A/N: Hi everyone. Thankyou all for your reviews and suggestions to my abhorrent spelling. I do have one thing to say in my defence though. I am actually legally blind, so I listened to the books, rather than read them, so the words I misspelt were actually my educated guess, rather than just crappy spelling. It's not anexcuse though, just a reason. I have, however made up a list of all the words I have used thus far and will use your corrections as a resource for the future. Again, I am overwhelmed by the support, as I wasn't sure how it would come across. Same with this one really ~lol~ anyhow, enjoy and please r and r as its my motivation.
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Harry and Hermione walked into the living room to find the Dursley's engaged in conversation with the Grangers, who looked as if they were about to die of boredom. They saw their escape when Harry walked into the room and the conversation suddenly ended.
"Harry, it's nice to see you again. Are you ready to go?" Mr Granger asked standing up.
Harry smiled "Just about. I just need some help to pack some things and bring my trunk and Hedwig's cage down. Can you both help me?"
Harry might have thought the Granger's were spring-loaded as they practically leapt for the stairs and Harry and Hermione were hard pressed to keep up. Harry directed them into his room and closed the door.
"I'm sorry about them." He said indicating downstairs.
"Oh that's alright, Harry, we were pre-warned by Hermione, although I'm sure I have found out more about the Dursley's car and your Uncle's drill business than I would ever care to know." Mr Granger said, grinning. He held out a hand and said, smiling "I'm pleased to formally meet you Harry. My name is Jim and that's how I prefer to be addressed as, not Mr Granger. That's my dad, not me."
Harry laughed and shook Jim's hand and answered "I'm pleased to meet you Jim."
Hermione's mother then came forward and hugged Harry saying "It is a pleasure to meet the man who has saved my little girl so many times and seems to have captured her heart."
Harry blushed scarlet and Hermione cried out "Mum! You promised not to say anything!"
Mrs Granger laughed and pointed to Harry and Hermione, saying "Well from the look of your hair and clothes when you came into the living room, you had already greeted each other quite thoroughly. The only reason your relatives didn't pick up on it Harry is that they don't give a damn. However, since I do I noticed it, as well as the look in your eyes as if you had both been hit by trains! Oh, by the way Harry, my name is Ellen and feel free to call me just that."
Harry stood there stunned for a moment, processing all of the information and realising that while Hermione's parents knew he had just snogged their daughter, he apparently still had all appendages intact. He smiled and nodded, finally after a light nudge from Hermione, who giggled and said "Pleased to meet you too Ellen. I'm already packed, I just figured you guys would prefer to get out quickly, rather than listen to my Uncle."
Jim and Ellen nodded, laughing and bent down, picking up Harry's trunk. Harry went over and picked up Hedwig's cage and grabbed Hermione's hand, leading the way downstairs. Hermione opened the door, while the Grangers said their goodbyes and they all trooped out to the Grangers car.
After storing Harry's trunk in the boot, the Granger's watched Harry as he whispered to his owl and let her loose. She soared through the sky above them and Harry stored the cage in the boot also. He slid into the back seat next to Hermione, who smiled and leaned over, giving him a light kiss on the lips before grabbing his hand. Harry sat there stunned for a moment from the effects of the kiss and Hermione giggled. Harry thought he could fall in love with that sound as they drove away from Privet Drive.
They drove for a few hours before they reached the Granger's residence. Harry answered Jim's questions about Quidditch enthusiastically and told him stories about matches that he had been involved in. Hermione smiled at the way Harry's face lit up when he talked about flying and couldn't help feeling a thrill when she thought about the looks on the girl's faces at school when they found out she and Harry were an item. She could scarcely believe it herself, save for the fact she was holding Harry's hand and she could remember vividly the two real kisses they had already shared. The look in Harry's eyes when he glanced at her told her all she needed to know to shut up that doubtful voice in her head that had been talking incessantly to her on the way to pick him up. She was happy and nothing could stop that.
Harry helped Jim carry his trunk inside and upstairs to the guest room, while Ellen carried in Hedwig's empty cage, behind Hermione. She noticed Hermione gazing at Harry's back and grinned, whispering to her daughter "Admiring your property, dear?"
Hermione jumped, blushing but then smiled and nodded "I still can't believe he chose me, mum."
Ellen chuckled softly and answered "Well if it helps at all, I think Harry is probably thinking the same thing. I remember you telling me that he wore his cousin's old clothes, it seems something or someone has spurred him into getting a new wardrobe." She wiggled her eyebrows at Hermione, who went the shade of a large beetroot. Ellen laughed, but was secretly pleased that things were going so well for her daughter. If what she had heard and read about Harry were of any indication, her daughter had extremely good taste.
After Jim had helped Harry to position his trunk at the foot of the bed, he went back downstairs with Ellen, who gave Harry Hedwig's cage with a warm smile and wink. Harry blushed again, not sure what the wink meant, but reasoning that it could only mean good things. He was putting his clothes in the drawers when he heard the sound of his door closing. He turned around and found Hermione leaning against the door smiling slightly. Harry smiled back, and gestured for her to sit down on the bed. She did so, patting the bed beside her in invitation, which Harry took. They held each other's hands and looked deeply into each other's eyes, contented for the moment that they were together. After a moment, Hermione shifted slightly and said quietly
"Harry I want to talk to you about this."
Harry's stomach dropped when he heard these words, dreading that they meant she didn't want what Harry did, a relationship and much, much more. Seeing the look on Harry's face change like this, Hermione quickly placed her hand lovingly on his cheek and said softly and kindly "Not about stopping Harry, I just want us to talk to each other about our feelings. I want to know where you stand, so to speak."
Harry sat there and thought about this for a while, not quite sure how to respond. He looked into Hermione's eyes and did his best.
"I don't know what love feels like Hermione. I've never had it given to me and I've never felt it, except for Sirius, but that was for a father and brother, not for a woman. This feels different however, not a bad different though, a good different. It feels so much stronger and intense. I can't bear the thought of losing you, I think I would just die and even the thought of what happened in the department of mysteries is enough to bring tears to my eyes. I think its love Hermione and I think I love you. I think I have for a long time, just never realised the depth of my feelings for you until this summer."
He looked up to see tears streaming down Hermione's cheeks. Feeling terrible, he started to apologise, when Hermione shushed him with a finger to his lips.
"That is the most sensitive and romantic thing someone has ever said to me Harry." She whispered, smiling softly.
Harry looked slightly confused. "Then why are you crying?" He asked.
"Because I'm so happy you feel that way Harry. I've been in love with you for so long, but thought you would never notice me beside the girls at Hogwarts. I'm too plain."
Harry shook his head emphatically at this and said forcefully "That isn't true 'Mione. Not one of those girls can hold a candle to your beauty. Not only are you very beautiful on the outside, but you possess such warmth and compassion for others and an agile and intelligent mind that you have the complete package. I would never want anyone else."
With these words Hermione flung her arms around Harry and buried her head in his chest, sobbing. Harry stroked her hair and soothed her, but feeling well pleased with himself that he had provoked such emotion. He took a couple of tissues from the box on his bedside cupboard and offered them to Hermione who took them, wiping her eyes and cheeks.
"Sorry for being such a sop." She said with a hiccup "Bet you didn't want someone like this for a girlfriend."
He smiled and kissing her lightly, said "Well you have a bit of an emotional wreck on your hands too. Remember last year? I didn't exactly win the prize for the calm, cool and collected wizard of the century did I?"
This got them both laughing. When they both quieted Harry asked a question that had been bothering him for the last half hour.
"'Mione, why did your parents allow us to be in here alone? Don't they think I am going to ravish you and take away your innocence?"
Hermione smiled at this and answered him with a small kiss and a whispered "Who says I won't take your innocence?"
Harry's eyes widened in shock and Hermione was overcome with a fit of the giggles. Harry, realising she was teasing him launched into a furious tickle attack, leaving Hermione gasping for air after about five minutes. When she had recovered she again smiled and taking his hand said "They trust me Harry. It's as simple as that. They know me and they know you from my description of you and some of the books I have given them to read and they trust you too. You have that way with people you know."
Harry nodded, realising how he always seemed to be the natural leader of any group and his thoughts then went to the DA and how everyone were so willing to follow him into battle.
A short time later after being more thoroughly reacquainted with each other, Harry and Hermione were called down to dinner. Harry offered to help with setting the table, or cooking, but was forced to sit down at the dinner table by Ellen and Hermione, both saying that he was a guest and therefore not allowed to help. Harry knew better than to argue with Hermione when she had that look upon her face and by the way Ellen acted, he knew where Hermione got her stubborn streak from. A short time later Jim joined him and they began talking about the wizarding world and various other small matters. Before the girls could come out into the dining room, Harry cleared his throat and looking serious said to Jim.
"Jim, I need to express my gratitude for welcoming me into your home. I feel honoured that people, who have the barest notion of who I am, feel able to welcome me into their home."
Jim looked surprised and pleased at Harry's words and placing a hand on Harry's shoulder, said "Harry, from what Hermione has said of you and the words you have just said, I know we made the right decision. You have helped Hermione in so many ways at Hogwarts, even in ways she probably doesn't know. For this I am eternally grateful. More so that your relationship with her is becoming so much more."
Harry nodded at this; a slight blush adorning his cheeks and said with his head bowed "Sir, I love her so much, I would do anything to protect her. I cherish her."
Jim smiled and giving Harry's shoulder a comforting squeeze, leaned back, saying "I know, son. I can see it in your eyes when you look at her. It's the way I feel about Ellen."
They were interrupted when the two ladies of the household came through the kitchen doors, carrying platters. Hermione laid the platter she was carrying gently on the table as not to spill it, she looked at Harry and smiled. He smiled back and gave her a wink that made her blush and smile ore widely. They all sat down to a dinner of roast chicken and cold salad. Harry managed to keep up his end of the conversation during the meal, although this was a new skill he had to develop quickly mostly being ignored at the Dursley's made it often a pretty silent meal for Harry. He and Hermione brushed legs against each other throughout the meal and their feet intertwined in an intimate game of footsie. Ellen noted the teenager's preoccupation from time to time and smiled knowingly at her husband, who rubbed his foot against her leg in response.
The two couples sat down in the living room, Jim and Ellen sitting on the lounge and Harry and Hermione sitting down in the love seat. Harry was getting used to holding hands in front of Hermione's parents now and smiled and chatted with them while their meal settled. Hermione then went over to the television and opening an drawer, began rifling through video cassettes. After about five minutes she made an triumphant noise and, turning on the television, pushed the cassette in, pushed play and sat back down next to Harry with an impish grin on her face. Harry soon knew what she was up to as Latin music began playing and the title of The Mambo Kings came up on the screen. Harry chuckled and kissed Hermione's cheek and she smiled back at him, squeezing his hand. Jim and Ellen watched this with slight confusion, but shrugged their collective shoulders and began paying attention to the movie.
Harry watching the movie began to remember the dreams he and Hermione had shared every night for the past few weeks and he began to notice how warm it was in the room. He placed his arm about Hermione's waist and she snuggled into him, her eyes watching the movie, with intensity. All four people in the house were mesmerised by the movements of the actors in the movie and were captured in the passion that emanated throughout the movie. When at last it was over, Harry noticed that Jim and Ellen were flushed as much as he guessed he was and Hermione looked at him with an intensity that made little shivers race up and down his spine. Jim and Ellen rose from the lounge, arms about each other and kissed Hermione and wished Harry goodnight and went upstairs, ready for bed. Hermione pulled Harry to his feet and led him upstairs to a door across from his own, opened the door and led him inside.
He guessed from the colours, the presence of Crookshanks and the bookshelves that lined one wall, that this was Hermione's room. He sat on the bed and watched as Hermione strode over to the stereo on her chest of drawers and selecting a cd, pushed some buttons and turned to Harry and smiled as a slow, Latin rhythm began to play. She motioned him to join her and he did so with a nervous look. He looked into her eyes and whispered "'Mione, I don't know how to dance."
She smiled at this and placing her hands around his neck, pressed her body against his and whispered in his ear "Then we'll learn together, won't we?"
He relaxed and wound his arms about her waist. Slowly as they moved, they began to find a rhythm between them that was almost natural. They swayed together, their bodies entwined, either of them not wanting the other to move away for the barest instant. Hermione looked up into his emerald eyes and smiled, her face tilting and moving towards his. He met her halfway and their lips met in a soft, slow and sensual kiss. They swayed together, bodies slowly grinding together, moving to the rhythms of the music, lost in their own world. After an hour, when Harry felt as if he was going to explode, he kissed Hermione and whispered "I had better go. I don't want to take things too fast and if I don't leave now, I can't control myself."
Hermione nodded, feeling both relieved and disappointed at the same time. She felt the same overwhelming urge that he did, but she didn't want to ruin things by making that big step too soon. She moved into his arms and hugged him tight, whispering "I love you Harry."
Harry smiled tenderly and whispered "Love you too 'Mione." Letting go of her slowly, he opened the door and, blowing her a kiss, went into his own room, closing her door behind him. Hermione lay back on her bed and smiled dreamily, remembering how it had been to really kiss and dance with him. It was better than the dreams, much better.
Harry closed his own door and went over to the window and opened it to let Hedwig inside. She fluttered over to her cage and hooted at him. He smiled and patted her head, saying "Yes girl, I'm a lot happier now. So much more happy." He stripped off to his boxer shorts and pulling back the covers, climbed into bed. He cleared his mind of all thoughts as Snape had taught him and drifted away soon after, to a dreamless sleep.
He awoke sometime early in the morning to hear the sound of his door shutting quietly. Through the moonlight, he could see Hermione's form silhouetted as she moved to his bed.
"Harry, are you awake?" She whispered nervously
"Yeah, what's wrong 'Mione?" He answered, leaning on his elbows.
"This is probably going to sound silly, but I missed you. Can I sleep with you?" She whispered tentatively. He smiled and moved over, drawing back the covers, so she could slide in beside him. He placed an arm around her and she snuggled into his chest, saying "That's better. I'm so used to having you in my dreams, that I felt lost." Harry smiled at this and kissed her forehead and whispered
"It's not silly at all, love. Sweet dreams." With those words they drifted away together.
Harry woke to find himself alone the next morning. He wondered at this for a moment, and then saw the note next to his glasses. Putting his glasses on, he read the note Hermione had quickly scribbled.
'Harry,
You were sleeping so peacefully this morning that I didn't want to wake you. The bathroom is the third door on the left. Come downstairs when you're ready.
Love,
'Mione'
He smiled as he read this, especially at the nickname he had started using for her. He got up and collecting his toiletries, went off to have a nice, hot shower.
Half and hour later, he walked into the dining room, wearing a tight white t-shirt and figure hugging jeans. Hermione took one look at his clothes and choked on her orange juice, spraying the table. Ellen turned around to see what caused such a reaction from her daughter and whistled appreciatively. Harry turned scarlet and Jim laughed good-naturedly, saying
"Sit down Harry, before these two maul you."
Both Ellen and Hermione had the good grace to blush as Harry sat down next to Hermione and kissed her on the cheek whispering "Good morning."
Hermione smiled, still recovering and whispered back in his ear "It is if you look that good every morning."
Harry shrugged, embarrassed all over again and took some toast and began buttering it, his smile barely concealed.
Breakfast was a jolly affair and the Granger's informed Harry that, unfortunately, they had to go into the office today, due to a back log of patients. Hermione smiled and said cheerily "That's ok; I'll show Harry around town."
Harry smiled at her and they quickly finished breakfast and bade the Granger's goodbye. When they were outside, Hermione smiled at him and grabbed his hand and kissed him soundly on the lips. He returned the kiss, and then breaking away, said
"So where to first Milady?"
Hermione giggled and answered "Well, I thought we would go to the local shopping centre. They have all sorts of shops there and I'm sure we'll find something to interest us."
Harry smiled and they walked side by side, chatting happily. He soon gathered that Hermione was anxiously awaiting their OWL results. Harry hadn't even remembered about these and felt something drop in his stomach at the reminder. He felt his hand being squeezed and looked up, seeing Hermione watching him.
"You'll do fine Harry. I'm sure of it." She told him firmly.
Harry smiled and kissed her, then gestured ahead of him, and they continued, until they reached the shopping centre about twenty minutes later.
They walked around for most of the morning, admiring the different items for sale in the stores. Harry bought Hermione and himself ice creams and they sat, while eating their ice creams, staring into each other's eyes and smiling. They were interrupted by a lady carrying a basket of roses.
"Rose for your love, sweetie?" She asked smiling at Harry and Hermione. Harry looked at the flowers and then at Hermione who smiled and nodded. He decided he was really going to surprise both women there and asked "How much for the whole basket?"
Hermione gasped and the rose seller smiled and quoted him a price. Harry handed over the money and she gave him the whole basket. He smiled and turned to Hermione and said as he presented them to her "Roses for you my dear, although they pale in comparison to you."
Hermione didn't know what to say, she was blushing slightly as she took the roses, and a tear rolled down her cheek. Harry gently brushed the tear away with his thumb and said quietly "I'm going to keep telling you these things until you believe me 'Mione. There's no one but you for me."
Having finished the ice cream a while ago, Hermione carefully placed the basket on the table and flung her arms around Harry's neck and kissed him soundly. "Your so sweet Mr Potter, has anyone ever told you?" She asked in a whisper as they broke apart.
"No one until now." He answered, smiling.
"Well you are she said simply and picking up her basket of flowers and taking his hand, led him away upstairs.
They arrived at a shop that was called The Latin Way. Looking inside, Harry saw that it was a dance studio. He looked at Hermione with his eyebrow arched in question. She looked at him innocently for a moment, but she knew he could see straight through her. Finally she gave up and grinned at him, saying "When we first started dreaming I thought of this place. Mum showed it to me one time we were here and I decided that for your birthday present, we are going to learn to dance, like I said last night."
Harry realised all of a sudden that he had been led here all along and he couldn't help but chuckle at the realisation. He knew he couldn't refuse her either as it was such a well thought out gift and his birthday was only a few days away after all. Smiling at each other, they walked into the dance studio and Hermione went over and talked with the dance instructor, a striking Spanish woman, who was thin and lithe, no doubt due to a lifetime of dance.
Both women approached Harry and the dance instructor, Alexis, as he found out later, circled him, appraising his physique.
"Hmm, well we have a lot to work with here. I can tell you are very fit and from what your girlfriend tells me, you both certainly have chemistry together."
Harry blushed at the compliments and looked at the ground, not sure what to say. A hand gripped his arm and he looked up startled, to see Alexis smiling at him.
"Never be embarrassed of your natural gifts, or the love that you share with this beautiful young woman. I saw it from the moment you both walked in together, especially when you look at each other. Now I am going to teach you over the next three weeks until you have to go back to that school your girlfriend mentioned. I know already that you have rhythm, now it is time for you to learn to dance!"
She led Harry and Hermione inside her studio and over the next hour, she showed Harry and Hermione a few basic steps and then got them to try them together. They were a little awkward at first, trying to remember what Alexis had shown them. She then stopped them and said to both of them.
"Don't look at your feet; look into each other's eyes. There is your passion, your desire. Use it feel it flow through you."
They both nodded and the music started again. This time they looked into each others eyes and the dance studio ceased to be, there was only each other. They moved together seamlessly, their feet following Alexis's instructions unconsciously. Alexis smiled as she watched them, sure they did not even realise she was still there. She let them dance until the end of that song and clapped her hands loudly, bringing them out of their trance.
"Excellent! Excellent! That was a fine example of Latin dancing at its core. That will be the lesson for today. I shall see you tomorrow and don't forget to practice."
The couple nodded and smiled, their hands intertwined and thanking Alexis, they left for home.