BET ME!
He's a What!
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AN: Hey, another chapter! Oh, and there are a lot of OCs in this one.
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"Whose idea was this!" Hermione shrieked. Many of the women in the beauty salon looked up at the customer. The hairdresser pointed to Lavender who smiled nervously at Hermione.
"You don't like it?" She asked. Hermione's glower answered that question. "Okay, so your hair's a little shorter now…."
"A little!" Hermione screamed once more. "It's too short! It's at my shoulder! I liked it better when it was at my back!" She got out of the chair and went to the front to pay for it. Lavender followed. "I can't believe you would suggest such a thing! I love my long hair!"
"You loved that bushy thing?" Lavender asked in amazement.
"Yes. It was my hair." Hermione whined. They walked out of the store and into Lavender's car. "Great. I'm going to my little cousin's pee-wee baseball game looking like this." She sneered at her short length in the rearview mirror.
"Look, short hair is not going to kill you. It's going to grow soon enough." Lavender said, trying to calm Hermione down. "Besides, I'm sure Harry will like it." She grinned and Hermione looked at her.
"No, he'll hate it. I'm sure he will." Hermione grumbled. Lavender glanced at Hermione. When did she care so much? "And he'll want to set up a date with me soon. It won't reach the desired length in a couple of days. Do, you think hair extensions would work?"
Lavender chose to ignore that question. "Did Harry ever say that he liked your long hair?" She asked carefully.
"No, but he likes to run his hands through it when we…" She abruptly stopped and Lavender grinned. "Changing the subject…" Hermione said, blushing.
"Oh no, this subject can't change yet." Lavender cut her off. "Just admit it, Hermione. You like him. A lot."
"I don't. But if I want myself to look tempting to him, I have to consider these things." Hermione said. Nice save. She thought. "But don't mention it to Luna. She'll kill me."
"Whatever. Luna's getting a bit aggressive with this plan, isn't she?" Lavender asked.
"Well, when she saw me that time making out with Harry, I'm not surprised that she would be angry. I'm supposed to avoid some of these intimate moments with him. Make it hard for him. Can you believe that we haven't had an argument all this time?" Hermione explained.
Yes. Lavender thought. Harry and Hermione, although she hated to admit it, looked really good together. If only the circumstances were different…and Hermione wanted him. Lavender could tell. Hermione liked him but she couldn't admit it. And the couple's intimacy looked so real. That was what angered Luna.
Luna thought that Hermione wasn't faking it. That the sincere looks Hermione gave him weren't just an act. For the many weeks that they had been going out, Luna and Lavender could tell that Hermione was falling for him. Hard. "Maybe you should get into an argument with him."
"But how?" Hermione asked. "What can I say?"
"I don't know. Make something up. You're a woman. Use all your strong points: your cycle, you're mood swings and if all else fail, find some nutty, minute, unnecessary fault about him that you have to mention." Lavender explained. "It's not hard, Hermione."
Hermione responded with a sigh. "I suppose so. Run it by Luna and…..what are you doing?" She asked when they stopped in front of a clothing store. Lavender grinned at her and got out the car.
"The haircut was only part of the makeover." Lavender replied. Her grin became wider when Hermione paled.
xxx
He loved children. He really did. But he knew he could never have any of his own. The first day would kill him. Harry just didn't see himself as the loving father figure who would always be there for his child. It must have been his sorry excuse for a childhood that triggered these feelings.
Was that why he always backed away from marriage when it hit him in the face? For example, Cho. She had a damn schedule on how they would become attracted to each other and eventually fall in love. She even told him that they were in the correct month to be married. That not only spooked Harry out but it made him afraid of having such a deep and committed type of relationship. He was not ready.
And frankly, he didn't even love Cho.
His latest relationship? Could he even call it that? It was a bet. When you strip away the sexual desires, the beautiful and long making out sessions, the enjoyable dates and basically the quality time that they both had for each other, you have a bet laden with secrets that you don't want hopping about. It was just an act. Nothing more, nothing less.
These two relationships were justifiable proof that he couldn't have any children. The other prior relationships are just too useless to even consider. "Uncle Harry, I need a bandage." Harry looked down at his nephew who was nursing a hug gash on his cheek.
"How did you get that?" Harry asked.
"Didn't you see? I was sliding to home and they outed me. I think I slid too much." His nephew explained. Harry told him to sit down while he went to fetch a first aid kit.
Harry Potter coached the Little Cubs as a…hobby. If you wanted to put it that way. He was doing it voluntarily. His sister mentioned that her son was short of a coach and the next thing he knew he was gearing up to be the coach for the Little Cubs. Apart from his nephew's everyday quirks and the occasional whining of a parent, being a coach wasn't too bad.
Harry opened his car trunk and grabbed the first aid kit. He was about to close it when someone's voice stopped him. "Have I ever told you how cute you look in a coach's uniform?" He turned around and saw Cho sporting a baseball cap, a large shirt and jeans. She gave him a large smile and helped him close his trunk.
"Thanks." Harry muttered. He walked away but Cho followed him.
"You're welcome." She continued. "I came to see the game. If it's alright with you." She followed him to the dugout. "Harry?"
Harry turned to face her. His face was firm. "What?" He snapped.
"I came to see you. We need to talk." Cho began but Harry groaned.
"Not this again…."
"Hermione." Cho stated. "Is she someone serious? Should I be threatened by her?" Harry took a few seconds to look at her incredibly before going over to his injured nephew. "Harry, I need to know…"
"Why do you care about me or my relationship with Hermione? You and I are over!" Harry emphasized. He was tired of this. Cho just wouldn't take no for answer. He turned his attention to his nephew. He began applying the necessary medicine to stop the bleeding.
"No, we're not. I refuse to believe it. Just tell me, please. Are you serious with this woman? Do you ever think of sharing your life with this woman at all? At any point in time?" Harry shook his head. She was interrogating him. It was as if he was her experiment again.
"No, Cho. But that doesn't mean that there isn't a chance that she…could be the one." Harry replied. Wait a minute, did he just say that? He did not just say that! He looked at Cho. She had turned away, obviously trying hard not to cry.
"Thank you." She strained and immediately left the dugout. Harry sighed. He didn't want to hurt Cho. She deserved more than this. She deserved better. Any smart, amazing woman deserved better than Harry.
"Did you make that lady cry, uncle Harry?" Harry looked down at his nephew and shrugged. Harry had finished the process. His nephew, Sam, could go back into the game.
"All set?" Harry asked. His nephew nodded. "Great."
………………………………………………..
Fred, Hermione's cousin had hit the ball and it went all the way to fence. He began running to the fourth base, his mother and cousin was cheering him on. Soon, he was on third base and the opposing team's player still hadn't caught the ball. He made his way to second with no ease, and he slid straight into home base. His mother and cousin stood up along with the rest of the team's parents cheering loudly for him.
Once the cheers died down, Hermione and Fred's mother, Marsha sat down, exhausted. Hermione still had a smile on her face, replaying the scene and the small thrill it gave her. It didn't matter whether big league or pee-wee baseball, she wanted to be at every game. "Oh, my….is that the opposing team's coach?" Marsha exclaimed. Hermione looked at her. "He's absolutely gorgeous."
"What are you talking about?" Hermione said lazily.
"Look at their coach." Marsha pointed to Harry who was talking to his team. He had his back to them. "Okay, just wait until he turns."
"Marsha…" Hermione's breath hitched in her throat. When the coach turned she was shocked to see that it was Harry Potter. "No way." Hermione muttered in amazement. "He's a coach?"
"I know. Is it even illegal to have a coach that looks so good?" Marsha remarked.
"He's a coach?" Hermione pondered on once again.
"Yeah, we've established that…"
"I mean, he said he did voluntary work. But, I didn't expect this." Hermione continued.
"Yes, I guess so….wait a minute, you know him?" Marsha asked. Hermione nodded. "Oh, is he single?" She also asked excitedly.
"No, he's not." Hermione said. She gaze still rested on Harry. "He's my boyfriend."
"Oh. Oh! Wow." Marsha replied. "Well, he's looking at you. He's noticed you. I think you should go and meet him. I'll keep your seat." Hermione nodded and made her way down the stands.
…………………………………..
Harry couldn't believe what he seeing. There was Hermione coming toward him with a confused look on her face. He had to admit, she looked amazing with her new haircut and clothes. But, what was she doing here? Did she make it a promise to be at every baseball game?
"Harry." Hermione said. "Hi." She could find nothing else to say. Her boyfriend was her cousin's opposing baseball team's coach. Man, talk about a small world. Harry kept silent, gazing at her. Hermione smiled. He liked the small makeover. He actually liked it!
Two points for Hermione!
"It's great to see you, Hermione." Harry said after a few moments. "But…what are you doing here?" Hermione's smile slowly changed a frown. "Is something wrong?" Harry instinctively asked. Maybe she had come out to cheer his team on. Maybe she was trying to be a loving girlfriend and he hadn't noticed. Whoops….
He didn't compliment me. Hermione thought sadly. She gave him a small smile in response to his question. "I'm here for my little cousin's game. He's the one that just played." She pointed to the small child waving at his mother.
"Oh." Harry replied, relieved. Good. So, it wasn't something he didn't do. He was still in the clear. "Small world." He commented. Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Small world indeed."
xxx
Of course, Fred's team won the game. With a talented player like Fred, they always had a great chance of winning. Harry came out to shake the coach of the winning team's hand. The spectators were already leaving. Hermione stepped down the stands with Marsha. They called over Fred who came running to them. "You did great, Fred." Marsha voiced out. Hermione agreed. "We're going home soon. Hermione," Hermione looked at Marsha who grinned. "I trust that you want to have some time with your beloved boyfriend?" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Yes, I do. Excuse me." She said and walked over to Harry who was leading a sad baseball team to the lockers. "Oh, they look so sad." Harry turned to her and gave her a small smile.
"They'll be fine. It's just a game." Harry replied. "You want a ride home?" He whispered in her ears. Hermione smiled and nodded. "Great. let me just wash up." He went down to the lockers. Hermione sat in the dugout and waited.
"Hello." Someone said. Hermione looked up and saw a woman with long black hair and piercing green eyes staring at her. The woman smiled and sat down. "Waiting for your son also?"
And she had an odd resemblance to Harry.
"Um…no. I'm waiting for the coach." Hermione replied. The woman narrowed her eyes at Hermione and then she gasped.
"You're his new girlfriend, aren't you?" She said, smiling. Hermione looked at her for a few seconds before nodding. "Finally he's involved with someone who has a brain! Thank God!" She laughed and all Hermione could do was stare. "Oh. I must be freaking you out. I'm Hannah, Harry's sister."
Hermione smiled. She finally met someone from Harry's side. If everyone in his family was this cheerful, then she would love to meet the rest. "I'm so glad to finally meet a member of his family."
"Yes, well apparently he's keeping you a secret from our parents." Hannah replied. "Like he needs to. He says you're amazing."
"Really? He said that to you about me?" Hermione asked, stunned that Harry would even talk about her to anyone else.
"Startling isn't it? I know he's not the type but he shares everything with me. Little sisters don't reveal secrets." Hannah said. "Speak of the devil…hey, Harry!" Harry smiled at his sister. He had changed out his coach's suit and into his usual attire.
"Hermione, I see you've met my sister." Harry sat down beside Hermione. "She's quite cheery isn't she?" Hannah glared at him and he laughed.
"I like her that way." Hermione said, saving Hannah. Hannah gave her a large smile and stuck out her tongue at her brother. Hermione laughed at her antics. Soon, the boys were emerging out of the lockers and into the arms of their parents. Sam came out and went to hug his mother, Hannah. "Hello." Hermione said to him. "What's your name?"
"Sam." He replied.
"Well, Sam you did great out there. And sorry about your cut." Hermione stated. Sam smiled and nodded.
"Thank you." Sam responded. Hannah told him to go and wait for Harry to drive him home. "You're really great with children, Hermione." Hannah said.
"Thanks. I hope to have some one day." Hermione replied.
"Ooh, warning Harry. She might want to get married." Hannah laughed. Harry glared at her. "Listen, I'm going to do something that you're really going to hate, dear brother." She turned to Hermione. "I think our parents would love you. You should have dinner with us very soon, anytime you're free." Hermione smiled and before Harry could protest, she nodded in agreement.
"Okay, I'll try."
"No!"
"Good!" Hannah exclaimed. Harry looked at Hermione in alarm. She didn't know what kind of hell she was going to have to face. Harry's parents were horrible. One reason he kept her a secret. The only woman he ever brought to his house was Cho and they seemed to love her. They were crushed when they found out that Harry had broken up with Cho. Hannah was the only person who was overjoyed about it.
They wouldn't like Hermione.
He knew it.
"Dear brother, just trust me. You two have been getting really serious and I think its time we let the parents really know you two." Hannah stated. "It'll be fine Harry. Don't look so pale." She got up. "I've got to go, guys. Bye." She walked out of the dugout leaving the couple to their own thoughts.
………………………………………………..
Harry opened his car door and let his nephew inside. Hermione said that she needed to tell her cousins good-bye and he said that he would wait for her. He leaned on his hood and gazed at his watch. They were already running late. Sam needed to go home and his mother was a huge worrywart.
"Harry. That was a great game." Harry turned to see Cho, twiddling with her fingers madly. Harry grinned and couldn't help being amused at her nervousness. Cho was almost never nervous. She was always confident, always sure. This new side of Cho was frightening and also fun to watch. "Look, I know that you don't want me anywhere near you…but, I-I need to know something."
"Cho…"
"Wait." She walked closer to him and grabbed the collars of his shirt. "Are you going to pull away if I kiss you?" She whispered. Harry raised an eyebrow at her.
"Cho, no…what are you trying to do?"
She smirked. "I'm trying to make you lose." She whispered before dragging him down to her lips. It took him a few seconds to wear off the shock and push her away. But it was too late. Cho looked over his shoulder and her smirk became wider.
Hermione was looking at the entire scene that had developed before her eyes. She just stood rooted at the spot. Harry turned, saw her and inwardly groaned. This was bad…. "See you, Harry." Cho said and walked away. Harry got off the hood and walked to her.
"Hermione…"
She put up her hand to stop him. She didn't want to hear it. What was the point of explaining? He would certainly go back to Cho after the bet. It was down right obvious that he still liked her. He might have broken up with her because of the bet. And then, after he broke her heart he would go right back into Cho's arms. It made her sick.
But what did she care?
She didn't like him anyway. So, the tears that are trying to spill out are an act too? That damn voice! "Hermione, she kissed me."
"Whatever. We both know the real truth. Why bother?" Hermione said gruffly. "I'll find some other way home." She took out her coat from the passenger seat and started to walk away.
"We are not done! You don't believe me?" Harry called out. Hermione stopped and turned around.
"Of course I don't believe you! Every man that has said that is usually lying." She replied. "I don't trust you and obviously you two have some unresolved issues to work out. We should just call this off."
No! Harry ran toward her before she could walk away. "This is not over. Cho and I do not have unresolved issues. We called it off a long time ago before I met you and I'm telling the truth when I say that she just sprung that on me." Hermione shook her head. Harry held her hands. "Believe me?" He asked softly.
Hermione looked at him. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Was his soul really pleading with her or, as usual, was it just an act?
It was an act.
"No." Hermione said firmly. "You lost my trust when you kissed her."
"I didn't kiss her!"
"Oh, save your breath Harry. It's no use. You can't shake me." Hermione retorted. Harry sighed, frustrated.
"You know what? I'm tired of this." He voiced.
"I'm tired too."
"Let's just get in the car and I'll drive you home." Hermione shook her head.
"I'll find my own way home." She replied stubbornly.
"Hermione, get in the car." Harry snapped.
"No!"
"Uncle Harry?" Sam said. Harry turned to him. "Is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine. Hermione get in the car."
"I'm going to walk."
"Do you know how far your home is from here?" Harry told her. "Just get in the car, Hermione. Its safer and I'm not going to hurt you." Hermione looked at him.
"I know you're not." She sighed. Boy, she hated defeat. "Fine." They walked back to the car and they both entered. Harry started the car and soon they were out of the stadium and onto the main road.
For a few minutes, no one said anything. Hermione was too consumed in her thoughts. Harry was exhausted from the argument and Sam felt too frightened to say anything. They soon reached Harry's parents' house. He entered the large driveway that accompanied the large, white and exquisite mansion. Hermione looked in awe at the place where Harry was raised. It was beautiful. "I'll tell Grandma Lily that you said hi, okay Uncle Harry?"
"Okay, Sam. Bye."
"Bye, Sam." Hermione said and they both waved to him before they left.
………………………………….
Harry parked his car in front of Hermione's house. "We need a break." Hermione said immediately. She looked at Harry. "I just need to…figure things out." Harry was about to say something when she stopped him. "No, we're not breaking up but I need to think this through."
Harry closed his mouth and nodded in agreement. Besides, he was too tired to argue again. She could get her damn time. This was too much for him anyway. Never had he seen a woman so persistent. Even Cho would give up fighting when he laid down his charm. But, apparently it didn't work on Hermione. Nothing he did worked on Hermione. The woman had put up an iron wall around her heart.
"Okay." He simply said. Hermione suddenly looked shocked. "What? If you need the time then you can have the time. I'm done arguing." He muttered. Hermione folded her lips and sighed.
"Bye, Harry." Hermione whispered and got out of the car. He immediately sped off. She walked slowly up the stairs and was soon met with two pairs of confused stares. She grinned. "Yes, that was Harry's car. Surprisingly, he was the coach of the opposing team."
"Small world." Lavender muttered. "My Lord, he's everywhere."
"Well, he's not going to be everywhere for now." Hermione said, averting her eyes. "We've decided to take a break."
Luna and Lavender looked at each other before looking back at Hermione. They both had shocked expressions on their face. "What?" Luna said. "Why?"
"I caught him and Cho kissing." Hermione said.
"No way." Lavender said. "They were really kissing?"
"Yes, well, Harry pushed her away." Hermione said. They followed her inside her apartment. Hermione put her purse on the table and joined her friends on the couch.
"And this was before or after the kiss?" Luna asked.
"Before." She replied.
"Then he doesn't want her back, Hermione. Stop worrying." Lavender said. "He still wants to go through with this."
"I'm not worrying." Hermione said, defending herself. "I just…don't trust him."
"Well, I think you've finally stepped up." Luna said, smiling. "He's going to have to go to great lengths to get your trust back. You've worn him down. Excellent." She stood up. "I'm tired. It's been a long day for you and I have a morning date with Ron, so….good-night."
"Good-night." Hermione called to them as they closed her door. She got up from the couch and got her frozen dinner out of the freezer. She popped it in the microwave and set it for twelve minutes.
She wanted to believe Harry. But, she didn't want him to get the upper hand. She didn't want him to see her as a pushover, someone you can take advantage of numerous times and get away with it. That wasn't Hermione Granger. She was strong tough and could handle anything that came her way. This Harry Potter would not back her down.
The doorbell rang which took her out of her thoughts. She went to open the door…Harry. He smiled and held up a bag of food. Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Harry, what are you….?"
He pulled her to him and kissed her, preventing her from finishing her question. He then pulled away. "Trying to gain your trust back." He whispered, stroking her cheek. He leaned in for another kiss and Hermione didn't object. She even pulled him closer to her. Might as well make the most of it, right? "I'm so sorry." Harry said. "I shouldn't have made her kiss me. You had every right to be angry with me…."
"Shh. Don't speak." Hermione said and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Hermione we need to discuss this." Harry said. They couldn't spend all their time making out. They needed to talk about some things. Yes, Harry thought about that. And yes, he was losing his mind over this girl.
Hermione smiled amusedly at Harry. Did he just say that? "Well, I'm impressed that you want to talk Harry. But I think we've done enough talking for today, don't you think so?" Hermione stated, slyly.
"But, Hermione…." He was cut off by Hermione kissing him. They parted. "Okay. You win." Hermione giggled and tugged at his collar for more. Harry smiled. "You don't want more, Hermione."
"Of course I do." Hermione teased. "I want you, Harry." He looked at her with a hint of surprise written on his face. Hermione smiled. "I want all of you."
Harry shook his head. "Hermione, stop teasing me."
"Fine. You're no fun. We'll just have an unromantic dinner. No kissing, nothing." Hermione said. Harry sighed. That girl could tempt him…
"C'mere." He said, clutching unto Hermione's hand and grabbed her waist in one swift move. He began to give her soft kisses which she readily responded to. But, after a few seconds, he hungrily deepened the kiss, forcing her to open her lips for him. Hermione gasped upon his lips and began to apply the same force. She couldn't believe the thrill she was having. The kiss became more heated and more passionate and neither of them wanted to stop.
Before they knew it, Harry had her backed up against the wall. Hermione's legs were wrapped around his waist and it seemed that they were using overpowering forces on each other. Harry wanted more out of this kiss. Much more. He blindly pulled on the hem of her shirt and slid his hands through it.
Once Hermione felt warm hands on her stomach, she immediately pushed him off, surprised at his actions. Harry couldn't even ask why. Their breathing rates had gone up immensely and their breathing was ragged. So, they were panting endlessly out of breath. Hermione ran her hands through her hair. Confused, amazed, and dazed by the kiss. "I've never been kissed like that before." Hermione croaked.
"Well, get used to it." Harry joked. Hermione smiled. "Why did you push me off?" Hermione thought he knew the answer of his question. Did she have to spell it out for him?
"You were going a bit too far, Harry." Hermione replied. She walked over to the microwave and took out her unfrozen dinner.
"But I thought you said that you wanted all of me."
"We were just teasing! How could you think that I wanted to go that far with you…?" Hermione stopped herself. She looked at Harry who had a confused look on his face. "I mean, now."
"Right. Sorry. I just got carried away." Harry said. Hermione nodded and carried her dinner to the food Harry had picked up. "It's Chinese."
"All Chinese is not healthy…"
"Screw that. Eat it.' Harry said. Hermione looked inside and saw noodles. She smiled. "You can eat that?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded. "Damn! Next time, I'll go with the meat."
"You are evil." Hermione teased. She put her hand over his. "I do trust you again. I mean, that kiss proved everything wrong."
xxx
AN: Man, that was long.