A/N: Here we go! Welcome to Part 3!! Just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who has reviewed. Your comments have been wonderful…we really appreciate it!! AND a thank you for the response we have gotten to join our Yahoo Group Make Like Strangers. We already have 48 members…and that's just in two days! So thanks very much for your continued interested in our little "saga." Harry and Hermione thank you also.
Disclaimer: Wait…**runs off to check something**…yep. It all still belongs to J.K. Rowling.
And now…on with our story…
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Chapter 1
Hermione felt something tickling her stomach. Something warm. As consciousness came back, her eyes fluttered open and she looked down to see the source of the sensation. She smiled and took in everything about them. Harry was laying on his side, almost on his stomach, his head still comfortably against her breast, one arm draped over her waist in a protective gesture, the other on the bed between them. She was propped up against the pillows, one arm above her head, the other hand resting on Harry's back. She faintly remembered falling asleep listening to his breathing as she made tiny circles on the small of his back.
But now, the next morning, it was his warm breath that was floating across her belly, making her skin break out in goose bumps. The air in the room was chilly and she shivered a bit. The blankets had been nearly kicked off the bed during their lovemaking the night before and were well out of her reach. I really want a blanket, but he's so damned cute like this. I hate to wake him. But she was really cold and decided that even if it woke him, she'd get the sheets and cover them up anyway.
She lifted her arm from his back and slowly began to move out from beneath his head. But all that did was make his arm around her middle tighten and some incoherent words like "no" and "don't" tumble from his mouth. She grinned, then continued to pull away. This time his arm didn't respond and she was able to slide away from him. His head fell to the mattress as she got up and she grimaced, hoping that the sudden shock wouldn't jolt him too much. But he didn't move. Convinced that he was still sound asleep, she got off the bed and grabbed the covers, gently pulling them over his sleeping body up to his shoulders. Then she crawled back into bed.
As she was snuggling down against him under the warming blankets, Harry inhaled a deep breath and his head slowly came up. He looked around the brightening room, his eyes squinting not from the brightness of the early morning sun, but because his glasses were not on his face. "Mione?" He got up on his elbows and looked up at her. He is so adorable when he's half asleep.
"Shhh," she whispered to him, taking the opportunity of his shifting position to slide a bit more beneath him like she had been. She gently pushed his head down against her shoulder. "Go back to sleep, Harry."
He didn't argue. He wrapped both arms around her; one under her neck as a pillow, the other tightly around her middle. He nuzzled his face into her neck, giving a dark red hickey he'd given her the night before a gentle kiss, then relaxed. "What time is it?" he asked after a minute, his voice muffled against her skin.
Hermione looked over at the clock on the bedside table. She always brought a clock with her when she traveled. It was much easier to see than groping for her watch in the dark. "It's only 6:30," she replied, running her hand up and down his soft, muscular back under the covers, "go back to sleep."
Harry responded with a soft moan and he nuzzled her again. She smiled down at him, and ran her fingers lazily through his hair. Hair that, many years ago, she had discovered she loved to touch every chance she got. She had dreamed of a day when she could run her fingers through it as a lover, not just as a friend. And now here she was with her fingers sliding through the dark locks of his raven-black hair, with his naked body nestled up against hers under warm blankets and his strong arms around her.
Hermione closed her eyes, and now that she was warm and was lying in his arms, she felt herself relaxing completely. The feeling of his warm breath against her skin was giving her goose bumps again, but this time it didn't wake her up, it was lulling her back into her dreams.
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An hour later, Harry awoke with a start. He raised his head and quickly took in the situation. Tense and ready to fight, his body was stiff with anticipation, ready to respond to whatever threat had alarmed him. But as he looked down at the woman lying in front of him, he relaxed and let out a deep sigh. He smiled and tightened his arms around her. They must have shifted position sometime while they were sleeping; he was not lying against her like he vaguely remembered. They were now spooned tightly against each other, her soft body pressed back against his, her hands holding onto his arms where they were wrapped protectively around her chest. He kissed her hair and laid his cheek down against hers. Everything is fine. He told himself. You just had a startle, that's all.
After years of waking up from a dead sleep from horrific nightmares, the reactions still plagued him. But the danger was gone now. Now he was just a normal wizard who had just committed to a relationship with his best friend. Now that he knew she loved him, "happy" just didn't seem to cover it. What he was feeling went way beyond happy. To describe this feeling required a word that he wasn't even sure was part of the English language yet. Maybe he'd have to make one up himself to explain the euphoria he felt in his heart knowing that his Hermione was in love with him. Now if only he could tell her the same....
Hermione moaned softly and her body jerked slightly. "Shhhh," Harry whispered against her, kissing her ear lobe. The change in her breathing told him she was awake.
"How did we get like this?" she asked sleepily, gripping his arms tighter around her and pressing herself back against him even more.
Harry lightly pulled on her ear lobe with his teeth, then kissed the back of her neck. "Does it matter?" he asked as he gave his hips a slight push forward. She gasped as she felt his morning erection pressed firmly against her bum.
Without thinking, she raised her leg and lifted it up and back slightly, resting it over his thigh. Harry didn't need to be told what she wanted. Reaching down between their bodies, he pressed two fingers into her slowly, feeling the wetness spreading out almost immediately. Merlin, will she always be this ready for me? He pressed into her a few more times. Her soft whimpers made him tingle with anticipation.
His other arm reached over her and he gently squeezed her breasts, the nipples becoming hard instantly at his ministrations. He rolled the hardened nubbins between his thumb and forefinger, pinching them gently. She arched her back, pressing her breasts further into his hand while at the same time, pressing her bum harder against his erection. He groaned as his fingers continued working their magic below, plunging deeper inside her. "Ahhhh...Harry...oh Merlin...please...."
"Shhh," he whispered against her throat, his tongue lazily stroking it. The faint taste of salt on her skin from last night's activities made his groin tingle. He had to have her again-now. He removed his fingers slowly, then took himself in his hand and guided his hard-on into her saturated opening. He teased her by letting the head just barely penetrate her.
"Please," she breathed, pressing her bum back against him, hoping to make him slip inside her, "don't...don't tease me."
Harry smiled. "Ah ah, Miss Granger," he said in a deep, seductive voice, "my turn."
"Harry, please...."
"Are you begging?" he purred in her ear, again biting her ear lobe. His other hand had begun caressing her other breast, making her squirm deliciously against him.
"Yes," she said, her voice a strangled whisper, "please...please...please...." She was almost crying from her need of him.
Harry kissed the side of her neck again and decided he couldn't wait much longer himself. With a slow, long stroke he entered her from behind, their bodies sealing against the other where they joined. "Dear Merlin...." Harry breathed through clenched teeth, closing his eyes and lying his head down against hers.
Hermione turned her face into the pillow and attempted to keep her cries of rapture silent, but she failed miserably. The penetration he was getting from this position was driving her mad. With each stroke, he hit a spot deep within her that she was sure was put there just to torture women. Every time he hit it, she felt like she was coming right then and there, but as quick as the sensation slammed her, it dissipated the second he pulled back.
"You are...so...tight...this w...way," Harry grunted into her ear. He stopped only briefly and put his arm under her shoulders so she could lay her head on it and so he could have a bit more leverage. As he began pounding into her again, more forcefully this time, his other hand reached around her and began to stroke her clit.
Hermione moaned loudly into the pillow, her entire body suddenly in a state of perpetual orgasm. Between his hard-on hitting that spot inside her time after time and his hand frantically rubbing against her hidden nerve bundle, it was almost too much for her to take. She felt her body tensing up...every muscle had gone taut. The power of what was teetering just on the edge surrounded her, ready to overcome her. It was terrifying. It was going to consume her...and then she let it.
A guttural moan started deep in her throat and ended in an all-out scream into the pillow as that power overcame her, her entire body convulsing, her breathing so hard and fast she thought for sure she was going to suffocate. Her hands reached out to grab the blankets and she squeezed hard, her knuckles turning white.
Harry pumped into her as hard as he could as she came, the tightening walls within her grabbing his cock and holding onto it, not wanting to surrender its treasure. With a few final thrusts, he buried himself inside her to the hilt and let himself go. With his face buried in her hair, he let the rapture flow over him, moaning loudly. His body convulsively slammed into her, but he was not in control any longer. He just held on to her as their bodies flailed and thrashed about in the throws of ecstasy.
Finally they collapsed into a heap of tangled limbs and listened to the sound of the other's deep breathing. A thin veil of sweat covered both of them, making their bodies stick everywhere their skin was touching...which was pretty much everywhere. "Oh my God...Harry," Hermione panted, her breathing coming in short gulps.
Harry could not speak. All he did was nod and squeeze her tighter to him. Still buried inside her, every single movement by either of them made him grimace. He opened his eyes and happened to glance up at the clock on the bedside table. "I think…we should get up…uh?" he asked in short breaths, pointing at the clock with a single finger.
Hermione opened her eyes too and followed his finger to look at the clock. "Oh, dear. What time do we have to be there?"
"Um, 10:00 I think," he said, reluctantly letting her go as he slowly pulled out of her to lie on his back.
Hermione whimpered softly at his withdrawal, shuddering at the sudden chill she felt from the absence of his heat against her and within her. She turned over to lay her head on his chest and draped her arm lazily over his belly, making little circles on his side. She could feel the muscles twitch from her touch. "You know very well I'm ticklish there," he said, running his hand through her hair and down her back.
"I know," she whispered, kissing his nipple softly. "You want to shower first?"
"Why can't we shower together?" He asked innocently.
"Harry," she began, pushing herself up on her elbows and looking at him, "honestly. I've had enough for now," she said chuckling, "and if I get in the shower with you, I will not be held responsible for my actions."
Harry laughed and pulled her down against him, kissing the top of her head. "I'll go first then," he said, sitting up and climbing off the bed. "Besides, I have to run back to my flat and get my clothes for the wedding."
When he didn't hear her reply or move as he gathered up his discarded clothes, he turned around and caught her staring at him with a look of-he wasn't sure what it was-on her face. "What?"
"Do you realize you have the finest arse in all of Great Britain?" She wasn't teasing, either. She was quite serious.
Harry felt the blush creep into his cheeks as he held up his clothes in front of him, suddenly very conscious of his state of undress. "Funny," he said, throwing a sock at her.
"Ewww!" She squealed and cringed away from it, pretending it was the foulest thing she'd ever seen. Harry just laughed and shook his head as he went into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
Hermione fell back on the bed and stretched. She felt wonderful. More wonderful that she ever had in her life. Her mind was relaxed, her body was satisfied. And her heart...her heart was full of love. Love for the man she had always wanted, and now she had him. And he had her. And perhaps that thought thrilled her most of all.
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Harry sat on the rumpled bed as he waited for Hermione to finish up her shower. He was leafing through the latest edition of Witch Weekly he'd pulled out of her suitcase when the bathroom door opened and she stepped out into the room in only her bra and knickers. He knew he was staring. Merlin, she's beautiful. "Must you do that?" Harry ogled at her.
She grinned, walking up to him and slowly straddling herself across his lap. "Do what, Mr. Potter?"
"Tease me unmercifully," he whispered as he kissed her softly. The lust was gone…for now. He pulled his lips from hers and he laid his head against her shoulder, holding her tightly. She returned his embrace and relaxed against him. "You know, we could always say we forgot the wedding was today and just stay here."
Hermione sighed, then pulled away, keeping her arms around his neck. "Yeah, Ron would forgive us for that," she said sarcastically as she released him and moved to stand.
Harry smiled and reluctantly let her go. He was silent as he watched her put her jeans on, then she pulled a royal blue jumper over her head. "How about we go to breakfast?" Harry suggested, checking his watch. "We don't really have to be there for another two hours. And I really don't want to decorate anyway."
"Harry," Hermione gently scolded as she turned around to face him, "its Ron's wedding!! You know, 'best friend' Ron?"
Harry nodded, shoulders slumping. "I know, I know. But why do we have to decorate? I mean, there are house elves…."
"Harry!"
"Okay," he winced at her outburst, "maybe not the house elves. But let's face it. The entire Weasley clan is bigger than the population of Hogsmeade now. Plus Luna's family…."
"Oh, come on," she said, pulling her jacket on and grabbing her purse. She reached for his hand and pulled him up off the bed and out the door. The elevator ride down to the 1st floor was quiet and they didn't pick up any other guests. They shared a knowing look which made Hermione blush furiously. Harry just chuckled.
Once outside, they walked down the sidewalk and found a little café already bustling with activity. Some of the people there were joggers on their morning run who had stopped in to get coffee, but most everyone else were elderly couples enjoying an early breakfast before they started their day.
Harry and Hermione found a small table near the window and sat down. They ordered a simple breakfast and after the waitress brought them coffee, Harry sat back in his chair and sighed. "What?" Hermione asked, looking at him over the rim of her cup.
He just looked at her. "Am I the only one who feels sort of, I don't know, disjointed about all this?"
Hermione set her coffee cup down and considered him carefully. "Not sure I know what you mean."
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "It's only been five days, Mione," Harry said quietly, not looking at her. "How can a person's life change so drastically in five days?"
She grinned and reached forward to put her hand on his. "It hasn't been only five days, Harry," she said quietly, "at least not for me." He looked at her and waited silently for her to continue. "It's been ten years." His eyebrow raised in question. "My life changed the day I met you on the train."
Harry smiled. He thought back to that bossy, pushy 11-year-old girl he'd met when she came looking for Neville's toad. "We never did thank Neville, did we?"
Hermione chuckled and shook her head. "No, I don't think we did." She took a sip of her coffee, then looked him straight in the eye. "Perhaps we should thank him when we see him today."
"Why today?"
She grinned almost shyly at him. "Because," she began, reaching for his hand again, and stroking the back of it with her thumb, "if it hadn't been for Trevor, we wouldn't be here right now, today, in this situation."
Harry felt a shiver go down his spine from her touch. What is wrong with me? She's held my hand before. She's hugged me before, hell…she's seen me naked before. Why is it now that the slightest touch from her….
Because you've recognized the fact that she's a woman now, remember? Even in school when it was painfully obvious she was of the female persuasion you and Ron both refused to see her as anything but 'one of the guys'.
I know. What the bloody hell was I thinking?
More like not thinking, you daft git!
"Harry?"
"What? I'm sorry."
She smiled as the waitress arrived with their breakfast. After setting their meals down in front of them, she left them alone once again. "What were you thinking about just then?" She asked curiously, having seen his confused expression.
He shook his head as he buttered his toast. "Just what a complete and utter fool I've been all these years." When she didn't respond, he looked up to see her staring at him. The intensity in her eyes seemed to intimidate him for a second and he looked down. "I mean, we've been so close for so long, and I'm just now starting to realize how beautiful you are. How," he looked up to meet her gaze, "sexy…." Hermione felt her face flush red. "I've been trying to find the perfect woman for me…and it appears she's been right in front of me all this time." He saw Hermione's eyes glisten with tears. "So yeah, I've been a fool."
Letting out a deep breath, Hermione stood up and scooted her chair closer to his. He watched her curiously and she grinned at him as she sat down. She suddenly felt the need to be closer to him. "I forgive you," she whispered, kissing his cheek then plunging into her fruit bowl.
They ate their breakfast in silence and when they were done having a last cup of coffee, Harry sighed heavily and she looked at him. "Wow."
"What?" he asked looking at her.
"That was a monumental sigh." Harry smiled. "What is it?"
"I, um, I think," he stammered, unsure of how to say what he was thinking, "oh, bugger."
"I'm waiting," she said, putting her chin in the palm of her hand and batting her eyelashes at him.
Harry couldn't help but chuckle. "I'd like to…I think we should, um…."
"Go on."
He gave her a "will you shut up and let me finish" look. "I think we should keep this quiet." There. I said it. Hermione regarded him silently for a few seconds, making him extremely nervous. I've just messed this up, haven't I?
Maybe not.
But she's not answering.
No, but she's definitely thinking about it.
Yeah, that's what scares me.
"For Merlin's sake, say something," Harry said nervously.
"What do you want me to say?" She asked. Harry raised an eyebrow at her. She's teasing me, isn't she?
Seems so.
"Well either that I've just screwed up what we have now, or 'yes, Harry, that's a smashing idea' would work for me."
Hermione could no longer keep the smile off her face. She sat up straight, then moved her hand down to his lap where she gave him a gentle squeeze. He jumped slightly at her touch but never removed his eyes from hers. "Yes, Harry, that's a smashing idea," she said quietly.
Harry had never felt relief like he did at that moment. He'd been certain he had just ruined the best thing to ever happen to him in his life. He smiled as she released him. She leaned closer and gave his ear lobe a feather-light kiss then whispered, "I'm not quite ready to share you yet anyway."
Harry smiled so wide his face hurt. Giving him another light kiss on the cheek, she pulled away. "I'm going to the ladies' room," she announced, standing and grabbing her purse. His eyes traveled over her body, and as he watched her walk to the back of the café to the ladies room, his mouth watered as the tiniest thought of following and taking her right there in the bathroom crept into his mind. Get a grip on yourself!! You're going to shag each other to death at this rate!
Yeah, maybe. But what a way to go, uh?
Feeling enormously pleased with himself, Harry stood up and threw some money on the table to cover their bill. She came out a few minutes later and they walked outside together. Harry checked his watch. "We still have an hour before we have to be there."
She glanced up at him. "What are you implying, Mr. Potter?"
Harry laughed as he took her hand. "Nothing," he said, then looked down at her, burning holes right through her with his entrancing green eyes, "yet." Hermione swallowed as she felt the now-familiar twinge of desire pool deep in her abdomen. Seeing the look on her face, Harry smiled inwardly. I could get really good at that.
Don't get a big head, Potter.
Too late.
You horny bastard.
Yeah, I am. Can you blame me? Look at her!
Uh-huh.
"Well," she said, clearing her throat, "I'd better get back to my flat and get my dress and things for wedding."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I have to get my dress robes." They started walking down the side walk, then Harry hailed a cab. As they waited, Hermione stood against him, wanting-needing-to be in some kind of contact with him. "I still can't figure out why they wanted us to stay in hotels. I mean, we don't live that far away."
"No," Hermione began as they saw a cab coming towards them," but I guess it was reasonable. Then we'd be right there all the time."
After the cab rolled to a stop, Harry opened the door for her. She got in and scooted over, then he got in and sat beside her. "Where to?" The cabbie asked.
"Um," Harry pulled out a piece of paper that had the address to the Leaky Cauldron on it and handed it to him, "here, please."
The cabbie looked at it for a second, then nodded. "Right you are," he said, then pulled the cab pulled away from the curb.
Hermione scooted over closer to him and put her hand on his leg. He looked down at her and they shared a silent, knowing glance. As if it was the most natural thing in the world, Hermione rested her head against his shoulder and he smiled. They were silent for the rest of the ride.
Once they arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry paid the driver. As soon as they opened the door and stepped inside, Tom looked up and nodded an acknowledgement in their direction. Harry and Hermione both smiled at him as they made their way to a small alcove off to the side of the main room. Harry pulled her into hug, then pulled back and kissed her softly. "I'll see you there," he said and without waiting for a response from her, apparated to his flat.
Hermione closed her eyes and touched her lips. He loves me, I know he does.
Just give him the time he needs.
I know. I will.
She opened her eyes and sighed, then thinking hard about her little flat in the West End, she apparated, leaving the Leaky Cauldron behind.