Matchmakers To The Rescue

A/N: I still can't bring myself to finish reading the book and I've been writing instead. Silly of me, I know. Why go to the midnight release and then stare at the book willing it to magically change into what I want? Oh, well, I'll finish it eventually. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy this. It shouldn't be more than three chapters.

I'm also working on the next chapter of Leave Your Fear Behind. Maybe I'll be able to post it in the next couple of days as well.

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER ONE

“Do you think they'll ever notice?” Ginny asked Luna as they watched Harry and Hermione frolicking in the pool.

They were gathered at Harry's house having a cookout and spending time together as they usually did twice a month. Luna and Ginny were sun tanning, Harry and Hermione were in the pool, and Ron and Draco were at the grill, arguing about who cooked the best steak.

“They don't have a clue! The whole wizarding world knows they fancy each other, but they seem to be the only daft ones that haven't notice yet,” Luna replied while looking fondly at the pair.

“We should do something about it, don't you think? It's been happening since before the war began and it's been three years now.”

“What would you suggest?”

“I don't know, but there has to be a way to make them aware of their obvious feelings for each other. They live together, they work together, they go on holidays together, and they don't seem to have an interest in dating anyone else. Do you even remember the last time either went on a date?”

“It's been months. And no one is ever good enough. He doesn't approve of her dates, and she doesn't like any of his.”

“So we need to put our heads together and come up with something that will be foolproof.”

“Are we talking about using some sort of potion or charm?” Luna asked looking back at Ginny.

Ginny raised her eyebrows in alarm. “Hermione would hex us into the next century if we did that! She's a force to reckon with, that one. She isn't called the brightest witch of our times for nothing.”

“What about going away for the weekend and making them stay in the same room together?”

“They've been on holiday before. What would make it different?”

“We make the reservations and make sure they have to stay in the same room with just one bed. If they spend a few nights in the same bed, something might happen,” Luna suggested.

“There's an idea,” Ginny said brightening. “The least that can happen is that they become aware of each other. One can only hope,” she finished rolling her eyes.

“Let's plan it for next weekend. I know they have a few days off while they remodel some of the offices at the Ministry. We could leave on Thursday night and come back on Monday. That would give them four nights.”

“And we can make sure they stay in a really romantic room, with candles, champagne, flowers, and a huge bed!” Ginny said warming up to the idea.

“So it'll be the six of us then, right?” Luna asked looking at Ron and Draco.

“Of course. If we all go, they won't suspect a thing. I wouldn't even tell Draco or Ron about it. They might spoil it somehow.”

“You're right about that. I'll make the reservations tomorrow from the office and then I'll let you know. We won't tell them until the last possible moment. That way they can't come up with an excuse!”

“You're absolutely right. And we should go to the beach. That way they'll have to wear less clothes and the temptation will be greater.”

“She's not wearing much now, Ginny, and he seems okay,” Luna pointed out.

“He's not; and neither is she for that matter. Watch them for a while and you'll see that he touches her any chance he gets. She does the same to him. And I bet you anything they don't even realize they do it; it's automatic.”

Luna turned back towards the pair in question and watched for a few minutes as Ginny had suggested. It wasn't long before she realized Ginny was right. Harry was playing with Hermione, chasing her around the pool, dunking her under water, wrestling with her, and hugging her any chance he got. Hermione was just as bad. She giggled at his attempts to grab her. She shrieked with laughter when he caught her or dumped her in the water. She shot water balls at him using wandless magic (yeah, she was good like that). It was like watching two small children having the time of their lives in the pool.

Tired of playing for so long, Hermione finally sat on one of the benches inside the pool. Harry followed her and leaned his back against her chest. She wrapped her legs around his waist and rested her chin on his shoulder as they talked.

“You're absolutely right, Ginny. I never paid that much attention to them since they always seem to be wrapped around each other; but it's obvious the attraction is there if you look for it. I guess seeing them like this is so natural to all of us that no one ever comments on it. I've never met two people more suited for each other and so oblivious to it all!” Luna said in wonder as she watched the pair more closely.

“I know just what you mean. How can they possibly touch each other so much and not feel it? I mean, when I'm close to Draco all I want to do is shag him senseless!” Ginny said with a laugh.

Luna giggled. “I feel the same way about Ron. Ginny, maybe we're wrong and they really just love each as friends.”

Ginny and Luna looked back at the pair once more and watched as Hermione ran her fingers from Harry's cheek all the way down to his chest. She then wrapped her arms around his chest and dropped a quick kiss on his temple. Harry grabbed on her of hands and kissed her knuckles. Then he rested his arms on top of her and leaned more fully into her. He closed his eyes and the expression on his face was full of bliss. He ran a finger over her arm absently and she closed her eyes as well, seeming to enjoy his soft caress. They were a couple clearly in tune with each other and desperately in love.

Luna and Ginny looked at each other again and grinned wickedly.

“Never mind,” Luna said. “We are going on holiday! How does the Caribbean sound?”

“Bloody brilliant,” Ginny said smiling.

~*~

Harry looked up from the papers scattered around his desk when a memo swept into his office. He grabbed it and read the contents of it, frowning a bit as he did so. He got up and went searching for Hermione. He knocked on her office door one time and turned the knob. When he walked in, she was also reading a bit of parchment similar to the one he had just received. She looked up and smiled when she saw it was him. He lifted his piece of parchment.

“You got one too?” he asked her as he sat down facing her.

“Seems like it. It says we're all leaving tonight for a weekend trip to some magical island in the Caribbean.”

“When did this happen?”

“I have no idea, but according to this, we should be leaving the office now,” Hermione said looking at her watch.

“I have a ton of work on my desk! I had planned on taking some of it home this weekend.”

“Honestly, Harry. A trip to the Caribbean and you want to work?” Hermione asked him raising an eyebrow.

“Where's my Hermione and what have you done with her?” he asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

She giggled. “Come on, Harry, I want to go. We've been working nonstop for weeks now and we deserve a break. Besides, the office won't be available to us for four days, so this is perfect!”

“Fine! I'll let you drag me there. Just to show you how much I love you I'll sacrifice myself and go to the Caribbean.”

She laughed as she got up from her chair and walked up to him. She grabbed his hand and pulled him up too. “Don't even try it, Potter, I know you too well. We have some serious packing to do, so I suggest we close shop for the day and go get ready.”

“I'm only taking my toothbrush and my swimming trunks.”

“What a lovely idea. I should let you pack for me as well!”

“Let's go then and I'll help you.”

~*~

They apparated to a resort on the island three hours later. They were greeted by the bell boy, who immediately took their bags as they made their way to the lobby. Ginny and Draco went to the reception desk to check them in.

“This is so exciting,” Luna said leaning against Ron and taking in her surroundings.

“It was a great idea,” Hermione told her. “I'm glad you thought of this.”

“Well, we've never been on a holiday together, and this hotel is perfect. Ever since we ran an article about it in The Quibbler, I've wanted to come. It's a hotel for couples only,” she told them.

“But Harry and I are not a couple, Luna,” Hermione reminded her gently and then exchanged a look with Harry.

“No one here knows that. If we had told you that you wouldn't have come. Just enjoy yourselves, okay? We're here to have fun and relax.”

“She's right, you know? We needed to get out of London for a bit and this place looks perfect. I can't wait for it to be morning so we can hit the beach,” Ron said enthusiastically.

Hermione nodded and looked at Harry. He gave her a look that she couldn't quite place, but a look he'd been giving her more as of late. “You're right, Luna, we'll just enjoy it.”

Before they could say anything else, Ginny and Draco were walking back towards them.

“Here are the keys to our rooms,” Ginny told them. “They all face the ocean!”

Harry took the keys and they walked over to the elevators. Since their rooms were in different floors, they agreed to meet for breakfast early the next morning. Ginny and Draco got off first and then Ron and Luna.

“Remember what I said,” Luna said as the elevator doors were closing once they stepped off.

Harry and Hermione just smiled at her. When they reached their floor, they walked down the hallway to their room. He opened the door and let Hermione walk in first. She gasped when she saw the room.

“Oh, Harry, this is beautiful! I love it.”

Their room was a small suite. A richly appointed sitting area lead to a balcony facing the ocean.

“You're right, this is really nice.”

She walked up to him and hugged him. “Aren't you glad we came? And here you wanted to stay and work over the weekend.”

“I wonder how many bedrooms it has. I only see the one door,” he said nervously as he looked around.

“Let's go and see then,” she said walking over to the door trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.

She opened it and stood there unable to move. Harry ran into her back and put his hands on her waist to steady himself. Both were staring at the room aghast.

There was only one king size bed, covered in rose petals. A bottle of champagne was sitting by the bed, chilled and ready to be enjoyed. Next to it was a plate filled with succulent looking strawberries. There were candles around the room and a couple of small flower arrangements were on the tables.

They finally moved into the room and the lights dimmed. Soft music started playing and the candles lit themselves. It could not have been a more romantic setting for a couple in love.

“What in the bloody hell?” Harry asked taking it all in as his hands tightened around her waist. Oh, sweet Jesus, he thought. How was he going to be able to stay with her in this room?

“Do we have the right room?” Hermione asked turning around to face him. I am so going to kill Ginny and Luna for doing this.

“We must, since the key opened the door. But this has to be a mistake, Mione. This room is meant for a couple that's on their honeymoon.” How come all of a sudden I wish it was meant for us?

“Maybe they mistook us for that.” Do we look like a couple in love? Could he possibly feel the same way I do?

“I guess we should call the front desk and ask to be moved to another room,” he suggested, but looked longingly at the bed. I hope they tell us no and we have to stay here!

Hermione caught the look and died a little inside. Maybe she wasn't the only one wishing for more. “I'll call right now,” she said and left the room. Maybe I should kiss Luna and Ginny instead of killing them!

She came back a few minutes later and noticed that Harry was out in the balcony. He turned around when he heard her.

“Did they get us another room?” Say no, please.

“You were partially right. All the rooms are exactly like this one.” Can't say I'm sorry about that.

“I'll sleep on the couch then and you can have the bed.” Ask me to stay with you.

“Don't be silly, Harry. The bed is big enough and it's not like we haven't slept close together before.” Unless you don't want to sleep with me. Next to me, I meant! Oh, who am I kidding?

“You're right. It's no big deal. Would you like some champagne? We might as well enjoy ourselves.” This is turning out to be a great weekend.

“Champagne would be lovely, thanks.” Oh, Merlin, give me strength not to ravish him.

Harry walked into the room and opened the champagne. He dropped a strawberry into each of the glasses and then filled them with the chilled wine. He walked back outside and smiled at her as he handed her the glass.

“To a wonderful weekend,” he said raising his glass to hers. And to making memories!

“Cheers!” she said clicking their glasses and then taking a sip. To you, my love.

~*~

They talked for a while and without even realizing it, the bottle of champagne and the strawberries were gone. Hermione excused herself to go and take a shower while Harry lay down on the bed and waited for his turn. He could not help but wish she were laying next to him.

Ah, but she will be laying next to you for the next few nights, a voice inside his head reminded him. How was he supposed to keep his feeling hidden? Now that the champagne had done its job, it was harder still to keep himself from reaching out and kissing her senseless as he had been wanting to do for a very long time. He was not sure when it had happened but he was in love with his best friend.

There were times he would catch her looking at him and she would lower her gaze and blush. There were times she hugged him a little too tight, or for a little too long and his heart would take flight. Then there were the times when she went to kiss him on the cheek and her kiss would land halfway on his mouth if he happened to move at the same time as her. What was he going to do if she fell in love with someone else and decided to move out of their house? He had bought the house with her in mind. He didn't see himself sharing it with anyone else.

Then why don't you do something about it? Be a man, for Merlin's sake! Tell her how you feel before it's too late. She probably feels the same way you do and is afraid to tell you as well.

He couldn't really argue with the voice of his conscience. Maybe it was time to deal with his feelings for Hermione and have it out in the open. If she didn't feel the same way, then he would be able to move on somehow. But if she felt the same, then he could stop wasting his time and love her freely. Just like Luna and Ron loved each other. And more surprisingly, just like Ginny and Draco loved each other. Wasn't it time for him to be as happy as his friends were?

~*~

Inside the bathroom, Hermione was fighting off her demons as well. She wasn't sure what to wear to bed, since she hadn't planned on spending the nights in the same room with him, let alone the same bed. She never wore much to bed, and that was the problem. Most of the time she just went to bed naked. When she did wear something, it was just a small tank top with bikini panties. And that's what she was wearing now.

As much as she had paraded in front of her friends in bathing suits, pajamas were another thing all together. You wore pajamas to bed and that was more intimate. She had slept close to Harry many times during the war, but she had always been fully clothed. At home, she'd always been careful around him and this was the first time he would see her dressed like this. She had a small robe, but it barely covered her thighs. Not much help there.

She sighed as she put the robe on and tide her hair into a lose ponytail. She couldn't stay in the bathroom forever, so she took a deep breath and went back to the room. To her surprise, and deep disappointment (no use pretending otherwise), Harry was laying on the bed fast asleep. She smiled while looking tenderly at him. How she loved him!

Since he had turned down the bed sheets, she covered him up to his waist. She closed the balcony door and turned the lights off. She went around the bed and took off her robe. So much for worrying about it, she thought. She lay on the bed, close to him, and dropped a quick kiss on his lips. Then she turned on her side and drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

~*~

Harry woke up slowly and a bit disoriented. Then he felt someone laying next to him and everything came rushing back to him. He was laying on his side, and Hermione was spooned in front of him. His leg was pressed between hers and his arm was wrapped around her waist. Their laced fingers were laying next to her breast.

He could tell she was still asleep by the pattern of her breathing and he snuggled closer to her, enjoying the moment before she woke up and noticed their position. Thanking his lucky stars, he drifted off to sleep once more a few minutes later.

An hour later, Hermione stirred. She felt Harry behind her and her body tensed for a moment. When had they gotten that close? she wondered. Not that she minded, of course! She had to admit to herself that it felt wonderful being in his arms.

While she was debating whether to get up or not, she felt him stir and his arm tightened around her. She wasn't sure what to do, much less what to say. A few minutes went by and he did not say anything either.

“Are you awake?” she whispered.

“I think so.”

She giggled at his answer. “You don't know?”

“I'm not sure,” he said and decided to take the plunge. “It could be one of two answers.”

Hermione turned on her back and stared at him. “Want some help deciding which it is?” she asked huskily. Was that really her voice? she wondered.

He swallowed hard. His arm was still around her waist and he leaned on his elbow to better look at her. “Well, answer one would be that this is a dream, since you're awake and still in my arms.”

“And the other choice?” she asked as her fingers played with the back of his hand. Her pulse had about doubled at this point.

“That I am awake and you haven't moved because you feel the same way I do,” he finished softly and looked deep into her eyes. “This would also be wishful thinking on my part.”

Hermione's breath refused to leave her lungs. “Or maybe not. Which do you think is right?”

“I'm not sure. You said you'd help me decide, remember?” he told her smiling.

“I did, didn't I? Me and my brilliant ideas!” She was blushing now and he though it was adorable.

“In all honesty, Mione, I'm hoping for the second choice.”

“You said I could feel the same way you do, Harry. Why don't you tell me how you feel and I'll tell you if it's true?” Could it be? Could her dreams come true once and for all?

Before he could answer her, there was a loud knock on the door. Harry cursed under his breath and Hermione sighed.

Of all the rotten timing, they both thought at the same time. Bloody hell! Somebody's arse was going down!

A/N: *thinking I should apologize for cutting the story there…or maybe not* *grins*

Chapter 2 will be coming sooner than you think.

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A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Goodness gracious, they were wonderful and I appreciate the time you take to leave me such kind notes. They are always appreciated and make me want to keep on writing. I was planning this as a one-shot, then it grew into two chapters and now I'm wondering if it's going to grow into more. I guess it depends on all of you. Tell me what you think and if you want more after reading this chapter. I always consider my reader's opinions and thoughts. Not only that, but I have a very selective memory when it comes to JK's books. I tend to ignore R/H and H/G ever happened. In a perfect world, it's H/Hr all the way baby!! Enjoy!

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER TWO

“I'll go see who it is,” Harry said in a tone that left no doubt he was pissed. He got up from the bed slowly and went to the living room.

Hermione got up as well and took a much-needed breath. She was ready to kill whoever had the audacity to interrupt them so early. She put on her robe and walked into the bathroom. After brushing her teeth, she walked back out to go and see who it was.

Harry had his bag opened on the bed and was rummaging through it. Hermione had to stifle a laugh as she heard him murmuring something along the lines of redheaded gits and bloody interruptions. He looked up when he heard her.

“I take it Ginny or Ron were at the door?”

“Ron, the insufferable git! He wanted us to come down for breakfast so we can then hit the beach. Don't know what his damn hurry is. He's just going to go out there and burn his arse.”

Hermione couldn't help but laugh at his words. He looked like a little boy pouting. “I guess we should go then. Want to shower first?”

“If you don't mind. A cold shower would do me wonders right now.”

“Cold, huh?”

“Like you couldn't figure that one out,” he said as he stormed into the bathroom.

Hermione laughed even harder. Frustrated as she was, she had to admit the situation was hilarious and seeing Harry so out of control made her wonder if this trip was going to turn their lives around for the better. She was still smiling as she opened her own bag to look for her bathing suit.

~*~

Ron joined the others at the restaurant table, his ears still red. Luna noticed right away and gave Ginny a knowing look.

“Everything okay, Ronald?” she asked after he sat down next to her.

“Dunno. Harry was acting like a right git, to tell you the truth,” he said as he reached for the juice pitcher.

“Why?” asked Ginny getting a bit worried.

“I don't know! I just knocked on the door and he snapped at me. He seemed out of sorts. I did tell him last night I would go and get them early in the morning so we could get an early start on our day, didn't I?”

“You did. Did you see Hermione?” Luna asked.

“No, just him. I thought it was a bit strange that he was still wearing last night's clothes. Maybe he went to bed late and didn't get much sleep,” Ron told them as he buttered some bread.

Ginny and Luna looked at each other again. This time, however, Draco did not miss the look.

“Do you two mind telling us what's going on here?” he asked looking pointedly at Ginny and then at Luna.

Ginny knew him enough to know he would not drop the subject until he knew what was going on. She looked at Luna again and she nodded.

“We sort of planned this trip to try and get Harry and Hermione together,” Ginny said while looking down at her hands. She wasn't sure what their reaction would be at the news.

Draco started laughing and Ron glared at his sister.

“No wonder he bit my bloody head off! I probably interrupted something. It would have been nice if you had told us this before now, Ginny.”

“We didn't want them to find out about it, otherwise they wouldn't have come with us,” Luna explained as she patted his hand lovingly. “If Harry was upset, that means our plan might be working!”

“Now that I know this, I am not knocking on their door again. Once was enough for me!” Ron said as he stuffed half of the bun in his mouth.

Twenty minutes later, they saw Harry and Hermione walking their way. Harry was still frowning, but his hand rested on her lower back. Hermione looked like she wanted to laugh, but knew better than to do so.

“Morning!” she said cheerily as Harry pulled out a chair for her. After she was seated, he sat down next to her and glared some more at Ron. Ginny and Luna had to stifle a laugh. Ron blushed again and Draco hid a smile behind his coffee mug.

“Morning, Mione,” Ginny said smiling at her. “Sleep well?”

“Wonderful. How about you?”

“We left the balcony door open and the sound of the waves put me to sleep in no time. It was wonderful. I already told Draco this is going to become a favorite place to visit at least once a year.”

“Let's order breakfast,” Luna suggested noticing that Ron had already emptied their basket of bread. “The sooner we eat, the sooner we can go out to the beach.”

~*~

After they finished, they headed out to the beach. Ginny had already arranged for them to have a spot with several umbrellas and lounge chairs. After making sure to put on plenty of sun block, the guys went to check out the rentals.

“Hermione, can I ask you something and get an honest answer?” Ginny said as she looked over at her friend. The three of them were sun tanning.

“I guess it depends on what you want to ask me, Ginny.”

“Do you love Harry?” Ginny asked not beating around the bush.

Hermione raised her eyebrows at the question. “Of course I love Harry. Don't we all?”

“I guess Ginny didn't phrase that right. What we want to know is if you're in love with him,” Luna said.

Hermione blushed. She couldn't help it. “I, er…that is…”

Her words trailed off as her gaze searched down the beach looking for the raven-haired man in question.

“I thought I'd never see the day when I would see you at a loss of words, Mione,” Ginny said.

“The question caught me off guard, is all,” Hermione said defending herself.

“What's the answer then?” Ginny pressed. “The reason I'm asking is not to pry into your personal business. It's just that it's rather obvious to all of us that there is something more between the two of you.”

“What we don't know is if you ignore the obvious on purpose, or if you're too afraid of the future to risk letting go,” Luna finished softly.

Hermione looked at her dear friends and nodded. “It's actually a combination of those for me. There's also the fear of not having my feelings returned.”

“He loves you, Mione,” Ginny said squeezing her hand. “I can see it in his eyes. He looks at you the same way Draco looks at me, and Ron looks at Luna. There's so much longing in his eyes it just makes you want to melt at his feet.”

“I know. We had a moment this morning. Well, almost! Then Ron came by and it was gone. That's why he is in such a foul mood now.”

“Oh, great!” Luna said. “What happened, if you don't mind us asking?”

So Hermione told them and it felt good talking to someone about the feelings she had been bottling up inside her for so long. To have her friends support meant the world to her.

~*~

They spent the entire day at the beach. They had lunch together and then played some more. Harry's mood improved as the day passed, but Hermione noticed that he was keeping his distance from her. As much as she hated the tension between them, she gave him the space he obviously needed.

He was over at one of the tiki bars set out throughout the stretch of beach when Luna joined him in line.

“Are you having fun, Harry?”

“It's been nice,” he replied while looking at Hermione as she and Ginny walked down the beach, talking animatedly.

“You've seem out of sorts for most of the day and Ronald said you were a bit annoyed this morning. Is something the matter?”

“I over reacted this morning, but I already apologize to him.”

“Oh, I'm sure you did, Harry. You're nothing if not a gentleman.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

“Would you care for a bit of advice from a worried friend?” she asked smiling sweetly at him. Ever since their fifth year at Hogwarts, they shared a special connection and Luna was counting on that now.

“Sure, why not?”

“I know how you feel about Hermione, Harry. Your eyes are too expressive and I can see the love you hide from her lurking in there. Don't you think this is the perfect setting to talk to her about that?”

Harry couldn't hide the surprise from his face. “Is that the seer in you again?”

“No, just the woman in me. And also a friend who wants to see the two of you finally happy and I don't think anyone else will do for either of you.” She leaned over to him and kissed him on the cheek. “Think about what I've said at least. Give your heart a chance to fly and let that Gryffindor courage shine through.”

Before he could say anything, she walked away leaving him there, pondering on her wise words.

~*~

That night, after they had all showered and had dinner together, Harry asked Hermione if she wanted to go back to the beach for a stroll. Nervously, she nodded and they bid farewell to their friends. All four of them had identical looks on their faces, and Ginny and Luna were even crossing their fingers behind their backs.

They walked for a while in silence, and at one point, wanting to feel closer to him, Hermione took his hands in hers. Harry squeezed her fingers softly and smiled at her.

“Are you feeling better now?” she asked after a while. The silence was getting to her.

“A bit. I guess I did overreact and ruined the day.”

“Don't be silly, Harry. We all had a wonderful time.”

“Tomorrow will be better.”

Silence overtook them once again, and they were both lost in their own feelings.

~*~

“Oh, for Merlin's sake, are they going to get on with it or what?” Ron asked exasperated. They had followed them to the beach and were crouching behind some bushes.

“I know. Damn, I never figured Potter for a coward, but that's exactly what he's acting like,” Draco said, also annoyed that he was out there instead of upstairs with Ginny in bed.

“Be nice, Draco, he's just taking his time,” Ginny said.

“It's not like either of you were so sure of yourselves either,” Luna said looking pointedly at them. “I remember making the first move on Ronald!”

Ron blushed while Malfoy laughed.

“Oh, come on, Luna, did you have to say that?”

“I wouldn't laugh if I was you, Draco. I asked you out first too!”

Draco's laughter died instantly. From that point on, they were wise enough not to say anything else.

~*~

“Do you want to go back inside?” Hermione asked. They had been walking for close to an hour and Harry was just quiet.

“I guess we should. We have to get to bed, since I'm sure Ron will be knocking on our door at the crack of dawn again.”

“I have a feeling he won't after this morning.” Hermione said as they turned around and headed back.

Just as they were nearing the resort again and Hermione was losing her hopes, Harry stopped walking and looked down at her.

“What is it?” she asked.

Harry just shook his head and kept on walking. She sighed softly. It was no use. He didn't feel the same as she did and it would do her well to forget about it. She let go of his hand and he didn't grab it again.

~*~

“I should just Crucio his arse and knock some sense into him,” Ron said as the pair walked back into the hotel. He was mad!

“Now, Ronald, that's not very nice. One of Ginny's hexes would suffice,” Luna said.

“No shit,” added Malfoy. He was beyond annoyed at this point. “He is such a git.”

“I swear to Merlin, if he doesn't do something about this by the time we have to go back to London, I'm going to give his happy arse a love potion! I know Hermione won't be mad,” Ginny said as they started heading back to the hotel. “He had ample opportunity, and she was all for it. What the hell is wrong with that bloody man?”

~*~

They got to their room and Harry headed for the bathroom to change into his pajamas. Hermione went out to the balcony and leaned on it, her gaze lost in the ocean below. Harry walked out to her, wearing only lounge pants riding low on his hips. Hermione had to stifle a moan when she saw him illuminated by the moon. He was beautiful to look at.

Harry didn't miss the look. “The bathroom is free.”

“Thank you,” she said as she walked by him and caught the scent of his cologne mixed with the saltiness of their surroundings. It did funny things to her stomach and it was all she could do not to grab him and kiss him senseless.

By the time she came out of the bathroom, Harry had turned the lights down and was laying down. She didn't even bother going to bed, since her emotions were still raw and she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep for a while longer.

Since he seemed to be asleep, she took off her robe and laid it on the bed. She walked back outside and resumed her previous position. She wasn't sure how long she was out there when she heard some noise behind her.

“Mione,” Harry said sleepily. “What are you still doing out here? It's past one in the morning.”

She turned around to face him and remembered what she was wearing when his gaze trailed hungrily over her body. She felt her nipples harden as his eyes stared openly at her.

“I couldn't sleep, and I didn't want to bother you.”

“Why can't you sleep?” he asked moving closer to her. “Want to talk for a bit?”

“No, that's okay, Harry. You go back to bed. I'll be there shortly.”

Harry nodded and started to turn. Just as she was about to turn back around, he grabbed her by the waist and crushed her body to his, as his mouth descended on hers and he kissed her passionately. Her brain seemed to have a short circuit as her hands moved up his chest and wrapped around his neck.

He kissed her for a long time, breaking just enough to catch his breath and kiss her neck. Then he would claim her mouth once again. Hermione gave as much as she took and a while later, he lifted her off her feet and carried her to the bed.

He lay her down gently and lay next to her. He framed her face tenderly with his hands and looked deep into her eyes.

“I love you, Mione. And it's eating me inside not to tell you. I can't hide it anymore. I don't want to go back to London and not tell you how I feel. You are my life, the very air I breathe, and I can't ignore my feeling anymore.”

Before she could say anything else, he kissed her again. His hands started roaming hungrily over her body, and little by little, touch by touch, kiss after kiss, their passion grew to feverish heights. His mouth and hands were doing wicked things to her body and she couldn't help but want more. Kisses and heated caresses were not enough after a while.

“Oh, Harry,” she said moaning as he took a nipple into his heated mouth. Her fingers were tangled in his hair, bringing his head closer to her. Somehow, while he'd kissed and caressed her, her clothes had disappeared. She was laying naked under him and she could feel his hardness pressing against her.

“I can't wait anymore, Mione, I need to be inside of you.”

“Then take me, Harry, and make me yours,” she said as she kissed him.

“Is it safe?” he asked tenderly as he positioned himself between her legs.

“Yes.”

He nodded and pushed his tip into her wet entrance. As he slid into her, he looked deep into her eyes and she could see all of the love he felt reflected in his eyes. She gasped when he was fully sheathed inside of her and started moving her hips in invitation.

He wasted no more time and started moving in and out of her, slowly at first, letting her get use to him, and then faster as their passion increased. It felt so good to finally make love to her that he called upon every ounce of strength he possessed to make it last as long as possible. He felt her inner muscle squeeze around him and knew she was close. He started moving faster still, kissing every part of her he could reach. Suddenly, he felt her body stiffen under him and she hit her peak. She said his name on a strangled moan and hugged him closer to her. He kept on moving, pleasuring her a bit more before finally letting go himself. Her name left his lips as his body shook on top of hers.

When it was over and he could move again, he lay on his side, brining her close to him. He wasn't ready to let go of her warmth. Hermione snuggled against his chest and felt his arms surround her.

She looked at him and smiled. “You never gave me the chance to tell you that I love you as well.”

“Yes, but you showed me. I love you, Mione. With all of my heart. There's never been anyone else but you in my heart.”

“Oh, Harry,” she said as tears filled her eyes. “I've loved you for years now! But I was so afraid to tell you. I didn't think you would return my feelings, so I buried mine deep inside of my heart.”

“I felt the same way. We were both idiots. What happened to all of that Gryffindor courage we used to posses?”

“We left it at the battle fields?” she suggested smiling. “I don't know. I guess fear of rejection would do that to you.”

“At least it's not too late. And we have the rest of our lives ahead of us.”

“Is that what you want Harry? To spend the rest of your life with me?”

“Yes. Every time I think of myself with a family, your image flashes before my eyes. When I think of getting old, it's you I want by my side.”

She kissed him tenderly. “I didn't know you were such a romantic, love. You sure know how to melt a girl's heart.”

“Oh, stop! You should know you inspire those words in me. I've never said that to anyone before.”

“And I've never loved anyone as much as I love you, Harry James Potter. I'm lucky to have you.”

“I think it's the other way around. I'm going to be thanking my lucky stars for the rest of my life.”

Having said that, and because he couldn't wait anymore, her moved her on top of him. He spread her legs softly and entered her once again. She lifted herself and sat on his hips, taking him deeper inside of her.

“You feel so good,” she said as she started moving her hips.

He grinned at her as he lifted his hips making her gasp again. It was a long time before they actually got around to sleeping. By the time they did, they were spent and unable to move.

~*~

The next morning, they woke up early and after kissing and cuddling in bed for a while, they took a shower together. Their shower was so long, that by the time they finished and went downstairs, their friends were already out on the beach. They had a leisurely breakfast on the outside patio by the pool, and then decided to join their friends.

As they walked down to beach, no one missed that they were holding hands and smiling like two silly idiots.

“Finally,” Ron muttered under his breath.

“He saw the light,” Draco said.

“Oh, I'd dare say he saw more than the light,” Luna said giggling.

“About bloody time, too, if you ask me” Ginny added nodding at Luna in satisfaction.

“I swear if they're holding hands just as friends, I will beat him,” Ron added.

“Nah, they did it. Just look at their faces. They're glowing!” Ginny said and then they all pretended to be interested in other people as the pair finally reached them.

“Morning,” Hermione said cheerfully and smiling.

“Good afternoon,” Ron said and he and Draco sniggered.

Ginny and Luna shot each a look that quieted them on the spot.

Hermione looked at them and smiled. Nothing could bother her now. She was so happy she could shout. “I guess you're right, Ron, its way past morning time.”

“You haven't missed much. We've just been relaxing and placing bets,” Draco said and Ginny kicked his chins. “Ow! Why'd you do that?”

Harry laughed at him. “Who won?”

“Luna,” Ginny said. Luna smiled up at them.

“What did you win?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Oh, I get to shag Ron in a place of my choosing, and he has no choice on the matter!”

Ron blushed to the roots of his hair. They all burst out laughing at this and he looked away embarrassed. “Bloody bets,” he muttered under his breath, which made them all laugh harder.

“Oh, don't worry, Ronald, I'll make sure you enjoy it!”

That just made his turn a deeper shade of red, something none of them had thought possible.

Harry felt bad for him and decided to change the subject. “What on the agenda for today?”

“Same as yesterday. We could stay here or we could rent some bicycles and explore the island.”

“Exploring sounds good for a bit later,” Harry said. “Now I feel like taking a nap!”

He sat down on one of the lounge chairs and leaned back against it. He took Hermione's hand and she sat between his legs and rested her back on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist and closed his eyes.

Ron and Draco rolled their eyes at him and gagged. Luna slapped the back of Ron's head and Ginny kicked Draco again. Hermione watched them and giggled.

“Ow,” Draco said again. “Woman, I swear I'm going to punish you for that!”

“Mmm, sounds good to me,” Ginny said flirtatiously.

Ron rubbed the back of his head, but was wise enough not to say anything. Hermione could feel a vibration from Harry's chest and knew he was holding his laughter in. She laced her fingers through his and closed her eyes as well.

Ginny and Luna smiled at each other and clapped hands. The deed was done and all was finally as it should be.

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A/N: I'm so grateful for all the great reviews! Thank you all so much for taking the time to drop me a quick note. I never ask readers to review, since it should be something you do only if you wish to do so, and not because you are promised `if you review I'll post sooner”. I write for the pleasure it gives me, and if others can appreciate my work, all the better. So once more, thanks sincerely!

There is a bit more of R/L & D/G in this chapter, and I hope you like that as well. I have never written about Draco before and I have enjoyed it more than I thought possible. So enjoy this chapter.

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER THREE

Harry had been sleeping for a good hour, with Hermione still leaning against him. Ron and Draco were taking surf lessons. Ginny and Luna were watching them and taking as many pictures as possible, since it was hilarious to see them try. Hermione, too excited to sleep, watched them. Her thoughts were all over the place, and she was as happy as she had ever been.

She was still in shock, if she was honest with herself. Never in a million years would she have guessed that this trip would turn out as it had. Especially last night, when Harry had declared his love for her unexpectedly. One moment he was going back to bed, and the next moment he was kissing her like his life depended on it. She still wasn't sure what had triggered his reaction, and she wanted to ask him, but for now she let him sleep, knowing he was tired.

As carefully as possible, she got up from the lounge and walked over to the tiki bar to ask for a drink. Ginny and Luna joined her and ordered drinks as well.

“I can't wait to hear what happened, Mione,” Ginny said excitedly.

“Me, either,” Luna told her. “We were getting ready to start brewing love potions!”

Hermione laughed at her. “That bad, huh?”

“Worse! Ron even wanted to Crucio Harry last night!”

Hermione frowned at them. “When last night?”

Luna and Ginny looked at each other guiltily and then back at Hermione. “Now, Mione, don't be mad at us, but we followed you guys last night.”

“You did? Why?” Hermione asked surprised by the news.

“Aside from being meddlesome, we wanted to make sure you were okay,” Luna confessed and hung her head in shame.

Hermione shook her head in wonder, but smiled at her friends to put them at ease. “I guess that's okay. I know you did it with the best of intentions, just like you planned this weekend as a romantic getaway for all of us. However, from here on out I would appreciate a little privacy and respect were Harry and I are concerned. Is that okay?”

“Oh, sure, Mione. We promise no more prying or interfering. Our job here is done!” Ginny said as she crossed her heart.

“I agree. Besides, I have to come up with something terribly sexy as far as Ronald is concerned. He lost that bet and I am going to make him pay up before we leave the island. But it has to be perfect. Any suggestions?”

“One Rum Runner for you,” the bartender said to Hermione handing her the drink.

“Thanks.” She sipped the drink. “This is wonderful,” she told him and he smiled his thanks at her.

“Do you want something really kinky or just fun?” Hermione asked Luna as she turned back to the girls.

“I'm not sure, but I want him to remember it for a long time!”

“One Sex on the Beach for you, madam,” the bartender told Ginny and handed her the drink.

“That's it!” she exclaimed as she turned back towards Hermione and Luna after thanking him.

“What?” they both exclaimed.

“Sex on the beach! Just like my drink. Make him shag you tonight at the beach! I think it would be exciting and a bit dangerous at the same time!”

“And last but not least, one Hurricane for you,” the bartender said to Luna.

“Thanks, Charles. I'm sure we'll be back for more of your wonderful drinks a bit later!”

“Always my pleasure.”

They started walking down the beach and many faces turned to watch them as they did so. They were beautiful to watch. The differences in skin and hair colors were amazing and their toned bodies in tiny bikinis were the envy of many. However, they were completely oblivious, since their hearts were very well taken and they had eyes for no one else.

“I think Ginny's idea has some merit, Luna. It was beautiful walking on the beach with Harry last night and I'm sure tonight will be as well. You could take him against a palm tree and no one would even notice!”

Her friends turned to look at her, mouths hanging opened in surprise. Ginny recovered first.

“Did you really just say that? Hermione Jane Granger, bookworm extraordinaire and follower of all rules?” she asked with eyes full of surprise and wonder.

Hermione laughed at her and she felt wonderful breaking free of her old mold. “Yes, I did! And I might make the suggestion to Harry as well!”

“I'm in shock. I cannot even picture you suggesting something so risqué and actually thinking of doing it! No wonder they say it's the quiet ones you need to watch out for!”

Hermione kept on laughing. She was glad to shock her friends. She was happy and she felt wonderful. She was in love and her love was reciprocated.

“Hermione is right, Luna. A shag on the beach sounds like a plan. Wonder what Draco would say if I asked him to do me against a palm tree tonight?”

“Only one way to find out!” Hermione said as they reached the lounge chairs.

Harry was awake finally and smiled tenderly at her when he saw her. She bent down and kissed him.

“Did you enjoy your nap?” she asked him as she sat down next to him.

“I did. I want to go for a swim now. Care to join me for a bit?”

“I'd love too.”

She put her drink on the table and helped him up from the chair. Hand in hand, they walked over to the water's edge and slowly walked in. Once they were waist deep, Harry stopped and drew her to him. Without caring who saw them, he kissed her. And not just a peck, but a kiss that left no one in doubt that Hermione was his.

~*~

Later that night, while they were having dessert and coffee after eating a wonderful dinner, Luna turned to Ron.

“I'm collecting on that bet tonight, Ronald.”

Ron choked on the piece of cake he had just put in his mouth. Harry, who was sitting next to him, patted his back and tried to keep a straight face. Ginny and Hermione giggled and Draco raised his eyebrows. When Ron was done, he was red in the face and teary eyed.

“Bloody hell, Luna, did you have to remind me of that in front of our friends?”

“Oh, its okay, Ronnie. Hermione and I know all about it since it was us who suggested it!”

“What? My ex-best friend and former sister betraying me. I thought I'd never see the day.”

“Oh, stop it! When you see what Luna has in store for you you'll be kissing our feet!” Hermione told him and he glared at her.

“And don't worry, Ronnie, I won't tell mum you and Luna did it!” Ginny added and burst out laughing at the murderous look on Ron's face. The rest joined her.

“I'll take you down with me if you ever do!” he said to her and she just laughed harder.

Mrs. Weasley liked to live in la-la land as far as the sexual activities of her children went. She pretended it did not happen and they all humored her. It worked out perfectly.

“Anyhow, now's a good time as any,” Luna said pushing her chair back and getting up. “Come along, Ronald, time's a wasting.”

Ron muttered under his breath and followed her meekly. But as much as he tried, he could not conceal his excitement at this new adventure. The others noticed but decided to give him a break.

“So, what did you all come up with? Luna seemed rather excited,” commented Harry.

“We suggested that they shag at the beach against a palm tree!” Ginny said and smiled happily at the surprised look on Harry and Draco's faces.

“No way! The weasel is not going to go for that! Ever!” Draco said.

“Wanna bet?” Ginny asked. “I bet he not only goes for it, but enjoys it as well.”

“I don't think Ron's stupid. He's crazy in love with Luna and he's going to do whatever makes her happy,” Hermione added as she finished her coffee.

“I agree,” said Harry.

“I can't see it. He's too much of a wuss,” continued Draco, still in denial.

“Would you do it if I asked you? We could go the opposite direction from them!” Ginny said winking at her boyfriend.

“No! If we get caught it would be embarrassing.”

“And you call Ron a wuss, ferret boy?” Harry asked smiling. The name-calling was something they still reverted to in times like this and it was in no way offensive.

“Look, scar-head, if you're so macho and brave, you go and do it.”

“I'd be glad to! Come on, Mione.” Harry got up from his chair and extended his hand to Hermione, who took it gladly and smiled up at him.

Hermione winked at Ginny and waved as Harry led her out of the restaurant. Ginny looked at Draco and smiled at his face of surprise.

“Didn't think they'd go for it, did you? I guess the only wuss left at this table right now is you, Malfoy. I'll be out in the terrace if you change your mind.” Having said that, Ginny got up from the table and walked away.

Draco sat in stony silence and pondered at his own stupidity. Not ten minutes later, he went to look for Ginny, his mind made up. He had to save face and he had to do it quickly. His reputation was on the line. But more important still, he needed to prove to Ginny that he was man enough for her.

~*~

Luna and Ron walked down the beach, holding hands. “You don't have to do this if you don't want to, Ronald. I would never force you to do something against your will.” Luna told him.

“I know, love, and I'm doing this because I want to and it's exciting. As long as it's with you, I'm game for anything,” he said and squeezed her hand.

“There's something I've wanted to ask you, but I wasn't sure how to bring up the subject.”

“You know we can talk about anything. We always do, so go ahead and ask.”

“Okay. I've been wondering all of today if seeing Harry and Hermione together bothers you in any way.”

“Why would it bother me?” he asked surprised by her question.

“You used to date her, Ronald.”

“That was ages ago, and you know we never got along as well as Harry and her do. Hermione and I mostly fought and that is not healthy in a relationship. It's a good thing we realized that sooner rather than later.”

“So there are no hard feelings at all?”

“None.” Ron walked over to a palm tree and leaned against it. He put his arms around her waist, bringing her closer to him.

“Are you ready?” she asked a little surprised, since they were in the middle of a conversation.

“No, that's for a bit later. First we need to finish this conversation because it seems like you have some doubts and I want to dispel those forever.”

“Oh, Ronald, you don't have to explain. I was just being silly.” She put her hands against his chest and could feel his heart beating softly under her palm.

“There are four very important women in my life. First my mother, whom I love beyond measure. Second, my sister, who makes me want to kill her, but whom I love with all of my heart. Third, there is Hermione, who is my best friend, and whom I love and respect as another sister. And then there is you, the love of my life, my other half, and the reason my heart beats daily.”

“Oh, Ronald,” Luna whispered, at a loss for words. Tears were swimming in her eyes as she looked up at him.

“So you see, my darling, there is a place for all of you in my heart, and I would be nothing without all of you. I don't ever want you to doubt my love for you, because it's the forever kind of love.”

Luna nodded. “I never knew you were such a romantic, Ronald. You just melted my heart all over again! I love you with all of my heart.”

“Good, I was kind of counting on that.” He put his hand into his pocked and withdrew a small black box. He opened it and showed her the contents. Nestled inside was a diamond and sapphire ring. “I was hoping and praying that you would do me the honour of becoming my wife.”

Luna's tears spilled then. “Oh, Ronald, it's beautiful! Of course I'll marry you!”

Ron took the ring from the box and eagerly put it on her finger. He had tears in his eyes as he kissed her hand. “I'm so glad you said yes. I was going to drown myself otherwise,” he said as he smiled at her.

Luna laughed at his words and admired the ring. She'd never seen anything so beautiful in her entire life. “I wouldn't let you drown my love, I would have saved you.”

“Now, how about we take care of that bet?” he asked and lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her with all of the love inside his heart.

~*~

Draco walked into the terrace and looked around for Ginny. He spotted her sitting on the veranda and facing the beach. She looked beautiful, he thought. There were torches all around the terrace and the fire reflected on her hair making it seem like it was on fire as well. He wondered everyday how he had gotten so lucky to have someone in his life that loved him as much as she did. Who would have thought that he would fall in love with her, a Weasley, and be as happy as he was? It had taken some time to make the others accept their relationship, but during that time, their love had only gotten stronger. He had even gone against his mother, and now she was one of their biggest supporters.

During the war, he had been unsure he wanted to fight on the Dark Lord's side and that hesitation had landed him in trouble. Dumbledore had been right. He was not a bad person and he had not been able to cross that line. It was the Golden Trio that had saved his life and that had done it for him. He had fought on their side from that moment on.

He and Ginny had fought side by side and they had been able to save each other's life more than once before it was all over. Their lives had not been the same since. After it was all over, and while they recovered from their injuries, their friendship grew. Ginny was released from the hospital before he had and she had come to visit him every day until he was out. He had fallen in love with her then.

Their first ally had been, to everyone's surprise, Hermione. She had been the first to forgive him for his cruel treatment of her throughout the years. Once Harry and Ron saw that she was a supporter of their relationship, they had begun to accept it as well. Now he was part of a big family and he was truly happy for the first time in his life.

As if sensing his presence, Ginny turned around and their eyes met. She lifted her arm towards him in invitation and he went to her willingly. He clasped her hand when he reached her and kissed the back of it.

“Forgive an idiot like me?” he asked in a soft voice.

“Like I could stay mad at you for long!” she said and swung her legs around so she was facing him. “Come here, you.”

He hugged her as if she were his lifeline, and in a way, she was. “I'm sorry about earlier, Red. I was the one that acted like a wuss.”

“Its okay, Draco. Not everyone is adventurous and not everyone wants to be wild. I love you just as you are, darling man.”

He leaned back and looked down at her. “Do you think I'm boring?”

“No! That's not what I meant at all, Draco.”

“That's what it sounded like to me. Do you want someone that would shag you just about anywhere for the thrill of it and not worry about your safety?” he asked softly.

“Of course not! I'm perfectly happy with our lives as they are. I wouldn't change a thing.”

“I dunno, Ginny. I love you so much that I would never do anything to compromise your integrity or your well being. If that makes me a boring boyfriend, then so be it.”

“I already told you. I love you. Just you. It's the way you make me feel when I'm around you. The security I find in your arms. The way my heart forgets its rhythm when you kiss me and the way you astound me every time we make love. Don't you see that I don't need anything else as long as you are by my side?” she finished with feeling.

Her words were his undoing. He loved her more and more every day and he planned to spend the rest of his life at her side. He bent down and kissed her with all of the feelings he had bottled up inside of him. He poured his love into that kiss. She stood up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and brought their bodies closer together. After a while, his hands started roaming her body, touching her everywhere at once.

“Take me upstairs now, Draco, and make love to me,” she whispered against his mouth.

“Are you certain? We could go down to the beach if you really want,” he said after kissing her again.

“Who wants a rough palm tree on their back when there is a perfectly large bed waiting upstairs?”

“You have a point there, darling.”

Without wasting more time, he scooped her up into his arms and walked back into the hotel while kissing her and not caring who saw. Once inside the lobby, he dissaparated to their room followed by whistles and catcalls from those hanging around the bar.

~*~

“Harry, I think we should turn back now. We've wondered quite a bit away from the resort and we don't know if there might be lurkers out here waiting for some lost victim to attack.”

“You're right, love. Let's just apparate to the entrance of the resort instead of walking back.”

“Good idea. I'm a bit tired after all.”

His face fell at her words. “Let's go then.”

They apparated to the entrance and walked inside going towards the elevators. Hermione squeezed his hand lovingly and smiled at him.

“Is something wrong? And don't tell me no since I can read you pretty well.”

He smiled at her. “I was kind of hoping for a repeat of last night and this morning, but if you're tired, I'd understand.”

She gave him a sexy grin once they were inside the elevator. She walked right up to him and cupped him. He gasped at her boldness. “I'm not that tired, handsome. I'm also looking forward to a repeat of that myself.”

She kissed him while still holding him in case he had any doubts left. By his reaction to her intimate touch, she was sure he got the point.

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A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews! I love them all! I also wanted to apologize for this chapter taking a little longer than my usual time between posts. However, it is the fault of the wonderful writers here at Portkey for writing so many fantastic stories. Sometimes I find that I cannot tear myself away. Nevertheless, and without further delay, here is chapter 4. Enjoy!

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER FOUR

Hermione never stopped kissing Harry. Not when the elevator door opened, or while they walked down the hallway to their room. She wanted him with a desperate passion that still surprised her in its intensity. Had she known loving him would be like this, she would have fallen into his arms a lot sooner.

Harry unlocked the door and she pushed him inside, until the back of his legs hit the sofa. She finally broke the kiss and looked at him, panting as she pushed him down so that he was sitting on the sofa. She put her hands on his knees and spread his legs as she grabbed a cushion and threw it on the floor. She kneeled on it and spread his legs farther apart. Without taking her eyes off his, she started unbuckling his belt.

“Get comfortable, darling, since I'm going to pleasure you until you can't move anymore. I want tonight to be about you,” she said in a sultry voice. Harry responded by taking off his shirt.

She finished with the belt and then undid the button of his pants. Harry watched her the entire time, a goofy grin on his face. He was still amazed at how much she turned him on and how ready he was for her. He shifted a bit on the sofa, getting comfortable, as she had suggested. Suddenly, the lights dimmed and the candles around the living room lit. Soft music filled the air and Hermione smiled.

“Got to love the room perks!” she said as she lowered the zipper slowly. She finally broke the eye contact with him and looked down at his lap. “Junior here seems happy to see me.”

Harry laughed. “Junior?”

“That's how I think of him. Is he ready to play, Harry?”

“Oh, you bet! He's bloody dripping with excitement already,” he told her.

“Let's see then, shall we?”

Hermione put her hands on his waist as Harry lifted his hips. She pulled down his pants, as well as his boxer shorts and threw them to the side. He had been right. There was a pearly white drop of fluid at his tip. She smiled at him and bent down. Her tongue darted out and licked him, making Harry groan.

“I can tell you right now Junior's going to disappoint you.”

“Why's that?” she asked and licked his tip again.

“He's not going to be able to play for long. Regrettably, he's too excited,” Harry told her as he sucked in his breath.

“We don't want that, Mr. Potter. We want Junior to enjoy this as much as he can and for that to happen we'll just go slow.”

“You mean you're going to torture me then.”

“Oh, ye of little faith,” she said as she finally leaned down and took him into her warm mouth.

She delivered on her promise, too. Every time he would get close, she would pull back and kiss his thighs or she would suck on his balls softly, making him squirm and beg. She played with him for long minutes, until Harry finally asked her to finish it. He could not wait any longer. She smiled sexily at him and took him into her mouth again, using her tongue and teeth to bring him to completion.

When he came, he shouted her name, his hands going to her head to hold her still as he struggled to get air into his starved lungs. Hermione finally lifted her mouth from him and leaned her head on his thigh waiting for him to recover a bit as he absently ran his fingers through her soft curls. After a few minutes of silence, she stood up. She started down at him and started swaying to the music. She put her hands at the bottom of her shirt and took it off slowly, while he watched her a bit astonished. Hermione was giving him a strip tease! The gods were finally smiling down on him.

When she was done taking her shirt off, she unbuttoned her shorts and turned around so her back was to him. She started lowering the shorts down and bent down at the waist. When he noticed the tiny black g-string she had on, he lost his breath again. And not only that, but when she had bent down, her arse was so tantalizingly close to his face that it got him hard all over again.

Hermione loved it. She had never been so bold in her entire life, had never acted halfway as she was now. There was just something about Harry that gave her the confidence in herself to go through with it. Had it been anyone else, she would not have dared, but it was Harry, and she loved him and trusted him with all of her being.

She pushed her shorts to the side and turned around once again to face him. She smiled when she saw the look on his face and his hand on Junior. He was more than ready to continue. She slowly took off her bra, while swaying to the music. He followed every movement while his hand continued to move up and down his hardened shaft unconsciously.

“Like what you see, lover?” she asked in a purr.

“Not only do I like, but I'm about to take as well,” he told her and grabbed her hand, pulling her closer to him. “Come sit on my lap.”

“I told you tonight was just for you,” she reminded him.

“Exactly. I want to be inside of you so bad it hurts. If tonight is for me, then I want you to sit on my lap.” Hermione hesitated a bit. “Do it,” he commanded and she had no choice but to do as he asked.

He closed his legs and she sat down straddling him. His arms immediately went around her, pressing her naked breasts against his chest. One of his hands pulled her down and his mouth found hers. His kiss was hungry and carnal. There was no sweetness in it since it was full of unadulterated pleasure. He wanted her in the worst way. While he kissed her, his other hand moved between their bodies and he ripped her panties off.

Hermione gasped at his actions, more aroused than before. He put both of his hands on her waist and lifted her up. He entered her slowly, which surprised her, since she had been expecting him to be rougher. She moaned when he was fully inside of her. He filled her completely and she threw her head back as he started moving his hips under her.

“I want you to look at me, Hermione.”

So she did. She put her hands on his shoulders and looked deep into his beautiful emerald green eyes. Her body started moving up and down as he watched her with a predatory look in his face.

“You're mine, Hermione, and I'm going to brand you as such. No other man will ever touch you again,” he told her in a voice roughened by his desire.

“The same goes for you, lover. No other woman will ever know what a wonderful lover you are if I have a say in the matter,” she answered him as her nails bit into his shoulders making his gasp with pleasure.

“You do. Your name is already tattooed on my heart. My skin is brandished by your touch. My mouth will only call out your name. What more would you want?”

“That's all I need. Because you have all of me as well,” she said and kissed him.

There were no more words. None were needed as their bodies took over. Love words were not necessary when every heartbeat connected them. Every breath brought them closer. Every look spoke volumes of their love. The depth of their love marked them, and they were shaken to feel such a powerful connection.

Somehow, when their loving intensified, so did their magic. It was as if a current flew from his body into hers, and back. She felt his magic and it astonished her to finally understand just how powerful he was. He felt hers and it amazed him to share something so intimate. Once their powers had touched and unified, a white orb had surrounded them for a moment. If disappeared when they both reached the peak at the same time. The release was so powerful it took their breath away and it was all they could do not to faint.

When it was over, Hermione leaned against him and waited for the room to stop spinning, for her heart to regain its usual rhythm, and for her lungs to fill up with oxygen once again. Harry did the same.

“What just happened, Harry?” Hermione asked in a small voice a few minutes later.

“I don't know, love, I thought for a moment it was all in my head.” His tone left no doubt that he was as confused as she was.

“I don't think it was.”

“I've never heard of anything like it before either. I don't know what to tell you.”

“It was a bit scary,” she said honestly and finally lifted her head to look down at him.

“It was,” he agreed. “We'll have to figure out what it means.”

“I'll do some research when we get back. I don't want to ask the girls about it.”

“Do you think our powers changed in any way? I could feel your magic running through my veins. I felt it inside my heart. It was almost as if we were connected physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

“I felt your magic as well, Harry, and its force surprised me. I don't think you know just how powerful a wizard you really are,” she said as she stroked his face lovingly.

“You're one to talk. You are always saying your knowledge of magic is all books and cleverness, but I just witnessed its intensity. Your magic is potent, Hermione. I would dare say the same about you. You have no idea just how powerful you are.”

Hermione leaned back against his chest and hugged him tightly. “I wonder what's going to happen now.”

“Time will tell. For now, we should just take a quick shower and head to bed. Tomorrow is our last full day here and I want to make the most of it.”

She nodded and got up slowly from his lap. He stood up and gave her a hug before they headed into the bedroom holding hands. They took a quick shower as he had suggested and then went to bed. They did not bother to put on pajamas. Harry gathered her close to his body and dropped a kiss on her lips.

“I love you, Hermione. More than you'll ever know.”

“I do know, because I feel the same way about you.”

She snuggled closer to him and soon they both fell asleep.

~*~

When they went down to breakfast the next morning, they found Draco and Ginny already there.

“Morning,” Ginny said smiling at them.

“Good morning,” Harry said as he leaned down and kissed her.

When Harry's lips touched Ginny's cheek, they both jumped apart.

“Ow! You just shocked me!” Ginny said as her hand went up to rub her cheek.

Harry was so surprised he did not know what to say. He looked at Hermione and she was looking at them with a frown on her face.

“I'm sorry, Ginny. I didn't mean to!” Harry said as he sat down.

Hermione went to kiss her, but Ginny put her hands up. “Ugh, not you, too. Once was enough, thank you.”

Hermione stepped back and sat down next to Harry feeling a bit self-conscious.

“I don't mind a kiss,” Draco told her wiggling his eyebrows.

Hermione laughed and leaned over to him. To everyone's surprise, nothing happened when she kissed his cheek.

“I think Ginny might be allergic to Harry!” Draco said jovially and then sipped his coffee.

Before anyone could reply, they saw Luna and Ron heading their way. Luna's smile could have lit the room it was so bright. Ron, however, was walking slowly and seemed to be in some kind of pain.

When they reached the table, Luna kissed everyone and sat down. “Good morning all!”

“What's wrong with you?” Draco asked looking at Ron.

“Nothing,” Ron murmured.

“He got a couple of splinters in his arse last night,” Luna whispered loud enough for all to hear. “He's just a big sore.”

“Luna,” Ron whined and blushed furiously.

They all burst out laughing. Hermione, taking pity on him, got up and went to grab his hand to bring him to the table. Ron jumped back at her touch and glared at her.

“Bloody hell, Hermione, why'd you do that for?”

Hermione had lost some of the color from her face since she had also felt the bit of current pass from her hand into his. “I'm sorry, Ron. I don't know what happened.”

Ginny looked at her and then at Harry. “What in the hell is going on here?”

“What do you mean?” Luna asked, looking confused.

Ron sat down next to her, but made sure to keep his distance from Hermione just in case.

Hermione sat back down and looked at Harry worriedly. She leaned against him for support and their eyes met.

“What's happening, Harry?” she asked worriedly.

“I really don't know, love.”

“Did you notice it doesn't happen with everyone?”

“Yes. That was kind of weird.”

“Yeah, but maybe not as weird as this conversation we're having.”

“Why is our conversation weird, Hermione?”

“Because in case you haven't notice, we're not speaking out loud!”

Harry seemed to snap out of it and looked worriedly at her and then at their friends. They were all looking back at them as if they both had grown an extra head. The only one that seemed less worried was Luna. She had an intense look about her, as if she was trying to figure out what was happening between them.

“Harry, Hermione, care to enlighten us as to what is going on with you two?” Draco asked after he recovered.

“I could have sworn you were speaking to each other just now,” Ginny said as she snapped out of it as well.

“They were,” Luna said tilting her head to the side.

“How do you know?” Ron asked looking at her curiously.

“Ron, when Hermione touched you, what did you feel?” she asked him without taking her eyes off the pair in question.

“Like a current went from her fingers into mine.”

“That's how I felt, too!” Ginny said.

“She got you, too?” Ron asked looking over at his sister.

“No. Harry kissed me and I felt the same way.”

“I never thought I'd see it!” Luna said delightedly.

“See what?” Hermione asked confused and a bit worried.

“Did anyone notice that Luna and I are not affected in the least by all of this?” asked Draco.

“Hermione, touch Ginny's hand for a moment.”

“No way,” Ginny said and took her hands off the table.

Hermione recoiled as if she had been hit. She was starting to feel like a freak and she didn't like it. Harry put his arm around her shoulder and she leaned against him gratefully.

“Oh, for Merlin's sake,” Luna said as she grabbed both of their hands and brought them together.

Nothing happened.

Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and frowned. However, a moment later, Hermione looked back down at their hands and gasped. She let go of Ginny and grabbed Luna's left hand.

“You're engaged!” she said and forgot all about the weirdness of the moment.

Ginny snapped out of it too and moved Luna's hand over to her. “Sweet mother of Merlin! Luna, congratulations!” she hugged her sister-in-law tightly and laughed merrily.

“All right, weasel boy!” Draco said in congratulations.

Harry patted him in the back and smiled at him. “About time! I am so happy for you mate! Congratulations!”

Ron smiled at all of them feeling proud of himself and his bride-to-be. “Thanks!”

“Can we get back to Harry and Hermione?” Luna asked them.

“No!” they all replied in a chorus.

“I want to hear about the proposal,” Ginny said excitedly.

“We'll figure what's happening with us later,” Hermione said. “This is more important.”

“She's right. This should be a moment about Luna and Ron,” Harry added.

“And I want to hear all about the splinters in weasel boy's arse!” Draco said and ducked when Ron threw a roll at him.

“Oh, it was the most romantic proposal!” Luna gushed and proceeded to tell them all about it. The only part she left out, to Draco's deep disappointment, was how Ron got the splinters.

~*~

After breakfast, they decided to go the beach for the last time. The boys immediately went into the water while the girls went to lay down.

“Hermione?” Luna said looking over at her friend.

“Yes, Luna?”

“What happened this morning, has it ever happened before?”

“No.”

“Did it happen when you touched anyone else?”

“No, just with Ron.”

“And did it happen when Harry touched anyone else?”

“No.”

“So now what?” Ginny asked. “Harry and Hermione are allergic to the Weasley clan?”

“Of course not, Ginny. Don't be such a silly girl,” Luna said in a tender voice.

“Then what it is?” Ginny asked frowning.

“Hermione, before I tell you what I think it is can I ask you a few intimate questions?”

“I suppose,” Hermione said, but her tone left no doubt that she was not happy about answering anything.

“How long have you and Harry been intimate with each other?”

“Since night before last, you know that.”

“Just checking! And did something strange happen that night?”

“No.”

“What about last night? Did you make love?”

Hermione's cheeks turned a darling shade of red. “Yes,” she all but whispered.

“And what happened when you did?”

“Luna!” Hermione said as embarrassed as could be.

“Okay, so it happened last night,” Luna said smiling serenely at her. “It's nothing to be embarrassed about, Hermione! It's a natural act when people love each other.”

“I know that, but that doesn't mean I like to talk about it! It's personal.”

“If you want to know what's going on, you're going to have to share,” Luna told her gently.

“Luna, what makes you so sure you know what's going on between them?” Ginny asked.

“I wanted to earn some extra point in class one time and did a research on the subject. Believe me; I know what I'm talking about. But I never actually thought it existed until now.”

“What in the bloody hell are you on about, then?” Hermione asked finally reaching the end of her rope.

Ginny and Luna both looked at her in surprise. Hermione was not one to really lose her cool.

“That was harsh!” Luna said. “I'm only trying to help you, but you won't let me!”

“I'm sorry!” Hermione threw her hands up in defeat. “I didn't mean to snap at you, Luna, but it's just that things are a bit complicated after last night and I'm afraid I don't know the half of it yet.”

“I wish I could make you feel better, but unfortunately, you're right. Things for Harry and you are not going to get better anytime soon. In time they will, but until you both learn to control it, things are going to be weird.”

“What does that mean, Luna?” Hermione asked desperation clear in her tone.

“Hermione, when you and Harry made love last night, did your magic connect? Did a white orb appear at some point around you?”

Hermione gasped in surprised. Her worst fears were confirmed. She was not sure what was going on, but Luna did, and that could not be good news.

“Yes, it did,” she finally answered in a resigned voice.

“What exactly does that mean, Luna?” Ginny asked, now sitting on the edge of her lounge.

“Harry and Hermione's magic has become one and the same,” Luna said and looked over at Hermione. “It doesn't happen often. In fact, it is so rare that there isn't much information about it. Only the strongest wizards can survive it. As of right now, you're the most powerful wizards walking around.”

“How is that possible?” Ginny asked confused and worried at the same time.

“Because of their love for each other. From here on out they will share every thought, all of their feelings, and they will be able to speak with their minds.”

“But why is that so bad?” Hermione asked as she sat up as well.

“Because not every feeling is a good one. Or every thought a positive one. Disagreements can be awful and hurtful more than usual. It's almost as if you're branded to each other and no one else will be able to ever break that bond.”

“Is that why Harry shocked Ginny and I shocked Ron?” Hermione asked.

“Yes. Since you each had a romantic relationship with them, your bodies now reject their touch. It will happen with anyone you've had a previous relationship with.”

“Oh, that's great! Harry is going to go around shocking half of the wizarding world!” Ginny joked.

“Oh, Ginny, he wasn't that bad!” Hermione defended him.

“He was worse! Both he and Ron dated like crazy once the war was over. You know that!”

“It will only happen with people they loved, Ginny. Not just casual dates.”

“So that means we'll never be able to touch Ron and Ginny again?” Hermione asked in surprise.

“For now. Once you learn to control this new side of you, it will pass.”

“How do we do that?”

“You're never going to be more grateful for your intelligence than at this time, Mione. Once we get back, we'll do the research together and you'll see it's not so bad after all.”

“How come this didn't happen to you or Ginny?”

“I already told you it's rare. It happens when a couple's love is so intense that they do not want the one they love to love anyone else for the rest of their lives. It's almost like a spell they cast on each other and I'm not sure if it can be reversed.”

“Oh, god,” Hermione moaned and covered her face.

“What is it?” Ginny asked worriedly and got up to come and sit next to her friend.

“Last night, Harry told me he didn't want another man to ever touch me again, that he wanted to brand me as his.”

“And what did you say?” Luna asked taking her hand.

“I told him it worked both ways,” she answered her and tears suddenly filled her eyes. “Bloody hell, we cast an irreversible spell on each other without even knowing we did so!”

“Yes, you did, love.” Luna said and squeezed her hand reassuringly. Ginny did the same.

“I have to talk to Harry,” Hermione said lifting her gaze and scanning the beach for him.

“He knows all about it, Mione. He is tuned into your mind as you are into his. If you look for him there, you'll find him.”

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Harry?”

“Yes love?” came the reply a couple of seconds later.

“Oh, Merlin, we are so fucked,” Hermione said aloud and sighed surprising the hell out of Ginny and Luna all over again.

~*~

A/N: I have no idea where all of that came from, honestly. One minute I'm writing fluff and next thing you know this all came out of nowhere and I had no control over it. *wondering if I should blame it on listening to the soundtracks of the first three HP movies while writing this?* Anyhow, we'll see where it goes from here since it seems I'm no longer in charge here. The muse has taken over! Damn her!

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A/N: Since I still have no idea of where the last chapter came from, let's see what happens with this one! I do not like to write angst and I prefer a funnier approach to life. With that in mind, and if my muse permits, this should continue to be fluffy and happy. *Getting out protective gear just in case. One never knows.*

As always, your thoughtful reviews mean the world to me! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know what you think of my work!

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER FIVE

“Who's fucked?” Harry asked and Hermione could almost see his eyes crinkling at the corners in amusement. Despite everything that was happening, she smiled. “And by the way, language!”

Hermione giggled at his words, since it was usually her giving that reprimand. “Sorry! But we are, darling. Did you catch what we've been talking about?”

“Not really, but if you give me a second, I can sort through your memories of the conversation.”

“Okay, but no tickling my brain!” she warned him. “And no peaking at other things unless they are related to this.”

“Why? Are you hiding something from me, love?” He hated asking, but he hated the rush of jealousy that hit his gut even more.

“No, not really, but there are things in there that would be of no interest to you.”

“I'll be the judge of that. Oh, look, here are some memories of a certain Bulgarian that should be interesting.”

Hermione gasped and Luna and Ginny looked at her worriedly. She held her hand up before they could ask questions.

“Harry, don't you dare,” she told him as she tried to block him from those memories.

“I was just teasing love; I would never look unless you told me it was okay. Relax, so I can see what you three were talking about.”

With much trepidation, Hermione did as he asked and relaxed her mind. Unfortunately, the frown did not leave her face. Luna and Ginny watched her expectantly and wondered what was happening.

“Are you talking to him now?” Ginny asked unable to hide her curiosity a second longer.

“I was. Now he's sorting through my memories.”

“Blimey, that's scary! He's going to be able to see anything he wants,” Ginny said as her eyes widened. “What if he sees things that happened between you and Ron? Oh, Merlin, my brother is going to die a slow and painful death!”

“Ginny, will you stop the dramatics for a moment and let them sort this out?” Luna asked getting annoyed at her. Coming from Luna, the words were like an icy bucket of water being dumped on Ginny.

“Fine,” she said as she crossed her arms across her chest and pouted.

“Actually, he seemed more interested in a certain Bulgarian from my past. I had to block those memories from him before he told me he wouldn't look.”

Luna and Ginny both looked at her with raised eyebrows and bulging eyes. But before either could comment, Harry was calling her back. She held up her hand once more and they waited.

“Mione?”

“Yes, Harry?”

“You're right, love, we are fucked!”

“Oh, well, that's reassuring darling. I feel so much better now!”

“Well, Ms. Sarcasm is my middle name; I don't really know what else to tell you. You're comment more than adequately describes our present situation.”

“Will you get out of the bloody water and come over here. Luna and Ginny are looking at me as if I'm crazy.”

“Funny you should mention that. Ron and Draco are looking at me the same way. At this rate we're going to end up losing all of our friends.”

“Nah. They are used to worse. They are staring now because it is so new. Give it a couple of weeks and they'll be over it.”

“I hope you're right, love. I'm getting out now, so I will be at your side soon. We'll chat more about Krum later,” he said and laughed.

“Thanks, darling,” Hermione shot back and ignored the comment about Viktor.

“Well,” Ginny said when she noticed Hermione's eyes were focusing on them once again.

“He thinks we're fucked as well,” Hermione said and could not help smiling. “And he still wants to talk about Viktor.”

“Oh, dear,” Luna said shaking her head.

“Oh, that's lovely then!” Ginny said and threw up her arms. “I can see how we're going to solve this problem right away. Throwing Viktor into the mix should only make it better.”

Harry came up to them then and sat down next to Hermione before they could talk about the Viktor ordeal more. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and dropped a small kiss on her lips.

“What did I miss?” he asked looking expectantly at all of them.

“Oh, nothing much!” Ginny said and sarcasm dripped from every word. “All is fantastic in our world. When the `Chosen One' and the `Brightest Witch of our Times' think they are fucked, what could be wrong?” she said, her voice sounding shrill at the end.

Luna, Harry and Hermione looked at her in surprise and then burst out laughing. Ginny could not help but join in.

“The reason I think we are fucked is because now there won't be anything surprising in our lives. We will not be able to keep anything from each other. We're going to be connected in every way and it's scary to think that,” Hermione explained. Not to mention past boyfriends and girlfriends, she thought irritably.

“She's right, you know. There will not be any spontaneity in our relationship. And as fantastic as it might be to sometimes know what the other is thinking, after the newness of it wears off, it won't seem as nice,” Harry continued.

“I like my privacy, and even though I've trusted Harry with my life since I was basically eleven, there are things we don't talk about, and it'd be nice to keep it that way. Not that I'm keeping anything important from you, darling,” she added as an afterthought while looking at him. Merlin forbid he got the wrong idea.

“I know, love and I agree. There are things I would rather Hermione did not know about, especially around the time of the war. Some of those memories I wouldn't even share with my worst enemy.”

“Plus Harry worries too much about me as it is. If he can sense I'm upset about something, there'll be no living with him.” Luna and Ginny nodded at her words, knowing exactly what she meant.

“I thought you liked knowing I worry about you,” he said frowning at her.

“I do, darling, but this would make it a bit too much for me,” she told him and patted his hand lovingly.

“It's really quite interesting,” Luna said after a moment of silence. “Once we get back, I'll get all of my things together and we can go back to Hogwarts to visit the library. There's information there as well.”

“Luna? Is there a way out of this?” Hermione asked.

“Not unless you reverse time like you did back in your third year. And I don't recommend you do, since it's bound to happen again,” she was quick to add.

“What do you mean?” Ginny asked her frowning.

“This happened because of the deep connection Hermione and Harry have shared since they've known each other. It was bound to happen eventually, and it was never going to be in their control. The best they can do is learning to live with it. They will learn to control it in time.”

“How?” he asked curiously.

“As it is, you're not really able to just read each other's minds. You have to connect mentally to talk, but if both of you are not receptive, the other will not be able to read your mind. Like now. You called Harry and he responded. You gave him free reign to go over your memories, and he was able to do so. However, if that were not the case, he would not had been able to penetrate your thoughts. Does that make sense?”

“Yes! So basically we have to be in tune, otherwise we won't be able to communicate. And he can see my memories as if we were using a pensive, but only if I want him too,” Hermione said.

“Something like that. You are also going to be able to tune into each other's moods and feelings easier than you do now. You're going to sense what each other needs without those thoughts being voiced out loud.”

“So this really isn't the end of the world. We're just going to be closer than we already are,” Harry said.

“Yes and no. There will be times when things will not be as easy. If you argue, defenses will be down and if either of you chooses, you will be able to get past mental barriers. Any type of strong emotions you feel will make the barriers crumble.”

“So no arguing, Potter,” Hermione told him playfully feeling herself relax for the first time that day.

“Your magical abilities will also be tested. If you are able to connect, the magic you produce together will be formidable. If you think Dumbledore was powerful, think again. He was a babe next to what you can do together as long as you're both concentrating on doing the same thing.”

“Oh, there's a scary thought,” Ginny said.

“Why didn't this happen three years ago? We could have defeated Voldemort in a heartbeat,” Harry said.

“So true,” Luna said and smiled at him. “But at the time, we all had other interest at heart.”

Ron and Draco finally decided to join them.

“So how's the freak fest going?” Draco asked sitting down next to Ginny.

“Don't be a prat, Draco. It's not a very nice quality,” Ginny told him.

“Sorry. I was just joking,” Draco said looking chastised and dropped his gaze down to his feet.

Ron sniggered at him and pretended to cough. No one missed that it sounded very much like `whipped'.

“Basically, Harry and Hermione have decided they are fucked, but not necessarily in a bad way as long as they learn to control their feelings. They are both magically stronger, and if they put their powers together, I'm not sure anyone would be able to top them,” Luna told them ignoring Ron and Draco's antics.

“That sums it all up brilliantly, I think,” Harry agreed.

“This powerful magic they share now, Luna, is it scary?” Ron asked.

“It can be, if they let it get out of control.”

“Do something cool,” Ron urged and looked at them expectantly.

Harry and Hermione looked at him as if he had suddenly gone mad.

“It's not a joke Ron,” Hermione said to him.

“Oh, come on; let's see a bit of it. Didn't you bring your wands with you?”

“They won't really need wands anymore, Ron, if that gives you an idea of just how powerful they have become now that their powers can be shared. As I explained earlier, their powers have rubbed off on each other, making them stronger than they were to begin with. That is why this happened. They were both powerful to begin with,” Luna said.

“Really?” Harry asked surprised by the news. He was rather fond of his wand.

“Harry, what do you think about lifting Ron up and settling him down on top of that palm tree next to the tiki bar?”

“I think you're brilliant, love. On the count of three. One…two…three.”

“Bloody hell!” Ron screamed as his body began lifting off the sand, arms and legs swinging wildly.

Harry and Hermione were holding hands and their gazes were connected on Ron, unwavering and almost frightening in their intensity. By the time Ron landed on top of the palm tree, he was cursing them to hell and back. Draco fell off the lounge, he was laughing so hard. Luna tried to keep a straight face and Ginny was looking at Ron open mouthed.

“Sweet mother of Merlin, remind me never to bother either of you again,” Ginny said when she finally looked back at them. Harry and Hermione seemed pleased with themselves.

“I think we should bring him back now, Harry. There could be scary spiders up there,” Hermione said after a couple of minutes.

Harry smirked but nodded his agreement. “Okay, love, if you say so.”

They looked at Ron again and his body was lifted off the top of the palm tree again. They brought him down slowly and he actually kissed the sand once he touched down. He got up on shaky legs and glared at them.

“You wanted a show and you got one,” Harry told him and smiled. “Next time think twice before you ask for something.”

“You're bloody mad, the both of you. You could have killed me,” he told them in a voice that still reflected his fright.

“Oh, rubbish! You were going to be just fine, Ronald. They were just playing with you a bit,” Luna said as she got up and went to him. She gave him a fierce hug and he finally calmed down.

“I think we should head back inside,” Draco said as he looked around. “I think we've attracted enough attention and someone here is bound to recognize The Trio. Won't the Prophet have a field day if they get wind of this?”

“Draco's right. Let's get inside and order lunch. I'm starving,” Ron said as he took Luna's hand and led the way, but not before glaring at Harry and Hermione one more time. Food always put him in a better mood.

“There's a surprise,” Ginny said dryly as she and Draco followed them with Hermione and Harry bringing up the rear.

~*~

“How do you really feel about this, Harry?” Hermione asked him a while later while they were laying in bed later that evening.

“I'm torn between being excited and being scared,” he answered honestly.

“I guess I feel the same way. You know how I hate not being in control of a situation. I would really hate for this to get out of hand.”

“Do you think it could? Even with us knowing about it?” he asked worriedly as he played with one of her soft curls.

“I don't know. I'm even afraid of making love with you again without knowing about this a bit more.”

“What? Are you saying we're not going to make love for a while?” He was more than flabbergasted by her words.

“I don't honestly know, Harry. What if it gets out of control?” she asked him miserably.

“It didn't last night. It was just the best shag ever, even if at the end it was a little scary. Since we know why that happened, I don't think it would make an awful lot of difference, do you?” he asked her desperately.

He finally had her and the thought of not being able to show her his love in a physical way was going to be a difficult task. Even for him. Especially now that he knew just how sweet and responsive she was in bed.

“I guess we could try it, but if it gets to be too much, we'll have to stop, all right?”

Harry looked at her wondering how to answer her question without sounding like a complete arse. He did not know if he would be able to control his body if she suddenly decided she wanted to stop right in the middle of making love.

“We can try,” was the best he could come up with.

She smiled knowingly at him and he looked down, a bit embarrassed. Did she not miss a thing? he wondered sullenly.

“Actually, no, I don't miss much, darling!” she said surprising the hell out of him.

“Did you just read my mind?”

“It was difficult not to, since you're sending off all kinds of thoughts my way. And it's also a boost to my ego to know that you might not be able to stop once we start making love. It makes me feel desired and I can't say I've felt that way in a really long time,” she said and kissed him.

Harry, who had been ready to make a snappy remark, decided kissing her was better. Besides, he had always been crap at blocking his mind. (Just ask Snape) He gave up thinking and decided to just feel, as he turned on his back and pulled Hermione on top of him, grabbing her arse and pressing her against his already straining sex. He knew one day she was going to be the death of him, but right now he was to busy kissing her to worry about it or care.

~*~

“That was so good,” he said as he lay on his side and gathered her body closer to his.

“I have to agree,” she told him snuggling even closer.

“I felt like every fiber of my being was connected to you in some way. As if I knew what you needed before you asked. Did you feel the same way?” he asked curiously.

“I did. And I think that made it even better than before. I was with you body, mind and soul and it's never been like that for me before.”

“Not even with Krum?” he asked before he could stop himself.

Hermione moved away from him and leaned on her elbow. “Harry, what is the matter with you?” she asked exasperated. “We just had one of the best shags of our lives and you want to talk about Viktor?”

He would not look at her. He felt like a complete fool for having asked such a stupid question, but now it was out in the open and there wasn't much he could do about it.

“Harry, look at me,” she said gently. When he didn't, she put her finger under his chin and made him look. “I'm going to let you into my mind and you can see all you want. Look for Viktor, Ron, or any other bloke I've ever dated. I have nothing to hide. However, if you see something you don't like, it's your own damn fault.”

“Never mind, Hermione, you don't have to do that.”

“I feel like I have to. You will not leave it alone until you look and I am not going to go through this repeatedly. Just look and be thorough, since this is never going to happen again.”

Before Harry could protest again, flashes of memories started inundating his mind the second Hermione closed her eyes.

FLASH

Viktor following Hermione into the library. Viktor sitting next to her. Asking her to the ball. Her surprise at his request and her affirmative answer. Hermione all excited writing her mum about it and planning what she was going to wear. Hermione getting ready and looking at herself in the mirror. Hermione coming down the stairs and finding Harry at the bottom, looking up at her with wonder in his eyes. Hermione smiling at him, but then looking behind him. Viktor coming to the bottom of the stairs as she walked down to meet him. Her nervousness when he took her hand gently into his and kissed her. Viktor putting his hand on her lower back and guiding her into position to enter the big hall. Hermione's nervousness as they enter the ball and the students finally recognizing her. Hermione and Viktor dancing. Hermione and Viktor having fun. Hermione and Viktor kissing. Hermione and Viktor walking around the grounds, holding hands and kissing some more. Her sadness when he departed.

FLASH

Hermione and Ron fighting. Ron finally asking her out. Hermione saying yes and blushing. Ron and Hermione's first kiss. Ron and Hermione fighting. Ron and Hermione kissing, yet again. Ron trying to move past first base and Hermione stopping him. Ron and Hermione fighting. Ron and Hermione breaking up. Hermione crying. Ron and Hermione fighting. Ron and Hermione making up as friends again.

FLASH

Hermione on a date with David. David dropping her off with no more than a goodnight kiss. Hermione on a date with Patrick. Another goodnight kiss. Hermione sitting at home after each date reading and wondering why she went out with them to begin with.

~*~

And so it went for a while. Harry even saw dates he had no idea she had been on. There were flashes of pain mixed in with the flashes of happiness. The one thing that surprised him the most was just how lonely she felt at times. And her inner doubts about her beauty broke his heart. How could she not know how beautiful she truly was? he wondered not for the first time.

Just as the memories had started flowing from her into him, they stopped. Harry opened his eyes and stared at her in surprise. She had shared more than he had expected and he did not know what to say to her. She opened her eyes slowly and he noticed there were tears swimming in them. He felt like an arse.

“Hermione, I -“

“I hope you're happy now, Harry James. Now you know more than anybody about my personal affairs. I also hope you enjoyed the show, since it's the last time it's going to happen.”

Without warning, she simply got up from the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. Harry winced when he heard the distinct noise of the lock clicking into place. He covered his eyes with his hands and groaned at his own stupidity. Talk about being in the dog's house in the middle of a cold winter storm, he thought miserably. He slowly got up and put on his boxer shorts. He walked over to the bathroom door and knocked softly.

“Hermione, please open the door, love. We need to talk.”

“Go away, Harry,” she answered and he heard her sniffling.

“I'm not going to go away. I'm going to stand here until you open the door.”

“Then you're going to be there a while.”

“You think so, huh?”

“I know so,” came the snotty reply.

“Have it your way then.”

Without thinking twice about his actions he put both of his hands flat against the door and closed his eyes in concentration. Before she knew what was happening, the door disappeared. Harry lowered his hands to his sides and opened his eyes.

Hermione was staring at him open mouthed, still naked, and looking more beautiful than ever. That is if you looked past the anger simmering in her chocolate brown eyes and the furious blush on her cheeks.

“We're going to have this conversation, whether you want to or not!” he told her and returned her glare with one of his own.

~*~

A/N: *covering self with cushion as shield and waving fist in the air like mad at the muse as she runs away laughing…'Come back here and explain this instant, you rotten and vile thing!...the readers are going to think this is all my fault! Damn you!'*

Until the next one… cheers!

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A/N: I have to laugh when reading some of the reviews! I also like that I am able to surprise some of you with the different twists and turns this story (and my others) take. For that, I would like to thank my lovely muse, even when she is a coward and refuses to face the readers after twisting things up. There are some reviewers (and you all know who you are) that review every chapter, and every story of mine, and for that I am forever grateful. This chapter is dedicated to all of YOU!!

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER SIX

Hermione looked at Harry in disbelief. “How dare you do that when I'm telling you I don't want to talk to you?” she asked furiously.

“I dare because I have the right, damn it! Either you come out or I am coming in there. We are having this conversation,” he responded just as angry.

He stepped away from the doorframe and pointed his hand at the bedroom. Without looking at him, she walked out of the bathroom, head held high. Once she reached the bed, she grabbed her robe and put it on. She was not having this particular conversation while exposed, thank you very much!

Harry took a moment to compose himself. He was losing his control and he had no right. It was his stupid question and his bloody doubts that had put him in the position he was now in. He hated fighting with Hermione. He did not have a snowball's chance in hell of wining the argument, but he knew he had to explain. Hermione did not deserve the way he was acting, as he had his own damn past. He had acted like a jealous arse and before he knew it, their wonderful vacation was on the rocks. Taking another deep breath, he followed her into the room.

Hermione was pacing the room back and forth, trying to control her own anger. She hated fights. Her rows with Ron had been enough to last her a lifetime. She was not used to fighting with Harry and it hurt her deeply when they did. She had never been as open with anyone about her feelings, but she had bared her soul to him. The few men she had shared her life with paled in comparison to what she felt for Harry and for that reason alone she had to find a way to end the fighting. She took a deep breath and prepared mentally for what was to come.

Harry finally reached her side and looked at her. He could see the anger and hurt shining in her expressive brown eyes. Without thinking, without reasoning, and without a doubt in his heart, he knew what had to be done. He walked up to her and grabbed her by the waist, not giving her a change to react or reject him. He looked at her one more time before he lowered his lips to hers.

Hermione was surprised by his actions, since she had not expected that. Her anger started fading and she was not able to fight off his tenderness. She had expected an angry kiss but his gentleness was her undoing. She thought briefly that she was becoming weak when it came to him, but that thought was quickly buried. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss.

Before she knew what was happening, images started pouring into her head and it was a moment before she realized it was his way of making up for their argument. She broke the kiss and leaned her forehead against his chest, keeping him close as she concentrated on the images.

FLASH

Hermione coming down the stairs and finding Harry at the bottom, looking up at her with wonder in his eyes. Hermione smiling at him, but then looking behind him, and her smile growing bigger. Viktor coming to the bottom of the stairs as she walked down to meet him. Harry watching as Viktor took her hand gently into his and kissed it. Viktor putting his hand on her lower back and guiding her into position to enter the big hall. Harry watching for endless moments until his date cleared her throat and he looked at her instead. Harry frowning as she danced and laughed with Viktor. Ron and her arguing over Viktor while he kept his mouth shut despite the fact that he was still upset. Harry frowning when he saw her in the library with Viktor. Harry standing by the lake watching her and Viktor walking hand in hand in the distance. His jealousy eating at him whenever she mentioned him. His gladness when he had departed.

FLASH

Hermione and Ron fighting. Harry trying to make them stop. Ron telling him he had finally asked her out and that Hermione had said yes. His anger and jealousy once more coming to the surface. Ron telling him about their first kiss and Harry listening like a good friend while dying a little inside. Ron and Hermione fighting. Harry no longer willing to stop them and hoping they would breakup. Harry feeling guilty about his feelings. Ron and Hermione kissing and Harry watching from a corner, tears in his eyes. Ron and Hermione fighting and finally breaking up. Hermione crying while Harry hugged her close and whispered understanding words in her ear. Ron and Hermione making up as friends again, and Harry feeling elated they had decided to keep things simple.

FLASH

Hermione telling him about her date with David. Hermione telling him about her date with Patrick. Hermione telling him about other blokes. Harry finding fault with each. Harry hating all of them. Harry wishing he was one of them. Harry wanting to ask her out, but afraid of Ron and Ginny's reactions and his fear she would say no. Harry watching her while she studied. Harry watching her while she read. While she walked down the street. While she laughed. Harry finding her asleep on the couch and covering her with a soft blanket, then whispering he loved her and kissing her cheek softly.

FLASH

He showed her his fear when he dashed into the girl's bathroom to find the troll attacking her. His dread when he had found out she had been petrified by the Basilisk. Flashes of their third year, when they had saved Buckbeak and Sirius together. His immense gratitude for her help during the tournament on their fourth year. His anger and terror when she had been struck by that curse at the Department of Mysteries on their fifth year and he had thought her dead until Neville reassured him otherwise. Their constant fights during sixth year and his apprehension that, at the end, she would be right as usual. The search for the horcruxes and the final battle with Voldemort.

~*~

And so it went for a while. He bared his very soul and deepest feelings to her. He kept nothing hidden. She saw flashes of Cho and Ginny, but none of it seemed that important to him. He had a crush on Cho and his feelings for Ginny had been sincere, but he had not been in love with either one of them. His love had been Hermione's from the very beginning.

When the memories stopped flowing, she kept leaning against him trying to absorb all she had seen. She'd had no idea he had felt that way. She had seen brief flashes of pain and anger in his eyes throughout the years, but she had never imagined she was the reason behind them. She had always thought it was due to the increasing danger around them. Now she knew she had been wrong all along.

Harry waited for her reaction without saying a word. He wasn't sure what to expect since he had shown her more than he had initially intended. Once the memories had started flowing, he hadn't wanted to stop any of them. He wanted her to know the depth of his feelings for her. He had never loved anyone the way he loved her and she had a right to know. He knew in his heart that he would love the woman in his arms until the day he died.

Hermione finally lifted her head and looked deep into his eyes. There were unshed tears in her eyes and they finally fell when she blinked. He hugged her closer to him and kissed the corners of her eyes, tasting the saltiness on her skin.

“Oh, Harry, I had no idea you felt that way,” she whispered.

“I thought maybe you needed to know.”

“You didn't have to do that, you know.”

“I know, and neither did you. I am sorry love. I had no right to act as I did before.”

“Let's forget about it, okay? It's over and done with and there's no reason to dwell on it.”

“I've loved you from the moment I met you, Mione. I just didn't realize it then since I didn't know what love felt like. Throughout the years, you showed me what love was and as time went by, my feelings for you kept growing until I thought I would burst from them.”

“No one knew? You never talked to anyone about it?”

“I had no one to talk to! Ron would have killed me if he knew and I didn't have any close friends that I felt I could talk to.”

“You could have talked to me and saved us both a lot of anguish. I also hated seeing you with Cho and Ginny. And the others once we were out of school,” she confessed.

“Why didn't you say something then?”

“It just never occurred to me that you would return my feelings. I am nothing like the other girls you dated. They were all beautiful and sophisticated. Everything I'm not,” she finished and looked down at his chest again.

He took her hand and led her out to the balcony. She leaned against the rail facing the ocean, with her back to him. He watched her for a moment, wondering again why she couldn't see how beautiful she truly was. He walked up to her and hugged her from behind. She sighed and leaned against his chest and rested her hands on top of his at her waist.

“I really want to know why you think that, Hermione. I do not see any fault with your looks. You are a beautiful, intelligent, and charming woman and any bloke would be lucky to have you. Granted, they wouldn't live for long, but I'm sure there are tons of men out there dying to ask you out.”

She chuckled at his words and he smiled. He kissed the top of her head and snuggled closer to her. It was a beautiful starry night and a pleasant ocean breeze could be felt.

“If that's true, how come no one at school really asked me out?”

“Well,” Harry said and cleared his throat. He might as well be honest about that, too. “There was a sort of unspoken death threat for any guy above fifth year that came too close to you,” he finished weakly and waited for the explosion that was sure to follow.

He did not have to wait long. He knew his Hermione too well.

“What?” she asked angrily and more than a little surprised by the news. She tried to turn around in his arms, but he kept her where she was. He was not about to lose any of his important bits, and Ron was not there to get his due either.

“Like I said, it was mostly unspoken, but all the guys at school knew they would have to face Ron or me, if not both, if any of them dared to hurt you. I guess most of them were smart enough to stay clear of danger.”

“Harry James Potter, I should hex you both into the next century!” she said as comprehension finally hit her. How dare they do that to her!

“We were only trying to protect you! I'm a guy Hermione and I know what most teenage guys feel when they have a beautiful girl in front of them. It is not the top head they think with, if you know what I mean. We didn't want anyone trying to take advantage of you.”

“And you didn't think I could take care of myself? I've been fighting for survival for years, Harry, and it really pisses me off that you thought I needed a keeper.”

“I'd do it again in an instant if I knew it would keep you safe. I am not sorry for keeping the others away. No one had the chance to really hurt you or play with your feeling and for that, I am grateful. You were too important to me then, and you are more important to me now. I would kill anyone that put a finger on you with intentions to hurt you,” he finished darkly and she had no doubt that he meant every word.

She sighed again, the fight once more leaving her body. How could she be mad at him for loving her so much? Yes, he had acted like a prat. Yes, he had been patronizing. Yes, he had taken her feeling for granted. Nevertheless, in the end, it was all due to his love for her and she could not be angry at him for that.

They had both been a bit stupid in dealing with the situation. She could have said something to him about her feelings instead of simply letting time go by. She could have been honest with him instead of pretending she was happy when he went out with other women. They were both at fault.

“Do you hate me?” he asked softly when he couldn't deal with her silence anymore.

“I should,” she answered simply.

He smiled and kissed the top of her head once again. “But you don't.”

“No, I don't.”

“Is this our first official row?”

“I think it is.”

“Are we still mad at each other?”

“I'm not sure.”

“I don't want to fight anymore, Mione. This is our last night here, and tomorrow we go back to London and our daily routine. I don't want to go back being mad.”

“I don't either, Harry. I don't want the last night of our holiday to end like this either.”

“We could always make up,” he suggested as his hands began untying her robe and his mouth nibbled at her earlobe.

“You mean you want to shag,” she said attempting a serious tone, but a smile tickled her lips.

“They do say make-up sex is the best,” he told her as he parted her robe and cupped her bare breasts in his hands lovingly.

“You still think with your lower head!”

“I haven't heard you complaining about that, love. Besides, I have your best interest at heart.”

“I'm not daft, Harry!” she told him and chuckled.

“No, you're not. You're hot, and sexy, and loving, and wonderful, and I love you to pieces!”

“Sweet talker.”

“Mmm, is it working?”

“I don't know. Why don't you try to find out?” she suggested huskily leaning fully against him and feeling the beginnings of his arousal in the small of her back.

“I think I will.”

One of his hands left her breast and moved softly down her belly. He reached her feminine lips and his skillful fingers proved between them, finding her already wet. Her response to him was incredible and finding her warm and wet for him made him harden even more. While his fingers played with her, his other hand took her robe off, leaving her naked.

She had to admit she loved the feel of the ocean breeze on her naked body. She cast a quick glance at their surroundings, glad that no one seemed to be out in their balconies. The sun had fallen and they were not in danger of being spotted, but she was still careful. She murmured a couple of quick spells to further protect their privacy in case things got a bit loud or out of hand. She also did the contraception charm before they lost their heads and all sense of decorum.

Harry kept caressing her with his hands, keeping her in place at all times. He stepped away from her and removed his boxer shorts. Once he was done, he moved closer to her again and started kissing her nape and her back. Her hands were holding on to the railing as she murmured words of encouragement and voiced her pleasure at his kisses. He then grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back a bit. He put his hand on her upper back and pushed her down gently, so that she was leaning against the railing. Her eyes widened when he grabbed her waist and slowly pushed into her wetness from behind.

She moaned loudly as she felt him moving in and out of her. At first slowly, savoring every thrust. And then faster, as she encouraged him with her movement and words. Harry was lost in her heat. The ocean breeze played with her hair and cooled them off. One of her hands left the railing and moved to his waist, holding him closer to her.

“Harder, Harry. I want you to make me come hard.”

Her words, so uncharacteristic in nature, and uttered in such a low and sultry voice, were his undoing. He pushed harder into her, losing all inhibitions and letting go of his hunger for her. She kept calling out his name, moaning and groaning as she climbed higher. One of his hands sneaked around her waist and went into her feminine folds once more, playing with her hard nub as he pushed into her repeatedly.

With a guttural cry, she dissolved in his hands, her orgasm as strong and hard as she had begged of him. He pushed into her several more times, prolonging her pleasure a few more seconds until he was unable to hold back anymore and his seed spilled into her. He called out her name and held her closer to him and his body shook with the strength of his release.

He pulled out of her reluctantly and she finally turned in his arms and kissed him with abandon. Her fingers went into his hair immediately to play with the soft tresses. His hands cupped her arse and pulled her closer to him. He started walking backwards into their bedroom and finally reached the bed. He lowered her body to the mattress and lay on top of her, kissing her back with fervor.

Desperate caresses and kisses awakened their passion once more and before they knew it, they were making love again, this time looking into each other's eyes. They both noticed the strange light that seemed to surround the other's pupil, but said nothing as their loving increased. This time, they came at the same time, still looking into each other's eyes, still noticing the strange luminous light in their pupils, and loving each other fiercely. Harry collapsed on top of her, but quickly moved onto his back and pulled her with him. She lay her head on his chest and felt the rapid beating of his heart against her ear.

Moments later, fully sated and satisfied, they fell into a peaceful sleep.

~*~

“Ron,” Luna called from the bedroom the next morning.

“Yes, dear?” he asked as he came back into their room. He had been standing at the balcony watching the ocean.

“I think I should warn you about something that happened last night before we go down to breakfast to meet the others.”

“Is something wrong?” he asked as he moved closer to her and frowned at her serious tone.

“Maybe or maybe not, but I want you prepared all the same.”

“You're scaring me, love.”

“Oh, no need to be, Ronald. After all, it is all in the past. Last night, Harry and Hermione revealed to each other many things through their memories. Maybe more than they intended, but it is done now. Should either of them seem a little cold or distant with you or Ginny today just ignore it, since it isn't important.”

“How do you know this? Have you talked to Hermione?”

“I knew something had happened. I woke up with that feeling and I called her a few minutes ago to make sure they were okay. I was right.”

“So they are mad at me?”

“Not really, but they now know a lot more about each other than ever before, so it might still be a good idea keep the jokes to a minimum at the table during breakfast. Hermione is a tad mad at both of you for keeping the boys at bay back in school.”

“Aw, shit, did she have to find out about that? I'm going to kill Harry before she kills me. Luna, I love you and I want you to know I would have loved to marry you and have children with you. I'm sorry we won't make it to the altar after all,” he said and hugged her tightly.

Luna laughed at his silliness and hugged him back. “Don't be so dramatic, Ronald. She won't kill you. She might lift you up into that palm tree again and leave you there the rest of the day, but she won't kill you. She knows it would make me very sad and she likes me.”

“Don't mention that bloody palm tree to me again! I hate palm trees. First I get splinters in my arse from shagging against one, and then I get put on top of one as if I was a bloody Christmas tree star!”

Luna laughed at him once more and he joined her in the silliness. He kissed her gently and smiled at her when they pulled apart.

“Do you know what I love most about you?” he asked her.

“No, but I'd love for you to tell me,” she replied.

“I can be myself around you, silly prat that I am, and you still love me for me. You understand me and you support me in everything I do. I've never had that with anyone before.”

“I love you for the same reasons, Ronald. I can be Looney Lovegood around you and its okay. You also love me for me.”

“That I do, sweetheart. That I do.”

And just to prove it to her, he kissed her again.

~*~

Harry walked into their bedroom in time to see Hermione hang up the phone. “Who called so early, love?”

“Luna. She had one of her premonitions and called to make sure we were okay.”

“That was sweet of her. What did you tell her?”

“That we had shared many memories and that I threatened bodily harm to both you and Ron, but ended up making love with you instead. She's still going to warn Ron not to mess with me in the next few days, though.”

“Should I be worried?”

“No, I don't think so,” she said and frowned a little at him. “Why do you ask?”

“Just wanted to make sure, since you're like `Super Witch' now,” he said jokingly and ducked as half of the bed pillows came flying at him with a mere movement of her hand.

“I'll show you `Super Witch',” she said as she raced after him into the living room.

Once again, they were late to meet their friends for breakfast.

~*~

A/N: There you go! I hope that satisfies those of you that wanted to know what would happen if they shared some of their memories and were a bit mad at Harry for his previous behavior. More Ginny and Draco in the next chapter. Until next time.

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A/N: I know some of you seemed upset with the actions of both Harry and Ron back in their school days. I tried to explain their reasons on this chapter.

I wanted to thank my fellow-writer and e-mail pal, Elysium, for her insight into writing this chapter. I'm sure she will recognize some of her own lines here, as we discussed the chapter before I actually set out to writing it. She put things into perspective for me and I couldn't have explained it better than her. To you, my friend, many thanks! This chapter is for you.

There is another line you might recognize from Fantastic Four: Raise of the Silver Surfer. I thought it was perfect to use here.

Also, an anonymous reviewer decided to leave me a list of songs dedicated to this fic that was quite hilarious, as Kermit the Frog was the MC. I wish I could thank you properly by name, but since I don't have it, I hope this suffices. The list was great and I especially like Mahna, Mahna by the Muppets!

Argh, long note. Off to reading you go!

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER SEVEN

Harry and Hermione went into the resort dining room expecting to eat breakfast by themselves and were pleasantly surprised to see their friends still there lingering over cups of coffee. They reached the table and Hermione smiled inwardly when she noticed Ron would not meet her eyes. She exchanged a knowing look with Luna as she greeted everyone.

“What has Ron done now?” inquired Ginny noticing their exchange and Ron's slight flush.

“Nothing you need to worry yourself about,” Ron told her quickly.

“Uh oh, the weasel's in trouble with Mione again!” Draco said in a singsong voice. “I can see the top of the palm tree now,” he finished smirking.

“It won't be so bad this time around,” Hermione told him as she sat down. “Harry might be up there as well and can keep him company.”

“Merlin, this must be bad,” Ginny said raising her eyebrows. “Do enlighten us.”

Luna looked at Hermione before opening her mouth to explain. Hermione just shrugged her shoulders indifferently as she buttered some toast.

“Our Mione just found out last night that the reason she didn't have that many male suitors while in Hogwarts was because there was an unspoken death threat to all the male population from these two,” Luna told Ginny and Draco while pointing at Ron and Harry.

“Oh,” was all Ginny came up with.

“Scar-head and the weasel are going down!” Draco said as he laughed merrily.

“Ferret-boy, I wouldn't go there if I was you. I remember how mean you were to her back then too, so shut it or you might find yourself on the top of a palm tree as well,” Ron told him.

Draco was a smart man and knew when to be quiet. Ginny patted his hand lovingly in approval.

“Is not really as bad as it sounds,” Harry began meekly, trying to keep the situation from escalating. “We just didn't want Hermione to be taken advantage off by some of the prats in school. We didn't do anything to directly discourage others from actively seeking out Hermione's affections. And if the boy had made her happy, we would have approved of him. Maybe we wouldn't have gone as far as giving our blessing, but would have approved of his courage in the face of our possible wrath if he ever hurt her,” he finished explaining, proud of himself for sounding so rational and smart.

The others seemed impressed as well. Especially Hermione.

“I am so hot for you right now,” she told him, surprising him and the others with her unexpected words.

He smiled like a silly idiot and dropped a kiss on her lips. Ginny and Luna beamed at them.

“Harry is right,” Ginny said. “It's in the past, and Hermione shouldn't dwell on it when she can't do anything about it. It would be incredibly impractical to hold a grudge against Ron and Harry over that little fact. Hermione is strong-willed and stubborn. She is also incredibly brilliant. A regular guy wouldn't have done it for her. She would have been bored to tears in no time.”

“What Harry and Ron did back in school was kind of uncalled for, but it's not like they were verbally or physically preventing the other chaps from asking her out. If those chaps were too much of a coward to ask her out because of who her two best friends were, she was definitely better off without them!” Luna added.

Harry and Ron both looked at Ginny and Luna, thankfulness etched on their faces. It would not do to end their holiday on a bad note with Hermione for something that had happened all those years ago.

“I have nothing to add that hasn't been said already. Harry and I did what we thought was best at the time and our only worry was making sure no one harmed you, Mione. We didn't do it to hurt you or make you mad or because we thought you couldn't take care of yourself. It was just the brotherly thing to do at the time, same as we did with Ginny.”

“It didn't work with Ginny, though,” Hermione said. “She had plenty of attention back in school and sometimes I envied her that.”

“You didn't miss out on much, believe me. I had to use my famous bat-bogie hex more than once on unsuspecting boys when they thought they could cross certain lines. You were better off in the library or saving these two prats.”

“I'm not going to be mad at you two for something that is over and done with. However, I am no damsel in distress and I can take care of myself. This is never to happen again, is that clear?”

Ron and Harry looked at each other before nodding. “But if we think you are in danger at any point, we won't ask for permission to intervene, right Harry?”

“That's right, Ron.”

“I'm adding myself to that,” Draco finally spoke. “And the same goes for the two of you,” he finished pointing at Ginny and Luna.

“We can take care of ourselves and have been doing it for years,” Ginny protested.

“Be that as it may, we are your men, and as such, we protect what we love,” countered Harry. “No one is putting a finger on any of you without suffering the consequences.”

“Darling, no need to act like a Neanderthal,” Hermione reminded him softly patting his hand. “I can understand the need to be macho. I can even picture you ripping off your button-down shirt and thrusting your chest forward like Superman, but it isn't really necessary. And please don't start beating your chest a la Tarzan even though my middle name is Jane!”

“Would someone like to enlighten us wizard folks as to what in bloody hell you just said?” Ron asked perplexed. “Seriously, Hermione, sometimes I think you're a bit barmy.”

Hermione laughed at him and explained what she was talking about. Then she had to promise to have them over one night to watch the movies so they would understand better.

“As much as I am enjoying our time chatting, we do have to pack to go back to London in a couple of hours,” Ginny reminded them a bit later when Harry and Hermione had finished eating.

“I don't want to go back at all,” Ron told them. “I'm having so much fun here.”

“We'll come back. In fact, we can make it a yearly occurrence,” Luna suggested.

The others agreed and they headed to their rooms to pack.

~*~

Harry locked the door to their suite a few minutes later and smiled sexily at her. “We do have a couple of hours, don't we?”

Hermione looked at him suspiciously. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

“Well,” he said as he walked over to her and put his arms around her waist. “You said earlier that you were hot for me. Do you still feel that way?”

Hermione's sultry smile was all the answer he needed. He wasted no time stripping her naked and pressing her against the wall. He waved his hand and his clothes disappeared. He was ready for her just as she was ready for him. He kissed her as he lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He entered her in one swift thrust and she moaned into his mouth.

As before, their magic connected and their loving was unrestrained. It did not last particularly long, but it was fully satisfying. When he felt her tighten around and call out his name, he could not hold it anymore and came with such force it was all he could to not to drop to his knees. Slowly, still inside of her, he walked over to the sofa a few minutes later and sat down with her on his lap. He kept kissing her and caressing her softly for a while until they recovered from their frenzied loving.

“I love you, Mione. I don't think I'll ever get tired of saying those words to you.”

“That's a good thing because I will never tire of hearing them. Let's go take a quick shower before we pack. We don't want to be late again,” she suggested.

After kissing her thoroughly one more time, he stood up and carried her to the bathroom.

~*~

“I'm glad that went over well,” Luna told Ron as they packed. “I told you not to worry too much. Hermione is not a vengeful person.”

“She's still scary when she gets mad, Luna. You've just never seen her wrath. I still have nightmares about those bloody canaries she set on me back in sixth year,” Ron finished shuddering at the thought.

“She was just mad at the time and you can't blame her. You were acting like a right git back then.”

“Oh thanks, love. I feel much better about it now.”

“Don't be sarcastic, Ronald. You know I'm right. You went out with Lavender just to spite her and that's what you got in return.”

“I guess you're right,” he finally conceded. “I hope Harry never has to experience those damn birds in his lifetime. As powerful as she is now, she's bound to conjure up a hippogriff and set it off on him.”

Luna laughed at him. “Can you just imagine Harry running away from a mad hippogriff?”

“It would be funny,” Ron agreed as they finished packing.

“I'm sad to be leaving this place.”

“I know love, but we already agreed that we'd be back every year. Besides, you also have our wedding to plan and we can go anywhere you want on our honeymoon,” Ron said as he hugged her.

“Even if I want to go searching for some weird creature none of you believe exists?” she asked jokingly.

“Yes, love, even then.”

~*~

“Ginny, do you think Hermione's really forgiven me for all I did to her in the past? I mean, I was a complete arse to her while we were in school,” Draco asked worriedly as he watched Ginny pack their belongings.

“Of course she has, Draco. Have you forgotten who our first supporter was when it got out that we were going out?”

“No, I haven't forgotten and I am grateful that she did that. I know I used to bother you because I was attracted to you and it was my stupid way of ignoring my feelings. However, I really didn't like her back then and I was horrible to her.”

“You acted out on what you were taught at home, Draco. You were taught to hate anyone that wasn't a pure-blood by your father. He was not a very nice man and appearances were extremely important to him. You didn't choose to hate her because she was a bad person. It was simply how you thought things were supposed to be.”

“It still doesn't excuse my behavior. She was still a human being,” he persisted.

“As I said earlier, Hermione is an extremely brilliant witch. She knows how much you have changed. For Merlin's sake, Draco, even your mother likes her now! Don't be so hard on yourself about it. If you still feel this way and have all of these doubts, I would suggest talking to her about it when we get back. It will make you feel better and you'll see I'm right.”

“I guess you're right, Red. I'm going to go see her sometime this week and talk to her about it. That way I can just forget about it and move on.”

“Good lad. Now come here and kiss me before we have to leave.”

“Yes, ma'am!”

~*~

A week later, Hermione and Luna were sitting in the forbidden section of the Hogwarts library going over several leather bound tomes and taking notes furiously. They had both taken the afternoon off from their jobs to visit their school. They'd had an informative talk with Professor McGonagall and she had directed them in that direction. Hermione had blushed furiously while Luna calmly explained what had transpired while they were on vacation and Hermione could have sworn there was a small smile lurking on the Professor's face. However, since it was McGonagall, she was not sure.

Madam Pince had been more than happy to help, since Hermione had always been one of her very favorite students. She was a bit surprised when Luna handed her the list McGonagall had given them, but said nothing and pointed them in the right direction.

Hermione, pausing for a moment to cast a wandless silencing charm around them, looked at Luna. Luna raised her eyebrows at how easily Hermione had taken to doing magic without her trusty wand.

“I found something interesting here, Luna.” Hermione turned the book she was reading on its side so Luna would be able to read. “It says the only solution for the problem would be for Harry and me to stay apart.”

Luna gasped and covered one of Hermione's hands with her own. “You're not thinking of breaking up with him, are you?”

“No! I would never do that. I waited too long to be with him to just toss our love aside as if it was rubbish.”

“I'm glad to hear that, Mione. Don't scare me like that again.”

“I'm sorry, Luna, I guess I didn't phrase that right. It's obvious we're going to have to deal with this and learn to live with it because I am not willing to sacrifice our relationship over some magical issue.”

“You're both smart and you love each other. I'm sure it's not going to be that bad. How are things since we got back from our holiday?”

“Nothing is different. The only time we notice the most is when we make love,” Hermione answered her blushing furiously once again.

“Why is that, if you don't mind me asking?”

“Our magic connects every time we do. It's impossible to separate it, no matter how much we try to focus. And we're both getting used to not using our wands. It's amazing how easy it is to get things done that way. You were also right about us knowing what the other needs before it is voiced. It's been a tremendous help at work.”

“How did it go at work when people found out?”

“Better than I imagined. I thought for sure there would be complications, since we're both heads of our department, but everything is still the same. Actually, now we seem to get more things done.”

“So you act like consummate professionals and then go home and ravish each other.”

“Something like that. It's going to be hard next month, though. Harry has to go on a business trip for a couple of weeks to visit several countries. I'm going to miss him like crazy.”

“It won't be too bad, Mione. You will be able to communicate anytime you want with him without the need for owls or the Floo Network. It's going to be interesting to see if distance affects the connection in any way.”

“You're right. I'm just being silly. Let's get back to reading a while longer. I'm not sure how long you have to just sit here researching with me.”

“I'm actually working. I plan to write an article with our findings on The Quibbler. And Ron is in meetings until late so we're fine.”

“I do appreciate this Luna,” Hermione said as squeezed her hand before she lowered her gaze to the book in front of her.

Hermione continued reading in silence for a while. Luna did the same, but watched her from time to time. She had a feeling there was something bothering Hermione and she wasn't sure how to ask her about it, so she waited for her friend to open up on her own.

Half an hour later, she did.

“Luna?” called Hermione hesitantly.

“What is it, Mione? You've been preoccupied for a while but I've been waiting for you to bring it up first.”

Hermione smiled at her dear friend. “Can't keep much hidden from you, can I?”

“I'm sorry. I cannot help it sometimes. I just get this visions or feelings out of nowhere.”

“Its okay, Luna. I did not really trust in seers until I saw it first hand with you. You made a believer out of me, unlike Trelawney and her supposed predictions. She might have been right a couple of times out of thousands, but you're always right.”

“It's something I must have inherited from my mother's side of the family. But let's forget about me and concentrate on you, shall we?”

Hermione looked down at her clasped hands and worried her bottom lip. “I was wondering about something. When you did your research, did you come across anything having to do with having children?”

Luna's eyebrows shut up. “Is there something else you want to tell me?”

“No. Yes. I don't know.”

A hesitant Hermione was never a good thing, Luna thought to herself. “Let's start with that. Are you pregnant, Hermione?”

“Not that I know,” she answered vaguely.

“But there's a possibility then.”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“The day we came back to London. When we went to pack, we sort of got carried away and I forgot to do the contraceptive spell.”

“Does Harry know?”

“I haven't mentioned it and he hasn't said anything either.”

“Have you tried doing a charm to find out?”

“I'm afraid to.”

“Would you like me to do it for you?”

“Maybe later. I want to discuss what could happen first.”

“What is it you're afraid of, Mione?”

“I'm afraid of what our combined magic can mean for our child and how it can affect my body since I am muggle-born.”

“Oh, dear, I hadn't thought about that,” Luna said a bit surprised.

“It could be bad, right?” Hermione asked in a small voice.

“Maybe or maybe not. I've heard of some muggle-born witches that have had a hard time during their pregnancy and their delivery, but it's not horrible. They just need to take really good care of themselves and they need a lot of bed rest on the last trimester. Look at Harry's mum for example. She was a powerful witch, muggle-born, and she had no trouble delivering Harry, also a very powerful wizard. And from what Ron has told me, Mrs. Weasley had a really hard time with Charlie's pregnancy and delivery, and she's a pure-blood.”

Hermione was still not convinced. “But this isn't going to be a regular witch or wizard, Luna. This child will belong to Harry and me and our current state of magical powers could be dangerous for me, correct? I could even lose the baby.”

“Hermione, sweetie, that's a possibility with any pregnancy. Yes, you're both very powerful and this baby is bound to inherit both of your powers, but I'm sure you will be able to handle it.”

“How can you be so sure?” Hermione persisted stubbornly.

“Remember second year when you were petrified by the basilisk? There were no repercussions from that incident. Your muggle-born body handled it. Then in fifth year, you were hit by that powerful spell, and even though it knocked you on your arse, you came out of it well. Also, let's not forget the bloody war. How many times were you hit and able to sustain it? You might have been born to muggle parents, but you are a witch through and through Hermione Granger, and don't let anyone tell you any different, you hear?”

“You really think so, Luna?”

“Stand up a second.”

Hermione frowned but did as she was told. Luna came around the table and put her hand gently on Hermione's stomach. She closed her eyes and murmured a few words in Latin, concentrating hard as she did so. Hermione could feel heat pooling low on her belly and closed her eyes as the warm sensation traveled through her body.

“Open your eyes, Mione,” Luna whispered a few minutes later.

Hermione did and gasped. “Sweet mother of Merlin,” she whispered as well.

A bubble floated in mid-air in front of them and clearly visible inside, surrounded by clear smoke, was the small figure of a green-eyed baby boy with a full head of chocolate-brown curls. He was looking back at her, his eyes trusting and wise, gurgling happily, as he played with his tiny feet.

“Take a look at your son, Hermione. You're not pregnant yet, but this is what he will look like when you do have him, and as you can see, he is beautiful and healthy.”

Hermione had tears running down her face and she extended her fingers and caressed the bubble. Her son smiled at her before the bubble disappeared.

“Oh Luna,” Hermione whispered reverently as she hugged her friend tightly. “I don't know how you managed that, but it was amazing. Thank you.”

“It was nothing. I just thought you needed to see what your future holds to put your fears at ease,” Luna explained hugging her back.

Hermione stepped back and kissed Luna's cheek. “I appreciate you doing that.”

“Hey, at least I can boast to having seen the son of the Potter-Granger's before anyone else in the wizarding word! I hope The Quibbler gets the exclusive when it does happen,” she joked.

“No one else would, Luna. I wouldn't trust anybody else with something so precious.”

“It'd be my honor.”

“When is he coming?”

“The baby? Not for now. First, you need to worry about having full control of your new powers, and then you can concentrate on your relationship for a while. Remember that once he is here, he will take a lot of your time away from each other, so you should enjoy your love for a while before you decide to stop using the contraceptive charm. He is bound to be a handful!”

“I can only imagine. If he is as mischievous as his daddy, we're in for a wild ride.”

“Yes you are, my dear.”

By the time they were satisfied with their research, it was nighttime. She let Harry know she would stop in Hogsmeade to have dinner with Luna and promised to be home after that. Over dinner, they discussed their findings and ways she and Harry could better handle their powers when the situation got out of hand.

Then, over a sinful dessert and a cup of coffee, they talked more about the baby and what she should expect during that time. Hermione was feeling more excited than apprehensive by the time it was time to say goodbye.

~*~

Hermione got to their flat right after eight that night and walked down the hall, calling Harry's name. He called back from their study telling her to come over. When she walked in, it was to find Draco and Harry, sharing a glass of Ogden's best, talking animatedly. She greeted them warmly as she walked further into the room.

“Hi, love,” Harry said as he got up from the letter couch and walked over to her. He dropped a quick kiss on her lips and smiled at her. “Did you and Luna have fun?”

“Actually, we did. I have loads to tell you about, but it can wait until later. You can keep visiting with Draco while I go and take a shower.”

“Actually, Draco dropped by to talk to you,” Harry told her.

Hermione looked surprise by this and glanced over at Draco, who all of a sudden looked a bit nervous.

“Draco, would you mind if I still took that shower?”

“Not at all. I'll keep potty here company until you come back.”

“You're funny, ferret-boy.”

“Ginny seems to think so,” he told them smiling.

“I won't be long, children. Do try and behave while I'm gone!” Hermione called as she walked out of the room.

As promised, she came back twenty-minutes later, dressed in lounge pants and a t-shirt. Harry excused himself and told them he would go and make tea while they chatted.

“I hope I'm not imposing on you at this hour. I went by your office earlier and Harry told me you had taken the afternoon off to do the research with Luna.”

“It's okay. Next time send me an owl and I can be here sooner.” She cocked her head to the side once she had sat down on her favorite chair, leg tucked under her as she had always done at Hogwarts. “Is everything okay, Draco?”

Draco got up and started pacing the room. He seemed nervous and uncomfortable. “I want to talk to you about the past, Mione.”

“The past? As in our past?”

“Yes. I wanted to clear the air about a few things that have me twisted in knots.”

“Why don't you sit down? You're making me dizzy,” she said with a laugh.

“Oh, sorry.” He laughed a little self-consciously as he did as she asked.

“This is me you're talking to, remember? I thought we had become good friends and there was no awkwardness between us. What is it, Drake?”

He rested his arms on his thighs and let his hands hang lose between his legs. No one else called him that, other than Ginny. That alone was a testament of how their friendship had grown and he was counting on that to guide him through what he had to say.

“I need to know if you've really forgiven me.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked startled by his question.

“I was the biggest arse in the world when we were in school, and you suffered the brunt of that. I really treated you badly, Hermione, and I need to know if you have really forgiven me for that, or if you just pretend to get along with me just because Ginny and I are together,” he finished and finally looked at her.

The look on her face was hard to decipher.

-->

A/N: As always, thanks for the reviews and for liking the story. I appreciate it more than you know. Another special thanks to Elysium for her help, guidance and wisdom. Hope you all enjoy.

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER EIGHT

Hermione could not believe the question and sat watching him quietly for a few minutes, intrigued by the conflicting expressions crossing his handsome face.

“Is there a reason why you think I haven't forgiven you?” she finally asked, ending the silence that had taken over the room.

“Not really. It's just that since our last day at the resort I've had all of these doubts and Ginny suggested I talk to you about it,” he explained avoiding her eyes.

“I didn't say anything that day that concerned you. I was a bit mad at Harry and Ron for what they had done in the past, Draco, because they were my best friends.”

“I know it had nothing to do with me, but thinking back on our school days, I remembered how badly I treated you for all of those years. I was an insufferable arse and it still amazes me that we are friends now.”

“The past is in the past, Drake, and I thought you knew that. You are not your father's son, so to speak. I hold no resentments and no hatred for anyone in my life since I consider it a waste of my time and energy. I chose to forgive you once I saw how much you had changed. I see you with Ginny and I do not remember the boy you used to be. I did not like that Draco. But the man you are now, Drake, that man I have learned to love and consider my dear friend.”

“You promise?” he asked still a bit uncertain.

“I promise, you silly man! I don't even think about those times anymore. You hurt me more than once back then, that is true, but you have more than made up for it in recent years. I think we've been acquainted long enough by now for you to know I wouldn't speak to you, let alone invite you into our home, if I felt otherwise. I can even assure you that Harry feels the same way.”

Draco nodded, got up, and went to her. “Thank you,” he said as he hugged her.

Harry found them like that a moment later when he walked back into the room.

“Hey, ferret, get your hands off my girl,” Harry commanded him.

“Jealous much, scar-head?” Draco said as he dropped his arms from around Hermione and kissed her cheek.

“Oh, and you dare to kiss her in front of me too?” Harry exclaimed feigning outrage.

“She seems to have liked it if we're to judge by her smile,” Draco explained to him grinning widely.

“She likes it better when I do it,” Harry told him as he put the tea service on top of the desk. “Allow me to demonstrate,” Harry said as he grabbed Hermione by the waist and dipped her back, planting a loud kiss on her lips while she laughed.

“Yeah, I can see her melting at your feet,” Draco observed joining in their laughter.

Harry lifted Hermione back up and she was smiling at both of them. “I'm going to get a big ego if you two keep on going. To be the object of affection of such lovely and handsome men can go straight to one's head,” she pointed out as she started serving the tea.

Draco stayed with them for another hour before leaving. When he left, it was with a light heart and a smile on his handsome face.

XOXOX

Once Draco had left, Hermione took Harry's hand and led him to their bedroom, where she proceeded to ravish him for another hour. She had forgotten how tired she'd been when she arrived home and just the sight of him in bed, wearing nothing but his smile, had been her undoing.

Now they lay cuddling and Hermione smiled as she lifted her head from his chest and looked at him.

“Hello, gorgeous,” he said smiling back.

“Is it me, or does this keep getting better and better?” she asked him with a dreamy look on her face.

“I agree. I never knew making love could be so overwhelming and all consuming. I don't think I'll ever tire of making love with you.”

“Me, either. I was so tired when I got here tonight, but all it took was having you close to me to make me forget the tiredness. I wonder if that is part of our new powers,” she finished frowning a bit.

“Speaking of that, how did it go with the research? With Draco here I forgot to ask.”

Hermione's expression changed from frowning to dreamy in an instant. “I have a memory to share with you. I don't know how you will feel about it, but it was a bit of intense magic Luna performed on me earlier to give me an idea of what our future holds.”

“Show me,” Harry asked excitedly.

Hermione closed her eyes and did just that. She transferred her memories of the conversation as well as the images of the baby boy into Harry's mind little by little. She concentrated on his feelings trying to gauge his reaction when he realized what he was looking at.

All of a sudden, all kinds of feelings came at her at once, making her gasp a bit. Confusion, exhilaration, fear, happiness, anxiousness, and a love so powerful it astounded her. His reaction had been similar to hers. He looked a bit longer, concentrating the most on the image of their baby. He seemed to be taken by it and was unable to stop looking at his image.

Finally, after minutes of exploration, he stepped slowly out of her thoughts. She opened her eyes to find him looking back at her, surprised etched in his features.

“Merlin's pants, Mione, was that really our baby?” he all but whispered.

“Yes, Mr. Potter, that was our little boy. Isn't he absolutely beautiful?” she responded in a wistful voice.

“He is the perfect mix of us. Are you carrying him now?” he asked placing his palm against her stomach in such a protective way that she fell in love with him for the hundredth time.

“No, love. He's not coming just yet. Luna says we have to learn how to fully control our powers before we stop using the contraception charms,” she explained while she covered his hand with her own.

“How long do we have to wait?”

“She didn't say.”

“Are you excited?”

“I don't think I can fully explain just how much,” she responded smiling tenderly at him. “How about you? Think you're ready to be a daddy just yet?”

“I'm ready when you are, love. Nothing would make me happier than to have a family with you. I would be a dream come true for me. I've always wanted a family to call my own, you know that.”

“I wonder how we'll know when we are in control of our powers since nothing much has changed. We communicate better, but there are no magical outbursts because we don't really argue. When we do, it's over something silly and it never escalates into anything major. At work, things are the same. We relax when we are home.”

“Are you saying we should stop using the contraceptive charms?” he asked.

She smiled at him. “Maybe not just yet, but we can practice while we wait a little longer,” she suggested as she climbed on top of him and licked his lips sexily.

“Woman, I love the way your mind works,” he told her as he pulled her head down and kissed her. His other hand moved down and cupped her bum, bringing his hips up to rub suggestively against her. She opened her legs wider as one of her hands moved between their bodies to cup him.

“He seems eager,” she purred in his ear and then bit the side of his neck, making him growl.

“Of course he is! What did you expect after kissing me like a wanton?”

“Then we best take care of him,” she suggested as she guided him into her opening once again. She put her hands on his chest and pushed herself down on him, moving seductively up and down while he played with her breasts.

“I love you, Potter,” she whispered as she leaned down and took his mouth in another overwhelming kiss.

He responded to her passion with his own, and before they knew it, the white orb was around them again and the light shone behind their pupils as it had before. But it no longer scared them. They had learned to accept it as part of their new closeness. Instead, they took advantage of it, basking in their passion.

“I want to try something new,” he told her slowing down a bit.

“What?” she asked, looking down at him.

“I want you to open your mind to me completely so I can feel what you feel as I move in and out of you. And I want you to also know how I feel.”

She just nodded and did as he asked. This time, there were no fears of what he would see. She had nothing to be ashamed of and he knew the most important parts. She concentrated fully, opening her mind, heart, and soul to him as never before.

He gasped when he felt it. It was almost as if he was inside of her body. He could feel every sleek push in and out of her, her walls expanding to accommodate him, the fast beating of her heart, her raspy breathing, the blood coursing through her veins, and her love. He could feel her immense love and it took his breath away. He concentrated then on letting her feel his own emotions.

She moaned when she was hit with the waves of his own excitement. Like him, she felt as if she was suddenly inside of his body and all of his movements under her became her own. She could feel how good it felt for him to thrust in and out of her. How different it felt for him than it did for her. How he trembled inside, how his lungs refused to work properly, how his heart pounded non-stop, and how his body tightened every time she clenched her inner muscles against his hardness.

As they were reaching their peak, they melded their minds together and came at the same time, and it was truly amazing. Hermione could feel herself clenching and unclenching around him as well as his own release. Now she knew what it felt like when he came inside of her. He could feel himself spilling himself into her and her own powerful release. It was almost like climaxing twice and he almost lost his mind.

The magic that was emitting out of their bodies was so powerful it made the lights flicker in the room. As they finished, the bubble burst with a flash of bright light and they were suspended from the bed for an instant. They floated back down the few inches a moment later, their eyes still closed.

After, she lay panting on top of him, unable to move as her mind focused back on their surroundings. She finally moved to his side, but he kept her close to him.

“Are we still alive?” he asked lazily.

“Barely,” she mumbled against his chest. “I don't think I can move.”

“I'm going to watch what I suggest in the future,” he joked.

“Oh, no, darling; suggest away,” was her response.

“You're just a glutton for punishment.”

“No, Harry, I'm just addicted to your loving.”

“As I am to yours, love.”

XOXOX

Two weeks later

“How long will he be gone?” Luna asked as she picked delicately at her salad.

“Almost a month,” Hermione groaned as she sipped her wine. “How I am going to stand this?”

Since Harry had been gone for a little while, Luna and Ginny had decided to meet Hermione for dinner at their favorite restaurant to keep her company and take her mind of his absence. Two weeks on her own were taking their toll on her sanity.

“Have you tried communicating with him?” Ginny asked.

“Everyday. But he is so busy that we don't get to talk much. Sometimes the time difference is also a problem.”

“I'm sure he misses you as well. I can't be any easier for him,” Luna said.

“Oh, I know he does. I'm just being silly.”

“Like part of you is missing?” Ginny asked.

“Exactly like that. The worst part is when I go to bed. I even sleep in one of his shirts. We haven't been together all that long, but I love sleeping with him.”

“Why didn't you go with him, then?” Luna wondered.

“One of us had to stay behind to run things.”

“You've been doing this for over three years now,” Ginny reminded her gently. “Aren't you used to it by now?”

“No. I always missed him, even when we weren't together. Now it's just worse.”

“Have you thought about changing jobs?” Ginny inquired.

“No. We both love what we do. Our department was added after the war ended and it is important to keep the relationships between our neighboring countries intact. I knew being an ambassador for the Ministry would mean a lot of travel. I guess I just have to get used to it.”

“You could always meet him over there on your days off. And if the time difference isn't that great, you could just apparate to his hotel room and spend the night with him,” Luna suggested.

“I don't want to seem like a needy woman, Luna. I'm a mature adult and should act as such, don't you think?”

“Being mature has nothing to do with it. I don't think I could spend a month away from Draco. The most we spent apart was a week and I was dying for it to be over,” Ginny told them. “However, the shagging was fabulous the night he came back!”

They all laughed at the face she made and the mood relaxed some.

“I'll remember that,” Hermione told her between laughs. “Although I can't complain about our sex life. If it gets any better, we will end up at St. Mungos. Can you imagine the headlines now?” she said blushing a pretty shade of pink.

“That great, huh?” Luna asked looking very interested.

“The night before he was leaving we managed to make a light bulb explode,” Hermione confessed quietly.

“You did what?” Ginny asked surprised by the unexpected news.

“What else has happened?” Luna asked curiously.

“Promise you won't laugh?” Hermione asked shyly.

“I don't think we can laugh at all,” Ginny answered her. “I'm too astounded to do so.” Luna nodded as well.

“It's a bit scary at times. Sometimes we manage to float a few inches from the bed. Other times we make the lights in the house flicker. I'm able to feel exactly what he feels and vice versa. The white orb is always around us and our eyes shine from within,” she finished and took a deep breath.

“Sweet Mother of Merlin,” Ginny whispered. “And that doesn't put you off?”

Hermione shook her head. “On the contrary, it makes us want each other more.”

“That's understandable,” Luna said. “I was waiting to hear you confirm it, but I had already figured it would happen. Since you get along so well, I was not expecting many rows. At the Ministry, you work together, but independently at the same time, so I wasn't expecting trouble there either. It was in the shagging department that I figure your powers would manifest more fully.”

“Who would have thought that our little bookwork would become a shagging maniac, eh, Luna?” Ginny asked elbowing her.

“Indeed!”

“Oh, come on, like you two aren't sex crazed witches as well,” she protested.

“No one is denying that fact, Mione. But at least it was expected of us,” Ginny explained with a grin.

“So you're saying people think I'm repressed?”

“Not necessarily, but I don't think anyone would believe just how much you love shagging Harry!” Luna said with a laugh.

“Not funny, ladies. And to prove that point I'll confess to having had the most delicious afternoon romp on top of his desk while everyone around us was hard at work! I just love private meetings.”

“That's why they say you have to watch out for the quiet ones. That's never been truer than in your personal case,” Ginny commented as she raised her eyebrows at Hermione's confession.

They were still laughing when the waiter came by and removed their dinner plates and put a new bottle of wine on the table. They told him they wanted to look at the dessert menu a few minutes and he left.

“He keeps looking at us and it's bothering me,” Hermione observed when he was gone.

“Read his mind and see what he wants,” Ginny suggested.

“I can't do that,” Hermione exclaimed surprised.

“Sure you can. Whom better than you? You're so subtle and good at it he won't notice a thing.”

Hermione looked at Luna and she nodded her consent. Hermione looked down at her lap and closed her eyes. Little by little, she penetrated the waiter's mind for a few minutes. She frowned, and with her eyes still closed, her hand shot up and grabbed Ginny's as she was about to grab the bottle of wine.

“Don't drink it. It's been altered with something,” Hermione whispered as she continued to prove the waiter's mind.

Ginny jumped back as if burned. Luna stared at Hermione in surprise. After a few more minutes, Hermione opened her eyes and stared at her friends, worry imprinted on her features.

“He put some sort of potion in the bottle. Something that along with the alcohol would make us weak.”

“Is ours the only bottle he did this too?” Luna asked her.

“Yes. He seems to be getting off soon and figured he and his friends would have a bit of fun with the three of us. They are planning to follow us out of here and force us to have sex with them.”

“Rape us, you mean,” Ginny asked crudely.

“Yes,” Hermione confirmed.

“Then I say we teach them a lesson,” Ginny continued, her eyes flashing with fire.

Luna nodded as well. “We can't let them get away with this. Who knows how many times they have tried this before and succeeded?”

“I guess you are both right,” Hermione finally conceded. She looked around them and then at the wine bottle. Its contents disappeared almost completely. Then a small glass vial appeared next to her plate and she filled it discretely with the remainder of the red liquid. At the looks of confusion on her friends' faces, she explained she wanted it as evidence.

“Then let's pay and get out of here. The sooner we get this over with, the better,” Luna said, also getting mad.

Hermione signaled for him to come over and he smiled at them. This little rat is going down, she thought furiously and then asked sweetly for their check explaining they had changed their minds about dessert.

XOXOX

They walked outside and lingered for a few minutes by the sidewalk, planning their strategy. There was a dark alleyway ahead and Hermione figured that was probably the waiter's intended destination. Luna and Ginny agreed and they decided to walk slowly that way. Night had fallen and it would be perfect if they used a silencing charm. No one walking by would notice anything amiss.

As they were nearing the entrance to the alley, Hermione tensed a bit. “They are right behind us. There are three of them, all about the same height and built. This is going to be a walk in the park for us,” she whispered.

A moment later, they were upon them and wasted no time grabbing them and pushing them into the alley. As Hermione had predicted, one of the men put up a silencing charm as soon as they were inside. Not only were they fast, they seemed to have a practice ease that confirmed Luna's suspicions as well. They had done this before.

Before they could utter a word, one of the men pointed his wand at them and murmured a spell that left them speechless, quickly followed by binding ropes that tied their hands behind their backs. Luna and Ginny's eyes widened, but Hermione was not worried. She was glad, and not for the first time, of her new powers. She could do wandless magic as well as quickly break spells thrown at her. Luna and Ginny seemed to relax once she looked at them both and nodded slightly. Even thought her arms were behind her back, the binding ropes had already disappeared. She was just playing it safe for now since she knew she had the upper hand.

The men were looking at them lasciviously and Hermione felt like hexing them right then and there. However, she wanted to wait to see what they would say and do first. The vial of the poisoned wine plus a good memory would put the men in Azkaban for a long time.

The man that had been their server walked up to Hermione and ran a finger down her cheek and she drew back from his touch with disgust. He laughed at her.

“Resist all you want, witch. I like it better when I have to be a little rough,” he leered at her.

The other two walked over to Luna and Ginny and stared doing the same to them.

“We don't always get so lucky to have a witch for each of us. Sometime we only get one or two and take turns,” he said to her making it clear he was the leader of the pack.

Hermione resisted the urge to spit in his face and hex him good right then. She just wanted a little more and then she would be ready to take on all three of them. She exchanged a look with her friends and noticed they were scared, but underneath it all, they were furious.

They really had chosen to mess with the wrong witches this time, she thought amusedly. With just one look at each of them, she was able to break the spells on them as well, willing them with her mind not to react. She was damned if she would let the men touch them in any obscene way. Both of her friends nodded at her confirming they were lose and could speak.

“Why do you keep looking at each other, huh?” he asked them. “Is not like you have any way of escaping us. And when we are done, no one will know this happened, since we will put a memory charm on you and you will not remember a thing. It's come in handy all these months and we're having lots of fun,” he finished laughing.

His friends joined in as they removed Luna and Ginny's wands, throwing them on the ground and kicking them away. Hermione thought it was high time someone taught them a lesson or two.

“Let me get this straight,” Hermione spoke surprising the hell out of their captors. “You are so useless as men that you have to poison women, rape them, and then erase their memories so you don't get caught? Talk about a problem with self-esteem.”

-->

A/N: Since I left a cliffy on the last chapter, I wanted to update sooner rather than later in order to keep you all happy.

As always, your reviews are wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to write me a line or two letting me know how you feel. I was surprised to see so many reviews in just the first 24 hours. It was great!

But here you go. Let the magic flow!

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER NINE

The men looked at each other in bewilderment, not understanding why she was speaking.

“I thought you did the silencing charm,” the leader said to his accomplice.

“I did, as well as the ropes,” he explained nervously.

“I can't ever trust either of you to do things right,” he said and raised his wand and pointed it at Hermione. She blocked the spell without him realizing a thing.

“I guess you aren't any better at it than he is,” she mocked him when he was done.

He jumped back and stared at her in surprise. “Bloody witch! How did you do that?”

Luna and Ginny glared at the other two, who were now holding them roughly by the arms. They hadn't noticed they were lose either.

“You have no idea who you're messing with,” Luna told them with disgust.

“Like I would be scared of three measly witches,” the leader said and moved back towards Hermione determined to have his way with her. She was having none of it. She had not come into the alley as a willing prey and she'd be damned if she acted as one.

Before he could put a single finger on her, she lifted her hand. His body flew into the air and slammed against the brick wall with a sickening thud. His accomplices turned to look at their leader, as he lay unmoving on the ground, their eyes full of fear now. Luna and Ginny quickly cast an accio spell for their wands and pointed them at the men, easily disarming them. They were the prey now and moved backwards against the wall. They looked back at the three of them in fear, desperate for an escape route.

“How does it feel to be the ones being hunted down?” Ginny spat at them moving closer and pointing her wand at their faces. “You think it fun to rape a woman and then erase her memory as if nothing had happened? How would you like to be on the receiving end of such torture?”

Luna walked up to them as well and slapped them hard across the face, red marks appearing instantly on their cheeks. She pressed the tip of her wand between the eyes of the man that had touched her before and he trembled in fear.

“Do you have any idea what I could do to you right now?” she asked her voice icy cold.

The man shook his head slowly and lowered his eyes, unable to meet her gaze. Luna pressed her wand more firmly against him and he whimpered.

His friend looked at Ginny and lowered his eyes as well. He never saw Ginny moving closer to him, or her knee as it came up and connected hard with his groin. He screamed in pain and dropped to his knees, grabbing his genitals. As he went down, Ginny's knee connected with his jaw, making him howl again as he finally crumbled in a heap to the ground.

Luna still held her wand between the eyes of his partner and he dropped to his knees asking for mercy.

“Did you have mercy with those poor women when they asked for it?” she asked him angrily.

He shook his head no and lowered his head in defeat, as if waiting for Luna to finish him. She grabbed a handful of his hair and pulled his head back roughly. Then she ran her wand across his forehead and the word rapist appeared on it in big black letters.

“Now everyone will know what you are and you will never be able to remove the word from your forehead. You will have to deal with the consequences of your actions from now on and I hope it's not an easy road for you. You deserve the worst.” She then spat in his face and stunned him. He fell sideways to the ground and lay there motionless. Ginny stunned the man at her feet as well.

Next to them, Hermione was glowering down at the man at her feet waiting for him to come through. When he did, she lifted him up and pinned him to the wall without ever touching him.

“Have you any idea what those defenseless women felt like, you imbecile?”

He did not say a word. He just looked at her as if she was not worthy of his words. She cocked her head to the side and her eyes shone with a strange light, making him falter.

“Have it your way then,” she said before she invaded his mind none too gently and found his memories of the previous attacks.

She pressed her hand against his forehead and without knowing fully how she managed to do it, she gathered the pain and horror in those memories and made him physically feel them. His eyes widened in terror and he started screaming in pain, grabbing at various body parts as if trying to ease the pain he was experiencing.

Luna and Ginny looked at Hermione in wonder since they could feel the magic coming off of her in potent waves. After several minutes, she removed her hand from the man's forehead and he dropped to the floor next to his unconscious partners, still cowering and whimpering in pain.

Three figures appeared out of nowhere at the entrance to the alley and ran towards them. Luna took one more look at the men and then jumped into Ron's arms. Ginny hugged Draco tightly. Hermione smiled gratefully at Harry when she saw him approaching her.

“Are you okay, love?” he asked immediately.

“I am now,” she responded smiling reassuringly at him and walking into his opened arms. She was safe now.

“I'm sorry we took so long to get here. I would have come sooner but I wanted to bring the guys as well.”

“We're okay. It was scary there for a while, but we were able to handle it.”

“I never doubted that for a moment.”

Harry dropped a quick kiss on her lips and turned to look at the men laying on the ground. Ron and Draco were doing the same.

“What happened to them?” Ron asked curiously.

“Ginny kicked the hell out of that one. I'm not sure what Hermione did to the other one, but it was painful, since he hasn't recovered yet. I simply stunned the third one after leaving a remainder of his actions tattooed on his forehead,” Luna explained.

“What did you do, Mione?” Draco inquired curiously while watching the man that was curled in a fetal position, still whimpering and shaking.

“I gave him a taste of his own medicine,” she responded shrugging her shoulders carelessly. However, her tone left no doubt she was still angry.

“How so?”

“I made him feel exactly what those women felt as they were being raped and tortured by them.”

“How did you manage that?” Harry asked surprise evident in his tone.

“I don't know exactly. I just concentrated on his memories and I touched his forehead. I guess it has something to do with the new powers.”

“We need to take these scumbags back to the Ministry,” Harry said as he stepped back from her.

Ron and Draco wasted no time bounding the men and pulling them to their feet after reviving the two that were unconscious.

“I know, and we have enough evidence between the three of us to put them away for good. I guess we can also delve into their memories to see who else was affected by this. Maybe something can be done to help them,” Hermione said.

“We'll let the Ministry decide on that. I don't think many women would want to remember such atrocious acts done to them against their will,” Harry told her.

“I guess you're right.”

Harry dropped another kiss on her lips and stepped back after caressing her cheek lovingly. He turned to his friends and nodded at them.

“Let's take these wankers over to the Ministry. I am sure Kingsley will be more than happy to help put them away,” Harry told the others as he picked the leader up by the back of his shirt. “I'm apparating to his office with this idiot.”

They nodded at him as each picked up another assailant and took their girl's hand. They were all gone with a pop.

Kingsley heard the commotion from inside of his office and quickly stepped out, his eyebrows rising in surprise when he saw who was outside his office and the condition the unidentified men were in. His eyes found Harry's.

“I'm sure you have a reasonable explanation for this, Potter.”

“I sure as hell do, Kingsley,” he replied as he let go of the man he was holding. He immediately fell to the floor in a heap and groaned in pain. His two friends fell as well.

By the time they were done with the interrogation and the evidence had been turned in and analyzed, they were free to go home and the men were on their way to Azkaban to await trial. Kingsley assured them he would do his best to put them away for life.

After talking to him for a few more minutes, they all apparated back to their places.

XOXOX

Ron walked Luna over to the bathroom and followed her in. She undressed and got into the shower, wanting to erase the stink of the alleyway and wash away the memories of the near attack. She was still a little shaken by it all.

“I'm going to go and make you some tea, sweetheart,” Ron said as he looked at her.

“That would be lovely. Can you bring it back to our bedroom? I want to lay down when I'm done here.”

“I won't be long.”

He gave her one more hug before leaving her alone in the bathroom. The moment he was gone, she stepped under the hot spray of the shower and burst into tears.

Ron finished making the tea and put the cup on the table by her side of the bed. Then he decided to go and check on her. His heart broke when he heard her quiet sobs. She hadn't even noticed he was there. Slowly, he removed his clothes and stepped into the shower.

“Come here, sweetheart,” he whispered as he turned her around and hugged her tightly. “Everything is going to be okay. You are safe now and those miserable beasts have been put away. Kingsley won't let them off easy, you know that.”

“I know, Ronald. It's just that I keep wondering what would have happened had Hermione not been there with us. They would have raped us for sure,” she sobbed into his shoulder while holding onto him for dear life.

“Don't think about that,” he said as he ran his hand up and down her back. He didn't want her to know he had already thought of that possibility and his blood ran cold at the thought.

“How could I not? She was great, Ron. Didn't lose her cool once and undid their magic as if it was child's play. They never even noticed.”

“Then let's be thankful that Hermione is so powerful now that she was able to keep you safe and send for us at the same time. It still amazes me how cool and collected she can be in the face of danger.”

“I guess facing Voldemort has something to do with that. I'm just glad you came when you did.”

“I wanted to kill them, Luna,” he finally confessed. “Had they gone further, we would be the ones going to Azkaban.”

“Don't even say it, love. I'd never be happy if you were taken away from me. It would feel as if my life was over,” she said hugging him fiercely.

“That's not going to happen. I'm going to spend the rest of my life at your side.”

“I love you, Ronald,” she whispered against his lips.

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

“Make love to me,” she pleaded.

“Are you sure, love?” he asked worriedly.

“More than ever. I want you to erase the memories of the last few hours from my mind.”

He nodded and kissed her. After soaping her and washing her hair, he quickly washed himself and then turned off the water. He took his time drying her body and her hair and did a quick drying charm on himself. He picked her up and took her to their bed, where he lay her down gently and proceeded to make sweet love to her. By the time he was done, she was smiling and had no trouble falling asleep.

XOXOX

Across town, Ginny was biting her bottom lip worriedly as she watched Draco pacing back and forth across the study, a bottle of Ogden's held firmly in his hand.

“I want to kill those bastards,” he was saying as he continued to pace, fury etched all over his features. Ginny didn't know what to do to make him feel any better. She just wanted a shower and to go to bed, but she couldn't just leave him alone.

“Drake, please, try to calm down.”

“Ginevra, you were almost raped!” he shouted. “Someone tried to hurt you and you want me to calm down?”

Ginny remained quiet for a few minutes. How could she make him understand that she needed him? That the only thing that would make her feel better was for him to take her into his arms and comfort her.

“I'm going to talk to my lawyer in the morning. I want those bastards put away for good. Nothing short of a Dementor's kiss would satisfy me at this moment. My money and position are finally going to be good for something,” he continued. “Can you imagine what could have happened had Hermione not been there at the time? I don't even want to think about it.”

“I'm just grateful that she was. I don't want to think about it either,” she admitted.

“For the first time in my life, I knew I would be capable of murder. I would not have hesitated once to end their lives had they gone further, and I wouldn't have given a damn either. I would have enjoyed it!”

“Don't talk like that,” she pleaded, tears filling her eyes.

“It's the truth. It might be ugly, but that's the way I feel.”

“Did you even stop to think about me? What it would do to me if you were sent to Azkaban?”

“You would have your family and friends around you, Gin, and I would have been happy to have avenged the wrong done to you.”

Ginny knew she was wasting her time arguing with him. Draco wasn't in the right frame of mind at the moment to have a decent conversation, so she decided to let it go.

“Then you don't know me at all, Draco, because my happiness lies at your side, not away from you,” she told him in a broken voice. “I'm going to shower and then go to bed. Feel free to join me when you get off your high horse and realize I need you. I do not need your ranting and raving. I need you at my side telling me it's going to be okay.”

Before he could say anything, she turned around and walked out of the study, slamming the door behind her. Draco hung his head in shame when her words penetrated his heart.

“I'm such a selfish bastard,” he said aloud and took another swig of the amber liquid.

XOXOX

“I'm not going back on the road. Even if I have to renounce my position at work, I'm never leaving your side again,” Harry pledged as he hugged Hermione close to his side.

“Don't be silly, darling. Of course you're going back tomorrow.” Hermione snuggled closer to him, her fingers making lazy circles on his chest and her leg thrown over one of his.

“I'm serious, Mione. I wouldn't be able to do my job properly because I would be thinking of you the entire time.”

“I can take care of myself, Harry James. I think I've said it and proved it enough by now.”

“I never said you couldn't. I'm just saying I want to be closer to you and not go on long arse trips that take me away from you for a month at a time.”

“You knew about the traveling before you accepted the position,” she reminded him gently.

“I wasn't with you then,” he replied stubbornly. “I am now and my place is at your side.”

“So you're just going to up and quit?”

“Maybe not quit, but I'm stepping down. That way I won't have to travel.”

“What about when I have to travel?”

“I'll call in sick and go with you.”

“And you think you won't get in trouble for that?”

“I'm Harry bloody Potter.”

Hermione finally lost it and laughed at him. “Oh, so now being Harry bloody Potter is good for something? I thought I'd never see the day!”

“I can't believe you're laughing at a time like this. Have you forgotten what almost happened a few hours ago?”

“No, darling, I haven't. But I was never in any danger. Had you not made it, we would have still taken all of them on. You saw we had it under control. I guess I have gained enough confidence in my new powers to know we would be okay. Besides, all he got to do was touch my cheek and talk a lot of bull.”

“I'm going to cut his hand off,” he threatened.

“You're such a barbarian, darling. You will do no such thing.”

“You really think I'm jesting, don't you?”

“I know you mean it. But I don't want you to think that way.”

“I was worried.”

“Deep down, I was too,” she confessed, finally letting her guard down.

She was tired of pretending she was okay. Besides, there was no need to pretend in front of Harry. He knew her too well and would figure it out. Especially now that their connection was so strong.

“You just said you could handle it,” he reminded her softly, grateful she was finally opening up to him.

“Doesn't mean I wasn't scared for a moment. I wasn't sure if my magic would work as well as it did under pressure. I was able to do things I had never done before, like break the spells they put on Ginny and Luna with just my mind. But deep down, I was a bit frightened.”

“I'm glad you were able to reach me so quickly. Your reactions still amaze me sometimes.”

“You're the first one I thought about when I noticed what was going on. As capable as I am sometimes, I also want you at my side to fight my battles with me.”

“See why I can't go back to traveling?”

She rolled her eyes. “I didn't mean it that way and you know it.”

“Too bad, Hermione Jane.”

“Can you at least finish the last week and a half?” she pleaded.

“No,” he replied stubbornly.

“Darling, please!”

“I'll think about it,” he conceded.

“That's not good enough,” she protested.

“I don't really care! How do you think I would feel being away from you at such a time? I know you're saying you're okay, but I want to make sure you are. What if I leave tomorrow and what happened suddenly hits you and you fall apart? I won't be here to take care of you.”

“I don't think I will fall apart. I haven't so far.”

“You're still in shock, love, and tomorrow you might wake up to a different tune. I need to be here.”

Hermione knew he was right. She had not cried or lost her cool so far, but she wasn't certain that she wouldn't. She was in shock and when it wore off, she did not really want to be alone. If he was away, she knew she wouldn't call him and it would make it worse.

“I know you're thinking about it and you know I'm right,” he said as he kissed the top of her head.

“I hate it when you're right.”

He smiled down at her. “It's not that I'm right. I just know you too well.”

“I'm glad you do, darling. Even when I pretend otherwise.”

“That's my girl. Being reasonable suits you.”

She looked into his eyes and saw the love he felt for her reflected there. “I'm glad you're here with me. And you're right; I don't want you to leave either. Maybe we should both step down.”

“Or maybe we can re-organize our department and chose someone single and capable to do all of the traveling.”

“Do you think that's even possible?”

“We are in charge, love. Of course we can make it happen. We'll meet tomorrow and decide who's more competent and send them on my behalf to finish the tour.”

“I like that idea. I love you, Harry James.”

“Me, too, love.”

“Let's go to sleep. I'm suddenly very tired.”

“That makes two of us.”

He kissed her tenderly and she snuggled back against his side, falling asleep a bit later. He stroked her hair softly while thinking of the evening events and thanking all that was holy for keeping her safe. It took him a while, but he was finally able to fall asleep.

XOXOX

By the time Draco made it back to their room, Ginny had showered and gone to bed. He decided to take a quick shower while he thought of a way to make it up to her. He had been so worried that he forgot to comfort her.

By the time he was done, he felt a little better and in control of his emotions. He crawled into bed and spooned his body against her back, regretting that his earlier actions made her body tense against his.

“I'm sorry, Gin. I acted like an idiot earlier. I was so worried about you that I forgot my duty as your partner was to support you. I was so enraged that I wanted to hurt those men until they couldn't move. I hate myself for appearing oblivious to your pain and suffering when deep down I was going crazy with fear.”

She didn't say anything for a while, but he felt her body relax against his. After a few minutes, she turned around and faced him. He cupped her cheek tenderly in his hand and looked into her eyes.

“I seem to be making you mad a lot lately. First at the resort and now this. I don't want to lose you.”

“What makes you think you will?” she finally asked.

“I can't very well keep acting like an arse and expect you to put up with it.”

“You forget that I know you well, Drake. You usually act before you think. I let you blow off steam until you realize what you're doing and then you come to your senses.”

“I need to stop doing that. I need to learn to control my impulses. Especially when they hurt you. Growing up Malfoy was not easy and I was taught to think of myself before others. I know now that isn't the way to live life.”

“And that makes you a better person. Hermione was right when she said you are not your father's son. You carry his last name, but you do not have his cruel heart. Narcissa saw to that in her own way.”

“Help me change, Gin. I don't want to keep going like this. I want to handle things differently when it comes to you. I don't want to lose you.”

“You are my heart, Drake. You're not going to lose me.”

“I would have gone crazy if those men had hurt you.”

“I know, babe, but they didn't and I'm here with you now. There's no other place I'd rather be.”

“I love you, Gin, with all of my heart.”

“I know you do and that is why I'm here. It's all I want, to be close to you.”

He held her close to him and thanked Merlin she was okay and safe in his arms. He caressed her hair softly until she fell asleep. He was awake for hours, thinking about his life since he was a spoiled child to the time he started school and his arrogant attitude towards others he had considered less than him. Funny how life seemed to kick you in the balls when you least expected it. Those same people he had loved tormenting he now considered family and he would do anything to protect them.

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A/N: My apologies for the delay in posting this chapter, but life has a way of intruding sometimes. My muse went on vacation, plus I was pretty sick and didn't have the energy to write. I guess I should also let you know that I'm getting ready to start a second job, which will leave me even less time to write. However, I will try my best.

This story only has a couple of more chapters ahead. It has been so much fun writing it, but I have to work with new plot bunnies that have been jumping for my attention for a while. I hope you enjoy this chapter, since it is mostly Harry and Hermione as some of you requested. As always, thanks so very much for the reviews, since they are wonderful to read. I appreciate the time each of you take to drop me a quick note. Enjoy.

MATCHMAKERS TO THE RESCUE

CHAPTER TEN

Harry slowly came awake when he felt Hermione trashing about on the bed, murmuring incoherently. If he was to judge by the look on her face, she was having a nightmare. He tried to shake her gently awake, but she was struggling against him. She pushed him away with all of her might, and before he could react, he was sprawled naked on the floor next to the bed. He swore as he fell hard on his arse.

Hermione finally woke up and called out his name. He sat up rubbing the back of his head.

“I'm here, Mione.”

Hermione's head peaked over the side of the bed, her hair mussed and confusion marring her features. “What are you doing down there?”

“You know, love, if you don't want me to sleep in our bed anymore, simply say so. My arse hurts I fell so hard on it,” he said as he got up and rubbed said part.

“What do you mean?”

“You were having a nightmare and you pushed me off the bed.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “I did?”

“Yes, you did.”

“I didn't mean to.”

“My arse would say otherwise,” he grumbled.

“Let me see,” she said motioning for him to turn around. He did as she asked and she smiled.

“I'm probably going to have bruised arse cheeks now. I won't be able to sit down for days,” he said feeling no shame that he was milking the situation to his advantage.

“Oh, poor baby, come here and mummy will make it better,” she told him as she put her hands on his waist and pulled him back towards her. Before he knew what was happening, she kissed him. “Is that better?”

He was so surprised that she had kissed his arse cheek that it took him a moment to react. “The other one hurts, too,” he finally said.

So she kissed his other arse cheek and he loved every minute of it. However, he wanted to know what her nightmare was all about, so he ignored how much he wanted her then.

“Mione,” he said in a choked voice.

“Yes, darling?”

“You really need to stop kissing my arse now.”

His comment made her giggle. “Why? You have such a lovely arse.”

Her turned around and smiled at her. But it didn't take him long to realize his mistake. Turning around put his already stirring member in direct contact of her face and she smiled knowingly at him.

“Oh, I get it now. You want kisses on a different part of your body.”

Before she could reach for him, he stepped away from her and sat on the bed against the headboard, gathering her close to his chest.

“Enough of that now. I want to talk to you.”

She snuggled against him and brought the blanket up to cover them. “About what, darling?”

“The nightmare you were just having. You were thrashing about and you seemed very upset.”

Hermione closed her eyes and tried to recall her nightmare. It had been about the attack, only her powers had failed her and the men had gotten too close to them for comfort. She told him as much.

“It was so scary, Harry. I was not able to defend my friends or myself. Luna and Ginny were waiting for me to do something, as if I was their leader or something, but I was vulnerable.”

“I don't think it's possible for you to lose your powers, love.”

“But what if it does happen? What if these new powers we have faded with time?”

“Even if that happens you still have your original powers, Hermione. You were a powerful witch before this happened and you know it. There aren't many witches or wizards today that can top you.”

She gave a deep sigh. “I'm just glad it's over and those men were arrested. I cannot imagine what it was like for those women before us. I don't think I fully appreciated our new powers until last night. You won't hear me complaining about them ever again.”

“I'm grateful as well. I swear I would have killed them if they had gone through with their plans.”

“Oh, sweetheart, don't talk like that, please. If you had done something like that, you would have gone to Azkaban and where would that leave me? Us? I wouldn't have let you hurt them any more than was necessary. Now that we're finally together, I wouldn't let anyone get in the way of our happiness.”

“I guess you're right, love. I'm just upset that you had to go through that.”

“I'm awake now and the dream is over. Let's not talk about it anymore,” she suggested snuggling closer to him.

He dropped a kiss on top of her head. “You see now why I didn't want to leave you alone? I knew something like this could happen. I wouldn't be surprised if Luna and Ginny had similar dreams.”

“It was just a nightmare, Harry. I'm okay now,” she was quick to reassure him.

“If anyone knows about nightmares it's me, love. I've been having them for years and you know it's no fun. You've been there for most of it and now it's my turn to repay your kindness.”

“I did it out of friendship and love,” she said as she kissed his chest.

“Just like I'm doing now. Are you sure you're okay?”

“I'm fine, love. It was a bad dream, but it is over and I'm in your arms. Do you want to go into the office and work on some of the changes we're going to make?”

“It's the weekend, Mione. I want to spend it with you. I haven't seen you in two weeks and I would rather enjoy the weekend at your side. Maybe we can spend the day walking around London, doing the tourist thing.”

“That sounds lovely. Let's take a shower and have breakfast somewhere close to the river. We haven't been there in a while.”

“I already had something else in mind for breakfast,” he told her as he dropped a kiss on her lips.

“Oh? What would that be?”

“You!” he said simply and proceeded to kiss her.

It was a while before they made it to the bathroom and out the door.

XOXOX

By late afternoon, they were sitting on a bench, facing the river and talking quietly. They had spent the day walking all over London, stopping wherever struck their fancy, eating at cafés and just enjoying each other's company.

“Mione?”

“Yes, love?”

“There's something I want to talk to you about,” he said seriously.

She tilted her head to look at him. “Is something the matter?”

“Not really. But I want to talk about the future.”

“Work wise?” she asked teasingly making him smile.

“No. I want to talk about our future. Where do you see us a few years from now?” he asked sitting sideways so he was facing her.

She placed her hand on his thigh and smiled at him. “I see myself with you, maybe a baby, still working at the Ministry, and basically feeling happy and complete.”

“You really want to have my baby?”

“Of course, silly. But I would like more than one. We both grew up without siblings and it was no fun. Your cousin Dudley does not count. I would like to have at least two.”

“I'm glad you feel that way.”

“How about you? Where do you see yourself?”

“I see myself with you. Married to you and helping you raise our kids. Making a difference through my work at the Ministry and having regular visits with our friends and their kids. It's going to be fun.”

“How many years before all of that happens?” she asked curiously.

“That depends on you.”

“Why on me? Shouldn't we make that decision together?”

“I'm ready when you are, love. I'm sure about my feelings and I know I want to spend the rest of my life at your side. I know we haven't been together that long, but when you add to that everything we've been through I don't see much need to wait.”

She took a shaky breath and looked at him. “Is this about last night?”

“Last night made me realize that life is too short and you have to enjoy every moment to the fullest. The thought of having something bad happen to you drove me crazy. I know better than anyone that life has no guarantees and I'm not taking any more chances when it comes to our happiness.”

“What are you saying Harry?”

“I'm saying I want to marry you, Hermione Jane.”

Before she could react to his words or say anything, he dropped on his knee and took a black velvet box out of his pocket. He flipped it open and she gasped when she saw the ring nestled inside of it. It was a platinum band with a square cut diamond in the middle. The diamond was set between two sapphires.

People and couples walking by actually stopped to look at the young couple. They were all smiling and whispering amongst themselves, knowing they were witnessing something special.

“Oh, Harry,” she whispered as tears pooled in her eyes.

“Will you marry me, Mione?”

“Oh, Harry, of course I'll marry you! Nothing would make me happier than to be your wife.”

Harry took the ring out of the box and placed it on her ring finger. She couldn't help noticing it was a perfect fit. “I love you with all of my heart, Mione, and I plan on spending the rest of my life showing you just how much.”

“And I love you, Harry James.”

She grabbed his head between her hands and kissed him as their tears mingled together. Those standing around them started clapping and some were even drying their own tears discretely. Hermione leaned back and laughed when she saw the crowd that was watching them. Harry sat back down and smiled sheepishly.

“Doesn't seem to matter where we go, darling, but we always manage to call attention to ourselves,” Hermione commented as the group of curious people started dispersing.

“I don't care as long as I'm with you.”

“I love the ring, Harry. Where did you find it? And when?”

“I bought it last week when I was in Paris. I walked by this jewelry store and saw it on display at the window. I bought it that afternoon with the intention of proposing a few months from now, but I guess it wasn't meant to be that way.”

“Why did you want to wait?”

“Because I figured you would think it'd be too soon to get married, since we haven't been together for long. Last night changed my priorities a bit and made me realize some things.”

“I wouldn't have said no, just so you know,” she assured him.

He smiled at her. “That's good to know. We don't have to get married right away, Mione, but I wanted to make sure you knew how serious I am about us spending the rest of our lives together.”

“I'm ready when you are, love. You are my one true love and being your wife is just icing on the cake for me.”

“Then we can plan the wedding?”

“As long as it's not too big of an event. I want something private, with just family and close friends there.”

“Not that I don't agree, but why?”

She took a deep breath at his question. “Harry, we have been living our lives in the spotlight since we were eleven. You more than me, but all the same. This is our wedding and I don't want the wizarding world going crazy because of it. We wouldn't have a minute of peace and you know it.”

“How about we plan it without anyone knowing? We can invite everyone to the house with the pretence of having dinner and when everyone is there, we tell them they're there for our wedding,” he suggested with a smile.

“That's a great plan,” she exclaimed excitedly. “I love it!”

“Seriously? I didn't think you'd go for that. I figured you'd at least want Ginny and Luna to help you plan for it.”

“As much as I would love to have them involved, I'd rather do as you suggested. We can have the wedding and then Luna can break the news through The Quibbler.”

“She'd love nothing more than to one-up The Prophet once again.”

“Are we really going to do this?” she asked him with wonder in her eyes.

He smiled knowingly at her. “Yes, Mione, we're really going to do this. When do you want to start planning and when do you want to get married?”

“Let's get things settled at work on Monday and then we can decide on the date. Do you think Minerva would be willing to marry us?”

“I think she would be more than happy to do so,” Harry assured her.

XOXOX

A few weeks later…

“I know you're up to something,” Luna said unexpectedly to Hermione.

They were having lunch in Luna's office since they had not seen much of the other since the almost attack. Hermione took a sip of her water before answering.

“I have no idea what you're talking about, Luna.”

“If you can say that again while looking at me in the eyes, maybe I'll believe you,” Luna told her with a smile.

Hermione tried to do just that, but looked away at the last second. Luna smiled knowingly. “I really hate that you're a seer some times, and now would be one of them.”

“It's okay if you don't want to tell me what's going on. I just wanted you to know I know something is,” Luna said audaciously.

“It's nothing bad.”

“Oh, I know that. You've been really happy lately and it shows.”

“Harry makes me very happy. These past few weeks have been nothing short of wonderful.”

“You make him deliriously happy as well. Ronald tells me all he does is talk about you and how much he loves being with you. He's driving Ronald and Draco crazy.”

Hermione's smile grew at her friend's words. “Who would have thought it, right?”

“It didn't happen sooner because you are both so stubborn it's not even funny. You could have been together back in school. I think it started way back then.”

“I've always loved my boys, but I didn't think I would love Harry as much as I do now. No offence, but I never loved Ron the same way I do Harry.”

“None taken. Besides, you weren't supposed to be with my Ronald. Your destiny was to love and be loved by Harry. Many good things will come of your union.”

“What else do you see in our future, if you don't mind me asking?” Hermione asked curiously.

“A lifetime of happiness, three beautiful children, a house in the country and lots of success at work. You will grow old together and live to see your great-grandchildren.”

Hermione was surprised Luna knew so much about her future with Harry, and what she was telling her was all wonderful. “It sounds too good to be true.”

“Oh, there will be problems and trials, just like in any marriage, but your love will see you through those times and it will only grow stronger because of it. You have nothing to fear, my dear friend. Your future is bright and promising. The years of war and uncertainty are behind all of us now.”

“How many kids are you and Ron having?”

“Five.”

Hermione choked on her water. “Five?”

“Yes. And my third child is going to fall in love with your daughter,” Luna informed her kindly.

Hermione raised her eyebrows at the revelation. “Merlin, I can see Harry and Ron battling over that one now!”

“Oh, it gets better. Your oldest son, the one you already saw, is going to be in love with Ginny and Draco's daughter. That relationship is the one that will give them a coronary. Harry and Draco will end up as in-laws!”

Hermione burst out laughing at that. “Oh, that is going to be priceless. Thank Merlin we have a few years before all of that happens.”

“Our families will finally be related by blood, and not only by love.”

“Are we really going to be that happy, Luna?”

“Yes, Mione, we are. We already paid a high price for our lives during the war. We have all suffered and cried more than any human being should ever have to. Our futures will hold mostly happiness. Life has a way of fixing its wrongs.”

“I can't wait!”

“When is the wedding?” At Hermione's look of shock, Luna pointed towards her ring finger. “I know you're hiding the engagement ring with a charm, but I can tell it's there.”

“You're really scary sometimes, you know that, right?”

“So I've been told a few times, but you are changing the subject. Can I see it?” Luna insisted.

Hermione sighed and removed the charm hiding her ring. Luna smiled when she saw it. She took Hermione's hand in hers and admired the ring for a moment.

“Our Harry does have good taste. Are you sure you don't need help planning the wedding? Ginny and I would never say anything to anybody.”

Hermione knew when she was defeated. “It's not that we don't want the help. We just want a very private affair, with only family and close friends present. I don't want the news to be leaked to the press. You know they would hound us to death if they find out. Everything is basically set already; we just need to find a date that everyone can attend.”

“Are you having it at your flat?”

“Yes, and McGonagall has already agreed to perform the ceremony. After it's all said and done, we want you to be the one to break the news to the wizarding community.”

“I'll make sure to bring a trusted reporter and photographer with me,” Luna assured her.

“Actually, we want you to write the story,” Hermione informed her.

Luna smiled at her. “Oh, Mione, I would be honored to do so. Can we tell Ginny?”

Hermione nodded in defeat. So much for having a surprise wedding, she thought smiling. Luna went to the fireplace and contacted Ginny. A few minutes later she apparated into the office and the first thing she noticed was Hermione's ring. After much squealing, they got down to business.

XOXOX

“Harry?” Hermione called when she got home.

“I'm in the kitchen, love,” he called out.

She walked in that direction and found him making dinner. “You know your cooking skills are one of the reasons I'm marrying you, right?” Hermione asked as she walked up to him and kissed him.

“Are there other reasons?” he asked as he nuzzled her neck.

“You also have a great arse!”

Harry couldn't help but laugh at her. “I'm glad you like it, Miss Granger.”

“And I love you.”

“Me, too. Why don't you go take a quick shower? Dinner should be ready by the time you're done.”

“Sounds like a plan. I also need to talk to you about something.”

“Everything alright?” he asked with concern.

“Everything is wonderful, love.”

Hermione kissed him again and then left the kitchen. Thirty minutes later, she was back and decided to set the table while Harry served their plates. They sat down and talked about their day for a while before Harry finally asked her what she had wanted to talk about.

“Well, you now how we wanted to plan the wedding ourselves and surprise everyone with it?”

“Yes. Is that not the case anymore?”

“Nope. We forgot that one of our best friends is a seer,” Hermione explained with a smile. “I had lunch with Luna today and she knew all about it.”

“I'll be damned. Ron better walk on the straight and narrow the rest of his life or she will hang his arse.”

“She sure will! Anyways, she knows, and so does Ginny. Luna insisted we tell her and we did. They have basically taken over and the wedding will still happen here, but they will take care of everything and keep it under wraps until that day.”

“Do Draco and Ron know as well?”

“I asked them not to tell them and to leave that decision up to you.”

“I guess I better tell them then, otherwise all hell will break lose. Ron has a temper and Draco is a prat.”

“And you love them both, so stop pretending!” Hermione said with a laugh.

He smiled sheepishly. “You're absolutely right, love. I will call them and tell them tomorrow. So much for keeping this quiet, eh, love?” he asked while caressing the back of her hand.

“We should have known better.”

“Are you upset it didn't go as planned?”

“Oh, not at all. I'm actually happy to be sharing this time in my life with my friends. I can't wait to marry you,” she finished softly.

Harry's heart melted at her words. “I'm the luckiest wizard in the world.”

He leaned over and kissed her. It was not long before she was laying on the counter top with Harry between her legs, making sweet love to her.

-->

A/N: First of all, Happy Valentine's day to all of those romantics out there. As my gift to you, here's the last chapter of Matchmaker's. Finally, I know! I hope you like it and enjoy it. I know I did. To make up for the long absence, I made this one a little hot. To all of those that stuck by me during all this time, my heart felt appreciation and thanks. Elysium, I hope you like it. Until the next time…

CHAPTER ELEVEN

With the help of Luna and Ginny, the wedding took place in no time. In attendance were the Weasley's and their respective families, Hermione's parents, Lupin and Tonks, a few classmates and a few close friends from their respective jobs. Once Molly had found out a few days prior, she decided she would take care of the food, and knowing what a great cook she was, Harry and Hermione were more than happy to accept her offer. Minerva was thrilled to officiate the wedding and she was all smiles during the ceremony.

Hermione looked radiant in a simple ivory gown she had bought in London. Her mother had been with her and they had made a day of it. They had their hair done as well as pedicures and manicures. They also had dinner at a chic restaurant and enjoyed a stroll around the city. Ginny and Luna had come along as well and had enjoyed the experience immensely. Especially the massage chairs while they had their pedicures done. As much as they loved the convenience of magic, they were learning to enjoy Muggle society and its perks as well.

Harry had opted for a simple black suit, and his dress shirt and tie matched Hermione's dress perfectly. Ron and Luna stood next to them as Minerva performed the simple, yet loving ceremony. After she declared them married, Luna took the opportunity to take lots of pictures for an album she was planning on giving them as her gift. A couple of the pictures would also accompany the article she had already started writing for the Quibbler. So far she had refused to let them read it, saying it would spoil her surprise and had promised it would be ready the day after the wedding.

Harry had planned the honeymoon in secret as well, since he didn't want anybody to know were they were going. He'd planned a two week getaway with the help of Lupin and Minerva and the place was unplottable as well as far away. The last thing he wanted was to be hounded by bloody reporters during their honeymoon. Hermione, although curious as to where they were going, was grateful for the precautions he had taken. It would assure their time together would be stress free.

After more pictures, they all sat down to enjoy Molly's cooking and then the cake was served. After everyone had their fill, Ron got up and everyone turned their attention to him. He smiled at them and then looked at Harry and Hermione.

“It is my sworn duty as best man to say a few loving words about the bride and groom. Instead, I'm going to tell you a story that began many years ago and has finally turned a new chapter today. Luna and Colin were vital in helping with this, as well as most of our classmates here today. Sit back and enjoy the show.”

The lights were magically dimmed and a square spotlight suddenly appeared on the wall. Hermione and Harry looked at each other in understanding, while their guest looked puzzled at one another. Soft music started playing and the first picture appeared against the wall. It was of Harry and Hermione during their first year. Hermione took one look at her previously bushy hair and buck teeth and groaned, covering her face with her hands. Harry chuckled at her side and lowered her hands.

“You were beautiful to me even then,” he whispered in her ear and dropped a quick kiss on her cheek.

“Thank you, love.”

The pictures continued passing as Ron gave a short description of each. Luna took over once the pictures of their fifth year started displaying. Hermione was amazed at how many pictures there were. She'd known about Colin's addiction to photography, but a lot of the pictures she had never even seen. It only served to confirm what their friends had been telling them all along, they were meant to be together. Quite a few of the pictures showed them sitting close together, speaking quietly with each other, walking closer than was usual for friends, some had Harry's hand on the small of her back, some had her sitting next to him with her head laying on his shoulder.

As the years progressed, and they were out of school, the attraction was even more noticeable. There was a lot of hand holding, hugs and pecks on the cheek. They were surprised at how many of the pictures had her sitting on Harry's lap, standing between his legs while he was sitting down on a stool, or in some sort of physical contact. There were even some pictures of them kissing lightly on the lips during birthdays or Christmas celebrations. They'd had no idea so many pictures of them had been taken over the years. And it only served to confirm how blind they had been to not notice how long they had loved each other as more than friends. Some pictures were stills, and others were in motion.

By the time the show was over and the lights came back up, Hermione had tear stains down her cheeks. Harry immediately set to drying them away with kisses and loving words. More than one of their guest were dabbing at their own tears as well.

Hermione got up and went to hug Ron and Luna and kissed both of their cheeks. “I can't tell you how grateful I am at this point,” she told them in a broken voice.

“We wanted to do something to show you just how right you and Harry are together. And as our gift to you, we also made an album with all of those pictures so you can keep the memories forever.” Luna turned around and grabbed said album from the side of her chair and handed it to Hermione. By then, Harry had joined them and had put his arm around Hermione's waist.

“Oh, Luna, this is the most precious gift ever. Thank you so much.”

Ron handed Harry another album, but it was empty and they looked questioningly at him. “Today marks a new beginning in your lives and you'll need a new album to fill.”

“You are amazing friends and we love you both with all of our hearts,” Hermione said as a few fresh tears fell down her face.

“Aww, `Mione, there's no crying. It's supposed to be a happy time for all of us,” Ron said as he wiped the tears away.

“They are happy tears, Ron. There is so much happiness inside of my heart right now that I can't help it.”

“Were did you get so many pictures of us together?” Harry asked unable to hide his curiosity any longer.

“Colin had most of them. Seems he followed us around more than we had thought. The rest came from our friends. Since there are so many pictures, Colin and Luna are working on putting together some sort of book they are planning to give to each of us. I've seen some of it and it looks bloody brilliant,” Ron told him.

“Thank you, sweets. The book should be ready by the time you come back from your honeymoon. We're having a blast working with it. I just happened to contact Colin to see what kinds of pictures he had of you and I was amazed at how many there were of all of us. That's when we came with the idea for the book,” Luna explained.

“That will be a book to treasure,” Hermione said smiling.

“Isn't it time you two took off?” Ron asked them smiling knowingly. “We can clean up after everyone is gone so you don't have to worry about it.”

“I'm ready when you are, love,” Harry said while winking at Hermione.

“Let me go upstairs and change. Follow me in ten minutes and we can Apparate from our room. No one will notice that way.”

“Deal.”

Hermione kissed Ron and Luna one more time and then went over to say goodbye to her mother. After talking to her for a moment, she went over to Ginny and whispered something in her ear. Ginny smiled and got up from her chair and followed Hermione to her room. Harry watched the exchange with curiosity, but said nothing. Luna also had a knowing smile on her face and turned around to follow them once they had looked her way. Harry had to smile. If the three of them were in on it, he had a feeling he was in for an amazing honeymoon. Those three were something to reckon with when they put their minds together.

XOXOX

Ron and Harry walked over to Draco when he beckoned them to him. They followed him into the kitchen and he made sure they were alone before pulling out a bottle from the inside of his suit jacket. He handed the bottle to Harry, who looked at it suspiciously.

“What is it?” he finally asked.

“It's a stamina potion.”

“What would he need that for? He's Super Wizard right now,” Ron reminded them.

Harry shot him a murderous look that Ron ignored while chuckling at his own joke.

“Be that as it may, I happened to hear a few conversations between our significant others and what Mrs. Potter has in store for you might need the help of this potion, new powers or not,” Draco explained. “Can't have you giving us males a bad name if you find yourself unable to perform as expected.”

“Really funny, Draco.”

“Suit yourself then, but don't say you weren't forewarned.”

“What exactly did you hear?” Harry finally asked.

“You know all those times they were planning the wedding? Well, they were doing that, but they also did a lot of research about sexual positions and pleasure points. They had books and magazines, Wizard and Muggle alike, and went over them making notes and discussing the techniques. I'm telling you, man, you're in for a surprise.”

“Bloody hell, that explains why Luna has been so amorous lately,” Ron said with a silly smile. “I was wondering about it, but since I was having so much fun, I didn't think to ask.”

“Of course you wouldn't!” Harry smirked. He turned to Draco as he pocketed the potion. “Has Ginny been acting different with you as well?”

“Oh, yeah!” Draco said with an even sillier grin. Now it was Ron's turn to shoot Draco a murderous look, which he ignored completely, of course. “Let's just say I have a supply of those potions on my nightstand since then.”

Harry's eyes widened at his words. Then his eyes seemed to glaze over for a moment.

“Love?”

“Yes, darling?”

“Aren't you coming up? I'm ready to leave when you are and you still need to change.”

“I'm talking to Ron and Draco in the kitchen, but I will be up in a second.”

“Okay.”

His eyes focused on his friends again. “Hermione is ready, so I have to go.” He hugged each of his friends and then turned to leave. “Thanks for the potion, Draco. I'm sure it will come in handy.”

“Have fun, mate,” Ron said as Harry walked out of the kitchen. He turned to Draco after Harry was gone and smiled. “Got any more of those potions?”

“Of course I do, Weasel. I figured you'd need one as well!” Draco said and handed Ron a bottle.

XOXOX

“Sorry about that, love. I'll just change quickly and then we can go,” Harry said as he walked into the room and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

Hermione had already laid his jeans and polo shirt out for him as well as his trainers. She was wearing a similar outfit. The two small bags they were taking were on the bed as well.

“The bags are already packed, darling. I'll help you change,” she offered as she came over to him.

She unbuttoned his suit jacket and took if off. After placing it carefully on the bed, she started loosening his tie. After unknotting it, she left it hanging lose and started on the buttons. Harry watched the entire thing with a smile on his face. There was just something erotic about his new wife taking off his clothing little by little. Especially with that smile on her face.

She undid the top button and leaned over to place a kiss on his exposed skin. She continued doing so as she went down. Harry's impulse was to throw her on the bed and ravish her, but waited to see how far she was willing to go. Once she reached the waistband of his trousers, she pulled the shirt out and finished the buttons quickly. Instead of taking his shirt off, she started unbuckling his belt. Harry's breath was getting more and more difficult to control at that point.

“If you keep this up, we're not going anywhere for a while, just so you know,” he warned with a bit of a growl.

“Don't be silly, darling, we're going to leave in a few minutes. I'm just helping you along.”

“You're not helping at all and you know it! If I do it on my own, I could be faster and then we can leave so I can make love to you!”

“Tsk, tsk, we mustn't be so impatient,” she said as she undid the button on his trousers and started lowering his zipper down. She did so making sure that her knuckles rubbed against his growing erection. “My, Mr. Potter-Granger, are you happy to see me?”

Harry was so far gone at that point he didn't even laugh at her use of their last names. Hermione didn't wait for a reply and simply kneeled down in front of him. This, of course, only caused him to harden even more. She ran her hands softly down his leg until she reached his foot.

“Lift,” she said and took off his shoe and then his sock.

She repeated her actions with his other foot and then looked up at him. Harry was looking down at her with so much longing and desire in his eyes that it almost undid her resolve.

Almost.

“We're almost done, darling. I'm just going to pull this down and you can take off your shirt.”

“Okay.”

Harry, innocent and whipped man that he was, started doing as she had asked. He took his eyes off of her for just a moment and she took advantage of that immediately. As she lowered his pants, she, accidentally of course, lowered his boxers as well. His erection sprung free and almost hit her in the face, which made her chuckle.

“Playful little buddy you have here,” she said as her hands cupped him.

“The word little and a man's bits should never go together in the same sentence, love,” Harry reminded her.

“I'm sorry, darling; I won't make that mistake again. After all, there is nothing little about you at all!” she said as her tongue darted out and liked him.

He groaned as she sucked on the tip, while running her tongue around him. “'Mione, you really need to stop or we are not leaving at all. Screw the honeymoon,” Harry threatened.

She stopped and stood up. “I'd rather screw you, lover. Don't bother changing, just go ahead and Apparate us to where we are going and make sure we land in the bedroom. I have plans for you,” she purred.

She took one bag and handed it to him and then grabbed the other. She then hugged him close and licked his lips. “Go ahead, Apparate us.”

Harry looked at her in disbelieve. The last thought to shoot through his head before he Apparated them away was that Draco had been right and he would need every bit of that potion before the two weeks were out.

XOXOX

They Apparated into a room that was prepared for romance. Hermione quickly looked around and smiled in appreciation. The room was a dream and she was sure she'd enjoy their stay, but there were more pressing things she needed to take care of first.

Harry threw his bag on the floor the minute they arrived and hugged Hermione closed to him while lowering his head to kiss her hungrily. Hermione finished undressing him and pushed him towards the bed. When the back of his legs reached the mattress, she pushed him back gently until he was sitting down. They broke the kiss then.

“I know the time you took to make sure this room was beautiful for me, and I promise to look later, but now I can't wait to have you and make you mine,” she said as she pushed him back to lay on the mattress.

As he scooted over to the center of the huge bed, Hermione started undressing while never taking her eyes off of him. She left on her see-thru bra and a tiny pair of lace thongs. Harry swallowed hard when he saw her. She lifted on hand and his suddenly shot up to the corner of the bed as if tied by an invisible rope. She moved her hand again and the same thing happened to his other arm. Next were his legs.

“What are you doing?” he asked unable to keep the surprise from his voice.

“I'm going to feast on you, my dear husband,” she informed him saucily as she walked over to the bed.

Harry knew he could probably break the bonds easily if he tried, but this seemed to turn her on even more and he was all for that. “Is that so?”

“Mmm hmm.”

“And I'm supposed to just lay here and take it?”

“No. You're supposed to lay there and enjoy it!”

She winked at him before lowering her head and taking him into her mouth again. After playing with him for a while, she kneeled between his legs, facing away from him. His eyes widened at the view of her delectable arse, so close and yet so far and out of his reach. Before he could lament that any more, his wife started kissing him from his feet up to his knees, her nails running up his leg as she did so. Once she reached his knees, she moved her body backwards, tantalizingly closer to Harry's face.

She kissed and bit his thighs softly all the while moving closer to him, but just as she was within his reach, she moved away from him. She started kissing his neck, his chest, licking his nipples. One of her hands began massaging him softly, moving back and forth and driving him crazy.

“This isn't fair, woman!”

Hermione chuckled and kissed him. Harry kissed her back with a hunger that was born out of desperation. She sucked on his tongue making him wild with need. She broke the kiss and he moaned his displeasure. Hermione ignored the protests and continued teasing him for a while, until Harry was practically begin her to stop the madness and let him lose.

“Not yet. Are you ready for me?”

“I've been ready for ages,” he spit in frustration.

“Then you shall have me, but my way.”

Hermione sat on his lap and rubbed against him, letting him feel just how wet she had gotten during her playtime. She reached between them and pulled her thong to the side. With her other hand, she guided him to her entrance and lower her body unto his. Slowly and torturously. Inch by inch until he was buried deep into her. She moaned her pleasure as her nails ran over his chest softly.

“You feel so good inside of me, darling, I don't want to stop all night. I want to love you until the sun comes up,” she whispered as she started rocking back and forth, prolonging his pleasure.

“Let me lose, Hermione. I need to touch you.”

She smiled coquettishly at him. “You've been lose for the past five minutes, my love. You just didn't notice.”

Harry finally snapped and with a guttural growl grabbed her by the waist and turned them around so he was on top of her. He started pounding into her like a mad man and she encouraged him with her shouts and moans. The lights started flickering and the candles went out. Hermione could even feel the bed shaking with the untamed magic that was being unleashed in the room. When they finally came together it was like an explosion. Their release lasted longer than ever before and they didn't faint by sheer luck.

Minutes passed without either one of them moving. Harry finally moved just enough to take most of his weight off of Hermione, and she moved to cuddle closer to him. Their breathing slowed down to normal, as well as their heartbeats. Both were covered in sweat and Hermione waved her hand lacily to do a quick cleaning charm over them and a cooling charm on the room.

“That was, without a doubt, the best shag of my life and you're still wearing your underwear,” Harry finally said breaking the silence.

Hermione smiled at his word. “It was rather fantastic, wasn't it?”

“Why did you tie me?” Harry asked unable to contain his curiosity any longer.

“Because I wanted to feel control over you,” she whispered a bit ashamed of herself.

“Darling, you've had control over me for years now! You didn't need to do that to prove it.”

“I didn't feel like that. On the contrary, it always feels like you have complete control over me.”

“Is that so?”

“You know it is! I'm putty in your hands and you know it.”

“I can say the same thing.”

She smiled at him. “I guess we do belong together. Now that we're married our bond seems to have intensified. Our magic feels stronger. I was able to do things without putting any effort into them, lazily even.”

“Luna did warn us we would notice it more in our private life.”

“Did you really mind being tied? I won't do it again, I promise.”

Harry cupped her chin and made her look at him. “I love everything we do together. I love being with you, talking to you and making love with you. If this is a preview of what our married life is going to be like, I want to live to be a hundred! This is one of the happiest days of my life and you're the reason for it. I love you, Hermione, with all of my heart.”

“Oh, Harry, when you talk like that you make my heart melt.”

“I'm only speaking from the heart, love. I have accomplished many important things in my life, but becoming your husband today tops them all. If my parents could see me now, they'd be brimming with pride.”

Hermione's eyes watered at his words. “Do you really love me that much?”

“I didn't know what love was until you came into my life. My heart, body, and soul belong to you. I would go as far as saying that my love for you will be eternal.”

“Oh, Harry, I feel the same. I have loved you for so long that I don't know why I didn't do something about it earlier. Looking at those pictures today, I couldn't believe how oblivious we were all these years. I mean, we were practically all over each other all the time. No wonder they tricked us into going to the resort. We were probably driving our friends mad!”

Harry laughed at her words. “I guess you're right. We should go back to the resort a few months from now, on the anniversary of our trip. Maybe Ron and Luna will be married by then. Or Ginny and Draco could surprise us.”

“I really hope our kids are all around the same age so they can go to Hogwarts together. Wouldn't it be nice?”

“The headmaster probably won't think so, but I would love it as well.”

“Harry, how long do you want to wait to have a baby?” Hermione asked after a few minutes of silence.

“I'm leaving that decision up to you. You're the one that has to carry the baby, love. Whenever you're ready will be good enough for me.”

“That's good to know.”

“Why, is there something you need to tell me?” he asked raising his eyebrows.

“Not yet, but maybe soon. I don't think I want to use to contraceptive charms anymore.”

“You do realize that if we stop using them you could end up pregnant right away, right?”

“Yes.”

“And you think you're ready?”

“I think we're ready, Harry. Don't you? Besides, I want to be a young parent to enjoy their lives to the fullest.”

“Darling, there is nothing I would love more than to father your children. I'm ready when you are.”

“So it's okay if I don't use the charm anymore?”

“Yes, love, it's okay. Just know that nine months from now we're going to be having our first baby. Our magic is too strong now and you will get pregnant the minute we make love without the charm.”

“I can handle that as long as you're by my side.”

“I plan to be by your side for the rest of my life, Hermione Jane. There's no other place I'd rather be. I love you.”

“And I love you, Harry James, more so everyday.”

“Let's make a baby, love.”

“Yeah, we're going to need lots of practice. No time like the present to start I say!”

“Yeah, I think you need a taste of your own medicine. I get hard just thinking about you, tied to the bed, and completely exposed to me.”

“Is that so, lover?”

Before Hermione could react, he had her in the same position he had been not an hour ago. His eyes roamed hungrily over her body and she winked at him.

“This is definitely appealing,” he said as his eyes met hers.

“Come and get me, lover boy. I'm at your mercy.”

XOXOX

The morning sun was just beginning to rise when Harry and Hermione were cuddled once more, sated, sleepy and happier than they'd ever been.

“Five times? Is that some sort of record?” she asked, still awed.

“Remind me to buy Draco a really huge present. And to ask for more of that potion.”

“Can we sleep for a bit now, though? If I come one more time I will pass out.”

“That makes two of us.”

She lay with her head on his chest and her arm around his waist. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, `Mione. Sleep tight, sweetheart.”

“You, too, love.”

They fell asleep with a smile on their faces and the security in their hearts that they had found their true love. Their hearts were bonded for life. And soon that happiness would double with the birth of their son. For Harry Potter and Hermione Granger's dreams had finally become a reality.

The end.

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