Unforseen

Okay, okay, I KNOW I said I was going to take a break from HP, but after reading that book! I had to boost up my readers H/Hr spirit, including my own! I myself haven’t given up and as a writer myself, know there’s a million of things that can happen in our favor. This story of mind is not going to be long like Circle of Friends, but it will be uplifting I hope. Chin up ladies! It ain’t over till the fat lady sings!

Chapter One

Harry tried not to look at her. He tried to keep his eyes on the flickering fire of their small and discreet campfire, but they kept moving over to her. She was sleeping on the ground not far from him, the flicker of flames danced over her pale face. The stress from all the traveling and her worrying about whether they would survive another day was getting to her. He wish he could think of a way to put some color into her cheeks.

He sighed as he looked back at the flames. Get a grip, Potter. Stop watching her sleep like some pervert! Not listening to himself he looked over at her again. He couldn’t really blame himself, it was either looking at the fire or staring at Ron who was snoring so loud Harry was afraid he would give away their hideout in the small cave. Watching Hermione sleeping was the best choice, since he couldn’t sleep. They took turns through the night to keep a lookout and he had the first shift, then Hermione, followed by Ron.

They had been apparating all over the world, looking for the Horcruxes and after five long months they had successfully found all four. It had been rough and a lot of close calls, but the three of them succeeded. Now, the only soul left to destroy was Voldemort himself and it was only a matter of time when the final battle between himself and the Dark Lord would take place.

Once again his eyes shifted to Hermione and frowned when that unusual feeling in his chest stirred. It only happened when he looked at her and it slowly started happening since the summer, when Ron and Hermione stayed with him at the Dursley’s. At first, he was certain it had nothing to do with feelings that went past their friendship, after all he never had that unsettling stir when he was with Ginny. Sure, he had a few flutters here and a few skips of the heart there, but nothing like this. He rubbed his chest as if he was trying to sooth the ache away, but it wouldn’t go away unless he didn’t look at her.

He thought it was nothing to worry about…but now he wasn’t so sure. What could have happened? He couldn’t possibly fancy Hermione, the thought made him laugh, but when he looked at her again and then pain ripped through his chest, his laughter choked and his smile fell.

“Blood hell,” he whispered as he buried his head in his hands. His mind drifted back during his private moments with Hermione since the beginning of summer, hoping to figure out how this could have happened….

Harry heard the sound of pages from a book rustling before he even opened his eyes. He sluggishly rolled over on his back, stretched, then yawned quietly as he opened his eyes. Hermione’s mild sleeping drought worked wonders and knew he could easily roll over and fall back asleep, but the rustling of pages continued.

He sat up from his pallet on the floor of his bedroom and looked up at his bed to find Hermione up with the glow of her wand glowing around her. She was propped up on the pillows as she paged through one of her thick bound books, with a look of determination in her eyes. “Hermione,” he whispered and waited as she jumped and looked over at him with wide eyes. “What are you doing up?”

“I couldn’t sleep,” she said with a whisper. “Sorry, did I wake you? I thought since you took the sleeping draught you’d be dead asleep.”

“I was, but now I’m up.” Ron continued to snore beside him as he flew the covers off of him and went to his bed. “Looking for more spells?”

Hermione scooted closer to the wall that the bed was pushed up against and allowed him to sit next to her. “Since I couldn’t sleep I figured it wouldn’t hurt. I’ve found loads of helpful stuff, Harry.”

Harry looked down at her piles of parchments covered with neat little notes and couldn’t help but smile. “So I see.” He picked up the pile and stretched out his legs, leaning back against the pillows as well. They were hip to hip and their shoulders touched as Hermione continued to thumb through the book, while Harry scanned over her notes. “You’ve been busy. I like this one. The idea of making Voldemort get to all fours and bark like a dog is very appealing.”

She giggled softly. “Actually, I thought it be funny to try on Ron, but hey…you’re welcome to it.”

He shared a look and a smile with her, then returned back to the notes. He had to admit, she was good and felt himself grow more confident in just knowing that Hermione was on his side. He was about to set the notes aside and try to see if he could get a few more hours of sleep, when an unfamiliar scent of sweet apricot swept over him. Puzzled, he studied Hermione out of the corner of his eyes, watching her as she casually played with a strand of her hair while she read on. He never noticed her scent before and that surprised him. She was with him all the time, why wouldn’t he realize she smelled like apricots? It was different from the flowery scent that came from Ginny and he was surprised that he found himself liking Hermione’s perfume better. “You smell like apricots.”

He didn’t realize he said that out loud until she looked up at him, blinking in surprise. “I’m sorry?”

“Er…sorry, what I mean is…I couldn’t help but smell your perfume and…”

“I don’t wear perfume, it’s the soap I use.”

“Oh,” he mumbled. “Ginny’s was perfume.”

She blinked again. “I’m sorry, you lost me, Harry.”

He let out a little laugh. “Sorry, I’m talking out loud to myself. When I noticed you smelled of apricots, it reminded me of what Ginny smelled like and I was comparing the differences in them.” He blushed a little and gave a shrug. “That’s all.”

“Did Ginny smell like flowers?” she asked slightly amused.

“Yeah,” he said surprised. “How did you know?”

“Can you keep a secret?” she asked in a lower whisper as she stole a glance at Ron, who was still snoring.

Harry looked back at Ron, puzzled and then looked back at Hermione. “Sure.”

“You know that perfume that Ron gave me for Christmas during our fifth year?”

He nodded. “Yeah, of course.”

“Well, I don’t really wear perfume, too much of it gives me a headache. So, I gave it to Ginny.”

His jaw dropped. “Are you serious?”

“Yep. I mean, I wore it that one time on Christmas, I didn’t want to hurt his feelings or anything. But, after that I gave it to Ginny.”

He smiled softly as he let out a whisper of a laugh. “Well, don’t worry your secret is safe with me.”

“Thanks. It’s a nice perfume, but I like my soap better.”

“Me too,” he agreed then stammered when she gave him an amused look. “Er, what I mean is…it suits you better…er, than Ginny’s perfume.”

“Thanks,” she said blushing softly. “Since we’re on the subject of Ginny, are you nervous about seeing her next week at the wedding?”

At this question he realized that he hadn’t given it much thought. They hadn’t spoken since the day of Dumbledore’s funeral, not counting the quick good bye at King’s Cross. “Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it,” he said turning his head slightly so he could look at her. “I guess I’m more curious on how I will feel when I see her again.”

“Well, don’t let it be awkward, I mean remember. You two were friends first, so it shouldn’t be hard to go back to that.”

“I guess not. I’ll worry about it then. For now, all I’m going to think about is getting a few more hours of sleep.” He shifted his body slightly so he could grab the small vile of sleeping draught on the bedside table. “First, I want you to drink some of this.”

She started to protest. “Oh, no Harry I don’t need…”

“What you need is sleep,” he said as he forced the vile in her hands. “Go on, don’t make me force it down your throat.”

She sighed in defeat. “All right, maybe a little sip.”

“No, drink all of it,” he said as he tilted the vile back up when she was about to bring it down.

Not expecting it she choked and pulled her head away. “Harry…”

“You haven’t slept enough lately, Hermione. You have dark circles under your eyes. Now drink all of it.”

He lifted the vile again towards her face, but she swatted his hand away. “Oh, I can do it myself.” She huffed a breath of annoyance and then finished off the rest of the file wincing a little at the bitter taste. “There, you happy?”

“Ecstatic.” He took the empty vile and set it aside. “Night Hermione.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she muttered as he stood up while she scooted under the covers. “Nox.”

The soft light died and the room was embraced by the darkness once again. By the time Harry got back in his pallet, he could already hear Hermione’s deep heavy breathing and grinned.

Harry, Hermione and Ron all promised Mrs. Weasley that they would be back at the Burrow the night before the wedding to attend the dinner party that night. They walked into the kitchen to see the long table already set with candles lit in the middle and fancy table tent name tags in front of each plate. At a glance Harry noticed that Mrs. Weasley placed him next to Ginny and he had a feeling this was not a coincidence.

“Oh you’re here!” Mrs. Weasley shrieked as she stepped away from the stove to greet them. “I’m so glad you came for the dinner. How are you, Harry?”

“I’m fine, Mrs. Weasley,” he said offering his cheek when she reached up to kiss it. “Sure smells good in here.”

Flushed with pleasure she waved it off. “Oh, it’s just something I stirred up, no big deal.”

“Where is everyone, Mum?” Ron asked.

“Getting ready for the dinner. Ginny and Fluer have been fighting over the bathroom for the past two hours.” She beamed at Harry. “I’m sure Ginny will be glad to see you.”

“Er…yeah, I…It will be good to see her, too.”

“She’s upstairs with Luna and Neville if you want to go up.”

“Luna’s here?” Ron asked as he looked up.

“Yes, I told Ginny she could invite some friends.” She turned back to the stove but kept talking. “So many people will be at the wedding and she won’t know half of them, so I told her she could invite a friend or two for company.”

“I guess we’ll go and put our stuff in our room,” Ron suggested. “Which room are we in?”

“It’s a tight squeeze, but you, Harry and Neville are in your room. Hermione, you’re in Ginny’s room with Luna.”

Together they walked up the old stairs of the burrow and were half way up when Harry heard footsteps coming down. He stopped and looked up to see Neville and Ginny walking down the stairs, while Neville was talking to her a mile a minute as Ginny smiled and nodded letting him do all the talking. They were only a few steps away from them and Neville yelped in surprise when he saw Harry and would have tripped if Harry hadn’t caught him. “Watch yourself, Neville.”

“S-sorry, Harry.” His face was red as a tomato and his eyes wide as dinner plates. “I didn’t see you.”

“Obviously.” Anxious to see what he would feel, he shifted his eyes to Ginny, who smiled in return. He felt a little ache in his heart but it was very mild. “Hey, Ginny.”

“Hi Harry. Hi guys. Did you just get here?”

“Yeah, we’re going to put our things away. We’ll be down in a minute.”

“Okay.” She gave Harry another quick look before smiling brightly. “See you down there. Let’s go see if my Mum needs any help, Neville.”

“Okay, sure,” he said giving Harry a nervous smile before he followed Ginny.

Since when has Neville been nervous of me? Harry wondered as they walked up the steps. He shared a look with Hermione who had the same look on her face and knew she was wondering the same thing.

Ron led the way to the room and as he rounded the corner he rammed right into Luna who stumbled back dropping her copy of The Quibble. “Oi! Sorry, Luna.” He bent down to retrieve the magazine for her.

“No, my fault Ronald,” she sighed dreamily and bent down as well, causing their heads to crack together.

Ron winced as he rubbed his head. “You stay, I’ll go.” He bent down and picked up to hand to her. “There you go.”

She smiled still in her daze. “Thank you, you’re very kind.”

“Sorry about the collision.” He grinned. “Both of them.”

Luna let out one of her loud laughs, causing Harry and Hermione to chuckle and Ron who was use to the laugh could only smile. “Always thought you were funny, Ronald,” she said still laughing as she walked away down the stairs.

“Why do I find her so amusing?” Ron asked with a chuckle and a shake of his head. “Well, let’s go get settled, Harry. See you down there, Hermione.”

Ron sat on his bed and stretched out his legs while he watched Harry rummage through his trunk. “You know, Luna is kind of attractive if you think about it. I mean, she’s not one of those girls that stops traffic or anything, but once you get past the loonyness she’s kind of pretty.”

“I think her loonyness adds to her charm,” Harry said with a smirk.

Ron chuckled. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. She makes me laugh. Unintentionally of course, but I laugh all the same.”

“Plus, you have a thing for blondes,” Harry teased.

Ron snorted. “Please, don’t even put Lavender in the same category as Luna.”

Offended, Harry scowled. “Luna is just as pretty as Lavender.”

Ron’s eyes widened. “No, I didn’t mean it that way. I know she is, I meant that Lavender doesn’t deserve to be in the same category as Luna.”

Curious now, Harry sat on the edge of his bed and studied Ron. “Do you fancy her?”

“What?!” Ron looked completely flabbergasted. “No, of course not. I couldn’t possibly.”

“Why not? You yourself said she was pretty.”

“I know but…I don’t know, I guess I never thought about it.”

Harry watched Ron stare off into space, obviously thinking of it now. “Ron, can I ask you something?”

“Hmm? Oh, sure.”

“I know we’ve never talked about it, but I have to ask. Do you fancy, Hermione?”

Ron cast his gaze to the floor, quiet for a moment. “I don’t know how to answer that, Harry. My relationship with Hermione is messed up. I mean, when I think of her with another guy, I start to get livid. I don’t like it, but when she’s not with anyone and know I have the reins to ask her out….I just can’t go through with it. I don’t know if it’s nerves or fear that she’ll turn me down, but whatever it is I can’t do it. It’s like …”

“You don’t want to be with her, but you don’t want anyone else to have her?”

“Yeah,” he said looking miserable. “I think so. Is that so horrible of me?”

“Well, if Hermione heard you say that she’d probably cut your you know what off.”

Ron winced as he crossed his legs. “Yeah, I know so I’d appreciate it if this stays between us.”

“No problem. I do understand what you mean though. The thought of Hermione with a boyfriend is rather bizarre.”

“I know, I mean…she’s our girl, Harry. I don’t want some git taking up all her time.”

Harry laughed as he stood up. “Well, since we’re about to go off together on a very dangerous mission, I don’t think we have to worry about Hermione falling in love with some git.” He grabbed Ron’s arm and yanked him up. “Let’s go downstairs. I’m starving.”

Well what do you think so far? Like I said, it won’t be too long. But it’s been stuck in my head and I had to write it down. Let me know your thoughts!

~HM

Thanks guys, glad you like it so far! Already updating! Aren’t ya’ll proud!

Chapter 2

It didn’t take long for Harry to figure out why Neville was so nervous around him. Considering he acted the same way with Ginny and Cho, he knew the signs all too well. Harry caught Neville stealing a glance to Ginny at the dinner table way too often to be a coincidence. When Harry caught Neville doing so, he would blush and turn away as he studied the food on his plate.

Neville fancied Ginny and of course, Neville didn’t know how to act around Harry. He couldn’t blame him really, Neville was a good friend and he was sure he wouldn’t want to betray Harry in any way. He didn’t know what to think about Neville and Ginny, but he couldn’t see him ever being jealous of Neville like he was of Dean. He liked him and respected him too much.

Harry wasn’t the only one who figured it out. Hermione of course saw the looks Neville gave Ginny, then stole a glance at Harry, silently asking him how he felt about it. He just gave her a little shrug and a smile, telling her not to worry. He found himself realizing that if he and Ginny weren’t meant to be together, Neville would be the one that deserved her most. Harry had a feeling Neville would worship the ground she walked on and treat her like a queen. He also knew that Neville would never go for it, unless Harry gave his permission so he planned to talk to Neville the first chance he got.

Until then, it wouldn’t hurt to help along the way. When dinner was over, everyone retired to the sitting room for butterbeer to gather around the soon to be husband and wife and toast to their future. Harry gestured to Hermione to join him on the love seat big enough for two, ensuring that Ginny wouldn’t sit next to him. Out of the corner of his eyes, she saw Ginny’s puzzled look, obviously wondering why he wouldn’t want to sit with her. Harry leaned toward Hermione to talk to her, so he wouldn’t have to make eye contact.

“I think Ginny hasn’t gotten over you,” Hermione whispered.

“She will in time.” He then looked over at Neville who was looking unsure where to sit. “Hey Nev, there’s an empty spot on the couch next to Ginny.”

“Huh?” he asked flustered as he turned to Ginny who then smiled softly and patted the seat.

“Yeah, Neville you can sit here,” she said.

“Oh…yeah, okay,” he mumbled and walked over and sat next to Ginny. It was a tight squeeze since Luna and Ron sat on the other end of the couch. “Sorry, am I squishing you?”

She smiled up at him brightly. “Not at all, Neville. Why don’t you put your arm up on the back of the couch behind me. It will give us more room.”

“Er…okay,” he said lifting his arm awkwardly and swinging it over her head and behind. “Is that okay?”

“Perfect.”

Harry waited for the jealously he was scared that would emerge seeing them together, but he was happy when it never showed up. He shared a smile with Hermione, then leaned back against his seat as well, stretching out his legs and putting his arm on the back of the love seat. He sipped on butterbeer and grinned when Hermione murmured, “Nice one, Cupid,” out of the corner of her mouth.

After many toasting and drinking to the happy couple, everyone started to retire up to their rooms. Ron, however, drank far more butterbeer than Harry or any one else for that matter and had to be helped up the stairs. Ron stumbled at the first step, causing Luna to grab her arm and help him on his feet.

“Wash yo step,” Ron warned Harry and Hermione who were behind him. “Very tricky.”

“We’ll try to be careful, Ron,” Hermione said with a giggle. “He’s drunk.”

“Worse than drunk,” Harry muttered and when he tripped as second time, hurried to his other side to help Luna out.

“Where we goin?” Ron asked as they stumbled down the hall. “Oh, to bed? I’m not shleepy.

“Sure your not,” Harry said as he set him down on the bed. “Thanks Luna.”

“Thank you, Lunaaa!” Ron yelled a lot louder than he should as Harry started working on taking off his shoes.

“You okay, Harry?” Hermione asked as her and Ginny tried not to laugh.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m good. All right Ron, sit up. Come on now, I may be your best mate but I’m not taking your trousers off.”

“S’okay, I’ll sleep in my clothes.”

He sighed shaking his head. “If you insist.” He shared an amused look with Neville before getting ready for bed himself. By the time he was dressed and crawling in bed, Neville was already snoring and Ron still laid flat on his back staring at the ceiling. “You haven’t passed out yet?”

“No, was thinking. You know, Luna smells really good. Did you notice?”

“Can’t say I did.” But he sure noticed how good Hermione smelled.

“Weird how girls smell all fruity and flowery. Wonder what Hermione smells like, never noticed.”

“Apricots,” Harry mumbled as he closed his eyes. “She smells like apricots.”

There was silence then the sound of rustling as Ron shifted. “You’ve noticed?”

“Not till a week ago, we were sitting close and I noticed. She says it’s the soap she uses, not perfume.”

“Do you fancy Hermione?”

Harry barked out a laugh. “Ron, you’re drunk.”

“What? ‘S reasonable question.”

Harry sighed. “No, Ron. Of course I don’t, it’s Hermione. Now be quiet and go to sleep. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”

But Ron was already snoring.

XXX

Harry was dressed and ready for the wedding, which started in a half in a hour, when Ron finally emerged from the bathroom freshly showered. “You better hurry, Ron.”

“Harry,” he sighed as he closed his eyes. “I’m right here, there’s no reason to shout!”

Harry decided not to tell him that he wasn’t screaming at all. “Hung over much?”

He winced as he rubbed his temple. “Never consuming that much butterbeer again. Now, go on I’ll be right down.”

Chuckling to himself he headed downstairs, only to be sent back up by Mrs. Weasley to check on the girls. He had his hand on the knob to open it, before realizing it might be a good idea to knock first. “Every on decent?”

“Come in, Harry,” said Luna with a dreamy voice.

Harry walked into the room to see Luna wearing a hot pink dress that would look cheesy on anyone else, however for some reason, Luna pulled it off. She had large matching hoop earrings that dangled from her ear and her long blonde hair was curled around her face and down her back. “You look pretty, Luna.”

“Thanks,” she beamed as she did a dreamy twirl. “Ginny did my hair. She’s in the bathroom with Hermione right now who…”

“Ginny, I don’t need that gook on my eyes!” Hermione’s voice shrilled from the closed door.

“Oh relax, it will bring out the color of your eyes, just hold still!”

Harry lifted his brow. “You would think she was being tortured.”

“Well, turns out that one of Fluer’s bridesmaid owled early this morning saying she can’t make it. Turns out she tried one of those self tanning potions and didn’t follow the directions and put too much toner in. According to her, she looks like a sun-dried tomato and refuses to leave her flat.” Luna turned to the mirror to fluff her hair as she kept talking. “So Fluer comes in here bright and early, begging Hermione to take her place. Ginny’s already one, so out of everyone here Hermione is the one she knows the best.”

“How can anyone breath in this dress!” Hermione yelled from the bathroom.

Harry couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m surprised she agreed to do it.”

“She didn’t right away, but when Fluer started crying, Hermione felt bad.”

He grinned. “Sounds like her.” He then turned to the closed bathroom door. “Ginny, Hermione, you almost ready? I was sent to hurry you up.”

“Harry, help me!”

“Oh, stop whining, Hermione! Harry, we’ll be out in a second. Stay there, I want a guys opinion.”

“Oh, Harry doesn’t care that I look like a clown!”

“You do not, you look pretty, Hermione. Just hold still, I have to reply the lip gloss.”

“You going to model for me, Hermione?” Harry asked with a grin.

“Oh shut up, Harry!” she huffed.

Harry and Luna shared a laugh but when the door opened and Harry looked at Hermione, his laughter died and his smile dropped. Besides the scowl on her face, she looked beautiful. Her bushy hair was now loosely curled and fell free down her back in a waterfall of corkscrew curls. The matching dress she and Ginny had on was the color of the sky and it was strapless leaving their neck and shoulders bare. The bodice was tight from her chest down to her slim waist, before the satin material flowed down to the floor.

“I didn’t put much make up on her,” Ginny said as she studied her as well, not realizing that Harry was staring. “She has a natural beauty about her and all I had to do was a little touch up.” She then turned to Harry. “So what do you think?”

Not knowing what to say, he shoved his hands in the pockets of his trousers and shuffled his feet. “Golly, Hermione. You look…really pretty.”

Pleased Ginny beamed at Hermione. “See? You even got Harry all flustered and he never is flustered around you, or around me for that matter.”

Harry didn’t pay attention to what Ginny said but continued to watch Hermione, who’s scowl fell and then smiled nervously. “You think I look all right, Harry?”

“Y-yeah, of course. I mean, you always look pretty, but…wow. I’m going to stop talking before I start to stammer.”

Hermione laughed and turned to Ginny who was looking at Harry suspiciously. “Thanks Ginny, sorry for being a pain.”

“Hmm? Oh, sure no problem. Why don’t you guys go ahead, I’ve still got to do my make up and I’ll be right down.”

Harry followed Hermione and Luna out of the hall, then asked Luna to go check on Ron. “Make sure he’s still alive, will you?”

Luna smiled brightly. “Sure Harry, no problem.”

Harry turned back to Hermione with a grin. “Ron’s a little hung over.”

“I bet,” she laughed as they started to walk down to the stairs. They didn’t get far when Hermione yelped as she tripped on her heels.

“Woah,” Harry said as his quick reflexes had him reaching out to grab her. The smell of apricots swept over him as he helped her on her feet and silently wondered if he would ever go back to not noticing every time Hermione smelled of apricots. He doubted it.

“These damn heels,” Hermione muttered. “Why we have to wear them when no one can see them is beyond me.”

“Just don’t trip going down the isle,” Harry said as he helped her down the stairs.

“Gee, thanks for the tip,” she said dryly.

Once they were at the bottom of the stairs, he steadied her one last time. “You got it?”

“Yeah, I think I’m getting the hang of it.”

“Listen, I better go get a seat, it’s already getting crowded. Talk to you afterwards.”

“Okay,” she said as she started to nervously look down at herself, obviously uncomfortable.

“Relax, you look fine. Okay?”

She took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. Go on, I’ll be fine.”

“All right. See ya.” Harry rubbed her arms real quick then squeezed her shoulders, hoping to relax her, before finally heading outside to find a seat.

Harry sat next to Neville up near the front and right before the wedding started, he realized with annoyance that the familiar scent of Hermione had stayed with him. It was really getting on his nerves.

Thanks for the great replies! Sorry it took me a little longer to update, but I just moved to a new apartment and just got settled in! Luckily, I wrote a lot of the next chapter between moves, so was able to get it up right away! Enjoy!

Chapter 3

“I’m sure no one saw you,” Harry assured Hermione as they sat together at one of the circular tables in the garden. The wedding was over and the reception began has the backyard was packed with friends and family of the newlyweds.

“You did!” she exclaimed as she rubbed her feet under the table. “And standing up there for so long in these shoes were torture!”

“I only saw you because I was watching you,” he assured her. “Everyone else was watching the bride and groom. At least you didn’t stumble on your way up to the alter when everyone was watching you walk down the isle.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Hermione grabbed her flute of champagne and chugged it, causing Harry to lift a brow. “Are you sure no one noticed?”

“Absolutely. You just stumbled a bit and you covered yourself nicely.”

“Yeah, but that loud snort of laughter from you didn’t help either,” she glared.

He grinned. “Sorry, it slipped.”

She grinned back. “Yeah, I guess I don’t blame you.” Watching him she tilted her head a bit and all of the sudden sadness filled her eyes. “I’ve missed this.”

Concerned, Harry leaned forward in his chair. “What?”

“You. Us, just talking.” She looked away and gave a little shrug. “We didn’t really talk much this past year.”

“No,” Harry said after awhile. “No we didn’t. Last year was kind of crazy.”

“It’s my fault, Harry. I should have listened to you.”

“No, it’s not your fault, Hermione,” he assured her. “You were right just being cautious.”

“But I should have trusted you. I’m sorry, Harry. I promise that when we are on this mission that I will listen to you better and trust you more.”

“I know you will, but let’s not worry about that right now. I want to have a little fun before we leave, we deserve that much at least.” He then turned his head as his eyes searched for someone. “Actually, you can help me out with something.”

“Sure,” she said as she followed his direction to see Neville standing by the buffet table by himself. “What do you want me to do?”

“I’m going to go have a chat with, Neville,” he said standing up then leaned down to her from behind her chair so that his mouth was close to her ear. “Go find Ginny, she’s over there talking to Gabriel. It looks like she wants to be rescued. When I give you the go ahead, you and Ginny join us, okay?”

She tilted her head up, giving him an suspicious look. “What are you up to?”

Her face was so close he could see the gold flex in her eyes. “You’ll see,” he said with a wink then pushed off from her chair and made his way over to Neville. It took a little longer to get to him, since so many people stopped him to say a quick hi or to introduce himself. When he finally got there he picked up a plate and grinned at Neville. “How’s the food?”

“Wha?” Neville looked up dazed. “Oh, hey Harry. It’s okay, mostly French food. The cheese canapés are good.”

Harry took a canapé and sampled a bite. “Mmm, they are good,” he said with a mouthful and added more to his plate. “Enjoying yourself?”

Neville stole a quick glance over at Ginny and then shrugged. “I guess.”

“You look miserable,” he said taking another bite.

“I just don’t know anybody really besides you guys.” Neville looked at his feet. “I don’t know why Ginny bothered to invite me.”

“Probably because she likes you, Neville,” he said putting his plate aside and wiping the crumbs off his hands. “You’re a good friend.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Harry took two glasses of champagne from a passing tray a house elf was carrying and handed one to Neville. “But you want to be more than friends.”

Neville choked on his drink, bending over why Harry slapped him on his back. “Huh?” he croaked as he banged on his chest. “What did you say?”

“I asked if you wanted to be more than friends with Ginny.” Since he wanted to laugh he thought it best to hide his smile by taking a sip. “You fancy her, don’t you?”

Looking horrified he shook his head. “No, I mean…I would never do that to you, Harry, I…”

“I didn’t ask you if you would, I asked you if you fancy her.”

“Well, I…I think she’s really pretty and, and sweet, but…”

“No buts, Neville.” Harry finished off his drink then placed it on the table. “Neville, I want a yes or no, okay? Just be honest with me.”

Neville was starting to sweat and looked like he was seconds from passing out. He swallowed hard before nodding his head. “Yes.”

Harry grinned and patted him on the back once so hard Neville stumbled forward. “Good, glad to hear!”

Neville’s jaw dropped. “Good?” He shook his head in confusion. “But I thought…”

“Ginny and I broke up.”

“I know, that’s what she told me, but…”

“We’re just friends now.”

“Yeah, but isn’t that wrong to ask out an ex-girlfriend of a friend?”

“Not if the friend is okay with it. I’m okay with it.”

Neville still looked unsure. “But…”

“Look Neville,” he said getting serious. “Ginny and I…we’re better off as friends. I don’t regret what we had, she was my first real girlfriend and for that she will always be special to me.”

“Exactly, which is why…”

“Let me finish,” he said holding up a hand. “If we were still dating and someone told me that I had to pick another guy for her, I would pick you. I know you’ll treat her right, Neville. You’re a great guy. Don’t hold back because of me, if you really like her than go for it.”

“Wow,” he said sheepishly. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything.” Harry made eye contact with Hermione and gave her a nod. “Just think about what I said, Neville. I’m leaving soon, with Hermione and Ron and I’d like to know someone is there for her.”

He sighed. “But what if she doesn’t like me that way?”

“Then I gave her way too much credit,” he said patting him on the back. “Don’t worry, just be yourself.”

“I guess, but…oh my god, she’s coming this way. With Hermione.”

“Deep breaths, Neville,” Harry mumbled out of the corner of his mouth then smiled at the girls. “Hey there.”

“Hi guys, what’s going on?” Hermione asked.

“Not much, just guy talk, right Neville?”

Neville gave Ginny a shaky smile. “Yeah…guy talk.”

“Well, Neville it’s only right we has the girls to dance,” Harry said. “Would you girls like to dance?”

Ginny beamed at Harry. “Sure.”

“Excellent.” Before Ginny could even move towards Harry, he grabbed Hermione’s hand. “Neville, I’ll take the pretty brunette, you take the pretty redhead.” Not waiting for an answer or a reaction, Harry pulled Hermione to the small dance floor right in front of the small stage.

“Ginny was expecting you to take her,” Hermione said as they moved through the crowd.

“I know, but she’ll have to realize that the break up was the real deal. I don’t think she expected me to actually stay away.” Once at the dance floor he turned to Hermione. “I should warn you, I haven’t done this since 4^th year.”

Hermione smiled as she let Harry pull her close to him. “Like riding a bicycle.”

“I never learned to ride one of those,” he mumbled as he looked at his feet.

“Like riding a broomstick then,” she said and lifted up his chin. “Don’t stare at our feet, it’s not some formal dance like 4^th year, we don’t have to do the fox trot.”

“Right,” he said as he placed a hand on her back as he held her other hand out to the side of them. “Let’s just sway, it’ll avoid toes being stepped on.”

“Sway is fine,” she said stepping a little closer to him so their fronts were only a whisper away from touching. “It seems your plan is working.”

Hermione jerked her head to the side and he looked over to see Neville dancing with Ginny. Neville looked extremely nervous, apologizing when he stepped on her toes. She just laughed it off and rubbed his back as if to tell him to relax. “Poor Ginny’s feet are going to be numb.”

“He’ll get the hang of it.” She then beamed up at him. “So are you.”

“Yeah?” he asked pleased. “Let’s try something dangerous.” He pulled her out, then twirled her around once on her way back in.

She laughed as she pressed up against him, never breaking their smooth back and forth rhythm. “Wow, smooth Harry.”

He smiled as he tried not to notice how close they were. He couldn’t remember ever being this close to Hermione. Fifth year he remembered when she clung to him after her near escape from Grawp’s hand, or a few months later when half his body covered hers on the forest floor, protecting her from being tramples.

But during those time he was too concerned with the danger around him to notice. Now, however, he noticed plenty. With the heels she wore she was almost eye level with him and everything was touching him from her chest, down to her knees. He was definitely aware of how good it felt and that unnerved him. This was Hermione, he wasn’t suppose to react to Hermione this way.

It was just because he now knew what it was like to hold a girl close. He missed it, that’s all and even though Hermione was his best friend, she was still a girl. A pretty one at that. It was perfectly understandable.

Positive he was okay, he cleared his throat to change the topic. “So, can I ask you a question?” Harry asked as the band played on to another song.

“Sure.”

He already had this discussion with Ron, but now he wanted her side of it. “Do you fancy, Ron?”

Taken back, her brows lifted. “What brought this on?”

“Well, there’s always been some tension between you guys, especially this past year.”

Hermione sighed. “I’m not proud of how I acted. I was extremely jealous.”

“Of Lavender,” Harry said. “Because you wanted to be with Ron.”

“Not exactly,” she said looking up at him. “I was more jealous of the fact that he had someone and I didn’t. I was feeling sorry for myself, because nothing every happened with Krum and I haven’t had anyone fancy me since and… ”

“Woah, woah,” he said suddenly, looking at her in shock. “You and Krum never kissed?”

Hermione blushed as she shook her head. “No, never.”

“But…but, Ginny said you snogged Krum.”

“I would hardly call a kiss on the cheek, ‘snogging’.”

“I had no idea,” he said stunned.

“I just never bothered to correct anyone. So, to answer your question, no. I don’t fancy Ron. I care about him…very much and want the best for him. Lavender, wasn’t the best for him. I’d have gotten upset if you dated that awful witch.”

Harry laughed. “I don’t think you have to worry about that. Lavender is pretty and all but man is she psycho!”

Hermione giggled as she nodded in agreement. “Insane!”

After sharing a quick laugh, Harry said, “So, you’re saying you wouldn’t be jealous if Ron was dating someone better, someone more for Ron?”

“If I saw Ron with someone and it made him happy. Not just the snogging, but really made him truly happy, then I couldn’t be anything but happy for him.”

“All right,” he said with a nod and then turned her around. “What do you think about that then?”

A few feet away from them, Ron was laughing as Luna tried to teach him a weird goofy dance. It didn’t go with the slow music, but neither of them seemed to care. They were holding hands and trying to loop and turn through them, but gave up when they got tangled. Ron then finally yanked Luna playfully against him, then amused everyone around them as they started to tango.

“Oh,” Hermione said as her shoulders slumped under his hands. “Oh, of course. Of course.”

When Harry turned her back around he was shocked to see tears in her eyes. She was jealous of Luna now and he couldn’t help but feel a little jealous as well. He had wanted Hermione to be okay with the idea of Ron and Luna, because he had a feeling that’s where it was heading. “I’m sorry, I wouldn’t have showed you if I knew that it would…”

“No, no,” she said shaking her head as she looked over at them, beaming now. “I’m just so amazed. I never knew and now it’s right in front of me. Just look at them.”

Harry felt his heart lighten as he realized that Hermione was now smiling. She wasn’t crying because she was jealous, but because she was happy. “So, you would be okay with it?”

“Of course I would,” she sniffled and took the handkerchief Harry offered. “I’m a mess, I need to go collect myself.” She then leaned up and kissed Harry on the cheek. “Thank you.”

Because he wanted to rub the spot she kissed, he shoved his hands in his trousers. “I didn’t do anything.”

“Oh, but you did,” she said hugging him now tightly. “You did.”

Before he could even return the hug or say anything, she disappeared into the crowd. Frowning he stared off in the direction she left, completely dumfounded. Sometimes, he didn’t know what was going on in Hermione’s brain and had a feeling he was safer not knowing

What’s this new competition? I’d love to compete, but how do I enter. Do you guys have to nominate or do I enter my own story? I read the rules, but didn’t say anything about that.

As for the replies, thanks so much! Glad you like it! I’ll probably update another time pretty soon! Thanks again!

~HM

Here’s the next chapter! Enjoy!!! And thanks for the great reviews!! I’m having SO much fun writing this one!

Chapter 4

“Hey Harry, want to get in on it?” Fred asked.

Puzzled Harry stepped over to where Fred and George were huddled together. “Get in on what?”

“Fluer is about to throw the bouquet,” George told him. “We have a bet on which girl catches it. Everyone’s pretty much bet on Ginny, since she plays Quidditch and all, the odds are in her favor.”

“Neville put 5 Galleons on her,” Fred said. “I put 10 on Katie Bell. She’d have my hide if I didn’t bet on her. Threatened me. Told me no snogging for a week if I bet against her.”

“I didn’t know you and Katie were dating,” Harry said.

He grinned. “Yeah, we hooked up a couple of times during school, but we’re serious now.”

“Well, put me in for Ten Galleons.”

“On Ginny?”

“No, Hermione.”

Their jaws dropped. “Are you nuts, Harry? I mean no offense, to Hermione, but she can’t catch worth a lick.”

Harry shrugged. “But she’s smart. I have a feeling she’ll figure it out.” He spotted Hermione standing by with the other girls, waiting for the event to begin. “Better go give her a pep talk.”

“Hey, it’s your money, mate,” George said.

Harry walked over to Hermione and pulled her aside. “Hey, I have ten on you, so you better catch it.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The guys are betting on which girl catches the bouquet,” he said with a grin. “I bet on you and if you catch it I’ll split my winnings with you.”

“But I’m no match next to Ginny, she’ll knock me down!”

“So use your brains,” he said giving her a friendly pat on the arm. “Good luck.”

Harry stood by Fred, George, Neville and Ron as they watched the group of girls pushing and shoving to get a good spot, while Fluer held the bouquet. “This is going to be brilliant,” Ron said.

When Fluer finally threw the bouquet, she threw it a little too hard and it sailed right over the swarm of girls and to everyone’s shock, fell right into Ron’s hands. Everyone laughed as Ron stared dumbly at the flowers. “Nice, Ron,” Harry laughed. “I’ll be sure to make it to your wedding. You’ll make a pretty bride.”

“Nice catch, Ron,” Bill said as he took the bouquet away. “But girls only I’m afraid.”

Harry, Neville and the twins were chuckling while Ron pouted and grumbled in annoyance. The second time around, Fluer made it to the sea of girls and the guys were entertained while the bouquet when flying in and out of greedy hands. Harry saw Hermione standing off to the side, not even trying, and was about to yell at her to get in there, but what she did next made his jaw dropped.

She pulled out her wand from the cleavage of her dress then pointed the wand to the bouquet. “Accio bouquet!” The bouquet flung out of the sea of hands and floated right to her.

Harry just grinned and shot up his arms in triumph as Hermione ran up to him beaming. For a split second he had the memory of Ginny running up to him like that, seconds before he first kissed her. It seemed so right to do the same thing, he almost did as he braced for her hug. He came to his senses at the last minute and shifted his mouth away barely avoiding contact as she jumped into his arms. “Nice catch.”

Her feet dangling in the air, she held onto him still gripping the bouquet with one hand. “It just sort of came to me,” she teased.

“And nice place for the wand I might add,” he whispered in her ear with a teasing voice.

She blushed and swatted him on the shoulder. “I had no where else to put it!”

“Well, I think it‘s brilliant,” he said putting her back on her feet. “You just won us the jackpot, Hermione.”

“Hermione, you can’t do that!” Ginny yelled as she stalked up to them. “That’s cheating!”

“Cheating?” she asked puzzled. “Why? Because I used magic?”

“None of the other girls used magic,” she protested.

“Because none of the other girls thought of it,” Harry said defending Hermione. “Ginny, it’s just a stupid bouquet toss.”

“You bet on Hermione!” she shrieked. “Over me!”

Not sure what was going on with Ginny, he decided to answer carefully. “Listen, Ginny it was between you and Hermione, okay? In the end I decided to go with brains instead of brawns. That’s all.”

“But…I was your girlfriend, Harry.”

“Was being the operative word,” Harry said in a hush tone, realizing they were getting looks. “Ginny, I thought I’d made it clear that…”

“Your reason for breaking up with me was stupid, Harry,” she said raising her voice. “I’m not a child.”

“I know you’re not, Ginny,” he said in a exasperated voice. “It’s just that…”

“Harry,” Hermione said gently. “This isn’t the place, why don’t you two…”

“Oh, shut up, Hermione,” Ginny said angrily. “Can’t you once let Harry think on his own without butting in?”

Seeing the hurt in Hermione’s eyes made anger bubble up inside him. “Now wait just a minute,” Harry said pointing a finger at Ginny. “I’ll have you know that Hermione’s frequent ‘butting in’, as you call it, has saved my hide many times. Hermione’s my best friend and I thought she was yours. You had no right speaking to her like that!”

“Harry, it’s okay,” Hermione said calmly.

“No it’s not okay!” he said angrily.

“Fine, I’ll leave you alone with Hermione, since that’s where you obviously want to be!”

Fuming with anger he watched Ginny stalk off into the crowd. He was so tense he jumped when Hermione placed a hand on his arm. “Harry, you need to go talk to her.”

“The bloody hell I do!” he snapped. “She’s acting like the child she claims she’s not.”

“Oh, Harry, don’t you see?” she asked as she stood in front of him so he could look at her properly. “When you broke up with her, your only reason was for her safety. So naturally she thinks that once things are over, you two would go back to being together. You need to go and talk to her, make her realize where you stand.”

Harry frowned and looked over to where Ginny was sitting. Neville was by her, obviously trying to comfort her. “She shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

“I’m sure she didn’t mean it, she was just hurt. The girls you date are going to feel threatened by me, Harry. Even Ginny did, even though she hid it well.”

Harry thought about the times Cho complained about Hermione and knew she was right. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to talk to her, I don’t want us to end like this.”

“If there’s another reason why you two can’t be together, you need to tell her. Your excuse back at the beginning of the summer isn’t good enough anymore.” She then broke off for a second and studied him. “That is unless you want to stay with her.”

Harry sighed as he shook his head. “No, it’s not just because of her safety. Back then it was, but now I know we wouldn’t work.”

“Then you need to explain it to her.” She gave him a little nudge. “Go on, I’ll be around. Find me later.”

“Okay,” he said giving her a grin. “Go track down the twins and collect our winnings.”

She laughed. “I’ll get right on it.”

Harry left Hermione and made his way over to Ginny’s table. “Neville, can I talk to Ginny for a second?”

Neville looked up, then over to Ginny and when she gave him a nod, he got up and walked away. Harry just sat down and waited while Ginny kept crying. “Oh Harry, I’m so sorry,” she finally said as she wiped her tears away. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“You don’t need to apologize to me,” Harry said calmly. “But I’d appreciate if you sent one to Hermione before the night is over.”

“I will,” she nodded as she sniffed back her tears. “It’s just, I’ve always been so jealous of Hermione. You always respected her so much and always asked her opinion on everything. Even when we were dating, I always saw you talking with her and it always looked important. I always wished you would confide in me that way.”

“Ginny,” he sighed. “You were my girlfriend. Hermione’s my best friend. It’s just different is all.”

“But a relationship should be close, Harry,” she said leaning forward in her chair. “It’s not just about the snogging, I wanted what you had…have with Hermione. I felt like all I was to you was a getaway.”

“Well, to be honest Ginny…you were. But in a good way.”

Ginny scowled. “In what way exactly?”

“Last year was kind of crazy, a lot of things were going on. It’s too complicated to go into, Ginny, but it weighed me down.” He placed a hand over hers in a friendly manner. “You were my escape, Ginny. I’m sorry if that makes you feel used, I hope it doesn’t because I will always be grateful for that and to you.”

She sighed as she gave him a shaky smile. “I feel a but coming on.”

He smiled a little. “But.” He squeezed his hand. “I can’t be with you anymore and not just because of your safety. Although it took me awhile, I finally realized that you grew up. You’re a very pretty girl, Ginny, but deep down you’ll always be Ron’s kid sister.”

Ginny sat back in her chair and slipped her hand away. “Ouch.”

“No, listen to me,” he said softly. “I adore you, Ginny. I always will, okay? I don’t want this to end badly, it would kill me if I lost your friendship.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” she said giving him a small smile. “I’ll admit, I’m a bit disappointed, but I understand and I appreciate you being honest.”

“So, friends?” he asked letting out his hand.

She took it. “Friends.”

He grinned. “You know…Neville’s gaga over you.”

She giggled as she searched her eyes for Neville, easily finding him close by. “Yeah, I know.”

“You would be lucky to have him,” Harry said getting up and gesturing to Neville that he was done. “And he would be lucky to have you.” He then turned to Neville and patted him on the shoulder. “She’s all yours,” he said in a soft voice only he could hear before walking off to find Hermione so they could celebrate their winnings.

I can’t say it enough guys! I really appreciate all your reviews! This story is going to be one of my favorites I have written, I’m just having a ball and can’t write fast enough! I’m going to my ranch this weekend, so I’ll probably write some more if I get a chance. I may not, my sister who lives in Houston is coming down with her daughter, my oldest niece. Geez, she’s going to be 10 in December! She’s getting so big. Anyway, I’ll update next week with a long update I hope!! Have a great one!!

Chapter 5

The party was starting to die down by late afternoon. The bride and groom were already sent off, headed for their honeymoon in America. Most of the guests had left, except for a few close friends and family.

Harry was walking through the gardens, talking to a few people along the way when he spotted Hermione at an empty circular table. She looked exhausted leaning back in her chair with her eyes closed and her long curly hair flowing down over the back of the chair. She really did look pretty today, but he found himself looking forward to seeing the Hermione he knew. Comfortable in jeans and a blouse, with her hair out of control. Ginny was right, she didn’t need all the crap girls put on their face, she had a natural beauty to her. He felt something stir inside him as he looked at her, confused on what exactly it was. Best to ignore it, he decided to himself and made his way over.

He pulled the chair out next to her and took a seat. She only had enough energy to peek open one eye, before grunting a hello. “You look miserable,” Harry said with sympathy. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Yes. You can track down the horrible human being that invented high heels and kill him for me. And a food rub couldn’t hurt either.”

Harry laughed. “Well, I don’t think it would be good for my rep to kill someone, but the second thing I can handle.”

Hermione opened her eyes. ‘I was just teasing with you.”

“I know,” he said leaning down and setting her feet on his lap.

“No, I mean about the foot rub, I was serious about the other.”

He just grinned and pulled off her shoes in which she responded by sighing and flexing her feet. “I should tell you,” he said wrapping his warm hands around her left foot. “I’ve never done this before.”

Hermione groaned when he started to knead the ball of her foot. “You mean you never did this with Ginny?”

“Oh no,” he laughed as he continued to rub. ‘I offered once, but she has this thing about feet. She doesn’t like to touch other feet, have other people messing with her feet, or have anybody else’s feet on her.”

“Are you serious?”

He nodded as he moved his pressing thumbs to the arch of her feet. “Yeah, she flipped out if my foot accidentally touched her.”

“Well, she missed out.” She sighed as she closed her eyes again. “This is wonderful.”

Harry moved to her other foot. “So I’m doing okay?”

“Bloody fantastic,” she mumbled.

“You going to fall asleep on me?”

“Maybe.”

“Hey guys.” Ron sat on the other side of Hermione. “What’s up?”

“Harry’s giving me a foot rub and I’m in heaven.”

Ron lifted his brows at Harry. “A foot rub?”

“Er…yeah.” Harry picked up one of her shoe’s and showed it to him. “Her feet were hurting from wearing these all day, so I took pity on her.”

Ron winced. “How do you girls walk on those things?”

“With talent,” she said, hissing out a breath when Harry hit a sore spot.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just really tender at the balls of my feet.”

Harry pressed both thumbs against both feet and pressed hard. “Right here?”

“Yeah, that feels good.”

So Harry continued to do what he was doing and turned his attention to Ron. “Anyway, this is good practice,” he said hoping to lighten the situation and get rid of the suspicious look on Ron’s face. “Maybe my next girlfriend won’t have a feet phobia.”

Ron stared at him for a second before busting out laughing. “Oh, Ginny can’t stand it! My brothers and I would tease her constantly.”

All three shared a laugh and for awhile it was silent. Harry kept rubbing Hermione’s feet, while Ron started to people watch around him. It wasn’t for awhile before Harry finally spoke. “Now that we’re all here we really need to talk about when we leave. I was thinking we’d take tomorrow to prepare ourselves, say goodbye to those we need to.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” Hermione agreed. “Take a day to relax and focus on what’s ahead.”

“What do you think, Ron?”

“It’s fine with me. At first I thought I’d write Mum a letter, I don’t think I can take watching her face when I tell her I’m leaving.” Hermione placed her hand over his and he gave her a grateful smile. “But I know it wouldn’t be fair to her if I did that.”

“She’ll be upset,” Harry said. “Both of your parents. Maybe you two should stay here and…”

“No,” they both stated firmly.

“Harry, we’re going with you,” Hermione insisted. “We started this with you and we’re going to end it with you.”

He was so touched with her words, he couldn’t seem to find a voice, so he simply nodded. She smiled back and then turned to Ron. “Are you going to talk to Luna?”

“Luna?” he asked surprised and looking extremely nervous. “Why would I need to do that? I mean she’s only a friend of Ginny’s, it’s not like she and I are…I mean…we’re not…er…there’s no reason to tell her.”

Harry and Hermione shared a smirk, before Hermione spoke. “Ron, it’s obvious that you like her.”

Uncomfortable, Ron shrugged. “Whether I like her or not, nothing can happen,” he said shaking his head. “Last time I got in a relationship I lost you as a friend and we all suffered. I can’t do that again.”

“Oh, Ron,” she said as her eyes filled. “With Luna, it’s different. I just want you to be happy.”

“Oh no, she’s leaking again,” Harry complained when he saw the tears.

“Oh hush,” she cried as she kicked him.

“Woah,” Harry said catching her foot before it made contact with a particular sensitive area. “Watch it there, Hermione.”

“Hermione, do you mean that?” Ron asked. “Because I’ve noticed something between Luna and I, but if it bugged you I would never…”

“I know, Ron, but it’s different,” she sniffed as she wiped the last of her tears. “Seeing you two dancing…it was so sweet.”

Embarrassed now, he blushed. ‘We were just fooling around.”

“Oh god, please go and find her before I cry again!”

He smiled and then stood up and hugged her from behind. “You’ll always be my number one girl, Hermy.” He then kissed her on the cheek, winked at Harry, then sauntered off.

When they were alone, Harry scooted his chair closer to Hermione, allowing her legs to now drape over his lap. He put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it once, before moving his hand to her back. It was under all her hair and her upper back was exposed, giving him a nice combination of soft hair and warm skin. “You okay?” he finally asked as he rubbed her back soothingly. Merlin, her skin was smooth. He had no clue, he never touched her skin to skin before.

She sighed as she placed her head on his shoulder. “Merlin knows why, but I do love that idiot.”

“I know you do,” Harry laughed as he slipped his arm around her shoulders and felt her shiver. “Cold?”

“N-No, I’m fine,” she said shakily, then after a moment lifted her head and pulled away. “I better go change and head out.”

As he pulled away, Harry’s hand lingered on her back as long as possible. “Where are you going?”

Hermione flung her legs off his lap and Harry stood up to pull out her seat. Hermione picked up her shoes and let them dangle at her fingertips. “I have to go see my parents,” she finally said. “I have a lot of explaining to do. Over the years I only told them little of what happened, I didn’t want them to worry. It’s only right that they get the whole truth.”

The thought of Hermione leaving, even only for awhile, made him miserable. “Will you stay the night?”

“Probably not, but it’ll be late when I get back.”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

She smiled. “No, I need to talk to them on my own. But thanks for asking.”

“I’ll wait up for you,” he said shoving his hands in his pockets since he had a great desire to touch her.

“Oh, no Harry, you don’t have to…”

“I’ll wait up for you,” he repeated this time more firmly.

She stared at him for a second, before finally giving him a little smile. All right. I’ll see you when I get back.”

“Okay.”

“Thanks again for the foot rub. Your next girlfriend is in for a treat.”

He grinned. “Thanks for letting me practice.”

“Feel free to practice on me anytime.”

When he realized she was leaning up to kiss him on the cheek, without thinking he shifted slightly so that her lips met with the corner of his mouth. She blushed as she pulled back, then gave him a quick smile before walking off to the Burrow.

He stood there unmoving, watching her until she disappeared inside. He had a feeling that something unusual was going on between himself and Hermione. Whatever it was, it was a strange and unfamiliar feeling, something he never experienced before. Not with Ron, not with Sirius, not even with Ginny. He swallowed the huge lump that formed in his throat. He was terrified.

Okay, I’m going to apologize in advance if I have some mistakes, I was in a hurry and I have to be somewhere like…NOW. But I wanted to post this up before I leave. So hopefully there’s nothing too bad mistake wise. Hope you enjoy!!

As promised, Harry waited for Hermione to return to the Burrow. He resided at the kitchen table, looking over notes, researching information about the Horcruxes and how to destroy them. Ron had stayed up for awhile to help, but mostly to just talk about his time with Luna.

“After we changed clothes from the wedding, I took her to the pond we use to swim in. We sat by it and talked for a long time.”

“What did you two talk about?” Harry asked never taking his eyes away from the book he was currently reading.

“You know, stuff. She told me about her childhood and about her mum. What she remembers of her anyway.”

“She’s lucky to have at least one memory,” Harry said.

“She knows that. We talked about you and how you lost your parents. It makes her realize how lucky she was to still have her dad.”

“Yeah, she is,” he said smiling softly. “You really like her, huh?”

“Yeah, I do,” he said laughing at the situation. “Never would have guessed that I’d fall for Looney Luna.”

He chuckled. “I think you two are very compatible.”

Ron narrowed his eyes. “Since Luna is included in that, I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” he said with a grin.

“You know that bottle cap necklace she always wears?” he asked after a moment.

“Of course. She was wearing it on the day I first met her, she always wears it.”

“I found it so odd at first, but then she told me her mum made it for her when she was a girl.”

Harry looked up from his notes then. “Really?”

He nodded. “Yeah, says its her good luck charm, hardly ever takes it off.”

“That makes sense then and not at all weird that she would wear that. That’s cool.”

“When I told her about what the three of us were doing, she gave it to me.”

His brows lifted. “Gave it to you?”

“Yeah, she wants me to wear it….for luck.”

“Wow,” he said moved and a little envious that Ron found someone special like that. “What did you say?”

“No one’s ever given me anything like that before. She looked so ridiculously cute giving it to me, I didn’t know what to say.” He then grinned and gave him a wink. “So I kissed her.”

“Nice one,” he grinned. “How was it?”

“Bloody fantastic,” he said standing up. “In fact, I think I might go up and sneak a few more.”

“Ron, it’s close to midnight,” he laughed.

“Hey, it’s her fault, she shouldn’t have turned out to be such a good snog.”

Harry was still chuckling after he left. The image of Ron sneaking into Luna’s bed while his little sister was sleeping in the next would make anyone laugh. He was happy for him though. Luna seemed like a great girl and it was a huge step up from dating Lavender.

The minutes passed and soon it was close to one and still no Hermione. Crookshanks joined him by jumping on his lap and making himself comfortable. “You waiting, too, huh?” he asked as he scratched behind his ears. “She should be back soon.”

Yawning, Harry sat back in his chair and gave up on anymore reading, the words were starting to get blurry. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes as he lazily stroke Crookshanks while he happily purred in appreciation.

Next thing he knew a loud crack from outside had him jumping in his seat. Crookshanks leaped off his lap and hid under the table, looking very annoyed. Harry got as far as standing up when Hermione walked through the backdoor. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and could tell she was close to having another good cry as her eyes shimmered. Her hair was halfway to where it normally is, giving a half curly half bushy look and what little make up she had on, was now gone. She looked as if she would collapse at any second. “Hermione.”

All it took was saying her name and she covered her face with her hands and crumbled. Harry went to her immediately, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her against him. She buried her face in his neck and circled her small arms around his neck as she continued to cry. Harry didn’t know what else to do, so he continued to hold her and stroke her hair like he saw Ron do on the day of Dumbledore’s funeral.

“I..I’m sorry, Harry,” she sobbed, her voice muffled against his neck.

“Shh, it’s okay. Just let it out, Hermione.” He moved one hand to her back, rubbing and patting it, hoping to calm her. “Just have yourself a good cry.”

So she did as she was told and cried her eyes out. Harry hadn’t held a girl while she cried since Cho and that was awkward and embarrassing With Hermione it simply broke his heart and he head never seen Hermione crumble this way. With Cho, he was eyeing the door, desperate to escape, but with Hermione he would hold her as long as she wanted him to.

He held her tighter and turned slightly to rest his cheek on top of her head. That’s when he saw Ginny standing by the doorway with a look of shock and concern. He saw her hesitate, deciding if she should join them, but Harry gave her a stern look. She froze and he hastily shooed a hand, telling her to leave them be. She lingered a moment, just staring at them both, before turning and quietly leaving the room.

Hermione finally started to regain her composure, hiccupping softly as she leaned back a bit to wipe her eyes. “Here, let’s sit down, Hermione,” he said leading her to one of the chairs.

She sat down and he pulled another chair in front of her, holding one of her hands, while the other brushed away the lasts of her tears. “Do you want to talk about it?”

She let a deep shaky breath in and out. “I told them everything, Harry. All our adventures. From you and Ron saving me from the troll, up to last year.”

“That must have been a shock for them,” he mumbled now holding both her hands. “They must hate me.”

Her eyes widened, looking horrified. “Oh, no Harry!” she said shaking her head. “They’re grateful to you. If it wasn’t for you, that troll would have killed me first year.”

“Ron was there, too,” he said modestly.

She smiled softly. “But you were the one who remembered, no, don’t try to stick up for Ron, I know you were the one that thought of me. Ron tagged along only because you remembered I was oblivious to the troll.”

“Hermione…”

“They understand why I have to go with you,” she said. “After I told them everything. About the Sorcerer’s Stone and how you faced Voldemort. About the muggle born attacks second year and how you saved everyone, including me…”

“But without your help I…”

“Hush. I told him now we went back in time, that was hard for them to believe.”

Harry laughed, smiling at the memory of them riding Buckbeak. “Another adventure I couldn’t do without you.”

“Which is why my parents understand I have to go with you. My mum called us a team.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “We’re a great team, you and I.”

“And with Ron added to the mix, we’re unstoppable.” They shared a smile before she continued. “Although they understand, it was still so hard leaving them. When I was hugging them goodbye, I couldn’t help but think that this might be the last time I see them.”

“No, Hermione,” he said firmly as he leaned towards her urgently. “I don’t want you thinking that. You will survived. I promise.”

“Harry, you can’t promise something like that, we both don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“But Hermione…”

“I’m not coming back without you, Harry,” she said softly. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”

His heart plummeted. “Yes, and I can’t let you do that.”

“You don’t have a choice.”

“The bloody hell I don’t,” he said pushing to his feet and yanked her to hers.

“Harry, what are you…”

He grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “I won’t let you, Hermione. If I have to take Voldemort down with me, you have to come back, you have to survive.”

“But I can’t bare the thought of living without you, Harry!” she cried.

“You’re going to have to try.” He shook her once. “You have to, because if not, sacrificing myself would bean nothing. Everything I fought for would mean nothing.”

“That’s not fair, I…”

“It’s what I want, Hermione. I want you to come back, live the rest of your life. Marry someone that worships the ground you walk on, have babies…lots of babies. You’ll be a terrific Mum someday.”

“Oh, Harry, please don’t,” she cried, tears welling up again.

He didn’t listen. “And of course you’ll have to name your first son after me.”

“Harry, this isn’t funny.”

“Whose joking? I’m serious!”

Hermione looked at him while he brushed back her bushy hair way from her face. “What if I have all girls.”

“Well, then…I guess you’ll have to name one Harriet.”

She laughed softy and circled her arms around his waist and hugged him close. “Harriet, huh?”

He smiled, wrapping his arms around her. A part of him couldn’t help but notice how right it felt. “You bet.” He playfully tugged at her hair. “She’ll have your hair.”

“I already feel sorry for her then,” she chuckled. “She’ll be better off having her dad’s hair.”

Hearing this made him rave with jealously for someone that hadn’t walked into their lives yet. “So…you promise?”

She lifted her head up to look at him. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“That you promise you’ll do everything to come back to me. And to Ron.”

He sighed as he stepped back, running his hands down her arms until their fingers linked. “I promise.”

She smiled brightly and Harry thought she never looked prettier when she smiled. “Why don’t we head up to bed, it’s getting late.”

“Yeah, all this crying has made me exhausted.”

Still holding hands, Harry led her up the stairs. “Oh, before you head to bed, you might want to check and see if Ron’s in there.”

“Ron?” she asked as they stopped in front of her room.

“Yeah, an hour agon Ron was off to steal a few more kisses with Luna.”

She giggled. “Really? Well let’s see then.” She opened the door slowly and Harry peaked in above her head to see Luna sleeping peacefully, so they closed the door and Hermione smiled. “Looks like Luna finally kicked him out.”

Seeing her smile again made him blurt out, “I can’t believe no one has kissed you before.”

Her brows lifted. “Huh?”

“Sorry, I…that just sort of came out of no where.” He gave her a wobbly smile. ‘I just…I don’t know how you got this far without kissing someone.”

“Well,” she pondered. “I guess non one’s wanted to, I mean come on, I’m not exactly popular like Ginny or pretty like Lavender.”

“I think your pretty and I’m sure I’m not the only guy that thinks that.”

She shrugged. “Well, let’s hope we get through this so I can kiss someone. Dying before I get my first kiss is rather depressing, don’t you think?”

She was teasing, but he didn’t find it humorous. She deserved a first kiss, everyone did. So what he did next was something that shocked the both of them. He pulled her close, tilted her chin up with his hand and pressed his lips firmly against hers.

He watched her eyes grow wide through his lashes, then was pleased when she fluttered them close. She relaxed against him, letting out a deep breath through her nose as she slowly placed a hand upon his cheek. It only lasted a few moments and Harry pulled back slowly, while his heart hammered loudly.

Staggering slightly, her eyes finally opened, looking dazed with her mouth partly open. “Just in case,” Harry said, trying his best to sound casual.

“What” she asked obviously confused. “Oh. Okay.”

“Good night, Hermione.”

“Er…good night.” She turned to the door and Harry winced when she ran into it. Swallowing a chuckle he opened it for her. “Might help to open it.”

“Right,” she said stumbling in. “Well, good night.”

When the door closed, Harry blew out a breath, ignoring the flutter in his stomach. He just kissed Hermione. Why in the world did he do that?

Now, here he was almost five months later wondering the same thing as he watched her sleep. Why did he kiss her that night? He convinced himself he was just trying to be a friend and nothing more. The kiss was purely platonic and the two of them never really discussed it so he didn’t really know how she felt about it. He knew now though it was something he couldn’t ignore, he had to talk to Hermione about it as soon as he could.

Before he could process his next thought, he jumped slightly when Hermione darted up into a sitting position. She was glaring at Ron who was still snoring rather loudly, then watched in amusement as she took out his wand and pointed it at him.

“Silencio!”

Ron’s deep breathing continued, but the loud snores were gone. “Huh,” Harry pondered. “In all of my years at Hogwarts, I never thought of using that.”

Hermione huffed out a breath as she pushed back her unruly hair. “Well, it’s considered rude to do so, but I just couldn’t take it any longer.”

Harry grinned and found her absolutely adorable. “Hey, Hermione?”

“Hmm?” she asked yawning.

“Now that your up, why don’t you come and sit next to me. We need to talk.”

“Okay, but…my watch is coming up, aren’t you tired?”

Harry took in her apricot scent as she sat next to him against the wall of the cave and his stomach danced. Sleep was the last thing on his mind. “No…I’m not tired at all.”

Cliffhanger! I know, don’t shoot me! I won’t take too long with the next chapter I hope!

I am so sorry it took so long, this past week has been nuts. A lot of my family was in town this week so I had something going on every night! So today was the first time I had a chance to really write. I hope the wait was worth it!!

Chapter 7

“What do you want to talk about?” Hermione asked as she pulled the blanket over both of them. Even with the fire roaring, it was still a drafty cave.

“Well, lots of stuff I guess,” he said trying to remain calm when Hermione snuggled closer to him.

“Okay, starting with what?”

“Well, I don’t really know where to start. Um, I know we haven’t really discussed it yet, about…you know…what happened the night you came back from talking to your parents?”

He felt her stiffen. “Oh. Right. We did never talk about it.”

Harry looked at her as she stared into the fire. “Yeah, well…I’ve been thinking about it I guess.”

She looked up and their eyes met. “Why?”

He could see the reflection of the flames in her eyes. “I don’t know. From the moment you closed the door that night I’ve been wondering why I kissed you. Trying to figure it out.”

“I see.” She broke their eye contact and went back at staring at the fire. “And what have you figured out?”

“I’m still trying to figure it out,” he said, wishing she would look at him again. “Maybe you can help me out?”

As he hoped, her eyes flickered back. “Since you never brought it up until now, I assumed you did it out of pity. You felt sorry for me.”

His eyes widened and turned abruptly towards her. “What? You thought….no, god no.” He turned her face back with his hand when she was about to look away. “I didn’t kiss you out of pity, Hermione. I promise you that.”

Hermione reached up to take the hand that cupped her chin. “Then why did you?”

He blew out a breath as he unconsciously linked his fingers with hers. “Because at the time it seemed the right thing to do. And maybe a part of me…a selfish part…liked the idea of being your first kiss.”

Hermione blushed as she shyly avoided eye contact. “Oh.”

He smiled a little. “Is that okay?”

She matched his smile and then nodded. “Yeah.”

“I’m not sorry I did it, but I am sorry if I caused you any embarrassment.”

She shook her head. “I wasn’t embarrassed.”

“Hermione.” He took both her hands and looked into her eyes. “You ran into the door.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Had to bring that up?”

He chuckled. “Sorry. Not one of your finest moments.”

“No,” she said laughing at the dreadful memory of running straight into the door. “It was your fault, the kiss left me dizzy and my brain was completely incapable of working.”

Hearing that pleased him immensely. “Wow, thanks.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I didn’t really mean it as a compliment.”

“I took it as one anyway,” he said smiling.

She rolled her eyes. “Let’s move on shall we? You want my opinion on why you kissed me?”

“No, I think I know why I did,” he said as everything started to become clear. “But to be sure I need to ask you a favor.”

“Okay,” she said softly. “What?”

He swallowed the hard lump in his throat. “I need you to let me kiss you again.”

She let out a little gasp as her mouth opened slightly. “You want to kiss me again?”

“Yes,” he breathed, almost groaning. He wanted to kiss her so bad he couldn’t breath.

Hermione all of the sudden looked very nervous, like she usually did before a big test. It made him smile inside. “And if you kiss me again, what do you hope to prove?”

“Whether or not I…” He had to stop and find his voice, but when he did it barely came out. “Have feelings for you.”

“And what if I don’t have feelings for you?”

The thought made his stomach turn unpleasantly. “Then I’d ask if I can kiss you anyway. If have feelings for you and you don’t have feelings for me, it’s best I figure that out now so I can get over it.”

The corner of her mouth lifted. “Seems logical.”

“Er…do you not?” he asked and cleared his throat. “Have feelings for me, I mean.”

“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “We’re in the same boat I guess.”

Relief swept over him and let out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “So…you’ll let me kiss you?”

She smiled. “Yes, Harry. You can kiss me.”

Thank Merlin. He gave her a wobbly smile as he started to pull her close. He reached up to cup her face delicately in his hand and they both gravitated to one another. Their lips were inches away when Hermione tensed up and backed away. “What’s the matter?”

“Er…maybe it’s not a good idea to do this in front of Ron,” she said looking over at Ron who was still silently snoring.

As frustrated and anxious he was to kiss her, he knew that if Ron woke up and saw them snogging, it wouldn’t go well. He stood up and brought Hermione to her feet and grabbed her hand. “Come on,” he said taking her a little farther into the cave out of site. He stopped and stuck his head past the cave wall that hid them to check and see if Ron was still sleeping. He was still snoring away and so he turned at Hermione who’s face was now just a dark shadow. “How’s this?”

“I can’t see you very well,” she said reaching out to him.

“Well here,” he said taking out his wand. “Lumos.” The tip of his wand glowed giving them a nice circle of light. He then balanced his wand vertically on his palm lifting it up above them before moving his hand away. The wand still floated about their hands magically. “How’s that?”

“Neat trick,” she said grinning since she was the one who taught it to him a few months ago.

“I had a pretty good teacher,” he said taking a step closer to her. Not wasting anymore time he cupped her face once more and slowly their faces drew closer until their lips met in a soft kiss. He felt his stomach jump a bit and a twinge in his heart as he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her against him. He hadn’t been this close to her since the day they danced at the wedding and he almost forgot how wonderful she felt. He lingered a second more, before finally pulling back only a few inches so their lips were still a breath apart. “Did you feel anything?” he breathed.

“Maybe,” she murmured nuzzling her lips with his. “You?”

Since she was toying with him, he took the pleasure of nipping at her bottom lip. “Maybe.”

She shuddered. “We better try again then,” she said leaning up to him.

“Definitely,” he agreed and kissed her again, still keeping the kiss gentle as their lips met again and again. They were short and sweet, as if they were taking samples of appetizers before the main course. “Okay.” He moaned against her lips and felt all his blood drain to his toes. “I can honestly say that I’m definitely feeling something.”

“Me too,” she moaned and then shoved him until he stumbled back into the hard rock wall.

“Hermione!” he laughed with wide eyes and the memory of a her doing a very similar action a few years back when she shoved him in a broom closet flashed through his mind. He couldn’t say anything else, her lips pressing urgently against his prevented him from doing so. Once he got over the shock of a very aggressive Hermione he retaliated by gripping his fingers in her hair and kissed her back desperately.

When she opened her mouth slightly, he used the advantage and slid his tongue into her mouth, tasting her for the first time. She tasted just as sweet as her scent and a hunger for more exploded inside him, so he took his fill. He poured everything he was feeling into the kiss, feelings he didn’t really know or recognize, but he knew that if she stopped kissing him he would surly die.

With their lips still locked, he rolled until he was the one pressing her against the wall with his body. They never broke rhythm, but they did turn the kiss up a notch both plunging deeper as their hands groped and possessed. “Hermione,” he gasped tearing his lips away to give them both a chance to breath. He trailed his lips down her jaw, running open mouth kisses along the column of her neck as he felt her grip and tug at his hair.

“Harry,” she gasped as she arched against him while he moved his aggressive mouth across her chest then up to the other side of her neck. “Kiss me again…please.”

More than happy to oblige, his mouth found hers once more and before he could even process what he was doing, he hiked her up against the wall. Her legs wrapped possessively around his waist, squeezing him closer to her, and a jolt of pleasure erupted through him and Hermione. They both gasped as they pulled apart, staring at each other while the caught their breaths.

What were they doing? A kiss that was suppose to be short and sweet turned into a crazy mind blowing snogfest that made them completely loose their heads. He was about to go further with Hermione than any girl, even with Ginny. Ginny wanted to take that next step and a part of him wanted to as well, but something was always holding him back. Now though, nothing was holding him back, because he wanted nothing more than to keep going until….

He shuddered at the thought of being that way with Hermione. As much as he wanted her, this wasn’t the time. He set her down on her feet and leaned into her, pressing his forehead against hers. “Guess we got a little carried away.”

She smiled as she cupped his face with her hands. “A little.” He kissed him softly. “I didn’t mind though.”

He shut his eyes and buried his face in her neck, holding her tight. “Me either.” He kissed her neck. Once, twice, then a third time and felt Hermione tremble and whisper his name. “I wish we weren’t in a cave with our best friend snoring a few feet away.”

“Oh Harry, me too,” she sighed as she met his lips with hers, kissing him slowly and deeply. They lingered as long as possible, neither of them knowing when the last time they were going to be together. When he pulled away he always had the intention of stopping, but he would always go back for one more. It was never enough.

“We better go back,” she whispered. “Ron should be waking up soon and you need some sleep.”

Sleep was still the last thing on his mind, but he knew she was right. He would be no good to anyone if he didn’t get a little bit of shuteye. “Okay, but I don’t know if I can fall asleep knowing you are right there, but I can’t touch you. I want to be with you.”

She smiled softly and took his hand. “Come here,” she said as she led him back out to where Ron was sleeping. She sat down against the wall and grabbed her pillow, placing it against her thigh. “Lie your head here.”

He grinned as he sat down next to her, then stretched his legs out before placing his head on her pillow. He could smell her scent on the pillow and he took a deep calming breath as he closed his eyes. He then felt her fingers run through his hair and felt himself start to relax. “That feels great.”

“Try and sleep, Harry,” she whispered as she kept strumming her fingers through his hair.

The light scent of apricots and Hermione’s soft touch was better than Hermione’s sleeping draught. He had no problem falling right to sleep.

Later, he woke up briefly without opening his eyes, but he sensed Hermione sleeping closely next to him and he reached blindly for her. She mumbled his name and he felt her back snuggle up against him as his arm embraced her and held her tight. He went back to sleep immediately, never realizing that Ron had been up and witnessed the whole thing.

I’m so sorry it took so long and I’m going to let you know right now, that this chapter isn’t very long. But I wanted to get it out there because I felt so bad for taking so long! Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 8

Harry woke up smiling even before he opened his eyes. The crazy events that occurred during the night swept through his mind in quick flashes. Hermione pushing him against the stone wall, his mouth attacking hers, hands groping and bodies rubbing. His grin widened and he pulled her closer.

“Sleep well, mate?”

Harry’s eyes flew open and looked over to see Ron staring at him on the other side of the fire. Ron had a blank look on his face as he studied him, than Harry looked down to see that he was wrapped around Hermione. “Er…” He rolled onto his back, but froze when Hermione turned with him, mumbling in her sleep and snuggled closer.

Ron lifted a brow as Harry propped himself up against the cave wall, but trying not to wake Hermione in the process. By the time he was situated, Hermione was still asleep but her head was now in his lap.

“Something you want to share, Harry?” he asked and Harry thought he caught a look of amusement in his eyes.

“Er…we were just…what I mean is…”

“Harry,” he said as the corner of his mouth tilted up. “You woke up grinning like a fool. Either you were having a wet dream or something happened between you and Hermione.”

He could lie. Just say he had some dream about a mystery woman and mistook her for Hermione, but he knew he couldn’t. It would only make matters worse. “Ron,” he said not even knowing he began to strum his fingers through Hermione’s hair. “Since the summer, I’ve noticed…things between the two of us.”

Ron gave a quick glance to Harry’s stroking hand. “Since the summer? This has been going on since the summer?”

“No, not at all, I just started noticing little things since then, I…we finally talked about it last night while you slept.”

“I see. Did you kiss her?”

Boy did I ever! “Yeah, I kissed her,” he said looking down at her for a moment. “Ron, I hope this doesn’t bug you, both of us value as a friend.”

Ron was silent for a second staring at the fire. “Is it just snogging between you?” he finally asked.

Harry thought he felt Hermione tense in her sleep, but the question distracted him. Of course not,” he said narrowing his eyes. “You think I’d risk my friendship with her for a quick snog?”

“No,” he answered truthfully. “But being her friend I had to ask anyway.”

Harry relaxed again letting out a sigh. “So, are you okay with it?”

Ron studied him a second as he crossed his arms. “What if I’m not?”

“Then that would suck,” he said as he let out a sigh. “Because I would lose a best friend.”

“Meaning me or Hermione?”

“You,” he said without any hesitation.

Ron stared at him for a awhile, as if he was trying to look through him to see if he meant what he said. “Good answer,” he finally said with a grin. “As long as you two are happy, then I’m okay with it.”

Harry let out the breath he didn‘t know he was holding. “I’m glad.”

Ron looked at Hermione sleeping and chuckled. “Funny, how things don’t turn out the way you plan it.”

Harry grinned when he thought of the girls he wanted. Cho and Ginny were a distraction to see what was so clearly in front of him the whole time. “I never thought I’d be with Hermione this way.” Harry smiled down at her, brushing strands of hair out of her face. “Now I can’t think of her any other way.”

“I always thought I felt that way about her,” Ron said. “I always assumed one day Hermione and I would get together, but instead I fall for Luna.”

“Thank Merlin for that,” he grinned.

“So can I ask you something?” Ron asked. “Is Hermione a good kisser?”

This time Harry was positive he felt Hermione tense. “Oh, I don’t know. I guess she’s all right.”

Hermione gasped as she shot up. “Harry Potter!”

“Oh, why good morning, Hermione,” he said with a grin. “I didn’t realize you were awake.”

“Oh, you little sneak!” she hissed slapping him on the arm.

“Me?” he laughed as he grabbed her and yanked her on his lap. “You were the one that was pretending to sleep while you eavesdropped.”

“He does have a point.”

“You stay out of this, Ronald Weasley,” she warned.

He grinned as he held up his hands in surrender. “Yes, mam.”

She glared back at Harry. “Now you better rethink your answer Harry, or I…”

Whatever she was going to say was muffled against his lips. He kissed her long and hard and left them both breathless. “That answer better?”

She blushed. “Much better,” she said leaning into another kiss.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Ron said firmly “Just because I’m okay with you two doesn’t mean I need to see you two sucking face.”

“Ron!” Hermione shrieked as she pulled away.

“Well, it’s not fair, my girlfriend is off at Hogwarts.”

“Sorry,” Harry said slipping his arms around her waist as she snuggled back against his chest. “We’ll try to keep it to a minimum.”

“Appreciate it,” Ron muttered but couldn’t help but smile slightly at the two of them. “You two are pretty darn cute, I have to admit.”

Harry beamed at him then looked at Hermione to see her beaming at me. “Sorry Ron,” he said as he leaned down and kissed her firmly, yet softly on the mouth.

“Okay, sorry I brought it up,” he said as they pulled away. “Anyway, now that we’re up, what’s the plan for today, Harry?”

He sighed as he collapsed against the wall. He hated having to get back to reality, he wished they could have a few more hours of normalcy before they headed off. “I guess we should head to the safety cabin and meet up with Tonks and Lupin. They need to know that all the Horcruxes have been destroyed. We’ll do what we normally do and apparrate a safe distance from the cabin and walk on foot.”

“I’m starved,” Ron said as he stood up and douched the fire. “Hopefully Tonks will have made some breakfast. She’s getting better at it don’t you think? A lot of improvement from the first meal.” He touched his eyebrows warily. “Have they grown back yet?”

Harry chuckled at the remembrance of Tonk’s dinner exploding and taking out Ron’s eyebrows in the process. “They look fine, Ron,” he said giving Hermione a nudge so he could get up on his feet, then helped her up. “Let’s gather up our belongings and head out.”

Harry had a feeling that the next couple of days were not going to be easy. His scar was tingling, something it had been doing all throughout the trip. But the sensation was getting stronger, which meant that the final battle was approaching and approaching fast.

XXXXX

A/N: AGAIN..I KNOW it was a short one, so you DO NOT need to inform me of that in the reviews, okay? I promise the next one will be longer and hopefully sooner!

Hey guys! Here’s the next chapter! A little longer then the last. Sorry it took so long, but I’ve been out of town for the last two weekends. Enjoy!

Chapter 9

“How are you holding up, Hermione?” Harry asked as he lead Ron and Hermione through the dense woods.

“I’m all right,” she huffed as she stayed close behind him.

“Oh, I’m fine, luv,” Ron panted as he brought up the rear. “Thanks for asking.”

Harry grinned as he pushed a branch aside. “Good to know, sweetheart.”

“Ha. Ha. Ow! Jeez, Hermione careful with the branches! That’s the fourth time you let one slap in my face.”

“Sorry Ron,” she said with no feeling. “Keeps slipping.”

“Yeah, right. How much farther?”

“Nearly there,” Harry said. “And stop whining.”

“I don’t whine.”

“Ha!” Hermione laughed. “Yeah right, and by the way, I don’t have bushy hair and I’m a complete slob.”

Harry laughed. “Good one. Ah, here we are.”

The trio stopped at a dead end where hundreds of trees and bushes blocked their path. An average hiker would see that they were stuck and turn around to find another route. Harry then pulled out his wand and tapped four different tree trunks in the proper order. They stepped back as the trees and bushes began to shake, before they shifted and scattered around without hitting them, until they were safely in the middle of a circle of trees. Nestled against the woods was a tiny cabin made of glass and wood.

“Smoke is coming out of the chimney,” Ron pointed out. “Tonks and Lupin must be here.”

The three of them trudged up the rotten wooden steps that if not protected by magic, would have surely collapsed. As soon as they opened the door and stepped inside, Harry’s stomach growled and mouth watered. “I smell coffee and toast,” Harry sighed.

“I smell bacon,” Ron sniffed.

“Harry?” Tonks appeared from the kitchen and then smiled brightly. “You’re back! Oh, it’s so good to see you three!”

Tonks, who now was spending all her time with Lupin these days, looked far different than last year. She looked radiant. Her hair was a bubbly sunlight blonde and her cheeks were filled with color. “You look great, Tonks,” Harry said returning her hug.

“Oh, you’re sweet,” she blushed. “Come in the kitchen, I’m sure you’re hungry. Hey, glad to see the eyebrows have grown back.”

“Yeah,” he said with a grin. “I’d like to keep them that way.”

“Oh, I’m much better in the kitchen, just ask Remus. Please, have a seat at the table.”

“Where is Lupin?” Hermione asked taking a seat next to Harry, while Ron sat across from them.

“He’s in the shower, he’ll join us in a second.”

“Tonks, if that’s bacon I smell, I’m going to have to make lo--” Lupin stopped dead in his tracks when he first noticed them. “Oh, hey guys. I didn’t realize you were back.”

“We just got in,” Ron said as Harry and Hermione shared an amused grin. It wasn’t difficult for either of them to figure out what Lupin would have finished saying.

“Remus, sit down and I’ll fix you a plate of eggs with your bacon.”

“Tonks has come quite the little homemaker,” he teased but did as he was told. “So, Harry…is everything destroyed?”

“Yes, the last one was tough, but luckily my gift as a parselmouth helped us. Nagini is dead.”

“No one was hurt?” he asked as he leaned back to allow Tonks to place his plate in front of him.

“No. A few close calls, but we were very lucky.”

“What’s going on in your end?” Hermione asked. “Any news?”

“Yes, actually we got a tip off. We have a lot to tell you three, so why don’t we eat first and I’m sure your dying for a shower.”

XXXX

Harry was the last to have his turn in the shower. He let Ron and Hermione race to see who got to take the first round, but Hermione was too sneaky and gave him a charm that had his feet stuck to the floor. Although he was very amused, he took pity on him and let Ron take the next shower.

Now, he was under the hot spray, taking his time while he let the warm water ease his aches and bruises. He had gotten quite a few over the last few months and sleeping on hard ground and rocky cave floors didn’t help much either. Last night, however, was the first time in a long time he had a good couple of hours of sleep and it was all thanks to Hermione.

He grinned to himself as he ducked his head under the spray, washing out the last of his shampoo. He still couldn’t believe what had happened between them. She would always be his best friend, becoming involved with her didn’t change that. It was what made their relationship so special. It wasn’t just about running off for a quick snog, like he did with Ginny, although kissing Hermione was rather enjoyable. He looked forward to doing it again soon. But with Hermione, he knew he could still talk to her the way he always in the last six and half years he knew her. She was still his Hermione. Nothing would change that.

When the water started to turn cold and his fingers were wrinkled, he finally shut off the spray and stepped out, grabbing a towel to rub through his hair. He picked up his glasses, wiping the steam off his lenses before putting them on and had just finished wrapping the towel around his waist when the door flew open. He jumped and his hands gripped the knot on his towel when he saw Hermione standing in front of him.

“Oh, I am…I am so sorry,” she said to him even though her eyes were staring at his chest. “I thought you were…wow…I…er…” Her eyes finally moved to his eyes. “I thought you were in the room changing, I…”

“I just got out of the shower,” he said grinning when she started to blush.

“Yeah, I can see that,” she said flustered. “Well, I…I’ll just leave you to it and…what are you doing?”

Harry took a step towards her, reaching above her head to close the door behind him. “Since you’re here,” he said backing her up against the door. “Might as well take advantage of it.”

“Harry, you canmph…” His mouth crushed down on hers, silencing whatever she was going to say. She moaned and melted against him as her hands started to explore his bare damp chest. He shivered at the feel of her soft touch and murmured her name in approval, before sliding his tongue between her lips. He pushed himself firmly against her, desperately wanting to get closer to her, but it never seemed to be close enough. Their mouths devoured each other, their tongues clashed, their hands groped. There was nothing soft and gentle about this kiss. It was filled with need and passion.

“Harry,” Hermione groaned pulling away. “We have to…Oh merlin.”

Harry’s mouth had found her neck, enjoying the way she responded to him. She clung to him like a second skin and he could feel her trembling from head to toe. Merlin, the things he wanted to do to her. “Hermione.” He nipped at her bottom lip, before kissing her deeply until she all but surrendered. “This is insane. We always seem to lose control.”

“This is a bad idea,” she whispered a she pulled away, then groaned when she looked down at his chest. “A very bad idea.”

“I guess it wasn’t the smartest idea to kiss you like that while I’m only wearing a towel.” He grinned and kissed her softly. “To be continued.”

“I can’t stop shaking,” she said as their foreheads touched.

“I know, me either.” He pulled her against him and hugged her close as he rested his cheek against the top of her head. “Why don’t you take a few moments in here, while I go to the bedroom and change. I’ll see you out in the den, okay?”

He leaned back, framing her face softly and gently nipped at her lips once, twice and then a third and fourth time before finally pulling back. He gave her a wink and a smile before stepping out of the bathroom. Harry let out a shaky breath as he shook his head in amazement as he walked into the only bedroom. Would they ever be able to be alone and not jump each other? He grinned as he start to change. He didn’t know, but he was going to enjoy finding out.

“We know when Voldemort and the Death Eaters are going to attack?”

Harry, who was sitting in the middle of Ron and Hermione on the couch, sat straight up in his seat. “What?” he asked as his heart plummeted. “How? When?”

“Let me start from the beginning,” he said calmly as he held up his hands. Lupin was sitting in a pulled up chair along with Tonks who was sitting beside him. “We got a tip off from an American wizard, I don’t know his name, for his safety only the minister knows who he is. He lives in New York, but has a cabin up in Maine that he visits on the weekend. About a month ago he and his girlfriend had a row, girlfriend is a muggle and doesn’t know he’s a wizard…doesn’t matter…anyway, to get away he decides to change into a hawk. He’s an Animagus. He wanted to clear his head, so he says, and the best way to do it is a nice long flight. He was circling back around when he noticed a certain glow in the woods, so curious he swooped down to take a closer look.”

“What did he see?” Hermione asked gripping Harry’s hand.

“Circle of cloaked men around a fire. He perched in a near by tree and heard everything. It was Death Eaters and they were planning the final attack. He heard every detail of the plan. When, how and where. Soon as he heard everything he acted right away, apparating to the ministry to tell his story.”

Harry linked his fingers with Hermione as he let the information sink in. “When?”

Lupin sighed. “The day after tomorrow. They plan to attack Hogwarts.”

Hermione gasped. “Oh no, all those students!”

To their surprise Lupin grinned. “Oh, don’t worry about the students, they’re safe. Hogwarts has been closed all year.”

“What?” Harry asked shaking his head. “But it was announced in the papers that Hogwarts would open.”

“Ah, yes, that’s what we wanted everyone to think. See, the ministry announced that Hogwarts would be open and that at least one guardian had to travel with their child straight to Hogwarts for safety. The real reason was so the parents could be informed of what really was going on.”

“I don’t understand?” Hermione asked.

“Well, as soon as the students arrived, we transferred them to a safe home. I can’t say where, but it’s safe. That’s where the students have been, but before they left they had to leave behind a lock of their hair.”

“What?” Ron asked confused. “What for?”

“The ministry rounded up all the Aurors around the world, from Ireland, to Scotland, Bulgaria, France, Italy, to the States. The Aurors would take the polyjuice potion of a specific student and pretend to be them.”

“So it was a hoax,” Hermione said. “To trick them into believing the students would be there, so they could attack. It’s brilliant!”

“Why weren’t we told?” Harry asked.

“Safety precautions is all,” Lupin said. “They plan to attack in the morning, hoping for a surprise attack, but we’ll be there waiting.”

“When do we leave?” Harry asked.

“Right away,” he said standing up. “The apparating charms for Hogwarts will be down for five seconds in about twenty minutes. You’re to apparate to McGonagall’s office.” They both nodded in agreement. “You should also probably know, that Ginny, Neville and Luna refused to go to the safe house. They’re at Hogwarts.”

“What?!” Ron exclaimed standing up. “Are you kidding me?! Why would they do that?!”

“They knew this day would come and they wanted to be there when it did.”

Ron growled in frustration as he started to pace. “I’m going to strangle Ginny’s scrawny little neck, then Luna’s too. No, first I’m going to kiss her, then I’m going to strangle her.”

“Ron,” Hermione said gently as she stood and went to him. “They are just doing what any of us would have done.”

“That’s not the point, I’m still going to strangle them.”

She grinned. “Well, at least be gentle.”

“While we’re waiting to leave,” Tonks said eyeing Harry then Hermione who had just sat back down next to Harry. “Mind telling us what’s going on between you?

Harry could feel his cheeks turn red as he stole a nervous glance with Hermione. “Er…well, I…Hermione and I…well…here’s the thing….”

“What Harry is tryingto say is,” Hermione interrupted as she grabbed his hand. “We’re together now.”

Tonks and Lupin both beamed. “Well, we knew you were going to end up with one of these guys, Hermione,” Tonks said with a laugh. “But we didn’t know which until the wedding.”

Hermione blushed. “Ron and I would be a match made in hell.”

“Hey!” Ron said offended.

“Well, it’s true Ron,” Hermione laughed. “Besides you and Luna are too perfect for each other.”

Ron grinned. “Yeah, we sure are.” He then scowled. “But I’m still going to strangle her.”

XXXXX

Well, there you have it! Coming up next, the gang heads to Hogwarts to prepare for the final battle!

Here’s a new chapter! It’s a LITTLE bit of a filler, but it’s a kind of funny one, too. I wanted to get this chapter out of the way until the next one, but I hope you enjoy it! Have a good weekend!

Chapter 10

“I want to congratulate you three on destroying all the Horcruxes.” McGonagall sat stiff behind her desk that once belonged to Dumbledore and so may before. “I know Dumbledore would have been very proud of you.”

Pride for not only himself, but for his friends swept through him. “Thank you,” Harry said, who was sitting across from her, with Hermione and Ron on either side of him.

“We don’t have much time left,” she continued. “In a couple of hours there will be a meeting in the Great Hall and just to warn you, the Aurors will be in the form of your fellow students. Although you will recognize many of them, they will not be who you think they are. Understand?” When they only nodded, she linked her fingers and rested them on her desk. “Harry, after the meeting you are to meet Professor Lupin in the Dark Arts classroom for training. Now, I assume I’m wasting my breath by asking you two to leave for the safe house?”

Both Ron and Hermione straightened in their seats. “Yes, you would,” Hermione said firmly.

“I figured as much,” she sighed. “Very well, the two of you along with Miss Weasley, Miss Lovegood and Mr. Longbottom will join you Harry, since they are also stubborn.”

“Tell me about it,” Ron mumbled.

“I hope you realize what loyal friends you have, Mr. Potter.”

Harry smiled softly as he reached for Hermione’s hands, then shared a smile with Ron. “I do.”

Harry saw McGonagall’s eyes flicker to his hand linked with Hermione’s and could have sworn he saw her eyes turn soft, if only for a second. “You three may go,” she finally said as she sniffed and lifted her chin. ‘I suggest you three get some rest before the meeting.”

The three of them stood up. “Thank you, Professor,” Harry said still keeping his hand in Hermione’s.

She gave him a firm nod. “And remember, the Aurors are trying to make it seem that Hogwarts is still open, so you will see them doing day to day activities.”

“Professor, is there Aurors pretending to be us?” Hermione asked.

“Yes, and they were given the most protection. We believe Voldemort thinks you have been here this whole time, he has no idea the Horcruxes have been destroyed.”

“How do you know?” Harry asked.

“We found an expert on Horcruxes and he explained that if one is destroyed, the person has no affect. The only way of knowing is to check that your Horcurxes are still intact. We are hoping that Voldemort hasn’t done so. If he is unaware that they have been destroyed, I believe you will have the upper hand, Mr. Potter.”

“Where are our doubles?” Ron asked.

“Now that you are here, the Aurors that you were are hiding out in the Gryffindor common room. We had just informed them that you were on your way to Hogwarts.”

“Do we know them?” Harry asked.

“Oh no,” she said shaking her head. “They’re Americans. The three of them are very close and were the first to volunteer to be the famous trio. They are one of the top Aurors in the States. They are loud, out of control and completely nuts.” McGonagall gave them a ghost of a smile. “They suited you three perfectly.”

XXX

“Weird isn’t it?” Ron asked as they headed towards the common room, passing random “students” on the way. “To think of someone pretending to be us.”

“Hope they didn’t make us look stupid,” Harry laughed as they walked into the common room, but then it died when he saw their doubles. He couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing.

The fake Harry and Hermione were wrestling on the floor while the fake Ron was leaning over, resting his hands on his knees as he watched closely. “Excuse me…”

“Not now, I’m refereeing,” the fake Ron said not taking his eyes off the tangled bodies of Harry and Hermione’s doubles. “Come on, Peyton my money’s on you!” Hermione’s double let out a growl of frustration and rolled the fake Harry on his back. “You go girl!”

But it didn’t last long, for the fake Harry pulled back a leg and trapped the fake Hermione between his legs and threw her down on the floor. The fake Ron winced. “Little harder dealing with Hermione’s puny muscles, hey Peyton?”

“Hey!” the real Hermione exclaimed.

The fake Ron looked up and blinked. “Oh. Begging pardon.”

“You might as well give up, Peyton,” the fake Harry said who now had her pinned down. “Hermione’s strength is no match for Harry’s.”

“Oh, just wait until this polyjuice potion wears off, Jake Sanders!” the fake Hermione growled as she struggled to get up.

“Hell, if I’m not crazy about you, Peyton,” Jack said as he got up on his feet with great speed and pulled her on her feet. “Give us a kiss.”

“No,” she said as she pushed him away. “You know the rule, no kissing me while you are in Harry Potter’s form. He’s ten years younger than me and it’s just creepy, and Hermione is a good twelve years younger than you, you perv.”

“Ah, but even with Hermione’s looks I know my feisty Peyton is in there.”

“Knock it off you two,” the fake Ron said giving them a little nudge. “The real us is here.”

“Oh,” Jack said grinning at them. “Sorry about that, guess it’s a little weird to watch yourself wrestle.”

“Actually,” Harry said with a grin. “It looked rather fun.”

Hermione gasped. “Harry!”

Jack just laughed. “I’m Jack Sanders,” he said holding out a hand to Harry. “This wonderful woman is Peyton Williams, but once all this mess is over, she will be Peyton Sanders.”

“Merlin help me,” she muttered but smiled anyway. “It’s nice to meet you. Hermione, we really need to work on your strength, girl. Although you were a lot stronger than I thought you’d be, but you could use a little toning up.”

“Er…thanks?” she said sheepishly.

“The Ron double is my pal, Scott Andrews,” Jack said as he slapped him on the arm. “He’s the ladies man.”

“That’s only because he’s settled down with Peyton,” he said with a grin. “Now I’m the ladies man.”

“Looks like the potion is rubbing off,” Ron said to Scott as he pointed to his arm. “My freckles are disappearing on you.”

“Good,” Peyton said as her bushy hair turned to sunlight blonde and her brown eyes turned to sky blue. “Get ready for a rematch, Sanders.”

“Can’t wait,” he said as Harry’s trademark scar vanished and his messy black hair turned into light brown, but still stayed just as out of control as Harry’s. He grew a few more inches and Harry’s green eyes still stayed green, but shimmered into a different shade, more hazel then emerald. “Good to be me again.”

“You’re telling me,” Scott said who now had his shaggy dirty blonde hair and bright green eyes.

“Okay, now you can kiss me,” Peyton said jumping into his arms.

Jack easily caught her and with no modesty at all, kissed her thoroughly. Harry had to admit, they did look great together. Peyton was tall herself, reaching to about six feet, but she still had to lean up to kiss Jack, who towered over her. Harry was about to comment on it when Peyton shocked him and Jack by suddenly tripping him with her leg. Next thing they knew Jack was lying flat on his back and Peyton was sitting comfortably on his chest. “God, I love you,” Jack said breathlessly.

Peyton grinned, giving him a quick kiss before letting him up. “Love you back.”

“Er…sorry,” Harry said before they could kiss again. “Do you know where our friends are?”

“Oh, they’re up in the boy’s seventh year dorm,” Jack said. “They usually hang out back there, but I believe Luna is up there alone. When Ginny and Neville want to be alone they go to a different room.”

“Ginny and Neville?” Harry asked. “Wait, are they together?”

Peyton laughed. “They are hardly ever apart.”

Harry grinned and looked down at Hermione. “That’s great.”

“Um, Ron,” Scott said hesitantly. “I should probably let you know that when Luna first saw me…she…well…thought I was you.”

Ron’s eyes narrowed. “You told her you weren’t, right?”

“Of course I did,” he blurted, then winced. “Eventually.”

“Eventually?!”

“Well, before I could even tell her who I was, she jumped me!” he exclaimed. “It was hard to tell her with her tongue in my mouth.”

“Bloody hell!”

“Scott, you are not helping,” Peyton groaned then turned to a stricken Ron. “Don’t worry, Ron, it only happened once. And when Jack pulled her off, we told her.”

“She was rather embarrassed,” Jack said as he shared an amused look with Harry and tried not to laugh. “So go easy on her.”

“And mad props to you, man,” Scott said patting him on the back. “She’s a great kisser.”

“Scott!” Peyton groaned.

“What? It was a compliment!”

Peyton shook her head hopelessly. “Just go on up,” Peyton said to Ron. “I’m sure she wants to kiss the real Ron.”

“Good idea,” he said and then couldn’t help but smile back at Scott. “And you’re right. She’s a fantastic kisser.”

Scott hooted with laughter as Ron walked off. “Gotta love that guy, reminds me of myself when I was that age.”

“If that’s true,” Hermione said turning to Peyton. “I’m very sorry.”

Peyton grinned. “Oh, I knew I was going to like you, Hermione.”

“Well, I don’t think that was very nice at all,” Scott said as he pouted.

“Neither was telling Ron that his girlfriend had her tongue down your throat, you idiot,” Jack said with a laugh before turning to Harry and Hermione. “You two must be tired, why don’t you go get some sleep before the meeting.”

“Good idea,” Hermione said grabbing Harry’s hands. “Is there a place open?”

“Well, Peyton and I are staying in the Head Boy’s room, but you can have the Head Girl’s room.”

“Hey, that’s where I sleep!” Scott said.

“Yes, but you’re hardly there,” Peyton said. “Scott’s been cozying up with some French girl.”

Scott sighed placing a hand on his chest. “Ahh, Belle…my little French pastry. They’re right, I’m hardly ever here, I’m usually shacking in the Ravenclaw common room. Knock yourself out.”

“All right, thanks,” Harry said with a slight chuckle. “It was nice to meet you all, thanks for being us I guess.”

“Not a problem,” Jack said. “It was a blast. See you around.”

Harry and Hermione didn’t waste anytime, as soon as they were inside the room, they kicked off their shoes and collapsed on the bed. Hermione curled up against him, resting her cheek against his chest as Harry lightly trailed his fingertips along her arm.

“You know, for someone to be ranked up so high as an Auror, those three are awfully silly,” Hermione spoke for the first time.

With his eyes closed Harry smiled. “I like them.”

“Me too,” she said snuggling closer. “It’s nice how they managed to have fun during times like these.”

Harry kissed the top of her head. “Want to have some fun now? We can try some wrestling of our own.”

Hermione giggled. “Maybe later…after Peyton shows me some moves.” She tilted her head up so their lips could meet. “You need some sleep.”

“I don’t think I’ll fall asleep, but resting my eyes and being here with you is nice.” He closed his eyes again and let out a deep sigh. “I wish we got together sooner.”

“It was never the right time,” she mumbled sleepily. “Until now.”

“Things are going to get kind of crazy from now on.”

“And the last five months weren’t?” she asked.

“Hermione, you have to promise me that you’ll stay close. When the attack happens I need you to be beside me at all times. The Death Eaters won’t hurt me until Voldemort gets back.”

“I’ll be by your side, Harry. Even when Voldemort comes.”

He didn’t say anything, because he didn’t want to argue with her. When Voldemort came, he had to face him alone. He was all alone. “I just want you safe. Just because we’re together now, doesn’t mean I want you to back out of your word. I still want Harriet.”

Hermione shifted then until she was lying half on top of him and her face loomed over his. “So do I,” she said kissing him softly. “But I want you to be Harriet’s father, so you better come back.”

He reached up and cupped her face, pushing back her hair as he did. “I’ll do everything I can.” He brought her down for a long lazy kiss filled with hope and promise. “I love you, Hermione.”

Hermione sighed as she tucked her head under his chin. “I love you, too, Harry. I always have.”

Sorry I took so long, but I’ve been sick and really busy at work. But, I hope you enjoy this one. Enjoy!

Chapter 11

Although the Great Hall was packed with Aurors all over the world, the meeting itself was very organized. Top Aurors were standing on top of the teacher’s table so everyone could see and hear them properly as they explained the plan of attack step by step.

Harry and the rest of the group were towards the front as they listened on. The Death Eaters had discovered a secret passage from the outside, leading into the Chamber of Secrets and that was their plan of entrance. Certain Aurors would be stationed in the corridor just outside the bathroom, waiting for a surprise attack.

“Most of you will be waiting here,” Jack said with his voice magically vocalized. “The plan is to move them into the Great Hall, which has already been protected by charms that will work to our advantage.”

“The tables will be turned on their side,” an Auror from France said taking over. “If a Unforgivible Curse hit’s the table it will project right back to the user. This ensures the safety that the spell will not backfire and hit one of our own. For we all assume none of us will use an Unforgivable Curse.”

I will, Harry thought to himself as he squeezed Hermione’s hands. She squeezed back in assurance and it was all he needed.

Harry had to admit, by the time the meeting was over he felt very confident. The Aurors outnumbered the Death Eaters ten to one, so that was important. Also, if someone was injured they would be transported immediately through the floor to the kitchens, where Mediwitch and wizards would be standing by. After being healed and if they were well enough, they would be transported back up immediately.

“It was a good meeting,” Hermione said as she squeezed his hand again. “I feel good about it.”

“So do I,” Harry said as they all made their way to train with Lupin and Tonks. “I’m glad we’ll all be stationed in the Great Hall. We all need to stay close.”

“No worry mate,” Ron said who had his arm around Luna. “We’ll all be okay.”

Harry wished he could be as confident as Ron. He didn’t know what he would do if anything happened to Ron or Hermione. Especially Hermione. They only had a few hours left until the battle began and he wanted nothing more than to just go up to a quiet room with Hermione and just be with her as long as he could. It wasn’t until later, after the long grueling hours with Lupin and Tonks and after the last quick dinner before the war, that Harry was able to be alone with Hermione.

They had a few hours before they had to be at their station. Everyone had to be at their destination three ours before the planned attack, just to be on the safe side. Now they were lying on the bed snuggling with each other as they waited. Waited for what? War? Battling evil? Fighting for the right not to live in fear every day. And who did it all come down to? Him. Harry Potter who was the chosen one. The savior. No pressure. No pressure at all.

Harry closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. “Hermione?”

“Hmm?” she murmured as she played with their linked fingers.

“I want to do something…fun.”

Hermione lifted her head off his chest so she could look at him properly. “Fun?”

“I know that sounds…weird considering what’s going to take place here at dawn, but…” He shrugged. “I have never been normal and I guess I want to spend these last hours with you. Doing something a normal teenager would do with his girlfriend.” Harry blushed when Hermione gave him an amused look. “I didn’t mean that…although that would be nice, I just want to do something fun is all.”

“I think I’ve got an idea,” she said with a grin and kissed him gently before sitting up. “Come on.”

Harry grabbed her extended hand and together they crawled out of bed. He was puzzled when she took him into the private bathroom, even more confused when she went to the faucets of the very large bathtub which was so long and deep it was more like a swimming pool. Surely she wasn’t suggesting what he thought she was suggesting.

As the pool was being filled she walked back to him, wiping the stunned look off his face by kissing him good and long, leaving his head light and his knees week. He yanked her tighter to him, gripping fistfuls of her shirt at her back as he plunged his tongue deep into her mouth. She clung to him like a second skin as her fingers clenched in his hair.

On a quiet moan she pulled away slightly and turned her face towards the bath. Harry took advantage by nibbling down her jaw. “Looks like we’re ready,” she murmured as he was now nibbling on her ear.

“For what?” he whispered completely forgetting about the tub and where they were.

She eased out of his arms slowly, giving him a sly smile. “Ever been…skinny dipping with a girl?”

He didn’t think it was possible, but the could have sworn he felt his heart stop, but then the sound of it beating loudly against his chest was a sign that it was functioning properly. Did she just say…bloody hell! “Er…I…um…”

“I take that as a no,” she said as she fiddled with the hem of her sweater before pulling it over her head.

“Oh god.” She wore a silk laced camisole underneath, showing off her wonderful…attributes. She smiled as she twirled her finger slowly, silently telling him to turn around. That was unfortunate. “Do I have to?”

She laughed as she flicked open the button of her jeans. “For now.”

He cursed softly as he turned his back to her and the sound of her zipper slowly going down was torture. To make matters worse, the little tease tossed her clothing in front of him so he’d know. First were the jeans and he imagined her in her camisole and knickers only. Then…Merlin help him, the camisole along with her bra landed at his feet and he thought he would surly die. He tensed when he felt her presence right behind him and could hear her chuckle softly.

She leaned her head in, rubbing her cheek against his as she pressed her now naked body against his clothed back. It was a damn shame he wasn’t shirtless as well. “You’re killing me, Hermione.”

She then dangled her knickers in front of him as she nipped his ear. “Am I?”

He groaned out a laugh. “You’re crazy.”

“About you,” she said turning his head towards her so she could kiss him deeply. “You stay there while I get in.”

“Whatever you say,” he said breathlessly as he closed his eyes. He heard the swirls of water and a soft sigh of pleasure emerge from Hermione as she waded in the pool. “How long are you going to make me wait?”

She laughed. “Okay, Harry…you can turn around.”

Harry held his breath as he slowly turned around to see Hermione emerged in the water which came to her shoulders. It was a great disappointment that the water was a swirl of colors and bubbles, so he couldn’t see what was beyond the water. “Am I allowed to come in?”

She smiled. “Of course that’s the whole point, isn’t it?”

With a grin, he pulled of his sweater over his head followed closely by his undershirt. He was about to attack the buttons on his fly, but then looked up to see Hermione watching him closely. He smirked at her as he twirled his finger in the air exactly as she did to him, silently telling her if he couldn’t see, neither could she.

After giving him an amused look, she turned her naked back to him. She had her hair up in a knot at the top of her head, exposing the nape of her neck. He undressed quickly, anxious to sink his teeth into her. After giving his glasses a water resistant charm he jumped in and the deep end of the pool came up to his neck so he swam lazily towards Hermione.

She stood where she was, smiling at him as she crooked a finger at him. He was only a foot away from her when suddenly she sent a splash of water right at his face. His jaw dropped as she giggled and he scowled at her. “So this is how you want to play?” he asked and send a huge splash right back at her.

She shrieked and splashed him back then floated backwards before kicking water at him. He then managed to grab her ankle and started to yank her, but she yelped and managed to connect one of her feet right in his gut. “You are dead now!”

This went on for a bit, each splashing and teasing each other. Whenever Harry finally thought Hermione was going to let him get to her, she would surprise him by splashing him. Finally he got lucky and managed to corner her into the wall of the pool. Her eyes widened when her back hit the side and Harry grinned in triumph. “Have no where to go now, do you?”

They were both out of breath as Harry swam closer to her and finally placed his hands on either side of her head. “So, who won?”

“I…I think you just did,” she whispered.

“Well,” he said leaning his head closer but careful not to let their bodies touch. “Aren’t I the lucky one. What’s my prize?”

She smiled softly as she lifted a hand out of the water to cup his cheek. “How bout a kiss?”

“I think I could live with that,” he said bending his head towards her until their wet lips met in a soft, seductive kiss. He let her do the work, after all this was his prize. She nibbled and sipped at his lips until he had to grip the side of the pool to keep him from grabbing her. It was her choice, she had to make the next move.

On a soft sigh, she slid her tongue between his lips, sensually rubbing it with his own as her arms came around his neck. She had moved an inch off the wall which now made their bodies that much closer, all she had to do was take another step. She finally pulled away from his lips and their eyes met, but no words were spoken. No words were needed. They both knew that they were about to take another step into their relationship.

“Harry,” she whispered as she reached up and rubbed her cheek to his.

“Hermione,” he said leaning down to trail kisses down her slender neck. “This is torture.”

On a desperate groan she finally yanked him towards her until his whole body was pressed against hers. Their lips met in a frantic kiss as the moaned in pleasure as they both felt for the first time their naked bodies rubbing together. She felt wonderful, her body was warm and soft and perfect. His hands didn’t hesitate and started to roam over her long back and down her spine. She shivered as his hands moved to her hips then ventured to the back of her thighs.

Her hands were doing some roaming of her own and he knew now he could die happy. While her hands were busy exploring his muscular back, his hands traveled up her sides until he found what he was looking for. She gasped his name when he cupped her breasts gently and felt the same satisfying feeling he felt when he caught the Snitch. The analogy made him grin as he nipped at her lips and continued to caress.

He kissed her deeply and was about to pull away when he noticed one of her hands were lingering on his stomach, slowly moving further down. Before he could even open his mouth to ask just what she was doing, her fingers were suddenly surrounding him and he froze. “Hermione,” he gasped as he dropped his head to her shoulder and groaned when she started to explore him with her fingers. “Bloody hell.”

“Does that feel good?” she asked softly as her grip tightened.

“Feel good?” he asked with a groan. “Well, let me see….does this feel good?”

Harry snuck a hand between her legs and slipped a finger slowly inside her. She shuddered and gasped his name as she jerked her hips. “Yes,” she finally said as she continued to stroke him as well. “Don’t stop.”

“I won’t if you won’t,” he murmured against her neck as he backed her up against the wall. With his free hand, he gripped the back of her knee and pulled her leg up until it wrapped around his waist. This made herself more exposed to his eager fingers and was able to slip another finger inside her. He pushed her up slightly so her breast peaked out of the water and Hermione groaned when his mouth closed over them.

This made them both stroke faster and harder and it wasn’t long until they both finally couldn’t take anymore. They both stiffened as they held onto each other tightly, Harry buried his face in her neck, while Hermione gripped her leg tight around him. Then, they went lip as they sagged against each other, both hearts racing as they fought to catch their breath.

Harry finally had the energy to tilt his head and kiss her neck, then her ear, then was able to find her lips. His finger was still inside her and her hand was still wrapped loosely around him. He finally pulled out so he could cup her face as he kissed her softly. “You alive?”

“Mmm…I think so.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “That was wonderful, Harry.”

Harry held her close as she still trembled in the aftermath. “You’re shivering.”

“I’m not cold,” she sighed as she nuzzled his neck. “I say we do that again very soon.”

He chuckled softly as he kissed her temple. “I wish we could, but Hermione?”

“Yeah.”

He sighed as he held her close knowing this might be the last time he could. “We have to be at our stations in twenty minutes.”

She let out a sob and lifted her head and their lips met in one last desperate kiss. “I know, Harry,” she cried against his lips. “We’ll be okay…you’ll be okay.”

“I hope you’re right,” he said as their foreheads touched. “Merlin, I hope you’re right because I don’t want this to end.”

“It won’t,” she said as she touched his cheek. “We’ve come too far to quit now and if you think I’m going to let some stupid Dark Lord take this away, you’re nuts.”

He chuckled softly. “You make it sound so easy.”

“When you love someone the way I love you…you know anything can happen. Even miracles.”

Harry closed his eyes. “Say it again.”

Hermione didn’t have to ask what he meant. “I love you, Harry.”

Harry let out a shaky breath. “No one has ever said that to me.”

“Ginny?”

“No,” he said firmly. “No one but you.”

“I’m glad I’m the first,” she said kissing him softly.

“And you’ll be the last,” he said and looked into her eyes . “I love you, too, Hermione.” He kissed her curved lips. “I always will.”

Okay, this chapter is short but it’s the final battle. I hope it’s okay, I normally don’t write this kind of stuff, I’m usually all fluff. Speaking of that, I’ve started working on another story already, but I wont’ post it until this is done. Which will be soon. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 12

It was like clockwork. Everything that was planned and constructed was playing out perfectly. As Harry, his friends and most of the Aurors waited in the well protected Great Hall, they heard spells and shouts, first that started out very faint, but were growing closer and closer. Everyone hated waiting, they felt they should go out and help the Aurors that were risking their life to draw the Death Eaters to the Great Hall. The orders, however, were to wait.

Harry gripped Hermione’s hand as they crouched behind one of the long tables that were connected at the corners, making a huge upside “U” shape in the room. All the Aurors were behind the magically protected tables. “It’s almost time,” Harry whispered. “Be safe, Hermione. No matter what, don’t jump out from behind these tables.”

“I won’t if you won’t,” she promised.

“I won’t until I have to,” he said and gave her a quick kiss.

Before she could say anything else the first of the Aurors were running in, yelling to get ready to fight. One by one the Death Eaters that had not yet been struck, came piling into the room. Hundreds of spells went flying and the Death Eaters were trying their best to lunge and leap out of the way, but they were too many of them.

The doors were closed after the last Death Eater was in, trapping them so they had nowhere to go. They were helpless like rats and Harry started to take notice as the Death Eaters started to fall, one by one, until only a handful remained. Once a Death Eater was stunned, someone would put a powerful binding spell on them, preventing them to move. Then they were taken down to the kitchens were other Aurors were waiting to imprison them.

Harry looked around carefully as Hermione stayed close to his side. No one on there side had been killed or seriously hurt yet and he hoped that it stayed that way. It was dying down, and it had only taken a half an hour for them to take the Death Eaters out.

“Harry!” Ron exclaimed from further down the table. “We did it! We are busting butt and taking names!”

Harry grinned and was about to respond, but then a shadow lurking in the corner, creeping towards Ron, made his smile dropped. He had a dagger and was sneaking right up behind Ron and he was clueless. He didn’t hear himself shout out a warning to Ron, but obviously he heard it because he spun around. But it was too late.

The Death Eater lunged towards Ron, the dagger heading straight for Ron’s heart and Harry’s world spun. “NO!” He didn’t hear Hermione tell out a stunning spell, making Ron’s attacker fly back into the wall. He saw Ron’s eyes widen with shock as he stumbled back into Luna’s arm and Harry’s legs were like jelly as he ran to him. “Ron…no.”

“Ron,” Hermione cried as she knelt down beside Harry.

Ron’s eyes, however were open, as he stared around wildly around them. “Why aren’t I dead? Oh bloody hell, he stabbed me!”

Once Harry got his bearings he finally noticed that the dagger didn’t plunge all the way through. The tip seamed to be the only thing that went through his shirt, but the dagger was sticking straight up. There was a trickle of blood seeping through his white shirt, but it should have been a lot more and the blade should have gone all the way through. Harry poked his finger through the slight hole of his shirt by the dagger and then ripped the hole to make it wide enough to examine what was beneath.

Hermione gasped and grabbed Harry’s arm as he stared dumbly at the necklace of butterbeer bottle caps that Luna had given him. The tip of the knife had connected into one of the caps, slowing down the blade only allowing the tip. The knife would have eventually gone through if the Death Eater had a few more seconds to plunge the knife in. Thankfully, Hermione’s stunning spell prevented him to do that.

“Well,” Ron finally said as he looked away from the knife and up to Luna’s watery eyes. “Guess I owe you and your mum my life. It really is lucky.”

“Oh, Ron,” Luna cried as she leaned down and rain kisses all over his face. “I love you.”

Hermione sniffed away tears as she leaned her head on Harry’s shoulder. “You gave us a scare, Ron.”

“Gave myself a scare,” he said as he let out a shaky breath. “Would someone mind taking this dagger out of me please?”

“Happy to,” Harry said as he carefully grabbed the knife and yanked it out of the bottle cap. “Looks like the tip nicked your skin.”

Ron casually wiped away the blood. “Better than piercing my heart.”

“I’ll say,” he said as he helped Ron sit up. “I’m glad you’re okay. So glad in fact, that I might have to give your girlfriend a big fat kiss of appreciation.”

“Thanks, but leave that to me,” Ron said with a smile. “And kiss your own girlfriend.”

Harry exchanged a smile with Hermione. “Don’t mind if I do,” he said and was leaning over to kiss her when a loud terrifying scream echoed through the room.

Even as Harry spun around to see why someone screamed, he knew he was here and he knew it was time. Hermione gasped and stepped closer to him as every eye in the room laid upon Voldemort. He made an entrance and he knew it by the smug look on his face, although Harry could tell that he was furious his plan had failed.

Voldemort only stared at Harry and although he was a bundle of nerves he forced himself to remain cool. He would not give Voldemort the satisfaction. He took a step but Hermione sobbed as she held onto him. He kept his eyes on Voldemort, but gave Hermione one last squeeze with his hand, silently telling her to let him go.

“I love you,” she whispered as she let him go. “We’re all here for you.”

“I love you, too,” he murmured and then stepped over the table and walked closer to his enemy. “Everyone stay behind the table.” His voice was loud and forceful, but his eyes still never wavered from Voldemort’s.

“So this is it, Potter,” his jagged teeth flashed as he sneered. “Are you ready to die?”

“I’m in no hurry to be honest,” he said as he held tightly to his wand. “What do you think of our little surprise attack. We knew your plan…all along. Are you surprised Voldemort? We all hope no one would spoil the surprise and ruin our little party we have going here.”

“You think this matters?” Voldemort sneered as he started to walk in a wide circle. “Just because Malfoy’s poor excuse for a son snitched on us.”

Harry walked in the opposite direction making sure they were always right across from each other. “I’ll be the first to agree with you about Draco, I’m not a fan of him myself. But he didn’t do the snitching. Turns out a wizard that happened to fly by one of your little meetings.” Harry chuckled wickedly. “The best part was that I heard the wizard was Muggleborn. How does it feel, to be duped by a Muggleborn.”

Voldemort let out cry of rage as he let his emotions get the best of him and sent the killing curse right at him. Harry dodged it easily, hearing Hermione cry his name as it hit the table behind him sending it right back to Voldemort. He avoided it, as Harry expected but it didn’t mean he couldn’t have a little fun in bating him. “Careful now, Voldemort. These tables are pretty powerful.”

“You think any of this matters?” he asked as they both continued to circle. “I could destroy every single wizard in here with a swish of my wand. We both know that.” Voldemort’s eyes shifted away from Harry’s and flickered over to where his friends lay crouched behind the table. “Maybe I’ll start with your mudblood girlfriend.”

He felt the anger inside him start to boil but he ordered himself to relax. He was doing it on purpose and he wouldn’t let him get away with it. “You’d have to get through me first,” he said calmly. “Although I think my girl can take you, she’s a lot smarter than you. And a lot prettier too, you’re looking rough these days, Voldemort.”

“Enough!” he cried angrily as he pointed his wand roughly at him. “This ends here! You are nothing! You will die, Potter, just as you should have died with your mother and father!”

“You can surely try to kill me, Voldemort!” Harry yelled as he pointed his wand as well. “But I won’t make it easy for you.”

They both stopped circling and stared each other down while every person in the room held their breath. Harry stood strong and waited for him to take his first move, not caring how long it took. He wouldn’t allow to even blink until Voldemort finally cracked. And as soon as he saw Voldemort open his mouth to say the dreaded killing curse, he opened his mouth and said the same curse. It was his first time and he knew it would be his last.

The identical green lights connected and held, just as they did in fourth year at the graveyard. Harry’s wand vibrated and his knees started to shake, but he held on. He had to hold on. Voldemort started to talk…telling him how weak he was, how pitiful and hopeless he was. It wasn’t true…he wasn’t going to give up and he sure as hell wasn’t going to allow him to end his life so easily.

The connection stayed right in the middle, neither showing any progress in overpowering. He noticed Voldemort held his wand with both hands, but he kept holding it with one. It was a good sign and boosted up his confidence.

“You are alone, Harry,” Voldemort gasped out a breath. “You think love can beat me? Love is for the weak and blinded. Only power is the key. And I’ll have power.”

“You are wrong, Voldemort.”

Harry heard Hermione’s soft yet powerful voice as she stood by him, then placed a hand over his that held his wand. “I love him.” Harry felt a slight warmth spread through his hand and his strength that started to flee him was slowly returning.

Then another hand went on top of Hermione’s and he saw Ron out of the corner of his eye. “So do I,” he said as he placed his other hand in Luna’s.

Harry’s beam of green light turned to gold and started to move closer to Voldemort, who’s eyes were now wide with fear. One by one he noticed people coming up, grabbing Hermione’s hand, then another and another, until everyone was joined with Harry in a long connection of locked hands. He was going to win. He had love and support behind him and Voldemort had no one.

“Harry,” a voice he recognized behind him as Lupin. “End it now. For your parents. For Sirius.”

“For Dumbledore,” Tonks voice said in his other ear.

Harry narrowed his eyes as he stepped closer to Voldemort while everyone matched his step. Voldemort kept backing away everything they advanced. “You are the one that’s alone, Voldemort,” he said as an intense energy swept through him. “I’m finishing this. It ends now!”

He thought of all the love he felt for everyone in his life. His parents. He never got to know him but the love for them was strong and true. Sirius and Dumbledore. Sirius was the father he never had and Dumbledore was his hero. His guardian and his teacher. Ron and Hermione. His first real friends and the most important people in his life. Hermione. His Hermione who he loved so completely and she who loved him. He wanted to end this now so he could start a fresh start with her. A life without fear and evil. A life without Voldemort.

There was a flash of light, blinding everyone as it filled the room and the floor trembled. Harry’s wand jerked and vibrated but he held on as he squinted into the brilliant light. It then faded slowly and even though Harry’s vision blurred he knew he was gone. Voldemort was gone.

Darkness enveloped him and his body swayed as fell, but the hands of his friends never let him hit the floor.

Okay here is another chapter, but don’t be surprised if I update the last and final chapter tomorrow. I wanted to go ahead and post this part now. It’s past eleven at night and I just got back from drinking with friends, so it’s safe to just go ahead and post what I have now. Who knows what I would write if I wrote more now. Look for the last chapter soon, but do not worry! Another story will follow this one!

Chapter 13

Harry wasn’t surprised when he woke up in the hospital wing. He had done so, so many times that he lost count, it was only fitting that he woke up in the hospital wing one last time for old time sake. He also wasn’t surprised when he saw Hermione by the window, staring out onto the grounds with her back to him. He noticed that the light coming through the window was dim, telling him that the sun was coming up. He wondered how long he was out and how long Hermione had been by his side. “I should have known you’d be here when I woke up.”

At the sound of his voice Hermione turned, then smiled brightly. “Well,” she said as she walked calmly to his bed. “Nice of you to wake up.”

“You don’t sound like you were worried that I wouldn’t wake up,” he said as he gripped her hand.

“When Madame Pomfrey told us you were asleep, it was kind of hard to worry.” She leaned over and gave him a soft kiss. “But I am glad you’re up.”

“Asleep?” he asked as he stared up at her. “How long have I been out?”

“A couple of days,” she said stroking his hair. “You just wore yourself out.”

Harry reached up and grabbed her hand. “It’s over?”

Hermione’s eyes filled as she smiled softly. “It’s over,” she whispered then crawled onto the bed and sprawled on top of him as he held her tight. “It’s over.”

Harry let out a shaky breath as he kissed the top of her head. “I can’t believe it.”

“You did good,” she said lifting her head so they could look at each other.

“We did good,” he said tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Although I should spank you for not listening to me. You had no business walking over the table like that.”

Hermione pressed his hand to her cheek and kissed his palm. “You were all alone. I wanted to make sure you realized you weren’t….and that you were loved.”

“I know,” he said softly as he ran his hands down her arms and to her waist. “Which is why I won’t spank you.” He then grinned as his hands traveled down the back of her thighs then back up until they slipped under her skirt “Then again, maybe I will…for different reasons.”

“Harry,” she said embarrassed as she buried her face in his shoulder. “Someone could walk in.”

“I’ll chance it,” he said giving her a soft squeeze, causing her to yelp. “I want to get out of here.”

Hermione groaned and nipped at his ear. “I want you out of here, too,” she said and then sucked on his lobe gently, causing him to shiver. “In fact, I’d be happy if you never stood foot in here again.”

“That makes two of us,” he said as he turned his head to find her lips for a quick kiss. “So, where is everyone?”

“Gone. Ron and Ginny went back to the Burrow to spend the last couple of days there. School is starting tomorrow.”

Harry’s brows lifted. “School? But it’s the beginning of the year.”

“I know.” She shifted until she was stretched out beside him, propping her head up on her elbow. “They are making up for lost time. The students are arriving tomorrow and they are having a faster version of the year, lasting through July. So summer will be only a month long.”

“Really?” he asked with a grin. “That’s great.”

“I talked to McGonagall,” she said. “We’re Head Boy and Girl.”

Harry matched her grin. “That’s fantastic.”

“Mmm-hmm,” she said leaning down to kiss him. “It will have it’s advantages.”

“You bet,” he murmured against his lips. “Starting with full access to that wonderful bathtub.”

Hermione blushed then giggled. “We’ll make sure to make that an extra curricular activity.”

Harry nuzzled his face against her neck. “With you as my partner, I’m sure to pass with flying colors.”

XXXX

After Madame Pomfrey gave Harry a quick look over he was free to go. The school was empty, except the staff and a few Aurors that were still taking care of last minute details. Including their new American friends who were heading back to the States for a more personal occasion.

“I’ve got a wedding to plan,” Peyton said to Harry and Hermione as they said their goodbyes in the common room. “I think we’re shooting for a fall wedding.”

“Fall?” Jack asked as he placed down his trunk he had just carried from upstairs. “Isn’t that a little close, Williams?”

“Not at all,” she said with a grin. “Between Mom and I we can plan anything.”

He rolled his eyes. “You have a point. Scott, you’re the best man, just make sure you through a great bachelor party.”

Scott’s brows bobbed up and down. “Oh, I’ve already got some great ideas. Harry, you and Ron are invited of course.”

Harry’s eyes lit up. “Really? I’ve never been to a bachelor party before.”

“Oh, it’s great, I think we’re going to start off at a strip club and…”

“Now, wait just a second,” Hermione complained. “I don’t…”

“Don’t worry, Hermione,” Peyton said with a chuckle. “Boys will be boys. Besides, you better be at my bachelorette party. Guys can strip with just as much talent as girls can.”

Hermione grinned then turned to a stunned Harry. “In that case, you can go.”

“Now, wait a second I don’t think…”

Jack laughed as he slapped Harry on the back. “Give it up, Potter. The women always win, it’s best you realize that now.”

“We better go,” Peyton said giving Hermione a hug. “We’ll keep in touch. Have a great time in school.” She then turned to Harry and kissed him on the cheek. “You’re my hero.”

By the time they were left Harry was still blushing and Hermione looked at him with amusement. “Since you saved the world and all, you’re not going to get a big head are you.”

“If pretty girls like that give me kisses on a regular bases I must might.” He then yanked her against him and kissed her long and hard. “But I’d rather get my kisses from you.”

“You better,” she said as she hugged him close. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he said with a sigh and kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to enjoy hearing you say that to me over the years.”

“Me too.” She then leaned back and kissed him on the cheek. “Why don’t we go down to the kitchens and get something to eat. I’m sure your starved. We also need to Apparate to Diagon Alley today and get our books.”

“That will be fun,” he said holding her hand as they walked out. “Going to Diagon Alley with you and not having to worry about evil lurking around the corner.”

“We can officially call it our first date,” she smiled. “Maybe get some ice cream as we stroll hand in hand down the street.”

“That sounds completely wonderful and…” He stopped long enough to give her a quick kiss. “Completely normal.”

That night, after their trip into Diagon Alley and after a quick evening meal in the kitchens, the two of them enjoyed the privacy of the common room while they had the chance. Hermione sitting on one end of the couch as she skimmed through one of her new books, while Harry stretched out on the other end with his feet in her lap. Harry had started out reading his new Defense Against the Dark Arts book, but then figured since he destroyed the source of all evil, it wouldn’t tell him anything he didn’t know.

“Don’t be silly, Harry,” she said in her bossy tone. “Just because Voldemort is gone doesn’t mean evil isn’t out there. You may have crippled it, but it’s still out there.”

“I know,” he said and then grinned. “You know, I love it when you talk to me in that prissy tone, it drives me crazy.”

She huffed out a breath. “Oh, honestly.”

“Please stop,” he groaned as he placed a hand over his heart. “You’re killing me.”

“Oh hush,” she laughed as she pushed his feet off her lap. “I’m going up to bed, are you coming up or staying down?”

“Well, that depends on if you and I are…” Whatever he was going to say died in his throat as his eyes fell upon two ghosts that couldn’t possibly be who he thought it was. His parents were standing just behind Hermione but they were transparent so Harry could see the wall behind them.

“Harry?” Hermione asked suddenly as she turned to see what he was looking at, but to his surprise she didn’t act as if she saw them. “Are you all right?”

“I…I don’t know.”

“She can’t see us, son,” his dad said and the sound of his voice made him jump. “You might as well act cool or she’ll think you’ve gone mad.”

Harry shook his head and then made himself look at Hermione. “I’m fine,” he said as he gave her a shaky smile. “I just thought I saw something…but it’s all right.”

“Are you sure?” she asked still not convinced.

“Positive,” he said as he stood up from the couch. “Er…why don’t you go on up and I’ll…er…” What was he suppose to say? Go on up and I’ll be right there so we can fool around? His parents were watching! “I’m right behind you.”

She still looked worried but didn’t say anything else about it. “All right, good night, Harry,” she said and then leaned down to kiss him.

Bloody hell! Now his girlfriend was snogging him right in front of his parents. His dead parents. He pulled away slowly and gave her a smile. “Good night, Hermione.”

He watched Hermione walk up the stairs and didn’t turn to his parents until he heard her door close. “Er…well, that was Hermione.”

His parents smiled and then took a step towards them and as they did their ghostly appearance vanished and now looked as if they were as real as him. “What’s going on?” he asked taking a step back.

“We were allowed to come back,” Lilly said as her eyes filled with tears. “For just tonight, to say good bye.”

He desperately wanted to go to her but hesitated. “How?”

“Well, turns out that being the parents of the boy who saved the world has it’s advantages.” James beamed with pride as he looked at Harry. “We’ve never been so proud.”

Emotions swirled through him as he took a step closer. “Can I…” He hesitated bringing a hand out to his mum. “Can I touch you?”

“Yes,” she smiled as she held out her hand until they were palm to palm. Her skin was soft and warm and almost familiar. “Oh, Harry…my baby!”

Harry didn’t object when she threw her arms around him. He welcomed his mother’s embraced as he held on tight and buried his face in her hair, taking a deep breath. “You smell like honeysuckle and chocolate chip cookies.”

Lily laughed through her tears as she squeezed him tight. “Chocolate chip cookies were always your favorite.” She took a step back and framed his face with her eyes, wiping his tears away with her thumb. “You have grown into such a wonderful person, Harry. I am so proud of you.”

“Thanks, mum,” he said with a shaky smile. “Thanks for saving me all those years ago. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.” He then looked over at his dad. “For both of you.”

His dad stepped to him and pulled him into a hard bear hug. “I love you, son.”

“I love you, too,” he murmured as he wished the hug would never end. “Everyone was right.” He leaned back and smiled up at his dad. “I do look like you.”

James barked out a laugh as he slapped his son on his shoulder. “You’re lucky to have my looks. Handsome devils we are, just ask your mother. I snagged her up.”

“Oh please, not this again,” Lily rolled her eyes. “Even dead you have an enormous ego.”

Harry smiled still not believing they were here. “Can we talk? I mean, how long do you have?”

“Till midnight,” she said as she grabbed his hand and sat them on the couch. “We have an hour.”

James sat down on the other side of him. “Of course we don’t want to keep you too long, you’re girlfriend is waiting.”

Harry blushed. “Daaad.”

He chuckled as he pushed his head playfully. “She’s very pretty, looks like you did good.”

“She’s been my best friend since first year,” he said looking between them. “I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

“She seems very sweet,” Lily said with a smile. “So, do I hear wedding bells?”

“Lily, don’t pressure the boy,” James warned.

“What? Just because I’m dead doesn’t mean I don’t want grandchildren.”

Harry laughed. “Don’t worry about that, we’ve already discussed names.”

“Oh, how marvelous. We’ll be sure to be at the wedding. You won’t see us of course…but we’ll be there.”

“I’d like that,” Harry said as he took her hand then his dad’s. “We’d both like it.”

“Sirius wants us to tell you hello,” James said. “He couldn’t go, but when we left he was in the middle of a Quidditch game.”

“Quidditch?” Harry asked with a laugh. “You can play Quidditch….up there?”

“Of course, I still play Seeker for my team,” he boasted.

“Team?”

“Yes, we’re pretty good, too. Did you know Dumbledore was quite a player in his younger days.”

Harry’s jaw dropped. “You’re joking.”

“Nope. Couldn’t believe it myself when he came up to me and asked if he could be the Keeper for our team.”

“Oh, could you two stop talking Quidditch,” Lily said blowing out a breath. “I mean don’t get me wrong, I love watching both of you play, but talking about it drives me nuts.”

Harry smiled. “You sound like, Hermione.”

An hour wasn’t near enough time to make up for the years without them, but it was better than nothing. He took it all in as he did what he always dreamed of doing. Talking. Just talking and this one hour would stay with him for the rest of his life.

At the strike of midnight, Lily stood up suddenly. “Oh, we have to go,” Lily said as she pulled him to a hug. “We’ll always be with you, Harry. Remember that.”

Harry closed his eyes and enjoyed holding his mum one last time. “I know.” He then turned and hugged his dad. “Thank you for coming. I’ll never forget it.”

“Take care, son,” he said as he pulled away. They were now fading back to their transparent form. “Take care of Hermione and enjoy ever moment.” He reached for Lily’s hand. “We love you.”

“Bye,” he whispered as he felt a tear escape. “I love you, both.”

And just like that…they were gone.

Well, here it is. The end. As of now there will be no epilogue, but you never know I might later. I’ll post my new story soon! So look for it! I hope you enjoyed this story! Thanks for everything!

Chapter 14

Harry found Hermione sleeping when he slipped into her room. She was obviously trying to wait up for him, because the light from the lantern still glowed and her book was lying open on her lap. He smiled softly as he walked over to the bed and indulged himself by watching her sleep. He was going to enjoy waking up to her every morning.

He finally knelt on the bed and then crawled over her as he propped himself on his hands and knees. He kissed her gently as he lowered his lower body onto hers, enjoying the feel of him pressing up against her. “Hermione,” he murmured against her lips.

She mumbled his name as she shifted under him causing his whole body to tremble. “Harry,” she said again as her eyes fluttered open. “Did you just get here?”

“Yeah,” he said as he trailed his lips down her neck as he shifted his support to his elbows. “You smell really good.”

She chuckled as her fingers stroked his hair. “I’m glad you finally came up. You were acting a little strange.”

He lifted his head so their eyes met. “I know,” he sighed as he fiddled with a strand of her hair before tucking it behind her ear. “I’m sorry.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Harry blew out a breath. “You wouldn’t believe it if I told you.”

Hermione smiled. “Try me.”

“All right, but just remember if you think I’m crazy you’re still stuck with me.”

Hermione laughed. “Harry, I won’t think you’re crazy.”

“I just had a long conversation with my parents.”

Hermione’s smiled dropped. “What?”

“Still think I’m not crazy?” he asked with a grin.

“Harry, what are you saying? That you saw your parents?”

“Yeah, it was the craziest thing,” he said with a shake of his head. “There they were…just standing there over your shoulder.”

“But…Harry, I didn’t see them.”

“I know, my dad said you couldn’t see or hear them.” He chuckled. “He then told me to snap out of it before you thought I’ve gone mad.”

To his surprise she grinned. “It did cross my mind.”

“So…you believe me?”

Hermione huffed out a breath. “Honestly, Harry, you should know by now that I trust you.”

“Yeah,” he said with a smile. “Sorry, I just….I thought I was going mad myself.”

“So what happened?”

Harry shifted so he lay close next to her and Hermione turned to him so they were sharing a pillow. “At first they were ghosts, but then they weren’t. Hermione, I hugged my parents. My mum…she smelled like honeysuckle and chocolate chip cookies.”

Hermione’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Harry.”

“We just sat on the couch, like a family and talked for a whole hour.” Harry reached out and grabbed her hand as he toyed with her fingers. “I’ll never forget it.”

“Tell me everything,” she said. “What did you talk about?”

“A lot of things,” he said and then grinned. “You for one. They like you.”

Hermione blushed. “Really?”

“Yeah, I…er…by the way, that’s why I was acting so weird when you kissed me. My parents were watching.”

Hermione gasped. “Oh no, they probably think I’m some hussy or something.”

Harry laughed. “Hermione, please, they could never think that. They know how much I love you and my mum said they’d be at our wedding.”

“Wedding?” she asked as her eyes lit up. “And when will this wedding take place?”

“I was thinking after school,” he said with a grin. “Or maybe on the last night here, I think it be fun to get married at Hogwarts.”

“Are you proposing to me, Harry?” she asked.

“No, not yet,” he said and kissed her fingers. “I don’t have a ring yet, so I can’t do it officially right now.”

“I don’t need a ring, Harry,” she sighed as she snuggled up to him.

Harry wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. “I know, but I want to give you one. So everyone will know you belong to me.”

“Well,” she said lifting her head up so her mouth could find his. “If you insist.”

His lips curved against her lips as he rolled her onto her back. “I insist,” he murmured between kisses. “It’s late…we should…probably…go to bed.”

“We probably should,” she said even as she was fiddling with Harry’s shirt. She yanked it up and he pulled away from her long enough for it to clear over his head. “But I’m not tired.”

“I’m not either,” he said as he kissed her again as his hand snuck under her shirt until he found smooth skin awaiting him. “I want to see you this time.”

“Yes,” she gasped reaching for him until he laid all his weight on top of her. “I want to be with you, Harry. I want our new life to start right now.”

“Hermione,” he whispered as he rain kisses all over her face. “Are…are you sure?”

Hermione replied by sitting up and started to pull her shirt up, but Harry stopped her with his hand. “No, let me,” he said and slowly pulled the shirt over her head. Her hair fell down on her bare shoulders and he was pleased to see she wasn’t wearing a bra. “I want to undress you this time.”

Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him for a long deep kiss as he laid her back down on the bed. He took his time undressing her, wanting the moment to last forever. He ran his lips and tongue down the slope of her neck and then to her breasts, giving both a good amount of attention. She arched like a bow as her hands explored his shoulders and back while he continued his journey down her body.

He kissed her flat stomach as his fingers slipped into the band of her pajama pants and knickers, pulling them down at the same time. He kissed down her legs all the way to her ankle, then once the clothes were discarded he traveled back up. He nipped at the skin behind the back of her knee and then ran his tongue along her inner thigh while she moaned and pleaded with him. What she was begging she never said, but she didn’t need to. He knew what she wanted and Merlin so did he.

His mouth found her and took her high, higher still until she cried out his name, then glided back to earth as he moved his mouth to her own. He wanted her relaxed and drunk with pleasure by the time she took him into her. She groped for his fingers so he held on tight and lifted them above her head, kissing her deeply as he slowly slid into her.

“Are you okay?” he whispered when he was deep inside her. She fit so perfectly. “Hermione…love…”

“I’m okay,” she said trembling as she buried her face in his neck. “You fit.”

He smiled into her hair. “I was thinking the same thing.” He nuzzled his cheek with hers until she laid her head back on the pillow and they were faces were inches apart. “I won’t move until you’re ready.”

“Kiss me first,” she said as she cupped his face and brought his lips to hers. He moaned against her lips as his tongue dove between them, tasting her over and over again, until finally their hips matched the lazy stroke of their tongues.

It was slow at first. Slow and lazy, like they had all the time in the world. Then Harry felt Hermione’s hips meet him more urgently as her legs tightened around him. He gasped as he pulled away from her mouth and moved them to her neck as their pace quickened. They moved together as one, then tumbled over the edge and into each other’s arms.

He was drained. All his energy was sucked of him and he couldn’t even find the strength to roll off of her. He knew he was probably crushing her, but she just felt too damn good. “I’ll move in a minute,” he finally murmured. “When I have the strength.”

“Hmm.”

She didn’t say anything else as she breathed deeply beneath him and stroked his hair. If he wasn’t careful he was going to fall asleep. He made himself move his head at least, nuzzling her breasts before lifting it so he could look at her. Her eyes were closed and she had a small smile of satisfaction on her face. He couldn’t help but feel a little proud that he caused that smile. “You okay?”

“Hmm.”

“Can you say anything else?” he asked as he nipped at her lips.

“That was bloody fantastic,” she murmured as she lifted her arms around him. “Let’s do it again.”

He laughed out loud and then nuzzled her neck. “Careful, I’m still inside you. I just might have to take you again if you don’t keep still.”

“I wouldn’t complain,” she said and then groaned in frustration when he pulled out. “Harry, I feel empty now.”

He rolled to his back and pulled her to him. “You need your rest.”

“I do not,” she said as she kissed his chest.

“Okay, then I need my rest,” he said with a chuckle then yanked her up until she was sprawled on top of him. “I love you, Hermione.”

She grinned down at him. “Do you now?”

“I do,” he said pulling back the curtain of her hair so he could see her face. “Very much.”

“And will you always love me? Even when I’m old with gray hair and wrinkles?”

“Even then,” he said with a smile. “I bet you’ll look pretty with gray hair and wrinkles.”

“Ha! Don’t bet on it.” She gave him a quick peck. “But we’ll be in the same boat so it won’t matter.”

“Maybe I’ll grow a long beard like Dumbledore,” Harry pondered.

“Don’t you dare!” she laughed. “Then I’ll keep thinking of Dumbledore and that’s just…wrong!”

“All right point taken,” he said as he ran his hands up and down her naked back. “So, this is it? The beginning of our life together?”

“Yes, and we’ll be happy. We’ll enjoy our last, but first normal year of school, then we’ll get married.” She smiled as she nipped at his bottom lip. ‘Enjoy making many Harry’s and Harriet’s.”

“Ah, Harriet. How could I forget?” He rolled her over so she was on her back again and he was looming over her. “I want it all, Hermione. I want a family with you, I want to grow old with you.” He then held up a diamond ring and enjoyed watching her jaw dropped. “Will you marry me, Hermione?”

“Harry,” she gasped as she stared at the huge diamond ring perched between Harry’s thumb and middle finger. “I thought you didn’t have one!”

“I lied,” he said with a grin as he slipped the ring on her trembling finger. “I was pretty sneaky today at Diagon Alley and got you this.”

“Oh, Harry,” she sighed as she shook her head in awe. “I can’t believe it, I don’t know what to say.”

“Well, you can start by saying yes and that you love me.” He gave a little shrug. “Just as suggestion.”

“Yes!” she cried as she threw her arms around him. “Of course I’ll marry you.” She then leaned up and kissed him long and slow. “I love you. So much.” She kissed him again then lifted a brow at him. “How was that?”

His heart trembled in his chest. “Perfect,” he said and as he leaned down to kiss her, he gave Hermione something he never wanted to give anyone.

His heart.

The End