Just One More Thing
Chapter 7
****
The next day, early in the morning, the door knob to the trio's flat turned ever so slowly. After pushing the door open a fraction, Ron Weasley cautiously poked his head between the gap, and surveyed the room in front of him. Raising his eyebrows he pushed the door open the rest of the way, stepped inside the flat, and closed the door behind him. Rooted at the spot, he looked around more closely. The flat looked immaculate, no pots or pans, no clutter, everything was in its place and was deathly silent.
"This is major," he mumbled to himself.
Upon hearing a noise, he spun his head to his left, and saw Harry walking out of his bedroom towards the kitchen. Harry, dressed in black boxer shorts and a thin white t-shirt stopped in his tracks, and looked at Ron curiously.
"Are you just getting in? Ron its 5.15 in the morning," Harry stated while yawning.
He carried on walking to the kitchen area, and proceeded to get a glass of water. After gulping down the lot, he turned to Ron who still hadn't moved, and was looking at him weirdly.
"Why are looking at me that way?" Harry asked amused.
"What the hell happened here?" Ron asked bewildered.
"Ron I have no idea what you're talking about," he replied, still yawning.
"Harry I've never seen the place look so neat. What did you do, hex each other and then throw cleaning fits?!"
"We didn't hex each other Ron," Harry chuckled, and put the empty glass into the basin. "Everything's fine."
"You've got to admit it's a little strange though mate, I came home expecting some sort of hostile setting. A few smashed plates, glasses at least." Ron finally left the spot he had been standing in, and approached the dinning room table. Taking a seat, he looked over at Harry, who had just switched on the kettle.
"Coffee mate?" Harry asked over his shoulder.
"Yeah…strong, thanks." Harry turned and took two cups from the above cupboard. Ron could no longer keep in his curiosity. "Well?" Ron asked desperately.
"Well what?" Harry answered with his back still to his friend.
Ron looked over in the direction of Hermione's room, back to Harry, and asked quietly, "What happened between you and Hermione?"
Harry was in the middle of spooning a heap of coffee into a cup when he stopped and smiled. "Were fine."
"What does that mean?!" Ron was beginning to get annoyed, but before he could open his mouth to say anything else, Hermione appeared. She too was shocked to see Ron at this time of the morning.
"Ron what are you doing here so early? Thought you were at Luna's," Hermione closed her white silk robe tighter around her when she felt a little morning chill.
"I was but I needed to come back early, I didn't know I was going to be staying the night at Luna's, so I didn't take any of my gear with me that I need for practise today."
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "You needed to do that at just gone five in the morning, I didn't know you knew this time of the day existed."
Harry who had his back to Hermione, caught her attention when he laughed at her statement. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Hermione made her way over to him under the hawking eyes of Ron, who was desperate to know just what was going on between the two. Nothing prepared him for what he was about to witness.
Hermione, as casual as you like, walked over to Harry, wrapped her hands around his waist, and kissed the back of his neck. Ron could do no more but watch the scene in front of him, with his mouth agape.
"Good morning," Hermione buried her face in the crook of Harry's neck, and her hands found their way to his chest.
"Morning gorgeous," Harry laid a hand atop hers, and turned sideways to peck her forehead.
"Er…guys, I'm still here you know," Ron waved his arm in the air. "What is this?"
Harry and Hermione both turned around to face their friend. Both smiling, Harry put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close, Hermione reciprocated by putting her arm around his waist. Ron started to smile widely, and stood up.
"So you guys finally found your way to each other huh?"
"Finally," Harry agreed. He looked at Hermione with loving eyes, and kissed her forehead.
"Well I must say, that I'm absolutely thrilled for the both of you."
"Really?" Hermione asked some what surprised. Of course she had know idea that Ron knew all about Harry's feelings for her, and decided not to make anything of it.
"Really," he nodded. "And Harry I don't need to tell you what will happen if you ever hurt her do I?
"No, I'm fully aware," Harry grinned.
"Okay, so give me a hug," Ron went over to the two, and embraced them. "I really am happy for you," he broke away. "I'm gonna grab some things and head back to Luna's. I'm sure you want some private time eh?" Harry and Hermione blushed, and Ron left the room.
As soon as Ron was out of sight, Harry took Hermione in his arms, and crashed his lips onto hers. After a long passionate make out, Harry leant his forehead against hers.
"What are you doing up so early?" he asked.
"I could ask the same of you."
"I couldn't sleep," he said, as he started to nuzzle her neck. "I had someone on my mind."
"Me too," Hermione gave him a kiss on the side of his head. " I woke up today grinning like a complete idiot."
Harry pulled back and gazed into her eyes. "I was exactly the same, I know we've been only been together less than 24 hours but, I've never felt this happy."
Hermione leant up, and kissed him sweetly on the lips. "Ron must have thought we killed each other for him to be back this early."
"He did want to know why everything was so clean." Harry grinned.
"You didn't t tell him did you?" Hermione asked shock.
"Relax, I'm hardly gonna tell him that we were almost ripping each others clothes off, so we had to concentrate our energy on other things like cleaning." Harry said with a smirk.
"Good," Hermione gave him another peck. "What time do you have to work today?"
"I'm suppose to be in for 8.00, but I could be tempted to Owl in sick if there were other things, or should I say you, to do here," Harry flashed her toothy grin, and wiggled his eyebrows.
"Your sexy little smile can do a lot of things Harry, but it still can't make me Owl in sick for no valid reason," Hermione said, in matter of fact manner.
"Well I guess some things can never change," he stopped and looked thoughtful for a moment. "Although I do sincerely hope, that your sentiment regarding owling in sick changes when our relationship becomes more…physical shall we say."
"Why is that?" she asked, leaning her forehead against his once again.
"Because," Harry started huskily, "When I make love to you for the first time, I know, I'm never going to want to stop."
Hermione gave a small smile, and disentangled herself out of his arms. She went over to the counter and busied herself finishing the coffees that Harry had started. Behind her Harry looked concerned, and cocked his head to the side.
"Sweetheart are you ok?" he asked softly.
"I'm fine, you take four sugars in your coffee right?" she asked changing the subject.
"Ok something's definitely wrong. You hate that I take four sugars in my coffee, as a daughter of dentists you constantly go on about how I should look after my teeth, and here you are offering me it willingly," Hermione remained silent, and continued to make the drinks. Just then, something dawned on him, and he took a few steps toward her.
"Hermione, I'm sorry." she stopped what she was doing and turned around to face him.
"What are you sorry for? I said I was fine," she said defensively.
"You said you wanted to wait and I'm perfectly ok with that, I was just trying to let you know how you make me feel," Hermione looked away, whilst Harry glanced down and shook his head. "I told you I was no good at this, I thought I was being romantic…I didn't mean to make you think I was pressuring …I'm sorry ok?"
Hermione still didn't say anything, and was looking everywhere but at him. Harry decided that it would be best if he just left her alone for a while, it was obvious she didn't feel comfortable talking about this just yet which confused him. Weren't they supposed to be honest with each other.
"Listen, I'm gonna go have a shave," he said pointing to the bathroom. "Maybe when I'm done I can make you breakfast." He turned to leave, when Hermione's quiet voice stopped him.
"I'm afraid I wont live up to your expectations." she said sadly. Harry turned around, and seemed bewildered by what he just heard.
"I didn't know I had any," Hermione still wouldn't make eye contact with him, so he stepped closer to her. "Hermione look at me." Slowly she raised her head, and looked into his emerald green eyes. "I don't 'expect' anything from you."
"You know what I mean!" she retorted. "You keep talking as if making love to me is going to be a huge milestone in your life, when in reality it could just end up a being huge disappointment. This is all new to me, and I'm scared that your building up an unrealistic vision in your imagination, as to what you think its going to be like when we do go to bed together. How do you know it not going to be awful?" Before Harry had the chance to answer, Hermione fired another question. "How do you know that in the middle of it, I'm not going to do something that'll make you look at me funny and say 'What the hell are you doing that for?' hmm?"
Harry wanted to laugh at the absurdity of this conversation, but thought against it. When Hermione became worried about something, especially in her ability to do things, she became extra sensitive.
"What Hermione, you think I'm gonna be some kind of Casanova? This is all new to me too. You do realise that when we do go to bed you'll be lucky if I last 30 seconds! Probably not even that long." Harry began to feel better when he saw Hermione starting to smile.
"Oh and by the way, these visions of what I think its going to be like, are not what you think," he continued. "I don't expect it to be like movie sex ok? I've been seeing myself getting cramp at a definitive point," Hermione began to laugh. "Falling off the bed, hitting my head against the headboard, and basically making a fool out of myself." Harry smiled widely at the sight of the love of his life laughing happily, and stepped even closer to her.
"And you still want to go through with it?" Hermione asked giggling.
"Absolutely," he said adamantly.
"How can you not be nervous about it all?" she asked in wonder.
"Because I'll be with you, and I love you more than anything in the world, so how can it not be perfect," he replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm sure I'm gonna be a little nervous when it happens, but that's normal right?"
Hermione had tears in her eyes, he always knew how to make her feel at ease. "Right." Harry raised his hands, and cradled her face.
"What time do you start work?" Harry asked, as he started to make circular motions on her cheeks with his thumbs.
"I'm in for 7.30 today."
Harry looked over to a clock in the kitchen. "Its only 5.30, are you planning on going to back to bed?"
"I couldn't go back to sleep if I tried. What did you have in mind?" Harry dropped his hands from her face, and slid his arms around her waist.
"Fancy going out for a walk before work?"
"I would love to," she answered happily. Just as they were leaning in for a kiss, Ron entered the room with his quidditch bag swung over his shoulder.
"Ok guys I'm outta here. I got practise till late, not that you two are gonna give a toss. I'm staying the night at Luna's, so you're on your own tonight lovebirds." Ron made his way to door and looked back at them. "Oh, can I tell Luna about you guys? she'll be thrilled."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and nodded, "Sure." they both said in unison.
"Great," Ron opened the door, "Its amazing to see you two like this You guys have a good day," with that he left.
****
As soon as Ron apparated into Luna's flat, he went straight to the bedroom, where he found Luna still sleeping soundly. Ron jumped on the bed excitedly, and disturbed her from her slumber. He knew she wouldn't be mad when she found out why he woke her up so early.
"OH MY GOD!," Luna shouted. To say that she was overjoyed at hearing the news that Harry and Hermione had finally got together, would've been an understatement. As soon as Ron told her what had happened, well, as much as he knew, she squealed in delight.
"Isn't it great?" Ron plonked himself beside her on the bed.
"Oh, this is just too much," she said dreamily, putting one arm behind her head.
"I know, I couldn't believe it. I was prepared to come face to face with anything but that," Ron voiced.
"How happy did they look?" she asked with a smile.
"Deliriously," he answered. Luna shook her head in happy amazement.
"They deserve it so much Ron, it really is wonderful." she looked at her boyfriend, and seemed slightly concerned. "Ron, are you ok with this?"
"Of course I am babe," Ron was a little surprised at his girlfriend's question. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"I mean its Harry and Hermione, I know that you dated Herm…," she was cut off by Ron's sudden laughter. "What are you laughing at?"
"You babe, yes I dated Hermione three glorious days!" he said sarcastically. "Luna, I couldn't be more happy for them, they're my best friends, and I've never seen either of them look as content as they did earlier. It was incredible." Luna leaned up and kissed him.
"When did you grow up?" she asked sweetly.
"Must have been when I fell in love with you." he replied.
"How so?" Luna traced the side of his face with her finger.
"I started feeling the need to think of someone else other than myself for a change. Hermione makes Harry feel complete, just like you do me." Ron leaned in, and kissed her forehead.
"You know I'm still naked under here," Luna pointed out casually.
****
Later in the day at Auror headquarters, Harry was sat at his desk with a quill in one hand, and his chin leaning on the other. A loud knock at the door of his private office was not able to disturb him from his deep concentration, in staring at the wall opposite him with a big smile on his face. The door to the left of him started to open slowly, and Remus Lupin popped his head through the gap. Upon seeing his considered son grinning like an idiot and staring into space, Remus couldn't help but smile himself, and shake his head.
"Harry?" Remus tried to alert him to his presence, but Harry remained in dream world. "Harry?" he said a little louder, which this time managed to get his attention. Harry's head shot towards Remus.
"Huh, what?" Harry replied, in a disorientated state.
"Your not really here today are you?" Remus walked into the office and closed the door behind him.
"No, not really," Harry gestured his hand towards the chair on the opposite side of the table. "Please, take a seat."
"Thank you," Remus sat down, and crossed his legs "So, something's different."
"Yeah, something's different alright," Harry couldn't stop grinning.
Remus leaned forward, grinned, and put an arm on Harry's desk. "So, she forgave you then."
"Yeah she forgave me." he said, nodding his head.
"And I notice no red marks on your cheeks, so you escaped without a slap after all," Remus started drumming his hands on the desk. "My experience tells me that grins like that one on your face, are the result of more than forgiveness."
"You were right, you're always right," Harry smiled as Remus leaned back in his chair. Harry looked as though he desperately wanted to say something, but just couldn't get the words out.
"What is it Harry?" Remus encouraged.
"She loves me," he said in wonder. "She loves me."
"You sound as though you can't quite believe it."
"I can't. To think I wasted all this time being so afraid of what I could lose…I never actually thought about what I could gain," he said softly.
"Harry, its best not to dwell on past decisions, you and Hermione have the future to look forward to."
"I know, and I feel as though I can do that now."
"Why just now?" asked Remus curiously. Harry looked thoughtful for a while.
"After the defeat of voldermort, I started to piece my life back together. I got great friends, a great job, great place to live. But in the middle of all of that, to make my life complete, I needed…just one more thing…,"
Remus smiled knowingly, "Hermione."
"Hermione," Harry repeated softly.
"I am truly happy for the both of you," said Remus sincerely.
"Thank you, and I mean…thank you, for everything."
"It's what I'm here for son," Remus looked around and sighed. "Things are slow today, don't you think?"
"Yeah, although that's just the way I prefer things to be," Harry chuckled.
"Yes, well, I'll leave you to it then," Remus rose from his chair, and made his way to the door.
"Remus?"
"Yes Harry,"
"You said yourself, things today are slow," Harry stuttered.
"That I did," Remus couldn't help but enjoy watching Harry squirm.
"Thing is…Hermione gets off work in about 10 minutes, and I was wondering if…," Harry was looking down when Remus interrupted him.
"Harry, I'm sure we can do without you for the last two hours of your shift. Why don't you take off, go and pick Hermione up from work, and maybe take her out for dinner?"
Harry's head shot up, and he started to smile nervously. "Why didn't I think of that?" Remus smiled.
"It's a mystery, see you tomorrow Harry," Remus winked, and left Harry's office.
Harry inwardly grinned, and started to gather his things together. He hoped Hermione wouldn't mind him meeting her at work. He didn't think she would, but they were only in the second day of their relationship, and the last thing he wanted was for her to feel suffocated. He couldn't get over how much he had missed her today. Sure he'd been away from her before but that was different. Then, he had been away from Hermione, his best friend, this time he'd been away from Hermione, his girlfriend. There really was no point in staying at work, he hadn't done anything but stare at the wall, and picture a brown eyed, curly haired beauty all day. With that last thought, Harry disapparated to St Mungo's hospital.
****
Hermione was in a similar situation to Harry. She had always been the model professional, but she was finding it hard to get her green eyed, raven haired coloured hunk out of her mind. She was currently in the middle of a consultancy with a patient, and finding it increasingly hard to pay attention.
"I'm sorry," she apologized to her patient who was sitting across from her. "Please do excuse me, you can understand I haven't exactly been myself today. I've had so many things going around in my head, you wouldn't believe. I guess you have days like that too right?" Sometimes Hermione forgot that not everyone at that age could understand. Picking up another piece of parchment, along with a quill in right hand, she was determined to get the facts this time.
Seven year old Zeke Athey, who's head was covered with white bandages, looked at the healer that had taken care of him with great confusion. From the moment he was taken to Hermione, the only time he spoke was when he was asked how he managed to hurt himself. The rest of the time he sat silently, with his mouth agape.
"So, can you still feel pain at all?" she asked gently. Zeke just nodded. "Can you tell me where it is?" he slowly pointed to his head. "Whereabouts, on the top, on the side?" he pointed to a specific spot on the side of his head. "Ok. What kind of pain is it?"
Zeke looked more confused than ever. "Erm…well, it hurts," he answered quietly.
Hermione smiled at his innocence. "I realise that darling, but what kind of pain. Does it feel sharp, or dull?" The little boy looked down, he didn't know how to answer. "Ok, not to worry, we'll try it a different way," Zeke looked up. "Does it feel like a…cut would feel like, or a…bruise?"
"Both," he said slowly.
"Ok, see, were on our way," Hermione smiled, and got a small smirk from him in reply. She put down her parchment and quill, stood up and turned to Zeke. "Ok then. I need you to come sit on this bed over here okay? I'm going to have to take that bandage off, and then hopefully I can make the pain go away. Sound good to you?"
Zeke stood up, and slowly walked toward Hermione, who then lifted him up, and sat him on the bed. Hermione had to wonder who had bandaged the poor boys head up, whoever did it didn't do it very well.
"So Zeke," Hermione began unwrapping the tangled bandage. "Who bandaged your head up for you?"
"I did," he answered softly. Hermione stopped for a moment and looked at him amusedly.
"You did it, all by yourself?" she asked smiling. Zeke nodded cutely, and Hermione resumed undoing the bandage. "Well I must say you a did a fantastic job," Hermione's comment earned her a toothy grin from the injured child. "Did you have any help at all?"
He shook his head from side to side. "I wanted to do it by myself." Hermione couldn't believe how cute this child was being.
"You remind me of when I was younger Zeke, I never wanted any help doing anything either. Still, nothing wrong with independence."
She finally managed to dispose of the bandage, and get a better look at the wound. She couldn't help but grimace a little when she saw the cut on top of his head oozing with blood, and several gashes surrounding it. Sure she had seen worse, but the heart strings were being pulled because of the injury being inflicted on a child. Hermione slowly raised her wand, and administered a healing charm. After she finished, she looked at Zeke, and smiled warmly. "How does that feel now?"
"It doesn't hurt anymore," he answered happily.
"Good," she replied. She then placed a small gauze on his head. "This part of your head is still tender, so I want you to keep it covered for a few days ok Zeke? I will give you some spare gauzes to take with you so that you change it daily."
"Ok." Hermione smiled at him, and lifted him down from the bed. She went over to fetch the file she had been writing in, kneeled down so that she was eye level with Zeke, and handed it to him.
"It would really be helpful if you could take this to the desk outside near where your mum is waiting."
"Ok."
"Can you promise me that you will think twice in future, before taking your brothers broom out to go play with?" she asked gently. Zeke looked at the floor, and nodded.
"Or at least until you're able to dodge trees?" Zeke's mouth broke in to a broad grin. " Now I don't want to see you in here again okay? Zeke nodded, and slowly walked to the door. Hermione stood and returned to her desk, not noticing that Zeke had stopped and was looking at her curiously.
"Are you really Hermie Granger?" he asked shyly.
Hermione raised one of her eyebrows. "Yes Zeke, I'm really 'Hermione' Granger."
"What did I say?" he asked, scratching chin.
"You said 'Hermie' Granger." she replied, with a smile.
"Yeah, Hermie Granger, that's what I said," he announced happily. Hermione chuckled, and didn't bother to correct him this time. Adults sometimes found it difficult to pronounce her name right, what chance did a seven year old have. Zeke walked closer, and looked up at her. "Is Harry Potter your best friend?"
Hermione sat down by her desk. "He's my best friend in the whole world."
"I've got a picture of him on my wall," he continued. "In Gryffindor quidditch robes. My brother Luke gave it to me."
Hermione started to remember something. "Luke Athey?" Zeke nodded. "Did your brother go to Hogwarts?" Zeke nodded again. "I remember him a little, he was in Ravenclaw."
"He use to fancy you," he laughed.
"Oh did he now?," she joked.
"He said Harry Potter was your boyfriend." Hermione wondered just how many people at Hogwarts thought her and Harry were an item, probably everyone but those close to them, but even they only thought it was a matter of time. She wished what people thought at school was true, but Hermione was overjoyed knowing that it was true now. Harry was in fact her boyfriend, and she couldn't be happier.
Hermione decided to steer the subject away from her 'private' relationship with Harry. "You're a fan of quidditch then?"
Just as Zeke was about to open his mouth, there was a knock at the door, and Hermione looked towards it. "Come in," she said.
The door opened, and Gilda the receptionist appeared. "I'm sorry to bother you Miss Granger, but there is someone here to see you."
Hermione scrunched her eyes in confusion. "I don't have anymore appointments scheduled Gilda, and I am suppose to be finished for the day."
Gilda rolled her eyes, and tutted, "Forgive me Miss Granger, I forgot your shift was over," Gilda looked outside the room to her left, and addressed someone who was not in sight. "I'm sorry Mr Potter, but I'm afraid…" she was abruptly interrupted.
"Harry's here?" Hermione asked in surprised happiness. She stood up, glanced at Zeke with an idea in mind, and looked back at Gilda. "Let him in."
As Gilda motioned for him to come in, Harry poked his head in the door. "You know if it's a bad time, I could always come back," he said with a smirk.
"Don't you dare," she replied smiling. Gilda left them to it, and Harry walked into the room to see a little boy staring at him, mouth agape. As soon as his eyes locked onto Zeke's, the youngster took a sharp breath.
"Harry," Hermione gestured for him to come closer. "This is my favourite patient, Zeke Athey," Harry shook hands with the boy. "Zeke, this is Harry…"
"Potter," Zeke said, finishing her sentence.
"What happened to you?" Harry asked, noticing the dressing on Zeke's head.
"I crashed my broom into a tree," he answered excitedly.
"For the third time this month," Hermione added, while crossing her arms.
Harry chuckled. "Well that sounds painful, you're quite the flier it seems."
"He's seven years old, he shouldn't be flying anything," Hermione chided.
"So you like flying Zeke?" Harry asked ignoring Hermione's comment. "Are you a fan of quidditch?"
Zeke's eyes lit up. "I love the Chudley Cannons."
Harry broke into a broad grin. "Really? Well that makes you, my new best friend." Harry kneeled down, so that he was level with the boy. "You know, Hermione and I happen to be well in with the captain of the Chudley Cannons. And he always makes sure that I carry at least two pairs of these with me," Harry said, pulling out 4 small cards. "Just in case I run into any big fans such as yourself," Harry placed the cards into Zeke's hands.
Taking the cards from Harry, Zeke's eyes lit up upon seeing what he was holding. "These are tickets to the next Chudley Cannons home game. I forgot, captain Weasley is your and Hermie's best friend too!"
Harry looked up at Hermione and mouthed, "Hermie?" Hermione just shook her head, smiled, and continued to enjoy the interaction between Harry and Zeke. He certainly was great with children.
Harry looked back at Zeke. "I'll be at the next game, and these seats are right next to mine, and after the game I'm sure Ron would love to meet you." Zeke looked thrilled.
"Can I bring my brother? And my mum and dad?" he asked quickly.
"Of course, I don't think you're quite old enough to be travelling alone," Harry patted Zeke on his shoulder, and stood up.
"Thank you a lot," Zeke said.
"You're welcome," Harry replied warmly.
Hermione uncrossed her arms, and glanced at Zeke. "Zeke, I think you're mother is going to be wondering where you are," she said nicely. "Please do your best to keep the promise you made me earlier ok?"
"Ok Hermie." Zeke glanced at Harry. "Thank you."
"Your welcome, and it was nice to meet you," Harry tapped his shoulder again. "I'll see you at the game yeah?"
Zeke nodded furiously, and ran out the room to meet his mother. Hermione walked to the door and closed it.
Turning to Harry she smiled and coked her head to the side. "Ok, what are you doing here? Your suppose to be at work."
"It was a slow day, so Lupin let me off early," he said innocently.
Hermione approached him slowly. "And?"
Harry threw his hands in the air in defeat, "And…I couldn't stop thinking about you."
Hermione looped her arms around his neck, as Harry's arms went around her waist. "I couldn't stop thinking about you either, and you've just become even more irresistible to me."
"Really?" Harry started to rub her back. "How's that?"
"Oh, just the way you were with Zeke. There is nothing more appealing to me than cute interaction between man and child." she leaned in, and kissed him softly on the lips. "He must have a taken a real shine to you, the first two times he's been in to see me he barely said anything. Just as I finally get him talking, you swoop in and steal my thunder," she said jokingly.
"Well what can I say? Quidditch is a huge bonding mechanism, not that you would understand that seeing as though you were never really into it."
"Hey," she said, playfully pinching his neck. "I was into it when you played," Harry raised his eyebrows. "Ok so I was into you, when you played. God you were sexy."
"As opposed to now being?…," Harry asked.
"Even sexier," Hermione answered.
Harry leaned his forehead against hers. "You know, anytime you want me to get my broom out, all you have to do is say the words."
Hermione laughed, pulled out of the embrace and slapped him softly against his chest. "Don't be so crude."
"What?…" he said laughing.
Hermione took off her lime green robes, and hung them in a nearby cupboard. "You have to be here for a specific reason, you could have just gone home and waited for me."
"Actually, I am here for a reason. Have you eaten?"
"I've not had time to eat today, its been absolutely crazy around here," Hermione said, closing the cupboard door.
"In that case, my reason for being here is totally justified," Harry picked up her bag from a nearby chair, and handed it to her. "Cause I am taking my lady to dinner." Harry offered her his arm, "Shall we?"
Hermione looked sceptical, "I thought we were going to keep our relationship quiet for a while."
"Hermione I'm asking for you to link my arm, not snog me in broad daylight." Harry said amused. "I know we agreed to keep quiet…and I will continue to do so as long as that is what you want. But you should know, that even after one day, I'm struggling to keep my happiness bottled up inside me."
"I understand Harry, I do. I feel like shouting it from the roof tops, its you I'm thinking about." she said gently.
"Why would you be worried about me in that respect?" he asked.
"Think about it, when it gets out that were together the press are going to have a field day. Especially that awful…Rita Skeeter," Hermione finished distastefully.
Harry smirked. "You know what? Fuck the press!" Hermione looked shocked at his choice of words. "Hermione, I've spent years hiding how I feel about you, I don't want to do it anymore. I'm happier than I've ever been in my life, and I'm not afraid of the world knowing that you're the cause of that."
Hermione eyes started to glisten. "In that case, I think I'll take your hand."
Harry grinned. "You can take this first," he said, before crashing his lips onto hers.
After they finally came up for air, Harry took Hermione's hand, and together they left St Mungo's hospital to go find somewhere to eat.
****
Harry and Hermione decided to dine at a restaurant in central London, one that Ron and Luna weeks ago recommended they go to should they get the chance.
"Well I gotta say, Ron and Luna weren't lying," Harry commented to Hermione, after the waiter cleared their table by the window. "That was one of the best steaks I've ever tasted."
Sitting across form him, Hermione smiled and took a sip of her red wine. Placing the glass on the table, she looked at him and giggled.
"What?" Harry asked puzzled.
"It must have been really good if the steak juice dribbling down your chin is anything to go by," she said amused.
Harry smiled in embarrassment, "Oh are you kidding?" he started to wipe at his chin using his fingers, and managed to miss the trickle of juice causing Hermione to laugh, and shake her head.
"Come here," Harry dropped his hands to the table, as Hermione reached over, and wiped his chin with her thumb.
"Thank you princess," he said, before kissing the palm of her hand.
"Your welcome," Hermione leaned back grinning.
"I need a bib," Harry joked.
"Don't be so hard on yourself darling, you are a man after all."
"Well at least I'm not as bad as Ron," Harry contemplated something, and then smirked. "Am I?"
"No you've got to get it down your clothes to be in his league," Hermione assured.
"That's good to know," he said relieved. "Do you want a top up?" he asked, grabbing the bottle of wine.
"Yeah, please," Hermione pushed her glass forward.
"So, what were you saying about this Saturday?" he asked, filling both his, and Hermione's wine glasses to the top.
Hermione had to think for a minute. "Oh, right, yes, this Saturday," she said excitedly. "What are your plans?"
"I don't have any as of yet," he replied suspiciously. "But by the tone of your voice and the look in your face, I'm about to right?"
"It is your birthday darling, you've got to least want to do something," she said softly.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Hermione, we go over this every year. You know I hate birthday's, it's jut a lame excuse for people to get pissed and grope strippers."
"No one is saying that it has to be like Ron's or Seamus's," she argued. "But it is your 21st Harry, it's a milestone birthday."
Harry laughed, "A milestone?! Hermione, of the all milestones I've got to come in my life, turning 21 isn't going to be one of them."
Hermione nodded slowly, and decided to end the conversation there and then. She finished her wine in one swig, folded her arms on the table, and looked out of the window. Harry could tell by her actions that his words had upset her, all she was trying to do was come up with a way to make his birthday special.
He reached over the table, patted her arms softly, and opened his hand out for her to take. It wasn't long before she gave in, and placed her hand inside his.
"Do you really want to make my birthday special?" he asked.
Hermione gazed into his eyes, "More than anything."
"Then let me spend it alone, with you," he said simply.
"Really?" she said, in almost a whisper.
Harry nodded, "Really."
Hermione smiled, "Ok then, what do you want to do?"
"Do you think…you'd be able to get a few days off work next week?" he asked, stroking her hand.
"Why next week?" she asked curiously.
"Well I was thinking…maybe…we could go somewhere," he stammered.
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "You mean a holiday?"
"Yeah," he replied happily. "We could leave Friday night, and come back sometime next week." Hermione looked down in thought. "I know you probably think this is fast, I mean we've only been together like two days, but we wouldn't have to share the same bed, or room if you didn't want to."
Hermione looked up and smiled, "Harry I'm not worried about that."
A sly grin appeared on Harry's face, "Really?" A playful look from Hermione caused him to cough comically, after which he pulled a straight face. "Really?" he asked in a more serious tone.
Hermione could only laugh. "If you must know, I'm thinking of how to get out of work for a few days."
Harry's eyes lit up. "So that's a yes then?"
"Yes Harry, it's a yes," she said, smiling sweetly at him. "What about you, think Remus will let you have some time off?"
"Oh yeah, things at the ministry have been somewhat quiet lately, plus I'm due some holidays anyway," he said.
"Well even if they won't give me time off, I could always owl in sick," she said smirking.
Harry laughed. "I have to say, I thought your resolve regarding owling in sick would last longer than a day Hermione. Weren't you telling me just this morning that my sexy little smile could do a lot of things, but it could never make you owl in sick?"
"You're a bad influence on me," she accused, teasingly.
Harry grinned widely. "Nah, you were just unlucky to fall in love with me," he joked, only Hermione didn't laugh.
"I may consider myself to be a lot of things in life Harry, but being unlucky isn't one of them," she said softly.
Harry doubted that there would come a day, when he would stop falling deeper and deeper in love, with the woman sitting across from him.
"I love you so much, Hermione."
"I love you too," Hermione brought his hand to her lips, kissed it softly, and laid it against the side of her face. "So, where do you want to go birthday boy?"
"Where would you like to go?" he asked.
"Wherever you choose darling, it's your birthday, I'll be happy just to be with you," she told him.
"Well I haven't really thought about it a great deal," he said, stroking her face.
That was a big lie, Harry knew exactly where he wanted to take Hermione.
End Of Chapter 7
Thank you so much for all your reviews, you guys are wonderful! I really hope you enjoyed this instalment. There is more to come. Also, the story will earn it's rating very soon, Harry and Hermione style!!!!