Chapter 8
A/N: So here, the two ebil! Authors are back to make the masses happy, with the dum dum dum…. outcome of the dreaded bet!
I would do individual responses but it's 2 am and I am BEAT! So thank you to EVERYONE who took the time to review, it's very, very appreciated!
Harry stared at her, his mouth agape. "Wh...why?" he finally managed to say.
Hermione took a deep breath; she had expected Harry to grow angry. Trying to keep the quavering in her voice down, she began to explain. "I told you how long I've liked you, and in January, right after that time Blaise pushed me into you after breakfast, she… sort of tricked me into making the bet." Hermione paused for a second. "I know it's not an excuse." She said quickly when Harry opened his mouth to say something. "But I don't want to keep secrets from you either."
Harry was wordless as he took in what she said. "I…I don't really know what to say." He replied, still shocked.
"You don't have to say anything." Her head was bowed now as she stepped back away from him. "I'll understand if you don't want anything to do with me. I'm just like all those other girls, aren't I." a few tears escaped her eyelids.
"No you're not." Harry's voice made her look up. "You are nothing like those girls." He gently touched her cheek, brushing away a tear. "You and me…we'll be all right. I just want to think about this."
Hermione stared up in his eyes. "We will?" she asked hopefully.
"I promise." He gave her a half smile while reaching down to squeeze her hand. Watching as she turned and went into her common room, his mind began to turn over what Hermione had told him.
He wasn't angry. In fact, he found himself to be a bit flattered. "I should be mad." Harry said to himself. "But I'm not." He took a deep breath. "I actually wouldn't mind... sleeping with her either." Surprised by his own thoughts on that, he twisted the sleeve of his robe around, a smile stretching across his lips. He couldn't wait to see her tomorrow!
Hermione pulled her white nightgown over her head and sighed. A part of her wished she had kept mum about the bet, but the logical part of her, the one that everyone saw, was glad she had done it.
"I was right in telling him about it." She told herself, as if fortifying her belief. Her hands shook slightly as she pulled her sheets down. Her traitorous mind began working against her, 'What if he decides to break up with you?' and then 'What if he says he hates you now?'
"Shut up!" Hermione said crossly to herself. "He said that we'll be all right." Her mind was actually silent for once. "He promised." She said softly as her eyes closed. Touching her lips with her index finger, she smiled sleepily. "He promised." Hermione fell asleep that night happy, while she dreamed about kissing Harry on their first date.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
"I'm really sorry Harry." Ron Weasley was saying as the two boys wove their way through the passage of students heading towards the Great Hall.
"For what?" Harry asked as they neared the Slytherin Common Room.
"For asking out Hermione." Ron looked contrite. "I didn't know you liked her, but I should have guessed."
Harry waved his hand. "Don't worry about it."
"Well I feel bad." Ron continued as the two came to a stop by the entrance.
"Ron it doesn't matter." Harry said. "I told you, Hermione and I worked everything out last night." He grinned wickedly. "Besides, you and Blaise seemed to be having a good time in that closet yesterday."
Ron's face turned as red as his hair. "You saw us?" he asked, clearly embarrassed.
Harry snorted back his laughter. "You obviously didn't see us." He bent over laughing. Ron sniggered too, and both boys were nearly on the floor laughing when the Slytherin door opened.
"I can't believe you didn't say anything!" Blaise was so embarrassed that her friend had walked in on her snogging Ron.
"It was so funny though Blaise." Hermione said. "And I've never seen you so embarrassed beFORE!!!" she tripped over a crack in the floor and went flying into something soft.
"Ow." Harry and Hermione both said at the same time.
"Herms are you all right?" Blaise rushed over from where she was about to go to Ron.
"Yes." Hermione was now the embarrassed one. "Uh… morning…" she said to Harry, her face bright red.
"Morning." He held back a large grin. "All right there?"
"Fine." She muttered. Harry held out his hand, helping her to her feet.
"From now on I won't believe you if you say Blaise pushes you into people." Harry joked softly. Hermione flushed an even deeper shade of red and Harry laughed.
"I didn't think I'd see you here." She said as the four began walking down the corridor.
"Why not?" Harry asked.
"Well… after I told you about the bet last night…" Hermione said tentatively. "I thought you'd be angry."
Harry motioned to Blaise and Ron. "Go on ahead; we'll meet you two in the Great Hall." He said. Blaise, who had been filled in on the situation right before they had left the common room, looked back at them for a moment, acting as if she wanted to stay in support of her friend, but Hermione waved her on. Harry took her hand and pulled her into an empty classroom.
"So you're not mad?" Hermione asked softly.
"I thought that I should be." Harry replied and Hermione looked away. "But then I realised that I wasn't mad, in fact, I felt flattered."
"Flattered?" she was confused.
"Yeah." Harry grinned down at her. "And think about it, now, we're even. We've both done something dumb, haven't we?"
"What have you done that's dumb?" Hermione asked, relieved and somewhat giddy that Harry wasn't angry at her.
"Well I said you looked trampy when in fact you didn't." Harry replied. "Although, maybe I should avoid you for a week to make it really even." His eyes twinkled at her.
"No I don't think that will be necessary." Hermione said.
"Besides," Harry continued. "In a sense, you already have sort of seduced me." He leaned down and rested his forehead on hers.
"I have not seduced you." Hermione replied.
"You made me fall in love with you." Harry said. "That's close enough."
They grinned at each other for a second or two, and then she completely lost it and threw herself in his embrace. "Harry…" she nearly started crying again but managed to hold her tears. "Harry I love you."
His arms wound tightly around her waist, holding her to him as close as possible. Harry closed his eyes as he took in her scent; her touch; the way she held him. "I love you too, Hermione." He answered. His fingers tangled in her still straightened hair, and the next thing Harry knew her lips were pressed against his. He kissed her back, eagerly exploring her mouth. Hermione brought her hands up and cupped his face between her hands, keeping him from pulling away, not that he wanted to.
"Come on," Harry said some time later after they had caught their breath and straightened their clothing. "If we sneak down to the kitchens we can have breakfast together." He held out his arm. "Just you and me?"
Hermione grinned widely. "Why I'd love to!" she said happily, holding on to him as they headed down towards the kitchens for a private breakfast, just the two of them.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
Over few months that followed, Harry and Hermione's relationship grew steadily. Before they knew it, their time at Hogwarts had drawn to a close and it was the last night in the castle for the 7th years. Dumbledore, at dinner, had announced that all graduating students were to come back into the Great Hall that evening for a ceremony. Blaise sat idly in her seat, watching as her fellow students filed into the room and sat down. The tables had all been cleared off, and rows of chairs covered the floor. She bit back a grin as she saw Hermione come in, her hand clasped tightly in Harry's. They were laughing about something, Blaise wasn't sure what. She stood up and waved them over.
"Hey guys. I saved you seats." she said.
"Thanks Blaise." Hermione grinned. They sat down, Harry immediately wrapping his arm about her shoulders. Hermione leaned in more so she was resting up against him; Harry kissed the side of her head then bent and whispered something in her ear. She giggled and turned to face him, and were immediately lost in their own little world.
Blaise, still bored while she waited for Ron, watched them for a few moments. "You two are like bloody newlyweds." she remarked.
Both Harry and Hermione turned to her. "Shut up Blaise." they said in unison.
Her jaw fell open for a moment. "You're even talking at the same time now?" she rolled her eyes playfully. "Why don't the two of you get a room and shag already."
Both Harry and Hermione blushed. She rolled her eyes shaking her head, "Honestly Blaise!" She still couldn't help the redness of her cheeks as she thought about how sweet Harry had been, so patient and not pressing her to do more than she was ready for. It was those times that made her love him even more.
Blaise was about to let another smart ass comment fly, when she heard Ron's voice. "Ginny this is for 7th years ONLY!"
"I can come with Draco if I want to!" Ginny said.
"She sure did last night." Draco smirked. Ron looked sick at this comment.
"You're sick, Malfoy." he said. He caught sight of his girlfriend sitting by Harry and Hermione and scurried over. "Blaise!" he said happily.
Blaise turned and regarded him. "Ronald." she said, keeping her voice cool. It was certainly no secret that Ron and Blaise had one of the most tumultuous relationships ever at Hogwarts. She had confided in Hermione that she purposefully would bait Ron to make him mad, so that making up with him later would be more passionate.
Ron sat down next to her. "Come on, baby, you know you're not still mad at me." he took her hands and pulled her over so that she was almost sitting on his lap.
"Maybe I am." Blaise pouted and Ron gulped. "I can't believe you said the Magpies were worse than the Cannons, I mean, they're just my favourite team and you insulted them."
"Oh well maybe I changed my mind. Your favourite team is mine." Ron said smoothly.
"Nice save." Blaise couldn't help but laugh as she looked at his wide pleading eyes. She allowed him to pull her over, so that she was now straddling him right there in the Great Hall.
"Oh now look who should get a room." Hermione said with a smirk.
"Shut up Hermione." Blaise and Ron said at the same time. Harry and Hermione started laughing as Blaise stuck her tongue out at them and then turned and jammed it in Ron's mouth.
"I have never seen a more disgusting sight in my life." Ginny said, wrinkling her pert little nose.
"Oh yeah why don't you go look in the mirror." Hermione replied quietly, her tone laughing. Harry snorted and aimed a playful smirk at Draco. He knew exactly what was going on between Draco and Ginny, nothing more than the physical existed between the two of them. He was glad that his relationship with Hermione was everything he'd ever wanted. With that in mind, he pulled her closer against him, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
Just as Harry was about to kiss her the doors opened roughly and banged against the wall and a shriek rose in the back of the great hall and everyone turned.
Neville, who was completely in the buff was running around screaming like a wild man. Boy a lot had changed in his he was no longer the tubby boy in fact he had large rippling muscles, and boy was he well endowed.
"Oh my Gods is that Neville? Dear Hades he looks hot!!!!" A brunette in the corner shouted. Several other female voices could be heard catcalling as Neville proudly ran naked as could be through the Great Hall.
Harry fell back against his seat laughing, shy, quiet Neville certainly seemed to want to leave Hogwarts with a bang. Hermione couldn't blame Neville for wanting to do that, he had a lot to show off. He deserved to feel proud. Her mind began to wander, wondering what Harry would look like, running through the Great Hall like that. Heat crawled up her body as she imagined just that.
Her face grew a bit more serious as she thought back on hers and Harry's relationship, how she wanted to make love to him, but hadn't yet. She imagined what he would feel like, what his hands would feel like as they touched her, caressed her. She could feel her face growing hotter with the mere thought of him touching her in the most delicate and erotic places on her person.
Hermione lightly ran her fingernails across her neck as she thought about this. 'Maybe I do want to.' she mused. 'I really don't want to wait anymore for him.'
Her attention was brought back to present as Dumbledore clapped his hands. Neville, grinning proudly, grabbed a robe from Dean Thomas, who was chortling heartily. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in amusement as he gazed down at the boy.
Harry bit back his own laughter and looked over at Draco, who was also still sniggering. Ginny was looking over at Neville with a gleam in her eye, like he was a piece of meat for her to devour. Draco saw this and wrapped his arm around her.
"Longbottom has nothing on me." he said loud enough for their whole row to hear, and girls sitting in front of him swivelled around to look at Draco with the same look in their eyes. It was Ginny's turn to glare and look jealous.
"Today is truly a celebration, as of this night you are full fledged witches and wizards." Dumbledore began, his voice filling the room. "As we call your names, please proceed to the front of the Hall where you will receive your official parchments declaring your independence in the Wizarding World."
"Blaise!" Hermione kicked her friend in the shin. Blaise pulled her mouth from Ron's.
"OWW!" Blaise nearly howled. "What did you do that for?" she asked. Hermione motioned with her head towards the front where Dumbledore was calling names.
The ceremony passed by, somewhat boring and uneventful, especially after Neville's show. Dumbledore read down the names on his long list. "Hermione Granger!" he called out.
When Hermione heard name being called she couldn't help the bounce in her step as she proceeded to Dumbledore. She also couldn't help the smug look upon her face as well. She had made it, she had cause to feel proud of her accomplishments.
Dumbledore looked upon her kindly as she stepped up to the front. "Miss Hermione Granger has been at the top of her classes all seven of her years here."
Hermione had to keep from jumping up and down with her excitement as she accepted her parchment, from the sea of people came the sound of clapping hands. She turned to look, and there was Harry, standing up and applauding with the largest grin on his face. Blaise caught on and stood up as well, kicking Ron who followed suit.
Harry was so proud of his girlfriend. He knew how hard she worked on her school assignments and it was being paid off right now. People were following his example and clapping as well, and soon enough, it seemed like the whole Great Hall was giving Hermione a standing ovation.
Flushing rosily, Hermione accepted her parchment, and after shaking Dumbledore's hand, marched back to her seat. Harry was still grinning at her as everyone sat back down.
"Congratulations, love." he said softly as Dumbledore resumed calling off names.
"Thanks for that, Harry." she replied. Leaning in, she gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "We have to talk after the ceremony, okay?"
"Sure." He said, moving his hand down to hers and giving it a quick squeeze.
Harry also received quite an ovation when he went up to get his parchment, due to his fame of course, but Neville was by far the loudest recipient, however, with catcalls and wolf whistles following him the entire way.
Once the ceremony passed, there was no formal party, but a swarm of girls pulled Hermione away from Harry. She looked apologetically at him, but smiled and talked politely. "Hermione, when did you and Harry get together?" One Hufflepuff asked, while a pretty Ravenclaw gushed, "What's he like in bed?" a collective silence went around the group as a wide eyed Hermione tried to answer.
"I...uh... I'm afraid that's a private affair." she forced a smile onto her face.
"Ladies, will you excuse me." Harry broke in then and grinned charmingly at all them. He grabbed Hermione around the waist and whisked her away from the firing squad.
"What was all that about?" Harry asked as he laced his fingers with hers.
Hermione grinned mischievously, eyes sparkling. "They wanted to know how you were in bed."
"What?" Harry stopped dead in his tracks and turned to her, his jaw hanging slightly open. "What…what did you say?" he asked curiously.
Hermione shrugged, adapting an innocent air. "I just told them the truth." She fought to keep a smile from her face. "That you ravage my body nightly and that I'm pregnant."
"What?" Harry seemed to be dumbstruck. His jaw dropped even lower and Hermione bent over laughing.
"Harry I'm just kidding!" she wiped at her eyes. "I had you going there!"
"Ha ha Hermione." Harry said sarcastically, but he was grinning. He pulled her into his arms with a growl as she giggled. "You think you're so funny don't you."
"Yes I do." Hermione replied, turning around in his embrace. Winding her arms around his neck, she hugged him tightly against her. "But…I think I'd like to find out for real."
"What?" Harry asked for the third time in about two minutes. He pulled away and looked at her in shock. "Hermione… I… I don't want you to feel pressured…"
"I don't." she replied, looking up into his eyes. "I want to Harry. I love you and I want to be with you. In every way possible."
"Well... if you're sure..." Harry said. "When uh... when were you planning on this?" he asked, a lump rising in his throat. So far in their… explorations… of each other, Harry had been the knowledgeable one. But he'd not yet gone all the way, and as much as he wanted to with Hermione, he was nervous.
"Well..." Hermione said, suddenly feeling a bit shy, "Blaise said that I can use her room...if you and I wanted privacy." she looked hesitantly up at Harry.
Harry looked down at her. "So... tonight then?" he asked, trying to get rid of the dry feeling in his mouth. She smiled and he nodded, gulping. "All right then." Drawing Hermione back to him, he hugged her fiercely. Joining hands, they went back to find their friends.
*** *** *** *** ***
Hermione could feel her palm grow sweaty in Harry's hand as she led him up to Blaise's room. Nervousness was coming over her in bounds every step she took. She wasn't regretting her decision, but she did hope that she would be good for Harry.
Harry sucked in a breath, he didn't know what to think about this, he loved Hermione with all his heart; she was the second half of him. But what if he just couldn't please her, he had never done anything like this before he just hoped she wasn't too disappointed.
Opening the door, she let go of his hand and walked into the middle of the room, not wanting him to feel her trembling. Blaise's room was dark, so she went over and lit the candles on the bedside table.
He lifted a shaky hand up into his hair, he had never felt more nervous in his entire life. Facing Voldemort was nothing compared to this. He smiled at her, hopefully not as shaky as he felt.
"I uh...I know Blaise has something for... protection." Hermione said, opening a few drawers. "It's around here somewhere...aha!" she pulled out a funny looking root. "We each need to have a piece of this."
"And just what is that?" Harry pointed to it.
Hermione smiled. "It's called Orgus Root. It keeps us from having any... consequences of our actions tonight nine months down the line." she said.
Harry nodded nervous but not as nervous as he had been, he seemed to have gotten a hold on his emotions. "All right, lets have it then."
Hermione pulled out a tiny pocket knife from the bag and sliced off a bit of the root for each of them. "It's a little bitter." she said, handing him his piece. She popped it into her mouth, chewing quickly, and then making a face. "Blech."
Harry took some and made a face which looked like a he had just gotten hit in the stomach with a bludger. "Ugh this stuff is awful, just awful." He looked her in the eyes, "I think I need something sweet to rid me of this horrid taste."
Hermione's eyes widened as she swallowed the rest of the root. "Like what?" she asked.
Harry smirked, "Like this." He quickly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her up against him. "I wager your taste is the sweetest I could hope for."
Hermione felt some, if not most of her nervousness ebb away as Harry bent his head down and kissed her gently on the mouth. Her hands went up and around his neck, her fingers playing in the hair on his nape. She let out a soft sigh into his mouth as he kissed her harder.
Harry's arms tightened around her as he gently touched the tip of his tongue against her lips, wanting more. She opened her mouth to him, letting his senses and touch overwhelm her. Harry's hands moved from her waist to her robe, unclasping it and letting it fall on the floor. Hermione did the same for him, kicking the black cloth back towards the dresser. Harry wrapped his arms back around her, and started to slowly move them towards the large bed against the wall. He picked her up as they came to the edge, not breaking away from her mouth.
Depositing her on the soft cushiony mattress, he laid himself down next to her. Threading his fingers through her long locks with one hand, he wrapped his other around her waist, keeping her body tightly against his. He rolled over her a little, moving his body on top of hers.
"Hermione…" he said softly, pulling his mouth from hers for a much needed breath. "I uh… I've never done this before."
"You haven't?" she asked in surprise. Sex was something that had come up a few times, but neither one had discussed any past experiences or the like. She had just assumed that Harry had done it before.
"No." Harry moved back and stared up at the canopy over Blaise's bed. "I've been waiting for the right person." He turned slightly and gave her that smile she loved.
Hermione nearly melted when he said that. "So I'm the right person then?" she asked.
"I should hope so." Harry said, laughing. "Otherwise I don't know what I'm doing here."
Hermione felt stupid for a second then began to laugh as well. "Sorry." She said between giggles.
"It's all right." Harry grinned. The apprehension between them vanished as they stared at one another. He propped himself up on his arm and looked down at her, tracing his fingers gently over her cheek. Hermione pulled him down by grabbing the front of his jumper, and their lips met in another fiery kiss. She buried her fingers in his dark strands, letting them slip through as she stroked his scalp with her nails. Harry moaned into her mouth, pressing his lips harder against hers. Hermione took one hand out of his hair and gently pulled his glasses off.
She broke away from him for a moment to sit up and turn to put them on the bedside table. She turned back and gazed at his eyes, when they weren't hiding behind the glasses they were absolutely glowing.
Harry gazed at her, a slight smile playing across his lips. He could see her almost perfectly, so close to him. His poor eyesight created an aura around her, which made her seemingly glow. Bringing his hand up, he pushed her hair over her shoulder and pressed his lips to her neck, making a trail up the side. She tilted her head back, and Harry kissed her throat, loving the feel of her soft skin on his lips. Hermione let out a throaty moan as he suckled lightly, moving slowly back down the other side of her neck.
Harry moved his hands down to the hem of her jumper, wanting to get the clothing out of his way. Regretfully breaking his mouth away from her body, he pulled back and Hermione sat up as well as he drew the jumper over her head. Her hair fell and bounced over her shoulders as he tossed it across the room. Harry's breath came quicker as he looked at how her white shirt fit perfectly on her, as he reached forward and then began to slowly unbutton it, as if prolonging what was going to happen between them. Working his way down, he gently drew the shirt over her shoulders, then tossing it in the direction of her jumper.
He let his eyes wander over Hermione's figure as she took her turn to reach out and deprive him of his jumper and shirt as well. Dropping Harry's clothes off the side of the bed, she brought her hands back to him and ran her nails lightly up and down his torso, enjoying how his muscles retracted tightly at her mere touch.
"You're having fun with this aren't you?" Harry said, his breath becoming shallower.
"Yes I am." Hermione said, boldly leaning forward and placing her lips on his neck. Moving up, she could feel Harry's arms go tightly around her waist, pushing her back down against the pillows. His mouth sought out hers; he was kissing her with an urgency that surprised both of them. He moved his hands up over her shoulders, hooking his thumbs under the straps of her bra.
Hermione was nervous again as he slowly pulled the straps down her arms. She had not yet been completely topless with Harry, and he could sense her hesitation.
"We don't have to do this." Harry said softly, stopping his hands. "I'll understand if it's too much at one time."
Hermione opened her eyes and looked straight up into his. "No Harry." She said after a moment. "I want to. I just…" she paused again. "I just want…"
"You are good enough, Hermione." Harry said, giving her a look. "You know that. There's no one else for me."
A relieved smile broke across her lips. Without another word, she curved her hand around the back of his neck and brought his mouth back to hers. Hermione took his hands and moved them back to the straps that still hung halfway down her arms. Carefully, gently, he moved his fingers to the front of her bra, where the clasp was.
Before she could even breathe in, Harry had effortlessly snapped it open, yet he didn't pull his lips away from hers right away. He slipped the bra from one arm, then the other, and dropped it off the side of the bed. He could feel her breath quicken as he moved his mouth down her neck, flicking his tongue against her skin, loving the way she tasted.
Hermione gasped aloud as Harry took her breast into his mouth, his tongue playfully circling her hardened nipple. Taking a chance, she moved her hand which was shaking a bit slowly down over his stomach. Harry could tell she was feeling very unsure as he could feel her hand press against the area above his manhood. He could feel her hand through the fabric of his pants; it was torture that she was taking so long. Harry didn't want to frighten her so gently his hand covered over hers and he moved her hand to where he wanted it.
"Harry!" she exclaimed quietly. Hermione started to move her hand away in shyness but he kept it there.
"Don't." his voice actually sounded raspy. "That…that feels good." Hermione was astonished to see that his eyes had darkened to a deep forest green in his desire. His desire for her.
"Okay." She whispered back. He pressed his mouth against hers again, his hands cupping her breasts, his thumbs teasing the tips. Hermione felt a bit bolder as his tongue began to thrust against hers, and she moved her hand a bit against him. Harry moaned loudly, feeling himself respond even more. She pushed herself up into his hand as she began to move her fingers lightly up and down his length.
Harry made a strangled sound in his throat, a gasp or a moan, Hermione couldn't tell. He pulled his mouth away from hers and buried his face in her shoulder. "Do you know what you do to me?" he asked, nibbling gently on her ear.
Hermione wanted to answer, but found herself breathless as Harry covered her mouth again with his. Their tongues clashed and duelled as their bodies became hot in their passion.
"Harry…I want you, please!" Hermione pulled her mouth away from him.
They looked at one another, and then Hermione reached down and unbuttoned his trousers, her body filled with such want and desire she thought she would burst. He helped her pull his trousers down and she stifled a giggle at his boxers.
"They were my last clean pair!" Harry said in his defence.
"It's a good thing I happen to like guys in boxers with smiley faced hearts on them." Hermione teased. "It's sexy." She reached out and rubbed the fabric. "Now, if they were silk, I'd be a little scared right now."
"I'm a 100% cotton man, and you're right, I'm damn sexy." Harry grinned.
"No, I said your boxers are sexy." Hermione teased.
"Can my boxers snog you senseless?" Harry smirked as she narrowed her eyes at him. "Didn't think so."
"You're too cocky for your own good." She replied.
"Cocky?" Harry's eyes took on an evil glint. "We'll see about that, won't we?"
Hermione felt her face turn red. "You're a lot naughtier than I thought." Harry's grin widened. "If you're a good boy I'll punish you later."
"How about right now?" Harry asked devilishly. He lay down next to her, then took one hand and trailed it up her leg, starting at her knee, not stopping when he reached the hem of her skirt. Tracing lightly across her thighs, Hermione shuddered as his fingers brushed over her sex. It was extremely warm now, and her skin tingled wherever he touched. Harry sat back up and undid the zipper on the side of the skirt, then gently sliding it down her legs, making sure to trail his fingers along with it. Hermione lifted her body as he pulled it down, never once taking her eyes off his. Harry tossed the garment aside as he lay down next to her once more, this time pulling her on top of him.
Hermione buried her fingers in his hair as she lowered her mouth to his; the feel of his hands stroking her back through her locks was almost too much to take. Pressing her lips harder against his, she instinctively pushed her lower body against him, rubbing up against his erection.
Harry groaned at the feel of her, and moving his hands down over her waist, hooked his thumbs in the waistband of her panties and began to slip them down her legs. Her movements made him feel bolder, and when Hermione shifted her body up, the panties slipped free.
Not wanting to be alone in being naked, Hermione made quick work of pulling his boxers off, her eyes widening as she took in his size for the first time. 'Is that supposed to fit in me?' she wondered if her face looked as panicked as she suddenly felt.
'Is there something wrong with me?' Harry thought, a ball of fear tightening in his stomach. "Is everything all right?" he choked out, trying not to sound upset.
"No!" Hermione's eyes shot up to meet his. "God, no Harry… but… I'm just thinking… will you… fit?" her last word was almost whispered and he almost laughed in relief. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing." Harry replied, pulling her down next to him. "I just thought, from the way you were looking at me, that there was something wrong."
Hermione felt bad. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel that way." She said. "I happen to think you're just fine."
"Some people say my smile is too lopsided." Harry said, feigning deep thought. "And others say my hair is too messy."
"How dare they!" Hermione exclaimed in mock outrage. "I love your smile." She leaned forward, kissing the side of his mouth gently. "And I love your hair." Her fingers reached up and tangled in the messy locks. "Most of all, I love you." Hermione's voice grew soft as Harry grinned and leaned in, kissing her so thoroughly she lost all conscious contemplations. All she could think about now was Harry, how he was kissing her, holding her, loving her.
His hands were now moving fast over her body, as if he was saying they had played long enough. Harry was so filled with his desire for her that it took all his self control not to just plunge right into her.
Hermione fell back on the pillows, bringing Harry on top of her. Her tongue stroked against his, clashing madly; her fingers clutched at the skin on his back. "Harry…" she tore her mouth away to gasp in some much needed air while grabbing his hand at the same time. "Harry, touch me."
"What?" he asked.
"Please." Hermione nearly whimpered, pressing his fingers into her sex. His mouth returned to hers as he thrust his index finger inside her, stroking her button that only she before had pleasured. Listening to her rapid breathing was turning him on even more as his finger began to thrust faster in and out of her.
"Harry!" she cried out, feeling herself grow wet. "Can we please…I just…" she couldn't finish her sentence; the waves of ecstasy washing over her were just too great. "I need you inside me."
"All right." Harry moved, but then paused. "Hermione…"
"What?" she asked.
"This… well… if you've never done this before, it will hurt." Harry bit his lower lip. "We can still stop."
"No." Hermione said clearly. "I don't want to stop."
Harry caressed the side of her face and kissed her softly. "I'll be gentle." He promised.
"Okay." She whispered right before Harry covered her mouth with his and positioned himself where his hand had been moments before. Kissing her harder, he tried to take her mind off the pain she would soon be feeling. Gently, he began to enter her, amazed at the way she instantly closed around him.
"All right?" he asked, his lips still on hers.
"Yes." She answered, bucking her hips slightly as he went deeper into her. After another moment, he came to her barrier. He looked into her eyes, seeing that she still wanted to go on, then buried his face in her shoulder and pushed through.
"OH!" Hermione's cry echoed in the large room. Tears stung her eyes, oh this hurt, it hurt a lot.
"Hermione, I'm sorry." Harry said, her pain written all over his face. "We'll stop."
"No, no." Hermione said. "It… it hurts but it's going away."
"It is?" he asked. She nodded and he brushed the lingering tears away. Harry began to pick up a slight rhythm, moving in and out of her gently. The pain faded away and was replaced by sensations that surpassed anything Hermione had felt before.
She began to push up against him, meeting each of his thrusts. He buried his face in her shoulder, as he began to move harder into her, beginning to pant as she didn't bother to muffle the cries that were escaping her throat.
They were moving together now, Hermione could vaguely hear herself crying out Harry's name when suddenly she was warmed from head to toe, and Harry was collapsing on top of her, breathing heavily as he came down from his orgasm as well. They lay together for a long while, Harry caressing her bare arm as they kissed lazily.
"I love you." Harry muttered sleepily. He reached down and pulled the covers up and over them, Hermione moving over and nestling herself perfectly in his arms.
"Love you too." She replied, tilting her face back to kiss him once more.
Falling asleep that night had never been sweeter.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
"So?" Blaise asked, tapping the table with her finger.
"So what?" Hermione asked, playing dumb.
Blaise gave her a look. "Don't so what me, Hermione Granger! You slept with Harry and I want to know how it was!"
"Why?" Hermione teased. "Didn't the state of your bed tell you anything?"
Blaise sat back, her mouth agape. "I can't believe you just said that!"
"What?" Hermione grinned at her. "I'm not the same woman I was yesterday."
"Obviously." Blaise sat back and gave her an appraising glance. "All right, keep your secrets." She began to eat her breakfast, not looking up.
Hermione smiled slyly and leaned over. "I'll just say that it was wonderful, he couldn't have been more considerate of my feelings, and that I've never had a better time in my life."
Blaise let out a squeal that was most likely heard in China. "Hermione!" she nearly screamed. "I'm so happy for you!!!"
"Honestly!" Hermione's face turned bright red. "I don't think the whole sodding school knows yet Blaise." She said sarcastically.
"Sorry." Blaise lowered her voice. "I'm really happy for you." She said again, squeezing her best friend's arm.
"Thanks." Hermione replied. "So I meant to ask you earlier, where did you sleep last night?"
It was Blaise's turn to blush. Sneaking a glance at Ron, she smiled. "The Astronomy Tower."
Hermione stared at her disbelievingly. "Wasn't that…uncomfortable?"
"Not really." Blaise studied her nails. "Ron makes a nice sleeping bag."
"Forget I said anything." Hermione sniggered. They were just finishing up their breakfast when Harry dropped down on the bench next to her.
"Morning, love." He said, grinning widely at her.
"Morning." She echoed, turning and gazing into his eyes. As if magnetically drawn together, they began snogging right there in the Great Hall.
"Honestly." Blaise rolled her eyes and looked at Ron, who had just sat down next to her. "You'd think they hadn't woken up together this morning."
Ron snorted. He was about to say something when Dumbledore stood up and announced that everyone should proceed to Hogsmeade station to the train.
Reluctantly, Harry and Hermione broke apart; she reached down and grabbed a heavy bag. Ron choked back a laugh.
"Hermione, why didn't you put all your books in your trunk?" he sniggered and Blaise elbowed him.
"Because, Ronald, I wanted to do a bit of light reading on our way back to London." Hermione replied pertly.
Harry bit his lower lip, trying to hide his own smile. "Here, I've got that for you." He said, taking the bag from her shoulder.
"Light reading? Looks like you have the whole bloody library in there." Ron quipped.
Blaise glared at him. "Are you making fun of my friend Ron?' she asked and flounced off.
Ron immediately stopped chortling and followed Blaise with the air of a faithful puppy. "No Blaise! I was just teasing her I swear…" his voice was lost in the wake of Harry and Hermione's laughter.
"She certainly has him whipped doesn't she?" Harry said as they exited the castle.
"It's like mind control." Hermione wiped her eyes. "Oh, that was funny." She started giggling all over again.
They were still laughing ten minutes later as they searched compartments for their two friends. "I hope we don't walk in on them snogging." Hermione said as they went past another few.
"We'll have to show them a thing or two, won't we?" Harry said softly in her ear. He could feel her smile. "Aha!" he crowed, flinging open a door. "We were wrong." He turned and told his girlfriend.
"What?" she asked, poking her head in. "Oh, hey you two. We've been looking all over the train for you guys." Hermione closed the door behind her and looked at Blaise and Ron, who were sitting in silence.
"Hermione, I'm sorry for making fun of your reading habits." Ron said in a subdued voice.
"It's all right Ron." She stared at him strangely as she sat down next to Harry.
"I'd like to borrow one of your books sometime." Ron continued, shooting a glance at Blaise.
"Uh…" Hermione looked at Harry, who was equally confused. Ron, reading? "Sure…."
"That's good Ron!" Blaise suddenly came alive. She pushed him down on the bench, ignoring the fact that there were now two other people in the room.
Hermione and Harry looked at each other, rolling their eyes. Harry got up and moved over to the window, taking a last look at Hogwarts. A sudden, strange, heavy feeling settled over him as the train began to move away from the station.
"What's wrong?" Hermione slid over next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Why the sudden long face?"
"I feel like I'm leaving home." Harry said. "I can't believe we're not coming back here next year, you know?"
Hermione leaned her head against his shoulder, moving her hand to rub small circles on his back. "I know, but think about it, now we can do magic anywhere, Harry. Even though we're not coming back to Hogwarts anymore, there's still a place for us all."
"It just sort of scares me, that I don't really have a place to go yet." Harry said, staring out the window. "I'm staying with Draco a few weeks until I find my own flat." He turned and smiled slightly at her. "I'm sure I'll feel better once I have a place of my own."
"Sure you will." Hermione said comfortingly.
His smile turned a bit wicked. "What will be fun now is going back to my aunt and uncle's house and getting the rest of my things. I figure I can give them a good scare or two now that I can do magic all the time." They both burst out laughing as the train turned on the tracks and the castle slid out of sight.
A/N: WHEW! Thought that chapter would never be finished! Please R/R and stay tuned for the upcoming last *sob* chapter of AoS!