Just One Night
Chapter 9 - Quality Time
Harry gauged Hermione's behavior throughout breakfast. He knew her well enough to tell that she was deep in thought. She was probably trying to come up with some logical reason for what had happened earlier. But Harry knew. He didn't need to analyze or hypothesize about it. He knew. Her reaction said it all. She still had feelings for him. Her reactions earlier weren't just mere physical attraction. No. It was the same magnetism that he felt that fateful night, a little over a year ago. The connection that let Harry know that Hermione was the only woman for him. Together they were complete and no one else would do.
Now, he only had to make Hermione realize this. He chuckled to himself, wondering what explanations she had come up with. He imagined her saying to him, completely poised, in her usual matter of fact voice, "About earlier, Harry, I think it was just the shock of seeing each other again, you know, after all this time." Or maybe she would blame it on the food they ate last night. A chemical reaction? It didn't matter, however, because Harry already knew the answer. Her reaction said it all. This was just the catalyst he needed. He needed to get her alone. Maybe Ron could assist him with this.
After breakfast, Ron and Harry went back to the bedroom to dress for the day. He waited until they were out of the girl's hearing distance before approaching Ron with his plan.
"So Ron, how's it going with Ashley?" Harry asked. "You went to bed awfully late last night."
Ron's face brightened. "Ashley's great. She's really fun to hang around and we have loads in common. Not to mention, she's totally hot."
"That's great. She seems really nice. She and Hermione seem to be really close. Are you guys gonna see each other after this trip?"
"Well, I haven't brought it up yet. I was planning on mentioning it today. I really hope she's up for it. I would definitely like to see more of her. How about you? How is your progress with Hermione?"
"Actually, that's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm making progress, but I need you to run some interference for me," Harry responded.
Ron's face took on a confused expression. "Interference, how do you mean? You don't want me to try to shag Hermione, do you? I mean, how is that gonna help?"
Harry released an exasperated sigh. "Don't be thick Ron. What I mean is, wouldn't you like to spend a little time with Ashley alone? You know, to get to know each other better, or whatever, thus leaving me and Hermione alone."
Understanding dawned upon Ron. "Oh, I see. You want to get Hermione alone so you can put the moves on her. Well, I don't know Harry. I haven't seen Hermione in over a year. I was looking forward to spending time with her. Actually, I think the four of us should spend the entire day together." Ron told Harry this, all the while knowing that he would agree to Harry's plan. He decided to have a little fun with him first.
"Come on Ron. There's always tomorrow," Harry said, thinking Ron was serious. "We'll all spend the entire day together. Just do this for me."
"Hmm… Maybe… Let's just say I do agree to, what did you call it, "run interference," what's in it for me?"
"How about the satisfaction of knowing you assisted you best mate in getting back the woman of his dreams?" said Harry, hopefully.
"While that is extremely satisfying, I'm thinking that this is deserving of a little more compensation. After all, I am giving up the chance to spend time with my very best friend," said Ron.
Harry, seeing where this was going, cut to the chase. "Okay, what exactly to you want, Ron?"
"I'm thinking that your limited edition chocolate frog card of Godric Gryffindor would look rather nice in my collection."
Harry's jaw dropped. "You can't be serious. Do you know how rare those are?" Harry practically yelled.
"So a chocolate frog card is more important to you than Hermione? Well, I'm not so sure you deserve a day alone with her," Ron said. He was really enjoying having the upper hand with Harry for a change.
"Alright, alright. You can have the ruddy card. But that's really low."
"All in the name of love, right Harry," Ron said, patting Harry on the way out of the room.
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Ron succeeded in convincing Ashley to spend the day with him. "It will be fun," he told her. "Like a first date." Actually the arrangements were more than acceptable for Ron and Ashley, as they were both eager to spend more time with each other.
Hermione, on the other hand, was not enthused with the arrangements. She was still confused about the "almost kiss" that happened that morning. She did not trust herself to be alone with Harry and the last thing she need was an entire day to do just that. When he reappeared in the living room, looking as handsome as ever, it did nothing to restore her composure. Why on earth did he have to be that handsome? The color of his shirt brought out his eyes, causing them to look like pools of emeralds and Hermione was drowning.
She was so engrossed in Harry that she had not heard Ron convincing Ashley to split up for the day, not that it took very much convincing. By the time she realized what was going on, she had already been out-voted. Ashley and Ron rose to leave. Ron reassured her that they would have plenty of time to catch up.
Hermione wanted to protest again, but she knew it would be in vain. She had to admit that Ashley and Ron looked good together. Ron, who stood at 6'2 with the famous Weasley red hair, now had the toned muscular build of an athlete. And Ashley was no pushover in the looks department. The blond was about three inches taller than Hermione at 5'9. She had a petite build and could easily be mistaken for a model. She showed off her curves any chance she got. Yes, Ashley and Ron complimented each other quite nicely.
So Hermione gave in and let them walk out the door.
"Don't, look so glum, Mione. I'm sure you and Harry will find something constructive to do," Ashley told her, winking slyly.
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"So," Harry said, after Ron and Ashley left. "What do you want to do today?"
"I don't know Harry," Hermione replied, still not making eye contact. "I think we should clear up what happened earlier. I've been thinking about it and I think we both were……"
Harry put his finger to her lips silencing her. "Let's not worry about that now, okay. I'm sure we'll figure it out in time. How about today we just enjoy each other's company. We'll just let things progress naturally. We don't have to do anything you don't want to do."
Hearing this did not put Hermione at ease. You see, what she wanted to do was exactly what she should not be doing. 'I have to get a hold of myself,' she thought. 'It's just one day alone with Harry. We'll be in public, after all. Nothing is going to happen.'
"Okay, Harry," said Hermione. "Any ideas on what to do today?"
'There are many things that I'd like to do,' Harry thought to himself. He did not say this, knowing that he should not move to fast. "How about this, why don't you take me to all of your favorite places around New Salem and show me the sights? If you're the same Mione that I went to Hogwarts with, then I'm sure you did your research before you came here. You can show me around and tell me about the city. Then, maybe later, we could have a picnic for dinner. Does that sound okay?"
"Sounds wonderful," Hermione replied, relaxing a bit. It actually sounded like a good idea.
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That was how they spent the day. Hermione took Harry around New Salem and the surrounding area. She showed him all her favorite spots, while pointing out historical sites. New Salem had quite an interesting history and Hermione enjoyed showing Harry where the first witches and wizards settled after fleeing from Salem during the witch trials. She took him to the local wizarding museum that contained many artifacts and old wizarding photos of witches and wizards in the early 1900's. Harry was very intrigued when Hermione showed him a small pitch, cleverly hidden from muggles. Inside, was about ten teenagers playing what had to be Quodpot. Harry had read all about the sport but had never actually seen it played. Though he was a loyal Quidditch fan, he had to admit that Quodpot looked fun to play.
It was during this time that Hermione remembered all the reasons she loved Harry, not just the physical attraction. Throughout the day, he treated her respectfully and kind. He was so attentive to her, showing an avid interest in everything she said. Harry showed her a kinder, gentler side of himself that day. He was being such a gentleman; holding her hand, opening doors, and pulling out her chair when they stopped for ice cream that afternoon. All of these things reminded Hermione of why she fell in love with him in the beginning, before sex had entered the picture.
Harry, too, was enjoying himself immensely. He had forgotten how much fun Hermione could be when she wasn't studying. As she showed him around town, Harry was amazed at her vast knowledge of the town. She was truly amazing and Harry was sure that she could do anything she set her mind to. He was also relieved at how easy it was to talk to her. The conversation flowed freely, unlike conversations that he had with other women he dated. With Hermione he could be himself. Not Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived. Not Harry Potter, International Quidditch Star. With Hermione he was just Harry and that was okay with her. He loved her for that.
Right now they were sitting in a park, finishing sandwiches they had picked up at the local deli. They had a full day of sight seeing and were relaxing and enjoying each other's presence as the day came to an end.
"I had a wonderful time today, Mione," Harry told her as he put away the remainder of their meal.
Hermione, who was leaning back on her elbows, watched the sun as it began to settle into the distance. "I had a great time too, Harry," Hermione said sincerely. "I didn't realize how much I've missed you."
Harry stared into her beautiful brown eyes. He brushed a strand of her hair from her eyes. "I have missed you too, Mione. Promise me that you won't let another year pass before I see you again."
"As if it were my fault, Mr. Quidditch Superstar. Maybe if you had cleared your schedule a bit we could have seen more of each other. Or, I could transfigure myself into a snitch. Maybe that will get you to come around more often."
"You think you're funny, do ya. Well let's see how much you laugh after this," Harry said, pouncing. Hermione howled with laughter as Harry tickled her mercilessly.
"I give up, I give up," Hermione said trying to catch her breath. Harry stopped tickling her but was still pretty much right on top of her. Harry felt himself begin to respond to this position instantly. Hermione, realizing the situation, promptly cleared her throat and suggested that they head home.
They walked back to the dorm in silence. Hermione was trying to ignore the throbbing in her lower region, as having an aroused Harry lay on top of her had definitely turned her on. She was trying to push those ideas out of her head. She did have a boyfriend, right? Then why was she responding like this?
As they entered the dorm, Harry too was having a problem controlling his desire. He had promised to take things slow and win her back, but the sight of her was doing things to him. He did not think that he could control himself.
"Well, I should probably head to bed," Hermione told him. He was standing right in front of her, staring intently. "Good night Harry."
Hermione started to walk away but soon felt a strong arm reach out and stop her. Harry did not know what made him do it, but he needed her for just a bit longer. He grabbed her arm and spun her around. Once she was facing him, he gently tilted her face toward his and allowed his lips to meet hers once again.
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A/N: There you have it. I hope you enjoyed it. I want to thank everyone for reviewing. I love all the feedback. Special thanks to everyone who gave me ideas for this chapter, especially Amber and Gadriam. It was really appreciated.
I want to know if people would like to read about Ashley and Ron's day together. I wasn't sure if I should write this so tell me what you think. I aim to please.
Thanks once again for reading and keep the reviews coming.
The Sweetest Things