Chapter 29 - April in Paris
Hermione looked out onto the balcony of her sixth floor suite at the Ritz, taking in the view of the Eiffel tower, the Sacre Coeur and the roofs of the Opera Garnier. She was in Paris for a Wizarding conference and it had just ended.
It was now April and her divorce from Ron had been final for a couple of weeks. Harry's divorce had not been finalized yet, but was due very soon. Hermione couldn't wait for their future to officially begin.
She and Harry had spent the past few months easing their children into the idea of their relationship. Rose and James already knew something was going on but it was the younger children that proved to be a challenge. Hermione remembered when she sat her youngest down for a chat.
"Hugo? I'd like to talk with you."
"Did I do something wrong, Mum?"
"Oh, no sweetie. Nothing at all. I just would like to talk to you about something important."
"What is it?"
Hermione took a deep breath. "Well, it's about your Uncle Harry and me."
Hugo looked up at her with his big blue eyes - he had his father's eyes.
"Uncle Harry and I are together now. We're in love with each other."
"In love? Does that mean that Uncle Harry will be my new dad?"
Hermione sighed. "Hugo, remember that no matter what happens your dad is always going to be your dad. Harry isn't replacing him."
"But if you and Uncle Harry get married, do I still call him Uncle or Dad?"
"I think you can call him whatever you like. But Harry and I aren't engaged. We're taking this one step at a time."
Hugo just looked at his mother, his face impassive.
"Hugo, how do you feel about this? I know the last few months haven't been easy on you."
"Well, sometimes I wish you and dad didn't have to get divorced. I miss having both of you in the same house when I'm home. But I also remember some of the fights you had and I don't miss them."
"Neither do I." Hermione agreed.
"You and dad seem to get on better now that you're not living together. You seem like friends."
"You are right, we are friends. We've been friends since we were kids. Your dad and I make much better friends than husband and wife."
"And Uncle Harry makes you happy?" Hugo asked.
"Yes, he does." Hermione smiled.
"Well, if he makes you happy, then I'm okay with it. I'm glad it's him, because he's someone I already know. He's not a stranger."
Hermione remembered that conversation she had with Hugo before he went back to school. Since Christmas, she and Harry started to behave outwardly more like a couple but there was still one line they had not crossed. She wanted to wait until their divorces were final before they slept together.
Even if nobody else knew, she still didn't want to share a bed with Harry until she was officially no longer Mrs. Ronald Weasley. Harry reluctantly went along with her plan, although he occasionally tried to sweet talk her into going farther than she intended when they kissed goodnight.
Hermione's thoughts were interrupted when a snowy white owl landed on her balcony with a note attached to her leg. It was Hedwig II, Harry's owl. Hermione pulled the note off of her leg and opened it.
Hermione-
Hope your conference was a success. I have great news - my divorce from Ginny was finalized this morning, a couple of weeks early!
I would love to fly to Paris to see you - I could drop Lily off at The Burrow. Perhaps you could stay an extra couple of days and we can enjoy a romantic weekend?
Love,
Harry
Hermione's heart raced. His divorce was final - Harry was free. They were free. The idea both scared and thrilled her.
She turned the note over and wrote a reply.
Harry -
That is wonderful news. I have the suite here at the Ritz paid up through the weekend - the Ministry thought I deserved a treat after working so hard on their behalf.
Please come as soon as you are able.
Love from,
Hermione
When Harry got Hermione's reply, he was filled with anticipation. He had already dropped Lily off at her grandparents. By now, the Weasley family knew about their romance, and Harry told the family that he was going to visit Hermione in Paris for the weekend.
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Hermione paced her suite anxiously. She hadn't bought anything romantic or sexy to wear for her business trip. Although she could've had the concierge find her the most expensive and beautiful lingerie, her practical side told her that was ridiculous. Harry didn't need fancy lingerie to find her desirable. But this would be their first time and she was nervous.
She settled on a simple silk blouse and pencil skirt to greet Harry, something she would usually wear under her Ministry robes.
She heard a knock on the door and went out to the salon to receive her guest. On the other side of the door stood Harry, looking quite windswept. He was carrying his broomstick in one hand and his suitcase, which he had just restored to regular size, in the other.
"Harry," Hermione breathed. "You're here."
"Yes, I am." He replied with a grin. "May I come in?"
"Of course." She replied as she stood aside to let him enter.
Harry put down his suitcase and broomstick and took a look around Hermione's suite.
"Wow, this place is gorgeous. The Ministry was never this generous when they sent me on business trips."
"Do you want a tour?" Hermione asked.
"Absolutely. But can I get a kiss first?"
Hermione blushed. "Tour first, then kiss."
"You drive a hard bargain." Harry laughed. He didn't care if he had to wait to kiss his beloved, he was in love, he was free and he was in the most romantic city in the world.
Hermione led him around the salon. "This is what they call the Ritz Suite. They have smaller suites, but they were booked so I got this one. You won't believe the view, but I'll show you the bedroom first."
Hermione opened the door to her bedroom which contained a queen sized bed, adorned with a red bedspread and cream satin pillows.
Harry raised his eyebrows suggestively. "You do realize there is only one bed in here, don't you?"
"Don't be so sure of yourself, Potter, the sofa in the salon is quite comfy." Hermione teased, swatting him on the arm.
She then led him to the marble bathroom, which was equipped with a sauna and a Jacuzzi tub.
"Very nice. We'll have to try out that Jacuzzi."
"We?" Hermione asked coyly. "I've already tried it out, it's so relaxing."
Hermione led Harry out of the bath and bedroom and back into the salon where she headed to the small balcony. Hermione was right, the view was incredible. It was starting to get dark, and the city of lights was beginning to live up to its name.
"It's amazing, Hermione."
"Isn't it? I've always loved Paris. My parents used to bring me here when I was a little girl on holiday. It's my favorite city outside of London and New York. It's definitely the most romantic."
"Speaking of romantic, can I kiss you now?"
Hermione answered Harry by wrapping her arms around him and kissing him soundly.
When she pulled away, she asked "So how does it feel to be a free man?"
"Wonderful. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from me. It's almost the same way I felt when I defeated Voldemort."
"Are you saying being married to Ginny was as bad as being on top of Voldemort's most wanted list?"
"No, of course not. It's just now I feel free again. I feel like I have the rest of my life in front of me and nobody can tell me how to live it."
"Well nobody should be able to tell you how to live your life, but I'm hoping you'll be open to suggestions?"
"Only from certain people." Harry asserted as he leaned down to kiss her again. "Only from brilliant, beautiful witches who happened to be named Hermione."
"So, what do you want to do for the rest of today?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I would love to take you to dinner tonight and then go for a broom ride over Paris, if it doesn't rain."
"And then?" Hermione raised her eyebrow.
Harry placed his forehead against hers. "I think you know what I want. I want to be with you Hermione. There will be no more barriers between us after tonight."
Hermione pulled away a little and looked into Harry's eyes. The intensity of his desire was plain in his gaze.
All she could do was nod and repeat. "Tonight."
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Later that evening, after finishing their dinner at L'Espadon, Harry and Hermione returned to their suite.
"Do you still want to go out for a broom ride?" Harry asked looking out the window. "It looks like the rain has held off."
"I'd love to. Let me just change my clothes. I can't ride in this skirt."
Hermione went into the bedroom to change while Harry sat on the sofa. Hermione was right, it was pretty comfy but Harry knew if the broom ride turned out the way he planned, he would not be spending the night here.
A few minutes later, Hermione reappeared - she had changed into a more casual outfit of a cashmere sweater and jeans.
"Ready to go?" Hermione asked.
Harry grabbed his broom and took Hermione's hand, leading her to the balcony. He muttered a disillusionment charm so Muggles wouldn't spot them.
"Do you want to sit in front or in back?" Harry asked.
"I think I want to try in front this time." Hermione replied.
"Are you sure?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded at him as she swung her leg over the broomstick. Harry mounted behind her. He positioned himself so his chest was flush against her back. He placed one arm around her waist and the other over her hand so he could help guide her.
"Ready?" Harry whispered into Hermione's ear.
"Yes, let's go." Hermione's heart was beating fast, partly out of nerves, but mostly of anticipation.
"One, two, three…" Hermione heard Harry mutter and soon they were leaving the safety of the balcony and flying over Place Vendome.
Hermione's instinct was to be afraid, but she took a few deep breaths as Harry's hold on her waist tightened and he whispered in her ear. "Relax, Hermione, you're with me. I won't let anything happen to you."
Hermione nodded. "I'm fine, Harry."
"If you're fine, then please remove your death grip from my hand."
Sure enough, Hermione had placed her other hand over Harry's and was squeezing hard.
"Sorry, old habits die hard." She said sheepishly as she moved her hand away to rest on the broomstick.
"Just concentrate on the view. Let's go a little higher."
Harry guided the broom upwards and Hermione took in the view as he guided their flight over the Seine. Soon they were flying over the illuminated skyline of the Louvre, the Big Wheel, the Arch de Triomphe and then over the Eiffel Tower.
"Oh, Harry it's just beautiful."
Harry smiled. "Yes, it is. But it doesn't hold a candle to you."
"Sweet talker." Hermione laughed.
After a few more minutes of flying over Paris landmarks, Harry turned the broom to head back to the Ritz.
"We're going back?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, is there anywhere else you want to go?"
"No, I think I'm good. It's getting a little chilly out here anyway."
"Really, I hadn't noticed. I'm pretty warmed up." Harry said.
"I'll be you are." Hermione laughed.
Before Hermione knew it, she was back on the balcony of her hotel suite. Her heart was beating wildly not only from the exhilarating broom ride but knowing what was coming next. It had been quite a while since she had last had sex and she was more nervous than ever. She had only been with one man her entire life and she wondered if she could live up to Harry's expectations. Especially since she was the one who insisted they wait.
Harry sensed her anxiety as he followed her inside to the salon. He decided not to push and let her take the lead.
"So you enjoyed the ride?" Harry asked.
"Oh, it was wonderful, Harry. Thank you for taking me. It was even better than the ride we had over London."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I know I won't soon forget it." He paused, thinking that a drink might be in order to calm her nerves.
"Do you want something to drink? Is the mini bar stocked?"
"Let me get it. I haven't touched it since I got here." Hermione headed to the mini-bar. There were mini bottles of vodka, various juices and small bottles of red wine.
She pulled out the bottle of red wine, and two glasses and brought them over to the sofa where Harry had settled. She poured the wine into the glasses and handed one to Harry.
She held up her glass and said. "To us."
"To us." Harry repeated, as he took a sip of the wine, his eyes never leaving Hermione's.
There was an awkward silence then until Hermione broke it. She decided it was better to be honest with Harry then to pretend.
"Harry, I'm scared."
He put down his glass, he knew she was nervous but this surprised him.
"Hermione, what are you scared of?"
"I don't know. We finally have what we want, we're both divorced. We can now be together, nothing is standing in our way. We have everyone's blessing, even our kids'. But I'm scared now that I have this, that I'm going to mess it up somehow. There will be nobody to blame but me."
"But why do you think you're going to mess this up?" Harry asked gently, moving closer to Hermione.
"Because I couldn't get my relationship with Ron to work out, what makes me think this will be any different?"
"Because it is different, Hermione. You and Ron didn't work because you weren't right for each other. It just took you both a long time to figure that out - it was the same with Ginny and me. But you and I are different, Hermione. We've been best friends for nearly thirty years - we've been through so much together. We're going to make it. Trust me."
"Harry, I trust you with my life, you know that. I just don't know if I trust myself to make this work. And you're right, we've been best friends forever, what if this doesn't work out? I don't know what I would do if I lost you, Harry."
Harry watched as Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "You won't lose me. I love you, Hermione, I always will."
"I love you, too, Harry." Hermione said as Harry pulled her into an embrace as she sobbed against his shoulder. "But is it enough?"
Harry pulled back to look at her. "I think it is. Hermione, I have never loved anyone as much as I love you, except maybe for my kids, and you know that's a different kind of love. You are everything to me, and I intend to hold onto you for the rest of my life."
"Oh Harry." Hermione breathed as she kissed him. Harry returned the kiss with all the love and passion he felt for her. They continued on until it was clear that neither was holding back tonight.
Hermione wordlessly led Harry into the bedroom and they began to undress each other.
Once they were naked, Harry lay with Hermione in bed just admiring her body. He had insisted that they leave the light on a low setting while he took in the sight of her.
"I was right, the Paris skyline doesn't hold a candle to you, Hermione."
Hermione giggled. "Oh, Harry…"
"Are you still scared?" Harry asked as he ran his hand through her hair, and down along her neck to rest on her shoulder.
Hermione shook her head against the pillow. "No, not anymore. Make love to me, Harry."
He didn't need to be told twice.
TBC
A/N: Sorry for the lack of explicit smut, but if you want that, please go to Bingblot's blog - she writes the best H/Hr smut. http://avonlea-dreamer.livejournal.com/
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