"Just One Night"
Chapter 1- Hermione's Request
Throughout seventh year Hermione kept her word. She let out no sign that she still harbored feelings for Harry. After all, she was not called the smartest witch of her year for nothing. She was very effective in hiding the fact that she still loved Harry.
But make no mistake about it, Hermione did still love Harry. Even more than before, if that were possible. She watched him with his so called girlfriends, as he was very popular with the ladies. Her insides cringed when she saw him with someone else. What could he see in them? Wasn't she the one who stood by his side when he was number one on Voldemort's hit list? Didn't she always make time for him whenever he needed her? If it were not for her, Hermione was sure that Harry and Ron would not be graduating with such high marks, and she was equally sure that Harry definitely would not be head boy. But no, it was not enough.
She lived with her pain in silence. After all, who could she talk to? Ron? Definitely not. Though he was her best friend, he was still a guy. He would never understand. Ginny, maybe? They were friends but not close enough for Hermione to divulge this information. Plus, Ginny actually had the pleasure of dating Harry. The relationship, if you could call it that, did not last, but Hermione knew better than to talk about Harry with his ex. No, she would keep it silent and put up her front.
She became very good at putting up a front. She even dated from time to time. But no matter who the guy was, one thing was sure. He was not Harry. It's because of that small fact that no guy had gotten past a good night kiss. She just couldn't bring herself to go further. This realization gave Hermione her brilliant idea.
She needed Harry. Just once. Just for one night. And maybe that would be enough to release her from the prison that her heart had placed her in. He would be her first. And she would savor it and move on. She would be starting New Salem Institute for Gifted Witches and Wizards in America this fall. She would prefer to leave all of these feelings of heartache and pain behind when she left to continue her education. She had a bright future ahead and wanted nothing to block her from achieving the happiness she deserved. Now she only had to convince Harry that this was a good idea.
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Hermione, Harry, and Ron sat in the Gryffindor common room with the other 7th years eagerly discussing their plans for the future. It was the day before graduation and all classes were over.
"Heard you were accepted at New Salem, Hermione. Congratulations. It's a very hard school to get into," said Dean Thomas, one of her classmates that she had dated briefly during the year.
"Yeah, we knew if anyone could make it, Hermione would be it," this was from Ron. Everyone talked about what they planned to do after Hogwarts. The topic soon turned to Harry and Ron's plan to tryout for positions on professional Quidditch teams. They both had become accomplished players over the years and would like nothing better than to spend the rest of their lives playing a game they loved and getting paid to do it.
Of course Hermione already knew this. The trio had already discussed their plans. In fact, before Hermione got accepted to New Salem, the three had planned on sharing a flat in London. Hermione would stay there while continuing her education and Harry and Ron would stay there between games and during the off season. These plans had changed once Hermione had decided to go to school abroad. However, Harry and Ron stilled planned on sharing a flat and had told Hermione on many occasions that she was welcome to join them anytime.
After some time, Harry stood to leave the common, planning to go to the kitchens for a pre-dinner snack.
Hermione stood too. "Wait just a moment Harry, I'll go with you," Hermione said, hoping no one else decided to join their escapade. Luckily for her, no one did. For this was the moment Hermione would make her proposition to Harry. And for that, she needed privacy. She thought about how to bring up the subject on many occasions and came to the conclusion that the direct approach would be best.
As they walked along to kitchens they chatted about the future and other topics. It is safe to say that Harry had no idea what Hermione had on her mind
"Harry, I need to talk to you," Hermione said to Harry once they had reached the privacy of the kitchens. She saw a worried expression cross his face. Obviously, he remembered the last conversation they had that started that way. "No, no Harry, it's not that. Well, not exactly."
He looked at her curiously, wondering what she wanted to talk about. "Okay, Hermione. What's on your mind."
"Well Harry, I've been doing some thinking, a lot of thinking actually. I need to ask a big favor of you."
"Sure Hermione, what is it? Of course you can count on me."
Gathering up all of her courage, Hermione stood directly in front of Harry. "I'm glad you said that because this is not your usual favor. What I need from you is one night. One night of your life to be with me and only me. One night as my first. One night to make passionate love."
Harry stood there in shock. He could not believe what he had just been asked. And what was more shocking was that it was Hermione that asked.
"Hermione, I don't…." Harry started to say, but she cut him off before he could go any further. Nothing was going to stop her from getting this out.
Taking another determined step forward, now just a breath away from Harry, Hermione held up her hand to stop him from talking.
"Just hear me out," she said. "I know that I am asking a lot of you and that you are probably really shocked to hear this from me, but you don't know what this would mean to me. You see Harry, I still love you, more than anything. And I haven't, well you know, I haven't ever made love. See, I have always thought that I would have that first experience with you."
She paused in her speech to look deep into his beautiful eyes before continuing. "Believe me when I say that I hold no false notions or hope for any romantic relationship with you. I understand that you don't see me that way. But I need one night, just one night with you, so that I can move on with my life."
Harry stared back at Hermione. His friend. His best friend. He could hear the pain and determination in her voice. He had no idea that she still carried a torch for him. Her behavior around him had not changed one bit. But looking at her now, he knew she was a very good actor, because what he was seeing now was the real Hermione. She looked determined and vulnerable. She looked so hopeful that Harry knew he would grant her this request. He knew it was risky but he also knew he could never say no to her and know that he was responsible for causing her more pain.
"Okay, Hermione, I will grant you your request," Harry replied softly.
Hermione looked startled. Though she did hope, she never thought he would actually agree. She had a lot of planning to do.
"Great. Then meet me in your room at 10:00 tonight. Just leave everything to me," she told him. "Well I'll just be off now."
"Wait, where are you going," Harry asked.
"To the library of course," Hermione replied as she strode out of the kitchen.
'Oh boy', Harry thought to himself. 'What have I gotten myself into.'
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End of Chapter One