Sorry for the late update but i wanted to be off for awhile, i broke up with my boyfriend so.. anyway to the story, i hope you like it :) i haven't many things to say, just please read and review, i have edited just a couple of lines to the chapter "against everyone" about dolohov and remus, give them a look.
Thanks my dear beta SwishandFlick31 :)
Chapter 12: A different Birthday
Harry and Hermione were standing in the department of Mysteries. Behind the veil, Sirius was waving to them. Harry moved closer to it. Hermione tried gripped his arm, but he was already away from her. She ran after him, blocking his way to the veil, her back to it.
'No, Harry, he's gone! Like Ron and the rest.' she said, her voice sounding pained.
Someone cast the Cruciatus behind them. The bright light of the curse hit Hermione on her chest, but even before she could start screaming in pain, she made the one remaining step to the veil. She fell back, meeting Sirius. Disappearing from Harry's eyes…
'NO! NO! HERMIONE, NO!' Harry screamed in agony. Someone gripped him from behind, his scalp and neck pained by the grip.
'And none is left for you, Potter: parents, godfather, friends, the Mudblood. All of them died in front of your eyes…' Voldemort's cold voice hissed in his ear.
'NO!' Harry screamed again, his eyes shot open. Hermione was kneeled on the mattress next to him, her face a mask of worry and fear.
'It's OK, Harry, I'm here.' Hermione whispered next to him, rubbing his arm and chest. Harry gripped her hand and kissed it.
'You're here,' he whispered, scared, making sure. The dream was just, so real.
'I am, Harry, it's OK, I'm over here.' She said and smiled at him. He kept her hand close to his mouth, taking deep breaths. It was just a nightmare. Harry moved closer and hugged her, kissing her neck and relaxing by smelling her beautiful scent: roses. Hermione started rubbing his back as he rose more, she pushed him back onto his pillow and she fell on top of him. Harry put his hand behind her neck so he could keep her still, not wanting to let her frame move away.
'I can show you how much close I can be,' Hermione whispered in his ear seductively. Harry grinned as she started caressing his chest with both her hands above his t-shirt, moving to his navel and up his front again. Harry groaned as Hermione started moving her hips back and forth, the touch too much for him even above his pyjama trousers and boxers— and her gown and knickers.
He rolled over with her so she was on her back. Hermione moved with him willingly, a moan escaping her lips as he started kissing and licking and sucking her jaw, neck, and eventually, chest. Harry moved her gown's long V-neck down, exposing one breast. He took it in his mouth and started his magic. Hermione responded with a loud moan and a deep sigh. Harry smiled; he was powerful indeed, especially when he had his Mione beneath him.
He moved up again and kissed her hard on the mouth, leaving her breathless. He wanted to assure himself she was there, with him, for him, never leaving him. He moved his head lightly up with the rest of his body so he could take his trousers down his hips.
Hermione raised her head so they wouldn't break their heated kiss. With her help as well his trousers and boxers were finally on his hips, freeing his hard erection. He moved closer to her and kneeled between her legs. She opened them widely and broke the kiss, gasping.
'I love you,' Harry said as he moved her knickers wandlessly. She smiled sweetly at him and moaned in pleasure as he plunged harder than he wanted inside her.
'Oh…my… I love you too, Harry,' Hermione said gasping. Harry kissed her again and started moving his hips. His tongue thrusting in her mouth as his length did inside her heat.
After some good tensed thrusts, Hermione broke the kiss gasping and moaning louder. She put one of her legs around his waist, the other opening as much as she could manage. Harry gripped her risen hip so he could keep her in place, she wrapped one arm around his neck, the other beneath his arm so she could caress his back as he started thrusting faster and faster inside her, loving the sight of her, the taste of her, the sounds she made only for him, because of him.
Harry felt Hermione clutching around him hard, he was so close too. He crashed his mouth on hers again as Hermione started climaxing, moaning against his mouth. It was too much for Harry, some more powerful thrusts and they broke their kiss again, screaming each other's names in pure ecstasy and love. After those glorious moments, Harry collapsed on top of Hermione, spent and exhausted. She kept one hand caressing his hair.
'I can get used to this kind of therapy, Healer Potter,' Harry said some moments after, as he found the strength to talk. Hermione chuckled, but then placed her hands on the sides of his face, so he could look at her face. Harry obliged to her touch and looked at her.
'This is the first time you called me Potter,' Hermione said seriously. Harry smiled at her— still flushed by lovemaking face, she was part not only of his life but his self as well, she worth to have his name.
'I hope you like it, because I want my wife having my name,' Harry said still smiling. It was too soon to plan, but never better a time to dream.
'I love it, not the name part but the wife one.' Hermione said smiling; he moved off of her and took her with him so she was half resting on his chest, her arm lazily wrapped around his still covered torso. He smiled, wrapping his arms around her.
'We won't make the marriage soon, but I think it doesn't really matter. It's like we've been married for years.' Hermione said smiling and pecked Harry's chest.
'Years married with great sex… what else could I ask for?' Harry wondered playfully, and Hermione looked at him, amused as well.
'You want to talk about the nightmare?' Hermione asked as she looked at him. He shook his head, 'no.'
'It doesn't matter, it was just a nightmare. The proof that the nightmare was just that, is right here, settled in my arms.' Harry said and smiled, blowing a kiss from the small distance their faces were.
'We need to do some things you know,' Hermione said as she made her self more comfortable in his arms.
'Like?' Harry asked, a bit confused.
'Like: the painting colors for the house, the furniture, the small feast for us in your birthday. But first of all—the letter to Ron...' Hermione said, the last part nearly whispering.
Harry sighed, his birthday was in a week and they hadn't send their letter to their former (is he former? Harry absently wondered) best friend and they would make things official in seven days.
'We will in the morning, I think its better if he see your handwriting. I'm sure he will burn a letter with mine on the spot. As for the colors, I know; you want my opinion, I like green and Gryffindor colors. And for the furniture, you said you wanted to decorate the house so you can take money from our vaults and buy anything you think we need. Actually I was thinking of using Sirius' gold for that, so we can keep both of our money for the trainings and stuff.' Harry said. Hermione remained silent.
'Harry, Sirius' fortune is yours, I don't want to use-'
'Hermione, please,' he interrupted. 'I have enough money in my vault; people are adding more every day to both of us. Sirius left his gold to me so I can use it for something like that. I'm sure he would give it to us for our new house. I don't want you to spend all your money when we have enough, please.' Harry explained. He knew she was a proud person and wanted to afford the house's needs, but it wasn't necessary. Hermione didn't speak for some moments.
'Please, Mione,' Harry said quietly.
'Fine, but you'll come with me for the furniture.' Hermione said and Harry groaned, she bit his chest playfully.
'Fine, little minx…' he said as he moved closer and gave her a kiss, showing how many billions of galleons she was worth for.
---------
'I can't believe this…' Harry's voice trailed off. He stared at the piece of parchment—which was basically blank—and then at Hermione, who was currently behind Harry.
They had finished their breakfast long ago and for the last thirty minutes were above the letter they would send to Ron. The only thing written on the parchment was "Dear Ron."
Harry had written many letters to Ron during the years in Hogwarts in the summers. But now, he wasn't sure of what to say. He wasn't actually sure if he wanted to send that bloody letter, but Hermione was right, if they wanted to have him back in any way they had to try.
'OK, look, we'll just explain to him,' Hermione said and picked the quill on her hand, letting the beautiful eagle feather caress her chin. Harry looked at her. She had been trying to figure out what to write to him for the last few days, and that's why they hadn't sent the letter yet.
Hermione looked at Harry again and then started writing fast. Harry looked what she was writing. Her handwriting, even though complicated and unique, was easy for someone to read.
Dear Ron
We know you are angry with us. We understand that, but we, too, are suffering while we're away from you. We have been friends for almost eight years. Please don't let our friendship die because things have changed. We all survived a war and we know how hard is to collect our lives back again. It would be easier if we were together, the three of us, as always.
Please give us a chance to explain to you how things have happened, and how much we love each other. We know it hurts, but it cannot be changed. You knew we were in love with each other even before Harry and I realized it.
We know we have hurt Ginny as well, but she needs to know that we've changed, and that the war has affected us all. She knows things with Harry wouldn't last like they did back in our sixth year.
Please give us a chance, for our friendship's sake. We will be waiting for you anytime if you want to come in Grimmauld. We'll have a small celebration of Harry's birthday on the 31st. We will be waiting all your brothers, Ginny your parents and of course you, our best friend.
All our love
Harry and Hermione
'What you think?' Hermione asked, concerned. Harry smiled at her; the letter was honest and true, like they wanted to be with Ron.
'I think it's just fine. Well done, Mione.' Harry said smiling and pecked her cheek. He stood and brought a sleepy Mione out. The owl stretched her foot and Hermione banded the letter around it.
'To the Burrow, Mione, and come back.' Harry said as the white snow owl left from the open widow of the kitchen.
'I hope Ron won't kill Mione,' Harry said and looked at Hermione, she chuckled sadly and he responded.
'And now…' Hermione said, changing the subject and the mood, she moved closer to him and gripped him from his collar, pulling him for a kiss. Harry grinned surprised against her lips and raised and put her on the tabletop hugging her.
'And now what...?' Harry asked as he started kissing and sucking her neck.
'We'll go shopping. Colors and a first look for furniture, for the house. We need things for the party as well.' Hermione said and Harry groaned frustrated but didn't let her neck, hoping things would turn better for him.
'No! Master Harry, Mistress Hermioni. Not on the table! Kreacher has to protect the house, his Masters have to respect the furniture they eat on!' Kreacher ran close to them form nowhere. Harry pulled away from Hermione and looked at the blushing young woman for answers.
'He is the house elf of the home, so he has the right to stop his masters by doing something bad or – improper to the building or the furniture... that's why he was acting so badly when we were cleaning the house years ago.' Hermione answered his unspoken question. He looked at her with a puzzled look. She knew too many things about elves and their elf knew too many about his duties.
'I have re-searched about them when I was having my S.P.E.W., it's good to have someone in here setting some rules.' Hermione said, faking cheeriness, Harry was sure. Yeah, more rules that he needed, eighteen years living in rules…
'Right, err, sorry Kreacher,' Harry said disappointed.
'No problem, master, no problem. That's why Kreacher is here.' The elf said and made a bow.
'Come on, we have to go shopping in Muggle London,' Hermione said and took his hand, taking him out of the kitchen and into their bedroom to get ready.
They got ready in an hour and left from Grimmauld Place. They walked around muggle London the entire morning, searching, looking for furniture and having fun just the two of them. In muggle London there was no Chosen and no Savor… just Harry and Hermione, a young couple.
They took their lunch in a quick take out restaurant in noon and kept moving around the city. At the end they decided about the furniture of their living room, office and dinning room. They kept the addresses of the stores and apparated in Diagon Alley as they decided to use magical painting for the house. They moved to the new magical supermarket and found special paintings that didn't fade over time.
They chose soft red and yellow tones for their living and dining rooms, wanting them to be like Gryffindor's common room in a way. They chose a calming green for the office of the house and soft blue, red, yellow and purple for the bedrooms. They kept moving around Diagon Alley until late afternoon. They finally ended up in the Cauldron, both exhausted yet happy from their long walk.
People had been greeting them over and over again for the past few hours while in Diagon, but Harry didn't feel that uncomfortable this time. The Alley had much more people around. The world is getting back on track… Hermione looked at him and squeezed his hand lightly, pulling him out of his thoughts.
'What is it?' She asked softly. He smiled at her.
'Nothing, just thinking people are getting back to normal,' he said and took another sip of his butterbeer. Hermione looked around, calmed and smiling.
'True… everyone deserves some peace, specially the young, handsome man in front of me.' She said smiling and leaned and kissed him on the cheek. Harry felt the familiar sense of roses fill his lungs.
'You like roses,' Harry said on a matter-of-factly tone.
'Yep,' she said smiling and took a sip from her butterbeer.
'Why? I mean, I'm just wondering,' Harry said smiling. He always felt comfortable talking about casual things with Hermione.
'I like them because they are beautiful yet a bit dangerous if you are not careful with them but very sensitive, their petals are so fragile, but the rest is dangerous.' Hermione said smiling. Harry looked at her for a moment, she was like a rose, dangerous when someone is not right towards her, yet sensitive with people she loves and be loved. He smiled at the thought of Hermione as a rose.
'What is your favorite flower?' Hermione asked, Harry smiled.
'Roses,' he answered. She looked at him for a moment.
'Why?'
'Because you like them and because you are like them.' Harry answered and Hermione smiled sweetly at him.
Since when have I become this romantic? He wondered, but didn't care to answer as Hermione leaned closer and gave him another kiss, on his lips this time.
'We need to send Mione to Hagrid, McGonagall, Luna, Kingsley, Neville and Andromeda; we should send one more letter to the Burrow, if Ron destroyed the one we send him then the rest won't know about the gathering. Your parents already know, so everyone will be there.' Harry said some minutes after in comfortable silence. He wasn't sure if the Weasleys would come. He wanted to but he knew at least would probably not attend the small party.
'I hope they will come, Harry,' Hermione murmured, as if was reading his thoughts.
--
The rest of the week was silent enough. Ron hadn't visited them as they asked him to do in the letter… Harry and Hermione spent their time in Grimmauld, planning things about their house, hoping to see Ron and Ginny in the party and deciding what furniture to buy. The Prophet was way too bushy with the first trials of the Death Eaters to write things about them…yet.
THE FIRST DEATH EATERS READY FOR THEIR TRIAL
Narcissa Black, Draco and Lucius Malfoy, Dolohov, Yaxley and R. Lestrange will be the first to be judged.
As the Prophet has already revealed, those six were in You-Know-Who's inner circle. The trials will happen in time of six days, one day for each of them. Narcissa Black has asked to be judged with her son Draco, however, and as sources are saying her request will be accepted.
Hermione read a day before Harry's birthday as she cooked their breakfast. Harry was banding his and Hermione's birthday present for Neville to Mione's foot. The last days they had informed everyone for the gathering the next day.
'Doest is say when the trials will be?' Harry asked as he took the owl close to the window and opened it. The bird flew away.
Hermione flipped the pages and nodded. 'Yes, it will start at 2nd of August and will be over until 8th or 7th. Why?' Hermione asked but before Harry could answer he saw an owl coming closer and closer until the bird flew in the kitchen and stood on the table. Hermione looked surprised at the strange bird; she took the letter from its foot and opened the envelope. Harry approached her as the owl left.
'I can't believe this!' Hermione exclaimed. 'Kingsley wants us to attend the trials, all of them!' she said looking at Harry now.
'That's why I asked when the trials are planned to happen.' Harry said. He was afraid that would happen. He was the one who killed Voldemort and he knew that would come. He had been present in many of those Death Eaters' crimes, Hermione as well so the Ministry wanted them there, as many others Harry was sure.
'We'll go, they want us there because they have fought against us; and I'm sure Narcissa will try to take all the blame on her shoulders so she can save Draco.' Harry said.
This soul is not that damaged yet. Harry remembered Dumbledore's voice from Snape's pensive.
'Very well then, but I wish I could be away from all of them.' Hermione said quietly. Harry sat on the chair next to Hermione.
'This will be the last time, I'm sure,' Harry said and hugged her, kissing the top of her head.
The next day was noisy from early morning even if only Harry, Hermione and Kreacher were in the house. Kreacher has as Harry called it a tidiness crisis and cleaned everything around the house. Hermione was anxious about everything and Harry was asleep until noon, but Hermione didn't want to wake him up, partly because he needed sleep and the nightmares didn't let him and partly because she wanted to set the party of her own.
Harry opened his eyes and looked around; Hermione was looking out of the window. She turned to look at him, even if he hadn't made a single noise and smiled. She rushed close to the bed and sat next to him at first and then gave him a long, deep, birthday kiss.
'Happy Birthday, Harry,' she said smiling as the heated kiss was over.
'Happy Birthday to me,' Harry grinned and kissed her again.
'It's almost lunch time, sleepy boy,' Hermione said smiling, her hands on his messy hair as his was on her bushy. He rolled over so she was on her back.
'I prefer to eat you,' Harry grinned and Hermione giggled, something she only did in front of her lover, Harry.
'Nope, not right now, birthday boy. First come down to rip open the tons of gifts Kreacher has found for you out of the house from fans. Then, we'll take a quick lunch, because in a few hours people will start arriving.' Hermione said as Harry started nibbling her neck.
'Come on, Mione, just a bite from you…' Harry said and bit her neck, not too hard but firmly enough to live a small bruise there.
'Harry James…' Hermione started, breathless.
'Hermione Jane…' Harry went on, his mouth against her neck.
'Oh-fine, a bite won't hurt us…' she giggled as he started his way down her body.
Hours after; both Harry and Hermione were sitting on the living room's couch. The house was clean and lightened by every lamp around the rooms. Kreacher was putting the last bottles of firewhisky and butterbeer on a table so the guests could serve their selves.
Harry was looking at Hermione: she was dressed in a beautiful purple dress Harry hadn't seen before, and she had her hair straitened with some blonde temporary highlights ("It's only for today," she explained). Harry smiled at her, she was so beautiful.
The doorbell rang and Kingsley, Minerva and Hagrid showed up. Kreacher took them to the living room and Harry and Hermione greeted them warmly. Harry received his presents. Hermione couldn't wait, so she gave him her present, a pensive. Harry looked at her surprised, a pensive was so rare and Hermione had found one for him.
'So you can watch your memories of our beautiful life from now on,' Hermione said softly and Harry gripped and kissed her on the mouth as not many people were there yet.
A book about Aurors and what they need to know was the gift Harry received from his previous Professor, Minerva. He'd gotten a kit for certain care for his wand from Kingsley and a special case for his wand made by dragon's horns from Hagrid.
Hermione left for her parents' house and returned some moments later with them by her side. The two muggles greeted Harry warmly like Molly and Arthur would do and gave him their gifts. A large bag with candies without sugar and a book about offensive spells. Harry took the second gift, surprised. Amele smiled at him.
'Minny helped us chose it for you.' The older Granger said smiling; Harry beamed at Hermione and gave her a kiss on her cheek, not wanting to be too excited around his—future-in-laws.
Luna arrived without Seamus, Neville and his grandmother, Andromeda with Teddy; no Weasley had showed up until then. Harry was happy watching all his friends close to him. But he wished Ron would be there as well, and the rest of the Weasleys, even Ginny after her fight with Hermione. He also wanted to have Remus and Tonks, hugging their child and smiling at him, Teddy's godfather. He wanted to have Sirius there as well, the war was over and Sirius wasn't there to celebrate his godson's first free birthday.
'Aren't you happy?' Hermione's voice brought him back to reality. The party around him going on better than he'd imagined it to be, and it was certainly nice, thought he.
Minerva was dancing with Kingsley, Hagrid was dancing alone, Amele and Alexander were dancing together and Luna was having little Teddy in her arms and was moving her form in the rhythm of the music.
'Of course I'm happy,' Harry said smiling. He knew his face had darkened and Hermione had noticed him. Before Hermione could ask again or make sure the doorbell rang again and both Harry and Hermione rushed to the door, hoping Ron was out of the old front door. Harry opened the door and saw several redheads, but not the one he wanted to see.
Arthur, George, Charlie, Percy, Bill and –the only non redhead- Fluer were looking at him and Hermione smiling, each with a present in their hands. Hermione smiled brightly at them, and the young couple made space for the six people to come in. Ginny, Molly and of course Ron, were nowhere to be found.
'Happy Birthday, Harry,' the Weasleys exclaimed and hugged him one by one. Arthur was the last one.
'Happy Birthday, son, well Gin, Molly and Ron—couldn't come with-'
'It's OK Mr. Weasley, I understand their reasons…' Harry said sadly, Arthur smiled at him and patted his shoulder.
'I think Ron will find a way, I can assure you he read the letter you sent him. And its Arthur, for both you and Hermione,' Arthur said as he smiled warmly at both Harry and Hermione. Harry hugged Arthur again.
'Thank you for everything- Arthur,' Harry said feeling so grateful for the man in front of him. The Burrow had been his house for years, the Weasleys were brothers for him and Arthur and Molly were the only parent figures he ever met. And yet, he felt guilty in a way; he had hurt Arthur's littlest children and because of the war about him another was dead. But Arthur was there, with many people from his family.
'No problem, Harry, you know you are part of the family. You also know the Weasley family always faces the problems together.' Arthur said smiling and Harry nodded smiling.
The party went on very well by then, the living room was now full of people, the dinning room as well. Music was playing and Harry was close to the drinks with Hermione next to him, both smiling and beaming at the people around them. A large pile of presents was on a table in a corner of the room. Harry spotted George sitting alone on a chair watching at Bill and Fluer talking as the kept dancing a fast song. He left Hermione's side kissing her on the cheek and approached the only twin Weasley. George smiled at Harry as he approached him and sat next to him.
'Hey you, birthday boy,' George said smiling, still his eyes were sad, bags under them making him look older than he really was.
'Hey you George,' Harry said smiling as much as he could.
It feels strange to know that only George was there, that Fred wasn't trying to make Neville eat some crazy joke candy or stuff.
'I sent the letter as you know, I just wanted you to be fine again, I mean I know you and Hermione are together and Ron has some feelings about him but—' George stooped for a second. 'Life is too short and Ron has to understand that...' he added and sipped from his overload glass of firewhisky. Harry looked at him, Fred's death had changed George a lot and Harry wasn't sure if it was on a good way, the wound was still open in the redhead's soul but Harry knew George was strong so he could move on… eventually.
'Thanks for trying anyway,' Harry said smiling. George smiled as well.
'No problem, mate. It was worth it,' George said and Harry felt awkward listening a Weasley calling him mate when that Weasley wasn't Ron. Harry looked at the dance floor and saw Hermione dancing to a slower song with Charlie. Harry felt just a hint of anger but ignored it.
'You know; mom will be grandma soon,' George said smiling brighten than before. Harry looked at him and at Fleur and Bill.
'Really?' he asked smiling. George nodded.
'They told us today at lunch, mom started already preparing things like the baby will be delivered tomorrow.' George said and sipped from his drink.
'George, how are Ron and Ginny?' Harry asked, concerned about the answer. George looked at him.
'I have to inform you that they are fine. I don't know what you learn from here, but Luna broke up with Seamus because as she said he was "too logically banded to reality's lies" and since then she is visiting the Burrow many times seeing both Ginny and Ron.' George said and Harry looked at him for some good moments. Luna was visiting the Burrow and was close to both Ginny and Ron, which meant Ron could eventually "forgive" him and Hermione.
Harry left George in his sit some minutes after as the song was over and took Hermione from her father for a slower song. Hermione smiled and hugged him, her arms around his neck as his were around the small of her back and waist. Only them and Fluer with Bill and Hermione's parents were dancing, the rest were staring at them or talking to each other.
As the song finished, Hermione took of Harry's hand and nodded to Kreacher. The elf made a bow and brought a large chocolate torte with two candles on it on the shape of number, "18." The elf put the large torte on the table of the kitchen on the head of it and everyone moved closer. Harry stood in front of the table and Hermione stood next to him. Everyone started singing and George pulled out of his robes a box and lit a small fire on it. As the song went on Harry thought of the wish he would make.
I wish Ron would be here…
He blew the lights and the box in George's hands exploded and many small fireworks started lighting above everyone's heads. Everyone started clapping and hugging Harry. Hermione hugged and kissed him on the cheek, but Harry moved his face and found her lips. The people didn't know about them, and they gasped and then Harry looked at Hermione and rose his glass. Everyone looked at him.
'I want to thank you, all of you. You all are here and I want to thank you so much for everything you have done. Today Hermione and I want to announce- our- our engagement. We've been together for the last seven years as friends and as a couple for the last few weeks, and I know Hermione is what I always wanted. We'll live together in my parents' re-made house and you are welcomed, not just as friends, but as part of our small family.' Harry said. Hermione rose her glass as well.
'To Harry, Happy Birthday,' Hermione said, still blushing. Everyone around the table repeated the toast and drank for Harry.
Then someone entered the room. Harry couldn't see who he was because of the people in front of him, but everyone gasped and waited. Harry made some steps to the room's door and saw Ron with Kreacher next to him.
'The redhead boy knocked and I opened the door, did I do well, Master?' Kreacher asked.
Harry and Ron kept looking at each other. None was talking. Hermione moved closer to Harry.
'Uhm, can we be alone for awhile please?' Hermione asked and a storm of "yes," "sure," and "of course" followed. Everyone rushed out of the kitchen. Some fireworks were still lighting above the trio's head.
'I thought about it very much,' Ron started, and Harry and Hermione looked at each other. 'I lost Fred and then you, and I released that- I prefer to be your friend and be a little left out than to be your enemy and haven't you at all.' Ron said and Harry's chest felt relieved Hermione looked relieved and happy as he did.
'But I will need time; I know you two won't return in Hogwarts so I think this year will be good for all of us to be a bit away of each other. Mom wants me in Hogwarts so…' Ron said and Hermione stormed in his hug, Ron hugged Hermione and closed his eyes. Harry didn't feel jealousy or lonely this time. The girl in Ron's hands was his woman, the woman who made love to the same morning. Hermione moved away from Ron and stood next to Harry again.
The two young men looked at each other again. Hermione looked at both of them as well.
'I'm sorry for hurting you, mate,' both Harry and Ron said at the same time. Ron made a couple of steps closer to Harry and Hermione and the two men hugged each other (in a manly way, of course), patting their backs. Hermione let a sob overtake her and both men looked at her.
'We may need time to be like before but I'm sure we can make it.' Hermione said Harry hugged her to calm her. Ron looked at them with a ghost of a smile on his face. Hermione looked at Ron again ready to ask something.
'Ginny needs much more time, her pride is more wounded than mine, adding her illusions about being Mrs. Potter…she needs time.' Ron said and both Harry and Hermione nodded. 'And mom is a bit—disappointed so- she will be fine soon.' He said and the couple nodded again. Harry knew both the two female Weasleys were imagining him to marry the youngest Weasley, but Harry wanted to follow his path and not being the object of other people's dreams.
It was his life, after all.
