into the green flames. Seconds later she found herself looking at the legs of the Weasley's kitchen table.
"Molly? Arthur?" Hermione asked - she could see someone's legs but couldn't tell who it was.
"Hermione?" It was Molly.
"Good morning, Molly."
"Well good morning to you too dear," Molly said kneeling down so she was at Hermione's eye level. "How was dinner last night?"
"Dinner went well, but the date ended in a fight."
"Oh no, are you all right?"
"I'm fine. Harry and I have already patched things up."
"That's wonderful."
"Yeah it is - that's why I'm here. I was wondering if you and Arthur would be willing to watch James and Lily tonight. Harry and I want to have dinner."
"We'd be happy to - they are wonderful kids."
"Thanks - so is it all right if I bring them over around seven?"
"Seven sounds great."
"Well I should be getting back to them now. But I'll see you at seven?"
"All right see you at seven. Good bye Hermione."
"Good bye Molly," Hermione said as she pulled her head back into number twelve.
"What was that about?" James asked when Hermione's head was back in number twelve and she was standing up off the floor.
"You two are going to be spending the night with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Your father and I are going to have dinner."
"Didn't you do that last night?"
"Yes we did and we had so much fun we decided we want to do it again," Hermione said, wrapping a stack of toast into a napkin, pouring a cup of coffee for both Harry and herself, and heading towards the door. "I'm going to take these things to your father, you two finish up your breakfast, get dressed, and then come get me - I'll be up in the drawing room."
"Do we have to study again today?"
"Only a bit." Hermione called back to them as she started up the stairs - very carefully.
"You didn't have to bring me anything." Harry said as Hermione walked across the drawing room to him and handed him one of the cups of coffee.
"Well, I thought you could use the coffee - I know I can - and I heard you stomach rumbling earlier so I figured I'd bring you some toast."
"Very nice of you. So did the kids just want breakfast?"
"Yeah and to ask how dinner was last night."
"What did you tell them?"
"That dinner was nice - which is true it was. I have a surprise for you."
"Oh really."
"Really - remember earlier when I was talking about shipping the kids off and having a romantic dinner, just the two of us?"
"Of course I remember."
"Well, I was thinking that we could do that tonight. To that end, I flooed Molly and asked her and Arthur to take the kids so we can be alone."
"And?" Harry asked sitting up, an anxious look in his eyes.
"And the two of us will be having dinner together at half past seven." Hermione said leaning over and kissing Harry softly.
"That sounds wonderful."
"It does, doesn't it."
"Yeah especially since you said you'd cook for me."
"You're right, I did - well then I need to go shopping to get what I need."
"What am I going to do all day without you?"
"You are going to take James and Lily flying so that I can go shopping."
"So you're letting them off the hook with studying."
"For today at least."
"What?" Lily asked from the doorway. Harry and Hermione looked over to her and they were both thinking the same thing how long has she been there.
"What?" Harry and Hermione asked in unison as Lily stepped into the room and was quickly followed by James.
"Did you just say we don't have to study today?"
"Yes I did." Hermione said as she and Harry breathed a sigh of relief - they weren't ready to tell their kids about their relationship just yet.
"Why?"
"Because I'm going to take you two flying." Harry said and the twins both lit up with glee.
"Really?"
"Really, really. So you two go get your brooms and your gear and I'll get dressed and then we'll go."
"Okay." The twins said together as they ran to get their brooms.
"Thanks for showing me these," Harry said closing the books and handing them to Hermione. "And thanks for the breakfast - though I didn't get to eat it." He said downing the coffee that was in his cup. "And I will see you later," he said kissing her softly before walking towards the door.
Hermione stared after Harry, smiling broadly. She really did love him and she knew that whatever this was that was starting between them, was going to be amazing. Sighing happily and putting the books down on the coffee table, she grabbed the cups and uneaten toast and headed down to the kitchen. She threw the toast in the bin, since she knew she wasn't going to eat it, added the coffee cups to the teacups in the sink, and cleaned up the twin's plates. Five minutes later she was joined in the kitchen by Harry and the twins. The three of them decked out in Quidditch gear with brooms over their shoulders.
"Well - don't you three look great."
"Aren't you coming with us?"
"No - I need to do some shopping, but I'm sure you'll have fun without me. Especially since I don't fly."
"So where are we going?" James asked as Harry led them over to the fireplace.
"We are going to a house I own just outside of London. It has a large wood with a field in the middle, where we can fly around without being seen. Now you two have travelled by Floo Powder before haven't you?"
"Yes."
"Good. Then you know what to do," Harry said handing them both some Floo Powder. "Okay I want you two to go ahead - I'll take the brooms and Apparate after you, all right."
"Okay." James and Lily said handing Harry their brooms.
"Okay. The name of the house is The Snitch." James and Lily nodded, stepped over to the fireplace, threw their Floo Powder in, called out "The Snitch", and walked into the green flames. When they were gone, Harry turned to Hermione who was going red in the face from trying not to laugh. "I know it's a dumb name, but Luna came up with it and I don't know, maybe I was drunk or something and agreed."
"Just go Harry - have fun."
"I will."
"Be back no later then half past six."
"Okay," Harry said and then he was gone.
Twenty minutes later, Hermione was heading out the front door of number twelve. She only needed to get a few things for dinner, but first she wanted to go back to Anduril; see if Jenna was there and have a little talk with her. She trusted Harry and knew she was just being paranoid, but there were a few things she wanted to get clear.
Hermione reached the restaurant just as they were unlocking the doors. She could see Jenna moving through the restaurant, taking the chairs down and putting them into place around their tables. Hermione pushed open the door and without even looking back Jenna spoke.
"I'm sorry we're not serving just yet."
"No, Jenna. I wanted to talk to you," Hermione said walking over to where she was.
"Oh," Jenna said looking back at Hermione. "Hello Hermione."
"Hi - listen, I know this might not be my business, but -"
"But you want to talk to me about Harry."
"Yeah - if you don't mind."
"I don't, but I have to get these tables ready so if you want to talk you'll have to help."
"Okay, that's fine."
"So let me ask you something before we start talking about Harry - are you the Hermione who he went to school with?"
"Yeah."
"Then you have nothing to worry about."
"It's not that I'm exactly worried, it's just that - wait what do you mean I have nothing to worry about?"
"Harry's been hung up on you for years."
"What?"
"Harry loves you - he always has. He talked about you constantly and he put me on hold whenever it was time to talk to you."
"Well, why did you agree to marry him if he was so hung up on me?"
"Eh," Jenna said shrugging her shoulders. "You know how great Harry is, and I don't know - I guess I thought him proposing was a sign that he was getting over you. Boy was I wrong."
"So what happened?"
"Why aren't you asking Harry this stuff?"
"He already told me his side of the story. I want to hear yours."
"What happened was that Harry still loved you, and the two of us realized we were better off staying friends. Plus, there was this part of his life he said he couldn't tell me about until we were married and that just felt weird. So we called off the wedding and have remained friends. It's as simple as that."
"I'm sorry things didn't work out for the two of you."
"Don't be. Harry and I are still close friends. Besides, a couple months after Harry and I called off the wedding, I met this great guy who I've been seeing for nearly two years now. And a couple of months ago he proposed. The best part is I know he isn't in love with and old friend from school."
"Well, that's wonderful."
"Yeah it is. He's a great guy."
"What's his name?"
"Tom - Tom Felton. He's an actor; he's pretty famous here in England, but I don't know about America."
"I can't say I've ever heard of him, but I haven't had much time to watch movies over the past ten years. I'm kind of out of the loop."
"Ah, well I guess that's understandable. You want to see a picture of him?"
"Sure."
"I keep a picture of the two of us up in the front - so I have something to look at when it's slow around here." Jenna said leading Hermione towards the front of the restaurant.
"He looks exactly like an old school mate of Harry's and mine, named Draco Malfoy, except that guy has blond hair." Hermione said as Jenna handed her a picture of she and her fiancé. They were standing in a park somewhere. He was standing behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist, and they were both smiling brightly.
"Yeah, that's what Harry said."
"This is a great picture."
"We had it taken for the wedding announcements we're sending out next mouth. So did you get the answers you were looking for?"
"Yeah. Actually I did, thanks." Hermione said handing the picture back to Jenna.
"No problem. Now I really have to get the rest of my prep work done."
"Yeah, and I have shopping to do. Thanks for talking to me. Congratulations on the wedding."
"Thanks and congratulations on you and Harry. I'm sure he's ecstatic now that the two of you are together." Hermione nodded, muttered thanks again, and walked out the door feeling much better about Harry and her. Jenna's words about Harry always loving her made ever doubt she ever had vanish. Now her children had their father and she had the man she loved.
AN: okay I really couldn't help myself with the Tom Felton thing - oh well now that things are back in the right track lets all continue on to the next chapter
Chapter 17 reviews: Spaz141 - I didn't take it as a criticism I was just saying diggingupophelia - I know you didn't I didn't write that to you, I'm glad you like the fic though : ) chocolatefroggie - : ) Rosali - : ) Chancellor - It's not that he's unsure about wanting Hermione, it's just that he's nervous, she's been his friend for eighteen years he's loved her for the last ten - so even though he knows she'll say yes, he's afraid she might say no
Chapter 18 reviews: lannereddy - Jenna doesn't care really, she only thinks of Harry as a friend now and neither one of them really think of the other as their ex-fiancé so he wasn't even thinking about the situation being awkward harrynmione - : ) Favo de Mel - : ) div - oh no, no it wont take nearly that long - though their might be a sequal, I'm still undecided about it Austinlover -: ) izzieq - Hermione know that she was wrong about keeping the twins from him - that's why she apologizes all the time, but no it's not smooth sailings entirely tabitoo - that's an idea, maybe after the next fight ; ) fairyp80 - : ) spaz141 - : ) DreamAngel - : ) HHR227 - : ) diggingupophelia - that's one of my favorite lines too : ) LinNicole - : ) Jenna Kathleen - yes you are it's all your fault lol anyway…you really are forgetful aren't you this story has always been R and you don't remember reading any because we haven't got there yet (ps you're an issue lol at least that's what the other reviewers are saying) Misadies1 - I will PJ - no it wont be disappointing, at least I don't think it will - they are just a little slow and oh my lord I got your review and I was watching the season of Angel with Spike on it and I totally get what you said about Draco, I could see that happening. I can't tell whether he's going to be crazy or not, it's kinda a surprise, but I'll pose this question, would Ginny really date a crazy man? ; ) Rosali - : ) Mochie - : ) KJ Bridgerton - : ) Jillian84 - : ) Tomlove01 - you got it in one : ) ginnymalfoy21 - I said Draco was coming in chapter 27, but that's changed to chapter 28, but anyways that's what I said so Draco and Ginny won't be happening for a little while after that, it's either 30 or 31 I can't remember Coolone007 - you were entirely on the right track, except two things, the kids don't know about the fight and Harry didn't lie about dating Jenna, the question Hermione asked was "was that the Jenna you dated for seven months?" he told her it wasn't and that is true, he dated a Jenna who was a Witch and there was the Jenna who he was engaged to HnH4EvA19 - yeah I do, but sometimes when they explain themselves afterwards I understand Alorkin - that's alright, though there weren't that many more chapters just three : ) I'm honored that you'd even read the story you're kid and I'm honored that she thinks it's neat laila - : ) HHRLVR - : ) Chancellor - Harry just wasn't thinking, he wasn't even thinking that this was the restaurant where his ex-fiancé worked, he was just thinking that this was a restaurant he loved that was special to him, there wasn't a deeper motivation - he wasn't trying to make anyone jealous or anything like that, but yes his timing was horrible. Yes he did ask Hermione to come and visit him, but they were never "together" so he could never ask her back. Sorry I had to make Hermione take it all on herself, but at least Harry made it clear that he didn't think it was all her fault. Kalina Malia - : ) princess_hana2003 - : ) JayaMioneDurron - : ) Beppo - : ) chica - originally it was 29 then it was 34 and now it's 35, I don't think it'll change any more, but just know that the outline is flexible, sadly I only have 21 chapters done so the updates are going to be getting kinda slow until I've written more and Draco come in in chapter 28
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