Just One More Thing
Chapter 8
****
After discovering that they were escaping for Harry's 21st birthday, Ron pleaded with Harry and Hermione, to at least agree to invite their friends to the apartment on Friday night, so that they could have their own private party for him. Harry reluctantly agreed after Ron promised, no strippers, and close friends only. Ron was a little disappointed about the stripper rule to say the least, but decided that he could handle it when the only other option was Hermione's wrath. Harry had managed to get the time off work without any hassle, Remus believed a trip away with Hermione was a splendid idea, and he should go and enjoy it. Hermione on the other hand found it not to be as easy. Flourish and Blotts manager, Mr Stockwell, said that she had earned a break and to take as long as she wanted. Her boss at St Mungo's however wasn't as easy to convince, "Hermione, you do realise that with the children's holidays, broom crashes are at their highest peak right now, we need you here!" she was told. After a long drawn out discussion, Hermione was able to negotiate time off after agreeing to go on call for the two following weekends, a practise put in place at St Mungo's that was always called upon, especially during the children's end of term holidays.
They decided to leave Saturday morning, the day of Harry's birthday, and return on the Wednesday. Hermione didn't think she could be more excited, maybe if she knew where they were going. Every time she asked if he had thought about a destination, all he said was that he still couldn't decide, although Harry had assured her it wouldn't be the middle east, a comment that earned him a playful swat on the arm. Every time he denied knowing, Hermione couldn't help but think he was fibbing. He was definitely up to something.
Friday night soon came around, and as agreed, Ron had only invited their closest friends. Luna, Ginny, Draco, Seamus and Lavender, had all turned up around 6.30pm, bearing gifts. The guys were sat in the living area, and the girls were sat at the dinning table.
"How much longer is Ron gonna be Harry? I'm starving ere," Seamus whined, rubbing his stomach.
"Seamus, it weren't even two hours ago I saw you ramming a burger and chips down your chops at your café," said Draco.
"I can't help it Draco, it's me cravings," Seamus replied, putting his feet on the table.
"Men don't get cravings you soppy git," Harry laughed.
"I'm very sympathetic to me wife's pregnancy Harry," Seamus smiled, and continued to rub his belly.
"Ok, relax," Harry turned around, put his arm on the back of the sofa, and looked over to the dinning room table. "Hermione, how long do you think Ron will be?
Hermione raised her head from the conversation she was having with the girls. "Well I called ahead to order, so he shouldn't be too much longer."
Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Finally," Seamus shouted, jumping to his feet and sprinting to the door. When he opened it, his face dropped when he saw Dean Thomas holding a case of butterbeer, and Neville Longbottom smiling at him. "Oh it's you two," he said sullenly.
"Nice to see you too, you git," Dean retorted, with a grin.
"Is this a bad time?" Neville asked nervously.
Harry approached them, "Nah Neville of course not, come in," Harry closed the door. "He was expecting Ron that's all, he's having trouble controlling his pregnancy cravings,"
Dean and Neville just looked at each other, at Seamus, then back at Harry. "Right," said Dean. "Where should I put these then?" he asked, referring to the butterbeer.
"Just over there would be great," Harry pointed to the growing stack of butterbeer in the kitchen. Dean nodded, and walked into the kitchen area. Harry turned back to Seamus, when he heard what sounded like someone kicking the front door. Harry and Seamus shared a smile. "Ron," they both said, at the same time.
After opening the door, Ron could not be seen, due to the fifteen pizza boxes he was carrying in his arms. Harry and Seamus took some boxes from him, and put them on the breakfast bar. "Nice one guy's," Ron said, out of breath.
"Ron," Hermione said strongly, while approaching him. "Did you give the wrong name? I only ordered five!"
"Yeah I know, but when I got there and saw all these different toppings I went nuts, I couldn't not try em," Ron defended. "Besides, it's good for leftovers."
"Leftovers?" Hermione asked sarcastically. "With you around there's no such thing."
"So what are you moaning for then?" he asked, enjoying winding her up.
"I am not moaning!" Hermione replied sharply.
"Ron," Harry interrupted his friend, before he managed to anger Hermione even more. "The girls have got salad as well so, can you put some forks on the table? Maybe stick one in your tongue."
"Whatever you say sunshine," Ron went over to the kitchen to get the cutlery, but not before giving a teasing wink to Hermione.
Harry smiled at Hermione, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "One of these days, you will learn to ignore him."
Hermione sighed deeply. "I can't help it Harry, it's what Ron an I do best."
"Well, just think," Harry wrapped his arms around her, "Starting tomorrow, you will have him out of your hair for five days."
"I really can't wait," she said.
"Me either," he agreed.
"So," Hermione snuggled further into his embrace, "Where are we going? and if you say 'I haven't decided' one more time I'll hex you."
"I'm not telling you," he answered cheekily. "It's a surprise."
Hermione pulled back, "Why is it, on your birthday, I'm the one getting the surprise?"
Harry leaned in so that he was inches form her lips, "Because that, is the way I want it," he said simply, before kissing her softly. They were interrupted by a couple of loud whistles.
"Hey Harry," shouted Dean, "You've got five days to try and get Hermione's head in your mouth, right now, lets eat, then party."
****
Much later, after everyone had eaten, the music was turned on, and the guests were well on their way to being pissed, the party had officially started. Hermione was currently engaged in crude conversation with the rest of the girls in the living area, while the boys had conjured up a pool table at the other end of the room near Harry's bedroom.
"So, Hermione," Ginny began, before taking a swig of butterbeer, "Did you end up buying that racy number that we saw when we went shopping in the week?"
Hermione blushed crimson at Ginny's question. Luckily there was no way the boys could hear them, due to the music being on at a substantial volume. "No, I didn't. How many times do I have to tell you, it's not that kind of holiday."
"Oh come on, Hermione," teased Ginny. "This is us you're talking to, cut the bullshit." Luna giggled, along with Lavender who was the only one sober.
"This, is a totally, inappropriate discussion," Hermione said seriously. All girls looked at each other, then burst into laughter, including Hermione.
Lavender leaned forward, "Hermione, there's nothing wrong with wanting a physical side to your relationship with Harry, it's natural." Lavender continued. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about, it's only us."
Hermione rolled her eyes, and covered her face with her hands. After a few moments, she brought her hands down, and gestured for someone to hand her the bottle from the table. After Ginny handed her the bottle, she sighed, "If I'm gonna talk about this, then I'm hitting the fire whiskey!" The rest of the girls smiled, and huddled closer.
"Well?" Ginny encouraged.
Hermione drank a shot of whiskey, squirmed at the taste, and began. "I was the one who suggested we wait, and he was incredibly sweet about it. How can I change my mind about something so easily?"
"Hermione you've waited six days!" Ginny argued. "That is enough for anyone! Trust me." Hermione rolled her eyes again.
"She's right Hermione," Lavender said. "Besides, you never actually told him how long you had in mind."
"I don't know, we've only been together almost a week," Hermione said softly. "We haven't even done other stuff besides kiss, I mean shouldn't that come first?"
"Who cares?!" Ginny exclaimed.
"Hermione, you would have to be crazy if you thought that Harry and you, haven't been a couple all your young life," Luna told her gently. "You act the way every couple in love acts, so why would it be so bad to do, what every couple in love does."
"Exactly," Lavender said.
Ginny threw Hermione a suspicious look, then grinned evilly at her. "You did buy that lingerie didn't you?" Ginny asked teasingly. When Hermione went the colour of beetroot, Ginny feigned shock. "You slut!" she joked.
"So you do have plans to seduce him?" Lavender asked with excitement.
"No!…Yes…I don't know," Hermione stammered.
"What's the problem?" Luna asked gently.
Hermione looked worried about something. "What if…he wants to wait? What if he agreed so easily, because he thought it was the right thing to do?"
"Listen, Harry loves you more than anything," Ginny said confidently. "And he agreed to it because that's what you wanted, he'd do anything to make you happy." Lavender and Luna nodded emphatically. "But he's also a man Hermione, which means had you given him the green light when both of you said 'I love you', chances are he would have been happy to shag you till his dick dropped off!"
"You have such a lovely way of putting things Gin," Lavender said sarcastically.
Ginny just laughed. "What can I say? I've been with Draco too long."
"Way too long," Hermione added, before downing another shot.
"Are you going to go for it Hermione?" asked Luna.
"I honestly don't know, I don't even know where were going yet," she exclaimed. "He still won't tell me, he could be taking me to the Antarctic for all I know!"
Luna raised her glass, "Perfect reason to exchange body heat."
"We could cast a heating charm," Hermione argued.
"Yeah, but where's the fun in that?" Ginny joked.
"What else are you worried about Hermione?" Lavender asked seriously.
Hermione nervously started playing with her fingernails. "Is it true, that a witch's first time, isn't all that enjoyable?"
"Depends on the witch," Lavender answered truthfully.
"My first time wasn't all that great," Ginny admitted. "But I guess that was due largely to it being with wrong person."
"You know you never told us who it was Gin," Lavender pointed out.
"And I'm never going to," Ginny smiled, and poured a glass of fire whiskey.
"Oh that's not fair, were all friends here," Lavender whined, "Come on we won't laugh."
Ginny cocked her head from side to side, thinking about telling her best friends one of her biggest secrets. She brought her glass of Firewhiskey to her chin, and mumbled something quickly and incoherently, before downing her drink.
"What was that?" Luna asked.
Ginny placed her glass on the table, and closed her eyes in defeat. "Justin," she repeated more clearly.
Hermione, Luna, and Lavender, all took a sharp intake of breath in shock. Lavender slapped a hand to her forehead. "NOOOO!!! Finch - Fletchley?!" she squealed.
"You lie," Hermione said in shock.
"Isn't he gay?" Luna asked.
"Yes Luna, thank you," Ginny said sharply. "But I can't be blamed for that surely."
"I can't believe you slept with Justin," Lavender said in disbelief, then burst into laughter. It only took seconds for Luna and Hermione to follow.
Ginny finally gave a smile, "Ok laugh it up, it wasn't that bad," Ginny allowed her mind to wonder. "The beginning was quite sweet actually, then everything went downhill."
"Why, what happened?" Hermione asked, before bringing her drink to her lips.
"Three thrusts, and he went soft on me," Ginny said sourly.
Luna giggled, "Does Draco know?"
"Well of course he does," Ginny answered in an obvious tone. "He was very sweet and understanding about it, after he stopped laughing."
"Never mind Gin," Lavender said. "We all have to go through it."
"What about you Lavender? Was your first time with Seamus everything you wanted it to be?" Ginny questioned.
"Yeah," she replied with a smile. "I knew I was with the person, who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with." At this comment Hermione's ears perked up, and began to listen closely. "Seamus was so considerate of me, he made me feel at complete ease."
"Was it painful?" Hermione asked.
Lavender thought for a while before answering, "I wouldn't go so far as to say it's painful, more uncomfortable than anything else, but that soon goes away."
"Depends on how well he slicks you up too, and on how big he is of course," Ginny added.
"Gin you can be so vulgar sometimes," Luna said giggling.
"Your turn Luna," Ginny announced with a smirk.
"My story's pretty much the same as Lavenders," Luna mused, "The only thing that's different is the leading male."
"And one thing I don't need to know," Ginny said raising her hand, "Is how potent my brother is." All the girls laughed, and then turned their attentions to Lavender, when she began to speak.
"Hermione," Lavender started gently. "The only thing that matters, is that you and Harry are in love, and you trust each other implicitly." Luna and Ginny nodded their heads in agreement, while Hermione continued to listen intently. "Regardless of what we said earlier, you need to make a decision that's right for you and Harry. We understand that your nervous Hermione, you wouldn't be normal if you weren't, but rest assure that Harry will be just as nervous as you are."
"That's true Hermione," Ginny confirmed. "But men always make out there not for some reason, must be a macho thing, but anyone of them who says they aren't just as nervous as you, are fucking liars."
Luna decided to input also, "Whenever you decide for it to happen Hermione, trust me when I say, that sharing that kind of intimacy with the one you love, is one of the most amazing experiences in life."
"And it's one that when in a loving relationship, you can experience over, and over again," Ginny said dreamily. " I do however have one request, Hermione,"
"What?" Hermione asked.
"If it does happen while you're away, you are to call us, and put us out of our misery," Ginny insisted.
"Don't you think that might ruin the mood?" Lavender joked.
"Not when she's doing it," Ginny then suddenly had a serious thought, "By the way, Hermione, do you know the contraceptive spells?"
Before Hermione could answer the question, Lavender, who was looking at Ginny weirdly, gave a sarcastic laugh. "Honestly Ginny, asking Hermione Granger if she knows any kind of spells, is like asking a Centaur if it shits in The forbidden Forest. What do you think?"
"Valid point," Ginny had to admit the question she asked was rather strange, anything Hermione didn't know about spells and magic, wasn't worth knowing.
Over at the other end of the room, the guys were talking somewhere along the same lines as the girls. Harry and Draco were currently involved in a game of pool, while the others watched closely from around the table.
"Listen, I told you Hermione wanted to wait, and I respect her wishes," Harry said, lining up a shot.
"Wow, you really must be in love," commented Dean, as Harry potted a ball.
"Lucky shot potter," Draco teased. "So I assume on this trip you have separate rooms then?"
Harry blushed, "Not exactly, but we are sharing a suite."
"Ah ha!" Draco exclaimed. "Hermione's aware of that is she?"
"No," Harry confirmed nervously. "I want the whole thing to be a surprise."
Draco laughed. "I'm sure it will be."
"It's not like I'm gonna go in her room and jump on her in the middle of the night! Sharing a suite is like sharing a flat, exactly what were doing now I might add," Harry said defensively.
"Alright you touchy git, were only teasing you," Draco took the cue from Harry, and scoped the table.
Ron patted Harry's shoulder, "Don't take it to personally mate, were only having a laugh."
"It's only cause you're right," Harry shook his head and sighed. "I mean what if that's how Hermione's thinking, what if she thinks I'm doing this to…you know?"
"Harry relax, Hermione's not thinking like that at all, you of all people should know that," Ron said, trying to make his friend feel better. "She's really looking forward to this trip alone with you."
Draco potted a ball, and looked at Harry, "Harry, you said yourself that she was the one who suggested waiting, so wait. Then, when she tells you she's ready, your in there. Even you can't fuck that up."
"I agree with him Harry," Dean said. "You know that you'd never do anything that she didn't want you to do, all you're waiting for, is 'permission to enter', shall we say." Dean gave a wiggle of the eyebrows.
"And who knows," Seamus said, "Maybe she'll give you 'permission to enter' on the trip."
"I highly doubt that Seamus," remarked Harry.
"You never know," Ron said.
Neville looked a little uncomfortable with the conversation they were having, and tried to steer away from it by asking, "Where are you taking her anyway Harry?"
"Yeah that's a point," said Dean.
The others also looked at him expectantly, and Harry raised both of his hands in the air. "Sorry guys, even Hermione doesn't know, and there is no way I'm telling you before her."
"Pussy!" Draco muttered.
"What's Crookshanks got to do with it?" Neville asked innocently. The boy's stared at him in disbelief at first, then proceeded to laugh.
"I'm gonna get another drink," Harry said still giggling. "Anyone want another?" After they all indicated they did, Harry started to head for the kitchen, but not before seeing Draco put his arm around Neville's shoulder, pat it and say, "Neville, Neville, Neville, I think it's time for me to teach you all I know, about sexual lingo." Harry couldn't help but feel sorry for Neville, Draco was some piece of work.
Upon seeing Harry step into the kitchen area, Hermione excused herself and jumped out of her chair to go talk to him. The conversations she'd been having with the girls, had given her more confidence when it came to sex and seducing. Also, she'd had plenty to drink, and when she saw her unsuspecting boyfriend bend over to pick up some more beer from the cases on the floor, Hermione decided this was her chance to be more bold.
Harry had just bent down to pick up some bottles of butterbeer, when he felt what could only be described as a hand caressing his bum. He froze, then sighed with relief when he heard her voice.
"Merlin," Hermione said breathlessly, "Your arse feels like it's carved out of granite." Harry stood up as Hermione continued to grab his backside. Slowly turning to face her, he put the bottles on the side, and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
"Is this something I could get you to do often?" he asked cheekily.
Hermione had still to take her hands off of his backside, and instead of answering straight away, kissed him hard on the lips. Harry was happy to reciprocate, and had only just pushed his tongue into Hermione's mouth, when she suddenly realised where they were, and pulled back.
Leaning her forehead against his, she apologized. "I'm sorry, forgot everyone can see us for a second."
Harry kissed her lips softly, "Don't apologize, I can just as easily get lost in you."
"What time do we leave?" she whispered.
"Whatever time you want princess," he replied sweetly. "I set up a portkey in my office at the ministry today, were all set."
"Good," Hermione said smiling.
Harry and Hermione finally managed to tear themselves away from each other, and entertain their friends for a little longer. Their friends were considerate enough to realise, that they probably wanted an early start the next day, and when Lavender saw the clock read 11.27pm, she decided it was time to go.
"The time has absolutely flown," commented Lavender. "Thanks for a great party you guy's, but we should get going."
Seamus approached his wife, and put an arm around her. "Yeah, we had a great time buddies. See Harry, birthday parties aren't that bad after all."
Harry offered his hand to Seamus, "Thanks for coming, I had a great time." Seamus shook it, as Lavender enveloped Hermione into a hug.
"You two have a good time, wherever it is you end up," she kissed Hermione's cheek, and then Harry's.
"We will I'm sure," Hermione said. "Bye."
As Seamus and Lavender left, Dean swaggered up towards the couple, leaning on Neville.
"Thank you for a lovely evening you two," Neville said, holding Dean up the best he could. "I'm sure you'll both have a great time, wherever it is you're going." Neville blushed when Hermione gave him a peck on the cheek.
"Yeah," Dean said, "Oh and by the way Harry," Dean flexed his index finger towards him, signalling Harry to come closer. Harry burrowed his eyebrows in confusion, but leaned in closer. "Do everything, I would do," Dean whispered, before throwing a laughing fit. Harry smiled at his drunk friend, and leaned back.
"What did he say to you?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Oh, he just wants us to bring him back a gift," Harry fibbed.
Dean turned, and waved to the other couples. "RON, GIN, LOONY, DRACO, LETS GO!!!" he shouted, over pronouncing every name and word. Hearing Dean's voice, they drank the remainder of their drinks, and walked over to him.
"Were coming, keep your hair on," chided Ginny.
"Where are you guys off to?" Harry enquired.
"Dean's being going on about this club, Ministry Of Sound," informed Ginny. "We promised we'd go check it out."
"Yeah, were gonna go get our groove on," Ron said, doing a little dance.
"Sure you won't join us?" Luna asked.
Before Harry, or Hermione could answer, Draco chuckled, "Leave it out Loony, Harry and Hermione haven't got the staying power, to last all night like us wild ones."
"That, and were leaving early tomorrow." Hermione said, wrapping her arms around Harry's waist.
"Maybe another night then?" Dean pointed at them.
Harry and Hermione shared a look, and smiled, "Sure," said Harry.
"On that note, lets go party till dawn!" Dean walked to the door, still leaning on Neville. The others bid their goodnights, and asked Harry and Hermione to have a good time, not that they'd be able to do anything but. When they were alone, Hermione looped her arms around Harry's neck.
"You know, you're going to have to at least give me a clue as to where were going," Hermione said grinning.
Harry's arms snaked around her waist. "And why would I have to do that?" he asked, before gently nibbling her earlobe.
"Because I haven't a clue what to pack," she reasoned.
Harry gazed into her eyes and smirked. "Were going somewhere…warm."
Hermione raised her eyebrows, "Warm?"
Harry nuzzled her neck, and whispered seductively in her ear, "Hot."
****
Early the next morning, Hermione woke up not remembering the last time she had been so excited. In record timing she had showered, dressed and eaten breakfast before 7.02am, and was currently in the middle of packing her suitcase. Harry was still asleep, she had considered waking him when she had woke, only didn't have the heart. All week he'd had to go to work before 5.00am, and she thought he deserved a lie in, even if it was only a few hours. Harry hadn't given her any other clues except that it was going to be warm, or hot, as he suggested afterwards, so she packed almost every piece of summer clothing she owned. There was still one garment she'd yet to decide whether to take or not. Pulling the white box that was on the bed beside her suitcase toward her, she thought again, before slowly removing the lid. She reached in, and lifted the pure white silk negligee by the thin straps, out in front of her.
Hermione couldn't help but think back to the conversation she had with the girls the previous evening, yes, she had a few drinks, but everything that was talked about was valid. "I was the one who suggested we wait, and he was incredibly sweet about it. How can I change my mind about something so easily?" she had told them. Hermione had to admit, her friends had been incredibly helpful, and had said all the right things to her. Of course if everything they told her was true, Harry was simply waiting to respect her wishes, what Hermione couldn't stop thinking about, is if that theory was in fact wrong. 'What if Harry agreed to wait, for the same reasons I thought I wanted to wait,' she thought.
Today marked their one week together as a couple, and in that week, Harry had been the perfect gentleman. She smiled at the thought of him, in that one week, he had done more for her than 'That twat Steven' as Harry liked to refer to him as, had done for her in one day. Harry surprised her at work to take her out to dinner, massaged her feet after a long day, cooked her dinner, and basically treated her like a princess. He would hold her hand, kiss her, and tell her he loved her every day, but for some strange reason, Hermione felt a little disappointed that he hadn't tried to go a little further. "Nobody said he couldn't cop a feel, maybe let put his hand under my shirt," Hermione thought. She was more confused now than ever, "Why am I ticked, that he's respecting my wishes," Hermione knew Harry loved her, and even if while they were away, she tried to seduce him and he refused, she knew he would have his reasons. With that, Hermione made a decision, she put the nightgown back in the box, and placed it into the suitcase. After locking it, Hermione took out her wand, and levitated the case out into the living area.
Hermione decided to go and wake Harry, but not before she went into the kitchen area, and made a cup of coffee for him. He always seemed to wake better afterwards. Putting in two spoons of sugar, as opposed to Harry's preferred four, she stirred it and headed for his room.
After sneaking into his room, Hermione stopped at the foot of the bed for a moment to admire her boyfriend, who was still sound asleep. Harry was lying on his back, covers up to his waist, with his hands resting on his stomach. It had been a while since Hermione had seen him without a shirt or t-shirt on, and couldn't help but go weak at the knees. She walked around the bed, and placed the coffee she had made for him on his side table. Even when she sat down on his bed beside him, it still didn't wake him from his slumber.
Hermione took this opportunity to look at what she was admiring a few moments ago. Her eyes began their exploration at his stomach, where his hands hadn't quite covered his belly button, or the little black trail of hair leading downwards. Looking just above, she had to wonder, "When did he get such an amazing six-pack?" She looked forward to the moment when she was going to be able to run her hands across it, and the chiselled pecks that were above, maybe she could playfully tug at the cute little hairs that ran up the middle of his chest too. Hermione had to swallow when she realised that her mouth, was in fact watering. A smile graced her features, when she saw his Adam's apple slightly protruding out of his throat, along with the black stubble that had grown overnight. Perhaps she was imagining it, but it looked as though Harry was smiling in his sleep. "I wonder what he's thinking about?" His lips still looked as kissable as ever, his cute nose flaring slightly with every intake of oxygen. If only she could see his emerald eyes, oh well, she'd see the them soon enough. Hermione's eyes finally landed on the part of Harry's body, that had given him his fame. His scar. She slowly reached up, and smoothed back a few strands of hair to expose it completely, then gently trailed her fingers down the lightning bolt. Leaning forward on both arms, she lightly kissed his scar, letting her lips linger longer that she had planned to. When she leant back, Hermione let out a short gasp upon seeing Harry's wide open eyes, staring intently into hers. Hermione would never be able to recall just how long they kept their eyes locked on each other, before someone finally spoke.
"No one's ever done that before," Harry said quietly.
Hermione looked down a little embarrassed, and shook her head. "I shouldn't have done that I'm sorry."
Harry gently took hold of one of Hermione's wrists, "Don't be," he told her softly. "It felt good."
Hermione looked up, and was relieved to find him smiling at her. "I thought I'd overstepped the boundaries, I just wanted to…I thought that kissing it would…,"
Harry let go of Hermione's wrist, and placed his hand on the side of her cheek, "You comfort me every time you look at me, like you did when you first walked in."
"How did you know that's what I was trying to say?" she asked.
"I know you better than you know yourself," he answered, stroking her cheek.
Hermione simply smiled, closed her eyes, and leaned in to kiss him. Just before she reached his lips, she stopped suddenly, and her eyes shot open. Harry, who had been expecting to feel Hermione's lips on his, also opened his eyes, and looked at her in confusion.
"What is it baby?" he asked.
Hermione leaned all the way back, stood up, and put her hands on her hips. "How would you know how I was looking at you when I first walked in?" she asked suspiciously.
Harry's eyes went from side to side, he'd been caught out. "Erm….good assumption," he replied weakly.
Hermione narrowed her eyes, "You were awake the whole time weren't you?"
Harry put an arm behind his head, "Hermione, you know that I always sleep with one eye open, it's a habit I haven't been able to shake off yet."
She sighed dramatically, "You little shit!" she cursed while smiling, and went to playfully hit him. Hermione managed to get in a few light harmless taps causing them both to laugh, before Harry sat up, grabbed both her wrists, and pulled him towards her so that their lips were only inches apart. Both of their laughter stopped.
"It's perfectly fine to look at me and like it you know," he whispered, not letting go of her wrists.
"I know," she said shyly.
Harry grinned at her, "Good morning,"
"Good morning," she said giggling.
Harry leaned closer, "I want my kiss,"
Hermione latched her lips onto his, and when Harry let go of her wrists, she rested her hands on his shoulders, as she began to explore his mouth with her tongue. "Hmm," Hermione couldn't help but moan when Harry started to suck on her lower lip. He started to tease her with soft kisses around her lips, before forcefully thrusting his tongue back inside her mouth. Hermione was enjoying every second, just like she always did when Harry kissed her, but they did have a schedule today, and Harry still had to pack.
Harry groaned in frustration when Hermione pulled away, "Come on Hermione just five more minutes" he pleaded.
Hermione pushed gently at his chest, "Down boy," Harry collapsed back down on the bed. Hermione stood up and handed his coffee out to him, "I made this for you."
Harry sat up again, and took the cup from her hand. "Thank you,"
"You're welcome," she said kissing his forehead.
Harry took a sip then licked his lips, "Needs a bit more sugar sweetheart,"
"No, it doesn't," Hermione replied firmly. "I've put two in there, and two is enough for anyone," she couldn't help but smile at his forlorn face. "Trust me darling you'll get use to it, you wont be able to tell the difference within a couple of weeks." Harry still didn't look convinced. "I'm only worried about you, please try it, for me?"
"Oh, baby you aren't playing fair," he said scratching the back of his neck.
"Does that mean you're going to try?"
"Yes," he answered defeated. "It means I will give it a try."
"Happy birthday," she said softly.
"Thank you,"
"I have got you something," she assured, "But seeing as how you're being so secretive about where were going, I've decided to make you wait till we get there."
"Well then I guess were even," he said smirking.
"Speaking of which, I'm all packed," Hermione said, trying to hide her excitement.
Harry loved seeing her like this, and he would be forever grateful that he was the one, who was able to make her happy. He just hoped that what he had in store for her didn't disappoint. "In that case, the sooner I get myself ready and pack, we can go."
Hermione's smile got even bigger, "Do you want me to make you breakfast?"
Harry got out of bed wearing only boxers, and gave Hermione a peck on the lips, "That'd be magic. I'm gonna hop in the shower."
"Ok, I'll shout you when it's done." Hermione left the room, and Harry went to the bathroom to shower.
A while later, Harry and Hermione went over things to make sure they hadn't forgotten anything.
"Did you lock everything?" Hermione asked Harry for the fourth time.
"Yes."
"When you took Crookshanks to Draco and Ginny's, did you give them the 'to do' list?"
"Yes."
"You know Ron is staying with Luna while were away, did you chuck away food that could go out of date?"
"Yes," before Hermione could utter another question, Harry spoke, "Hermione, can we just go? You're starting to sound like the Riddler."
"Sure," she said nodding.
"Thank you," Harry said, relieved picking up both cases. "You ready?"
Hermione took one last look around, and stepped close to him. "Yes."
"Ok, put your arms around me," Hermione happily put her arms him, and together, they disapparated.
When they arrived in Harry's office at the ministry, he went over to his desk, and pulled out a compass from his drawer. "I know the office isn't much baby," Harry said, when he saw Hermione looking around.
"Don't be silly, I think it's charming, and rather cosy," she replied smiling. Harry's office wasn't very big, it had a table, with a chair either side, a storage cupboard and a filing cabinet. It did also have a small sofa, below the window that looked out to the other offices. Harry had put up a blind, when he saw one to many Auror's, mostly women looking at his window form their own.
"Alright, Remus cast the portus spell on this yesterday before he left work," Harry pointed to the compass.
"Great," Hermione walked up to him.
"The hotel I booked for us caters for wizards, so this portkey should take us straight to our room," Harry informed.
"So we don't need to check in?" Hermione asked puzzled.
"Yeah, but this way it saves us from turning up in an alley, or somewhere else," Harry continued, "We'll be taken to the room straight away, and after we've settled, I'll go down and check us in officially."
"Nice, you really have thought of everything," she said.
"Of course," Harry picked up the cases, and managed to still grip the compass. "All set?"
"Absolutely," Hermione once again wrapped her arms around Harry's waist, he activated the portkey, and they both disappeared.
When they arrived at the destination, Harry dropped the cases and looked down at Hermione, who still had her eyes closed, and her arms wrapped tightly around him. "We're here sweetheart," he told her gently.
Hermione opened her eyes, disentangled herself from Harry, and looked around at her surroundings. She was stood in the middle of a huge room, that was completely symmetrical. It had a high ceiling covered in protruding art, two long sofas in the middle surrounding a table, four lone chairs and side tables, and four French style windows at the back of the room, leading on to balconies. Each side also had a door leading on to other rooms. It was breathtaking. She looked back at Harry, who was grinning like an idiot.
"It's beautiful," she said breathlessly.
"Do you even know where we are yet?" he asked approaching her.
"Well seeing as you already brought me straight to the room, I haven't seen anything else now have I? Maybe if we checked in first thing, I may have seen some touristy things, like maps, or excursion leaflets," she finished proudly.
Harry continued to smile, and folded his arms.
"Well go on," she urged playfully, "You have to give me another clue."
"You should find a huge clue if you look out there," Harry pointed to the window, then crossed his arms again.
Hermione looked at him with narrowed eyes, smiled, and began walking over to one of the windows with Harry slowly following behind. Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw, she never would have guessed he'd bring her here in a million years. It was a dream of hers that she thought she'd never share with him, as much as she wanted to. She opened the windows, and not far in the background, was The Coliseum. He'd remembered. She turned around slowly, happy tears shinning in her eyes, and looked over at Harry who was grinning, and still had his arms crossed.
"You brought me to Rome," she whispered happily.
Harry walked closer to her, and cupped her face in his hands, "Surprise," he said softly.
****
End Of Chapter 8
Again, thank you all so much for your reviews, like I said before, you guys make it all worth while. Hope you enjoyed this instalment. In regards to the question I think most of you are going to ask yourselves at the end of this chapter, the answer is yes! But, I will neither confirm, nor deny in review replies, that's just cheating. BIG SMILE!!! Hope to have chapter 9 up soon. xxx