Just One Night
Chapter 8 - Tender Kisses
Harry awakened Saturday morning to a delicious smell wafting into the bedroom. He got up and dressed quickly, anxious to see Hermione again. His foul mood from the night before had now been replaced with determination. He was going to win Hermione back and no one would stand in his way.
On the way out of the room, he kicked Ron, who was still asleep and snoring very loudly. This did not surprise Harry, as Ron had gone to bed very late. Not to mention the fact that Ron could sleep through an earthquake. He made sure that Ron was starting to awaken before he strode out of the small dorm room.
When he entered the kitchen, he was surprised to see Hermione flicking her wand around, causing platters of breakfast items to float to the table. "I didn't know you could cook," He told her, smiling as he took in the sight of her. "It smells delicious."
"Oh, good morning Harry," Hermione said, turning to him with a smile. "Did you sleep well?"
Harry felt his stomach do a somersault when she smiled at him. He could easily imagine himself waking up with her everyday. "Very well, actually. Considering that Ron snores like a herd of rampaging hippogriffs. Do you need any help," Harry asked, walking up to her and taking a pitcher of juice from her hands. As he did this, he allowed his hand to graze hers softly.
"Thanks," Hermione told him. She was trying to suppress the feelings of longing that his touch erupted in her. It amazed her that the simplest touch of his hand could evoke such feelings within her. Heading over to the table, she scolded herself and pushed those feelings aside.
"Is Ron up yet," she asked, trying to force her mind to someone other than Harry.
"He should be out shortly," Harry replied as he leaned casually on the kitchen counter.
"So, a boyfriend, huh," he asked. He tried to bring this subject up casually. "I can't remember you ever mentioning him before." He wanted to rant and rave about this like a child but he knew that this would not get him any closer to her.
"Well, it just kind of happened. I know that it came as a bit of a shock. It just never seemed like a good time to bring it up," Hermione said, looking apologetic.
"How long have you two been together?"
"Almost six months," Hermione answered.
"Six months!! Six months," he said, maybe a bit too loudly. "You've had a boyfriend for six months and you never got around to mentioning it?"
"Well it just never came up. And it's not that big of a deal," Hermione replied, defensively. "I'm sure you don't tell me about every girlfriend you have."
"I just thought you would tell me if you were getting serious with someone. We are best friends, aren't we?" Harry could not help but feel jealous after hearing that she had been with this Kyle guy for six months. A lot could happen within the span of six months. He felt his jaw clinch. The idea of her being intimate with someone else was enough to drive him mad. But now was not the time to dwell on this. He could not expect to win her over by starting a shouting match with her first thing in the morning. He needed to remind her of what she felt for him.
"So what about you Harry," Hermione asked, hoping to take the attention off of her relationship. "Is there anyone special in your life?"
Harry fixed his gaze upon her. If only she knew. "Actually, there is a very special lady in my life. She's been there for quite awhile."
"Really," Hermione said. Hermione turned away from him, not wanting him to see the disappointment on her face. She did not have the right to feel this way and was angry with herself for caring. She felt a familiar pang of jealousy in her heart hearing Harry say that he had found someone special. She should be happy for him.
"Anyone I know? How long have you been seeing her?" She tried to sound happy when she asked this and prayed that he did not catch the underlying sorrow in her voice.
"Oh, you know her quite well actually," Harry told her, walking up to her and spinning her around to face him. "But we're not together yet. As a matter of fact, I've just found out that she has gotten herself a boyfriend. But I'm sure she'll come around, with the right persuasion, of course."
Hermione felt Harry's eyes bore into her. Could he possibly be referring to her? Her mind was reeling. 'What on earth is he doing to me,' she thought. He was standing so close to her now. She could smell the intoxicating scent of him and began to feel dizzy. She chanced a look at his face and he was looking at her with a determined expression.
Harry knew he was being a bit forward, but he didn't care. She had to know. Even if she did not choose him. She had to know.
He looked down at her, as she stood about six inches shorter than him. Her face took on the cute expression that told him her mind was busy at work, trying to find an answer. He had seen this expression many times before during their time at Hogwarts.
They were standing in the middle of the kitchen, very close as a matter of fact. It was like nothing else in the world existed at that moment in time. Just the two of them, together. Nothing else mattered. There faces were only a few inches apart. Hermione felt her eyes drift unwillingly to his lips, as if she were losing control of herself. What she wouldn't give right now to feel them upon hers.
As if hearing her thoughts, Harry traced his thumb across her lower lip and felt Hermione shudder. She closed her eyes in anticipation, waiting for his lips to meet hers. She knew it was wrong, but she did not care. She wanted this, no, she needed this badly.
But the moment never came. Instead, the sound of Ashley's dorm room door opening and closing greeted her ears, causing her and Harry to jump apart. A moment later, a fully dressed Ron bounded into the kitchen.
"What's for breakfast," Ron asked, not realizing that Harry could kill him with his bare hands. "I'm starving."
"Aren't you always," Harry said, shooting him a murderous look. He had the worst timing.
Hermione quickly moved away from Harry, blushing furiously. She could not believe what had just transpired. She was just a second away from kissing Harry. The very same Harry that she had vowed to get over the moment she left Hogwarts. Not only that, but she had a boyfriend. It was wrong, very wrong. But she wanted it. Guilt began to pour over her. How could she be thinking about him like this when she was in a committed relationship with Kyle. And what was Harry playing at. Was this a game?
Hermione took a deep breath as she saw Ashley enter the room. She was thankful for the interruption and prayed that she made it through breakfast.
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Hem Hem: A/N
Sorry for the delay with this chapter. I was occupied with the OoP. I am still letting it sink in. This chapter is short, but fret not as I am almost done with the next and it will be posted shortly. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Please keep your ideas and suggestions coming, even if you hate the story.
The Sweetest Things