Do You Love Me?

Why Can't I - Liz Phair

“Get a load of me, get a load of you
Walkin' down the street, and I hardly know you
It's just like we were meant to be

Holding hands with you when we're out at night
Got a girlfriend, you say it isn't right
And I've got someone waiting too

What if this is just the beginning
We're already wet, and we're gonna go swimming

Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you
Why can't I speak whenever I talk about you
It's inevitable, it's a fact that we're gonna get down to it
So tell me
Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you

Isn't this the best part of breakin' up
Finding someone else you can't get enough of
Someone who wants to be with you too

It's an itch we know we are gonna scratch
Gonna take a while for this egg to hatch
But wouldn't it be beautiful.”

(A/N): In my defense, I was listening to major kissy music while writing this chapter (i.e. Why Can't I by Liz Phair).

Do You Love Me - Chapter 8

Waking up in the morning was an experience for Harry Potter. His head hadn't hurt so much in a long, long time. He felt nauseous and dizzy even though he hadn't moved a single muscle. Slowly, Harry turned his head and made out an outline of a figure with bushy bobs of brown, frizzy hair. Harry tried reaching for his glasses. Before they reached the side table, they were swiftly handed to him.

Harry put his glasses on.

Hermione had magically imported one of the sofas from the living room into his bedroom. She was sitting on it having propped her feet on a nearby chair. Open files showed sheets of paper neatly arranged into piles. A medical dictionary lay abandoned on Hermione's lap. She was anxiously looking at him. He knew the look. It was a bit too familiar to him.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

He grunted.

“I thought you might be feeling slightly iffy. I didn't bring any food in just in case you might want to empty the contents of your stomach. There's a bucket near the bed by the way.”

He glumly nodded.

“Right. Well. I got you off work. Called Remus.”

Harry concentrated on a part of the wall behind Hermione's head. He put his weight on adjacent pillows and tried to sit up. Hermione was on her feet in a second. The medical dictionary dropped on the floor. He felt Hermione help him support his body against the headrest of his bed. Numbly, he swung his legs off the bed. Hermione fettered over him like a mother hen as he tried to get out of bed. Gently, Harry brushed Hermione's hands off him.

“Hermes, I can do this,” he mumbled.

He stood up and slowly made his way to the bathroom. He didn't bring his wand or use wandless magic. His magic always turned wacky after warps.

Hermione watched Harry. She cocked her head to one side and eyed him quizzically. She felt herself analyzing the situation and quickly stopped herself. She picked up the book on the floor and moved to the kitchen. Breakfast!

In the bathroom, Harry turned on the shower full-speed as he leaned on the nearby walls. His breathing painfully slowed. He let the hot drops of water glaze his tired body.

He finally let the events of the last night register. The warp had begun. It had been the worse one yet. He shouldn't have had that confrontation with Hermione just before it. It left him weak and unable to protect himself. His soul had nearly split from his body. The thought made him grip the sides of the shower harder.

Hermione had saved him. She had risked her life… She had saved him. She had saved him. She had saved him.

Harry turned the knob of the tap. Harry braced himself as the water began to scald his skin.

An hour later, Harry emerged from the bathroom fresh and clean.

He had an itch. An itch he desperately need to scratch. He didn't care anymore. He wanted her. Damn the repercussions!

She was sitting on the high bar stool completing her usual weekday crossword puzzle when he entered. She turned to him…

“Harry, we might have to go grocery shopping… If you're up to it… All my medical notes said you would recover quickly… and you do look much better, Har-”

And he kissed her. Their lips met without apology in a gentle embrace. She melted against him. A jolt of warm, thunderous electricity shot throw their bodies. Finally, they broke apart and gasped for air. Hermione rested her forehead against Harry's. Harry grinned boyishly and then started outright laughing. And despite every single intuition in her body, suddenly, Hermione found herself dissolving into giggles.

Yet deep inside herself, Hermione felt confused. Was this too fast? Too quick? Six months and it all came down to this. This kiss. And what was this about? Why did he?

Harry. He was so shocked at himself. When it came to girls, Harry Potter never took the first step. And when he did, it was too hesitant. Maybe that's why he got screwed over so many times. But was this too quick? Too soon? Too fast?

When the nervous energy left them, Hermione smiled at Harry suddenly feeling shy. Surprisingly, she could hear her wise mother's advice clearly ringing in her own ears. She was rubbish at this relationship bit but she would not let this pass. They would not let this pass.

Harry sat on the barstool next to Hermione and leaned his forehead back on hers taking her hands in his.

“Kind of soon?” she said.

“Understatement. Why are we such idiots?” Harry asked gently knocking his head against hers.

“Why?” she asked. He knew exactly what she meant.

Harry closed his eyes while replying.

“I was just glad that you were there last night.”

“I reckon you're still mad at me though… I would be…”

This was so confusing for them. They were young. They were in love. But could wrongs meant to be forgotten be truly forgotten? Could a young man swallow his pride and his ego and admit love again? Could she - the young woman - move on and more importantly forgive herself?

Slowly, Harry withdrew his hands from hers and looked at Hermione.

She looked at him.

Oh, the emotions than ran over their bodies… The thoughts that traveled through their minds…

“Hermione…”

“Yes, Harry”

“Can we go grocery shopping?”

(A/N): Notice Harry and Hermione don't really talk a lot in this chapter… Now, what could that mean??? And what should I do? The evil author that I am? Fluff or gruff? Fight or all right? (Hey, atleast I tried some rhyming!) Next chapter is all about the repercussions… with guest appearances from Mrs. Granger, and even sodding Angela Millstone…. And an introduction of a new character…

Anyway, let the games *cough*flames*cough* begin!

*author weeps in the background as she is flamed*

Much thanks to all my anonymous reviewers, lorel, mathiasgranger, gattaca, mushypeas, MarenKPotter, harry_mione_love, Bra4goten, mike(!), ivy, tiger111991, oneiros lykos, izzieq (who I know for certain will flame me this chapter), azi, kasmira36, gingercat, kasmira36, jenny, debs, Dylan, Luni, Julesy (thanks for the song recommendation), alakazam (promise longer chapter next time), Jester on Fire, alayneni, MrsGordo (you made my day with your review!), NicholePotter86, Rayclash, MyUsedRomance, Jill, Harryluver05, Justlikemione, Kiera, summerscent, toga party, mischiefmanaged86, Tank03, CrimsonTemplar, Fia, & Minnimione. I love you guys!!! You're the best critics and most awesome reviewers a girl could have!

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