Chapter 5
Harry sat down on the bed and Hermione took a seat next to him. "Would you like me to give you a massage?" Hermione asked gently.
Harry looked surprised. He didn't expect the offer. "You don't have to, really." Harry protested, but he noticed that he didn't sound as convincing as he wanted. Nobody had ever given him a massage and he really liked the thought of feeling Hermione's soft hands on his back and shoulders.
"I know I don't have to, but I want to." Hermione said, referring to his words from earlier.
"Okay." Harry agreed, smiling warmly.
Hermione laughed. "It would be easier if you took your jacket and shirt of, you know."
Harry blushed again. He felt really stupid. "Of course. I'm sorry, I'm just a little nervous." Harry explained while he took his jacket of.
"It's all right. I'm a little nervous, too, but I trust you with my life and I know I can trust you with my body." Hermione said.
"I trust you, too, more than I trust anyone else." Harry assured, fumbling with his tie. Hermione smiled and helped Harry wordlessly to loosen the tie so he could take it off.
"Where did you learn this?" Harry asked. He had never worn a tie before and he would have never been able to bind it without Lupin's help. Getting the thing off wasn't as easy as it looked either, especially when your hands are shaking.
"I loved to bind my father's tie when I was little. It made me feel important and grown up." Hermione explained.
Sometimes Harry nearly forgot that Hermione had a normal family, a normal life waiting for her. She had spent so much time by his side fighting against Voldemort that Harry could barely imagine her doing something completely normal with her normal family. Harry felt incredibly guilty for taking that away from her.
Hermione distracted Harry from his thoughts by slowly unbuttoning his shirt. Harry's heart started beating faster when he felt Hermione's fingertips brush over his bare skin. When Hermione had finished unbuttoning his shirt she gently took it off and sat down behind Harry. He was now sitting between her legs and the intimate position made him blush again.
Hermione started gently kneading the tense muscles of Harry's shoulders and it felt simply amazing. Harry immediately felt his muscles relax under Hermione's gentle hands. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the wonderful sensations. He was very aware of her closeness; he felt the warmth radiating from her body and could feel her breath in his neck.
Harry realized that the welcome relaxation from Hermione's massages was slowly turning into something different. Maybe Hermione had noticed the change in Harry's breathing or the quickening of his heartbeat, because her touches slowly became bolder. The massage turned into tender caresses and after a few minutes Hermione began to place gentle kisses on Harry's neck and shoulders. Harry couldn't say if only a few minutes or hours had passed when Hermione stopped caressing him and turned around to face him.
Hermione smiled at Harry. "See, it isn't so bad to let me touch you."
Harry swallowed nervously. "No, not bad at all." Was all he managed to say.
"Good." Hermione answered and slowly leaned forward to kiss Harry.
He was sure his heart was beating faster than during his fight with Voldemort when he felt Hermione's lips on his. This wasn't a short peck like the kiss Hermione had given him earlier. Her lips were gently caressing him and Harry felt himself returning the kiss. It wasn't Harry's first kiss, he had kissed Ginny countless of times, but none of these kisses had felt nearly as good as the kiss he and Hermione were sharing.
Harry pulled Hermione in his arms and she returned his embrace eagerly. Encouraged by Hermione's reaction, Harry started gently caressing her lips with his tongue, asking for entrance. Hermione's lips parted slightly and Harry started to explore her mouth. When breathing was becoming an issue, Harry reluctantly ended the kiss. Hermione looked at Harry with surprise in her eyes, trying to catch her breath.
Hesitantly Harry reached out his hand and caressed Hermione's cheek. Hermione leaned into his touch and smiled contently. Feeling encouraged by Hermione's smile, Harry leaned forward and kissed Hermione again. The kiss started very tenderly, but soon grew more passionate. Harry pulled Hermione closer and she surprised him by sitting in his lap, straddling him.
Hermione's gown was pushed away by the motion, revealing a good part of her legs. Without realizing what he was doing Harry shifted his hands, which were resting on Hermione's hips, and started to caress her perfect legs. Hermione moaned softly and moved even closer.
Harry could feel Hermione's groin pressing against his and that was his undoing. He felt himself harden and he was sure Hermione could feel his arousal. Hermione broke the kiss and grinned. Yes, she had definitely felt Harry's physical reaction. The young woman slowly began to lift her gown. That brought Harry back to reality and he became suddenly aware of what they were about to do.
A thought crossed his mind that didn't occur to him before. "Hermione, wait." Harry stopped her by gently grabbing her hands. "What if you become pregnant?"
"Don't worry, Harry. Madame Pomfrey performed an Anti-Pregnancy-Charm on me before the ceremony. The charm lasts three hours, so we have nearly two hours left before it wears off, but that might not be enough if you keep stopping me." Hermione complained, rolling her eyes.
"I'm sorry; I don't want to make this even more difficult for you. I just hate that you are obligated to sleep with me. I feel like I'm going to rape you." Harry confessed.
Hermione looked shocked. "That's the reason you are so reluctant?" Hermione asked and Harry nodded. "Oh, Harry, how can you think that? I am here because I want to. Nothing we have done and nothing we will do is against my wish."
"I know you want to help me, but you would have never thought about doing something like this with me, if it weren't necessary to save my life." Harry argued.
Hermione blushed at that and looked down quickly, avoiding Harry's eyes. Harry took her reaction as affirmation to his statement and although he had already suspected that Hermione didn't return his feelings, the silent affirmation hurt him. She would probably close her eyes and think of Ron when he made love to her.
"See, that's what I meant. You only want to do this, because you want to help me. How can you not feel violated?" Harry asked concerned.
Hermione's face turned soft and she gently caressed Harry's cheek. "Harry, I could never feel violated by you. You are my best friend and I love you. Stop thinking too much and try to enjoy this, okay?"
Hermione gave Harry a short and gentle kiss and then started to trace the muscles of his chest with her tender hands. Hermione followed her hands' movements with her eyes, looking amazed. Harry wasn't the skinny boy he had been when they first met anymore, but had become a handsome young man who had gained muscles in all the right places.
Harry's breath quickened both due to Hermione's gentle caresses and her obvious approval of his body. Harry had never been vain, but that Hermione of all girls found him attractive was an immense turn-on for him. Harry couldn't help but moan when Hermione undid the zipper of his trousers and her hand brushed over his groin briefly.
"Will you let me take my gown off now?" Hermione asked, smiling coyly.
Harry didn't trust his voice at the moment, so he just nodded. Hermione pulled her gown over her head and Harry gasped. She was wearing a crimson lace set of bra and panties. The material was so thin that it was nearly transparent and the bra was very low cut. Harry's heart was racing and he had to remind himself to keep breathing. Within seconds he was harder than he had ever been before.
Hermione blushed when she saw Harry staring at her. "Do you like what you see?" The question was probably meant to sound seductive, but it came out a little insecure.
"You're gorgeous." Harry whispered. Hermione blushed at the compliment and beamed. She resumed her previous position on Harry's lap and kissed him passionately. Hermione let her hands wander over Harry's chest again, but didn't stop there. Harry moaned when Hermione's hand went further south and finally reached the bulge in his pants. Hermione started gentle stroking and kneading Harry's erection through his boxers and he groaned in pleasure. What Hermione was doing to him felt heavenly.
She was doing so great that Harry suddenly wondered if she had done that before. When Ron had been with Lavender he had constantly bragged about their sexual adventures, but he had never spoken about Hermione in that way. Harry had no idea if they hadn't gotten that far yet or if Ron simply held his tongue out of respect for Hermione. Harry didn't know if he wanted to know which one was true.
Hermione seemed to sense Harry's distraction, because she stopped stroking him. "What's wrong?" she asked. Harry wasn't sure if he imagined the frustration in her tone.
"Nothing." Harry quickly lied. He definitely didn't want to question Hermione about her sexual activities with Ron, so he kept his thoughts to himself.
Hermione still looked at him sceptically, so Harry decided to distract her with a kiss. She responded eagerly, but broke the kiss after a few seconds. Before Harry could ask if something was wrong, Hermione gave him a seductive smile and undid the clasp of her bra. When Hermione took her bra off all conscious thought left Harry's brain and was replaced by nothing but desire.
Harry didn't realize that he was openly staring at Hermione's naked breasts until he heard her laugh silently. "You may touch me, too, not only look."
Harry mumbled an apology and hesitantly touched Hermione's breasts. He gently cupped her breasts and caressed the soft skin with his thumbs. When his fingers brushed over Hermione's nipples she moaned softly. Harry was intrigued by her reaction and decided to experiment a little. He started caressing and rubbing Hermione's nipples until they were hard and Hermione's moaning increased. Hermione reached out her hand and started stroking Harry through his boxers again. The combined pleasure of Hermione's hand on his crotch and her breasts in his hand soon become too much for Harry and he had to grab Hermione's hand to stop her movements.
Hermione looked hurt and confused and Harry hurried to explain his actions. "I won't last much longer if you keep doing this." Harry explained blushing.
Hermione smiled proudly. "I obviously did it right then."
Before Harry could respond Hermione's hands were on the waistband of his boxers, pulling them down. A moment later Harry was completely naked. He looked up to see how Hermione would react to his state of undress and saw that she was staring at his penis with an amazed expression. Before Harry could say anything, Hermione took his fully erect penis in her hands, caressing him gently. Harry moaned loudly. The feeling of Hermione's warm hands on his cock was beyond amazing.
"Hermione, you need to stop." Harry gasped when he was about to come. Hermione complied and gave Harry a tender kiss before she lay down on her back and swiftly removed her panties. Harry was frozen for a moment, he was too fascinated by the sight of Hermione - completely naked and offering herself to him - to do anything but stare.
Hermione brought Harry out of his trance by taking his hands and gently pulling him down until he was lying next to her. Harry decided to explore Hermione's body a little. He started gently caressing her breasts and stomach, but moved further south until his hand was between Hermione's legs. He was surprised to feel how wet Hermione was. Harry remembered from Seamus' and Dean's late night talks that wet was good. It meant that Hermione was aroused. The realization that Hermione was turned on because of him made Harry even harder.
Encouraged, Harry started stroking gently. When he hid a certain spot Hermione gasped out loud. "Yes, Harry, right there." Harry continued to play with the little nub he had found and was rewarded by moans and gasps from Hermione.
"Please, Harry." Hermione moaned. Harry was confused. Was he doing something wrong?
"What, Hermione? What do you want?" Harry asked tenderly.
"You. I want you. Please, Harry, I'm ready. I need you." Hermione gasped.
Harry positioned himself on top of Hermione and his eyes met hers. "Are you sure?"
Hermione nodded eagerly. "Yes, Harry, I'm sure."
Harry gave Hermione a long, loving kiss before he pushed into her as gently as possible.
The moment their bodies connected Harry was met by an overload of sensations. He felt immense pleasure, a sharp pain, fear and rage, all at the same time.
Harry was so confused by the conflicting emotions that it took him a moment to notice that Hermione and he were surrounded by a circle of golden light and that a dangerous looking black smoke was coming out of his body.
Harry slowly started to understand. The golden circle could only mean that the bounding magic was starting to work and the black smoke was probably Voldemort's soul leaving his body. The rage and fear he felt were Voldemort's emotions; he was desperately trying to cling to Harry's body.
Then Harry realized that the pain he had felt wasn't his emotion either. The soul bounding was working and he was starting to feel Hermione's emotions. The pain was hers, he had hurt Hermione!
Harry immediately forgot his pleasure, the strange circle of golden light and even the fact that Voldemort was having a rage attack inside his body. Hermione was the only thing that mattered. Her eyes were tightly shut and she was breathing heavily.
"Hermione, are you alright?" Harry asked concerned. Hermione opened her eyes and her facial expression quickly changed when she saw the smoke and the golden light. Harry could feel her surprise and concern, but he didn't feel pain anymore. Hermione was obviously too distracted to be aware of the discomfort she had felt a moment ago.
Hermione watched the black smoke with a concerned expression and Harry followed her gaze. The smoke was surrounding his head as if it was glued there. Voldemort was obviously clinging to his body with all his energy.
"Harry, I think the bounding isn't complete yet. It's not strong enough to banish Voldemort's spirit." Hermione assumed.
"Do you think we did something wrong?" Harry asked confused. It was difficult for him to think clearly while he was inside of Hermione.
"I don't think you can do this wrong, Harry." Hermione answered in her lecture voice. "I think we just should keep going." She suggested blushing.
"Are you sure? Are you really okay? I could feel your pain earlier." Harry asked with concern.
"Don't worry, Harry, I'm fine. You don't feel pain now, do you?" Harry shook his head. All he felt was love, confusion, worry and pleasure and he was quite sure that these were his emotions. Maybe the bound wasn't strong enough yet to sense Hermione's emotions accurately.
Harry started moving, trying to keep his thrusts slow and steady to give Hermione time to get used to the feeling. Being inside her felt incredibly and it took all his willpower to keep a slow rhythm.
Harry could feel Hermione relax around him and after a few moments Hermione started to meet his strokes and clench her inner muscles around him experimentally. Harry groaned. He had never thought that anything could feel that good. It was getting harder and harder to keep himself from thrusting hard and fast like he wanted.
Hermione was breathing hard, but he couldn't feel pain anymore. Harry started to try and move a little faster. The change in speed earned him a moan from Hermione and he could feel a rush of pleasure. Harry wasn't sure if it was his own or Hermione's pleasure he was feeling, all he knew was that it felt simply amazing.
Hermione was panting and moaning by now and after a particular powerful stroke her eyes fluttered shut again. Harry couldn't control himself anymore, he was thrusting harder now, moaning loudly. The feeling of Hermione's warmth around him, the sight of her flushed face and the sound of her moans were nearly too much and Harry knew he wouldn't last much longer.
He was too lost in his ecstasy to notice that the golden light was getting brighter and that more and more of the black smoke was leaving his body. He was only aware of his and Hermione's combined pleasure. Both their moans and gasps filled the room and after a few minutes Hermione started shaking and Harry could feel her inner muscles contract rhythmically around him as she cried out his name. That was his undoing. Harry moaned Hermione's name as he came harder than ever before.
Harry collapsed on top of Hermione, spend from his amazing orgasm. He could feel Hermione stroking his hair and caressing his back as he came down from his high. Harry closed his eyes and enjoyed being held by Hermione.
He had no idea how long they had been in this position when he finally realized that he couldn't feel Voldemort's anger anymore, all he felt was love and tenderness. After what felt like forever Harry looked up and caressed Hermione's cheek. He didn't know what to say, so he just leaned forward and kissed Hermione lovingly.
When Harry broke the kiss and looked up Hermione gasped. "Harry, your eyes! They are green again!"
"Do you think he's gone?" Harry asked hopeful, lying down on his side next to Hermione.
"It seems so. How do you feel?" Hermione asked in return.
"Amazing." Harry answered without thinking.
Hermione rolled her eyes, but smiled. "That's not what I meant, Harry. I meant: Can you still feel him?"
Harry thought about the question for a moment. He didn't feel rage or fear, just satisfaction, relieve happiness and ... worry. The last thing confused him. He wasn't worried. Then a thought crossed him. "No, I don't think so. Hermione, are you worried?" Harry asked curiously.
"Of course I'm worried, Harry. All Professors said removing Voldemort's soul from your body could kill you. The soul bounding thing was just a theory, a plausible one, but still
a theory, because this is a first time situation."
Harry smiled at Hermione's concern. He liked to know that she cared so much about him. "Don't worry, I feel very much alive."
"That's not a topic to joke about, Harry." Hermione reprimanded him.
Harry gave Hermione an apologetic look. "I know, I'm sorry. I'm really fine; you have nothing to worry about."
Hermione smiled brightly. "It's really over, isn't it?"
Harry didn't answer immediately. It took him a few moments to process Hermione's words. It was over. Voldemort was gone for good. He could finally start to live without wondering if he would experience his next birthday. Harry suddenly realized that he had no idea what to do with this new freedom. He had never really thought about which job he wanted to take or where he wanted to live. All he had thought about was surviving. Harry suddenly felt lost.
"It's okay, Harry." Hermione whispered gently. "You will find your way."
Harry gave Hermione a small smile. He realized that he liked the new connection between them. They had always been close, but now they understood each other even better without words. Hermione had senses his worries and immediately knew what was going through his head. The idea of someone always knowing how he felt would have disturbed him if it had been anyone but Hermione. With her, he liked it that he didn't have to find the words to explain his feelings. He had never been good at talking about feelings, but now he realized that he wanted her to know how he felt.
"I just don't know where to start. I never really thought about what I wanted from life." Harry admitted.
"You have all the time in the world to figure that out." Hermione reassured him."And if you ever need someone to talk, I'll be there." She promised.
"Thanks. The same goes the other way around, you know." Harry replied.
Hermione smiled. "Yes, I know." She answered and kissed his cheek. Hermione then moved closer to Harry and cuddled against his chest. Harry wrapped his arms around Hermione and was surprised how natural it felt to hold her like that. He had thought it would feel awkward, but it didn't. It felt like Hermione belonged in his arms. Harry pulled Hermione closer and gently kissed her forehead. He slowly drifted to sleep, feeling safer and more content than ever before.
Harry was woken up by bright sunlight illuminating the room. The first thing he noticed was that he had slept better than he had in a long time. The second thing he noticed was his prominent erection, certainly due to Hermione, who was still lying naked in his arms.
Harry's and Hermione's limbs had entangled during their sleep and Hermione's thigh was now resting between his legs, pressing against his groin. Harry tried to free himself out of Hermione's embrace without waking her, but the motion only caused more friction. Harry couldn't help but moan at the sweet torture. The sound caused Hermione to stir and slowly open her eyes.
"Morning." Hermione said sleepily. She stretched and accidently brushed over Harry's erection again, causing another deep moan. Hermione blushed and looked surprised when she sensed Harry's reaction.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it." Harry apologized sheepishly.
"It's okay, Harry, it's a natural reaction." Hermione reassured him.
Harry still looked ashamed by his reaction and Hermione tried to calm him by leaning forward and stroking his cheek. "It's really okay." Hermione said again, sounding a little breathless.
Their faces were so near that Harry could feel her breath on his lips. Harry's heart started beating faster and his lips involuntarily parted. Harry didn't know who had made the first move, but a moment later their lips touched and Harry and Hermione shared a passionate kiss. Harry pulled Hermione closer and soon she was on top of him. Hermione's groin was now pressing against Harry's erection and he could feel how wet she was.
Harry couldn't think straight, all he knew was that he wanted Hermione and she wanted him. "Hermione, I need you." Harry moaned in between kisses.
"Then take me, Harry, please." Hermione gasped.
That was all encouragement he needed. A moment later he was inside of Hermione. Hermione moaned loudly and instinctively put her legs around him. Harry leaned forward and gently kissed and nibbled Hermione's neck as he moved inside of her. Harry closed his eyes and allowed himself to get lost in the amazing sensations he felt. He could feel Hermione's pulse racing under his lips, he felt her warmth and tightness surrounding him and heard her delicious moans.
When Harry hit a certain spot, Hermione gasped his name and Harry could feel a rush of pleasure coming from Hermione. Feeling her pleasure only intensified his and it didn't take long until he found himself nearing his peak. Harry desperately tried to hold his orgasm off until Hermione had reached her peak, too. He could feel that she was close.
"Oh god, yes Harry!" Hermione moaned and a second later he felt a wave of overwhelming pleasure when they both reached their peak simultaneously.
Harry and Hermione kept holding each other while they were both coming down from their high. Harry kissed Hermione's neck and shoulders and Hermione stroked his hair.
A long while later, Hermione suddenly gasped. "Harry, look at the clock! It's already quarter past nine. They will be there at ten, we have to get dressed."
Half an hour later, Harry and Hermione were both showered and dressed and sat at the table they had eaten dinner at last night. The atmosphere between them was suddenly awkward, neither Harry nor Hermione knew what to say. Harry eventually broke the silence. "So, now we'll go back to being best friends or what?"
"Is this what you want?" Hermione asked, not meeting his eyes.
"What do you want?" Harry asked carefully. He didn't dare to reveal his feelings yet. He had felt love and affection from her, but he already knew that she loved him; they were best friends after all. He still didn't know if Hermione had any romantic feelings for him.
There was a long pause, before Hermione answered. "I don't know what I want and feel anymore. Last night and this morning was incredible." Hermione admitted, blushing. "I felt things I never thought I'd feel for you and I don't know what that means. Everybody thought I'd end up with Ron and I've thought that's what I wanted, too. Now I'm not sure anymore, but I don't want to hurt Ron even more then I already have. I know he acted like a jerk, but I still care for him and I don't want to lose him."
Harry nodded sadly. "I know. I don't want to lose Ron either. I won't stand in your way if it's Ron you want." Saying those words broke his heart, but they were true nevertheless. He would never stand in the way of Hermione's happiness.
"And if it's not Ron I want?" Hermione whispered.
Harry looked up hopefully. Don't get your hopes up, she hasn't chosen yet. Harry warned himself. "Then we'll have some trouble with Ron and Ginny, but if Ron loves you as much as I do, he will want you to make the decision that makes you happy." There, he'd said it. Harry caught his breath, waiting for Hermione's reaction to his declaration of love.
"You love me?" Hermione asked. Harry felt a confusing mix of emotions - hope, worry, joy, confusion, love - but he was too overwhelmed to figure out which emotions where his and which were Hermione's.
Before Harry or Hermione could say anything else they heard a knock on the door. A quick glance at the clock told Harry that it was straight ten. Damn Professor McGonagall and her obsession with punctuality.
"Come in." Hermione called, sounding as reluctant as Harry was. A moment later McGonagall, Lupin, Madame Pomfrey and Professor Arkana entered the room.
Lupin smiled. "I see you've got your eyes back." He observed.
"Yes, I'm pretty sure I've got my body to my own again." Harry answered.
"You don't feel his presence anymore?" McGonagall inquired.
Harry shook his head. "No, I feel like myself again."
Madame Pomfrey approached Harry, holding her wand. "This spell will detect any signs of Dark Magic." She explained and muttered a spell. A moment later a white circle appeared around his body, but disappeared a second later.
"Very good, no signs of Dark magic. You're right; Voldemort's soul has left your body. How do you feel? Any pain, dizziness, fatigue?" Madame Pomfrey asked.
Harry blushed. He did feel a little exhausted, but he was pretty sure that this was due to his activities with Hermione. "No, I'm fine."
Madame Pomfrey nodded and turned her attention to Hermione. "What about you? Is everything alright?"
Hermione blushed just like Harry had before. "I'm alright." Madame Pomfrey performed the same spell on Hermione just to be sure that Voldemort's soul hadn't moved to her body and nodded satisfied when she got the same result.
When the examination was over Professor McGonagall gave Harry and Hermione one of her rare smiles. "I'm glad that our worries were unnecessary." She said and handed Harry and Hermione their wands back. "You two better get back to your dorms and finish packing. The carriages will arrive after lunch. All the best, I'll see you in two months for your NEWTs."
The four adults were about to leave when they heard another knock on the door. Harry gave Lupin a questioning look. "We're not expecting anybody." He said, but called for the person on the door to enter.
When the door opened Harry was surprised to see Ron standing in the doorway, looking rather sheepish. "Hi... How are you doing?" Ron asked, directing the question at both Harry and Hermione.
"I'm not possessed by Voldemort anymore, that's an improvement." Harry answered, avoiding Ron's eyes. Harry wished he could look at Ron and simply see his best friend, but right now what he saw was a rival for Hermione's love. The way Ron avoided looking directly at Harry and his brief glance to the bed told Harry that Ron felt the same way. He couldn't look at Harry without seeing the guy who had slept with the girl Ron loved.
Lupin cleared his throat to get the teenagers' attention. "I think we better leave the three of you alone, we were about to leave anyway." He said and a minute later Harry, Ron and Hermione were alone in the room. After a moment of awkward silence Hermione conjured a third chair and suggested to sit down and talk.
"So, are you okay, too?" Ron asked Hermione.
Hermione nodded. "I'm fine, thanks for asking."
"Listen, I kind of came here to apologize. I didn't mean the things I said. I was just jealous. The thought of you two... It just hurt, you know? But, I'm glad you're okay, Harry and I don't want to lose either of you." Ron explained.
"I understand, Ron, I don't to lose you either. We've been through too much together to let this destroy our friendship." Harry said.
"I'm glad you came here, I was so afraid you'd never want to talk to us again." Hermione admitted.
"So, what about us?" Ron asked Hermione.
Hermione was silent for a moment and when she spoke, she chose her words very carefully. "I'm not sure, Ron. I know you want me to say we can just start where we left off, but to be sure, I don't even know what this would mean. We kissed and went out a few times, but we never really talked about our relationship and our future. I love you, Ron, but I don't think I'm in love with you."
"It's Harry, isn't it?" Ron asked angrily.
"No, Ron, it isn't Harry. It's you and me and that we are better off as friends than lovers. Be honest: Can you actually imagine living with me or having children with me? We would constantly argue. You would leave your stuff all over the house and I would scold you for not doing any housework. You would feed the children chocolate for dinner and you would call me a spoilsport for insisting on healthy meals. We'd never work out, Ron." Hermione reasoned.
Ron looked disappointed, but not angry. "We probably really wouldn't, would we?" Ron agreed after a moment of silence. "I've never thought as far, but now that you brought that up, I really can't see myself being married to you. You're just... you're the most important girl in my life besides Ginny. I can't imagine loving another girl as much as I love you, so I probably thought it would be natural for you to be my girlfriend." Ron explained.
Hermione nodded in understanding. "Yes, I understand how you thought. We've always been friends and during all the summers I spend with your family it almost felt like they were my second family. I probably always thought that someday, we all would be one happy family, with me married to you and Harry married to Ginny. That won't happen though."
"No, it won't." Ron agreed a little sad. "But that doesn't mean you two aren't welcome at the Burrow anymore. Mom still sees you like her own children and Fred and George love to have you around and Ginny.... well, she'll get over it. She's had a crush on Harry till she was ten, but now it's probably the time for all of us to grow up."
Harry was really surprised at Ron's unusually mature words. He had obviously underestimated his friend. Harry was relieved that he had his friend back and that jealousy wouldn't be a problem between them anymore. He just whished he would get a chance to talk to Hermione in private to finish the talk that had been interrupted earlier. Unfortunately, there wasn't time anymore. It was already past eleven, lunch was in an hour and he and Hermione still had to finish packing and find Hedwig and Crookshanks before.
Two hours later the three friends had found a compartment and were talking about their plans for the future while the Hogwarts express brought them home.
"I'll only stop by at our house to drop my things off and then I'll apparate to Australia and try and find my parents. I'll have to give them their memory back, explain everything and bring them home before I can start planning my future. I have to fix the mess this caused before I can move on and make important decisions, you understand?" Hermione was talking to both their friends, but the last words were directed at Harry.
Harry nodded. "Yes, I understand that. I'll be there for you need any help." Harry was willing to give Hermione as much time to think as she needed. At least she was thinking about a possible future with him and that was more than he had dreamed of 24 hours ago.