Make Like Strangers - Part 3

Make Like Strangers

Rating: NC17
Genres: Romance, Humor
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 31/03/2005
Last Updated: 18/04/2005
Status: completed

This is Part 3 of the Series entitled "It's Not Rocket Science." Harry makes a discovery. Ron marries and Harry is forced to confront his feelings as the bride walks down the aisle. Will his inner voice finally convince him that all he needs is right in front of him, or will he continue to question his heart's desire? **A/N UP!! PLEASE READ!!**

Chapters

1. Chapter 1 - It's Not Rocket Science

2. Chapter 2 - It's Not Rocket Science

3. Chapter 3 - It's Not Rocket Science

4. Chapter 4 - It's Not Rocket Science

5. Chapter 5 - It's Not Rocket Science

6. Chapter 6 - It's Not Rocket Science

7. The Dreaded Author's Note...

1. Chapter 1 - It's Not Rocket Science

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.

2. Chapter 2 - It's Not Rocket Science

Chapter 2

By the time Harry arrived at Hogwarts, everyone else, including Hermione, had already begun to start decorating the Great Hall for Ron and Luna’s wedding and reception. The front of the huge room where the teacher’s table usually sat was where the ceremony would be taking place. A midnight blue velvet carpet had been laid up the center of the room that ended at the foot of the steps; there were several rows of chairs set up on either side of the center aisle for the guests. The rest of the room was set up with several round tables and a dance floor where everyone would enjoy the reception afterwards.

Harry carefully draped his dress robes over the back of a nearby chair and placed his bag full of other essentials on the floor beside it. He took a deep breath and then made his presence known. “Hey, I heard someone’s getting married today!” He shouted.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at him standing near the entrance to the hall with a sheepish grin on his face. Before he knew what was happening, he was surrounded by friends and on the receiving end of hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and the occasional punch on the arm. He hadn’t seen everyone in such a long time, his heart swelled with happiness. Seeing some of his old teachers brought a smile to his lips. Minerva and Dumbledore had come to greet him while Professor Flitwick, who was helping Parvati and Ginny hang silver garland up in the rafters, had just nodded to him. Severus Snape had approached and shook his hand, and said nothing but “Potter” in his usual dire, unhappy-sounding voice. Somehow I don’t see him sticking around to catch the garter.

As the crowd began to disperse, leaving only Ron standing with Harry, Hermione made her way over to him. He watched her approach and smiled. Now is where we see whether we can keep all of this a secret or not. “Hi Harry,” she said sweetly, giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek.

“Mione,” he said pulling her in to a hug. Ordinarily, that wouldn’t have been a big deal at all. They had hugged all the time in school, and even now as adults they were known to sit in each other’s laps at parties. Their physical shows of affection and friendship were no secret. However, what had been happening since Monday was, and they were both determined to keep it that way…for as long as they could.

As Hermione pulled out of his arms she immediately felt the coldness. She noticed Ron looking at them funny. “What?”

“You always hug him like that?” Ron asked, looking suspiciously between the two of them.

Harry felt a nervous blush creeping up his neck and fought it back down. He looked at Hermione and shrugged. “We hug all the time, Ron,” he said as casually as he could, “what’s the big deal?”

Ron pursed his lips and nodded. “Uh, huh,” he teased. “You had that ‘I don’t want to let go of her’ look.”

“I wasn’t aware he had a look,” Hermione giggled, taking Ron’s arm. “Hey, we have a hall to decorate before Luna gets here and hexes us all for it not being done.” She steered him away from Harry who let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Nice save, Mione. He followed them and was soon put to work with everyone else.

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Around noon, everyone sat down at the one room-length table for lunch. Several of the house elves, led by Dobby, physically brought out the lunch to the guests. Ron was overjoyed as he saw that they had made all his favorite dishes. Being the groom definitely had its advantages.

Everyone sat around eating and talking casually, laughing over stories told about school, or what had been happening with them since graduation.

After Harry finished his lunch, he decided he needed to walk. He patted Ron on the shoulder and smiled at him. “I’m going to take a walk around the place,” he said casually.

Ron nodded instead of speaking as his mouth was full of mashed potatoes. Harry grinned at him and in a gesture too subtle and too quick for anyone to see but the person it was intended for, Harry jerked his head towards the doors and strode away.

Hermione, who was at the far end of the table in a hushed conversation with Ginny, Lavender, and Parvati about the party the previous night, had seen Harry’s nod and was anxious to get away and follow him. She waited a good five minutes before excusing herself, saying she had to use the loo, and she headed out of the Great Hall in search of her lover.

As she stepped into the hallway outside the Hall, she felt him close, but didn’t see him. “Harry?” She whispered quietly, suddenly feeling uneasy at being alone in the monstrous entry hall. She felt his eyes on her, but after looking around, there was still no sign of him. “Where are you?”

She felt a hand lightly touch her shoulder and she gasped. Turning around she found herself staring into Harry’s bright emerald green eyes and immediately felt herself swoon. “Whammmph….” He silenced her with a kiss that stole the breath from her body.

Hermione pushed him away gently, looking anxiously at the great doors leading into the Hall where all their friends were gathered. “Are you crazy?” she scolded, ignoring the fact that his hands were now moving slowly down her bare arms, making her shiver. “What happened to keeping it a secret?”

He grinned, knowing that he had her flustered. He reached down and grabbed her hand, and with a quick glance back at the Hall, he led her towards the main stairs. Instead of going up to the dorms, Hermione found herself being led to the dungeons.

***********************

“Harry, where are we going?” Hermione asked quietly as they made their way down the familiar dark hallways of the Hogwarts dungeons.

“Shhh. It’s a surprise,” he said, slowing as they came to a corner. He peered around it, then his eyes came to rest on the door he was looking for. “Come on,” he said, pulling her behind him.

They stopped outside a large wooden door at the end of the hallway. “Harry!” Hermione gasped as she realized what room this was. “We are not….”

He turned and the mischievous grin on his face told her that what she was afraid of was exactly what he was thinking. Harry held his hand out towards the door. “Alohomora.”

The door opened, appearing to not even have been locked. Harry tugged on Hermione’s hand but she didn’t budge. He looked back at her. “What?”

“Harry, I don’t know,” she said, looking down the hall nervously, “I mean what if he catches us? There are plenty of other places….”

Harry stepped up to her, his nose brushing against hers as their foreheads rested against the other. “Scared?”

Hermione pulled back and looked up into his eyes. “Yes,” she admitted.

He smiled. “Me, too. That’s why we’re doing it. Come on,” he tugged on her hand and this time she willingly followed him. Harry quietly closed the door behind them and they turned to find themselves in Snape’s Potions classroom. “His office is through that door.”

“His office!” Hermione exclaimed, pulling on Harry’s arm to stop him. “Harry, no. The classroom is one thing, but….”

“Hermione, please,” Harry pouted, “I’ve been thinking about this all night.”

“But why here?” She asked as they walked into Snape’s dark, cold office.

“Lumos,” Harry said quietly and the office lit up with an eerie glow. I love this wandless magic!

Hermione gasped as she looked around. She’d never been in Snape’s office before. And she hoped that she never would be again. While she was looking around at all the vile things in the jars that lined the walls, Harry took something out of his pocket and held his hand over it. “Engorgio.”

Hermione turned around and watched as his invisibility cloak expanded to its normal size. Harry draped it over his arm and smiled at her. “Shall we?”

“You’re insatiable,” Hermione teased as Harry moved closer and captured her lips with his own. The kissing quickly became frantic as Harry slowly backed her up into a corner. He slammed her into the wall and she moaned into his mouth, biting his lip. Their hands were frantically groping each other, their heads rolled side to side as they both fought for control of the kiss.

Harry tore his lips away from hers and plunged on her throat, sucking hard on the spot below her ear. She squirmed against him, lifting her one leg and wrapped it tightly around his hips. “Harry…Harry, wait…wait….”

Harry looked up at her, his breathing heavy and rapid. “What?”

She looked nervously at the door then back at him. Her lips were already swollen, her face was flushed with passion. Harry couldn’t help but think how incredibly beautiful she looked at that moment. “Can we use the cloak at least?”

He smiled. “That’s why I brought it,” he said, unfolding and covering them with it. He felt Hermione relax a bit now that they were invisible to anyone who might happen to come into the office.

She smiled and pulled his head down to hers, kissing him again with an intensity that surprised him. Reaching between them, she grasped his erection through his trousers and Harry jumped. “Too many clothes,” he mumbled against her mouth.

She shook her head then moved her lips down to his throat, particularly that spot on his collarbone she’d found their first night together. He grasped her shoulders and held her still, pursing his lips to keep the moans in his throat from escaping. “No time,” she said, reaching down to undo his belt buckle.

Before Harry knew what had happened, she had pushed his trousers and boxes down his hips to his knees and had her hand wrapped around him, stroking him hard and fast. “Merlin, Mione….” he let his forehead fall against hers.

She pulled on his hand and put it under her skirt, without words telling him what she wanted him to do. He got the hint and even while she continued to work him to an almost painful erection, he pulled her knickers aside and pushed two fingers inside her, feeling the wetness spread out instantly. He groaned. “You are so wet….”

She pulled away and put her head back against the wall as she grinded herself against his fingers. Opening her eyes, she stared at him. Harry returned her gaze, seeing the unbridled lust in those chocolate brown pools that he constantly fell into. “Now, Harry,” she demanded, biting on her lip as he continued to stroke her sensitive flesh.

He removed his fingers and stepped closer between her thighs. He roughly lifted her leg and she held it around his hip. He bent his knees slightly as he positioned his cock at her saturated opening, then stood up straight, impaling her body on his erection, filling her more completely than she’d ever been. “Oh, shit…” she said huskily, her voice nothing more than a strangled moan.

As he pounded into her, slamming her into the wall, Harry put the two fingers he had been stroking her with against her lips and she sucked them into her mouth. She opened her eyes and looked at him as she sucked on his fingers with the same rhythm he was shagging her. Harry pulled his fingers from her mouth then kissed her, bruising her lips as he probed her mouth deeply with his tongue, trying to taste the remnants from his fingers.

“Oh…Merlin…Harry….” she moaned, gripping his shoulders tightly, holding herself up on him, “harder…faster, Harry…harder!”

Calling on strength he didn’t know he had, Harry focused all his attention on how she felt inside, and let himself go. Like a man possessed, he pumped his hips against hers, driving her into the wall so hard she was sure she was making an indentation in the stone.

Hermione closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding onto him tightly. It was happening. She could feel her body starting to strain; the muscles inside her were starting to clench. It was teasing her, teetering just on the edge of oblivion. Harry was close, too. His eyes were shut tightly, his face a twisted mask of ecstasy. He was fighting it. He didn’t want to come yet. This was too good. It was too perfect. It was the most erotic moment of his life and he wanted to prolong it for as long as he could.

Somewhere in the back of Hermione’s mind, she was aware she was digging her nails into his back, probably drawing blood. But all she was truly aware of was how hard he was pounding into her. How much he was filling and stretching her. She had had only two lovers before Harry. And neither one of them were even on the radar anymore. Even the times with Harry earlier in the week, that had been more amazing and wonderful than she had ever thought possible, were nothing compared to this time.

Harry’s moans started to get deeper, throatier. He was so close now. He reached down and wrapped his arms around her arse and pulled her up. She responded by wrapping her legs completely around his middle, pulling herself as tightly as she could against him, her arms wrapped around his shoulders tightly; it was all she could do to hold on as he bucked wildly against her.

He slowed the pace a bit, but his strokes were longer and harder now, reaching into her depths, making her grimace as each thrust brought her closer and closer to the pinnacle. She roughly pushed his shirt off his shoulder and she clamped onto it, sucking on his skin, gently biting.

And in the brief second she opened her eyes, she saw the office door open. Harry must have heard it too, or sensed that someone had come into the room because he suddenly stopped, his cock buried deep inside her, twitching with the beginnings of an orgasm that he was sure was going to blow the top of his head off. “Sn…Snape,” Hermione whispered so quietly he almost didn’t hear her.

Harry closed his eyes and bit down on his lip, willing the first waves of his orgasm to pass before overtaking him. Hermione watched intently as Snape walked to his desk—no more than five feet away from where Harry and Hermione were struggling with their body’s desire to betray their forbidden tryst.

Harry opened his eyes and turned his head slightly so he could see what was going on. Snape was riffling through some papers on his desk and he eventually found whatever he was looking for. Harry and Hermione both watched him walk towards the door, both of them holding their breaths as best they could. Relief washed over both of them as they saw him step through the door frame and he reached for the handle.

Snape began to close the door, then he suddenly stopped. “Be sure to extinguish the light when you leave, Potter,” Snape said, with an almost amused tone in his voice. “Good day, Miss Granger,” He added, then closed the door behind him.

Harry and Hermione didn’t move. After a minute, Harry looked at her and she just let her head fall to his shoulder. He pulled out of her, all evidence of their impending mind-blowing orgasms long gone. He slowly set her down on her feet and held her. He pulled the invisibility cloak off of them and sighed. “Well, so much for that,” he said quietly into her hair.

Hermione took a deep breath and pulled back. “Oh, my God,” she said putting her hand over her eyes, shaking her head.

Taking a deep, calming breath, Harry stepped away from her and pulled his boxers and trousers back up. He watched her as he fastened his belt buckle. Hermione was shaking, no longer with straining desire, but with humiliation and embarrassment. Harry smoothed her hair and she looked at him. He kissed her sweetly and grinned at her. “Hey, it’s okay,” he said.

“Okay?” she asked incredulously. “How can it be okay?’

“Well,” Harry said, quickly trying to think of something to make her feel better, “he didn’t really see anything.”

Hermione seemed to think about this. “No, I guess not,” she said quietly.

“And since he didn’t actually see us,” Harry continued, “it’s his word against ours.” Hermione nodded. “So all we have to do is play dumb.”

“Yeah,” Hermione agreed, “until he tells everyone in the school that Potter and Granger were shagging in his office. I’m sure everyone here already knows.”

Harry hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head. “I doubt he’d say anything, Mione,” he said comfortingly, rocking her back and forth.

“And how can you be so sure?”

“Because it would cause him embarrassment having to relay the story,” Harry explained.

Hermione pulled away and grinned. “You’re right.”

He smiled and kissed her softly. “We’ll have to finish this later, though.” Harry said determinedly. “I was this close,” he said with aggravation in his voice, pinching two fingers together to leave no space between them.

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Hermione said, taking her wand from her skirt pocket. “Scourgify,” she said, pointing it at herself, then Harry. “Better?”

He nodded, then held his hand over the cloak. “Reducio.” It shrunk back small enough that Harry could put it in his pocket. “Shall we?” He asked, holding out his hand towards the door.

She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “We have to make an appearance again eventually. Might as well get it over with.” Harry nodded and followed her to the door. After Hermione opened the door, Harry turned and said “Nox.” The dim light in the room went out, plunging the room into total darkness again.

3. Chapter 3 - It's Not Rocket Science

Chapter 3

“Bloody hell, Harry,” Ron said in exasperation. “Where’ve you been, mate? I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Uh…trying to have a quick shag with our best friend? Harry thought, smiling inwardly. “Just went for a walk. Why? What’s going on?” he asked curiously, glancing around the room for signs of trouble.

Ron smiled sheepishly, “Nothing. Just nervous,” he mumbled feeling slightly embarrassed.

Harry put a hand on his shoulder. “It’s alright mate,” he said trying to sound comforting. “You and Luna are MFEO. You got nothing to worry about.”

Ron looked at him as though he’d gone mad. Harry began to laugh. “Harry?”

“Yeah, Ron,” he said, trying to sound casual although he knew what was coming. Harry was trying to distract him from his nervousness—it appeared as though it was working.

“What the bloody hell is MFEO?”

“Nothing, Ron,” he said evasively. “Just something I saw in a movie once. Something Hermione made me watch.” The mere mention of her name was distracting and Ron had to call to him a few times before he finally realized Ron was talking at all. “Sorry, Ron,” he said, shaking his head to clear away the vivid images of what had almost happened in Snape’s office. “Did you say something?”

“Lost you there for a minute,” Ron said looking at him closely. “Where’d you go?”

“Oh, um, nowhere,” Harry replied quickly. Gotta be more careful there, Potter! His inner voice reprimanded. “What were we talking about again?”

“I don’t know,” Ron said cautiously, still trying to determine what was going on with his best friend. “You said something about OMFE or EFOM or something.”

Harry laughed. “Oh yeah,” he chuckled, “MFEO.”

“So?” Ron said circling with his hand, encouraging him to continue.

“So, what?” Harry asked, once again trying to contain the laughter that was just on the brink of breaking through.

“Harry, you’re a prat!” Ron spat. “Tell me what the bloody hell EMFO stands for before I kick your little boy-who-lived arse.”

“It’s MF…”

“I don’t care about the letters,” Ron practically yelled. “Tell me what the hell it means. And stop laughing at me.”

“All right, all right,” Harry said calmingly. “It’s no big deal. It’s MFEO. It means Made For Each Other.”

Ron gave him an odd, furtive sort of look and started laughing. “You mean to tell me you remember that?” he asked, beginning to laugh harder. “What kind of movie was it anyway?”

“A chick flick,” Harry said laughing with him. “A girl movie.”

Ron looked at him knowingly. “But you liked it, didn’t you?”

Harry chuckled nervously and raked his hand through his hair before answering. “Well, yeah, guess you could say,” he stammered, “yeah…pretty much.”

“What has she done to you, mate?” Ron asked slowly, curiously.

Harry looked at him sharply. “Who?”

“Our best friend,” Ron replied, once again watching him curiously. “Who else?”

“Whaddya mean, ‘what’s she done to you’?”

Ron shrugged. “I don’t know, Harry,” he replied honestly. “There’s just something different about you, that’s all.”

Harry sunk down into a chair and stared at the floor, a smile lingered on his lips as he thought about some of the things she’d done to him in the last week…

She’d opened his eyes to new possibilities.

She’d opened her heart to him without truly knowing whether or not he’d handle it with care.

She’d taken him to new heights of passion and made his spirit soar.

She’d left herself vulnerable, walking the fine line between love and heartache.

She’d told him she’d known forever that she loved him.

And…she did it all without asking for anything in return.

Harry looked up at Ron with tears shining in the corners of his eyes. He removed his glasses and pressed his thumb and forefinger to his eyes, taking a deep, cleansing breath in the process.

Ron sat in the chair opposite him and leaned forward him with his elbows resting on his knees and his fingers interlaced in between. “What’s going on, Harry?” he asked quietly, carefully.

Harry took another deep breath and sighed before putting on his glasses and looking up at his oldest friend. He shook his head slowly and stood up to walk around the chair. “I wish I could tell you, Ron. I really do.”

“Then why don’t you?” Ron asked as though it were as simple as asking for another chocolate frog.

“I can’t,” Harry insisted.

“Then tell me why not,” Ron said casually.

“Because I don’t know,” Harry said gruffly.

“You bloody well do know,” Ron said loudly, rising from his chair. “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?” he demanded.

Harry looked at him defiantly, his look crumbling almost immediately when he realized he had no argument. “I don’t know what I am, Ron,” he said with little conviction as he dropped his head.

“Hey, Weaslebee?” Ron and Harry turned suddenly as the sound of a new voice cut the air.

“What’s up, Mal…Draco?” Ron said tightly.

“You’re up,” Draco replied in his lazy drawl.

Ron took a deep, startled breath. “Bloody hell, it’s that time already?”

“Only if you actually plan to go through with this,” Draco replied casually.

“Thanks,” Ron said looking at Draco. “Tell ‘em I’ll be there in minute, would ya?”

Draco looked from Ron to Harry and then back again. “Yeah, sure,” he said watching at them curiously. “I’ll tell them.”

“Thanks.”

The second the door closed Ron looked at Harry. “You know you’re gonna have to face whatever it is one of these days, mate,” he said with surprising understanding and maturity. “Better if it’s sooner rather than later,” he added patting Harry on the back.

Harry nodded. “Yeah, thanks,” he replied softly.

“I oughta be thanking you,” Ron said laughing. Harry looked at him questioningly. “Did a right fine job of taking my mind off things, Harry. I appreciate that.”

“Yeah, sure, anytime,” Harry said, laughing with him. “What’s a best man for, if not to take your mind off things for a spell?”

Ron laughed again. “Let’s go,” he said throwing his arm around Harry’s shoulder and leading them both toward the door. “And just so you know,” he said, stopping briefly to look at Harry, “this ain’t over by a long shot.”

Harry nodded. “Didn’t think so, mate,” he said laughing. “Now let’s get out there.”

***********************************************

Damn she’s beautiful.

Why does he have to look so handsome standing there?

I just want to grab her and never let her go.

I just want him to take me in his arms and never let me go.

“Harry. Hermione,” Ron called sharply.

“What?” they answered together. Both sounding equally guilty and equally confused about what was happening around them.

“It’s time to get ready to walk down the aisle,” Ron said abruptly. “Harry, you have to walk with Ginny, remember?”

“Oh, yeah, right,” Harry stammered as he tried to clear away his thoughts of Hermione. “I’m ready.”

Ron nodded and turned his gaze to Hermione whose cheeks were glowing from embarrassment. “You’re supposed to be ready to go with Charlie,” he said, sounding as though he was scolding a young child caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

“All right, Ron, relax,” she shot back defensively. “I’m ready.”

“And aren’t you supposed to be up there already or something?” Harry asked him.

“Yeah, sure, turn it around on me,” Ron replied tersely. “I’m going.”

Hermione walked over to him and gave him a hug. “You know we love you, Ron. We’re here for you, honestly we are.”

“I know, Hermione,” Ron acquiesced. “Just bear with me. I’m a little nervous right now. Luna would kill me if I didn’t at least have you lot ready to go.”

Harry walked over and put his arms around both his friends. “No one’s going to die today, Ron. Get on up there. The rest of us can handle this.”

Without realizing it, Harry and Hermione both let go of Ron but held on to each other. Ron glanced at them momentarily before Charlie ushered him out the door. “Go on, little brother,” he said affectionately. “I’ll take care of this lot, you just get up there. If Luna beats you down the aisle, mum’ll kill you.”

The four of them laughed and Ron visibly relaxed before he headed through the double doors and down the aisle to stand before Dumbledore, who was presiding over the ceremony.

In the corridor outside the Great Hall, Harry lined up with Ginny while Hermione lined up behind them with Charlie. He turned one last time to look at her and saw that she was looking up at Charlie and laughing. Harry felt the sharp pang of jealousy for just an instant before Hermione turned her attention from Charlie to look at him. The look in her eyes spoke volumes and she winked at him playfully.

What was that all about? he wondered, feeling a little off-kilter and irritated with himself. It’s only Charlie.

Someone’s got it bad!

Shut it! I don’t ‘have it bad’. Harry looked at her again, or do I? he began to wonder.

He felt a hand tug on his arm and his attention was drawn by Ginny. “You ready, Harry?” she asked, looking at him curiously.

“Yeah, come on,” Harry said, smiling to hide his sudden discomfort. Ginny and Harry walked together towards Ron and Hermione couldn’t stop the little twinge of jealousy in the pit of her stomach. Seeing Harry walk down the aisle with someone who wasn’t her was tougher than she’d thought it would be.

“Ready?” Charlie asked, breaking her from her reverie.

She shook her head slightly and smiled up at him. “Yes,” she said softly, “let’s go.”

Harry watched them intently as they walked together towards them. He noticed Charlie look up at him curiously and then saw his lips move and Hermione’s smile.

“Everything all right, Hermione?” Charlie whispered, leaning as close as he could to her.

“Yes,” she replied squeezing his arm and smiling softly. “Thanks, Charlie.”

“No problem. You and Harry are part of the family.” She looked up at him when he said that and noticed his eyes stray to Harry. When she followed his gaze, the smile fell temporarily from her face. “Don’t worry,” Charlie murmured. “It’ll all work out.”

She squeezed his hand and offered him another smile as she took her place near Ginny. Charlie moved to stand next to Harry and he offered Harry a knowing smile. Harry looked slightly taken aback when Charlie looked at Hermione and then back at him with a wink. Harry smiled nervously in return and then looked at Hermione questioningly. She shrugged her shoulders slightly in reply, telling him wordlessly that she had no idea what Charlie thought he knew.

“All right there, Mr. Weasley?” Dumbledore asked. The twinkle in his eyes burning brighter today then anyone had ever seen it.

Ron took a deep breath. “Fine, sir,” he replied as he released it. “Or, I will be anyway. As soon as this is over.”

Dumbledore smiled at Harry, Hermione, and Ron in turn. “Yes, Mr. Weasley. It would appear as though there are many things here today in need of getting on—or over—with, such as the case may be,” he said with a soft chuckle. He turned his attention to Harry and winked at him. Harry turned a light shade of red and swallowed hard. Dumbledore knew everything that went on in the castle, and he always seemed to know exactly where Harry was every time he’d been under his invisibility cloak. Was it possible he somehow saw him and Hermione either on their way to, or inside of, Snape’s office?

Harry quickly averted his attention to his pocket, making sure he had Luna’s wedding ring. He pulled it from his pocket and caught Ron’s eye. He couldn’t resist the chuckle when he saw Ron’s sudden release of breath. He hadn’t realized that Ron had been watching him.

In a matter of moments all eyes were drawn to the faraway end of the midnight blue carpet as music began to fill the Hall. Luna stood with her father, staring longingly at her husband-to-be. Ron’s faced was flushed and Harry noticed he was nervously shuffling his feet back and forth as he eagerly awaited her arrival. Harry glanced at Hermione; she was watching Luna intently, a smile brightly lighting her features as a single, silent tear fell slowly down her cheek. His hand twitched and he longed to reach up to brush it away and pull her into his arms.

She turned and looked at him briefly, offering him a warm smile as she rolled her eyes and wiped away her tear. He smiled at her and she returned her attention to Luna, who was slowly making her way up the aisle. Harry followed her gaze and nearly stumbled backward when he saw Hermione walking toward him. She was dressed in a beautiful white wedding gown. Her hair swept up on top of her head, a see-thru veil covering her face. She was breathtaking. Her smile was just for him and he watched eagerly as she approached. His heart did a flip and he suddenly felt nervous. She handed her flowers to one of the other women, then smiled at him and reached her hands forward.

Careful, Harry. That’s not Hermione.

Harry caught himself just in time. Just as he was ready to reach out for her, his inner voice—sometimes the voice he was grateful for—stopped him. He shook his head and watched as Ron reached out for Luna’s hands and he hugged her to him.

Damn that was close, Harry thought with a relieved sigh.

Yeah, how were planning to explain that one you git?

That's good! Harry silently, albeit abruptly, replied. Thanks, but you can return to silent mode now!

Harry returned his gaze to Hermione, who was watching him intently. He could see in her eyes that she was wondering what was wrong with him. Harry chuckled nervously to himself, not wanting to distract the others around him, and yet unable to control his release. He shrugged his shoulders at her and her eyes narrowed briefly as she watched him. He shook his head just enough for her to understand that everything was fine. Hermione visibly relaxed and smiled at him. She turned to Ginny, whose attention had been on them rather than Ron and Luna, and offered her what she hoped to be, a ‘no worries’ smile.

What’s happening to me? Harry wondered as he continued to watch Hermione. He’d long ago lost track of what was happening with the wedding. For a brief moment he was grateful that Luna wasn’t a mind reader or perhaps someone would die today! He swallowed hard and tried to return his focus to the wedding.

Dumbledore looked at Harry. “Do you have the ring?”

“Yes, sir,” Harry said on a sigh. Saved again! “I have it right here.”

He handed the ring to Dumbledore who held it out in the palm of his hand.

“This ring, a never ending circle, is a symbol of the endless love you enter into as husband and wife. Such a love has no beginning and no ending, no giver nor a receiver. You are each the beginning and the ending, the giver and the receiver….”

Dumbledore’s voice droned on and Harry lost himself once again in thoughts of Hermione.

I need to figure this out quickly before I really do something stupid!

Before you do something stupid? Let’s see here. You slept with her. You took her to Snape’s office for a quickie. You fingered her at a BACHELOR PARTY with all your friends present. You told her you didn’t know whether you were in love with her but that you wanted to be.... Shall I go on?

No, I think you’ve said quite enough. Haven’t I already told you to can it?

You’re the one who keeps bringing me back! What’s so hard about all this anyway? You either do or don’t right? Why do you always insist on making things so bloody complicated?

“Be…” Harry caught himself quickly. He looked around and was grateful for the fact that all eyes appeared to be focused on the bride and groom as they exchanged their vows. Because it is bloody complicated! Harry thought defensively.

You’re hanging precariously on the edge, Potter. Which way are you going to fall?

Not going to fall. Thought I’d just hang out up here for a while and check out the view. Harry replied to himself sarcastically.

Look at her over there. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?

Harry looked at Hermione. She had a soft, serene smile on her face and tears were welling in her eyes as she listened to Luna’s words. She glimpsed briefly at Harry and started when she saw him gazing at her intently. “No,” he spoke so softly that the movement of his mouth the only indication that he’d spoken at all.

Hermione looked at him questioningly. “What’s wrong?” she mouthed to him.

Harry shook his head and tried to offer her a genuine smile. His look, however, was more of wonder and question than any genuine sincerity. She really does love me, doesn’t she? He thought as he watched the emotions play out across her face. Question…concern…fear…the overwhelming desire to go to him—all of it was right there, as though it had been spelled out for him.

It’s not rocket science Potter! Hell, it’s barely basic science…although, you do appear to excel in anatomy! Just figure it out, already. Leave me in peace!

I’d like to leave you in pieces! You’re not helping much, you know? Aren’t inner voices supposed to guide you in the right direction…or even the wrong one…just, I don’t know, somewhere? What you’re doing is driving me crazy!

Well, that’s a direction!

“Come on, Harry,” Ginny urged quietly, pulling on his hand. “We have to follow them out.”

It took a moment for Harry to realize he needed to move. He looked at Ginny and allowed himself to be led down the carpet behind Ron and Luna.

“Are you all right, Harry?” Ginny asked worriedly.

Harry sighed. “Yeah, sorry Ginny,” he replied softly. “My brain just decided to take a break for a bit. I’ll be all right. Thanks.”

They reached the end of the hall and she squeezed his arm before she released it. “Do something about it, Harry,” she advised. “Soon.” She walked away toward one of the tables and left him standing there alone. Harry took a look behind him and walked out the door to stand in the corridor.

After a minute, when Hermione didn’t follow him, he stepped back in the doorway to look for her. Her arm was laced with Charlie’s as they made their way toward the reception tables. He watched them for a moment and then took a hesitant step forward to join them. I really need to get myself together first, he thought.

He stepped back around the corner and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes and thought about the day’s many realizations.

I can’t handle it when someone else touches her.

I get jealous just seeing her talking to anyone else.

I actually pictured her walking toward me in a wedding dress…and I wanted it. I almost reached for her.

I missed Ron’s wedding thinking about her.

I…

“Harry?”

“Harry!” Harry barely felt the hand tugging on the sleeve of his dress robes.

“Ouch!” he yelped, his hand going immediately to the injured spot on his cheek where Hermione had pinched him. “What’d you do that for?” he asked crossly before he realized who he was talking to or even what had happened.

“I’ve been calling you for almost a minute and you haven’t answered,” Hermione replied somewhat irritably. “Thought you needed a quicker return back to reality, so I pinched you. What’s going on with you anyway?” She reached up to move his hand and look at his face. “It’s barely red, you’re fine,” she mumbled as she dropped his hand. “Want to tell me what’s going on though?”

Harry shook his head. Not much. Just arguing with myself over you. “Nothing,” he replied heavily. “Sorry.”

Hermione studied him closely. “I don’t think I’m the one you should be apologizing to,” she replied carefully. “Did you even see your best friend get married?”

“I was standing right here, Hermione,” he said defensively, trying to hide his guilt. “Of course I saw him get married.”

For the time being, Hermione acquiesced. “All right, Harry,” she sighed. “Since you were obviously paying attention, I suppose you realize that the reception has already begun.” She grabbed his arm and attempted to pull him back into the Great Hall. “Let’s go.”

Harry stopped abruptly. “Hermione wait,” he said, pulling her arm and bringing her back to him. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I wasn’t paying attention. I tried, but…” he paused and started looking anywhere but at her.

Hermione put her hand on his chin and brought him back to her. “But what, Harry?”

He closed his eyes tightly and took a deep breath. “But…” he released the breath slowly, “I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

4. Chapter 4 - It's Not Rocket Science

Chapter 4

Harry heard Hermione’s sharp intake of breath as her hand fell from his chin. He opened his eyes slowly, somehow scared of the way she might be looking at him.

Hermione could feel her mouth hanging open as she looked at him in confusion. Why would he be thinking about me to the point that he missed Ron’s entire wedding? She wondered fervently. We’re already together…pretty much. What else…? She shook herself from her thoughts. “What?” she asked hesitantly. She shook her head again and concentrated on focusing her attention on him. “What did you just say? Why?”

Harry placed his hand on her upper arms and pulled her a little closer. His hands rubbed up and down as he studied her. “I said I couldn’t concentrate on the wedding because I couldn’t stop thinking of you,” he said quickly.

“Why?” she repeated numbly. She couldn’t believe that thoughts of her could be so distracting.

Harry sighed and shook his head. His hands stopped rubbing her arms and he closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to collect his thoughts. His eyes opened and he looked at her curiously. “I don’t know,” he said softly. “I just cou…”

“Come on you two! Hurry up!”

Harry looked up and Hermione turned abruptly as the sound of Mrs. Weasley’s voice cut through their conversation. “What’re you doing? The reception is taking place without you. Come on, now,” she urged. “Let’s go.” She beckoned them through the door and ushered them back into the Great Hall.

As they found themselves a spot to sit, Harry leaned toward Hermione and whispered, “boy, these Weasley’s don’t waste any time beginning the party, do they?”

Hermione chuckled. “Apparently not,” she replied.

They were greeted by people they hadn’t seen in quite some time and it wasn’t long before they were separated by the crowds of partiers.

“Hiya, Harry,” Hagrid called out genially. “How ye been?”

“Oh hey, Hagrid,” Harry said smiling at his rather large, burly friend. “Doin’ all right. How ‘bout you?”

“Oi! Not bad, been hangin’ ‘round, teachin’, same ‘ol thin,” he replied, clapping Harry on the back and making his knees buckle slightly. “Where’s our Hermione?” he asked, looking all around the Great Hall.

“Right there,” Harry said, finding her immediately in the middle of a crowd and pointing her out to Hagrid.

“You two been gettin’ on all righ’?”

Harry looked at him in confusion. “Not bad,” he replied evasively.

“Still shootin’ that movie?”

“Yeah, we’re about done though, I think,” Harry replied absently, his attention focused on Hermione as she talked to Seamus. They were laughing together and he felt a jolt of jealousy when Hermione reached up and touched his arm.

“…movie. Ne’er quite…”

Harry stared at her for a long moment before he suddenly remembered that he’d been talking to Hagrid. He looked at Hagrid and back to Hermione. “Hagrid, I’m sorry. Can I get back to you in a bit? There’s something I really need to do.”

Hagrid looked slightly put out until he caught Harry watching Hermione. He nodded his head and smiled. “O’course ye can, Harry,” Hagrid said, chuckling. He leaned down over Harry and said softly, “‘t won’ do to dwell, Harry,” he shook his head, ‘t won’ do to dwell.”

Harry looked at him in surprise, I need to stop being so obvious, he thought, feeling irritated with himself.

Hagrid’s eyes had drifted to Hermione and then back to Harry. “Won’ do at all,” he said softly. “Best ‘o luck to ye.”

Harry smiled up at him. “Thanks, Hagrid. You’re the best.”

“Don’ mention it,” Hagrid said smiling. He cocked his head in Hermione’s direction. “Get on with it now. Go on,” he said as he nudged Harry in Hermione’s direction.

Harry smiled and nodded before he headed off toward Hermione. He was almost to her when the music started playing. He watched as Seamus grabbed her arm and pulled her onto the dance floor. The pain in his stomach was excruciating as he watched on.

The second the dance ended he made a beeline for her and was stopped on the way by Luna. “Harry,” she said softly, drawing his name out slowly as she spoke. “You’re the best man, Harry. You have to dance with the bride.” Harry smiled at her and nodded.

Smile and nod…smile and nod…you’re getting a little too good at evasive maneuvering!

Whatever it takes! Now just shut it!

As he and Luna began to dance, Harry’s attention was drawn once more by Hermione who was now dancing with Charlie. He’d felt that now-familiar pang earlier when she and Charlie were preparing to walk down the aisle. Seeing them together now brought it back a thousand-fold. What the hell is wrong with me?

“Are you all right, Harry,” Luna asked, watching him with concern.

“Sorry?” Harry replied, trying hard to concentrate his attention on her. “Did you say something, Luna?”

Luna followed Harry’s gaze to where it rested on Hermione, and she sighed heavily. “Nothing, Harry,” she replied softly as she shook her head. “You know, Harry, the Crumple-Horned Snorkack is well on its way to becoming the number one house pet for all wizarding families? It was in the Quibbler yesterday,” she looked at him and realized he still wasn’t listening. “Were you aware that even Hermione put in a request for one? Said something about wanting a nice, lovable 300 pound pet in her house. Snorkack’s even like to sleep on the bed, did you know that?”

“Really, Luna? That’s wonderful,” Harry said distractedly. “I hope Hermio…” he stopped talking and dancing to look at her questioningly. He blinked rapidly a few times and Luna looked at him openly, with little laughter in her eyes. “What did you say?” Harry asked, not believing for an instant that he’d heard her properly.

“I said, it’s beautiful weather out there tonight. The sky is clear and the air is warm,” she replied thoughtfully. “What did you think I said?”

Harry shook his head to clear the cobwebs. “Nothing, Luna,” he said with a look of confusion. “Just forget it.”

Luna leaned in closer to him as they resumed their dance. “All right, Harry,” she said airily. “Let’s just forget it.”

“Congratulations, by the way,” Harry said softly. “Ron’s a lucky guy. You two are great for each other.”

Luna began to laugh softly. “Ron told me about…what was it?” she closed her eyes for a moment while she concentrated. “MEFO? Is that right?”

Harry laughed and circled her around a little faster. “MFEO. It means…”

“Yes, that’s right,” Luna said, interrupting him. “Made For Each Other.”

“Yeah,” Harry said sheepishly. “I can’t believe he told you about it. In fact, I can’t believe he actually remembered it with as nervous as he was.”

“Well,” she said, looking at him intently, “he seemed to think it suited more than just us. It kind of stuck with him.” He watched as her eyes sought out Hermione. She looked back at him with a knowing smile.

Harry’s cheeks flushed instantly and he turned his head in the opposite direction of Hermione and looked at Luna out of the corner of his eye. He couldn’t resist smiling at her. “Well, all right then,” his voice came out in a nervous squeak. He cleared his throat and they finished their dance laughing quietly together.

When the song ended, Luna leaned toward him and whispered, “trust me, Harry, the sooner you do it the better it will be…for both of you.”

“Thanks, Luna,” Harry replied as he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.

Luna flushed slightly and pushed him in the direction of Hermione. “Go on. Tell her.”

Once again he smiled and nodded. Bloody hell…everyone knows now!

Everyone but her!

Once again…could you just shut it?

I would if you’d stop dragging me back!

Then do me a favor and ignore me for a while. I’m trying to get to the girl.

Well try a little harder…I’m tired of all this!

That makes two of us.

Well, technically Harry, it’s only one. I live inside you, remember?

Harry sighed heavily and silently locked the lips of the voice inside his head.

He was determined to reach Hermione this time when he was stopped by Lavender’s hand on his arm. “Hi Harry,” she said brightly. “How are you? It’s been so long since we’ve talked.”

Harry looked anxiously around the room and his stomach flopped when he saw that Hermione was now on the dance floor with Ron. He looked irritably at Lavender before he realized it wasn’t her fault. “Hi Lav,” he replied sourly. “I’ve been all right, how about you?” His responses were automatic and her replies were tuned out as he watched his two best friends dance.

“Hey Lavender,” Seamus called from a few feet away, “wanna dance?”

Harry could feel Lavender’s eyes on him and he looked at her, forcing himself to relax. “I’m sorry, Lav. Honestly, I am. I just have a lot on my mind right now. How about a dance later?” he reached out to grab her hand and gave it a soft squeeze.

He saw her body slacken as she smiled. She looked at Hermione and then back at Harry. “She’s a lucky girl, our Hermione,” she said with a somewhat dreamy air. Harry looked taken aback and Lavender smiled at him. “Later, Harry,” she said as she walked away to join Seamus.

Harry watched for a bit longer as Ron and Hermione continued to dance. No matter how much he wanted to, he just wasn’t able to take his eyes off her.

“You’d be a fool to let that go, Potter,” a voice said quietly near his ear.

“What?” Harry asked abruptly, turning around. He hadn’t known anyone was so close to him, and he definitely hadn’t expected that anyone to be Severus Snape.

Snape’s sneer was about as close to a smile as Harry could ever remember seeing. He nodded in the direction of Hermione. “Granger,” he said as though it were obvious. “You’d be a fool to let her go.”

“What do you know about that?” Harry asked defensively. The very last thing he’d planned to do was talk to Snape about his love life.

“I’m not an idiot, Potter,” he snarled. “Anyone here can see the way you’ve been watching her all night. It’s quite obvious that things aren’t where they should be between you. You’d be an even bigger fool than your father ever was if you let what you have slip through your fingers.”

Harry looked back at Hermione and then again at Snape. “Leave my father out of this,” he said brusquely.

“Say what you will, Potter. However, the fact still remains,” he paused for only a moment as he studied Harry, his eyes narrowing, “are you, or are you not,” he raised an eyebrow, “a fool?”

“I’m not a fool,” Harry replied wearily. “It just scares me.”

“As it should,” Snape replied with his trademark arrogance. “The question now is, what do you plan to do about it?”

Harry looked at Snape with something bordering on renewed respect. “I’m going to take care of it,” he replied. “Right now.”

“See that you do,” Snape snarled has Harry turned away from him. “Oh, and Potter?” Harry stopped and looked back at his old professor. Snape smirked. “I noticed you and Miss Granger were not present during lunch earlier.”

Harry felt the blush creeping up into his cheeks. Oh, bloody hell.... “Um, no, sir,” Harry stammered, “we went for a, um, walk around the lake.”

Oh, shit! Could you be a WORSE liar?

Now really isn't a good time for this....

Snape nodded. “Indeed.” He took a sip of pumpkin juice and looked around the room. “So,” he began casually, “did you extinguish the light?”

Harry gulped. That's it. We are so in trouble. “Yes, sir,” he said in a choked whisper, completely embarrassed.

“Excellent,” Snape said with what Harry thought sounded like amusement in his voice. “Now. Didn't you have a certain something to take care of?” Harry looked at him, scrunching his eyebrows in confusion. His brain was so out of whack over the thought that Snape had actually confronted him about the little tryst in his office, he had completely forgotten what it was he was supposed to be doing. Severus nodded in the direction of the dance floor, then walked away.

Harry stood there completely flabbergasted. Okay. He knows it was us. Best not to tell Hermione.

He didn't seem angry. And it was kind of funny.

Hermione certainly won't think so...oh, speaking of Hermione....

Yes, speaking of...go get her, Tiger.

Harry pushed Snape out of his mind completely and concentrated instead on the task at hand. He turned and walked determinedly toward the dance floor to claim what he damn sure wasn't fool enough to let go.

He couldn’t wait any longer. He needed to get to her. Waving uninterestedly at the few people who called to him, he made his way out to the dance floor and stood a few feet away from Ron and Hermione. Ron caught his eye and stopped dancing immediately. Hermione jerked to a stop and stumbled slightly. Ron held onto her until she was steady and she looked up at him questioningly. “Ron, what…” she stopped suddenly and followed his gaze to where Harry stood behind her. Her smile lit up her face and she dropped her arms from Ron immediately and turned around to face him.

Harry couldn’t ever remember seeing a sight more beautiful than the one before him. He stood, mesmerized by her smile and the way her eyes seemed to light up just for him.

Ron coughed and cleared his throat in a covert attempt to get their attention. Neither of them noticed when Luna came up behind Ron and whisked him away with her, leaving them standing, staring at one another.

Harry took the first tentative step forward and Hermione followed his lead until they were standing directly before each other. He put his arms around her and began to lead them in a slow, rhythm-less dance. She smiled and wrapped her arms around him before she placed her head against his chest. His head rested against hers as they swayed back and forth in slow, silent circles.

Neither of them noticed their friends and loved ones watching as they appeared to dance to their own music. A few of the women were teary-eyed.

From out of nowhere came the voices of reason.

”Oi!” shouted one.

“Let’s pick up the pace here,” shouted the other.

“What’s everyone standing around gawking at?”

“Nothing to see here.”

“Everybody dance.”

“Everybody sing.”

“Everybody get naked!”

At the last comment the people around the hall began to laugh and Fred and George looked at each other and began to laugh with them.

It took a moment but Harry and Hermione finally returned to reality and looked around the Great Hall. Here and there people still lingered, watching them intently.

“Now that you two are done…” George said with a mock-stern look at Harry and Hermione.

“We’ve got a little something for Ickle Ronnikins…” Fred said.

“…and his lovely bride,” George added.

Up to that point no one had noticed the box that Fred held in his hands. He held the box out toward George who grabbed one side of it. Together they pulled it apart and a great bang filled the air and bounced around the Great Hall. Nothing else happened.

“Thanks, guys,” Ron said, looking at them strangely. “That was, um, a really great sound, yeah. Luna and I, we, appreciate that.”

Fred and George began to laugh. “Hang on…” said George.

“Just wait…” added Fred.

“Look up,” said George.

“Can you see it yet?” Fred asked.

Falling from the high ceiling, they could barely make out something flashing. As it dropped lower they began to make out different, multicolored lights. One minute they appeared to be falling in no particular order and the next they grouped together to spell out…CONGRATULATIONS RON AND LUNA!

Mrs. Weasley put her hands to her mouth. “That’s my boys,” she said proudly as tears welled in her eyes.

As the lights fell closer to them they could just make out in small letters…sorry Luna, no refunds or exchanges!

Mrs. Weasley quickly removed her hands from her mouth. “All right you two,” she hollered, “you better hope I don’t get a hold of you later.”

Everyone else around the Great Hall burst into laughter along with Ron and Luna.

Ron walked over to Fred and George and looked at them affectionately. “Thanks, guys. You’re nutters, both of you, you know that.”

While the attention seemed to be drawn away from them, Harry grabbed Hermione’s hand. “Come with me,” he whispered fervently. “Let’s go.” He cast his eyes toward the crowd surrounding Ron and Luna.

Hoping no one would pay them the least bit of mind, Harry quickly pulled Hermione from the room. Neither of them noticed Ron’s smile as he watched them rush out the door.

“Harry, what’s going on?” Hermione asked breathlessly when he finally stopped.

“We need to talk,” he said abruptly.

“Why? What’s so important that it can’t wait until after the reception?” she asked, feeling somewhat anxious and irritated at the same time.

“You’ll see,” he answered vaguely. “Where can we go?” he said aloud to himself as he looked around the hallway.

“Do we have to be alone?” she asked, her anxiety building rapidly. “I mean, can’t you just talk to me here so we can go back into the reception when we’re done?”

Harry ignored her. “Room of Requirement?” he said aloud. “No, that won’t work.”

Hermione grabbed his chin and pulled him around to face her. “Harry, you’re starting to scare me,” she said firmly. “Tell me what’s going on.”

…it’s beautiful weather out there tonight. The sky is clear and the air is warm…

Harry smiled. “Thanks, Luna,” he said softly. He looked at Hermione and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Come on,” he said excitedly, pulling her down the hall and toward the exit.

She followed him out of the castle and was struck instantly by the warm breeze blowing gently across the darkened sky. She looked around as they walked quickly in the direction of the lake. The moon was shining through the clouds that had gathered around the peak of the mountain before them. The sky was littered with thousands of stars, and the night air was warm and sweet smelling. As they neared the lake Harry pulled her into his arms. “I never want to let you go again,” he said heavily. His voice was husky, as though laden with emotion.

She pulled from his embrace and looked at him worriedly. “Harry, what…” His gaze was so intense she had to look away. She turned her head and closed her eyes. She took a long, deep breath and tried again. “Harry, what’s going on? What do you mean you never want to let me go? Please tell me what you’re talking about.”

“Follow me,” he said, his smile brightening as an idea occurred to him. Hermione hesitated and fought against him as he pulled her with him. “Trust me, Hermione,” he pleaded, “please.”

Hermione’s resolve broke instantly and she allowed herself to be led wherever he wanted to go. They walked in silence for about ten minutes, as they followed the familiar path around the lake. Harry had been holding her hand and now he brought her closer and put his arm around her. She wrapped both of her arms around his waist and snuggled her head into his shoulder. It wasn’t long before she realized where he was taking her.

About ten yards to the front of them Hermione saw the tree. Their tree. It was the largest tree near the lake and it stood, in all its splendor, a couple of yards from the edge of the water. The three of them—she, Harry, and Ron—used to sit beneath it and talk, play, do homework, or to just be together in silence. There were times that she and Harry had come to sit beneath it by themselves and times when she’d come with only Ron. In all those times, she’d never felt the sense of apprehension she felt now. Something about this time was different and she couldn’t fight the anxiety that welled up within her, the closer they got to it.

Harry directed them over to it and then turned toward her, gathering her into his arms. He held onto her tightly and she felt him breathe deeply as though trying to memorize her scent. What is going on? She wondered anxiously. Could he be…?

Don’t be stupid Hermione. He’s not ready for that. Time, remember? Give him time.

Hermione sighed and relaxed against him.

He pulled away from her and stared at her intently; his eyes intentionally devoid of any emotion…he’d had a lot of practice at that through the years.

He reached his hand up to the back of her head and gently removed the barrette that was holding her hair up. He dropped the barrette to the ground and raised both his hands to loosen her hair so it hung down around her head and shoulders, as close to the way he liked it as he could make it. He ran his fingers through it a few more times. Hermione’s eyes were closed as she lost herself in the feel of his touch. He pulled her toward him and kissed her forehead.

“I love you, Harry,” she whispered softly.

Harry moved his hands to cup her face. He lowered his head and kissed her gently on the lips. “There’s something we need to talk about,” he said softly, “and it can’t wait much longer.” He dropped his hands and put them on her waist, directing her toward the tree. He sat down with his back against the tree and he pulled her down to sit between his legs.

Tears were in her eyes at his apparent refusal to repeat her words. Her heart was breaking as she sat down with him. He pulled her back against him and kissed her neck. “I have something to tell you,” he said softly, “but first, let me show you something.” He spoke quietly as though sharing a great secret and Hermione felt a quiver of excitement course through her.

He sat up straight and she maneuvered around so she could watch him. Harry closed his eyes, and raised his hand toward the lake. The image he found in his mind burst forth as the water nearest them transformed into a beautiful fountain with soft, shimmering lights reflecting from beneath it. It was not large nor was it bright enough to attract attention. It was perfect, and it was theirs.

Hermione looked at him in surprise, “Harry, wha…”

He placed his finger gently upon her lips. “Let me speak before I lose my nerve,” he replied, chuckling nervously.

Hermione nodded. “Okay,” she whispered softly. He removed his finger and gently caressed her cheek before placing his hand in his lap.

“I was watching you tonight, while you danced with Seamus, Charlie, and Ron. Do you realize,” he paused, a look of wonder…of realization, in his eyes. Her heart hammered against her chest when he touched her hand. She looked down at his hand holding hers, unable now to look at the intensity in his eyes. For a moment he watched her. He raised his hand to lift her chin until their eyes met. “Do you realize the affect you have on people? The way everything about them changes just because you’re there? I was watching you, and I was watching them, and the moment they put their arms around you they seemed to glow.”

Hermione shook her head from his fingers and looked down into her lap. “Harry, I…”

Harry appeared as though he didn’t hear her as he continued to speak. “It’s not because they held a beautiful woman in their arms, Hermione. It has nothing to do with the way you look. It has everything to do with who you are. I realized that tonight.”

She tried looking up at him again. His eyes looked glazed in the soft light from the fountain. He blinked and focused his intense gaze upon her once again and she tried once more to speak. “Harry, what are…”

Her words halted when he raised his hand in the direction of the fountain and the lights beneath it turned dark. “That fountain is like me,” he said softly. “In perpetual motion. Only one direction. Unable to stop moving simply because it has no choice but to go on,” he said a little more loudly. “Watch.” He raised his hand and the soft, shimmering lights returned. “That light is you,” he whispered, his eyes still looking intently at the fountain.

Hermione raised her hand to his cheek and pulled his head around until he was looking at her. “What are you saying, Harry?” she asked softly.

Harry took a deep breath and reached up to place his hand over hers against his cheek. He kissed her palm and lowered their hands together. He turned his eyes back toward the fountain. “Do you see what a difference the light makes?” he asked, pointing at it once more. “Can you see the way it changes everything about the fountain? Everything just seems more alive. Listen, even the water sounds differently,” he turned his head and gazed into her eyes, willing her to understand. “That’s what you do to me. You make me feel more alive. You make everything in my life more beautiful,” he paused to search her eyes questioningly. “You are my light, Hermione. Do you understand?”

The tears that welled in Hermione’s eyes shimmered in the light from the fountain, making them shine more brightly. Her hands tightened on his and she took a deep, shaky breath. “I…I think so,” she whispered huskily as she tried to fight back the tears.

Harry raised his hands to cup her face. She closed her eyes as his thumbs gently wiped the tears from them. “Look at me, Hermione,” he said hoarsely, his own emotions making it difficult for him to speak. Hermione raised her head and looked into his eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead before he pulled back and looked again into her eyes. “I know the truth now, Hermione,” he spoke quietly, but with an honesty and conviction he’d never quite known before. “I know the truth that you’ve known for so long.” Hermione held her breath in anticipation, sitting quietly so as not to distract him from his thoughts. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead once more. He laid his forehead against hers, his hands still cupping her face. Their eyes were closed. She felt him tense; her tears fell silently down her cheeks. He opened his mouth to speak and together they said, “I love you.” Hers, barely a whisper; his, a low, soft confession.

5. Chapter 5 - It's Not Rocket Science

Chapter 5

They stayed that way for a long while. Forehead against forehead, his hands cupping her face, her tears falling silently down her cheeks.

“I love you, Hermione,” he whispered again, although a little louder this time. He pulled back and gazed at her in wonder; staring as though seeing her for the first time. The soft light from the fountain reflected against the tears on her cheeks, giving her an ethereal glow. With his thumbs he gently wiped them away.

Her eyes were closed as she sat, quietly absorbing his confession. Her mind was numb with the shock of his pronouncement. She'd waited four long years for those words and now that they'd finally come, she thought sure she'd been dreaming. “Pinch me,” she said softly, her eyes still closed. If it was a dream, she wanted to hold onto it forever.

Harry chuckled softly, the light, airy sound filling her with an insurmountable feeling of joy. “What did you say?” he asked wonderingly. “You want me to pinch you?”

Hermione nodded. “Tell me this isn't a dream.”

Harry leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead. “This,” he kissed her cheek, “isn't,” he kissed her other cheek, “a dream,” he said, kissing her lips gently. “This is real, and I am the happiest man alive right now.”

Hermione opened her eyes and smiled tenderly at him. “I think Ron would beg to differ,” she said as fresh tears began to well in her eyes.

Harry kissed her lips again. “Ron who?” he asked quietly.

Hermione felt her entire body go limp. She felt as though her bones had vanished and there was nothing left to hold her up. She literally melted into him. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, her body shook upon its release. She held tightly to his hands as she pulled them from her face. “Do you realize how long I've waited for this?” she asked, her voice quivering. “I just,” she opened her eyes and searched his for any sign of doubt, any sign of hesitation, “I can't believe it. I mean, I knew…or at least I hoped, that you would feel the same one day. I just,” she paused and chuckled nervously, dropping her head to organize her jumbled thoughts, “…it's here Harry. That day…it's here. And I, I…”

Harry smiled and shook his head gently as he reached for her chin to raise her head. “Hermione, turn off the analyzer. Just tell me you love me. Kiss me. Something. Just please, don't try to put words to this. Don't try to explain anything. Just believe me, please. That's all that matters now. I love you and I promise that it's not going to change.”

Hermione grabbed his hand from her chin and kissed it before she let it drop to rest between them. She placed her hands on his cheeks and smiled brightly at him, her eyes still shining with unshed tears. “I love you, Harry Potter,” she said loudly. She pulled him to her and rubbed her nose against his and their soft, nervous laughter floated away on the soft, warm breeze. “I love you so very much.”

“Come here,” Harry replied, pulling her closer against him as he moved to once again lean back against their tree. She curled up between his legs and laid her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and grabbed her hands as he rested his head against hers. They sat together in silence, watching the fountain, and relishing in what they'd finally come together to find.

“What are you thinking about?” Harry asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the wondrous sounds of the night.

Hermione raised her head to look at him. “I'm thinking that I want to hold onto this moment forever,” she said softly. She looked up at the sky. “Right now, with the warm breeze rustling through the trees, the clear, star-filled sky, and the sound of the fountain, there isn't a more beautiful place in the entire world, and I don't want to forget any of it.”

Harry released her hands and began to gently rub his hands up and down her arms. “You won't forget,” he said with conviction. “We won't forget.” He looked up at the sky with her. The moon was full, and its light still filtered through the clouds surrounding the mountain peaks; the only clouds in an otherwise clear sky. He pointed toward the mountain. “Look at the mountain. See the way the moon changes the color of the night? The clouds look so dark while the sky surrounding them is so light. Different shades of blue, black, grey, and yellow. Beautiful, isn't it?” Hermione nodded. “It's the light, Hermione. The light from the moon changes everything for the night. That's what I meant earlier. That's what you do to me. You change everything. Just like the moon.”

“Harry, I want to fly.”

She spoke the words so softly that he was sure he'd either imagined or misunderstood them. “What?” he asked quietly as he maneuvered around to get a better look at her.

She turned her eyes to him and he could see the excited gleam in them. “I want to fly,” she repeated a little louder. “I can feel it inside me. Everything is just bursting out all over. It feels like everything inside me wants to soar but I can't release it. I can't let it go. I want to fly.”

“Hermione, I don't have…”

She put her finger to his lips. “Shh,” she whispered. She stood up and pulled him with her. “Make me fly, Harry. I need to feel it.”

Harry placed his hands on her hips and in a single, fluid motion, as if practiced for years, he lifted her. She raised her arms above her head and Harry concentrated all of his power into straightening his arms above his head. Hermione's body was horizontal above Harry's head as he began to turn in slow circles. She closed her eyes and felt the gentle breeze of the night caress her face. Her body was soaring. Her heart was beyond the clouds. She shifted slightly and Harry stopped circling and lowered her slowly until they were face to face, her feet a foot above the ground. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “Thank you,” she whispered against his ear. She felt him smile against her neck. She loosened her hold and pulled back enough to look into his eyes. “I love you,” she said softly.

She touched his lips with hers and immediately the fire was stoked. He moaned into her mouth. “I love you, too,” he said huskily, as he forced his lips from hers with a shaky breath. He slowly lowered her to the ground and every nerve in his body sparked to life as she slid down the length of him. He shook convulsively for a moment until the shockwaves passed through him.

Once her feet were firmly on the ground she grabbed his hand and led him back toward the tree. “Blanket?” she asked hopefully.

Harry closed his eyes and concentrated. In a matter of moments a blanket appeared before them. Hermione smiled at him and picked it up, spreading it out on the ground beneath the tree. She sat down and took her shoes off and set them to the side. “Come here,” she said, patting the ground in front of her. Harry stepped to the edge of the blanket and took his shoes off, setting them next to hers. Hermione was sitting on her hip with her legs folded in front of her. Harry walked toward her and sat down. “Lie down.” She patted her lap and he laid down, using her lap as a pillow.

The moment he was comfortable she started running her fingers through his hair. “It's so peaceful out here,” she said quietly. “You really couldn't have picked a better time or place, you know?”

“Yeah,” he quietly agreed. He closed his eyes and succumbed to the feel of her hands in his hair. Hermione was content for the moment to simply watch him. She couldn't remember a time when he looked so relaxed. Her fingers began to trace the features of his face…his eyebrows, his nose, his jawline, his forehead, and finally his lips.

She edged herself back and bent over him, capturing his lips in an upside-down kiss. She tilted her head as his hand rose to lightly grasp her head. The kiss began to deepen and Harry scooted back and twisted around until he was sitting up and facing her halfway. His tongue sought hers and she opened to him immediately. He leaned back with one arm holding him up and the other pulling her head closer to heighten the intensity of the kiss. She leaned over him, her hand behind his head. She pulled him with her as she lay back against the blanket. Their lips remained together as he rolled his body until he was nearly lying on top of her.

Harry began to rub his hand up and down her arm. He reluctantly released her lips and looked into her eyes. He wasn't sure how she wanted to proceed from here. He wanted her now. He didn't want to wait any longer.

“Harry, make love to me,” she said huskily.

“No games,” he said before his lips found hers.

“No games,” she confirmed. “Just love. I need to feel you inside me.”

“Thank you,” he whispered against her ear. “All I want is to feel you, to love you.”

“How much wandless magic do you know?” she asked from beneath him. She didn't want to move, she only wanted to feel him against her, and inside her.

“Not that much,” he said regretfully as he began to undress her.

“We'll have to work on that,” she said, laughing gently. “Let me do that.” She sat up and quickly removed her clothes. Next to her Harry sat up and did the same. Within a couple of minutes they were on their knees, staring at each other; drinking in every inch of the sight before them.

“I didn't think it possible,” he said, staring at her thoughtfully.

“What?” she asked, her voice sounding soft, nervous.

“You're even more beautiful when I look at you now. I didn't think it was possible. I not only feel you differently in here,” he said, placing his hand on his heart, “but I see you differently as well. I really do love you.”

Hermione quickly closed the space between them. She placed her hand against his cheek and looked directly into his eyes. “I know that, Harry,” she said, smiling. “I've always known that, remember?”

Harry smiled brightly. “Yeah,” he said, capturing her lips, “I believe you always have.” In one swift motion he picked her up and her legs wrapped instantly around his waist. He kissed her hard as he sat back on his calves. She loosened the hold she had on him with her legs and placed her feet on the ground. He placed his hands on her waist and raised her up. She grasped his erection and guided it into her opening as he gently lowered her down until she was sheathed around him. Together they moaned as she covered him to the hilt. He leaned back against one arm as she slowly slid up and down his length.

Her eyes were closed as she rode him. Nothing, not even the other times she'd been with him, had prepared her for what she felt now. This may be as close to heaven as she ever got and for now that would be enough. With his free hand he reached up and grasped her breast. She arched her back and thrust herself toward him. She lifted her hand from her thigh and grasped his. She pressed it harder against her breast and guided his fingers to her hard, aching nipples. She sat on him now, rocking her hips back and forth against him, feeling him shift within her and feeling him as he brushed against her clit. She dropped her hands and threw her head back as she released a loud, feral moan.

Harry sat up and pulled her to him, quickly capturing her lips and the last of her cries. Her moan vibrated against his tongue and he returned it, moaning against hers. He placed his hands on her back and slowly sat up, making sure to keep himself wrapped within her warmth. “Put your legs around me,” he said breathily. Immediately, without conscious thought, her legs wrapped around his waist once more. Carefully he leaned forward. His hand shot out to steady them as he lowered her to the blanket. The moment her back touched the ground she loosened the hold with her legs and Harry wrapped his arms around the backs of them and began to increase the intensity of their lovemaking.

Hermione tossed her head back and forth against the blanket as she fought against the scream that longed to erupt from her. Watching her, Harry let out a low, intense cry. He released her legs and lay down on top of her. He captured her lips in an almost desperate, violent kiss. He slammed into her harder and harder…their climaxes building to an almost painful level. Hermione released his lips and bit down on hers as she arched against him, burying him deeper inside her. He laid flat against her and she buried her face into his neck as the scream she'd fought so hard against burst forth as her climax reached a fever pitch. She came hard and fast beneath him. He felt her tighten around him. He moved within her, trying with all his might to restrain himself…in and out, in and out…until finally, at the height of her release he let go and together they fell over the edge. “I love you,” he said thrusting hard into her once again as his body began to convulse. He moaned loudly and his body jerked in and out of her before he finally lay spent, on top of her.

She wrapped her arms and legs around him tightly and kissed his head, cheek, nose, neck, anything she could reach. “I love you,” she said as she placed her hands against his face and raised his head until he was looking at her. She kissed him in confirmation. “I love you.”

Harry's body shuddered once again and he laid his head back down against her chest. In a matter of seconds Hermione felt the wetness where his tears had fallen. She began to run her fingers through his hair. She didn't question him, she merely lay there and let him cry. He still lay sheathed within her. She dropped her legs from around him and placed her feet on the ground, not wanting him to feel as though he needed to leave her. He was heavy against her but at the moment she wanted nothing more. She started to rub his back and his arms as she cooed softly to him. “Hey, come on,” she said softly, “look at me.”

Harry raised his head and tried valiantly to offer her a smile. “I'm sorry,” he said, feeling stupid and embarrassed.

“What's going on?”

“I just never knew,” he said, feeling irritated with himself suddenly. “I never knew it could be like that. I really have been a stupid git, haven't I? All this time wasted.”

Hermione smiled. “I'd never call you stupid, Harry,” she said, laughing softly. She rolled her eyes and looked as though she was thinking about it. “Daft maybe, but never stupid.”

Harry laughed and slowly rolled away from her to lay against her side. “Call it what you want,” he said, suddenly looking serious. “I just know I don't ever want to let you go.” He sat up quickly and looked at her hopefully. “Move in with me.”

”Harry…”

“Right after the movie is done.”

“Harry are…”

“Please say you will.” He grasped her hands in his and looked down at her. “We've wasted so much time, Hermione, I don't want to waste any more. At least say you'll think about it, okay?”

Hermione nodded and smiled thoughtfully. “Okay, Harry. I'll think about it. We'll talk about it when we've had a little time to digest all of this. I still can't believe its happening.”

“All right,” he conceded. He smiled as he thought about what she'd said to him just a few days ago, “I'll take what I can get from you for now.”

Hermione didn't try to hold back the laughter that escaped her. Had it really only been a few days ago? It felt like this had been going on forever. “Kiss me, Harry,” she demanded, still smiling.

“Gladly,” he responded against her lips.

They sealed their love in that final fiery kiss and Hermione dropped her head back and sighed. “Feels like coming home, doesn't it?” she said of the kiss.

“Like coming to a place I've never known,” he replied thoughtfully, “and a place I never want to leave now that I've found it.” He kissed her again and she pushed him away gently.

“You do realize that our best friend got married today, right?” she said, laughing on the outside, while her insides were melting at his words. If they didn't get on track soon, she'd demand he take her again.

“And?” he replied with a knowing grin.

“Well, don't you think we've been gone long enough? People have got to be wondering where we are.”

“Everyone knows, Hermione. We can't hide it anymore. And besides, I don't think I want to. I love you and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I won't go shouting it to the world, but I'm not going to hide it. I don't think I could.”

“So we don't hide,” she said with a shrug as she stood up to get dressed. “That's good, really.”

Harry stood up with her and looked at her suspiciously. “It is?” he questioned. “Why is that?”

Hermione looked at him and shrugged her shoulders. “I don't know,” she said, trying to hide the excitement in her voice, “maybe because I can do this…” she ran at him and threw her arms around his neck and kissed him, “anytime I want.”

His arms instinctually wrapped around her. He kissed her back and reluctantly let her go. “We better go, Hermione, or we'll never make it back.” She chuckled softly and released him. He swatted her on the arse as she turned to finish dressing.

After a few minutes silence they were dressed, the blanket was folded and they stood together looking at their fountain. “It's beautiful, Harry,” she said in a low, husky voice. “Thank you.”

“Let's leave it,” he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the path. “We'll be back again.”

“So, what are we going to tell Ron?” she asked, feeling somewhat anxious about what would be greeting them when they finally returned to the Great Hall.

“We're going to tell him that we have to be back early because of the movie and that instead of staying here with everyone else we're going home tonight,” he replied.

Hermione laughed and smacked his arm playfully. “I meant about how long we've been gone and where we've been.”

“Oh, that,” Harry said thoughtfully. “Nothing. It's nobody's business. They'll all have a pretty good idea anyway. Let's just keep our return as low profile as we can. This is Ron and Luna's day. We don't need to take any attention away from that.”

“Let's just hope we haven't already,” she replied anxiously.

They entered the castle and made their way to the Great Hall quickly. They stood in the doorway for a just a moment before they sauntered in casually. There were still couples dancing and others were seated at the long tables lined up near the wall.

“There you are,” George said loudly.

“Where've you been?” Fred asked, obviously trying to hide his amusement.

“S'posed to do the toast,” George said.

“Don't worry though…” said Fred.

“…we did it for you,” finished George.

“Uh, thanks guys,” Harry stammered. “Appreciate that.”

“Hey, Hermione,” Fred called.

“Yeah?” she said, sounding nervous.

“What happened…” George said.

“…to your hair?” he and Fred asked together.

“Nothing,” she said hesitantly as she reached up to check it. She saw Harry's face redden. They'd forgotten all about the barrette that was now lying somewhere beneath their tree. “Oh, um, the, uh, barrette must have fallen out,” she stammered.

“Oh, yeah,” said Fred.

“…we can see that,” said George.

Harry cleared his throat. “Well, all right then,” he proclaimed. “Where's Ron?” he asked, looking around the room. He found him seated at one of the tables, glowering at him from across the room. “Come on, Hermione,” he said, grabbing her hand and leading her to where Ron sat. “Hey, Ron, can we talk to you for a minute?” Harry asked the moment they were within earshot.

Ron nodded and stood. “I'll be right back,” he said softly to Luna.

“No, come on, Luna,” Hermione called. “You too, please.”

Ron looked at Hermione in surprise and smiled as he pulled out Luna's chair.

They walked in silence out to the corridor. “Ron,” Harry began.

Hermione put her hand on Harry's sleeve to stop him. She walked to Ron and pulled him into a hug. “I love you, Ron,” she said affectionately as she kissed him on the cheek.

“Love you too, Hermione,” Ron replied with a smile.

She turned to Harry. “I'll be right back,” she told him, as she grabbed Luna's hand and walked further down the hall, away from `her' boys.

“Is this what you were talking about last night?” Luna asked with a knowing smile.

“Yes,” Hermione exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement. “I wanted to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For asking me to dance,” she stated matter-of-factly. “The minute you asked me I realized that I didn't want any other woman there with Harry, just like you didn't want any other woman there with Ron. I love him, Luna. I've loved him for years. I started something a week ago that I was regretting last night. Because of that dance, Harry finally realized what I've known for a very long time. Tonight, he finally admitted to loving me too.” She reached out and pulled Luna into a tight embrace. “So, thank you,” she said huskily, as tears began to well in her eyes.

“You're welcome, Hermione,” Luna replied softly. “You know that we knew, right? We've been trying to find some way to make it happen. Dancing at the party was a setup. Of course, you knew that right away. What you don't know is that the moment you put your foot on Harry's chair, Ginny put up a charm, something similar to a shield, so that no one would disturb you. No one knows what happened last night. That's strictly between you and Harry.”

Hermione hugged her tighter. The thought of all the other people there hadn't really even occurred to her. She'd gotten so wrapped up in Harry and what he was doing to her that she'd managed to completely forget about where she was. “Thank you,” she said, feeling a relief she hadn't yet realized was missing. “Guess I'll have to thank Ginny, too.”

“Just be happy,” Luna replied thoughtfully. She turned to look at the boys and then back at Hermione. “Shall we?”

Hermione looped her arm with Luna's in a gesture she might normally think odd for the type of friendship they'd always shared. “Yep,” she said excitedly. “Let's go.”

Harry and Ron were laughing as the girls joined them. “'bout time, eh?” Ron said looking at Hermione with a smile lighting his eyes. He wrapped his arms around Luna as Hermione wrapped hers around Harry. She looked at Harry with a loving smile and then back at Ron.

“Yeah,” she said, nodding her head, “it's about time.”

Ron looked at Harry. “You daft git,” he said in exasperation. “It's about bloody time.”

“Thanks, mate,” Harry said laughing. “I'm becoming quite used to that title this week.”

“What time are you leaving tonight?” Ron asked them.

Hermione looked at Harry expectantly. He looked back at her and grinned. “I'd like to go now,” he said, raising his eyebrows.

“Well,” Ron sighed, “you've managed to miss most of my wedding anyway. Why don't you just go ahead and go, then?”

Harry looked up at Ron quickly, ready to burst forth with a thousand apologies. But Ron's smile stopped him. Harry looked at Luna and saw the same smile lighting her eyes.

“Get out of here, you two,” Ron urged. “You were here for me. You discovered you were in love on my wedding day, that means something, Harry. It does. Seriously, go on. We'll catch up with you soon.”

Hermione released Harry and moved to give Ron another hug. “You're the best, Ron,” she said, adding a great deal of surprise to her voice as she spoke. “Who would've guessed?”

“I would,” Luna said, looking up at him lovingly.

Ron kissed the top of Hermione's head affectionately and let her go. “Get out of here before I change my mind and tie you up to one of those chairs in there and put you on display.”

Harry shook his hand as Hermione gave Luna another hug. Harry gave Luna a hug as well and the four of them briefly discussed plans for when they'd get together. “Thank Ginny for me,” Hermione said with a wink at Luna. “I'll thank her myself very soon as well. Love you,” she called back to Ron.

“Love you, too,” Ron returned. He returned his attention to his wife and smiled. “Nutters, the both of them,” he said as he pulled her into a nice, long kiss.

Harry and Hermione reached the end of the corridor on their way out of the castle. They turned back and smiled when they noticed that Ron had already forgotten about their seemingly abrupt departure. Harry grabbed her hand. “Let's go,” he shouted, racing for the door. “We're staying at my place tonight.”

Hermione couldn't help but laugh at his excitement. “Only for tonight?” she shouted back. Harry stopped abruptly and looked at her intently. “How about every night?” she asked with a smile and a wicked little gleam in her eye.

Harry started walking again at a much slower pace. “Every night,” he said thoughtfully. He looked at her, his face beaming. He nodded. “Whatever you say, dear.”

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6. Chapter 6 - It's Not Rocket Science

A/N: We apologize for not keeping up on review replies lately. The response has been magnificent and posting every other day, combined with real life responsibilities, has made it difficult to keep up as of late. We just want you to know that reviews will be replied to as soon as is possible. We appreciate your continued support of MLS. And remember…we're not done yet!

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Chapter 6

The next morning the skies were gloomy grey and a steady rainfall pelted the nearly-empty London streets. Harry’s flat was in a four-story building on the upper west side of the city. He had the top floor with a nice view of the London skyline in the distance.

Lying on his stomach, he slid his hand along the sheet, expecting to touch the warm body that had slept beside him the night before. One eye opened when the warm body wasn’t there. He raised his head and blinked the sleep from his eyes. “Mione?”

“I’m here,” came the soft reply.

Harry rolled to his back and sat up. Hermione was standing near the window looking out at the falling rain, her arms wrapped around her as she watched the cars roll by on the street below. She was dressed in one of Harry’s t-shirts. It was much too big for her; it came to rest just above her knees. She looks beautiful in it, he thought.

He got up and grabbed his robe from the end of the bed. She was shivering when he walked up behind her, and he placed it around her shoulders. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly back against him, resting his chin on the top of her head.

They were silent as they stared out the window together, both their minds going a mile a minute.

What would happen now?

What was ahead for them?

How would their lives change?

After a few minutes, Harry gave her a little squeeze and kissed the top of her head. “Come back to bed, it’s chilly.”

She nodded and turned with him. He kept his arm around her and they walked slowly back to the bed. He held up the covers while she took off his robe, then climbed into bed. He slid under the blankets and she snuggled up against him. “What were you thinking about?” he asked, stroking her hair.

She shrugged, her warm breath gently floating over his bare chest, giving him goose bumps. “Nothing,” she paused, “and everything.”

Harry kissed the top of her head and squeezed her. “Nothing has changed, you know,” he said down to her.

She looked up at him. “What do you mean?”

He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “We’re still best friends, right?” She nodded. “And you know you can talk to me about anything.” She nodded again. “So…what were you thinking about?”

She smiled and laid her head back down against his shoulder. “Just wondering where we go from here,” she said quietly, drawing little circles around his bellybutton, and letting her finger slightly brush through the trail of hair that disappeared into his boxers.

Harry rested his cheek against her hair and smiled. “Anywhere we want.”

Hermione grinned and kissed his shoulder. “How about we start with something to eat?” she said quietly. “I’m starved.”

Harry nodded and looked over at the clock on the bedside table. It was 7:30. “What do you want?”

Hermione was silent, then she rolled away from him to lay on her back, her eyes closed. “Anything.”

Pursing his lips, he got up and put his robe on. “You want to go out?” he asked. He smiled down on her as she stretched, reaching her arms above her head and stretching her legs in the opposite direction. A little squeak came from her that sent a thrill down his spine. He loved that sound.

“Mmmmm,” she said, letting her stretched limbs relax, “not really.”

Harry nodded. “So what do you want to do, then?”

She smiled but didn’t look at him. “If it's all the same to you, I'm just going to lie here all day like a big fat lazy cat.”

Harry chuckled. “So, sort of like what Crookshanks does every day of his life.”

Hermione gasped and she sat up, then chucked a pillow at him. Harry laughed as he ducked. “I’ll go make breakfast,” he said walking toward the door. He opened it, then turned to face her. “And you,” he pointed at her, “stay right where you are.”

After giving him a mock salute, she laid back down. “Yes, sir.” Harry grinned then left the room, keeping the door ajar. Hermione snuggled into the blankets and pillows and took a deep breath. She had never felt contentment and happiness like this in her entire life. She was in love. And the best part of it was now she knew that love was returned.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thirty minutes later, Harry returned to the bedroom with two breakfast trays being levitated behind him. He smiled when he saw that Hermione had fallen back to sleep. He knelt on the bed and shook her gently. “Mione?”

“Hmmm?”

“Breakfast,” he whispered, getting off the bed and waiting for her to wake up. She rolled to her back and sat up, smiling when she saw the huge breakfast he’d made.

“Wow,” she muttered getting into a sitting position as Harry brought a tray to her and set it on her lap. “Thanks.”

“Yeah, all those years of cooking for that wonderful family of mine certainly comes in handy sometimes.”

“I bet,” she said with a worried glance at him. She watched him for a moment in silence. Assured that he wasn’t upset by thoughts of his time with the Dursleys, she looked back down at her tray, and smiled at the single red rose lying across the bottom of it. “You cook this, too?” she teased, holding it up to smell it.

Harry smiled as he sat at the end of the bed with his tray. “Nah,” he said taking a bite of toast, “stole it from the neighbor’s garden.”

Hermione looked at him as he continued to eat. “You’re not serious.”

Harry nodded. “Yeah. The Millers down on the first floor have a little rose garden out back. I ran down there this morning and picked it.”

“Harry! Honestly!”

He shrugged. “They won’t miss it,” he said, setting his glass down after draining it. “Besides, I charmed the entire bush to bloom all year round now.”

Hermione just shook her head. “You’re terrible.”

“But you love me anyway,” he said matter-of-factly, looking directly at her.

She gave him a gentle smile. “Yes, I do.” Her voice was soft, but the love shining in her eyes was blinding.

They ate in silence for another half hour or so, and when Harry took the trays downstairs, Hermione decided to take a bath. Harry found her in the bathroom just stepping into the tub. “Whatcha doing?” he asked, peeking his head around the door and smiling as she submerged herself under the bubbles.

“I’m taking a bubble bath, silly,” she said, blowing bubbles at him.

He watched them until they landed on the floor. Then he stepped all the way into the small bathroom. “Want some company?” he asked quietly.

She looked at the tub then frowned. “I don’t think it’s big enough for both of us, Harry.”

He quickly ran from the room and returned a few seconds later with this wand. He pointed at the tub and said, “Engorgio” and the tub expanded big enough to fit at least four people.

“Oh, you think you’re so clever, don’t you?” Hermione teased as Harry shed his robe and boxers and slipped into the water behind her.

“Yes, actually, I do,” he smirked. She giggled as he reached forward and pulled her back against his chest. She had her hair up in a bun and the exposed skin of her neck was too much of a temptation for him, so he gave her a soft, gentle kiss. He let his lips linger on her skin for a moment, and then rested his head against hers. He sighed deeply.

“What?” she asked, holding onto his arms where they rested around her chest.

“It should be illegal to be this content,” Harry said quietly, laying his head against the back of the tub. “Just a week ago I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with the rest of my life, you know? I mean, we were doing the movie, but that was just for fun. I certainly didn’t intend for it be a full-time thing.”

“Me either.”

“I’m still not sure what I want to do,” Harry admitted. “But the one thing I’m absolutely sure about,” he gave her a little squeeze, “is us.”

Hermione sat up and turned around in his arms. “Me too, Harry,” she whispered, kissing him tenderly. The need for passion was gone. For now they were content to just be in each other’s arms. She moved beside him and snuggled against him.

“How did you know?” he asked her, trailing his hand lightly up and down her wet back.

“How did I know what?” she asked, looking up at him.

“About me.” he said quietly. His eyes lit up playfully. “I mean, am I not the most daft git you’ve ever met?”

“No, actually, that would be Ron,” she teased, “but you do qualify for a close second.”

Harry laughed. “A close second? You mean, someone is actually more daft than me?”

Hermione nodded. “I’m afraid so.”

He chuckled. “Unbelievable,” he said, shaking his head. So,” he paused, lightly touching the tip of her nose, then kissing it gently, “tell me how you knew.”

She shrugged, looking down. “I just did I guess. For one, I knew I couldn’t possibly feel the way I do about you if you didn’t feel the same. The feelings were just too strong. It’s how I knew I just needed to hold on. Then, I thought I noticed you starting to act differently toward me.” Harry raised an eyebrow. “Just little things, you know? At first I only let myself believe that it was just you being a gentleman and a good friend. Then, I thought maybe I was just imagining it because I wanted it so badly.” Harry let out a soft chuckle. “But then, I realized that friends don’t act the way you acted toward me.” She paused, like she was deep in thought. “It was something else, and it wasn’t my imagination.” She lifted her eyes and watched him carefully for a reaction.

“Was I really that obvious?”

She nodded. “I think so. Well, at least to me. I doubt you even realized you were acting differently.” He shook his head in confirmation. She sighed and looked down. Then she scooted away from him to the other end of the tub, resting her back against it. “I have been in love with you for so long, Harry,” she admitted quietly. “I’d get so jealous when you’d tell me about your girlfriends. I tried so hard not to let you see that my heart was breaking into a million pieces.”

“Mione….”

“I told myself that since you were happy, then I needed to be happy for you.” She looked up at him. “But I could see you weren’t happy. There was no way those women could give you want you needed. They didn’t—couldn’t—understand you the way I do.” He nodded. “So, I sat back and waited for my turn to come. And I knew it would. Do you remember what almost happened at last year’s Christmas party?”

Harry smiled fondly at the memory of their almost kiss. They’d both been so inebriated - how could you not be at a party held by Draco Malfoy - he was known to spike everything…and oh, had he that night! Harry chuckled, playing with some bubbles. “I always imagined you tasting like strawberries.”

“Always imagined?” she teased.

Harry looked thoughtful for a moment. “Well, maybe not always, always,” he said, looking at her with an honest, open expression. “But I definitely remember thinking it that night.”

Hermione felt herself blush and she looked away. “It was after that night I became aware of how different you were around me, how you would look at me that way.”

Harry looked hard at her. “I saw it, too, in your eyes. I just didn’t realize what I was looking at. I didn’t realize that we could ever be more than friends.”

She grinned and lifted up a handful of bubbles and blew them towards him. “So, you saw it in my eyes and didn’t recognize it? Luckily for you, I decided to take advantage of the time we spent together making this movie. If I hadn’t, you’d still be wondering what you’re looking at.”

“Like I said,” he pointed at himself, “daft git.”

Hermione laughed as she held up her hand and noticed that her fingertips were starting to prune. “We’d better get out of here or we’re going to shrivel up.”

Harry nodded and stood up. Hermione pulled the plug from the tub and took his hand. As the water drained, Harry pulled the shower curtain closed and turned on the shower. After they washed their hair, they quickly rinsed off then got out. He quickly grabbed a towel and began to dry her off.

She stood there, as he gently patted her dry with the fluffiest towel he owned. When he was done, she returned the favor, drying him off. After brushing their teeth—thankfully Harry kept a spare—they went into the bedroom to dress.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The rest of the day was spent lounging around, as though they’d been doing it this way forever. They watched a movie on television and took a nap in the afternoon. After a late lunch, the rain stopped and they went for a walk around the small park just down the street from Harry’s flat. It was hard for them not to hold hands, but they managed it. It wasn’t going to be easy keeping this thing a secret, but they were going to try.

8:00 came and it was time for them to go back to their respective hotels. “We could just take a cab to my hotel and then I’ll walk you.”

“I’m going to apparate back to the Leaky Cauldron, then cab it to my hotel.” She paused and grinned at him. “And I think we should arrive separately, Harry,” Hermione said, not sounding at all happy about it.

Harry frowned. “Tell me again why we’re not staying together tonight?”

She grinned at him and put her arms around his neck, pulling his head down for a smoldering kiss. “After a night apart I think we’ll be ready for whatever scenes they need us to do.”

“Definitely if you keep kissing me like that,” Harry teased, kissing her again.

She smiled. “We only have a few more scenes to shoot. Hopefully it’ll only be one or two takes.” Harry nodded. “Then we can get it over and done with.”

He grabbed her and pushed her against the door. “Then we can stop pretending,” he said, the lust in eyes matching her own. He kissed her hard, shoving his tongue into her mouth, making her moan deep in her throat.

They kissed for what seemed like forever. When Hermione finally regained her senses, she put her hands on his chest and pushed him away gently. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning then,” she said quietly, not looking at him. She feared if she did, she would lose any resolve she had left, stay with him, and sod the movie.

Harry let out a deep breath and nodded. He stepped away from her, trying to ignore the pressure he felt building exponentially in his groin. It was going to be a long night. “Be careful,” he cautioned.

She smiled and opened the door behind her. “8:30 tomorrow morning,” she reminded him. He just nodded. She gave him a quick kiss then hurried into the hall and where she pushed the down button for the elevator.

“You’ve got a thing for elevators don’t you?” he asked, standing in his open doorway watching her.

She laughed as the lift doors opened. “See you tomorrow,” she said, backing into the lift, she mouthed “I love you” just as the doors closed.

Harry smiled. He retreated into his flat and closed the door. Running his hand through his hair, he fell against the door with a thud and rested his head back against it. “Yep,” he said aloud, “it’s going to be a long night.”

7. The Dreaded Author's Note...

The Dreaded Author's Note…

The Good News…

Alas, dear readers, we have come to the end of Part 3. BUT…it is NOT the end of MLS! As we mentioned in our very first A/N way back at the beginning, these three parts were just the set up of what will be a continuously ongoing "saga" in which our beloved Harry and Hermione will discover that making like strangers is more fun then they could have ever imagined! Each new scenario will be unique, but will still have ties back to the original three parts.

The Bad News…

We most assuredly won't be updating nearly as often as we have been. The every-other-day thing was easy because we had all of the chapters already written and waiting to be posted. With the new stories, however, we will need time to think, write, perfect, proof, yadda yadda yadda. And as much as we hate to admit it, the evil that is RL must intrude sometimes. We are hoping to update once a week…having said that, it may be less often than that, or it may be more frequently. We'll just have to wait and see!

As for the stories themselves, depending on where Harry and Hermione lead us, they may be short, they may be long. They may be one-shots, they may be five chapters. We'll just have to wait and see where we get lead! We're working on our first story right now and hope to have it up for your scrutiny very soon.

And now for the Sentimental Stuff…

We want to send out a sincere thanks to all of you who have read our little story, and most especially those of you who have reviewed. It was very exciting for us to post a new chapter and then see the familiar faces back each and every time. It means a great deal to us!

AND, thanks to all of you who have joined our MLS Yahoo Group! It's been a lot of fun so far with so many people posting to the message board. It's the one place where you can find excerpts from upcoming stories/chapters, vote on where you'd like to see Harry and Hermione go next, and chat with others about MLS or Harry Potter in general. It's proving to be a fun place to hang out. So, if you want the heads-up, pull up a chair, kick of your shoes, cop a squat, and join us for a spell. Everyone is welcome!

You've been a fantastic audience. When we began this story, we really had no idea it would be so long or so well-received. You've made us feel right at home in our little piece of the HP world and we greatly appreciate that.

Thanks for all your continued support! We look forward to hearing from you all when we start posting the new stuff! As we've mentioned before, if you'd like to get updates on MLS, please, either join our Yahoo Group, or add us to your author alerts list. The stories you get from this point forward will be separate so adding them to your favorites (while that is always wonderful for us) will not get you notifications when new stories are posted.

You guys rock! We love ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cindy & Terri