*Disclaimer: Pffft. Yeah. I'm JK Rowling, and I'm backing H/Hr, even after all called all the H/Hr shippers "militant". Ha! Jeez, if I was Jo, I'd totally re-write the last 3 books, anyway! So no, not her, not making money of this… nothing, zilch, zero. Happy? Kthnx
Chapter 7: New Beginnings
"So, who was that guy you had in your office last week! He's a real looker!" Gianna winked at Hermione; they were in the conference room. Hermione was packing up her presentation notes, as everyone was leaving to return to their work.
"He's my boyfriend... his name is Harry. We've been friends for years, actually." She spoke, arching her eyebrow in suspicion at Gianna.
"Okay, okay, I get your drift. No more... looking." She giggled slightly at her last word and took a sip from her mug of coffee. "So, how long have you been going out? Why haven't you introduced me and does he have any friends?" She grinned in Hermione's direction, her eyebrows waggling in an implying manor.
"Well, his best friend's name is Ron. We're all best friends, we go way back. Went to Hogwarts together." She said simply, walking around the other side of the table to pick up cue cards.
"Really? Well, you know I never went to that school. I'm American! So sue me!" She chuckled slightly, setting her mug down on the table with a dull clunk. "Give me details about... did you say, Harry was his name?" Her eyes suddenly went wide in understanding.
Hermione rolled her eyes, this always seemed to happen.
"You're dating and were friends with..." She put a hand to her mouth in slight shock, "Harry Potter?!" She finished in a whisper.
Hermione nodded.
"You mean... the captain of the English Quidditch team, the award winning seeker of the year and the boy who killed... Voldemort?!" She shrieked with enthusiasm.
Hermione continued to nod and pointed to herself. "Don't you see me nodding?! Also, I'll have you know, he didn't fight Voldemort on his own! We were there too, you know. It was all over the Daily Prophet!" She felt slightly annoyed that people didn't know who helped. She sometimes felt over-shadowed by Harry and this was one of those times.
"We don't get the Daily Prophet. We get some American equivalent of that. The Wizard Press." She said matter-of-factly, taking yet another sip of coffee.
"Oh." Hermione didn't feel two inches tall anymore. Other countries and tabloids always seemed to get stories wrong. But, they were right... Ron and herself had only helped him a small bit. In the end, it was he who killed Voldemort.
"Anyway, enough about that! So, you've been friends with him since you started school at Hogwarts?! How come you've never told me this?" She asked frantically, standing up to help Hermione finish cleaning up.
"I didn't think it was all that important! I don't see Harry as some huge celebrity. I've been friends with him for years. I just never saw the need to publicly announce it. To me, he's my boyfriend. Not the English Quidditch team captain, or the Award Winning Seeker of the Year, or even The Boy Who Lived. He's Harry, just Harry." She said carefully, folding up the legs on the white board.
"Alright, alright. I get it. You know, if newspapers found out about this, they would have a field day. I'm sure you were under the public eye, just as much as he was after Vol - Voldemort's defeat. It'll be the same thing all over again, except now he's got the Quidditch titles to add to his already airborne fame."
She continued to talk. This girl just loved to talk. She would say anything that flew into her head, especially the latest gossip around the office. You could definitely tell she was at least two or three years younger than Hermione. She had that vibrant air about her.
Most of her theories were extremely far-fetched. But this one was starting to make more and more sense. What if the wizard tabloids did get involved? Hermione already had enough wizard press surrounding her at speeches. She didn't need it in her personal life, too.
Hermione shook her head slightly, letting the thought drift away. "Okay, okay, it makes sense. Gianna, do you want to go out for dinner tonight? Me, you, Harry and Ron? You'll get to meet them properly and then it'll make up for me not having introduced you ages ago." Hermione smiled, the idea was perfect. Ron needed to go out and meet a nice girl.
Gianna's mouth dropped, "Are you serious?! I would get to meet the rest of the 'Golden Trio'?" She grinned in excitement.
"Who gave you that name?" Hermione's eyebrow arched. No one called them the 'Golden Trio' since their glory days in Hogwarts. It felt a little surreal, hearing it now.
"Oh, Julie and Madison won't shut up about it. They're always on about how they would love to meet all three of you in person. Supposedly they really look up to you three." Gianna shrugged, "Give me dirty looks every time I place my hand on the doorknob to your office and I could never understand why! Jealous hags." She mumbled in slight annoyance. She hated people envying her. "Anyway, now I know what all of the fuss is about! I had no idea that when they spoke about the 'Golden Trio', that you were involved!" She added enthusiastically.
Hermione sighed heavily, but a smile betrayed her and broke across her lips. Gianna returned this gesture with a perfect grin.
"I can't wait! I have so much to talk to you all about!"
"Just don't grill us about the final battle. Harry doesn't like to talk about it much. We've all..." Hermione froze for a second. The last time she saw her parents happy, flashed before her mind's eye. She swallowed a lump in her throat, before she continued. "Well, all three of us have lost loved ones in that battle. So, just don't stumble onto the subject, okay?" Hermione finished softly, pushing the lid of the white-board marker closed.
"I promise, I won't." She said, all of her excitement draining from her in an instant and she suddenly became the serious girl she normally was around the office. "I would never do something like that." She nodded, a subtle respect in her eyes and a soft note in her voice. Hermione could tell she really wanted to meet all of them. She was trying much too hard, as usual.
She smiled slightly, "Okay then, it's settled." She said, all of her papers, folders and cue cards now lying neatly in a small box. "You come to our flat at seven, I'll introduce you to them and then we'll go for a bite to eat. Here's my address."
She pulled her wand out and flicked it at her pen and a lone piece of paper that was left behind by one of her fellow co-workers, that laid on the table. The pen began to write directions and the address of the block of flats in which she lived across the page. Hermione wasn't paying any attention to it as she picked her box up, but Gianna was standing there, watching the little pen fly across the page.
"I love it when you do that, Hermione." She grinned as she watched the pen dot the last 'i' and end the sentence it was writing with a full stop. When Gianna looked over, Hermione was already halted at the door, with her hand on the doorknob. The pen stood on its tip and suddenly jumped up, did a flip in the air, then landed into Hermione's box neatly on top of her papers. Hermione smiled in satisfaction at her successfully preformed charm and opened the door, leaving the conference room.
Gianna grinned, picking up the page and seeing the neat hand-writing that was scrawled across it. She skimmed through the directions, making a note of the journey she would take in her head. Reaching the end of the note, she smiled:
And remember... we're just people. Like anyone else you've met. Don't be shy...
-Hermione
-------
"Where are you headed tonight?" Ginny asked Harry curiously, as he stood in front of the bathroom mirror, fixing the collar of his shirt. She had just finished towel-drying her hair. It was slightly curly, some of it clinging to her face.
"Oh, we're meeting one of Hermione's friends from work. Gianna is her name, I think?" He answered, looking at her reflection in the mirror in acknowledgement. He took a final glance at himself. He looked up at his messy hair that still, after all these years, wouldn't lay flat and sighed. He placed a hand on the top of his head and tried so hard to push it down into a laying position.
Once he removed his hand, his hair sprung back to life. His attempts to fix it were always in vain.
"You're fighting a battle you're not going to win." She said matter-of-factly, smiling as she patted him on the back and left the room.
Harry grumbled slightly in frustration, "I know, I know." He said after her, admitting defeat as he too left the bathroom, flicking the light switch.
"Hermione?" He called to her, through the flat.
"Yes?" Hermione's voice replied, distant and slightly muffled by perhaps a door, or a wall.
"Where are you?" He asked, walking towards the sound of her voice.
"My bedroom, why?" She called back. Harry made his way down the hall and halted at the very end, gently pushing Hermione's door open just a crack.
"Harry, I'm getting changed, just wait a second!" She squeaked slightly, giggling softly. She came to the door and pushed her back on it, so that it shut with a small snap. Harry scowled at the door. He hated it really, it always was in the way of his view of a half-naked Hermione.
"You're no fun." He mumbled to her, loud enough so she could just hear it through the wood.
She grinned on the other end and replied, "Harry, you have to wait until after dinner!" Her voice had a hint of devilishness in it, which made Harry grin broadly.
"Such a tease." He answered, in protest. He scowled at the door again, this time playfully and turned around, heading off in the direction of the sitting room.
"Ron, mate, what're you doing?" He called, hearing the TV on in the sitting room. He reached the doorway and sighed in frustration. Ron was sitting, in his pyjama bottoms, on the couch. He had the remote in one hand and a can of coke in the other. He was unshaven and the messiness of his hair could give Harry's a run for its money.
"We have to be going soon! We're leaving in less than ten minutes! Why are you still sitting there?!" He cried frantically, looking at his watch.
Ron mumbled something unintelligible and continued to flick through the TV stations with the remote. Harry grumbled in annoyance and entered the sitting room, walking over and standing right in front of the TV itself.
"Hey! I was watching that!" Ron said, mouth opened in slight shock, his face twisting into a scandalised expression. He set the remote down on the coffee table and he tried to move his head at an angle, so that Harry would no longer be blocking his view of the TV. Harry moved wherever his head turned and Ron finally gave up.
"Come on, get up. We have to go, soon. You need to get ready!" Harry prompted him, walking towards him and pulling him up off the couch. He let Ron in front of him and pushed him by his shoulders out of the room. He may not have been aware of the importance of this night out, but Harry was. He knew Hermione was trying to set him up with Gianna.
He watched Ron enter the bathroom and rolled his eyes as he shut the door. Exhaling softly, he turned and made his way down the hall, back to Hermione's room. Just as he passed the guest bedroom, in which Ginny was staying, he saw Ginny looking at herself in the mirror.
She was stunning. Of course, in his opinion, she would never compare to Hermione. However, she was gorgeous none-the-less. He smiled and she turned to look through the door, finally noticing his presence.
"What?" She smiled back, her face painted with a look of curiosity.
He grinned. He could see a small bit of Hermione in Ginny, just in the clothes she was wearing. "You look beautiful." He walked in and gave her a friendly hug, "Have fun with Neville tonight." He spoke into her hair and she grinned.
"Thank you, Harry. I intend to." When they pulled away, her eyes were alight with a joy he hadn't seen for years. This only made him even happier for her, he knew Neville was a nice guy and he would treat her right. All he needed was a push in the right direction to finally tell her how he felt about her -- considering she was completely oblivious to his feelings.
Harry turned around and left the room with a small wave and a smile. He continued his journey to Hermione's room and politely knocked on the door. He heard her take a deep breath and utter the words "Come in."
He didn't need telling twice. He eagerly opened the door to find Hermione also standing in front of her mirror. His jaw dropped. He had been right, Ginny couldn't compare to her in his eyes.
"What do you think?" She smiled nervously, twirling slowly for him on the spot, as if she was on display. "I didn't know if the -" She started, having her sentence cut short as Harry walked over, placed his finger to her lips to silence her. He then grinned, replacing his finger with his own pair of lips.
A smile broke out across her face, as they pulled away. He looked down at her, his eyes glazed over slightly, awestricken.
There she stood, in a beautiful, simple, red dress. It hugged her curves and was strapless. A small red clip was fitted in her hair, to match the dress and she wore red dressy sandals, a matching set of earrings and a bracelet.
"You look gorgeous." He whispered into her hair, wrapping his arms around her and pressing a kiss to her temple.
She giggled softly, "Harry, the door." She whispered back.
"I don't care if it's open." He mumbled carelessly.
"No, Harry... the front door. Someone's just knocked." Of course, she was referring to Gianna as the 'someone' and this made Harry jump slightly.
"Oh!" He said letting go of her carefully and jogging out of the room, down the hall and to the front door.
'Knock, knock!'
Harry opened back the door, to a grinning young lady. She couldn't be more than twenty years old. She had dark brown wavy hair and light hazel eyes. Her figure was slender and her expression was kind. She smiled at him, as she waited for the okay to step over the threshold and into the flat.
"Please, come in, come in!" He said politely, stepping back for Gianna to enter.
She nodded in acknowledgement and came into the flat, looking around at it for the first time. "Oh, it's wonderful." She said softly, grinning at all of the moving pictures that hung on the walls. She made her way to the sitting room and saw all of the plush white furniture neatly placed within it.
Harry came up behind her and saw her eyeing the contents of the room. "Hermione picked those, she said we were useless at decorating." He shrugged, a playful twinkle in his eyes. She turned to him and laughed softly, out-stretching her hand for him to shake.
"You must be Harry!" She said enthusiastically, "Pleased to meet you!" She gripped firmly onto his hand, giving him a nice, strong handshake. "I'd tell you my name, but fear of the fact that you might already know it is keeping me from doing so." A slight, amused smile was plastered across her lips, as Harry chuckled. A few words and he was beginning to like her already.
He was about to open his mouth to speak, when out bounded Ron from the bathroom, completely shaved and dressed. His hair was still a mess, though and he took one look at Gianna and froze. His eyes grew big, as he waved awkwardly, "Um, hi." He said, his voice squeaking slightly.
Gianna grinned and walked over to him, shaking his hand also. "You must be Ron!" She said cheerfully, as she finally let go of his hand. She then looked around, "Where's Hermione?" She asked, turning from Ron to Harry and back again.
"Here!" Hermione spoke from the end of the hall and Gianna turned in her direction.
"Wow, Hermione! Stunning as usual." She complimented her.
"Thank you! You too!" She grinned as she walked over and put an arm around her. "I'm sure you two have already met, but because I planned this get-together, I'm going to introduce you again, properly. This, Harry and Ron, is Gianna. The girl who keeps me young." Hermione chuckled as Gianna sent a coy smirk her way.
"Oh stop! You're only, what.. two, maybe three years older than me? You're not old!" She answered back, chuckling also. "If that was true, I wouldn't be far from 'Olds-Ville' myself!" The two began to chuckle in unison.
"I suppose you're right!" Hermione replied, a grin spreading across her face. "Anyway, come on, I want to introduce you to another one of my friends, before we go." She added, leading her to the guest bedroom.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Ron squeaked nervously and Harry grinned at his reaction. "You did NOT tell me she was that good-looking! If I knew that, I wouldn't have been so reluctant to go!" He added, punching his best friend on the shoulder playfully. "Man, you've got to stop holding out on me!" He added, sighing slightly in defeat.
"I admit, Hermione showed me a picture before hand and yes, she's quite good-looking. But mate, you never asked!" He said, mock innocence in his voice and etched on his face. Ron looked over at him, utterly scandalised for the second time that night. "Let's hope she doesn't go by first impression." He recaptured the look on Ron's face moments before and mumbled stupidly. "Um, hi..."
"Shut up!" Ron pushed him, but chuckled along with him. "Damn, I'm so stupid, it's not even funny anymore." He continued, gazing down the corridor, to the shut door of the guest bedroom.
Harry full-out laughed, this time. "Really? I still find it funny!"
Ron, for once in his life, adopted one of Hermione's frequent quirks. He shot Harry the death glare and he didn't feel ashamed, like he thought he would.
To be honest, in his opinion, it felt quite rewarding.
-------
"This is a nice place." Neville said, gazing at his surroundings. He and Ginny were in a lavish restaurant, sitting in nice clothes, on nice cushioned chairs. Soft violin music played in the background and lit candles were spread out everywhere. Ginny and himself had their own candle, burning brightly in the centre of the table.
It felt exactly like a date, only Neville had to keep reminding himself that it wasn't. He had to keep things friendly, which was becoming harder and harder with each passing day. Especially now, that she looked absolutely stunning. He couldn't ignore those soft lips, or those deep blue eyes. He couldn't ignore the way he felt, or the thoughts running through his mind, every second he spent in her presence.
"Yes, it definitely is." She replied, an un-readable tone in her voice and a grin on her face.
Oh and how her grin drove him crazy. It lit up her whole face, giving vibrance to every feature of it, only making her even more beautiful. It added to her charming qualities and Neville melted exquisitely each time he caught a glimpse of it.
"So, Neville, I was thinking. Why don't we go fifty-fifty on the bill?" She looked over at him questioningly, her face kind, her heart in the right place. Even as sincere and kind as she was trying to be, she was crushing Neville's very heart without knowing it.
Fifty-fifty?!
Those words were fatal. If they split the bill, it just wouldn't be a date. Of course, it already wasn't to begin with (Ginny made that very clear). But any chances of it even turning into a date, would be immediately thrown out the window, if they split the bill. That was just the way Neville was brought up. If he paid, it could be considered as a date. If they both paid, it could and probably would be considered as a night out between... friends.
Neville was tired of being the best friend. Nearly all of the girls he had ever known considered him to be their friend. He was tired of watching other guys become their boyfriend and him having to take the backseat and pick them up every time their dear old boyfriend knocked them down. He had done it with Ginny also, time and time again and he would be damned if he was going to continue to do so.
Granted, if she didn't return his feelings, he was happy to stay by her side as the friend. After all, having Ginny as a friend was better than not having Ginny at all. But, if there was even a ray of hope that they could be more, he would take his chances.
"Neville?" Ginny waved one of her soft, creamy-coloured hand in his face.
"Huh - what? Oh, oh... the bill, right, yes. I'm willing to pay for it, Ginny. Honestly." He said, almost in a pleading sort of manor. He had to pay for the bill!
"But - really. Neville, I don't mind." She piped up, placing her hand on his comfortingly. "I'll help you pay for it. I feel bad if I were to make you pay the whole thing." She said, her voice sweet-sounding and kind.
Dammit. Hand. Soft. Why does her voice have to be so... wonderful? And...and, disarming?! I feel as if I'm fighting a losing battle! No. No. Stay focused. Must. Pay. For. Dinner!
~*~*~*~
"So, what do you do, Ron?" Gianna asked across the table politely, sipping carefully at her nearly full glass of wine. She smiled at him slightly, giving him a look he couldn't ignore.
Ron's mind was racing, he hadn't felt like this since Hogwarts. Full blown infatuation was hitting him smack in the face. He looked across the table at Harry and Hermione who were smirking devilishly, while also sipping their wine. As soon as they caught him practically chucking scathing looks, they immediately went into 'mock innocent' mode.
Damn those clever friends of mine!
"Ahem, Ron?" Gianna grabbed at his attention, clearing her throat and placing her wine glass, half full now, down on the table. She looked extremely interested in what he was about to say and waited intently for an answer.
"Oh, I'm unemployed at the moment." He said sheepishly, blushing three shades of red. His ears went the colour of the tablecloth that lie on the table they were sitting at. "But, I'm going for an Auror course in a few weeks' time, though." He added, with a small bit of pride gleaming in his eyes.
They had actually sent the letter in the post the day before. He was to be chosen for an Auror training course!
Of course, Harry was chosen years ago, but wanted to stick with what he loved best. Besides, the English Quidditch team did give him an offer her couldn't refuse.
"Oh that's wonderful! Must be great if you were chosen!" Gianna sent a perfect grin his way and he almost melted in his seat. Gulping slightly, he picked up his wine glass and took a swig, hoping at least a small bit of alcohol would calm him down.
It was the first drop of alcohol he had had since the fight with Ginny and he had to say, he actually didn't miss it. He was proud of himself to be in complete control. One or two glasses of the crimson liquid would do and that would be all. He wasn't going to make an ass out of himself tonight.
Putting the glass down, he still had three-quarters of it left and he looked over at Harry and Hermione once more, who smiled at him. They obviously could see the improvement, too. Normally when he had alcohol, he would down it and look for more. Everyone else around the table was working on their second glass, where as he was still working on his first.
Things were looking promising.
~*~*~*~*~
"It's alright, Gin. I'll pay." He said, reassuringly. His thumb rubbed a straight line on the space between her thumb and her index finger.
"Are you sure?" She asked, a concerned look on her face. "I'll let you pay, if it really means that much to you." She answered, finally.
"Yes, it does." Neville smiled back, "It means a lot. Besides, you're close to me and I figured I would treat you to a night out. Hence why I planned this in the first place." His smile turned into a fine, wide grin.
She couldn't ignore that grin, "Alright, considering you planned this." She smiled back, giving him a slight nod of reassurance. "I'll let you pay."
She knew what Neville was like. He was kind and mannerly. He always offered to pay for things, he always gave her his coat when she was cold, he always made sure she was happy. She truly had never met someone nicer than him.
Sure, Harry was like this also, but they never really had this sort of connection after his sixth year. They always just remained friends and kept it at that, after the disaster that was their former relationship. Harry then pursued Hermione, Ginny pursued Draco and that was that. But Neville, he was different.
He had always been like this towards her, ever since they became friends in his fourth year. She wondered where she would be if she didn't have him. He was always there for her in every way possible, even better than some of her girl friends.
"So, what do you want for dessert?" Neville asked kindly, he held the menu up to his face and began to read out titles. "Chocolate Dream? Banoffe trifle? Strawberry wonder?" He added, even though he already knew what she would go for.
She loved chocolate. She always smelled of deep, rich chocolate, whether she was eating it or not, for some reason. Neville thought it was that spell she had cast in his sixth year, when she tried to turn herself into a chocolate bar after one too many glasses of fire whiskey that was snuck in for a Gryffindor victory party.
He grinned subconsciously, continuing to look down at the list of deserts.
Ginny caught a glimpse of his sudden grin and quirked an eyebrow curiously. "Neville, why are you grinning?" She asked.
"Oh, no reason. A memory just ran through my head, there." He mumbled, still on his search for a nice sounding desert. "So, what are you having?" He asked again, his grin still somewhat intact. He looked over his menu at her and saw her watching him.
"Chocolate Dream." She answered, as he knew she would. "Love chocolate." She continued. "I'd become a chocolate bar if I could."
"And you tried to, in my sixth year, remember?" He chuckled slightly.
"Oh, that doesn't count!" She retorted, laughing as she blushed slightly. She remembered just how drunk she managed to get. Boy, she knew how to hold her liqour until she had one too many.
"Besides, the spell never worked anyway, I'm still perfectly normal, aren't I?" She continued, leaning over slightly, so that her face was dangerously close to his. She now began to whisper, "Tell me. I've never tried to turn you into a chocolate bar, have I?" She asked calmly looking up into his eyes carefully. "Because that would just be an injustice." Her voice stayed in a hushed tone, her eyes never breaking their contact with his.
Oh how he wanted to drown in those crystal blue eyes. They were like pools of spring water. So refreshing to watch, to gaze into, to be lost in. He could feel himself losing a battle of wits, in his brain, as he tried desperately to hang onto them.
Dammit, that stare of hers is also disarming!
"N-no, you n-never tired to t-turn me into a ch-chocolate bar." He stuttered, the proximity of her face becoming too much to handle. He could now see every freckle on it, that her make-up tried to hide. He saw all of the long eyelashes that clung to her eyelids, he saw the softness of her lips and the small lines of a silvery colour flecked throughout the blue in her eyes. In a platonic perspective, she was much too close.
"Good." She answered, a small smile tracing itself onto her lips. Closing her eyes slightly, she continued to lean across the tiny table, as if she was fixed by a gravitational pull. Neville was reeling her in and she wasn't putting up a fight.
Their lips were so close, both their eyes shut, as they were about to share something they had both subconsciously been waiting to share for so long, now...
"Excuse me, what dessert would you like?" The blonde waitress asked politely. She was wearing the staff uniform and both Ginny and Neville sighed, trying desperately not to be rude to her for interrupting.
"I'll have the Chocolate Dream." Ginny mumbled, a slight tone of annoyance in her voice, as she sat properly in her seat and sighed heavily.
"Same." Neville replied, sharing her note of annoyance, as he too, straightened himself in his seat.
Ginny, just coming to her senses, heard buzzing of confused thoughts rushing around in her mind.
I JUST TRIED TO KISS MY BEST FRIEND!
~*~*~*~*~
"Favourite bands?" Gianna asked across the table, some time later. Her and Ron were deep in conversation, as they sat next to one another at the table. Ron had half of his glass gone by now, Gianna's glass empty. Tracing absentminded circles on the table cloth with his index finger, he was turned slightly to face her, almost hanging off of her every word.
"Oh, well." He blushed slightly, "Would you be inclined to think I was a bit silly if I told you I liked Muggle bands?" He grinned at her sheepishly.
"Of course not! I do as well! It's pretty hard not to. I mean, coming from an American background, everyone there seems to adore music. They have concerts, TV shows and CDs all over the place, covered with Muggle bands." She smiled, "So, you're not alone!"
"Good." He smiled. "Anyway, I have to say, recently, I've started to like a Muggle English band called 'Coldplay'." He answered matter-of-factly, never breaking eye contact.
"Really?" She grinned, seeming slightly enthusiastic. "I love Coldplay! I have ever since I was about fifteen, when they first came out. Oh, I have another favourite band, Queens of the Stone Age! They are fantastic!" She replied, her hand placed on the table, oh, so close to his.
"Oh. I've never heard of them before, are they any good?" Ron asked curiously, continuing to give her all of his attention.
"Oh yes, they're really talented. They're from California. You might not have heard of them, though. Simply because they haven't quite broken all of Europe yet."
"Oh, I see." Ron began to smile slightly, catching onto her wide grin.
"You know, you and I have an awful lot in common." She grinned placing a hand on his and patting it slightly. It sent shivers up his spine and he had to blink for a second to regain composure.
"So I can tell." He grinned back, his eyes blazing with feeling. It had been so long since he had felt like this about the opposite sex and he had to say, he was quite liking where this was headed.
"This is going well." Hermione whispered to Harry, as the two of them sat across the table from Ron and Gianna.
"Yeah, they seem like they're really getting along." Harry grinned, "You're so clever, you know that?" He added, beaming at her. He was glad that she had found someone for him to get his mind off of the current state of his life. He needed some happiness.
She blushed slightly, "Oh stop." Smiling, she rested her head on his shoulder, as they all waited for dessert.
"Really, you are." His grin intact, he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, not wanting to seem too open about affection at a dinner table.
She smiled knowingly, taking his hand in hers, as they also began to engage in light conversation.
What a great night. Hopefully Gianna keeps her stories to herself in the office tomorrow.
~*~*~*~
Her gaze rest on Neville, looking slightly glum as he stared intently at his menu, although she knew he wasn't taking any of it in.
She knew this, because the dessert had come and gone and they were now waiting for the bill.
Silence plagued the table, as the two sat, fidgeting uncomfortably in their seats. Ginny sighed, continuing to watch Neville, as she knew he was staring at the menu to dodge her gaze. She knew from the way he was acting, that she had been too forward. Maybe he wasn't ready and to be honest, she wasn't sure if she was ready to take things further either.
She had only just broken up with Draco and she was still very confused about her feelings toward Neville.
How could things go from great, to horrible in a matter of seconds? I messed up.
The bill came on a silver platter and Neville looked at it. Taking money out of his wallet, he took his time counting it all out, for it was Muggle money and he was only vaguely familiar with it. Placing the money carefully on the platter (along with the tip), he looked at Ginny, giving her the signal that it was time to leave.
They both made to get up, heading for the door together. Once exiting through it, Ginny turned to Neville and mumbled shyly, "I had a nice time tonight, Nev."
"Me too." He answered back, almost robotically.
"Right, well, I better get going." She broke the engulfing silence and turned around, beginning to walk in the other direction.
Neville sighed, plunging his hands into his pockets as he watched her walk away. Suddenly a burst of thought sparked courage. He yanked his hands out of his pockets and began to jog after her.
"Ginny, wait!" He called to her. She heard him and halted, turning around to see him jogging towards her.
He finally caught up and without warning, he leaned in, reaching out for her waist as he pulled her towards him. Within seconds, their lips met in a soft, yet desperate kiss.
Ginny, taken aback by his abruptness was lifeless for a few seconds. Finally, when she began to respond to the kiss, Neville deepened it. Wrapping his arms around her waist gently, his lips began to convey his tenderness, as he felt her wrap her arms loosely around his neck.
Once the kiss ended, they pulled away, both slightly breathless and lost for words. Ginny looked up at Neville and he returned her gaze.
When no explanation came, Ginny, retreating within herself shook her head slightly and turned around, beginning to walk away yet again. Neville was stood there, stunned at her reaction.
Shit! Now I've done it.
"Ginny!" He called once more, following her hurriedly. "Ginny, please, wait! Let me explain!" He added, watching her stop, yet again. He propelled himself towards her, halting abruptly once he caught up.
"Look, I'm sorry." He said, breathlessly. "I should have never come onto you like that."
"No, don't be." She spoke softly, her gaze falling upon him. "Neville, I've just realised something."
"What?" He asked curiously. His eyebrow arched every-so-slightly; Ginny loved it when he did this. She found it cute and endearing.
"I've had feelings for you, for a long time." She whispered, a small, bitter smile plastered on her lips.
"Is that a bad thing?" Neville asked cautiously, seeing the look on her face, knowing he was walking onto dangerous territory.
"YES!" She answered, her voice raised slightly. Sighing in frustration, she threw up her hands. "Neville! I thought I had you all figured out. I... I thought I had myself figured out, actually. You were my friend and I didn't feel more for you. We were just on the line of friendship. But now the lines are blurred, don't you see? I have feelings for you! Nev, what if this doesn't work out? I don't want to lose you completely!"
Tears began to form in her eyes, as she looked up at him, a mixture of confusion and frustration on her face. "You just, never cease to amaze me." She now whispered, a lone tear streaking down her cheek. Her expression softened, the longer she gazed into his eyes.
"Would you rather stay friends then take the risk? Would you rather be miserable as friends, knowing we could be more? Quite frankly, I couldn't. And Gin, to be honest, you'll never lose me completely. No matter how far this goes, it's worth a shot, because there is nothing you could do that would ever stop me from caring about you." He spoke just as soft, looking down at her, sincerity etched in his eyes and trapped in the words he spoke.
"I... I don't know." She spoke, more tears betraying her and bursting the boundaries of her eyes. Sighing again, she looked down at her shoes. Suddenly, she felt his strong arms wrap around her and without thinking, she immediately wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his chest gently.
"Do you not think it's worth the chance? I do, Ginny. I'm willing to take a risk if you are." He whispered into her hair, cooing softly to reassure her everything would be alright.
Once the crying subsided, Ginny's lips curved into a watery smile as her lungs filled with air. Her mind began to race as she took in the smell of him.
She would do it. She would take the chance. Because Neville was right, why stay friends when their feelings were now out in the open? When they now knew for sure that they could be more?
As she pulled away to gaze back into his eyes, the words tumbled softly from her pink lips, "I'm willing." Her smiled broadened as she could see his handsome face light up.
She had made up her mind. The smile continued to break across her lips like wildfire. "Just promise me, Neville. If this doesn't work out, that we'll remain friends."
"I promise, Ginny." He grinned back, reaching down and lifting her up into the air joyously, twirling her around. She giggled as she was spun through the air. When her feet touched the ground, she wrapped her arms tightly around him, hugging him. Wiping away the lingering tears on her cheeks, she now sported a big, toothy grin, as she rested her head on his chest.
He whispered into her hair softly and she felt safe in his arms. As he repeated the two words that now bound them together...
"I promise."
~*~*~*~*~
"It was lovely meeting you, Ron." Gianna grinned, leaning in and giving him a warm hug as they were all standing up from the table, having just paid the bill.
"You too." Ron smiled sadly, letting go of her reluctantly. "Maybe we should do this again sometime." He spoke hopefully, giving her a rare look of meaning.
"Maybe." She smiled back, "I certainly have no objections. But next time, we won't bring the chaperones." She added, winking as she pointed a thumb over her shoulder in the direction of Harry and Hemrione. Picking up her shawl from her chair, she wrapped it around her shoulders, as she gave Ron a piercing stare. Moving closer to him, she stood on tip-toe and gave him the softest kiss on his right cheek.
His lips stretched into an even wider grin as she pulled away. She then turned to Harry and Hermione, smiling politely. "Thank you for a lovely evening!" She gave Hermione a hug, and Harry a friendly handshake, then made to leave.
Giving Ron one last look and waving to him slightly, she turned and left. Ron watched every step she took away from him, completely gob-smacked.
Harry sniggered as he watched his best friend grin stupidly.
As Ron let his fingertips pass over the skin in which her lips had touched, he spoke in a dazed voice...
"I am never washing this cheek again."
-------
Hermione's breathing became erratic. She didn't know how much more of this she could take! She sat there, in the back seat of a taxi, Harry beside her and Ron in the front seat, giving the driver directions. But, to be honest, she had drowned him out ages ago.
The only thing her mind kept coming back to, was Harry sitting beside her. He was completely oblivious to her thoughts, as he stared out of the window, watching people and places roll past. He had no idea of what was going on in her head.
Suddenly, the car came to an abrupt stop and the cabby turned around, looking at the two in the back seat.
"This is it!" His words came out of his mouth, but seemed to blur on the way into Hermione's ears. She nodded her head, as if she understood and reached for the handle, opening the car door and stepping out. Harry got out also, giving the cabby his money and watching him drive off down the street.
By the time Harry came in through the doors to their block of flats, Hermione was already on the other side of the lobby, pressing the elevator button repeatedly, becoming extremely frantic with each press of the button.
If this damn elevator doesn't hurry the hell up, I'm going to take Harry on the staircase!
"Hermione, Hermione, calm down." Harry said softly, into her ear, from behind her. He reached over and gently crumpled her hand into his, withdrawing it from the buttons and leaving it to reside loosely near her hip. "It's okay. If it takes much longer, we'll take the stairs." He continued, still having no idea of Hermione's intentions.
"Alright." She breathed, not turning to look at him. She knew if she did, she wouldn't be able to hold off. His eyes would break her.
Harry could see her haste. He could almost sense her need to make it quickly to their flat and yet he couldn't understand why.
"Ah geez, I'm taking the stairs!" Ron said in frustration, only after just arriving. Harry rolled his eyes slightly. It was just like him to be completely impatient.
He watched as Ron opened the door to the staircase and sighed. Suddenly, the bell of the elevator dinged, cutting through his thoughts as both him and Hermione made their way onto it.
The doors closed and he saw Hermione on the other side of the small elevator, as far away from him as possible. She was biting her lip and eyeing him up and down and he still couldn't put a finger on her behaviour!
"Why aren't we moving?" Hermione asked suddenly, after a few moments of complete silence. Indeed, they hadn't been moving since the doors had closed. Suddenly, as if answering her own question, she pressed the number of their floor and sighed in relief as the elevator began to move.
Staying where she was, Hermione avoided his gaze entirely. She couldn't look him in the eye, it only made her want him more!
But then, it happened. Her eyes met his and she wanted so badly, to jump him right where he stood. Thinking quickly, she reached for the emergency stop button and pressed it hard.
To hell with this!
After a few more seconds of silence, Harry heard a thud and the elevator stopped completely.
Suddenly, he felt lips upon his and was completely shocked to find Hermione practically groping him.
"W-wait! What's going -?" She cut off his sentence, as she slid her tongue into his mouth. At this point, he found it increasingly hard to calm her down. She was going crazy! Her lips finally left his and trailed down to his neck slowly.
"Hermione! What are you doing?" Harry asked her, not pushing her away, but not responding to her actions either. He was extremely bewildered at this whole scenario. It's not every day you're stuck in an elevator with a horny Hermione.
"I've been driven crazy." She said softly, through a moan. Harry was now finding it increasingly hard not to spoil his pants, as she spoke. She continued her assault on his neck, which was becoming quite intoxicating. He took in the smell of her, the feel of her, the sound of her dull hums and moans and wanted to react, but couldn't. His body was completely frozen.
"Hermione, don't you think we should wait until we get back to the flat?" He asked, his voice rising in pitch and his words quivering as they left his mouth.
"Harry, I've been waiting for too long. I don't think I can wait any longer." She moaned once again, her voice raspy with passion. Harry didn't want to look down into her eyes, he knew he had to find a way to get her back into their flat, before she practically pulled his pants down and made him surrender to her intense coaxing right there.
"Honey, I think they're going to realise the elevator is stuck." He spoke firmly, clearing his throat slightly. He was smoothing out all the nervousness he felt, now getting used to her tongue sliding in and out of his ear, which she knew was one of his weak spots.
Reaching over, Harry shakily pressed the red emergency stop button and the elevator started going up once again. Hermione felt them moving and didn't even seem to care! Where had the well-mannered, lady-like Hermione gone?! Maybe her body had been invaded by a sex-driven maniac, Harry couldn't be sure!
He didn't know how much more of this he could take. He was slowly and surely being broken. It was only a matter of time before his will snapped in two, or maybe even four! She slowly lifted her leg and began to rub her knee against his groin and that is when he completely lost it.
The elevator dinged and the doors opened, as the two of them stumbled out of it at once, connected at the mouth as if they needed each other's air to live. Harry moving backwards and Hermione moving forwards, together they made it to the door and began to knock frantically.
The door opened and Ron stood, his face twisted in disgust. "Yuck! You two, come on!"
Harry pushed Ron out of the way, without a word and the two clumsily stepped over the threshold. Closing the door behind them, Harry immediately began to kick of his shoes, carelessly, Hermione doing the same. Then, his socks were next to go, as he broke the kiss momentarily, bending down and taking them off.
Harry was pleased to know, when he let his hand run up Hermione's leg that she had too, made use of the time to remove her tights. God knows he had had some tricky encounters with those blasted things, in the past.
"Could you NOT do this near our front door?!" Ron asked in annoyance, his hands on his hips.
"Shut up, Ron. You're killing the mood." Hermione grinned, winking at him slightly. She then turned to Harry and her grin became a cheeky one. She grabbed onto his tie and began to drag him toward her bedroom.
Ron sighed, calling after the two of them. "And do you think maybe you could actually put the silencing charm on the room this time?! I sure as hell don't want to hear those nasty sounds coming from your room, again! I might end up throwing up my rather expensive meal! It's not often I get to eat at places like -" He was cut off by the giggle of Hermione and the slam of her bedroom door.
-------
Harry wasted no time in removing his trousers. They both heard the noise of the zipper on her dress when he gently unzipped it. Grinning, his hands slid softly and slowly down Hermione's sides, to remove her strapless dress. The whole dress, made of a silky crimson fabric seemed to slip down her body and drop into a pool of red around her feet. She stepped out of it, her black knickers revealed.
Black knickers!
God, how he loved Hermione's taste.
She advanced on him, wrapping her arms around his neck and meeting his lips in a deep, desperate kiss. Thinking quick, he turned her around swiftly, now being the one to pin her to the wall. He hiked her legs up around his waist, his hands delicately caressing her outer thighs and backside, his lips never leaving hers.
Pressing her lips harder into his, Hermione began to use wandless magic. Screaming the protection spell in her head, she finally felt the warmth that came as the result of the spell.
Before she knew it, Harry's tongue slid out onto her bottom lip, silently begging for entry. She granted him such access, her feet wrapping around his waist and tightening their grip on him, as she pushed his body further into hers. She grinned on his lips, as her hips began to grind against his, teasingly. This caused his mind to go cloudy and foggy, the temperature rising in the room, even though both of them were now reduced to their underwear.
Their breathing heavy, their minds racing and their hips beginning to grind into one another, they were only thinking about one thing, as both of their hearts seemed to beat rapidly against their chests.
"Harry." Hermione whispered, a note of desperation entwined with her words as she peppered kisses across his jawbone. "Harry, please." She whispered raspingly when her lips met his ear, her eyes gleaming with an incredible desire, as a soft glow of moonlight fell upon her through the cracks in the curtains. Her breath was heavy on his neck and it made the hairs there stand on end.
Oh, how he loved the smell of her. She smelled of fresh picked strawberries and he just couldn't get it out of his head. His hands caressed every bit of skin she had; he practically worshipped her with those hands of his.
"Mmmm." Hermione moaned, as Harry's hand came in contact with her inner thigh, the other hand holding her up, on his waist. She threw her head back slightly, her back arching into him and her breasts being thrust into his chest, as he touched her softly.
A hand running through his hair, she grabbed his head desperately and pressed her lips hard into his, trying to muffle her cries of pleasure. To think, he was already driving her insane and neither of them were completely undressed yet.
He loved Hermione like this. It felt like a sin, to touch her this way. Surely anything this good just had to be a sin, right?
Whispering the silencing charm, he heard the small, reassuring 'pop' that came with the activation of the spell. Hermione grinned, now knowing she could make as much noise as she wanted to, which was definitely a satisfying thought.
Slipping a hand into the front of her knickers, he now began to caress further down, his movements slow and teasing. Once his fingers reached their destination, they carefully slid into her, eliciting a gasp of pleasure from her. He grinned in satisfaction to himself.
Hermione moaned and threw her head back as his fingers began to move quicker and quicker against her. Feeling hotter than before, she immediately pulled her strapless bra over her head and chucked it carelessly across the room, not even thinking to undo it at the back. Harry's mouth made its way to one of her breasts, sucking and nibbling on her nipple, making her moan even louder, it seemed.
His finger began to stroke her. Back and forth, up and down, side to side, in and out.
He continued his motions, faster and harder, causing her to buck her hips against his finger. Cheekily, he slid another one into her, hearing her mumble a long string of curses, which satisfied him greatly. If only he had a witness. Someone else to see her like this, see her as she truly was when coaxed. Surely, no one would believe him if he told them.
He loved bringing the bad Hermione out, with the movement of a finger.
A few moments of this and he could tell she was close to being pushed over the edge, but he didn't want this to end. Thinking quickly, he slid his finger carefully out of her, as she breathed heavily, her chest heaving into his. Without even giving her a moment to calm down, he swiftly pushed his boxers off of his waist and moved her lingerie to one side, plunging himself deep into her.
Both of them let out a moan of pleasure, this time, as Harry sank into her slowly and withdrew from her just as slow. He began to thrust into her, keeping the same pace, just to tease her. Even though he was doing a good job, (as she was now whining his name) it was also putting him through torture.
She was so tight, warm and moist around him. Each thrust into her was an indescribable pleasure. His stomach mounted with tension, as his breathing was hitched to a faster rate and Hermione continued to whine in his ear.
"Faster." She pleaded, "Please, Harry. Haarder."
Pressing hot kisses to her neck, he chuckled on her skin softly, sending shivers up Hermione's spine. "What's the magic words?" He mumbled huskily.
Hermione melted in his arms, feeling him push her even harder against the wall.
"Harry, I need you. Please." She whispered into his ear breathily, causing Harry's will power to crumble spectacularly. She slowly began rocking her hips into his and moaning softly in his ear, every second of this was breaking him, further and further until there would be nothing left of his will.
Breathing heavily, Harry began to lose any tiny fragment of sense telling him to take it slow and to continue teasing her like he was. He could no longer pretend that it wasn't extremely agonising for him too.
Another string of curses uttered from Hermione's lips and he was done for. He was a goner, as some people would like to phrase it. Completely lost in her. All of the basic elements that made up Hermione. He was sinking and he knew there was no way back. He had to ride out this wave of pleasure, sink in the sea like a stone. He had to give in.
He drown in the smell of her hair, the sexy expression plastered across her face and the devilish look in her eyes just screaming for more. The rosiness in her cheeks, the small smirk on her lips, let him know just how much she was loving this. The softness of her skin and lips - but most importantly, the way she would moan his name softly in his ear - was enough to drive him right off the deep end, alone.
Finally snapping, he gave in. Thrusting deep into her, the madness started. Quickly, without warning, his hips picked up speed. As if being controlled by a remote somewhere, he began to thrust in and out of her rapidly, their skin meeting with a small 'clapping' noise. This sudden movement was so rewarding. Hermione, gasping loudly, pushed her breasts into him further, which only gave him incentive to go faster.
Another string of curses escaped her lips, as she dragged each word out through hot breaths. "Yeesssss."
She began to bounce on him, he was going that fast. She was being pushed even harder against the wall, her back moving up and down on it, as her hips would meet his, each time he thrust in to her. His name leaving her lips frequently, Harry was now the one being pushed over the edge as he went faster, harder and deeper with each thrust.
He knew the both of them were so close. He could hear it in her moans, he could feel it in her body as her back tensed, he could even see it in the look etched across her face.
He was going to finish this. He just had to hold off a little longer.
He continued to thrust into her like a madman; in - out, in - out, up and down, up and down. He watched as her breasts bounced in time to each thrust, her back arched even further and he could see the beads of sweat trickling slowly down her glorious forehead and cheeks. Despite all of this and how arousing it was, he continued to hold off.
He thrust, and thrust, and thrust, until finally, Hermione let out a loud cry of ecstasy. She threw her head back, her hips pressed against his, her back arching as far as possible and her mouth wide open. Her body shuddered against his, as she clenched tightly around him. Even then, he didn't stop. Allowing her to ride this wave of pleasure out he thrust into her one, two, three more times when finally, he spilled himself into her and was instantly spent.
Taking a few deep breaths, she collapsed into him, her body limp and sweaty as she clung onto him lovingly. Her head resting on his shoulder, as she whispered sweet nothings in his ear. After a few moments, stood in this position, Harry's mind began to buzz. Smiling, he carried her to the bed, pulling back the covers with a free hand and placing her in it carefully.
She was like an angel of the night. Bars of moonlight spilled out from the curtains, caressing the soft plains of her already glowing skin. Her dark, luscious curls fanned out across her pillow, giving a touch of vivid darkness to the crisp, white pillow case. Her chest continued to heave with the effort of each breath, her breasts being pushed out each time. She looked exquisite and other-worldly, like she belonged in the clouds instead of on this bed, here with him. He was almost afraid that if he looked away, she would disappear.
Eventually, when she calmed herself down, her eyes claimed his. A fire still burned in those dark, velvety irises of hers, but now it was dull and tamed. Her body was spent, just as his was. She gracefully extended her long arms in his direction, reaching out for him. A coy smile set deep into her soft, full lips.
Harry awkwardly shook his head, putting one finger up to gesture that he needed a minute. A frown replaced the coy smirk and her beautiful eyebrows arched in incredulity. Turning his back on her, he began skimming the room for his boxers when he heard her call out to him softly.
"Harry, what are you doing?" She whispered through the engulfing darkness of the room. A few bars of moonlight fell upon his figure, standing a few feet away from the bed.
"Looking for my shorts." He whispered back simply. He almost felt ashamed to sleep in the same bed with this goddess and was trying to find a way to cover up.
"Harry, don't bother. Come to bed." She answered, a small smile returning to her face. Such a gentlemen...
He looked back at her, slightly shocked, "Are you sure?"
"Yes." She said through a soft giggle, extending her welcoming arms once again.
Making cautious steps toward the bed, he halted beside it and waited as she moved over to make room for him. He climbed into the bed and got under the covers, laying on his side to face her.
"I love you, Harry." She whispered, leaning in as she placed a hand on his chest and a kiss on the tip of his nose.
"I love you too, Hermione." He mumbled, smiling, as he looked at the girl before him. She grinned, moving closer to him still, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head against his naked chest. Pushing himself onto his back, he in turn wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in his embrace.
Within moments, her chest began to rise and fall just a little bit slower, her breathing patterns became rhythmic and miniscule breaths began to escape her lips softly. Her eyes fluttered closed, her face expressionless, as she snuggled up even closer to him.
God, she was beautiful when she slept. So peaceful, so still, so... serene. The image of the angel reappeared in his mind's eye and he smiled.
As he watched her fall asleep in his arms, his love for her grew. He still couldn't figure out one thing...
What did I do, to deserve her?
-------
Remember Reo and get down,
Like some other DJ, in some other town.
Who's been try'na tell me to hold tight,
But I've been waitin' this whole night.
Uuggh. Where the hell am I?
Well, it was definitely some place she wasn't used to. She had never been there before. Or perhaps it was an unfamiliar room in a familiar house. She began to get panicky, as always, when in new surroundings. Hyperventilating slightly, she began to scan the room for a glimpse of anything or anyone she knew.
'Snort..'
She whirled around, her eyes making contact with a sleeping Neville. Her mind began to race.
Surely we didn't-!
She looked down, placing her hands on her stomach.
Nope - still fully clothed. A sigh of relief escaped her lips, instantly turning them into a smile as she watched Neville sleep. Last night's events came crashing back into her head and she replayed them fuzzily, as if they were a beautiful dream.
But I've been down,
Across a road or two.
But now I've found,
The velvet sun,
That shines on me and you.
They had kissed though. Several times. More times then she could count on her fingers. This thought only made her begin to grin. She kissed Neville Longbottom. Her fingertips reached up to meet her lips and they gently touched them, her smile still intact, as she remembered the exact feel of them upon hers.
She kissed him - and it was wonderful. She didn't think any, one kiss could hold so much emotion, so much bliss. Then again, she had never kissed Neville before. Her thoughts swam as her gaze now drifted around the bedroom. His bedroom.
In the back,
Uh-ho, I can't crack,
We're on top.
It's just a shimmy and a shake,
Uh-ho, I can't fake,
We're on top, we're on top.
Painted pictures of sailboats and violet horizons were hung neatly on the creamy walls. Beautifully finished oak furniture stood proudly around the room, giving a nice touch. Red and gold curtains hung on the windows and this made Ginny chuckle gently.
You can take the boy out of Gryffindor, but not Gryffindor out of the boy.
She was sure every Gryffindor had something that reminded them of the house itself. Ginny still had her Gryffindor scarf. The same scarf that blew away in a horrible rainstorm one day. The same scarf that was recovered from one of the topmost branches of a tree on the outskirts of the forbidden forest, by the boy who was laying beside her. Well, he was no longer a boy; he was a man.
The day is breakin', we're still here.
You're body's shakin' and it's clear.
You really need it, so let go.
And let me feed it, but you know.
A lot had changed since they were teenagers. A lot of memories faded and a lot of friendships died hard. A lot of promises were broken, hearts shattered and tears shed. In the end, it only made them stronger and brought them to where they were today.
Ginny had to admit, she wouldn't change a thing in her past. For everything she went through, there was a lesson to be learned from it. Besides, she might not even be sitting in this bed - his bed - at that moment if it hadn't been for everything that happened, bringing them closer together as a result. For all she knew, he could be married to Hannah Abbott! Five children, lovely house, beautiful wizarding neighbourhood...
Her thoughts were cut short, as she came to a realisation.
What if she was holding him back? What if she was the one who kept him from that perfect life? What if she was the quicksand and he was the struggling victim?
That I've been down,
Across a road or two.
But now I've found,
The velvet sun,
That shines on me and you.
Her mind began to race with nasty thoughts. How could she have done this to him? All this time, he waited on her, gave her what she wanted, comforted her when she needed to be comforted. And all the time, she gave him nothing in return. She never thanked him for any of it. What right had she to take the life he could have, away from him?
"Ginny?" Neville murmured, awaking from his slumber. His crystal blue eyes opened and he smiled as they caught sight of Ginny sitting next to him. "Morning." He whispered, reaching for her hand and kissing it gently. His gaze was enchanting. He looked at her with a hint of surprise. He seemed to only just realise that he had not, in fact, dreamed last night up in his head and that she was not a figment of his imagination, but instead very real.
Her skin tingled and yet she felt a pang of regret. Not for herself, but for him. She regretted what she had done to him. He was so helplessly lost in his feelings for her, that he didn't see what she was doing to him.
In the back,
Uh-ho, I can't crack,
We're on top.
It's just a shimmy and a shake,
Uh-ho, I can't fake,
We're on top, we're on top.
"I - I have to go." She said off-hand manner, quickly getting out of the bed, as if she only just realised she was sitting on hot coals. Dashing gracefully around the room once on her feet, she began to grab her shoes, her purse and her coat, all the time feeling Neville's gaze upon her.
"Why?" He asked, his tone slightly disappointed. That beautiful, sparkley-eyed look he gave her was long gone, "I was going to make breakfast." He half-smiled at her and she froze to look at him one last time. Oh how that boyish smile made her melt.
"Because, I have to, Neville. I can't explain." She replied suddenly, shaking her head and snapping herself out of her trance.
We bring the bump to the grind,
Uh-ho, I don't mind,
We're on top.
It's just a shimmy and a shake,
Uh-ho, I can't fake,
We're on top, we're on top.
Getting up, Neville made his way to her and caught her wrist before she could reach for the doorknob. "Wait." He said gently. He watched as Ginny slowly turned to face him. "What's this all about?" He asked, his face etched with concern and curiosity.
"I - I'm just really sorry, Neville." She mumbled guiltily. "I'm sorry for everything." Her cheeks turned a light shade of red, her face painted into an expression that one would wear if under a large spotlight.
"But - you didn't do anything wrong." He asked, his eyebrow arching slightly, as he continued to give her that curious stare of his that seemed to probe her thoughts. She hated it when he did this, she felt like he was reading her mind.
Blinking quickly to break eye contact, she continued. "Yes I have. I've ruined everything." She spoke matter-of-factly, nodding slightly. Her twisted logic continued to clamour around in her head, like a bull in a china shop, breaking beautiful memories and ideas of the future as it went.
"Oh." Neville looked extremely put out. "You're regretting what happened last night, aren't you?" His voice was a mess with sadness and heavy disappointment.
And we don't mean to satisfy, tonight.
So get your eyes off of my pride, tonight.
'Cause I don't need to satisfy, tonight.
"No." Ginny said firmly. She didn't regret it at all. In fact, she had the best time of her life last night and she was prepared to swear in front of anyone who asked.
"Then why do you feel you've ruined everything?" Neville asked, his eyes alight with a dim hope, a hope that Ginny wouldn't crumble his heart with the words she spoke.
It's like a cigarette, in the mouth,
Or a handshake in the doorway.
I look at you, and smile,
Because I'm fine.
"Because, Neville. You don't understand. I'm quicksand." She whispered desperately, cupping his cheek with her other hand, trying to make him look her in the eye. "I'm not good enough for you. You could have any girl you wanted. A girl that doesn't have emotional issues, that hasn't just come out of a relationship that has completely broken her. A girl who's pretty and smart. But most of all: a girl that's nothing like me." She spoke softly, her words filled with hurt and insecurity. She was bearing her deepest thoughts out on her sleeve for him to gander at and waiting for him to reply was killing her.
"Ginny. I don't want a girl that's nothing like you." Neville took a deep breath, trying to form words into his head that would explain to her in the best way possible, just how much he needed her. "If you go now, I don't think I'll ever move on. I will only watch girl after girl pass me by and spend the rest of my life comparing them all to you." He answered, sincerity etched on his face. "And no one can compare to you."
And we don't mean to satisfy, tonight.
So get your eyes off of my pride, tonight.
'Cause I don't need to satisfy, tonight.
Ginny stood there, as Neville let go of her wrist. As it rested back down, by her side, she let what he had said sink in. Was she really the only girl he wanted? No guy had ever seemed to feel that way about her before. She had always made every guy she was in a relationship with her priority, where as they had made her their option.
Caring for someone was difficult, when in a situation like that. But no. This felt different, this felt right.
"Neville?" Ginny whispered softly, watching as he came in closer to her, his lips closing the gap between them.
It's like a cigarette, in the mouth,
Or a handshake in the doorway.
Within seconds, Ginny felt his lips against hers, pressing gently; the kiss soft and tender. She smiled a small smile, feeling him deepen the kiss even further as he wrapped his arms instinctively around her waist. She hummed into his mouth, tingling sensations rising in the pit of her stomach. Ever since their first kiss, they never seemed to leave her alone.
No, no. She had never felt like this. This could really be something, it could really go somewhere. Finally, it was just what she needed. A chance for a new start, a new beginning.
As she wrapped her arms around his neck loosely, finally reacting to his motions toward her, she couldn't help but
let her head swim.
Oh yes, this feels right.
I look at you, and smile,
Because I'm fine, now.
('On Top' - The Killers from 'Hot Fuss')
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*AN: Ha, so it's taken me awhile, but I finally got it finished! I'm actually a little happy with the way I fixed this chapter up…. I did add a few things, especially in the H/Hr love scene *grins* So I hope you liked it, all! =]
I do hope to have more of this up.. I'm already half way through the 8th chapter, so hopefully things will work out for that to be up shortly after this one.
Anyway, R&R! =]