Dancing
Author's Note: Originally published on September 5, 2021
The knock on her office door interrupted Hermione's thoughts. She'd been hunched over for several hours since lunch, studying the tiny, almost illegible text of an ancient book about Centaurs.
"Come in!"
The door creaked open and Ginny strode into the small, cramped office, waving a piece of parchment. She tossed it onto the desk, covering the page. Hermione recognized it immediately.
"Just thought I'd pop in. Are you and Ron going to this thing next week?"
She had read the invite to the Ministry event the night before, amidst a flurry of complaints from Ron.
"Yes, it's mandatory."
"Did you see the date?"
"I know, the first of March. Ron was not thrilled that we'd have to postpone his birthday celebrations."
"I can imagine." Ginny smirked, before waggling her eyebrows. "Did you have anything special planned?"
"What we do in the privacy of our bedroom—"
"Who said anything about the bedroom?" Ginny asked innocently, trying to get a rise out of her friend.
Hermione wagged a warning finger. "I know you, Ginny Weasley." She frowned. "It would be nice to do something for him on the day; he was so disappointed."
"At least it's in a nice place," Ginny remarked, referring to the estate where the event was being held. "The food will be good—that alone should please my brother."
"That's true," Hermione remarked glumly. "I'm sure it'll be fine, but I know his birthday is important to him."
"What's the big deal? He's turning twenty-three. It's not exactly a milestone."
"I know, I know. He told me once that growing up, his birthday was the only day when he felt like he was the centre of attention, so I like to make an extra special effort."
Ginny nodded. "He's not wrong, I suppose."
Hermione rolled her head from side to side, a cracking sound from her stiff neck echoing around her office.
"Looks like he's not the only one who needs some pampering."
Hermione waved her hand dismissively. "I'm used to it."
"You should do something nice for yourself. Even I know you're working yourself too hard."
"Like what?"
Ginny pondered for a moment, before bouncing up in her seat. "I have an idea."
Hermione looked at her wearily. "What is it?"
The redhead nodded toward the invitation on her desk. "Did you see the part about muggle clothing being encouraged? What are you planning on wearing?"
"I don't know. I guess a gown. Maybe the one I wore to Percy's wedding last fall."
"You always wear things my mother would approve of. You're still young! How about something fun and sexy?"
Hermione scoffed. "I've seen some of the things you wear, Ginny."
She raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with what I wear?"
"You show a lot of… skin. Which is completely fine, but you don't work with these people."
"C'mon, live a little. I know my brother would still be mad about you if you were wearing a potato sack, but just imagine his reaction if you wear something a bit different."
"I don't know…"
"I promise, I won't go too crazy. It's Ron's birthday after all, wouldn't he enjoy seeing you in something less… proper?"
Hermione sighed, her willpower slipping away. "Yes, he would."
"Harry and Ron will be away this weekend taking new recruits into the field, so it's the perfect opportunity to go shopping." Ginny stood up and grabbed her invitation, before making her way to the door. "I'll meet you at yours at noon on Saturday."
"I don't see how this is treating myself."
"We'll stop at a bookshop then." The determined look on her friend's face was enough for Hermione to throw her hands up in the air.
"Fine!"
"That's the spirit." Ginny flashed her a cheeky grin and closed the door behind her.
"Weasleys," Hermione muttered to herself, before returning to her book.
Hermione stepped out of the ornate fireplace, her magically-extended clutch in hand. Ginny followed closely behind her, the two stopping to admire the tastefully decorated ballroom of the old estate house.
The brunette witch glanced around, hoping to see the familiar red hair of her love bobbing above the crowd, but was unable to spot him. She glanced at the thin silver watch on her wrist, a gift from Ron when she graduated from Hogwarts.
Ginny thrust a flute of champagne into Hermione's hand. "Will you relax? They'll be here soon. You know they have their Friday evening briefing first. Harry told me they were going to shower and change at the Ministry, then come straight here."
"I'm just nervous, that's all," Hermione replied as she nodded hello to a member of the Wizengamot who passed by, before taking a gulp of the fizzy sweet drink.
"You look great! Ron is going to go mental when he sees you."
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, referring to the outfit she'd purchased with Ginny's help before downing the rest of her glass.
The result of their shopping excursion was a shimmery silver cocktail dress that hugged her curves and stopped mid-thigh. The two thin straps holding up the garment revealed her uncovered back and shoulders. All of this was set off with a pair of black heels. Her normally bushy hair tumbled down in soft waves, aided by half-a-bottle of Sleekeazy's.
Ginny nodded. "Absolutely."
A slight murmur behind them signified the arrival of one Harry Potter, his presence causing the usual stir, even years after the end of the war. He shook a few hands as he made his way over to the two of them, kissing Ginny and giving a hug to his friend.
"Wow, you look great, Hermione! I heard all about the new outfit."
"Thank you, Harry." She glanced over his shoulders, searching. "Where's Ron?"
He chuckled. "He's on his way, should be here any second."
Hermione held her breath as she spotted ginger hair towering above the crowd. She put a hand in the air and waved him over.
Ron fought his way through the guests that were starting to amass, making a beeline in their direction. Just as he was about to reach them, Ginny winked at Hermione and jumped into his path, wrapping him up in a hug and drawing his attention.
"Happy birthday, Ron!"
He patted her on the back. "Thanks, Gin."
Before letting go of the embrace, she whispered. "The dress was my present."
"What dress?" he asked as she angled him toward Harry and Hermione.
Ron's jaw dropped as he took in the outfit Hermione was wearing. She blushed at his hungry gaze, as she herself gawked at how fit he looked in his suit.
"Hey, Ron."
Harry's greeting went completely unnoticed as Ron stepped forward, his eyes never leaving Hermione's. He pulled her against him, his hand splayed across the bare skin of her back.
"You look fucking hot," he growled into her ear, causing her to shiver.
She ran her own hand up and down the back of his dark suit jacket, relishing how solid he felt. "So do you."
He teased her ear, hidden by her hair. "We'd better get on with it. The sooner we're done mingling, the sooner we can get out of here and… celebrate my birthday."
She nodded as he pulled away, her face flush. As he turned to speak to Harry, another server passed by and she grabbed drinks for the two of them, needing to calm herself down. His reaction had far exceeded her expectations.
She caught Ginny's eye, the look on her face clearing stating I told you so. Hermione shrugged and grinned, before passing Ron his glass.
The night went on as they moved from dignitary to dignitary. Every so often, she'd catch him staring down at her, his desire clear. She didn't shy away though, challenging his gaze and communicating her own wants.
The teasing went on as they mingled, her hand reaching up to play with the red locks at the back of his neck. Hermione knew Ron loved it when she did that, causing him to give her a subtle squeeze as he laughed at the joke of some minister she wasn't familiar with.
His arm had been around her waist the whole time, almost possessively. As the minister turned away, she shuddered as he ran his hand up and down her side, his feather light touch just grazing the side of her breast.
"Want to dance?"
She nodded and downed her drink, dropping the empty glass on a nearby table before he led them out to the dance floor. She smoothly slid her small clutch into his jacket pocket, before wrapping her arms around his neck.
His strong arms encircled her waist, his thumb teasing patterns across her skin. "Have I told you how much I like it when you wear stuff like this?"
Hermione grinned. "No, you haven't told me, at least not with words."
Ron smiled, his hungry look returning as one of his hands dipped lower, brushing her backside as they turned in slow circles—ignoring the music but enjoying the game. He closed the distance and pressed a kiss to her lips, dragging his teeth across her bottom lip, leaving her aching for more.
He buried his face her neck, inhaling her scent before whispering in her ear. "Want to find somewhere quiet?"
The combination of his hot breath, his arms around her, and the loosening of her inhibitions from the alcohol brought on a sense of recklessness. They had been dancing around it all night. He wanted her, and she wanted him just as much.
"Yes."
They stole away from the crowded ballroom, their hands clasped together as need drove them to find some privacy. They checked a few doors in the massive estate until they found a small parlour. Ron whipped out his wand and fired off protections.
Their lips crashed together in a matter of seconds, frantic with the desire that had been building up all evening. Ron lifted her up, mimicking their first kiss, and walked her to the far end of the room. He set her down and turned her around, breaking their heated kiss. Pinning her against a wall with his firm body, he pushed aside her hair, his mouth finding that spot on the back of her neck that he knew so well.
"Oh, yes!"
He continued downward, kissing and tasting her naked back, causing her to gasp, her ragged breathing the loudest sound in the room.
"You look so fucking sexy in this," he said, before sliding his hand up her thigh and underneath her dress.
"Yes, touch me. I want to feel your hands on me."
His large hand palmed her between her legs, causing her to moan even louder. "Fuck, I love that sound."
"More," she cried out, grinding against his fingers. She loved the feeling of him taking control and pleasuring her.
His other hand snaked up to the front of her dress, reaching for her covered breast. Having his amazing attention in two different places was sending shockwaves to her core.
She mewled as he increased the pressure, his actions becoming rougher and more primal. She loved it but wanted to feel him. Wanted to feel what she did to him.
"Are you hard for me?"
"Check for yourself," he grunted, letting go of her and turning her to face him.
He kissed her hard, his hands cupping her face as she stroked his obvious arousal through his tailored suit pants. He moaned in her mouth from the contact. She in turn threw her head back as he trailed his lips to her cheek, then down to her neck, sucking and biting. They were ravenous for each other.
Her hand flew into his hair, jerking at the ginger strands as she pleaded for more. "Ron, please."
"Please what?"
"Please fuck me, quickly!" she begged, her words brazen in the elegant room. Her hand went to his zipper and tugged it down, before slipping into the opening and wanking him forcefully.
"Shit, Hermione."
"Now, Ron, please! Take me from behind!"
In one quick motion, he spun her around again and pulled roughly at her hips. He bunched the dress around her waist, exposing her delectable bum. The smack of his hand across her arse cheek echoed, leaving a pink mark on her flesh and causing Hermione to groan and push herself toward him in overheated desperation.
"Yes, more!"
He slapped her other cheek this time, eliciting another strangled groan. Her wanton reactions were too much for him as he yanked aside her soaked knickers and guided himself into her.
She moaned loudly as he entered, her cries shrill as he filled her completely.
"Yes, feels so good!"
His fingers dug into her hips as he thrust slowly at first, his grunts increasing in time with his efforts.
"Fucking take it, Hermione."
She called over her shoulder, her fingers clawing at the wall in ecstasy. "Harder, Ron! I've wanted this all night! Wanted you all night!"
He continued his pace, his groans mingling with her own. Half-leaning against the wall now, she found her most sensitive spot and began rubbing furious circles, urgently needing to get off.
"Love it when you play with your yourself," he panted as he thrust into her. "You gonna come on my cock as I fuck you?"
She nodded, his raw dirty words and relentless pounding spurring her on. Her lips were pressed into a thin firm line as she felt herself reaching her peak, crying out his name. That was enough to set him off as well, as he throbbed and spilled inside of her, burying his face in her hair as he fought to catch his breath.
She sagged against the wall, his delicious weight pressing against her as her chest heaved. After a moment, she turned to face him, seeking out his lips as they shared a lazy kiss, the taste of alcohol prevalent. They broke apart, and as they stared at each other, Hermione couldn't help but flash him a big smile.
"Enjoyed that, did you?" His deep voice rumbled.
"Mmmm, very much so. I take it you liked the dress."
He grinned. "I think that's an understatement."
They quickly cleaned themselves up and got their clothing straightened out. The effects of the champagne were still working on Hermione as she leered at him in his suit and licked her lips.
"Shall we finish our rounds and then go home? It might be your birthday, but I have one big candle to blow."
Ron laughed and shook his head. "Happy fucking birthday to me."