Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize; if you don't recognize something, I made it up. Any similarities are purely coincidental; the only thing I get from writing is satisfaction. The title is taken from a song by 3 of Hearts, from the movie Where the Heart Is, the refrain inspiring the plot a bit.
Chapter 6
As Harry turned and saw Hermione, he smiled grateful for her presence. When she mouthed "I'm sorry", his look shifted to one of confusion, and finally came to rest on one of utter disbelief as Hermione's palm and fingers connected solidly with his face.
"What the hell…" he began, his hand slowly coming to rest gingerly on his cheek, which was now sporting a bright red mark.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER! I can't believe you were flirting with…with…HER!" Hermione shouted angrily, while her eyes betrayed her supposed anger. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Um, I'm sorry?" Harry answered unsure, searching her face for any sort of clue as to what was going on.
"Sorry for what? For flirting with that bimbo or for leaving me to fend for myself while you went off gallivanting with random women?" Hermione asked dramatically.
"Both?" Harry replied, sounding more like he was asking a question than giving an answer.
"I can't believe you left me, your girlfriend, alone. Then I find you with this…woman…" Hermione continued, subtly emphasizing the words.
"My girlf…" Harry started. He suddenly caught on to what Hermione was pulling and smirked. She winked and nodded slightly in return.
"Baby, I'm so sorry. She means absolutely nothing!" Harry exclaimed, getting into character. "You're the only one for me," he added, taking Hermione's hand in his.
"Well I should hope so," she said haughtily.
As they played this game, Harry tried to figure out how he was going to get back at her. Slowly a wicked grin came across his handsome features as he glanced at Hermione. She noticed the look and gulped audibly. `Oh shit' were the only words that came to her mind.
She tried to remove her hands from Harry's grip, but he wouldn't let go.
"Let me make it up to you," he said devilishly. "To prove she means nothing and you mean everything."
"Uh, that's not necessary, I trust you not to do it again," Hermione managed to squeak out.
"Oh, no. I insist. You totally deserve it," Harry said slyly, enjoying watching Hermione fidget in anticipation.
He then surprised Hermione - and himself a bit, too - by drawing her body roughly to his and lowering his mouth to hers. The gasp that escaped Hermione was muffled by Harry's lips.
Hermione was in shock for a moment or two before she regaining her senses and responded to his kiss. What started out was semi-chaste hastily became much more as they continued, neither wanting it to end just yet.
Harry lightly touched the tip of his tongue to Hermione's bottom lip, testing the waters. He was pleasantly surprised when he felt the tip of Hermione's tongue in place of her lip the second time he tried it. He groaned in approval as their tongues met, massaging the other; tentative at first, but rapidly becoming more intense and passionate as they hungrily kissed each other, Hermione's hands winding around Harry's neck as he had one hand on either side of her face, holding her in place.
After one last lingering kiss, Hermione broke away, breathless, her heart pounding in her chest; she was, for once, completely speechless.
"Does that make up for everything?" Harry asked softly.
"Um, yeah," Hermione stammered. "Just don't let it happen again," she added, trying to cover her anxiety.
"Oh, it won't," Harry said playfully, trying to slow his racing pulse. "That was a one-time thing."
They'd both forgotten the blond, who chose that moment to make her presence known by tapping Hermione's shoulder, hard.
"What?" she asked, whirling around, clearly agitated. "Can't you see we're busy?"
Ignoring her question, the blond stared at Hermione icily. "Who the hell are you to come barging over when I'm about to seal the deal?"
"I would've thought it was kind of obvious after that kiss," Hermione stated dryly. "But since you didn't get it, just believe me when I say you weren't about to seal anything with him tonight."
"Oh yeah?" the blond challenged. "Says who?"
"Says me," Hermione answered nastily. "Now, why don't you run along. I'm sure you'll be able to `seal the deal', with someone else. Not that you haven't already fucked every guy here."
Harry was astonished by Hermione's behavior and didn't know whether he should laugh or have cause for concern. He glanced between the girls, his gaze taking in Hermione. Her eyes were narrowed dangerously and her lips were set in a straight line, her jaw clenched tightly. He'd seen that look before, even been on the receiving end a couple times; no good could come from this.
"Um, Hermione, sweetie, let's go find Anna. She wanted to meet you," Harry said carefully, trying to diffuse the situation.
Hermione turned to Harry and, as she smiled brightly, he breathed a sigh of relief. `Crisis averted' he thought, returning the smile.
"Sure," she answered. "At least then I won't have to look at her ugly face any more."
The two walked away, arms around each other. Hermione snuck a peek over her shoulder at the girl who was staring at them, dumbfounded. She smirked as her hand wandered and pinched Harry's bum. He looked at her in surprise and she tossed an innocent smile in his direction.
They made their way over to Jocelyn, who was standing rooted to her spot, mouth hanging open.
"Hey, you're letting the flies in," Hermione joked.
Jocelyn closed her mouth so hard you could hear her teeth click together. "That was some show you two just put on; very convincing," she stated, in awe.
"We were good, weren't we?" Harry asked, his pride evident.
"Yup," Hermione quipped, smiling weakly.
"But you could've done without hitting me so hard," Harry joked.
"I'm sorry. Are you ok?" Hermione asked in alarm.
"Oh yeah, I'm fine," Harry answered airily. "Maybe now they'll leave me alone," he added hopefully.
"Nah, they're too stupid to leave you alone," Hermione predicted. "They'll probably try even more because now it's a `challenge' to get you into bed, since you have a `girlfriend'."
"Well, if that's the case, you're not allowed to leave me for the rest of the night," Harry stated. "I don't want to deal with those girls. They scare me." he shuddered.
"Harry, most guys would kill to have their choice of large-chested women to shag," Hermione declared bluntly.
"Well, Hermione, I'm not like most guys," Harry retorted softly. "When I'm with someone, I am with her and only her," he said deliberately, his gaze was boring into Hermione; piercing her with such intensity her heart began to race. She swallowed hard, sure he was looking straight into her soul. She had never seen his eyes this particular shade: the darkest green imaginable, with a touch of gold around the edges.
Hermione blinked and, just like that, his eyes returned to their normal shade and his gaze softened. `Maybe I should cut back on the alcohol a bit. I'm starting to hallucinate,' she thought shaking her head.
"You ok, Hermione?" Harry asked, concerned.
"I'm fine. Maybe a little too much to drink," she answered with a grin.
Harry looked at her skeptically, then his face broke out into his trademark `Harry' grin. "I know just the cure for that!" he exclaimed.
"What?" Hermione asked carefully.
"Another drink!" Mike cut in, coming to the group.
He handed Harry, Hermione and Jocelyn each a small glass filled with an unknown liquor. "Bottoms up!" he said tossing it back easily. "You've just got to love Muggle alcohol!"
Harry raised his glass in mock salute and tipped it back, making a face. Hermione and Jocelyn just looked at the contents suspiciously. "What is it?" Jocelyn asked warily.
"Drink it to find out," Mike answered cryptically.
The girls glanced at each and shrugged. "Why not?" Hermione mumbled, tapping her glass against Jocelyn's before drinking the liquid. She gasped as it burned her throat and gulped at her margarita to get rid of the aftertaste.
"What the hell was that?" Jocelyn managed to choke out.
"Tequila!" Mike slurred happily.
"Oh, that's just nasty," Hermione finally was able to spit out.
"Just the first one's nasty. After a while, it tastes just like water," Mike stated drunkenly.
He put his empty glass on a nearby table and it disappeared; in its place was the enchanted parchment.
"Four shots of tequila," he said. "Anyone else want anything?"
"Guinness," Harry stated.
"Rum and coke," Jocelyn answered.
"Nothing," Hermione stated firmly.
"Oh come on, Hermy…Hermo…whatever your name is! Don't be a party pooper," Mike coerced.
"Fine. Vodka cranberry," Hermione replied, exasperated.
"K, so that's four tequila shots, a pint of Guinness, one rum and coke and a vodka cranberry," Mike said as clearly as he could.
A few moments later, everything appeared and hovered in the middle of the group. Hermione shocked them by grabbing a shot and downing it quickly, chasing it with her drink.
"Right on!" Mike exclaimed, imitating Hermione.
"You'd better be careful, Hermione," Harry warned, putting his shot away. "This stuff is pretty potent."
"Harry, you're no fun! Let Hermy-o-ne drink whatever she wants. It is a party, after all," Mike chided. Another shot appeared out of nowhere and he shoved it into Harry's hand. "Here. Lighten up."
"Whatever," Harry grumbled, tossing the shot back.
"See that wasn't so bad," Mike coaxed.
Harry gave him the eyeball and knocked back another shot. He glanced at Hermione who was currently nursing her vodka cranberry. She looked up and grinned, her eyes lighting up. Harry couldn't help himself and smiled back, his mind wandering briefly back to the kiss they'd shared.
"Whatcha thinking?" Hermione whispered directly into his ear.
"Nothing much," he answered back, startled at the sudden closeness.
"I don't believe you," she shot back flirtatiously, grabbing his hand. "Come on, let's dance."
Harry grinned uneasily and allowed Hermione to lead him to the makeshift dance floor. She held onto his hand and began dancing and twirling while Harry stood stiffly.
"Harry, honey, you need to relax," Hermione declared. She placed her hand on Harry's slim hips and moved them back and forth.
"You know I can't dance," Harry hissed, blushing.
"Nonsense," Hermione stated airily. "All you need to do is find the beat and let the rhythm move you." She told his hands in hers again and danced around Harry as he swayed awkwardly.
Out of nowhere, Emily Michaelson, one of the team's chasers, appeared and handed Harry a bottle of ale. "Drink this…before you hurt yourself," she said in a low voice, before disappearing into the crowd.
Harry had a long drink of the liquid before Hermione stole it and took a swig. She scrunched her nose in disgust, but had another gulp before handing the bottle back.
"I thought you didn't like beer?" Harry asked, polishing off the remainder.
"I don't. I was just really thirsty," Hermione said, as if it was the most obvious answer. "And I wanted what you had," she added seductively.
"I do believe you are drunk, Miss Granger," Harry declared teasingly.
"Not yet, but I am definitely on my way," Hermione retorted, giggling. "Now dance with me, Potter," she whined.
Harry laughed and ordered another Guinness for himself and a Raspberry Smirnoff for Hermione.
A fast song came on and Hermione began moving seductively; Harry - and every other guy with a view - became entranced by the way she was dipping and swaying her hips. Harry noticed the looks the others were giving her and, driven to keep her safe (plus a little alcohol), stepped up and started dancing.
Hermione smiled at his awkwardness and moved in closer. She draped her free arm around Harry's neck and moved against him. Harry couldn't resist and put his arm around Hermione's waist, drawing her near. Hermione's inhibitions went flying out the window as she moved and rubbed up against him.
Harry responded by moving and grinding, pressing his body into hers. Hermione glanced up, meeting Harry's sparkling eyes. Their gazes locked and they grinned at each other. They continued to move, never breaking eye contact. They shimmied and shook and swayed their bodies, matching move for move.
"See, I told you, you could dance," Hermione said superiorly. "All you had to do was relax and move," she added as they took a short break.
"Yeah, I should've just listened to you," Harry agreed, smirking.
"I've been telling you that for years," Hermione answered airily, finishing the rest of her drink. She ordered herself another Smirnoff and some Firewhiskey for Harry. "Let's dance some more!" she exclaimed after taking a drink.
"Nah, I think I'm gonna sit this one out," Harry stated.
"Please?" Hermione pouted. "For me?" she added, batting her eyelashes.
"I'll dance with you," a voice interrupted.
"Ok," Hermione agreed happily before Harry had a chance to respond. She took the hand offered and followed the guy to the dance floor. Her new partner spun her around before she came face-to-face with him.
"Aaron!" Hermione exclaimed. "Hey!"
"Hi," he replied, settling his hand on her hip as they began moving in sync, his eyes never leaving her face. They twirled and spun in time with the music, never faltering. Aaron was a strong lead and Hermione instinctively knew what his next move would be.
Harry watched the pair carefully, a strange feeling welling in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't quite put his finger on exactly it was, but he knew he didn't like it. Suddenly, Aaron's hand *magically* inched its way south and landed on Hermione's butt. Upon seeing that, a new emotion came to the forefront; one Harry knew very well: anger. He kept waiting for Hermione to forcibly remove his hand and when she didn't, that weird feeling returned and Harry didn't know how to deal with it.
As the song ended and slow one started up, Harry thought they would break apart. Instead Aaron wrapped his arms around and she reciprocated. Aaron bent his head and whispered something in Hermione's ear. She laughed lightly and Harry had this inexplicable urge to rip Aaron's lips off his face.
`Who does he think he is?' Harry thought angrily, still observing their exchange. `He is not going to hurt Hermione. I won't let him.'
While the song was coming to an end, Harry made his way over to steal Hermione from Aaron's clutches.
"May I cut in?" he asked breezily, taking Hermione into his arms without waiting for an answer and moving them away.
"What'd you do that for?" Hermione asked, a bit surprised.
"I, uh, just wanted to, er, dance…with…you," Harry finished lamely.
Hermione looked at him skeptically. Even in her inebriated state, she still knew when he was lying. "Ok, Potter. Spill it," she demanded.
"It's just…Richards, um, I mean Aaron," he corrected at Hermione's confused look. "Well…he has a…reputation…of trying to sleep with as many girls as he can. It's just a game to him," Harry added, watching Hermione's reaction.
"I don't believe you," Hermione answered stubbornly. "He's been nothing but nice to me. He's new and he just wants friends."
"New? Richards?" Harry asked in surprise. "He's been on the team for three years."
"But why would he lie?" Hermione challenged.
"Um, to get you into bed springs to mind," Harry shot back sarcastically.
"So, he can't possibly like me or think I'm pretty or attractive?" Hermione retorted, her voice rising.
"Sure, he thinks you're attractive," Harry answered. "But he's just trying to shag you. Wham, bam, thank you, ma'am."
"Harry Potter!" Hermione practically shouted. "Just because you don't find me attractive doesn't mean others don't!"
"That's really not it!" Harry argued helplessly.
"Well, whatever it is, you need to get stop, because it's getting old, really fast," Hermione concluded, turning on her heel and walking away.
Harry wanted to go after her, but knew better…unless he wanted to be on the receiving end of Hermione's wand. He sighed in defeat and decided to wait outside a little longer before trying to fix it.
Hermione had been combing the house looking for Aaron when she spotted him talking to Mike, Ike and another guy she didn't recognize. She made her way over, ignoring the uneasy feeling growing in her gut. `Harry doesn't know what he's talking about,' she argued with herself.
She was close to the teammates when Ike asked Aaron about the girl he'd been dancing with.
"Who? Hermy-something-or-other?" Aaron asked.
"If that's her name, sure," Ike replied.
"Oh, it's only a matter of time," Aaron responded with a smirk. "The big 7-5."
"Wow, how do you do it?" the third guy asked, clearly in awe.
"Johnny-boy, it's easy. Just act all smart and sensitive. Chicks eat the shit up," Aaron advised. "For example, I told this one I was new and didn't know anyone. Simple as that, and I'm in like a dirty shirt."
"Wait, didn't she come with Potter?" Jon asked.
Aaron shrugged. "Couldn't tell ya. But you bet she'll be `coming' with me tonight. Easiest lay yet," he said with an evil smirk. The other three guys laughed and Hermione felt her eyes get hot with tears. She bolted outside, only to run right into the one person she couldn't face at the moment.
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