Author's Note: I realize it has been quite sometime since I updated, but I've had a hell of a past few weeks so hopefully those of you who read regularly aren't too upset. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 25: Easy to Forgive
Harry awoke to moonlight filtering in through the windows. He smelled peaches and knew that Hermione was still there next to him. He adjusted to the darkness of the room and saw Hermione's bare back facing him. He kissed it lightly and she stirred. It occurred to him that he had given himself to Hermione and the other way around. He smiled. Harry wouldn't have had it any other way.
"What are you thinking about over there?" Hermione asked sleepily. Harry nuzzled into her hair and kissed her neck.
"Well, I was just thinking that I gave the second most important thing of myself to you," Harry replied. Hermione turned to face him.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Well I've already given you my heart and just a bit ago I gave you my virginity," He replied quietly. She widened her eyes and smiled. She hadn't even thought about it being that way.
"Same here. I was saving myself for you," Hermione said. He smiled and pulled her closer to him. He kissed her gently.
"You are so beautiful and I am glad that you are the sole owner," He said winking at her. She smiled and moved closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her and holding her tightly. They stayed that way for awhile and nearly drifted off to sleep again when they heard movement outside the door. They both sat up and stared at the door. Harry quietly accioed their wands and they pointed them at the door.
"Harry, we are naked what good is that going to do?" Hermione asked quietly. He shrugged and slid out of bed. Hermione did the same and they quickly got dressed. He pushed her behind him and they slowly made their way to the door. They listened intently at the door for any more sounds. They heard nothing more. Harry reached for the door knob and slowly turned it. He peeked out into the hallway, but didn't see anything. He looked back at Hermione and she looked at him fearfully. They slowly began walking out into the hallway, wands ready.
There were no sounds which made the house seem extra eerie. Suddenly there were footsteps overhead and Harry and Hermione both froze where they were at. Hermione was breathing rapidly and Harry reached back for her hand and squeezed gently. Her breathing slowed down as they listened to the footsteps overhead. They were moving down the stairs now and they both tensed up. Harry and Hermione crouched into the shadows and watched the landing. Someone stepped down and rounded the corner heading for the bedrooms that they had been staying in. Harry lifted his wand and cried out "STUPEFY!" The spell hit the person right in the chest and they flung backwards into the wall and slid down, unconscious.
Harry and Hermione ran towards the body and shined their wands on them. It was Ron.
"Oh shit! Ron!" Harry cried. He levitated him and took him into the library. Hermione waved her wand and the candles in the room lit up. Harry settled Ron on the couch and glanced at Hermione.
"Ennervate," Harry said. Ron opened his eyes and stared at them. His eyes were glazed over a bit.
"Alright, mate?" Harry asked. Ron looked at them both and nodded. He sat up.
"Yeah, what happened?" Ron asked. Hermione settled in a chair across from him and Harry sat on the other end of the couch.
"Well, you were sneaking around the place at this time of night so we had no idea who the hell was in here so we stunned you," Harry replied. Ron looked at him confused.
"Ron, are you sure you're alright?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, um, I just came back to apologize for my behavior earlier towards both of you. It wasn't right and I should have handled it more maturely. I hope you both can forgive me," Ron said.
Harry and Hermione exchanged looks. This was something new. They thought that Ron would hold a grudge for quite a bit longer especially considering his feelings for Hermione.
"Well, Ron that's really great that you're apologizing. Of course we forgive you," Hermione replied.
"I also wanted to say that I know you guys are together now and I'm okay with that," Ron said. Hermione looked at Harry quickly and Harry raised an eyebrow a look of concern coming over him.
"Uh, Ron, do you really know what you're saying? Have you been drinking or something?" Harry asked. He waved his hand in front of his face and Ron barely flinched. It was rather suspicious indeed, but Harry remembered that Ron had a calming draught earlier so maybe this was part of the side effects.
"Of course, I know what I'm saying. I haven't been drinking. I just wanted to tell you that I am okay with it. You guys are meant to be together. That's all. I just couldn't wait to tell you that and so that's why I came so late," Ron responded. Hermione gave him a small smile.
"Well, thank you Ron, that means a lot," She said. He nodded and stood up.
"I'm going back home. You two lovebirds just enjoy the rest of your evening. I'll stop by sometime tomorrow I think," Ron said. He gave them a wave and walked out of the library. Harry and Hermione didn't move. They looked at each other as they heard the door shut down stairs.
"Harry, that was really, really, strange," Hermione said.
"Yeah, I don't know what to make of that. Maybe it's a side effect from the calming draught?" Harry questioned. Hermione shrugged and looked around the library.
"I don't know. I'm a bit tired to go searching for its side effects. I think I'll look in the morning. Care to join me back in bed?" Hermione asked raising an eyebrow. Harry smiled at her and nodded. They headed back to his room and instantly feel asleep.
Ron apparated just outside the Leaky Cauldron instead of the Burrow. He looked around looking for the person from earlier.
"Did you do as asked?" A voice said right next to Ron's ear. Ron didn't flinch.
"Yes, I did. They believed me," Ron replied automatically.
"Excellent. I want you to go back home and get some rest. Tomorrow you will bring her to me," the voice said.
"Yes, I will," Ron replied. The person stepped away and Ron immediately apparated back to the Burrow.