Week 22

Harry stumbled out of the lift and hurried down the corridor toward Hermione's office.

"Is she in?" He called out to Mrs. Fawley.

"Good morning, Auror Potter, how can I help you today?" She asked casually.

He raced past her and burst into Hermione's office. She jumped at the sight of him. She was standing beside the faux-window, the morning light casting an odd glint against her skin.

"Goodness, Harry, what's the hurry?"

He held his hands up. "Don't get mad."

Her shoulders drooped. "Oh, no. What is it?"

"Sirius decided -"

His voice was soon drowned out by the sound of a string quartet, playing something that sounded like 'happy birthday'.

Her eyes grew wide. "What?" She mouthed.

It couldn't have been possible, but her eyes grew wider as numerous balloons overtook the doorway of her office.

She could barely see the legs of the body currently holding the monstrosity of balloons.

Sirius's head poked through the balloons. Hermione held her hands over her mouth, but it couldn't muffle her laughter.

"Happy Birthday, love!"

Hermione carefully moved around her desk. "Sirius, this is too much."

"You only turn twenty-five once, Hermione!"

Her smile grew, her joy evident in the shine of her eyes. "That's a lot of balloons."

"There's twenty-five," he said loudly.

"How am I going to keep them here or take them home?"

"Don't worry, look." Sirius tapped one of the balloons with his wand and within a second, the balloons transformed into a bouquet of vibrant flowers. "Remus helped me with that."

She gasped. "They're beautiful."

Sirius set the flowers on her desk and spread his arms wide. She took one step and practically jumped into his arms. "Sirius, this is so sweet, thank you."

He hugged her tightly. "Anything for you, love. Happy Birthday." He rubbed her back. "I hope you like what Harry and I got you."

She peered up at him. "There's more?"

He grinned widely. "You have no idea, little witch."

Hermione rolled her small suitcase to the door. "You be good now, Crookshanks." She crouched down and rubbed the top of his head. "Have fun with Sirius."

Sirius hugged Harry tightly. "You two have fun. This is supposed to be a stress-free holiday."

"Thanks again, Sirius," Hermione said.

Sirius pushed Harry toward the door and kissed Hermione on the cheek. "Enjoy your gift, Mai. We'll see you in a few days."

She nodded happily and led the way out of the house. Harry followed slowly behind with his duffle bag over one shoulder. They walked to the end of the dirt path and disapparated to their portkey location in Dorset.

Hermione let go of Harry's hand, noticing how dry his palm felt. She chanced a glance over her shoulder and deflated at the sight of Harry's far off gaze.

"Harry?"

He blinked slowly and turned to face her.

"You don't have to come if you don't want to."

He pushed his glasses up. "Why do you say that?"

She kicked her booted foot against the dirt. "You probably rather do something else."

His eyes searched hers. "No, I don't. I've known about this trip for almost two months. I could've backed out anytime."

The portkey operator appeared ahead of them. He waved at them casually before setting down a broken terracotta pot on the ground.

Harry grabbed Hermione's suitcase and began walking toward the operator and portkey. "This is my first holiday."

Hermione jogged a little to catch up. "Are you serious?"

He grinned. "I'm Harry."

She whacked him on the arm. "You've never taken a holiday?"

He shook his head. "Nope. First holiday. First time in Paris. I'm glad I'm going with one of my best friends."

Hermione knocked her shoulder into his. "Awe, Harry. You're going to make me blush."

He grinned at her. "That's fine."

"Harry!"

An international portkey is an experience all in itself. Domestic portkey travel left one winded and nauseous. For Harry, international portkey travel left him throwing up the small breakfast he had.

He felt Hermione rubbing small circles on his back. She spoke softly and soothingly, assuring him it was okay and it was quite normal to expel the insides of your stomach.

He swished some water she had conjured up around his mouth and spit. He wiped his mouth clean and straightened up. "I'm alright."

She smiled and nodded. "Let's go check into our hotel and start the day!"

She happily (and to Harry's great relief) led the way from the small courtyard they appeared in. Did they arrive in a place where any random muggle could see them?

"Don't worry," Hermione voiced over her shoulder, "it's enchanted to keep muggles away and distracted."

She looked down at their hotel confirmation. "It says here that it's only a few blocks from the portkey location. The hotel is called Ruby Heritage Hotel, keep an eye out for it."

"Well, is it going to be in French?" Harry rolled the suitcase beside his feet, ensuring he didn't roll over the pedestrian's feet.

Hermione groaned. "Ugh, you're right."

They walked quietly for a few minutes and taking in the sights, smells, and sounds around them. They past countless storefronts, cafes, and restaurants. Hermione briefly commented on which ones they should visit.

Suddenly, she squealed and grabbed Harry by the arm. "You got us a hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower! Harry!"

She practically jogged the last few spaces to the front door of their hotel. She pulled the door open and disappeared inside.

Harry took his time walking to the door, laughing at himself at the sight of Hermione running off and trying to memorize what the outside of their hotel looked like and the street names.

At the door, Hermione reappeared and apologized sheepishly. "I was excited."

He smiled at her. "I can see that."

Hermione twirled out of the hotel lobby. They already checked in, saw their rooms and left their bags, Hermione had squealed and danced around both their rooms and now it was time to explore Paris.

"What first, Harry? Do you want to see the Eiffel Tower? Notre Dame?"

"Whatever you want to do first, Hermione. It's your birthday gift."

She wrapped her arm around his. "I can't believe we're in Paris for my birthday!"

He blew out a puff of air. "Me either."

Hermione quickly grabbed his arm and walked in the direction of the closest metro station. She led them into the station and bought a pair of passes. She handed Harry a pass and walked up to a metro line map, trying to quickly go over the route they should take.

"So, where are we going?"

"Notre Dame de Paris!"

It was quite awe-inspiring, standing in front of such an architectural marvel. Harry had only felt something similar whenever he stood within the facade of Hogwarts Castle.

He smiled as he felt Hermione squeeze his hand and urged him to pose in front of the cathedral.

She snapped a picture with her disposable camera.

"Don't you want a picture in front of Notre Dame?" Harry asked her.

She fiddled with the camera. "I wouldn't mind taking a photo together."

She asked a passing tourist if they could take the photo and quickly jogged over to where Harry was standing.

He slung his arm around her shoulder and smiled. The camera clicked and the person handed it back to Hermione. They smiled at both of them. "You two look good together. Is it your first time in Paris?" They asked with a lilt.

Harry gaped and stumbled over his words, but Hermione answered simply. "It's his first time and I wanted to make sure I show him my favorite sites."

"That's wonderful. You know, traveling abroad helped me realize my husband was the one. After you face language barriers, mishaps at your hotel, and delayed flights, you can face anything together."

Hermione cooed at the right time. "That's so sweet."

They waved and walked off to join, who Hermione and Harry assumed, was their husband.

Harry let out a puff of air. "That was…"

"Kind of pushy? I usually don't worry about it. We're never going to see them again anyway. Come on, we have to go inside."

The duo followed the stream of people into an already crowded cathedral. All the while, Hermione chattered beside Harry, discussing the little history she knew of Notre Dame, her commentary of the architecture and the stained glass.

They both sighed in relief when they finally made it back outside. They had walked a few spaces away when Harry asked, "what's next?"

"There are a few parks this way, we can find something to eat and have a picnic?"

Harry agreed and together they walked across the Seine River. They turned on the cobble lined street and headed toward a nearby park.

He grabbed Hermione's arm suddenly. "Look, there's a bookstore."

Hermione whirled around and gasped lightly.

Harry nudged her shoulder. "Come on, it's your birthday and we're in Paris."

"You're right!" Hermione clapped her hands together and hurried into the shop.

Harry followed slowly. His attention roamed around the cozy bookstore, noting the patrons and myriad of colors and titles, the overflowing shelves and books stacked upon tables, but he stayed close to Hermione, holding his hands out every now and then to hold a book she passed over to him.

They were safely tucked into a little corner when her giggling knocked him out of his reverie.

"What is it?"

"This book," she held it up, showing him the cover.

He suddenly felt his cheeks heat up. "What are you reading?" His voice squeaked.

She giggled again. "Some girl who shacks up with a dragon."

"A dragon?" The topless, well-muscled man with his arms wrapped around the scantily clad woman didn't look like a dragon. He looked around the store again. He didn't recognize anything magical. "Is that a muggle book?"

"Yes. I think I'm going to get it."

"Are you serious?"

She added it to the stack of books he was carrying. "I'm Hermione."

After the bookstore, they followed the directions a store clerk gave them and walked the fifteen minutes too Luxembourg Palace. Hermione carried their food to a shady spot, while Harry carried the load from the bookstore.

Hermione glanced around to make sure no one was looking and transfigured a blanket for them to sit on. They both plopped down on the blanket.

Hermione laid down and stretched her arms over her head. "This is the best birthday ever."

Harry dug into their take out bag and spread out their food. "This is the life, eating Japanese food while in the middle of Paris."

She nodded energetically and then groaned as she sat up. She grabbed a chicken dumpling and stuffed it in her mouth.

Harry picked up his yakitori and began to eat. Hermione grabbed her bowl of yakisoba and observed her friend while he was distracted. His green eyes roamed around their blanket before jumping to the trees around them and picking up on the people who strolled by. He finished off his second stick of yakitori and grabbed his katsudon.

"Are you having a good time?"

He looked up, his eyebrows hid behind his long fringe of hair. "Of course I am. I think I'm having such a good time because I'm here with you."

Hermione's cheeks warmed.

"I don't think I'd ever do something like this on my own," Harry continued.

She smiled brightly. "First time for everything. I'm glad you came with me."

She finished her bowl and laid back down. She reached over and grabbed the first book from her shopping bag. She chuckled at the cover and flipped it open to a random page. "I'm going to read you some pages from the dragon-shagging book."

"They shag a dragon?" Harry exclaimed.

Hermione laughed aloud.

After a few saucy pages that made them both blush, finishing and cleaning up their lunch, they stretched to their feet and began walking around the garden of Luxembourg Palace.

They posed in front of the palace and took a few individual photos as well. Eventually, once the sun was low in the afternoon sky, they decided to head back to their hotel.

Luckily for Harry, Hermione had already decided what they would do that evening.

Harry buttoned up his dark blue dress shirt and fastened his belt. He fixed his shoes and then knocked softly on the adjoining door that led into Hermione's room.

"Come in!"

Her hotel room was a mirror image of his. Champagne colored walls and a large gold-toned rug. The only thing different was her double-sized bed was set in front of the window.

Harry strolled in and found Hermione perched on the end of her bed trying to fasten her heels. He kneeled down in front of her and took her foot in his hands, doing the fastens. "Will you be able to walk in these?"

"Of course! I've had loads of practice."

He fastened her other heel, his fingers lingered around her ankle. He looked up. "Hermione, you look beautiful."

Hermione pushed a loose lock of hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. Her eyes were lined black, her long lashes flared out, and her lips a deep smoldering maroon.

She beamed. "Thank you, Harry. You look handsome."

He helped her to her feet. She slipped on her coat, grabbed her purse, and together they walked out of their hotel and headed toward the Eiffel Tower.

"We'll definitely go to Louvre tomorrow and maybe we can find the magical shopping district," Hermione told him as they walked arm and arm toward the landmark.

They arrived at the Eiffel Tower just as dusk settled around them. Hermione slipped her arm out of Harry's hold and twirled away from him. "Oh, isn't it beautiful."

Hermione took out her camera and urged him to pose in front of the tower. "I hope the photo comes out alright."

Harry waved down a passerby and asked them to take a picture of Hermione and himself. He wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled.

Hermione thanked them profusely and stowed her camera away. "Let's enjoy the view for a little bit before we go to the club."

Harry led them to a newly emptied bench. He plopped down and nestled her into his side, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"Is there somewhere in the world you want to go to?" Hermione rested her head on his shoulder.

"I have no idea. I've never really thought about it. I guess I'm a bit of a homebody."

She patted him on the leg. "And there's nothing wrong with that."

He squeezed her shoulder. "Thanks, Mai."

The night darkened completely. Harry took her hand and brought her to her feet. Together they walked away from the Eiffel Tower and down an avenue toward the club one of the hotel clerks had recommended.

He held the door open for her and winced slightly at the booming music. They found a small table off to the side. Hermione slipped her coat off and rested it over her chair.

A waiter walked by and took their drink order. Minutes later, two glasses of wine and a cup of water appeared on their table.

The light was low and glowed a warm yellow. A large dance floor was off to the side and there was a large stage beside it where a live band was currently playing.

Harry took a gulp of his water before picking up his glass of wine. Hermione had already downed half her glass.

He lowered his glass after a few sips and rested his gaze on his companion. Her cheeks had pinkened either from the warmth of the club or the wine she just drank. He blinked at her dark lips and noticed how bare her collarbone and chest were. The top of her dark blue dress dipped down into a deep v-neckline and hugged her waist, letting the skirt flare out slightly at the hips to allow adequate movement.

He tipped his wine back and attempted to distract himself from the view she was offering him (and the damn club).

Hermione licked her lips and set her now empty wine glass aside. "Will you dance with me?"

His glass clinked against the table. "I'm pants at dancing, but if you're alright with that."

She jumped to her feet and gently took up his hand. "It's my birthday so you'll try your best."

He gripped her hand tightly, kissed her on the side of her head, and carefully led her to the dance floor. Her warm hand and vibrations of the live music eased his rapidly beating heart.

Hermione and Harry stumbled back to their hotel rooms well past midnight. Giggling, stifling shrieks of laughter and holding onto each other's hands and arms to make sure neither fell over.

They shuffled into Hermione's hotel room, slamming the door shut behind them.

Harry fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, hurrying to take off his stifling attire.

Hermione dropped her purse onto the armchair and flung herself onto the bed. "My feet hurt," she whined.

Harry's shirt disappeared on the way to the bed. He slumped down against the edge of the bed and began unstrapping a heel.

"Harry!"

"What? Are you going to sleep with your shoes on? Do I have my shoes on?" He was silent a moment.

She felt her heel leave her foot and watched it fly over his shoulder. His hands moved to her other foot. His fingers fumbled over the strap. She giggled and shifted as she felt his fingers trace over her calf and his breath tickling her skin.

He mumbled and then grunted, slipping the heel off and tossing it aside. He huffed and climbed onto the bed beside her. "Is your bed supposed to be by the window?" His voice was low and husky.

Hermione stretched and turned on to her side. "It's so you can see the Eiffel Tower in the morning."

He slipped his arm around her waist. "That's nice."

She burrowed into the covers of her bed, feeling Harry curve around her. She jumped slightly and reached around her, gripping his belt. "Get this off, it's hurting me."

He huffed against her shoulder. He reached down and undid the clasp of his belt, bumping into her bum, hips, and legs haphazardly. He crushed her for a moment which resulted in an elbow in his stomach.

He finally slipped the belt out of the loops and threw it aside. He wrapped his arm around her waist again and rested his forehead on her back between her shoulders.

Harry felt Hermione relax against him and sensed the moment her breathing slowed. He blinked against the dark and briefly wondered if it should be wrong to enjoy having her in his arms.

AN: Five more chapters to go!