Mo Chroi

Okay here’s my new story and sad to say, most likely my last. It depends how quickly I get this done, because I’m not planning to write anymore fan fiction once the last book comes out. I really need to start concentrating on my own writing. Most of you might not know what the title means, but some of you will I guess. It will make sense eventually though. This book is a little darker than my last few stories and it won’t be too long. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.

~HM

Mo Chroi

Chapter 1

Harry stared out of the window of the house he called home for the last seven months. It didn’t feel like much of a home, it was more just a place to sleep and a room to train. Of course any house was more of a home than the Dursley’s and the day he moved out for good was one of the happiest times of his life.

During his last summer with the Dursley’s, Harry had started to take kickboxing lessons. He knew it would be helpful in the future during his fight with Voldemort and his followers, plus it put him in the best shape of his life. It was also a great stress reliever and he definitely had his fair share of stress.

When the summer was over, he had wanted to keep up with his training so he traveled with his equipment everywhere he went. Shrinking his wraps, gloves, kicking shields and a punching bag. He used the kicking shields for when he was training Hermione and Ron, but mostly used the bag when he was training on his own. It had taken Ron a bit to get comfortable with doing something without his wand, but he eventually got the swing of it. Hermione, on the other hand, was a natural. He was surprised at how quickly she caught on and how hard her kicks were. When she sparred with Ron, it was Ron who mostly ended up on his ass. She had come close a few times taking himself down, but she never did quite succeed.

Things were different now. At the beginning of their journey they laughed more together, enjoying the few moments they were able to have with each other. Not anymore. The war wasn’t even over yet and things were already forever changed.

Seven months ago, McGonagall told him Dumbledore had left him a huge house in Ireland. When they first visited the house that was surrounded by tall trees deep in the forest, Hermione had thought it would be the perfect safe house. Of course she had been right and so they had immediately moved themselves in and Harry had quickly set up his equipment. It was in his room where they spent so many hours planning, training. If they weren’t in his room or in the kitchen eating, they were in the library researching.

Harry closed his eyes as he thought of the pain and misery him and his friends went through collecting all Horcruxes. So many hours of planning, so many close calls, so much emotion and physical effort went into the hunt it drained them all. It didn’t take long for word to get out to Voldemort on what he and his friends had accomplished. His army had doubled and the war began.

The house that was once empty had been filled with Aurors, members of the Order and some of the best Healers from around the world. The three story house was protected by the most powerful magic and no dark magic could step inside or even ten feet from the house. Death Eaters seemed to move closer and closer to the safe house and after weeks of fighting, Harry knew that when the sun rose the final battle would take place.

Harry would face Voldemort for the last and final time. He would defeat him, Harry had no doubt about that. What he did not know was whether or not he would survive or go down with him. It didn’t matter. As long as the Dark Lord was gone…as long as the people he loved that were still alive, survived…he would accomplish what he set out to do.

Harry turned from the window, growing tired of waiting for the sun to come up. Sleep wasn’t an option and although his stomach was growling, he had no desire to eat. So he decided to do what he always loved to do when he was angry and frustrated. Kick the shit out of his punching bag with the image of Voldemort’s ugly ass snake-like face in his head.

He grabbed his wraps and quickly taped up both wrists, but did not bother to slip on his gloves. He wanted contact, even if it was only a bag. He started a quick warm-up, a couple of jabs and right crosses as he danced on his feet. He had only just begun his combo’s, hitting a jab, cross, hook and a offensive spin kick when someone opened his door.

“Harry.”

“Not now, Remus,” He muttered before giving the imaginary Voldemort a solid right, left uppercut.

“Harry.”

He knew that tone. It meant something serious had happened…something Harry couldn’t ignore. “What is it?” When silence only followed, Harry gave the bag an angry hard punch, before he spun around to face him. “What?” Harry asked again. “Go on, tell me. Someone I love die again? I can take it, already lost my fucking best friend, who’s next?”

“No one has died, Harry.”

Although Harry did not dare show it, a slight ache in his heart trembled with relief. “Well? What is it then?”

“A handful of Aurors were scouting not far from here and they came across several Death Eaters. Some were killed, a few escaped, but they were able to capture one.”

“Who is it?”

“He’s being held in the safety room, the Ministry will be here soon to take him away.”

“Who is it, Remus?”

Lupin looked at him with worry in his eyes. “It’s Dolohov.”

In one instant, Harry’s heart hitched, his fists clenched and his eyes narrowed. “Son of a bitch.”

“Harry, don’t,” Remus said blocking his way. “It won’t do any good.”

“The hell it won’t,” Harry growled. “Screw the punching bag when I have that bastard two floors below me.”

Remus wasn’t prepared for the hard shove from Harry, allowing him to escape his room. He caught up with him at the stairs, grabbing his arm. “Harry, don’t do this.”

“Let go,” he ordered flinging his arm free. “How do you expect me not to do anything? Ever since he hurt Hermione years back, he’s been on my shit list. I thought she was dead. For one terrifying moment I thought she was dead.”

“Harry…”

“And just a short month ago he actually succeeded in killing one of my best friends and you actually think I’m going to let the Ministry do all the punishing? Knowing them they’ll just slap his hand and send him on his merry way.”

Remus sighed as he pinched the bride of his nose. “Fine…bloody the bastard up.” He looked at him again in surrender. “Just don’t kill him, okay?”

Harry clenched his fist. “I wouldn’t dare give him the satisfaction.”

Harry turned and flew down the stairs, keeping his head low to avoid eye-contact with people he passed. “Move aside, please,” he told the Auror who was guarding the door.

He smiled wickedly at Harry as he stepped out of the way. “Give him hell, Potter,” Mooddy muttered roughly as he passed him.

The safe room was windowless, cold and drafty The only furniture was one wooden chair, where Dolohov himself occupied. The Death Eater was tied to the chair with his arms pinned behind his back. His head, which was hung low in defeat, lifted slowly and his tired bloodshot eyes trained on Harry. He sneered as Harry walked over to him. “Come to kill me, Potter?”

“You wish.”

Dolohov tensed when Harry moved behind him. “What are you doing?” he asked with a hint of panic in his voice.

“Untying you.”

“Why?”

“Because unlike you and many of Voldemort’s pathetic followers,” Harry started as he lifted him out of the chair and shoved him forward, causing him to stumble to the floor. “I believe in a fair fight.”

He struggled to his feet. “How is me not having a wand, fair?” he asked as he turned to face him.

“Who said anything about wands?” Harry asked quickly before surprising him with a quick left jab, smacking his fist in his face.

Dolohov grunted in pain as he stumbled backwards, barely able to keep on his feet. Harry watched him touch his newly broken nose, glowering at him when he felt his blood on his hands. “Enjoy that?” Harry asked. “It was called a jab. A muggle defense attack.”

Dolohov wiped away his blood. “You think I’m actually going to fight you like a muggle?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Harry gave him a little shove just to piss him off. “You wouldn’t stand a change against me.”

His eyes filled with rage. “I am a powerful dark wizard!” he bellowed angrily even though he winced in pain. “Your…pitiful, weak, muggle tricks won’t…”

Harry cut him off with a sharp right cross, snapping his head back and this time he ended up on his ass. “You were saying?”

He got back on his feet…took him awhile…but he staggered on his two legs glaring at Harry before letting out cry of frustration as he charged. Harry easily moved out of the way and sent his knee up hard into Dolohov’s gut, causing him to stoop over in pain. He finished him off with an elbow strike to the head and casually stepped back when he went down. “Had enough?”

Dolohov groaned as he shifted on the floor, gasping for breath as he managed to get to his knees. “None of this matters.”

“Oh it matters,” he said then gave a sound of disgust and grabbed him by the hair. “Get up, come on you pathetic piece of shit, get up!”

He winced in pain as he had no choice but to stand on his feet as Harry continued to pull at his hair. “I’ll even give you a free shot.” He tore off his glasses and tapped his chin. “C’mon. Give me a solid right cross, go on. Hit me.”

He angrily flared out his right hand, making contact with his face but Harry barely reacted. His face snapped back an inch but his feet stood firm, while Dolohov snapped out curses as he shook his hand. “Knew it would hurt you,” he said calmly as he slipped his glasses back on. “Hands are too soft.”

Dolohov spat out some blood and one or two of his teeth. “You really think these muggle tricks are going to work on the Dark Lord?”

“Probably not, but at least I’m having fun now.” He grabbed his ratty shirt from his front and dragged him angrily against him. “You killed my friend.”

Dolohov’s bloody mouth sneered. “Ah yes…I certainly did, didn’t I? One of my more enjoyable kills.”

Harry let out an angry cry as he flung Dolohov over his shoulder and slammed his back on the hard stone floor. “You son of a bitch, I’ll kill you with my bare hands!”

He saw red. Anger consumed him as his fist came down on Dolohov’s face over and over again. He knew his own knuckles were bleeding and he didn’t care. His enemy was already half unconscious and wasn’t even making an effort to fight back, but he kept on punching. Kept on striking.

He didn’t hear the door open and he barely heard the mix voices calling his name. He struggled against the hands that grabbed him and he fought them back, not nearly satisfied with punishing Dolohov. “Get off…let go!”

“Harry, please!” a feminine voice cried out in his right ear. “That’s enough.”

Hermione.

“Let it go, Harry,” another female voice said in his left.

Ginny.

He watched as Dolohov groaned in agony stumbling to get to his feet, a task that was obviously difficult for him. He staggered back, leaning against the wall painfully as he squinted his swollen eyes at them. “Why’d you stop, Potter? These girls have you whipped?”

Their hands tightened on him in case he went after again, but he didn’t move. “I’m done with you.”

Dolohov spat more blood, breathing heavily as he winced in pain. One would think he would shut up to avoid more pain, but he kept right on ragging. “Red head’s a pretty thing. She your girl, Potter? After the Dark Lord finishes you, he’ll track her down and kill her. Not before he has his way with her though, tortures her for a few days.”

“Let’s just go,” Ginny said although she shivered against him. Harry clinched his fist, but turned away and started to walk.

“Or perhaps the Mudblood?”

Harry paused and his whole body tensed up. “No Harry,” Hermione whispered. “Don’t.”

“Dark Lord will torture her too, probably in front of you before he finishes you off. Would want you to watch. He won’t touch her, though, like he will with your read head. Her being a Mudblood and all, wouldn’t want to get his hands dirty.”

Harry’s whole body snapped, flinging himself away from the girls, he charged. He heard Hermione’s scream of protest as he gripped Dolohov’s arm and twisted it painfully behind his back. He shoved his face against the wall. “He won’t touch her,” he whispered angrily in his ear. “No one will.”

“I seem to have struck a nerve,” Dolohov grunted out, wincing when Harry tugged his arm further up.

“He won’t touch her,” he said again. “I’ll kill him before he has the chance. I swear it. Your Dark Lord will be nothing but a pile of ashes before he can even look at her.” He then jerked his arm up and heard a satisfying snap, before watching Dolohov pass out and crumble to the floor.

Harry didn’t want to look at the girls, but his eyes seemed to find their way to Hermione’s. Her big round chocolate brown eyes were filled with tears as Ginny stood beside her, clutching her arm. “I…I’m sorry you had to see that,” he muttered and then strode out of the room passing Moody. “He needs to be tied up.”

He kept on his way, walking up the stairs out of the basement, avoiding eye contact so he could quickly get back to the solidarity of his room. He was almost to the second set of stairs when a faint voice called after him. He turned and his eyes softened as Mrs. Weasley came up to him with a bowl of steaming stew. “Mrs. Weasley.”

“I know where you’ve been,” she said quietly. “You need to eat.”

Harry touched her tear stained cheek, for his heart still softened for her. The woman he thought of like a mother. “Maybe later, Mrs. Weasley. Save me some, okay?”

Knowing he had no intention of eating, she nodded anyway, giving him a small smile before retreating back to the kitchen. Harry watched her go, then turned back around and stalked up the stairs. Finally alone in his room, he slammed the door shut, leaning tiredly against it.

His knuckles started to throb, but he didn’t care. He brought on the pain. It was a reminder of what he did. Of what little justice he gave to Ron. It didn’t bring him back, but he knew that Ron would have been cheering him on if he could.

He still felt like beating up something. He had this built up frustration inside him, growing more and more with each second and he was desperate to release it. He thought about going another round with the punching bag, but decided against it. It wouldn’t do him any good. After having the privilege of smashing his fist into a solid face he despised, hearing the bones snapping and breaking, a soft squishy bag seemed pointless.

What he needed was a good tumble with a girl. He could easily find someone around here that would be more than willing. Like that pretty little French girl that was an assistant for the Head Healers. She was young and had been sniffing around him for the past few weeks. Not that he pain any mind to it, but now it seemed like something to think about.

He had had sex before. Not with Ginny or any girl that he cared about, but a muggle girl. It was back in the summer when he was still stuck under the Dursley household. It was during the middle of the summer, his aunt and uncle had to make an emergency trip to visit Aunt Marge, who was stuck in the hospital. The stupid bitch tripped over her precious dog and she stumbled down the stairs. It had taken an extreme amount of self control not the laugh at the image in front of his aunt and uncle.

After they had told him that their little Duddykins was in charge and to do what he said, they drove off and it didn’t take long for Dudley to announce he was throwing a party.

According to Duddley he had spread the word and nearly the whole school was coming over and Harry was to stay in his room the whole time.

“Do you really expect me to do that?” Harry had said to him casually as he watched Dudley pathetically rummage through his father’s cologne. “And Jesus, Dudley go easy on that, you’ll stink up the whole house.”

“What do you know, Harry,” he scoffed as he kept on applying. “Look, come down to the party if you want to, but stay away from Julia tonight. I’m trying to get lucky with her tonight. She’s the easy sort.”

Harry snorted a laugh. “If the girl is willing to touch you, Dudders, you can be assured I wouldn’t touch her with a ten foot pole.”

He sauntered out after that, mainly because the potent smell of the cologne was giving him a headache. Harry had hung out in his room at first, not really wanting to go down and mingle with a bunch of muggles that actually liked Dudley.

But then after it seemed like there was a full house, he thought it wouldn’t hurt to scope it out. He walked down the stairs, passing muggles snogging in random places in the hallway. The den that his Aunt liked to keep ridiculously tidy was now filled with teenagers and empty beer cans scattered the hardtop surfaces and the smell of cigarette smoke filled the air.

He noticed the girls watching him with interest, giggling in packs just like always. And as it turned out, Julia cornered him and was pleased to discover she had no desire to touch Dudley.

“Please,” she said with a roll of her eyes as she was now practically in his lap. “Even I have my limits.”

It wasn’t long after that when she asked if he wanted to go somewhere alone with her. “There’s a broom closet under the stairs, you know?” she whispered seductively as she wiggled against him.

“I’m aware of that,” he said and almost got up and politely declined her offer, but then remembered in a few short weeks he was leaving to start his very dangerous mission of finding the Horcruxes and he very well might not survive. To die a virgin was a depressing thought. “I have a room,” he found himself saying and dragged her out of the crowded living room.

The minute the door closed behind him they went after it. Talking was the last thing they wanted or needed to do. They both knew that it was only tonight. After that, they would both go on their separate ways. He remembered the look of shock in her eyes when he finally plunged inside her, and afterwards she lied flat on her back out of breath.

“Are you sure you’re a virgin?” she asked.

“Last I check,” he said staring up at the wall. “Guys in the past not do it for you?”

“They always got off before I could,” she said.

His only answer was a grunt and then he rolled on top of her so he could do it again. He couldn’t explain it, but when he was inside her nothing else entered his mind. For that one pleasurable moment he didn’t think of what he had to do in a matter of weeks. He wasn’t in pain or didn’t think about the painful loss of his mentor. So it was that reason and that reason alone that he reached for her over and over again in the night.

She was gone by the time he woke up and though he was relaxed and incredibly satisfied, he still felt empty. Like something was missing. It was just sex. He didn’t care for her, and barely could remember her name now as he stared out the window. Sex though was a great release and it was what he wanted. What he needed now.

He thought he might go search for the French girl after all, but as he turned to go he saw Hermione standing just inside his room. “Hermione.” His face hardened and shoved his hands in his pockets. “What are you doing here?”

Here’s the next chapter.

Mo Chroi

Chapter 2

“Hermione.” His face hardened and shoved his hands in his pockets. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh I don’t know,” she started nonchalantly with a shrug. “Could be that my best friend is going off at the break of dawn to fight the most powerful dark wizard of our time. Maybe I wanted to have a little friendly chat between friends. Then again, I never recalled needing a reason to come see you.”

“I didn’t mean…” He scowled as he broke off. “I really want to be alone right now.” It was a lie. Wasn’t he just leaving to go seek a friendly female companion? “Please give me that and leave me be.”

Hermione pushed back the tears that threatened to surface. “Why do you keep pushing me away? I know you’re scared Harry, I’m scared for you. Let me help you.”

“You can’t give me what I need.”

Hermione was quiet for a moment while Harry stalked back to the window. “It breaks my heart to hear you say that.”

Harry’s shoulders hunched. “I don’t mean to hurt you.”

“Don‘t you?” she asked taking another step further into the room. “That’s your plan isn’t it? Push me away so I’ll be safe. Make me think you don’t care for me? You think I actually buy that? Especially after what I witnessed downstairs?”

He turned back to her. “You weren’t suppose to see that. You shouldn’t have been there.”

“I know you’re worried, Harry,” she said as she so badly wanted to go over to him and pull him close. “I’m going to be with you. Right beside you to the very end. I’d die for you.”

Harry hitched in a quick breath. “Don’t say that,” he said in a panic. “Don’t…Dammit, Hermione, don’t even think it. And you’re not going anywhere.”

Hermione blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“You heard me,” he said as he stalked over to her pointing a finger in her face. “You’re to stay here. Within these walls. Where it’s safe.”

Hermione lifted a brow. “Oh, am I now?”

“Yes and don’t give me that look, Hermione,” he said with a firm tone as emotions he’d been holding back deep inside him were threatening to come out. He wouldn’t…couldn’t let that happen. He’d held them in check this long and he would be damned if Hermione Granger finally made him crack. “This will all be over by this time tomorrow. No sense in putting your life in danger when so many people are already. You’ll stay here. Help the Healers, I’m sure they’ll be fairly busy tomorrow.”

“No,” Hermione said simply with her hands on her hips. “I will do as I please and who are you to tell me otherwise. I’m a good witch. A good fighter and I won’t stand around and wait like a good little girl. You can’t make me.”

Harry moved two long quick strides towards her and just like that, had her pinned against the wall. He wasn’t touching her, but his glare alone could freeze anyone who dared look. “I’m warning you, Hermione. Don’t push me on this.”

Although her heart began to bang loudly against her chest, she jerked up her chin up. “Threatening me now, Harry? What are you going to do? Cosh me on the head, tie me up and lock me in the closet?”

“If It comes to that,” he said narrowing her eyes. “You’re staying.”

Hermione angrily shook her head and opened her mouth to protest but let out a soft cry when he suddenly grabbed her arms and slammed her against the wall. “Dammit, Hermione,” he cursed as his emotions were teetering on the edge. “Don’t argue with me, I don’t have the patience or the energy. You have to stay.”

“Why?” she asked as she trembled under his hands. “How can you ask me to do such a thing when you know I can’t?”

He’d have preferred her screaming, biting and cursing him over the soft and pleading voice. “You have to,” he said matching the tone of her voice. “Because I…” His vision blurred and quickly realized that tears formed in his eyes. Oh god, oh god, oh god. Not now. Don’t fall apart now. “I can’t go out there and do what I have to do if…” He hitched in a breath closing his eyes tightly as the anger and frustration started to surface. “Bloody hell,” he whispered and then shook her roughly as his eyes flew open. “I can’t lose you! Don’t you understand that!” He shook her again. “I’ve already lost one friend and I’ll be damned if I lose another. I can’t…I just can’t lose you, Hermione.”

Hermione didn’t say anything. Not one word. She simply lifted a hand and touched his cheek. It was that one small gesture that finally sent him over the edge. He felt his eyes fill once more and a loud sob escaped him and although he tried to push it back, tried to keep his composure, he knew it was useless.

He sagged against her, buried his face against her neck as his shoulders began to shake. “I can’t…I can’t lose you, Hermione.”

“Shh.” She wrapped her arms around him like she wanted to just moments ago. “Harry, it’s okay.”

“No,” he croaked as he held her tight. “No, you need to promise me. Please. Promise…Promise me you’ll stay.”

Hermione’s eyes now began to tear up as she looked up to the ceiling. What he asked of her was something that would break her heart. Not being able to be with him, fight with him side by side like she always sworn to do. “Okay, Harry,” she managed to stay as she choked back her tears and began to feel her heart start to crumble. “I’ll stay.”

A sense of relief shook him down to the bone as he could only clutch her tighter. She would be safe. She would survive. It was the only thing that mattered. She was the only thing that mattered. He knew it was hard for her to stay behind, but the fact that she was going to for him meant the world.

And as the tears passed and his shaky breaths became irregular once more, he finally became aware of how every inch of her body was pressed tightly against his. She was warm, soft and smelled incredibly female and he slowly felt his blood start to hum.

He knew he should step away, give her a little smile, a pat on the head and send her on her way. Instead, he stayed where he was, enjoying the feel of her pressed against him and the way her fingers felt sliding through his hair. It was soothing, comforting. And he wanted more.

He couldn’t seem to stop himself from nuzzling her neck or pressing his lips firmly on her soft skin. He felt her body tense and her fingers in his hair stilled. He didn’t move for a moment, keeping his lips firmly on her neck while breathing deeply through his nose with his hands rested loosely on her hips. It wasn’t until he felt her relax again when he gently nipped at her skin with teeth and tongue.

She let out a gasp, gripped his hair tightly, but made no sound or movement of protest. So he did it again, this time trailing kisses with a tease of his tongue. She arched against him, but didn’t push him away, so that only encouraged him to keep going. The only sounds to be heard were the soft smacks of his kisses and the occasional soft whimpers that escaped her.

He moved down to her chest, kissing the spot where her heart raced beneath it, before moving to the other side of her neck. She moved her fingers again but her caress was anything but gentle as he captured her earlobe with his mouth.

She surrendered against him as his name fell from her lips for the first time and the sound of it made him groan deeply as he pinned her higher against the wall. Her legs came around his waist, allowing him to grind his arousal roughly against her. She gasped as her head tilted back while she moved against him.

He shifted his mouth to hers but stopped inches from contact. His hands were gripping the back of her thighs and hers had moved to his shoulders. Their breaths merged as they both breathed heavily, wondering what the other was thinking. Wondering how exactly they had gotten to this point.

It was Hermione who first shifted her gaze to his lips and it was Harry who moved a fraction of an inch closer. Their lips touched in a caress as soft and quiet as a whisper. This went on for awhile, lips only touching for quick, impatient nips until Hermione captured Harry’s bottom lip and grazed her teeth slowly over it, causing Harry to turn up the kiss.

He opened his mouth, prying Hermione’s lips with his tongue before plundering, tasting her for the first time. She tasted sweet, addictively so, and they clung together, as mouths fused together while tongues tangled, caressed, tasted.

The kiss changed from gentle and lazy to hard and desperate. Their lips bruised each other as their tongues met thrust after thrust. Only gasps and murmurs of wanting exchanged between them as their hands started to roam. Harry’s gripped handfuls of her blouse, tugging it out of her waistband of her skirt, while Hermione’s grappled for his shirt, dragging it up over his head.

They broke apart so Hermione could tug it off, but Harry immediately sampled her mouth once more as his hands now fought with the buttons of her blouse. His fingers felt clumsy working with the small dainty buttons so with a frustrating groan he ripped cotton and buttons scattered.

He slid his hands up her ribcage and then filled them with her soft breasts while his mouth still tasted her own.

She moaned against his mouth while he kneaded her breasts, then gasped when he easily flicked open the clasp in the front of her bra. He hitched her higher and before she could even comprehend what he was doing, his mouth was covering one of her breast while his hand loved the other. “God,” she breathed as she tilted back, her head hitting the wall as her back arched to him. “My god, Harry.”

Harry crushed his mouth back to hers rolling them until his back was now against the wall, her feet found the floor again and his hands traveled up her skirt. “Be sure,” he breathed he pushed the triangle of silk aside and slid a finger inside her wet heat. “Be sure.”

Hermione moaned loudly and answered by simply attacking the buttons of his fly while tugging his jeans over his hips. She sneakily stuck a hand inside so quickly he almost went blind when she gripped her hand over his very hard arousal. “Bloody hell,” he moaned and rolled them again, slamming her back against the wall already working at hiking up her skirt.

He ripped her silk knickers in half, too impatient to remove them the normal way, and hitched her back up off the floor. He gripped her hips and was about to plunge hard inside her, but hesitated and looked into her eyes which was filled with desire. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Don’t worry,” she gasped and then started to push herself onto him.

Harry let out a shocking moan when he realized how easily she accepted him, so he thrust the rest of himself into her, hard and fast. Not a virgin. There was no resistance, no blood…he slid into her smoothly and silkily. He wanted to ask her who she had been with, as they now clung to each other as they both had yet to move. “Hermione…”

“Later,” she murmured knowing what he wanted to know. “Later, just…oh god Harry, please…move. Move inside me…fast.” She arched her hips against his. “Hard.”

“Shit,” he whispered as he buried his face against her neck as he did as he was told. He started out slowly, moving in short lazy strokes, but the sounds of her moans and gasps made him pick up the pace. He now pulled almost completely out of her before slamming back into her. Thrust after thrust while she met each one without breaking rhythm.

Her nails scraped at his back, his mouth sucked and branded her neck as they fucked each other’s brains out. He never really got that term, until now. He felt as if his brains were leaking out of his ears while he pounded into her, hearing the sound of flesh slapping against flesh. He was glad he was coherent enough to remember a silencing spell sometime in the middle of all this, because anyone walking by would hear the sound of Hermione’s hips hitting the wall over and over again.

“Oh god,” Hermione gasped as her mouth opened wide in a silent groan while the look of shock passed over face. “Yes…Harry, faster. I’m gonna…fuck, you’re good at this.”

It made him smile, liking the idea of him giving her more pleasure than her first. He captured her mouth with his, while they both were creeping close to the edge. He could feel her inner walls clenching tightly around him and he felt himself growing closer and closer. He picked up the pace, and slid a hand between their joined bodies, finding Hermione’s sensitive nub which finally sent her over the edge.

She gasped, bucked and her whole body shuddered as the first wave of orgasm swept over her in a violent rush. Harry buried his face into her neck, nuzzling her soft hair, breathing in her scent while he rode out her orgasm. He came after that, long and hard while all his worries, all his stress seemed to spill out of him, while he spilled himself into her.

Just a quick little thing, sorry no update quite yet, but there will be one probably late tonight or tomorrow. First of all thanks for the ones who like it so far and to the ones that will be sad to see me go! But I wanted to clarify something in this story. Yes, it started out with Angst but it’s not going to be like this from beginning to end. You know me guys, you know I can’t stay away from fluff forever! This story does turned more fluffy than angst as the story goes on so don’t you guys worry! I’ll even work on a good fluffy epilogue to end my hp career off on the right foot! So enjoy this one for now! I seem to be writing quickly now, so you never know I just might sneak in another one before the last book. Thanks again guys for everything!!

Much love!

~HM

Thanks guys for all the positive reviews! Here’s the next chapter, but I want to remind you guys that the reason why I’m updating so fast is that I had already written a great deal before I even posted it. So, you guys are almost caught up then I don’t know how frequent the updates will be. Hopefully not too long, because this story is really flowing out of me right now.

~HM

Mo Chroi

Chapter 4

They slid boneless to the floor and found themselves flat on their backs staring up at the ceiling. Their breaths were choppy and their skin was sheen with sweat. The smell of sex hung the air and a uncomfortable silence grew between them.

Harry didn’t know what to do or say to her. Neither of them had planned this or expected this, but it happened nonetheless. When Harry finally opened his mouth to say something, Hermione sat up from the floor and started to get dressed. As he watched her fasten her bra back into place he lifted his hips to yank his jeans up over his hips, then sat up to look for his shirt.

He tried desperately not to blush when Hermione held it out for him, but then gave up on that attempt when she picked up her ruined blouse. “Er…sorry about that.”

“No problem,” she said and pulled her wand and did a quick reparo on it and the scattered buttons flew off the floor and into place. Once her blouse was on she got to her feet, straightened her skirt, then pulled her ripped knickers and fixed them up before sliding them back on.

Harry stood up as well and watched her walk to the door, mumbling something before leaving the room. Alone, Harry sat on the end of the bed, sighing heavily as he leaned on his elbows and covered his face with his hands.

What in the hell was he thinking? He had no business using Hermione like that. None. Why didn’t he just send her on her way and go after Frenchie? It would have been simple, less complicated, smarter and…and not nearly as good.

He groaned at the remembrance of how he felt inside her and the way she responded to him had made him bloody well go insane. He made love with….no, not made love, he had yet to make love to someone. He had sex…mind blowing, out of control sex with Hermione.

Now what? He was going off to fight Voldemort at dawn and the last think he wanted was to leave Hermione with the awkwardness between them. He needed to make it right. He needed to talk to her, apologize and let her know how much her friendship meant to him. There was a damn good chance he wouldn’t come back alive and he did not want that stretch of silence and awkwardness to be the last thing between them.

He was just about to go find her when the door opened and a tray with two steaming bowls set on top came floating through and Hermione followed close behind. She closed the door behind her and took the tray from the air and walked over to Harry.

“Take one.”

Harry took one of the bowls of beef stew, still staring while Hermione took the other one. “I don’t really have an appetite.”

“Then treat it like medicine,” she said sitting herself down next to him. “You need to eat.”

He wanted to argue but figured it would be pointless, so he grabbed the spoon and scooped up his first bite. “Hermione,” he said after a few bites. “I want to…”

“Don’t,” she interrupted as she set her spoon down to hold up a hand. “Don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong.”

“But…”

“We both knew what we were doing, Harry. If I didn’t want you to touch me, all I’d have to do was say so and you would have stopped.”

“Why didn’t you?” Harry asked before unconsciously taking another bite of the stew.

“Why should I have?” She stood then, taking her half empty bowl to the tray. “We were both seeking comfort and not the kind where a simple hug would do. You needed it and I quickly figured out I needed it as well.” She walked over to the bag, lightly tapping it with her fist. “Do you regret it?” she asked looking back at him.

“No,” He answered without the slightest hesitation.

“Well then, there you go. Neither do I.”

With that said she started to hit the bag with different combinations Harry taught her, while he finished up his stew. “You’re a natural at it,” Harry said, then blushed when she raised a brow at him. “At kickboxing…I meant…you’re a natural at kickboxing…not that you’re not…er…good at the other thing….you are but…I meant kickboxing.”

She let out a small laugh, blushing slightly as she turned back to the bag. “Thanks.”

Harry set aside his bowl and went to the bag to hold it for her. He watched her do a few punches then surprised her by quickly reaching out and lightly slapping her on her right cheek.

“Hey!” Hermione exclaimed rubbing at her cheek. “What was that for?”

“Hands up,” he said grabbing her right wrist and pulled it up to her face. “That’s your weakness. You forget to keep your hand up while the other is punching. That’s why you never quite got me on my ass.”

“Got Ron on his ass more than enough times,” she reminded him.

“Considering you were way better than him and he wasn’t nearly as coordinated, that’s not saying much. Keep your hands up.”

“Fine,” she grumbled and went back to punching.

Harry reached out to lightly slap her again, but this time she easily blocked it, making Harry grin. “Thatta girl.”

Hermione returned the smile. “I learn from the best.”

“That you do. Try some of your kicks.” Harry held the bag while she did sessions of spin kicks, side kicks and front kicks, giving her pointers along the way.

“Hermione?” Harry asked after a moment of silence when Hermione paused to get her breath. “Do you think…do you think Ron would have disapproved of what we did?”

Hermione sighed, smiling softly as she leaned against the bag, resting her cheek on it. “It’s funny…I was wondering the same thing.”

Harry leaned on the bag from the other side, his head loomed over hers. “Really? I’d like to think he wouldn’t.”

“I don’t think he would at all,” Hermione said lifting her face up to him. “He was head over heels in love with Luna and…and when he lost her…he wasn’t the same. Like half his soul had died with her.”

“He wanted revenge,” Harry said sadly. “It controlled him and although he got his revenge against McNair…it cost him his life.”

“It’s easier for me to accept his death if I imagine them together…at peace.”

Harry smiled softly. “I’m sure they are…they were quite a pair. And happy.”

“Yes,” she agreed as she matched his smile, but then her lips faltered when he saw the look in his eyes. “What is it?”

“Was it Ron?” Harry blurted out before he could stop himself. “Was your first time with Ron?”

“No,” she said simply. “Our short-lived relationship didn’t last that long.”

“Oh.” He waited a beat, then sighed. “Are you going to tell me who it was?”

“Are you going to tell me your first?”

“How do you know you weren’t my first?”

Hermione snorted out a laugh. “Harry, you knew exactly what to do…exactly where to touch me. No virgin could have been that good.”

“Ah, well,” he said slightly embarrassed. “I guess I’m guilty.”

“Ginny?”

“God, no,” he said quickly with a laugh. “Ginny and I never even got close to that. It was just some muggle girl I met over the summer when Dudley had a party. It was just a one night stand…didn’t mean anything.” He gave a little shrug. “I almost brushed her off, but I guess I just didn’t like the idea of dying a virgin. If I was a seer and knew this was going to happen, I’d have never had done it.”

Hermione couldn’t help but smile. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Me too,” she admitted shyly. “I did it for the same reason. It was when I was in Paris last summer with my parents.” It had been a quick trip, but she wanted one last moment with her parents before she went off with Harry. “I ran into Victor.”

“Krum? You had sex with Krum?”

“Yeah. I almost said no, but like you…I wanted to see what it was like.”

“Oh,” he said as he all of the sudden felt stupid. “I guess he knew what he was doing…being older and all.”

“Hardly,” she said with a hint of resentment in her voice. “He wasn’t exactly concerned with giving me pleasure and he wasn’t exactly gentle with me.”

Harry narrowed his eyes. “He hurt you?”

“It doesn’t matter,” she said shaking her head. “It already happened and I can’t change the past.”

“That may be, Hermione, but it does matter.” He reached up and touched her cheek softly. “If I had known your first was so horrible I would have been more gentle.”

“Than I’m glad you didn’t know,” she said as she covered his hand with hers. “Gentle wasn’t what we needed. You know I’m right,” she continued when she saw the guilty look on his face. “So stop with the guilt.”

“All right, but you should know that there are other ways.” he brushed her bottom lip gently with his thumb before pulling his hand away. “It’s not all just the ‘wham bam thank you mam’. There’s more to it.”

“Gee, Harry, you going to give me a lesson on Sex Education?” she teased.

The corner of his lip tilted up. “Maybe.” He then slowly moved around from his side of the bag to face her, towering over her while her back was against the bag and Harry’s hands gripped the straps on top of the bag to keep it still. “Or I can show you.”

Yea!! Here’s another chapter! I know the update took longer than the others but it’s been a busy week! I hope you enjoy this one and keep it coming with the awesome updates as always!

~HM

Chapter 4

He then slowly moved around from his side of the bag to face her, towering over her while her back was against the bag and Harry’s hands gripped the straps on top of the bag to keep it still. “Or I can show you.”

Harry was so close to her she had to tilt up her chin just so she could look at him. “Show me? Harry you showed me plenty earlier. Being with you made me realize exactly how different it can be.”

“I can show you more,” he said with his mouth now only inches from hers. “If you let me…I can show you just how different it can be.”

“Didn’t get enough of me earlier, Harry?” she asked with a hint of amusement in her voice although her heart was racing.

“Thought I did. Even regretted it because I thought it would ruin our friendship.”

Hermione’s eyes softened. “Nothing could ruin our friendship.”

“I know that now, which is why I want to give you more.”

“Harry, you really don’t have to feel like you need to do anything. You did more than enough last time and…”

“Why are you making it sound like a hardship?” he asked cutting her off. “Boys like sex, too, you know.”

“Sex, yes, but not all the other stuff and…”

Harry choked out a laugh. “Who told you that?”

“Victor. He said foreplay’s way overrated.”

“Well, Krum’s an idiot, isn’t he? Hermione,” he said softly as he leaned his body against her while he pulled at the straps so the bag was pushing her against him. “All the other stuff as you described it, is not overrated. Especially when done right.”

Hermione shuddered out a breath at the contact. “What makes you such an expert?” she managed to say.

“I had a lot of practice in one night and although a part of me wishes you were my first, I’m somewhat glad I know what I’m doing so I can show you just how bloody fantastic it can be.”

“I don’t know,” she said with a smile as she arched against him. “I’m kind of a fan of the ‘wham bam thank you, mam’.”

Laughter escaped Harry before he could stop it. A simple human act that he hadn’t done in weeks. “We’ll get to that.” He brushed his lips to hers. “Leading up to it can be just as fun.”

“Whatever you say,” Hermione said quickly seeking his mouth again, kissing him passionately.

“Not so fast,” he breathed pulling away when the kiss started to get heavy. “Patience, Hermione.”

She moaned when his lips moved to her neck, slowly torturing her with open mouthed kisses and lazy sweeps of the tongue. “Harry, please…now.” She reached for the fly of his jeans, desperate to have in inside her again.

Harry simply took her greedy hands away and pinned them behind the small of her back. “Not yet,” he whispered before he took her mouth in a long drugging kiss. He didn’t nip or bruise, but simply tasted, sliding his tongue deep into her mouth over and over again until she was pliant in his arms.

He shuffled them to the bed with their mouths never breaking and Harry sat on the edge, but when Hermione would have crawled on his lap he held her back. “No, wait.” Harry put his hands on her hips and looked up at her. “Let me see you this time. Let me undress you.”

Hermione blushed, looking away shyly. “There’s nothing special to see really.”

“Oh, I doubt that,” Harry groaned as he unfastened the top bottom. “I won’t rip it this time.”

“I didn’t mind.” Merlin, she couldn’t stop shaking, which was ridiculous. They already had sex against the wall for crying out loud, she shouldn’t be nervous! “It was kind of exciting…knowing I could make you lose control.”

“I was impatient.” He undid the last two buttons. “In a hurry.” He spread her blouse open and over her shoulder, revealing her lacy bra. “And even though it’s killing me, I’m not losing control this time. Not yet at lest.”

“You’re making me nervous, Harry.”

“Am I?” Harry smiled as he reached up and brushed a knuckle over one of the silk cups, causing her to tremble. “That’s a good start then.”

Since he knew she expected him to undo her bra next, he reached behind her and unfastened her skirt, allowing it to slip off her hips and fall to the floor. “Well what do you know,” Harry said as his hands traveled up her thighs and over her hips. “You had a body hiding under those Hogwarts robes all this time.”

“I’m too skinny,” she said then groaned when his fingers brushed the triangle of silk.

“Not skinny….long and lean.” He pulled her from her hips until she stood closer to him between his legs. “Perfect.”

Hermione gripped his hair when his mouth covered one of her breasts, sucking and tugging against the silk. She felt her clasp release and groaned when his mouth covered soft skin. He pulled at her until she straddled his hips, arching her back when he continued to kiss and caress her breasts. “Harry,” she pleaded softly as she fiddled with the hem of his shirt, desperate for naked flesh.

When his shirt was discarded their mouths met holding each other close so their bare skin rubbed together. Lips and tongue mated while Harry gripped her bare waist and raised her up on her knees. Before she could even wonder how he removed her knickers, his fingers had found her, warm and wet. She broke from the kiss on a gasp, arching her back like a bow while he stroked and fondled her.

She groaned his name when his mouth found her breasts again, then bit her lip as Harry’s thumb pressed against her clit. “Oh god,” she groaned as she gripped his shoulders, whimpering softly while grinding against his hand. “Don’t stop…yes…Oh Harry, yes!”

He felt her clench around his fingers, gasping and shuddering while she came. Harry quickly flipped her over on her back, replacing his fingers with his mouth just as she was coming down from her high, hoping to bring her up again.

Hermione could do nothing but grip his hair and hang on for the ride. She was already half drugged from the first orgasm he gave her and now he was cleverly bringing her to a second. Merlin, Harry was right. Foreplay was bloody fantastic if done right. And Harry was definitely doing it right.

She screamed his name when the second orgasm hit her even harder than the first. Her fingers tightened in his hair while she dug her heels into his shoulder blades, lifting her hips up while she rode it out. Then her whole body went limp, collapsing back onto the bed while she felt herself begin to drift away. Was she dying? No, her heart was banging too loudly for a near death experience.

“Hermione?” Harry murmured as he nuzzled her neck.

She just sighed dreamily, wrapping her arms weakly around him while she enjoyed the aftermath of her glow. Her eyes then flew open when she felt him slowly push into her, stretching her walls. “Harry,” she gasped wrapping herself tight against him once he was inside her. “I couldn’t possibly have another…”

“Yes you can,” Harry said grabbing her legs and pushed her knees towards her chest, allowing him to go even deeper. “And you will.”

Hermione let out a throaty groan at the new position. “Merlin, Harry….I had no idea.”

“I know.” He began to move his hips in slow short thrusts, grinding himself deep inside her. “You feel so good,” he whispered in her ear, sucking it gently. “So bloody good.”

“Yes,” she cried softly, reaching above her head to grip something.

Harry complied her by grappling his hands with hers until they linked and tightened together. He quickened the pace, thrust after thrust in a steady rhythm. The mattress squeaked under them and the iron headboard bumped hard into the wall as they both started to finally lose control.

Their mouths fused together, muffled groans filled the room as the pace became even quicker, desperate now for that sudden rush of release. They came together, pulling away from the kiss only to groan or sigh each other’s name as Harry plunged into her once, twice and then a final time, hard and fast until they were both spent.

Neither of them moved for awhile. Harry laid stretched out on top of her…still inside her with his head on her breast. Hermione couldn’t do anything but lay there, she didn’t even have the strength to caress his hair like she wanted to. She was going to die. Surely no girl had experienced three amazing orgasms in a row and lived to tell the tale, but it seems that she had.

“Harry?”

“Mmm, yeah,” he grunted. “I’ll get off in a second.”

“Didn’t you just do that?” Hermione asked with a chuckle.

Harry lifted his head, propping himself on his elbows. “You’re a regular comedian. I meant I’ll get off of you…smart ass.”

“No don’t,” Hermione said wrapping her arms around him before he could roll off of her. “Not yet at least.”

Harry smiled and leaned down, brushing his lips against hers. “Still think foreplay’s overrated?”

“Hardly,” she groaned stretching her long aching body under his. “Especially with you.”

“Thanks,” he said as he nipped at her lips then made his way down her neck.

“Can I do it to you?”

Harry’s whole body froze then lifted his head. “What?”

“I want to do it to you,” Hermione said as her hands slid down his damp back. “What you did with your mouth? I want to give you pleasure now.”

“Uh…wow.” He shook his head to bring him out of the fantasy she had planted in his head. “I wouldn’t say no to that. But later,” he added quickly when he saw the look in her eyes. “I need a moment to recover here. In the mean time, let’s get under the covers, rest a little.”

“All right,” she agreed and smiled against his lips when he kissed her one last time before shifting off of her.

Once they were both under the covers they were on their sides facing each other as they shared a pillow. “Are we going to do a little pillow talk?” Hermione asked.

Harry smile, resting a hand on her bare hip. “Sure.”

“That be nice,” Hermione admitted shyly. “It’s been awhile since we talked.”

The humor in his eyes faded. “I know. I’m sorry.” He sighed deeply, reaching up to brush back strands of her hair. “I know I’ve been distant the last few months, especially after Ron died.”

“When we lost Ron,” Hermione began as her voice turned shaky. “It was like a part of me died…a part of us…died with him. We were no longer the unstoppable trio. It hurt so badly I almost felt numb.”

“I know. Hermione…”

“I was comforted by so many people,” she continued looking into his eyes that were filled with sorrow and regret. “Comforted by so many people. There was only one person I wanted to be with…one person I wanted to hold, wanted him to hold me. He would let me.”

“He was an idiot.” Harry smiled sadly. “An idiot who thought it was best for everyone to pull away. Even when he so badly wanted to be comforted by you.” He cradled the side of her face, brushing his thumb over her soft cheek. “I’m sorry I left you alone.”

“It’s okay.” She covered his hand turning her head to plant a kiss against his palm. “Although it hurt, I can understand why you did it.”

Touched by the gesture, Harry linked their fingers and brought them to his lips. “I thought I was protecting you.”

“I know,” she said and then decided to lighten the mood to get the look of guilt out of his eyes. “Which is why I decided not to kick your ass.”

Amusement replaced guilt as he flashed a grin. “Like you could.”

“Don’t be so sure, it wouldn’t be like sparring.” Then in a quick flash, she rolled and before Harry could blink he was on his back with his hands pinned above his head. “I wouldn’t hold back.”

“Wow,” he said impressed, enjoying the feel of her long naked body stretched out over his. “Nice move.”

She leaned down, nipped his chin. “Thanks.”

“Well,” he said when she started to trail her lips down his neck. “You’ve got me pinned. What are you going to do to me?”

She nuzzled his neck and gently sunk her teeth into his earlobe. “Torture you,” she murmured huskily in his ear.

Harry’s eyes fluttered closed when her very talented mouth continued down his body. “Sounds fantastic.”

Later…after she had tortured him beyond belief, sending him over the edge…after having her once more…fast, hard…desperate…they lay breathless and entwined. Harry was on his back, staring up at the ceiling with Hermione curled against him with her head resting on his heart.

“I’m tired,” Hermione murmured as her eyes started to turn heavy.

“Get some sleep, Hermione,” he said stroking her hair.

“I don’t want to…I’m afraid you’ll be gone when I wake up.”

Harry shut his eyes as the thought of leaving her…never seeing her again…sent a shot of pain through his heart. “I promise to wake you before I go.”

“Promise?” she whispered as sleep began to take over.

Harry pressed his lips against the crown of her head, breathing in her familiar scent. “I promise.”

Man, has it been crazy for me! For awhile there I didn’t think I was going to finish this story! To be honest I’m still worried about that, my schedule doesn’t get any better! But this weekend I’m totally open, so hopefully I’ll find time to write. Here’s the next chapter. Kind of short and sappy and sweet.

~HM

Chapter 5

It was still dark when Harry slipped out of bed, kissing Hermione’s brow before heading to the shower. Knowing fully that this might be his last shower, he made the water extra hot and lingered a tad bit longer.

Harry walked out of the bathroom, toweled off and tugged on his jeans and a fresh shirt. He then sat on the edge of the bed and watched her sleep soundly on her stomach, with the sheets pooled at her waist and her wild brown hair spread out behind her.

He knew it would be best to walk away. Kiss her one last time and quietly sneak out, but he wouldn’t do that. Couldn’t do that. He promised he would wake her, just as she promised that she would stay behind. So he leaned down and kissed her, slowly, sweetly, murmuring her name until he felt her begin to stir.

“Mmm…Harry?”

Harry playfully nipped her ear. “Better be.”

With her eyes still closed, she grinned lazily while he continued to assault her face with kisses. She finally rolled onto her back, opening her arms to him as their mouths met in a slow, drugging kiss. Just as Harry was about to sink into her arms, he pulled away on a groan. “I can’t,” he breathed.

Hermione studied Harry’s face in the soft glow of the lit oil lamp on the bedside table, then frowned when she noticed he was dressed. “It’s time?” she asked sitting up as she held the sheets over her breasts.

“Yes,” he said softly then felt his heart rip in two when her eyes shimmered with tears. “Don’t. Please don’t cry, baby, I can’t stand it.”

“I’m sorry,” she said chocking back the tears. “It’s just….oh, Harry.”

She threw her arms around him, holding him tight, reminding him of so many hugs she gave him in the past. “I’ll beat him,” he assured her as he stroked her hair. “I swear I will.”

“I know you will,” she whimpered softly. “That’s not what I’m afraid of.”

Harry didn’t have to ask what she was afraid of. “Hermione…”

“I need you to promise…”

“Hermione,” he sighed leaning back to cradle her face with his hands. “I can’t promise that, because I can’t be sure I won’t break it.”

“But you can promise to try,” she said gripping both wrists and looked desperately into his eyes. “You can promise me…right here…right now…that you’ll do everything in your power to come back to me.”

“If you’d ask me that twenty-four hours ago, I wouldn’t have been able to promise you.” He paused, caressing her cheek softly, lovingly. “But now…I can look at you and promise I will do everything I can to get back to you. I have something to live for now.”

“You’re damn right you do,” Hermione said almost angrily as she choked over her tears. “You’ve always had something to live for, Harry.”

“I know,” he said softly wiping away her tears. “Thanks for reminding me.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” she whispered, smiling through her tears before their lips met again.

“I have to go,” he said sadly after awhile, pulling away reluctantly. “Many of the Aurors have already left, hoping to clear the path for me as much as possible. I’ve prolonged it long enough.”

“Are you going alone?”

Harry touched her cheek. “No, Remus and a few other Aurors are heading out with me. I won’t be totally alone.”

She nodded quickly, pressing her lips tightly together as she tried to stay strong. “Okay,” she said taking a deep breath. “Let me…Let me get dressed and I’ll walk with you to the door.”

Harry smiled softly and shook his head. “No, Hermione…please. I need you to stay here. This is how I want to leave you…a moment when it’s just you and me. I want to kiss you goodbye right now and if I make it…I’ll be waiting for another kiss from you. And many more to follow.”

She sighed, touching his cheek softly as his words touched her heart. “All right. If that’s what you want.”

“Well…what I want is to take you far away from here where I can have you all to myself and live a long normal life with you.”

Hermione’s lips curved. “That sounds nice.”

“Maybe one day.”

She shook her head. “One day,” she corrected.

He smiled softly. “Okay.” He kissed her gently, slowly, lingering as long as he could. “I have to go,” he whispered against his lips. “I don’t want to…but I have to.”

“I know,” she cried softly, hugging him tight. “Take me with you. No, not physically,” she said when he started to protest. “Take me inside you. In your head. In your heart. I want to be with you…every step of the way.”

“You will be.” He pressed his lips against her hair, breathed in her scent and mentally added it to his memory. “You always were…even when I didn’t know it. Hermione, I love you.”

Hermione shut her eyes tight, as she held him tight. “I’ve been waiting what seems like forever to hear you say that to me.”

“I’ve been waiting forever to say it.” He kissed her temple, then nuzzled her neck. “You going to say it back?” he mumbled playfully in her ear.

She sobbed out a laugh. “Yes.” She leaned back until their foreheads touched and their eyes met. “Harry, I can’t remember a time in my life since you first walked in it when I didn’t love you.”

That made him smile, fully knowing what she said was the truth. She had always been there for him, even with the smallest of things. When he was hurt, she was the first person he’d see when he woke up. When he needed help, she was the first to offer it. When he was worried, she was the first to try to ease his worry. She had been his rock. His everything for so long, he was astounded he never realized it.

“I love you,” Harry,” she continued before he could say anything. “No one loves you the way I do. No one ever will.”

Harry’s vision blurred as the tears formed and he quickly laughed out a curse as he fought them back. “Dammit, I’m about to go and battle against the source of all evil and you’ve got me blubbering.”

Hermione laughed, cupping his face and kissed him over and over again. “Nothing to be ashamed of, Harry. Love is your secret weapon. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t.” He sighed gripping her wrists and looked into her eyes. “Now kiss me one last time…and make it a good one. I need something to carry with me.”

“Then carry this.” She shifted her head and grazed her lips with his, flirting, teasing, before slowly tasting with her tongue.

Harry made no gesture or movement, wanting her to take direction of what could be their last kiss. She nipped at his bottom lip, then her tongue flirted and danced with his, savoring every moment, taking in everything.

When he was out battling Death Eaters and Voldemort, he would remember this and hopefully it would give him strength. “I have to go,” he said softly, reluctantly pulling away. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she whispered then leaned up and kissed his scar. “Be safe.”

Harry lingered for another moment, then sprung up from the bed quickly, because he knew if he didn’t he would be tempted to stay there forever. He walked to the door, opened it, then turned to give her one last look. She was sitting up in the middle of the bed, with the sheets pulled up, her hair wild and her lips bruised from his kisses and her eyes were wet with tears. “I’ll see you when I see you.” He then gave her one last smile and closed the door behind him.

Alone, Hermione wept.

Okay guys…sorry it took so long but it’s been a pretty couple of crazy weeks. My mom turned 60 couple of weeks ago so we had a huge family thing, everyone in town, plus fourth of July and I went on vacation for awhile. I’ve been writing bits here and there so I was able to finish it, but I had to shorten it a lot since I was on a time crunch, but I did the best I can. And if I have time this week, or even the rest of the day. I will try and post a little Epilogue at the end, but for now this ones done. Hope you guys enjoyed this story and I hope the seventh book will end as satisfactory as we all hope. Thanks so much for all the support you’ve given me throughout the years of my writing. I can’t tell you how much fun it’s been! Love you all and H/Hr forever!!

~HM

Chapter 6

The hours ticked by slowly for Hermione even though she made sure to keep herself busy. She helped Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen, talking to her, trying to keep her mind, and her own, off of what was going on outside the safety of the house.

She helped the Healers mostly, making herself useful whenever she was needed. Ginny, who was training to be a Healer, followed the Head Healer’s lead. Hermione couldn’t help but be impressed by the young American, Riley Smith. She was good at what she did. Always calm, even under pressure and handled her patients very well. Hermione watched her tend to a very inured Italian Auror, making him smile even though he didn’t speak a lick of English. She wasn’t quite as good with healthy people, relationships weren’t exactly always easy with her, but she had a gift and took her work very seriously. Hermione couldn’t help but admire her.

It was late afternoon when Hermione was able to pull herself away, escaping through the backdoor for some air. The backyard was fenced off and protected as well, but she could still hear the sounds of battle in the distance. It was shy of four o’clock in the afternoon, but the sky was dark as midnight and the Dark Mark was imprinted high above. It still gave her chills every time she saw it.

As far as the war against Death Eaters and Aurors went, the good side was far more superior. The prisoner holding room was more crowded than the hospital room, but there were still many casualties, some even fatal.

But Harry was still alive. She knew in her heart he was still alive, and also knew that when the dark clouds parted and the Death Mark faded, Harry would have accomplished his destiny and finally rid the world of Voldemort.

“Ugh!”

Hermione jumped when the back door swung open with an angry howl, then could only stare when a very disgruntled looking Riley stormed out. She was muttering curses one after another, but stopped short when she spotted her.

“Oh.” Riley shoved her hands in the pockets of her jeans. “Sorry. Didn’t know you were out here Hermione.”

“No problem.” She gave her a concerned smile. “You okay?”

“No,” Riley scowled. “My stupid Healers shoved me out. Said I need a break, I don’t need a stupid break, that’s the last thing I need. Need to keep busy. And last time I checked, I was the Head Healer.”

Hermione smiled on the inside, fully knowing she wasn’t really mad at them. “There just worried about you.”

Riley shrugged with discomfort. “Yeah. Well. I’m not use to people worrying about me. Been on my own all my life, worked hard to become the best Healer I could be. Then I get hand picked by the Minister of Magic to be a part of this…a huge break for me. I come overseas and next thing you know, I’m making friends, people actually care for me and one person was even stupid enough to fall in love with me.”

Hermione sighed dreamily, knowing fully who she was talking about. “Rogan.”

“Yes, Rogan, the stupid Irish bastard.” Riley let out a shaky breath. “Ever since he laid eyes on me, he wouldn’t leave me alone.”

Riley stalked over and plopped herself on the back steps, still scowling. Hermione joined her, wanting to keep her talking so she wouldn’t think about her Rogan out there risking his life. “How did he finally break you?”

Riley winced. “Jeez, don’t say it like that, you make me sound like a damn horse.”

Hermione choked back a laugh. “Sorry.”

Riley sighed in defeat as she ran her hands through her short choppy brown hair. “But that’s exactly what the bastard did.”

“You call him ‘bastard’ an awful lot.”

Riley grinned. “I say it with great affection. It’s one of his favorite bet names.”

“I see. Well…how did he win you over?” Hermione asked again, putting in a better way.

“It started ruing our stay at Hogwarts, when all the Aurors and Healers were training. He affected me right away, more than anyone had ever done in the past. Scared the hell out of me so I tried my best to stay away. Well, Rogan’s a very persistent man when he wants something, obviously, the man came from nothing and with just his brains and gut made a fortune in Rogan Industries, he practically owns half of Ireland.”

“I heard he has a house in every country,” Hermione said.

Riley snorted. “Hell if I know, but that wouldn’t surprise me. Anyway, he dragged me into a broom closet one day on my way to the hospital wing and kissed the life out of me. It was at that moment I knew I couldn’t deny the physical part of the relationship. He was too good at the kissing, too good with his hands for me to turn away from him. So we had sex. Lots and lots of crazy monkey sex.”

Hermione laughed. “Sounds fabulous. Especially with him. Your Rogan is one fine specimen of a man.”

“Don’t I know it,” she said with a groan. “Don’t tell him that though it’ll go to his head. Where was I?”

“Monkey sex.”

“Oh. Right. Well, I was determined to keep it strictly physical. No emotions, nothing binding and thought we for were on the same page so I didn’t see it coming. The man was sneaky. Subtlety slipping in sweeter kisses and softer touches here and there. I knew I was losing the battle and when he had me exactly where he wanted, he went for the kill, using his secret weapon.”

“Which was?”

“Gaelic. The man started whispering to me in Gaelic while we made love and I turned into such a softie.”

“Oh, that’s so romantic.”

Riley sniffed back tears. “I’m getting sloppy just thinking about it. Last night…he was whispering something to me in Gaelic, kissing me all over my face…then, he whispered, Mo Chroi as he kissed me right here.”

Hermione saw where she pointed to her chest and her eyes softened. “My heart.”

Riley smiled. “Yes. My heart. I didn’t know what that meant, I had to ask, then I got all sloppy…no one’s ever touched me the way he does Inside and out.” She sighed then pulled out a chain from under her shirt where a humongous diamond ring dangled from it. “Then he proposed.”

Hermione’s eyes widened. “Holy crap!” She grabbed her hand that held the diamond and yanked it forward. “That’s the most gorgeous ring I’ve ever seen.”

“Yeah,” Riley swooned over the ring. “I can’t wear it while I work, it can get in the way, so he got the chain for me. He did good.”

“I’ll say.”

“Somewhere in the middle of getting sloppy I said yes.” She sniffed again. “I really do love the bastard.”

“It’s obvious you do.”

“I must love him if I’m agreeing to marry a man with the last name O’Riley.”

Hermione blinked a moment, then busted out laughing. “Riley O’Riley.”

“Yeah,” she muttered letting out a laugh. Riley Smith O’Riley, but it’s still embarrassing.”

Hermione giggled putting an arm around her. “I know you don’t like making friends, but you just made another one.”

Riley gave her a little smile. “Yeah…I guess I did.”

Hermione gave her a little squeeze. “Rogan’s going to be fine…I’ve had the pleasure of fighting with him once, a few months back. Watched the guy take out half a dozen Death Eaters and two Trolls before I could blink.”

Riley chuckled. “Yeah, the man’s good. At everything. It’s just maddening…waiting here, while he’s out there. I feel so helpless.”

“Yes. I know what you mean.”

Riley looked at her, then sighed. “Yes, you do, don’t you? You and Harry…you’re really good friends, right?”

Hermione blushed. “Yes…well…as of last night…a bit more than just friends.”

Riley’s brows lifted. “Yeah? You two banging each other now? That’s nice.”

Hermione once again let out a laugh. “Oh Riley, you do have a way with words.”

She grinned. “That’s what Rogan says. It’s one of the reasons he’s crazy about me. Keep him on his toes he says. Why…just the other day, I…”

Riley’s words were abruptly cut off when the world started to shake. Riley’s hand found it’s way to Hermione’s, gripping tight as they shot to their feet. The ground trembled beneath them, the once slight breeze, now felt like a whirlwind of tornadoes, slapping at them at every angle. They looked upward to see dark and light merging, thunder struck as beams of light were breaking through the dark mist.

“It’s happening,” Hermione whispered. “Harry…”

She closed her eyes as she murmured encouragement’s of love and strength to him, wishing desperately she was there with him. I love you, Harry. I love you, I love you, I love you. You can do this. You’re stronger. You have love, so much love inside you.

“Hermione, look!” Riley exclaimed nudging her. “I…I think he’s winning. The light…it’s so much brighter.”

Hermione looked up in pure awe as the dark clouds were rolling away. “The Dark Mark. It’s melting…withering away.”

“He’s doing it, Hermione!” she exclaimed squeezing her hand and then let out a whoop. “You’re man’s kicking his ass!”

Hermione could only look up in awe as she watched the light getting brighter and brighter, until they were blinded with it, squinting and turning away from the massive rays surrounding them. Then the light dimmed and the gush of wind faded, until a light breeze remained. Hermione blinked in her surroundings, looking up to see something she hadn’t seen in months. A blue sky. Not a single cloud was anywhere insight and the sun shone brightly, with its beams bathing her skin.

It was over. After all the years of fear, death and worry, the war was over and Harry had triumphed. The Dark Lord was no more. The two of them stayed that way for awhile, both looking completely bewildered. It was the sound of someone apparating that both drew them out of their daze.

“To the front of the house,” Riley said taking Hermione’s hands and pulling her to the gate. “The Aurors are coming back. Maybe Harry’s with them.” And Rogan.

Hermione hoped Harry was standing there waiting for her, but deep down she knew he wouldn’t be. She didn’t believe he was dead, in her heart she firmly believed he was still alive, but he was still out there. Tired, weak, maybe even seriously hurt.

The commotion at the front of the safe house grew more crowded and louder as Aurors came out of the trees from all around, some carrying the weak and some even carrying the dead. Hermione hoped to god Harry wasn’t one of them.

“Riley!” Ginny’s voice rose from the crowd. “We need your help…a lot of them are hurt.”

Riley quickly left Hermione to help give order, giving out calls the her fellow Healers to take the sick inside and tended to. Hermione stared at the edge of the trees for a moment, before realizing it was doing no one any good so she decided to help out where she can.

There was mostly joy around her, people laughing, crying all at the same time while hugs were exchanged and even a few kisses. Hermione smiled softly when she saw Tonks run up to Lupin, jumping him so hard that they both fell to the ground while Tonks attacked his face with her fervent kisses.

“Hermione,” Riley said urgently as the crowd began to disperse. “Have you seen Rogan? I haven’t seen him.”

“No, but I’m sure he’s fine, just…”

“Riley!”

They both turned to see Murphy, Rogan’s little brother running up to her. “Murphy, where’s Rogan?”

“He’s fine, Riley,” he assured her giving her a hug, for he started to care for her like his own sister. “He stayed behind…” He looked over at Hermione when he let her go. “To find Harry. Make sure he got back safely.”

Hermione’s eyes filled with tears as she could only nod urgently in understanding. “I wanted to go with him,” he continued looking back at Riley. “But he made me come back to you…so you would know he was safe, but…Riley…Death Eaters are still out there. The smart ones…or shall I say the scared ones, Apparated as soon as they realized Voldemort’s defeat, but I imagine some…that want revenge are still out there. So let’s go inside and…”

“No,” both Riley and Hermione said at the same time. “We’re staying right here, Murphy,” Riley finished for them. “They can’t get through the clearing anyway, we’re safe here.”

“Riley.” Ginny came out from inside the house, blushing a bit when her eyes fell on Murphy. “Er…the hospital wing is pretty crowded, but…under control.” Ginny placed a hand on her arm, knowing who she was waiting for. “I’ll only come and get you if I need you. We’ll take care of everything for now.”

Riley nodded as she held back her tears. “Thanks, Ginny…er…you’re a good student…you’ll be a great Healer, I have no doubt.”

Ginny blushed with pleasure. “Thanks.”

“I’ll come in with you,” Murphy said with an easy grin, knowing that it would make her blush. She was always doing that around him and found it rather enjoyable. He was always a sucker for redheads. “Help you out where you need it.”

“Oh,” she said as she tried her best to sound cool and aloof. “That…that’ll be great.”

Riley snorted a laugh and rolled her eyes as she watched them walk into the house. “Murphy…always the flirt.”

“Yes, he is isn’t he?” Hermione said remembering the times he had harmlessly flirted with her, kissing her hand and making her blush. “He’s very good at it.”

“All O’Riley’s are I suppose.”

“I want to go in there,” Hermione said after awhile. “So badly, but…I promised him. Promised him I would stay here until he came home to me. He didn’t say it, but…I know he meant dead or alive.”

“He’s not dead, Hermione,” she assured her giving her an arm around her shoulder, a comforting gesture she hardly ever gave out. “He survived this. You have to believe that.”

“I do believe that,” she assured her with a firm nod. “But I’ll rest easy once I finally see them.”

“Tell me about it.”

They kept quiet after that, opening their ears as they listened for the slightest noise. The time passing was killing Hermione, it seemed as if it stood still and wouldn’t start again until she saw Harry emerge from the woods.

They heard a rustle to their left and Hermione took an urgent step towards it, but Riley held her back. “No wait,” she whispered as she pulled out her wand. “Could be a Death Eater.”

Hermione nodded, knowing she was right and pulled out her own wand as they were both ready for anything. They couldn’t get any spells through to them, but they could definitely use their spells on the Death Eaters. But what emerged from the trees wasn’t a Death Eater, or any kind of enemy. It was two men, one older, one very young. The young was leaning on the older man, but it was very aware that the young one was very much alive.

Both Riley and Hermione didn’t fight the tears this time as they saw their men stagger into the clearing. They shouted their names and went running.

“Harry! Oh, god…”

Harry looked up just in time for him to pull away from Rogan, dropping to his knees seconds before catching her in his embrace. “Hermione,” he whispered holding her tight while she wept. “I’m okay. I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?” she asked urgently then started to let go. “Am I hurting you?”

“No,” he said pulling her back to him, although his ribs ached. “No, just let hold you. Don’t let go for awhile.”

“No, I won’t,” she murmured nuzzling her face against his neck, breathing in his scent. “I love you.” She kissed his neck, then tilted her face up so she could rain kisses over her face. “Harry. I love you, I love you.” She kissed her scar which felt like it was on fire, but instantly cooled against her lips. “Harry. Mo Chroi.”

His heart trembled at her words, but didn’t understand them. “What does that mean?” he asked with a small smile looking into her eyes while framing her face with his hands.

Hermione took one of his hands, kissing the inside of her palm then placed it over her heart. “It means, My Heart, Harry. And you have mine. You’ve always hand mine.”

Completely and unbearably touched, Harry could find no words, so he showed her with a kiss. Not just any kiss, but a kiss full of love, promise and hope.

“I taught her that,” Riley told her fiancé as they watched the touching scene between Harry and Hermione. “Course, she knew what it meant already, but she’s freakishly smart.”

Rogan smiled when he saw the look on her face. “Looks like you went and made a new friend while I was away, Ri.”

She sighed. “Couldn’t be helped . Hard not to like her.”

“Yes, she’s quite exceptional. So is Harry.” Rogan turned her away from them, kissing her on the forehead. “Let’s head inside, give them some privacy, and go get some privacy of our own.”

She grinned. “Good idea. But I have the check my patients first, see if I need to do anything.”

“Of course,” he said as they made their way to the house slowly, but surely. “Did my brother make it back all right?”

“Yes, he’s inside flirting with Ginny Weasley.”

Rogan laughed. “Looks like things are already getting back to the way they use to be and wonderful new things are happening as well.” He gave her a little squeeze before opening the door for her. “Like you, sweetie. Making friends left and right. If you’re not careful you’re going to make that a nasty habit.”

Riley barked out a laugh. “My ass!”

Rogan sighed placing his hand over his heart. “Darling Ri,” he said as he followed her inside. “I happened to be very fond of your ass.”

“I heard you, you know,” Harry said breathlessly as he pulled away from the kiss.

“What?” she asked still dazed from the kiss.

“I heard you,” he continued as he caressed her face. “While I was dueling Voldemort, just when I felt all was lost…I heard you…your words of love, encouragement. Like you were standing right beside me.”

“I…I was saying them in my mind,” she told him as their foreheads touched. “Willing myself towards you with my mind the best I could, wishing you could hear them.”

“I did…your words saved me. I felt ten times stronger than I ever felt, as if my whole body was recharged by some…force of power that I never felt. The power was so intense I almost felt drunk with it…empowered by it. When he was gone, I collapsed. One second I felt invincible and I was…I defeated him…but as soon as he was gone…as soon as the sun broke through the trees, I fell to my knees and the world went black.”

“Oh, Harry,” she said as she hugged him tightly once more.

“Rogan found me, had to do more than shake me awake. I was really out of it, very weak at first.” He sighed and just continued to hold on to her. “He had to practically carry me, but I felt my energy slowly returning. I’m a little bruised, a little weak in the knees, but I’m fine. More than fine.”

“I knew you would be. I was terrified, but deep down…I knew you’d be okay. Had to be okay.”

He buried his face in her hair. “I couldn’t have done it without you. As soon as this is all cleared, as soon as we can get away…I’m taking you somewhere. Far away from here, I don’t care where. Rogan even offered one of his many houses to me any time I’d like. Good guy.”

“I know. I’ll go somewhere with you. Anywhere you want and we’ll start our lives together. Living for not only us, but for Ron…Luna and everyone else who was lost.”

“Yes,” he said as the pain of losing his friend swept through him. “Yes, we will. We’ll miss them, mourn them, but we’ll remember them as well. They’ll live through us.”

Their lips met again and while they were absorbed in each other, two figures stood by the edge of the woods, but no one with a heartbeat would see them. The couple watched the young lovers embrace and could feel nothing but pure pleasure.

“It’s over,” Ron said with a smile as he watched his two best friends. “And they are safe. Happy.”

Luna sighed as she grabbed Ron’s hand that still felt like it did when they were alive. Warm and comforting. “They look happy and now they get to have a life together.”

“Harry and Hermione.” Ron shook his head in awe. “All this time.”

“Are you surprised, Ronald?”

Ron sighed, then looked down at Luna with a smile. “I guess not. I hope they name one of their kids after me.”

Luna let out a delightful laugh. “Oh Ron, you’re such a sweetheart.” She leaned up and kissed him lightly on the mouth. “Why don’t we let them start their life together and go start our afterlife.”

Ron looked over at his friends, watched them finally pull themselves up to their feet, Hermione helping Harry a little, who was still weak. It was over. His best mate, who had a horrendous life, now had the opportunity to spend the rest of his life making up for it, having the normal life he always dreamed of with Hermione. It couldn’t have ended better.

“Okay, Luna,” he said turning away from his friends and looking down at the wonderfully loony woman he adored and loved. “Let’s go start our afterlife. Together.”

THE END!!