Big Surprises
The weeks passed uneventfully which is all Harry had wanted. He attended classes, and was happy not to have Potions (since he didn't get the highest OWL level which is all Snape would take). He didn't want to face Snape anymore than he had to. There was a new DADA teacher that everyone seemed to tolerate, but no one thought she would last more than a year, like previous Professors.
Draco oddly kept his distance from Harry, maybe realizing that Harry could kill him if he was provoked enough. The news of Harry and Hermione being an item traveled within the first hour of their arrival, mostly followed by low mutterings of "FINALLY!" Ron seemed rather moody and had confided in Ginny, of all people (after she threatened to beat him up if he didn't perk up), that he missed Samantha and thought it might be Christmas break when he saw her again.
Last Hermione had said was that Samantha was arguing with her parents about coming to Parent's Weekend in another few weeks. BUT, what Ron didn't know was that she was coming. Hermione had decided to try and keep the visit a surprise and was constantly having to tell Harry to watch what he said. He was having a problem seeing his best friend so down. Ron had actually lost his first match EVER against Harry in Wizard's Chess. Hermione insisted the look on Ron's face would be worth the silence in the long run. The happiest times for Ron were the Quidditch matches that Harry organized. They were to play a game against Slytherin when the parents were down and it was the biggest game, besides the Cup, of the season. Ron enjoyed trying to come with up new Defensive moves and spent the better part of his days playing with a scaled down model of the Quidditch pitch.
Two weeks into the semester, Harry finally realized that he had fallen head over heels for his female best friend and it showed. People remarked how happy and content Harry seemed, they would smile and wink at him when he would walk by with his arm around Hermione. The new couple had even managed to join the "Hogwarts Broom Closet Club" by having a bit of fun in a certain broom closet in between classes the first week they were back.
It was at this same time that Hermione's birthday was upon them; her 18th birthday. Harry, Ron and Ginny, and even Neville discussed and explored what to give her. They thought about a party but with NEWT's, her Head Girl responsibilities and trying to schedule Quidditch practices, none of them could come to a consensus on a date. So, in the end they were each on their own. Ron and Ginny had chipped in for a certificate to her favorite bookstore in Hogsmeade. She had so many books that it was hard to know what she had and didn't have. Neville bought her a book on Magical Water Plants of the Oceans which was one that they knew she didn't have and Harry….he thought and pondered. She was his GIRLFRIEND now and he didn't think jewelry was the answer so he just mulled the birthday gift thought over in his mind until the last possible minute.
That night at dinner, all the Gryffindor students sang "Happy Birthday" to her, leaving her quite red in the face and a cake had materialized, candles lit, right in front of her. There was enough chocolate cake to feed the whole school and she received gifts from some of the younger students who looked up to her, especially the studious ones. Harry told her that he would give her his gift after curfew that night, hoping to get some alone time with her as well. Ron had wished Harry luck as he got ready to leave his dormitory; he had seen them together and knew what was on their minds. Harry turned red and left the Common Room (alone), with his friends making many gestures and remarks behind his back. Secretly though, he was glad that they knew that more than likely, something more than heavy snogging was going to happen.
Harry stretched out on Hermione's bed in her room. Being Head Girl or Head Boy had its advantages with their own room, beautiful bathroom and pretty much free reign of the castle at any time. Hermione was finishing up her rounds with Neville, who was doing surprisingly well in leading the younger students. Harry dozed off and didn't hear Hermione come back into her room until she bounced on the bed to wake him up.
"Oh, no you don't. You promised me my gift." She smiled at him and shrugged off her robe, hanging it up on a hook near the bed. Harry followed suit and as he hung it up, pulled a small velvet bag out of the pocket. He let it dangle between his fingers as she reached for it. Grinning he held it above his head and Hermione glared at him and crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. Harry leaned over and gave her a quick kiss, then whispered in her ear, "Happy Birthday." He pressed the small bag into her hand and she looked down at it, clearly confused as to what it could possibly be.
"It's not a book," she said to herself as Harry sat back down on the bed, watching her intently, hoping she would understand the Muggle meaning behind it. She carefully untied the gold thread that held it shut, reached in and pulled out a beautiful, intricately carved key. She dropped the bag and abruptly sat down on the bed. Harry knew from her body language that she understood the meaning.
"Am I correct in saying this is a key to….your house?" Hermione asked softly, turning so she was facing him. He nodded, waiting for her next statement.
"Does this mean what I think it means?" she fingered the key and then closed her fist around it, looking at Harry intently.
"If you are thinking the same thing I was thinking when I put it in that bag, then yes." Harry took her hand in his and glanced down at the key.
"I missed you when you weren't at my house and I realized that I want you to be with me. I know that you're an adult, you have been for a year, and can do what you want without your parent's permission, but if they agreed I'd really love it if you would consider my home, yours." Harry hesitated just long enough for her to fling herself at him, knocking him back. She was hugging him and kissing his face and laughing all at the same time. She carefully set the key down on her nightstand and settled herself on top of him, squirming her hips against his and giving him a playful smile. She gently brushed back his dark hair from his scar and leaned down to kiss it, removing his glasses in the process.
"I love you Harry," she peered down at him, suddenly very serious. Her hands stilled in his hair and she let her gaze run over his face. His bright green eyes, perfect mouth, his stubble from not shaving since yesterday. His arms came up and settled around her waist as he pulled his head off the pillow and gave her a soft, warm kiss.
"I love you Hermione, more than you will ever know."
He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear that had gotten loose from her clip. Then on second thought, he grabbed the clip and removed it, letting her hair fall around her face like curtains. She leaned down and kissed him, very slow, very deep until she could feel him respond with his usual restraint. She was realizing the effect she could have on him and it made her heart skip a few beats when she thought that Harry Potter loved her. He could have any girl; any of the girls that followed him around or congregated to watch his team practice every day. But he chose her, and her heart had chosen him. Tonight, she was going to let Harry know just how much she loved and trusted him. They had talked about this, knowing that it was on the horizon and being the studious girl Hermione was, she had explained to him the charms to use, how any girl's first time hurt and that it was a very personal act to her. He had seemed shocked at the amount of information that she knew and had even felt overwhelmed at all the knowledge she had, but managed to retain some aura of calm.
"Harry," Hermione whispered against his lips and he pulled away just enough so that they could see each other's eyes. "Let it go."
"Let what go?" he questioned, clearly confused. Hermione sighed a bit and sat up. She scrambled off of him and sat next to him, a finger to her lips as she tried to think of how to word her thoughts.
"Just give in to what you are feeling…you sometimes worry that you are going to do something I don't like. That won't happen, not tonight." She looked down at her hands then shyly met his eyes. He raised himself up on one elbow, now clearly even more confused.
"I-are you saying what I THINK you are saying?" he sat up next to her, feeling that bond that had connected when he had first said he loved her. Whenever they were near each other, they could feel each others emotions, the rhythms that pulsed out of each of them, directly into the heart of the other. He could feel the energy radiating off of her and wondered if it was like that with every witch or just with Hermione, because of what she meant to him.
Hermione just wanted to squeeze him and hug him; his thick headedness was so adorable sometimes. She knew this called for drastic measures. She stood up and walked over to the other side of the bed to where he was sitting, fully realizing he was watching her every move. As she moved, the lights dimmed, leaving only a soft glow about the room. Before she lost her nerve, she reached down, grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it up and off. Following the shirt, she stepped out of her skirt not meeting his very surprised open-mouthed gaze as she climbed back onto him. Shyly she looked at him, watching him slowly lay back down and move around a bit until she fit perfectly, like a piece of a puzzle on him. She could feel his hands beginning their movement up and down her back. She pushed her hair back off her face and smiled at him. He managed to piece together one last coherent thought.
"I get it now." And he flipped her onto her side and pulled her to him, bruising her lips beneath his, as Hermione's hands sought to tug off his tie and unbutton his shirt. Both clearly nervous about the journey there were about to take. Harry took Hermione's advice and let all restraint within him flow right out the window. His lips and hands were everywhere and within moments they both were under the sheets, both shy about their pure nakedness and taking turns between staring and not staring at certain body parts. Harry couldn't stand having her so close and just looking at her, so he raised himself up on an elbow and leaned down to kiss her, moving his hands down her body, taking in every curve.
After many kisses and lots of hand roaming, Hermione silently said the contraception charm while running a hand along her stomach. Harry remembered to "Silencio".
The sheets were all tangled around them and the candles flickered softly, moving shadows around the room which only heightened the mood of the two young adults. Hermione silently guided Harry to a comfortable position while he rested his weight on his hands and peered down at her, silently asking for her permission. Hermione just smiled and leaned up to kiss him and pushed up into him, letting him know what she wanted. For a few moments, Harry concentrated on just Hermione, trying not to hurt her, moving into her as slowly as his body would let him, kissing her softly to try and take her mind off the pain she was about to feel. He could feel her hands squeeze his arms hard and heard her gasp as the last barrier between them gave way. He stopped and didn't move, pulling in that restraint again, thinking of anything to keep himself from moving so she could relax and gather her wits about her.
"Are you ok?" Harry carefully lowered himself so he could kiss her neck, waiting for her response. The only sound was the occasional splutter of the candles and their breathing. Hermione took a couple of deep breaths.
"Yes…," Hermione breathed and arched her neck back to receive his gentle kissing and sucking. She curved her body into his and Harry welcomed her, slowly moving within her, feeling her around him as she urged him on with a slight movement of her hips, tentatively moving against him seeking out what he liked. Then, Harry did that movement with his tongue and mouth that he KNEW rendered her helpless; his mouth hit that sensitive spot just behind her ear and she gasped and arched herself fully against him, creating a sensation in both her and Harry that they didn't want to lose.
Their lips met halfway, stifling the sounds they made as they rocked against each other. Harry had one hand in her hair, cradling her head and the other one found its way to her hip, pulling her to him as they moved faster and faster, senses reeling with touches, movements and noises. Hermione reached up and grabbed his hand for a moment then it found her headboard where she grabbed it, holding on. Harry's fingers left her head and trailed feather light touches up her arm as he grabbed her hand and held it above her head. Feeling like she was spinning above the world, she wrapped her free arm and her legs around Harry, burying her face in his shoulder, not knowing where this sensation was taking her but enjoying every part of it.
Moving against Harry and feeling him move within her was the most breathtaking feeling. Finding theirown rhythm she quickly forgot everything but Harry. She craved him more and more as he breathed her name into her neck and squeezed her hand, hard, that was still near her headboard…and at the same time those waves came crashing over her, slowly bringing her to the safety of the shore all she could do was call out his name as she froze totally overwhelmed for a moment, every muscle inside and out taut but quivering. She heard him moan her name and something that sounded like "God" then felt Harry's full weight rest upon her. She could feel his heart pounding as hard as hers as they caught their breath; his hand was now slack around hers and Hermione had a moment of shyness after the most personal moment she had ever had. She moved her arms to wrap around him, absorbing the warmth of his skin, feeling his legs against hers, his forehead on her shoulder, feeling how open and vulnerable he was at this moment. She didn't think he would care of Voldemort showed up right now; Draco could walk in and Harry probably wouldn't even hear him. Hermione kissed his shoulder and Harry made an agreeable noise, mumbling something she couldn't understand.
"Am I too heavy?" he asked moving a bit. He felt Hermione shake her head no and he pushed up a bit to see her laying there, her hair spread out all over the pillow, her face flushed and her eyes very dark in the candlelight.
"OK?" he asked her, tracing her jaw line with his fingers. She nodded and smiled at him, ignoring any soreness that she felt. They stared at each other, wordless emotions passing between them until Harry shifted his weight off of her, hearing her gasp as the cold air hit her stomach. He untangled the sheet from both of them and took his time pulling it up over her, looking at her and revealing in the fact that he, Harry Potter, was the first person to see her this way, and he thanked Merlin for rather large favors. He snuggled against her as he pulled the sheet up over them, glad it was a Friday. He could stay and neither one had classes, but he knew Ron would be making comments in the morning. At the moment though, he relished in the fact that the soft, warm body, wrapped around him very tightly was HIS to love and pushed every other thought out of his mind, except for Hermione Granger.
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Parents weekend was set for the 4th of October and it was on the 3rd that Hermione had received word from Dumbledore to please see him in his office. Hermione looked at Harry, her eyes wide. They had just had a hard "studying" session where books were involved as were many kisses.
"What could he want to see me for? I hope everything is ok!" she threw on her robes, straightening her hair.
"Do you want me to go? I can wait outside his office for you?" Harry offered, mentally cursing the arrival of the owl. He felt that he and Hermione had been well on their way to moving things upstairs and finally having another "go", but there were always interruptions. They hadn't done the "full monty" as Ron described it since her birthday and Harry was more than ready to just take her there in the Common Room. Hermione shook her head and gave him a quick kiss.
"Study for those NEWTS…I'll be back and tell you." She gave a small wave and headed out the portrait and to Dumbledore's office, taking the stairs two at a time.
"Sugar Quills," she said and the magical staircase opened and carried her up to the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore greeted her warmly which she took as a good sign and she accepted the tea he offered her.
For 45 minutes they talked and right as Harry was getting really worried, she came barreling through the portrait, nearly tripping over her robes. She saw that Ron was studying with Harry and she quickly slowed down and pretended that she wasn't so excited.
"Hey, what did Dumbledore say?" Ron asked, having been filled in by Harry.
"Oh, just information to pass on to parents and stuff for tomorrow," she replied, but gave Harry a meaningful glance. H picked up on it at once. Ron sighed and seemed genuinely depressed that Samantha supposedly wasn't coming. Luna had tried to cheer him up by asking to see his bag o'tricks from Fred and George and that had worked a bit, but he was still moping around. Harry really wanted to tell him, but Hermione said it would be so much sweeter if they didn't…then they could see him react with pure emotion. They managed to get a few more minutes of studying in before it was time for bed; Ron packed up his bag and said goodnight as he headed upstairs. After he was out of sight Hermione slid closer and started whispering excitedly to Harry, who hadn't seen her this anxious and bouncy in awhile.
"Apparently, my cousin has been corresponding with Dumbledore," Hermione started and Harry's eyebrows shot up above his glasses. "She was trying to convince him that it would be a good idea to do an exchange program. Bring a Muggle here and send a Witch/Wizard to that Muggle School, just until Christmas."
Hermione stood up and paced back and forth, having picked up the habit from Harry when he was trying to work something out.
"So, after going back and forth between her, schools, the right officials and parents of course, she is coming here to stay!" she laughed at Harry's open mouthed expression but forged on, "And I have to pick a student to go there that has parental permission…and knowing Dumbledore he sent out a letter to all Gryffindor parents and those that said yes will come to a meeting tomorrow morning, before breakfast and I will have to pick from the interested ones." She finished breathless, totally enamored with the prospect of having a Muggle here in the Magical world, her cousin nonetheless and then having to pick someone.
"I need to go talk to the girls! Good night!" she leaned over and kissed him quickly and headed up her stairwell, leaving Harry at the table. She poked her head around the corner, "No word to Ron!" and with that, off she went!
The next day dawned clear and bright; Harry had set up an early morning Quidditch meeting, being the captain he could pick the times. They went over drills, plays and answered questions about playing Slytherin.
After breakfast, students began trickling outside, waiting for the train to arrive with Muggle parents and relatives. The whole school was excited; never had any of their parents, unless they were alumni, seen Hogwarts while Voldemort was still alive. Many students had Muggle parents or friends that were coming. Some had non-magical brothers and sisters that were anxious to see where their older or younger sibling went to school and learned things that only they could imagine. Harry met Ron outside with every intention of going with him to meet his parents and Fred and George, who had to come back and see the swamp monument dedicated to them in the school. Hermione was getting Lavendar ready for the Muggle world, having made her choice so she had said she would meet them by the gates a bit later.
Harry could see people running down the hill embracing parents and friends as Magical ones trickled in via apparition, floor or broomsticks. The apparating ban was lifted for the day and as Ron turned to the sound of his mother's voice, Harry stopped and stared. Is that who he thought it was?
He mumbled something to his friend as Ron walked over to his parents who appeared under a tree. Coming in through the gates were Aunt Petunia and Dudley. From his vantage point he could see them looking around, not really happy to be there at all. He readjusted his robes and slowly made his way down the hill and caught up to them at the bottom. The three of them looked at each other, obviously uncomfortable.
"Ummm…I didn't know you would be here," Harry said looking at Dudley whose neck was craned as far back as it would go, looking up at the castle.
"Well, your headmaster strongly suggested it." Aunt Petunia stressed the word strongly, as an annoyed look flitted across her face for just a brief second. She went back to looking almost terrified to be standing there among wizards and witches. Dudley's eyes swiveled from the castle to Harry in his robes, to people walking and flying around. He looked as if he might be sick at any moment.
"Well, welcome to Hogwarts then," Harry said slowly and gestured up the sidewalk, where he could see Ron's parents walking down to meet them. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had genuine surprise on their face and Dudley hid a bit behind his mother as he saw Fred and George looking at him through narrowed eyes. But before anyone could say anything, Hermione came running down the sidewalk and stopped at Harry's side, not noticing his aunt or cousin.
"Did my parents come yet?" she asked breathlessly, turning to greet the Weasley's and then stopping when she saw Harry's "family". She looked at him and Harry gave a small shrug.
"Well, we meet again," Aunt Petunia said in a very controlled voice. Hermione nodded at her and gave a small smile at Dudley who just stared at her.
"Ummm…the parents and relatives are supposed to head up to the Great Hall for a speech, then we can take them on a tour," Hermione told everyone, as she waved her hand in the air towards the gates, then saw a group of people that looked familiar.
"My parents are here! Be right back!" she headed down the hill and Harry noticed Samantha was with her parents. Ron has his back to them and was deep in conversation with his brothers about the latest "guaranteed to make you sick" candy they were trying out. Harry glanced at his aunt who seemed a bit relieved to see some other Muggle dressed people entering Hogwarts grounds. Dr. and Dr. Granger, Samantha and her parents made their way up the hill with Hermione.
"Ron." Harry called his name.
He looked up at him.
"What?" he gazed at Harry, then past his aunt and cousin whom he was ignoring totally.
Harry nodded in the direction behind Ron and he turned around. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley followed his gaze and saw their son standing there with a look of complete surprise on his face. Samantha came to stand in front of Ron, never taking her eyes away from his, while her parents shook hands with him. Ron's face broke out into a smile that was a hundred miles long then pointed at Hermione, and narrowed his eyes. She just shrugged in a nonchalant way, winked at him and scooted around to Harry. Her parents were chatting to Harry, trying to get to know this boy that they had heard so much about. Moments later as Ron and Samantha shared a longer than normal hug, Professor McGonagall came out and announced that all parents and relatives should follow her. Harry told his aunt he would wait for her outside the hall and he and his friends walked well behind the parents, talking to Ron about how they all knew Samantha was coming but wanted it to be a surprise. Every once in awhile he would look over at her walking next to him and shake his head a bit, totally overwhelmed that she was here. And he STILL didn't know about the exchange program.
As the group walked up the lawn, they spotted Draco, standing at the top of the steps, exerting his Prefect authority. He started when he saw Samantha come up to him and before he could say anything she gave him a small wave and headed inside with her parents. His head turned around and followed her like it was magnetically attracted to hers.
"Don't worry, you'll see more of her." Harry winked at him and then trotted off to catch up with Hermione and Samantha as they entered the main doors.